While reading Nancy Cott's monograph Seperate Spheres. I came across a passage which cited quotations from the diary of Nancy Cranch in 1819. I presumed that this was the wife of William Cranch and hoped to read the rest of the journal to find her articulation about the creation of washington d.c..

Unfortunately, the diary turned out to be written by Nancy (Ann Allen) Cranch, Anna Greenleaf Cranch's daughter on the occasion of her twentieth birthday. As a result, there is not much commentary on the creation of Washington DC for the journal only covers the period from April to October 1819. Nancy dies two years later in 1821. The writing appears very different from that of Isabella Clark. In fact, Cott uses several passages to prove her perception that men and women were divided into two separate spheres.

Nevertheless, I recorded several passages that I thought might reveal Nancy Cranch's vision of her life. She is quite articulate about what she sees as her goals and possible contributions. Occassionally she makes larger comments on her society at large in particular to racial issues. She also mentioned attending several lectures about women's education but I did not record the exact passages because it was generally in passing. My overall impression is that she spent every effort to educate herself and attend lectures given by and for women in the hopes of becoming a good christian woman and contributable member of society. However she limits her ability to contribute to her "inferiors" (her word): namely her Younger brothers, sisters, and SERVANTS. Nancy Cranch is clearly an elite woman whose father's position affords her the time to philosophize about her role in her world.

Other items of note on the Cranch collection at the Library of Congressl:

letters from Abigail Adams to William Cranch

biography of William Cranch by swon Charles Pierce Cranch

letter of into from John Adams to the Carrol Family for William Cranch

Saturday 22nd [May 1819]

"Mrs. Smith-Mrs McPherson-Harriet Lee spent the day with me- read the Constitution of the Ladies missionary society of Georgetown to me- we propose joining our exertions to form such a society in this town- Ladies every[where?] shew their zeal in the great cause more than with us-Let it be so no longer- Let us do what we can"

Thursday 27th

...a house full of children at least of children's noises; and how we asre bless with family union, peace, and love- I am a member of this dear family and here I do resolve to make it my constant wish,duty, & pleasure to promote the happiness of every individual of it- I must be always careful to set a proper example to my brothers and sisters and to the servants. I can do something towards easing my parents of the burden of so large a family- by instructing the young children and the servants in their lessons and duties- I need not make resolves upon every branch of duty- let the principle be right, let me always be on the watch to do some kindness, smooth the little asperity, correct where I may, learn, subit, forbear, persuafe- That I may be willing and able to keep these resolutions and be a good daughter, sister, teacher, friend, and od some use to society in general- I must be a good Christian, this takes in all-this is the mark at which I aim.

Sunday the 4th of July

"This day is the anniversary of the independence of this country. Let my thanks be heard & my prayers offered up this day for the prosperity of my native, my favored America- Her prospects are bright indeed- Christianity is entering her great assemblies and influencing some few indeed as yet of her greates {NOTE: she writes "states", crosses it out and writes...] "men. Last eyar there was a provision made of $ 10,000 per anum for the civilizing & christianizing the poor Indians- the work is begun. There is one fowl blot upon her [America] fame- the slavery of our colored brethen But many individuals are interesting themselves in their cause- and I believe it is hoped the government will soon take the thing into consideration"

Let me not think I have a feeling heart or true christian benevolence, so long as I suffer myself to forget to do what little I can do for the comfort of others for even when I am constrained to be at home & alone I can be employed for the good of others- If I improve my mind- it must be with a view to make myself useful to society- and may I not in my meditations discover some means by which I may benefit someone- may I not be studying my bible & other religious books attentively, obttain a sufficient knowledge of theology, for making myself a great use- tho I cannot become a preacher of the gospel in public- why may I not at least endeavor to increase knowledge of God & religion in my little circle- my younger sisters abd brotehrs, my inferiors in station or in knowledge where ever I may (meet?) than may all be considered as calling upon me for instruction-

Monday 22 of July

"...drank tea with cousin Emily at Mrs. Besters. Mrs. B has a family and keeps borders and yet she finds time to do a great deal of good by nursing the sick & comforting all about her by kind offices- cousin E says that she is very pious may such women even tho they may not be found in the highest walks of life be my patterns- and here indeed, this lady may my shame to me-surrounded with so much care and yet not finding time to do what I neglect

Saturday

"Uncle Greenleaf arrived in the City- I think the dismal times, have made even him look a little sobered- returned after dinner with Papa to my own home"