Lillia Skipwith
Philadelphia, PA, October 8, 1781
14-Year-Old Aristocrat Lillia Skipwith Describes Meeting Washington, Rochambeau and Vergennes in 1781
ALS

A charming autograph letter signed by Lillia Skipwith, the 14-year-old daughter of Sir Peyton Skipwith, 7th Baronet (1743?1805), a wealthy plantation owner from Virginia, in which she discusses matters relevant to a girl within aristocratic society as well as describing the occasion of her meeting George Washington and Rochambeau in Philadelphia. The letter, written in a neat, childlike hand, is 4pp., measures 6.5? x 8.25?, Philadelphia, PA, Oct. 8th, 1781. Weakened folds with a few pinholes there on, a few foxed spots and a small remnant of the original red wax seal, still in overall very good condition.

The letter exhibits sophisticated rhetoric consistent with Lillia's aristocratic upbringing and education. Written while at school in Philadelphia, she pens: ??The last letter I sent my dear and honoured Papa was by Mr. Nicholson dated August?Mr. Couch told us it would be but ten days farthest before you set out for this place and I have been since in the most anxious expectation of seeing you but as I have not yet been so fortunate impute it to the arrival of the French Fleet in the Cheasapeak [sic] which has detained you?I am almost ashamed my Papa should be informed of the quantity of money that has been expended on my account?it will be out of my power if I continue here to prevent spending more in the approaching season?I assure him that I am every day in a round of company where it is absolutely necessary I should be well dressed?Col. [Nicholas] Eveleigh has purchased for me a white silk for the winter and altho? he knows my Papa has always had a great inclination I should be draped in a pink as it best becomes me?I cannot prevail upon him to give me one until he has my Papa?s permission?I had the honour when General Washington was in this city of being able introduced to him, Count Rochambeau, and a number of other French noblemen, at Mr. Robert Morris?s where his Excellency stayed. We went there by particular invitation, to a tea party, and found assembled by the Minister [Charles Gravier, Comte de Vergennes] a breakfast at his house the Monday following in order to see the French troops pass. There were only fourteen Ladies, but the house was crowded with both French and American officers of the finest distinction and as I spoke French, I had the satisfaction of being particularly addressed by them and generally complimented on my knowledge of their language. The Minister has paid a great attention and very often visits us, and as he understands ours so imperfectly, he generally singles me out to converse with him in his own language and frequently tells me he hopes I do not return to Virginia this winter?we spend the morning much to our satisfaction. His Excellency breakfasted with us?Mr. [Francois, Marquis de Barbe-] Marbois [Secretary of the French legation] often says to me, Miss Skipwith I have heard a long time ago Sir Peyton is coming, is he come?...Sorry I am to answer in the negative??. Lillia concludes with a postscript request for more garments with which to complete that year's society events.

Little is known of Lillia Skipwith (1767-post 1833), also referred to as Lelia, save that she married Charles Carter (1732-1806), and had two children. Carter was a planter and member-elect of the Council of State, who spent much of his adulthood managing Corotoman, the Lancaster County plantation he inherited from his father. Prior to meeting Lillia, he had served in the House of Burgesses ? a democratically elected legislative body was the first of its kind in English North America ? until 1776. With most members being of ?gentry? class, it comes as no surprise that he would take Lillia as his wife. She would later marry St. George Tucker.

As a young woman coming from a family of American aristocrats, Lillia would be educated broadly in the areas of writing and foreign languages as well as the less scholarly but no less socially important areas of manners and other skills necessary to be a fashionable, socially adept young woman who can have coherent conversations with potential suitors and other important aristocrats. Even at the tender age of 14, Lillia?s letter reveals her elegant turn of phrase, deference to her father, and abilities in discourse.

Her father, Sir Peyton Skipwith, 7th Baronet (1743-1805) was born in Virginia but sent to England for his education. Returning to the Colonies in 1764, he eventually moved to Mecklenburg, Virginia, where he established and oversaw the Prestwould plantation on the Roanoke River, named after the family?s home in England.

Interestingly, our letter reveals that young Lillia was more interested in conversing in French with the French Foreign Minister Charles Gravier, Comte de Vergennes, than in meeting the heavy hitters in the Revolutionary War, Washington and Rochambeau! Le Comte de Vergennes (1719-1787) served as Foreign Minister from 1774-1778, a position the experienced diplomat no doubt relished due to his hatred for the British and concomitant support of the nascent Thirteen Colonies: ?Vergennes hoped that by giving French aid to the American rebels, he would be able to weaken Britain's dominance of the international stage in the wake of their victory in the Seven Years' War. This produced mixed results as in spite of securing American independence France was able to extract little material gain from the war, while the costs of fighting damaged French national finances in the run up to the Revolution? (Dartmouth Libraries). A true son of the Ancien Regime who upheld the social codes of that system, Vergennes would no doubt be captivated by an educated and intelligent young lady who shared an obvious interest in his homeland.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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6.5 x 8.25"