1863 February 5 "Hopedale," Albemarle County, Va.

[from the diary of Mary S. Boyden, daughter of the Rev. Ebenezer Boyden, rector of Walker's Church (later Christ Episcopal), Cismont, Va.]

Tuesday 5th  Last night we were all sitting in Ma's
room round a blazing fire trying to keep out the
biting cold when Susan popped her head in & said
Mr Boyden there's a gentleman out here wants to
see you. "O, some soldier", we all exclaimed, "let's
send him away!" Father went out, & returned
almost immediately saying, "It is Mr Mountjoy."
We all exclaimed with delight - It was decided to
ask him right into the chamber, & in he came
It was really refreshing to see him - so bright &
lovely as his face is - He was glad to get to the
fire, no doubt, having ridden from beyond Gor=
donsville.  He came up on purpose to see us - but
his visit was made to Lilla especially, for he did
not know she was absent - & expressed regret that
it was so - I fear he has missed her greatly today
it storms without - the cold still continues, & it is
dismal - Celestine & I entertained him with music
& reading &c, but I think he had not a very
pleasant day - I was surprised to make the dis=
covery that he has lacks a thorough education - for
he is certainly a gentleman, every inch of him - &
a graceful, agreeable & handsome one at that-

MSS 4288