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Priscilla's Diary Entry #5 - Journey to Waterwood

Susan Reiss — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aboard Ship
March 5, 1774

Dear Diary,
After the carriage ride out of the city to the wharf, being jostled around like rag dolls as I think we hit every rut and hole on the roads. I avoided going to my cabin because the air was fresh and spring-like on deck. After we cast off and left the wharf in our wake, I noticed dark clouds forming in the distance and we are sailing directly toward them.

Later…
I am taking a moment here in my small cabin to record the fact that I have left Philadelphia, made it to the wharf, and boarded the ship that will take me back to the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay. I prefer to be on deck where I can draw in that most special tang of sea salt in the air.

Mr. Mercer is with us. My husband assured me the man was quiet and dependable. He was right. He did an excellent job making sure that my trunks and cases were conveyed to the ship and stowed below. Eliza, my maid, has arranged things so that everything I will need for the voyage will be readily at hand. My thick wool cape and shawl, not meant for the streets of Philadelphia, are quite serviceable at keeping away the chill of being in the open air.

We will not be long on the water, I am sure. The captain assures me that the signs of good weather are present. That is a great relief.

Before we cast off (I am beginning to pick up the lingo of sailors), I stood at the rail and gazed east at the changing colors of the sky heralding the coming of dawn. It was romantic, almost poetic. If only our entire voyage could be like these quiet moments. The gentle rocking of the ship soothes me as I hope my baby will feel when it is time to go to sleep in my arms.

Oh, there is great commotion on deck. I hear the mad screeching of the gulls announcing our departure. We must be casting off.

Eliza has come to me in a dither, wanting to go up on deck. I will finish these last few lines then join her. Grateful for her company, I agreed for I should not sit here thinking what it means that we shall be under sail, remembering all I am leaving behind. I must think of this as an adventure to be relished and enjoyed.

A few hours later…

I would prefer to be on deck, but it started to rain. Eliza was fussing that I must not take cold. With no other choice since we have left the safety of a port, I have retired to my cabin. Here, I can feel the ship rocking. I look around this small space. Everything is wet. If it is not wet, it is damp. Water is seeping through the wood itself. Are we sinking?

DAY ?

A storm is upon us. Boat pitching. Ink spilled. Want to be on deck. Captain says no. High waves. Heavy rain. Strong winds.

The noise. Men’s boots overhead. Wood creaking. I am fearful and sick. My constant companion is bucket. The stench

Arrival at Kent Island
Day -- I know not.

Dear Diary,

I have been so weak from the battering of the storm, I could not lift the pen. I have lost count of the days. It was Eliza who nursed me through such a time of sickness. She will be such a help to me through my pregnancy and when my time comes.

I marvel that she was barely affected. Maybe it is because of her recent voyage to the Colonies from England. I could not have indentured myself as she has to pay for passage at her age. I am glad she is with us.

We have landed on Kent Island unexpectedly. The Captain thought it best for us to land here. There are reports of more storms coming. Mr. Mercer, my escort, agrees. He told me early spring storms are unpredictable and sometimes violent on the water. My head and stomach can attest to the truth of that statement. He has determined we shall rest here for a short time so I may recover my strength.

The afternoon was bright and calm. I walked along the shore and felt the Bay of my home strengthening me. I feel so free here, seeing the wispy white clouds floating across the grand dome of the sky all the way to the horizon. Here, there are no buildings to interrupt the view. The breeze is clearing away the smell of tar, wet rope, and the dampness everywhere. The sound of water lapping against the land and wood docks is chasing away the creaking of the ship and the snap of the sails. I thought if I did not die from seasickness, the boat would break apart and drown us all. Eliza took every movement of the boat, every crash of a wave in her stride.

I hope the calmness of today continues since Mr. Mercer has decided it would be best to complete our journey by boat. The roads here are rough and deeply rutted. I understand that traveling on the Eastern Shore is best done by boat as long as the weather does not forsake us.

We shall rest for another day then continue to Waterwood. In the meantime, the land of my birth shall fortify me.

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Priscilla's Diary Entry #4 - I Leave Tomorrow

Susan Reiss — Sat, 6 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Nathaniel had decreed that Priscilla must leave Philadelphia, travel down the Chesapeake Bay by boat, and stay with her sister at Waterwood. He believes he is protecting her from growing anger and unrest that might threaten his wife. But he could be sending her into the center of a gathering storm.

Philadelphia, Colony of Pennsylvania
March 3, 1774
Late Afternoon

Dear Diary,
I leave tomorrow for Waterwood. It is still shocking to me that the time has come already. The days since Nathaniel made the decision have passed so quickly. I have been madly sorting and packing my clothes and personal things then repacking everything.

I had persuaded myself that this would truly be a short visit away and there would be plenty of time to prepare for the baby’s arrival when I returned. When I mentioned my plan, it felt like an earthquake when he calmly told me to pack everything I would need for my confinement and to care for the baby after birth. He believes I will be away from him and our home for months and months.

I was not prepared for this news. The servants unpacked everything and started again. I wanted my maid to handle everything. I only wished to curl up in my bed. That was not to be. In every moment he could spare from his business, Nathaniel followed me around the house, making sure I had made all the purchases of things I would need and had them packed away into trunks. Yes, trunks. There are more trunks packed for this trip than when I first moved to Philadelphia.

It was sad to see my beautiful gowns and tea dresses placed in storage, but there is no place for them on the Eastern Shore. I will need practical country wear, as my dear friend Becky calls it. She has made sure wool gowns, a few day gowns, warm petticoats, and wool shawls are packed. Many of the simple gowns I had brought to Philadelphia will be packed in the trunks for my trip back. I have traded delicate shoes designed to stroll over city sidewalks for boots made for soil and mud. He locked my better jewelry in his safe.

Becky has been by my side every moment she could spare from her duties and obligations. Without her encouragement and support, I do not think I could have done all that was required. Yesterday, when she came to say goodbye, I told her that we could not write while I was away. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. It broke my heart to see tears well up in her lovely blue-gray eyes. I quickly explained that my husband was worried that the growing hostile feelings against supporters of the King would spread to the families of British importers like him. He said, “No one could hurt me if they could not find me.”

I do not know if he realized how much it hurt, cutting me off from my dear friend. Still, I have the utmost trust in her. I whispered that if she wrote to my sister Abigail at Waterwood, the letter would find me. Could my sister be persuaded to let me write in response using her name? That is a question for the future.

The packing is done. Only a small case for toiletries, a brush, and personal items is left to be closed tomorrow morning. A portmanteau containing a simple wool gown, stockings, personal linen, and wraps for changing weather will be delivered to my cabin.

Now, I shall walk the rooms of my home and take my fondest memories of them with me: the formal staircase that I descended so recently to the delight of my husband; the main parlor decorated with fine European fabrics and furniture; my personal sitting room, an island of safety, meant for letter-writing and intimate conversations with my closest friend; and the elegant dining room with a graceful crystal chandelier lighting the fine oil paintings on the walls and the faces of those seated at its massive table. There will be no elegant dinner tonight. The table will be set for only two, my husband and me.

Tomorrow, in the hour of early dawn, I shall step into the carriage and be escorted to the wharf and onto a ship headed to the Chesapeake Bay and ultimately Waterwood. My escort shall be Mr. Mercer, a trusted man who works for Nathaniel. Oh, how I wish my husband was coming with me.

I must dry my eyes. It is not to be. I must make this trip on my own.

Excerpts from Priscilla's Diary will be posted every Wednesday and Saturday during the month of June.
They are part of the new Dual-Timeline novel, Divided in Time, a story of how the American Revolution came to be from a woman's perspective. ]]>

Priscilla's Diary Entry #3 - 1774: Gossip, Tea, and Nathaniel's Decision

Susan Reiss — Wed, 3 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

As Priscilla writes in her diary, life is becoming a whirlwind of parties, gorgeous gowns, and fancy foods. But a change in the atmosphere, one of anger and unrest, can change the life of a young woman entering the City’s high society in a moment.

Philadelphia, Colony of Pennsylvania
February 20, 1774

Dear Diary,
What a relief it was that Becky came to me almost at once upon receiving my note. Safe in her private company, I could cry and try to make sense of what was happening. She offered me the comfort and benefit of her counsel and understanding.

When Nathaniel made his big announcement that shook me to my core, I had to hide my feelings. I was to leave Philadelphia and stay with my sister Abigail at Waterwood House on the Maryland Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay. I asked why he had made this decision, of course without screams or tears. He said it was in my own best interest. There was unrest in the City because of a few hotheads. He didn’t want me to become concerned. After all, he said, we must think of the baby. He acted as if I barely gave a thought to my delicate condition. That was untrue and unfair. I think of my child all the time.

I ventured to ask if he was concerned because his import business was tied to British goods like tea. Riled, he wanted to know why I would think of such a thing. I tried to explain that one only had to leave the house to hear the newspaper sellers calling out the headlines or to take tea in the finer homes of the City to hear of such things.

He said my heightened curiosity had already exposed me to things that should not concern me. He is concerned that my nervous reactions to things I do not understand might harm the baby. One simple question had made him adamant that I should leave. He would not hear another word. He will make all the travel arrangements. I am to supervise the packing and to make arrangements for the household to function while I am away. He would not answer when I asked how long that would be. I am to travel with my maid, Eliza. She is a good girl from the English countryside and will stay by me. Our escort will be Mr. Mercer, a trusted employee of his firm.

As he walked away, I stood in the hall, shaking. I could only calm myself by thinking that the stress inflicted on me by staying in the City would be worse than this trip across the Bay. I kept telling myself Nathaniel is only thinking of me and the baby.

Becky’s visit helped calm me, but then her brow furrowed. I pressed her to tell me what was wrong. She waved off my concern but finally admitted that she was beginning to notice things changing, little things. At a tea party of a friend, she saw a woman accept a cup of tea served by a maid. She moved aside as if inspecting a shelf of books. The woman looked at the tea in her cup for the longest while then she put it down and walked away. I suggested she was not thirsty. Becky shook her head so hard her curls bounced which made me laugh. But Becky was serious. She said if the woman was a member of society and a true British subject, she would have known it was rude to accept a cup of tea then leave it on a table, untouched.

She leaned closer and spoke of signs being pasted on walls near a shop offering British imports and was owned by a man loyal to the King. She said some people refused to enter his shop. The signs were quickly torn down.

Is that why my husband is so concerned about my safety? Does he fear for his business? I know he will not confide in me. He sees himself as my protector.

Isn’t it the same with the King? We are his children. When we please him, he cares and protects us. When we go against his wishes, he is right to treat us as naughty offspring. If only these rebellious souls would come to their senses. I hope it is soon because until they do, I will not be allowed to come home.

Excerpts from Priscilla's Diary will be posted every Wednesday and Saturday during the month of June.

They are part of the new Dual-Timeline novel, Divided in Time, a story of how the American Revolution came to be from a woman's perspective.

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Priscilla's Diary Entry #2: They Will Never Give Up Their Tea

Susan Reiss — Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

1774 - Life for the Society women of Philadelphia is proceeding elegantly, but unrest is beginning to shake the windowpanes of their fine homes.

Philadelphia, Colony of Pennsylvania
February 18, 1774

Dear Diary,
I woke up this morning fully refreshed though I did not have a full night’s sleep. I must still be flying on the excitement of the ball last night. My maid left my beautiful gown hanging in my dressing room. I smiled at the memory of Mrs. Alden’s comment about its fashionable sleeves. It was truly the most magical of nights! I wanted to put it on again and twirl around the house. But I dared not.

I must moderate my behavior, so Nathaniel does not get the false impression that I am not taking care of my body and the baby growing within. Surely, a baby must thrive when the mother is happy. I must be careful, so he does not forbid me to attend Mrs. Ellsworth’s tea this afternoon. I received an invitation which I treasure because it opens the door to a fine group of society ladies and all the latest gossip of the City including last night’s ball.

I know I have Rebecca Ashford to thank for the invitation. Becky, as I call her in private, has become a great friend. Like sisters, we share everything and today, I shall tell her about my delicate condition. I am thrilled and a little frightened about my pregnancy, my second. I still mourn the babe I lost, but it is important not to dwell on it. Nathaniel believes I should wait to share the news with anyone. Secretly, I fear he is thinking I will fail in my duty and not present him with a child, preferably an heir. Isn’t the mother’s happy state of mind a key to a successful birth? I know I will need support, female support, and Becky shall be perfect as she was delivered of a son last year.

I feel so much better after sharing my disquiet with this page, Diary. Now, I must rest.

Excerpts from Priscilla's Diary will be posted every Wednesday and Saturday during the month of June. They are part of the new Dual-Timeline novel, Divided in Time, a story of how the American Revolution came to be from a woman's perspective. ]]>

Priscilla's Diary Entry #1 - My Big Step into Society - The Ball

Susan Reiss — Sat, 30 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Priscilla Turner Galloway has left the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay to join her husband in Philadelphia. He expects her to enhance their role in the City's society that follows the rigid customs of London. As a young bride in a new place, she confides her hopes and fears in her diary. This is her first entry in her new book.

Philadelphia, Colony of Pennsylvania February 17, 1774

Dear Diary,
I am absolutely quivering with the excitement of the evening. Everyone spoke of Mrs. Fairchild’s upcoming ball as the event to the season. Tonight, it exceeded my wildest expectations.

When Nathaniel sent word to my dressing room that it was time for us to depart for the ball, I took my time and floated down our main staircase. I had practiced the movement over the past few days whenever he was not at home. Tonight, seeing the look of adoration on his face, I knew that I had achieved the effect I wanted.

When he proposed marriage, he had declared his undying love that had grown from the time we were children, growing up on the Eastern Shore of the Bay. I accepted him in an instant, for my heart was his since those childhood days. It was only later that became concerned how I would fare among the polished ladies of Philadelphia society, many of them from London. I have committed myself to learning the latest in fashion, entertaining and social expectations of a lady.

Tonight, he looked most dashing in his new evening suit. As I slowly descended the stairs, I had the confidence of knowing that my gown of pale sky-blue silk highlighted my blue eyes and was the greatest compliment to my crown of rich chestnut brown hair arranged in a soft updo with delicate curls framing my face. I had seen it when I looked in my cheval mirror, and then I saw it in the eyes of my husband.

I felt a flutter when we arrived at the home of our hostess. Every window was filled with light, and the front walkway was ablaze with light against the cold darkness of winter. As we promenaded to the front door in order to be announced properly, I held tightly to Nathaniel’s arm so I could stifle a giggle.

It was a magical night. Could it be that I have begun to find my place in Philadelphia? Have I earned my place next to my husband in the eyes of the lady of its society? I feel a growing surety that I have.

Now I must claim my night’s sleep for tomorrow the social whirlwind continues with calls to be made and the required exchange of comment and gossip about the ball. Good night, sweet world of mine.

During the month of June, new excerpts will be posted on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Priscilla is a key character in the new dual timeline novel Divided in Time - The Revolution is Coming
Release Date: July 5, 2026

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Priscilla's Diary Opens Tomorrow!

Susan Reiss — Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

It is 1774.

Priscilla Turner Galloway leaves the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay to join her husband in Philadelphia where

... people are angry about tea and taxes

... the local society, shaped by British customs and expectations, is difficult to navigate

... her husband expects her to make a place for them

... while she feels very alone.

As a comfort, she confides in her diary about her triumphs, her confusion, and her fears.

Follow Priscilla's journey as new diary entries appear every Wednesday and Saturday beginning May 30th.

Priscilla is a new character in my new novel, Divided in Time, coming July 5th.

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