Chapter VIII: Part 8

Indeed, said the Colonel at Breakfast, cool as it was last Night, I kept my Window up the whole night--I am not fond of your hot a dust Air--Was yours up Mr Fithian no truly; so long as I can breath without panting I am for keeping my Window down, & my Room close on summer nights; especially here in Virginia, Madam, where the Dews are so heavy, and so dangerous--The Postilion keeps a fox at the Stable & I am often much diverted with his Cunning Tricks. The other Day, Mrs Carter was lying in the long room among the Books on the Couch; In jumps Reynard, through a broken Pane of Glass, & begins to frisk & hue about the Room like a Bedlam--How is Nurse, pray, says the Colonel at Dinner? She has her Ague & Fever again to Day, Sir--This is a fine Sheeps-Head, Mr Stadly shall I help you?--Or would you prefer a _Bass_ or a _Perch_?--Or perhaps you will rather help yourself to some picked _Crab_--It is all extremely fine, Sir, I'll help myself--Well says the Colonel when we had almost finished our Dinner with a Glass of sparkling Porter on the Table before him, we have but fasted to Day; here stands a fine Ham, & a Shoulder of excellent Mutton yet untouched--At least, says the merry, good-hearted Man, we have kept _Lent_--Yesterday evening I scribled a little for _Laura_, & to Day I drank her Health from my Heart in generous Medaira--Yes, best of Women, when you are the Toast I drink wine with Pleasure--

_Thursday 14._

To Day is the election of Burgesses in Richmond the neighbouring County--Come, Fithian, will you go? My old objection recurs; I am too busy--I met this morning in Wingates Arithmetic, with the following merry Problem--"To discover a Number which any one shall have in his mind, without requiring him to reveal any part of that or any Number whatsoever"--After any one has thought upon any number at Pleasure; bid him double it, & to that double bid him add any such even number as you please to assign: Then from the Sum of that Addition let him reject one half, & reserve the other half; Lastly, from this half bid him subtract the Number which he first thought upon; then you may boldly tell him what Number remains in his mind after that Subtraction is made, for it will be always half the Number which you assigned him to add--A Reason for the Rule is added. "Because, if to the double of any number (which number for Distinction sake I call the first) a second number be added, the half of the Sum must necessarily consist of the said first number, & half the Second: Therefore if from the said half sum the first Number be subtracted, the remainder must of necessity be half the second Number which was added--Mr Inspector dined with us again to day--We had after Dinner, _Lime Punch_ & _Madaira_: but he chose & had a Bowl of _Grogg_--You are a mean Puppy, a treacherous, ungenerous Scoundrel, says _Bob_, to Harry just as I entered the School after Dinner--you told Mr _Lowe_, you did more, you published in Mr Washingtons Family that Mr _Fithian_ horsed me for Staying out all night--That he call'd in John the Waiter to help him--& that you was sent to cut & bring in Whips--After School with Ben I rode out the Day is warm, & the Ground grows to be very dry--I was not a little Surprized to see Corn out in Tassel--But the Tobacco looks dismal, it is all poor, much of it is dead with the drouth; I think, however, that the Season is ten days or two Weeks earlier here than in New Jersey.--

Mr Stadly, left us to Day. I love that Man, he is gone to Colonel Taylors[189]--

[189] Colonel John Tayloe.

_Fryday 15._

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

[LETTER OF PHILIP V. FITHIAN TO JOHN PECK]

Nomini-Hall. July 15th. 1774.

SIR.

I have communicated your intention to Mr _Carter_; he begs you will by no Means disappoint him.

I wrote you a letter by the post early in June possibly it was lost, for either letters are lost, or you and the rest of my friends in _Jersey_ use me vastly ill, for I have not received a line since I have been in Virginia--You had better go into the school and acquaint yourself with the method of teaching, and procure some copper plate copies: I am by the goodness of heaven very well; I hope you will remember me to all friends at Princeton to relations and friends at Cohansie; desire _Charles_ to carry my _Homer_ to cohansie when he goes down in the vacancy; tell him I shall be at home if no unforeseen accident prevents by the last of october.

You had better provide yourself with recommendations from several, especially from Doctor Witherspoon, something of the kind will not be a hindrance, but may possibly at some J[u]ncture be of eminent Service.

I am, Sir, Yours,
PHILIP V FITHIAN

Mr John Peck. Nassau-Hall

[JOURNAL]

_Saturday 16._

The _Colonel_, _Ben_, & _myself_ rode on Horse-back about Six to Mr Atwels; four lusty, hearty Men had gone on foot before who were Oarsmen: Here we were to enter a Boat never Rowed before, & proceed down the River Machodock to Mr _Carters_ Store-Houses which are now building near the mouth of that River--But I am going to venture upon a Description of a Scene which I am sure I shall not do Justice to--A Scetch of three Rivers--Their Beautiful Banks--Several Gentlemens Seats--Their commodious harbours--In particular that near which Mr _Carter_ is erecting Store-Houses--The whole is to be an account of our peregrination this 16th burning day of July 1774--With several remarks.--What a Crack of Thunder there was! I must run to the Window & view the Cloud--It is a small white remote Cloud in the North-West. I am summoned to Coffee--Mrs _Carter_ gave us a Dish round--Amazing what a Flash of Lightning! how fast it rises!--Ben child, says the lovely Woman, take my Seat & fill out the Coffee. Please to excuse me; & She then retired up chamber--We finished our Coffee--The Gust came up, & to be sure I have seldom seen one more terable! Long, bright, forked bolts seemed to dart incessantly through the broken parts of the Cloud; some of them would appear perpendicular others horizontal, and some would split, & in a Moment seem to bespangle, with sparks of Fire, the whole Front of the Cloud! And these were continually succeeded with alarming alternate Cracks of Thunder!--It brings, however to the scorched Earth a plenteous needful Supply--By nine it is past, & opens a serene beautiful western Sky--I resume my Description.

I have said, that we rode on Horseback to Mr _Atwels_ where we were to go on board & have our Horses sent back. This House is called six Miles from the mouth of Machodock--It stands on the Bank of the River; The Boat that carried us is built for the purpose of carrying the young Ladies and others of the Family to Nominy Church--It is a light neat _Battoe_ elegantly painted & is rowed with four Oars--We went on board; The Sun beamed down upon us, but we had each an Umberella--The River is here about Gunshot over; the Banks are pretty low, but hard to the very Water--I was delighted to see Corn & Tobacco growing, or Cattle & Sheep feeding along the Brink of this River on both Sides, or else Groves of Pines, Savins & Oaks growing to the side of the Bank--We passed by an elegant small Seat of Mr _Beal_;[190] it was small, but it was neat--We arrived at Mr _Carters Store-Houses_ in 50 minutes, they are 5 Miles from Mr _Atwels_, & one from Potowmack--These Houses are building for the reception of Iron, Bread, Flour &c. there are two Houses each 46 Feet long by 20.--They stand at the Bottom of a Bay which is a safe & spacious harbour--Here we Breakfasted at ten.--At twelve we pushed of from thence & rowed by parson Smiths Glebe & in sight of his house in to the broad beautiful Potowmack--: I think it is here ten Miles or twelve over has a fine high hard Bank; no Marshes--but Cornfields, Trees, or Grass!--Up the lovely Water we were rowed six Miles in to the Mouth of Nominy--We went on Board a small Schooner from _Norfolk_ which lay in Nominy-Bay--Mr Carter is loading her with Flour & Iron--Here we were in Sight of Stratford, Colonel Lee's, Seat.--We were in Sight too of Captain Cheltons--And of Colonel Washingtons Seat at Bushfield--From the Schooner we Rowed up Nominy-River--I have forgot to remark before that from the time of our setting out as we were going down Machodock, & along the Potowmack-Shore, & especially as we were rowing up Nominy we saw Fishermen in great numbers in Canoes, & almost constantly taking in Fish Bass & Perch--This was beautiful!--The entrance of Nomini is very shoal, & stony, the Channel is very narrow, & lies close to the Easternmost Side--On the edges of these shoals, or in Holes between the Rocks is plenty of Fish--The Banks of Nominy are steep and vastly high, twenty & thirty Feet, & in some places almost perpendicular; The Course of the River is crooked, & the prospects on each Side vastly romantic & diversified--We arrived at the Granary near Nominy-Hall about six--I went to my room to take off an Account of the expedition--When the Gust soon hindred.

[190] The Beales were a prominent family in Richmond and Westmoreland counties. Several members of this family had intermarried with the Carters. Robert Carter's uncle, Landon Carter of "Sabine Hall," had taken Elizabeth Beale as his third wife in 1746. Landon's son, Robert Wormeley Carter, married Winifred Beale, and Robert Wormeley's sister, Judith, married Reuben Beale.

_Sunday 17._

The Air this morning serene & cool--I do not go to Church. At last I have finished my Presbyterial pieces roughly they are to be reviewed & corrected; In the mean Time tho', (as Workman say) I must blow a little, for to be sure I am fatigued--Mr _Fithian_, says Mr _Carter_ at Dinner with a serious Air, you see we cannot with conveniency attend _Ucomico_ Church. If I should propose having prayrs read in the great Room on that vacant Day would you encourage & assist me?--I answered him that I was heartily agreed--You then, Sir, says he, may read the _prayrs_--& I will read the _Lessons_. The Afternoon extremely hot I could not leave my Room til the Sun had hid his flaming Place behind the Earth--Then I walked through the Garden--The whole Family seem to be now out Black, White, Male, Female, all enjoying the cool evening--

_Monday 18._

Pray Sir let all our Windows be put up, says Bob the Moment he came down from his chamber, & let the Doors be set open or we shall faint with Heat--Such a night I never spent before--The Heat says he, and these cursed Chinches made me intirely restless--I scribbled over a Letter to Mr _John Peck_, & one to Miss ... pray Mr Fithian says Nancy draw me a picture such as you drew for Fanny last Week--At two, just before we sit Down to Dinner a Cloud appear'd in the West--Mrs Carter excused herself from Dinner; while we were dining the Cloud came over, very moderate tho' with plenty of Rain--It is now, says Mrs Carter at Coffee, cool enough, a fine fair evening, a Northerly breeze & lovely evening--Mrs Oakly came into my Room this evening--It was to take her leave; she is to leave us early tomorrow morning--Good night, said I to the little Woman, I wish you a safe passage over the Rappahannock, & a pleasant journey home--I drew off as well as I could a rough plan of Nominy-Hall for Nancy.

_Teusday 19._

Nurse left us early this morning postilion Nat. carried her in a chair to the Ferry--The Day is fine cool enough--After School in the evening I rode out to a Corn-field, about a Mile & a half off, where I usually go for exercise, the Corn is beginning pretty generally to tassel, & I saw one hill in Silk, and in Blossom--To day I put _Harry_ into decimal Arithmetic--

_Wednesday 20._

Shut the Door, _Harriot_, says _Fanny_ I I'm so cold I shake--indeed the morning is cool enough to sit with December clothes on!--I spent the little time I have for myself to Day in forming my Latin _Exegesis_--Mr _Taylor_ the head Overseer Dined with us--At _Coffee_ The Colonel & myself entered somehow into Dispute upon the advantage in working an Oar--He asserted & tried to prove that the advantage lies in having the Oar longer from the _Thole-pin_ or where it lies on the Boat to the water, than from the _Thole-pin_ to the Rowers hand in a mathematical sense; He allow'd the Water to be the Fulcrum or Prop, & the Boat to be the weight, & the Rower to be a secondary Power--But the resistance of the Water to the Oar he call'd the chief & primary Power--

_Thursday 21._

Lazy Fellows! _Ben_, _Bob_, _Harry_, & _Myself_ all this Morning slept til near seven!--It was a sleepy Morning tho', for the Girls to give us countenance slept too--My Leisure time to Day is spent in forming my Latin Exegesis--Only just before the Sun went Down _Ben_ & I had our Horses & rode to our accustomed Resort the Corn-field, now many of the Hills are in Silk--We returned to Coffee--The Day has been very warm; the evening is light & pleasant, &, Thank, to our common, & bountiful Preserver, I am in good Health--

_Fryday 22._

My Exegesis goes on lustily; I have finished three pages--Indeed Sir, says _Harry_ I cannot reduce 7s 6d into the decimal of a Pound Sterling--you must reduce 7s & 6d to pence; for a numerator; then you must reduce a Pound Sterling to Pence for a Denominator; this Numerator you divide by the denominator & the Quotient will be the Decimal sought--Well _Ben_ you & Mr _Fithian_ are invited by Mr Turberville, to a Fish feast to-morrow, said Mr Carter when we entered the Hall to Dinner--I am uncertain whether my Latinitas will not be a Shackle too heavy to allow me to favour his kind invitation.

_Saturday 23._

_Priscilla_, & _Fanny_, each presented me with a fine Jessamine Nosegay this morning--At eight I dismissed the School: _Ben_, _Bob_, & _Harry_ go to the _Fish-Feast_, I to making latin--While we were Dining a black turbulent Cloud came over from the West (I believe the Boys will commend my choice now) It rained, it Thundered hard, & continued exceeding stormy til after six in the Evening; I spent the Afternoon however in Quiet & to advantage--I am more & more pleased with my Situation. the Time draws nigh when I must enter on a new, & perhaps less agreable exercise--There were many at the River; the Boys tell me, among others Miss _Betsy Lee_--I do not, however, repent my having staid at Home--The Colonel shewed me some Powder which was made in _Frederick_ in this Province--It seems good--He charged a _Pistol_, it fired quick & strong--

_Sunday 24._

I lazy slept til seven--The Boys seem sick of their yesterdays Voyage--I rode to Nomini-Church--The Parson invited me home but we have company--Mr _Turberville_, _Mr Cunningham_, _George_ & _Lancelot Lee_ dined with us--After the ordinary Toasts we were call'd on to Toast Ladies: I gave Miss _Jenny Washington_--The Lee's came over to our School-Room I swear says George, there is no Devil!--There is no Devil, I swear!--He went on in such an impious, & at the same time whimsical & foolish manner, that I left the Room, and went over to Mr & Mrs Carter, with whom nothing is heard indecent or profane--After the Company were gone as we were walking near the Poplar Avenue, says Mrs Carter how sweet, & pure the Air is; how much the weather resembles September!--Indeed I think it feels like the fever & Ague!--_Bob_ in the Evening brought me Colonel Taylors[191] compliments, who begs I will wait on him soon; He wants to know if I have provided a Tutor for Mrs _Thornton_ Mr _Leek_ told me something about coming, but not til next Spring, & I judge that Mrs Thornton will be impatient before that time--Do you now indeed, sincerely, in your Heart, Sir says Ben to me after we had retired to our Chamber, believe that there is a Devil?--For my part, tho' I made _George Lee_ think otherwise, I do not--I told him that it was universally allowed by writers of the greatest reputation for Learning and Religion in the established Church of England, whose Canons he profess'd to believe & adhere to--And that, if he would attend to my advice, he ought not to doubt its Reality.

[191] Colonel John Tayloe.

_Monday 25._

_Harry_ & _Bob_ go shrugging up their backs with their Coats Buttoned about the School, first one then the other complaining of the cold--The Girls too, in their white Frocks, huddle close together for the benefit of warming each other, & look like a Flock of Lambs in the Spring--I wish they were half as innocent--I myself, after having added a Waistcoat, am notwithstanding disagreeably Cold--The air is clear, the wind strong from the West--I proceeded in my Latin Exegesis, & shall, I hope, shortly be through it--I gave to _Nancy_ at her Request, my Scetch of _Nominy-Hall_--I propose to take off one for myself--

_Teusday 26._

The morning cool enough--Order me a Horse & Chair, says the Colonel after Breakfast, for I must go to Westmoreland-Court--I piddled at my Exegessis, but (as they say here in Virginia) I did a mighty little--Priscilla after School invited me to ride with her, but I had preengaged to go on Board the _Harriot_; She now lies in Nominy about half a mile Distant--_Bob_ conducted me on board, She is a neat vessel, carries 1400 Bushels--_Bob_ strip'd & swam round us half an hour--Coffee; Well, Sir, says the Colonel at las I can treat you with several Letters--My heart jumped--A fine Repast indeed, valuable because exceeding rare! But shall I hear any thing from--_Laura_?--On this he gave me Letters from,

1. Rev'd Enoch Green, Dated Feb: 1774.
2. From Laura, Dated Feb: 13th 1774.
3. From John Peck Dated Nassau Hall July 2. 1774
4. From John Peck dated Feb: 25th 1774.
5. From the Revd: Andrew Hunter, dated Cohansie June 24th. 1774.
6. From Andrew Hunter Junr: Dated June 24th. 1774. Cohansie.
7. From Mr James Ewing, Dated Bridge-town July 7th. 1774.

For these Letters I paid--12s 5d--Pennsylvania Currency, & I am very proud of my Bargain--

Mr Peck informs me that he is to succeed me in this place--Mr _Hunter_ & Mr Ewing inform me of the Death of Uncle Ephraim Seeley! That he died of a _Diabetes_ which has long troubled him! He has left no Doubt a mourning Family--Mr _Hunter_ writes me word that _Andrew_ was licensed to preach about the middle of June. Laura says--They all express with Concern the great Commotions which at present exist through the Colonies.

_Wednesday 27._

Somehow I have taken a bad Cold, & am low-spirited to Day--The Colonel was all the forenoon down at the _Harriot_ in the Sun, so that when we went in to dine he seem'd fatigued & eat nothing--We have an Addition to our numerous Family, one Mr ---- I forget his name, he is a Cooper, tho', & an Irishman, & seems to be pretty smart; I sat the Evening with him in Mr Randolphs Room.

_Thursday 28._

Evening, after the Sun had gone, with _Priss_ I walked in the Garden. we gathered some few Figs which are just growing ripe--My Leisure to Day I spent in finishing off my Latin Exercises.

_Fryday 29._

I feell wholly relieved of my cold--I wrote & sent to the Post a Letter to Mr _John Peck_, to remind & hurry him in his way here--O! it is very hot--The wind itself seems to be heated! We have a fine Room, & sufficiently open; & I dress in a thin Waist-Coat, & a loose, light linen Gown; The _Boys_, _Harry_ & _Bob_ have nothing on, in School, but their shirts & Breeches; and I laugh'd cordially to see the contrivance of _Fanny_, the loveliest of them all, to grow cool, She sat on a low bench, & put her Hand in her pocket, & seem'd exceeding diligent in looking for something--But before She took out her hand She had off both her Stockings, & left them both in her pocket!--Mrs _Carter_ in particular seems to be overcome with the extreme Heat & looks like a fainting, expiring yet lovely Creature!--At seven I rode out to the Corn-field, the Sun was almost down, & was hid behind a large white thick Cloud where it Thunders--The Corn is roll'd up with the heat & Drouth! Yet it is strange there is no Musquetoes--I have seen one & heard another, & this is the whole compliment I have either _seen_, _heard_ or _felt_ since I have been in _Virginia_--While we were drinking _Coffee_ the Lightning, as it began to grow Dark, began to stream, it was at some Distance, but was incessant, bright, & awful--The Colonel, however sat, & with unmoved Composure observed it;

_Saturday 30._

The weather is something cooler & bearable this Morning--_Frank Christien_ one of Mr _Lowe's_ Scholars came to visit _Harry_ & _Bob_, so that I discharged them about eleven, & retired to my Chamber to writing--I sent Mr _George Lee_ a note this morning begging him to excuse _Ben_ & I from attending his Fish-Feast this Day--Captain _Dobby_ dined with us; he is a Man of much Spirit and Humour: A great Mimick--He acquainted us that at Hobbs's-Hole this Day is a Boat-Race on the River Rappahannock Each Boat is to have 7 Oars: to row 2 Mile out & 2 Miles in round a Boat lying at Anchor--The Bett 50£--And that in the Evening there is a great Ball to be given--I believe both the _Rowers_ & _dancers_, as well _Ladies_ as _Gentlemen_ will perspire freely--Or in plain English they will soak in Sweat! The Captain invited us on Board his Ship next Teusday to Dine with him & wish them a pleasant Passage as the Ship is to Sail the day following--If the Weather is not too burning hot I shall go provided the Others go likewise. Ben towards evening rode to Colonel Tayloe's--

[LETTER OF PHILIP V. FITHIAN TO GEORGE LEE]

To Mr. George Lee. July 30th. 1774.

SIR.

With my compliments I am to inform you that _Ben_:-_Carter_ is, of necessity, to go this day into _Richmond_; and as my company alone will not be equal to the trouble you must be at I give you this timely notice that you may avoid it,

I am,
with my thanks for your
Invitation, Sir,
Your most humble Servt:
P. V. FITHIAN.

[JOURNAL]

_Sunday 31._

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

_Monday August 1st 1774._

The Colonel rode to Richmond Court--The morning very hot--A Cloud appeared about two o Clock as we were going to Dinner in the West where it thundered--Mrs. _Carter_ kept her Chamber--There is almost no Rain--I looked to day over Dr _Burney's_ present State of Musick in Germany--I think it more entertaining than realy useful--Ben to Day begun the _Eneid_--Poor Mr _Randolph_ seems to be sickening with the _Ague_ & _Fever_!--Evening the Colonel returned & gave us Captain Dobby's repeated Invitation.

_Teusday 2._

_Ben_ & I drest ourselves pretty early with an intention to Breakfast with Colonel _Tayloe_, but the Servant who went with us was so slow in preparing that we breakfasted before we set out--We arrived at Colonel Tayloe's however by half after nine--The young Ladies we found in the Hall playing the Harpsichord--The morning cool with a fine Breeze from the North for I forgot to mention that about Midnight last Night a violent Gust of Blackness, Rain, & Thunder came on & gave us present Relief from the scorching Sun; there was no Dust & the riding was pleasant--The Colonel, his Lady, Miss Polly, Miss Kitty, Miss Sally, rode in their Great Coach to the Ferry--Distance about 4 miles--Ben & I on Horseback--From Colonel Tayloe's to this Ferry opposite to Hobbs's Hole the Land is levil & extremely good; Corn here looks very rank is set thick with Ears, & they are high & large, three commonly on a Stalk--Here I saw about an Acre & a half of Flax, which the people were just pulling, exceedingly out of Season--This is the only Flax I have seen since I have been in the Colony; I am told they raise much in the upper Counties--Here too is a great Marsh covered with thick high Reed--The Face of this part of the Country looks fertile, but I apprehend it is far from being healthy--We came to the Bank of the Rappahannock; it is here about 2 Miles over the Shipping on the other Side near the Town lying at Anchor look fine; no large Vessels can haul along the Wharves on account of shoal Water--There were six Ships riding in the Harbour, and a number of Schooners & smaller Vessels--Indeed, says Mrs _Tayloe_, Captain Dobby has forgot us. here we have been waiting for a full half hour, shall we take the Ferry Boat Colonel & cross over, & not stand any longer in the burning heat?--I was pleased not a little with the proposal tho' at the same time, I laughed with myself at Mrs Tayloe's truely Womanish impatience!--At last they are coming--The long-Boat came, well furnished with a large Awning, and rowed with four Oars--We entered the Ship about half after twelve where we were received by Captain Dobby, with every possible token of welcome--Since I have been in Virginia, my inclination, & my fixed purpose before I left home, both of which were very much assisted by a strict Attention to the instructing my little Charge, these have kept me pretty constantly, almost wholly, indeed out of that kind of Company where dissipation & Pleasure have no restraint--This entertainment of Captain Dobby's, elegant indeed, & exceeding agreeable, I consider as one among a prodigeous throng of more powerful similar Causes, of the fevers & other Disorders which are common in this Colony, & generally attributed to the Climate which is thought to be noxious & unhealthy. The Weather here indeed is remarkably variable But taking away & changing the usual & necessary Time of Rest; Violent Exercise of the Body & Spirits; with drinking great quantities of variety of Liquors, these bring on Virginia Fevers--The Beaufort is a Stately Ship; Captain Dobby had an Awning from the Stern over the Quarter quite to the Mizen-Mast, which made great Room, kept off the Sun, & yet was open on each Side to give the Air a free passage. At three we had on Board about 45 Ladies, and about 60 Gentlemen besides the Ships Crew, & Waiters Servants &c. We were not throng'd at all, & dined all at twice--I was not able to inform myself, because it seemed improper to interrupt the General pleasure, with making circumstantial inquiries concerning Individuals, & saying pray, Sir, what young Lady is that yonder in a Lute-String Gown? She seems genteel; where does her Father live? Is she a Girl of Family & Breeding? Has She any Suitors? This when one could not be out of the Inspection of the Company, would have seemed impertinent so that I did not much enlarge my Acquaintance with the Ladies, which commonly seems pleasing & desirable to me; But I took Notice of Several, & shall record my remarks--The Boats were to Start, to use the Language of Jockeys, immediately after Dinner; A Boat was anchored down the River at a Mile Distance--Captain _Dobby_ and Captain _Benson_ steer'd the Boats in the Race--Captain _Benson_ had 5 Oarsmen; Captain _Dobby_ had 6--It was _Ebb-Tide_--The Betts were small--& chiefly given to the Negroes who rowed--Captain Benson won the first Race--Captain Purchace offered to bett ten Dollars that with the same Boat & same Hands, only having Liberty to put a small Weight in the Stern, he would beat Captain _Benson_--He was taken, & came out best only half the Boats Length--About Sunset we left the Ship, & went all to Hobbs's Hole, where a _Ball_ was agreed on--This is a small Village, with only a few Stores, & Shops, it is on a beautiful River, & has I am told commonly six, eight, & ten Ships loading before it the Crews of which enliven the Town--Mr Ritche[192] Merchant; he has great influence over the People, he has great Wealth; which in these scurvy Times gives Sanction to Power; nay it seems to give countenance to Tyranny--The Ball Room--25 Ladies--40 Gentlemen--The Room very long, well-finished, airy & cool, & well-seated--two Fidlers--Mr _Ritche_ stalk'd about the Room--He was Director, & appointed a sturdy two fisted Gentleman to open the Ball with Mrs _Tayloe_--He danced midling tho'. There were about six or eight married Ladies--At last Miss _Ritche_ danced a Minuet with ---- She is a tall slim Girl, dances nimble & graceful--She was _Ben Carters_ partner--Poor Girl She has had the third Day Ague for twelve months past, and has it yet She appeared in a blue Silk Gown; her Hair was done up neat, without powder, it is very Black & Set her to good Advantage--Soon after he danced Miss _Dolly Edmundson_[193]--A Short pretty Stump of a Girl; She danced well, sung a Song with great applause, seemed to enter into the Spirit of the entertainment--A young Spark seemed to be fond of her; She seemed to be fond of him; they were both fond, & the Company saw it--He was Mr Ritche's Clerk, a limber, well dress'd, pretty-handsome Chap he was--The insinuating Rogue waited on her home, in close Hugg too, the Moment he left the Ball-Room--Miss _Aphia Fantleroy_ danced next, the best Dancer of the whole absolutely--And the finest Girl--Her head tho' was powdered white as Snow, & crap'd in the newest Taste--She is the Copy of the goddess of Modesty--Very handsome; she seemed to be loved by all her Acquaintances, and admir'd by every Stranger, Miss _McCall_--Miss _Ford_--Miss _Brokenberry_[194]--_Ball_--Two of the younger Miss _Ritche's_--Miss _Wade_--They danced till half after two. Captain Ritche invited Ben & I, Colonel Tayloe & his Family with him--We got to Bed by three after a Day spent in constant Violent exercise, & drinking an unusual Quantity of Liquor; for my part with Fatigue, Heat, Liquor, Noise, Want of sleep, And the exertion of my Animal spirits, I was almost brought to believe several times that I felt a Fever fixing upon me, attended with every Symptom of the Fall Disorders--

[192] Archibald Ritchie was a prominent merchant of Hobb's Hole.

[193] The Edmundsons were a prominent family in Essex County. Thomas Edmundson, whose will was proved in 1759, had a daughter named Dorothy Edmundson.

[194] The Brockenbrough family had been a well-known one in Richmond County since the beginning of the eighteenth century. William Brockenbrough (1715-c.1778) had married Elizabeth Fauntleroy, whose sister Mary was the wife of Parson Giberne.

_Wednesday 3._

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

_Thursday 4._

I made out to get up by seven--A little fatigued tho'--Many are sickening with a Fever, & great numbers have the Ague--Protect me if it be thy will, God of my Life, & give me a Heart to praise thy name for all my Favours--Dined with us the Inspector--I walked through the Garden, several times banishing by solitude, as much as possible reflection on several Days past.--

_Fryday 5._

I have no Stockings; & I swear I wont go to the Dancing School This was the first I heard of _Bob_--Are Bob & Nancy gone to Mr _Turberville's_ said the Colonel at Breakfast--_Nancy_ is gone Sir, Bob stays at Home he has no shoes! poh! What nonsense! says the Colonel--Call _Bob_, & Call the Clerk--He sent Mr Randolph to the Store for a pair of Shoes, Bob he took to his Study and flogg'd severely for not having given seasonable Notice, & sent him instantly to the Dance--

_Saturday 6._

Last night, & this morning haizy mistty the Wind South East threatens a Rain--Transcribing my pieces, yesterday and to Day--I had a strong invitation to Dr Thompsons Fish-Feast, but the Rainy Weather hindred; I spent the Day in Quiet in my Chamber writing--Dadda Gumbey sent me a small Water-Melon.

_Sunday 7._

I set out for Church--It was cloudy, it Thundered in the West: But I rode on Bob was with me--We arrived at the Church & had our Saddles put into a Chariot--When a violent Gust came on--We were all in the Church; many Ladies were present--The Thunder was violent! Many discovered great Terror--Neither the Parson, nor Clerk attended--There we sat in Silence til the Storm was over, when each sallied out & splashed homewards--Mr & Mrs Carter were to have gone by Water--They had set off But saw the Cloud befor they had rowed far, & wisely returned--Towards Evening Miss Betsy _Carter_, Miss Polly _Carter_ of Richmond, & Miss _Turberville_ came over to see our Girls. Miss Betsy plays the Harpsichord extremely well, better I think than any young Lady I have seen in Virginia.

_Monday 8._

All once more in School--Dined with us _George Lee_ & Mr _Grubb_--They spent the afternoon at the great House--After Coffee Lee rode Home--Mr _Grubb_ staid with us all night--Dennis came into our Room to bring us a Bowl of Punch; Grubb shut the Door, and accused him of having been caught with Bett, the Dairy Girl, in the Stable last Saturday Night--Dennis seem'd in great distress, he denied the Fact tho' with great steadiness--Nelson our Boy came in with a candle--Dennis here, says _Grubb_ to _Nelson_, has been accusing you, Sir, of several crimes; he says you gave him half a _Bitt_ last Saturday Night, to stand at the Stable-Door while he with Bett--Nelson star'd--Grubb opened a huge _Molls Atlas_ that lay in the Room; & read off their Case & indictment--The Boys seem'd crazy--We dismiss'd them when all the novelty was over, but they darted like Indians so soon as they were at liberty--We sat up til eleven--Ben drank for his Toast, Miss _Julia Stockton_ of New Jersey; Grubb Miss Betsy Carter--I with pleasure the Rival of them all--

_Teusday 9._

I propose to visit Dr Jones to Day say's Mrs _Carter_ at Breakfast--See & have the Carriage ready for me by ten o-Clock _Benny_--She took with her _Priss_, and _Nancy_--We have a thin School--Mr _Grubb_ dined with us--Staid til evening, when with Ben he rode home--I finished & glad enough I feel my Latin Thesis--The Weather is now very tolerable, we had to Day a fine Shower about twelve--

_Wednesday 10._

All in School--Miss _Fanny_ very much troubled with the festered Bites of _Seed Ticks_--Mr _Stadley_, whom I always see with Pleasure came towards evening--After School he gave the Girls a lesson each--About Six we have a fine Shower, with Thunder and Lightning, especiall in the evening the Lightning Sharp--

_Thursday 11._

Dined with us two Gentlemen Names unknown--They informed us that a Flux is in a neighbouring County, of which many die!--The Ague too is growing frequent _Fanny_ has a fit this afternoon--I begin to be a little alarmed at the early approach of these Disorders, which I fear will be distressful here!--Through the kindness of heaven I am yet in perfect health--Mr _Carter_ & Mr _Stadley_ performed both on the _harmonica_ I am charm'd with the Sounds! The melody is swelling, grave & grand! The weather vastly hot--

_Fryday 12._

Very hot--_Sam_ our Barber is Seized with the Ague & Fever--Fanny is confined to her chamber with a Fever occasioned, I am apt to believe, by the inflamed bites of the Seed-Ticks, which cover her like a distinct Small Pox.--Dined with us by particular invitation, Mr _Turberville's_ Family, and Miss _Betsy Lee_--The conversation at Table was on the Disorders which seem growing to be epidemical, _Fevers_, _Agues_, _Fluxes_--A gloomy train!--Fearing these, I keep myself at home; make my diet sparing & uniform; Use constant moderate Exercise; Drink as little Wine as possible, & when I must drink Toasts I never fail to dilute them with well with Water; I omit almost every kind of fruit; & make my time for _Sleeping_ from Night to Night the same, Viz to Bed by ten, & rise by six invariably--I never lived so much by Rule as I do this Summer; & I am taught the Art, & have a Steady Example in Mr & Mrs _Carter_--Mr _Stadley_ played on the Harpsichord & harmonica several Church Tunes & Anthems, with great propriety--

[LETTER OF PHILIP V. FITHIAN TO JOHN PECK]

Nomini Hall August 12th 1774.
"Si bene moneo[Maneo], attende."--

SIR.

I never reflect, but with secret, and peculiar pleasure, on the time when I studied in _Deerfield_ with you, & several other pleasant Companions, under our common, & much respected instructor, Mr _Green_. And I acknowledge now, with a thankful heart, the many favours, which I received from your family while I was a member of it. This sense of obligation to your Family. And personal friendship for you, have excited me, when it was in my power, to introduce you to the business which I now occupy; into a family, where, if you be prudent and industrious, I am confident you will speedily acquire to yourself both Honour & Profit--But inasmuch as you are wholly a stranger to this Province; & have had little or no Experience in the business which you ar[e] shortly to enter upon; & lest, from common Fame, which is often erroneous, you shall have entertained other notions of the manners of the People here, & of your business as a Tutor, than you will find, when you come, to be actually true; I hope you will not think it _vain_ or _untimely_, if I venture to lay before you some Rules for your direction which I have collected from a year's observation. I shall class what I have to say in the following order. First. I shall attempt to give you some direction for the plan of your Conduct among your neighbours, & the People in General here, so long as you sustain the character of a Tutor. Then I shall advise you concerning the rules which I think will be most profitable & convenient in the management of your little lovely charge, the School. Last of all. I shall mention several Rules for your personal conduct. I choose to proceed in the order I have laid down, as well that you may more fully & speedily recieve my mind, as that you may also the more readily select out and apply what you shall find to be most necessary.