Part 13
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
[173] Israel Evans had been graduated at Princeton in 1772, and had 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._