Waiters at Table, as he was standing in the front Door which is vastly
huge & heavy; the Door flew up, and drew off the Skin & Flesh from his
middle Finger caught between, took off the first Joint, and left the
Bone of the greater part of the Rest of the Finger naked.
_Saturday 8._
Catechised the Children, and dismiss'd them about ten. The morning
pleasant--Rode before Dinner to Mr Blains Store--Was introduced to Dr
_Thompson_,[111] Mr _Balantine_,[112] Mr _Carr_ a young Scotch-Man
Clerk, to Mr Blain; dined with Mr Blain. Parson _Smith_, his Wife, &
her Sister were there--Colonel Washington, his Wife, & their Daughter
Miss Jenny a young Lady of few words, a sanguine Countenance, and as
to her Size, something below what Ladies call elegant; neat but not
_flashy_ in her Dress; Some of her Dress I admired because I have seen
_Laura_ in the like, yit strongly shewed me that it is not Dress alone
I admire in Her. All these had been at a Widding in the country and
were returning--In Dr _Thomsons_ Room there was hanging against the
Wall a Skeleton!--Balantine, either to shew himself a true
full-blooded Buck, or out of mere wantonness & pastime turned the
Bones (as they were fixed together with Wires) into many improper and
indecent postures; but this officious industry met with such reception
from the company as it Justly merited, and as I wish'd might happen;
for they gave visible signs of their contempt of his Behaviour--About
Six in the Evening the Chariot returned with _Bob_, Miss _Prissy_ &
_Nancy_ from the Dance at _Stratford_--They brought News as follows:
Miss Prissy told us, that they had an elegant Dance on the Whole; that
Colonel Philip Lee, where they met to Dance, was on Fryday, at the
Wedding of which I made mention Just now; that Mr _Christian_ the
Master danced several Minuets, prodigiously beautiful; that Captain
Grigg (Captain of an English Ship) danced a Minuet with her; that he
hobled most dolefully, & that the whole Assembly laughed!--_Bob_ told
us that there was a Race between Mr ---- And Colonels Horses--that
they run a Mile, & that _Dottrell_[113] belonging to Mr ---- won the
Race;--_Bob_ told me in private, after we were alone in my Room, that
Colonel Lee took an Opportunity, & asked him in the Hearing of a large
company at Supper, what sort of _Fellow_ he is whom your _Papa_ had
provided for your _Tutor_--_Bob_ told me that for answer he Informed
him I was good and agreeable--That Miss Jenny Corbin, (a young Lady
with whom I have had the greatest Opportunity of being acquainted, of
any young Lady in Virginia) gave him so favourable an Account of my
Behaviour, that he was pleased to say He should be glad to see me at
his House, & of my company--But after having heard this much, I shall
esteem myself pardonable, & shall always think it proper to refuse
without thanks his warmest Invitations; & will plead for my excuse
nothing else than mere inclination.
[111] Thomas Thompson was a well known physician of Westmoreland
County. Robert Carter retained the services of Thompson for the blacks
on his plantations for a number of years.
[112] Probably James Balendine of the firm referred to in the Carter
account books as "Messrs. James Balendine & Co."
[113] "Dotterell" was an English blooded horse that had been bred by
Sir John Pennington. He was regarded as the swiftest in that country
with the exception of one, called "Eclipse." Dotterell had been
imported into the colony in 1766 by Philip Ludwell Lee of "Stratford"
in Westmoreland County.
[Illustration: man at writing table in bed chamber]
In the Evening about seven o-Clock it snowed exceeding fast til Eight
when it ceased, it being the second Snow we had this winter here, At
Supper we had much conversation about the Dance. Mrs Carter & myself,
sat while ten and the Colonel read philosophy.
_Sunday 9._
The Morning very cold--None from our Family went to church; _Bob_
beg'd of me to let him go, I refused him; he then asked to go and dine
with Mr Turburville, I gave him no liberty.--I wrote to-Day a letter
to _Laura_, I wish it _speed_ & _Success_--I wrote also a letter to Mr
_Bryan_ in Baltimore; Another to the Gentleman who keeps the "Fountain
Inn" in _Baltimore_; & one to Dr _John Beaty_--_Bob_ returned in the
Evening after having stole away and spent the day at Mr _Turburvill's_
with a Note to his Papa from Squire _Lee_, in which Mr Carter & his
Family are invited to the Ball at his House on Monday the 17th Instant
But I must stay alone.
[LETTER OF PHILIP V. FITHIAN TO ELIZABETH BEATTY]
Nominy-Hall. Virginia. Jan: 9th: 1774.
TO LAURA.
The long Distance there is between us, & Uncertainty of the
Conveyance, makes it improper for me to write what I wish to tell you.
I may not, however, neglect to acquaint you that you still possess the
largest earthly Share of my Regard; & that my Fidelity towards you is
unshaken & inviolable.
I continue this Winter, by the Kindness of Heaven, in perfect Health;
& expect to return by the last of April next, if no Accident comes
between, when I promise myself Madam, much Pleasure, much Peace in
your Company.
The Family in which I live, is so kind, & suitable to my Wish, that I
would gladly continue in it--Or, at least, provide some well-qualified
Person to succeed me since I must by previous Agreement, shortly leave
it, as I do not propose to let my coming here put off my entering on
the Great-World.
If I shall be so happy as to meet with you in the Spring, I will tell
you many curious Occurrences of this Winter; but none with greater
Truth than that I have been your constant Admirer.
PHILIP. V. FITHIAN.
[JOURNAL]
_Monday 10th_
The Morning very cold--Dined with us to-day Mr _Sanford_ a Captain of
a Sloop which trades out of _Potowmack_ to _Norfolk_--I wrote out some
Exercises for _Bob_ & _Harry_--In the Evening the Colonel began with a
small Still to distill some Brandy from a Liquor made of Pisimmonds. I
set Ben this Evening to writing. I likewise gave _Catalines_ Speech in
_Salust_ to commit to memory in Latin, which he is to pronounce
Extempore. In the Evening I borrowed of _Ben Carter_ 15s.--I have
plenty of Money with me, but it is in Bills of Philadelphia currency &
will not pass at all here.
_Teusday 11._
The morning very cold--As cold I think, and the Frost seems to be as
intense & powerful as I have ever known it either at Cohansie or at
Princeton. This morning I put Ben to construe some Greek, he has yet
no Testament, I gave him therefore Esops Fables in Greek, and Latin. I
also took out of the Library, and gave him to read Gordon, upon
Geography. Ben seem'd scared with his Greek Lesson, he swore, & wished
for Homer that he might kick Him, as he had been told Homer invented
Greek.
_Wednesday 12._
I gave _Sam_ Mr Carters Barber, for shaving & dressing me, & for
mending my Shoes, two pisterenes, which pass here for half a
Crown--The morning is serene, pleasant, but cold yet. Miss _Hariot_
this morning being over curious tasted some Mercury Mixture in Mr
_Randolph's_ Room, it made her very sick; I was frighted, the family
was frighted! she puked, & threw it off her Stomach, & was soon
relieved--
I gave _Martha_ who makes my Bed, for a Christmas Box, a _Bit_, which
is a pisterene cut into two equal parts--I gave to John also, who
waits at Table & calls me to Supper a _Bit_. So that My whole Expence
to-Day has been _3/9_. Mrs Carter invited me to Day to go to the Ball,
I excused myself, & declined it.
_Thursday 13._
Mr Cunningham came before Noon to skait--At twelve we all went down to
Mr Carters Millpond--none had skaits but Mr Cunningham--we diverted
ourselves on the Ice til two, when we went up to dinner--Immediately
after Dinner Mr _Carter_ Miss _Prissy_ & _Nancy_ rode out to Mr
_Lanes_.--Mr _Cunningham_ staid the Night, Prissy play'd for us--She
has since I came made great advances--
_Fryday 14._
The morning very foggy, & warmer--I gave to Tom the Coach-man who
cured my Horse two _pisterenes_ & half a _Bit_, which is two &
ninepence 2/9. Mr Cunningham breakfasted with us--When I went into
School there came a complaint from Miss _Sally Stanhope_[114] of _Bob_
that he was rude, swore, & quarrell'd at Breakfast, poor untoward,
unfortunate Boy he gives me great Trouble--
[114] Miss Sarah Stanhope was the housekeeper at "Nomini Hall."
_Saturday 15._
I rose at seven--The morning fair the ground muddy--_Ben_ asked me to
ride with him to Mr Blains Store I chose rather to stay at Home--Ben
is preparing for the approaching Ball--Bob urged me to let him go to
Mr Lees, but he is so unruly & mischeivous when abroad that I was
obliged to refuse him the liberty of going. I spent some hours to Day
with the Girls when they were practising Music on the Guitar, &
Forte-piano, Priscilla plays her tunes true and exceeding finely--In
the Evening _Ben_ returned from Mr Blains--He told me the Store was
thronged with company--Sup'd on chocolate, & hoe-Cake, so called
because baked on a Hoe before the fire--The Colonel and his Daughter
busy at Music.
_Sunday 16._
The morning frosty & cold--_Ben_, _Bob_, _Harry_, & Mr _Randolph_ went
to Church--I stay at Home; Read Pictete--I feel very desirous of
seeing Home: of hearing good Mr Hunter Preach; of seeing my dear
Brothers & Sister; Indeed the very soil itself would be precious to
me!--I am shut up in my chamber; I read a while, then walk to the
North window, & look over Potowmack through Maryland towards Home;
then throw myself down into my Chair again & console myself that I
have every necessary, & convenient Accommodation here, which I should
have; nay much more than I should allow myself were I at Home. I am
contented--This whole world is only a Point almost unnoticeable, when
compared with the numerous _Systems_ which compose the _universe_, &
yet they all are under the particular Direction & Government of
_Almighty God_; How insignificant therefore is it for me and how
foolish to be uneasy, & solicitous whether I live in _Cohansie_, in
_Princeton_, or in _Virgininia_; Or in _America_, or in _Europe_, so
long as I am still supported, & upheld by the Divine Agency!--I am
fully satisfied--Guide me, propitious Heaven! Help me to Glorify my
God; To honour the holy Religion which I profess; & If I shall be
fitted, & introduced to the Ministry, may I still go on and be of
advantage to my fellow Mortals!--
Evening, The Boys are returned; _Bob_ brings me the _parsons_
Compliments; Mr _Cunninghams_; & that Miss Corbin enquired If I was
well!--Bob [also] informed me that the _Parson_, Mr _Blain_,
_Cunningham_, _Balantine_, & others are to come to Captain
_Turburvilles_ Mill-Pond to Skate before they go to the Ball--
_Monday 17._
At Breakfast the Colonel gave orders to the Boys concerning their
conduct this Day, & through the course of the Ball--He allows them to
go; to stay all this Night; to bring him an Account of all the company
at the Ball; & to return tomorrow Evening--All the morning is spent in
Dressing.--Mr Carter & Mrs Carter pressed me to go; But, mindful of my
Promise when I left Home, I stay and enjoy myself in quiet.--I give
the Children a Holiday to Day--I gave Dennis the Waiter half a Bit a
Present--Mrs _Carter_, Miss _Prissy_, & _Nancy_ dressed splendidly set
away from Home at two.
_Teusday 18._
Mrs _Carter_, & the young Ladies came Home last Night from the Ball, &
brought with them Mrs _Lane_, they tell us there were upwards of
Seventy at the Ball; forty one Ladies; that the company was genteel; &
that Colonel _Harry Lee_,[115] from _Dumfries_, & his Son _Harrey_ who
was with me at College, were also there; Mrs Carter made this an
argument, and it was a strong one indeed, that to-day I must dress &
go with her to the Ball--She added also that She Desired my Company in
the Evening when she should come Home as it would be late--After
considering a while I consented to go, & was dressed--we set away from
Mr Carters at two; Mrs _Carter_ & the young Ladies in the Chariot, Mrs
Lane in a Chair, & myself on Horseback--As soon as I had handed the
Ladies out, I was saluted by Parson _Smith_; I was introduced into a
small Room where a number of Gentlemen were playing Cards, (the first
game I have seen since I left Home) to lay off my Boots
Riding-Coat&c--Next I was directed into the Dining-Room to see Young
Mr _Lee_; He introduced me to his Father--With them I conversed til
Dinner, which came in at half after four. The Ladies dined first, when
some Good order was preserved; when they rose, each nimblest Fellow
dined first--The Dinner was as elegant as could be well expected when
so great an Assembly were to be kept for so long a time.--For Drink,
there was several sorts of Wine, good Lemon Punch, Toddy, Cyder,
Porter &c.--About Seven the Ladies & Gentlemen begun to dance in the
Ball-Room--first Minuets one Round; Second Giggs; third Reels; And
last of All Country-Dances; tho' they struck several Marches
occasionally--The Music was a French-Horn and two Violins--The Ladies
were Dressed Gay, and splendid, & when dancing, their Silks & Brocades
rustled and trailed behind them!--But all did not join in the Dance
for there were parties in Rooms made up, some at Cards; some drinking
for Pleasure; some toasting the Sons of america; some singing "Liberty
Songs" as they call'd them, in which six, eight, ten or more would put
their Heads near together and roar, & for the most part as
unharmonious as an affronted--Among the first of these Vociferators
was a young Scotch-Man, Mr _Jack Cunningham_; he was nimis bibendo
appotus; noisy, droll, waggish, yet civil in his way & wholly
inoffensive--I was solicited to dance by several, Captain Chelton,
Colonel Lee, Harry Lee, and others; But George Lee,[116] with great
Rudeness as tho' half drunk, asked me why I would come to the Ball &
neither dance nor play Cards? I answered him shortly, (for his
Impudence moved my resentment) that my Invitation to the Ball would
Justify my Presence; & that he was ill qualified to direct my
Behaviour who made so indifferent a Figure himself--Parson Smiths, &
Parson Gibberns Wives danced, but I saw neither of the Clergymen
either dance or game[117]--At Eleven Mrs Carter call'd upon me to go,
I listned with gladness to the summons & with Mrs Lane in the Chariot
we rode Home, the Evening sharp and cold!--I handed the Ladies out,
waited on them to a warm Fire, then ran over to my own Room, which was
warm and had a good Fire; oh how welcome! Better this than to be at
the Ball in some corner nodding, and awaked now & then with a midnight
Yell!--In my Room by half after twelve; & exceeding happy that I could
break away with Reputation.--
[115] Colonel Henry Lee of "Leesylvania."
[116] Apparently George Fairfax Lee of "Mount Pleasant."
[117] Parson Giberne was not so fortunate in escaping criticism on
other occasions. Fithian, himself, notes his gambling several times,
and the Reverend Jonathan Boucher, Landon Carter and Robert Wormeley
Carter all comment upon it in their journals.
_Wednesday 19._
Rose at Nine while the Bell was ringing--Breakfasted at ten, Mr
_Carter_ and I alone, the Ladies yet in Bed--I gave the Children the
third Holiday; _Bob_ _Ben_ & _Harry_ are yet at the Dance--Mrs Carter
declines going to Day, I took a Walk out before Dinner, & with my
Pen-knife carved _Laura's_ much admired Name, upon a smooth beautiful
Beech-Tree--Towards Evening Mrs Lane left us & rode home--_Bob_ came
Home about six, but so sleepy that he is actually stupified!--
_Thursday 20._
_Ben_ came Home late in the Night--This morning he looks fatigued out.
We began to study to Day but all seem sleepy and dull. Dined with us
to-day Mr _Lee_ a Gentleman from Augusta County, who has lately been
to the Settlements on Ohio.
Evening I began some Verses on Miss Carter for a present at the
approaching Valantine[118]--But I drew the Picture from Laura.
[118] See this valentine in Appendix, pp. 230-233.
_Fryday 21._
All seem tolerably recruited this morning; we hear, the company left
the Ball last Evening, quite wearied out; tho' the Colonel intreated
them to stay the proposed Time.
To Day about twelve came to Mr _Carters_ Captain _John Lee_, a
Gentleman who seems to copy the Character of _Addisons Will Wimble_.
When I was on my way to this place I saw him up in the country at
Stafford; he was then just sallying out on his Winters Visit, & has
got now so far as here, he stays, as I am told about eight, or ten
Weeks in the year at his own House, the remaining part he lives with
his waiting Man on his Friends.--
_Saturday 22._
Captain Lee with us to Day--The Weather cold; I set in my Room all Day
working at my Verses for Miss Carter.
_Sunday 23._
None went to Church on account of the Cold--Afternoon the Sun shone
fair--I took my Horse & rode about a Mile & returned--Captain _Lee_
left us this Day.
_Monday 24._
Still very cold snows some--Dined with us Colonel _Frank_ L.
_Lee_,[119] & Colonel _Harrison_ of Maryland--Miss _Nancy_ unwel of a
cold.--There are great Professions of Liberty here expressed in Songs
Toasts, &c. Yesterday News came of the Arrival of Ships with Tea; into
_Boston_, _New-york_, _Philadelphia_. & of the New-Yorkers burning the
House of his Excellency Governor _Tryon_. for having said that, if
orders concerning the Tea had been transmitted to him he would have
landed it tho' under the mouths of the Cannon!--Gentlemen here in
general applaud & honour our Northern Colonies for so manly, &
patriotic Resistance!--
[119] Francis Lightfoot Lee (1734-1797) of "Menokin" in Richmond
County was the fourth son of President Thomas Lee of "Stratford." His
wife was Rebecca Tayloe, a daughter of Colonel John Tayloe of "Mount
Airy." Lee served as a member of the House of Burgesses from Loudoun
County and later from Richmond County.
_Teusday 25._
Still sharp & cold--Miss Nancy much indisposed with a sore
throat--Dined with us Mr _Cunningham_. Toasts the _King_, _Queen_,
_Governor_ & _Colonel_, of _Virginia_. Northern Sons of Liberty. & a
good price for our comodities.--This Day the Person who carried my
Letters to Baltimore returned without any Letters or Intelligence.
_Wednesday 26._
The weather this morning seems to have moderated--Miss _Nancy_ is
poorly but better--In the Evening I ran a Foot Race with Ben & Harry
fo exercise, & a prize of ten Apples to the winner. We ran from the
School-House round the stable, & Kitchen & Great-House which Distance
is about 70 Rod--I came out first about One Rod; but almost wholly
spent; I went to my Chamber and lay down, sick, fainty, & quite
distressed. I puked several times; after having rested a while,
however, I revived & went well to Supper, & Spend the Evening in
Writing. At Supper from the conversation I learned that the slaves in
this Colony never are married, their Lords thinking them improper
Subjects for so valuable an Institution!--
_Thursday 27._
The morning mild Serene and moderate--The Colonel is making
preparations for a Journey to _Anapolis_, where he Designs next Month.
In the Evening, (for here they call the time between Dinner and
day-light-End Evening,) He & Mrs Carter shewed me their House; the
original Design, the present form; & what is yet to be Done--Miss
_Nancy_ came down stairs to Day--
_Fryday 28._
Snows this morning Briskly--Ben in a great Fever lest the Weather
shall stop him from a Ride he has alloted for tomorrow--At twelve the
Snow ceased, Depth about five Inches--I corrected _Harry_ for the
first time to-day for expressing himself indecently to _Prissy_.
[Illustration: room full of smoke]
_Saturday 29._
_Ben_ is preparing himself to go out--while we were dining about three
it began to Snow briskly--After Dinner when I went over to my Room I
was very much surprised to find my Room full of Smoke & Flame!--A kind
Providence only prevented the total Loss of our School-House & all its
Furniture, & our own Clothes Books &c!--A Coal of Fire had by accident
(as the Hearth is very narrow) fall'n on the floor, it took fire, &
when I entered it was burning rapidly--It had burnt three Boards about
eight Inches from the Hearth, & most certainly in a short time would
have been inextinguishable--I put it out however speedily, & had all
the fire removed--
The Weather is as wintry here in every Respect as I have ever known
it in New-Jersey--Mr Carter has a Cart & three pair of Oxen which
every Day bring in four Loads of Wood, Sundays excepted, & yet these
very severe Days we have none to spare; And indeed I do not wonder,
for in the _Great House_, _School_ House, Kitchen, &c. there are
twenty Eight steady fires! & most of these are very Large!--After
Supper, when all had retired but Mrs Carter, Mr Carter & Myself, the
Conversation being on serious Matters, Mr Carter observed that he much
dislikes the common method of making Burying Yards round Churches, &
having them almost open to every Beast--He would have them at some
small distance from the Church, neatly & strongly inclosed, and the
Graves kept up decent, & plain, but would have no splendid, nor
magnificent Monument, nor even Stone to say "Hic jacet."--He told us
he proposes to make his own Coffin & use it for a Chest til its proper
use shall be required--That no Stone, nor Inscription to be put over
him--And that he would choose to be laid under a shady Tree where he
might be undisturbed, & sleep in peace & obscurity--He told us, that
with his own hands he planted, & is with great diligence raising a
_Catalpa_-Tree at the Head of his Father who lies in his Garden--Mrs
Carter beg'd that She might have a Stone, with this only for a
Monument, "Here lies _Ann Tasker Carter_."[120] with these things for
my consideration I left them about ten and went to my cold Room, & was
hurried soon to Bed; Not however without reflecting on the importance
of our preparation for this great Change!
[120] Frances Ann Tasker Carter died in 1787 and was buried in the
family graveyard at "Nomini Hall." Her husband, who died seventeen
years later, was buried in Baltimore.
_Sunday 30._
Very stormy this morning with Rain and Hail which instantly freezes;
the trees hang bending with Ice, & the ways are all glassy &
slippery--None think of going to Church this day--Mrs Carter & I after
Breakfast had a long conversation on religious affairs--Particularly
on differing Denominations of Protestants--She thinks the Religion of
the established Church without Exception the best of any invented or
practised in the world. & indeed she converses with great propriety on
these things, & discovers her very extensive Knowledge; She allows the
Difference between the Church, & Presbyterianism to be only exceeding
small, & wishes they were both intirely united! Through this whole Day
it storms but the Evening is terrible! almost an Inundation of Rain;
The wind violent at North-East; The Snow, Hail, and Rain freezing
together on the Ground! This Evening the Negroes collected themselves
into the School-Room, & began to play the _Fiddle_, & dance--I was in
Mr Randolphs Room;--I went among them, _Ben_, & _Harry_ were of the
company--_Harry_ was dancing with his Coat off--I dispersed them
however immediately.
_Monday 31._
Excessive sloppy--Miss _Nancy_ came to School to Day--I finished my
verses which are to be presented as a Valantine to Miss _Prissy
Carter_.
_Teusday February 1st 1774._
Fair & mild but vastly muddy--About twelve Squire _Lee_ & young _Harry
Lee_, who was a College-Fellow, came to see us. They staid while about
five. The Toasts at Dinner were as usual--The Colonel & Mrs Carter
seem Much pleased with Harry, & with his manner.
_Wednesday 2._
The weather vastly fine. At twelve o-Clock the Colonel & Miss _Prissy_
rode out for an airing--_Prissy_ This day began Multiplication. We had
also a large elegant Writing Table brought to us, so high that the
Writers must stand.
_Thursday 3._
Prissy, & Nancy practising music--We had last night Thunder,
Lightning, & a very great shower.
_Fryday 4._
I put Ben this day into virgil--We had our Room mended & came into
it--at twelve I rode out to Mr Taylors about two Miles, in again by
Dinner-Time--Dined with us one Mrs Hut--This Evening, in the
School-Room, which is below my Chamber, several Negroes & _Ben,_ &
_Harry_ are playing on a _Banjo_ & dancing!--
_Saturday 5:_