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Title: Journal and Letters of Philip Vickers Fithian: A Plantation Tutor of
the Old Dominion, 1773-1774.

Author: Philip Vickers Fithian

Editor: Hunter Dickinson Farish

Illustrator: Fritz Kredel

Release date: June 20, 2012 [eBook #40044]
Most recently updated: October 23, 2024

Language: English

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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOURNAL AND
LETTERS OF PHILIP VICKERS FITHIAN: A PLANTATION TUTOR OF
THE OLD DOMINION, 1773-1774. ***

Transcriber's note:

Archaic spelling and variations in
spelling, punctuation and hyphenation
have been retained except for those
listed at the end of the book.

Journal & Letters of

Philip Vickers Fithian
1773-1774:
A Plantation Tutor of the
Old Dominion

EDITED, WITH AN INTRODUCTION, BY
HUNTER DICKINSON FARISH;
ILLUSTRATED BY FRITZ KREDEL

The University Press of Virginia
Charlottesville

COPYRIGHT 1957 BY COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG,
INCORPORATED
Previous editions copyright 1943, 1945
by Colonial Williamsburg, Incorporated
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Library of Congress Catalogue Card Number 57-13498

The University Press of Virginia
First printing for Dominion Books
October 1968

Fourth printing 1990

Printed in the United States of America

Preface
Once in a great while historians find a firsthand account that provides
striking insight into a past era. Only rarely is such a document written with
the perception and charm that make its readers feel as if they had
participated in the incidents described and shared the experiences related.
The journal and relevant correspondence of Philip Fithian constitute this
kind of source.
Fithian was reared in New Jersey and attended the College of New Jersey in
Princeton, receiving his degree in 1772. Before entering the Presbyterian
ministry, he followed the advice of President Witherspoon of Princeton and
became a tutor in the family of Robert Carter at "Nomini Hall" plantation
on the Northern Neck of Virginia. The reactions of the somewhat austere
young man to the rich, warm life of a Virginia plantation are always
instructive and often amusing. The Carters and their seven children were a
fascinating family, liberal in their sentiments and deeply interested in books
and music. Fithian sets forth truthfully, yet with lively touches, the family's
assessments of the society in which it moved, the institution of slavery, and
the dispute developing with the mother country. Throughout his experiences
Fithian remained true to his "fair Laura"—Elizabeth Beatty in far off New
Jersey.
The journal, with certain of the letters, was first published in 1900, in
somewhat abbreviated form, by the Princeton Historical Association. Dr.
Hunter Dickinson Farish, in his edition of The Journal and Letters of Philip
Vickers Fithian (Williamsburg Restoration Historical Studies, III;
Williamsburg, Va., 1943), included the complete journal, added other
relevant letters as well as Fithian's catalogue of Carter's library, and
supplied a thoughtful Introduction.
Dr. Farish was Director of Research at Colonial Williamsburg from 1937
until ill health forced him to retire in 1944. He broadened the program there
by bringing young research associates to the staff, making grants-in-aid to
scholars in the field of early American history, and establishing and editing

the Williamsburg Restoration Historical Series. He also taught at the
College of William and Mary and helped to work out the organizational
plans for the Institute of Early American History and Culture, which since
1943 has been jointly sponsored by Colonial Williamsburg and the College
of William and Mary.
Dr. Farish's edition of the Journal had been out of print for a few years
when, in 1957, Colonial Williamsburg reissued it, with pen and ink
illustrations by Fritz Kredel designed to interest new readers. The present
edition by the University Press of Virginia reproduces the 1957 one, but in
convenient paperback form. Young Fithian's revealing picture of Virginia
plantation life will always be a key source for the historian and an
absorbing human document for the general reader.
Edward P. Alexander
Director of Interpretation
Colonial Williamsburg
September 1967

Contents
INTRODUCTION
1. Virginia During the Golden Age xiii
2. Philip Fithian and the Carter Family xxv
JOURNAL AND LETTERS OF PHILIP FITHIAN 3
APPENDIX 221
NOTES 237
INDEX 249

CHAPTER ONE
Virginia During The Golden Age

In the "Golden Age," or half-century immediately preceding the American
Revolution, a remarkable civilization reached its zenith in the broad coastal
plain of eastern Virginia. Gradually, during a century of colonization and
expansion, the heavily wooded tidewater had been converted into a land of
settled order and accumulated wealth. Vast estates had been carved out of
the wilderness and large plantations were everywhere the rule.
Embraced by numerous arms of the Chesapeake and covered by a network
of wide rivers and creeks, this sylvan Venice abounded in safe and
convenient water routes. Pressing through the mouths of the deep estuaries,
the ocean tides reached the "fall-line," beyond which the streams were
inaccessible to shipping owing to the rapids. Ocean vessels could penetrate
to the plantations in every part of the lowlands and carry cargoes thence
straight to the wharves of London and the outports. Despite the distance and
rigors of the voyage, the colonists of the Tidewater had maintained a
constant intercourse with the mother country from the time of their earliest
settlement.
The hope had long persisted that this coastal plain might yield the ores,
timber, ship stores and other products England needed, and for which she
then largely depended on foreign potentates. Lacking an ample supply of
cheap labor, however, colonial industries could not compete with well-
established ones of the Old World. For well over a century tobacco proved
the one commodity which the colony could profitably produce for the home
market in large quantities.
A notable result of the method of tobacco cultivation was a rapid depletion
of the soil. Intent only upon reaping quick returns, men customarily
neglected the most ordinary precautions to preserve fertility. Since the
tobacco plant required the richest loam to produce the leaf in its perfection,
fields were usually abandoned after three or more crops had been harvested,

and "new grounds" were cleared. Thus there developed an ever recurring
need for fresh lands.
Under so wasteful a system, Virginians had soon realized the necessity of
acquiring many times the quantity of land they could cultivate at any one
time. Farseeing men, realizing a day would come when fertile soil could no
longer be had for a song, wished also to provide sufficient elbow room for
their children at a future day. The appreciation in land values in a new
country provided a further incentive to the accumulation of large holdings.
As a result, enterprising persons everywhere competed to secure the best
tracts.
Towards the close of the seventeenth century the practice of engrossing
lands gained increased momentum. African slavery was rapidly superseding
white indentured servitude as the principal source of labor supply. The price
of tobacco had steadily declined owing to overproduction, the burdens of
the Navigation Acts, and the effects of European wars. As a result of these
conditions, the margin of profit from the leaf had so decreased that the
cheaper labor of slaves and large-scale production had now become
virtually essential to economic survival. After he had served his
indentureship, the white servant could no longer establish himself as an
independent farmer as he had once done, and the small yeoman now usually
felt obliged to sell his lands to his wealthier neighbor and either become his
tenant or migrate to some other section or colony. Political developments
likewise favored the accumulation of large estates. Through repeated
intermarriage certain families had acquired a very extensive influence.
Members of these families were active in the Governor's Council or the
House of Burgesses and held other high offices as a matter of course. Their
official position often aided them as private individuals in acquiring lands.
Through the presentation of "head right" certificates, compensation for
military services, purchase from private proprietors, and other ways they
obtained domains comprising thousands of acres. Some carved out what
resembled small principalities. William Fitzhugh of Stafford County owned
over 50,000 acres, and by 1732 Robert or "King" Carter of Lancaster
County held some 333,000 acres.
The estates of such men, far from consisting of one compact property,
generally comprised many separate and sometimes widely scattered tracts,

perhaps in half a dozen or more counties. They ranged in size from a few
hundred to thousands of acres. The individual owner acquired his holdings
over a period of years, in what often appeared a haphazard manner. Not
infrequently, a planter, foreseeing the depletion of his Tidewater lands,
engrossed large tracts in the Piedmont and Valley sections.[1]
Life in the Tidewater during the Golden Age was dominated, to a
remarkable extent, by families possessing vast estates. Not everyone, it is
true, owned such princely domains as the Carters or Fitzhughs, but men in
their station were imbued with a deep sense of their obligation to society.
They sat as justices in the county courts, served as sheriffs and as colonels
of the militia in their counties, and acted as vestrymen and church wardens
in their parishes. They accepted seriously their duty to preserve the peace
and watch over the less fortunate classes. Because of their wealth and
position, their education, resourcefulness and keen sense of public
responsibility, they were able to influence and to impress their ideals and
tastes upon the community in a measure rarely equalled by a similar
aristocracy.
The great landed proprietors operated their estates in either of two ways or a
combination of the two. They might take full responsibility themselves,
planting tobacco and secondary crops; they could lease tracts to others to
cultivate; or they might do both. Sometimes a man leased more of his arable
lands than he reserved for his own use. Though disturbed conditions in
Europe and the burdens imposed by the British regulatory system led to
repeated attempts to develop other staples for export, tobacco continued to
be the mainstay. Aside from money crops, however, the great landowners
had to supply numerous foodstuffs and other commodities needed on their
plantations.
A proprietor customarily resided on what was generally known as the
"manor plantation."[2] This seat usually served as the nerve center of the
activities of his entire estate, with the other units subordinate to it. Not
infrequently some of the outlying properties were devoted to producing
commodities needed by the manor plantation and by such other plantations
as were engaged in raising tobacco and other marketable staples. Overseers
or stewards managed the units over which the owner found it difficult to

exercise personal supervision. These men reported to him at regular
intervals to receive instructions and give an account of their stewardship.
Though the basis of life was agricultural, the great landowners discharged a
wide variety of other economic functions. They served as factors for their
neighbors, buying their crops, selling them supplies, and providing them
with credit facilities. Many sent vessels regularly up and down the
Chesapeake and the Virginia rivers, purchasing the produce of others for
later marketing. In like fashion they brought manufactured goods from
overseas for sale in the plantation stores. When European conditions
interfered with the import trade, enterprising men frequently set up grist
mills, textile factories, foundries, and other manufactories on their
plantations, to supply their own and their neighbors' needs.
The great Tidewater proprietors of the Golden Age were, then, no perfumed
courtiers spending their days in idleness and diversion and consciously
seeking to avoid all "taint of trade." In a very real sense they were
capitalists, acute men of business, seriously concerned with managing their
estates, tilling their lands and disposing of their produce, and eager to reap a
profit through trading with their neighbors. Their ledgers and their
correspondence reveal their energy, shrewdness, and enterprise. In a similar
way the constant stream of letters they wrote the factors who served them in
London, Bristol, and other ports of the mother country show their vital
interest in conditions in the world market.
The planters' preoccupation with such matters does not signify that they
lacked grace of living, nor that they were deficient in aristocratic ideals.
They were determined they should not revert to barbarism in the
wilderness. At no time did they allow themselves to forget that they were
inheritors of British civilization.[3] Taking the English gentry as their model,
they tried, insofar as colonial conditions would allow, to follow the ways of
the country gentlemen of the homeland. On that pattern they fashioned their
manners, their homes, their diversions; and with a similar aim they sought
to acquire, and instruct their sons in, every branch of knowledge useful to a
gentleman.
That it was a constant concern of these planter-businessmen to see that their
children should acquire "polite" accomplishments is clearly revealed in

their papers. In a letter in 1718 Nathaniel Burwell of "Carter's Grove"
deplored his son's inattention to his studies, not only because an ignorance
of arithmetic would hamper him in "the management of his own affairs,"
but also because, lacking a broad basis of knowledge, he would be "unfit
for any gentleman's conversation and therefore a scandalous person and a
shame to his relations, not having one single qualification to recommend
him."[4] In a like spirit William Fitzhugh of "Bedford" in Stafford County
asserted in 1687 that his children had "better be never born than illbred."[5]
Though a parent sometimes specified that his sons be taught languages,
philosophy, dancing, fencing, and other such "polite" subjects, practical
studies were not neglected. Such subjects as mathematics, surveying, and
law prepared a youth for managing the estate he would one day inherit and
for discharging the obligations to society imposed by his position. The goal
was not professional specialization, but, rather, an education which would
develop fully every side of a gentleman's character. George Washington
expressed this ideal in referring to plans for the education of his ward,
young "Jacky" Custis, in 1771. Admitting that "a knowledge of books is the
basis upon which other knowledge is to be built," he explained that he did
not think "becoming a mere scholar is a desirable education for a
gentleman."[6] Thus, also, Robert Beverley, father of Harry Beverley of
"Hazelwood" in Caroline County, directed in his will that his son's
guardians should continue the boy's education until he should be taught
"everything necessary for a gentleman to learn."[7]
Books provided a ready means of transmitting English standards of life to
the colony. The carefully selected volumes in the manor houses clearly
reveal their owners' aspiration to become "compleat gentlemen." It was not
unusual for the collection of a prosperous planter to number as many as one
or two thousand. Works providing guidance in the mode of life they
admired greatly predominated, though works of literature were not absent.
English "courtesy" and "conduct" books were on every gentleman's shelves.
Richard Allestree's A Gentleman's Calling and Henry Peacham's The
Compleat Gentleman, and other works which portrayed fortitude, prudence,
temperance, justice, liberality, and courtesy as cardinal virtues appear again
and again in the inventories of the period, along with the writings of

Castiglione and other Italians of an earlier day from whom English authors
had derived ideas of courtly conduct.
Most numerous were works stressing a gentleman's religious obligations.
Duty to God and Church was set forth in devotional works of various kinds,
collections of sermons, and theological treatises. Then came books on
historical subjects which offered actual examples of men of great deeds.
There were also many volumes on politics and statecraft and military
manuals, all of them useful in teaching the larger obligations which a man
of wealth owed to society. Guidance in the practical duties of a great estate
was furnished in treatises on various phases of farming and gardening,
manuals of medicine and surgery, books on surveying and engineering,
commentaries on law and legal procedure and handbooks of architecture.[8]
Naturally, the character of the schooling provided for the growing
generation greatly concerned the Virginia gentlemen. Many, eager to give
their children direct contact with the traditional learning and culture of the
mother country, sent them for a period of years to English schools.[9] Not
infrequently, mere infants were placed under the protection of relatives and
friends in the mother country. As early as 1683 William Byrd II, then nine
years old, and his sister Susan, about six, were being watched over in
English schools by their Horsmanden grandparents, and plans were making
to send over their little sister, Ursula, aged four. Each of the great "King"
Carter's five boys was sent overseas at an early age. In 1762 John Baylor of
Caroline County, who had received his own education at Putney Grammar
School and Caius College, Cambridge, sent his twelve-year-old son to
Putney, and about the same time put his four young daughters at a boarding
school at Croyden in Kent.[10]
The high value placed upon schooling in England is well illustrated in the
attitude of Robert Beverley of "Blandfield" when he prepared to send his
young son, William, abroad in 1773. Confiding the lad for a season to a
tutor in the home of his father-in-law, Landon Carter of "Sabine Hall," he
carefully explained his purpose. "I would recommend to Mr. Menzies the
Latin Lillies Grammar," he wrote Carter, "because, as no other rudiments
are used in any Schools of Eminence, when he goes to England, he may in
part have gotten over the Drudgery of Education. All I wish to learn him in
Virginia is, to read, write, & cypher, & do as much with his Grammar, as

the Time will admit of...."[11] Planters frequently provided in their wills that
their young sons and daughters be educated abroad. It is likely that an even
larger number of small children would have been sent "home," as the
planters fondly called the mother country, had their parents not feared the
dangers of an ocean voyage and the mortal effects of the smallpox which
was raging in England during the eighteenth century.
As an alternative to sending children overseas, the traditional learning of
the English schools could be brought to Virginia by English-trained tutors
and governesses. Well-to-do planters customarily engaged such persons to
instruct their children at home, even when it was planned to send the
youngsters abroad later. They also employed dancing and music masters to
visit their households at regular intervals. A building near the mansion was
generally set aside as a schoolroom. There the master's children and perhaps
those of some neighboring planters were taught. The young men and
women who came overseas to teach the children of Virginia were honored
members of the households in which they lived. Great care was taken in
selecting them. After a number of young Scotchmen had come to the colony
as tutors during the eighteenth century, it was feared they would "teach the
children the Scotch dialect which they can never wear off."[12] Throughout
the period one finds frequent mention of the need of suitable instructors in
the letters of the planters to their factors in the mother country. After the
middle of the century, tutors were sometimes secured from Princeton and
other American colleges.[13]
A goodly number of the youths sent to the English schools enrolled later at
the colleges of Oxford and Cambridge, and others who had been educated
by private tutors were also sent there. Certain families sent generation after
generation of sons to these universities. At intervals from the time that
Ralph Wormeley, the second of that name, had matriculated at Oriel
College, Oxford, in 1665, until the outbreak of the Revolution, his kinsmen
were found in English colleges. Not a few young Virginians attended the
Inns of Court.
In his domestic establishment the planter sought to reproduce as nearly as
he conveniently could the residence of the English gentry with its gardens,
lawns, and parks. Plans of English homes and gardens, which intelligent
workmen or even a layman might adapt, were accessible in the handbooks

of architecture and gardening found in many of the planters' libraries. In
some instances the striking similarity of detail leaves little doubt that the
plans for a planter's residence derived directly from plates in these books.
All the forms common to the English country architecture of the period
were employed in the plantation residences. Sometimes English master
builders and gardeners were imported to supervise the construction of the
residences and the planting of the grounds.
The vogue for formality in English architecture and landscaping was
mirrored in the arrangement of the Virginia estates. The mansions were
generally placed according to carefully preconceived plans in a formal
setting which nonetheless managed to achieve an air of ease and
naturalness. Balance and symmetry were observed everywhere, with the
buildings, gardens, and extensive lawns forming component parts of one
composition. Walks of brick or oyster shell crossed the grounds in
geometric pattern. If a bowling green or formal garden flanked one side of
the mansion, an orangery or perhaps a park stocked with deer flanked the
other.
English box and other ornamental plants were used with fine effect.
Terraces, elaborate parterres, sunken panels, canals, and dramatic vistas
gave variety to the scene. "Falling gardens" were popular at the residences
situated on high eminences overlooking the great rivers and marshes.[14]
Not infrequently, as at "Blandfield," a ha-ha provided a note of pleasant
surprise for one walking on the lawns.[15] Graceful garden houses,
dovecots, and other miniature structures, carefully placed, sometimes
imparted a fanciful atmosphere to the whole. Every estate had its orchard,
the fruit of which surpassed the choicest specimens of the homeland.
Wildernesses or preserves of transplanted trees might be found at some
distance from the residence, and sometimes serpentine drives and walks
invited one to explore hidden retreats.
Situated amidst such attractive surroundings, the residences appeared to
fine advantage. Their architectural arrangement contributed much to their
impressiveness. At the same time it was admirably suited to the peculiar
needs of plantation life. The mansion or "great house" was but the central
unit, about which, at carefully spaced intervals, stood numerous smaller
structures, all subsidiary to it. Spoken of indiscriminately as "offices," these

dependent buildings all served some useful purpose or function in the
domestic economy.
The mansion was usually a substantial two-story, rectangular building of
brick, though sometimes it was built of stone or wood. The rather low-
pitched roofs were generally shingled with cypress or slate. Since many of
the activities of the household were carried on in offices under separate
roofs, a central structure approximately seventy-five feet long and forty-two
feet wide was usually regarded as commodious. The exteriors of these
houses were often characterized by an elegant simplicity achieved through
perfection of line and proportion. The severity of a facade might be relieved
by a handsome wooden cornice, a pedimented hood over the doorway, a
string-course and water table of molded brick, and window and door
facings of rubbed brick. Sometimes pilasters of finely molded brick framed
the doorways.
Not infrequently the principal offices, set in advance or in the rear of the
mansion, served as foils to impart greater dignity to it. Sometimes, as at
"Blandfield" and "Mount Airy," the major offices were connected with the
central building by straight or curved lateral passages. The great house and
its dependent structures were generally placed in such a relation as to form
one or more rectangular courts.[16] The principal offices were often large
and contained a number of rooms.
To one unfamiliar with plantation life, the number and diversity of the
offices about the manor house occasioned astonishment. A Huguenot exile
who visited "Rosegill," the home of Ralph Wormeley, as early as 1686,
recorded that the master's residence comprised at least twenty structures.
"When I reached his place," this Frenchman wrote, "I thought I was
entering a rather large village, but later on was told that all of it belonged to
him."[17]
Offices near the great house were utilized as counting-rooms, schoolrooms,
and sleeping quarters for the sons of the family as well as for a variety of
other purposes. The kitchen, wash-house, dairy, smoke-house, and other
offices intimately connected with the processes of housekeeping were
usually set farther away in order to keep the mansion cool in summer and
free it of the noise and odors of cooking.[18]

Within the manor house the lower floors were usually devoted entirely to
social purposes. Halls and chambers were generally finely panelled in
native pine or walnut, and the symmetry of the paneling, the deeply
recessed windows, and the excellent proportion of the doors and mantels
imparted dignity and beauty to the rooms. Frequently the effect was
heightened by fine carving, and occasionally the pink or orange tones of
mantels of sienna marble lent a pleasing touch of color.
In many of the apartments there were fine cornices, modillions, and dentils.
Delicately fluted pilasters often flanked windows and doors. Elaborately
carved cornice and mantel friezes and frets represented the most skilled
craftsmanship of the period. Sometimes, as at "Carter's Grove," the
miniature carving of the friezes was of exquisite beauty. Motifs such as the
egg and dart, the Wall of Troy, and the Tudor rose were employed with fine
effect.
In the halls ornamentation was frequently given freer scope than elsewhere.
The wide passageways which extended through the houses were
customarily broken midway by arches of fine proportions. The usual focal
point of interest in the hallways, however, was the stairs, the sweep of
which was often majestic. Carved and hidden newel posts were common,
and sometimes the pattern of the posts reappeared in elaborate friezes below
the landing. Twist-carved balusters were placed on the steps, and running
floral and foliated carving decorated the risers or step-ends of many of the
stairs.
For these homes the Virginia aristocrats imported furniture, china, plate, and
other furnishings from England and France. Their letters to factors in the
homeland were filled with descriptions of the articles wanted, and
frequently specified that items must be in the latest London fashion. Choice
pieces of walnut and mahogany, expensive mirrors, and carpets and
hangings of the best quality graced their drawing rooms. Harpsichords,
spinets, and other fine instruments stood in many homes, and portraits of
members of the family, some by the best artists of the day, hung on their
walls. In the dining rooms, fine crystal and plate emblazoned with the
family crest gleamed on polished sideboards and tables.

Though they sometimes maintained residences at Williamsburg for the
court season, the Virginia great were rarely absentee landlords in the sense
that planters in other colonies were. Rather, they were country gentlemen
residing on their manor plantations, and, as we have seen, seriously
interested in improving their homes and domains. A family was customarily
identified by reference to its seat. "Epping Forest," "Marmion," "Berkeley,"
"Chelsea," "Elsing Green," and the other musical names by which the
homes were called, impart a romantic and picturesque flavor to the
literature of the region, and reveal the strong hold retained over men's
affections by the mother country.
Since no land in the Tidewater was cleared until it was to be utilized for
tobacco culture, and since discarded fields were allowed to grow up in
thickets, the plantation establishments were generally located at a
considerable distance from one another and separated by heavily wooded
tracts.[19]
Set in a land abounding in excellent house sites, the planters' homes
generally stood near the bank of one of the great rivers or upon some
natural eminence. In the former case these houses had two fronts, a land and
a water entrance. The approach from the public highway generally led
through a wide avenue of trees, perhaps a mile or more in length, or the
house might be shielded from the public gaze by a park of stately beeches
or poplars. Since overland routes often presented serious difficulties, the
Virginians made highroads of their rivers and creeks, and the side of the
mansion facing the water generally constituted its true front. This is
evidenced by the fact that one usually ascended the stairs from the water
side. Isolated as the homes were, the Virginians were able to enjoy the
seclusion so greatly prized by the gentry of the mother country, and they
developed to a high degree the hospitable and generous traits and the love
of outdoor sports that have usually characterized country squires.[20]
The constant activity that centered about the great house is clearly reflected
in the journals, letters, and account books of the day. Through their pages
may be seen the great planter-businessmen, the members of their families,
the overseers and stewards, the free white artisans, the Negro slaves, and
the indentured servants moving about their daily tasks. The master of the
plantation in a counting room near his mansion balances accounts, writes

letters to his factors in England, or converses with the overseers and
stewards from his other plantations who have come for instructions
regarding their work. The children of the household and their tutor pass to
and from the office used as a schoolroom. A ship from the homeland
touches at the plantation landing and its captain comes ashore to bring
letters and the latest news from the mother country, and perchance to dine at
the planter's table. Visitors from neighboring plantations or from adjoining
counties arrive in sloops or in coaches or sedans. Rooms reserved for guests
are rarely empty and almost any event serves as the excuse for a
celebration. A peripatetic dancing master arrives, the children of the
neighborhood gather, and an informal dance is held after they have been
singly instructed. Even passing strangers are accorded hospitable
entertainment and treated as welcome guests. The planter and his family
frequently ride out in a coach or chair for "an airing" or to call upon
neighbors or relatives. On Sunday, if the weather be good, he takes his
family by water to attend services at the parish church. Not infrequently a
neighbor's servant arrives bearing venison or some other delicacy for the
master's table.
Countless articles are bought or taken from the plantation stores. In the
smith's shop nails and other articles are forged for plantation use, and the
chair of a neighbor is mended or his plows pointed. Provisions are sent to
the outlying plantations and supplies needed for the home place brought
from them. In buildings near the mansion, tobacco is cured and prized.
Hogsheads are rolled to the wharf to be shipped.
Such was the nature of the world about "Nomini Hall," the manor house of
Robert Carter III in Westmoreland County, to which Philip Vickers Fithian,
a young Princeton-bred theological student, went as a tutor to the children
of the household in 1773.

CHAPTER TWO
Philip Fithian And The Carter Family

During his residence at "Nomini Hall" from October, 1773, to October,
1774, Philip Fithian recorded his impressions of the life about him in a
daily journal and in letters to relatives and friends. These impressions
constitute a detailed and illuminating account. The civilization he described
differed in many respects from that he had known in New Jersey. His
austere Presbyterian training caused him to look with disfavor or misgiving
upon many of the gay diversions and other social customs of Virginia. Yet
he was open-minded to an unusual degree and not unsympathetic to the
people among whom he lived. His freshness of viewpoint led him to
comment upon various features of Virginia civilization which would
doubtless have escaped the attention of one more familiar with them. He
admired many aspects of Southern life and for the members of the Carter
household Fithian developed a genuine and lasting fondness. The account
possesses both vivacity and charm.
At "Nomini Hall" Philip Fithian found himself in an excellent observation
post. Robert Carter, its owner, was the scion of one of the wealthiest and
most influential Tidewater families. His great-grandfather, John Carter, had
emigrated to Virginia from England in 1649. Acquiring some 13,500 acres
in the Northern Neck, the fertile region between the Rappahannock and
Potomac rivers, John Carter had established his home "Corotoman" on the
Rappahannock in Lancaster County. Becoming ere long a successful planter
and businessman, Carter served first as a Burgess and then as a member of
the governor's Council.
Robert or "King" Carter, son of the emigrant, so eclipsed his father that he
has usually been regarded as founder of the family in Virginia. Bold,
capable, and acquisitive, "King" Carter strove ceaselessly to expand the
family fortunes. By strict attention to business and a close regard for his
prerogatives as agent of the Fairfaxes, the proprietors of the Northern Neck,
he ultimately became the richest and perhaps the most powerful man of his

day in Virginia.[21] First as a Burgess and then as a member and President of
the Council, he exerted a political influence that contributed greatly to the
management of his private affairs. Realizing earlier than most the need
future generations would have for fresh lands, he obtained for his progeny
altogether some 333,000 acres.
Under the custom of primogeniture, Carter arranged that the bulk of his
lands, including "Corotoman," should go to his eldest son, John Carter II.
He, nonetheless, saw to it that his other sons, Robert, Landon, Charles, and
George should have ample estates. Robert Carter II, however, died a few
months before his father, leaving a young son, Robert III, and a daughter,
Elizabeth. A short time after "King" Carter's death his surviving sons
procured a special legislative enactment investing the share of the estate
intended for the dead son in the young grandson. When Robert Carter III
reached his majority, therefore, he would become master of more than
seventy thousand acres.
The young boy's uncles, John, Landon, and Charles Carter, acted as his
guardians. As a result of his mother's early second marriage to Colonel John
Lewis, he lived at the latter's manor plantation, "Warner Hall" in Gloucester
County. When the lad was nine, he was sent to the College of William and
Mary. Nothing further is definitely known of how his youth was spent.
On reaching twenty-one Robert at once began preparations for a trip to
England where he remained two years. The purpose of this visit is not
known. It is probable, however, that he was following the example of his
grandfather, his father, and the other sons of "King" Carter who had all
completed their education in the mother country. Indeed the records of the
Inner Temple reveal that he was admitted to the privileges and assumed the
agreeable duties of a member of that august legal society a few months after
he arrived there.[22] Whatever his motives, though, it is unlikely that a
spirited young man, possessed of ample means and free of parental
restraint, would bury himself entirely within musty college walls. Reports at
home had it that he spent his time in idleness and gay diversions. A portrait
painted at this time by a fashionable artist, probably in the studio of Sir
Joshua Reynolds, shows him arrayed in a fine doublet of silk and a high
lace collar, with a mask in one hand as if to indicate he was about to hasten
away to some masquerade.

Whatever his youthful follies may have been, Robert Carter possessed a
gentle and thoughtful nature. As he matured, he became increasingly a
serious man of business and of scholarly and cultivated tastes. Returning to
Virginia in 1751, he soon married and settled down to the life of a country
squire at "Nomini Hall," the manor house his father had built in
Westmoreland County.
On a visit to Maryland, Carter had met Frances Anne Tasker, the sixteen-
year-old daughter of one of the foremost citizens of that colony. Struck by
the beauty, good sense, and fortune of the young girl, he had secured her
consent to become his wife. Frances Tasker Carter was an uncommon
person. Notwithstanding the numerous children she had already borne her
husband when Philip Fithian entered her household, she was still beautiful,
elegant, and youthful looking. She was also well-informed and frequently
surprised Fithian with the breadth of her interests. Ever cheerful and
agreeable, she managed the household with fine success and carefully
trained her seventeen children.
Besides a handsome dowry, Frances Tasker brought her husband a family
influence that proved of great assistance in both his public and private
career. Benjamin Tasker, her father, who had wide commercial connections,
had served for thirty-two years as a member and President of the Council of
Maryland, and for a period as acting-Governor. Her mother, Anne Bladen
Tasker, was the daughter of William Bladen who had been successfully
Secretary and Attorney-General of that colony. Thomas Bladen, her
mother's brother, a former governor of Maryland, had removed to England
and become a member of Parliament for Old Sarum, where he was now in
an excellent position to promote the interests of his American relatives.[23]
Robert Carter led a busy life at "Nomini Hall." To utilize profitably the
resources of an estate of seventy thousand acres was a task that demanded
foresight and planning. He customarily cultivated as many as a dozen large
plantations at once, and it was necessary that the operations on the several
units be carefully integrated. Though tobacco constituted the crop of first
importance on his estate, entire plantations were sometimes devoted to
producing grain stuffs and supplies needed at "Nomini Hall" and on the
other plantations. From time to time, too, Carter sought to develop other
money crops which might supplement the constantly dwindling profits from

tobacco. The preparation of new grounds to replace discarded fields
constituted a laborious task that had to be coped with at intervals. He set up
and equipped so many plantations that he resorted at one time to the signs
of the zodiac for names for them.
Apart from the lands he himself cultivated, Carter rented or leased a large
proportion of his estate to others. He developed an elaborate system of
tenancy reminiscent in its principal features of the modern lien system and
"share cropping." Lands were leased for varying periods under specific
agreements as to the uses to be made of them, the provision of tools and
other supplies by the landlord, and the proportion of the crops to be paid as
rent. Other tracts were leased for a fixed money rental.
To Carter's interests as a planter and a landlord he added those of a
manufacturer. When conditions made it economical or necessary to furnish
his own supplies, he operated textile factories, salt works, grain mills, and
bakeries to fill his own and his neighbors' needs. In his smiths's shops the
simple farm implements of the time were forged and repaired, and work
was also done for near-by planters. Through his wife's relations he received
a one-fifth share in the Baltimore Iron Works. As part owner of this firm he
produced bar and pig iron in large quantities on a commercial basis, and
incidentally supplied raw materials needed on his plantations. He also
carried on extensive operations as a merchant and factor. From his stores at
"Nomini Hall," European manufactures and merchandise of every sort were
dispensed. He owned a number of vessels which regularly carried supplies
to the landings of other planters on the Virginia rivers and the Chesapeake
and took their produce off their hands. Sometimes he provided these men
with banking and credit facilities.
The scope of Carter's activities is indicated by the fact that at one time his
slaves numbered over 500. In addition, he employed numerous white
stewards, overseers, clerks, skilled craftsmen, and artisans. In a labor force
so numerous and diversified the most careful adjustments in human
relationships were necessary. In a very real sense Carter acted as a
protector, father, physician, and court of last resort for all his people. No
complaint was too insignificant to receive the master's consideration.

As part of the obligations of his station, the master of "Nomini Hall" served
as a vestryman and a warden of his church in Cople Parish and performed
other public duties. At the age of twenty-eight he was made a member of
the governor's Council. His large estate made him eligible and his wife's
uncle, Thomas Bladen, supplied the influence in England necessary to
secure his appointment to this highest governing body in the colony. By
virtue of belonging to the Council he also served as a colonel in the militia.
As was customary, he was henceforth known as Colonel or Councillor
Carter. In the latter capacity, he went twice a year to Williamsburg to advise
the royal governor and to sit as a member of the General Court. For a
decade after 1762 he found it pleasant and convenient to live at the Capital
the greater part of the time. He acquired a residence in the town and
established his wife and children there. With the outbreak of the
disturbances which led to the Revolution, however, he returned with his
family to "Nomini Hall" where he lived during the remainder of his active
years, devoting his time to the development of his estate and the promotion
of his commercial interests, the rearing of his family, and the quiet
enjoyment of his scholarly and cultivated tastes. Despite his many duties, he
spent much time in reading and in scientific investigation. An accomplished
musician, he practiced daily on some of the numerous instruments at his
home.
The social life of the family at "Nomini Hall" was of the most agreeable
sort. Situated on a hill overlooking the Potomac and Nomini rivers, the
mansion was admirably suited to the hospitable tradition of the region. A
large rectangular structure of brick, covered with stucco, the great house
was surrounded by more than thirty dependent structures or offices and
presented an attractive and imposing appearance. The four principal offices
were set off at a distance of one hundred yards from the corners of the
house, and within the rectangle formed by these buildings was a long
bowling green. Extensive and well-tended gardens provided agreeable
promenades for members of the family and guests. One approached the
mansion from the public highway through a wide avenue of poplars which
terminated in a circle about the house. Viewed through this avenue from a
distance, Fithian asserted, "Nomini Hall" appeared "most romantic, at the
same time it does truly elegant."

The lower floor of the great house contained the master's library, a dining
room, used also as a sitting room, a dining hall for the children, a ballroom
thirty feet long, and a hallway with a fine stairway of black walnut. The
upper rooms were used as sleeping quarters for members of the family and
for guests. The older boys and their tutor slept above-stairs in one of the
large offices that was also used as a schoolhouse. During the time Fithian
was there Carter arranged to convert one of the lower rooms of this office
into a concert or music room. Here he proposed to place the harpsichord,
harmonica, forte-piano, guitar, violin, and German flutes which were in the
great house, and to bring up for that purpose from his Williamburg
residence, the organ which had been built for him in London according to
his own specifications.

Seven of the nine surviving Carter children[24] and the Councillor's nephew,
Harry Willis, were placed under Fithian's care. Benjamin, the eldest son,
was a quiet, studious boy of eighteen. Robert Bladen, two years younger,
loved the out-of-doors and cared little for learning. John Tasker, only four,
was too young for instruction. Priscilla, the eldest daughter, was an
attractive girl of fifteen. Anne Tasker, called Nancy, and Frances or Fanny,
whom Fithian thought the "Flower of the Family," were thirteen and eleven
respectively. Betty Landon was ten, and Harriot Lucy, a "bold, fearless,
merry girl," was seven. Sarah Fairfax, the baby, was only a few months old
at the time Fithian arrived.
Apart from the members of the family, the tutor, and the numerous
domestics, various other persons maintained a more or less permanent
connection with the household. Among these were Miss Sally Stanhope, the
housekeeper, Mr. Randolph, who served as clerk and steward for Carter, Mr.
Christian, a peripatetic dancing master who visited most of the great manor
houses of the Northern Neck, Mr. Stadley, music master to the children, and
Mrs. Oakley, who had nursed several of them at Williamsburg.
In no section of the colony were the great planters more numerous than in
the Northern Neck; in none did they dominate society more completely. The
families on the manor plantations associated on terms of intimacy. Gay
assemblies, dances, balls, and banquets brought them together frequently.
Dancing masters held their classes in rotation at the great plantation houses.
At these homes their pupils assembled in turn, frequently accompanied by

parents and friends. After the master had instructed the young men and
women on these occasions, an informal dance was generally held. These
families customarily congregated about the parish church before and after
services to enjoy social exchanges. Attendance at county court provided
another regular opportunity for commingling. Boat races, barbecues, "Fish-
feasts," and horse races brought friends together at intervals. Sometimes
elaborate private entertainments were given at which music, feasting, and
dancing continued for several days. Rarely a day passed but found some
guest at the Councillor's table. Members of the Carter household constantly
exchanged visits with the plantation families of their neighborhood and
with relatives and friends in adjoining counties. They dined frequently with
the Turbervilles at "Hickory Hill," the Washingtons at "Bushfield," the Lees
at "Chantilly" and "Stratford," and with the more distant Tayloes at "Mount
Airy."
With all these persons the young Princeton tutor was familiar. He
accompanied the Carters frequently when they dined at their friends' tables,
he attended banquets and balls with them, conversed with the people of the
vicinity at the parish churches, met them at races, and observed their
conduct as guests at "Nomini Hall." The sprightly interest with which
Fithian comments upon these men and women and their way of life makes
them seem as real today as then.
For more than a century the manuscript of Fithian's journal and the letters
he wrote home remained unpublished. During that time, some years
apparently after Philip's death, his brother, Enoch, assembled the letters and
papers and the various sections of the journal kept over a period of years
and copied them in several bound volumes from the loose and various-sized
sheets upon which they were written. It is from this transcript that the
journal is known today, and the irregularities in punctuation, spelling, and
capitalization in the form in which it has been preserved are doubtless due
largely to this fact.
The journal kept at "Nomini Hall" and a group of letters written by Fithian
during his residence there were finally published in 1900 by the Princeton
University Library, into whose custody had come seven manuscript
volumes of Fithian's papers in Enoch Fithian's hand. This publication was
edited by John Rogers Williams, a member of the Princeton Historical

Association.[25] A small part of the journal and certain letters which the
editor regarded as "of too intimate and personal or too trivial a character"
were omitted, his object being "in general to present such as have some
bearing on historic places and personages, together with representative ones
showing" Fithian's "character and circumstances."[26] The editor, moreover,
was interested in Fithian's manuscripts primarily from the standpoint of the
tutor's association with Princeton.
In the present edition the manuscripts have been treated with special
reference to the light they throw on life in the Old Dominion. The journal
kept at "Nomini Hall" and all the letters written by Fithian from Virginia are
given in their entirety. Several letters written after his departure from
"Nomini Hall," but which relate to matters and persons in Virginia, are now
printed for the first time.
The journal and letters of Philip Fithian are so revealing of his personality
that one inevitably becomes attached to the young tutor, and the reader
today may well be curious to know his subsequent career. Having prepared
himself for the Presbyterian ministry, Fithian left the Carter household late
in 1774 despite the strong ties of friendship and gratitude which now bound
him to the family. His decision to return to New Jersey was influenced both
by a sense of duty and his growing attachment for Elizabeth Beatty, the
"fair Laura" of his journal. In December, 1774, he was licensed to preach by
the Presbytery of Philadelphia. That winter he filled vacancies in West
Jersey and the following summer served as a Presbyterian missionary in the
Valley of Virginia and Pennsylvania. He married Elizabeth Beatty in
October, 1775. Early in 1776 he enlisted as a chaplain in the Revolutionary
forces. Shortly after the battle of White Plains he died as the result of an
attack of dysentery and exposure in camp. Though his promise to visit the
family at "Nomini Hall" again was never fulfilled, the letters he wrote to
members of the Carter household after his departure reveal the tender
regard in which all were held.

JOURNAL & LETTERS
OF

Philip Vickers Fithian

[Andrew Hunter,[27] Jr., to Philip Vickers Fithian]
Nassau-Hall June 26th 1773.
Sir.
I expected notwithstanding your small offence you would have let me know
before this time whether you had made any determination different from
what you designed when I left you. If you design teaching before you get
into business, there are now several considerable offers made to young men
who are willing to go to Virginia by some of the first gentlemen in the
colony; one particularly who will give as good as 60£, the best
accomodations, a room to study in and the advantage of a library, a horse
kept and a servant to wait upon you.

Dr Witherspoon[28] is very fond of getting a person to send him. I make no
kind of doubt but if you were to write to the doctor but he would engage it
to you, the terms are exactly as I write you as I have informed myself that I
might let you know—
There are a number of our friends and class-mates getting into business as
fast as possible, whether they are called or not I cannot pretend to judge,
this much I would say that I think it is not any ones duty to run too fast. No
less than four Debow, Reese, McCorkle, Allen, under trials by a presbytery,
and Bryan[29] trying to get license to plead law in some of the best courts on
the continent, if infamy were law or lies were Gospel he might get license
either to plead or preach.

We have had the pleasure of Laura's[30] company here for some weeks past,
I hope you will not envy us considering that continual pleasure is too much
for such mortals as we to bear.
I beg that you may no longer refrain from writing, as I should be very glad
to hear many things from you and other of my friends in Cohansie which
you can relate with little trouble. If you have been trying with me who
could keep from writing longest, I own fairly beat. The number of our
students are considerably increased, and our school consists of thirty-nine—
I have heard there are some disagreeable stories going through your country
I wish you would let me know something about them. Doctr Ward spent
part of yesterday with me in his return.
My love to Mr and Mrs Green.
I am, Sir,
Your very friend,
Andw Hunter.

[JOURNAL]
July 1. [1773]
Rose at five. Read in the greek Testament, the third Chapter of the Acts.
Breakfasted at seven. Busy the greater part of this Day in coppying off
some loose miscellanous Pieces. P. M. Read the Spectator in my Course.
Received in the Evening, by the Stage, a Letter from Mr and: Hunter jur In
which he invites me to remove, & accept a School, of very considerable
Consequence, in Virginia. He also informs me that four of our Class-Mates,
are on Trial, under a Presbytery, for Preachers; & one has applied for
Licence to plead Law in Maryland; Poor Boys! hard they push to be in the
midst of Tumult, & Labour.

[Philip V. Fithian To Andrew Hunter, Jr.]
Deerfield July 3. 1773.

Sir
I am sorry you impute neglect of writing in me to so wrong a cause, as an
old trivial offense, I confess that I am to blame, and am willing to stand
reproved by you, for having been so long silent. If I should offer any thing
in excuse it would be great hurry arising from the duty of my station, on
which account I have wrote only two or three letters since you left us. The
school in town, which I had in view, as I make no doubt you know, is now
occupied by Mr Lynn. And the terms of the school at Blandensburg are I
think too low, to divert me from the course of my business. I would not
however forego a good offer in a school abroad, for some short time. What
you write concerning the offer of a Gentleman in Virginia, is, I think of
considerable consequence, provided the conditions of teaching are not over
burdensome; I should speedily agree to go and apply for the place, were I
made satisfied as to this.
I shall however, beg the assistance of your friendship, to enquire in what
county the school is; what number and degrees of scholars there are; and if
you think the place suitable, and if the Docter shall think proper to appoint
me to it, I am not unwilling to remove and accept it. Please to mention this
to the Docter; and if he has not engaged a teacher, and is pleased to accept
me, I hope you will acquaint me as speedily as may be, with what you can
learn as to the time of beginning, the custom of the school, &c. You
mentioned four in your last, who have applied to Presbytery, and are on
tryal, I can tell you another, Mr Heith; he applied to the Philadelphia
Presbytery; but came to town, I understood so late, that before he made
application the Presbytery was dissolved, some of the Members however,
being still in town, at his request, gave him sundry pieces of exercise, which
it is expected the Presbytery will acknowledge, so that he is the fifth out of
our class who is designing soon to appear in public!
I am Sir yours, &c.
Philip. V. Fithian

[JOURNAL]
Fryday july 30.

Rose pretty early. Breakfasted with Mrs Buck. Wrote a Note, after Breakfast
to Holinshead. Soon after which, I set out for Home, & by the favour of a
young man who lodges at Mr Bucks I rode to the Ferry, & was home by
eleven.
Received several Letters by the Stage to Day; One especially from Mr
Hunter, in which I am pressed to accept the proposal by the Gentleman in
Virginia. The Offer is very proffitable; Colonel Carter has four Sons. To a
private Tutor for which he proposes to give sixty-five Pounds pr Year; find
him all Accomodations; Allow him a Room for his own Study; And the Use
of an eligant Library of Books; A Horse to ride; & a Servant to Wait. I am
inclined to go, but dont meet with much Encouragement from those who
have the Direction of my Studies.
We had Company in the Afternoon; & expected Miss Grimes, & Miss
Ewing, til Evening, but they never came.
Saturday july 31.
Rose early. After Breakfast rode to Deerfield, & consulted with Mr
Green[31] but he gives only his usual Indifference; Dined at Mr Nathan
Leeks, the Day excessive hot; Drank Tea at Mrs Pecks.[32] & returned in the
Evening to Greenwich.
Sunday. August 1:
Rose pretty early. Attended the Funeral of Mr Hugh Stethern. who died
yesterday morning. Many are now ill of what is called the Fall Fever.

Mr Hunter[33] preached both Parts of the Day.
Monday August 2.
Concluded, this Day, with the Concurrence of Mr Hunter, to set of for
Princeton, & know of Dr Witherspoon something more particular
concerning the Proposal for my going to Virginia. Busy all the Afternoon in
preparing to go.—Evening very hot. Went on foot to the Stage.—Drank a
Bowl of Punch with Mr Richard Howel, & to bed by ten.
Monday August 9

Waited on Dr Witherspoon, about nine o Clock, to hear his Proposal for my
going to Virginia—He read me a Letter which he receivd from Col: Carter,
& proposed the following Terms—To teach his Children, five Daughters, &
three Sons, who are from five to seventeen years Old—The young Ladies
are to be taught the English Language. And the Boys are to study the
English Language carefully; & to be instructed in the Latin, & Greek—And
he proposes to give thirty five Pounds Sterling, which is about Sixty Pounds
currency; Provide all Accommodations; Allow him the undisturbed Use of a
Room; And the Use of his own Library; find Provender for a Horse; & a
Servant to Wait—

—By the Advice of the Dr & his Recommendation of the Gentleman, & the
Place, I accepted the Offer, & agreed to go in the Fall into Virginia—
I took this morning, from Dr Wiggins, a Balsam that has removed the Pain
wholly from my Breast; he called it the Balsam of Cappewee. Probably I
spell it Wrong.
Teusday August 17.
Rose at seven—Very much fatigued with yesterdays Ride—Found the
Students well; & the Seniors in particular In high Spirits on their

Expectation of speedy Liberty—I begin to grow sick of my Virginia
Voyage; But sick or sorry I must away—I waited on the Dr, But he has yet
received no Intelligence.
After Evening-Prayrs, by particular Requests, I attended in the respectful
Whigg-Society[34]—The Members are Orderly—Their Exercises are well
chosen—And generally well-conducted; & as to speaking, & Composition
well-performed—
They conferrd Degrees formally on Six who are to be graduated in the
College the ensuing Commencement. The Moderator for the Time being
confers the Degree; The Formula is short & eligant, & pronounced in latin
—They give also Diploma's, in Latin likewise, which are plain & full.
Expence of this Day.
For the Hire of our Carriage 10s.
For a Bowl of Punch 1s/6d
For a Glass of Bitters 4d Sum 11s 10d.

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian To Elizabeth Beatty]
Prince-ton. August 17th: 1773.
To Laura.
If I could only tell you the Incidents of Yesterday, you would laugh as loud
& as cordially as ever—Smith did all the Oddities of Miss Cateness.
I was, & for my Life, could not avoid, being dumpish & melancholy, in the
midst of Humour & Pleasantry—Smith[35] was in great Distress on Account
of his approaching Examination; He is in the Senior-Class, & that Class is
to be examined for their Degree tomorrow, so that he too was sour all Day.
—Directly opposite to both was your Brother; he was noisy, &
troublesome; We dined at Mr Irwin's. Your Brother kindly rode with us to
the Ferry, where we parted; he for Mr McConkey's; We for Princeton. I am
to day happy as Amusements & good-Company, in this lovely Habitation of
the Muses, can render me.

There is yet, among my Acquaintances, a young Lady; & She is also, I
firmly believe, one of your most agreeable Intimates, whose Friendship I
think so valuable, & whose Manner every Way, is so peculiarly engaging,
that if you should soon see her, whom you have sometimes heard me call
Laura, give my Duty, my Love to her, & acquaint her with what I have
often told you of her, that She is, in my undisguised Oppinion, "A Pattern
for Female Excellence."
Tell her also, that a singular, & very important Occurrence, which has lately
presented itself to me, seems to make it necessary, if it be any how
agreeable to her, She should in some Way, chosen by Herself, signify to you
that I may thereby know, whether She favours or dislikes what I have told
her.
I assure you, Madam, so strong is the Esteem I have for that dear Girl,
which certainly I shall ever retain, that neither, Place, nor Time, nor any
Alteration in my Condition of Life, will blot it out.
This, however, I intrust only to you, & put so great Confidence in the many
Expressions of your Friendship for me, that I hope you will use your
Influence to persuade her that what I write is Truth.

I expect to leave Deerfield[36] & go Home next Week; But I am not
determined yet upon going to Virginia. Dr Witherspoon desires & advises
me to go—My Directors here seem backward, & rather unwilling.—I
myself Am yet in doubt—But, on the Whole, it is probable I shall go down
in October. But whether I do the one or the other I am always
Yours,
Philip. V Fithian.

[JOURNAL]
Monday August 30.
Rose by half after six—Wrote a Letter to Dr Witherspoon concerning my
going to Virginia—I hear that many of my Friends in this Place are
unwilling I should go—I am indeed in a Dilimma—But I have agreed—

Well, I must away—And I hope in the Kindness of him who was my
Fathers God, & has been the Guide of my Youth, that he will save me from
being corrupted, or carried away with the Vices which prevail in that
Country—Wrote a Letter to And: Hunter—In the Evening, rode with my
Letters, to the Stage—Saw there by Chance, the famous Miss Betsy Elmore:
famous for Wit, Extensive Knowledge, but especially for Volubility of
Tongue—

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian To Dr. Witherspoon]
Greenwich august 30th 1773.
Revd Sir.
I am sorry that I may inform you of the dissattisfaction which my friends in
general since my return home seem to discover, with my intention of going
this fall to Virginia. However willing I am myself to accept the proposal and
go, it will not be easy to break through the entreaties of those who are my
neares[t] relations, and who have all along, with the warmest friendship
interested themselves to procure my welfare. I do not intend by any means,
abruptly to decline the fulfilling my agreement, but only desire to know, if
there are not some to be found among the late Seniors who would willingly
discharge me by accepting the offer themselves. If not I have only further to
beg, that you would be pleased, Revd Sir, to favour me with the proposal of
the gentleman; and so soon as there is a return from him, I shall be glad to
know the time when I must leave home;
I am Revd Sir,
with great respect
your humble Servt
Philip V. Fithian
P. S. Letters come safe sent by the princeton stage, and directed to me at
Greenwich.

[Philip V. Fithian To Elizabeth Beatty]

Princeton. August 31. 1773.
To Laura.
As an old Sinner, who has been long accustomed to Mishief, cannot bear to
think of quitting his much-loved Practice; so I, from Time to Time, with few
Returns, am intruding my Epistles upon you.
I have just been reading Yorrick's celebrated Letters to Eliza: They are
familiar—They are plain—They are beautiful. I love Eliza, from the
admirable Description he has given of her: But possibly he has been wholly
romantic; & only painted the Woman he could love; or, if has given his own
candid Sentiments, & described that Woman in Truth; There is in America
an Eliza I would venture, from Yorricks own Picture, to set against it; & let
Yorrick himself be Judge, should I venture never so largely, I am sure I
should succeed—
I was, yesterday, at Deerfield, & heard News enough—I was told that a
civil, good looking Gentleman; who had been lately from N—n, told them
he saw me there with you—That I was wild, & noisy—He thinks I shall
make a damn'd droll Figure in a Pulpit, with Powdered-Hair; a long Cue; &
deep Ruffles!—I fancy myself it would appear odd!—I was told there also
every Circumstance of our Ride from Princeton to N—n. Of my being with
your Brother in Philadelphia as I went up, & returned—Of almost the whole
of my Company & Conduct while in Town.
It is something curious, tho' by no Means troublesome, that every part of
my Behaviour, is in whatever Place I go, so circumstantially inspected.—I
shall suppress all I heard of you, only that you are soon to be married, & I
should not have mentioned this, but that I might let you know it was told in
Triumph to dash me!—Yet if it had wounded my Soul I would have
sustained & concealed the Pain, to outbrave such Insolence! I cannot help,
however, when I am alone in my Chamber, reflecting on the Danger of the
Impropriety I may possibly be guilty of in thus continuing my Intimacy
with you.
But I turn it all off with a Smile, &, if the Report be true, with a Wish, in the
Language of the Poet Walter to a Lady of his Acquaintance "That you may
possess all your Wishes, as to earthly Happiness & Comfort, in the Society

of him whom you have preferr'd to the rest of Men; & that you may feel as
much for him, of that Anxiety which arises from Esteem, as others have felt
for you"—I am going, next Month to Virginia, unless the Remonstrances of
my Relations prevail with me to decline it.
But on I go little thinking how much I may incur your Censure by writing
so freely, & so long—O Laura, I wish most ardently, that I could with
Propriety, from the present Moment, spend all my hours near your Person.
—They would then, with their purple Wings, fly along through the Sorrows,
& Tumults of Life, wholly unnoticed.
Laura, yours
Philip. V. Fithian.

[Andrew Hunter To Philip Fithian]
Nassau Hall Septr 6th 1773
Dr Sir.
I am very sorry that I cannot answer your letter so much to your satisfaction
as I could desire. Doctor Witherspoon is gone to New-England to the
convention and is not expected home 'till the latter end of this week—he
received no account from Virginia before he went from home. You may
trust that I will let you know when ever I can hear any thing related to your
prospect of going to the southward.

Mr Imlay[37] is gone from College and is not expected back 'till near
commencement, however I have talked with some of his acquaintances, and
they say he expects to go.
I would have the spelling of your name corrected, but the catalogue is sent
off, and I suppose by this time is in the press. I must thank you for the good
news you give me concerning the young lady's health.
I was very uneasy about the account we heard before you left princeton.
We go on pretty well in College, but I hope we shall have two or three of
the possessed swine turned off when the Doctor comes home.

Do write me every week and give what news you can.
I am, Sir,
Your friend.
Andw Hunter.

[JOURNAL]
Wednesday Sept: 8.
Received a Letter from Mr Hunter—No News from Princeton—Nor
Virginia—Evening Mr Paterson came home with Uncle.[38]

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian To Elizabeth Beatty]
Greenwich. Sept: 10th: 1773.
To Laura.
I hope the World is using you very well, & that you enjoy yourself in
Contentment; & the Society of your Friends with Pleasure. The Reason of
my saying this, is, because many People here are often enquiring about you;
Where you live? How you do? When you will return? The Cause of your
Absence?—And forty other things that none knows, or ought to speak of,
but yourself.
You inform me that you propose to be at the approaching Commencement:
It will not be in my Power, with any Convenience, to go—I can, however,
give you a Caution; Let not Pity so much affect you, nor Fear so much
alarm you, as again, (you remember last Fall) to excite Tears in your Eyes,
or one sorrowful Ake in your Breast, if any of Nassau's bold Sons shall
attempt once more, to support their Right by suppressing Impertinence &
Violence.

There are many going from Philada &, I am told, some Ladies of Note &
Eminence—There are many expected from the Southern Colonies—And,
because of the Connexions, many from York, & the New-England
Goverments. The Assembly, no Doubt, will be large, & splendid—And I
hope the Exercises may be worthy their Attention & Approbation. Nothing
hinders my being there but only my Purpose of going soon to the
Southward.
I may not omitt telling you that—Smith as we were returning Home, pitied
you from his Heart; An agreeable, & sensible young Lady, separated from
genteel Society, & prisoned in a Room in the Woods, in the Midst of an
unpleasant Country, like a penitent Virgin conscious of her Sins, voluntarily
retiring to a lonely Monastary!—But he forgot, Laura, that infelt Peace,
makes us always happy, even tho' our Circumstances be apparently
distressful.
I am, Eliza,
yours
Philip. V. Fithian.

[JOURNAL]
Wednesday. Sept: 15.
Rose at seven; slept but little for I was affraid—Breakfasted on Oysters, at
the Ferry-Mans, with John Holmes, Esq:—Had an Hours Conversation with
him, on Lotteries—Whether they are just & lawful—He thinks not—At ten
we came up to his Brother Benjamin Holmes's Esq:—They mentioned to
me an Intention they have to erect, & establish a School, among them, that
their Children may be taught, Latin, Greek, & the Practical Branches in
Mathematicks—They desired to know if it would be convenient, &
agreeable for me to undertake with them, to prosecute their Plan. But I
must, with Doubt, away to Virginia—It would be a laudable undertaking if
such a School could be founded in this Part of our Province; & I think ought
to be duely encouraged—
I left Mr Holmes's about twelve, & came to Mr Hunters about four,
seventeen Miles—Evening walked Home. Expence 2s/0.

Sunday. Sept: 19.
Rose half after six—Read some in Pictete—Walked to Sermon by ten;
Smith Rode in order to go home with Mr Hunter after Sermon—Dr Ward
seems very low, confined commonly to his Bed; the Disorder it is to be
feared is a Consumption, & increases in malignity almost daily—How
much will Cohansie feel his Death if by this Illness he is soon taken of, or
by the Violence of it wholly disabled to practice among us, who has been so
long successful in his Work! Received a Letter late last Night from Mr
Hunter at College, and He informs me that the Dr insists on my Going to
Virginia—

[William R. Smith To Philip Fithian]
Philadelphia Octr 3d 1773.
Futurus Pedegog'issimus.
Fe-O-whiraw, whiraw, hi, fal, lal fal, lal de lal dal a fine song—
commencement is over whiraw I say again whiraw, whiraw.
And what is more never was there such a commencement at princeton
before and most likely never will be again. The galeries were cracking
every now and then all day—every mouse hole in the church was cram'd
full—The stage covered with Gentlemen and ladies amongst whom was the
Governor and his lady; and that he might not appear singular Lee[39] was
stiff with lace, gold-lace—
A band of music from Philadelphia assisted to make all agreeable and to
crown the whole the eloquence of Demosthenes was heared in almost every
mans mouth, so that the person who spoke last was always the hero of the
tale—O murder! what shall I do I want to say a great deal to you but cannot
for the girls who are almost distracting my heart—O murder! murder,
murder I say what will become of me, murder, murder—I shall go

distracted—I saw Dr Beaty[40] and Betsy—I gave your love to them—and
indeed to tell you the truth I could not for my life help leaving my own
heart, and love, and all with Besy—she is realy a sweet soul. I wish ten
millions and she were mine, I should be a happy creature, happy indeed to
the last degree—. I got cleverly up from cohansie early in the evening—My
love ten thousand times and ten thousand kisses to all the girls of my
acquaintance.
I cannot quit but must
Willm R. Smith.

[JOURNAL]
Wednesday. Octob. 6.
Walked with Paterson, after Breakfast to Mr Hunters, where we met with
Mr Smith, & Mr Irwin two young Clergimen, & Mr Hunter Junr. They came
down yesterday, & inform that the Commencement was the most splendid,
& honoured with the greatest Number of Strangers of any one, perhaps,
since it was founded, May it still increase, & long flourish!—Immediately
after Dinner Smith & Irwin set off for Cape-May—Andrew brings me Word
that I must by the twentieth of this Month meet Mr Imlay in New-Castle,
who is going down into Virginia. And I must at last, away—The thought is
indeed hard!
Thursday Octob: 7.
Slept but little last Night; my Mind seems troubled and involuntarily
disturbs me! Rose early—After Breakfast rode to Deerfield. Settled all my
Affairs, & took a formal, final Leave of my Friends, & Relations there!
Rode home in the Evening. By the State I received a Letter from Mr
McCalla,[41] with a Suit of Cloths. Cost £6/16/6.
Expence in the Evening for a Bowl of Punch 1/6—
Fryday Octob: 8.

To Day is the Fast before our Sacrament—O that the mighty God would
teach me true Humiliation for my many Sin's, & give me Grace that shall
enable me to hate & forsake them!—Grace to keep me right in the Path of
Life, & to guide me to his heavenly Kingdom.—Mr Hunter preached two
useful Sermons, describing worthy, & unworthy Communicants—
Saturday October 9.
Rode to the Bridge, & bought a Saddle, Bridle, Spurrs, &c. for my intended
Journey—Returned before Evening, & of Saml Dennis bought a Pr of
Sadle-Bags.—

Monday Octob: 11.
By Six up—Busy in Preparing for my Journey—Agreed with Uncle for his
Horse; I am to give him 25£.—The Money to be paid in May next.
Teusday October 12.
Rose early; very busy—Had my Boots altered & mended—Was measured
for a Surtout-Coat—Drew up a Form to settle my Affairs before I leave
Home—Afternoon Mrs Peck, Mrs Hoshel, Johnny Peck, Stephen Ranney,
Miss Abby Peck call to see me & take a final Adieu for the present—The
Thought of Leaving Home haunts me at Times!
Wednesday Octob: 13.
Dismissed Study, & begin to take Leave of Relations & Friends!—

Dined at Mrs Brewsters, and at two went to Mr Danl Mashells; & from
thence to Mr John Gibbon's, At all which Places I gave them my last
Farewel—
Thursday Octob: 14.
Rose early—Busy in making Preparations—Had my Horse shod, Did
sundry Pieces of Writing—This Eveng Mr Irwin, & Smith returned from
Cape-May.
Friday Octob: 15.
Rose early—Did sundry Pieces of Writing—At twelve Mr Irwin gave us a
Sermon, on Felix's trembling before Paul preaching—He preached without
Notes; His Sermon was easy, well-digested, plain, yet pathetic, short, and in
general much admired—
Mr Smith & Mr Hunter junr dined with me—In the Evening of this Day I
had a severe Fit of the Fever & Ague—Violent Pains in my Head, & Back!
Saturday. Octob: 16.
Rose at seven; feel bewildered, & unesy—Finished some necessary
Writings, & begin before noon to grow better.
Sunday Octob: 17.
Rose early—Not well—Attended Sermon; Mr Smith preached—Before the
last Sermon was done I was obliged to come Home with my second fit of
the Fever & Ague. It kept on me violently while about seven in the
Evening; then went off in a gentle Sweat!—
Monday Octob: 18.
My Fit is well gone off, & I feel bravely—Finished & executed some
Writings to Joel Fithian[42] for the Securing the Several Porttions to the
Children—Took my Leave of Mr Wallings, & Mr Ewings Families. Mr
Paterson in to see me in the Evening—In the Night we had a fine Shower—
I have through this Day taken the Peruvian Bark, to try if by any Means I
can break my Fits.

Teusday Octob: 19
Early went to Mr Hunters; took my Leave & left them by eleven—Rode &
took Leave of all my Relations—How hard is it at last? My Heart misgives,
is reluctant, in spite of me; But I must away!
Protect me, merciful Heaven, & keep me under the Wing of thy over-ruling
Providence—Make me know myself, & my constant, & necessary
Dependance on thee!
The Continuation of my Journal, &c.
Wednesday October 20th 1773.
Left Greenwich by six in the Morning. Rode to Michael Hoshels 8 Miles.
Thence Mr Hoshel, & John Peck along, rode to Quintons-Bridge 8 Miles.
Expence there is 1s/: Rode thence to Penn's-Neck Ferry by two oClock 10
Miles. Expence at Toll-Bridge /2. Ferriage over Delaware 4s/6d. Oats &
Cordial in New-Castle 1s/2d. Rode thence to Mr Achans Tavern 12 Miles.
Whole Distance 38 Miles. Whole Expence 6/10.
Octob: 21.
Expence at Mr Achans 3s/4d. Rode thence to North-East 12 Miles.
Breakfast 1s/6d. Thence to Sesquehannah 10 Miles. Ferriage 1s/: Oats /9d.
At Bush-Town by 4 o Clock 12 Miles. Whole Distance 34 Miles. Whole
Expence 6s/7d.
Fryday 22d
Expence at Bush-Town 4/2. Rode thence to a small, mean Tavern to
Breakfast, 13 Miles—Expence 1/6. Thence to Baltimore by one O-Clock 13
Miles. Whole distance 26 Miles—Whole Expence 5/8.
Saturday 23d

Expence at Baltimore 15/3. Rode and forded Petapsko[43] to a small Tavern
15 Miles. Expence 1/11. Rode thence to Blandensburg 23 Miles. Whole
distance 38 Miles. Whole Expence 17/2.
Sunday 24.

Expence at Blandensburg 5/7.[44] Rode thence to Georgetown[45] 8 Miles.
Expence 1/6. Ferriage /6.—From thence we rode by Alexandria,[46] 9 Miles
—Thence to Colchester[47] 18 Miles—Dined—Expence 3/9. Ferriage /6.
Rode thence to Dumfries 10 Miles.[48] Whole distance 45 Miles. Whole
Expence 11/4.
Monday 25.

Expence at Dumfries 4/5. Rode thence to Aquia 10 Miles.[49] Expence 2/4
—Rode thence to Stafford-Court-House 12 Miles.[50] Whole Distance 22
Miles. Whole Expence 6/6.
Teusday 26.

Expence at Stafford 5/. Stopped at Colonel Thomas Lees,[51] only a few
Rods from Stafford Tavern. Continued there all day, and the following
Night. Expence to Day 5/.
Wednesday 27.
Expence to boy 1/. Rode from Mr Lees to a small poor Ordinary 13 Miles—
Expence /8 for Oats—Rode thence, without feeding to Captain Cheltons.[52]
on the Potowmack 32 Miles—Whole Distance 45 Miles. Whole Expence
1/9.
Thursday 28.
Rode after Breakfast to the Honorable Rob: Carters the End of my Journey;
12 Miles, by two o-Clock in the Afternoon. Both Myself, and my Horse
seem neither tired nor Dispirited—Occasional Expences on the Road. In
Baltimore for some Buff-Ball, 1/6. In Blandensburg for having straps put to
my Saddle-Bags 3/. In Colchester for Shaving and Dressing 1/3. The whole
5/9. So that my whole Distance appears to be 260 Miles, perform'd in seven
Days. And my whole Expence appears to be 3£ 6s 6d.
Fryday 29.
Settled myself in the Room appointed me—and adjusted my Affairs after
my Ride.

Saturday 30.

Rode with Mr Carters eldest Son[53] to a Store, about seven Miles—Bought
half a Box of Wafers for 1/—And a quire of paper for 1/6. Dined at three—
And rode into Richmond Parish 15 Miles to Mr Fantleroys[54]—Was
introduced to Mr Fantleroy—two of his Sons—Mr Christian[55] a dancing a
dancing-Master—
Sunday 31.

Rode to Church six Miles[56]—Heard Mr Gibbern[57] preach on Felixes
trembling at Pauls Sermon.

Monday Novemr 1st
We began School—The School consists of eight—Two of Mr Carters Sons
—One Nephew—And five Daughters—The endest Son[58] is reading
Salust; Gramatical Exercises, and latin Grammer—The second Son[59] is
reading english Grammar Reading English: Writing, and Cyphering in
Subtraction—The Nephew[60] is Reading and Writing as above; and
Cyphering in Reduction—The eldest daughter[61] is Reading the Spectator;
Writing; & beginning to Cypher—The second[62] is reading next out of the
Spelling-Book, and begining to write—The next[63] is reading in the

Spelling-Book—The fourth[64] is Spelling in the beginning of the Spelling-
Book—And the last[65] is beginning her letters—
Teusday 2.

Busy in School—begun to read Pictete—[66]

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian To the Reverend Enoch Green]
Westmoreland. Novr 2d 1773.
Revd Sir.
According as I appointed I take this early oppertunity of acquainting you
that I am arrived safe; and I am to assure you that I find the place fully
equal to my highest expectations—I am situated in the Northern-Neck, in a
most delightful Country; in a civil, polite neighbourhood; and in a family
remarkable for regularity, and oeconomy, tho' confessedly of the highest
quality and greatest worth of any in Virginia. I teach only Mr Carters
children, and only one of them is to learn Languages, and he is reading
Salust and the Greek grammer, is seventeen years old, and seems to be a
Boy of Genius—the other two learn writing and Arithmetic—But he has
four Daughters, young Misses that are at times to be taught writing and
English—I have the terms as I expected, and find the place wholly
agreeable—and am strongly solicited to stay many years—But money nor
conveniency shall detain me long from my most important connections at
home—You may expect me in may at the Synod. Please to have my
compliments to Mrs Green, to Miss Betsy if at Deerfield, and to my
acquaintances that shall enquire and accept to yourself the
Respect of your humble Servt
Philip V Fithian

[JOURNAL]
Wednesday 3.
Busy in School—

Thursday 4.
Busy in School—To day the two eldest Daughters, and second Son attended
the Dancing School.[67]
Fryday 5.
Busy in School—
Saturday 6.
Catechised in School til twelve—the Children. And dismiss'd them.
Afternoon rode with Ben Carter to the Bank of Potowmack[68]—8 Miles—
Returned in the evening—Expence Ferriage 1/.
Sunday 7.

Rode to Ucomico Church[69]—8 Miles—Heard Parson Smith.[70] He
shewed to us the uncertainty of Riches, and their Insufficiency to make us
happy—Dined at Captain Walkers;[71] With Parson Smith, his Wife; her
Sister, a young Lady; &c—Returned in the Evening.
Monday 8.
Busy in School—Finished reading the first, and begun to read the Second
Book of Pictetes Theology. Expence to Boy /4.
Teusday 9.
Busy in School—
Wednesday 10.
Busy in School—The eldest Daughter taken off by her Teacher in Music;
Mr Stadley[72] who is learning her to play the Forte-piano—
Thursday 11.
Rose by seven—Busy in School—Miss Carter still absent—
Fryday 12.

Rose by Seven—Ben begun his Greek Grammer—Three in the Afternoon
Mr Carter returned from Williamsburg.[73] He seems to be agreeable,
discreet, and sensible—He informed me more particularly concerning his
desire as to the Instruction of his Children—
Saturday 13.
Catechised the Children and dismissed them about Eleven—Read in Pictete
—and proceeded in writing my Sermon for the Presbytery[74]—Expence for
my Horse 1/3.
Sunday 14.
Rode to Nominy Church about six Miles—the day Cold—Parson Smith
preached—"What shall a man be profited" &c. Rode home after Sermon—
Dined at Mr Carters to day Mrs Turbuville,[75] Miss Jenny Corbin,[76] and
Mr Cunningham[77] a young Merchant.
Monday 15.
Busy in School—Wrote in the Evening at my Sermon.
Teusday 16.
In School—Writing at my Sermon.
Wednesday 17.
Busy in School—
Thursday 18.
Busy in School—
Fryday 19.
Busy in School—
Saturday 20.

Rode to Mr Fishers[78] dined with Mr Cunningham at 3 o-Clock—Rode in
the evening to Mr Lancelot Lees,[79] a young Gentleman, who has lately

come from England; sup'd on Oysters—Rode home about nine o-Clock he
along—
Sunday 21.
Rode to Church—Mr Smith preached on the Parable of the rich Man. Dined
at home—Mr Lee dined with us—Reading in Pictete—Feel very home-Sick
—Saw two Brothers quarrel—Doleful Sight.—
Monday 22.
Busy in School—Mr Lee gave us his Company in the morning in School,
and was very chearful—he left us about twelve o-Clock—
Teusday 23.
Busy in School—Miss Carter rode out with her Dady and Mama to the
County Court[80]—Writing at my Sermons.
[Poem Inserted in Journal]

Who knows what heaven may have in view?
What yet remains for me to do?
But knowlege here might give me grief.
Instead of pleasure and relief;
I therefore yield and peaceful wait
On Providence to rule my fate;
Nor if it long 'til' I must fly
Unbodied to my judge on high
Why need I then disturb my mind?
Why not lye humble and resign'd?—
Yet tho' 'tis wrong for me to try
Into these mysteries to pry
Sure I may sit and simply sing
(I dare not strike a lofty string)
The various scenes through which I've past
I may be now acting my last;
Here in Virginia, far from friends
Except those Heaven in pity sends!

Novr 23d 1773.
Wednesday 24.
Busy in School.
Thursday 25.

Rode this morning to Richmond Court-house,[81] where two Horses run for
a purse of 500 Pounds; besides small Betts almost enumerable.

One of the Horses belonged to Colonel John Taylor,[82] and is called Yorick
—The other to Dr. Flood,[83] and is called Gift—The Assembly was
remarkably numerous; beyond my expectation and exceeding polite in
general.
The Horses started precisely at five minutes after three; the Course was one
Mile in Circumference, they performed the first Round in two minutes,
third in two minutes & a-half, Yorick came out the fifth time round about 40
Rod before Gift they were both, when the Riders dismounted very lame;
they run five Miles, and Carried 180 lb—Rode home in the Evening—
Expence to the Boy 7½d—
Fryday 26.
Busy in School—Robin, & Nancy at dancing-School.
Saturday 27.
Robin and Nancy yet at Dancing-School—Mr Harry Fantleroy call'd after
dinner to see us. In the Evening Ben & I rode with him to his fathers; I was
introduced to one Mr Walker a Scotch Gentleman, lately a School-master
but has quit, and is going in the Spring for the Gown to England.[84]
Sunday 28.
Rode to Church—the Parson was absent; it is indeed a little cold! The Clerk
read prayers for us—We rode home—Found at Home two young Ladies,
Miss Corbin, and Miss Turburville and Mr George Lee, brother to the
Gentleman here last Sunday, & has lately returned from England—I was
introduced by Mr Carter to the two latter—

Monday 29.
All our Scholars present—Mr Carter has put into my hands; Tyre's
Dictionary, & the pronouncing Dictionary, to improve his Sons in Grammar
classically, both Latin and English, and he has given me Fenning in
Arrithmetic.
Teusday 30.
Busy in School—I was solicited the other Day at the Race by one Mr
Gordon,[85] to take and instruct two of his Sons, Saturday also I was again
solicited by Mr Fantleroy to take two of his Sons—But I must decline it—
Wednesday Decemr 1st 1773.
Busy in School—Wrote home by the Post, to Mr Green & Johnny Peck.
Afternoon Vacant.

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian to the Reverend Enoch Green]
Decemr 1st 1773.
Revd Sir.
As you desired I may not omit to inform you, so far as I can by a letter, of
the business in which I am now engaged, it would indeed be vastly
agreeable to me if it was in my power to give you particular intelligence
concerning the state and plan of my employment here.
I set out from home the 20th of Octr and arrived at the Hon: Robert Carters,
of Nominy, in Westmorland County, the 28th I began to teach his children
the first of November. He has two sons, and one Nephew; the oldest Son is
turned of seventeen, and is reading Salust and the greek grammer; the
others are about fourteen, and in english grammer, and Arithmetic. He has
besides five daughters which I am to teach english, the eldest is turned of
fifteen, and is reading the spectator; she is employed two days in every
week in learning to play the Forte-Piana, and Harpsicord—The others are
smaller, and learning to read and spell. Mr Carter is one of the Councellors
in the general court at Williamsburg, and possest of as great, perhaps the

clearest fortune according to the estimation of people here, of any man in
Virginia: He seems to be a good scholar, even in classical learning, and is
remarkable one in english grammar; and notwithstanding his rank, which in
general seems to countenance indulgence to children, both himself and Mrs
Carter have a manner of instructing and dealing with children far superior, I
may say it with confidence, to any I have ever seen, in any place, or in any
family. They keep them in perfect subjection to themselves, and never pass
over an occasion of reproof; and I blush for many of my acquaintances
when I say that the children are more kind and complaisant to the servants
who constantly attend them than we are to our superiors in age and
condition. Mr Carter has an over-grown library of Books of which he
allows me the free use. It consists of a general collection of law books, all
the Latin and Greek Classicks, vast number of Books on Divinity chiefly by
writers who are of the established Religion; he has the works of almost all
the late famous writers, as Locke, Addison, Young, Pope, Swift, Dryden,
&c. in Short, Sir, to speak moderately, he has more than eight times your
number[86]—His eldest Son, who seems to be a Boy of Genius and
application is to be sent to Cambridge University, but I believe will go
through a course either in Philadelphia or Princeton College first. As to
what is commonly said concerning Virginia that it is difficult to avoid being
corrupted with the manners of the people, I believe it is founded wholly in a
mistaken notion that persons must, when here frequent all promiscuous
assemblies; but this is so far from truth that any one who does practise it,
tho' he is accused of no crime, loses at once his character; so that either the
manners have been lately changed, or the report is false, for he seems now
to be best esteemed and most applauded who attends to his business,
whatever it be, with the greatest diligence. I believe the virginians have of
late altered their manner very much, for they begin to find that their estates
by even small extravagance, decline, and grow involved with debt, this
seems to be the spring which induces the People of fortune who are the
pattern of all behaviour here, to be frugal, and moderate. You may expect
me at home by the permission of Providence the latter end of april next, or
the beginning of May; and as I proposed I shall present my exercises for the
examination of the Presbytery; and if they think proper I shall gladly accept
of a licence in the fall: I must beg your favour to mention me to such of my
acquaintances in Deerfield as you think proper, but especially to Mrs Green,
Miss Betsy, your family, and Mrs Pecks—I must also beg you to transmit so

much of this intelligence to Mr Hunter as that my relations in Greenwich
may know that I am through the mercy of heaven in good health. I beg, Sir,
you will not fail to write, and let it be known to Mr Hunter, that a letter will
come as secure by the Post as from Cohansie to Philadelphia; the Letters are
to be directed to me thus, To Mr Philip V. Fithian at Mr Carters of Nominy,
to be left at Hobes Hole[87]
I am, Sir, yours
Philip V Fithian

[JOURNAL]
Thursday 2.
Busy in School.
Fryday 3.
Busy in School. Expence to Boy for trimming my Horse half a Bit. Evening
after School walked in the fields with Mrs Carter, Miss Carter, and Miss
Nancy.
Saturday 4.
About Eleven Ben and I rode to Mr Lees walked over a Part of his Farm;
from his House we see the Potowmack, and a fine River putting from it. We
returned in the Evening, found Mr Fantleroy, and Mr Walker at Home; at
Supper I had the pleasure to toast in my turn Miss Corbin—But I meant the
absent Laura!
Sunday 5.
Rode to Richmond upper Church, a Polite Assembly; Mr Gibbern gave us a
Sermon on, O Death I will be thy Plague &c., a warm discourse Dined at
Home.
Monday 6.
Mr Walker left us after Breakfast. Busy in School.

Teusday 7.
Mr Stadley Miss Priscilla's Music Master arrived this morning—He
performed several peices on the Violin. Expence for an Orange half a Bit.
Wednesday 8.
Miss Priscilla with her Music Master, they performed together to day—
Thursday 9.
Mr Stadley left us. Busy in School.
Fryday 10.
Miss Nancy is beginning on the Guitar. Ben finished reading Salusts
Cataline Conspiracy.
Saturday 11.
Rode and Dined with Captain Walker—Saw and dined with Miss Simpson
& Mr Warden.[88]
Sunday 12.
Rode to Nominy-Church, parson Smith preached 15 minutes—
Advertisement at the Church door dated Sunday Decemr 12th Pork to be
sold to-morrow at 20/. per Hundred—dined with us to day Captain Walker.
Colonel Richd Lee,[89] & Mr Lanclot Lee. sat after Dinner till Sunset, drank
three Bottles of Medaira, two Bowls of Toddy!—
Monday 13.

Mr Carter is preparing for a Voyage in his Schooner, the Hariot,[90] to the
Eastern Shore in Maryland, for Oysters: there are of the party, Mr Carter,
Captain Walker, Colonel Richd Lee, & Mr Lancelot Lee. With Sailors to
work the vessel—I observe it is a general custom on Sundays here, with
Gentlemen to invite one another home to dine, after Church; and to consult
about, determine their common business, either before or after Service—It
is not the Custom for Gentlemen to go into Church til Service is beginning,
when they enter in a Body, in the same manner as they come out; I have

known the Clerk to come out and call them in to prayers.—They stay also
after the Service is over, usually as long, sometimes longer, than the Parson
was preaching—Almost every Lady wears a red Cloak; and when they ride
out they tye a white handkerchief over their Head and face, so that when I
first came into Virginia, I was distress'd whenever I saw a Lady, for I
thought She had the Tooth-Ach!—The People are extremely hospitable, and
very polite both of which are most certainly universal Characteristics of the
Gentlemen in Virginia—some swear bitterly, but the practise seems to be
generally disapproved—I have heard that this Country is notorious for
Gaming, however this be, I have not seen a Pack of Cards, nor a Die, since
I left home, nor gaming nor Betting of any kind except at the Richmond-
Race. Almost every Gentleman of Condition, keeps a Chariot and Four;
many drive with six Horses—I observe that all the Merchants &
shopkeepers in the Sphere of my acquaintance and I am told it is the case
through the Province, are young Scotch-Men; Several of whom I know, as
Cunningham, Jennings, Hamilton, Blain;—And it has been the custom
heretofore to have all their Tutors, and Schoolmasters from Scotland, tho'
they begin to be willing to employ their own Countrymen—Evening Ben
Carter and myself had a long dispute on the practice of fighting—He thinks
it best for two persons who have any dispute to go out in good-humour &
fight manfully, & says they will be sooner and longer friends than to brood
and harbour malice—Mr Carter is practising this Evening on the Guittar
He begins with the Trumpet Minuet. He has a good Ear for Music; a vastly
delicate Taste; and keeps good Instruments, he has here at Home a
Harpsichord, Forte-Piano, Harmonica,[91] Guittar, Violin, & German
Flutes, & at Williamsburg, has a good Organ, he himself also is
indefatigable in the Practice.

Teusday 14.
Busy in School—The Weather vastly fine! There has been no Rain of
consequence, nor any stormy or disagreeable Weather, since about the 10th
of last Month! From the Window, by which I write, I have a broad, a
diversified, and an exceedingly beautiful Prospect of the high craggy Banks
of the River Nominy! Some of those huge Hills are cover'd thick with
Cedar, & Pine Shrubs; A vast quantity of which seems to be in almost every
part of this Province—Others are naked, & when the Sun Shines look
beautiful! At the Distance of about 5 Miles is the River Potowmack over
which I can see the smoky Woods of Maryland; At this window I often
stand, and cast my Eyes homeward with peculiar pleasure! Between my
window and the potowmack, is Nominy Church, it stands close on the Bank
of the River Nominy, in a pleasant agreeable place, Mr Carters family go
down often, so many as can with convenience in a Boat rowed by four Men,
and generally arrive as soon as those who ride.
The mouth of Nominy River where it falls into Potowmack is about 25
miles above the mouth of Potowmack or where it falls into the Chessapeak-
Bay. And about 12 Miles below the mouth of Nominy the River
Ucomico[92] puts up into the country, near which River, and about three
miles from the mouth stands the lower parish Church of Westmorland
County call'd Ucomic Church.[93] The River Potowmack opposite to us the

People say is 18 miles over, but I think it is not more than 8. Afternoon
Captain Grigg,[94] who arrived last Sunday moning into the River Ucomico
from London visited Mr Carter. Evening reading Picteete.
Wednesday 15.
Busy in School—To day Dined with us Mrs Turburville, & her Daughter
Miss Letty[95] Miss Jenny Corbin, & Mr Blain. We dined at three. The
manner here is different from our way of living in Cohansie—In the
morning so soon as it is light a Boy knocks at my Door to make a fire; after
the Fire is kindled, I rise which now in the winter is commonly by Seven, or
a little after, By the time I am drest the Children commonly enter the
School-Room, which is under the Room I sleep in; I hear them round one
lesson, when the Bell rings for eight o-Clock (for Mr Carter has a large
good Bell of upwards of 60 Lb. which may be heard some miles, & this is
always rung at meal Times;) the Children then go out; and at half after eight
the Bell rings for Breakfast, we then repair to the Dining-Room; after
Breakfast, which is generally about half after nine, we go into School, and
sit til twelve, when the Bell rings, & they go out for noon; the dinner-Bell
rings commonly about half after two, often at three, but never before two.—
After dinner is over, which in common, when we have no Company, is
about half after three we go into School, & sit til the Bell rings at five, when
they separate til the next morning; I have to myself in the Evening, a neat
Chamber, a large Fire, Books, & Candle & my Liberty, either to continue in
the school room, in my own Room or to sit over at the great House with Mr
& Mrs Carter—We go into Supper commonly about half after eight or at
nine & I usually go to Bed between ten and Eleven. Altho the family in
which I live, is certainly under as good political Regulations, and every way
as suitable & agreeable as I can expect, or even could desire; & though the
Neighbourhood is polite, & the Country pleasant, yet I cannot help
reflecting on my situation last winter, which was near the lovely Laura for
whom I cannot but have the truest, and the warmest Esteem! possibly, If
Heaven shall preserve my life, in some future time, I may again enjoy her
good society.
Mr Carter heard this Evening that Captain Walker cannot go to Maryland,
he is thus stop'd.

Thursday 16.
I can only to day write down my Misfortune; my poor Horse as he was
feeding in a miry Bottom, walked upon a sharp Stick, which stuck into his
Thigh on the under Side about four Inches below his Flank!—The stick
went in more than three Inches!—He is very lame, but they tell me will
recover, The Hostler, when we had lead him to the Stable, applied Spirits of
Turpentine to the part, and in the Evening is to fill it with Comfrey Roots
pounded Soft.
I had the pleasure of walking to Day at twelve o-Clock with Mrs Carter;
She shewed me her stock of Fowls & Mutton for the winter; She observed,
with great truth, that to live in the Country, and take no pleasure at all in
Groves, Fields, or Meadows; nor in Cattle, Horses, & domestic Poultry,
would be a manner of life too tedious to endure; Dined at three.
Fryday 17.
I dismissed the children this morning til' monday on account of Mr
Christian's Dance, which, as it goes through his Scholars in Rotation,
happens to be here to Day—and I myself also am unwell, so as not to go
out;—Mrs Carter sent me over Coffee for Breakfast; & soon after some
Spirits of Hartshorn for my Head—At twelve she sent the waiting Man to
know if I was better, & what I would choose for Dinner. I thank'd her, &
desired that She would give herself no trouble; She was careful, however,
from her undistinguished kindness, to send me before Dinner some hot
Barley Broth,—Ben Carter before Noon introduced into my Room, Mr
Billy Booth,[96] a young Gentleman of Fortune, who is one of Mr Christians
pupils—The two Master Fantleroys came in also to see me—There came to
the dance three Chariots, two Chairs, & a number of Horses. Towards
Evening I grew Better, & walked down, with a number of young Fellows to
the River; after our return I was strongly solicited by the young Gentlemen
to go in and dance I declined it, however, and went to my Room not without
Wishes that it had been a part of my Education to learn what I think is an
innocent and an ornamental, and most certainly, in this province is a
necessary qualification for a person to appear even decent in Company!—
Mrs Carter in the Evening, sent me for Supper, a Bowl of hot Green Tea, &
several Tarts. I expected that they would have danced til late in the Night,

but intirely contrary to my Expectation, the Company were separated to
their respective apartments before half after nine oClock.
Saturday 18.
Rose by Seven, Sent for Mr Carters Barber and was drest for Breakfast—
We went in to Breakfast at ten;—I confess I have been seldom more dash'd
than when I entered the dining-Room, for I must of necessity be
interrogated by Mr Carter before them all, about my indisposition, and if I
was better.—I went through the several Ceremonies with as much
resolution, and speed as possible, and soon mixed with the Company in
promiscuous conversation. There were present of Grown persons Mr &
Mrs. Carter, Mrs Lee, & Miss Jenny Corbin; young Misses about Eleven:
& Seven young Fellows, including myself;—After Breakfast, we all retired
into the Dancing-Room, & after the Scholars had their Lesson singly round
Mr Christian, very politely, requested me to step a Minuet; I excused myself
however, but signified my peculiar pleasure in the Accuracy of their
performance—There were several Minuets danced with great ease and
propriety; after which the whole company Joined in country-dances,[97] and
it was indeed beautiful to admiration, to see such a number of young
persons, set off by dress to the best Advantage, moving easily, to the sound
of well performed Music, and with perfect regularity, tho' apparently in the
utmost Disorder—The Dance continued til two, we dined at half after three
—soon after Dinner we repaired to the Dancing-Room again; I observe in
the course of the lessons, that Mr Christian is punctual, and rigid in his
discipline, so strict indeed that he struck two of the young Misses for a fault
in the course of their performance, even in the presence of the Mother of
one of them! And he rebuked one of the young Fellows so highly as to tell
him he must alter his manner, which he had observed through the Course of
the Dance, to be insolent, and wanton, or absent himself from the School—I
thought this a sharp reproof, to a young Gentleman of seventeen, before a
large number of Ladies!—When it grew too dark to dance, the young
Gentlemen walked over to my Room, we conversed til half after six;
Nothing is now to be heard of in conversation, but the Balls, the Fox-hunts,
the fine entertainments, and the good fellowship, which are to be exhibited
at the approaching Christmas.—I almost think myself happy that my Horses
lameness will be sufficient Excuse for my keeping at home on these
Holidays.—Mr Goodlet[98] was barr'd out of his School last Monday by his

Scholars, for the Christmas Holidays, which are to continue til twelfth-day;
But my Scholars are of a more quiet nature, and have consented to have
four or five Days now, and to have their full Holiday in May next, when I
propose by the permission of Providence to go Home, where I hope to see
the good and benevolent Laura.
When the candles were lighted we all repaired, for the last time, into the
dancing Room; first each couple danced a Minuet; then all joined as before
in the country Dances, these continued till half after Seven when Mr
Christian retired; and at the proposal of several, (with Mr Carters
approbation) we played Button, to get Pauns for Redemption; here I could
join with them, and indeed it was carried on with sprightliness, and
Decency; in the course of redeeming my Pauns, I had several Kisses of the
Ladies!—Early in the Evening cam colonel Philip Lee,[99] in a travelling
Chariot from Williamsburg—Half after eight we were rung in to Supper;
The room looked luminous and splendid; four very large candles burning on
the table where we supp'd, three others in different parts of the Room; a gay,
sociable Assembly, & four well instructed waiters!—So soon as we rose
from supper, the Company form'd into a semicircle round the fire, & Mr
Lee, by the voice of the Company was chosen Pope, and Mr Carter, Mr
Christian, Mrs Carter, Mrs Lee, and the rest of the company were appointed
Friars, in the play call'd "break the Popes neck"—Here we had great
Diversion in the respective Judgments upon offenders, but we were all
dismiss'd by ten, and retired to our several Rooms.
Sunday 19.
Early this morning, I was awaked out of sleep by two youngsters, (for we
are thronged with company, so that two slept in my Room) who were
agreeing upon a Ride the Day after Christmas, (which will be Sunday) up to
Fredricksburg, which lies upon the Rapahannock, fifty Miles higher up the
country than where we live;—Breakfasted at nine, soon after which all our
company dispersed; I had the offer of a Horse, & was strongly solicited to
go to Church, but I declined it—My Horse is very lame, his Thigh, from the
sore down to his knee is much swell'd!—It runs however, and the Hostler
tells me it is mending. Dined at three; Miss Betsy Lee[100] dined with us—
Writing to day my Sermon for the Presbitery. Sup'd on Oysters.

This is the first day I have missed Church.
Monday 20.
Rose at half after Seven; the Morning extremely cold—We had in School to
Day as visitors Miss Betsy, and Miss Matilda Lee[101] Mr Carter gave me
for his Daughter Nancy to Read, the "Compleat Letter-writer"—Also he put
into my hands for the use of the School, "the British-Grammar."
Teusday 21.
Rose by Half after seven—the weather serene but sharp and cold.—To day,
before Dinner called in and stayed a short time Mr Blain and Mr Lee who
were going to one Mr Lanes[102] to a Christning, which I understand is one
of the chief times for Diversion here—Miss Carter, this afternoon told me
that her Mama thought of giving a small Ball at the approaching Christmas
for select friends.

[Philip V. Fithian To Elizabeth Beatty]
Nominy-Hall Virginia. Decem: 21. 1773.
To Laura.
If these shall be so fortunate, as to come to your Hands, I beg leave to
acquaint you that I am as agreeably settled as I can possibly be when so
remote from the chief object of my Esteem on Earth—And, that I am, &
have been, since I left Home, through the Kindness of Heaven, in good
Health.
You will be surprized if I tell you that I should have been now in Cohansie,
had I never seen you, or had you been less uncertain of your future Purpose!
That you may not be wholly without a Reason for what I say, I must tell
you, that in your Absence last Summer I found it difficult to restrain myself
from Writing frequently to you; And after I was compell'd, tho' unwilling, to
believe that you would grant me no Return; lest I should be troublesome or
impertinent, when I had an advantageous Offer from the Gentleman with
whom I now reside, I determined to leave Home a few Months. So far I
have jested—But to be serious, Laura, I hope to see you in the Spring as I

propose to be at Home by the Beginning of May—Perhaps the fine Air; the
sprightly Conversation; the sociable Balls; & various Pleasures so common
here, will have made so very a "Coxcomb" of musty Philander, that you will
blush to confess you ever knew him! Be not hasty to judge—Possibly, on
the other Hand, Laura; even Laura, may appear so dull & unfashionable that
Philander tho' a Coxcomb will look down & despise her—No Laura, for
tho, we have fine Ladies; Gay Fellows, charming Music; rich & I may say
luxurious Entertainment; to all which I am almost every Week strongly
invited; Yet I find greater Pleasure at Home, where I have every genteel
Accomodation I could wish, and a Family of lovely Children to instruct—
You would envy me if I was able to tell you how kind, obedient, & beautiful
the Children are which I teach!—I have three Boys the youngest of which is
about the Age & Size of your Brother R—Also five Girls between five &
fourteen years Old. The Girls all dress in White, & are remarkably genteel.
They have been educated in the City Williamsburg in this Colony—The two
eldest are now learning Music, one to play the Harpsichord; the other the
Guittar, in the practice of which they spend three Days in the Week—I have
only further to acquaint you that every one is now speaking of the
approaching Christmas.—The young Ladies tell me we are to have a Ball,
of selected Friends in this Family—But I, hard Lot, I have never learn'd to
dance!
I am, however,
my dear Eliza, thine
Phi: V. Fithian.

[JOURNAL]
Wednesday 22.
Mr Cunningham came last Evening and staid the Night.—There is a Report
that he is making suit to Miss Jenny Corbin.
To day I finished my Sermon for the Presbitery—I read Pictete, The
Spectator, Salust, History of England, English Grammar, Arithmetic, and
the Magazines by turns. Miss Priscilla, and Miss Nancy rode this morning
in the Chariot over to Mr Turburvills—Bob, every day at twelve o-Clock, is

down by the River Side with his Gun after Ducks, Gulls &c.—Ben is on his
Horse a Riding, Harry, is either in the Kitchen, or at the Blacksmiths, or
Carpenters Shop. They all find places of Rendesvous so soon as the Beell
rings, and all seem to choose different Sports!—To day dined with us Mr
Cox the Gentleman at whose House I breakfasted the Day after I came first.
—Evening Mr Carter spent in playing on the Harmonica; It is the first time
I have heard the Instrument. The music is charming! He play'd, Water
parted from the Sea.[103]—The Notes are clear and inexpressibly Soft, they
swell, and are inexpressibly grand; & either it is because the sounds are
new, and therefore please me, or it is the most captivating Instrument I have
Ever heard. The sounds very much resemble the human voice, and in my
opinion they far exceed even the swelling Organ.
Thursday 23.
Rose at eight—Rains this morning, the weather is also warmer. Mr Carter
has sent his son Ben to his head Overseer, to take notice and account of the
measuring the Crop of Corn—For the Planters now have just gathered in
their Summers Crop!—To Day I write a letter to Laura: Waft it, kind
Oppertunity, soon to the dear Maid, and Make it easy, & desirable for her to
make me a Return!—
At Dinner Mr & Mrs Carter gave their opinion concerning what they
thought pleasing and agreeable in a person; Mrs Carter said she loved a
sociable open, chatty person; that She could not bear Sullenness, and
stupidity—Mr Carter, on the other-hand, observed that it is just which
Solomon says, that there is a "time for all things under the Sun"; that it
discovers great Judgment to laugh in Season, and that, on the whole, he is
pleased with Taciturnity—pray which of the two should I suit?—It is a
custom with our Bob whenever he can coax his Dog up stairs, to take him
into his Bed, and make him a companion; I was much pleased this morning
while he and Harry were reading in Course a Chapter in the Bible, that they
read in the 27th Chapter of Deuteronomy the Curses threatened there for
Crimes; Bob seldom, perhaps never before, read the verse, at last read that
"Cursed be he that lyeth with any manner of Beast, and all the People shall
say Amen." I was exceedingly Pleased, yet astonished at the Boy on two
accounts.—1st At the end of every verse, befor he came to this, he would
pronounce aloud, "Amen." But on Reading this verse he not only omitted

the "Amen," but seem'd visibly struck with confusion!—2d And so soon as
the Verse was read, to excuse himself, he said at once, Brother Ben slept all
last winter with his Dog, and learn'd me!—Thus ready are Mankind always
to evade Correction!—This Evening, after I had dismiss'd the Children, &
was sitting in the School-Room cracking Nuts, none present but Mr Carters
Clerk, a civil, inoffensive, agreeable young Man, who acts both in the
character of a Clerk and Steward, when the Woman who makes my Bed,
asked me for the key of my Room, and on seeing the young Man sitting
with me, she told him that her Mistress had this afternoon given orders that
their Allowance of Meat should be given out to them to-morrow.—She left
us; I then asked the young man what their allowance is? He told me that
excepting some favourites about the table, their weekly allowance is a peck
of Corn, & a pound of Meat a Head!—And Mr Carter is allow'd by all, &
from what I have already seen of others, I make no Doubt at all but he is, by
far the most humane to his Slaves of any in these parts! Good God! are
these Christians?—When I am on the Subject, I will relate further, what I
heard Mr George Lees Overseer, one Morgan, say the other day that he
himself had often done to Negroes, and found it useful; He said that
whipping of any kind does them no good, for they will laugh at your
greatest Severity; But he told us he had invented two things, and by several
experiments had proved their success.—For Sulleness, Obstinacy, or
Idleness, says he, Take a Negro, strip him, tie him fast to a post; take then a
sharp Curry-Comb, & curry him severely til he is well scrap'd; & call a Boy
with some dry Hay, and make the Boy rub him down for several Minutes,
then salt him, & unlose him. He will attend to his Business, (said the
inhuman Infidel) afterwards!—But savage Cruelty does not exceed His next
diabolical Invention—To get a Secret from a Negro, says he, take the
following Method—Lay upon your Floor a large thick plank, having a peg
about eighteen Inches long, of hard wood, & very Sharp, on the upper end,
fixed fast in the plank—then strip the Negro, tie the Cord to a staple in the
Ceiling, so as that his foot may just rest on the sharpened Peg, then turn him
briskly round, and you would laugh (said our informer) at the Dexterity of
the Negro, while he was releiving his Feet on the sharpen'd Peg!—I need
say nothing of these seeing there is a righteous God, who will take
vengeance on such Inventions!—Miss Priscilla and Nancy returned in the
evening.

Fryday 24.
Ben Rode off this morning before day to Mr Fantleroys, for Christmas I
dismiss'd the children while next Wednesday. I was introduced by Mr Carter
at Dinner, to Dr Jones[104] a practitioner in Richmond. I spent my Day in
my Room alone as agreeably as I have done any since I have been in
virginia coppying off my Sermon, & correcting it. Retirement is as pleasing,
& desirable to me here as at princeton, or Cohansie! & by Gods blessing I
hope to make it as profitable. In the Evening I read the two first Books of
popes Homer. Dr Jones supped with us, & is to stay the Night. The
conversation at supper was on Nursing Children; I find it is common here
for people of Fortune to have their young Children suckled by the Negroes!
Dr Jones told us his first and only Child is now with such a Nurse; & Mrs
Carter said that Wenches have suckled several of hers—Mrs Carter has had
thirteen Children She told us to night and she has nine now living; of which
seven are with me. Guns are fired this Evening in the Neighbourhood, and
the Negroes seem to be inspired with new Life.[105] The Day has been
serene and mild, but the Evening is hazy.
Supp'd on Oysters.
Saturday 25.
I was waked this morning by Guns fired all round the House. The morning
is stormy, the wind at South East rains hard Nelson the Boy who makes my
Fire, blacks my shoes, does errands &c. was early in my Room, drest only
in his shirt and Breeches! He made me a vast fire, blacked my Shoes, set
my Room in order, and wish'd me a joyful Christmas, for which I gave him
half a Bit.—Soon after he left the Room, and before I was Drest, the Fellow
who makes the Fire in our School Room, drest very neatly in green, but
almost drunk, entered my chamber with three or four profound Bows, &
made me the same salutation; I gave him a Bit, and dismissed him as soon
as possible.—Soon after my Cloths and Linen were sent in with a message
for a Christmas Box, as they call it; I sent the poor Slave a Bit, & my
thanks.—I was obliged for want of small change, to put off for some days
the Barber who shaves & dresses me.—I gave Tom the Coachman, who
Doctors my Horse, for his care two Bits, & am to give more when the Horse
is well.—I gave to Dennis the Boy who waits at Table half a Bit—So that

the sum of my Donations to the Servants, for this Christmas appears to be
five Bits, a Bit is a pisterene bisected; or an English sixpence, & passes here
for seven pence Halfpenny, the whole is 3s 1½d.—
At Breakfast, when Mr Carter entered the Room, he gave us the
compliments of the Season. He told me, very civily, that as my Horse was
Lame, his own riding Horse is at my Service to ride when & where I
Choose.
Mrs Carter was, as always, cheerful, chatty, & agreeable; She told me after
Breakfast several droll, merry Occurrences that happened while she was in
the City Williamsburg.—
This morning came from the Post-office at Hobbes-Hole, on the
Rappahannock, our News-papers. Mr Carter takes the Pennsylvania
Gazette, which seems vastly agreeable to me, for it is like having something
from home—But I have yet no answer to my Letter. We dined at four o-
Clock—Mr Carter kept in his Room, because he breakfasted late, and on
Oysters—There were at Table Mrs Carter & her five Daughters that are at
School with me—Miss Priscilla, Nancy, Fanny, Betsy, and Harriot, five as
beautiful delicate, well-instructed Children as I have ever known!—Ben is
abroad; Bob & Harry are out; so there was no Man at Table but myself.—I
must carve—Drink the Health—and talk if I can! Our Dinner was no
otherwise than common, yet as elegant a Christmas Dinner as I ever sat
Down to—The table Discourse was Marriage; Mrs Carter observ'd that was
she a Widow, she should scruple to marry any man alive; She gave a reason,
that She did not think it probable a man could love her grown old when the
world is thronged with blooming, ripening Virgins; but in fact Mrs Carter
looks & would pass for a younger Woman than some unmarried Ladies of
my acquaintance, who would willingly enough make us place them below
twenty!—We dined at four; when we rose from table it was growing dark—
The wind continues at South East & is stormy and muddy.
Mr Randolph the Clerk told me this Evening a Circumstance concerning
Bob which tho it discovered stupidity, yet at the same time discovered great
thoughtfulness.—It was about his sleeping with the Dog; Mr Randolph told
me Bob asked him with great solemnity if he thought God Almighty knew
it!—While we supped Mr Carter as he often does played on the Forte-

Piano. He almost never sups. Last Night and to night I had large clear, &
very elegant Spermaceti Candles sent into my Room;
Sunday 26.
I rose at eight—The morning is fair; all seem quiet—I went to the window
before I was drest, having only a Gown thrown about me & enjoy'd a
beautiful Prospect of the high Banks of the River Nomini gilded by the
morning Sun—I could not help casting my Eyes with eagerness over the
blue Potowmack and look homewards.—After having paid my morning
secret Devotion to the King of Kings, I sat myself to the correcting and
transcribing my Sermon—I had the pleasure to wait on Mrs Carter to
Church She rode in the Chariot, & Miss Prissy and Nancy; Mr Carter chose
to stay at Home—The Sacrament was to have been administred but there
was so few people that he thought it improper, and put of til Sunday
fortnight. He preach'd from Isaiah 9.6. For unto us a child is Born &c. his
Sermon was fifteen Minutes long! very fashionable—He invited me very
civilly to Dine & spend the Evening with him, but I could not leave the
Ladies! He made me almost promise, however to call some Day this Week.
At the Church to day I heard an impious Expression from a young Scotch-
Man,[106] Tutor in Mr Washingtons Family; he meant it for a Satire upon the
neglect of the people in suffering their Grave Yard to lie common—He saw
some Cattle & Hogs feeding & rooting in the yard; "Why, says he, if I was
buried here it would grieve me to look up and see Swine feeding over me"!
—But I understand only the lower sort of People are buried at the Church;
for the Gentleman have private burying-Yards.
Monday 27.
At Breakfast Mrs Carter gave me an Invitation to wait on her to Parson
Smiths Mr Carter offered Me his riding Horse, A beautiful grey, young,
lively Colt; We sat out about ten, Mrs Carter, Miss Prissy, Miss Fanny, &
Miss Betsy, in the Chariot; Bob and I were on Horse back; Mrs Carter had
three waiting Men; a Coachman. Driver & Postillion. We found the way
muddy; got there a little after twelve; Mr Smith was out; I was introduced
by Mrs Carter to Mrs Smith, and a young Lady her Sister who lives with
them; At Dinner I was at Mr Smiths request to "say Grace" as they call it;
which is always express'd by the People in the following words, "God bless

us in what we are to receive"—& after Dinner, "God make us thankful for
his mercies"—As we were sitting down to Table Ben Carter rode up; when
we had dined, the Ladies retired, leaving us a Bottle of Wine, & a Bowl of
Toddy for companions—Ben came with a Message for me to go to a Ball,
but poor fellow, I cant dance!—He prest me very much, but I was forced to
decline it—We returned in the Evening; & found Mr Carter & Miss Nancy
practising Music, one on the Forte-Piano, and the other on the Guitar. Mr
Carter is Learning Bedford, Coles hill, and several other Church Tunes.

Teusday 28.
Last Night there fell a Snow, which is about half Shoe deep, the Air is
sharp, the wind at North, & Snows yet by turns. I finished and laid by my
Sermon for the Presbytery this morning—Breakfasted at ten: Ben staid last
Night at Mr Turbuville's & got Home to day about twelve from his
Christmas Jaunt.
Spent most of the Day at the great House hearing the various Instruments of
Music. Evening, at Miss Prissy's Request I drew for her some Flowers on
Linen which she is going to imbroider, for a various Counterpane.
Wednesday 29.
This Morning our School begins after the Holidays. Bob seems sorry that he
must forsake the Marsh & River when he is daily fowling, & never kills any
Game. At Dinner we had the Company of Dr Franks[107] who has been all
along Mr Carters Clerk; but is now leaving Him. We had a large Pye cut to
Day to signify the Conclusion of the Holidays. I drew, this afternoon more
Flowers for Miss Prissy.

Thursday 30.
Dr Franks is moving, he has lived in the House adjoining our School. The
morning is fine, I rose by eight, breakfasted at ten, Miss Prissy & Nancy are
to-Day Practising Music one on the Forte Piano, the other on the Guitar,
their Papa allows them for that purpose every Teusday, & Thursday. Ben is
gone to the Quarter to see to the measuring the crop of Corn. On his return
in the Evening, when we were sitting & chatting, among other things he
told me that we must have a House-warming, seeing we have now got
possession of the whole House—It is a custom here whenever any person
or Family move into a House, or repair a house they have been living in
before, they make a Ball & give a Supper—So we because we have gotten
Possession of the whole House, are in compliance with Custom, to invite
our Neighbours, and dance, and be merry—But poor me! I must hobble, or
set quiet in the Corner!
Fryday 31.
I rose at eight. Ben gone again to the quarter—Harriot to Day for the first
time said all her letters—
The Colonel shewed me after Dinner a new invention, which is to be sure
his own, for tuning his Harpischord & Forte-Piano: it is a number of
Whistles, of various Sizes so as to sound all the Notes in one Octave. At
twelve o-Clock Mr Carter ordered his Boy to bring two Horses, and himself
& Miss Prissy rode out for an airing as the Day is vastly fine—Assoon as
the Bell rang & I had dismissed the Children I took a walk in the Garden;
When I had gone round two or three Platts Mrs Carter entered and walked
towards me, I then immediately turn'd and met Her; I bowed—Remarked
on the pleasantness of the Day—And began to ask her some questions upon
a Row of small slips—To all which she made polite and full answers; As we
walked along she would move the Ground at the Root of some plant; or
prop up with small sticks the bended scions—We took two whole turns
through all the several Walks, & had such conversation as the Place and
Objects naturally excited—And after Mrs Carter had given some orders to
the Gardiners (for there are two Negroes Gardiners by Trade, who are
constantly when the Weather will any how permit working in it) we walked
out into the Area viewed some Plumb-Trees, when we saw Mr Carter and

Miss Prissy returning—We then repaired to the Slope before the front-Door
where they dismounted—and we all went into the Dining Room. I shall in a
proper time describe the great-House, & the several smaller ones in its
neighbourhood; the Area, Poplar-Walk, Garden, & Pasture: In the mean
time I shall only say, they discover a delicate and Just Tast, and are the
effect of great Invention & Industry, & Expence. At Dinner we were
conversing on the seasons of the Year, & giving our different opinions of
which of the Seasons we each thought most agreeable: Mrs Carter chose the
Months of October, November & December, her reasons were, that we are
always most sensible of pleasure when it succeeds Axiety & Pain; therefore
because these months immediately follow those in which there is usually
Thunder & Lightning & intense Heat, She thinks them most pleasant: The
Colonel agreed with her as to the Months but gave a different Reason; He
supposes that in these Months the Air is more uniform and settled than at
any other so long time in the year. I preferr'd May, June, and July, because
our Bodies at that Season are generally sprightly, vigorous and healthy, and
the world around us is beautiful & growing to necessary perfection. Miss
Prissy & Miss Nancy were on my side.
Mrs Carter told the Colonel that he must not think her setled (for they have
been for a long time from this place in the City Williamsburg, and only left
it about a year and a half ago) till he made her a park and stock'd it; while
these and many other things were saying, I was surprized at a Remark
which Miss Prissy made, "Why Mama says she, you plan and talk of these
things as tho' you should never die"!
Saturday January 1. 1774.
Another Year is gone! Last New years Day I had not the most remote
expectation of being now here in Virginia! Perhaps by the next I shall have
made a longer and more important Remove, from this to the World of
Spirits!
It is well worth the while, for the better improving of our time to come to
recollect and reflect upon the Time which we have spent; The Season seems
to require it; it will give entertainment at least, perhaps much substantial
pleasure too, to be able to make with a considerable degree of certainty a
review of the general course of our Actions in the course of a year. This

shall be my employment, so far as I am able to recollect, when I shall have
suitable time for the fixing & laying my thoughts together—
In the mean time I observe that the Day is most pleasant, the wind is West,
not fresh; the air is void of clouds, but near the Earth is smoky; the Ground
is clear of Frost and setled, what can be finer? Mr Carter Miss Prissy and
myself were to have rode out for an Exercise at twelve, but we were
prevented by the coming of a Gentleman, Dr Fantleroy,[108] to whom Mr
Carter introduced me—
After Dinner was finished which was about four o-Clock, Miss Prissy &
Myself, together with a Servant (for Mr Carter would not trust us alone he
said) rode on Horse-Back to Mr Turbuvilles, about three quarters of a Mile
distance; It is the first time I have been there, the House is near, & in Sight,
and the families intimate. I rode my Horse for the first time since his
misfortune. When we returned about Candlelight, we found Mrs Carter in
the yard seeing to the Roosting of her Poultry; and the Colonel in the
Parlour tuning his Guitar.
Sunday 2.
The weather warm and Damp—The Family rode to Church to-day and are
to dine out. Mr Carter at my request, gave me the Keys of his Book-Cases
and allowed me to spend the Day alone in his Library.
The place seems suitable for Study, & the Day ought to be spent in serious
contemplation; therefore, as I proposed Yesterday, I shall collect together
and write down what I have been doing in the last Year. But will my Life
bear the review? Can I look upon my Actions and not Blush! And shall I be
no less careful, or have no better Success, in the prosecution of my Duty the
Year to come, if I shall be kept alive to the Close of it?—
In the Beginning of the last year I was in Deerfield, in Cumberland County
New-Jersey, with the Rev'd Mr Green; Under him I studied the Hebrew-
Language and Divinity. I left the college the last of September 1772. After
having setled my business at Home, I entered upon the Study of Divinity
with the Rev'd Andrew Hunter; I was with him about a Month, and on the
first of December I went to Mr Green with a design to acquaint myself with
the Hebrew Tongue; he put me to the Grammar, which I learn'd through,

and read some Chapters in the Psalter in the Course of the Winter: In
Divinity, he advised me to read Ridgeleys body of Divinity for a System:
And he gave me several separate treatisses on Repentance, Regeneration,
Faith, &c., & towards spring gave me subjects to consider in the Sermon-
Way. Yet how barren am I still? It is an arduous task to bring the Mind to
close application; & still greater to lay up and retain useful Knowledge. I
continued with Mr Green & pursued my studies, I hope with some Success
till August 1773. when I was solicited by Dr Witherspoon to go into
Virginia & teach in a Gentlemans Family—The Offer seem'd profitable; I
was encouraged by the Dr and was to have his Recommendation—I had
likewise myself a strong inclination to go—Yet I was in great Doubt, &
Wholly undetermined for some Weeks, because many of my friends, and
some of my near Relations opposed my leaving Home, and all seem'd
utterly unwilling to advise to go—It is time, according to the Course of my
Life they said that I was settling to some constant Employment, and they
told me I ought especially to enter with as great speed as convenient into
that plan of Life for which I have in particular had my Education—That
Virginia is sickly—That the People there are profane, and exceeding wicked
—That I shall read there no Calvinistic Books, nor hear any Presbyterian
Sermons—That I must keep much Company, and therefore spend as much,
very probably much more Money than my Salary—These considerations
unsettled for a while my mind—On the other hand I proposed to myself the
following advantages by going—A longer opportunity for Study than my
friends would willingly allow me If I should remain at home—A more
general acquaintance with the manners of Mankind; and a better
Knowledge of the Soil, & Commerce of these neighbouring Provinces—
And a more perfect acquaintance with the Doctrines, & method of Worship
in the established Church in these Colonies, & especially with the Conduct
of the Clergy of which there have been so many bad reports—All these
however when I had laid them together, seem'd to overbear the others, so
that I determined at last to break through and go!—Here now I am in a
strange Province; But I am under no more nor stronger temptations to any
kind of vice, perhaps not so great as at Cohansie,—unless sometimes when
I am solicited to dance I am forc'd to blush, for my Inability—I have the
opportunity of living with Credit perfectly retired—in a well regulated
family—With a man of Sense—May God help me to walk in his fear &
Gloryfy his Name!—

Monday 3d.
Last Evening, by Miss Prissy, I was complimented with an Invitation from
Mr Turburville to Dine with Him tomorrow—Squire Lee[109] is as Miss
Prissy told me, preparing to make a splendid Ball, which is to last four or
five Days; we are to be invited!—But I must stay at Home and read Salust
—Mr Carter is at Richmond-Court, which is held monthly here in every
County. In the Evening Mr Warden, a young Scotch Lawyer came home
with him. I spent the Evening in the Parlour—After Supper when I was
call'd upon for my Tost I mentioned with Pleasure Miss Betsy Beaty.
Teusday 4.
Rose by eight—Mr Warden breakfasted with us. Miss Prissy befor
Breakfast, as it is her practising Day, gave us sundry Tunes on the Forte
Piano. I kept the children while twelve then as we were to dine out, I
dismiss'd them till morning, and prepar'd to ride—Mrs Carter, Miss Sylla,
and Miss Betsy rode in the Chariot, and set off about half after twelve with
three waiting men—Mr Carter, Ben, and myself, waited, & left Home by
half after one, we rode on Horse back, and waited on ourselves—It was two
o-Clock when we got to Mr Turburvilles where we were to dine—We found
there two Gentlemen, with their Wives, and one of them had also a Son &
Daughter Mr Booth also came in a short time after us; So that there dined to
day with Mr Turburville to day besides his usual Family thirteen Persons.—
And if I mention the Waiting Men With the Carriages they were twenty. We
had an Elegant Dinner, but it did not in any thing exceed what is every day
at Mr Carters Table.
—We all returned Home before Dark—In the Evening the Colonel is busy
in transposing Music, I have not been at any house since I left Home,
which, from the appearance of its Situation, and the Economy of the
Family, or any other apparent Convenience, I would so soon choose to
reside in as a tutor, as the one in which it is my lot to be placed—The
Family is most agreeable! Mr Carter is sensible judicious, much given to
retirement & Study; his Company, & conversation are always profitable—
His main Studies are Law & Music, the latter of which seems to be his
darling Amusement—It seems to nourish, as well as entertain his mind!

And to be sure he has a nice well judging Ear, and has made great advances
in the Theory and Practice of music—
Mrs Carter is prudent, always cheerful, never without Something pleasant,
a remarkable Economist, perfectly acquainted (in my Opinion) with the
good-management of Children, intirely free from all foolish and
unnecessary fondness, and is also well acquainted (for She has always been
used) with the formality and Ceremony which we find commonly in high
Life—Ben, the eldest, is a youth of genius: of a warm impetuous
Disposition; desirous of acquiring Knowledge, docile, vastly inquisitive &
curious in mercantile, and mechanical Matters, is very fond of Horsses, and
takes great pleasure in exercising them—Bob, the other Brother, is By no
means destitute of capacity, As Mr Marshal who was his last Tutor has
asserted, & as many now suppose: He is extremely volatile & unsettled in
his temper, which makes it almost wholly impossible to fix him for any
time to the same thing—On which account he has made but very little
advancement in any one Branch of Study, and this is attributed to
Barrenness of Genius—He is slovenly, clumsy, very fond of Shooting, of
Dogs, of Horses, But a very stiff untoward Rider, good natur'd, pleased with
the Society of persons much below his Family, and Estate, and tho' quick
and wrathful in his temper, yet he is soon moderated, & easily subdued—
Harry the Nephew, is rather stoical, sullen, or saturnine in his make. He is
obstinate, tho' Steady, and makes a slow uniform advance in his Learning,
he is vastly kind to me, but in particular to my Horse, of his health or
Indisposition—Miss Priscilla, the eldest Daughter about 16, is steady,
studious, docile, quick of apprehension, and makes good progress in what
She undertakes; If I could with propriety continue in the Family, I should
require no stronger Inducement than the Satisfaction I should receive by
seeing this young Lady become perfectly acquainted with any thing I
propose so soon as I communicate it to her, but the situation of my affairs
makes it out of my power to stay longer than a year; She is small of her age,
has a mild winning Presence, a sweet obliging Temper, never swears, which
is here a distinguished virtue, dances finely, plays well on key'd
Instruments, and is upon the whole in the first Class of the female Sex.
Nancy the Second, is not without some few of those qualities which are by
some (I think with great ill nature, and with little or no truth) said to belong
intirely to the fair Sex. I mean great curiosity, Eagerness for superiority,

Ardor in friend ship, But bitterness and rage where there is enmity—She is
not constant in her disposition, nor diligent nor attentive to her business—
But She has her excellencies, She is cheerful, tender in her Temper, easily
managed by perswasion & is never without what seems to have been a
common Gift of Heaven, to the fair-Sex, the "Copia Verborum," or
readiness of Expression!—She is only beginning to play the Guitar, She
understands the Notes well, & is a graceful Dancer.
Fanny next, is in her Person, according to my Judgment, the Flower in the
Family—She has a strong resemblance of her Mama who is an elegant,
beautiful Woman—Miss Fanny seems to have a remarkable Sedateness, &
simplicity in her countenance, which is always rather chearful than
melancholy; She has nothing with which we can find Fault in her Person,
but has something in the Features of her Face which insensibly pleases us,
& always when She is in Sight draws our Attention, & much the more
because there seems to be for every agreeable Feature a correspondent
Action which improves & adorns it. Betsy next is young, quiet, and
obedient—Harriot is bold, fearless, noisy and lawless; always merry, almost
never displeased; She seems to have a Heart easily moved by the force of
Music; She has learned many Tunes & can strike any Note, or Succession
of Notes perfectly with the Flute or Harpsichord, and is never wearied with
the sound of Music either vocal or Instrumental.
These are the Persons who are at present under my direction, & whose
general Character I have very imperfectly attempted to describe.
Wednesday 5.
Rose at Seven. The morning very stormy. Bob & Nancy before Breakfast
had a quarrel—Bob called Nancy a Lyar; Nancy upbraided Bob, on the
other Hand, with being often flog'd by their Pappa; often by the Masters in
College; that he had stol'n Rum, & had got drunk; & that he used to run
away &c—These Reproaches when they were set off with Miss Nancys
truely feminine address, so violently exasperated Bob that he struck her in
his Rage—I was at the time in my Chamber; when I enter'd the Room each
began with loud and heavy complaints, I put them off however with sharp
admonitions for better Behaviour.

The morning was so extremely stormy that I declin'd going to Breakfast—
All the others went my Breakfast was sent over—Immediately after
Breakfast Ben came over with a Message from Mr Carter, that he desired
me to correct Bob severely immediately—Bob when I went into School sat
quiet in the corner, & looked sullen, and penitent; I gave some orders to the
Children, and went to my Room.—I sent for Bob—He came crying—I told
him his Fathers Message; he confess'd himself guilty—I sent him to call up
Harry—He came—I talked with them both a long Time recommended
Diligence, & good Behaviour, but concluded by observing that I was
obliged to comply with Mr Carter's request; I sent Harry therefore for some
Whips.—Bob and poor I remained trembling in the chamber (for Bob was
not more uneasy than I it being the first attempt of the kind I have ever
made)—The Whips came!—I ordered Bob to strip!—He desired me to
whip Him in his hand in Tears—I told him no—He then patiently, & with
great deliberation took of his Coat and laid it by—I took him by the hand
and gave him four or five smart twigs; he cring'd, & bawld & promis'd—I
repeated then about eight more, & demanded and got immediately his
solemn promise for peace among the children, & Good Behaviour in
general—I then sent him down—He conducts himself through this day with
great Humility, & unusual diligence, it will be fine if it continues. At noon I
went over to Dinner, but it was storming, & continues so bad that I choose
rather to go without Supper than venture out in the Storm.
Thursday 6.
To Day about twelve Bob & Prissy & Nancy went in the Chariot to
Stratford, to attend the Dancing-School—Mr Taylor,[110] the Colonels
principal Overseer dined with us—After School in the Evening, I sat with
Betsy & Fanny while they sung me many songs, When they had done I
waited on them Home, & spent the Evening with Mr & Mrs Carter.
Fryday 7.
The morning cold, muddy and drisly—Our School seems still, and vacant.
Betsy & Fanny at their Leisure are constantly knitting with small smoth stiff
straws, in imitation of their Sister Sylla, who knits sometimes. The Colonel
told me last Evening that he proposes to make the vacant End of our
School-Room, Where Dr Frank lived a Concert-Room, to hold all his

instruments of Music—As he proposes to bring up from Williamsburg his
Organ, & to remove the Harpsichord, Harmonica, Forte-piano, Guittar,
Violin, & German-Flutes, & make it a place for Practice, as well as
Entertainment.
This afternoon Dennis, a Boy of about twelve Years old, one of the Waiters
at Table, as he was standing in the front Door which is vastly huge & heavy;
the Door flew up, and drew off the Skin & Flesh from his middle Finger
caught between, took off the first Joint, and left the Bone of the greater part
of the Rest of the Finger naked.
Saturday 8.
Catechised the Children, and dismiss'd them about ten. The morning
pleasant—Rode before Dinner to Mr Blains Store—Was introduced to Dr
Thompson,[111] Mr Balantine,[112] Mr Carr a young Scotch-Man Clerk, to
Mr Blain; dined with Mr Blain. Parson Smith, his Wife, & her Sister were
there—Colonel Washington, his Wife, & their Daughter Miss Jenny a
young Lady of few words, a sanguine Countenance, and as to her Size,
something below what Ladies call elegant; neat but not flashy in her Dress;
Some of her Dress I admired because I have seen Laura in the like, yit
strongly shewed me that it is not Dress alone I admire in Her. All these had
been at a Widding in the country and were returning—In Dr Thomsons
Room there was hanging against the Wall a Skeleton!—Balantine, either to
shew himself a true full-blooded Buck, or out of mere wantonness &
pastime turned the Bones (as they were fixed together with Wires) into
many improper and indecent postures; but this officious industry met with
such reception from the company as it Justly merited, and as I wish'd might
happen; for they gave visible signs of their contempt of his Behaviour—
About Six in the Evening the Chariot returned with Bob, Miss Prissy &
Nancy from the Dance at Stratford—They brought News as follows: Miss
Prissy told us, that they had an elegant Dance on the Whole; that Colonel
Philip Lee, where they met to Dance, was on Fryday, at the Wedding of
which I made mention Just now; that Mr Christian the Master danced
several Minuets, prodigiously beautiful; that Captain Grigg (Captain of an
English Ship) danced a Minuet with her; that he hobled most dolefully, &
that the whole Assembly laughed!—Bob told us that there was a Race
between Mr —— And Colonels Horses—that they run a Mile, & that

Dottrell[113] belonging to Mr —— won the Race;—Bob told me in private,
after we were alone in my Room, that Colonel Lee took an Opportunity, &
asked him in the Hearing of a large company at Supper, what sort of Fellow
he is whom your Papa had provided for your Tutor—Bob told me that for
answer he Informed him I was good and agreeable—That Miss Jenny
Corbin, (a young Lady with whom I have had the greatest Opportunity of
being acquainted, of any young Lady in Virginia) gave him so favourable an
Account of my Behaviour, that he was pleased to say He should be glad to
see me at his House, & of my company—But after having heard this much,
I shall esteem myself pardonable, & shall always think it proper to refuse
without thanks his warmest Invitations; & will plead for my excuse nothing
else than mere inclination.

In the Evening about seven o-Clock it snowed exceeding fast til Eight when
it ceased, it being the second Snow we had this winter here, At Supper we
had much conversation about the Dance. Mrs Carter & myself, sat while ten
and the Colonel read philosophy.
Sunday 9.
The Morning very cold—None from our Family went to church; Bob beg'd
of me to let him go, I refused him; he then asked to go and dine with Mr

Turburville, I gave him no liberty.—I wrote to-Day a letter to Laura, I wish
it speed & Success—I wrote also a letter to Mr Bryan in Baltimore; Another
to the Gentleman who keeps the "Fountain Inn" in Baltimore; & one to Dr
John Beaty—Bob returned in the Evening after having stole away and spent
the day at Mr Turburvill's with a Note to his Papa from Squire Lee, in
which Mr Carter & his Family are invited to the Ball at his House on
Monday the 17th Instant But I must stay alone.

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian To Elizabeth Beatty]
Nominy-Hall. Virginia. Jan: 9th: 1774
To Laura.
The long Distance there is between us, & Uncertainty of the Conveyance,
makes it improper for me to write what I wish to tell you. I may not,
however, neglect to acquaint you that you still possess the largest earthly
Share of my Regard; & that my Fidelity towards you is unshaken &
inviolable.
I continue this Winter, by the Kindness of Heaven, in perfect Health; &
expect to return by the last of April next, if no Accident comes between,
when I promise myself Madam, much Pleasure, much Peace in your
Company.
The Family in which I live, is so kind, & suitable to my Wish, that I would
gladly continue in it—Or, at least, provide some well-qualified Person to
succeed me since I must by previous Agreement, shortly leave it, as I do not
propose to let my coming here put off my entering on the Great-World.
If I shall be so happy as to meet with you in the Spring, I will tell you many
curious Occurrences of this Winter; but none with greater Truth than that I
have been your constant Admirer.
Philip. V. Fithian.

[JOURNAL]
Monday 10th

The Morning very cold—Dined with us to-day Mr Sanford a Captain of a
Sloop which trades out of Potowmack to Norfolk—I wrote out some
Exercises for Bob & Harry—In the Evening the Colonel began with a small
Still to distill some Brandy from a Liquor made of Pisimmonds. I set Ben
this Evening to writing. I likewise gave Catalines Speech in Salust to
commit to memory in Latin, which he is to pronounce Extempore. In the
Evening I borrowed of Ben Carter 15s.—I have plenty of Money with me,
but it is in Bills of Philadelphia currency & will not pass at all here.
Teusday 11.
The morning very cold—As cold I think, and the Frost seems to be as
intense & powerful as I have ever known it either at Cohansie or at
Princeton. This morning I put Ben to construe some Greek, he has yet no
Testament, I gave him therefore Esops Fables in Greek, and Latin. I also
took out of the Library, and gave him to read Gordon, upon Geography. Ben
seem'd scared with his Greek Lesson, he swore, & wished for Homer that
he might kick Him, as he had been told Homer invented Greek.
Wednesday 12.
I gave Sam Mr Carters Barber, for shaving & dressing me, & for mending
my Shoes, two pisterenes, which pass here for half a Crown—The morning
is serene, pleasant, but cold yet. Miss Hariot this morning being over
curious tasted some Mercury Mixture in Mr Randolph's Room, it made her
very sick; I was frighted, the family was frighted! she puked, & threw it off
her Stomach, & was soon relieved—
I gave Martha who makes my Bed, for a Christmas Box, a Bit, which is a
pisterene cut into two equal parts—I gave to John also, who waits at Table
& calls me to Supper a Bit. So that My whole Expence to-Day has been 3/9.
Mrs Carter invited me to Day to go to the Ball, I excused myself, &
declined it.
Thursday 13.
Mr Cunningham came before Noon to skait—At twelve we all went down
to Mr Carters Millpond—none had skaits but Mr Cunningham—we
diverted ourselves on the Ice til two, when we went up to dinner—
Immediately after Dinner Mr Carter Miss Prissy & Nancy rode out to Mr

Lanes.—Mr Cunningham staid the Night, Prissy play'd for us—She has
since I came made great advances—
Fryday 14.
The morning very foggy, & warmer—I gave to Tom the Coach-man who
cured my Horse two pisterenes & half a Bit, which is two & ninepence 2/9.
Mr Cunningham breakfasted with us—When I went into School there came
a complaint from Miss Sally Stanhope[114] of Bob that he was rude, swore,
& quarrell'd at Breakfast, poor untoward, unfortunate Boy he gives me great
Trouble—
Saturday 15.
I rose at seven—The morning fair the ground muddy—Ben asked me to
ride with him to Mr Blains Store I chose rather to stay at Home—Ben is
preparing for the approaching Ball—Bob urged me to let him go to Mr
Lees, but he is so unruly & mischeivous when abroad that I was obliged to
refuse him the liberty of going. I spent some hours to Day with the Girls
when they were practising Music on the Guitar, & Forte-piano, Priscilla
plays her tunes true and exceeding finely—In the Evening Ben returned
from Mr Blains—He told me the Store was thronged with company—Sup'd
on chocolate, & hoe-Cake, so called because baked on a Hoe before the fire
—The Colonel and his Daughter busy at Music.
Sunday 16.
The morning frosty & cold—Ben, Bob, Harry, & Mr Randolph went to
Church—I stay at Home; Read Pictete—I feel very desirous of seeing
Home: of hearing good Mr Hunter Preach; of seeing my dear Brothers &
Sister; Indeed the very soil itself would be precious to me!—I am shut up in
my chamber; I read a while, then walk to the North window, & look over
Potowmack through Maryland towards Home; then throw myself down into
my Chair again & console myself that I have every necessary, & convenient
Accommodation here, which I should have; nay much more than I should
allow myself were I at Home. I am contented—This whole world is only a
Point almost unnoticeable, when compared with the numerous Systems
which compose the universe, & yet they all are under the particular
Direction & Government of Almighty God; How insignificant therefore is it

for me and how foolish to be uneasy, & solicitous whether I live in
Cohansie, in Princeton, or in Virgininia; Or in America, or in Europe, so
long as I am still supported, & upheld by the Divine Agency!—I am fully
satisfied—Guide me, propitious Heaven! Help me to Glorify my God; To
honour the holy Religion which I profess; & If I shall be fitted, &
introduced to the Ministry, may I still go on and be of advantage to my
fellow Mortals!—
Evening, The Boys are returned; Bob brings me the parsons Compliments;
Mr Cunninghams; & that Miss Corbin enquired If I was well!—Bob [also]
informed me that the Parson, Mr Blain, Cunningham, Balantine, & others
are to come to Captain Turburvilles Mill-Pond to Skate before they go to
the Ball—
Monday 17.
At Breakfast the Colonel gave orders to the Boys concerning their conduct
this Day, & through the course of the Ball—He allows them to go; to stay
all this Night; to bring him an Account of all the company at the Ball; & to
return tomorrow Evening—All the morning is spent in Dressing.—Mr
Carter & Mrs Carter pressed me to go; But, mindful of my Promise when I
left Home, I stay and enjoy myself in quiet.—I give the Children a Holiday
to Day—I gave Dennis the Waiter half a Bit a Present—Mrs Carter, Miss
Prissy, & Nancy dressed splendidly set away from Home at two.
Teusday 18.
Mrs Carter, & the young Ladies came Home last Night from the Ball, &
brought with them Mrs Lane, they tell us there were upwards of Seventy at
the Ball; forty one Ladies; that the company was genteel; & that Colonel
Harry Lee,[115] from Dumfries, & his Son Harrey who was with me at
College, were also there; Mrs Carter made this an argument, and it was a
strong one indeed, that to-day I must dress & go with her to the Ball—She
added also that She Desired my Company in the Evening when she should
come Home as it would be late—After considering a while I consented to
go, & was dressed—we set away from Mr Carters at two; Mrs Carter & the
young Ladies in the Chariot, Mrs Lane in a Chair, & myself on Horseback
—As soon as I had handed the Ladies out, I was saluted by Parson Smith; I
was introduced into a small Room where a number of Gentlemen were

playing Cards, (the first game I have seen since I left Home) to lay off my
Boots Riding-Coat &c—Next I was directed into the Dining-Room to see
Young Mr Lee; He introduced me to his Father—With them I conversed til
Dinner, which came in at half after four. The Ladies dined first, when some
Good order was preserved; when they rose, each nimblest Fellow dined first
—The Dinner was as elegant as could be well expected when so great an
Assembly were to be kept for so long a time.—For Drink, there was several
sorts of Wine, good Lemon Punch, Toddy, Cyder, Porter &c.—About Seven
the Ladies & Gentlemen begun to dance in the Ball-Room—first Minuets
one Round; Second Giggs; third Reels; And last of All Country-Dances;
tho' they struck several Marches occasionally—The Music was a French-
Horn and two Violins—The Ladies were Dressed Gay, and splendid, &
when dancing, their Silks & Brocades rustled and trailed behind them!—
But all did not join in the Dance for there were parties in Rooms made up,
some at Cards; some drinking for Pleasure; some toasting the Sons of
america; some singing "Liberty Songs" as they call'd them, in which six,
eight, ten or more would put their Heads near together and roar, & for the
most part as unharmonious as an affronted—Among the first of these
Vociferators was a young Scotch-Man, Mr Jack Cunningham; he was nimis
bibendo appotus; noisy, droll, waggish, yet civil in his way & wholly
inoffensive—I was solicited to dance by several, Captain Chelton, Colonel
Lee, Harry Lee, and others; But George Lee,[116] with great Rudeness as
tho' half drunk, asked me why I would come to the Ball & neither dance nor
play Cards? I answered him shortly, (for his Impudence moved my
resentment) that my Invitation to the Ball would Justify my Presence; &
that he was ill qualified to direct my Behaviour who made so indifferent a
Figure himself—Parson Smiths, & Parson Gibberns Wives danced, but I
saw neither of the Clergymen either dance or game[117]—At Eleven Mrs
Carter call'd upon me to go, I listned with gladness to the summons & with
Mrs Lane in the Chariot we rode Home, the Evening sharp and cold!—I
handed the Ladies out, waited on them to a warm Fire, then ran over to my
own Room, which was warm and had a good Fire; oh how welcome! Better
this than to be at the Ball in some corner nodding, and awaked now & then
with a midnight Yell!—In my Room by half after twelve; & exceeding
happy that I could break away with Reputation.—
Wednesday 19.

Rose at Nine while the Bell was ringing—Breakfasted at ten, Mr Carter and
I alone, the Ladies yet in Bed—I gave the Children the third Holiday; Bob
Ben & Harry are yet at the Dance—Mrs Carter declines going to Day, I
took a Walk out before Dinner, & with my Pen-knife carved Laura's much
admired Name, upon a smooth beautiful Beech-Tree—Towards Evening
Mrs Lane left us & rode home—Bob came Home about six, but so sleepy
that he is actually stupified!—
Thursday 20.
Ben came Home late in the Night—This morning he looks fatigued out. We
began to study to Day but all seem sleepy and dull. Dined with us to-day
Mr Lee a Gentleman from Augusta County, who has lately been to the
Settlements on Ohio.
Evening I began some Verses on Miss Carter for a present at the
approaching Valantine[118]—But I drew the Picture from Laura.
Fryday 21.
All seem tolerably recruited this morning; we hear, the company left the
Ball last Evening, quite wearied out; tho' the Colonel intreated them to stay
the proposed Time.
To Day about twelve came to Mr Carters Captain John Lee, a Gentleman
who seems to copy the Character of Addisons Will Wimble. When I was on
my way to this place I saw him up in the country at Stafford; he was then
just sallying out on his Winters Visit, & has got now so far as here, he stays,
as I am told about eight, or ten Weeks in the year at his own House, the
remaining part he lives with his waiting Man on his Friends.—
Saturday 22.
Captain Lee with us to Day—The Weather cold; I set in my Room all Day
working at my Verses for Miss Carter.
Sunday 23.
None went to Church on account of the Cold—Afternoon the Sun shone
fair—I took my Horse & rode about a Mile & returned—Captain Lee left us

this Day.
Monday 24.

Still very cold snows some—Dined with us Colonel Frank L. Lee,[119] &
Colonel Harrison of Maryland—Miss Nancy unwel of a cold.—There are
great Professions of Liberty here expressed in Songs Toasts, &c. Yesterday
News came of the Arrival of Ships with Tea; into Boston, New-york,
Philadelphia. & of the New-Yorkers burning the House of his Excellency
Governor Tryon. for having said that, if orders concerning the Tea had been
transmitted to him he would have landed it tho' under the mouths of the
Cannon!—Gentlemen here in general applaud & honour our Northern
Colonies for so manly, & patriotic Resistance!—
Teusday 25.
Still sharp & cold—Miss Nancy much indisposed with a sore throat—
Dined with us Mr Cunningham. Toasts the King, Queen, Governor &
Colonel, of Virginia. Northern Sons of Liberty. & a good price for our
comodities.—This Day the Person who carried my Letters to Baltimore
returned without any Letters or Intelligence.
Wednesday 26.
The weather this morning seems to have moderated—Miss Nancy is poorly
but better—In the Evening I ran a Foot Race with Ben & Harry fo exercise,
& a prize of ten Apples to the winner. We ran from the School-House round
the stable, & Kitchen & Great-House which Distance is about 70 Rod—I
came out first about One Rod; but almost wholly spent; I went to my
Chamber and lay down, sick, fainty, & quite distressed. I puked several
times; after having rested a while, however, I revived & went well to
Supper, & Spend the Evening in Writing. At Supper from the conversation I
learned that the slaves in this Colony never are married, their Lords
thinking them improper Subjects for so valuable an Institution!—
Thursday 27.
The morning mild Serene and moderate—The Colonel is making
preparations for a Journey to Anapolis, where he Designs next Month. In
the Evening, (for here they call the time between Dinner and day-light-End

Evening,) He & Mrs Carter shewed me their House; the original Design, the
present form; & what is yet to be Done—Miss Nancy came down stairs to
Day—
Fryday 28.
Snows this morning Briskly—Ben in a great Fever lest the Weather shall
stop him from a Ride he has alloted for tomorrow—At twelve the Snow
ceased, Depth about five Inches—I corrected Harry for the first time to-day
for expressing himself indecently to Prissy.

Saturday 29.
Ben is preparing himself to go out—while we were dining about three it
began to Snow briskly—After Dinner when I went over to my Room I was
very much surprised to find my Room full of Smoke & Flame!—A kind
Providence only prevented the total Loss of our School-House & all its
Furniture, & our own Clothes Books &c!—A Coal of Fire had by accident
(as the Hearth is very narrow) fall'n on the floor, it took fire, & when I
entered it was burning rapidly—It had burnt three Boards about eight
Inches from the Hearth, & most certainly in a short time would have been
inextinguishable—I put it out however speedily, & had all the fire removed
—
The Weather is as wintry here in every Respect as I have ever known it in
New-Jersey—Mr Carter has a Cart & three pair of Oxen which every Day

bring in four Loads of Wood, Sundays excepted, & yet these very severe
Days we have none to spare; And indeed I do not wonder, for in the Great
House, School House, Kitchen, &c. there are twenty Eight steady fires! &
most of these are very Large!—After Supper, when all had retired but Mrs
Carter, Mr Carter & Myself, the Conversation being on serious Matters, Mr
Carter observed that he much dislikes the common method of making
Burying Yards round Churches, & having them almost open to every Beast
—He would have them at some small distance from the Church, neatly &
strongly inclosed, and the Graves kept up decent, & plain, but would have
no splendid, nor magnificent Monument, nor even Stone to say "Hic
jacet."—He told us he proposes to make his own Coffin & use it for a Chest
til its proper use shall be required—That no Stone, nor Inscription to be put
over him—And that he would choose to be laid under a shady Tree where
he might be undisturbed, & sleep in peace & obscurity—He told us, that
with his own hands he planted, & is with great diligence raising a Catalpa-
Tree at the Head of his Father who lies in his Garden—Mrs Carter beg'd
that She might have a Stone, with this only for a Monument, "Here lies Ann
Tasker Carter."[120] with these things for my consideration I left them about
ten and went to my cold Room, & was hurried soon to Bed; Not however
without reflecting on the importance of our preparation for this great
Change!
Sunday 30.
Very stormy this morning with Rain and Hail which instantly freezes; the
trees hang bending with Ice, & the ways are all glassy & slippery—None
think of going to Church this day—Mrs Carter & I after Breakfast had a
long conversation on religious affairs—Particularly on differing
Denominations of Protestants—She thinks the Religion of the established
Church without Exception the best of any invented or practised in the
world. & indeed she converses with great propriety on these things, &
discovers her very extensive Knowledge; She allows the Difference
between the Church, & Presbyterianism to be only exceeding small, &
wishes they were both intirely united! Through this whole Day it storms but
the Evening is terrible! almost an Inundation of Rain; The wind violent at
North-East; The Snow, Hail, and Rain freezing together on the Ground!
This Evening the Negroes collected themselves into the School-Room, &
began to play the Fiddle, & dance—I was in Mr Randolphs Room;—I went

among them, Ben, & Harry were of the company—Harry was dancing with
his Coat off—I dispersed them however immediately.
Monday 31.
Excessive sloppy—Miss Nancy came to School to Day—I finished my
verses which are to be presented as a Valantine to Miss Prissy Carter.
Teusday February 1st 1774.
Fair & mild but vastly muddy—About twelve Squire Lee & young Harry
Lee, who was a College-Fellow, came to see us. They staid while about
five. The Toasts at Dinner were as usual—The Colonel & Mrs Carter seem
Much pleased with Harry, & with his manner.
Wednesday 2.
The weather vastly fine. At twelve o-Clock the Colonel & Miss Prissy rode
out for an airing—Prissy This day began Multiplication. We had also a
large elegant Writing Table brought to us, so high that the Writers must
stand.
Thursday 3.
Prissy, & Nancy practising music—We had last night Thunder, Lightning,
& a very great shower.
Fryday 4.
I put Ben this day into virgil—We had our Room mended & came into it—
at twelve I rode out to Mr Taylors about two Miles, in again by Dinner-
Time—Dined with us one Mrs Hut—This Evening, in the School-Room,
which is below my Chamber, several Negroes & Ben, & Harry are playing
on a Banjo & dancing!—
Saturday 5:
I spent the morning in my Room, Ben, & Bob are gone out. About twelve
came on a visit Mr Goodlett, & Saml Fantleroy;[121] I spent the remainder
of the day with them.—At Dinner when call'd upon for a Toast I gave Miss
Sally Hollinshead. Mr Goodlett told me he has had an Invitation, to accept a

School in Leeds,[122] a town on the River Rapahannock, about 25 Miles
from this up & across the Country.
Sunday 6.
I rode to Church; Mrs Carter & Miss Prissy & Nancy were out—Mr Smith
gave us a Sermon 14 Minutes long on Charite—But poor Fellow he seem'd
Cold as his Subject! Mr Fantleroy; & Mr Goodlett dined with us and set off
for Home as soon as we rose from Dinner—This day two Negro Fellows
the Gardiner & cooper, wrangled; & at last fought; It happened hard
however for the Cooper, who is likely to lose one of his Eyes by that
Diabolical Custom of gouging which is in common practise among those
who fight here—Evening Ben returned; he has been into Northumland to
see one Mr Jones. Mr Goodlett, to Day, shewed me a piece of his own
performance, a paraphrase on part of the Book of Job, done in Lattin-Verse.
Monday 7.
The Day pleasant, & seems to have some appearance of Spring—Mr Blain
call'd this Affternoon, & told us that by a Letter he hears Lady Dunmore is
arrived from New-York[123]—and that many good & wealthy Families
arrived in the same Ship—It is indeed amazing, & it will soon astonish the
whole World, to consider the Rapidity of the growth of these Colonies—
At Supper, Mr Carter informed me it is his purpose to manifacture 30.000
Bushels of wheat in his New-Mill which is yet scarcely finished.
Teusday 8.
Before Breakfast Nancy & Fanny had a Fight about a Shoe Brush which
they both wanted—Fanny pull'd off her Shoe & threw at Nancy, which
missed her and broke a pane of glass of our School Room. they then enter'd
upon close scratching &c. which methods seem instinctive in Women.
Harry happen'd to be present & affraid lest he should be brought in, ran and
informed me—I made peace, but with many threats—
Mrs Carter has ordered the Gardener to sew Lettice, & plant Peas this Day
in the Garden.—
Wednesday 9.

This day very blustry & cold—I gave Prissy a Coppy of Secretary-Hand, at
her particular Request—
Thursday 10.

We had the Virginia Gazette[124] to day in which the accounts concerning
the destroying the Tea at Boston are confirm'd—& also an account of the
Burning of the House of Governor Tryon. Dined with us Colonel Frank
Lee; his Wife & Captain John Lee. Toasts after Dinner, the King. Queen.
Absent Friends, Governor of Virginia, & his Lady just arrived, & Success to
American Trade & Commerce
Fryday 11.
The Company staid all Night—at Breakfast the conversation was on a
terrible Distemper which is in this County at present; & which in Maryland
last year about this time carried off hundreds, and is call'd the "putrid
Quinsy." Mr Carter has a Man lying now dangerously ill of it!
What they do in the Disorder is, when the Inflamation is first observ'd,
bleeding; then give the Bark & Salt-petre, or Nitre, and Gargles to cleanse
the mouth—
Our company left us before dinner—Last night I took Bob to my Room,
after having in the course of the Day corrected him thrice, & reasoned with
him concerning the impropriety of his Behaviour; at the same time I
acquainted him with my final resolution to send him over for correction
every Day to his Papa's Study, which had so strong an Effect on him (as all
the Children are in remarkable Subjection to their Parents) that he firmly
pomised to attend to my advice, & thro' this Day has been punctual to his
word.
I spent the evening with the Family to hear the music. For every evening
Prissy & Nancy play the whole Evening for practice & besides every Week
half of Teusday, Thursday, & Saturday. We were informed that the Carter
who goes with the Team is ill of the sore Throat!—
Saturday 12.

After having dismised the School I went over to Mr Carters Study—We
conversed on many things, & at length on the College of William & Mary at
Williamsburg. He informed me that it is in such confusion at present, & so
badly directed, that he cannot send his Children with propriety there for
Improvement & useful Education—That he has known the Professors to
play all Night at Cards in publick Houses in the City, and has often seen
them drunken in the Street!—That the Charter of the College is vastly
Extensive, & the yearly income sufficient to support a University being
about 4.000£. Sterling.—That the Necessary Expence for each Scholar
yearly is only 15£ Currency.

Two of the officers of the Institution, Mr Bracker, & Mr Henly[125]
Clergymen are at present engaged in a paper War published weekly in the
Williamsburg Gazette's.
Miss Fanny quite unwell of a Cold with a pain in her Breast. Evening Mrs
Carter complain'd of a sore throat; and Ben also, complains that his Throat
is quite troublesome—Mr Randolph too is confin'd in his Room all day! We
seem to be all sickning!—
Sunday 13.
Things look better this morning Mrs Carter, & Ben seem relieved, Mr
Randolph, & Fanny are better. The morning very blustry with wind & Snow
—None go to Church from here to day—In my Room I read Pictete.
Monday 14.
Mr Randolph this Morning happens to be Miss Nancy's Valentine; & Miss
Prissy mine,—The morning sharp & very cold—
Teusday 15.
I have a call this morning from Bob & Harry for a Holiday, for Shrove
Teusday; I shall dismiss them at twelve o-Clock. I gave Miss Carter my
Verses for her Valentine, Dined with us Mrs Ford. I finished reading the
first, & began the Second Volume of Pictete.
Wednesday 16.

I happened last monday to offend Prissy, She retains her anger & seems
peculiarly resentful!—Ben agreed for half a Bit a Week to play the Flute
every Night, or read, for me, twenty Minutes after I am in Bed.

Thursday 17.
Prissy seems much affronted; The Cause was as follows Monday afternoon,
by Chance I tapp'd her on the Head, & wholly in Jest; She seem'd vex'd, but
Teusday morning which is her day for practice on the Forte-Piano, after
Breakfast, I desir'd her to walk over to the School, she refused, & gave for
an Excuse that She must begin to play—Both these things laid together
were the cause of her resentment.
Fryday 18.
The Weather pleasant and moderate—Bob, Nancy, & Prissy, are setting off
this morning to the Dance, which is at Mr Washingtons[126]—
Saturday 19.
at Dinner we were conversing on Reading, among many remarks the
Colonel observed that, He would bet a Guinea that Mrs Carter reads more
than the Parson of the parish! No panegyrick on the Gentleman? Mr
Christian the Dancing Master, Came home with the young Ladies.

Sunday 20.
Last Evening the virginia News-papers came; but nothing from the
Northward.
Rode to Nomini Church; Parson Smith read Prayers, but it was too Cold a
Day to give us a Sermon; After Service Mr & Mrs Carter, the Parson, his
wife & Sister; Mr Camel the Comptroler; Ben, Bob, Miss Pierce, Miss
Sanford, and My self were invited to Colonel Washingtons to Dinner. His
House has the most agreeable Situation, of any I have yet seen in Maryland
or Virginia; the broad Potowmack, which they account between 7 and 8
Miles over, washes his Garden on the North. the River Nomini is within a
stones throw on the West, a levil open Country on the East; a Lane of a mile
& three quarters accurately measur'd. lies from the House South-East it has
from the House the whole distance a uniform Descent, & at the Gate at the
End of this Lane the Situation is just six feet lower than at the House—
There are no Marshes near, which altogether make the place exceeding
Description. The Roads are now miry & disagreeable.
Monday 21.
Prissy seems again reconciled—Miss Stanhope the Housekeeper is ill of a
Rheumatism—They are begining to work in the Garden with vigor. Dined
with us Docter Franks.
Teusday 22.
Mr Carter rode to the County-Court. I read to day several chapters in the
Greek testament. Mr Carter has given orders to his Hands to rigg, & fit his
Schooner a Vessel of about 40 Tons for Business. Docter Franks with us yet.
Mrs Carter was taken ill last Evening & has not been out of her chamber to
Day. Miss Stanhope the Housekeeper is also confin'd to her Room with
Rheumatic Pains.
Wednesday. 23.
Mr Carter has an invitation to dine at Lee-Hall to Day, which he accepts—
before Dinner came in Miss Corbin, & Miss Booth; two young Ladies
pretty well gone in what we call the Bloom of Life; Mr Carter was out, Mrs
Carter is ill, & Ben was not Drest; Bob & I therefore at Dinner must be

Directors of the ceremonies at Table! But happily for me I have them at last
all by heart—At five Bob & I had the Pleasure to walk home with them,
(for they were on foot) to Assist them in Crossing the River Nomini which
lies between us & Mr Turburville's. Evening Mrs Carter seems no better—
Miss Sally came out of her Room—
Thursday 24.
Frogs croaked last Evening. This morning the Birds of several kinds are
singing; and some presages of Spring seem visible. Mrs Carter continues no
better, A messenger is sent for Docter Jones, with orders, that if he is from
Home to pursue him.—

Mr Gregory,[127] the Colonels Gardiner came this morning & began with
Mr Carters two Fellows who have been in the Garden all winter—They
planted this day the common garden Peas.
The Colonel at Dinner gave Ben & I a Piece of Music to prepare on our
Flutes, in which he is to perform the thorough Bass—Evening Mrs Carter
Some Better.
Fryday 25.
Mrs Carter better—The Day pleasant—There is a report that the Jail-Fever,
or Yellow or putrid Fever, is at one Mr Atwel's on potowmack, in this
County; that it was brought in a Ship which came lately with convict
Servants; that two have already died, one this morning: & that many of Mr
Atwells Slaves are infected!—
Docter Jones spent the Evening with us; He complimented Ben Bob, &
myself with an invitation to dine with him next Sunday.
Saturday 26.
Mr Carter's Merchant Mill begins to run to-day—She is calculated to
manufacture 25.000 Bushels of Wheat a Year—I walked at twelve with the
Colonel to view her; it is amazing to consider the work and Ingenuity—He
told me his Bill for the materials and work was 1450£.!—

Ben to day Rode to Mr Fantleroys. Evening the Colonel & I performed the
Sonata. I had the Pleasure to hear the Colonel say that I have my part
perfect.
Sunday 27.
I rode to day to Richmond Church, Parson Gibbern preached about 20
Minutes on the Text "he that walketh uprightly walketh wisely"—this seems
to be a polite part of the parish.—After Sermon Ben & I rode to Docter
Jones's; he was from home. Mrs Jones a young, Handsome, polite Lady,
received & entertained us exceeding civilly.—On our return home, we
called to see Mr Hamilton, who by a accident was thrown from a Horse, &
received a sad cut in his Face! he lies at Mr Lanes.
Monday 28.
Mrs Carter confined yet to her Room, but much better—Prissy & I on good
terms once more—Breakfasted with us Mr Taylor.[128] Ben determines to
ask his Papa to-morrow for Liberty to go home with me in April. Evening
we performed the Sonata I the first; Ben the second; & Mr Carter the
thorough Bass on the Forte Piano.
Teusday March 1st 1774.
By one of Mr Carters Sailors we heard this morning that the Fever
mentioned some Days ago continues. Afternoon Mr Lane[129] a young
Gentleman, formerly my acquaintance at Princeton came to see me; with
one Mr Harison—He stays all night.
Wednesday 2.
I gave my little family a Holiday, with an intention to ride with Mr Lane
after Dinner—We walked to the Mill, & about the works, but before twelve
it began to rain, & prevented our going out—Mrs Carter came out of her
chamber & dined with us, & seems to be well over Illness.
Mr Lane lives in Louden County 20 Miles from Dumfries; & is to return to
Princeton towards the close of this month.
Thursday 3.

Late last Evening the Packets came in: In the Pennsylvania Gazette I saw
that Docter Elmer of my acquaintance in Jersey; & Docter Jones at whose
House I dined Last Sunday are created members of the American
Philosophical Society.—In the virginia Papers there is an Account of an
Earthquake felt on monday the 21 ult. at Williamsburg, Richmond, &
Fredericksburg—After Breakfast Mr Lane left us, He was drest in black
superfine Broadcloth; Gold-Laced hat; laced Ruffles; black Silk Stockings;
& to his Broach on his Bosom he wore a Masons Badge inscrib'd "Virtute
and Silentio" cut in a Golden Medal! Certainly he was fine!—Mrs Carter
continues better. Evening we performed again in the several parts our
Sonata—Ben mentioned to his Mama, as Mr Lane's coming hindred his
asking his Papa for his Consent to go to Philadelphia.
She seems to be not unwilling.
Expence to Day for Paper a Bitt, or 7½d.
Fryday 4.
I gave the Hostler directions for preparing my Horse for the approaching
expedition. In a Ship arrived last week in Potowmack Mr Carter received
half a Dozen of the latest Gent. Magazines with several other new Books,
This day I wrote two Letters to be forwarded by Mr Lane, one to a young
Lady in Philadelphia the other to my Sister.
No news of beautiful Laura; perhaps I may say of her, to myself: Quid
insanis, Philippe, tua lura Laura,—Alium—secuta est! Keep her, kind
Heaven, & in her Friendship make me happy! After School at Evening, on
account of some difference about the Key of the School-Room Ben gave
Harry a smart, but just correction; I kept in my Room that I might be wholly
unconcerned in the matter.
There came in about eight o-Clock a man very drunk, & grew exceeding
noisy & troublesome, & as the Evening was cold & stormy Mr Carter
thought it improper to send him away; he was therefore ordered into the
Kitchen, to stay the Night: Him Bob soon after persuaded to the School-
house; I soon heard from my Room the noise & guesed immediately the
Cause. I waited however 'til half after ten, when all seemed silent; I then
took a candle & went into the School-Room, And before the Fire Bob had

brought a matt, & Several Blankets, & was himself in a sound sleep covered
with the Blankets on the same Matt between the drunken Man, & a Negro
Fellow, his Papas Postilion! I mention this as one Example among a
thousand to shew the very particular Taste of this Boy!—I could mention
another which would illustrate what I have said of this passion for Horses
when I gave a Scetch of his character, Ben has a very sightly young mare
which he has in keeping for our intended Journey; this morning Bob agreed
to give his Brother a Pisterene, & a rich Tortoise-Shell Handled Knife
bound elegantly with Silver, only for Liberty to ride this Mare every day to
Water, until his Brother sets away, & would consent to be limited as to the
Gait he should use in Riding—I borrowed the late Magazines & read them
in my Leisure. I am daily more charmed & astonished with Mrs Carter. I
think indeed she is to be placed in the place with Ladies of the first Degree.
Saturday 5.
Very stormy this morning, no going out: I spend the day very agreeably at
Home. Mr Carter appointed to Ben, & I another Sonata to practise. He
wrote for Miss Nancy also "Infancy" to get by Heart & sing it with the
Guitar. The day continues stormy; Bob, however, has ventured out; for
neither Heat, nor Cold, nor Storm can stay him!—
We dined at three—The Colonel at Dinner observed that many of the most
just, & nervous sentiments are contain'd in Songs & small Sketches of
Poetry; but being attended with Frippery Folly or Indecency they are many
times look'd over. I am remarkably pleased with the Monument erected to
the memory of General Wolfe in the universal Magazine for September
1773. The General is there represented in an expiring Posture, supported by
an English Soldier, who seems to comfort him in his last moments, by
directing his closing Eyes to a Figure representing Victory, holding in one
hand a palm-Branch, the emblem of peace; & a Crown or Wreath of
immortality in the other, which she offers the dying commander; while he
himself seems to make a final effort to express his Sattisfaction at her
Appearance. On the corners of the Base are two Lions couchant, the
Emblems of the british Nation, supporting the Sarcophagus or marble Urn,
& intended to express the gratitude of his native country for his eminent
Services. On the first pannel of the Base is an elegant alto Relievo,

representing the debarkation of the Troops at the Foot of the Heights of
Abraham.
The Writer says that the Height of the Monument from the Ground-Line to
the top of the Tent, is nearly twenty-seven feet; that the figures are
considerably larger than the Life, & beautifully executed.
On an oval Tablet on the front of the Urn are inscribed the underwritten
Lines.
To the Memory
of
James Wolfe Esqr

Major-General, & Commander in Chief of the British Land Forces on
an Expedition against Quebeck. Who, surmounting by Ability &
valour All Obstacles of Art & Nature,
Was slain,
In the moment of Victory.

At the head
of his conquering Troops, on the 13th of September 1759;
The King,
and the Parliament of Great Britain
Dedicate this Monument.
Honour is here indeed done to merit, and Valour is justly eternized!—
I was reading in the Evening to Bob in the Monthly Review the remarks on
the Poetry and writings of Phillis Wheatly[130] of Boston; at which he
seem'd in astonishment; sometimes wanting to see her, then to know if She
knew grammer, Latin, &c. at last he expressed himself in a manner very
unusual for a Boy of his turn. & suddenly exclaimed, Good God! I wish I
was in Heaven!—The Weather is so stormy I chose to forego my Supper,

rather than venture into the dark, & Water. In bed a little after ten which is
our usual time.
Sunday 6.
I rose at eight—The morning cold & stormy—Ben is distressed that he
cannot go to Church; I cannot say but I enjoy myself with great Satisfaction
tho' I stay most of my time in my Chamber; & often have to withstand the
solicitations of Gentlemen to visit them.
Breakfasted at half after nine. Mr Lane the other Day informed me that the
Anabaptists in Louden County are growing very numerous; & seem to be
increasing in afluence; and as he thinks quite destroying pleasure in the
Country; for they encourage ardent Pray'r; strong & constant faith, & an
intire Banishment of Gaming, Dancing, & Sabbath-Day Diversions. I have
also before understood that they are numerous in many County's in this
Province & are Generally accounted troublesome—Parson Gibbern has
preached several Sermons in opposition to them, in which he has labour'd to
convince his People that what they say are only whimsical Fancies or at
most Religion grown to Wildness & Enthusiasm!—There is also in these
counties one Mr Woddel,[131] a presbiterian Clergyman, of an
irreproachable Character, who preaches to the people under Trees in
summer, & in private Houses in Winter, Him, however, the people in
general dont more esteem than the Anabaptists Preachers; but the People of
Fashion in general countenance, & commend him. I have never had an
opportunity of seeing Mr Woddel, as he is this Winter up in the Country, but
Mr & Mrs Carter speak well of him, Mr & Mrs Fantleroy also, & all who I
have ever heard mention his Name. Like Bob I am at once fill'd with
pleasure & surprise, when I see the remarks of the Reviewers confirmed as
to the Writings of that ingenious African Phillis Wheatly of Boston; her
verses seem to discover that She is tolerably well acquainted with Poetry,
Learning, & Religion. In the universal Magazine for September 1773 are
the following Lines on her being brought from Africa to America by herself.

"Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan Land,
Taught my benighted Soul to understand,
That there's a God; that there's a Saviour too;
Once I Redemption neither sought nor knew,

Some view our sable Race with scornful Eye,
"Their Colour is a diabolic Dye."
Remember, christians, Negroes, black as Cain,
May be refin'd, & join the Angelic Train.
—The people Went to day as usual into the Woods with the Cart & Oxen
for Wood, as the cold and stormy Weather the several days past has
occasioned large, & steady fires—It seems however to be a Breach of the
Law of the Sabbath. Ben impatient of staying at home rode out about
Eleven, when the weather is more moderate; Bob, Harry & Mr Randolph
also are all going out; I seem happy when intirely alone, & have
undisturbed liberty to spend in Devotion God's holy Sabbath of Rest.
Before Night it grew fair when on a Sudden all are out, so that we seem like
a Town; but most of the Inhabitants are black—We dined at three, no
company. Evening Bob returned & brought Mr Turburville's Compliments,
with a strong invitation for me to visit him—A little before the Sun went
down I took a walk down the Poplar Avenue; which must certainly be vastly
pleasant in Summer—At the farthest end of this Walk I gathered & eat some
Pisimmonds from a large Tree which were exceeding sweet, & agreeable.
Supped at nine, At Supper The Colonel informed me that he has invented
this Day a method for finding the difference of the value of money in this
Province and in Maryland. We do not spend Sundays thus in Jersey. In Bed
by ten. Ben at home.

Monday 7.
The morning vastly clear & cool—The Colonel rode to Richmond court at
twelve, with Mr Randolph, I walked to see the Negroes make a fence; they
drive into the Ground Chesnut stakes about two feet apart in a strait Row, &
then twist in the Boughs of Savin[132] which grows in great plenty here—
Ben, to Day, began Virgils Georgics—And Prissy began Division—By
accident to day in the Garden I took up Mr Gegory the Gardiners Spade, for
which he instantly called on me for my forfeit—This Gardiner through the
Summer from this Time has half a Crown daily Wages—Dined at half after
two.
Teusday 8.
I rose by six—the morning fine. Breakfasted at nine. At twelve I walked, to
the mill together with Mr & Mrs Carter; Miss Prissy & Nancy, to see them
bake Biscuit, & pack flour; here too I had a Forfeit for kneeding biscuit.
The Colonel shewed me and explain'd the Pan of his Mill; his Canals;
Waste-gates; Toll Mill, Merchant Mill: &c. The tide flows quite to the Mill
& is navigable with Canoes & Flats—He told me that his Wastgate as it
stands alone cost him 95£.—And that nothing less than 5000£ Capital can
continue the works & keep them supplied. The Ovens bake 100lb of Flour
at a Heating; there are in the Bake-house two Ovens. Dined half after two.
The Colonel formed last Sunday, & is yet compleating Tables for finding
the Difference between Virginia, & Maryland Currency, as he is entering
largely into Trade he finds it necessary to be better acquainted with the
Exchange. Ben agreed to ask his Papa at Supper for Leave to go with me to
Philadelphia but poor Boy his resolution fail'd him!
Wednesday 9.
Up by seven, very Windy—Evening I rode with Ben to Mr Lanes to see
young Lane; he was out however, & we soon returned—Mr Warden was at
Mr Lanes. Evening we played in our small Concert our old Sonata; &
besides Feltons Gavott,[133] supp'd at nine.
Thursday 10.

Mrs Carter informed me last Evening that this Family one year with
another consumes 27000 Lb of Pork; & twenty Beeves. 550 Bushels of
Wheat. besides corn—4 Hogsheads of Rum, & 150 Gallons of Brandy.
Breakfasted with us Mr Warden, at twelve, with Mr Randolph, I went a
fishing, but we had only the luck to catch one apiece. Dined with us Mr
Cunningham, he has lately had a severe turn of the Pleurisy—I supped with
Mr Randolph on Fish—
Fryday 11.
The finest morning we have yet had: the Robbins, & blue Birds singing all
around us. Prissy, Nancy, & Bob go this day to the Dance which is at Mr
Turburville's—It come here next—I wrote a Letter to Mr Rees[134] at
Trenton—At twelve with Ben I rode to Mr Lanes to see young Mr Lane, he
happened to be at Home, & introduced to me Mr Middleton an old facetious
but pofane Gentleman. We dined with Mr Lane. When call'd on for my
Toast I gave Miss Sally Hollinshead, of Philadelphia Dined at three—
I heard a mocking Bird sing this Day. supped at eight & in Bed early for I
am much fatigued with riding.
Saturday 12.
I rose by six—Breakfasted with us Captain Blackwel; master of a Ship lying
in Ucomico—I heard Harry, Miss Fanny, & Besy repeat their catechism—
At ten Mr Lane called on us to go on Board Captain Blackwels Ship to Dine
—We consented and set off by Eleven; We rode to a place called Horn-
Point, which is about a Mile up the River Ucomico, & in sight of the wide
Potowmac, off this point at about a Quarter of a miles Distance lay Captain
Griggs, & Captain Blackwels Ships, they sent immediately a Boat to carry
us on board, but on telling us that neither of the Captains were at Home, we
chose rather to turn Back—The distance from Mr Carters to this Point, is
called twelve miles; the Land seems to be exceeding poor, as it is covered
for most of the way with Large Pines, & shrubby Savins, & destitute almost
intirely of Cultivation—From Horn-Point we agreed to ride to one Mr
Camels, who is Controller of the customs &c. here; cheifly to see a
Daughter of his to whom we were equally strangers, we arrived at Mr
Camels about two o-Clock, & were severally introduced to Miss Pinkstone
Camel, a young woman of about sixteen, neat, handsome, genteel, &

sociable; & in my opinion she possesses as much of these as any young
Lady in Virginia whom I have yet seen—It has been Mr Camels misfortune,
in the course of trade, to be reduced to low circumstances, on which
account his Family does not now meet with so great respect, as I am told
they formerly did—
From Horn Point to the Comptrolers, the distance is call'd four miles.
Before Dinner we Borrowed the Comptrolers Barge, which is an over
grown Canoe, & diverted ourselves in the River which lies full fronting the
House; & we were the better pleased with the sport as all our motions were
in the sight of Miss Camel—We dined at half after three on Fish, & wild
Duck—our drink Grogg, & Water. From the Comptrolers at 5 o-Clock we
set of Homewards; we call'd on our way at Captain Meddletons,[135] whom
I take to be exceedingly Profane in his Language; we were introduced to his
two Daughters; they seemed however aukward in their Behaviour, & dull,
& saturnine in their Disposition—The distance from the Comptrolers to
Captain seven Miles—We left there at eight in the evening, & rode to Mr
Joseph Lanes Esqr which distance is called five miles, & arrive at 9 o-Clock
—here we had an elegant Supper—with good Porter & Madeira—after
Supper, when call'd on for my Toast, I gave Miss Betsy Beaty of
Newington, Pennsylvania—At half after ten we set off and rode home;
Distance three miles, Our poor Horses went the distances which I have laid
down and were not fed in the course of the day; as they have no taverns in
these parts—Our whole Distance 31 Miles Expence to the Sailors for their
trouble is 1s 10d. Exceedingly fatigued with Riding.
Sunday 13.
Soon after Breakfast Captain Scott (master of a Schooner laden with Wheat,
& bound from Alexandria for Philadelphia, which about ten days past in a
gale of wind run aground and is like to lose her Cargo) come to hire Mr
Carters Schooner to assist in unloading her that the vessel may be saved; the
vessel run aground, & now lies nearly opposite the mouth of the River
Nomini in Potowmack!—The Colonel is engaged in taking off a
Description of the River Ucomico; the Road from hence to Horn-Point; &
Mondays-Point[136] with the Houses on the several ways—This day I
declin'd going to Church, chiefly on account of my Horse, who went so far
yesterday—It is however the first time that I have kept myself at home in

good weather—Evening Mr Carter received a Packet of Letters from
Anopolis by the Post, but none comes to me this long Winter—Bob to-day
rode to Richmond Church, & in the Evening brought from Counsellor
Taylor[137] a strong invitation to come and see him.
Monday 14.
Bob this morning begg'd me to learn him lattin; his Reason he tells me is
that yesterday Mrs Taylor[138] told him he must not have either of her
Daughters unless he learn'd Latin he urged me so strong that I put him some
Lessons for leasure hours. Rainy most of this day, & in the afternoon from
the West arose a black cloud which was attended with several pretty hard
Claps of Thunder—We had with us one Mr Neal a good Sort of self
sufficient Gentleman—
Teusday 15.
This morning, as Ben & Bob were agreeing on the price of a Rudiman
Grammar, which Bob wanted to purchase of Ben; after some time when Bob
would not give 2/10. Bens great demand for a Book almost worn out, which
when new, may, by thousands be had in Philadelphia for 2/. that Currency—
He threw his Book into the fire, & destroy'd it at once!—An Instance of two
ruling Foibles which I discover in Ben viz. obstinacy, & avarice. And
another I mentioned the other day, of his agreeing, for half a Bit, or 3½d a
week, to play the flute for a limited time, every night after I am in Bed; of
this however he has grown tired, & given up his wages on account of the
Labour, or Confinement of the Task—And I should be deceived, if a very
little money would not excite him to submit to almost any menial service—
Bob however; for the present is frustrated in his purpose of learning
Grammer, & it seems to chagrin him as much, as tho' he actually believed in
what Mrs Taylor[139] told him last Sunday, that without he understands
Latin, he will never be able to win a young Lady of Family & fashion for
his Wife.—At the Noon play-Hours Bob & Nelson the Boy who waits on
the School had a fight, I know not on what account; it was Bobs misfortune
in the course of the Battle to receive a blow on his cheek near his Eye,
which is visible, & brought the intelligence of the Quarrel to me, for all
were wholly silent till I made inquiry, when all in a moment seem'd to turn
& try to convict him—In the Evening, after School, I took them both to my

Room and examined them of the reason, Place, and manner of their
fighting; from themselves it seem'd plain that they fought for mere
Diversion I therefore dismiss'd Nelson, & kept Bob til near Supper & then
gave him a smart correction & dismiss'd him.
Wednesday 16.
The morning cloudy & windy, Breakfasted at nine—Mr Randolph hurt
himself by a Fall from a fence to day badly—Dined at half after two—
Towards Evening the clouds all scattered, the wind fell, & left the air
pleasant: The Birds also seemed glad and merry—The whole reminded me
of a beautiful, & memorable passage in Milton. "If Chance the Radiant Sun
with farewel-Sweet, Extend his Evening Beam the fields revive, The Birds
their notes renew, the bleating Herds Attest their joy that Hill & valley
rings."
After school, I had the honour of taking a walk with Mrs Carter through the
Garden—It is beautiful, & I think uncommon to see at this Season peas all
up two & three Inches—We gathered two or three Cowslips in full-Bloom;
& as many violets—The English Honey Suckle is all out in green & tender
Leaves—Mr Gregory is grafting some figs—Mrs Carter shewed me her
Apricot-Grafts; Asparagus Beds &c. Before Supper a Black cloud appeared
in the West, at which Mrs Carter discovered much concern as She is
uncommonly affraid both of wind and Thunder.
Thursday 17.
This morning Mr Carter put Miss Fanny to learning the Notes—While we
were breakfasting Mr Stadley the musician came; Miss Prissy is with him;
Nancy learns the Guitar, under the direction of her Papa, as Mr Stadley
does not understand playing on the Guitar—Dined with us a young
Gentleman Mr Fantleroy from Hobbes-Hole—He seems to be a modest
sensible, genteel young Fellow—I had the pleasure of taking a walk in the
Garden at five with Mr Stadley; Bob along—He is a man of Sense, & has
great Skill in music. I spent the Evening in the Room in the midst of music.
Fryday 18.
The morning damp & disagreeable—Mr Stadley continues to Day with
Miss Prissy. We received this morning the Williamsburg Gazette's—Several

Addresses appear, and poetical Encomiums on the Countess of Dunmore
lately arrived there.
Mr. Bracken. & Mr. Henley, are still contending in furious Combat, but
poor Henley seems to be on the verge of a Defeat—I have all along
intended, & shall now attempt to give a short discription of Nomini-Hall, &
the several Buildings, & improvements adjoining it; as well for my own
amusement, as also to be able with certainty to inform others of a Seat as
magnificent in itself & with as many surrounding Conveniences, as any I
have ever seen, & perhaps equal to any in this Colony—
Mr Carter now possesses 60000 Acres of Land; & about 600 Negroes—But
his Estate is much divided, & lies in almost every county in this Colony; He
has Lands in the neighbourhood of Williamsburg, & an elegant & Spacious
House in that City—He owns a great part of the well known Iron-Works
near Baltimore in Maryland—And he has one or more considerable Farms
not far from Anopolis. He has some large tracts of Land far to the West, at a
place call'd "Bull Run," & the "Great Meadows" among the mountains. He
owns Lands near Dumfries on the Potowmack; & large Tracts in this & the
neighbouring Counties.—Out of these Lands, which are situated so remote
from each other in various parts of these two large Provinces, Virginia, &
Maryland, Mr Carter has chosen for the place of his habitation a high spot
of Ground in Westmoreland County at the Head of the Navigation of the
River Nomini, where he has erected a large Elegant House, at a vast
expence, which commonly goes by the name of Nomini-Hall. This House is
built with Brick, but the bricks have been covered with strong lime Mortar;
so that the building is now perfectly white; It is seventy-six Feet long from
East to west; & forty-four wide from North to South, two Stories high; the
Pitch of the lower story seventeen Feet, & the upper Story twelve—
It has five Stacks of Chimneys, tho two of these serve only for ornament.
There is a beautiful Jutt, on the South side, eighteen feet long, & eight Feet
deep from the wall which is supported by three tall pillars—On the South
side, or front, in the upper story are four Windows each having twenty-four
Lights of Glass. In the lower story are two Windows each having forty-two
Lights of Glass, & two Doors each having Sixteen Lights—At the East end
the upper story has three Windows each with eighteen Lights; & below two
Windows both with eighteen Lights & a Door with nine—

The North side I think is most beautiful of all; In the upper Story is a Row
of seven Windows with eighteen Lights a piece; and below six windows,
with the like number of lights; besides a large Portico in the middle, at the
sides of which are two Windows each with eighteen Lights.—At the West
end are no Windows—The Number of Lights in all is five hundred, & forty
nine—There are four Rooms on a Floor, disposed of in the following
manner. Below is a dining Room where we usually sit; the second is a
dining-Room for the Children; the third is Mr Carters study; & the fourth is
a Ball-Room thirty Feet long—Above stairs, one Room is for Mr & Mrs
Carter; the second for the young Ladies; & the other two for occasional
Company—As this House is large, & stands on a high piece of Land it may
be seen a considerable distance; I have seen it at the Distance of six Miles
—At equal Distances from each corner of this Building stand four other
considerable Houses, which I shall next a little describe. First, at the North
East corner, & at 100 yards Distance stands the School-House; At the
North-West Corner, & at the same Distance stands the stable; At the South-
West Corner, & at the same Distance, stands the Coach-House; And lastly,
at the South-East corner, & at an equal distance stands the Work-House.
These four Houses are the corner of a Square of which the Great-House is
the Center—First the School-House is forty five feet long, from East to
West, & twenty-seven from North to South; It has five well-finished,
convenient Rooms, three below stairs, & two above; It is built with Brick a
Story & a half high with Dormant Windows; In each Room is a fire; In the
large Room below-Stairs we keep our School; the other two Rooms below
which are smaller are allowed to Mr Randolph the Clerk; The Room above
the School-Room Ben and I live in; & the other Room above Stairs belongs
to Harry & Bob. Five of us live in this House with great Neatness, &
convenience; each one has a Bed to himself—And we are call'd by the Bell
to the Great-House to Breakfast &c—The Wash-House is built in the same
form, & is of the same Size of the School-House—From the front yard of
the Great House, to the Wash-House is a curious Terrace, covered finely
with Green turf, & about five foot high with a slope of eight feet, which
appears exceeding well to persons coming to the front of the House—This
Terrace is produced along the Front of the House, and ends by the Kitchen;
but before the Front-Doors is a broad flight of steps of the same Height, &
slope of the Terrace.

The Stable & coach-House are of the same Length & Breadth as the
School- and Wash-House, only they are higher pitched to be convenient for
holding Hay & Fodder.[140]
Due East of the Great House are two Rows of tall, flourishing, beautiful,
Poplars, beginning on a Line drawn from the School to the Wash-House;
these Rows are something wider than the House, & are about 300 yards
Long, at the Eastermost end of which is the great Road leading through
Westmorland to Richmond. These Rows of Poplars form an extreemely
pleasant avenue, & at the Road, through them, the House appears most
romantic, at the same time that it does truly elegant—The Area of the
Triangle made by the Wash-House, Stable, & School-House is perfectly
levil, & designed for a bowling-Green, laid out in rectangular Walks which
are paved with Brick, & covered over with burnt Oyster-Shells—In the
other Triangle, made by the Wash-House, Stable, & Coach House is the
Kitchen, a well-built House, as large as the School-House, Bake-House;
Dairy; Store-House & several other small Houses; all which stand due
West, & at a small distance from the great House, & form a little handsome
Street. These Building stand about a quarter of a Mile from a Fork of the
River Nomini, one Branch of which runs on the East of us, on which are
two Mills; one of them belongs to Mr Turburville, the other to Mr
Washington, both within a mile—another branch of the River runs on the
West of us, on which and at a small distance above the House stands Mr
Carters Merchant Mill,[141] which I have in other places described; to go to
the mill from the House we descend I imagine above an 100 Feet; the Dam
is so broad that two carriages may pass conveniently on it; & the Pond from
twelve to Eighteen Foot water—at the fork Mr Carter has a Granary, where
he lands his Wheat, for the mill Iron from the Works &c—
In the Evening Mr Carter sent for Ben & I to play over the Sonata which
we have lately learn'd; we performed it, & had not only Mr Stadleys
Approbation, but his praise; he did me the honour to say that "I play a good
Flute." He took a Flute also and play'd; which put me in mind, at once, of
the speech of the Shepherd in virgil.—Non tu in Triviis, indocte, solebas
Stridenti miserum Stipula disperdere cament [carmen]. For when compared
to him, the best that Ben or I can do, is like Crows among Nightingales—
We play'd till ten, and separated, I gave to Miss Harriot, for saying a good
lesson, half a Bit—

Saturday 19.
The morning still wet & disagreeable—Last night I dreamed much of the
Girl, which, I most of all others, esteem, & admire; of Laura; But oh! I
dreamed She was treacherous!—If it be true, I must suppress the Greatness
of my Disappointment by reflecting that I had not well enough considered
this Sentiment of the poet, That,—Varium et mutabile Femina—I discover
weakness when I am writing in this manner; but Anxiety, and mighty-Love
carry me over the bounds which I set for the regulation of my conduct—
Dreams indeed are vain & false; But perhaps Laura may think that Lovers
vows are vain & trifling as they!—I spend the day in my Room looking
over the Catalogue of the Reviewers for August, September, October &
November 1773.—Ben, & Bob, & Harry, out tho the Day is bad—Mr
Stadley is yet busy with the young Ladies—
Sunday 20.
The weather still cloudy, damp, and disagreeable, but it is perfectly calm;
people here attribute this so long dullness to the Sun crossing the Line
which is to happen to-morrow—After Breakfast Mr Stadley left us, The day
is so bad none of us go to Church—Before Dinner I received from Mr Lane,
by his Servant a Note, informing me that he is to set out tomorrow for home
—In return, by the Same bearer, I wrote him my Compliments in a letter;
desiring him to remember me to my Acquaintances in Pennsylvania, & New
Jersey, as he will probably soon see many of them—I spent much of this
Day in Mr Carters Library among the works of mighty-Men; I turned over
Calmets, Scripture prints, they are beautiful, & vastly entertaining—At
Dinner by some means, I know not how a conversation was introduced
concerning the Souls of Women; Mrs Carter observed that She has heard
they have no Souls—Says Miss Priscilla in a moment if I thought so I
would not have spent all this morning in Reading; nor would Women, (Said
the well discerning Miss) be careful to avoid any Shameful, or Sinful
Action—It is not unlikly but those are the private Sentiments of many
among the Fair; & no doubt they would be generally and publickly
practised if it should be universally admitted that the Soul of a Woman is
not to exist after the present Life.
Monday 21.

This day the days and nights are equal—The Sun enters Aries—Aries
[Libra] dies Somniq: pares ubi fecerit Horas, Et medium suis atq: Umbris
jam dividet Orbem. Virgil. Georgic I.
At Breakfast Mrs Carter asked me who is foremost in Arithmetic; whether
Bob, or Prissy? At which Mr Carter observed, that him of his Sons whom
he finds most capable of doing Business when he leaves the World, & his
Estate, Shall have the management of the whole, & support the Rest. It
seemed to me to be not an ill-chosen Incentive to Diligence among the Boys
—
This morning still cloudy, the wind at South—about ten a black-gloomy
cloud appeared in the west; it came over like Virgils—Omnia Ventorum
concurrere proelia [vidi]—The wind changed with the cloud to the
westward—Dined with us Mr Washington & Mr Philip Smith, Brother to
the Parson of this parish, to whom I was formally introduced—Toasts as
usual—Towards Evening it grows more pleasant & after School, I had the
pleasure of a walk in the Garden with Mrs Carter, Miss Stanhope, & Miss
Harriot—The peas have grown admirably since my last Walk; & indeed all
the Herbs seem sprouting—Harry this Day finished vulgar Fractions, &
began Practice. Expence to day as Pin-Money a Bit or 7½ d
Teusday 22.
Once more the weather fine—Last night by some accident, the Main Spring
of my Watch either unhook'd or broke, for when I thought She had run
down, & trying to wind her, I found the Chain made no Resistance As there
is no oppertunity here of having her refitted, I seem in considerable
difficulty—In Spite of all my strongest opposing efforts, my thoughts dwell
on that Vixen Laura. I strive to refuse them admission, or harbour them in
my heart, yet like hidden fire they introduce themselves, & seize; &
overcome me when perhaps I am pursuing some amuseing or useful Study;
on giving precepts & Directions to my little fair Seminary—At ten Mr Lane
& Mr John Simpson call'd to see us—At twelve we had a pleasant walk in
the Garden—Mr Carter, & Mrs Carter along—Mr Lane informs that he has
by particular Request, in the Absence of the Parson, Read the funeral
Service twice since he has been in the county, which is only a few Weeks—
He sets off for home soon; Mr Carter says he is in Love, & I think it is with

Miss Camel. I was introduced to Mr Simpson: He talks much; & often
mentions his having been to England—They Dined with us; Toasts as usual.
Evening I have the Tooth Ach.
Wednesday 23.
I was almost wholly deprived of Sleep last night with a pain in my Jaw &
Teeth; which conti[n]ues this morning so bad I scarce know what, or how to
do—Frail, & weak nature; how we are forever teas'd, & vexed with Anciety
in our minds, or Pains & other distresses in our Bodies!—We dined at half
after two—It is now seven in the Evening & I am about entering into bed,
as the pain has entirely left me, that I may satisfy my Body for last nights
loss of my usual rest, I leave Ben by the Fire, poring over a History of
England, nodding Sometimes, however, & impatient of the distance of nine
o-Clock.—
Thursday 24.
At Breakfast Mr Carter entertained us with an account of what he himself
saw the other Day, which is a strong Representation of the cruelty &
distress which many among the Negroes suffer in Virginia! Mr Carter dined
at Squire Lees some few Weeks ago; at the same place, that day, dined also
Mr George Turburville & his Wife—As Mr Carter rode up he observed Mr
Turburvilles Coach-Man sitting on the Chariot-Box, the Horses off—After
he had made his compliments in the House, He had Occasion soon after to
go to the Door, when he saw the Coachman still sitting, & on examination
found that he was there fast chained! The Fellow is inclined to run away, &
this is the method which This Tyrant makes use of to keep him when
abroad; & so soon as he goes home he is delivered into the pityless Hands
of a bloody Overseer!—In the Language of a Heathen I query whether
cunning old Charon will not refuse to transport this imperious, haughty
Virginian Lord When he shall happen to die over the Styx to the Elysian
Gardens; lest his Lordship in the passage should take affront at the
treatment, & attempt to chain him also to the Stygean Galley for Life!—
Or, In the language of a Christian, I query whether he may be admitted into
the peaceful Kingdom of Heaven where meekness, Holiness, & Brotherly-
Love, are distinguishing Characteristicks?—

Tho the Pain in my Teeth has entirely left me, I am not therefore free from
distress; for to day I am attacked with a pain in my Head, & Fever; which
hinders me from Walking out at twelve as is my Custom!—
Fryday 25.
I rose by seven—& through Gods mercy I feel myself much relieved of
yesterdays complaints—The weather cloudy, cold, rainy at times, &
unpleasant—Evening Ben took courage & asked his Papa for his consent to
allow him to go with me to Philadelphia—The Colonel very kindly, & at
the same time very Politely consented—For he would not agree till he knew
of me whether it is agreeable to me, & at my Request that he is to go—
Saturday 26.
Ben & Bob are soon after Breakfast on Horseback; Breakfasted with us one
Lee, a Gentleman of what they call here the back Woods—He seems indeed
a little stiff in his manner; but he has had a long Ride—I spend the Day
close in my Room Reading Writing &c—
Sunday 27.
An odd Jumble of affairs happened this morning—Bob drest himself &
came into our Room & in his usual way began to be pretty free in telling us
News. Amongst a vast quantity of other stuff he informed Ben & I that he
heard Mr Randolph has the P... we both join'd in severely reprimanding for
attempting to propogate so unlikely a Tale—Why, Brother Ben, said the
mischeivous Wretch I heard in this Neighbourhood, yesterday a Report
concerning you not much to your—but I will conceal it—This inraged Ben
he at first however persuaded him but soon began to threaten loudly unless
he told the whole—why then, Brother said Bob, it is reported that two
Sundays ago you took Sukey (a young likely Negro Girl maid to Mrs
Carters youngest Son) into your stable, & there for a considerable time
lock'd yourselves together!—Before Bob had done, the Bell rung for
Breakfast & we parted—All went to Church to-day but Miss Nancy, Harry,
& Myself—I spend the day agreeably in Mr Carters Library—Evening
when the Colonel returned, (for he dined at Squire Lee's) he informed me of
an affair which happened yesterday in this County, One Smith, a Man of a
Middle age who lives with his aged Father, & his Father too is old &

declining fast with disease—This youth has lately made a will for his Father
which he yesterday compell'd him to sign; & after the Good old Man had
obliged him, he beat and abused him (tho his father) in desperate manner it
is thought with a design to destroy him! Soon after this he discharged a
musket at his own Brother who was at some distance from him & lodged in
his body eighteen large Shott!—Docters were immediately call'd—&
officers directed to take the villian but he, with his Wife have hid
themselves in a Thicket & have as yet evaded the search of the Sheriff—
Sup'd with us one Mr Mathews a Steward for Mr Carter in Louden.
[Monday 28]
Breakfasted with us Mr Mathews; he seems to be a man of great Gravity,
says little, & Sighs often—The day is warm & vastly mild; it is the first
Day we have in all our Rooms been without any Fire—At twelve I rode to
Mr Taylors two miles; he was out, I sat half an hour with Miss Taylor &
returned to Dinner, the Ride exceeding pleasant, and my Horse seems (as
jockeys say) in good Flesh & well prepar'd for our approaching & much
wished for Journey—Evening Mr Simpson came in, sup'd & stays the
Night. He has last Week, been destilling Mr Carter's Liquor made of
Pisimonds—it is soft, mild, of a fair pure Colour, burns clear, but does not
answer the Colonels Expectations; so that he does not propose to
recommend it to his Neighbours in this or the Neighbouring Counties as a
useful experiment. When call'd on for my Toast, at Supper I gave Miss
Jenny Corbin; Mrs Carter gave Captain Lee; & Mr Simpson gave Miss
Jones.
Teusday 29.
To warm to day for fire, but we have the wind very strong from the West—
Mr Carter rode to Court—Soon after Breakfast I receiv'd a Letter from Mr
Andrew Bryan of Baltimore, Maryland formerly at College my Class-Mate
—the Letter bears Date January 21st 1774 Dated at Baltimore. He informs
me of his good Health, & that, he shall soon forward my Letters inclosed to
him; perhaps kind oppertunity shall have before this hour favoured my
wish, & brought to Laura advices of my State—At twelve I rode out, with
Ben, an hour & better, the Day vastly windy. About four Colonel Philip
Lee's Chariot arrived, in which came four young Misses to be ready for the

Dance which happens here tomorrow—I am informed this Evening that
Smith the Villian mentioned last Sunday was to day apprehended, &
committed to the prison in this County

Wednesday 30.
Rainy & cold—The Colonel informed me this morning that the general
Opinion of the Gentlemen at Court yesterday seem'd to be that the County
would be free'd of three Villians if the old abused Father, the wounded Son
& Brother, & the offending guilty Son were to be all hanged—The Day so
bad Mr Christian does not attend—Mrs Washington came however, with
Miss Jenny her Daughter; the two Fantleroys came also, & Miss Corbin, &
Miss Turburville, & one Miss Hale[142] a new Scholar—Mr Carters Man
play'd & the Dance goes on with great Spirit & neatness. Evening there is as
common a good play. Separated all for Bed by half after nine.
Thursday 31.
All our company continue. The morning fair & cool—Yesterday & to-day I
am strongly solicited to dance—I decline however & must persevere.—Mr
& Mrs Turburville came in before Dinner—With the two Fantleroys, Ben,
Bob, & Harry, I had a pleasant walk through the Fields, to the Mill &c. I
paid my forfeit to the Baker 7½d—The Plumb-Trees are beginning to
blossom—Towards Evening our company all left us.
Fryday April 1st 1774.

Good Fryday—A general Holiday here—Wednesday & thursday I gave up
my School on account of the Dance, and they must have this Day for
Devotion!—The Colonel, Ben Harry, & myself all go to Ucomico Church—
Parson Smith gave the usual Prayers for the Day and a long Sermon very
suitable & well chosen.
After Service we were invited and went Home with Captain Walker to dine;
I was here introduced to Dr Steptoe[143] & a young Gentleman Brother to
the Parson Both seem agreeable, & appear to be men of Sense Dined here
also the Parson, his Wife, Sister, Mr Warder the Lawyer
Towards Evening we rode home I observed as I rode along People are
universally plowing up their Land for planting Corn & for Tobacco And in
one field I saw several Women planting Corn I think however, it is early
even here—They raise no Flax, their Land in general being so poor that it
will not produce it—And their Method of farming is slovenly, without any
regard to continue their Land in heart, for future Crops—They plant large
Quantities of Land, without any Manure, & work it very hard to make the
best of the Crop, and when the Crop comes off they take away the Fences to
inclose another Piece of Land for the next years tillage, and leave this a
common to be destroyed by Winter & Beasts till they stand in need of it
again to plough—The Land most commonly too is of a light sandy soil, &
produces in very great quantities shrubby Savins & Pines, unless in the
Vallies (for it is very hilly) & near the Potowmack where it is often vastly
rich—Mr Carter has been lately solicited & was to have gone this Day with
a number of Gentlemen to Horn-Point on the River Ucomico, with an
intention, if they think the Situation will be proper, to establish Ware-
Houses, & form a small Town—It is however, in my opinion, a fruitless
Scheme—
Saturday 2.
The morning stormy. I kept the children in til twelve o-Clock then
dismissed them—I spent the greater part of this Day in reading
Miscellaneous Pieces out of Magazines—The weather cleared before
Evening—At five with Ben, I rode over to Mr Turburville's, chiefly to see a
young Lady[144] lately from London; who has come over at Mr Turburville's
Invitation in the character of Governess to Miss Turburville She seems to be

young, genteel, & is not without personal excellence—I received together
with Mr Carters Family an Invitation from Mr Turburville to dine with him
to morrow; which I propose to accept.—
Sunday 3.
The Day pleasant; I rode to church—after the Service proper for the Day,
Mr Smith entertained us with a Sermon from Pauls Defence before King
Agrippa "How is it thought a thing impossible with you that God should
raise the dead," He in this gave us a very plain & just Discourse on the
doctrine of the resurection—This being Easter-Sunday, all the Parish seem'd
to meet together High, Low, black, White all come out—After Sermon the
Sacrament was administered, but none are admited except communicants to
see how the matter is conducted—
After Sermon I rode to Mr Turburville's (for I found to day the true spelling
of his name) There dined with him, Ladies Mrs Carter, & Mrs George
Turburville: Gentlemen, Colonel Carter, Squire-Lee, Mr Cunningham, &
Mr Jennings, Merchants; Mr George Lee, & Ben Carter & Myself—We had
an elegant dinner; Beef & Greens; roast-Pig; fine boil'd Rock-Fish,
Pudding, Cheese &c—Drink: good Porter-Beer, Cyder, Rum, & Brandy
Toddy. The Virginians are so kind one can scarce know how to dispense
with, or indeed accept their kindness shown in such a variety of instances.
—I had again an oppertunity of seeing Miss Sally Panton which is the name
of Mrs Turburville's English Governess—But the common voice seems to
be against me as to her being Handsome—But her huge Stays low Head
dress; enormous long Waist, a Dress entirely contrary to the liking of
Virginia Ladies, these I apprehend make her in their Eyes less personable,
than to any one wholly unprejudiced—Her Stays are suited to come up to
the upper part of her shoulders, almost to her chin; and are swaithed round
her as low as they can possibly be, allowing Her the liberty to walk at all:
To be sure this is a vastly modest Dress!—She speaks French & is to teach
the Language to Miss Turburville, & also Writing, & reading English—
Upon the whole, if her Principles of Religion, & her moral behaviour, be as
unexceptionable as her person, & her Manner, let Mr and Mrs Carters
opinions go again me I shall think her agreeable—Miss Prissy Miss Nancy;
& Miss Fanny all stay the night at Captain Turburville's—At Church, Mr
Low, a young Scotch Gentleman, tutor in Colonel Washingtons Family,

solicited me to carry his Recommendations from Scotland, to Dr
Witherspoon as he is desirous to be licensed in one of our northern
Presbyteries—I shall do him the Favour.[145]—The country begins to put on
her Fowery Garment, & appear in gaity—The Apricots are in their fulles
Bloom; Peaches also, & Plumbs, & several sorts of Cheries are blossoming;
as I look from my Window & see Groves of Peach Trees on the Banks of
Nomini; (for the orchards here are very Large) and other Fruit Trees in
Blossom; and amongst them interspers'd the gloomy Savin; beyond all these
at a great Distance the blue Potowmack; & over this great River, just
discern the Woods of Maryland & conceive that beyond them all lies
Cohansie my native pleasant Residence; & when I think with myself that by
Gods permission, in a very few days more I shall be in the midst of Society,
quite remote from formality, and from the least fear of giving offence by
being familiar, or of being aw'd to silence by ostentatious vanity: how the
thought fires me! Direct my Way, merciful God, and keep my Feet from
falling, & my Heart from disobeying thy pure & perfect commandments—
And make my Way prosperous that I may go and return again, still doing
thy Pleasure, & honouring thy great Name!—
Monday 4.
Easter Monday; a general holiday; Negroes now are all disbanded till
Wednesday morning & are at Cock Fights through the County; This
morning I make a general payment First to Sam the Barber 8/2. Second to
Tom the Hostler 7/6. third to Nelson who waits on me /3½. Sum 15/11½—
Mr & Mrs Carter, with Mr Cunningham & Ben (as Mr Cunningham came
home with us last Night) all rode to Day to Richmond Court—I was in the
morning strongly solicited to go, but chose to decline it—After Breakfast,
came home from Mr Turburville's our young Ladies, they inform me that
Miss Panton discovered a strong inclination to be better acquainted with
me; which indeed is a Curiosity that I cannot say I am altogether destitute
of. I shall therefore, when I find it convenient make Miss Panton a visit—
I was before Dinner very strongly urged, by Mr Taylor, Mr Randolph, &
some others to attend a Cock-Fight, where 25 Cocks are to fight, & large
Sums are betted, so large at one as twenty five Pounds, but I choose rather
to stay at Home. I read to day, & am much charmed with a Speech of

Plato's over Alexander the Great lying dead before him—"O thou, who
deceived by vain-Glory didst think of grasping at every thing, others are
now going to gather the fruits of thy labours & thy Fatigues. Of so many
conquests, there remains of thee but the terrible account, which thou art
obliged to render unto the sovereign Judge"!—
I have also to Day with considerable attention been looking over Junius's
Letters. His sentiments are strong, & bold. His language is chaste, &
concise. & his Genius seems free and vast—I cannot easily omit
transcribing a short passage from his Letter to the Revd Mr Horne in which
he is speaking of Lord Chatham. as it pleases me vastly. "As for the
common, sordid views of avarice, or any purpose of vulgar Ambition, I
question whether the applause of Junius, would be of service to Lord
Chatham. My vote will hardly recommend him to an increase of his
pension, or to a Seat in the Cabinet. But if his Ambition be upon a levil with
his understanding—If he judges of what is truely honourable for himself
with the same superior Genius which animates & directs him to Eloquence
in Debates, to Wisdom in Decision, even the Pen of Junius shall contribute
to reward him. Recorded Honour shall gather round his Monument, &
thicken over him. It is a solid Fabric, & will support the Lawrels that adorn
it—I am not conversant in the language of panegyric—These praises are
extorted from me; but they will wear well, for they have been dearly
earned."—
Junius, however, does not seem to have been at all ignorant of his own
merit; for in the close of the same letter he says "Such Artifices cannot long
delude the understanding of the People; &, without meaning an indecent
Comparison I may venture to foretell, that the Bible & Junius will be read
when the Commentaries of the Jesuits are forgotten. We supped at nine—
Mr Carter tired and early in Bed.
After Supper I had a long conversation with Mrs Carter concerning Negroes
in Virginia, & find that She esteems their value at no higher rate than I do.
We both concluded, (& I am pretty certain that the conclusion is just) that if
in Mr Carters, or in any Gentlemans Estate, all the Negroes should be sold,
& the Money put to Interest in safe hands, & let the Lands which these
Negroes now work lie wholly uncultivated, the bare Interest of the Price of
the Negroes would be a much greater yearly income than what is now

received from their working the Lands, making no allowance at all for the
trouble & Risk of the Masters as to the Crops, & Negroes.—How much
greater then must be the value of an Estate here if these poor enslaved
Africans were all in their native desired Country, & in their Room
industrious Tenants, who being born in freedom, by a laudable care, would
not only inrich their Landlords, but would raise a hardy Offspring to be the
Strength & the honour of the Colony.
Teusday 5.
It is with difficulty I am able to collect the members of our School together
for Business. Holidays have become habitual, & they seem unwilling to
give them over. As the Negroes have this Day for a Holiday our Schollars
thinks it hard that they should be compell'd to attend to Business. I summon
them together however, and shall keep them to constant Study until the time
of my setting away. Miss Priscilla this morning told me, of Miss Panton, a
moving story: Last Sunday Evening after we left there She took a lonely
Walk, & being asked why She chose to walk without a companion, she
answered that she was thinking of Home & of her Friends, & indulging her
fond Grief on account of their absence!—Such a feeling as this I have not
been a stranger to, I therefore Sympathize with the poor young Girl. The
Day agreeably pleasant—Towards Evening Miss Corbin came over to pay
us a visit After School I waited on the Ladies in the Dining-Room the
conversation was on Fashions, which instantly introduced the oddity of
Miss Panton. But Miss Corbin with a Sneer, & with ill-nature enough,
swore She would not think of imitating such a thing as her!—O!—Tantam
Animis cælestibus Iræ?—I spent the Evening in cheerful chat with the
Ladies. I think I have not had a more sociable & unconstrained feeling since
I left Home, & my forgiving Friends.
Wednesday 6.
Ben is making a great Bustle about going to Philadelphia—He almost
counts the Hours—We propose to go next Wednesday. But with composure,
& Patience, yet with great Satisfaction I anticipate the near approaching
Day. Ben begs me to acquaint him with the manners of the People in regard
to Religion, and he swears he can suit himself to any serious, or formal
Visage—

Mrs Carter, & Miss Corbin, after Breakfast rode to Colonel Frank-Lee's—
We dine alone. I informed the Colonel that I do not think it will be
convenient for me to continue with him longer than one year—He
discovered some dissattisfaction; I told him my reason & he assented—he
honours me, by putting in me so much confidence as to commission me to
find out and recommend to Him some young Gentleman to succeed me in
the instruction of his Children—He flattered my vanity also by reading a
Letter to me which I am to bear to Dr Witherspoon, the contents of it as
follows—

"Robert Carters compliments to Dr Witherspoon: He has the pleasure
to acquaint Him that Mr Fithians Method of teaching, & his conduct
are highly approved here; He is about to visit his friends in New-
Jersey, & will bring these from Sir,
Your humble Servt"—

He informed me that he does indeed prefer a Tutor for his Children who has
been educated upon the Continent, not on a supposition that such are better
Schollars, or that they are of better principles, or of more agreeable
Tempers; but only on account of pronunciation in the English Language, (as
most of his Children are to be taught chiefly in this) in which he allows
young Gentlemen educated in good Schools on the Continent, to excel the
Scotch young Gentlemen, & indeed most of the English.—Evening came in
& staid the Night Captain Blackwell.

Thursday 7.
Breakfasted with us Miss Corbin. The Day pleasant—Mr Carter proposes to
set away soon after Dinner—He seems, however, to prepare himself for his
Journey with all the sedateness of a philosopher—Besides the Commands
he gave me yesterday, he desires me to wait on Mr Willing[146] Merchant in
Philadelphia & know if he will trade here for either Flour or Bread in any
Quantity.—He has given Ben & me an Invitation to ride & spend this
Evening with him at Colonel Tayloe's—We set out about three; Mr Carter
travels in a small, neat Chair, with two waiting Men—We rode across the
Country which is now in full Bloom; in every field we saw Negroes
planting Corn, or plowing, or hoeing; we arrived at the Colonels about five,
Distance twelve miles. Here is an elegant Seat!—The House is about the
Size of Mr. Carters, built with Stone, & finished curiously, & ornamented
with various paintings, & rich Pictures. This Gentleman owns Yorick, who
won the prize of 500£ last November, from Dr Floods Horse Gift—In the
Dining-Room, besides many other fine Pieces, are twenty four of the most
celebrated among the English Race-Horses, Drawn masterly, & set in
elegant gilt Frames.—He has near the great House, two fine two story stone
Houses, the one is used as a Kitchen, & the other, for a nursery, & Lodging
Rooms—He has also a large well formed, beautiful Garden, as fine in every
Respect as any I have seen in Virginia. In it stand four large beautiful
Marble Statues—From this House there is a good prospect of the River
Rapahannock, which opposite here is about two miles across; We can also
from the chambers easily see the Town Hobbes-Hole & the Ships which lie
there. I was introduced by Mr Carter to the Colonel, to Miss Polly, & to
Miss Kitty his Daughters—& to a Lady (Mrs Thornton,)[147] that happened
there, & to a young Gentleman, Mr Corvin[148]—The young Ladies played
several tunes for us, & in good Taste on the Harpsichord; We supp'd at
nine; & had the usual Toasts.
Fryday 8.
The Ladies before breakfast gave us several tunes on the Harpsichord—
About ten Mr Carter set out for Williamsburg, to the general Court, which
sits twice a year, each Time twenty four Days Sundays excluded—We had
some agreeable Conversation this morning; Horses seem to be the Colonels
favourite topic—He inquired of me however, where I was born; where

educated; & if I am pleased with Virginia—He told me he saw Dr
Witherspoon, & conversed with him an Evening last Fall, & is much
pleased with his manner, & Qualities—He informed me that Dr Morgan[149]
of Philadelphia breakfasted with him a few Days ago; he calls the Docter
facetious, sensible, & prudent. The Colonel desired me to enquire for some
Gentleman of undoubted ability to teach in a Family—I shall apply to Mr
Saml Leek junr[150] & if he declines I will look no further—Ben & I took
our Leave about Eleven, and returned Home—The Day is cloudy and cold,
the wind hard at North, & threatens Snow—This evening Ben met with a
sad repulse; Mrs Carter proposes going to Williamsburg soon, & says She
must have his company! Poor Boy, he feels the Force of Disappointment!
And I confess I am a little vexed—
Saturday 9.
Mrs Carter gave Ben liberty to go with me as far as Anopolis, provided we
set out soon, & accordingly we propose to set off to-morrow or Monday
morning, I begin therefore to prepare for the Ride. The Day is rainy & cold,
& I am in a vastly disagreeable Humour—
Sunday 10.
Mrs Carter yesterday, in the Character of a truely fond Mother, altered her
mind concerning Ben many Times and in several different manners: At first
she agreed for him to go with me as far as Anopolis without a waiting Man;
then She concluded he was not well and had better decline going entirely;
towards Evening She gave him full liberty if he will take a Waiting-Man; &
will not set away till Monday morning; This I urged not being pleased from
the Begining with going on the Sabbath—I gave yesterday to the
Shoemaker a Bit—& a Bit to the Wash woman; half a Bit to her little Girl;
& half a Bit to Nelson the Boy who waits on our School; the whole is 11½.
This morning is extremely pleasant the Country full of Flowers, & the
branches full of lovely singing Birds.—Before Breakfast, I saw a Ring of
Negroes at the Stable, fighting Cocks, and in several parts of the plantation
they are digging up their small Lots of ground allow'd by their Master for
Potatoes, peas &c; All such work for themselves they constantly do on
Sundays, as they are otherwise employed on every other Day. Sermon to
Day, is at Ucomico, too far for my Horse immediately before his Journey—

Neither Mrs Carter nor any of the Family go—At Dinner I received a Letter
from Mr Lowe, with his Testimonials from the College in Edinburg which I
am to present to the Presbytery of Philadelphia and if it shall be accepted, I
am to bring such Exercises as they may appoint—
Monday 11.
Bens Mare lame; Nat must stay, Ben & I set out at eight Rode by
Westmoreland Court-House, Mattox Church; fed at Mattox-Bridge,[151]
Rode by round-hill Church,[152] to Tylors Ferry[153] by three o-Clock 36
Miles—passed over the Ferry 7 Miles Ferriage 6/2—At a small House in
Virginia for a gallon of Corn 1/4.—At a small Tavern at the Ferry on the
Maryland side Expence 9d rode from thence three Miles to Squire Lees
who has the Naval office here—Spent the Evening with young Mr Lee,
Miss Lee, Miss Booth, & Miss Washington—Toasts—I gave Miss Nancy
Galloway—Between the Ferry & Mr Lees we passed through four gates.
Teusday 12.

Up soon, expence to Boy 3d. Rode to Port Tobacco[154] 13 Miles good Road
—Fine Hill near the town; betwen Mr Lees & Port Tobacco 13 Gates—This
is a small Town of not more than twenty or twenty Houses mostly of one
story—Expence for a gallon of Oats ... 8d, for bitters 4d, the Day fine—
Rode thence to Piscataway;[155] the road good 15 Gates—ma[n]y fine
streams of pure water—and many beautiful hills—This is a small Town of
low Houses not more than two in it two Stories High; It lies however in a
fine rich valey—Expence for Dinner, Wine & Oats 5/ ... from Piscataway
we rode to upper Marlboroug[156] the road something hilly, we passed
through 15 Gates, two elegant Seats Mr Wests, & Mr Diggs[157]—arrived at
Marlborough[158] by six it is a pleasant levil spot, 16 Miles from
Alexandria[159]—they have a Presbyterian Meeting House which Mr Hunt
supplies—They have a latin School also here; & an elegant Ball-Room—
Piscataway is seven miles from Alexandria. In bed by nine—
Wednesday 13.
Up early, the morning fine. Expence here 4/11 Rode thence through a
pleasant country four miles to a small Ferry over Patuxen,[160] Ferriage /6.

then 12 Miles to South River three quarters of a Mile over Ferriage 6d then
we rode thro a piny sandy road four miles to Anopolis 32 Gates—This is a
pleasant situated Town: the Inhabitants appear gay & cheerful—I put up at
the Coffee-House—An agreeable Woman keeps it Expence to a Barber for
shaving & dressing 1/6—For oats Coffee &c. 3/1—To Boy /10. I roved
through the Town til five then I entered into a Boat the wind South West &
Sailed over the Bay for Rock-Hall[161] distance 25 miles—the Boats are
extremely good, well built, & strongly manned, & indeed there is need, for
the Bay is broad, & often boistrous; we arrived at Rock Hall by half after
nine; I was very sick on the passage, & I never was sick before on the water
—The ferriage here for a Man & Horse is 15/.—To the Ferry Men for a
Quart of Rum 1/3. And for my footing never having crossed the ferry before
I paid 1/. The whole expence of this Day is 1£ 8s 7d.
Thursday 14.
The morning fine. I have from this place a view of the broad Chesapeek—
Expence here for Tea in the Evening, Oats Cordial &c. 4/10, set away half
after Six—To Boy /3d. Rode from Rock Hall over a delightful part of the
country to Chester-Town 13 Miles[162]—this is a beautiful small Town on a
River out of the Bay navigable for Ships. The Situation is low & I
apprehend it is subject to summer Fevers—It has an elegant I may say
grand Court-House, in which is the town Clock—Mr Wall[163] the
Commedian, has been for several Evenings past exhibiting Lectures in
Electricity, & I understand with some considerable applause. They have a
lottery here on foot & to be drawn in May next for to assist them in building
a market-House Town-Wharf &c.—I breakfast here, & feed, Expence 2/3.
to Boy 2d—In this Town & the neighbouring Country rages at present a
malignant, putrid Fever, & what is generally called the spotted Fever!—
From chester Town I rode to George-Town, 16 miles—The Land levil,
fertile, & vastly pleasant—In this Town I visited Mr Voorhees, an eminent
Merchant here, & he seems to be a Gentleman of peculiar smartness
Industry & Oconomy—The Fever I now mentioned, is also here, & the
whooping-Cough is very general & malignant—I lodged with this
Gentleman—We had Evening prayers—Since I left Cohansie I have not
heard the like—This is a small Town, & lies on a fine River, which divides
it from another small Town directly opposite call'd Frederick.[164]

Fryday 15.

I rose early—After Breakfast I rode to see Miss Rachel Stocktin,[165] now
Mrs Ryley; She lives on this River, about a mile higher up, in a large very
elegant brick House; in considerable grandeur—Poor Girl She herself is
much indisposed either of a bad Cold, (as She thinks) or of this epidemical
Fever; Mrs Ryley introduced me ceremoniously to Miss Ryley her Husbands
Sister, She has a small handsome Fortune, & is perhaps agreeable—I
returned to Town, & dined with Mr Voorhees, & immediately after crossed
over the Ferry for Port-Penn.[166] Expence at George-Town for my Horse
2/3 to Boy 4d. I rode next to small village called Warwick,[167] a pitful place
indeed—Expence here 1/11 Boy /2. then I rode on to Port-Penn, the
Country beautiful, the Land apparently very rich, the Timber strait, & large;
I entered Port-Penn just as the Sun went down, but could not prevail with
the Ferry-Man to carry me over before the morning—In George-Town I
was told the following distressing News: that Dr Ward, & my Aunt Fithian
of Cohansie are both Dead; that my Aunt died in a very sudden unusual
manner!—That Miss Polly Bullock of Philadelphia is dying in a
Consumption!—In the Evening I called in to see Mr Steward an ancient,
gray headed, wealthy Gentleman in Port-Penn, who, by some Weakness in
his Back, has been unable to walk at all for four years, he is hearty,
religious, cheerful, seemed much pleased, & thanked me often for calling to
see him, & desired by me his kindest Compliments to Mr Hunters Family—
I spend the Evening alone with quiet & content.—In Bed by nine—

Saturday 16.

I rose early, & expected to pass soon over the Ferry—The wind moderate at
North West but the boat is aground, & I must wait until eleven, when She is
expected to float—I was much alarmed in the night, thinking I had in
Maryland taken the putrid Fever; I lay sleepless, felt feverish, had pains in
my Head—But I feel wholly relieved this morning. At twelve the Boat
came—We run over—Expence at Port-Penn 4/8. Ferriage 5/-. Once more
through Gods Mercy in New-Jersey. The Favours of God our common
Parent are innumerable, & great beyond our merit—I rod with Pleasure
from Elsenborough to Greenwich; I stopt to see the forsaken Mrs Ward; She
seems to be truely distress'd! I arrived by Sunset at my Uncles he also
seems much afflicted, with his Loss—He informed me that many have Died
in the Neighbourhood of Greenwich this winter. Dr Ward, Squire Millar, Mr
Boy'd Merchant—Aunt Fithian, aunt Ware, Rachel Peck, Rachel Ware,
David Mills, Mrs Mills &c. a very Mortal Winter!
Sunday 17.
The morning vastly pleasant & Cohansie looks a delightsome as ever it
used I went to meeting. How unlike Virginia, no rings of Beaux chatting
before & after Sermon on Gallantry; no assembling in crowds after Service
to dine & bargain; no cool, spiritless harangue from the Pulpit; Minister &
people here seem in some small measure to reverence the Day, there neither
do the one or the other—I spent the day at Home.
Monday 18.
I took a tour over to Town before dinner to see old acquaintances The
Neighbourhood looks in nothing altered Mr Potter took home my Brother
Amos with an intention if it shall suit to learn him the Shopkeeping
business—Afternoon I rode to Mr Hunters—And in the Evening with
Andrew to Deerfield, spent the Evening til ten at Mr Greens in company
with the amiable Miss Beatty—Mrs Green is much indisposed, has lately
had a daughter—The School here is at the present time larger than it has
ever been; there are now seven viz. John Leek, Reading-Beatty,[168] James
& John Ramsey, Stephen Ranney, Seeley Fithian, & Thomas Greenman—
We rode to Mrs Pecks. Joseph since I left home, has married Mrs Hannah.
Teusday 19.

Rose by six. Breakfasted with Mrs Peck. Soon after we again visited Mr
Green—I spent the Day most agreeably. Kind Heaven has indulg'd my
wish;—In the Evening I went up & staid the Night at Mrs Pecks.
Wednesday 20.
Soon after breakfast I rode home and visited several of my acquaintances—
I had my Hair cut short—Feel myself much indisposed. Looked over, sorted
& adjusted my Books.—
Thursday 21
Spent all this day in preparing for my approaching examination before the
Revd Presbytery—I am to review Greek Testament—Moral & Natural
Philosophy—Logic—Geography And if I have time I must look over the
Lattin Classics.
Fryday 22.
Rode to the Stage early for the Papers thence I went Mr Hunters where I
met with that great master of music, Mr Lyon[169]—He sung at my request,
& sing with his usual softness & accuracy—He is about publishing a new
Book of Tunes which are to be cheifly of his own Composition—He has
removed out of Halifax into the Northern part of New-England, but poor
Man, since he left Cohansie he has felt the hardy arm of want!—
I returned towards Evening but promised first to visit him again tomorrow
afternoon—
Saturday 23.
At home drawing off some of Mr Lyons Tunes, & revising my own
Exercises—The morning pleasant but the weather dry. Afternoon according
to appointment I visited Mr Lyon at Mr Hunters. He sings with great
accuracy I sung with him many of his Tunes & had much Conversation on
music, he is vastly fond of music & musical genius's We spent the Evening
with great sattisfaction to me
Sunday 24.

I left Mr Hunters Early I wrote a line to Miss Beatty, for a excuse for not
seeing her yesterday Attended Sermon at Greenwich. I rode in the Evening
to the Bridge to hear Mr Green, my old, much respected Tutor preach, he
came & delivered himself admirably without making Use of Notes at all I
staid the Night at Mr Seeleys, visited Mrs Ramsey, & Dr Elmer & spoke
with many of my acquaintances—
Monday 25.
I breakfasted with Mrs Ramsey, then rode to Mrs Boyds, & by Mr Ewing I
was introduced to herself & her two Daughters Miss Matty & Miss Sally—I
had heard that this family is genteel, industrious & religious. I saw now &
beleived it—Lately, by a sore stroke of providence Mr Boyd the Head has
been remov'd by Death!—
Left Mrs Boyds & rode to Ephraim Seeleys junr—then about Eleven rode
to Deerfield; dined with Mr Green. I had the pleasure to spend the afternoon
and evening with Miss Beatty.
Teusday 26.
Visited Mr Nathan Leek, he seems to be still loquacious, & historical—He
gave me a long and full account of the present difference between Messrs
Hunter, Greenman, & Brown,—He told me likewise the Beginning &
continuation of the quarrel of the Magistrates-freeholders, & other officers
about raising money by taxation for repairing Cohansie-Bridge—After
Dinner, with Miss Beatty I rode and visited Mrs Boyd—
Wednesday 27.
John Peck agreed to succeed me at Mr Carters in Virginia I spoke to Mr
Samuel Leek junr concerning Mr Taylors proposal;[170] he is doubtful about
an answer
Paid John Peck for postage of my Letter to him last Winter 4/. Bought a
watch-seal 1/. Rode to Greenwich after Dinner.
Thursday 28.

I waited on the Miss Boyds to day to Mr Hollinsheads, New England-
Town. His Family are in good health; there I saw the amiable Miss Debby
Pratt.—Mr Hollinshead informed me that the Presbytery have been only a
little pleased with the Examination of Messrs —— probably mine will be
worse! Returned to Mrs Boyds in the Evening
Fryday 29.
I rode to Mr Green's after breakfast—Mr. Dicky Howel came in; we spent
the afternoon & Evening with Mr Green & Miss Beatty; Mr Green is, to be
sure, vastly sensible, very intelligible, dry, witty, satirical, yet good and
exceeding agreeable.
Saturday 30.
Breakfasted with the parson—Rode home soon after breakfast—proceeded
in preparing for the near approaching examination—The latter part of this
Day very stormy.
Sunday May 1st 1774.
Very cool the wind violent at North West—I spent the morning in looking
over the Greek-Testament—To day preached for us Mr Aiken. He seems to
be much applauded by the People.
Monday 2.
Very early I rode over to Mr Holinshead's at Miss Pratts request to carry her
to Mr Hoshels to be ready to-morrow morning for the Stage—We rode to
the Bridge & dined at Mrs Boyds—After dinner we rode to Mr Hoshels—
Miss Debby Pratt according to her general character, is in every measure
what I have said somewhere before, Genteel, modest, Religious & cheerful
—
Teusday 3.
I conducted Miss Pratt to the Stage this morning by five & took my leave—
I immediately after returned to the Bridge, thence to Mr Holinsheads by
eight o Clock—Returned home by twelve.
Wednesday 4.

Last night & this morning fell a very considerable Snow, so much that I
imagine had it not melted after it fell it would have been six inches deep!
Afternoon I walked to Deerfield—Miss Beatty a little—thoughtful.
Thursday 5.
At the Bridge before noon to agree with Mr Potter about taking my Brother
Amos prentice—We put it off some Days—Expence for a Watch Key 9d.
Last Night was very cold; I shall scarce be beleived if I say that I saw,
handled, & measured Ice this morning two Inches thick!
Fryday 6.
Still very cold. To Day is the fast before Sacrament. Mr Hunter gave us two
Sermons. The leaves on the Trees are grown black, the Fruit must be past
recovery, probably. the Flax too.
Saturday 7.
I did several errands for myself in Greenwich—Before Noon Mr Patterson
call'd to see me; He is shortly to be married to Miss Amy Ewing—She is a
Girl of Reading, Taste, & Delicacy; has a good share of personal Beauty,
open, sociable, & kind in her manner, & on the whole agreeable—Mr
Paterson seemed always to me formal, has a peculiar, universal Fondness
for the Fair is a great mathematician, a good English Scholar &
Philosopher, & is frugal & industrious. I rode with Mr Patterson to Mr
Hunters, he informed me many things concerning the new School or small
Acadamy lately instituted at Wilmington, in which he is second Master.
Evening I wrote a sentimental Letter to Miss Beatty.
Sunday 8.
To day at Greenwich was administred, & I received the holy Sacrament—
Grant, great God, that I may have been a worthy communicant! I dined with
Mrs Ward. She speaks with great Respect, Affection, and Sincerity of her
late worthy Partner.
Monday 9.
Til Eleven I am busy in looking over Exercises for the approaching
Presbytery. After Dinner I made Mrs Brewster a Visit. Mr Ben Peck in my

opinion is rashly entering on an important matter; he is going to begin in a
few Days the Study of Phisic under the direction of Dr Bowen; whose
kowledge & Practice, by those who are in fact Judges in the Art seems to be
wholly exploded. There is a Report that Mrs Brewster is in prospect of
being married to a Gentleman from Maryland; She talks freely of it, says
She can fancy him; that he is a man of Fortune, of character & to her
agreeable—But there is one She regards more who has left her, however,
without hope!—
Teusday 10.
Yesterday, in a private lonely manner, at nine in the morning, were married
Mr Patterson & Miss Amy Ewing. I wish them from my heart a long,
unbroken, & strong friendship for each other, & mutual, unmixed
happiness. After breakfast according to a previous appointment, I rode to
Deerfield Dine at Mrs Pecks. I am ashamed that I may record here what
does no honour to my old Aunt, I saw her with three Partners round a Table
playing Cards at that vulgar game fit only for the meanest gamblers "all
Fours"[171]—At three I visited Miss Beatty that amiable Girl, I always see
with pleasure, am happy where She is & feel uneasy & disturbed always
when I must leave her. Since June in the year 1770 I have had an
acquaintance with her—& since May in the year 1771 I have happily had an
Intimacy. Her Goodness has at length indulged my importunate
Solicitations & in her Society I hope to be happy—I spent the Evening til
eleven with her, & in the most entertaining manner, Mr Howel & Mr John
Peck call'd in a small Time.
Wednesday 11.
I rose a little after seven. It is not my custom to lie in bed so long, but I was
with Lazy Boys, Reading Beatty, and Stephen Ranney. Mrs Green is better,
but Miss Beatty says she has the Hipp—Soon after breakfast I returned
Home—Mrs Pecks Family Mr Howel, & Miss Beatty at the same time set
out on a visit to Mr Hoshels. There came a report to Day that Mr Stephen
Reeve Silver Smith of Philadelphia is broken up, & has left the City;
disagreeable News this to his Relations here—There was an Ox killed this
Day at Bridge-Town which weighed upwards of a thousand weight,
supposed to be the largest ever kill'd in the County.

Thursday 12.
I wrote a chronological Letter to Miss Beatty. Spent the Day at home. Feel
pensive on leaving Cohansie.
Fryday 13.
I rode before Dinner to Mr Hunters. Andrew is finishing his Exercises for
the Presbytery—Mrs Hunter advised me to shew my Pieces to Mr Hunter
for correction I agreed—Four o Clock I rode to the Bridge, drank Tea with
Mrs Boyd. They are Girls of Great prudence, & good breeding—
Saturday 14.
After breakfast I wrote a private Letter to Laura, befor Dinner rode to Mr
Hunters gave him my Pieces; he examined them, made some small
alterations, & advised me to present them to the Presbytery—Took my
Leave of several Friends in Greenwich—
Sunday 15.

I wrote a Letter to Dr Beatty, & a Letter to Charles Beatty[172] of the Junior
Class at Nassau Hall—To Day is the yearly Meeting with the Baptists—
Last Evening was the first thunder Gust we have had this Season, it was not
however Severe.
Mr James Ward was excommunicated this Day from our Church—
Monday 16.
We set out for Philadelphia from Mr Hunters by five Expence by the way
3/6. In Town by five.
Teusday 17.
Took lodgings at Mrs Cheesmans—Expence for a Register 3/9.—Spoke for
a mourning Ring. Motto I. & H. ob: Feb: 1772.—
Met in Presbytery at eleven A. M.—Business of last Session looked over, at
one adjourn'd til three—at three met. Mr Evans[173] pronounced his first

exercise a Sermon length an hour—After him Mr Keith produced his length
44 Minutes. Afternoon I spent several hours with the Miss Sprouts
Wednesday 18.
I passed my first examination before the Presbytery; after which I read my
thesis & Sermon both which were accepted—In this examination I was
questioned on my personal Religion, & on the Latin, & Greek Languages. I
spent the evening at Mr Armitages.
Thursday 19.
Waited on the Synod—Preparing to set out to-morrow. Visited several
Ladies—Spent the afternoon agreeably with the Miss Holinsheads—
Evening I visit Miss Bedford—Waited on Dr Witherspoon on Colonel
Carters & on Mr Lowes account.
Fryday 20.
Before noon I waited on the agreeable Miss Debby Pratt. I spoke with Miss
Sally Boyd. Afternoon I took my Leave at Mr McCalla's, & Mrs
Cheesemans where I lodge—At six with Miss Ruth Webster, her Sister Alhe
[Althea], & Betsy, & Polly Armitage I walked to a lovely Garden near the
Hospital call'd Lebanon, drank some Mead, & had a most agreeable Ramble
—At ten the same Evening I entered on Board the Swallow Captain
Balinger for Cohansie—
Saturday 21.
I waked & found myself only a little below the Fort—The morning pleasant
—the Wind a head—I wrote a Letter on Board to Johnny Peck to acquaint
him with Dr Withespoons Opinion—I wrote also to Miss Webster. About
five in the evening we anchored off Marcus Hook, we went on Shore;
Drank a bowl of punch with Mr Andrew Ferguson who has lately moved
here—He informed me that two young Gentlemen of Fashion & Substance
in Town are making their addresses to Laura—She is worthy the Regard of
the most worthy on Earth.
Sunday 22.

I found myself this morning a few miles above Port Penn. Perfectly calm—I
wrote a Letter this morning to Miss Beatty—The Sea Nymph Captain
Blewer came in Sight, Mr Cook & Mr Howel are passengers—About
twelve a Breese sprung up at South—& with the Tide we entered our Creek
by four, & I was at Home by five—Spent the evening in writing—
Monday 23.
Busy in getting ready to set away. Wrote a Letter to Dr Beatty—& one to
Miss Pratt. The morning warm. I took my leave of the People in town of
my acquaintance & set out for Virginia a little after noon—Mr Donaldson is
very ill—There are strange & rediculous reports concerning him—That he
has sent since his illness to Mr Ewing to be married to Tempy Fithian—Left
Home about two o Clock—at the Ferry by five. The Boat is on the other
side—Half after five she set off, the wind fair over by half after six—We
left the shore at Seven. The wind light at West North West before we were
over the wind fell—I was obliged to take to the Oar—& pull like a Turk—
The flood strong against us—I rowed thus a full hour—My poor hands,
when I got ashore were sore enough—I was set ashore more than a mile
above Port Penn—Had to ride down on high rotten Bank through the dark
—Once I got mired—On the whole it has been the worst adventure I have
had in my travels.—I reached the Tavern in Port Penn by half after Nine.
Call'd for half a Gill of bitters to qualify my humours; & a dish of Tea to
cheer me, & soon to Bed. Ferriage 5/.
Teusday 24.
The morning pleasant & cool. Expence at Port Penn, 3/—Rode thence by
the Trap five miles thence to middleton[174] five miles. Thence to Warwick
four miles. Here I breakfasted. Expence for myself & Horse 1/7.—Thence I
rode to George Town. Expence for oats 6d—Thence I rode to New-
Town[175] fifteen Miles expence for—2/—For having my Coat altered in the
Sleeves and Shoulders 2/. Expence for a pair of black worsted Stockings 6/.
—Mr Stephen Reeve[176] is in George Town Working for Money Money to
Gamble—This evening I feel more fatigued & dispirited than since I first
went to Virginia—
Wednesday 25.

Expence at Newtown 4/9. Rode befor Breakfast to Rock-Hall the morning
rainy—The Day calm & (hard Disappointment) I must stay til to-morrow!
—My Land-Lord invited me to a race about four miles off, & as the day
grew better I went; the Purse was fifty Dollars. I was surprised to see that
almost, I think quite one third of the of the People were in mourning—A
discouraging aspect for one who has any intention to settle in this part of
Maryland, but none to leave the World—Many who wore black & Scarfs I
took notice swore most desperately!—Not Death the formidable King of
terrors can frighten men from provoking God by Sin!—Afternoon I was
troubled with a Tooth Ach—I returned about two—Laid down til six—Slept
but little—A thousand things perplex me. I am unwilling to leave Home.—I
have already overstaid my Time—I am vexed at having to continue here—I
have left the Girl I love—I am keeping myself out of publick business—O
ten thousand difficulties embarrass me!—Heavenly Father, to thee in
trouble I fly, comfort, sustain, guide & uphold me—Evening Seven
Gentlemen came in—They went to Cards—I to Bed—Troubled much with
a Tooth Ach—
Thursday 26.
Slept but little—Breakfasted—Set off at seven—four in company expence
26s/6. Arrived at Annopolis—Bought at Annopolis a pair of buckles 2/9.
Expence ... 10d—Left Annapolis at five for Marlborough—Ferriage 6d—
Rode to a point of Patuxen 22 Miles—Tooth-Ach still troubles me—In Bed
by eleven, tired & discouraged!
Fryday 27.
Expence at this little Town 2/9—Ferriage a full mile up the River Patuxen
1/. Rode from the River to upper Marlborough three miles thence without
stoping to Piscataway 15 miles—Here I dined—My pain has wholly left me
—Two young Ladies Daughters of the Landlady, rather gay & noisy than
discreet, very forward in discourse, both in Love with Scotch Merchants &
both willing to be talked to, gave me much Diversion—Expence here 3/4—
Rode thence in the Evening to Port Tobacco 15 miles. staid here the night—
For company all the night in my Room I had Bugs in every part of my Bed
—& in the next Room several noisy Fellows playing at Billiards.

Saturday 28.
Left Port Tobacco by six, rode to Mrs Laidlers Ferry. At Port Tobacco
expence 3/10. 12 Miles Breakfasted with Mrs. Laidler Breakfast & Oats 1/7
Ferriage 6/. The broad beautiful Potowmack looks smooth & unbroken as
tho' it was fettered in Ice: it is to where we land on the other Side eight
miles a little down the River the passage over, in the best time of this
loveliest month was vastly agreeable—From Tylers[177] in Virginia where I
landed about twelve o-Clock I rode to Mattox Bridge eight miles; thence to
Mattox Church six miles—Here I bought some Ears of corn for my Horse
—Thence to Westmorland Court House 16 miles—Here is a Tavern I got a
Bowl of Punch & fed 2/6—Thence I rode to Nomini Hall about Eeight in
the Evening 10 miles—I found Mr & Mrs Carter at home sitting together—
They received me with great welcome—Ben, Bob, Miss Fanny & Betsy
came in to see me—The others in bed—sup'd on Crabs & an elegant dish of
Strawberries & cream—How natural, how agreeable, how majestic this
place seems!
Sunday 29.
I rose by half after six—Ben informed me that Bob has behaved vastly ill
since I left him—He has reported several mischievous & false stories of his
brother; That has been intimate in some bad families—That he has injured
his own fathers Servants &c—The morning pleasant—I did not attend

Church, Ben out of kindness kept me company at Home—I had however
chosen to stay alone—The family is invited to dine with Mr Turburville—
Mr & Mrs Carter, Miss Priscilla & Nancy with three Servants went from
Church—Ben, Bob, Miss Fanny, Betsy & Harriot with two Servants cross'd
the River—Miss Sally with Tasker & one Servant rode in a Chair—Dined
with us Captain Dennis, of the Ship Peggy; Dr Steptoe; & Mr Cunningham.
Politicks were the topic—and indeed the Gentlemen seemed warm—The
Governor of this province dissolved the Assembly last week after they had
made a resolve that a general & solemn fast be observed thro' this whole
Colony, on Account of the melancholy aspect of American Affairs at
present, to be kept the first day of June, which is next Wednesday, when the
alarming Act of Parliament which has lately come over is to take place at
Boston—Parson Smith accordingly gave it out at the Church to Day & it is
to be observed—I only saw Miss Sally Panton, she did not dine with us—I
am told She has an Estate in England of 50£ Sterling pr Annum, but for
some unknown cause came over, probably the same as drew me from home
—After dinner we had a Grand & agreeable Walk in & through the Gardens
—There is great plenty of Strawberries, some Cherries, Goose berries &c—
Drank Coffee at four, they are now too patriotic to use tea—Soon after we
set out for Home—The young Ladies chose to walk and Cross the water
with us—I am much more pleas'd with the Face of the Country since my
return than I have ever been before—It is indeed delightsome!—
Monday 30.
Our little beautiful Seminary collected They seem all glad to see me, &
willing to enter on business—I am truely fond of the young growing
beauties—Soon they will be the admiration of the world, & ornaments in
their family—This morning I asked & received four Guineas of Mr Carter
to satisfy Mr Taylor of whom I had a small Sum. Mr Randolph is yet here,
& is recovered of the hurt I formerly mentioned—After Dinner my Toast
was the amiable Laura—Evening called in & staid only a few minutes
Captain Dennis, & Parson Gibbern—At Supper I had an agreeable
conversation with Mr & Mrs Carter on the Times manners, &c.
Teusday 31.

Very warm—I feel well reliev'd of the Fatigues of my ride—The lower
Class of People here are in a tumult on the account of Reports from Boston,
many of them expect to be press'd & compell'd to go and fight the Britains!
—Evening I asked the Colonel if he proposes to observe the fast, & attend
Sermon tomorrow; he answered that "No one must go from hence to
Church, or observe the Fast at all"—By this, (for it is hard to know his
opinion from any thing he declares) I conclude he is a courtier.—Last
Night, & this evening the Colonel sup'd with us, which is more than he has
done before since I have been in the Family—
Wednesday June 1st 1774.
Cool & pleasant—I began my English Exegesis—or Thesis.
Thursday 2.
I took out of the Colonels Library for Assistance in making my pieces
Biblia-Sacra, & Mr Hammonds Exposition of the New Testament. I toasted
Miss Beatty to day in a Bumpper of old Medaira—Evening Mr Carter at the
Harpsichord.
Fryday 3.
The dancing School happens in course to day at Mr Washingtons—Mrs
Carter takes Bob & Nancy with her—Our School seems silent—Writing at
my English Thesis—I put Harry & Bob this week to read Popes Homer but
Homers inimitable fire cannot charm or move them!—Evening Ben rode to
the Dance—We were informed that in Queen-Anns in Maryland many die
at present, of a Fever that follows a slight Ague!—I took a Ramble, in the
evening, as usual, through the Garden.

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian To John Peck]
Nomini Hall June 3d. 1774.
Virginia.
Sir.
I have the pleasure to inform you I arriv'd safe and had a pleasant ride; I
expect to hear from you by every post but have received no letter yet—If

you did not receive my letter dated "Delaware-River, on board the
Swallow," this is to request you to apply immediately to Dr Witherspoon
who promised me in Philadelphia that he would recommend you here; the
reason of my demanding dispatch is, that Mr Carter proposes to write to
England for a Tutor if he cannot be speedily satisfied of having one from
the Northward—If I attempt to write news I must inform you that the
Assembly of this province is dissolved on passing a resolve to keep the first
day of June through the whole province a solemn fast, the resolve past
however, and the day was kept—The frost of the 4th. of May was much
more fatal here than to the Northward, for not only Garden produce, but
Wheat and Rye in the upper parts of the province are blasted and the owners
mow them down for fodder; and here the Woods look like winter!—I expect
to hear from you several times this summer, I beg you will not disappoint
me.
My compliments to acquaintances—
From, Sir,
yours
Philip V. Fithian

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian to the Reverend Andrew Hunter]
Nomini-Hall, Virginia. June 3d. 1774.
Revd: & Dear Sir.
It will not be wonderful if I inform you that this Colony is in great tumult
and confusion. The general Voice is Boston. You will have heard before the
reception of this, that the Governor dissolved the Assembly in this province
on their making a resolve to keep the first day of June on which the Act of
Parliament is to take place at Boston, (excepting the days of grace) a
solemn fast. The people agree however in general to unite with the people
of Boston and the other northern trading Cities, and by their example to
influence all the Colonies, not to make any resistance to the Britains, but to
keep themselves independant, and refuse to receive their comodities, and
keep within themselves, their own more valuable comodities, because they
are for the support of life—So stedfast are the people here that the Captain

of a Ship belonging to an eminent house in London was yesterday refused
any more Tobacco til' there is intelligence from the Northward—
The frost which happened the 4th. of May, was by far more severe and fatal
here than either in Maryland, New-Jersey, or Pennsylvania—The expected
produce of Gardens and Peaches, (which were some planters chief
dependance) are not only almost wholly destroy'd, but in the upper parts of
the province Wheat and Rye are so much cut off that the owners think it
best to mow it down for fodder!—
I have the pleasure to inform you that I had a speedy and pleasant ride;
found the family in good health; that it is a time of general health in the
County—and that I am again agreeably settled to business—
Please to make my compliments to Mrs Hunter, Miss Nancy, Andrew, and
to Uncles family—I am, sir
Your most obedient
Most humble Servt:
Philip V. Fithian

[JOURNAL]
Saturday 4.
The day cool & agreeable—I kept the children in til twelve tho' with great
difficulty; they were for asserting their liberty. & pleaded the custom of las
winter—I finished a rough incorrect plan of my English Thesis, & laid it by
for future examination—
After dinner I begun the Lecture, wrote an introduction—Towards evening I
took my hat & a Sermon, & retired to a Shady Green where I rambled about
til dusk committing my Sermon to memory—We have omitted Supper, & in
its place substituted Coffee which we commonly take about seven in the
evening—Ben, this Afternoon rode to Colonel Frank Lee's. The ground is
very dry; The Frost of the fourth of May has been much more severe and
fatal here than in the northern colonies—The peaches here, except on Farms
lying near the Potowmack are wholly destroy'd, & these were the choisest

expectation of some, who think Brandy their most valuable comodity!—
And I am told that in Louden, & the other upper counties, (which indeed are
the best for grain) Wheat & Rie are cut off, so intirely that the owners mow
it down for fodder!—And in these lower Counties in many places the
Woods appear like November, & the Leaves are actually dropping!—To be
sure it is unusual & melancholy!—
Sunday 5.
The weather cool & agreeable—Sermon is to Day at Ucomico, at the lower
church, I choose therefore to stay in my Room—How pleasant is
retirement! And how easy is it to enjoy it—This may seem strange, but it is
true—I have but very few acquaintances, & they easily dispense with my
Absence—I have an elegant inviting apartment for Study—I have plenty of
valuable & entertaining Books—And I hav business of my own that
requires my attention—At Home my Relations call me proud and morose if
I do not visit them—My own private business often calls me off & unsettles
my mind—There too lives the Girl who has subdued my heart!—All these
put together, when they operate at once, are a strong incitement to divert me
from Study. Yet I love Cohansie! And in spite of my resolution, when I am
convinced that my situation is more advantageous here, yet I wish to be
there—How exceedingly capricious is fancy! When I am Home I then seem
willing to remove, for other places seem to be full as desirable—It is then
Society which makes places seem agreeable or the Contrary—It can be
nothing else—Adam when he had no troublesome painful thoughts within
him; and had a flowery Paradise for his habitation & enjoyment, was not
yet fully happy while he possessed it alone; much less can we his offspring,
frail, & variable, enjoy much sattisfaction without intercourse with one
another—I have just spoken in praise of Society & retirement; And I now
observe we are of such a make that, if we be happy, these must alternately
succeed each other—It is something like the opinion of Socrates concerning
pleasure & pain, that if we possess the one, we may expect it will not be
long before we shall meet with the other—Towards evening At Mrs Carters
request I waited on Miss Priscilla, Nancy, & Fanny who rode on Horse-
back for an airing—Wrote a Letter to the Revd Mr Andrew Hunter,
Cohansie New Jersey—In the evening Ben returned full of news of Boston,
that we must fight that the troops are arrived & impudent &c., &c.

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian to Elizabeth Beatty]
Nominy-Hall Virginia June 5: 1774.
To Laura.
I have the Pleasure, since you allow me the Honour of corresponding with
you, to acquaint you that I had a speedy & delightsome Passage from Home
to this Place: It was you know, in the best Time of the lovliest of Months.
The Delaware, the broad Chesapeak, & the beautiful Potowmack were mild
& lovely as a handsome, Woman's Presence when her Mind is at Rest—But
are fine Women, Laura, as easily thrown into Confusion & Tumult as they
—?
I expect these, if you receive them at all, will find you at N—n. If they
should, please to make my kind Respects to your Brother—& compliment
him on his new Alliance.
I shall wish, very much, to see you at C—e in the Fall, but if it be
inconvenient I do not ask you to pay any Manner of Regard, in this Case, to
my Inclination. The Face of this Part of Virginia is now indeed beautiful. I
wish often that you was here for a While to see, because I am unable to
describe, the charming Landskips, & long delightsome Prospects of our
winding River which we have from the high Hills! But especially in the
Evening when I commonly (as it is the Custom of the Family) walk for half
an hour through the Garden in Company generally with three brisk
mischievous Girls you would I am certain, for you delight in Gardens, &
love the Company of noisy, gay, & agreeable young Girls, be highly
entertain'd.—And as for myself, if you was here, I should take these Walks
& Arbours to be a verdant flowery Elysium!—I must not omit to thank you
for your Letter of Feb: last; because a Line from you is rare & valuable as
the Phenix of Arabia.
Write to me, best of Girls, the Moment you receive this, that I may know
how, & where you be; & let me hear often from you this Summer.
You may rest assured of my Constancy in continuing a free & full
Correspondence.

Philip V. Fithian.

[JOURNAL]
Monday 6.
Mr Carter rode to richmond court—At Dinner I had a long and useful
conversation with Mrs Carter She told me openly & candidly the Several
failings of her children, & indeed She knows them perfectly—In particular
she knows not what to do with her perverse Son Bob—He abuses his
Mama, Miss Sally, the children, Family, and is much given to slander. Poor
unhappy youth, I fear he will come to an unhappy end! This afternoon I
found it necessary to correct Bob severely for impertinence in School—Mr
Carter at Court received his Invoice from London for this Spring, in which
was a gold Seal for Ben with a Coat of Arms price five Guineas!—
Teusday 7.
The morning pleasant, cool & agreeable—I corrected Harry this morning
for telling me a Lie—Stomachful & sullen as any youth—The day warm
but very bearable—Breakfasted with us Mr Blain & Mr Warden, all the
conversation is Politicks; But People seem moderate & yet settled in their
determinations to stand out
Wednesday 8.
The morning pleasant—Mr Carter rode to the Ucomiko Ware-houses to
examine in the Shipping some of his Tobacco—We have no Company. The
day is very warm—A flaming sultry Sun, a dusty scorched Ground, Mr
Carter returned, the day being smoky introduced, at Coffee, a conversation
on Philosophy, on Eclipses; the manner of viewing them; Thence to
Telescopes, & the information which they afforded us of the Solar System;
Whether the planets be actually inhabited &c.

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian to Samuel Fithian]
Nomini Hall Virginia June 8th. 1774.
Sir.

After I acquaint you that, by the kindness of providence I arrived safe and
am in good health, I shall not neglect to inform you that the Virginians are
warm and active in supporting the liberties of America; the first day of June
throughout this Colony, by a resolve of the House of Burgesses, or
Assembly of Representatives for the province was kept a solemn Fast, and
kept religiously too, to invoke almighty God to assist our falling country,
and save us from oppression and Tyranny—The ware-Houses are already
hindring the Shipping Tobacco, and it is expected there will shortly be a
general embargo laid on all exportable commodities—The people here wish
for the union of all the Colonies, and for firm perseverance in what shall
seem most conducive to the good of America, notwithstanding this Colony
and Maryland will suffer vastly, because Tobacco is a comodity less
saleable among ourselves than most of the produce of the Northern
Colonies, and it is in these the staple—
I am seated once more to great sattisfaction in my business, the family and
neighbourhood are well, but I propose and expect by the permission of
providence to return home the latter end of October; in the mean time, I am,
Dear Unkle
Your most obliged Nephew
Philip V Fithian
P. S. Please to remember me to the family, &c.

[JOURNAL]
Thursday 9.
The morning haizy, no Wind, & very warm—I wrote a Letter to Uncle
Samuel Fithian—After Dinner Mr Carter set out for Williamsburg—by him
I sent to the Post-office at Hobbes-Hole, My Letters to Mr Hunter, Uncle
Fithian, Miss Beatty. & Mr Peck—After School in the evening I had an
agreeable walk with Mrs Carter in the Garden—

Fryday 10.
Cool but exceeding dry—Writing at my Lecture. Mrs Carter was to day
sadly frighted with a Lizard, that lives under the House—After School, with
Ben I wakked over to Mr Turburville's to gather Cheries, which are there in
great plenty—Mrs Carter in the evening after our return, gave me a Lecture
for taking Ben to Annapolis when I went last Home without a waiting-Man
—Wrote at my Lecture til eleven. Ben sleeps at the Great-House in the
absence of his Papa.
Saturday 11.
I was sitting in the Colonels Library I took a Catalogue of the whole of His
Books—& he tells me he has left behind him at Williamsburg, with many
other things 458 volumes besides Music & Pamphlets.[178]
It is with considerable Difficulty that I keep the Children in School til
twelve o Clock as they used to go out all the last winter at Breakfast—Bob
especially is vastly vociferous on the Occasion—Our Bells for School &
play-Hours are at present under good Regulations. The Children come in as
soon as they rise and are Drest which is usually about seven—The Bell

rings at eight for Breakfast—At nine it Rings for two purposes; for the
Children to enter School, & for the Gardiners, Carpenters, & other
workmen to come into Breakfast—At ten it Rings them to work. At twelve
it rings for the School play hours—At two it rings for us to Dine, & the
workmen—And the las[t] bell is at three for School & for the workmen to
go to Labour—I dismiss them by my watch at half after Five.—After
Dinner I rode alone to Mr Blains Store; bought a pen-knife, nine Jacket-
Buttons, & a primmer for Miss Harriot 3/. It is alarming to observe how
hard, & dusty the Country is; towards evening some clouds arose & looked
promising in the West, but they bring no rain—No rain has fell here since
the 24th of May, & then but a Scanty Shower, & most of the time since
windy.
Sunday 12.
Ben & Mr Randolph had a small wrangle about Horses: The Day is vastly
hot, the wind small at West, clear & very Dry I choose therefore to stay at
Home—I lent my Horse to Ben, & staid myself at Home to write my
Lecture, Mrs Carter the two Misses, & Ben went to Church, Mr Randolph
went on Board Captain Blackwells Ship to dine—Bob pleaded hard with me
for Leave to go on Board the Ship, but I kept him at home with me—
Evening I finished my Lecture & laid it by for future examination. Some
Clouds & Lightning in the west but no rain.
Monday 13.
Ben gave Bob, for some imprudent Language a drubbing this morning—
About nine we had a Shower but soon over & of little use; be to God,
however, that we have any—I begun, to day my Sermon for the Presbytery
—The change in the weather since yesterday is remarkable. This afternoon
is so cool that I should be glad of a winter suit—yesterday afternoon was so
hot I could not be comfortably cool in a thin gown, with all the windows of
my chamber up. Evening, John the waiting Man play'd, & the young Ladies
spent the evening merrily in dancing—I staid til ten, saw them & Conversed
with Mrs Carter.
Teusday 14.

I added last night to my Bed-Clothes a Quilt, Blanket, & my own Clothes &
lay under them all, none too warm—The children call'd for a Fire in the
school-Room, & were so cold I was obliged to dismiss them before the Bell
—I believe there is no Frost—Befor Breakfast, Mr Stadley the musician
came from Colonel Taylors at mount Airy.
Miss Priscilla & Nancy attend his instructions. Mr Stadley shewed me some
Verses he is carrying from Mr Washingtons to His Daughter they seem good
and are as follow.

A Hymn for a dying Believer.

1st Happy Soul thy Days are ended,
All thy mourning Days below,
Go by Angel-Guards attended
To the Sight of Jesus, go.

2d Waiting to recieve my Spirit,
Lo thy Saviour stands above,
Shews the purchase of his merit
Reaches out the Crown of Love.

3d For the Joy he Sets before thee
Bear a momentary pain,
Die to live the Life of Glory
Suffer, with thy Lord to reign.

Spent the evening very agreeably with Mrs Carter & Mr Stadley, we sat
about a good Fire in the Dining-Room, and it seems as necessary &
agreeable as in November or December.—
Wednesday 15.
So cold that I ordered a Fire in the School-Room—Mr Stadley with us yet
—I took out of the Library to read for entertainment the "Amusement of the
German Spa; it is a well written piece—Designed entirely for Amusement
Before dinner Mrs Taylor,[179] with her two Daughters Miss Polly, & Kitty
came in a Chariot—Bob was in a moment on Fire; He is deeply Smitten
with Polly's Charms—beg'd me for Leave to go out of School & dress—I

allow'd him, The Day was vastly windy & the drouth is alarming!—Close
Attention for two weeks past has fatigued me so much, that yesterday, & to
Day I have laid aside Study, & read only for Relaxation—I took a whim in
my head & would not go to Dinner, my Head was not dress'd, & I was too
lazy to change my clothes—Mrs Carter, however, in the evening lash'd me
severely. I told her I was engaged in reading a pleasant Novel.—That I was
not perfectly well—But She would not hear none, & said I was rude, &
censurable—Mr Stadley spent the evening in playing several songs &
Sonata's on the Harpsichord & violin—
Thursday 16.
Mr Stadley left us before Breakfast—Reading at the Amusement of Spa—
Drew off some Tunes—
Fryday 17.
Bob was missing last night I was at his Room at twelve o Clock he was
absent—This morning I examined him, he told me he was at Mr
Turburville's, but told me several palpable Lies—I gave him however
severe correction—We had this morning about 5 o Clock a smart Gust of
wind, Rain & Thunder, but soon over.
Saturday 18.
Ben not very well—At twelve Bob teaz'd me for leave to go to a Cock-Fight
& Horse-Race about two Miles off, I gave him Leave with his promising to
be home by Sun Set.—Spent the Afternoon in my room writing—Towards
evening 'Squire Lee call'd in, & brought a late London News-Paper in
which we are informed that another Act of Parliament has pass'd taking
from the People of Boston all power of trying any Soldier, or Person
whether for commiting any Crime; & obliging all such offenders to be sent
home for legal Tryal—Heaven only knows where these tumults will End!—
He informed us likewise that last Saturday in Richmond (our neighbour
County) the people drest & burnt with great marks of Destestation the
infamous Lord North—Mrs Carter, after the 'Squire left us quite astonished
me in the Course of the evening. with her perfect acquaintance with the
American Constitution—
Sunday 19.

The day cool—Sermon is at Ucomico, so that we all stay at Home Mrs
Carter was in the morning frightned thinking that several of the Negro-Girls
in the Family are unwell with the Measles, but I believe it to be only a Frett
of the Heat Ben is unwel; He has a sick Stomach; at Times aguish;
complains of Pains in his Breast & Side; & in the morning Spits Blood. He
keeps about however, but his fond Mama discovers great anxiety.—I spend
the Day in my Room writing at my Sermon, & reading the plain & useful
Pictete.
Monday 20.
So cool that I sit with my Cloths buttoned, & am chilly. the children also
complain of the cold; this must certainly be unwholesome weather—
Breakfasted with us Mr Cox—Ben continues no better, he lays by Study to
day & keeps in—I myself either conceit or in reality have a Fever & head-
Ach to Day—Before twelve we had a moderate Shower no wind nor
Thunder—Mrs Carter wrote a note to Dr Jones & Desired him to call &
See Ben, towards evening he came; He thinks Ben has only Symptoms of an
Agu approaching—He prescribed some Physick—Drank Coffee with us, &
went home about six—I lightens in the North.
Teusday 21.
Harry is unwel, takes this morning Physick, and keeps his Room—Ben is in
the same way—Priscilla & Nancy are practising Musick, so that to Day we
have only four in School—At five in the Evening, Ben, Prissy & I rode out
on Horse back for exercise; before we returned Captain Dobby, of the Ship
Susannah an agreeable, sensible, polite Gentleman came, & 'Squire Lee—
The conversation, at Coffee was on American affairs, the 'Squire shew'd us
one of Mr Dunlaps papers,[180] in which are accounts that the Northern
Colonies are zealous & stedfast in resolutions to maintain their Liberties—
We sat til eleven—
Wednesday 22.
Breakfasted with us Captain Dobby, & Mr Taylor, their conversation
promiscuous—Clear & warm, not sultry, Harry better & in School, but Ben
continues indisposed. I wrote to Day some at my Sermon—After School,
with Mrs Carter & the young Ladies & Bob, I walked through the Garden—

But I seem not suited in being confin'd wholly at Home, yet my stay is quite
voluntary—
Thursday 23.
Very warm all the morning—From twelve to two I was writing at my
Sermon—While we were at dinner a very black cloud rose in the West: Mrs
Carter, is fearful when it thunders, so that I did not leave the Room till it
was over, about four, there was a strong Gale of wind, some thunder, & a
refreshing Shower. At five with Mrs Carter & the young Ladies I took a
walk; She shewed me from a high Hill several beautiful Prospects—I was
diverted tho it was a little cruel, to see the Girls gather the Blossoms of
some Prickly-Pears.
Fryday 24.
Lat night we had a Gust of Rain & Thunder; very acceptable—To Day in
course Mr Christians Dance happens here—He came before Breakfast—
Miss Jenny Washington came also, & Miss Priscilla Hale while we were at
Breakfast—Miss Washington is about seventeen; She has not a handsome
Face, but is neat in her Dress, of an agreeable Size, & well proportioned, &
has an easy winning Behaviour; She is not forward to begin a conversation,
yet when spoken to She is extremely affable, without assuming any Girlish
affectation, or pretending to be overcharg'd with Wit; She has but lately had
oppertunity of Instruction in Dancing, yet She moves with propriety when
she dances a Minuet & without any Flirts or vulgar Capers, when She
dances a Reel or Country-Dance: She plays well on the Harpsichord, &
Spinet; understands the principles of Musick, & therefore performs her
Tunes in perfect time, a Neglect of which always makes music intolerable,
but it is a fault almost universal among

young Ladies in the practice; She sings likewise to her instrument, has a
strong, full voice, & a well-judging Ear; but most of the Virginia-Girls think
it labour quite sufficient to thump the Keys of a Harpsichord into the air of
a tune mechanically, & think it would be Slavery to submit to the Drudgery
of acquiring Vocal Music; Her Dress is rich & well-chosen, but not tawdry,
nor yet too plain; She appears to Day in a Chintz cotton Gown with an
elegant blue Stamp, a Sky-Blue silk Quilt, spotted apron; Her Hair is a light
Brown, it was crap'd up, with two Rolls at each Side, & on the top a small
cap of beautiful Gawze and rich Lace, with an artificial Flower interwoven
—Her person & carriage at a small distance resembles not a little my much
respected Laura. But on close examination her Features are something
masculine, those of Laura are mild and delicate: Mr Christien very politely
requested me to open the Dance by stepping a Minuet with this amiable
Girl, but I excused myself by assuring Him that I never was taught to
Dance.—Miss Hale is about fourteen; a slim, puny silent Virgin; She has
black Eyes, & black Hair, a good sett of Eye-Brows, which are esteem'd in
Virginia essential to Beauty; She looks innocent of every human Failing,
does not speak five Words in a Week, & I dare say from her Carriage that
her Modesty is invincible; She is drest in a white Holland Gown, cotton
Diaper quilt very fine, a Lawn apron, has her Hair crap'd up, & on it a small
Tuft of Ribbon for a Cap She is but just innitiated into the School, and only
hobbles yet Once I saw her standing; I rose immediately and begg'd her to
accept my Chair; She answered most kindly, "Sir I thank you." that was all I

could extract from this Wonder of the Sex for the two Days she stay'd, & I
seemed to have an equal Share too in the Favours of her Conversation; so
that I cannot be any way particular in describing the mental faculties of
Miss Hale. it is sufficient to say that I think She is far removed from most
of the foibles of Women—Some time after these came Colonel Lee's[181]
Chariot with five young Misses—These five, with Miss Washington & Miss
Hale & Miss Nancy Carter, & Bob are Mr Christiens Compliment of
Scholars in this School except Miss Turburville who is just now up the
country with an Uncle, where She is to Stay some time together with Miss
Corbin. Miss Betsy Lee[182] is about thirteen; a tall slim genteel Girl; She is
very far from Miss Hale's taciturnity, yet is by no means disagreeably
forward; She dances extremely well, & is just begining to play the Spinet—
She is drest in a neat shell Callico Gown, has very light Hair done up with a
Feather, & her whole carriage is easy inoffensive, & graceful—The other
Miss Lee's are small Towards evening came in George Lee, & Mr Grubb,
an English Gentleman; the Company danced after candle-light a Minuet
round, three Country Dances, several Reels, when we were Rung to Supper
after Supper we sit til twelve drinking loyal Toasts—
Saturday 25.
Ben & I slept til eight—we breakfasted at nine, soon after Christien
collected his School and gave them a Lesson round—About ten the two
Gentlemen left us. They quit Dancing about two—After Dinner Mrs Carter
& the young Ladies, with Mr Christien Ben & Myself walked in the garden,
& through the Pasture, There are several beautiful prospects of the green
Bottoms, & of the River Nominy from the High hills—By Miss Washington
I wrote a letter to Mr Lowe, acquainting him with what was done for him in
the business he sent by me to Philadelphia. The Day is cool, & intirely
agreeable & the Ground has been refreshed by a Shower or two lately—I
am told that the people are already reaping not only Rye but Wheat in the
Neighbourhood; certainly it is earlier than we reap to the Northward.—

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian to John Lowe]
Nomini Hall June 25th 1774.
To Mr John Lowe. Bushfield.

Sir.
I should have waited on you immediately after my return from Philadelphia,
to acquaint you with what was done in regard to the business you intrusted
me with, and to return the certificate which I now send inclosed; but
necessary business detain'd me for a few days at home, and when Bob was
at the Dance at Mr Washingtons he informed me you proposed shortly to be
here. As I expect to see you shortly I shall write nothing particular, but only
inform you that your intention was considered and approved:
I am, Sir,
Your humble Servt:
Philip V Fithian

[JOURNAL]
Sunday 26.
Mr Smith to Day is out of the Parish so that we have no sermon—I shut up
myself therefore in my chamber to reading—Eleven I am sent for to see Mr
Lowe who is come—I invite him to my Room, where we sit til Dinner—He
informed me of the Manner of Trials in Scotland, which Candidates
undergo. It is similar & indeed almost the same as with our Presbytery
Evening Mr Carter returned about seven o-Clock from Williamsburg; He
has been unwell himself while there, & he informs us that many are
indisposed in that City While we were at Coffee I was taken with a Sudden
& unusual pain in my Breast, a sickness at my stomach, attended with a
trembling and dizzy faintness; I retired to my Room immediately, laid
myself down in bed but had a Fever most of the Night—
Monday 27.
I feel myself perfectly reliev'd blessed be God who upholds my Life Mr
Carter says the people are reaping on the Road as he came. He opened &
shewed me a curious Case of mathematical Instruments price ten Guineas;
He shewed me Bens Seal five Guineas—We have to day several plentiful
Showers—Evening at Coffee the Colonel shew'd me a book of vocal
Musick which he has just imported, it is a collection of psalm-Tunes,

Hymns, & Anthems set in four parts for the Voice; He seems much taken
with it & says we must learn & perform some of them in their several parts
with our voices & with instruments.—Lightning in several parts of the
Heaven Mrs Carter is much afraid, & can never eat if a cloud is rising nor
lie down to sleep.
Teusday 28.
Warm this morning. Mr Carter rode to Court. I wrote some at my sermon
but it goes on slowly—Ben is not perfectly well, he studies, however, at
times a little, to day he makes Doctr Jones a visit—The Day very hot;
people I understand are reaping in this County—Evening we have in the
West & North-West amazing Lightning—Mrs Carter retired to her
Chamber, where She always chooses to sit quite alone in bad Weather—
Wednesday 29.
Writing at my Sermon—The day cool & agreeable. I was never so much
confined as now, not even when I was at College, for I used to go with my
sweet mates, as Virgil calls them, about the Fields, or to the Brooks to wash,
& often ride to Trenton for exercise & pleasure—& sometimes to
Newington & spend an Afternoon with that dear girl Laura—Here in
Virginia I have no Call out, people seem sociable & kind but I want Spirit to
improve & relish Society Soon, however, soon, if I keep my Health, I shall
be again at Liberty.
Thursday 30.
The morning pleasant none too hot to be agreeable—My Charge seem
rising slowly, & uniformly in their several Parts—Harry begun at Reduction
& is now working Fellowship; he improves too in Writing. Bob began at
Addition and is working Compound Division: he is the best writer in the
School—Ben begun with reading Salust he is now reading Virgil & the
Greek-Testament. He writes extremely bad—Priscilla began Addition & is
working Division; She improves in writing, & reads tolerably—Nancy
mends fast in writing, but reads carelessly thick & inaccurately.
—I mentioned to Day Mr Peck to Mr Carter He objected at first to his Age
as rather too young for the Duty of a Tutor, he assented however &

requested me to write him word that he is desired to come by the Time I
shall leave Virginia—
Fryday July 1. 1774.
I rose at six. The morning bearable Breakfasted with us 'Squire Lee.—
About one came in Captain Blackwell, Mr Grubb, & Lancelot Lee. the two
youngsters came suddenly into our Room, bold gay & noisy. We conversed
with them till the Bell rung for Dinner, when we all repair'd to the dining-
Room: Captain Blackwel is to sail in about ten Days for London. I gave the
Children the afternoon for Recreation.
Saturday 2.
Mr Grubb called again about twelve with an intention to ride out to the
Potowmack but there came on a Rain & kept us at Home—We spent the
afternoon sociably in our Room. Miss Nancy Carter last Night or this
morning, in some whimsical freak, clipt off her Eye-Brows; She has a very
good Skin; exceeding black hair, & black-well arched, full Eye-brows,
which, as I said the other day are much esteemed in Virginia—She denies
positively that She cut them herself, & swears some mischievous person has
done it when She was sleeping. But I am inclined to think it is an
experiment She has been making on herself to see how she can vary the
looks of her face. It made me laugh when I saw it first, to think how early &
how truely She copies Female absurdities.
Towards evening we rode out merely for exercise, & straggled at last to Mr
Simpsons; near his house we saw two trees standing near each other both of
which have lately been struck by Lightning & are torn to shivers in several
parts—
Mr Grubb agreed to stay the night. we supt on Artichoks, & Huckleberries
& Milk—The toasts, after Supper, were the King, Queen & Royal Family,
the Governor & his family, & then young Ladies of our acquaintance—We
were alone. Mr and Mrs Carter left us immediately, so that we spent the
evening without restraint.
Sunday 3.

We were all to go to Church to day, but we were prevented by a storm of
thunder & Rain; the Ground is now sufficiently wetted—I have not heard a
Sermon on Sunday since the fifteenth of May; a longer Vacancy from
publick worship than I have ever had since my first remembrance. About
ten an old Negro Man came with a complaint to Mr Carter of the Overseer
that he does not allow him his Peck of corn a Week—The humble posture in
which the old Fellow placed himself before he began moved me. We were
sitting in the passage, he sat himself down on the Floor clasp'd his Hands
together, with his face directly to Mr Carter, & then began his Narration—
He seem'd healthy, but very old, he was well dress'd but complained bitterly
—I cannot like this thing of allowing them no meat, & only a Peck of Corn
& a Pint of Salt a Week, & yet requiring of them hard & constant Service.
We have several Rains this day so that the Ground is sufficiently wetted—I
spent the greater part of the day writing at my Sermon.
Monday 4.
I begun to read the first Volume of Tristam-Shandy—He is droll in the
account he gives us of his Birth & Family—We have several good showers
to day, the weather is warm, funky, very damp, & I fear will not turn out
long to be healthful. With us in Jersey wet Weather about this time not only
is prejudicial to the Harvest, but is generally thought, & I believe almost
never fails being a forerunner of Agues, Fall-Fevers, Fluxes, & our Horse-
Distempers—Fearing these, any of which so far from Home, would be
painful & expensive, I keep myself much at Home, contrary to the repeated
& strong invitations of the youngsters—And indeed my Duty, seems to
require my Presence pretty constantly; & I am forced to produce an
Example for what I find it necessary to enforce on our Boys, in order to do
it with some face, for they always call upon me for a Reason for every one
of my precepts—It is now the Height of Harvest—There is at Mr
Turburville's a young Lady, from the Isle-of Wight, Miss Betsy Lee,[183] a
Sister of George & Lancelot Lee's—It is proposed that Ben & I go this
Evening to the Captain's & Invite her here—Accordingly after School we
rode on our errand, We found besides Miss Lee—Mr George Turburville,
his Wife, Mr Grubb, & Lancelot Lee—After the ceremony of Introduction,
& our Congees were over, we took our seats in a cool passage where the
Company were sitting; all the Company when we entered were laughing at
Master Lee, who had been gathering Mulberries, & either through

carelessness or Greediness had stained his ruffles—At any Rate they looked
like a scarlet Clock in a Bunters stocking, both indilicate & impudent—The
attention of the Company however being wholly taken up with Mr Lee, I
had the opportunity, which I wanted, of examining the person of his Sister,
without being interrupted either by the notice of others, or by my own
timidity—Miss Betsy Lee, I am told is but lately entered her twenty sixth
year; She is a well set maid, of a proper Height, neither high nor low—Her
Aspect when she is sitting is masculine & dauntless; she sits very erect;
places her feet with great propriety, her Hands She lays carelessly in her
lap, & never moves them but when she has occasion to adjust some article
of her dress, or to perform some exercise of the Fan—She has a full face,
sanguine Complection, her Nose is rather protuberant than otherwise; Her
Eyes are exactly such as Homer atributes to the Goddess Minerva; & her
Arms resemble those which the same Poet allows to Juno. When She has a
Bonnet on & Walks, She is truely elegant; her carriage neat & graceful, &
her presence soft & beautiful—Her hair is a dark Brown, which was crap'd
up very high. & in it she had a Ribbon interwoven with an artificial Flower
—At each of her ears dangled a brilliant Jewel; She was pinched up rather
too near in a long pair of new fashioned Stays, which, I think, are a
Nusance both to us & themselves—For the late importation of Stays which
are said to be now most fashionable in London, are produced upwards so
high that we can have scarce any view at all of the Ladies Snowy Bosoms;
& on the contrary, they are extended downwards so low that whenever
Ladies who wear them, either young or old, have occasion to walk, the
motion necessary for Walking, must, I think, cause a disagreeable Friction
of some part of the body against the lower Edge of the Stays which is hard
& unyielding—I imputed the Flush which was visible in her Face to her
being swathed up Body & Soul & limbs together—She wore a light Chintz
Gown, very fine, with a blue stamp; elegantly made, & which set well upon
her—She wore a blue silk Quilt—In one word Her Dress was rich &
fashionable—Her Behaviour such as I should expect to find in a Lady
whose education had been conducted with some care & skill; and her
person, abstracted from the embelishments of Dress & good Breeding, not
much handsomer than the generality of Women—
What made me desirous to see, & curious to reconnoitre this young Lady,
was, a Sentence that was dropt yesterday by a respectable Member of our

Family, intimating a Desire that I may, on seeing Miss Lee, after having
known, by report, her faultless character, be so pleased with her person as to
try to make her mine, & settle in this Province—That kind Body, who is for
making me happy by settling me in Virginia, & connecting me with one of
the best families in the Government, little knows how painful it would be if
I was indeed compell'd by any accident of Fortune to spend the remainder
of my Days in Virginia if is the pleasure of Providence that I am to continue
for any length of time in the World—Strong, & sweet are the bands which
tye us to our place of nativity; If it is but a beggarly Cottage, we seem not
satisfied with the most elegant entertainment if we are totally seperated
from it—But if a Princess should solicit me to accept, together with Herself,
50000£ a Year—I declare, with as great pleasure as truth, that the esteem,
& Fidelity which I possess for my dear, dear Eliza would make me without
reflection, evade & refuse the Proposal—Ben & I returned Home before
dark—We had the 'Squire to drink Coffee with us—He brought us a
Newspaper containing the debate, of the House of Commons concerning the
Repeal of the Tea-duty.
Teusday 5.
While we were at Breakfast came from Hobbes-Holes Mrs Oakly a Woman
who has acted as nurse for several of Mrs Carters Children with great credit
—All the family speak of her with Love & regard—This day is very warm,
but no rain—I gave all the Girls this day to chat with their old acquaintance
—Tho' the weather is warm & very Damp we have here no Musquetoes; I
have not seen one, since I came into the Province as I can now recollect
which seems to me a little strange; for at Princeton in Jersey some warm
evenings in July & August they are so numerous as to be troublesome, &
that is more than twenty miles from Salt Water, this not more than three
times as many Rod.—In the evening, among several other things Mr Carter
informed me that he has on this plantation a Negro Man called Prince who
is now unwell of a Strain—This Man, he swears, he would not sell for 500£
ready Cash—I was almost ready to say it is more Money than I would give
for all he owns on his Estate—The evening is very pleasant I had an
oppertunity on the Pavement before the Hall Door of shewing away on
Astronomy to Mrs Carter, I lectured for half an hour on the Milky-Way, on
several of the Stars, on Jupiter in particular, & on the Course of Comets—

In bed by half after ten as usual.
Wednesday 6.
Ben seems pretty well recovered—We dined to day on the Fish call'd the
Sheeps-Head, with Crabs—Twice every Week we have fine Fish, & every
Day good Fruit for Dinner, caudled Apples, Hurtle-Berries with milk &c—
Yes, says Mrs Carter at Supper, this hot weather takes away all my life; the
small Lightning that we now have makes me uneasy & melancholy—I love
to see her in such Distress—Beauty & Virtue when combined together &
Strugling against Misfortune; O how such objects move, & awaken the
most delicate sensations of our Souls—Call in Nancy to her Guitar, says the
Colonel. In She minces slow & silent from her supper—She scratches her
Instrument, after a long preparation, into the Air of "Water parted from the
Sea." What, pray Miss Nancy, what bewitched you with a desire of clipping
your Eye-Brows—The Genius of Woman shines forth in this little Girlish
trick—Pray Mr Fithian, was you ever taught Singing? Yes Sir, I attended
two years—Had you any instructions in particular for using the Shake[184]
—I am giving Nancy some Lessons, but She is vastly indolent—Nancy,
play over and sing the Funeral Hymn—Excuse me, Papa, I have lost the
Verses—Happy Soul, thy Days are ended,—Go on—How steady & how
sharp it lightens in the North too—Good Night.
Thursday 7.
Yes Fanny may sit down to Breakfast—Where's Ben—The Weather is hot
& Ben for enjoyment had stript himself naked—Of every thing but his shirt
& Trowsers—Where's Ben—He is not very well, Madam,—This Day says
the Colonel after having Prefac'd our Breakfast with a—"God bless us in
what we are to recieve"—is our Rye yonder to be mown down; mown down
thinks I, do they mow their Grain in Virginia—Yes two Negroes take naked
Sythes & mow down the Grain; others are imploy'd in raking it into heaps,
but much of it is left—Shall I help you, Mr Fithian, to a Dish of Coffee?—I
choose a deep Plate, if you please, Ma'am, & Milk—Our Corn, Madam, in
Jersey is inferior to yours in this Province—Or your Cooks, Sir, are less
Skilful in managing it—Well, Nancy, I have tuned your Guitar; you are to
practice to Day with Priscilla, who is to play the Harpsichord, till twelve o
Clock; You can repeat the Verses of the Funeral Hymn?—I can Sir—What,

Harry, do you hesitate at that plain Sum in Arithmetical Progression?—Bob,
attend to your Business—When I am bedizen'd with these clamorous
children, sometimes I silently exclaim—Once I was told, now I know I feel
how irksome the Pedagoging Scheme is—Fanny—I say, Fanny, dont you
hear me, Fanny, and Betsy, sit down—pray, Sir, must I multiply here by 32
—Yes, thick-Scull—But Mr Fithian, I dont know how to divide by 5½—
Look, Sir, do you see what Mouth's Harry Willis is making?—I can say my
Lesson—Buz, Buz—To divide by 5½ you must double both your Dividend
& divi[sor]—Half after two we were rung to Dinner; poor Tasker, his Fever
has continued high since yesterday afternoon, he lies quiet, and asks for
nothing—If his Disorder does not abate to night, I shall give him in the
morning a dose of "James's Powder"—Will you lend me Jack, he meant my
Horse, says Mr Randolph, to ride tomorrow to Captain Cheltons; Yes Mr
Randolph, I will oblige Jenny so far.
Fryday 8.
I swear, says Bob, Harry belies me. I never told the Nurse that Harriot
should stay in School all Day—It was Mama's order that so long as Mrs
Oakly the Nurse stays, Harriot is to go into School after Breakfast, & after
Dinner, & say a lesson each time—I was passing through the Hall from
Breakfast—The Nurse, a short Stump of a [wom]an, who blundered by
mere accident, when she was young, out of the road in which Virgins
commonly travel, & felt the difficulties of being a Mother, several years
before She enjoyed the Pleasures of being a Wife—She call'd to me, &
begg'd me to close the Quarrel; You shall have, said I, dear Madam, with
the greatest Freedom my consent—Harriot shall be with you—At Breakfast
—Where is Ben?—He breakfasts with the House-keeper Madam—At
School—What a likeness there is in the manners of Boys; Bob, & Harry
had skulk'd behind the writing-Table with their Slates on their Knees, &
their Faces close together, just as I have done a thousand Times, in our little
School-House in Greenwich—But once I was threshed confoundedly for a
piece of such hidden play—Tom Parks [blotted] asleep, poor Fellow he is
now sleeping in the Dust;—Then he was fast asleep on a Bench, with his
mouth open—I fill'd his mouth with Snuff!—He sprung up—Nature was in
distress, & found all her Avenues too scanty at that time to clear out at once
the tickling penetrating Powder—He snuffed—He coughed—He—He told
the Master, & then I was tickled—Indeed he made my Feet beat time to his

Lash—-Says Bob to Harry, behind the Table, I wonder Mr Fithian has not
fallen in Love yet with some of our Nominy-Girls—Here he sits from
Month to Month—(Not many Months longer said I to myself)—Mr
Marshal[185] was always out; I suppose Mr Fithian never thinks of Girls—
Indeed says Harry, drawing his chair clos[e &] lowering his voice, I never
in my Life saw a Man who thought so little of these things—Here Tom the
Coachman came in with a wood Tarripin which he brought to be a resident
in our Room to catch the Bugs & Cockroaches—
Yes, Harry, & Bob, Fithian is vulnerable by Cupids Arrows—I assure you,
Boys, he is, Not by the Girls of Westmorland—O my dear Laura, I would
not injure your friendly Spirit; So long as I breathe Heavens vital air I am
unconditionally & wholly Yours—At Dinner, Mrs Carter call'd for the
Chariot, Mrs Turburville will think me rude, unless I welcome her Home. I
will take Priscilla this Afternoon & make her a visit—I saw in a moment
that Miss was better pleased with the notion of trotting off in the Carriage,
than to be [blotted] up with Multiplication & Division—O yes, says Mrs
Oakly, I know Dadda Gumby at Williamsburg. I think you look as brisk, as
hearty & as young now as you did ten years ago—Gumby—I & my old
Woman, here Master, are the two oldest Negres in Mr Carters Estate. Here
we live, Master, on our worthy Landlords Bounty—The Nurse, Betsy, &
Harriot were at Gumby's House which stands about twenty Rod from the
Garden—I was walking, with a Book in my Fist, musing & stumbling along
—I saw them, I went up, & with a lower Bow than I should give to a Nurse,
if Women were plenty, says I, pray Mrs Oakly do you know Dadda Gumby?
We stood chattering with the old African, or rather he stood chattering with
us, relating one story after another, leaving some of his Narrations half
untold, beginning others in the middle having entered into the true Spirit of
Loquacity—Dennis, in the Height of a Story about his Grandfathers Uncle's
harpooning a Porpoise summoned me to Coffee—Mrs Oakly, will you
walk?—Come Betsy—Where's Ben?—Says the Colonel has Ben r[e]tired
from the World?—He rode out this Evening, Sir, about five o Clock for
Exercise—Mrs Carter, Mr Carter, good Night—
Saturday 9.
I was waked by Sam the Barber thumping at my Door—I was dressed—In
Powder too; for I propose to see & dine with Miss Jenny Washington to

Day. D—n the Bugs & Chinches, says Ben rolling over on the Bed, &
rubbing his Eyes, I have slept none for them—Mr Fithian, do you rest any
o-Nights? Dont these cursed Bugs keep you awake?—No Sir; for you see I
commonly sit & read til half after ten, or eleven—So that by the Time I lay
my poor Skin & Bones on the Bed, I am so much fatigued with the
tumultuous Business of the Day, & the Study of the Evening that my sleep
the rest of the night is sound & unbroken—Priscilla hangs her head a little
this morning, She looks feverish, dispirited, sits on a low bench, with her
Elbow in her Lap, & Leaning her head upon her hand, swings backwards
and forwards, just as I have seen beautiful Quaker Girls when they are
weeping at the frightful distortions & Grimaces of some deep-inspired
Father. But Priscilla & Tasker are unwell—Fanny teizes me for a Picture, I
must draw her a slip, she says, on Paper like the one I drew for Her the
other Day with my finger in the Sand—I love the little careless Girl, & will
oblige her—On the writing-Table in the School-Room I found this morning
an old Book of Esops Fables done into English Verse; In the Margins of this
Book up & Down Bob had in his scribbling Way recorded the Names of
several young Ladies of Westmorland & Richmond Counties. I shall set
them down, as I turned over the Leaves & found them—I do not insinuate,
by writing this Story, the smallest reproach to either of the Ladies; I
mention it solely to shew Bob's Taste, & the Meditations of his heart when
wholly alone. In the Life of Esop, page 23, at the Bottom of the Leaf his
own Name is written at full length & in as elegant a hand as he is master of
with a Dash below.
Robert Bladen Carter.
He has in the same manner introduced it a few leaves further on, he has
done this to be a kind of Preface for what is to follow; he has also very
cleverly interspersed it with the Ladies, either that the Ladies Names should
be a foil to set his off to advantage, or that his Name be a Foil to adorn the
Ladies—In the Life of Woglog the great at the first page

Miss Lucy Carter of Sabine-Hall.
Page 3d at the Bottom of the Leaf
Miss Lettitia Turberville of Hickory Hill.
Page 8.
Miss Betsy Carter of Sabine-Hall.

Page 9.
Miss Priscilla Carter of Nomini-Hall—his Sister:
Esops Fables Page 1st he writes the Name of the Girl he loves
above all others
Polly Tayloe the Lovely of Mount-Airy.
Page 39th Miss Betsy Lee.
Page 41.
Miss Kitty Tayloe. Mount Airy.
Page 43.
Miss Lydia Pettit has d—m'd ugly Freckles in her Face, otherways
She is handsome & tolerable—
Page 45.
Miss Betsy Gaskins.[186]
Page 47.
Miss Sally Tayloe.
Page 50.
Miss Jenny Washington of Bushfield is very Pretty.

Then he Bolts in

Robert Carter.
Page 57.
Miss Polly Tolliver.[187]
Page 59.
Miss Steerman is a beautiful young Lady.
Miss Jane Corbin.
— Aphia Fantleroy.
— — Edwards.
— Betsy Jones
— Sally Panton.

But this afternoon Mrs Oakly is taken with a Fever; I suppose, She was out
last evening without any thing on her head rather too late, when I saw her at
Daddy Gumby's—
Sunday 10.

A Sunday in Virginia dont seem to wear the same Dress as our Sundays to
the Northward—Generally here by five o-Clock on Saturday every Face
(especially the Negroes) looks festive & cheerful—All the lower class of
People, & the Servants, & the Slaves, consider it as a Day of Pleasure &
amusement, & spend it in such Diversions as they severally choose—The
Gentlemen go to Church to be sure, but they make that itself a matter of
convenience, & account the Church a useful weekly resort to do Business—
I am told, for I have not yet been to Church since my Return, that all the
Sermons are in the forensic Style, & on political Subjects. But I shall go to
Church to Day—I am sorry that I may relate an accident which happened
last night—By some accident; or by the carelessness of some Negroes Mr
Turburville's Barn took fire and burnt Down—His loss is judged at 300£
which is something considerable for a Man who is with the greatest Anxiety
turning every ear of Corn into Money—At Church Parson Smith Read to
the Congregation an Order Issued out lately by the Governor to elect
Burgesses in the several Counties—He preached us a Sermon on Brotherly
Love—Dined with us to Day Mr Parker,[188] a Lawyer of this County, & his
Son, a young Man about 20 who is also licensed to plead Law—And Mr
Cunningham—I am not very well to Day. I have pains in several parts of
my Body—Mr Lowe informed me that Colonel Washington is unwell of a
sort of Cholic—
Monday 11.
Indeed says Mrs Carter at Breakfast a Fire this morning would be very
pleasant—Yes says I, for I have had the look & feeling of November all the
morning; My Room shut up, My Coat buttoned, & yet my Body cold
Besides!—Mr Carter on this, advanced a strange Assertion, that there is not
a single Person on this whole Continent, if this Change is as powerful
through the Continent as it is here, who is not to day, in a greater or less
Degree affected with a Fever!—My poor skinny Body, I know is in a
prodigious Tumult; I impute it tho to my ride Yesterday to Church in the
schorching Sun; & to drinking five or six Glasses of Wine extraordinary—
Priscilla & Harriot are confined at Home of an eruptive Fever, some think
it a Swine Pox at any Rate they are sick, & break out into Pustules—I am in
such Ferment to Day that I cannot sit nor Walk, nor Write with any Stomach
—I made out tho' with some Difficulty to finish a rough Draught of my
Sermon, & laid by for future Perusal.

Teusday 12.
Indeed I enjoy this fine cool weather, says Ben as he lay on his Back in the
Bed rubbing his Eyes, & ears about half after six o-Clock; Lancelot Lee had
never I am sure, more sensible Pleasure in swallowing a well prepar'd
Dinner—To be sure I have slept last Night with the sweetest composure in
Spight of the Chinches, & in spight of my Disorder!—Get up, Lump of
Indolence, said I to him; Get up & clap to Virgil instead of lying there &
boasting—Breakfasted with us Captain Guthrie, of a Small Schooner of
Norfolk; & Mr Stadley the Musician—I love this good German, He used to
teach in New York & Philadelphia—He has much simplicity & goodness of
heart—He performs extremely well—He is kind & sociable with me—
Dined with us one—one—Mr—Mr—I forget his name—I know his trade
tho': An Inspector—He is rather Dull, & seems unacquainted with company
for when he would, at Table, drink our Health, he held the Glass of Porter
fast with both his Hands, and then gave an insignificant nod to each one at
the Table, in Hast, & with fear, & then drank like an Ox—The Good
Inspector, at the second toast, after having seen a little our Manner
"Gentlemen & Ladies (but there was none in Womans Cloathing at Table
except Mrs Carter) The King"—I thought that during the Course of the
Toasts, he was better pleased with the Liquor than with the manner in which
he was at this Time obliged to use it—I made a b[e]gining of my Latin
Thesis—"Cuinam Usui inservi: at Lex moralis sub Evangeliis." I made out
to write thus much—Duabus hisce Propositionibus sequentibus simulatim
Respondeo.—But if I wrote so much every Day for a twelve Month my
Thesis will be short. The Day is pleasant, cool enough: & my disorder
which has been for several days a growing painful Dysentery, seems to have
subsided—

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian To Elizabeth Beatty]
Nominy-Hall July 12. 1774.
To Laura.
The Summer is advancing briskly on, & bringing me with it every Day still
nearer to you—And to my last Change—With you I am looking for the
purest Happiness in Friendship & Love that I can derive from any thing

below; And it will add to measure of Felicity if I can make the Woman I
choose to protect & esteem think me worthy her Regard.
I said that the swift Advances of Summer are bringing me swiftly on to
Death—In Virginia there are numberless Admonitions to this Reflection,
but I suppress any farther Declaration. I wrote you by Mr —— early last
Month; & at the same Time I wrote to several of my Acquaintances: but if
they lived in the Moon I could hear from them as often as I do now when
only a Couple of Hundred Miles, or a little more, separates us: Would it not
be more agreeable to me if they did—? For then I should every Night
almost, see, at least, the Place of their Habitation, tho' we could have no
Correspondence.
You are such a Pilgrim, Laura; I mean such a Rover, that I am at some Loss
to know how to direct a Letter to you; & I want my Letters, while they are
on their Passage to go through as few Hands as possible, not because I write
any Secrecy, or Scandal, for you will not allow either the one or the other;
but only that you may speedily receive & read the Little I do write, fresh
from my Heart.
I suppose that Miss —— has before now seen Cohansie—And cloyed of it
too, no Doubt. She is a lively, sportful Soul. But that dear Place, which
ingrosses so many of my Thoughts, has not Variety enough to entertain her
long—You yourself, who are not always soaring on Follie's Wing, through
the Regions of Vanity & Nonsense, sometimes find the Country dull—But
Miss —— does not find Satisfaction in the City; it is plain then since that
young Lady cannot find Contentment either in City or Country, that She
cannot be happy at all.
Merciful, merciful Heaven! O grant me what I am trying hard to obtain;
grant that my Inclinations be all duely bended to a perfect Satisfaction with
my Lot here—! With such a Temper I shall be at Rest, be happy, if I
continue here in Virginia; Or I shall be happy if I remove into new Jersey;
But, must I declare it, Laura, that if I am destitute of this, I should be
wretched, tho' your Friend & Companion—I am,
Laura, thine
Philip. V. Fithian.

[JOURNAL]
Wednesday 13.
I drew off this morning for Dadda Gumby a List of his Children, & their
respective ages—He himself is 94—For this office I had as many Thanks,
As I have had blessings before now from a Beggar for Sixpence—Thank
you, thank you, thank you Master, was the language of the old Greyheaded
pair.—Call on us at any time, you shall have Eggs, Apples, Potatoes—You
shall have every thing we can get for you—Master!—In this Torrent of
Expressions of Gratitude I was rung to Breakfast; I bow'd to the venerable
old Negroes, thank'd them in my Turn for their Offers, & left them—

Indeed, said the Colonel at Breakfast, cool as it was last Night, I kept my
Window up the whole night—I am not fond of your hot a dust Air—Was
yours up Mr Fithian no truly; so long as I can breath without panting I am
for keeping my Window down, & my Room close on summer nights;
especially here in Virginia, Madam, where the Dews are so heavy, and so
dangerous—The Postilion keeps a fox at the Stable & I am often much
diverted with his Cunning Tricks. The other Day, Mrs Carter was lying in
the long room among the Books on the Couch; In jumps Reynard, through a
broken Pane of Glass, & begins to frisk & hue about the Room like a
Bedlam—How is Nurse, pray, says the Colonel at Dinner? She has her
Ague & Fever again to Day, Sir—This is a fine Sheeps-Head, Mr Stadly
shall I help you?—Or would you prefer a Bass or a Perch?—Or perhaps

you will rather help yourself to some picked Crab—It is all extremely fine,
Sir, I'll help myself—Well says the Colonel when we had almost finished
our Dinner with a Glass of sparkling Porter on the Table before him, we
have but fasted to Day; here stands a fine Ham, & a Shoulder of excellent
Mutton yet untouched—At least, says the merry, good-hearted Man, we
have kept Lent—Yesterday evening I scribled a little for Laura, & to Day I
drank her Health from my Heart in generous Medaira—Yes, best of
Women, when you are the Toast I drink wine with Pleasure—
Thursday 14.
To Day is the election of Burgesses in Richmond the neighbouring County
—Come, Fithian, will you go? My old objection recurs; I am too busy—I
met this morning in Wingates Arithmetic, with the following merry Problem
—"To discover a Number which any one shall have in his mind, without
requiring him to reveal any part of that or any Number whatsoever"—After
any one has thought upon any number at Pleasure; bid him double it, & to
that double bid him add any such even number as you please to assign:
Then from the Sum of that Addition let him reject one half, & reserve the
other half; Lastly, from this half bid him subtract the Number which he first
thought upon; then you may boldly tell him what Number remains in his
mind after that Subtraction is made, for it will be always half the Number
which you assigned him to add—A Reason for the Rule is added. "Because,
if to the double of any number (which number for Distinction sake I call the
first) a second number be added, the half of the Sum must necessarily
consist of the said first number, & half the Second: Therefore if from the
said half sum the first Number be subtracted, the remainder must of
necessity be half the second Number which was added—Mr Inspector dined
with us again to day—We had after Dinner, Lime Punch & Madaira: but he
chose & had a Bowl of Grogg—You are a mean Puppy, a treacherous,
ungenerous Scoundrel, says Bob, to Harry just as I entered the School after
Dinner—you told Mr Lowe, you did more, you published in Mr
Washingtons Family that Mr Fithian horsed me for Staying out all night—
That he call'd in John the Waiter to help him—& that you was sent to cut &
bring in Whips—After School with Ben I rode out the Day is warm, & the
Ground grows to be very dry—I was not a little Surprized to see Corn out in
Tassel—But the Tobacco looks dismal, it is all poor, much of it is dead with

the drouth; I think, however, that the Season is ten days or two Weeks
earlier here than in New Jersey.—

Mr Stadly, left us to Day. I love that Man, he is gone to Colonel Taylors[189]
—
Fryday 15.
I got up a little before six & as it is very warm, I threw up the window to
enjoy the Morning's fine salubrious Air—I saw a Lady—She was walking
to the Poplars—She appeared small but walked genteel—She walked slow
& looked on the ground—Her Dress look'd to be extremely good, but was
only thrown carelessly on; She had a Silk shade thrown over her shoulders
in which her hands were muffled—I had the Idea in a moment of a Woman
in some kind of Difficulty—But how can such a woman have been to Mr
Carters & done Business, who was not there last night.?—It was Mrs Oakly
—She has the Ague and was walking for the benefit of the Morning Air.—
We are rid of two troubles from this morning till Monday: for Bob & Nancy
are gone to the Dancing School—They dance at Colonel Lee's—Two great
troubles, indeed, for this hot weather I can hardly keep them in the Room,
much less to any useful business—Please to excuse me from Dinner, says
Mrs Carter, & retired to her Chamber—There appears in the North a black
Cloud, where it Thunders—Send us a Shower in Mercy, bountiful Heaven,
tho' our Sins deserve thy Frowns & Judgments.—The Cloud thickens. it
rises—At last there comes a kind Shower—After the Rain about six Ben &
I took a Ride for exercise, the Corn litterally looks glad—I have made a
party, Says Mr Carter at Coffee, for a Trip by Water to morrow, Mr Fithian
will you be one?—With all my heart Sir, if it is agreeable—We are to ride
then to Mr Atwels says he, & there enter my new Barge; with her we will go
down the River Machodockin to Potowmack then up the Potowmack &
enter the River Nomini, & up that River Home—

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian to John Peck]
Nomini-Hall. July 15th. 1774.
Sir.

I have communicated your intention to Mr Carter; he begs you will by no
Means disappoint him.
I wrote you a letter by the post early in June possibly it was lost, for either
letters are lost, or you and the rest of my friends in Jersey use me vastly ill,
for I have not received a line since I have been in Virginia—You had better
go into the school and acquaint yourself with the method of teaching, and
procure some copper plate copies: I am by the goodness of heaven very
well; I hope you will remember me to all friends at Princeton to relations
and friends at Cohansie; desire Charles to carry my Homer to cohansie
when he goes down in the vacancy; tell him I shall be at home if no
unforeseen accident prevents by the last of october.
You had better provide yourself with recommendations from several,
especially from Doctor Witherspoon, something of the kind will not be a
hindrance, but may possibly at some J[u]ncture be of eminent Service.
I am, Sir, Yours,
Philip V Fithian
Mr John Peck.
Nassau-Hall

[JOURNAL]
Saturday 16.
The Colonel, Ben, & myself rode on Horse-back about Six to Mr Atwels;
four lusty, hearty Men had gone on foot before who were Oarsmen: Here
we were to enter a Boat never Rowed before, & proceed down the River
Machodock to Mr Carters Store-Houses which are now building near the
mouth of that River—But I am going to venture upon a Description of a
Scene which I am sure I shall not do Justice to—A Scetch of three Rivers—
Their Beautiful Banks—Several Gentlemens Seats—Their commodious
harbours—In particular that near which Mr Carter is erecting Store-Houses
—The whole is to be an account of our peregrination this 16th burning day
of July 1774—With several remarks.—What a Crack of Thunder there was!
I must run to the Window & view the Cloud—It is a small white remote

Cloud in the North-West. I am summoned to Coffee—Mrs Carter gave us a
Dish round—Amazing what a Flash of Lightning! how fast it rises!—Ben
child, says the lovely Woman, take my Seat & fill out the Coffee. Please to
excuse me; & She then retired up chamber—We finished our Coffee—The
Gust came up, & to be sure I have seldom seen one more terable! Long,
bright, forked bolts seemed to dart incessantly through the broken parts of
the Cloud; some of them would appear perpendicular others horizontal, and
some would split, & in a Moment seem to bespangle, with sparks of Fire,
the whole Front of the Cloud! And these were continually succeeded with
alarming alternate Cracks of Thunder!—It brings, however to the scorched
Earth a plenteous needful Supply—By nine it is past, & opens a serene
beautiful western Sky—I resume my Description.
I have said, that we rode on Horseback to Mr Atwels where we were to go
on board & have our Horses sent back. This House is called six Miles from
the mouth of Machodock—It stands on the Bank of the River; The Boat that
carried us is built for the purpose of carrying the young Ladies and others of
the Family to Nominy Church—It is a light neat Battoe elegantly painted &
is rowed with four Oars—We went on board; The Sun beamed down upon
us, but we had each an Umberella—The River is here about Gunshot over;
the Banks are pretty low, but hard to the very Water—I was delighted to see
Corn & Tobacco growing, or Cattle & Sheep feeding along the Brink of this
River on both Sides, or else Groves of Pines, Savins & Oaks growing to the
side of the Bank—We passed by an elegant small Seat of Mr Beal;[190] it
was small, but it was neat—We arrived at Mr Carters Store-Houses in 50
minutes, they are 5 Miles from Mr Atwels, & one from Potowmack—These
Houses are building for the reception of Iron, Bread, Flour &c. there are
two Houses each 46 Feet long by 20.—They stand at the Bottom of a Bay
which is a safe & spacious harbour—Here we Breakfasted at ten.—At
twelve we pushed of from thence & rowed by parson Smiths Glebe & in
sight of his house in to the broad beautiful Potowmack—: I think it is here
ten Miles or twelve over has a fine high hard Bank; no Marshes—but
Cornfields, Trees, or Grass!—Up the lovely Water we were rowed six Miles
in to the Mouth of Nominy—We went on Board a small Schooner from
Norfolk which lay in Nominy-Bay—Mr Carter is loading her with Flour &
Iron—Here we were in Sight of Stratford, Colonel Lee's, Seat.—We were in
Sight too of Captain Cheltons—And of Colonel Washingtons Seat at

Bushfield—From the Schooner we Rowed up Nominy-River—I have forgot
to remark before that from the time of our setting out as we were going
down Machodock, & along the Potowmack-Shore, & especially as we were
rowing up Nominy we saw Fishermen in great numbers in Canoes, &
almost constantly taking in Fish Bass & Perch—This was beautiful!—The
entrance of Nomini is very shoal, & stony, the Channel is very narrow, &
lies close to the Easternmost Side—On the edges of these shoals, or in
Holes between the Rocks is plenty of Fish—The Banks of Nominy are
steep and vastly high, twenty & thirty Feet, & in some places almost
perpendicular; The Course of the River is crooked, & the prospects on each
Side vastly romantic & diversified—We arrived at the Granary near
Nominy-Hall about six—I went to my room to take off an Account of the
expedition—When the Gust soon hindred.
Sunday 17.
The Air this morning serene & cool—I do not go to Church. At last I have
finished my Presbyterial pieces roughly they are to be reviewed &
corrected; In the mean Time tho', (as Workman say) I must blow a little, for
to be sure I am fatigued—Mr Fithian, says Mr Carter at Dinner with a
serious Air, you see we cannot with conveniency attend Ucomico Church. If
I should propose having prayrs read in the great Room on that vacant Day
would you encourage & assist me?—I answered him that I was heartily
agreed—You then, Sir, says he, may read the prayrs—& I will read the
Lessons. The Afternoon extremely hot I could not leave my Room til the
Sun had hid his flaming Place behind the Earth—Then I walked through the
Garden—The whole Family seem to be now out Black, White, Male,
Female, all enjoying the cool evening—
Monday 18.
Pray Sir let all our Windows be put up, says Bob the Moment he came
down from his chamber, & let the Doors be set open or we shall faint with
Heat—Such a night I never spent before—The Heat says he, and these
cursed Chinches made me intirely restless—I scribbled over a Letter to Mr
John Peck, & one to Miss ... pray Mr Fithian says Nancy draw me a picture
such as you drew for Fanny last Week—At two, just before we sit Down to
Dinner a Cloud appear'd in the West—Mrs Carter excused herself from

Dinner; while we were dining the Cloud came over, very moderate tho' with
plenty of Rain—It is now, says Mrs Carter at Coffee, cool enough, a fine
fair evening, a Northerly breeze & lovely evening—Mrs Oakly came into
my Room this evening—It was to take her leave; she is to leave us early
tomorrow morning—Good night, said I to the little Woman, I wish you a
safe passage over the Rappahannock, & a pleasant journey home—I drew
off as well as I could a rough plan of Nominy-Hall for Nancy.
Teusday 19.
Nurse left us early this morning postilion Nat. carried her in a chair to the
Ferry—The Day is fine cool enough—After School in the evening I rode
out to a Corn-field, about a Mile & a half off, where I usually go for
exercise, the Corn is beginning pretty generally to tassel, & I saw one hill in
Silk, and in Blossom—To day I put Harry into decimal Arithmetic—
Wednesday 20.
Shut the Door, Harriot, says Fanny I I'm so cold I shake—indeed the
morning is cool enough to sit with December clothes on!—I spent the little
time I have for myself to Day in forming my Latin Exegesis—Mr Taylor the
head Overseer Dined with us—At Coffee The Colonel & myself entered
somehow into Dispute upon the advantage in working an Oar—He asserted
& tried to prove that the advantage lies in having the Oar longer from the
Thole-pin or where it lies on the Boat to the water, than from the Thole-pin
to the Rowers hand in a mathematical sense; He allow'd the Water to be the
Fulcrum or Prop, & the Boat to be the weight, & the Rower to be a
secondary Power—But the resistance of the Water to the Oar he call'd the
chief & primary Power—
Thursday 21.
Lazy Fellows! Ben, Bob, Harry, & Myself all this Morning slept til near
seven!—It was a sleepy Morning tho', for the Girls to give us countenance
slept too—My Leisure time to Day is spent in forming my Latin Exegesis—
Only just before the Sun went Down Ben & I had our Horses & rode to our
accustomed Resort the Corn-field, now many of the Hills are in Silk—We
returned to Coffee—The Day has been very warm; the evening is light &

pleasant, &, Thank, to our common, & bountiful Preserver, I am in good
Health—
Fryday 22.
My Exegesis goes on lustily; I have finished three pages—Indeed Sir, says
Harry I cannot reduce 7s 6d into the decimal of a Pound Sterling—you
must reduce 7s & 6d to pence; for a numerator; then you must reduce a
Pound Sterling to Pence for a Denominator; this Numerator you divide by
the denominator & the Quotient will be the Decimal sought—Well Ben you
& Mr Fithian are invited by Mr Turberville, to a Fish feast to-morrow, said
Mr Carter when we entered the Hall to Dinner—I am uncertain whether my
Latinitas will not be a Shackle too heavy to allow me to favour his kind
invitation.
Saturday 23.
Priscilla, & Fanny, each presented me with a fine Jessamine Nosegay this
morning—At eight I dismissed the School: Ben, Bob, & Harry go to the
Fish-Feast, I to making latin—While we were Dining a black turbulent
Cloud came over from the West (I believe the Boys will commend my
choice now) It rained, it Thundered hard, & continued exceeding stormy til
after six in the Evening; I spent the Afternoon however in Quiet & to
advantage—I am more & more pleased with my Situation. the Time draws
nigh when I must enter on a new, & perhaps less agreable exercise—There
were many at the River; the Boys tell me, among others Miss Betsy Lee—I
do not, however, repent my having staid at Home—The Colonel shewed me
some Powder which was made in Frederick in this Province—It seems
good—He charged a Pistol, it fired quick & strong—
Sunday 24.
I lazy slept til seven—The Boys seem sick of their yesterdays Voyage—I
rode to Nomini-Church—The Parson invited me home but we have
company—Mr Turberville, Mr Cunningham, George & Lancelot Lee dined
with us—After the ordinary Toasts we were call'd on to Toast Ladies: I gave
Miss Jenny Washington—The Lee's came over to our School-Room I swear
says George, there is no Devil!—There is no Devil, I swear!—He went on
in such an impious, & at the same time whimsical & foolish manner, that I

left the Room, and went over to Mr & Mrs Carter, with whom nothing is
heard indecent or profane—After the Company were gone as we were
walking near the Poplar Avenue, says Mrs Carter how sweet, & pure the Air
is; how much the weather resembles September!—Indeed I think it feels
like the fever & Ague!—Bob in the Evening brought me Colonel
Taylors[191] compliments, who begs I will wait on him soon; He wants to
know if I have provided a Tutor for Mrs Thornton Mr Leek told me
something about coming, but not til next Spring, & I judge that Mrs
Thornton will be impatient before that time—Do you now indeed, sincerely,
in your Heart, Sir says Ben to me after we had retired to our Chamber,
believe that there is a Devil?—For my part, tho' I made George Lee think
otherwise, I do not—I told him that it was universally allowed by writers of
the greatest reputation for Learning and Religion in the established Church
of England, whose Canons he profess'd to believe & adhere to—And that, if
he would attend to my advice, he ought not to doubt its Reality.
Monday 25.
Harry & Bob go shrugging up their backs with their Coats Buttoned about
the School, first one then the other complaining of the cold—The Girls too,
in their white Frocks, huddle close together for the benefit of warming each
other, & look like a Flock of Lambs in the Spring—I wish they were half as
innocent—I myself, after having added a Waistcoat, am notwithstanding
disagreeably Cold—The air is clear, the wind strong from the West—I
proceeded in my Latin Exegesis, & shall, I hope, shortly be through it—I
gave to Nancy at her Request, my Scetch of Nominy-Hall—I propose to
take off one for myself—
Teusday 26.
The morning cool enough—Order me a Horse & Chair, says the Colonel
after Breakfast, for I must go to Westmoreland-Court—I piddled at my
Exegessis, but (as they say here in Virginia) I did a mighty little—Priscilla
after School invited me to ride with her, but I had preengaged to go on
Board the Harriot; She now lies in Nominy about half a mile Distant—Bob
conducted me on board, She is a neat vessel, carries 1400 Bushels—Bob
strip'd & swam round us half an hour—Coffee; Well, Sir, says the Colonel
at las I can treat you with several Letters—My heart jumped—A fine

Repast indeed, valuable because exceeding rare! But shall I hear any thing
from—Laura?—On this he gave me Letters from,
1. Rev'd Enoch Green, Dated Feb: 1774.
2. From Laura, Dated Feb: 13th 1774.
3. From John Peck Dated Nassau Hall July 2. 1774
4. From John Peck dated Feb: 25th 1774.
5. From the Revd: Andrew Hunter, dated Cohansie June 24th. 1774.
6. From Andrew Hunter Junr: Dated June 24th. 1774. Cohansie.
7. From Mr James Ewing, Dated Bridge-town July 7th. 1774.
For these Letters I paid—12s 5d—Pennsylvania Currency, & I am very
proud of my Bargain—
Mr Peck informs me that he is to succeed me in this place—Mr Hunter &
Mr Ewing inform me of the Death of Uncle Ephraim Seeley! That he died
of a Diabetes which has long troubled him! He has left no Doubt a
mourning Family—Mr Hunter writes me word that Andrew was licensed to
preach about the middle of June. Laura says—They all express with
Concern the great Commotions which at present exist through the Colonies.
Wednesday 27.
Somehow I have taken a bad Cold, & am low-spirited to Day—The Colonel
was all the forenoon down at the Harriot in the Sun, so that when we went
in to dine he seem'd fatigued & eat nothing—We have an Addition to our
numerous Family, one Mr —— I forget his name, he is a Cooper, tho', & an
Irishman, & seems to be pretty smart; I sat the Evening with him in Mr
Randolphs Room.
Thursday 28.
Evening, after the Sun had gone, with Priss I walked in the Garden. we
gathered some few Figs which are just growing ripe—My Leisure to Day I
spent in finishing off my Latin Exercises.
Fryday 29.
I feell wholly relieved of my cold—I wrote & sent to the Post a Letter to Mr
John Peck, to remind & hurry him in his way here—O! it is very hot—The

wind itself seems to be heated! We have a fine Room, & sufficiently open;
& I dress in a thin Waist-Coat, & a loose, light linen Gown; The Boys,
Harry & Bob have nothing on, in School, but their shirts & Breeches; and I
laugh'd cordially to see the contrivance of Fanny, the loveliest of them all,
to grow cool, She sat on a low bench, & put her Hand in her pocket, &
seem'd exceeding diligent in looking for something—But before She took
out her hand She had off both her Stockings, & left them both in her pocket!
—Mrs Carter in particular seems to be overcome with the extreme Heat &
looks like a fainting, expiring yet lovely Creature!—At seven I rode out to
the Corn-field, the Sun was almost down, & was hid behind a large white
thick Cloud where it Thunders—The Corn is roll'd up with the heat &
Drouth! Yet it is strange there is no Musquetoes—I have seen one & heard
another, & this is the whole compliment I have either seen, heard or felt
since I have been in Virginia—While we were drinking Coffee the
Lightning, as it began to grow Dark, began to stream, it was at some
Distance, but was incessant, bright, & awful—The Colonel, however sat, &
with unmoved Composure observed it;
Saturday 30.
The weather is something cooler & bearable this Morning—Frank
Christien one of Mr Lowe's Scholars came to visit Harry & Bob, so that I
discharged them about eleven, & retired to my Chamber to writing—I sent
Mr George Lee a note this morning begging him to excuse Ben & I from
attending his Fish-Feast this Day—Captain Dobby dined with us; he is a
Man of much Spirit and Humour: A great Mimick—He acquainted us that
at Hobbs's-Hole this Day is a Boat-Race on the River Rappahannock Each
Boat is to have 7 Oars: to row 2 Mile out & 2 Miles in round a Boat lying at
Anchor—The Bett 50£—And that in the Evening there is a great Ball to be
given—I believe both the Rowers & dancers, as well Ladies as Gentlemen
will perspire freely—Or in plain English they will soak in Sweat! The
Captain invited us on Board his Ship next Teusday to Dine with him & wish
them a pleasant Passage as the Ship is to Sail the day following—If the
Weather is not too burning hot I shall go provided the Others go likewise.
Ben towards evening rode to Colonel Tayloe's—

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian to George Lee]

To Mr. George Lee.
July 30th. 1774.
Sir.
With my compliments I am to inform you that Ben:-Carter is, of necessity,
to go this day into Richmond; and as my company alone will not be equal to
the trouble you must be at I give you this timely notice that you may avoid
it,
I am,
with my thanks for your
Invitation, Sir,
Your most humble Servt:
P. V. Fithian.

[JOURNAL]
Sunday 31.
Daddy Gumby saw me walking—I had just got up, it was early I had only a
Gown thrown round me—He walked towards me—Well Master you never
call for no Eggs. I can now give you a Water Melon—No, Thomas, with
your Wife & family enjoy these things. I am well provided for—Well,
Master, I promised you Eggs, for writing you will think I never designed to
pay you—God yonder in Heaven Master will burn Lyars with Fire &
Brimstone!—I speak Truth I will not deceive you Men are wicked, Master;
look see the Grass is burnt: God burns it to punish us! Is the ground dry,
Dadda. O! all dry, all burnt—Pray, Pray, Master, do you go to Church?—No
No Dadda it is too hot—Too hot, Good God, too hot! I shall affront you,
Master—Too hot to serve the Lord! Why I that am so old & worn out go on
Foot.—I felt a little non plus'd, I confess, but walk'd to my Room & went
none to Church—I expected that we should have had prayrs at home, but it
was not mentioned—Fanny towards Evening brought me half a Water-
Melon—I accepted & thank'd the little pretty Slut, she seems so artless, &
delicate I esteem her exceedingly—I walked out about Sun-set, when it is a
little cool, along the River Nominy—

Monday August 1st 1774.
The Colonel rode to Richmond Court—The morning very hot—A Cloud
appeared about two o Clock as we were going to Dinner in the West where
it thundered—Mrs. Carter kept her Chamber—There is almost no Rain—I
looked to day over Dr Burney's present State of Musick in Germany—I
think it more entertaining than realy useful—Ben to Day begun the Eneid—
Poor Mr Randolph seems to be sickening with the Ague & Fever!—
Evening the Colonel returned & gave us Captain Dobby's repeated
Invitation.
Teusday 2.
Ben & I drest ourselves pretty early with an intention to Breakfast with
Colonel Tayloe, but the Servant who went with us was so slow in preparing
that we breakfasted before we set out—We arrived at Colonel Tayloe's
however by half after nine—The young Ladies we found in the Hall playing
the Harpsichord—The morning cool with a fine Breeze from the North for I
forgot to mention that about Midnight last Night a violent Gust of
Blackness, Rain, & Thunder came on & gave us present Relief from the
scorching Sun; there was no Dust & the riding was pleasant—The Colonel,
his Lady, Miss Polly, Miss Kitty, Miss Sally, rode in their Great Coach to
the Ferry—Distance about 4 miles—Ben & I on Horseback—From Colonel
Tayloe's to this Ferry opposite to Hobbs's Hole the Land is levil &
extremely good; Corn here looks very rank is set thick with Ears, & they are
high & large, three commonly on a Stalk—Here I saw about an Acre & a
half of Flax, which the people were just pulling, exceedingly out of Season
—This is the only Flax I have seen since I have been in the Colony; I am
told they raise much in the upper Counties—Here too is a great Marsh
covered with thick high Reed—The Face of this part of the Country looks
fertile, but I apprehend it is far from being healthy—We came to the Bank
of the Rappahannock; it is here about 2 Miles over the Shipping on the
other Side near the Town lying at Anchor look fine; no large Vessels can
haul along the Wharves on account of shoal Water—There were six Ships
riding in the Harbour, and a number of Schooners & smaller Vessels—
Indeed, says Mrs Tayloe, Captain Dobby has forgot us. here we have been
waiting for a full half hour, shall we take the Ferry Boat Colonel & cross
over, & not stand any longer in the burning heat?—I was pleased not a little

with the proposal tho' at the same time, I laughed with myself at Mrs
Tayloe's truely Womanish impatience!—At last they are coming—The
long-Boat came, well furnished with a large Awning, and rowed with four
Oars—We entered the Ship about half after twelve where we were received
by Captain Dobby, with every possible token of welcome—Since I have
been in Virginia, my inclination, & my fixed purpose before I left home,
both of which were very much assisted by a strict Attention to the
instructing my little Charge, these have kept me pretty constantly, almost
wholly, indeed out of that kind of Company where dissipation & Pleasure
have no restraint—This entertainment of Captain Dobby's, elegant indeed,
& exceeding agreeable, I consider as one among a prodigeous throng of
more powerful similar Causes, of the fevers & other Disorders which are
common in this Colony, & generally attributed to the Climate which is
thought to be noxious & unhealthy. The Weather here indeed is remarkably
variable But taking away & changing the usual & necessary Time of Rest;
Violent Exercise of the Body & Spirits; with drinking great quantities of
variety of Liquors, these bring on Virginia Fevers—The Beaufort is a
Stately Ship; Captain Dobby had an Awning from the Stern over the Quarter
quite to the Mizen-Mast, which made great Room, kept off the Sun, & yet
was open on each Side to give the Air a free passage. At three we had on
Board about 45 Ladies, and about 60 Gentlemen besides the Ships Crew, &
Waiters Servants &c. We were not throng'd at all, & dined all at twice—I
was not able to inform myself, because it seemed improper to interrupt the
General pleasure, with making circumstantial inquiries concerning
Individuals, & saying pray, Sir, what young Lady is that yonder in a Lute-
String Gown? She seems genteel; where does her Father live? Is she a Girl
of Family & Breeding? Has She any Suitors? This when one could not be
out of the Inspection of the Company, would have seemed impertinent so
that I did not much enlarge my Acquaintance with the Ladies, which
commonly seems pleasing & desirable to me; But I took Notice of Several,
& shall record my remarks—The Boats were to Start, to use the Language
of Jockeys, immediately after Dinner; A Boat was anchored down the River
at a Mile Distance—Captain Dobby and Captain Benson steer'd the Boats in
the Race—Captain Benson had 5 Oarsmen; Captain Dobby had 6—It was
Ebb-Tide—The Betts were small—& chiefly given to the Negroes who
rowed—Captain Benson won the first Race—Captain Purchace offered to
bett ten Dollars that with the same Boat & same Hands, only having Liberty

to put a small Weight in the Stern, he would beat Captain Benson—He was
taken, & came out best only half the Boats Length—About Sunset we left
the Ship, & went all to Hobbs's Hole, where a Ball was agreed on—This is
a small Village, with only a few Stores, & Shops, it is on a beautiful River,
& has I am told commonly six, eight, & ten Ships loading before it the
Crews of which enliven the Town—Mr Ritche[192] Merchant; he has great
influence over the People, he has great Wealth; which in these scurvy Times
gives Sanction to Power; nay it seems to give countenance to Tyranny—
The Ball Room—25 Ladies—40 Gentlemen—The Room very long, well-
finished, airy & cool, & well-seated—two Fidlers—Mr Ritche stalk'd about
the Room—He was Director, & appointed a sturdy two fisted Gentleman to
open the Ball with Mrs Tayloe—He danced midling tho'. There were about
six or eight married Ladies—At last Miss Ritche danced a Minuet with
—— She is a tall slim Girl, dances nimble & graceful—She was Ben
Carters partner—Poor Girl She has had the third Day Ague for twelve
months past, and has it yet She appeared in a blue Silk Gown; her Hair was
done up neat, without powder, it is very Black & Set her to good Advantage
—Soon after he danced Miss Dolly Edmundson[193]—A Short pretty Stump
of a Girl; She danced well, sung a Song with great applause, seemed to
enter into the Spirit of the entertainment—A young Spark seemed to be
fond of her; She seemed to be fond of him; they were both fond, & the
Company saw it—He was Mr Ritche's Clerk, a limber, well dress'd, pretty-
handsome Chap he was—The insinuating Rogue waited on her home, in
close Hugg too, the Moment he left the Ball-Room—Miss Aphia Fantleroy
danced next, the best Dancer of the whole absolutely—And the finest Girl
—Her head tho' was powdered white as Snow, & crap'd in the newest Taste
—She is the Copy of the goddess of Modesty—Very handsome; she seemed
to be loved by all her Acquaintances, and admir'd by every Stranger, Miss
McCall—Miss Ford—Miss Brokenberry[194]—Ball—Two of the younger
Miss Ritche's—Miss Wade—They danced till half after two. Captain Ritche
invited Ben & I, Colonel Tayloe & his Family with him—We got to Bed by
three after a Day spent in constant Violent exercise, & drinking an unusual
Quantity of Liquor; for my part with Fatigue, Heat, Liquor, Noise, Want of
sleep, And the exertion of my Animal spirits, I was almost brought to
believe several times that I felt a Fever fixing upon me, attended with every
Symptom of the Fall Disorders—

Wednesday 3.
We were call'd up to Breakfast at half after eight—We all look'd dull, pale,
& haggard!—From our Beds to Breakfast—Here we must drink hot Coffee
on our parching Stomachs!—But the Company was enlivening—Three of
the Miss Tayloe's—Three Miss Ritche's—And Miss Fantleroy—This
loveliest of all the Ring is yet far below—Laura If they were set together
for the choice of an utter Stranger; he would not reflect, but in a moment
spring to the Girl that I mean to regard—After Breakfast the young Ladies
favoured us with several Tunes on the Harpsichord—They all play & most
of them in good Taste—at eleven we went down to the River; the Ships
Long Boat was waiting, Captain Purchace of the Beaufort helped us on
Board—I gave the Boatswain a Pisterene for his trouble—Half a Bit for the
Pasture of my Horse—We rode to Colonel Tayloe's—The Ladies all retired
for a nap before Dinner. We sat in the Hall, & conversed with the Colonel a
sensible, agreeable Sociable person—Miss Garrot is Governess of the
Young Ladies; She too is chatty, satirical, neat, civil, had many merry
remarks at Dinner, we staid til about six took our Leave, & rode Home—
Found all well; gave an account of ourselves, of our entertainment, & of our
Company to Mr & Mrs Carter at Coffee—& retired soon to Bed—
Thursday 4.

I made out to get up by seven—A little fatigued tho'—Many are sickening
with a Fever, & great numbers have the Ague—Protect me if it be thy will,
God of my Life, & give me a Heart to praise thy name for all my Favours—
Dined with us the Inspector—I walked through the Garden, several times
banishing by solitude, as much as possible reflection on several Days past.
—
Fryday 5.
I have no Stockings; & I swear I wont go to the Dancing School This was
the first I heard of Bob—Are Bob & Nancy gone to Mr Turberville's said
the Colonel at Breakfast—Nancy is gone Sir, Bob stays at Home he has no
shoes! poh! What nonsense! says the Colonel—Call Bob, & Call the Clerk
—He sent Mr Randolph to the Store for a pair of Shoes, Bob he took to his
Study and flogg'd severely for not having given seasonable Notice, & sent
him instantly to the Dance—
Saturday 6.
Last night, & this morning haizy mistty the Wind South East threatens a
Rain—Transcribing my pieces, yesterday and to Day—I had a strong
invitation to Dr Thompsons Fish-Feast, but the Rainy Weather hindred; I
spent the Day in Quiet in my Chamber writing—Dadda Gumbey sent me a
small Water-Melon.
Sunday 7.
I set out for Church—It was cloudy, it Thundered in the West: But I rode on
Bob was with me—We arrived at the Church & had our Saddles put into a
Chariot—When a violent Gust came on—We were all in the Church; many
Ladies were present—The Thunder was violent! Many discovered great
Terror—Neither the Parson, nor Clerk attended—There we sat in Silence til
the Storm was over, when each sallied out & splashed homewards—Mr &
Mrs Carter were to have gone by Water—They had set off But saw the
Cloud befor they had rowed far, & wisely returned—Towards Evening Miss
Betsy Carter, Miss Polly Carter of Richmond, & Miss Turberville came
over to see our Girls. Miss Betsy plays the Harpsichord extremely well,
better I think than any young Lady I have seen in Virginia.
Monday 8.

All once more in School—Dined with us George Lee & Mr Grubb—They
spent the afternoon at the great House—After Coffee Lee rode Home—Mr
Grubb staid with us all night—Dennis came into our Room to bring us a
Bowl of Punch; Grubb shut the Door, and accused him of having been
caught with Bett, the Dairy Girl, in the Stable last Saturday Night—Dennis
seem'd in great distress, he denied the Fact tho' with great steadiness—
Nelson our Boy came in with a candle—Dennis here, says Grubb to Nelson,
has been accusing you, Sir, of several crimes; he says you gave him half a
Bitt last Saturday Night, to stand at the Stable-Door while he with Bett—
Nelson star'd—Grubb opened a huge Molls Atlas that lay in the Room; &
read off their Case & indictment—The Boys seem'd crazy—We dismiss'd
them when all the novelty was over, but they darted like Indians so soon as
they were at liberty—We sat up til eleven—Ben drank for his Toast, Miss
Julia Stockton of New Jersey; Grubb Miss Betsy Carter—I with pleasure
the Rival of them all—
Teusday 9.
I propose to visit Dr Jones to Day say's Mrs Carter at Breakfast—See &
have the Carriage ready for me by ten o-Clock Benny—She took with her
Priss, and Nancy—We have a thin School—Mr Grubb dined with us—
Staid til evening, when with Ben he rode home—I finished & glad enough I
feel my Latin Thesis—The Weather is now very tolerable, we had to Day a
fine Shower about twelve—
Wednesday 10.
All in School—Miss Fanny very much troubled with the festered Bites of
Seed Ticks—Mr Stadley, whom I always see with Pleasure came towards
evening—After School he gave the Girls a lesson each—About Six we have
a fine Shower, with Thunder and Lightning, especiall in the evening the
Lightning Sharp—
Thursday 11.
Dined with us two Gentlemen Names unknown—They informed us that a
Flux is in a neighbouring County, of which many die!—The Ague too is
growing frequent Fanny has a fit this afternoon—I begin to be a little
alarmed at the early approach of these Disorders, which I fear will be

distressful here!—Through the kindness of heaven I am yet in perfect health
—Mr Carter & Mr Stadley performed both on the harmonica I am charm'd
with the Sounds! The melody is swelling, grave & grand! The weather
vastly hot—
Fryday 12.
Very hot—Sam our Barber is Seized with the Ague & Fever—Fanny is
confined to her chamber with a Fever occasioned, I am apt to believe, by
the inflamed bites of the Seed-Ticks, which cover her like a distinct Small
Pox.—Dined with us by particular invitation, Mr Turberville's Family, and
Miss Betsy Lee—The conversation at Table was on the Disorders which
seem growing to be epidemical, Fevers, Agues, Fluxes—A gloomy train!—
Fearing these, I keep myself at home; make my diet sparing & uniform; Use
constant moderate Exercise; Drink as little Wine as possible, & when I must
drink Toasts I never fail to dilute them with well with Water; I omit almost
every kind of fruit; & make my time for Sleeping from Night to Night the
same, Viz to Bed by ten, & rise by six invariably—I never lived so much by
Rule as I do this Summer; & I am taught the Art, & have a Steady Example
in Mr & Mrs Carter—Mr Stadley played on the Harpsichord & harmonica
several Church Tunes & Anthems, with great propriety—

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian to John Peck]
Nomini Hall August 12th 1774.
"Si bene moneo[Maneo], attende."—
Sir.
I never reflect, but with secret, and peculiar pleasure, on the time when I
studied in Deerfield with you, & several other pleasant Companions, under
our common, & much respected instructor, Mr Green. And I acknowledge
now, with a thankful heart, the many favours, which I received from your
family while I was a member of it. This sense of obligation to your Family.
And personal friendship for you, have excited me, when it was in my
power, to introduce you to the business which I now occupy; into a family,
where, if you be prudent and industrious, I am confident you will speedily
acquire to yourself both Honour & Profit—But inasmuch as you are wholly

a stranger to this Province; & have had little or no Experience in the
business which you ar[e] shortly to enter upon; & lest, from common Fame,
which is often erroneous, you shall have entertained other notions of the
manners of the People here, & of your business as a Tutor, than you will
find, when you come, to be actually true; I hope you will not think it vain or
untimely, if I venture to lay before you some Rules for your direction which
I have collected from a year's observation. I shall class what I have to say in
the following order. First. I shall attempt to give you some direction for the
plan of your Conduct among your neighbours, & the People in General
here, so long as you sustain the character of a Tutor. Then I shall advise you
concerning the rules which I think will be most profitable & convenient in
the management of your little lovely charge, the School. Last of all. I shall
mention several Rules for your personal conduct. I choose to proceed in the
order I have laid down, as well that you may more fully & speedily recieve
my mind, as that you may also the more readily select out and apply what
you shall find to be most necessary.
First. When you have thought of removing, for a Time, out of the Colony in
which you was born, & in which you have hitherto constantly resided, I
make no doubt but you have at the same time expected to find a very
considerable alteration of manners, among your new acquaintances, & some
peculiarities toto Caelo different, from any you have before been
accustomed to. Such a thought is natural; And you will if you come into
Virginia, in much shorter time than a year, be convinced that it is just. In
New-Jersey Government throughout, but especially in the Counties where
you have any personal acquaintance, Gentlemen in the first rank of Dignity
& Quality, of the Council, general Assembly, inferior Magistrates, Clergy-
men, or independent Gentlemen, without the smallest fear of bringing any
manner of reproach either on their office, or their high-born, long recorded
Families associate freely & commonly with Farmers & Mechanicks tho'
they be poor & industrious. Ingenuity & industry are the Strongest, & most
approved recommendations to a Man in that Colony. The manners of the
People seem to me, (probably I am overborn by the force of prejudice in
favour of my native Soil), to bear some considerable resemblance of the
manners in the ancient Spartan Common-Wealth—The Valour of its
Inhabitants—was the best, & only security of that State against the enemy;
& the wise laws of its renowned Legislator were the powerful Cement

which kept them firm & invincible—In our Government, the laborious part
of Men, who are commonly ranked in the midling or lower Class, are
accounted the strenth & Honour of the Colony; & the encouragement they
receive from Gentlemen in the highest stations is the spring of Industry,
next to their private advantage. The Levil which is admired in New-Jersey
Government, among People of every rank, arises, no doubt, from the very
great division of the lands in that Province, & consequently from the near
approach to an equality of Wealth amongst the Inhabitants, since it is not
famous for trade. You know very well that the Lands in a small township
are divided, & then again subdivided into two & three Hundred Separate,
proper, creditable estates; for example Deerfield & Fairfield two
Townships, or Precincts, in which you & I are tolerably well acquainted, in
the former of which, are the Seats of two Judges of the Sessions; & in the
latter resides one of the representatives in General Assembly for the
County; But if 16000£ would purchase the whole landed estates of these
three Gentlemen, who are supposed to be the most wealthy in the County, if
we rate their Land at the Low Consideration of 4£ per acre, with all
conveniences, each would have 4000 Acres. Now you may suppose how
small a quantity many must have when two or three hundred Landholders
reside in each of these small Precincts; Hence we see Gentlemen, when they
are not actually engaged in the publick Service, on their farms, setting a
laborious example to their Domesticks, & on the other hand we see
labourers at the Tables & in the Parlours of their Betters enjoying the
advantage, & honour of their society and Conversation—I do not call it an
objection to this, that some few, who have no substance but work like
Slaves as nec[e]ssity drives them for a few Months in the year; with the
price of this Labour they visit Philadelphia; & having there acquired a
fashionable Coat, & a Stock of Impudence, return home to spend the
remainder of the year, in idleness & disgrace!—But you will find the tables
turned the moment you enter this Colony. The very Slaves, in some families
here, could not be bought under 30000£. Such amazing property, no matter
how deep it is involved, blows up the owners to an imagination, which is
visible in all, but in various degrees according to their respective virtue, that
they are exalted as much above other Men in worth & precedency, as blind
stupid fortune has made a difference in their property; excepting always the
value they put upon posts of honour, & mental acquirements—For example,
if you should travel through this Colony, with a well-confirmed testimonial

of your having finished with Credit a Course of studies at Nassau-Hall; you
would be rated, without any more questions asked, either about your family,
your Estate, your business, or your intention, at 10,000£; and you might
come, & go, & converse, & keep company, according to this value; & you
would be dispised & slighted if yo[u] rated yourself a farthing cheaper. But
when I am giving directions to you, from an expectation that you will be
shortly a resident here, altho you have gone through a College Course, &
for any thing I know, have never written a Libel, nor stolen a Turkey, yet I
think myself in duty bound to advise you, lest some powdered Coxcomb
should reproach your education, to cheapen your price about 5000£;
because any young Gentleman travelling through the Colony, as I said
before, is presum'd to be acquainted with Dancing, Boxing, playing the
Fiddle, & Small-Sword, & Cards. Several of which you was only entering
upon, when I left New-Jersey; towards the Close of last year; and if you
stay here any time your Barrenness in these must be detected. I will
however allow, that in the Family where you act as tutor you place yourself,
according to your most accute Calculation, at a perfect equidistance
between the father & the eldest Son. Or let the same distance be observed in
every article of behaviour between you & the eldest Son, as there ought to
be, by the latest & most approved precepts of Moral-Philosophy, between
the eldest Son, & his next youngest Brother. But whenever you go from
Home, where you are to act on your own footing, either to a Ball; or to a
Horse-Race, or to a Cock-Fight, or to a Fish-Feast, I advise that you rate
yourself very low, & if you bett at all, remember that 10,000£ in Reputation
& learning does not amount to a handfull of Shillings in ready Cash!—One
considerable advantage which you promise yourself by coming to this
Colony is to extend the Limits of your acquaintance; this is laudable, & if
you have enough of prudence & firmness, it will be of singular advantage—
Yet attempt slowly & with the most Jealous Circumspection—If you fix
your familiarity wrong in a single instance, you are in danger of total, if not
immediate ruin—You come here, it is true, with an intention to teach, but
you ought likewise to have an inclination to learn. At any rate I solemnly
injoin it upon you, that you never suffer the spirit of a Pedagogue to attend
you without the walls of your little Seminary. In all promiscuous Company
be as silent & attentive as Decency will allow you, for you have nothing to
communicate, which such company, will hear with pleasure, but you may
learn many things which, in after life, will do you singular service.—In

regard to Company in general, if you think it worth the while to attend to
my example, I can easily instruct you in the manner of my Conduct in this
respect. I commonly attend Church; and often, at the request of Gentlemen,
after Service according to the custom, dine abroad on Sunday—I seldom
fail, when invited by Mr or Mrs Carter, of going out with them; but I make
it a point, however strongly solicited to the contrary, to return home with
them too—Except in one of these cases, I seldom go out, but with a
valuable variety of books I live according to Horace's direction, & love
"Secretum Iter et fallentis Semita Vitae." Close retirement and a life by
Stealth. The last direction I shall venture to mention on this head, is, that
you abstain totally from Women. What I would have you understand from
this, is, that by a train of faultless conduct in the whole course of your
tutorship, you make every Lady within the Sphere of your acquaintance,
who is between twelve & forty years of age, so much pleased with your
person, & so fully satisfied as to your abilities in the capacity of—a
Teacher; & in short, fully convinced, that, from a principle of Duty, you
have, both by night & by day endeavoured to acquit yourself honourably, in
the Character of a Tutor; & that, on this account, you have their free &
hearty consent, without making any manner of demand upon you, either to
stay longer in the County with them, which they would choose, or
whenever your business calls you away, that they may not have it in their
Power either by charms or Justice to detain you, & when you must leave
them, have their sincere wishes & constant prayrs for Length of days &
much prosperity, I therefore beg that you will attend litterally to this advice,
& abstain totally from Women. But this last precaution, which I have been
at some pains to dress in the plainest language, I am much inclined to think,
will be wholly useless in regard to you, notwithstanding it is founded in that
Honour and Equity which is on all hands allow'd to be due from one Sex to
the other, & to many of your age, & Standing no doubt would be entirely
salutary. Because the necessary connections which you have had with the
Fair, from your Puberty upwards have been so unfavourable & ill-fated, that
instead of apprehending any danger on the score of over fondness, I am
fearful your rancour has grown so inveterate at length, as, not only to
preserve you, in thought & practice, pure of every Fleshly foible, but has
carried you so far towards the other extream, as that you will need many
persuasions, when your circumstances shall seem to require it, to bring you
back to a rational & manly habit of thinking & acting with respect to the

Sex; which yet, after all (& eternally will continue to be, tho it is so much
courted & whined after) if considered in the fullest manner, & set forth to
the best advantage, never rises above its divine definition viz "The weaker
Vessel." But without detaining you any longer with a matter merely
depending on accident or Circumstance I pass on to the second General
Head; in which "Ludis atque Jocis amotis [amatis]" I shall offer to your
consideration & recommend for your practice several Rules concerning the
managment of the School.
2. You will act wisely, if, from the begining, you convince all your Scholars
which you may easily do, of your abilities in the several branches, which
you shall profess to teach; you are not to tell them, totidem Verbis, "that you
understand, perhaps as well as any man on the Continent both the Latin &
Greek Classicks;" "& have gone through the usual Course in the noted
College of New-Jersey, under Dr Witherspoon, so universally known &
admired, where you have studied Criticism, Oratory, History, not to mention
Mathematical & philosophical Studies, & dipt a good way into the French-
Language, & that you have learn'd a smattering of Dancing, Cards &c. &c.
&c." For Dun-p or Hack—-n or the most profound dunce in your College or
School would have too much sense to pass such impudence by, & not
despise and reproach it; but you may speedily & certainly make them think
you a "Clever Fellow" (which is a phrase in use here for a good Scholar) if
you never mention any thing before them, only what you seem to be wholly
master of—This will teach them never to dispute your determination, &
always to rely upon your Judgment; two things which are most essential for
your peace, & their advantage. That you may avoid yourself of this with
certainty I shall recommend for your practice the following method, as
useful at least, if not intirely necessary. Read over carefully, the lessons in
Latin & Greek, in your leisure hours, that the story & Language be fresh in
your memory, when you are hearing the respective lessons; for your
memory is treacherous, & I am pretty certain it would confound you if you
should be accosted by a pert School-Boy, in the midst of a blunder, with
"Physician heal thyself"!—You ought likewise to do this with those who are
working Figures; probably you may think that because the highest Cypherer
is only in decimal arithmetic, it is not there fore worth your critical attention
to be looking previously into the several Sums. But you are to consider that
a sum in the Square-Root, or even in the Single Rule of three direct, is to

your Pupils of as great importance, as the most abstruse problem in the
Mathematicks to an able artist; & you may lay this down for a Maxim, that
they will reckon upon your abilities, according as they find you acquainted
& expert in what they themselves are studying. If therefore you have
resolution (as I do not question your ability) to carry this plan which I have
laid down into execution; you will thereby convince them of the propriety
of their Subordination to you, & obedience to your instructions, so that you
may lead them, without any resistance, and fix them to the Study of
whatever Science you think proper, in which they will rise according to
their respective Capacities. I have said that you ought to strive "from the
beginning" in fixing this very material article in the minds of your Scholars,
Viz a Sense of your authority; for one error of Judgment, or false
determination will diminish your Ability with them more than doing forty
things with truth would increase your authority—They act in this case as
you would do in the company of a number of Strangers—A whole evenings
conversation, if it was tolerable good Sense, would perhaps make little or
no impression on you; But if through hast[e] in speaking, or inattention, any
one should let fall a sentence either remarkably foolish, or grossly wicked,
it would be difficult if not impossible to persuade you presently that the
author was not either a thick-Scull, or a Villain!—The education of children
requires constant unremitting attention. The meanest qualification you can
mention in a useful teacher is diligence And without diligence no possible
abilities or qualifications can bring children on either with speed or profit.
There must be a Combination of qualifications which must all operate
strongly & uniformly. In short, give this said Pedagogizing the softest name
you will, it is still a "difficult Task." You will meet with numberless
difficulties, in your new imployment, which you never dreamt had yet
existence. All these you must endeavour to resist & Subdue. This I have
seen compared to a Man swimming against a current of Water. But I am
mistaken if you will agree, after having six months practice, that the
comparison be strong as the truth: You will add to the figure, I am certain,
& throw into the Current sharp fragments of Ice, & Blocks, which would
make swimming not only difficult but dangerous! I am not urging these
things to discourage you; they are hints for your direction, which, if you
will attend to, tho' at first the practice seem rough & unpleasant, shall yet
make the remainder of your task pleasing, & the whole of it useful, I will
mention several of these Obstacles that you may the more easily guard

against them. You will, in the first place, be often solicited, probably oftner
than you would wish, to ride abroad; this, however, if you do it moderately,
& in seasonable time, & go to proper company, I recommend as conducive
to health to one in your sedentary manner of living. But if you go much into
company, you will find it extremely difficulty to break away with any
manner of credit till very late at night or in most cases for several days, & if
you are wanting to your School, you do manifest injury to your Imployer. In
this case, I advise you to copy Mr Carter. Whenever he invites you, ride.
You may stay, and talk, & drink, & ride to as great excess as he; & may
with safety associate yourself with those whom you find to be his intimates.
In all other Cases, except when you ride to Church, at least till you are very
intimate in the Colony, you had better ride to a certain Stump, or to some
noted plantation, or pretty landscape; you will have in this every advantage
of exercise, the additional advantage of undisturbed Meditation, & you will
be under no Jealous apprehension in point of behaviour, nor any restraint as
to the time of your return.
Another current difficulty will be petitions for holidays. You must have
good deal of steadiness if you are able to evade cleverly this practice which
has grown so habitual to your little charge from a false method in their early
education that they absolutely claim it as a necessary right.
You must also as much as you can, avoid visible partiality. At least you
must never suffer your fondness for one Scholar to grow so manifest, as that
all your School shall see you look over a fault in him or her which same
fault, if commited by another, you severely chastise. This will certainly
produce in the others hatred & contempt. A fourth difficulty, and the last I
shall mention, consists in knowing when, & in what measure to give the
Boys Liberty to go from Home. The two younger Boys are wholly under
your inspection; so that not only the progress they make in learning, but
their moral Conduct (for both of these are critically observed & examined)
either justifies or condemns your management to the World. If you keep
them much at home, & close to business, they themselves will call you
unfeeling and cruel; & refuse to be industrious; if you suffer them to go
much abroad they are certainly out of the way of improvement by Study,
probably, by discovering their gross Ignorance, they will expose to ridicule
both themselves & all their former instructors, & possibly they may commit
actual Crimes so as very much to injure themselves; & scandalize their

family; but in each of these you will have a large share of blame, perhaps
more than the parents, or even the Boys themselves—It will be said that the
parents gave them no licence relying wholly on your judgment & prudence,
this will in good measure justify them to the world. And as to the Boys they
are full of youthful impetuosity & vigour, & these compel them, when they
are free of restraint, to commit actions which with proper management they
had surely avoided. I say, when you lay these things together, & view them
on every side you will find so many perplexities arising in your mind, from
a sense of ignorance of your duty, that you will proceed with caution &
moderation, & will be carefull to examine with some precision into the
circumstances of time, company, & Business when you license them to go
out entirely at the risk of your Reputation—But the practice of three or four
Weeks will give you a more full notion of these & many other incidents
than I am able now either to recollect or express; I shall have gained my
End if these hints prevent you from setting off wrong, & doing
inadvertantly at first what your Scholars will assert to be precedents for
your after conduct. I go on, therefore, in the third place as I proposed,
3. To mention several Rules for your personal conduct. The happy
Education which you have had in point of religion, you ought to consider as
an important and distinguishing Blessing of Heaven. That train of useful
Instruction, Advice & Example to which you have been accustomed from
your infancy is a more perfect, & will be a safer guide in your future walk,
than any directions I am able to give you. You have taken notice of a
method for Assistance in Composition, which Longinus recommends.
Place, says he, in imagination, several eminent ancient Authors before your
Eyes, & suppose that they inspect your Work, a Sense of inferiority would
make you diligent, & your composition accurate. Perhaps the same advice
when transferr'd to Morality, would be equally salutary. Unless it be
objected that a Belief of Gods presence at all times in every place is the
strongest possible restraint against committing Sin. This I constantly admit;
but when I consider how easily our minds are put in motion, & how
strongly they are sometimes agitated merely by the senses, & that the senses
are affected most by things which fall under their immediate notice, I am
fully convinced that if some such plan as I have just mentioned should be
fallen upon, & practised, it would make a visible and useful change in our
behaviour—In this place I think it needful to caution you against hasty & ill

founded prejudices. When you enter among a people, & find that their
manner of living, their Eating, Drinking, Diversions, Exercise &c., are in
many respects different from any thing you have been accustomed to, you
will be apt to fix your opinion in an instant, & (as some divines deal with
poor Sinners) you will condemn all before you without any meaning or
distinction what seems in your Judgment disagreable at first view, when
you are smitten with the novelty. You will be making ten thousand
Comparisons. The face of the Country, The Soil, the Buildings, the Slaves,
the Tobacco, the method of spending Sunday among Christians; Ditto
among the Negroes; the three grand divisions of time at the Church on
Sundays, Viz. before Service giving & receiving letters of business, reading
Advertisements, consulting about the price of Tobacco, Grain &c. &
settling either the lineage, Age, or qualities of favourite Horses 2. In the
Church at Service, prayrs read over in haste, a Sermon seldom under &
never over twenty minutes, but always made up of sound morality, or deep
studied Metaphysicks. 3. After Service is over three quarters of an hour
spent in strolling round the Church among the Crowd, in which time you
will be invited by several different Gentlemen home with them to dinner.
The Balls, the Fish-Feasts, the Dancing-Schools, the Christnings, the Cock
fights, the Horse-Races, the Chariots, the Ladies Masked, for it is a custom
among the Westmorland Ladies whenever they go from home, to muffle up
their heads, & Necks, leaving only a narrow passage for the Eyes, in Cotton
or silk handkerchiefs; I was in distress for them when I first came into the
Colony, for every Woman that I saw abroad, I looked upon as ill either with
the Mumps or Tooth-Ach!—I say, you will be often observing & comparing
these things which I have enumerated, & many more that now escape me,
with the manner of spending Money time & credit at Cohansie: You are
young, &, (you will allow me the Expression) in the morning of Life. But I
hope you have plann'd off, and entered upon the work which is necessary to
be performed in the course of your Day; if not, I think it my duty to
acquaint you, that a combination of the amusements which I have just now
mentioned, being always before your Eyes, & inviting your Compliance
will have a strong tendency to keep you doubtful & unsetled, in your
notions of Morality & Religion, or else will fix you in a false & dangerous
habit of thinking & acting, which must terminate at length in Sorrow &
despair. You are therefore, if you count any thing upon the value of my
advice, to fix the plan in which you would spend your life; let this be done

with deliberation, Candour, & precission, looking to him for direction, by
fervent Prayr, who is the "Wonderful Counsellor;" & when you have done
this, let no importunity of whatever kind prevail over you, & cause you to
transgress your own Limitations. I have already exceeded the usual bounds
of an Epistle. But you will easily pardon a little prolixity, when I assure you
it flows from a heart deeply impressed with a sense of the many difficulties
which you must encounter, & the dangers which will surround you when
you come first out from the peaceful recess of Contemplation, & enter,
young and unexperienced, into the tumultuous undiscerning World. I submit
these hints to your consideration, & have nothing more than sincere &
ardent wishes for your present & perpetual Felicity.
I am, Sir,
yours.
Philip. V Fithian.
To Mr John Peck.
On going to Virginia in
Character of a Tutor.

[JOURNAL]
Saturday 13.
Prissy took the Ague last Night. She had an easy Fit—This Morning is quite
cold, & will, I fear hasten on or at least provoke the present disorders—The
good Mr Stadley left us this Morning Breakfasted with us a Gentleman
from Maryland. At Dinner he was join'd by another from the same Province
they are both unknown—I rode out with Miss Prissy to the Cornfield for
Exercise—We gathered & brought home some good Roasting-Ears of Corn
—Evening came in Colonel Henry Lee[195] He is chosen to be one of the
seven who represent this Colony in the general Congress to be held next
Month in Philadelphia—He sets out next Sunday Sennight—
Sunday 14.
Colonel Lee stays Breakfast (to Speak in the phrase of Ladies)—The
morning fine—Sermon is to Day at Ucomico so that I am to stay in my

Room; Ben, however, & Bob, & Harry, & Mr Randolph all go—Fanny is
yet confin'd to her Chamber—
Monday 15.
Began a Letter to Jack Peck, giving him advice in Respect to his coming
into this Colony—The People are better, only Miss Fanny with her Sores
continues in her Chamber; I bought & sent her however this evening a
present a large Musk Melon—Dined with us Squire Lee, he talks of going to
Philadelphia to the Congress; He informs us that in Maryland is a Tea-Ship,
from the India Company—
Teusday 16.
The Colonel is summoned to a Meeting of Vestry-Men, at the Glebe—
Nothing very extraordinary occurs, unless I mention that Bob in the former
part of this Day kept pretty quiet in his Seat, and worked out three Sums in
Reduction compound, without much direction!—About five from the South
East came on suddenly a Gust of Rain & Wind, Evening the Colonel
returned but a good deal vexed—One of the Members were absent so that
the Remainder could do no Business—

Wednesday 17.
This Day is the annual Examination at Nassau-Hall—I wish the Candidates
Success & Honour. Last year I had the Pleasure to be present & hear the
Examination—I saw Laura too; & the Vixen abused me! She shall repent of
that insult; Indeed She must feel, tho' I wound myself in the experiment, the
Consequence of Slighting good-humour & Civility—There likewise I saw

Belinda my late agreeable Correspondent. She had left town this unlovely
Month, for the benefit of Princeton's pure salubrious Air—She laboured in a
Consumption There too I took my last fare-well!—For soon after her return
to Town the disorder fixed, & in a few Months destroy'd a wise, useful,
religious Girl—Her death surely was untimely, since she took with her all
her virtues, which, with great pleasure & Sincerity She used to diffuse
among her giddy Equals!—I am at a Loss to express my feeling for the
Death of a young Lady, with whom I had only a short, yet a benificial
Intimacy—The Circumstance of my first Acquaintance with her was wholly
Accidental, yet I soon believed & accounted it advantageous—I thought her
capable of improving me with Sentiment, & I speedily found that my
expectation was true—We commenced a Litterary Correspondence, of
which I only say that She always express'd herself with so much Truth, Ease
& Humour as to make me read her Letters with eagerness and satisfaction
—If I would record a Motto for her, it Should be—"Virtue without
Melancholy." Breakfasted & dined with us two Gentlemen from Maryland
—They come over for the benefit of Mr Carter's Mill; as Mills are scarce
near the Potowmack in Maryland; but the reason I am a stranger to—Read
some in Dr Swift—Writing on to Mr Peck—The weather is close & this
evening I heard two Musquetoes, only one of which ventured to light upon
me—I dare say they are thicker at Cohansie!—Each Wednesday & Saturday
we dine on Fish all the Summer, always plenty of Rock, Perch, & Crabs, &
often Sheeps-Head and Trout!—
Thursday 18.
Very ill most of last night with a violent Dysentery; I fear a frequency of
this disease will at-length fix & ruin me—It continues to Day, & with no
less rage, I cannot eat nor drink, am low Spirited Think constantly of Home;
—Sometimes repent my having come into this Colony, & blame myself for
having been persuaded to turn out of my road to public Business—But
when I reflect closely I justify the Conduct, & resign myself Body & Soul &
Employment to God who has the Hearts of all in his hand, & who I am
persuaded, if he has any thing for me to do in Life, will preserve, & in a
measure fit me for it, if not, I am in his Hand, let him do as seemes good in
his Eyes—At Dinner the Colonel invited me to ride with him to a Mill of
his which is repairing, about eight miles Distance; I accepted his Invitation,
gave the children a few Hours for Play, & went with the Colonel Ben was

along—The Face of the earth seems covered with mocking-Birds, but not
one of them sing, they seem vastly busy but it is in collecting Food—Not a
bird, except now & then Robbin-Redbreast is heard to sing in this Feverish
Month—Nature seems cheerless and gloomy! The Evening is hot, but the
Ride was agreeable, it was useful too; for I grow much better; The Jolting
of the Horse seemed salutary, my Pain subsided, I returned almost wholly
relieved in the evening, drank my Coffee, went soon to my Room, gave
thanks to my divine restorer & laid me down to rest—
Fryday 19.
I slept through the night in quiet and ease, & rose perfectly relieved Mr
Carter at Breakfast advised me to take with him Some Salt-Petre, as a
useful Dieuretick but I declin'd—Mr Grubb came in about twelve o-Clock
from Sabine-Hall. Colonel Carter gave an Entertainment Yesterday to
celebrate his Birth-Day; & had a numerous & gay Company.—This young
Gentleman (Mr Grubb) appears to be a person of Capacity & Improvement;
he was Educated in England, & has been assistant to a Merchant on James's
River in this Colony for some time past. This Summer he has been totally
Idle—He proposes week after week to set out for Williamsburg, & Sail
thence home, but he stays. He has much good nature, is an agreeable
companion—I pity him.—He seems fond of Miss Betsy Lee—But he is too
fluctuating in his mind to settle there, or with any Girl whatever Yet—
Saturday 20.
Ben Mr Taylor, Mr Grubb, & Harry went to the Potowmack to a Fish Feast
—Come, Fithian, what do you mean by keeping hived up sweating in your
Room—Come out & air yourself—But I choose to stick by the Stuff. The
Colonel too, very kindly, offered me a Seat in his Chariot to Nomini Court-
House, but I declin'd Mr Lane & Mr Warden came in towards evening—
Both in high Spirits. But Mr Lane was (as they say) "Half Seas over"—they
sat & chated noisily til nine—Evening clear a full Moon, & very light—Our
neighbourhood seems alive with little Negro Boys playing in every part—
Sunday 21.
Nomini Church—Parson Smith gave us after Prayrs, which he was obliged
to read himself, a useful Sermon; poor man he seemed to labour hard—

Dined with us Captain Walker, Mr Lane, Mrs Lane, Mr Wadman, Mr
Warden.
Soon after Dinner I left the company & retired to my chamber where I seem
commonly most happy—

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian To Palatiah Webster]
Nomini-Hall Virginia, augt 21st 1774.
Sir.
I have an oppertunity by some gentlemen, who go from this Colony to the
Congress, of writing you a line according to promise, since I saw you, I
have been in good health; The reigning spirit in Virginia is liberty—And the
universal topic politicks—I suppose it to be the same with you God
Almighty knows where these civil tumults will end; probably not without
War & Blood!—I have but little to say but to present you my best regards,
remember me to your sister—To Miss Cunningham—The Miss Armitages
—Miss Cooks—I hope to see you the last of october, when I expect to be in
Town—Probably you can make it convenient for you to take a ramble into
the country at that time. I hope to be at leisure, and shall be proud to attend
you—Mr Blain, who favours me by carrying these is a Gentleman of my
acquaintance in this Colony, a Merchant of Note, I shall thank you if you
will take some notice of him,—And by him, as he is to return immediately I
beg you write—Tell me how matters go in Town—Tell me what you know
of the Country—Tell me much about the Sex you love—Remember to ask
Mr Blain the hour he returns, and dont fail to send me a line
I am, Sir,
with great regard,
Yours.

Palatiah Webster.
Philip V. Fithian.

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian To Nathaniel Donnald, Jr.]

Nomini Hall. Augt: 21st. 1774.
Sir.
I wrote you a line in great haste, just before I left home, and two days
before that I had the pleasure of your company with ladies in an evening
excursion—We have here no artificial gardens; Nor can we select out a
company of sociable equals whenever we are in a humour for a walk—Here
we either strain on Horseback from home to Church, or from house to
House if we go out at all—Or we walk alone into a dark Meadow, or tall
wood—But I love solitude, and these lonely recesses suit exactly the feeling
of my mind—I recieved lately a letter from Cohansie, in which I am
informed of the Death of Uncle Seeley—The family and neighbourhood
will have suffered a great loss!—I suppose you join in the general language,
and assert your liberties and oppose oppression. I hope at least you are on
the right side of the question.
The City, I dare say, is in great tumult if not in consternation. I wish it was
convenient for me to be in town when the gentlemen from the respective
Colonies shall meet in general Congress—This is out of my power, but I
can wish for their union, and usefulness. Mr Blain, the gentleman who
forwards my letter, is a Merchant of Note, in this Colony, you will oblige
me if you take notice of him while he is in Town.—You will not fail to
write me a line, and give to Mr Blain the moment you recieve mine, least he
leave town and I be disappointed.
My compliments to all friends,
from Sir,
Yours
P. V. Fithian.
Mr Nathl: Donnald Junr:

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian To Miss Ruth Webster]
Nomini-Hall August 21st 1774.
Madam.

I send you these inclosed in a line to your Brother.
I do this that you may recieve the letter, for there seems to be little security
in a letter directed to you, the youngsters are so curious to examine what is
written for you—I understand that you never recieved my last dated "May
1774. Delaware River on board the swallow." I wish I could detect the
impudent interceptor—You have then at last condescended to visit
Cohansie! I hear by Mr Ewing that you was in the Country several weeks—
Does it delight you, to hear the noise of Birds, of Lowing Cows, of Sheep,
and of chatt'ring poultry, instead of the City-Cries? But I forget myself—
Did you see that your Merchant, who, as I mentioned to you, is so moved
with youn[g] person and manner? I suppose he was your constant and
unwearied gallant—I expect that according to promise, you spent some part
of your time with my sister—She a little Vixen, has never scribbled me a
line, but I am level with her, for I have been as silent as she—Miss Beatty,
that girl you seem so passionately fond of, is I expect, before this returned
—She is indeed a lovely girl, if I say more you will call me partial—At any
rate, as you correspond, I beg you will present her with my compliments,
which are indeed but empty, thread-bare things—But Madam, I assure you
they are the most valuable articles I can now transmit—I expect to be in
town by the latter end of October, or beginning of November—If you are
not too busy when you recieve this, I beg you will sit yourself instantly
down and write me a friendly answer—This I think my due since I have
written to you only, and to no other Lady either in town or country
I am, Madam,
P. V. Fithian
To Miss Ruth Webster.

[JOURNAL]
Monday 22.
Mr Grubb & Ben returned last evening—They spent their Day in
Richmond[196]—I wrote to day several letters. to Philadephia One to Miss
Webster. To her Brother. To John McCalla junr—To Mr Donald—These I

send by 'Squire Lee who is to be of the Party—After School Ben, Grubb, &
Myself rode to the 'Squires—He took us into his Garden, shewed and gave
us great Plenty of fine Peaches, Nectarines &c
He has a large Garden, & great abundance of fruit—His People were
shaking the trees to prepare the Peaches for Brandy

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian To John Mccalla, Jr.]
Nomini Hall Virginia Augt: 22d: 1774.
Sir.
Since I left you I have heard not a syllable about you, whether the ague has
left you, whether you have left the City removed to Alexandria, as you
proposed in the spring, in short both yourself and fame have been, as to
you, wholly silent—
I have now an oppertunity which I gladly improve of sending you a line,
and I beg that by the same conveyance you will send me an Answer—There
are many from this Colony to attend the general Congress, seven by
appointment, the others out of curiosity, by Mr Blain, a gentleman of my
acquaintance in this Colony, a Merchant of Note I forward this; you will
oblige me if you use him with civility.—
I cannot write home at present; if you should write soon to Cohansie, please
to mention to whoever you write to that I am in good health; that the
neighbourhood is in good health; and that I propose to return about the
latter end of october—I can transmit nothing now concerning public affairs,
you will know by the gentlemen from this province that the reigning spirit
is liberty—I hope Mr and Mrs Hollinshead keep clear of the fevers this fall;
but I fear they will suffer in that common calamity. I think they ought to
remove to the City for a few weeks in september when the disorder rages
where they reside—My best compliments attend your family, and to Miss
Pratt, Miss Boyd and others of my acquaintance in town as shall be
convenient.
I am, Sir, with great truth
and Regard your most obedient

Most humble Servt:
P. V. Fithian
Mr John McCalla Junr:
I shall thank you if you will send me the latest Journal, Gazette, and the
Packet.

[JOURNAL]
Teusday 23.
Blessed be God who yet preserves me in perfect health—Priss has another
fitt of the Ague these Disorders are giving Alarms. in a few Weeks I
suppose they will grow numerous & troublesome—A violent Gust of Wind,
Rain, & some Thunder we had about twelve o clock, the Country seems to
be afloat—A [I] received this Morning a Note from a School Master in the
Village, who signs himself "Brother Quill" He sends me with his
compliments a Question. To multiply 12£ 12s 12½d by itself in Cross
multiplication—And tells me the Answer is 160£ 1s 6d his way, viz by
Decimals—I did not alter his answer, but suffered him to continue satisfied
with his own performance.—
Wednesday 24.
Stormy—A poor Man arrived from Maryland with Grain to grind. It was
wet—He saw Mr Carter and Mr Randolph—Mr Randolph wore a red Coat
—the Marylander asked Bob which was the master of the House—Bob with
his usual impudence answered, the Man you see drest in a scarlet Coat—
Who then says he is the other in a frowsled Wig?—He is says Bob my
fathers Clerk—The Colonel heard this Anecdote of Bob, which entertained
him, While we were dining. I hear nothing of the Ague abroad, it seems to
go by turns, sometimes brief then exceeding scarce—all this day the wind
North East rainy.
Thursday 25.
Still stormy. The Gentlemen who are sailing up the Bay to the Congress
have a disagreeable time—This is a true August Northeaster, as we call it in

Cohansie—Ben is in a wonderful Fluster lest he shall have no company to-
morrow at the Dance—But blow high, blow low, he need not be afraid;
Virginians are of genuine Blood—They will dance or die!—I wrote some at
my Letter for Mr Peck—The people here pronounce Shower "Sho-er"—
And what in New-Jersey we call a Vendue here they a "Sale"—All Taverns
they call "Ordinary's"—When a Horse is frolicsome & brisk, they, say at
once he is "gayly"—she [if he] is mischievous, they call him, "vicious."—
At five, with Ben. I rode out for exercise—After a while we arrived at
George-Lee's—He gave us some excellent Peaches—He returned with us to
Mr Turberville's—We met here with Miss Betsy Lee, Mr Grubb, Lancelot
Lee & here we spent the evening—Fish-Feasts, & Fillies, Loud disputes
concerning the Excellence of each others Colts—Concerning their Fathers,
Mothers (for so they call the Dams) Brothers, Sisters, Uncles, Aunts,
Nephews, Nieces, & Cousins to the fourth Degree!—All the Evening Toddy
constantly circulating—Supper came in, & at Supper I had a full, broad,
sattisfying View of Miss Sally Panton—I wanted to hear her converse, but
poor Girl any thing She attempted to say was drowned in the more polite &
useful Jargon about Dogs & Horses!—For my Part, as I was unwilling to be
singular, if I attempted to push in a word, I was seldom heard, & never
regarded, & yet they were constantly refering their Cases to me, as to a
supposed honest fellow, I suppose because I wear a black Coat, & am
generally silent; at Home I am thought to be noisy enough; here I am
thought to be silent & circumspect as a Spy—How different the Manners of
the People! I try to be as cheerful as I can. & yet I am blamed for being
stupid as a Nun—
Fryday 26.
Mr Christian came while we were at Breakfast—Soon after came Miss
Washington, Miss Hale & the Miss Lee's—I kept myself in my Room pretty
Close—Towards evening Mrs Carter, Miss Washington, Miss Hale, Mrs
Christien & Myself had a thorough ramble, first thro' the Garden—We
gathered some Figs, the Ladies seem fond of them, I cannot endure them—
Then we stroll'd down the Pasture quite to the River, admiring the
Pleasantness of the evening, & the delightsome Prospect of the River, Hills,
Huts on the Summits, low Bottoms, Trees of various Kinds, and Sizes,
Cattle & Sheep feeding some near us, & others at a great distance on the
green sides of the Hills, People, some fishing, others working, & others in

the Pasture among the Horses;—The Country emphatically in her goodly
Variety! I love to walk on these high Hills where I can see the Tops of tall
Trees lower than my Feet, at not half a miles Distance—Where I can have a
long View of many Miles & see on the Summits of the Hills Clusters of
Savin Trees, through these often a little Farm-House, or Quarter for
Negroes; these airy Situations seem to me to be the Habitations of Health,
and Vigor—We return'd, & all were apparently well satisfied with the walk
—Evening was spent jovially in Dancing, at Supper, I left the Company,
being not very well, & retired to my Chamber, Thanks to my heavenly
Father, that I can enjoy a competent Measure of Health when many are sick
around—A Note from Mr Lowe. Miss Betsy Lee, & her Brother came in
just at night—Miss Lee seems cheerful, dances well, sings agreeably,
appears free of formality, & Haughtiness the Common foible here,—
Saturday 27.
The morning spent in setting coppies, Sums &c., for the School—After
Breakfast, I spent a couple of Hours in the Dancing-Room—Mr Lee in our
Room raved against the Scotch—He swore that if his Sister should marry a
Scotchman, he would never speak with her again; & that if he ever Shall
have a Daughter, if She marries a Scotchman he shoots her dead at once!—
At twelve I rode to Mr Washingtons, the Country extremely pleasant Dined
with the Parson, his Brother, Mrs Smith, Miss Pettit, Mr Blain, Mr
Buckner,[197] & several of Mr Lowes Boys; Mr Lowe was from home. On
my return I found no company, except Grubb who had come in my absence.
We spent the Evening after sipping our Coffee in Chat with Mr & Mrs
Carter.
Sunday 28.
Mr Grubb rose very early, having yesterday made every previous necessary
preparation, & set out for Home about One hundred miles Distance. He has
so much good Nature, is always so cheerful, & at the same time void of any
thing malicious, clamorous & impudent, that I cannot but esteem & very
much respect him—On some whimsical unsubstantial Miff or other,
however, our Girls cannot endure him—he wrote them some Copies the
other Day, & tho' he writes a much finer neater hand than I they would not
allow it, nor hardly—Strive to imitate—I laughed at the ridiculous, the

perfect Picture of Female Caprice, & Obstinacy in Miniature—Sermon is to
Day at Ucomico, so that I keep my Room—I wrote several Letters which
are to be forwarded by Mr Blain, one to Jack Peck, one to John Duffield,
[198]
at Dr Shippen's[199] Junr Philadelphia, & one to Laura. I begun also a
Sermon I understand by Mrs Carter & Ben who were at Church, that the
Parson was unable to read Prayrs or Preach, having a Fever, but that there
was a thronged Assembly; many I am told, have the Ague & Fever, but
none are dangerous or have it fixed—

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian to Elizabeth Beatty]
Nominy-Hall. August 28: 1774.
To Laura.
There is a Letter of yours lying before me, in which you say "that if I had
continued writing to you, it is more than probable you had been as negligent
as ever; but that my leaving off for a Time has at last extorted a Letter from
you"—Mighty pretty! I dare say the Sentiment is genuine, & you may be
assured that I allow & believe it.
You are not, therefore, to account this any thing more than the Ghost, the
Shade of a Letter; for, thinking this an extraordinary Case, I have gone
beyond my usual Manner of speaking, in Order to convince you of my
Resolution—And swore that I will not interrupt you til' I have received
several.
If you receive this by the Conveyance I expect (I send it by Col: Lee who
attends the Congress) it will be a few Days before I leave Virginia; for I
intend, by the Permission of Heaven, being at Home by the beginning of
November at farthest.
In the mean Time, since I ardently wish your constant and perpetual
Felicity, from a deep-rooted Friendship, which I have discovered in a
thousand Variations, suffer me to borrow a Form of Mr Addison, & put up
one important Prayr in your Behalf "Ye guardian Angels to whose Care
heaven has intrusted its dear Laura, guide her still forward in the Paths of
Virtue, defend her from the Insolence & wrongs of this undiscerning World;

At length, when we must no more converse with such Purity on Earth, lead
her gently hence, innocent & unreproveable to a better Place, where by an
easy Transition from what She now is, She may shine forth an Angel of
Light."
It would be bold & presumptuous, or I would with Earnestness & Sincerity
extend the Wish a little farther, but transfer it to Fortune, & pray that She
would make you mine. I ought, however, to be cautious here—In so nice a
Case, Truth & Virtue are often thought impertinent.
I advise you, upon the whole, to consult & examine the Prospect you have
of substantial Happiness, when you are about to change your State for Life.
Inform yourself, so far as you are able, of the Quality & Measure of what
you think your chief Happiness—Your Satisfaction & Comfort will consist
in.
Place this against necessary Distress & Perplexity; You will thereby have a
clearer & fuller View of both; Your Judgement will be less confused; &
more likely to fix to Advantage;—You are to consider that a wrong Choice
brings on a Train of Curses; but view it in the other Light, & it is almost a
State of unmixed Pleasures—
I am, Madam yours
Philip. V. Fithian.

[JOURNAL]
Monday 29.
Miss Fanny in School to Day, but not entirely well of her Sores made by the
Ticks—Ben complains of a pain in his breast; he seems to have many
symptoms of Weakness in his breast—I attempted to take a rough Draught
of the Great House for myself—Evening after Coffee the C[o]lonel
entertained us by playing on the Harmonica.
Teusday 30.
Mr Carter rides to Westmoreland Court. By him I send my Letters to Mr
Blain, who is going to the Congress—Ben seems to be no better; has a

slight Fever, pain in his Breast, & Uneasiness, I fear he is bordering on a
Consumption—His fond Mother discovers great Anxiety, & true affection.
Once I too had a fond indulgent Mother; when I was sick, or otherwise
distress'd, She was always impatient til my Health & Ease returned; & She
used to urge me likewise by precept & example to strive for an habitual
Preparation for Sickness and Death! But oh! She has gone & left me, &
Friendship seems to have been buried with her!—Formality & Pretence are
common enough, but Sincerity & affection are exceeding rare—Mrs Carter
thinks it better for Ben to sleep at the Great-House til he grows better, for
the advantage of giving him medicine—I seem now when it is late in the
Evening, lonely, & a little fearful, at least I think on what I made a Subject
for a merry Hour, when I was at Home last, & a young Lady was
complaining of being fearful at Night, & afraid to sleep in a Room alone—
There are now (asleep I suppose) in this House, below Stairs Mr Randolph,
& Mr Burney the Cooper; two clever lusty youngsters, & in the Room next
to mine Bob & Harry sleep—I feel yet gloomy; Ben is missing, & which is
worse, he is sick—
Wednesday 31.
Last Fryday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Teusday, & this Day have been
perfectly fair, but yesterday & to Day are very hot—Ben quits reading & is
quite unwell—Dined with us Mr Wadman: He is, I believe, a Man of a good
understanding, but desperate in his religious Principles—
Thursday Septemr: 1st: 1774.
One other Calm, sunny, sweltering day
The Colonel says it is the hottest Day we have had—I keep myself caged up
in my Room, & cannot venture out on my usual walk or Ride for exercise—
Through divine goodness I continue in perfect Health, but as skinny &
meagre as tho' I was continually sick—Ben seems a little more pert today—
Evening it Lightens in the North West.
Fryday 2.
Extreme hot to day—Yesterday a Negro Child about six years old sickened
as to appearance with the Ague & Fever, & to Day about eleven in the
morning it expired! It is remarkable that the Mother has now lost seven

successively, none of which have arrived to be ten years old!—The Negroes
all seem much alarm'd, & our School make it a Subject for continual
Speculation; They seem all to be free of any terror at the Prescence of
Death; Harry in special signified a Wish that his turn may be next. I should
be glad if his desire were wise; & he was as fit for the business of the other
world, as he seems willing to leave the business of this—In the evening this
unexpected Death was the Subject of Conversation in the House—Mr
Carter observed, that he thought it the most desirable to die of a Short
Illness. If he could have his Wish he would not lie longer than two days; be
taken with a Fever, which should have such an unusual effect on his Body
as to convince him that it would be fatal, and gradually increase till it
affected a Dissolution—He told us that his affairs are in Such a state that he
should be able to dictate a Will which might be written in five Minutes, &
contain the disposal of his estate agreeable to his mind—He mentioned to
us the Substance—"That he would leave Mrs Carter 6000£ Serling; &
leave the remainder of his Estate to be disposed among his children as the
Law directs."—
He told us likewise, with great firmness, that if he hives [lives] to see his
children grown, he will pay no regard to age, but give his wealth to Him
who bids fairest to be useful to mankind—That he allows all an equal
oppertunity of improvement, but the One who is found then improved shall
with the Learning inherit also the Substance—Dennis the Lad who waits at
Table, I took into the School to day at his Fathers request, He can spell
words of one syllable pretty readily. He is to come as he finds oppertunity.
Saturday 3.
Indeed says Mrs Carter at Breakfast, the Lightning, Rain, & Thunder,
disturbed me, & kept me padding from Room to Room all Night; I first had
the Girls Beds removed as far as possible from the Chimneys—then had
lights placed in the passage; and then but without rest or pleasure, I
wandered through the house silent & lonely like a disturbed Ghost!—It has
however effected an agreeable change in the Air; which is now cool &
agreeable. I was invited this morning by Captain Fibbs [Gibbs] to a
Barbecue: this differs but little from the Fish Feasts, instead of Fish the
Dinner is roasted Pig, with the proper apendages, but the Diversion &
exercise are the very same at both—I declined going and pleaded in

ex[c]use unusual & unexpected Business for the School—By appointment
is to be fought this Day near Mr Lanes two fist Battles between four young
Fellows. The Cause of the battles I have not yet known; I suppose either
that they are lovers, & one has in Jest or reality some way supplanted the
other; or has in a merry hour call'd him a Lubber, or a thick-Skull, or a
Buckskin, or a Scotchman, or perhaps one has mislaid the others hat, or
knocked a peach out of his Hand, or offered him a dram without wiping the
mouth of the Bottle; all these, & ten thousand more quite as triffling &
ridiculous, are thought & accepted as just Causes of immediate Quarrels, in
which every diabolical Stratagem for Mastery is allowed & practised, of
Bruising, Kicking, Scratching, Pinching, Biting, Butting, Tripping,
Throtling, Gouging, Cursing, Dismembring, Howling, &c. This spectacle,
(so loathsome & horrible!) generally is attended with a crowd of People! In
my opinion, (others may think for themselves) animals which seek after &
relish such odious and filthy amusements are not of the human species, they
are destitute of the remotest pretension to humanity; I know not how they
came by their form, by the help of which they are permitted to associate
with Men, unless it has been (unfortunate for the World!) by an intermixture
of the meaner kind of Devils with prostitute Monkeys!—This however, I
cannot determine; But I think all such should be deemed by the community
infectious, & suspended at least any kind of intercourse, til, either the
lineage be settled & recorded, or those shrew'd Characteristicks of a
spurious, illegitimate claim to kindred with men be in a good Measure
abated.
Sunday 4.
We had last night a flood of rain, the wind North East stormy—No Church
to Day—Mr Carter sent down to his Mill-Dam, & channel all his people to
try if they can secure them; he gives them Rum, & a Shilling a man—
I read Prayrs, by the desire of the Parents, at the Grave over the deceased
Child Priscilla, Nanccy, Fanny, Betsy, Ben, Bob, Harry, & Myself, & about
forty or fifty Negroes were present. Neither the Father nor the Mother of the
Child went out; imitating the example they see in others, & stay from an
affectation of overflowing Grief.
Monday 5.

There is wonderful To do, this morning among the Housekeeper & children,
at the great house. They assert that a Man or a Spirit came into the Nursery
about one o-Clock this morning—That if it was indeed a Spirit the Cause of
his appearance is wholly unknown; but if it was Flesh & blood they are
pretty confident that the design was either to rob the House, or commit
fornication with Sukey, (a plump, sleek, likely Negro Girl about sixteen)—
That the doors & windows were well secured, but that by some secret
manner, unknown to all, the Thing opened the Cellar door, went through the
Cellar, & up the narrow dark Stairs (which are used only on necessary
occasions, as when the great Stair way is washing or on some such account)
—That it left the said Cellar door standing open, & besides unbar'd, &
threw open the East Window in the little Room, in order, as they wisely
supposed, to have, if it should be hurried, a ready passage out—That it had
previously put a small wedge in the Lock of the Nursery Door, where
several of the young Ladies, & the said Sukey sleep, so that when they were
going to Bed they could not Lock nor bolt the door, but this they all
believed was done in mischief by the children, & went thereupon to bed,
without suspicion of harm, with the door open—That Sukey some time in
the Night discovered Something lying by her Side which she knew to be a
Man by his having Breeches—That She was greatly surprised, & cry'd out
suddenly to the others that a Man was among them, & that the Man tickled
her, & said whish, whish—That on this She left the Bed & run & squeased
herself in by the side of Miss Sally the House-keeper, but that by this time
the Whole Room was awake & alarmed—That when the thing knew there
was a discovery it stamped several times on the floor, shook the Bedstead
by the side of which it lay, rattled the Door several Times & went down
Stairs walking very heavy for one barefoot—That on its leaving the Room
the Hous[e]Keeper went to Ben Carters Chamber, & that he rose & they all
went down & found the Doors & window as I have mentioned—All this
with many other material accidents is circulating through the family to Day;
some conclude it was a Ghost because it would not speak—But, more
probably it was one of the warm-blooded, well fed young Negroes, trying
for the company of buxom Sukey—The Colonel however, at Breakfast gave
out that if any one be caught in the House, after the family are at Rest, on
any Pretence what ever, that Person he will cause to be hanged!—This
Afternoon Nelson the Lad who waits in our School, was in the woods about
half a mile off, where he met with & kill'd a Rattle-Snake having six Rattles

—He cut off the head, & brought Home the remainder of the Body, which
we have skin'd & stuff'd—Mrs Carter complains to Day of the Tooth-Ach,
& a slight Fever.
Teusday 6.
The day fine—It is whispered to Day that B... is the Ghost that walk'd in the
Nursery the other night, but I think the report is false, and arises from
calumny. We had an expectation of company to day, but are disappointed.
We dined on Fish & Crabs, which were provided for our company, to-
morrow being Fish-Day—I begun a Sermon Job XXIII. 3. 4. We have too
vagrant Tinkers with us mending several articles, one of whom is this
afternoon violent sick with the Fever & Ague—I rode to my old spot, the
Corn field, by chance met with Mr Taylor. I walked with him among the
Tobacco Cotton &c. He gave me Directions for raising the latter.—Cotton
must be planted about the middle of May in rich Land, prepared with Hills,
& made very mellow. When up it must be weeded & kept clean, it must be
top'd & suckered as Tobacco, otherwise it runs too much to vine. Towards
the Fall it will begin to open, when the opened pods mu[s]t be gathered &
laid by til dry, then the Cotton pick'd out & clean'd—
Wednesday 7.
Mrs Carter not very well; is troubled with a small tooth-Ach Fever & a
Cold—Every leisure minute I spend in writing at my Sermon—Dined with
us Mr Sorrel, & Mr .... on Fish, Rock, Perch, fine Crabs, & a large fresh
Mackerel. Yesterday & to day I have been a little pained & pretty much
alarmed, at an unusual feeling in my right arm. Almost all the Summer I
have felt an obstruction when I would lift up my arm. But now it is a
trembling steady knawing down the under part of my arm & Wrist, without
unless when I move it suddenly—Evening I walked throug the pasture to
the River, the Hills are green, since the late rains, & look fine tip'd with the
setting Sun.
Thursday 8.
Cloudy & cool. I rise now by half after six—I found it necessary to flogg
Bob & Harry on account of lying in bed, after I come into School—At
twelve Mr & Mrs Carter, with all the Family except Ben, Harry & Myself;

Ben staid of choice, & Harry I kept at Home on account of a sullen
Impudence when I dismiss'd them—I told them that they both had my leave
to go but at the same time it was my advice that they should stay—Harry
then answered "D—n my Soul but i'll go!" At this I informed him that he
had at once dismiss'd himself from my authority. & without singular signs
of Submission I should never take him under my direction more—And
therefore that he had general & unbounded Liberty to go not only to the
Horse Race, but where & when he chose—He seem'd startled, & began to
moderate his answer: I ordered him out of the Room, & told him to use his
liberty. Mrs Carter took with her all the young Ladies & all her children—
Ben & I with great satisfaction dined alone. Nelson, to Day, kill'd another
Rattle Snake; near the place where he kill'd the other, which had twelve
Rattles—Harry grew sick and refused to go to the Race, he came soon to
my room & with every Sign of Sorrow for his conduct begg'd me to forgive
him, at first I refused, but at length I took him in, yet informed him that I
shall pass over no other instance of what may be called rudeness only.—
The Colonel on his return, in the evening informed us that the Race was
curious, & that the Horses were almost an even match—That the Betts were
Drawn & no Money paid—That the Rider of one of the Horses weighed
only forty Seven pound—Strange that so little substance in a human
Creature can have strength & skill sufficient to manage a Horse in a Match
of Importance—Something alarming happened a few nights ago in the
Neighbourhood at Mr Sorrels[200] a House in sight—It is supposed that his
Negres had appointed to murder him, several were found in his bed
chamber in the middle of the night—his Wife waked—She heard a
whispering, one perswading the other to go—On this She waked her
Husband, who run to his Gun; but they escaped in the dark—Presumption is
so strong together with a small confession of the Fellows, that three are now
in Prison—The ill Treatment which this unhappy part of mankind receives
here, would almost justify them in any desperate attempt for gaining that
Civility, & Plenty which tho' denied them, is here, commonly bestowed on
Horses!—Now, Laura, I sleep in fear too, though my Doors & Windows are
all secured!—
Fryday 9.
Mr Stadley came in before Breakfast. He inform'd us that Governor
Dunmore has gone to the Frontiers with about 400 Men to subdue the

Indians—That the Indians seem disheartened, & leave their towns, & are
unwilling to fight—Mrs Carter, out of Compliment, this morning presented
to Ben & I for staying at home yesterday, a large fine Cake—Dined with us
a Stranger—Ben with great Humour either out of a Bravado or for Revenge
gave out in the Family to day that it is the opinion of a certain Female, of
considerable Note in the family, that all the male Children which shall be
born in this unlucky year, tho' they may be fair to the Sight, will be yet
unable, from a Debility of Constitution, to do their Duty, with respect to
Women, either married or single—That She has two reasons for this
opinion,
1. Because the Air appears to her extremely barren, weak, & ungenerative
—2. Because the Peaches, & other Fruit, are observed this year to have in
them very few Kernels, at the same time that the Peaches are sweet & fair—
I think that Ben, by this stratagem, whether it be real or otherwise, is levil
with the invidious Vixen which suspected him of entering the Nursery to
visit black-faced Sukey—
Saturday 10.
With the Boys I Surveyed a small field lying along the Richmond Road; the
Colonel has a good Theodolite & other Aparatus for Surveying—English
Magazines, & Reviews arrived to Day—One of the Books lately published
I am desirous to purchase viz.—Dr Henry's History of Great Britain on a
new Plan. This history is to be contained in ten Books, each of which will
be divided into seven chapters. In the first Chapter of every Book, the
Author relates, the civil & military History of Great Britain—The second
chapter contains the ecclesiastical History of the same period: the third
presents us with the history of our political constitution, Government, Laws,
& Courts of justice: the fourth is employed upon what relates to Learning &
Learned men: the fifth investigates the State of the useful & ornamental
Arts: the sixth enquires into that of commerce, Shipping, Money, with the
prices of commodities: & the last Chapter of every Volume is alloted to a
Detail of the Manners, Virtues, Vices, remarkable Customs, Language,
Dress, Diet, & Diversions of the Great Britains—Six o-Clock, Mrs
Turberville, Miss Jenny Corbin, and Miss Turberville came in; Miss Corbin
has been, all the Summer, at her Brothers on Rapahanock forty miles
distant.[201]—I saw, in the evening, in Mr Randalls[202] Room, a Young man

about twenty years old, totally deaf, & dumb! He is well-set, lusty, & likely;
he is cheerful, good natur'd, extremely dextrous, quick of apprehension, &,
in short, very conversable, & sociable by signs—he was taken to the much
famed Dr Graham,[203] when he was in this Colony trumpeting about his
own unproved Abilities; he fumbled with the unfortunate Lad, by blooding,
gouging, boreing &c. putting him to torture and expence without any
possible expectation of help—He Sustains among his neighbours the
Reputation of being, honest, industrious, & useful—He supports by Labour
his mother, & himself; He is remarkably fond of Cloths; & vastly curious,
& nice in examining every article of dress, where he has the smallest
intimacy—He abstains entirely from strong Liquor.—And what most of all
produced admiration in me, was his taking a Pen & writing his Name
"Coley Reed" in a good legible Hand, better indeed, than the Bulk of
planters are able to do! But he can write nothing more—
Sunday 11.
Ben rode out yesterday after Dinner and returned this morning; but came on
foot, I begin to suspect him of being actually engaged in what several
alledge against him—But I will keep off so long as I possibly can, so
unwelcome, so unwelcome & so Base a thought of its Reality—After
Breakfast Mr Stadley left us; I feel always Sorry when he leaves the Family;
his entire good-Nature, Cheerfulness, Simplicity, & Skill in Music have
fixed him firm in my esteem—None go to Ucomico Church to day—
Towards evening, I took a book in my hand, & strolled down the Pasture
quite to the Bank of the River—Miss Stanhope, Priss, Nancy, Fanny &
Betsy Carter were just passing by—They walked to the Mill; there they
entered a Boat, & for exercise & amusement were rowed down the River
quite to the granary, & then went to angling—I walked to them, & together
we all marched Home to Coffee.
Monday 12.
We threatned having a Fire this morning—I wrote at my Sermon—From the
Ship lying at Leeds, arrived this afternoon our new Coach—It is a plain
carriage, upper part black, lower Sage or Pea-Green—The Harness is neat
strong, & suitable for the Country. Price 120£ Sterling—In the same Ship
Mrs Carter imports about 30£ value in plate in a pair of fashionable

Goblets; Pair of beautiful Sauce-Cups; & a Pair of elegant Decanter-holders
—Ben introduced into our Room a plain useful Book-Case, in which we
class & place our Books in order. after School, I took a Book, and walked
through the Pasture strolling among Horses, Cows, & Sheep, grazing on the
Hills & by the River.
Teusday 13.
We thought of Fire this morning, but put it off—Ben's mare is not yet heard
of, though he has had a Boy almost constantly searching about for her—It is
curious to see the Girls imitating what they see in the great House;
sometimes tying a String to a Chair & then run buzzing back to imitate the
Girls spinning; then getting Rags & washing them without water—Very
often they are knitting with Straws, small round stockings, Garters &c—
Sometimes they get sticks & splinter one end of them f[o]r Brushes, or as
they call them here Clamps, & spitting on part of the floor, they scrubb
away with great vigor—& often at a small game with Peach-stones which
they call checks—Evening after School I rode to the much Frequented
Cornfield, Mr Taylor was from Home the evening cloudy, cool, but fine,
The Planters now begin to cut their Tobacco.
Wednesday 14.
Mr Carter received word to day that he has had brought very lately for his
Mill 7000 Bushels of Wheat at 4s 6d pr Bushel.—I am at a Loss to know
where he will dispose of such vast Quantities!—The Colonel who is often
pidling in some curious experiment, is to day making some Printers Ink—
He tells me the Materials are Lint-seed-Oil, Wheat-Bread, Onions, &
Turpentine, a rank compound truely—then for Black, Lamp-Black, red,
Vermillion—Ben, found his mare lost in last Saturday's Visit, poor Brute!
She was confin'd in the Pasture where he left her, in which being very large
She had been concealed.—Mr Smith, who was wounded last Spring by a
Shot of his Brother is lately dead, & it is said by the Wounds which he
received from his Brother!—
Thursday 15.
Ben is much better: he has return'd to his Bed in my Room, but complains
often of the pain in his Breast.—I put him to begin & read some select odes

in Horace—He works arithmetic but is only in Reduction—He dispises
Greek, & therefore makes little or no progress in that Language—He is
reading in course the Eneid Lib 3—He has an unconquerable Love for
Horses; he often tells me that he should have been a skilfull, & useful
Groom; that he should be more fond & careful of a favourite Horse than of
a Wife, or than his victuals, or than any thing whatever! I never saw a
Person, in any Diversion, Recreation or amusement, who seemed so full of
Pleasure & enjoyment as he is when on Horse back, or even in the company
of a Horse! He seems to possess as warm a regard for them as Dr Swift had
for the Houyhnhnms—But I cannot discover that Ben has so cordial an
enmity to Mankind as Swift had for the Yahoos.—Bobs passion for the same
Animal is no less strong, but it is furious, & cruel, he rides excessive hard,
& would ride always—Harry's Genius seems towards Cocks, & low Betts,
much in company with the waiting Boys, &, against my strongest
Remonstrances, & frequent severe corrections, he will curse, at times,
horribly, & swear fearfully! he always, however, omits it when I am
Present.—
Fryday 16.
Mrs Carter, this morning, with Prissy, Nancy, & Bob went in the New-
Coach to the Dance at Stratford, the morning is mild, fair & cool—The
Colonel informed me that now his Mill-House Bake-Houses, Store Houses
&c. with a clear unobstructed navigation is compleated, & that, he will rent
them all to a Person properly qualified—or gladly employ a person who is
capable, trusty & industrious enough to be the sole Director of so great &
valuable Property—Dined with us captain Walker—He threw out several
exceeding unpopular Sentiments with regard to the present amazing
Disturbances through the Colonies—One in special I think proper to record
because it fixes his Character, & declares him, in Spite of all pretence, an
enemy to America—He asserted that no Officers (at Boston or elsewhere)
are obliged, either by Law, or Right, to question or refuse any kind of orders
which they receive from their Sovereign, or commanding Officer—But I
account every man, who possesses, & publishes such sentiments in this
Crisis of the Fate of a vast Empire, as great an enemy to America at least, as
Milton's Arch-Devil was to Mankind!—After School, we took the
Theodolite, the Colonel along, & run several Lines, He seems perfectly well
acquainted with the Art.

Saturday 17.
At eight I dismiss'd my small charge. Immediately after Breakfast I took
some Boys, & went a Surveying; Ben, impatient of tiresome scurvy Home,
strain'd off through the County—I run in to Dinner, the Colonel & I dined
alone, we drank a Glass of Madeira, as a Health to absent Friends, after
which I went again to the Field & survey'd till six in the evening; The
Business of this Day has been to go round the inner Pasture About half an
Hour after Sunset (when Women who love their Husbands & Families
always come Home) Mrs Carter & the Girls arrived from Stratford She
informed us that there was a large, genteel, and agreeable Company at the
Dance; that the Ague & Fever have been & continue troublesome in that
Neighbourhood; & that Word is arrived from Boston that Governor Gage
has fired on the Town, & that it is expected his orders are to burn & beat it
to Destruction! Ben returned about seven from Westmoreland Courthouse—
He informed us that Mr Sorrels Negroes had their trial there to Day,
concerning their accusation of entering their Masters House in the night
with an intention to murder Him—It was there proved (so far as Negroes
evidence will go) that a Brother of this Sorrels early last Spring bribed some
Negroes to Poison his Brother; & when that diabolical Attempt could not
succeed, he has since tried to perswade them to murder Him!—But all
Evidence against the Negroes was so weak & dark that the judges ordered
them to be whiped & dismised them—Though the Law considers all
Testimony given by a Negro against a White-Man as weak & unsubstantial;
yet what the Negro said to Day on Oath of the younger Mr Sorrel, seems to
gain much Belief with many who are candid, & unbiased Judges; & with
me beyond all Scruple, it fixes on him the cursed Character of a Fratricide!
—
Sunday 18.
The Colonel gave me, at Breakfast the offer of a Seat in his Boat to Church.
The Morning was fine, & Nomini-River alive with Boats Canoes &c. some
going to Church, some fishing, & some Sporting—Mr Smith gave us a very
practical Sermon against the common vices here, in particular against the
practise of abusing Slaves—The report concerning Boston is much talked
off & still confirmed!—We dined all at Mr Turberville's; Miss Corbin looks
fresh & plump as ever. Towards evening arose a pretty furious Thunder-

Gust, which we hardly escaped on our way home I observed that several,
but in special Mr Carter is not pleased with Mr Smith's Sentiments of
Slavery.
Monday 19.
The morning fine & cool, & produces in our School at last a fine Fire!—
Fire looks & feels most welcome; and I observe it makes our children
remarkably garrulous & noisy—I took cold by Saturdays unusual exercise,
& to Day have a Pain through my head, sore throat, & the other common
troubles in a Cold—This Day begins the examination of The Junior class at
Nassau-Hall. Every time I reflect on that Place of retirement & Study,
where I spent two years which I call the most pleasant as well as the most
important Period in my past life—Always when I think upon the Studies,
the Discipline, the Companions, the Neighbourhood, the exercises, &
Diversions, it gives me a secret & real Pleasure, even the Foibles which
often prevail there are pleasant on recollection; such as giving each other
names & characters; Meeting & Shoving in the dark entries; knocking at
Doors & going off without entering; Strowing the entries in the night with
greasy Feathers; freezing the Bell; Ringing it at late Hours of the Night;—I
may add that it does not seem disagreeable to think over the Mischiefs often
practised by wanton Boys—Such are writing witty pointed anonymous
Papers, in Songs, Confessions, Wills, Soliliques, Proclamations,
Advertisements &c—Picking from the neighbourhood now & then a plump
fat Hen or Turkey for the private entertainment of the Club "instituted for
inventing & practising several new kinds of mischief in a secret polite
Manner"—Parading bad Women—Burning Curse-John—Darting Sun-
Beams upon the Town-People Reconoitering Houses in the Town, & ogling
Women with the Telescope—Making Squibs, & other frightful
compositions with Gun-Powder, & lighting them in the Rooms of timorous
Boys, & new comers—The various methods used in naturalizing Strangers,
of incivility in the Dining-Room to make them bold; writing them sharp &
threatning Letters to make them smart; leading them at first with long
Lessons to make them industrious—And trying them by Jeers & Repartee
in order to make them choose their Companions &c. &c—Evening after
School with Mrs Carter, & the Girls I took a Walk thro the Pumpkin &
Potatoe Vines. the Air is clear, cold & healthful. We drank our Coffee at the

great House very sociably, round a fine Fire, the House And air feels like
winter again.
Teusday 20.
Among the many womanish Fribbles which our little Misses daily practise,
I discovered one to Day no less merry than natural; Fanny & Harriot by
stuffing rags & other Lumber under their Gowns just below their Apron-
Strings, were prodigiously charmed at their resemblanc to Pregnant
Women! They blushed, however, pretty deeply on discovering that I saw
them—We have to day both in the School & great-house steady Fires—Mr
Thomas Edwards a reputable Planter in the Neighbourhood died this day
about one o-Clock—I saw him last Sunday at Church when he was in good
Health; was taken the same Evening, & hurried off at once!—Frail Man,
how easily subdued!—
Wednesday 21.
We have a more particular account of the Death of Mr Edwards. About a
twelve-month ago, he was suddenly siezed with a Fit of the Palsy, his Foot,
Side, Arm, & part of his Face then failed, & became useless, after some
time, however, he grew better, & has since been apparently well; til Sunday
evening last after the Shower, as he was walking in his Garden, he fell
down in an instant, there happened to be help at hand, he only said these
emphatical Words—"Now I must die"—He was carried in, & expired as I
mentioned yesterday!—I am told that the Flux is in the upper part of this
County—My cold continues; in the Evening on going to bed, I took a dose
of Honey & Rum—
Thursday 22.
A pure cold northerly wind still blows, & we all keep Fires—Peaches &
Fruit are omitted at Dinners, & Soup or Broth is brought in; Milk and
Hominy at Breakfast too are laid by & Coffee & Sage Tea brought in; Our
Suppers are Coffee & Bred & butter—Neatness variety & Plenty are
reigning Characters in our worthy oconomist Mrs Carter. I read to Day, &
am charm'd with a —— of Lord Chesterfield. Letters to his natural Son,
which I propose to purchase—After School, with Ben, I took a walk to Mr
Turberville's—He has received a line from Colonel Lee at Philadelphia that

the Congress is going on—That the account concerning Boston is false—
Evening Lancelot Lee came in, & staid the night—He gave Ben & myself
an Invitation to dine with him tomorrow, I took out of the Library & began
to read Watts's Logic—
Fryday 23.
I spent some time in reviewing Geography & Logic—Mr Lee left us about
twelve, & Ben rode out with him—Evening from Mr Turberville's I saw
some Barberry's, Sloes, & Pomegranates, neither of which I had seen
before—
Saturday 24.
Together with my Cold I have to Day a most disagreeable gathering on my
middle Finger—I keep myself at home reading Logic—Evening the
Colonel invited me to walk with him; he took me to his Mill, Coopers,
House, Channel, Meadows &c., and was vastly particular in describing to
me their particular uses—I begin to look with eager Sollicitude to the time
of my revisiting my friends & Relations—It is, happily near—
Sunday 25.
The morning clear cool & very dry—I rode to Ucomico-Church, I was
surprised when the Psalm begun, to hear a large Collection of voices
singing at the same time, from a Gallery, entirely contrary to what I have
seen befor in the Colony, for it is seldom in the fullest Congregation's, that
more sing than the Clerk, & about two others!—I am told that a singing
Master of good abilities has been among this society lately & put them on
the respectable Method which they, at present pursue—I dined at Mr
Fishers, among others I saw there, Dr Steptoe, & Mr Hamilton who have
lately been to Philadelphia—They give various Reports concerning political
affairs, & as to the Congress nothing certain, so that I say nothing on that
Score—Their Remarks on the City & Inhabitants; The Country &c. are
curious—They allow the City to be fine, neat, & large; they complain a
little of the small Rooms, Uniformity of the Buildings, & several other like
faults—They call the Inhabitants grave & reserved; & the Women
remarkably homely, hard favour'd & sour!—One Colonel Harrison[204]
from a lower County in this Colony, offer'd to give a Guinea for every

handsome Face that could be found in the City, if any one would put a
Copper on every Face that did not come up to that Character!—This is an
impeachment of the Ladies which I have never heard before, I do not give
my opinion either for or against it—The face of the Country, & the method
of farming that way delights them: but at this I dont wonder.
Monday 26.
Yesterday the Inspector, whom I have named & described before, desired
the Parson to wait on them in his family and christen his Child—Is the child
sick? No Sir—Why then today? it is the Mothers Desire Sir—Why was it
not brought to Church? The Mother is unwell, Sir—The Parson excused
himself, & promised to come some Days hence, but the long winded officer,
inured to Stubbornness, hung on, &, without moderation or Apology
demanded his presence!—And prevail'd.—Something in our palace this
Evening, very merry happened—Mrs Carter made a dish of Tea. At Coffee,
she sent me a dish—& the Colonel both ignorant—He smelt, sipt—look'd
—At last with great gravity he asks what's this?—Do you ask Sir—Poh!—
And out he throws it splash a sacrifice to Vulcan—

Teusday 27.
This morning the Colonel with his Theodolite observed the Centre of the
Sun at his rising, & found it bore East 5° South—This he is doing to fix a

true East & West Line for regulating the Needle at any time. This Bearing
he corrected by finding the Suns Declination, & fixed his Points—After the
morning we let our fire go down—Both yesterday, & this evening I rode out
to exercise myself & horse against our approaching Journey—Mr Hodge, a
Merchant of Leeds & Mr Leech a Merchant of Dumfries came Home with
the Colonel from Westmoreland-Court—Both chatty, in special Mr Leech;
both well-bred, sensible, & sociable—The loyal Toast was Wisdom & unity
to the Conferrences now assembled—And when Women were to be toasted,
I gave Miss Jenny Washington.—
Wednesday 28.
The weather remarkably dry, since Sunday sennight, we have not had a
drop of Rain, nor even a cloudy Sky, and till yesterday, & steady, cold,
serene northerly Wind—To Day is the annual Commencement at Nassau
Hall—

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian to Mr. Larkin Randall]
[Nomini Hall. September 28 (?) 1774]
Mr Randall.

You will please to acquaint Mr Rigmaiden[205] that I received and looked
over his Note, and should have attempted to answer it but for the following
reasons. I observe that the first author of the question very rudely calls Mr
Rigmaiden a fool for not working it by Cross-Multiplication.
And I observe too that Mr Rigmaiden throws back the word fool, (I suppose
in revenge) upon the other, and if I should intermeddle in the case it is more
than probable, that I should be called the third fool, by either the one or the
other, at least I think the hazard of this too great to set against any Honour I
could recieve by resolving it—But since Mr Rigmaiden intimates in his note
that he is at something of a loss to know whether himself or the other have
the least claim to the character; I shall propose a question in arithmetick,
which will fully decide any dispute of this nature, for I pronounce the man
who can work it off at once, to be no fool in figures.

A Man has 5000£ which he puts to interest for 30 years 6£ per Cent. per
Annum. I demand how much of this he must spend every day, to spend it
all, principal and interest in the thirty years, and let the daily sums in the
whole time be equal?
As to the question given, "to Multiply 12£ 12s 12½d by itself", It must have
been a punn, or from one not well skill'd in figures. If it was the former, it
does not deserve to be answered at all, because that would be indulging
wanton impertinence; and if it was the latter, I am not able to understand
how such a person should venture to question Mr Rigmaidens answer—
Upon the whole, I am apt to think it is all a punn which, "Brother Quill" (as
he is pleased to style himself) has ventured to throw out, and on this
account, until I am better satisfied that the sentiment is genuine, I decline
wholly entering farther into the matter.
I am, Sir, Yours
P V Fithian
To Mr Larkin Randell
Nomini Hall.

[JOURNAL]
Thursday 29.
Warm to day, but dry & clear. Mr Leech & Mr Hodge spent last evening
with us; the Conversation was on exchange—Loyal Toasts, Agreement, &
Firmness through the american Colonies—Ladies. mine was Miss Corbin—
The Colonel informed us that early next week he shall set out for
Williamsburg—Soon after I hope to set out for Cohansie!

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian to Benjamin Carter]
Nomini Hall Septr: 29th. 1774.
"Aetas Parentum, pejor avis, tulit
Nos nequiores; mox daturos
Progeniem vitiosiorem."

Sir.
You will comprehend, at once, the design of Horace in the Ode from which
this motto was taken, And, perhaps, you may think the application of it here
unmeaning, and impertinent. In order to free you wholly from every such
secret suspicion, you will please to take notice, that the dignity of your very
respectable family, (which is a sacred thing) depends almost entirely upon
your Capacity, improvement, and behaviour, an attempt, therefore, to guide
and enlarge either or all of these may not be called unmeaning; and, as you
have honoured me for some time past in the character of a Tutor, by
submitting to my advice and instruction, I cannot suppose you so utterly
destitute of candour and gratitude as to put the name of impertinence on
what is the close and sum of my duty to you: especially as there is but little
probability that I shall ever see you more, and can, therefore, have no
possible incitement from interest, to flatter nor oppertunity of indulging any
kind of revenge. These remarks, I presume, are sufficient to remove from
you any hurtfull prejudice. I therefore go on, to make several observations
with moderation and freedom, which, at least, I hope you will duely
consider, and if they please you, practise. Give me leave then, first of all to
tell you, That you possess a critical tho' a high station, and that in your road
throug[h] life you are liable to innumerable dangerous [dev]iations. On
many accounts your station is critical; I shall enumerate only a few.
—The rest is lost—
To Mr Ben Carter

[JOURNAL]
Fryday 30.
Warm, but clear & dry—Dined with us Mr Blain; He gave us a large
account of affairs at the Congress, of the City, Country, Manners, Persons,
Trade &c—But he swears the Women are coarse & hardy—Evening I
informed the Colonel that it is hardly probable I shall continue in his family
til his return from the general Court, & at the same time, desired him to give
me a discharge so that I expect to have all things adjusted before he leaves
Home—We have now entered on the Winter plan, have Coffee just at

evening & Supper between eight & nine o-Clock—It is wonderful to
consider the Consumption of provisions in this family—I have before
spoken of Meat, & the steady Rate of flour weekly, for the great House is
100Lb of which 50 is the finest, & 50 the Seconds—But all the Negroes, &
most of the Labourers eat Corn.
Saturday October 1st. 1774.
Wind South West cloudy. After Breakfast with the Boys I went a Surveying
along the River round the lower pasture at twelve, Ben, Bob, Harry all
gallop off—I spent the afternoon plotting my work—I paid Sam our Barber
for Blacking, Dressing &c. 12/.
Sunday 2.
Parson Smith is out of the Parish so that we have no service—With Ben I
rode to Mr Washingtons. Mr Lowe again absent—Dined with us Mrs
Turberville, Miss Corbin, Miss Pierce—we found the Colonel in the
evening busy at his Instrument of Music—We drank our Coffee & retired
early to our Room, & read til ten, then thanking our bountiful Preserver we
retired to our bed.—
Monday 3.
I gave Tom the Hostler, for his care of my Horse 3s—After Breakfast the
Colonel settled & paid me for my Years Service 40£ Sterling—This is better
than the scurvy annuity commonly allowed to the Presbyterian Clergy—He
is very Busy in adjusting his affairs, he set out however, by twelve for
Williamsburg, after taking final leave of me—Ben accompanies him to
Richmond Court—Afternoon Miss Corbin & Miss Turberville came in to
stay a while with Mrs Carter. Bob went yesterday to Mr Lanes there was
Parson Gibbern ill of his last weeks Bout; he was up three nights
successively drinking & playing at Cards, so that the liquor & want of sleep
put quite out of his Sences—A rare tale this to relate of a Man of God!—To
use the language of the vulgar, "Old Satan will sadly belabour such
overgrown Sinners"!—
Teusday 4.

Dined with us Mrs Turberville and Miss Letty we were all Tete a Tete,
vastly merry & garrulous—I gave Nelson for a Stirrup Buckle a Bit—I am
preparing my Saddle. Cloth's, Bags, Horse, & myself for the intended Ride
—
Wednesday 5.
Dined with us Mr Taylor, he informs us that the crops of Tobacco are like to
be good—Evening I wrote a Letter to Mrs Thornton Northumberland,
concerning Mr Leek's coming into her Family as a Tutor—I had a fine walk
with the young Ladies through the Pasture—They make me proud by
expressing much concern at my necessary Departure, throwing out many
Wishes that I would continue with them—

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian to Mrs Charlotte Thornton]
Nomini Hall. Octr. 5th. 1774.
Madam.

I saw Mr Leek last Spring, and, as directed by Colonel Taylor,[206] I
enquired if he would undertake the education of several children in this
Colony: he seem'd willing, but would make no promise, nor enter into any
agreement til he is fully instructed as to the number and standing of his
pupils, the conditions of the agreement, and time when he is to begin.
I expect to return shortly to Philadelphia, and write these to acquaint you
that I would willingly forward a letter to him, if you are yet desirous of
employing him to instruct your family.
you will please, Madam, if you think proper to write, to direct the letter thus
"To Mr Samuel Leek junr: Cohansie, New Jersey—"
I shall leave this place about the 18th instant.
I am Madam, your
Most humble Servt:
P V Fithian

To Mrs Charlotte Thornton
Northumberland

[JOURNAL]
Thursday 6.
I paid Natt who drives the Team half a Bit as a Forfeit for taking hold of his
plough—And to Harry 18d for a stirrup-leather & sundry other Articles—
The School presented me with a petition formally drawn up for a holiday to
day on account of the race at Mr Turberville's, which I granted—Priscilla,
Nancy, Ben, & Bob go Harry & I, making in my opinion the wisest choice
both stay.

[Philip V. Fithian to Harry Willis and Robert Bladen Carter]
Nomini Hall Octr: 6th. 1774.
For Masters Harry & Bob.
I approve highly of the method you have taken in asking for liberty to
attend the race this afternoon, and think myself bound to give you an
answer in the same manner.
This Race happening so soon after the other, which was at the same place,
and so much like it seems to promise nothing that can require your
attendance, it is therefore my desire and advice that you stay contented at
home. But if your inclination be stronger than either of these, and you still
choose to go, you have my consent provided you return by Sun set in the
Evening.
Yours
Philip V Fithian

[JOURNAL]
Fryday 7.

Nancy, & Bog go to the Dance at Schantille[207]—Mrs Carter after
Breakfast took Prissy, Fanny & Harriot, & made Mrs Washington a Visit,
Ben, Harry, Betsy & I are left at Home alone I spent to Day in writing off
Mr Peck's Letter—Evening I am troubled with a drunken Carpenter; he saw
a Light in my Chamber—up he bouzes, with a Bottle of Rum in his hand;
Who keeps Home?—I asked him in—Have you any water Sir?—Not any I
told him—Not a Drop, Sir?—No—My Flute was lying on the Table, he
took it for a Trumpet & tooted in for two or three Minutes Then again he
begs, O Sir call in a Servant & have me some Water—But I left the Room
glad to be free of his foolish Impertinence. At Supper Mrs Carter informed
us that Captain Walker's little Son has the putrid Quinsey, but we hope it is
only a bad sore Throat by a Cold—I have a Complaint of a painful Jaw, for
these several Days
Saturday 8.
Expence to the Smith for mending my Stirrup a Pisterene 1/3—Ben this
morning Wrote a letter to his Papa—I finished off mine for Mr Peck The
Pain in my face is a good deal troublesome. Dined with us Colonel Frank
Lee & his Lady; Mr Turberville Mrs Turberville & Miss Letty.
Sunday 9.
Ben & Harry ride to Ucomico Church I at home spend the day in my Room,
I walked out towards evening & saw a number of Negroes very busy at
framing together a small House—Sundays they commonly spend in fishing
making Potatoes &c., building & patching their Quarters or rather Cabins—
Monday 10.
The General Court at Williamsburg begins to sit this Day—We have no
intelligence of the carryings on of the Congress; our Papers this Summer
come vastly seldom, it is said that the Post Men are bribed & give away the
News Papers. I expect that Mr Peck is about setting out from Home for this
place—I wish him a speedy & successful passage, for I am now impatient
of Delay til I visit again my acquaintances & Home—The day is cold, the
wind at North & the ground extremely dry—
Teusday 11.

Mr Stadley came this morning. He brings no news of the Congress, but
much of the great Race lately at Fredericksburg—Every Evening, for the
Benefit of exercise I ride out, and commonly carry with me one of the small
Girls, who partaking of the prevailing Spirit, are passionately fond of
Riding—
Wednesday 12.
I was told often before I left Home that coming into Virginia would bring
me into the midst of many dangerous Temptations: Gay Company, frequent
entertainments, little practical devotion, no remote pretention to Heart
religion, daily examples in Men of the highest quality, of Luxury,
intemperance, & impiety: these were urged, by my kind acquaintances, as
very strong dissuasions against my leaving home; the admonitions I
accepted with great Thankfulness, tho' I could not allow them to turn me off
from my purpose & I resolved with as much sincerity & Firmness as I could
to carry them with me in every part of my behaviour. The close of the time
of my Stay here is I expect now near at hand: And if I may judge myself of
the carrying my resolutions into practice, I should pronounce that I have not
been wanting in my duty in this respect. Some few who frequently ask me
to go from home, say I am dull, unsociable, & splenetic: But the Gentlemen
generally here have a good & reasonable manner of judging in this case
they are well pleased with strict & rigid virtue in those who have the
management of their children, if it does not grow to factious enthusiasm; so
that Levity, tho perhaps they would wink at it lessens, & in a while would
take away the Reputation & business of a Family Tutor—Of this I was fully
convinced in a short time after my coming into the Colony, & saw too the
very great advantage of the Precaution which I received from my friends,
for they assisted me in setting out on a safe, and prudent Plan, which has, I
hope directed me to propriety of conduct with regard to my private
character, & likewise to my little lovely Charge.

Thursday 13.
Good Mr Stadley left us this morning. I took leave with great reluctance of
this worthy Man, & do not expect to see him more!—After Breakfast Mrs
Carter with the young Ladies, rode to Colonel Tayloe's. My jaw continues
growling & keeps me uneasy, I very much fear some hurtful humours are
collecting themselves there together—To day at twelve o-Clock Bob
providentially escaped with his life—He went up into a tall Chesnut tree to
cut down Boughs & gather Chesnuts & foolishly he began to cut the Limb
on which he was standing, at a little distance from his feet—Chesnut splits
extremely easy, so that when the Limb was about half cut off it split down;
this so weaked the part on which Bob stood that his weight instantly split it
too, & down he must have tumbled upwards of thirty feet but he happily
caught a bough on his way down.—
Fryday 14.
The Disorder in my face continues, slow, uniform, & Steady; it does not
hinder me from rest by night or from any exercise or business by day; But It
keeps me in continual doubt, & anxiety, whether it be not something
gathering which will be peculiarly distressful—But my temper, I fear, in
these respects is very phlegmatic; I find it unpleasing to myself, & it would
be certainly unpleasant to any one who was interested in my complaints—I
am of so strange a constitution that very trifles make me utterly unhappy—

A mere conceit, frivolous & unsubstantial often takes away my rest—This
feeling I have possest from my infancy; I remember very well that a Cuff on
my Ear would make me sullen for Several days when I was too young to go
out to school; Afterwards a disappointment of an hours play would mak me
disrelish for a long time both play-fellows, & all Diversion! When I was at
the College one Blunder at recitation, or in any performance of my duty
would make one [me] dull, low-Spiritted, & peevish; In fact any
disappointment, even the most inconsiderable seems to have a general
Effect on my Passions & mingle fear, & anger, & rage, together with many
others which are excited by different & disagreeable modifications of our
Bodies, &, tho' I am conscious of this frailty in myself, I have not yet
brought myself under so good subjection, as to make these humours give
way intirely to Philosophy or Religion—It is, however, my constant study
how I may accomplish this much wish'd for habit—While we are dining
there is a large shower of rain but by no means plentiful, for the earth is
uncommonly dry—Mrs Carter to day asked me if Mr Peck is to be here
before my setting out: I answered that he is—And says she, is he grave as
you?—
Saturday 15.
I rode after Breakfast to Dr Thompsons with a settled purpose of having my
troublesom tooth drawn out but on examination he found it to be too far
back, & too short to be extracted—More sorry I.—Dined with us besides
the family, Mr Munro, young Mr Washington, and Master Christien—Here
is a fine Prospect from an exceeding high eminence, of the Potowmack;
River Nominy; our House, which is six miles distant; Lee Hall Bush-field;
all remote.—Evening I rode Home, the country pleasant Bought several
articles as presents for the young Ladies, a neat gilt paper Snuff Box for
Miss Priscilla, a neat best clear Hair-Comb a piece for Miss Nancy &
Fanny. A broad elegant Sash a piece for Miss Betsy & Harriot Value of all
15s. Soon after my return, when I was in the Chamber adjusting my articles
Ben came bawling at my window Mr Peck's come, Mr Peck's come! I step'd
to the window, & saw presently that what he said was fact, my Heart
bounc'd & I with it bolted down to meet him But he comes empty of a
letter, & barren of news, at least all he brings seems gloomy; none at all of
the great Congress; very little of the present momentious political affairs;
that it has been at Cohansie an unhealthy season; that good & useful Mr

Hunter has been ill of a disorder in his head: that Mrs Reve is gone & left a
Brood of infants! that young Tom Jennifer of Port-Tobacco, my
acquaintance at College too is dead! that matters go in their usual course at
Cohansie & Princeton; that Laura is not in new Jersey! All his intelligence
is similar to this, which is to me harsh & unharmonious as a Ravens
ominous Croak!—To Day Harry boil'd up a Compound of Poke-Berries,
Vinegar, Sugar &c. to make a red Ink or Liquid—I spent the evening til two
in the morning in conversation.
Sunday 16.
A fine morning—We rose by Seven but we were informed that there is no
Sermon so that out of compliment to Mr Peck's weariness we kept close at
home rathar than ride to Richmond. We spent the Day in our chamber til
towards evening when with the young Ladies we took a turn down the
River Many we saw fishing—Mrs Carter with Priss rode to Captain
Turberville's—We all return'd and assembled by evening at the great House
—
Monday 17.
Before Breakfast I heard all the School a lesson round Mr Peck Present—
After Breakfast I heard their Tables, Grammer &c. & then in Spite of my
resolution with great reluctance, I resigned up to Mr Peck my little much-
loved Charge!—The pain in my Face is quite gone—To day I saw a
Phenomenon, Mrs Carter without Stays!—She complains of a pain in her
breast, that prevents her wearing them, she says that She is always
supposing the worst, & fears it is a Cancer breeding there—I hope it may be
only fear—I am more & more every day pleased with the manner, Temper,
Oconomy, & whole management of this good Lady—Now I am to take my
final Leave!—Towards evening we all went down on the River & had a
pleasant exercise—
Teusday 18.
Early to Day I wrote a Note to Mr Lowe and Harry Fantleroy to dine with
us to day, & soon received their promise—After Dinner with Mr Lowe on
the violin, I play'd over many tunes on the Flute, he plays with good Taste
and accuracy—At five we all walk'd over to Mr Turberville's—I gave to our

Wash-Woman some old Linen & as a Box 2/4—We spent the evening in
Music Chat & pleasantry—But this said thing which I hear of that turn-Coat
Laura, that She loves & courts one Mr Rodman this distresses me
exceedingly But this relieves me, for I have had it always in my View that
—Varium & mutabile semper Feminae—Tho I have made a Solemn vow
which I have no inclination at all to forego, yet if it shall appear that she has
listened to another, my dearest vow is not inviolable; I will retreat from
every former Promise, I will not hearken to womanish solicitations, but I
shall in return for her want of goodness treat her with contempt; &
Sincerely pity, instead of resent, her ineffectual Caprice—

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian To John Lowe]
Nomini-Hall Octr: 18th: 1774.
For Mr Lowe.
Ben: Carter's compliments with mine wait on you this morning, and beg
your company with us to day to dine, if it be convenient.
We also present our compliments and the same request to Mr Fantleroy.
I should not have ventured to encroach upon your hours of business, but as
Mr Peck, the gentleman who succeeds me in this family arrived last
saturday so that I propose to set out tomorrow and should be glad to see you
before I leave Virginia.
I am, Sir,
Your most humble Servt.
P V Fithian.

[JOURNAL]
Wednesday 19.
Mr Lowe & Fantleroy left us early But I agreed to stay till tomorrow—I
gave to Nelson on going away 2/2—To Miss Sally the House-Keeper 5/.—

Thursday 20.
I rose by three, & left Home by half after four—Gave Nelson & Dennis half
a Bit a piece—rode thence to Westmoreland Court House ten Miles by half
after six—Fed my Horse & drank some Brandy—Expence a Bit—Rode
thence to Mattox Bridge 18 miles—Fed here three quarts of Bran & Corn
for a Bit—The Bloody-Flux is now extremely bad in this Neighbourhood—
I am told that scarce a Family is clear of it, & of every family some die!—
Rode thence to Tylers Ferry 8 miles the road extremely dry & dusty—At
two I set off for Maryland, the wind fresh at South East arrived at Mrs
Laidlers by five Ferriage 7/6 I gave the Ferrymen a Bottle of Rum—Here I
dined on fryed Chicken, Ham, with good Porter—Accomodations good—
I[n] Bed by half after Seven—
Fryday 21.
Directly over my Room was a sick Woman that kept a dismal groaning all
night—My window-Shutters Clapt the Potowmack howl'd, yet I Slept—My
Bill at Mrs Laidlers—A Bottle of Porter 2/. Dinner 1/3 Bed./6d—Bottle of
Rum for Ferrymen 1/3—Gallon Oats./8d—Stable & Foder 1/.—A smart
looking Girl at Mrs Laidlers made me smile—She was complaining to me
of the unhealthy Climate, that these three months past she has had a
constant Ague & Fever, & been in the Country only six months—Pray Miss
said I did you come from Britain?—No Sir, I came from London—Rode
thence to Port-Tobacco—It has been extremely sickly here this Fall—Bill to
Barber 1s/8—Breakfast 1/—Hay and Oats 1/3—Mrs Halkinson my
Landlady, a poor aged, distress'd Widow, when she found that I was
acquainted with her little son at Princeton, seemed a little to revive; she
beg'd me to encourage her Son to be diligent & industrious, to caution &
admonish him from h[er] against bad company & wicked practices—She
told me of her great & sore loss of an only Daughter, a young woman of 15
this Summer, since which, she told me in tears, that She has been a stranger
to health & Quiet—O relentless Death!—How universal & severe are thy
Commissions! From Mrs Laidlers to Port Tobacco is called 13 miles—I
rode thence thro' a fog of Dust to Piscatua 14 miles. The Landlady here is
very ill—That dismal disorder the bloody-Flux has been extremely bad at
Port-Tobacco, & in the Neighbourhood of this town, but is subsided—
Expence here half a Gill of Brandy./3d—Oats & Fodder./6d—Left this

Village half after four, and rode to upper-Marlborough, almost blinded with
sweat & dust!—Arrived by seven, a little tired this Evening—Distance 16
Miles—Whole distance yesterday including the Ferry 8 miles 44 Miles—
Whole Expence 8/7—That epidemical distemper above mentioned has been
likewise raging in the Neighbourhood of this Town—Bill at Marlborough
To Tea 1/3—To lodging ./8—To Oats 1/1—To stabling 1/.—
Saturday 22.
Rode thence to Patuxen Ferry 4 mile Ferriage./6d—Thence to South River
12 miles, Ferriage./6d—To Boy ./4—Thence to Annapolis 4 miles—Bill
here To Dinner & Club 4/6—To Hay & Oats 1/3—To two Silver watch
Seals 15/6 To half Gallon Rum for Ferryman 2/6—To Hay for Horse /8—
To Barber 1/—Left Annapolis at 6 no wind returned about 8 to the Coffee-
House To Ferriage across the Bay 17/6—
Sunday 23.
Teusday evening last the people of this Town & of Baltimore obliged one
Anthony Stewart a Merchant here to set fire to a Brig of his lately from
London in which was 17 Chests of Tea—The People seem indeed to be full
of patriotic Fire—Second Bill at Annapolis—Supper 1/6—Lodging ./9 Hay
1/3—2 Gallons Oats 1/6—Articles for the Voyage 4/.—Landed about 5 at
Kent-Island,[208] rode thence to a small Ferry for Oats & Ferriage 1/.—
thence we rode to Queens Town 15 miles[209]—Bill there 5/2½
Monday 24.
Rode from Queens Town over a low levil Country 7 miles to a small Tavern
—Breakfasted 1/7 rode thence by a small Town call'd Churchill—thence to
the Head of Chester River 22 miles here I dined my Company gone to the
Chester Races which happen to morrow—Expence 2/4 Rode thence to
Warwick 12 miles My Horses feet swell this Evening
Teusday 25.
Bill at Warwick—supper 1/3—Oats./8—Stable Hay & Lodging 2/.—Glass
of Wine Bitters./4—Rode thence to Port Penn 15 miles expence there 1/7—
Ferriage 5/.—Arrived once more by Gods Kindness in New-Jersey among
my friends & relations I found many of my Acquaintances have gone off

the Stage Uncle Seeley; Damon James; Mrs Reeve; James Boyd; & several
others—And many are Sick—Our Family through divine Goodness are in
Health.—

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian to Elizabeth Beatty]
Greenwich Novem: 30: 1774.
To Laura.
—The Widow left the Room after begging that I would stay to Coffee—I
was seated near the Toilet on which Miss had thrown her Piece of Drawing.
—I viewed it, She saw me, & began a fine Apology—That her Situation is
so lonely, being out of the Way of Entertainment by Company!—That
Music & Drawing are her chief & necessary Amusements—That She was
glad of the Opportunity of an Hours Conversation even of an utter Stranger
—That She came to America about the 20th: of last May, with a Brother
who is since returned—That her Aunt is desirious She may stay in Mary-
land & be a Companion and Intimate with her—That since July She has had
the Ague and Fever, which had left her only a few Days—And, said She, I
want very much to up to Philada:—I heard all this with great Attention &
Patience;—When She had finished her Story, I asked her in turn several
Questions which she answered with Propriety, & the greatest Apparent
Frankness—Til She came to the Answer which I have before set down, then
I smil'd—You came then from Britain, Miss—No Sir, I came from London!
—Fearing a Proposal to wait on her down to Annapolis, & thence to
Philadelphia, the moment I had drank two Dishes of Coffee, which was a
few Minutes before Sunset I mounted & rode twenty Miles—
Do you know Mr —— who lodged at Mrs —— in Philada said P.—— to
me as we were sitting together in the Parlour this rainy Afternoon, she
sewing at a Lawn Wrist-band, & I pouting over Watts's Logic—Yes,
Madam, I have some Acquaintance with him—And he knows Miss ——
said She, I saw him last Spring at Mr A—— She had sometime before told
him that you was remarkably & impertinently intimate with Miss Beatty—
That She herself, & Miss Beatty both had disapproved of your Conduct, &
had by themselves, agreed to inform you of their Sentiments & to advise
you to enter upon a different Behaviour—She told him that She had at last