the house of Willing and Morris. He was later president of the Bank of
North America and the Bank of the United States.
[147] Mrs. Charlotte Belson Thornton was the widow of Colonel Presley
Thornton (1722-1769) of Northumberland County. Mrs. Thornton had been
born in England and she returned to the mother country with her
children just prior to the outbreak of the Revolution. Her three sons
served in the British forces during the War. At the conclusion of
hostilities two of them, Presley and John Tayloe Thornton, returned to
Virginia.
[148] Perhaps a member of the Corbin family. Elizabeth Tayloe, sister
of Colonel John Tayloe, had married Richard Corbin of "Laneville," in
King and Queen County.
_Fryday 8._
The Ladies before breakfast gave us several tunes on the
Harpsichord--About ten Mr Carter set out for _Williamsburg_, to the
general Court, which sits twice a year, each Time twenty four Days
Sundays excluded--We had some agreeable Conversation this morning;
Horses seem to be the Colonels favourite topic--He inquired of me
however, where I was born; where educated; & if I am pleased with
_Virginia_--He told me he saw Dr Witherspoon, & conversed with him an
Evening last Fall, & is much pleased with his manner, & Qualities--He
informed me that Dr _Morgan_[149] of Philadelphia breakfasted with him
a few Days ago; he calls the Docter facetious, sensible, & prudent.
The Colonel desired me to enquire for some Gentleman of undoubted
ability to teach in a Family--I shall apply to Mr _Saml Leek_
junr[150] & if he declines I will look no further--Ben & I took our
Leave about Eleven, and returned Home--The Day is cloudy and cold, the
wind hard at North, & threatens Snow--This evening Ben met with a sad
repulse; Mrs _Carter_ proposes going to Williamsburg soon, & says She
must have his company! Poor Boy, he feels the Force of Disappointment!
And I confess I am a little vexed--
[149] Dr. John Morgan was one of the founders and most eminent
professors of the medical school at Philadelphia which is now a part
of the University of Pennsylvania. Morgan later served as
director-general of hospitals and physician-in-chief of the American
army from 1775-1777.
[150] Samuel Leake, Jr., of Cohansie, New Jersey, was at this time a
student at Princeton. Leake apparently did not accept the position in
Mrs. Thornton's home.
_Saturday 9._
Mrs Carter gave Ben liberty to go with me as far as Anopolis, provided
we set out soon, & accordingly we propose to set off to-morrow or
Monday morning, I begin therefore to prepare for the Ride. The Day is
rainy & cold, & I am in a vastly disagreeable Humour--
_Sunday 10._
Mrs _Carter_ yesterday, in the Character of a truely fond Mother,
altered her mind concerning _Ben_ many Times and in several different
manners: At first she agreed for him to go with me as far as Anopolis
without a waiting Man; then She concluded he was not well and had
better decline going entirely; towards Evening She gave him full
liberty if he will take a Waiting-Man; & will not set away till Monday
morning; This I urged not being pleased from the Begining with going
on the Sabbath--I gave yesterday to the Shoemaker a Bit--& a Bit to
the Wash woman; half a Bit to her little Girl; & half a Bit to
_Nelson_ the Boy who waits on our School; the whole is 11½. This
morning is extremely pleasant the Country full of Flowers, & the
branches full of lovely singing Birds.--Before Breakfast, I saw a Ring
of Negroes at the Stable, fighting Cocks, and in several parts of the
plantation they are digging up their small Lots of ground allow'd by
their Master for Potatoes, peas &c; All such work for themselves they
constantly do on Sundays, as they are otherwise employed on every
other Day. Sermon to Day, is at Ucomico, too far for my Horse
immediately before his Journey--Neither Mrs _Carter_ nor any of the
Family go--At Dinner I received a Letter from Mr _Lowe_, with his
Testimonials from the College in Edinburg which I am to present to the
Presbytery of Philadelphia and if it shall be accepted, I am to bring
such Exercises as they may appoint--
_Monday 11._
Bens Mare lame; Nat must stay, Ben & I set out at eight Rode by
Westmoreland Court-House, Mattox Church; fed at Mattox-Bridge,[151]
Rode by round-hill Church,[152] to Tylors Ferry[153] by three o-Clock
36 Miles--passed over the Ferry 7 Miles Ferriage 6/2--At a small House
in Virginia for a gallon of Corn 1/4.--At a small Tavern at the Ferry
on the Maryland side Expence 9d rode from thence three Miles to Squire
Lees who has the Naval office here--Spent the Evening with young Mr
_Lee_, Miss Lee, Miss Booth, & Miss Washington--Toasts--I gave Miss
Nancy Galloway--Between the Ferry & Mr Lees we passed through four
gates.
[151] Mattox Bridge was some eighteen miles from Westmoreland Court
House, and twenty-eight from "Nomini Hall."
[152] Round Hill Church was the "upper church of Washington Parish"
and stood at the site of what is now the town of Tetotum.
[153] Tyler's Ferry in Westmoreland County, Virginia, was opposite
Cedar Point on the Maryland side of the Potomac River.
_Teusday 12._
Up soon, expence to Boy 3d. Rode to Port Tobacco[154] 13 Miles good
Road--Fine Hill near the town; betwen Mr Lees & Port Tobacco 13
Gates--This is a small Town of not more than twenty or twenty Houses
mostly of one story--Expence for a gallon of Oats ... 8d, for bitters
4d, the Day fine--Rode thence to Piscataway;[155] the road good 15
Gates--ma[n]y fine streams of pure water--and many beautiful
hills--This is a small Town of low Houses not more than two in it two
Stories High; It lies however in a fine rich valey--Expence for
Dinner, Wine & Oats 5/ ... from Piscataway we rode to upper
Marlboroug[156] the road something hilly, we passed through 15 Gates,
two elegant Seats Mr Wests, & Mr Diggs[157]--arrived at
Marlborough[158] by six it is a pleasant levil spot, 16 Miles from
Alexandria[159]--they have a Presbyterian Meeting House which Mr Hunt
supplies--They have a latin School also here; & an elegant
Ball-Room--Piscataway is seven miles from Alexandria. In bed by nine--
[154] Port Tobacco, Maryland.
[155] Piscataway, Maryland.
[156] Upper Marlborough, Maryland.
[157] The Digges family was a well known one in both Maryland and
Virginia.
[158] Marlborough, Maryland.
[159] Alexandria, Virginia.
_Wednesday 13._
Up early, the morning fine. Expence here 4/11 Rode thence through a
pleasant country four miles to a small Ferry over Patuxen,[160]
Ferriage /6. then 12 Miles to South River three quarters of a Mile
over Ferriage 6d then we rode thro a piny sandy road four miles to
Anopolis 32 Gates--This is a pleasant situated Town: the Inhabitants
appear gay & cheerful--I put up at the Coffee-House--An agreeable
Woman keeps it Expence to a Barber for shaving & dressing _1/6_--For
oats Coffee &c 3/1--To Boy /10. I roved through the Town til five then
I entered into a Boat the wind South West & Sailed over the Bay for
_Rock-Hall_[161] distance 25 miles--the Boats are extremely good, well
built, & strongly manned, & indeed there is need, for the Bay is
broad, & often boistrous; we arrived at Rock Hall by half after nine;
I was very sick on the passage, & I never was sick before on the
water--The ferriage here for a Man & Horse is 15/.--To the Ferry Men
for a Quart of Rum 1/3. And for my footing never having crossed the
ferry before I paid 1/. The whole expence of this Day is 1£ 8s 7d.
[160] Patuxent River.
[161] Rock Hall, Maryland.
_Thursday 14._
The morning fine. I have from this place a view of the broad
Chesapeek--Expence here for Tea in the Evening, Oats Cordial &c 4/10,
set away half after Six--To Boy /3d. Rode from Rock Hall over a
delightful part of the country to Chester-Town 13 Miles[162]--this is
a beautiful small Town on a River out of the Bay navigable for Ships.
The Situation is low & I apprehend it is subject to summer Fevers--It
has an elegant I may say grand Court-House, in which is the town
Clock--Mr _Wall_[163] the Commedian, has been for several Evenings
past exhibiting Lectures in Electricity, & I understand with some
considerable applause. They have a lottery here on foot & to be drawn
in May next for to assist them in building a market-House Town-Wharf
&c.--I breakfast here, & feed, Expence 2/3. to Boy 2d--In this Town &
the neighbouring Country rages at present a malignant, putrid Fever, &
what is generally called the spotted Fever!--From chester Town I rode
to George-Town, 16 miles--The Land levil, fertile, & vastly
pleasant--In this Town I visited Mr _Voorhees_, an eminent Merchant
here, & he seems to be a Gentleman of peculiar smartness Industry &
Oconomy--The Fever I now mentioned, is also here, & the whooping-Cough
is very general & malignant--I lodged with this Gentleman--We had
Evening prayers--Since I left Cohansie I have not heard the like--This
is a small Town, & lies on a fine River, which divides it from another
small Town directly opposite call'd Frederick.[164]
[162] Chestertown, Maryland.
[163] Wall gave a lecture on electricity in Williamsburg, Virginia,
the following year. He is doubtless identical with the comedian and
"Mental Physician," Dr. Llewellyn Lechmere Wall, who was described as
"of Orange County," North Carolina in 1797. He appeared in numerous
comedies in Newbern that year. Cf. _Virginia Gazette_ (Pinckney, ed.),
January 5, 1775; original playbill in Department of Research, Colonial
Williamsburg, Inc., Williamsburg, Virginia.
[164] Frederick, Maryland.
_Fryday 15._
I rose early--After Breakfast I rode to see Miss _Rachel
Stocktin_,[165] now Mrs _Ryley_; She lives on this River, about a mile
higher up, in a large very elegant brick House; in considerable
grandeur--Poor Girl She herself is much indisposed either of a bad
Cold, (as She thinks) or of this epidemical Fever; Mrs _Ryley_
introduced me ceremoniously to Miss _Ryley_ her Husbands _Sister_, She
has a small handsome Fortune, & is perhaps agreeable--I returned to
Town, & dined with Mr _Voorhees_, & immediately after crossed over the
Ferry for _Port-Penn_.[166] Expence at _George-Town_ for my Horse 2/3
to Boy 4d. I rode next to small village called _Warwick_,[167] a
pitful place indeed--Expence here 1/11 Boy /2. then I rode on to
Port-Penn, the Country beautiful, the Land apparently very rich, the
Timber strait, & large; I entered Port-Penn just as the Sun went down,
but could not prevail with the Ferry-Man to carry me over before the
morning--In George-Town I was told the following distressing _News_:
that Dr _Ward_, & my Aunt _Fithian_ of Cohansie are both Dead; that
my Aunt died in a very sudden unusual manner!--That Miss Polly Bullock
of Philadelphia is dying in a Consumption!--In the Evening I called in
to see Mr _Steward_ an ancient, gray headed, wealthy Gentleman in
_Port-Penn_, who, by some Weakness in his Back, has been unable to
walk at all for four years, he is hearty, religious, cheerful, seemed
much pleased, & thanked me often for calling to see him, & desired by
me his kindest Compliments to Mr Hunters Family--I spend the Evening
alone with quiet & content.--In Bed by nine--
[165] Stockton.
[166] Port Penn, Delaware.
[167] Warwick, Maryland.
[Illustration: ferry crossing]
_Saturday 16._
I rose early, & expected to pass soon over the Ferry--The wind
moderate at North West but the boat is aground, & I must wait until
eleven, when She is expected to float--I was much alarmed in the
night, thinking I had in Maryland taken the putrid Fever; I lay
sleepless, felt feverish, had pains in my Head--But I feel wholly
relieved this morning. At twelve the Boat came--We run over--Expence
at _Port-Penn_ 4/8. Ferriage 5/-. Once more through Gods Mercy in
New-Jersey. The Favours of God our common Parent are innumerable, &
great beyond our merit--I rod with Pleasure from Elsenborough to
Greenwich; I stopt to see the forsaken Mrs Ward; She seems to be
truely distress'd! I arrived by Sunset at my Uncles he also seems much
afflicted, with his Loss--He informed me that many have Died in the
Neighbourhood of Greenwich this winter. Dr Ward, Squire Millar, Mr
Boy'd Merchant--Aunt Fithian, aunt Ware, Rachel Peck, Rachel Ware,
David Mills, Mrs Mills &c. a very Mortal Winter!
_Sunday 17._
The morning vastly pleasant & Cohansie looks a delightsome as ever it
used I went to meeting. How unlike _Virginia_, no rings of Beaux
chatting before & after Sermon on Gallantry; no assembling in crowds
after Service to dine & bargain; no cool, spiritless harangue from the
Pulpit; Minister & people here seem in some small measure to reverence
the Day, there neither do the one or the other--I spent the day at
Home.
_Monday 18._
I took a tour over to Town before dinner to see old acquaintances The
Neighbourhood looks in nothing altered Mr _Potter_ took home my
Brother Amos with an intention if it shall suit to learn him the
Shopkeeping business--Afternoon I rode to Mr Hunters--And in the
Evening with Andrew to Deerfield, spent the Evening til ten at Mr
Greens in company with the amiable Miss Beatty--Mrs Green is much
indisposed, has lately had a daughter--The School here is at the
present time larger than it has ever been; there are now seven viz.
John Leek, Reading-Beatty,[168] James & John Ramsey, Stephen Ranney,
Seeley Fithian, & Thomas Greenman--We rode to Mrs _Pecks_. Joseph
since I left home, has married Mrs _Hannah_.
[168] A brother of Elizabeth Beatty.
_Teusday 19._
Rose by six. Breakfasted with Mrs _Peck_. Soon after we again visited
Mr Green--I spent the Day most agreeably. Kind Heaven has indulg'd my
wish;--In the Evening I went up & staid the Night at Mrs _Pecks_.
_Wednesday 20._
Soon after breakfast I rode home and visited several of my
acquaintances--I had my Hair cut short--Feel myself much indisposed.
Looked over, sorted & adjusted my Books.--
_Thursday 21_
Spent all this day in preparing for my approaching examination before
the Revd Presbytery--I am to review Greek Testament--Moral & Natural
Philosophy--Logic--Geography And if I have time I must look over the
Lattin Classics.
_Fryday 22._
Rode to the Stage early for the Papers thence I went Mr Hunters where
I met with that great master of music, Mr _Lyon_[169]--He sung at my
request, & sing with his usual softness & accuracy--He is about
publishing a new Book of Tunes which are to be cheifly of his own
Composition--He has removed out of Halifax into the Northern part of
New-England, but poor Man, since he left Cohansie he has felt the
hardy arm of want!--
[169] James Lyon, a graduate of the College of New Jersey, had
compiled and published a large collection of church music, _Urania, or
a choice collection of Psalm-Tunes, Anthems and Hymns_.
I returned towards Evening but promised first to visit him again
tomorrow afternoon--
_Saturday 23._
At home drawing off some of Mr Lyons Tunes, & revising my own
Exercises--The morning pleasant but the weather dry. Afternoon
according to appointment I visited Mr Lyon at Mr Hunters. He sings
with great accuracy I sung with him many of his Tunes & had much
Conversation on music, he is vastly fond of music & musical genius's
We spent the Evening with great sattisfaction to me
_Sunday 24._
I left Mr Hunters Early I wrote a line to Miss Beatty, for a excuse
for not seeing her yesterday Attended Sermon at Greenwich. I rode in
the Evening to the Bridge to hear Mr Green, my old, much respected
Tutor preach, he came & delivered himself admirably without making Use
of Notes at all I staid the Night at Mr Seeleys, visited Mrs Ramsey, &
Dr Elmer & spoke with many of my acquaintances--
_Monday 25._
I breakfasted with Mrs Ramsey, then rode to Mrs Boyds, & by Mr Ewing I
was introduced to herself & her two Daughters Miss _Matty_ & Miss
_Sally_--I had heard that this family is genteel, industrious &
religious. I saw now & beleived it--Lately, by a sore stroke of
providence Mr Boyd the Head has been remov'd by Death!--
Left Mrs Boyds & rode to Ephraim Seeleys junr--then about Eleven rode
to Deerfield; dined with Mr Green. I had the pleasure to spend the
afternoon and evening with Miss Beatty.
_Teusday 26._
Visited Mr Nathan Leek, he seems to be still loquacious, &
historical--He gave me a long and full account of the present
difference between Messrs _Hunter_, _Greenman_, & _Brown_,--He told me
likewise the Beginning & continuation of the quarrel of the
Magistrates-freeholders, & other officers about raising money by
taxation for repairing Cohansie-Bridge--After Dinner, with Miss
_Beatty_ I rode and visited Mrs Boyd--
_Wednesday 27._
John Peck agreed to succeed me at Mr Carters in Virginia I spoke to Mr
Samuel Leek junr concerning Mr Taylors proposal;[170] he is doubtful
about an answer
[170] Colonel John Tayloe.
Paid John Peck for postage of my Letter to him last Winter 4/. Bought
a watch-seal 1/. Rode to Greenwich after Dinner.
_Thursday 28._
I waited on the Miss Boyds to day to Mr _Hollinsheads_, New
England-Town. His Family are in good health; there I saw the amiable
Miss _Debby Pratt_.--Mr _Hollinshead_ informed me that the Presbytery
have been only a little pleased with the Examination of Messrs ----
probably mine will be worse! Returned to Mrs Boyds in the Evening
_Fryday 29._
I rode to Mr Green's after breakfast--Mr. Dicky Howel came in; we
spent the afternoon & Evening with Mr Green & Miss Beatty; Mr Green
is, to be sure, vastly sensible, very intelligible, dry, witty,
satirical, yet good and exceeding agreeable.
_Saturday 30._
Breakfasted with the parson--Rode home soon after breakfast--proceeded
in preparing for the near approaching examination--The latter part of
this Day very stormy.
_Sunday May 1st 1774._
Very cool the wind violent at North West--I spent the morning in
looking over the Greek-Testament--To day preached for us Mr _Aiken_.
He seems to be much applauded by the People.
_Monday 2._
Very early I rode over to Mr Holinshead's at Miss Pratts request to
carry her to Mr Hoshels to be ready to-morrow morning for the
Stage--We rode to the Bridge & dined at Mrs Boyds--After dinner we
rode to Mr Hoshels--Miss _Debby Pratt_ according to her general
character, is in every measure what I have said somewhere before,
_Genteel_, _modest_, _Religious_ & _cheerful_--
_Teusday 3._
I conducted Miss Pratt to the Stage this morning by five & took my
leave--I immediately after returned to the Bridge, thence to Mr
Holinsheads by eight o Clock--Returned home by twelve.
_Wednesday 4._
Last night & this morning fell a very considerable Snow, so much that
I imagine had it not melted after it fell it would have been six
inches deep! Afternoon I walked to Deerfield--Miss Beatty a
little--thoughtful.
_Thursday 5._
At the Bridge before noon to agree with Mr Potter about taking my
Brother Amos prentice--We put it off some Days--Expence for a Watch
Key 9d. Last Night was very cold; I shall scarce be beleived if I say
that I saw, handled, & measured Ice this morning two Inches thick!
_Fryday 6._
Still very cold. To Day is the fast before Sacrament. Mr Hunter gave
us two Sermons. The leaves on the Trees are grown black, the Fruit
must be past recovery, probably. the Flax too.
_Saturday 7._
I did several errands for myself in Greenwich--Before Noon Mr
Patterson call'd to see me; He is shortly to be married to Miss Amy
Ewing--She is a Girl of Reading, Taste, & Delicacy; has a good share
of personal Beauty, open, sociable, & kind in her manner, & on the
whole agreeable--Mr Paterson seemed always to me formal, has a
peculiar, universal Fondness for the Fair is a great mathematician, a
good English Scholar & Philosopher, & is frugal & industrious. I rode
with Mr Patterson to Mr Hunters, he informed me many things concerning
the new School or small Acadamy lately instituted at Wilmington, in
which he is second Master. Evening I wrote a sentimental Letter to
Miss _Beatty_.
_Sunday 8._
To day at Greenwich was administred, & I received the holy
Sacrament--Grant, great God, that I may have been a worthy
communicant! I dined with Mrs Ward. She speaks with great Respect,
Affection, and Sincerity of her late worthy Partner.
_Monday 9._
Til Eleven I am busy in looking over Exercises for the approaching
Presbytery. After Dinner I made Mrs Brewster a Visit. Mr Ben Peck in
my opinion is rashly entering on an important matter; he is going to
begin in a few Days the Study of Phisic under the direction of Dr
Bowen; whose kowledge & Practice, by those who are in fact Judges in
the Art seems to be wholly exploded. There is a Report that Mrs
Brewster is in prospect of being married to a Gentleman from Maryland;
She talks freely of it, says She can fancy him; that he is a man of
Fortune, of character & to her agreeable--But there is one She regards
more who has left her, however, without hope!--
_Teusday 10._
Yesterday, in a private lonely manner, at nine in the morning, were
married Mr Patterson & Miss Amy Ewing. I wish them from my heart a
long, unbroken, & strong friendship for each other, & mutual, unmixed
happiness. After breakfast according to a previous appointment, I rode
to Deerfield Dine at Mrs Pecks. I am ashamed that I may record here
what does no honour to my old Aunt, I saw her with three Partners
round a Table playing Cards at that vulgar game fit only for the
meanest gamblers "all Fours"[171]--At three I visited Miss _Beatty_
that amiable Girl, I always see with pleasure, am happy where She is &
feel uneasy & disturbed always when I must leave her. Since June in
the year 1770 I have had an acquaintance with her--& since May in the
year 1771 I have happily had an Intimacy. Her Goodness has at length
indulged my importunate Solicitations & in her Society I hope to be
happy--I spent the Evening til eleven with her, & in the most
entertaining manner, Mr Howel & Mr John Peck call'd in a small Time.
[171] "All-fours," derived its name from the four chances involved,
for each of which a point was scored. The game was later renamed
"seven-up."
_Wednesday 11._
I rose a little after seven. It is not my custom to lie in bed so
long, but I was with Lazy Boys, _Reading Beatty_, and _Stephen
Ranney_. Mrs Green is better, but Miss _Beatty_ says she has the
_Hipp_--Soon after breakfast I returned Home--Mrs Pecks Family Mr
Howel, & Miss Beatty at the same time set out on a visit to Mr
Hoshels. There came a report to Day that Mr Stephen Reeve Silver Smith
of Philadelphia is broken up, & has left the City; disagreeable News
this to his Relations here--There was an Ox killed this Day at
Bridge-Town which weighed upwards of a thousand weight, supposed to be
the largest ever kill'd in the County.
_Thursday 12._
I wrote a chronological Letter to Miss _Beatty_. Spent the Day at
home. Feel pensive on leaving Cohansie.
_Fryday 13._
I rode before Dinner to Mr _Hunters_. Andrew is finishing his
Exercises for the Presbytery--Mrs Hunter advised me to shew my Pieces
to Mr _Hunter_ for correction I agreed--Four o Clock I rode to the
Bridge, drank Tea with Mrs Boyd. They are Girls of Great prudence, &
good breeding--
_Saturday 14._
After breakfast I wrote a private Letter to Laura, befor Dinner rode
to Mr _Hunters_ gave him my Pieces; he examined them, made some small
alterations, & advised me to present them to the Presbytery--Took my
Leave of several Friends in Greenwich--
_Sunday 15._
I wrote a Letter to Dr Beatty, & a Letter to Charles Beatty[172] of
the Junior Class at Nassau Hall--To Day is the yearly Meeting with
the Baptists--Last Evening was the first thunder Gust we have had
this Season, it was not however Severe.
[172] A brother of Elizabeth Beatty.
Mr James Ward was excommunicated this Day from our Church--
_Monday 16._
We set out for Philadelphia from Mr Hunters by five Expence by the way
3/6. In Town by five.
_Teusday 17._
Took lodgings at Mrs Cheesmans--Expence for a Register 3/9.--Spoke for
a mourning Ring. Motto I. & H. ob: Feb: 1772.--
Met in Presbytery at eleven A. M.--Business of last Session looked
over, at one adjourn'd til three--at three met. Mr Evans[173]
pronounced his first exercise a Sermon length an hour--After him Mr
Keith produced his length 44 Minutes. Afternoon I spent several hours
with the Miss Sprouts