Chapter V: Part 5

Late last Evening the Packets came in: In the Pennsylvania Gazette I saw that Docter _Elmer_ of my acquaintance in Jersey; & Docter Jones at whose House I dined Last Sunday are created members of the American Philosophical Society.--In the virginia Papers there is an Account of an Earthquake felt on monday the 21 ult. at _Williamsburg_, _Richmond_, & _Fredericksburg_--After Breakfast Mr Lane left us, He was drest in black superfine Broadcloth; Gold-Laced hat; laced Ruffles; black Silk Stockings; & to his Broach on his Bosom he wore a Masons Badge inscrib'd "Virtute and Silentio" cut in a Golden Medal! Certainly he was fine!--Mrs Carter continues better. Evening we performed again in the several parts our Sonata--_Ben_ mentioned to his Mama, as Mr Lane's coming hindred his asking his _Papa_ for his Consent to go to Philadelphia.

She seems to be not unwilling.

Expence to Day for Paper a Bitt, or 7½d.

_Fryday 4._

I gave the _Hostler_ directions for preparing my Horse for the approaching expedition. In a Ship arrived last week in Potowmack Mr Carter received half a Dozen of the latest Gent. Magazines with several other new Books,

This day I wrote two Letters to be forwarded by Mr Lane, one to a young Lady in Philadelphia the other to my Sister.

No news of beautiful _Laura_; perhaps I may say of her, to myself: Quid insanis, Philippe, tua lura _Laura_,--Alium--secuta est! Keep her, kind Heaven, & in her Friendship make me happy! After School at Evening, on account of some difference about the Key of the School-Room Ben gave Harry a smart, but just correction; I kept in my Room that I might be wholly unconcerned in the matter.

There came in about eight o-Clock a man very drunk, & grew exceeding noisy & troublesome, & as the Evening was cold & stormy Mr Carter thought it improper to send him away; he was therefore ordered into the Kitchen, to stay the Night: Him Bob soon after persuaded to the School-house; I soon heard from my Room the noise & guesed immediately the Cause. I waited however 'til half after ten, when all seemed silent; I then took a candle & went into the School-Room, And before the Fire Bob had brought a matt, & Several Blankets, & was himself in a sound sleep covered with the Blankets on the same Matt between the drunken Man, & a Negro Fellow, his Papas Postilion! I mention this as one Example among a thousand to shew the very particular Taste of this Boy!--I could mention another which would illustrate what I have said of this passion for Horses when I gave a Scetch of his character, _Ben_ has a very sightly young mare which he has in keeping for our intended Journey; this morning Bob agreed to give his Brother a Pisterene, & a rich Tortoise-Shell Handled Knife bound elegantly with Silver, only for Liberty to ride this Mare every day to Water, until his Brother sets away, & would consent to be limited as to the Gait he should use in Riding--I borrowed the late Magazines & read them in my Leisure. I am daily more charmed & astonished with Mrs Carter. I think indeed she is to be placed in the place with Ladies of the first Degree.

_Saturday 5._

Very stormy this morning, no going out: I spend the day very agreeably at Home. Mr Carter appointed to _Ben_, & I another _Sonata_ to practise. He wrote for Miss _Nancy_ also "Infancy" to get by Heart & sing it with the _Guitar_. The day continues stormy; _Bob_, however, has ventured out; for neither Heat, nor Cold, nor Storm can stay him!--

We dined at three--The Colonel at Dinner observed that many of the most just, & nervous sentiments are contain'd in Songs & small Sketches of Poetry; but being attended with _Frippery Folly_ or _Indecency_ they are many times look'd over. I am remarkably pleased with the Monument erected to the memory of General _Wolfe_ in the universal Magazine for September 1773. The General is there represented in an expiring Posture, supported by an English Soldier, who seems to comfort him in his last moments, by directing his closing Eyes to a Figure representing Victory, holding in one hand a palm-Branch, the emblem of peace; & a Crown or Wreath of immortality in the other, which she offers the dying commander; while he himself seems to make a final effort to express his Sattisfaction at her Appearance. On the corners of the Base are two Lions couchant, the Emblems of the british Nation, supporting the Sarcophagus or marble Urn, & intended to express the gratitude of his native country for his eminent Services. On the first pannel of the Base is an elegant alto Relievo, representing the debarkation of the Troops at the Foot of the Heights of Abraham.

The Writer says that the Height of the Monument from the Ground-Line to the top of the Tent, is nearly twenty-seven feet; that the figures are considerably larger than the Life, & beautifully executed.

On an oval Tablet on the front of the Urn are inscribed the underwritten Lines.

To the Memory
of
James Wolfe Esqr

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

Was slain,
In the moment of Victory.

At the head
of his conquering Troops, on the 13th of September 1759;

The King,
and the Parliament of Great Britain
Dedicate this Monument.

Honour is here indeed done to merit, and Valour is justly eternized!--

I was reading in the Evening to _Bob_ in the Monthly Review the remarks on the Poetry and writings of _Phillis Wheatly_[130] of Boston; at which he seem'd in astonishment; sometimes wanting to see her, then to know if She knew grammer, Latin, &c. at last he expressed himself in a manner very unusual for a Boy of his turn. & suddenly exclaimed, Good God! I wish I was in Heaven!--The Weather is so stormy I chose to forego my Supper, rather than venture into the dark, & Water. In bed a little after ten which is our usual time.

[130] Phillis Wheatley had been brought from Africa to Boston as a slave in 1761. Educated by the daughters of her owner, John Wheatley, Phillis manifested remarkable acquisitive powers and soon attracted attention by the excellent character of her verse. Her first bound volume, _Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral_, was published in 1773.

_Sunday 6._

I rose at eight--The morning cold & stormy--_Ben___ is distressed that he cannot go to Church; I cannot say but I enjoy myself with great Satisfaction tho' I stay most of my time in my Chamber; & often have to withstand the solicitations of Gentlemen to visit them.

Breakfasted at half after nine. Mr Lane the other Day informed me that the _Anabaptists_ in _Louden County_ are growing very numerous; & seem to be increasing in afluence; and as he thinks quite destroying pleasure in the Country; for they encourage ardent Pray'r; strong & constant faith, & an intire Banishment of _Gaming_, _Dancing_, & Sabbath-Day Diversions. I have also before understood that they are numerous in many County's in this Province & are Generally accounted troublesome--Parson _Gibbern_ has preached several Sermons in opposition to them, in which he has labour'd to convince his People that what they say are only whimsical Fancies or at most Religion grown to Wildness & Enthusiasm!--There is also in these counties one Mr Woddel,[131] a presbiterian Clergyman, of an irreproachable Character, who preaches to the people under Trees in summer, & in private Houses in Winter, Him, however, the people in general dont more esteem than the Anabaptists Preachers; but the People of Fashion in general countenance, & commend him. I have never had an opportunity of seeing Mr _Woddel_, as he is this Winter up in the Country, but Mr & Mrs _Carter_ speak well of him, Mr & Mrs _Fantleroy_ also, & all who I have ever heard mention his Name. Like _Bob_ I am at once fill'd with pleasure & surprise, when I see the remarks of the Reviewers confirmed as to the Writings of that ingenious _African Phillis Wheatly_ of Boston; her verses seem to discover that She is tolerably well acquainted with _Poetry_, _Learning_, & _Religion_. In the universal Magazine for September 1773 are the following Lines on her being brought from _Africa_ to _America_ by herself.

[131] James Waddell (1739-1805) was an outstanding Presbyterian minister in the colony. His gentle manner and forceful sermons did much to advance the cause of his church. At this period he was the pastor of a congregation in the Northern Neck, composed of families of Northumberland and Lancaster Counties. He later exerted a strong influence in the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont sections. After 1787 he was blind for a number of years and was later celebrated as "The Blind Preacher" in William Wirt's _The Letters of the British Spy_.

"Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan Land,
Taught my benighted Soul to understand,
That there's a God; that there's a Saviour too;
Once I Redemption neither sought nor knew,
Some view our sable Race with scornful Eye,
"Their Colour is a diabolic Dye."
Remember, christians, Negroes, black as Cain,
May be refin'd, & join the Angelic Train.

--The people Went to day as usual into the Woods with the Cart & Oxen for Wood, as the cold and stormy Weather the several days past has occasioned large, & steady fires--It seems however to be a Breach of the Law of the Sabbath. _Ben_ impatient of staying at home rode out about Eleven, when the weather is more moderate; _Bob_, _Harry_ & Mr _Randolph_ also are all going out; I seem happy when intirely alone, & have undisturbed liberty to spend in Devotion God's holy Sabbath of Rest.

Before Night it grew fair when on a Sudden all are out, so that we seem like a Town; but most of the Inhabitants are black--We dined at three, no company. Evening _Bob_ returned & brought Mr Turburville's Compliments, with a strong invitation for me to visit him--A little before the Sun went down I took a walk down the Poplar Avenue; which must certainly be vastly pleasant in Summer--At the farthest end of this Walk I gathered & eat some Pisimmonds from a large Tree which were exceeding sweet, & agreeable. Supped at nine, At Supper The Colonel informed me that he has invented this Day a method for finding the difference of the value of money in this _Province_ and in _Maryland_. We do not spend Sundays thus in Jersey. In Bed by ten. Ben at home.

_Monday 7._

The morning vastly clear & cool--The Colonel rode to Richmond court at twelve, with Mr _Randolph_, I walked to see the Negroes make a fence; they drive into the Ground Chesnut stakes about two feet apart in a strait Row, & then twist in the Boughs of _Savin_[132] which grows in great plenty here--Ben, to Day, began Virgils Georgics--And Prissy began Division--By accident to day in the Garden I took up Mr _Gegory_ the Gardiners Spade, for which he instantly called on me for my forfeit--This Gardiner through the Summer from this Time has half a Crown daily Wages--Dined at half after two.

[132] An American juniper or "red cedar."

_Teusday 8._

I rose by six--the morning fine. Breakfasted at nine. At twelve I walked, to the mill together with Mr & Mrs Carter; Miss Prissy & Nancy, to see them bake Biscuit, & pack flour; here too I had a Forfeit for kneeding biscuit. The Colonel shewed me and explain'd the Pan of his Mill; his Canals; Waste-gates; Toll Mill, Merchant Mill: &c. The tide flows quite to the Mill & is navigable with Canoes & Flats--He told me that his Wastgate as it stands alone cost him 95£.--And that nothing less than 5000£ Capital can continue the works & keep them supplied. The Ovens bake 100lb of Flour at a Heating; there are in the Bake-house two Ovens. Dined half after two.

The Colonel formed last Sunday, & is yet compleating Tables for finding the Difference between _Virginia_, & _Maryland_ Currency, as he is entering largely into Trade he finds it necessary to be better acquainted with the Exchange. _Ben_ agreed to ask his Papa at Supper for Leave to go with me to Philadelphia but poor Boy his resolution fail'd him!

_Wednesday 9._

Up by seven, very Windy--Evening I rode with Ben to Mr _Lanes_ to see young Lane; he was out however, & we soon returned--Mr Warden was at Mr Lanes. Evening we played in our small Concert our old Sonata; & besides Feltons Gavott,[133] supp'd at nine.

[133] William Felton (1713-1769), an English clergyman, was well known in the eighteenth century as a composer, and performer on the harpsichord and organ. "Felton's Gavot," which was long highly popular, had been introduced into Legrenzio Vincenzo Ciampi's opera "Bertoldo in Corte" in 1762. The music was written for the gavot, a lively dance of French peasant origin, in which the feet were raised in the step instead of being slidden.

_Thursday 10._

Mrs _Carter_ informed me last Evening that this Family one year with another consumes 27000 Lb of Pork; & twenty Beeves. 550 Bushels of Wheat. besides corn--4 Hogsheads of Rum, & 150 Gallons of Brandy. Breakfasted with us Mr Warden, at twelve, with Mr Randolph, I went a fishing, but we had only the luck to catch one apiece. Dined with us Mr _Cunningham_, he has lately had a severe turn of the Pleurisy--I supped with Mr Randolph on Fish--

_Fryday 11._

The finest morning we have yet had: the _Robbins,_ & _blue Birds_ singing all around us. _Prissy_, _Nancy_, & _Bob_ go this day to the _Dance_ which is at Mr Turburville's--It come here next--I wrote a Letter to Mr Rees[134] at Trenton--At twelve with Ben I rode to Mr _Lanes_ to see young Mr _Lane_, he happened to be at Home, & introduced to me Mr _Middleton_ an old facetious but pofane Gentleman. We dined with Mr Lane. When call'd on for my Toast I gave Miss _Sally Hollinshead_, of Philadelphia Dined at three--

[134] Oliver Reese.

I heard a mocking Bird sing this Day. supped at eight & in Bed early for I am much fatigued with riding.

_Saturday 12._

I rose by six--Breakfasted with us Captain _Blackwel_; master of a Ship lying in _Ucomico_--I heard _Harry_, Miss _Fanny_, & _Besy_ repeat their catechism--At ten Mr Lane called on us to go on Board Captain Blackwels Ship to Dine--We consented and set off by Eleven; We rode to a place called Horn-Point, which is about a Mile up the River Ucomico, & in sight of the wide _Potowmac_, off this point at about a Quarter of a miles Distance lay Captain Griggs, & Captain Blackwels Ships, they sent immediately a Boat to carry us on board, but on telling us that neither of the Captains were at Home, we chose rather to turn Back--The distance from Mr _Carters_ to this Point, is called twelve miles; the Land seems to be exceeding poor, as it is covered for most of the way with Large _Pines_, & shrubby _Savins_, & destitute almost intirely of Cultivation--From Horn-Point we agreed to ride to one Mr Camels, who is Controller of the customs &c here; cheifly to see a Daughter of his to whom we were equally strangers, we arrived at Mr Camels about two o-Clock, & were severally introduced to Miss Pinkstone Camel, a young woman of about sixteen, neat, handsome, genteel, & sociable; & in my opinion she possesses as much of these as any young Lady in Virginia whom I have yet seen--It has been Mr Camels misfortune, in the course of trade, to be reduced to low circumstances, on which account his Family does not now meet with so great respect, as I am told they formerly did--

From Horn Point to the Comptrolers, the distance is call'd four miles. Before Dinner we Borrowed the Comptrolers Barge, which is an over grown Canoe, & diverted ourselves in the River which lies full fronting the House; & we were the better pleased with the sport as all our motions were in the sight of Miss Camel--We dined at half after three on Fish, & wild Duck--our drink Grogg, & Water. From the Comptrolers at 5 o-Clock we set of Homewards; we call'd on our way at Captain _Meddletons_,[135] whom I take to be exceedingly Profane in his Language; we were introduced to his two Daughters; they seemed however aukward in their Behaviour, & dull, & saturnine in their Disposition--The distance from the Comptrolers to Captain seven Miles--We left there at eight in the evening, & rode to Mr Joseph Lanes Esqr which distance is called five miles, & arrive at 9 o-Clock--here we had an elegant Supper--with good _Porter_ & Madeira--after Supper, when call'd on for my Toast, I gave Miss _Betsy Beaty_ of Newington, Pennsylvania--At half after ten we set off and rode home; Distance three miles, Our poor Horses went the distances which I have laid down and were not fed in the course of the day; as they have no taverns in these parts--Our whole Distance 31 Miles Expence to the Sailors for their trouble is 1s 10d. Exceedingly fatigued with Riding.

[135] Middleton.

_Sunday 13._

Soon after Breakfast Captain Scott (master of a Schooner laden with Wheat, & bound from Alexandria for Philadelphia, which about ten days past in a gale of wind run aground and is like to lose her Cargo) come to hire Mr Carters Schooner to assist in unloading her that the vessel may be saved; the vessel run aground, & now lies nearly opposite the mouth of the River Nomini in Potowmack!--The Colonel is engaged in taking off a Description of the River _Ucomico_; the Road from hence to Horn-Point; & Mondays-Point[136] with the Houses on the several ways--This day I declin'd going to Church, chiefly on account of my Horse, who went so far yesterday--It is however the first time that I have kept myself at home in good weather--Evening Mr Carter received a Packet of Letters from _Anopolis_ by the Post, but none comes to me this long Winter--Bob to-day rode to Richmond Church, & in the Evening brought from Counsellor _Taylor_[137] a strong invitation to come and see him.

[136] Mundy's Point is located on the Yeocomico River near the mouth of that stream.

[137] Colonel John Tayloe of "Mount Airy."

_Monday 14._

Bob this morning begg'd me to learn him lattin; his Reason he tells me is that yesterday Mrs _Taylor_[138] told him he must not have either of her Daughters unless he learn'd Latin he urged me so strong that I put him some Lessons for leasure hours. Rainy most of this day, & in the afternoon from the West arose a black cloud which was attended with several pretty hard Claps of Thunder--We had with us one Mr _Neal_ a good Sort of self sufficient Gentleman--

[138] Mrs. John Tayloe of "Mount Airy" was the former Rebecca Plater, daughter of Governor George Plater of Maryland.

_Teusday 15._

This morning, as Ben & Bob were agreeing on the price of a Rudiman Grammar, which _Bob_ wanted to purchase of _Ben_; after some time when Bob would not give 2/10. Bens great demand for a Book almost worn out, which when new, may, by thousands be had in Philadelphia for 2/. that Currency--He threw his Book into the fire, & destroy'd it at once!--An Instance of two ruling Foibles which I discover in Ben viz. obstinacy, & avarice. And another I mentioned the other day, of his agreeing, for half a Bit, or 3½d a week, to play the flute for a limited time, every night after I am in Bed; of this however he has grown tired, & given up his wages on account of the Labour, or Confinement of the Task--And I should be deceived, if a very little money would not excite him to submit to almost any menial service--Bob however; for the present is frustrated in his purpose of learning Grammer, & it seems to chagrin him as much, as tho' he actually believed in what Mrs Taylor[139] told him last Sunday, that without he understands Latin, he will never be able to win a young Lady of Family & fashion for his Wife.--At the Noon play-Hours _Bob_ & _Nelson_ the Boy who waits on the School had a fight, I know not on what account; it was Bobs misfortune in the course of the Battle to receive a blow on his cheek near his Eye, which is visible, & brought the intelligence of the Quarrel to me, for all were wholly silent till I made inquiry, when all in a moment seem'd to turn & try to convict him--In the Evening, after School, I took them both to my Room and examined them of the reason, Place, and manner of their fighting; from themselves it seem'd plain that they fought for mere Diversion I therefore dismiss'd Nelson, & kept Bob til near Supper & then gave him a smart correction & dismiss'd him.

[139] Mrs. Tayloe.

_Wednesday 16._

The morning cloudy & windy, Breakfasted at nine--Mr Randolph hurt himself by a Fall from a fence to day badly--Dined at half after two--Towards Evening the clouds all scattered, the wind fell, & left the air pleasant: The Birds also seemed glad and merry--The whole reminded me of a beautiful, & memorable passage in _Milton_. "If Chance the Radiant Sun with farewel-Sweet, Extend his Evening Beam the fields revive, The Birds their notes renew, the bleating Herds Attest their joy that Hill & valley rings."

After school, I had the honour of taking a walk with Mrs Carter through the Garden--It is beautiful, & I think uncommon to see at this Season peas all up two & three Inches--We gathered two or three Cowslips in full-Bloom; & as many violets--The English Honey Suckle is all out in green & tender Leaves--Mr Gregory is grafting some figs--Mrs Carter shewed me her Apricot-Grafts; Asparagus Beds &c Before Supper a Black cloud appeared in the West, at which Mrs Carter discovered much concern as She is uncommonly affraid both of wind and Thunder.

_Thursday 17._

This morning Mr Carter put Miss _Fanny_ to learning the Notes--While we were breakfasting Mr _Stadley_ the musician came; Miss _Prissy_ is with him; _Nancy_ learns the _Guitar_, under the direction of her _Papa_, as Mr Stadley does not understand playing on the _Guitar_--Dined with us a young Gentleman Mr Fantleroy from _Hobbes-Hole_--He seems to be a modest sensible, genteel young Fellow--I had the pleasure of taking a walk in the Garden at five with Mr _Stadley_; _Bob_ along--He is a man of Sense, & has great Skill in music. I spent the Evening in the Room in the midst of music.

_Fryday 18._

The morning damp & disagreeable--Mr Stadley continues to Day with Miss _Prissy_. We received this morning the _Williamsburg_ Gazette's-- Several Addresses appear, and poetical Encomiums on the Countess of Dunmore lately arrived there.

Mr. Bracken. & Mr. Henley, are still contending in furious Combat, but poor Henley seems to be on the verge of a Defeat--I have all along intended, & shall now attempt to give a short discription of Nomini-Hall, & the several Buildings, & improvements adjoining it; as well for my own amusement, as also to be able with certainty to inform others of a Seat as magnificent in itself & with as many surrounding Conveniences, as any I have ever seen, & perhaps equal to any in this Colony--

Mr _Carter_ now possesses 60000 Acres of Land; & about 600 Negroes--But his Estate is much divided, & lies in almost every county in this Colony; He has Lands in the neighbourhood of Williamsburg, & an elegant & Spacious House in that City--He owns a great part of the well known Iron-Works near Baltimore in Maryland--And he has one or more considerable Farms not far from Anopolis. He has some large tracts of Land far to the West, at a place call'd "Bull Run," & the "Great Meadows" among the mountains. He owns Lands near Dumfries on the Potowmack; & large Tracts in this & the neighbouring Counties.--Out of these Lands, which are situated so remote from each other in various parts of these two large Provinces, Virginia, & Maryland, Mr Carter has chosen for the place of his habitation a high spot of Ground in Westmoreland County at the Head of the Navigation of the River Nomini, where he has erected a large Elegant House, at a vast expence, which commonly goes by the name of _Nomini-Hall_. This House is built with Brick, but the bricks have been covered with strong lime Mortar; so that the building is now perfectly white; It is seventy-six Feet long from East to west; & forty-four wide from North to South, two Stories high; the Pitch of the lower story seventeen Feet, & the upper Story twelve--

It has five Stacks of Chimneys, tho two of these serve only for ornament. There is a beautiful Jutt, on the South side, eighteen feet long, & eight Feet deep from the wall which is supported by three tall pillars--On the South side, or front, in the upper story are four Windows each having twenty-four Lights of Glass. In the lower story are two Windows each having forty-two Lights of Glass, & two Doors each having Sixteen Lights--At the East end the upper story has three Windows each with eighteen Lights; & below two Windows both with eighteen Lights & a Door with nine--

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

The Stable & coach-House are of the same Length & Breadth as the School- and Wash-House, only they are higher pitched to be convenient for holding Hay & Fodder.[140]

[140] This manor plantation has remained in the possession of Carter's descendants to the present time. The original manor house was destroyed by fire in 1850. A wooden structure erected shortly after that time still stands. Carter's daughter, Harriot Lucy, married a well-known lawyer, John James Maund. A daughter of Harriot Lucy and John James Maund became the wife of Dr. John Arnest. "Nomini Hall" is today the residence of Dr. Arnest's grandson, Mr. T. M. Arnest, who is the great-great-grandson of Councillor Robert Carter. The only known representation of the original manor house is a crude water-color sketch done by an amateur artist "E. Maund," a relative, who visited the family and made the sketch shortly before the house burned in 1850. One obtains a clearer understanding of the imposing character of this manor house from Fithian's comments regarding it. This is especially true of his observation made when spending an evening once at "Mount Airy," the "elegant seat" of Colonel John Tayloe in Richmond County. "The House," he said, referring to "Mount Airy," "is about the size of Mr. Carter's...."

Due East of the Great House are two Rows of tall, flourishing, beautiful, Poplars, beginning on a Line drawn from the School to the Wash-House; these Rows are something wider than the House, & are about 300 yards Long, at the Eastermost end of which is the great Road leading through Westmorland to Richmond. These Rows of Poplars form an extreemely pleasant avenue, & at the Road, through them, the House appears most romantic, at the same time that it does truly elegant--The Area of the Triangle made by the Wash-House, Stable, & School-House is perfectly levil, & designed for a bowling-Green, laid out in rectangular Walks which are paved with Brick, & covered over with burnt Oyster-Shells--In the other Triangle, made by the Wash-House, Stable, & Coach House is the Kitchen, a well-built House, as large as the School-House, Bake-House; Dairy; Store-House & several other small Houses; all which stand due West, & at a small distance from the great House, & form a little handsome Street. These Building stand about a quarter of a Mile from a Fork of the River Nomini, one Branch of which runs on the East of us, on which are two Mills; one of them belongs to Mr Turburville, the other to Mr Washington, both within a mile--another branch of the River runs on the West of us, on which and at a small distance above the House stands Mr Carters Merchant Mill,[141] which I have in other places described; to go to the mill from the House we descend I imagine above an 100 Feet; the Dam is so broad that two carriages may pass conveniently on it; & the Pond from twelve to Eighteen Foot water--at the fork Mr Carter has a Granary, where he lands his Wheat, for the mill Iron from the Works &c--

[141] A merchant mill was a mill in which flour was manufactured and packed for sale. The owner of such a mill customarily purchased wheat for manufacture. In Virginia it was a common practice for the owner of the mill to pay for the wheat in flour. A mill used exclusively for grinding grain for local consumption was called a grist or custom mill. A portion of the grist was usually allowed the owner for his services.

In the Evening Mr _Carter_ sent for _Ben_ & I to play over the _Sonata_ which we have lately learn'd; we performed it, & had not only Mr Stadleys Approbation, but his praise; he did me the honour to say that "I play a good Flute." He took a Flute also and play'd; which put me in mind, at once, of the speech of the Shepherd in virgil.--Non tu in Triviis, indocte, solebas Stridenti miserum Stipula disperdere cament [carmen]. For when compared to him, the best that Ben or I can do, is like Crows among Nightingales--We play'd till ten, and separated, I gave to Miss Harriot, for saying a good lesson, half a Bit--

_Saturday 19._

The morning still wet & disagreeable--Last night I dreamed much of the Girl, which, I most of all others, esteem, & admire; of _Laura_; But oh! I dreamed She was treacherous!--If it be true, I must suppress the Greatness of my Disappointment by reflecting that I had not well enough considered this Sentiment of the _poet_, That,--Varium et mutabile Femina--I discover weakness when I am writing in this manner; but Anxiety, and mighty-Love carry me over the bounds which I set for the regulation of my conduct--Dreams indeed are vain & false; But perhaps _Laura_ may think that Lovers vows are vain & trifling as they!--I spend the day in my Room looking over the Catalogue of the _Reviewers_ for August, September, October & November 1773.--Ben, & Bob, & Harry, out tho the Day is bad--Mr _Stadley_ is yet busy with the young Ladies--

_Sunday 20._

The weather still cloudy, damp, and disagreeable, but it is perfectly calm; people here attribute this so long dullness to the Sun crossing the Line which is to happen to-morrow--After Breakfast Mr Stadley left us, The day is so bad none of us go to Church--Before Dinner I received from Mr Lane, by his Servant a Note, informing me that he is to set out tomorrow for home--In return, by the Same bearer, I wrote him my Compliments in a letter; desiring him to remember me to my Acquaintances in Pennsylvania, & New Jersey, as he will probably soon see many of them--I spent much of this Day in Mr Carters Library among the works of mighty-Men; I turned over _Calmets_, Scripture prints, they are beautiful, & vastly entertaining--At Dinner by some means, I know not how a conversation was introduced concerning the Souls of Women; Mrs _Carter_ observed that She has heard they have no Souls--Says Miss Priscilla in a moment if I thought so I would not have spent all this morning in Reading; nor would Women, (Said the well discerning Miss) be careful to avoid any Shameful, or Sinful Action--It is not unlikly but those are the private Sentiments of many among the Fair; & no doubt they would be generally and publickly practised if it should be universally admitted that the Soul of a Woman is not to exist after the present Life.

_Monday 21._

This day the days and nights are equal--The Sun enters _Aries_--Aries [Libra] dies Somniq: pares ubi fecerit Horas, Et medium suis atq: Umbris jam dividet Orbem. _Virgil._ Georgic I.

At Breakfast Mrs Carter asked me who is foremost in Arithmetic; whether Bob, or Prissy? At which Mr Carter observed, that him of his Sons whom he finds most capable of doing Business when he leaves the World, & his Estate, Shall have the management of the whole, & support the Rest. It seemed to me to be not an ill-chosen Incentive to Diligence among the Boys--

This morning still cloudy, the wind at South--about ten a black-gloomy cloud appeared in the west; it came over like Virgils--Omnia Ventorum concurrere proelia [vidi]--The wind changed with the cloud to the westward--Dined with us Mr Washington & Mr Philip Smith, Brother to the Parson of this parish, to whom I was formally introduced--Toasts as usual--Towards Evening it grows more pleasant & after School, I had the pleasure of a walk in the Garden with Mrs Carter, Miss Stanhope, & Miss Harriot--The peas have grown admirably since my last Walk; & indeed all the Herbs seem sprouting--Harry this Day finished vulgar Fractions, & began Practice. Expence to day as Pin-Money a Bit or 7½d

_Teusday 22._

Once more the weather fine--Last night by some accident, the Main Spring of my Watch either unhook'd or broke, for when I thought She had run down, & trying to wind her, I found the Chain made no Resistance As there is no oppertunity here of having her refitted, I seem in considerable difficulty--In Spite of all my strongest opposing efforts, my thoughts dwell on that Vixen _Laura_. I strive to refuse them admission, or harbour them in my heart, yet like hidden fire they introduce themselves, & seize; & overcome me when perhaps I am pursuing some amuseing or useful Study; on giving precepts & Directions to my little fair Seminary--At ten Mr Lane & Mr John Simpson call'd to see us--At twelve we had a pleasant walk in the Garden--Mr Carter, & Mrs Carter along--Mr Lane informs that he has by particular Request, in the Absence of the Parson, Read the funeral Service twice since he has been in the county, which is only a few Weeks--He sets off for home soon; Mr Carter says he is in Love, & I think it is with Miss _Camel_. I was introduced to Mr _Simpson_: He talks much; & often mentions his having been to England--They Dined with us; Toasts as usual. Evening I have the Tooth Ach.

_Wednesday 23._

I was almost wholly deprived of Sleep last night with a pain in my Jaw & Teeth; which conti[n]ues this morning so bad I scarce know what, or how to do--Frail, & weak nature; how we are forever teas'd, & vexed with Anciety in our minds, or Pains & other distresses in our Bodies!--We dined at half after two--It is now seven in the Evening & I am about entering into bed, as the pain has entirely left me, that I may satisfy my Body for last nights loss of my usual rest, I leave Ben by the Fire, poring over a History of England, nodding Sometimes, however, & impatient of the distance of nine o-Clock.--

_Thursday 24._

At Breakfast Mr Carter entertained us with an account of what he himself saw the other Day, which is a strong Representation of the cruelty & distress which many among the Negroes suffer in Virginia! Mr Carter dined at Squire Lees some few Weeks ago; at the same place, that day, dined also Mr George Turburville & his Wife--As Mr Carter rode up he observed Mr Turburvilles Coach-Man sitting on the Chariot-Box, the Horses off--After he had made his compliments in the House, He had Occasion soon after to go to the Door, when he saw the Coachman still sitting, & on examination found that he was there fast chained! The Fellow is inclined to run away, & this is the method which This Tyrant makes use of to keep him when abroad; & so soon as he goes home he is delivered into the pityless Hands of a bloody Overseer!--In the Language of a Heathen I query whether cunning old _Charon_ will not refuse to transport this imperious, haughty Virginian Lord When he shall happen to die over the Styx to the Elysian Gardens; lest his Lordship in the passage should take affront at the treatment, & attempt to chain him also to the Stygean Galley for Life!--

Or, In the language of a Christian, I query whether he may be admitted into the peaceful Kingdom of Heaven where meekness, Holiness, & Brotherly-Love, are distinguishing Characteristicks?--

Tho the Pain in my Teeth has entirely left me, I am not therefore free from distress; for to day I am attacked with a pain in my Head, & Fever; which hinders me from Walking out at twelve as is my Custom!--

_Fryday 25._

I rose by seven--& through Gods mercy I feel myself much relieved of yesterdays complaints--The weather cloudy, cold, rainy at times, & unpleasant--Evening _Ben_ took courage & asked his _Papa_ for his consent to allow him to go with me to Philadelphia--The Colonel very kindly, & at the same time very Politely consented--For he would not agree till he knew of me whether it is agreeable to me, & at my Request that he is to go--

_Saturday 26._

_Ben_ & _Bob_ are soon after Breakfast on Horseback; Breakfasted with us one Lee, a Gentleman of what they call here the back Woods--He seems indeed a little stiff in his manner; but he has had a long Ride--I spend the Day close in my Room Reading Writing &c--

_Sunday 27._

An odd Jumble of affairs happened this morning--_Bob_ drest himself & came into our Room & in his usual way began to be pretty free in telling us _News_. Amongst a vast quantity of other stuff he informed _Ben_ & I that he heard Mr _Randolph_ has the P... we both join'd in severely reprimanding for attempting to propogate so unlikely a Tale--Why, Brother Ben, said the mischeivous Wretch I heard in this Neighbourhood, yesterday a Report concerning you not much to your--but I will conceal it--This inraged Ben he at first however persuaded him but soon began to threaten loudly unless he told the whole--why then, Brother said Bob, it is reported that two Sundays ago you took Sukey (a young likely Negro Girl maid to Mrs Carters youngest Son) into your stable, & there for a considerable time lock'd yourselves together!--Before Bob had done, the Bell rung for Breakfast & we parted--All went to Church to-day but Miss _Nancy_, _Harry_, & _Myself_--I spend the day agreeably in Mr _Carters_ Library--Evening when the Colonel returned, (for he dined at Squire Lee's) he informed me of an affair which happened yesterday in this County, One Smith, a Man of a Middle age who lives with his aged Father, & his Father too is old & declining fast with disease--This youth has lately made a will for his Father which he yesterday compell'd him to sign; & after the Good old Man had obliged him, he beat and abused him (tho his father) in desperate manner it is thought with a design to destroy him! Soon after this he discharged a musket at his own Brother who was at some distance from him & lodged in his body eighteen large Shott!--Docters were immediately call'd--& officers directed to take the villian but he, with his Wife have hid themselves in a Thicket & have as yet evaded the search of the Sheriff--

Sup'd with us one Mr Mathews a Steward for Mr Carter in Louden.

[_Monday 28_]

Breakfasted with us Mr Mathews; he seems to be a man of great Gravity, says little, & Sighs often--The day is warm & vastly mild; it is the first Day we have in all our Rooms been without any Fire--At twelve I rode to Mr Taylors two miles; he was out, I sat half an hour with Miss Taylor & returned to Dinner, the Ride exceeding pleasant, and my Horse seems (as jockeys say) in good Flesh & well prepar'd for our approaching & much wished for Journey--Evening Mr _Simpson_ came in, sup'd & stays the Night. He has last Week, been destilling Mr Carter's Liquor made of Pisimonds--it is soft, mild, of a fair pure Colour, burns clear, but does not answer the Colonels Expectations; so that he does not propose to recommend it to his Neighbours in this or the Neighbouring Counties as a useful experiment. When call'd on for my Toast, at Supper I gave Miss _Jenny Corbin_; Mrs _Carter_ gave Captain _Lee_; & Mr _Simpson_ gave Miss _Jones_.

_Teusday 29._

To warm to day for fire, but we have the wind very strong from the West--Mr _Carter_ rode to Court--Soon after Breakfast I receiv'd a Letter from Mr _Andrew Bryan_ of Baltimore, Maryland formerly at College my Class-Mate--the Letter bears Date January 21st 1774 Dated at _Baltimore_. He informs me of his good Health, & that, he shall soon forward my Letters inclosed to him; perhaps kind oppertunity shall have before this hour favoured my wish, & brought to Laura advices of my State--At twelve I rode out, with Ben, an hour & better, the Day vastly windy. About four Colonel Philip Lee's Chariot arrived, in which came four young Misses to be ready for the Dance which happens here tomorrow--I am informed this Evening that Smith the Villian mentioned last Sunday was to day apprehended, & committed to the prison in this County

_Wednesday 30._

Rainy & cold--The Colonel informed me this morning that the general Opinion of the Gentlemen at Court yesterday seem'd to be that the County would be free'd of three Villians if the old abused Father, the wounded Son & Brother, & the offending guilty Son were to be all hanged--The Day so bad Mr _Christian_ does not attend--Mrs _Washington_ came however, with Miss Jenny her Daughter; the two Fantleroys came also, & Miss Corbin, & Miss Turburville, & one Miss Hale[142] a new _Scholar_--Mr Carters Man play'd & the Dance goes on with great Spirit & neatness. Evening there is as common a good play. Separated all for Bed by half after nine.

[142] The Heale family was a well-known one in Lancaster County where they lived on "Peach Hill" and other manor plantations. The name was apparently pronounced Hale all through the eighteenth century. Priscilla Heale was the daughter of George Heale of Lancaster County. Heale had served as a Burgess from that county.

_Thursday 31._

All our company continue. The morning fair & cool--Yesterday & to-day I am strongly solicited to dance--I decline however & must persevere.--Mr & Mrs Turburville came in before Dinner--With the two Fantleroys, Ben, Bob, & Harry, I had a pleasant walk through the Fields, to the Mill &c. I paid my forfeit to the Baker 7½d--The Plumb-Trees are beginning to blossom--Towards Evening our company all left us.

_Fryday April 1st 1774._

Good Fryday--A general Holiday here--Wednesday & thursday I gave up my School on account of the Dance, and they must have this Day for Devotion!--The Colonel, _Ben Harry_, & _myself_ all go to Ucomico Church--Parson _Smith_ gave the usual Prayers for the Day and a long Sermon very suitable & well chosen.

After Service we were invited and went Home with Captain Walker to dine; I was here introduced to Dr Steptoe[143] & a young Gentleman Brother to the Parson Both seem agreeable, & appear to be men of Sense Dined here also the Parson, his Wife, Sister, Mr Warder the Lawyer

[143] Dr. George Steptoe of "Windsor" in Westmoreland County had been graduated in medicine at Edinburgh in 1767.

Towards Evening we rode home I observed as I rode along People are universally plowing up their Land for planting Corn & for Tobacco And in one field I saw several Women planting Corn I think however, it is early even here--They raise no Flax, their Land in general being so poor that it will not produce it--And their Method of farming is slovenly, without any regard to continue their Land in heart, for future Crops--They plant large Quantities of Land, without any Manure, & work it very hard to make the best of the Crop, and when the Crop comes off they take away the Fences to inclose another Piece of Land for the next years tillage, and leave this a common to be destroyed by Winter & Beasts till they stand in need of it again to plough--The Land most commonly too is of a light sandy soil, & produces in very great quantities shrubby _Savins_ & _Pines_, unless in the Vallies (for it is very hilly) & near the Potowmack where it is often vastly rich--Mr Carter has been lately solicited & was to have gone this Day with a number of Gentlemen to Horn-Point on the River Ucomico, with an intention, if they think the Situation will be proper, to establish Ware-Houses, & form a small Town--It is however, in my opinion, a fruitless Scheme--

_Saturday 2._

The morning stormy. I kept the children in til twelve o-Clock then dismissed them--I spent the greater part of this Day in reading Miscellaneous Pieces out of Magazines--The weather cleared before Evening--At five with _Ben_, I rode over to Mr Turburville's, chiefly to see a young Lady[144] lately from London; who has come over at Mr Turburville's Invitation in the character of Governess to Miss Turburville She seems to be young, genteel, & is not without personal excellence--I received together with Mr _Carters_ Family an Invitation from Mr Turburville to dine with him to morrow; which I propose to accept.--

[144] Miss Sally Panton.

_Sunday 3._

The Day pleasant; I rode to church--after the Service proper for the Day, Mr Smith entertained us with a Sermon from Pauls Defence before King Agrippa "How is it thought a thing impossible with you that God should raise the dead," He in this gave us a very plain & just Discourse on the doctrine of the resurection--This being Easter-Sunday, all the Parish seem'd to meet together High, Low, black, White all come out--After Sermon the Sacrament was administered, but none are admited except communicants to see how the matter is conducted--

After Sermon I rode to Mr Turburville's (for I found to day the true spelling of his name) There dined with him, Ladies Mrs _Carter_, & Mrs _George Turburville_: Gentlemen, Colonel _Carter_, Squire-_Lee_, Mr _Cunningham_, & Mr _Jennings_, Merchants; Mr _George Lee_, & _Ben Carter_ & Myself--We had an elegant dinner; Beef & Greens; roast-Pig; fine boil'd Rock-Fish, Pudding, Cheese &c--Drink: good Porter-Beer, Cyder, Rum, & Brandy Toddy. The Virginians are so kind one can scarce know how to dispense with, or indeed accept their kindness shown in such a variety of instances.--I had again an oppertunity of seeing Miss _Sally Panton_ which is the name of Mrs Turburville's English Governess--But the common voice seems to be against me as to her being Handsome--But her huge _Stays_ low Head _dress_; enormous long _Waist_, a Dress entirely contrary to the liking of Virginia Ladies, these I apprehend make her in their Eyes less personable, than to any one wholly unprejudiced--Her _Stays_ are suited to come up to the upper part of her shoulders, almost to her chin; and are swaithed round her as low as they can possibly be, allowing Her the liberty to walk at all: To be sure this is a vastly modest Dress!--She speaks French & is to teach the Language to Miss Turburville, & also Writing, & reading English--Upon the whole, if her Principles of Religion, & her moral behaviour, be as unexceptionable as her person, & her Manner, let Mr and Mrs Carters opinions go again me I shall think her agreeable--Miss _Prissy_ Miss _Nancy_; & Miss _Fanny_ all stay the night at Captain Turburville's--At Church, Mr Low, a young Scotch Gentleman, tutor in Colonel _Washingtons_ Family, solicited me to carry his Recommendations from Scotland, to Dr Witherspoon as he is desirous to be licensed in one of our northern Presbyteries--I shall do him the Favour.[145]--The country begins to put on her Fowery Garment, & appear in _gaity_--The _Apricots_ are in their fulles Bloom; Peaches also, & Plumbs, & several sorts of Cheries are blossoming; as I look from my Window & see Groves of Peach Trees on the Banks of Nomini; (for the orchards here are very Large) and other Fruit Trees in Blossom; and amongst them interspers'd the gloomy Savin; beyond all these at a great Distance the blue Potowmack; & over this great River, just discern the Woods of Maryland & conceive that beyond them all lies Cohansie my native pleasant Residence; & when I think with myself that by Gods permission, in a very few days more I shall be in the midst of Society, quite remote from formality, and from the least fear of giving offence by being familiar, or of being aw'd to silence by ostentatious vanity: how the thought fires me! Direct my Way, merciful God, and keep my Feet from falling, & my Heart from disobeying thy pure & perfect commandments--And make my Way prosperous that I may go and return again, still doing thy Pleasure, & honouring thy great Name!--

[145] Lowe was apparently not licensed as a Presbyterian minister at this time for he shortly afterwards appears as an Anglican clergyman in St. George's and Hanover Parishes in Virginia.

_Monday 4._

Easter Monday; a general holiday; Negroes now are all disbanded till Wednesday morning & are at Cock Fights through the County; This morning I make a general payment First to Sam the Barber 8/2. Second to Tom the Hostler 7/6. third to Nelson who waits on me /3½. Sum 15/11½--

Mr & Mrs _Carter_, with Mr _Cunningham_ & _Ben_ (as Mr Cunningham came home with us last Night) all rode to Day to Richmond Court--I was in the morning strongly solicited to go, but chose to decline it--After Breakfast, came home from Mr Turburville's our young Ladies, they inform me that Miss Panton discovered a strong inclination to be better acquainted with me; which indeed is a Curiosity that I cannot say I am altogether destitute of. I shall therefore, when I find it convenient make Miss Panton a visit--