Chapter III: Part 3

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

[86] See catalogue of Robert Carter's library in Appendix, pp.
221-229.

[87] Hobb's Hole, the present town of Tappahannock, is situated on the
Rappahannock River in Essex County. The town was a lively center of
trade and shipping at this period.

[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]

[88] John Warden was a young Scotsman. While a student in Edinburgh,
Warden had been engaged by Dr. Walter Jones of Virginia to serve as a
tutor in the family of his brother, Colonel Thomas Jones of
Northumberland County. In the Jones home Warden had enjoyed
exceptional advantages and he appears to have read law after coming to
the colony. He later became a distinguished member of the Virginia
bar.

_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!--

[89] Both Richard Lee (1726-1795), commonly called "Squire" Lee, and
his cousin, Richard Henry Lee (1732-1794), who was known as "Colonel"
Lee, lived on estates on the Potomac River in Westmoreland County.
"Squire" Richard Lee's manor plantation was called "Lee Hall." The
home of Colonel Richard Henry Lee was known as "Chantilly." A second
Richard Lee, also known as "Squire Lee," and a cousin of the above
mentioned persons, lived on the Potomac in Charles County, Maryland.

_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.

[90] This schooner had been named for Carter's daughter, Harriot Lucy.

[91] Carter described the harmonica as "the musical glasses without
water, framed into a complete instrument, capable of through bass and
never out of tune." Quoted in Williams, ed., _Fithian_, p. 59, fn. 1.

_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.

[92] The Yeocomico River.

[93] Yeocomico Church.

[94] Grigg, the captain of an English vessel, often mingled with the
plantation families of the Northern Neck when he was in the colony.

_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.

[95] Letitia Corbin Turberville.

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!--

[96] William Booth, who was a planter of considerable means in Westmoreland County at this time, was probably the father of this youth.

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 o_Clock_.

_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_.

[97] "County-dances" were English dances of rural or native origin, especially those in which an indefinite number of couples stood face to face in two long lines. Country dances had been popular on greens and at fairs in England long before they were introduced into polite society. When the country dance was imported into France the name became _contre-dance_, and it has been erroneously assumed that "country-dance" is a corruption of the French term.

[98] Goodlet was apparently a tutor in the Fauntleroy family of "The Cliffs."

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.

[99] Philip Ludwell Lee (1727-1775) was the eldest son of Thomas Lee, who had served as president of the Council. He had inherited his father's manor plantation, "Stratford," on the Potomac River in Westmoreland County. Like Robert Carter, Philip Ludwell Lee was now a member of the Council.

_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.

[100] Probably Elizabeth Lee, daughter of John Lee of Essex County, a nephew of Thomas Lee of "Stratford."

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."

[101] Matilda Lee was the daughter of Philip Ludwell Lee of "Stratford." She later married "Light Horse Harry" Lee.

_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.

[102] One Joseph Lane was a prominent planter in Westmoreland County at this time.

[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.

[103] This song occurs in an opera, _Artaxerxes_, by Thomas Augustine Arne, which was first performed in London in 1762. The libretto of Arne was an adaptation of an Italian drama, _Artaserse_, by Metastasio (Pietro Antonia Domenico Bonaventura). Metastasio was born in 1698 and died in 1782.

_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.

[104] Dr. Walter Jones of "Hayfield" in Lancaster County, was known as "the luminary of the Northern Neck." He was the son of Colonel Thomas Jones, a planter-businessman of Williamsburg and Hanover County. His mother, Elizabeth Cocke, was a niece of Mark Catesby, the well-known English naturalist. Dr. Jones had been educated at the College of William and Mary and he studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh. At the former institution he became a fast friend of Thomas Jefferson and of Bathurst Skelton, whose widow Jefferson later married. Jones achieved distinction both in the field of medicine and in politics. In 1777 he was appointed physician-general of the Middle Department, but declined the office, which was later filled by Dr. Benjamin Rush of Philadelphia. Jones was made a member of the American Philosophical Society in 1774. He served as a member of Congress for a number of years. Dr. Jones' wife was Alice Flood, the daughter of William Flood, the well-known physician and turfman of Richmond County.

[105] The custom of firing powder during the Christmas season is one that persists in the South today in various forms.

_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.

[106] John Lowe (1750-1798), a Scotsman, was the tutor of the children of Colonel John Augustine Washington, a brother of George Washington, at this period. John Augustine Washington's manor plantation, "Bushfield," was located on the Potomac River in Westmoreland County, a short distance from "Nomini Hall" and "Hickory Hill." Lowe was the author of a number of ballads which are still popular in Scotland today. After serving for some time as a tutor and conducting an academy at Fredericksburg, he was ordained an Anglican clergyman, and appears to have served as minister in both St. George's and Hanover Parishes. An unhappy marriage is believed to have led to a dissipation which resulted in his early death. Cf. Meade, _Old Churches, Ministers and Families of Virginia_, Vol. II, p. 185; _Virginia Magazine of History_, Vol. 29 (January 1921), pp. 102-105.

_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.

[107] Dr. Henry Francks of Westmoreland County.

_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--

[108] Dr. Moore Fauntleroy (1743-1802) was the son of William Fauntleroy of Naylor's Hole in Richmond County. Fauntleroy, who had studied medicine in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, practiced in Essex County after his return to Virginia in 1770.

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?--