afterwards studied theology under Dr. Witherspoon there.
_Wednesday 18._
I passed my first examination before the Presbytery; after which I
read my thesis & Sermon both which were accepted--In this examination
I was questioned on my personal Religion, & on the Latin, & Greek
Languages. I spent the evening at Mr Armitages.
_Thursday 19._
Waited on the Synod--Preparing to set out to-morrow. Visited several
Ladies--Spent the afternoon agreeably with the Miss Holinsheads--Evening
I visit Miss Bedford--Waited on Dr Witherspoon on Colonel Carters & on
Mr Lowes account.
_Fryday 20._
Before noon I waited on the agreeable Miss Debby Pratt. I spoke with
Miss Sally Boyd. Afternoon I took my Leave at Mr McCalla's, & Mrs
Cheesemans where I lodge--At six with Miss _Ruth Webster_, her Sister
_Alhe_ [Althea], & Betsy, & Polly Armitage I walked to a lovely Garden
near the Hospital call'd Lebanon, drank some Mead, & had a most
agreeable Ramble--At ten the same Evening I entered on Board the
_Swallow_ Captain Balinger for Cohansie--
_Saturday 21._
I waked & found myself only a little below the Fort--The morning
pleasant--the Wind a head--I wrote a Letter on Board to Johnny Peck to
acquaint him with Dr Withespoons Opinion--I wrote also to Miss
_Webster_. About five in the evening we anchored off _Marcus Hook_, we
went on Shore; Drank a bowl of punch with Mr Andrew Ferguson who has
lately moved here--He informed me that two young Gentlemen of Fashion
& Substance in Town are making their addresses to _Laura_--She is
worthy the Regard of the most worthy on Earth.
_Sunday 22._
I found myself this morning a few miles above Port Penn. Perfectly
calm--I wrote a Letter this morning to Miss Beatty--The _Sea Nymph_
Captain Blewer came in Sight, Mr Cook & Mr Howel are passengers--About
twelve a Breese sprung up at South--& with the Tide we entered our
Creek by four, & I was at Home by five--Spent the evening in writing--
_Monday 23._
Busy in getting ready to set away. Wrote a Letter to Dr _Beatty_--&
one to Miss _Pratt_. The morning warm. I took my leave of the People
in town of my acquaintance & set out for Virginia a little after
noon--Mr Donaldson is very ill--There are strange & rediculous reports
concerning him--That he has sent since his illness to Mr Ewing to be
married to Tempy Fithian--Left Home about two o Clock--at the Ferry by
five. The Boat is on the other side--Half after five she set off, the
wind fair over by half after six--We left the shore at Seven. The wind
light at West North West before we were over the wind fell--I was
obliged to take to the Oar--& pull like a Turk--The flood strong
against us--I rowed thus a full hour--My poor hands, when I got ashore
were sore enough--I was set ashore more than a mile above _Port
Penn_--Had to ride down on high rotten Bank through the dark--Once I
got mired--On the whole it has been the worst adventure I have had in
my travels.--I reached the Tavern in Port Penn by half after Nine.
Call'd for half a Gill of bitters to qualify my humours; & a dish of
Tea to cheer me, & soon to Bed. Ferriage 5/.
_Teusday 24._
The morning pleasant & cool. Expence at _Port Penn_, 3/--Rode thence
by the Trap five miles thence to middleton[174] five miles. Thence to
Warwick four miles. Here I breakfasted. Expence for myself & Horse
1/7.--Thence I rode to George Town. Expence for oats 6d--Thence I rode
to _New-Town_[175] fifteen Miles expence for--2/--For having my Coat
altered in the Sleeves and Shoulders 2/. Expence for a pair of black
worsted Stockings 6/.--Mr _Stephen Reeve_[176] is in George Town
Working for Money Money to Gamble--This evening I feel more fatigued &
dispirited than since I first went to Virginia--
[174] Middleton, Delaware.
[175] New Town, Maryland.
[176] Stephen Reeve was a Philadelphia silversmith.
_Wednesday 25._
Expence at Newtown 4/9. Rode befor Breakfast to Rock-Hall the morning
rainy--The Day calm & (hard Disappointment) I must stay til
to-morrow!--My Land-Lord invited me to a race about four miles off, &
as the day grew better I went; the Purse was fifty Dollars. I was
surprised to see that almost, I think quite one third of the of the
People were in mourning--A discouraging aspect for one who has any
intention to settle in this part of Maryland, but none to leave the
World--Many who wore black & Scarfs I took notice swore most
desperately!--Not Death the formidable King of terrors can frighten
men from provoking God by Sin!--Afternoon I was troubled with a Tooth
Ach--I returned about two--Laid down til six--Slept but little--A
thousand things perplex me. I am unwilling to leave Home.--I have
already overstaid my Time--I am vexed at having to continue here--I
have left the Girl I love--I am keeping myself out of publick
business--O ten thousand difficulties embarrass me!--Heavenly Father,
to thee in trouble I fly, comfort, sustain, guide & uphold me--Evening
Seven Gentlemen came in--They went to Cards--I to Bed--Troubled much
with a Tooth Ach--
_Thursday 26._
Slept but little--Breakfasted--Set off at seven--four in company
expence 26s/6. Arrived at Annopolis--Bought at Annopolis a pair of
buckles 2/9. Expence ... 10d--Left Annapolis at five for
Marlborough--Ferriage 6d--Rode to a point of Patuxen 22
Miles--Tooth-Ach still troubles me--In Bed by eleven, tired &
discouraged!
_Fryday 27._
Expence at this little Town 2/9--Ferriage a full mile up the River
Patuxen 1/. Rode from the River to upper Marlborough three miles
thence without stoping to Piscataway 15 miles--Here I dined--My pain
has wholly left me--Two young Ladies Daughters of the Landlady, rather
gay & noisy than discreet, very forward in discourse, both in Love
with Scotch Merchants & both willing to be talked to, gave me much
Diversion--Expence here 3/4--Rode thence in the Evening to Port
Tobacco 15 miles. staid here the night--For company all the night in
my Room I had Bugs in every part of my Bed--& in the next Room several
noisy Fellows playing at Billiards.
[Illustration: leaving on horseback]
_Saturday 28._
Left Port Tobacco by six, rode to Mrs Laidlers Ferry. At Port Tobacco
expence 3/10. 12 Miles Breakfasted with Mrs. Laidler Breakfast & Oats
1/7 Ferriage 6/. The broad beautiful Potowmack looks smooth & unbroken
as tho' it was fettered in Ice: it is to where we land on the other
Side eight miles a little down the River the passage over, in the best
time of this loveliest month was vastly agreeable--From Tylers[177]
in Virginia where I landed about twelve o-Clock I rode to Mattox
Bridge eight miles; thence to Mattox Church six miles--Here I bought
some Ears of corn for my Horse--Thence to Westmorland Court House 16
miles--Here is a Tavern I got a Bowl of Punch & fed 2/6--Thence I rode
to Nomini Hall about Eeight in the Evening 10 miles--I found Mr & Mrs
Carter at home sitting together--They received me with great
welcome--_Ben_, _Bob_, Miss _Fanny_ & _Betsy_ came in to see me--The
others in bed--sup'd on _Crabs_ & an elegant dish of Strawberries &
cream--How natural, how agreeable, how majestic this place seems!
[177] Tyler's Ferry.
_Sunday 29._
I rose by half after six--Ben informed me that Bob has behaved vastly
ill since I left him--He has reported several mischievous & false
stories of his brother; That has been intimate in some bad
families--That he has injured his own fathers Servants &c--The morning
pleasant--I did not attend Church, Ben out of kindness kept me company
at Home--I had however chosen to stay alone--The family is invited to
dine with Mr Turburville--Mr & Mrs _Carter_, Miss Priscilla & Nancy
with three Servants went from Church--_Ben_, _Bob_, Miss _Fanny_,
_Betsy_ & _Harriot_ with two Servants cross'd the River--Miss _Sally_
with _Tasker_ & one Servant rode in a Chair--Dined with us Captain
Dennis, of the Ship Peggy; Dr _Steptoe_; & Mr _Cunningham_. Politicks
were the topic--and indeed the Gentlemen seemed warm--The Governor of
this province dissolved the Assembly last week after they had made a
resolve that a general & solemn fast be observed thro' this whole
Colony, on Account of the melancholy aspect of American Affairs at
present, to be kept the first day of June, which is next Wednesday,
when the alarming Act of Parliament which has lately come over is to
take place at Boston--Parson Smith accordingly gave it out at the
Church to Day & it is to be observed--I only saw Miss Sally Panton,
she did not dine with us--I am told She has an Estate in England of
50£ Sterling pr Annum, but for some unknown cause came over, probably
the same as drew me from home--After dinner we had a Grand & agreeable
Walk in & through the Gardens--There is great plenty of Strawberries,
some Cherries, Goose berries &c--Drank Coffee at four, they are now
too patriotic to use tea--Soon after we set out for Home--The young
Ladies chose to walk and Cross the water with us--I am much more
pleas'd with the Face of the Country since my return than I have ever
been before--It is indeed delightsome!--
_Monday 30._
Our little beautiful Seminary collected They seem all glad to see me,
& willing to enter on business--I am truely fond of the young growing
beauties--Soon they will be the admiration of the world, & ornaments
in their family--This morning I asked & received four Guineas of Mr
Carter to satisfy Mr Taylor of whom I had a small Sum. Mr Randolph is
yet here, & is recovered of the hurt I formerly mentioned--After
Dinner my Toast was the amiable _Laura_--Evening called in & staid
only a few minutes Captain Dennis, & Parson Gibbern--At Supper I had
an agreeable conversation with Mr & Mrs Carter on the _Times manners_,
&c.
_Teusday 31._
Very warm--I feel well reliev'd of the Fatigues of my ride--The lower
Class of People here are in a tumult on the account of Reports from
Boston, many of them expect to be press'd & compell'd to go and fight
the Britains!--Evening I asked the Colonel if he proposes to observe
the fast, & attend Sermon tomorrow; he answered that "No one must go
from hence to Church, or observe the Fast at all"--By this, (for it is
hard to know his opinion from any thing he declares) I conclude he is
a courtier.--Last Night, & this evening the Colonel sup'd with us,
which is more than he has done before since I have been in the
Family--
_Wednesday June 1st 1774._
Cool & pleasant--I began my English Exegesis--or Thesis.
_Thursday 2._
I took out of the Colonels Library for Assistance in making my pieces
Biblia-Sacra, & Mr Hammonds Exposition of the New Testament. I toasted
Miss _Beatty_ to day in a Bumpper of old Medaira--Evening Mr Carter at
the Harpsichord.
_Fryday 3._
The dancing School happens in course to day at Mr Washingtons--Mrs
_Carter_ takes _Bob_ & _Nancy_ with her--Our School seems
silent--Writing at my English Thesis--I put _Harry_ & _Bob_ this week
to read Popes Homer but Homers inimitable fire cannot charm or move
them!--Evening _Ben_ rode to the Dance--We were informed that in
Queen-Anns in Maryland many die at present, of a Fever that follows a
slight Ague!--I took a Ramble, in the evening, as usual, through the
Garden.
[LETTER OF PHILIP V. FITHIAN TO JOHN PECK]
Nomini Hall June 3d. 1774.
Virginia.
SIR.
I have the pleasure to inform you I arriv'd safe and had a pleasant
ride; I expect to hear from you by every post but have received no
letter yet--If you did not receive my letter dated "Delaware-River, on
board the Swallow," this is to request you to apply immediately to Dr
Witherspoon who promised me in Philadelphia that he would recommend
you here; the reason of my demanding dispatch is, that Mr Carter
proposes to write to England for a Tutor if he cannot be speedily
satisfied of having one from the Northward--If I attempt to write news
I must inform you that the Assembly of this province is dissolved on
passing a resolve to keep the first day of June through the whole
province a solemn fast, the resolve past however, and the day was
kept--The frost of the 4th. of May was much more fatal here than to
the Northward, for not only Garden produce, but Wheat and Rye in the
upper parts of the province are blasted and the owners mow them down
for fodder; and here the Woods look like winter!--I expect to hear
from you several times this summer, I beg you will not disappoint me.
My compliments to acquaintances--
From, Sir,
yours
PHILIP V. FITHIAN
[LETTER OF PHILIP V. FITHIAN TO THE REVEREND ANDREW HUNTER]
Nomini-Hall, Virginia. June 3d. 1774.
REVD: & DEAR SIR.
It will not be wonderful if I inform you that this Colony is in great
tumult and confusion. The general Voice is _Boston_. You will have
heard before the reception of this, that the Governor dissolved the
Assembly in this province on their making a resolve to keep the first
day of June on which the Act of Parliament is to take place at Boston,
(excepting the days of grace) a solemn fast. The people agree however
in general to unite with the people of Boston and the other northern
trading Cities, and by their example to influence all the Colonies,
not to make any resistance to the Britains, but to keep themselves
independant, and refuse to receive their comodities, and keep within
themselves, their own more valuable comodities, because they are for
the support of life--So stedfast are the people here that the Captain
of a Ship belonging to an eminent house in London was yesterday
refused any more Tobacco til' there is intelligence from the
Northward--
The frost which happened the 4th. of May, was by far more severe and
fatal here than either in Maryland, New-Jersey, or Pennsylvania--The
expected produce of Gardens and Peaches, (which were some planters
chief dependance) are not only almost wholly destroy'd, but in the
upper parts of the province Wheat and Rye are so much cut off that the
owners think it best to mow it down for fodder!--
I have the pleasure to inform you that I had a speedy and pleasant
ride; found the family in good health; that it is a time of general
health in the County--and that I am again agreeably settled to
business--
Please to make my compliments to Mrs Hunter, Miss Nancy, Andrew, and
to Uncles family--I am, sir
Your most obedient
Most humble Servt:
PHILIP V. FITHIAN
[JOURNAL]
_Saturday 4._
The day cool & agreeable--I kept the children in til twelve tho' with
great difficulty; they were for asserting their liberty. & pleaded the
custom of las winter--I finished a rough incorrect plan of my English
Thesis, & laid it by for future examination--
After dinner I begun the Lecture, wrote an introduction--Towards
evening I took my hat & a Sermon, & retired to a Shady Green where I
rambled about til dusk committing my Sermon to memory--We have omitted
Supper, & in its place substituted Coffee which we commonly take about
seven in the evening--Ben, this Afternoon rode to Colonel Frank Lee's.
The ground is very dry; The Frost of the fourth of May has been much
more severe and fatal here than in the northern colonies--The peaches
here, except on Farms lying near the Potowmack are wholly destroy'd, &
these were the choisest expectation of some, who think Brandy their
most valuable comodity!--And I am told that in Louden, & the other
upper counties, (which indeed are the best for grain) Wheat & Rie are
cut off, so intirely that the owners mow it down for fodder!--And in
these lower Counties in many places the Woods appear like November, &
the Leaves are actually dropping!--To be sure it is unusual &
melancholy!--
_Sunday 5._
The weather cool & agreeable--Sermon is to Day at Ucomico, at the
lower church, I choose therefore to stay in my Room--How pleasant is
retirement! And how easy is it to enjoy it--This may seem strange, but
it is true--I have but very few acquaintances, & they easily dispense
with my Absence--I have an elegant inviting apartment for Study--I
have plenty of valuable & entertaining Books--And I hav business of my
own that requires my attention--At Home my Relations call me proud and
morose if I do not visit them--My own private business often calls me
off & unsettles my mind--There too lives the Girl who has subdued my
heart!--All these put together, when they operate at once, are a
strong incitement to divert me from Study. Yet I love Cohansie! And in
spite of my resolution, when I am convinced that my situation is more
advantageous here, yet I wish to be there--How exceedingly capricious
is fancy! When I am Home I then seem willing to remove, for other
places seem to be full as desirable--It is then Society which makes
places seem agreeable or the Contrary--It can be nothing else--Adam
when he had no troublesome painful thoughts within him; and had a
flowery Paradise for his habitation & enjoyment, was not yet fully
happy while he possessed it alone; much less can we his offspring,
frail, & variable, enjoy much sattisfaction without intercourse with
one another--I have just spoken in praise of Society & retirement; And
I now observe we are of such a make that, if we be happy, these must
alternately succeed each other--It is something like the opinion of
_Socrates_ concerning pleasure & pain, that if we possess the one, we
may expect it will not be long before we shall meet with the
other--Towards evening At Mrs Carters request I waited on Miss
_Priscilla_, _Nancy_, & _Fanny_ who rode on Horse-back for an
airing--Wrote a Letter to the Revd Mr Andrew Hunter, Cohansie New
Jersey--In the evening Ben returned full of news of _Boston_, that we
must fight that the troops are arrived & impudent &c, &c.
[LETTER OF PHILIP V. FITHIAN TO ELIZABETH BEATTY]
Nominy-Hall Virginia June 5: 1774.
TO LAURA.
I have the Pleasure, since you allow me the Honour of corresponding
with you, to acquaint you that I had a speedy & delightsome Passage
from Home to this Place: It was you know, in the best Time of the
lovliest of Months.
The Delaware, the broad Chesapeak, & the beautiful Potowmack were mild
& lovely as a handsome, Woman's Presence when her Mind is at Rest--But
are fine Women, Laura, as easily thrown into Confusion & Tumult as
they--?
I expect these, if you receive them at all, will find you at N--n. If
they should, please to make my kind Respects to your Brother--&
compliment him on his new Alliance.
I shall wish, very much, to see you at C--e in the Fall, but if it be
inconvenient I do not ask you to pay any Manner of Regard, in this
Case, to my Inclination. The Face of this Part of Virginia is now
indeed beautiful. I wish often that you was here for a While to see,
because I am unable to describe, the charming Landskips, & long
delightsome Prospects of our winding River which we have from the high
Hills! But especially in the Evening when I commonly (as it is the
Custom of the Family) walk for half an hour through the Garden in
Company generally with three brisk mischievous Girls you would I am
certain, for you delight in Gardens, & love the Company of noisy, gay,
& agreeable young Girls, be highly entertain'd.--And as for myself, if
you was here, I should take these Walks & Arbours to be a verdant
flowery Elysium!--I must not omit to thank you for your Letter of Feb:
last; because a Line from you is rare & valuable as the Phenix of
Arabia.
Write to me, best of Girls, the Moment you receive this, that I may
know how, & where you be; & let me hear often from you this Summer.
You may rest assured of my Constancy in continuing a free & full
Correspondence.
PHILIP V. FITHIAN.
[JOURNAL]
_Monday 6._
Mr _Carter_ rode to richmond court--At Dinner I had a long and useful
conversation with Mrs Carter She told me openly & candidly the Several
failings of her children, & indeed She knows them perfectly--In
particular she knows not what to do with her perverse Son _Bob_--He
abuses his Mama, Miss Sally, the children, Family, and is much given
to slander. Poor unhappy youth, I fear he will come to an unhappy end!
This afternoon I found it necessary to correct Bob severely for
impertinence in School--Mr Carter at Court received his Invoice from
London for this Spring, in which was a gold Seal for _Ben_ with a Coat
of Arms price five Guineas!--
_Teusday 7._
The morning pleasant, cool & agreeable--I corrected Harry this morning
for telling me a Lie--Stomachful & sullen as any youth--The day warm
but very bearable--Breakfasted with us Mr Blain & Mr Warden, all the
conversation is Politicks; But People seem moderate & yet settled in
their determinations to stand out
_Wednesday 8._
The morning pleasant--Mr _Carter_ rode to the Ucomiko Ware-houses to
examine in the Shipping some of his Tobacco--We have no Company. The
day is very warm--A flaming sultry Sun, a dusty scorched Ground, Mr
_Carter_ returned, the day being smoky introduced, at Coffee, a
conversation on Philosophy, on Eclipses; the manner of viewing them;
Thence to Telescopes, & the information which they afforded us of the
Solar System; Whether the planets be actually inhabited &c.
[LETTER OF PHILIP V. FITHIAN TO SAMUEL FITHIAN]
Nomini Hall Virginia June 8th. 1774.
SIR.
After I acquaint you that, by the kindness of providence I arrived
safe and am in good health, I shall not neglect to inform you that the
Virginians are warm and active in supporting the liberties of America;
the first day of June throughout this Colony, by a resolve of the
House of Burgesses, or Assembly of Representatives for the province
was kept a solemn Fast, and kept religiously too, to invoke almighty
God to assist our falling country, and save us from oppression and
Tyranny--The ware-Houses are already hindring the Shipping Tobacco,
and it is expected there will shortly be a general embargo laid on all
exportable commodities--The people here wish for the union of all the
Colonies, and for firm perseverance in what shall seem most conducive
to the good of America, notwithstanding this Colony and Maryland will
suffer vastly, because Tobacco is a comodity less saleable among
ourselves than most of the produce of the Northern Colonies, and it is
in these the staple--
I am seated once more to great sattisfaction in my business, the
family and neighbourhood are well, but I propose and expect by the
permission of providence to return home the latter end of October; in
the mean time, I am,
Dear Unkle
Your most obliged Nephew
PHILIP V FITHIAN
P. S. Please to remember me to the family, &c.
[JOURNAL]
_Thursday 9._
The morning haizy, no Wind, & very warm--I wrote a Letter to Uncle
_Samuel Fithian_--After Dinner Mr Carter set out for Williamsburg--by
him I sent to the Post-office at _Hobbes-Hole_, My Letters to Mr
_Hunter_, Uncle _Fithian_, Miss _Beatty_. & Mr _Peck_--After School in
the evening I had an agreeable walk with Mrs _Carter_ in the Garden--
[Illustration: couple walking]
_Fryday 10._
Cool but exceeding dry--Writing at my Lecture. Mrs _Carter_ was to day
sadly frighted with a Lizard, that lives under the House--After
School, with Ben I wakked over to Mr Turburville's to gather Cheries,
which are there in great plenty--Mrs _Carter_ in the evening after our
return, gave me a Lecture for taking _Ben_ to _Annapolis_ when I went
last Home without a waiting-Man--Wrote at my Lecture til eleven. Ben
sleeps at the Great-House in the absence of his _Papa_.
_Saturday 11._
I was sitting in the Colonels Library I took a Catalogue of the whole
of His Books--& he tells me he has left behind him at Williamsburg,
with many other things 458 volumes besides Music & Pamphlets.[178]
[178] See this catalogue of Carter's library in Appendix, pp. 221-229.