Chapter II: Part 2

For more than a century the manuscript of Fithian's journal and the letters he wrote home remained unpublished.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.

[25] Some extracts from the Journal were published in the _American
Historical Review_ of January, 1900.

[26] Cf. Philip Fithian's _Journal_, edited by John Rogers Williams,
p. xiv.

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.

[27] Philip Vickers Fithian had left his home at Cohansie, New Jersey,
in 1770, at the age of twenty-three, to enter the College of New
Jersey at Princeton. Nassau Hall was the principal structure of the
college, and the institution was often familiarly referred to by that
name. Fithian was graduated there in September 1772. His parents had
both died suddenly during the previous February. Andrew Hunter, Jr.,
of Cohansie, who wrote this letter, was the nephew of the Reverend
Andrew Hunter, Sr., of Greenwich, New Jersey, under whom Philip was at
this time studying Hebrew in connection with his preparation for the
ministry.

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--

[28] Dr. John Witherspoon (1723-1794), a Scottish Presbyterian
clergyman, served as president of the College of New Jersey at
Princeton intermittently from 1768 until his death in 1794. A staunch
Calvinist, Witherspoon exerted a strong influence on American
educational, religious, and political development. Owing largely to
the labors of his former students, a number of whom went as clergymen
and tutors to the Southern colonies, his influence was very extensive
in that region.

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.

[29] John Debow, Oliver Reese, Samuel McCorkle and Moses Allen, and
Andrew Bryan. With the exception of Andrew Bryan of Baltimore who was
admitted to the bar, all of these young men were licensed as
Presbyterian ministers.

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.

[30] Elizabeth Beatty, Fithian's "Laura," frequently visited in the
home of her brother, Dr. John Beatty, who lived at Princeton. Fithian
had known Elizabeth earlier in the home of her sister, the wife of the
Reverend Enoch Green, a Presbyterian minister of Deerfield, New
Jersey, under whom he had prepared for college. Cf. Williams, John,
ed., _The Journals and Letters of Philip Vickers Fithian, 1767-1774_,
p. 55, fn. 3.

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.

[31] The Reverend Enoch Green.

[32] Mrs. Peck was the mother of Fithian's friend, John Peck of
Deerfield. The two boys had studied together under the Reverend Enoch
Green, and had later been classmates at Princeton. John Peck succeeded
Fithian as tutor of the Carter children at Nomini Hall in 1774, and
later married Anne Tasker or "Nancy" Carter, and settled in Richmond
County, Virginia.

_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.

[33] The Reverend Andrew Hunter.

_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--

[34] The American Whig Society and the Cliosophic Society were rival
literary organizations at the College of New Jersey at Princeton.

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.

[35] William R. Smith, who was one of Fithian's classmates, was
afterwards ordained as a Presbyterian minister. Cf. Williams, ed.,
_Fithian_, p. 34, fn. 2.

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.

[36] Fithian was studying theology in Deerfield under the supervision
of the Reverend Enoch Green, at the same time he was being taught
Hebrew by Andrew Hunter, Sr., in nearby Greenwich.

[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.

[37] William Eugene Imlay was graduated at Princeton in 1773. Cf.
Williams, ed., _Fithian_, p. 41.

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]

[38] Probably Samuel Fithian, the brother of Philip's father. Philip
refers to him as "Uncle Fithian" on other occasions.

* * * * *

[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--

[39] Henry Lee (1729-1787) of "Leesylvania," in Prince William County,
Virginia (known later as "Light Horse Harry" Lee) was a student at
Princeton at this time. He was a brother of "Squire" Richard Lee of
"Lee Hall" in Westmoreland County. Henry Lee later became the father
of Robert E. Lee.

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.

[40] Dr. John Beatty had been graduated at the College of New Jersey
in 1769. Cf. Williams, ed., _Fithian_, p. 90, fn. 1.

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--

[41] John McCalla, Jr., was a friend of Fithian who lived in
Philadelphia.

_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.

[42] Joel Fithian was the cousin of Philip Fithian, who married
Elizabeth Beatty Fithian after the latter's death. Cf. Williams, ed.,
_Fithian_, p. xv.

_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_.

[43] Patapsco River.

_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_.

[44] Bladensburg, Maryland.

[45] Georgetown, then a small town in Maryland, was later incorporated
in the District of Columbia.

[46] Alexandria, Virginia.

[47] Colchester was a thriving shipping center on the Occoquan River,
now called Occoquan Creek, in Fairfax County, Virginia, near where
this creek empties into the Potomac. The town had been incorporated by
an act of the Assembly in 1753 to promote "trade and navigation."

[48] Dumfries, a town on Quantico Creek, had been settled by a group
of Scotch merchants, who traded in the colony. Quantico Creek empties
into the Potomac. Dumfries had been incorporated by Act of Assembly in
1749. The town had prospered owing to its advantageous position as a
center of trade in the western section of the Northern Neck.

_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_.

[49] Aquia had originated as a Catholic settlement on Aquia Creek
about the middle of the eighteenth century. A short distance from the
town were located the celebrated Aquia stone quarries which had been
opened as early as 1683.

[50] Stafford Court House, the seat of government of Stafford County.

_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/_.

[51] Thomas Ludwell Lee (1730-1778) of "Bellevue" in Stafford County
was the fourth son of Thomas Lee of "Stratford" in Westmoreland
County, who had served as president of the Council of Virginia.

_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_.

[52] The Chilton family owned plantations in Westmoreland and Fauquier
Counties. Cf. _William and Mary College Quarterly_, second series,
Vol. 10 (January 1930), pp. 56-63.

_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--

[53] Benjamin Tasker Carter.

[54] The Fauntleroy family owned extensive holdings and occupied a
high social position in Richmond County and other sections of the
Tidewater. "Mars Hill" and "Crandall" were two seats of the family on
the Rappahannock River in Richmond County, and in the vicinity of the
modern towns of Warsaw and Tappahannock. A third manor plantation of
the Fauntleroys' was "The Cliffs," also on the Rappahannock, some
miles north of the other two. The name of the family was pronounced
variously as "Fantleroy," "Fantilroy" and "Fauntleroy." Aphia, Samuel
and Henry or "Harry" Fauntleroy were the daughter and sons of Moore
Fauntleroy (1716-1791) of "The Cliffs." Information supplied by Miss
Juliet Fauntleroy of Altavista, Virginia.

[55] Francis Christian held his dancing classes in rotation in a
number of the manor houses of the Northern Neck at this period. After
the pupils had been instructed an informal dance was usually enjoyed
on such occasions.

_Sunday 31._

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

[56] Nomini Church, one of the two Anglican houses of worship in Cople
Parish, stood on the bank of the Nomini River some five miles from
Carter's home.

[57] Isaac William Giberne, an English clergyman, thought to have been
a nephew of the Bishop of Durham, was licensed to preach in Virginia
in 1758. The following year he had arrived in the colony and was
serving as the minister in Hanover Parish in King George County.
Possessing a high tempered and somewhat contentious nature, Giberne
was involved in numerous sharp controversies. An exceptionally
sociable and convivial man, he spent much of his time in visiting and
gambling and tippling. Admitted by his enemies at that time to be the
most popular and admired preacher in the colony, he had been invited
shortly after his arrival in Virginia to preach a sermon before the
Burgesses. This sermon was later printed at their request. In 1760
Giberne married a wealthy widow, Mary Fauntleroy Beale of Richmond
County, a daughter of Moore Fauntleroy of "Crandall." She had
previously been the wife of Charles Beale. Removing to her plantation,
"Belle Ville," he was two years later chosen as minister of Lunenburg
Parish, and served in that capacity until 1795. He is mentioned in
numerous diaries and letters of the period. Cf. Goodwin, Edward Lewis,
_The Colonial Church in Virginia_, pp. 271-272; Jonathan Boucher,
_Reminiscences of an American Loyalist_, _passim_; letter of Miss
Juliet Fauntleroy of November 21, 1941 in Department of Research and
Record, Colonial Williamsburg, Inc.

_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--

[58] Benjamin Tasker.

[59] Robert Bladen or "Bob."

[60] Henry or "Harry" Willis.

[61] Priscilla.

[62] Ann Tasker or "Nancy."

[63] Frances or "Fanny."

[64] Betty Landon.

[65] Harriot Lucy.

_Teusday 2._

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

[66] Benedict Pictete had first published his _Teologia Christiana_ in
1696.

[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]

[67] Priscilla, "Nancy," and "Bob." This school was conducted in
rotation at a number of manor plantations of the region by Francis
Christian, a dancing master.

_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/_.

[68] The banks of the Potomac River could be seen in the distance from
the upper floor of "Nomini Hall."

_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.

[69] Yeocomico Church, one of the two Anglican churches in Cople
Parish in Westmoreland County. Built in 1706, this structure still
stands.

[70] Thomas Smith was the rector of Yeocomico Church at this period.
Smith was a man of large means. He had been sent as a youth to be
educated in the mother country. He first attended a school at
Wakefield in Yorkshire and later entered Cambridge University, where
he was graduated in 1763. His son, John Augustine Smith, later became
president of the College of William and Mary.

[71] Captain Walker was a friend of Robert Carter and often visited
"Nomini Hall." Fithian frequently dined at Walker's home.

_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_--

[72] Stadley was a German music master who visited "Nomini Hall"
regularly at this period to instruct the Carter children. He also
taught in a number of other homes in the Northern Neck. Before coming
to Virginia, Stadley had taught music in New York and Philadelphia. In
one of Carter's account books the musician's name is entered as
"Strader." Cf. Waste-Book, No. 2, September 27, 1773 to December 31,
1773, p. 45.

_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--

[73] Carter was doubtless returning from attendance as a member of the
General Court at this time.

_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_.

[74] Fithian was preparing for his examination before the Presbytery
at Philadelphia at this time.

_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.

[75] "Hickory Hill," the manor house of John Turberville (1737-1799)
was about a mile distant from "Nomini Hall." Turberville had married
his first cousin, Martha Corbin. One of their ten children, Letitia
Corbin Turberville, later became the wife of Major Catesby Jones.
Their youngest son, George Richard Turberville, married his first
cousin, Martha Corbin, only daughter of Gawin Corbin of "Peckatone."
Their eldest son, George Lee Turberville, married Betty Tayloe Corbin.
The Turbervilles were connected with the Lees of Westmoreland County
in a number of ways and possessed large landed properties.

[76] Jane or "Jenny" Corbin was a sister of Mrs. John Turberville of
"Hickory Hill."

[77] Cunningham was one of a number of young Scotch merchants who had
settled in the Northern Neck. He was apparently a member of a firm
referred to in the account books of Robert Carter of "Nomini Hall" as
"Messrs. Fisher and Cunningham."

_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--

[78] See fn. 51.

[79] Lancelot Lee was the son of George Lee of "Mount Pleasant" in
Westmoreland County who had died in 1761. Lancelot's brother, George
Fairfax Lee, had inherited their father's manor plantation. Lancelot
and George Fairfax Lee were cousins of the Lees at "Stratford," "Lee
Hall," and at "Chantilly."

_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.

[80] "Nomini Hall" was some ten miles distant from the seat of
government in Westmoreland County, which is situated in the present
town of Montross.

[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.

[81] Richmond Court House, the seat of government in Richmond County,
now called Warsaw, is some ten or twelve miles distant from "Nomini
Hall." There were a number of enthusiastic turfmen in Richmond County
during the eighteenth century.

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.

[82] Colonel John Tayloe (1721-1779) was one of the wealthiest men in
the Northern Neck. His manor house, "Mount Airy," was located near
Richmond Court House, and overlooked the Rappahannock River, some two
miles in the distance. Tayloe was a noted fancier of fine horses.

[83] Dr. William Flood lived at "Kinsail," a plantation in
Westmoreland County. He frequently combined the pleasures of horse
racing with the practice of his profession. Cf. Blanton, Wyndham B.,
_Medicine in Virginia in the Eighteenth Century_ (Richmond, 1931), p.
379.

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 7-1/2d--

_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]

[84] Since it was often difficult to secure a sufficient number of
clergymen for the parishes in Virginia, young English schoolmasters
and tutors were frequently induced to return to the mother country and
take orders so that they might fill such vacancies.

_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--

[85] Robert Carter's account books reveal that he sometimes had
business transactions with one George C. Gordon of Westmoreland
County.

_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.