twelve came on a visit Mr _Goodlett_, & _Saml Fantleroy_;[121] I spent
the remainder of the day with them.--At Dinner when call'd upon for a
Toast I gave Miss _Sally Hollinshead_. Mr Goodlett told me he has had
an Invitation, to accept a School in _Leeds_,[122] a town on the River
Rapahannock, about 25 Miles from this up & across the Country.
[121] Samuel Griffin Fauntleroy (1759-1826) was the son of Moore
Fauntleroy of "The Cliffs" in Richmond County.
[122] Leedstown was a thriving center of trade and shipping. It had
been incorporated in 1742.
_Sunday 6._
I rode to Church; Mrs Carter & Miss Prissy & Nancy were out--Mr Smith
gave us a Sermon 14 Minutes long on Charite--But poor Fellow he seem'd
Cold as his Subject! Mr Fantleroy; & Mr Goodlett dined with us and set
off for Home as soon as we rose from Dinner--This day two Negro
Fellows the Gardiner & cooper, wrangled; & at last fought; It happened
hard however for the Cooper, who is likely to lose one of his Eyes by
that Diabolical Custom of gouging which is in common practise among
those who fight here--Evening Ben returned; he has been into
Northumland to see one Mr _Jones_. Mr Goodlett, to Day, shewed me a
piece of his own performance, a paraphrase on part of the Book of Job,
done in Lattin-Verse.
_Monday 7._
The Day pleasant, & seems to have some appearance of Spring--Mr Blain
call'd this Affternoon, & told us that by a Letter he hears Lady
_Dunmore_ is arrived from New-York[123]--and that many good & wealthy
Families arrived in the same Ship--It is indeed amazing, & it will
soon astonish the whole World, to consider the Rapidity of the growth
of these Colonies--
[123] John Murray, Earl of Dunmore, served as Governor of the colony
from 1771 to 1775. Lady Dunmore did not arrive in Virginia to join him
until the latter part of February of 1774.
At Supper, Mr Carter informed me it is his purpose to manifacture
30.000 Bushels of wheat in his New-Mill which is yet scarcely
finished.
_Teusday 8._
Before Breakfast _Nancy_ & _Fanny_ had a Fight about a Shoe Brush
which they both wanted--Fanny pull'd off her Shoe & threw at Nancy,
which missed her and broke a pane of glass of our School Room. they
then enter'd upon close scratching &c. which methods seem instinctive
in Women. Harry happen'd to be present & affraid lest he should be
brought in, ran and informed me--I made peace, but with many threats--
Mrs Carter has ordered the Gardener to sew Lettice, & plant Peas this
Day in the Garden.--
_Wednesday 9._
This day very blustry & cold--I gave Prissy a Coppy of Secretary-Hand,
at her particular Request--
_Thursday 10._
We had the Virginia Gazette[124] to day in which the accounts
concerning the destroying the Tea at Boston are confirm'd--& also an
account of the Burning of the House of Governor Tryon. Dined with us
Colonel _Frank Lee_; his Wife & Captain _John Lee_. Toasts after
Dinner, the _King_. _Queen_. Absent Friends, Governor of Virginia, &
his Lady just arrived, & Success to American Trade & Commerce
[124] The _Virginia Gazette_ was founded by William Parks at
Williamsburg in 1736. This journal continued to issue until 1778. In
1766 a rival sheet bearing the same name was established and was
published in Williamsburg until 1776. In 1775 a third _Virginia
Gazette_ had been established which continued to issue until 1780.
_Fryday 11._
The Company staid all Night--at Breakfast the conversation was on a
terrible Distemper which is in this County at present; & which in
Maryland last year about this time carried off hundreds, and is call'd
the "_putrid Quinsy_." Mr Carter has a Man lying now dangerously ill
of it!
What they do in the Disorder is, when the Inflamation is first
observ'd, bleeding; then give the _Bark_ & _Salt-petre_, or _Nitre_,
and _Gargles_ to cleanse the mouth--
Our company left us before dinner--Last night I took Bob to my Room,
after having in the course of the Day corrected him thrice, & reasoned
with him concerning the impropriety of his Behaviour; at the same time
I acquainted him with my final resolution to send him over for
correction every Day to his Papa's Study, which had so strong an
Effect on him (as all the Children are in remarkable Subjection to
their Parents) that he firmly pomised to attend to my advice, & thro'
this Day has been punctual to his word.
I spent the evening with the Family to hear the music. For every
evening Prissy & Nancy play the whole Evening for practice & besides
every Week half of Teusday, Thursday, & Saturday. We were informed
that the _Carter_ who goes with the Team is ill of the sore Throat!--
_Saturday 12._
After having dismised the School I went over to Mr Carters Study--We
conversed on many things, & at length on the College of William &
Mary at _Williamsburg_. He informed me that it is in such confusion at
present, & so badly directed, that he cannot send his Children with
propriety there for Improvement & useful Education--That he has known
the Professors to play all Night at Cards in publick Houses in the
City, and has often seen them drunken in the Street!--That the Charter
of the College is vastly Extensive, & the yearly income sufficient to
support a University being about 4.000£. Sterling.--That the Necessary
Expence for each Scholar yearly is only 15£ Currency.
Two of the officers of the Institution, Mr Bracker, & Mr Henly[125]
Clergymen are at present engaged in a paper War published weekly in
the Williamsburg Gazette's.
[125] John Bracken served as minister of Bruton Parish Church at
Williamsburg from 1773 to 1818. He also served for a period as master
of the grammar school at the College of William and Mary, and for two
years as president of the college. At this time Bracken had just
incurred the bitter enmity of Samuel Henley, professor of divinity and
moral philosophy at the college, who had hoped to secure the
appointment given his rival. The two men aired their grievances in a
long and acrimonious controversy carried on in the columns of the
_Virginia Gazette_. Henley, a Tory, left the colony for England in
1775 and never returned. He later became principal of the East India
College at Hertford.
Miss Fanny quite unwell of a Cold with a pain in her Breast. Evening
Mrs Carter complain'd of a sore throat; and _Ben_ also, complains that
his Throat is quite troublesome--Mr Randolph too is confin'd in his
Room all day! We seem to be all sickning!--
_Sunday 13._
Things look better this morning Mrs Carter, & _Ben_ seem relieved, Mr
Randolph, & Fanny are better. The morning very blustry with wind &
Snow--None go to Church from here to day--In my Room I read _Pictete_.
_Monday 14._
Mr _Randolph_ this Morning happens to be Miss _Nancy's Valentine_; &
Miss _Prissy_ mine,--The morning sharp & very cold--
_Teusday 15._
I have a call this morning from _Bob_ & _Harry_ for a Holiday, for
Shrove Teusday; I shall dismiss them at twelve o-Clock. I gave Miss
Carter my Verses for her Valentine, Dined with us Mrs _Ford_. I
finished reading the first, & began the Second Volume of _Pictete_.
_Wednesday 16._
I happened last monday to offend _Prissy_, She retains her anger &
seems peculiarly resentful!--_Ben_ agreed for half a Bit a Week to
play the Flute every Night, or read, for me, twenty Minutes after I am
in Bed.
[Illustration: teacher and students]
_Thursday 17._
Prissy seems much affronted; The Cause was as follows Monday
afternoon, by Chance I tapp'd her on the Head, & wholly in Jest; She
seem'd vex'd, but Teusday morning which is her day for practice on the
Forte-Piano, after Breakfast, I desir'd her to walk over to the
School, she refused, & gave for an Excuse that She must begin to
play--Both these things laid together were the cause of her
resentment.
_Fryday 18._
The Weather pleasant and moderate--_Bob_, _Nancy_, & _Prissy_, are
setting off this morning to the Dance, which is at Mr _Washingtons_[126]--
[126] At "Bushfield" on the Potomac River.
_Saturday 19._
at Dinner we were conversing on Reading, among many remarks the
Colonel observed that, He would bet a Guinea that Mrs Carter reads
more than the Parson of the parish! No panegyrick on the Gentleman? Mr
Christian the Dancing Master, Came home with the young Ladies.
_Sunday 20._
Last Evening the virginia News-papers came; but nothing from the
Northward.
Rode to Nomini Church; Parson Smith read Prayers, but it was too Cold
a Day to give us a Sermon; After Service _Mr & Mrs Carter_, the
Parson, his wife & Sister; Mr _Camel_ the Comptroler; _Ben_, _Bob_,
Miss _Pierce_, Miss _Sanford_, and My self were invited to Colonel
Washingtons to Dinner. His House has the most agreeable Situation, of
any I have yet seen in Maryland or Virginia; the broad Potowmack,
which they account between 7 and 8 Miles over, washes his Garden on
the North. the River Nomini is within a stones throw on the West, a
levil open Country on the East; a Lane of a mile & three quarters
accurately measur'd. lies from the House South-East it has from the
House the whole distance a uniform Descent, & at the Gate at the End
of this Lane the Situation is just six feet lower than at the
House--There are no Marshes near, which altogether make the place
exceeding Description. The Roads are now miry & disagreeable.
_Monday 21._
Prissy seems again reconciled--Miss _Stanhope_ the Housekeeper is ill
of a Rheumatism--They are begining to work in the Garden with vigor.
Dined with us Docter _Franks_.
_Teusday 22._
Mr _Carter_ rode to the County-Court. I read to day several chapters
in the Greek testament. Mr _Carter_ has given orders to his Hands to
rigg, & fit his Schooner a Vessel of about 40 Tons for Business.
Docter Franks with us yet. Mrs _Carter_ was taken ill last Evening &
has not been out of her chamber to Day. Miss _Stanhope_ the
Housekeeper is also confin'd to her Room with Rheumatic Pains.
_Wednesday. 23._
Mr _Carter_ has an invitation to dine at Lee-Hall to Day, which he
accepts--before Dinner came in Miss _Corbin,_ & Miss _Booth_; two
young Ladies pretty well gone in what we call the Bloom of Life; Mr
Carter was out, Mrs Carter is ill, & Ben was not Drest; Bob & I
therefore at Dinner must be Directors of the ceremonies at Table! But
happily for me I have them at last all by heart--At five Bob & I had
the Pleasure to walk home with them, (for they were on foot) to Assist
them in Crossing the River Nomini which lies between us & Mr
Turburville's. Evening Mrs Carter seems no better--Miss Sally came out
of her Room--
_Thursday 24._
Frogs croaked last Evening. This morning the Birds of several kinds
are singing; and some presages of Spring seem visible. Mrs Carter
continues no better, A messenger is sent for Docter _Jones_, with
orders, that if he is from Home to pursue him.--
Mr _Gregory_,[127] the Colonels Gardiner came this morning & began
with Mr _Carters_ two Fellows who have been in the Garden all
winter--They planted this day the common garden Peas.
The Colonel at Dinner gave Ben & I a Piece of Music to prepare on
our Flutes, in which he is to perform the thorough Bass--Evening
Mrs Carter Some Better.
[127] James Gregory was employed at various seasons to assist and
instruct the colored gardeners at "Nomini Hall."
_Fryday 25._
Mrs Carter better--The Day pleasant--There is a report that the
Jail-Fever, or Yellow or putrid Fever, is at one Mr Atwel's on
potowmack, in this County; that it was brought in a Ship which came
lately with convict Servants; that two have already died, one this
morning: & that many of Mr Atwells Slaves are infected!--
Docter Jones spent the Evening with us; He complimented _Ben_ _Bob_, &
myself with an invitation to dine with him next Sunday.
_Saturday 26._
Mr _Carter's_ Merchant Mill begins to run to-day--She is calculated to
manufacture 25.000 Bushels of Wheat a Year--I walked at twelve with
the Colonel to view her; it is amazing to consider the work and
Ingenuity--He told me his Bill for the materials and work was
1450£.!--
_Ben_ to day Rode to Mr _Fantleroys_. Evening the Colonel & I
performed the _Sonata_. I had the Pleasure to hear the Colonel say
that I have my part perfect.
_Sunday 27._
I rode to day to Richmond Church, Parson Gibbern preached about 20
Minutes on the Text "he that walketh uprightly walketh wisely"--this
seems to be a polite part of the parish.--After Sermon Ben & I rode to
Docter _Jones's_; he was from home. Mrs Jones a young, Handsome,
polite Lady, received & entertained us exceeding civilly.--On our
return home, we called to see Mr Hamilton, who by a accident was
thrown from a Horse, & received a sad cut in his Face! he lies at Mr
Lanes.
_Monday 28._
Mrs Carter confined yet to her Room, but much better--Prissy & I on
good terms once more--Breakfasted with us Mr _Taylor_.[128] Ben
determines to ask his Papa to-morrow for Liberty to go home with me in
April. Evening we performed the Sonata I the first; Ben the second; &
Mr Carter the thorough Bass on the _Forte Piano_.
[128] Probably Colonel John Tayloe of "Mount Airy."
_Teusday March 1st 1774._
By one of Mr Carters Sailors we heard this morning that the Fever
mentioned some Days ago continues. Afternoon Mr Lane[129] a young
Gentleman, formerly my acquaintance at Princeton came to see me; with
one Mr Harison--He stays all night.
[129] Joseph F. Lane of Loudoun County, Virginia.
_Wednesday 2._
I gave my little family a Holiday, with an intention to ride with Mr
Lane after Dinner--We walked to the Mill, & about the works, but
before twelve it began to rain, & prevented our going out--Mrs
_Carter_ came out of her chamber & dined with us, & seems to be well
over Illness.
Mr Lane lives in Louden County 20 Miles from Dumfries; & is to return
to Princeton towards the close of this month.
_Thursday 3._
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.
[Illustration: making a fence]
_Monday 7._