looked over his Note, and should have attempted to answer it but for
the following reasons. I observe that the first author of the question
very rudely calls Mr Rigmaiden a fool for not working it by
Cross-Multiplication.
[205] In 1771 William Rigmaiden was the master of a free school in
Richmond County that was supported by Landon Carter. _William and Mary
College Quarterly_, Vol. XIII, series 1, p. 158.
And I observe too that Mr Rigmaiden throws back the word fool, (I
suppose in revenge) upon the other, and if I should intermeddle in the
case it is more than probable, that I should be called the third fool,
by either the one or the other, at least I think the hazard of this
too great to set against any Honour I could recieve by resolving
it--But since Mr _Rigmaiden_ intimates in his note that he is at
something of a loss to know whether himself or the other have the
least claim to the character; I shall propose a question in
arithmetick, which will fully decide any dispute of this nature, for I
pronounce the man who can work it off at once, to be no fool in
figures.
A Man has 5000£ which he puts to interest for 30 years 6£ per Cent.
per Annum. I demand how much of this he must spend every day, to spend
it all, principal and interest in the thirty years, and let the daily
sums in the whole time be equal?
As to the question given, "to Multiply 12£ 12s 12½d by itself", It
must have been a punn, or from one not well skill'd in figures. If it
was the former, it does not deserve to be answered at all, because
that would be indulging wanton impertinence; and if it was the latter,
I am not able to understand how such a person should venture to
question Mr _Rigmaidens_ answer--Upon the whole, I am apt to think it
is all a punn which, "Brother Quill" (as he is pleased to style
himself) has ventured to throw out, and on this account, until I am
better satisfied that the sentiment is genuine, I decline wholly
entering farther into the matter.
I am, Sir, Yours
P V FITHIAN
TO MR LARKIN RANDELL
Nomini Hall.
[JOURNAL]
_Thursday 29._
Warm to day, but dry & clear. Mr _Leech_ & Mr _Hodge_ spent last
evening with us; the Conversation was on exchange--Loyal Toasts,
_Agreement_, & _Firmness_ through the american Colonies--Ladies. mine
was Miss Corbin--The Colonel informed us that early next week he shall
set out for Williamsburg--Soon after I hope to set out for Cohansie!
[LETTER OF PHILIP V. FITHIAN TO BENJAMIN CARTER]
Nomini Hall Septr: 29th. 1774.
"Aetas Parentum, pejor avis, tulit
Nos nequiores; mox daturos
Progeniem vitiosiorem."
SIR.
You will comprehend, at once, the design of Horace in the Ode from
which this motto was taken, And, perhaps, you may think the
application of it here unmeaning, and impertinent. In order to free
you wholly from every such secret suspicion, you will please to take
notice, that the dignity of your very respectable family, (which is a
sacred thing) depends almost entirely upon your _Capacity_,
_improvement_, and _behaviour_, an attempt, therefore, to guide and
enlarge either or all of these may not be called unmeaning; and, as
you have honoured me for some time past in the character of a Tutor,
by submitting to my advice and instruction, I cannot suppose you so
utterly destitute of candour and gratitude as to put the name of
impertinence on what is the _close_ and _sum_ of my duty to you:
especially as there is but little probability that I shall ever see
you more, and can, therefore, have no possible incitement from
interest, to flatter nor oppertunity of indulging any kind of revenge.
These remarks, I presume, are sufficient to remove from you any
hurtfull prejudice. I therefore go on, to make several observations
with moderation and freedom, which, at least, I hope you will duely
consider, and if they please you, practise. Give me leave then, first
of all to tell you, That you possess a critical tho' a high station,
and that in your road throug[h] life you are liable to innumerable
dangerous [dev]iations. On many accounts your station is critical; I
shall enumerate only a few.
--The rest is lost--
TO MR BEN CARTER
[JOURNAL]
_Fryday 30._
Warm, but clear & dry--Dined with us Mr _Blain_; He gave us a large
account of affairs at the Congress, of the City, Country, Manners,
Persons, Trade &c--But he swears the Women are coarse & hardy--Evening
I informed the Colonel that it is hardly probable I shall continue in
his family til his return from the general Court, & at the same time,
desired him to give me a discharge so that I expect to have all things
adjusted before he leaves Home--We have now entered on the Winter
plan, have Coffee just at evening & Supper between eight & nine
o-Clock--It is wonderful to consider the Consumption of provisions in
this family--I have before spoken of Meat, & the steady Rate of flour
weekly, for the great House is 100Lb of which 50 is the finest, & 50
the Seconds--But all the Negroes, & most of the Labourers eat Corn.
_Saturday October 1st. 1774._
Wind South West cloudy. After Breakfast with the Boys I went a
Surveying along the River round the lower pasture at twelve, _Ben_,
_Bob_, _Harry_ all gallop off--I spent the afternoon plotting my
work--I paid Sam our Barber for _Blacking_, _Dressing_ &c 12/.
_Sunday 2._
Parson Smith is out of the Parish so that we have no service--With
_Ben_ I rode to Mr _Washingtons_. Mr Lowe again absent--Dined with us
Mrs _Turberville_, Miss _Corbin_, Miss _Pierce_--we found the Colonel
in the evening busy at his Instrument of Music--We drank our Coffee &
retired early to our Room, & read til ten, then thanking our bountiful
Preserver we retired to our bed.--
_Monday 3._
I gave Tom the Hostler, for his care of my Horse 3s--After Breakfast
the Colonel settled & paid me for my Years Service 40£ Sterling--This
is better than the scurvy annuity commonly allowed to the Presbyterian
Clergy--He is very Busy in adjusting his affairs, he set out however,
by twelve for Williamsburg, after taking final leave of me--_Ben_
accompanies him to Richmond Court--Afternoon Miss Corbin & Miss
Turberville came in to stay a while with Mrs _Carter_. Bob went
yesterday to Mr Lanes there was Parson _Gibbern_ ill of his last weeks
Bout; he was up three nights successively drinking & playing at Cards,
so that the liquor & want of sleep put quite out of his Sences--A rare
tale this to relate of a Man of God!--To use the language of the
vulgar, "Old Satan will sadly belabour such overgrown Sinners"!--
_Teusday 4._
Dined with us Mrs Turberville and Miss _Letty_ we were all Tete a
Tete, vastly merry & garrulous--I gave Nelson for a Stirrup Buckle a
Bit--I am preparing my Saddle. Cloth's, Bags, Horse, & myself for the
intended Ride--
_Wednesday 5._
Dined with us Mr Taylor, he informs us that the crops of Tobacco are
like to be good--Evening I wrote a Letter to Mrs Thornton
Northumberland, concerning Mr Leek's coming into her Family as a
Tutor--I had a fine walk with the young Ladies through the
Pasture--They make me proud by expressing much concern at my necessary
Departure, throwing out many Wishes that I would continue with them--
[LETTER OF PHILIP V. FITHIAN TO MRS CHARLOTTE THORNTON]
Nomini Hall. Octr. 5th. 1774.
MADAM.
I saw Mr Leek last Spring, and, as directed by Colonel Taylor,[206] I
enquired if he would undertake the education of several children in
this Colony: he seem'd willing, but would make no promise, nor enter
into any agreement til he is fully instructed as to the number and
standing of his pupils, the conditions of the agreement, and time when
he is to begin.
[206] Colonel John Tayloe.
I expect to return shortly to Philadelphia, and write these to
acquaint you that I would willingly forward a letter to him, if you
are yet desirous of employing him to instruct your family.
you will please, Madam, if you think proper to write, to direct the
letter thus "To Mr Samuel Leek junr: Cohansie, New Jersey--"
I shall leave this place about the 18th instant.
I am Madam, your
Most humble Servt:
P V FITHIAN
TO MRS CHARLOTTE THORNTON
_Northumberland_
[JOURNAL]
_Thursday 6._
I paid Natt who drives the Team half a Bit as a Forfeit for taking
hold of his plough--And to Harry 18d for a stirrup-leather & sundry
other Articles--The School presented me with a petition formally drawn
up for a holiday to day on account of the race at Mr Turberville's,
which I granted--_Priscilla_, _Nancy_, _Ben_, & _Bob_ go Harry & I,
making in my opinion the wisest choice both stay.
[PHILIP V. FITHIAN TO HARRY WILLIS AND ROBERT BLADEN CARTER]
Nomini Hall Octr: 6th. 1774.
FOR MASTERS HARRY & BOB.
I approve highly of the method you have taken in asking for liberty to
attend the race this afternoon, and think myself bound to give you an
answer in the same manner.
This Race happening so soon after the other, which was at the same
place, and so much like it seems to promise nothing that can require
your attendance, it is therefore my _desire_ and _advice_ that you
stay contented at home. But if your inclination be stronger than
either of these, and you still choose to go, you have my consent
provided you return by Sun set in the Evening.
Yours
PHILIP V FITHIAN
[JOURNAL]
_Fryday 7._
Nancy, & Bog go to the Dance at Schantille[207]--Mrs Carter after
Breakfast took _Prissy_, _Fanny_ & Harriot, & made Mrs Washington a
Visit, _Ben_, _Harry_, Betsy & I are left at Home alone I spent to Day
in writing off Mr Peck's Letter--Evening I am troubled with a drunken
Carpenter; he saw a Light in my Chamber--up he bouzes, with a Bottle
of Rum in his hand; Who keeps Home?--I asked him in--Have you any
water Sir?--Not any I told him--Not a Drop, Sir?--No--My Flute was
lying on the Table, he took it for a Trumpet & tooted in for two or
three Minutes Then again he begs, O Sir call in a Servant & have me
some Water--But I left the Room glad to be free of his foolish
Impertinence. At Supper Mrs Carter informed us that Captain _Walker's_
little Son has the putrid Quinsey, but we hope it is only a bad sore
Throat by a Cold--I have a Complaint of a painful Jaw, for these
several Days
[207] "Chantilly."
_Saturday 8._
Expence to the Smith for mending my Stirrup a Pisterene 1/3--Ben this
morning Wrote a letter to his Papa--I finished off mine for Mr Peck
The Pain in my face is a good deal troublesome. Dined with us Colonel
Frank Lee & his Lady; Mr Turberville Mrs Turberville & Miss Letty.
_Sunday 9._
_Ben_ & _Harry_ ride to Ucomico Church I at home spend the day in my
Room, I walked out towards evening & saw a number of Negroes very
busy at framing together a small House--Sundays they commonly spend in
fishing making Potatoes &c, building & patching their Quarters or
rather Cabins--
_Monday 10._
The General Court at Williamsburg begins to sit this Day--We have no
intelligence of the carryings on of the Congress; our Papers this
Summer come vastly seldom, it is said that the Post Men are bribed &
give away the News Papers. I expect that Mr Peck is about setting out
from Home for this place--I wish him a speedy & successful passage,
for I am now impatient of Delay til I visit again my acquaintances &
Home--The day is cold, the wind at North & the ground extremely dry--
_Teusday 11._
Mr _Stadley_ came this morning. He brings no news of the Congress, but
much of the great Race lately at Fredericksburg--Every Evening, for
the Benefit of exercise I ride out, and commonly carry with me one of
the small Girls, who partaking of the prevailing Spirit, are
passionately fond of Riding--
_Wednesday 12._
I was told often before I left Home that coming into Virginia would
bring me into the midst of many dangerous Temptations: Gay Company,
frequent entertainments, little practical devotion, no remote
pretention to Heart religion, daily examples in Men of the highest
quality, of Luxury, intemperance, & impiety: these were urged, by my
kind acquaintances, as very strong dissuasions against my leaving
home; the admonitions I accepted with great Thankfulness, tho' I could
not allow them to turn me off from my purpose & I resolved with as
much sincerity & Firmness as I could to carry them with me in every
part of my behaviour. The close of the time of my Stay here is I
expect now near at hand: And if I may judge myself of the carrying my
resolutions into practice, I should pronounce that I have not been
wanting in my duty in this respect. Some few who frequently ask me to
go from home, say I am dull, unsociable, & splenetic: But the
Gentlemen generally here have a good & reasonable manner of judging in
this case they are well pleased with strict & rigid virtue in those
who have the management of their children, if it does not grow to
factious enthusiasm; so that Levity, tho perhaps they would wink at it
lessens, & in a while would take away the Reputation & business of a
Family Tutor--Of this I was fully convinced in a short time after my
coming into the Colony, & saw too the very great advantage of the
Precaution which I received from my friends, for they assisted me in
setting out on a safe, and prudent Plan, which has, I hope directed me
to propriety of conduct with regard to my private character, &
likewise to my little lovely Charge.
[Illustration: man on ladder in tree]
_Thursday 13._
Good Mr Stadley left us this morning. I took leave with great
reluctance of this worthy Man, & do not expect to see him more!--After
Breakfast Mrs Carter with the young Ladies, rode to Colonel Tayloe's.
My jaw continues growling & keeps me uneasy, I very much fear some
hurtful humours are collecting themselves there together--To day at
twelve o-Clock _Bob_ providentially escaped with his life--He went up
into a tall Chesnut tree to cut down Boughs & gather Chesnuts &
foolishly he began to cut the Limb on which he was standing, at a
little distance from his feet--Chesnut splits extremely easy, so that
when the Limb was about half cut off it split down; this so weaked the
part on which Bob stood that his weight instantly split it too, & down
he must have tumbled upwards of thirty feet but he happily caught a
bough on his way down.--
_Fryday 14._
The Disorder in my face continues, slow, uniform, & Steady; it does
not hinder me from rest by night or from any exercise or business by
day; But It keeps me in continual doubt, & anxiety, whether it be not
something gathering which will be peculiarly distressful--But my
temper, I fear, in these respects is very phlegmatic; I find it
unpleasing to myself, & it would be certainly unpleasant to any one
who was interested in my complaints--I am of so strange a constitution
that very trifles make me utterly unhappy--A mere conceit, frivolous &
unsubstantial often takes away my rest--This feeling I have possest
from my infancy; I remember very well that a Cuff on my Ear would make
me sullen for Several days when I was too young to go out to school;
Afterwards a disappointment of an hours play would mak me disrelish
for a long time both play-fellows, & all Diversion! When I was at the
College one Blunder at recitation, or in any performance of my duty
would make one [me] dull, low-Spiritted, & peevish; In fact any
disappointment, even the most inconsiderable seems to have a general
Effect on my Passions & mingle fear, & anger, & rage, together with
many others which are excited by different & disagreeable
modifications of our Bodies, &, tho' I am conscious of this frailty in
myself, I have not yet brought myself under so good subjection, as to
make these humours give way intirely to Philosophy or Religion--It is,
however, my constant study how I may accomplish this much wish'd for
habit--While we are dining there is a large shower of rain but by no
means plentiful, for the earth is uncommonly dry--Mrs _Carter_ to day
asked me if Mr Peck is to be here before my setting out: I answered
that he is--And says she, is he grave as you?--
_Saturday 15._
I rode after Breakfast to Dr Thompsons with a settled purpose of
having my troublesom tooth drawn out but on examination he found it
to be too far back, & too short to be extracted--More sorry I.--Dined
with us besides the family, Mr _Munro_, young Mr Washington, and
Master Christien--Here is a fine Prospect from an exceeding high
eminence, of the Potowmack; River Nominy; our House, which is six
miles distant; Lee Hall Bush-field; all remote.--Evening I rode Home,
the country pleasant Bought several articles as presents for the young
Ladies, a neat gilt paper Snuff Box for Miss Priscilla, a neat best
clear Hair-Comb a piece for Miss Nancy & Fanny. A broad elegant Sash a
piece for Miss Betsy & Harriot Value of all 15s. Soon after my return,
when I was in the Chamber adjusting my articles Ben came bawling at my
window Mr Peck's come, Mr Peck's come! I step'd to the window, & saw
presently that what he said was fact, my Heart bounc'd & I with it
bolted down to meet him But he comes empty of a letter, & barren of
news, at least all he brings seems gloomy; none at all of the great
Congress; very little of the present momentious political affairs;
that it has been at Cohansie an unhealthy season; that good & useful
Mr Hunter has been ill of a disorder in his head: that Mrs Reve is
gone & left a Brood of infants! that young _Tom Jennifer_ of
Port-Tobacco, my acquaintance at College too is dead! that matters go
in their usual course at Cohansie & Princeton; that _Laura_ is not in
new Jersey! All his intelligence is similar to this, which is to me
harsh & unharmonious as a Ravens ominous Croak!--To Day Harry boil'd
up a Compound of Poke-Berries, Vinegar, Sugar &c to make a red Ink or
Liquid--I spent the evening til two in the morning in conversation.
_Sunday 16._
A fine morning--We rose by Seven but we were informed that there is no
Sermon so that out of compliment to Mr Peck's weariness we kept close
at home rathar than ride to Richmond. We spent the Day in our chamber
til towards evening when with the young Ladies we took a turn down the
River Many we saw fishing--Mrs Carter with _Priss_ rode to Captain
Turberville's--We all return'd and assembled by evening at the great
House--
_Monday 17._
Before Breakfast I heard all the School a lesson round Mr Peck
Present--After Breakfast I heard their Tables, Grammer &c & then in
Spite of my resolution with great reluctance, I resigned up to Mr Peck
my little much-loved Charge!--The pain in my Face is quite gone--To
day I saw a Phenomenon, Mrs Carter without Stays!--She complains of a
pain in her breast, that prevents her wearing them, she says that She
is always supposing the worst, & fears it is a Cancer breeding
there--I hope it may be only fear--I am more & more every day pleased
with the manner, Temper, Oconomy, & whole management of this good
Lady--Now I am to take my final Leave!--Towards evening we all went
down on the River & had a pleasant exercise--
_Teusday 18._
Early to Day I wrote a Note to Mr Lowe and Harry Fantleroy to dine
with us to day, & soon received their promise--After Dinner with Mr
Lowe on the violin, I play'd over many tunes on the Flute, he plays
with good Taste and accuracy--At five we all walk'd over to Mr
Turberville's--I gave to our Wash-Woman some old Linen & as a Box
2/4--We spent the evening in Music Chat & pleasantry--But this said
thing which I hear of that turn-Coat _Laura_, that She loves & courts
one Mr _Rodman_ this distresses me exceedingly But this relieves me,
for I have had it always in my View that--Varium & mutabile semper
Feminae--Tho I have made a Solemn vow which I have no inclination at
all to forego, yet if it shall appear that she has listened to
another, my dearest vow is not inviolable; I will retreat from every
former Promise, I will not hearken to womanish solicitations, but I
shall in return for her want of goodness treat her with contempt; &
Sincerely pity, instead of resent, her ineffectual Caprice--
[LETTER OF PHILIP V. FITHIAN TO JOHN LOWE]
Nomini-Hall Octr: 18th: 1774.
FOR MR LOWE.
Ben: Carter's compliments with mine wait on you this morning, and beg
your company with us to day to dine, if it be convenient.
We also present our compliments and the same request to Mr Fantleroy.
I should not have ventured to encroach upon your hours of business,
but as Mr Peck, the gentleman who succeeds me in this family arrived
last saturday so that I propose to set out tomorrow and should be glad
to see you before I leave Virginia.
I am, Sir,
Your most humble Servt.
P V FITHIAN.
[JOURNAL]
_Wednesday 19._
Mr Lowe & Fantleroy left us early But I agreed to stay till
tomorrow--I gave to Nelson on going away 2/2--To Miss Sally the
House-Keeper 5/.--
_Thursday 20._
I rose by three, & left Home by half after four--Gave Nelson & Dennis
half a Bit a piece--rode thence to Westmoreland Court House ten Miles
by half after six--Fed my Horse & drank some Brandy--Expence a
Bit--Rode thence to Mattox Bridge 18 miles--Fed here three quarts of
Bran & Corn for a Bit--The Bloody-Flux is now extremely bad in this
Neighbourhood--I am told that scarce a Family is clear of it, & of
every family some die!--Rode thence to _Tylers_ Ferry 8 miles the road
extremely dry & dusty--At two I set off for Maryland, the wind fresh
at South East arrived at Mrs Laidlers by five Ferriage 7/6 I gave the
Ferrymen a Bottle of Rum--Here I dined on fryed Chicken, Ham, with
good Porter--Accomodations good--I[n] Bed by half after Seven--
_Fryday 21._
Directly over my Room was a sick Woman that kept a dismal groaning all
night--My window-Shutters Clapt the Potowmack howl'd, yet I Slept--My
Bill at Mrs Laidlers--A Bottle of Porter 2/. Dinner 1/3
Bed./6d--Bottle of Rum for Ferrymen 1/3--Gallon Oats./8d--Stable &
Foder 1/.--A smart looking Girl at Mrs Laidlers made me smile--She was
complaining to me of the unhealthy Climate, that these three months
past she has had a constant Ague & Fever, & been in the Country only
six months--Pray Miss said I did you come from Britain?--No Sir, I
came from London--Rode thence to Port-Tobacco--It has been extremely
sickly here this Fall--Bill to Barber 1s/8--Breakfast 1/--Hay and Oats
1/3--Mrs Halkinson my Landlady, a poor aged, distress'd Widow, when
she found that I was acquainted with her little son at Princeton,
seemed a little to revive; she beg'd me to encourage her Son to be
diligent & industrious, to caution & admonish him from h[er] against
bad company & wicked practices--She told me of her great & sore loss
of an only Daughter, a young woman of 15 this Summer, since which, she
told me in tears, that She has been a stranger to health & Quiet--O
relentless Death!--How universal & severe are thy Commissions! From
Mrs Laidlers to Port Tobacco is called 13 miles--I rode thence thro' a
fog of Dust to Piscatua 14 miles. The Landlady here is very ill--That
dismal disorder the bloody-Flux has been extremely bad at
Port-Tobacco, & in the Neighbourhood of this town, but is
subsided--Expence here half a Gill of Brandy./3d--Oats &
Fodder./6d--Left this Village half after four, and rode to
upper-Marlborough, almost blinded with sweat & dust!--Arrived by
seven, a little tired this Evening--Distance 16 Miles--Whole distance
yesterday including the Ferry 8 miles 44 Miles--Whole Expence
8/7--That epidemical distemper above mentioned has been likewise
raging in the Neighbourhood of this Town--Bill at Marlborough To Tea
1/3--To lodging ./8--To Oats 1/1--To stabling 1/.--
_Saturday 22._
Rode thence to Patuxen Ferry 4 mile Ferriage./6d--Thence to South
River 12 miles, Ferriage./6d--To Boy ./4--Thence to Annapolis 4
miles--Bill here To Dinner & Club 4/6--To Hay & Oats 1/3--To two
Silver watch Seals 15/6 To half Gallon Rum for Ferryman 2/6--To Hay
for Horse /8--To Barber 1/--Left Annapolis at 6 no wind returned about
8 to the Coffee-House To Ferriage across the Bay 17/6--
_Sunday 23._
Teusday evening last the people of this Town & of Baltimore obliged
one Anthony Stewart a Merchant here to set fire to a Brig of his
lately from London in which was 17 Chests of Tea--The People seem
indeed to be full of patriotic Fire--Second Bill at Annapolis--Supper
1/6--Lodging ./9 Hay 1/3--2 Gallons Oats 1/6--Articles for the Voyage
4/.--Landed about 5 at Kent-Island,[208] rode thence to a small Ferry
for Oats & Ferriage 1/.--thence we rode to Queens Town 15
miles[209]--Bill there 5/2½
[208] Kent Islands, Maryland.
[209] Queenstown, Queen Anne County, Maryland.
_Monday 24._