Dearest readers, perhaps you have seen the news: Miss Susan Colston, niece of the great Chief Justice John Marshall, is to be married! Undoubtedly, the grey silk gown she was spotted in at a recent event encouraged Mr. Benjamin Watkins Leigh to ask that all-important question. 

Forget Daphne Bridgerton of 1813 London – meet fashionable Susan Colston of 1813 Richmond, Virginia. She wore this grey silk, high waited dress in her early 20s, right around the time of her marriage. Susan was described as “remarkable for her beauty and amiability—qualities seldom united.” 

Dress, circa 1812-1814, silk, Collection of Preservation Virginia, 1972.921.