Part 5
We began School--The School consists of eight--Two of Mr Carters Sons--One Nephew--And five Daughters--The endest Son[58] is reading Salust; Gramatical Exercises, and latin Grammer--The second Son[59] is reading english Grammar Reading English: Writing, and Cyphering in Subtraction--The Nephew[60] is Reading and Writing as above; and Cyphering in Reduction--The eldest daughter[61] is Reading the Spectator; Writing; & beginning to Cypher--The second[62] is reading next out of the Spelling-Book, and begining to write--The next[63] is reading in the Spelling-Book--The fourth[64] is Spelling in the beginning of the Spelling-Book--And the last[65] is beginning her letters--
[58] Benjamin Tasker.
[59] Robert Bladen or "Bob."
[60] Henry or "Harry" Willis.
[61] Priscilla.
[62] Ann Tasker or "Nancy."
[63] Frances or "Fanny."
[64] Betty Landon.
[65] Harriot Lucy.
_Teusday 2._
Busy in School--begun to read Pictete[66]--
[66] Benedict Pictete had first published his _Teologia Christiana_ in 1696.
[LETTER OF PHILIP V. FITHIAN TO THE REVEREND ENOCH GREEN]
Westmoreland. Novr 2d 1773.
REVD SIR.
According as I appointed I take this early oppertunity of acquainting you that I am arrived safe; and I am to assure you that I find the place fully equal to my highest expectations--I am situated in the _Northern-Neck_, in a most delightful Country; in a civil, polite neighbourhood; and in a family remarkable for regularity, and oeconomy, tho' confessedly of the highest quality and greatest worth of any in _Virginia_. I teach only Mr Carters children, and only one of them is to learn Languages, and he is reading Salust and the Greek grammer, is seventeen years old, and seems to be a Boy of Genius--the other two learn writing and Arithmetic--But he has four Daughters, young Misses that are at times to be taught writing and English--I have the terms as I expected, and find the place wholly agreeable--and am strongly solicited to stay many years--But money nor conveniency shall detain me long from my most important connections at home--You may expect me in may at the _Synod_. Please to have my compliments to Mrs Green, to Miss Betsy if at Deerfield, and to my acquaintances that shall enquire and accept to yourself the
Respect of your humble Servt
PHILIP V FITHIAN
[JOURNAL]
_Wednesday 3._
Busy in School--
_Thursday 4._
Busy in School--To day the two eldest Daughters, and second Son attended the Dancing School.[67]
[67] Priscilla, "Nancy," and "Bob." This school was conducted in rotation at a number of manor plantations of the region by Francis Christian, a dancing master.
_Fryday 5._
Busy in School--
_Saturday 6._
Catechised in School til twelve--the Children. And dismiss'd them. Afternoon rode with Ben Carter to the Bank of Potowmack[68]--8 Miles--Returned in the evening--Expence Ferriage _1/_.
[68] The banks of the Potomac River could be seen in the distance from the upper floor of "Nomini Hall."
_Sunday 7._
Rode to Ucomico Church[69]--8 Miles--Heard Parson Smith.[70] He shewed to us the uncertainty of Riches, and their Insufficiency to make us happy--Dined at Captain Walkers;[71] With Parson Smith, his Wife; her Sister, a young Lady; &c--Returned in the Evening.
[69] Yeocomico Church, one of the two Anglican churches in Cople Parish in Westmoreland County. Built in 1706, this structure still stands.
[70] Thomas Smith was the rector of Yeocomico Church at this period. Smith was a man of large means. He had been sent as a youth to be educated in the mother country. He first attended a school at Wakefield in Yorkshire and later entered Cambridge University, where he was graduated in 1763. His son, John Augustine Smith, later became president of the College of William and Mary.
[71] Captain Walker was a friend of Robert Carter and often visited "Nomini Hall." Fithian frequently dined at Walker's home.
_Monday 8._
Busy in School--Finished reading the first, and begun to read the Second Book of Pictetes Theology. Expence to Boy _/4_.
_Teusday 9._
Busy in School--
_Wednesday 10._
Busy in School--The eldest Daughter taken off by her Teacher in Music; Mr Stadley[72] who is learning her to play the _Forte-piano_--
[72] Stadley was a German music master who visited "Nomini Hall" regularly at this period to instruct the Carter children. He also taught in a number of other homes in the Northern Neck. Before coming to Virginia, Stadley had taught music in New York and Philadelphia. In one of Carter's account books the musician's name is entered as "Strader." Cf. Waste-Book, No. 2, September 27, 1773 to December 31, 1773, p. 45.
_Thursday 11._
Rose by seven--Busy in School--Miss Carter still absent--
_Fryday 12._
Rose by Seven--Ben begun his Greek Grammer--Three in the Afternoon Mr Carter returned from _Williamsburg_.[73] He seems to be agreeable, discreet, and sensible--He informed me more particularly concerning his desire as to the Instruction of his Children--
[73] Carter was doubtless returning from attendance as a member of the General Court at this time.
_Saturday 13._
Catechised the Children and dismissed them about Eleven--Read in Pictete--and proceeded in writing my Sermon for the Presbytery[74]-- Expence for my Horse _1/3_.
[74] Fithian was preparing for his examination before the Presbytery at Philadelphia at this time.
_Sunday 14._
Rode to Nominy Church about six Miles--the day Cold--Parson Smith preached--"What shall a man be profited" &c. Rode home after Sermon--Dined at Mr Carters to day Mrs Turbuville,[75] Miss Jenny Corbin,[76] and Mr Cunningham[77] a young Merchant.
[75] "Hickory Hill," the manor house of John Turberville (1737-1799) was about a mile distant from "Nomini Hall." Turberville had married his first cousin, Martha Corbin. One of their ten children, Letitia Corbin Turberville, later became the wife of Major Catesby Jones. Their youngest son, George Richard Turberville, married his first cousin, Martha Corbin, only daughter of Gawin Corbin of "Peckatone." Their eldest son, George Lee Turberville, married Betty Tayloe Corbin. The Turbervilles were connected with the Lees of Westmoreland County in a number of ways and possessed large landed properties.
[76] Jane or "Jenny" Corbin was a sister of Mrs. John Turberville of "Hickory Hill."
[77] Cunningham was one of a number of young Scotch merchants who had settled in the Northern Neck. He was apparently a member of a firm referred to in the account books of Robert Carter of "Nomini Hall" as "Messrs. Fisher and Cunningham."
_Monday 15._
Busy in School--Wrote in the Evening at my Sermon.
_Teusday 16._
In School--Writing at my Sermon.
_Wednesday 17_.
Busy in School--
_Thursday 18._
Busy in School--
_Fryday 19._
Busy in School--
_Saturday 20._
Rode to Mr Fishers[78] dined with Mr Cunningham at 3 o-Clock--Rode in the evening to Mr Lancelot Lees,[79] a young Gentleman, who has lately come from England; sup'd on Oysters--Rode home about nine o-Clock he along--
[78] See fn. 51.
[79] Lancelot Lee was the son of George Lee of "Mount Pleasant" in Westmoreland County who had died in 1761. Lancelot's brother, George Fairfax Lee, had inherited their father's manor plantation. Lancelot and George Fairfax Lee were cousins of the Lees at "Stratford," "Lee Hall," and at "Chantilly."
_Sunday 21._
Rode to Church--Mr Smith preached on the Parable of the rich Man. Dined at home--Mr Lee dined with us--Reading in Pictete--Feel very home-Sick--Saw two Brothers quarrel--Doleful Sight.--
_Monday 22._
Busy in School--Mr Lee gave us his Company in the morning in School, and was very chearful--he left us about twelve o-Clock--
_Teusday 23._
Busy in School--Miss Carter rode out with her Dady and Mama to the County Court[80]--Writing at my Sermons.
[80] "Nomini Hall" was some ten miles distant from the seat of government in Westmoreland County, which is situated in the present town of Montross.
[POEM INSERTED IN JOURNAL]
Who knows what heaven may have in view? What yet remains for me to do? But knowlege here might give me grief. Instead of pleasure and relief; I therefore yield and peaceful wait On Providence to rule my fate; Nor if it long 'til' I must fly Unbodied to my judge on high Why need I then disturb my mind? Why not lye humble and resign'd?-- Yet tho' 'tis wrong for me to try Into these mysteries to pry Sure I may sit and simply sing (I dare not strike a lofty string) The various scenes through which I've past I may be now acting my last; Here in Virginia, far from friends Except those Heaven in pity sends!
Novr 23d 1773.
_Wednesday 24._
Busy in School.
_Thursday 25._
Rode this morning to Richmond Court-house,[81] where two Horses run for a purse of 500 Pounds; besides small Betts almost enumerable.
[81] Richmond Court House, the seat of government in Richmond County, now called Warsaw, is some ten or twelve miles distant from "Nomini Hall." There were a number of enthusiastic turfmen in Richmond County during the eighteenth century.
One of the Horses belonged to Colonel John Taylor,[82] and is called _Yorick_--The other to Dr. Flood,[83] and is called _Gift_--The Assembly was remarkably numerous; beyond my expectation and exceeding polite in general.
[82] Colonel John Tayloe (1721-1779) was one of the wealthiest men in the Northern Neck. His manor house, "Mount Airy," was located near Richmond Court House, and overlooked the Rappahannock River, some two miles in the distance. Tayloe was a noted fancier of fine horses.
[83] Dr. William Flood lived at "Kinsail," a plantation in Westmoreland County. He frequently combined the pleasures of horse racing with the practice of his profession. Cf. Blanton, Wyndham B., _Medicine in Virginia in the Eighteenth Century_ (Richmond, 1931), p. 379.
The Horses started precisely at five minutes after three; the Course was one Mile in Circumference, they performed the first Round in two minutes, third in two minutes & a-half, _Yorick_ came out the fifth time round about 40 Rod before _Gift_ they were both, when the Riders dismounted very lame; they run five Miles, and Carried 180 lb--Rode home in the Evening--Expence to the Boy 7-1/2d--
_Fryday 26._
Busy in School--Robin, & Nancy at dancing-School.
_Saturday 27._
Robin and Nancy yet at Dancing-School--Mr Harry Fantleroy call'd after dinner to see us. In the Evening Ben & I rode with him to his fathers; I was introduced to one Mr Walker a Scotch Gentleman, lately a School-master but has quit, and is going in the Spring for the Gown to England.[84]
[84] Since it was often difficult to secure a sufficient number of clergymen for the parishes in Virginia, young English schoolmasters and tutors were frequently induced to return to the mother country and take orders so that they might fill such vacancies.
_Sunday 28._
Rode to Church--the Parson was absent; it is indeed a little cold! The Clerk read prayers for us--We rode home--Found at Home two young Ladies, Miss Corbin, and Miss Turburville and Mr George Lee, brother to the Gentleman here last Sunday, & has lately returned from England--I was introduced by Mr Carter to the two latter--
_Monday 29._
All our Scholars present--Mr Carter has put into my hands; Tyre's Dictionary, & the pronouncing Dictionary, to improve his Sons in Grammar classically, both Latin and English, and he has given me Fenning in Arrithmetic.
_Teusday 30._
Busy in School--I was solicited the other Day at the Race by one Mr _Gordon_,[85] to take and instruct two of his Sons, Saturday also I was again solicited by Mr Fantleroy to take two of his Sons--But I must decline it--
[85] Robert Carter's account books reveal that he sometimes had business transactions with one George C. Gordon of Westmoreland County.
_Wednesday Decemr 1st 1773._
Busy in School--Wrote home by the Post, to Mr Green & _Johnny Peck_. Afternoon Vacant.
[LETTER OF PHILIP V. FITHIAN TO THE REVEREND ENOCH GREEN]
Decemr 1st 1773.
REVD SIR.
As you desired I may not omit to inform you, so far as I can by a letter, of the business in which I am now engaged, it would indeed be vastly agreeable to me if it was in my power to give you particular intelligence concerning the state and plan of my employment here.
I set out from home the 20th of Octr and arrived at the Hon: Robert Carters, of Nominy, in Westmorland County, the 28th I began to teach his children the first of November. He has two sons, and one Nephew; the oldest Son is turned of seventeen, and is reading Salust and the greek grammer; the others are about fourteen, and in english grammer, and Arithmetic. He has besides five daughters which I am to teach english, the eldest is turned of fifteen, and is reading the spectator; she is employed two days in every week in learning to play the Forte-Piana, and Harpsicord--The others are smaller, and learning to read and spell. Mr Carter is one of the Councellors in the general court at Williamsburg, and possest of as great, perhaps the clearest fortune according to the estimation of people here, of any man in Virginia: He seems to be a good scholar, even in classical learning, and is remarkable one in english grammar; and notwithstanding his rank, which in general seems to countenance indulgence to children, both himself and Mrs Carter have a manner of instructing and dealing with children far superior, I may say it with confidence, to any I have ever seen, in any place, or in any family. They keep them in perfect subjection to themselves, and never pass over an occasion of reproof; and I blush for many of my acquaintances when I say that the children are more kind and complaisant to the servants who constantly attend them than we are to our superiors in age and condition. Mr Carter has an over-grown library of Books of which he allows me the free use. It consists of a general collection of law books, all the Latin and Greek Classicks, vast number of Books on Divinity chiefly by writers who are of the established Religion; he has the works of almost all the late famous writers, as Locke, Addison, Young, Pope, Swift, Dryden, &c. in Short, Sir, to speak moderately, he has more than eight times your number[86]--His eldest Son, who seems to be a Boy of Genius and application is to be sent to Cambridge University, but I believe will go through a course either in Philadelphia or Princeton College first. As to what is commonly said concerning Virginia that it is difficult to avoid being corrupted with the manners of the people, I believe it is founded wholly in a mistaken notion that persons must, when here frequent all promiscuous assemblies; but this is so far from truth that any one who does practise it, tho' he is accused of no crime, loses at once his character; so that either the manners have been lately changed, or the report is false, for he seems now to be best esteemed and most applauded who attends to his business, whatever it be, with the greatest diligence. I believe the virginians have of late altered their manner very much, for they begin to find that their estates by even small extravagance, decline, and grow involved with debt, this seems to be the spring which induces the People of fortune who are the pattern of all behaviour here, to be frugal, and moderate. You may expect me at home by the permission of Providence the latter end of april next, or the beginning of May; and as I proposed I shall present my exercises for the examination of the Presbytery; and if they think proper I shall gladly accept of a licence in the fall: I must beg your favour to mention me to such of my acquaintances in Deerfield as you think proper, but especially to Mrs Green, Miss _Betsy_, your family, and Mrs Pecks--I must also beg you to transmit so much of this intelligence to Mr Hunter as that my relations in Greenwich may know that I am through the mercy of heaven in good health. I beg, Sir, you will not fail to write, and let it be known to Mr Hunter, that a letter will come as secure by the Post as from Cohansie to Philadelphia; the Letters are to be directed to me thus, To Mr Philip V. Fithian at Mr _Carters_ of Nominy, to be left at Hobes Hole[87]
I am, Sir, yours
PHILIP V FITHIAN
[86] See catalogue of Robert Carter's library in Appendix, pp. 221-229.
[87] Hobb's Hole, the present town of Tappahannock, is situated on the Rappahannock River in Essex County. The town was a lively center of trade and shipping at this period.
[JOURNAL]
_Thursday 2._
Busy in School.
_Fryday 3._
Busy in School. Expence to Boy for trimming my Horse half a Bit. Evening after School walked in the fields with Mrs _Carter_, Miss Carter, and Miss Nancy.
_Saturday 4._
About Eleven Ben and I rode to Mr Lees walked over a Part of his Farm; from his House we see the Potowmack, and a fine River putting from it. We returned in the Evening, found Mr Fantleroy, and Mr Walker at Home; at Supper I had the pleasure to toast in my turn Miss Corbin--But I meant the absent _Laura_!
_Sunday 5._
Rode to Richmond upper Church, a Polite Assembly; Mr Gibbern gave us a Sermon on, O Death I will be thy Plague &c., a warm discourse Dined at Home.
_Monday 6._
Mr Walker left us after Breakfast. Busy in School.
_Teusday 7._
Mr _Stadley_ Miss Priscilla's Music Master arrived this morning--He performed several peices on the Violin. Expence for an Orange half a Bit.
_Wednesday 8._
Miss Priscilla with her Music Master, they performed together to day--
_Thursday 9._
Mr Stadley left us. Busy in School.
_Fryday 10._
Miss Nancy is beginning on the _Guitar_. Ben finished reading Salusts Cataline Conspiracy.
_Saturday 11._
Rode and Dined with Captain Walker--Saw and dined with Miss _Simpson_ & Mr Warden.[88]
[88] John Warden was a young Scotsman. While a student in Edinburgh, Warden had been engaged by Dr. Walter Jones of Virginia to serve as a tutor in the family of his brother, Colonel Thomas Jones of Northumberland County. In the Jones home Warden had enjoyed exceptional advantages and he appears to have read law after coming to the colony. He later became a distinguished member of the Virginia bar.
_Sunday 12._
Rode to Nominy-Church, parson Smith preached 15 minutes--Advertisement at the Church door dated Sunday Decemr 12th Pork to be sold to-morrow at 20/. per Hundred--dined with us to day Captain Walker. Colonel Richd Lee,[89] & Mr Lanclot Lee. sat after Dinner till Sunset, drank three Bottles of Medaira, two Bowls of Toddy!--
[89] Both Richard Lee (1726-1795), commonly called "Squire" Lee, and his cousin, Richard Henry Lee (1732-1794), who was known as "Colonel" Lee, lived on estates on the Potomac River in Westmoreland County. "Squire" Richard Lee's manor plantation was called "Lee Hall." The home of Colonel Richard Henry Lee was known as "Chantilly." A second Richard Lee, also known as "Squire Lee," and a cousin of the above mentioned persons, lived on the Potomac in Charles County, Maryland.
_Monday 13._
Mr Carter is preparing for a Voyage in his Schooner, the Hariot,[90] to the Eastern Shore in Maryland, for Oysters: there are of the party, Mr _Carter_, Captain _Walker_, Colonel _Richd Lee_, & Mr _Lancelot Lee_. With Sailors to work the vessel--I observe it is a general custom on Sundays here, with Gentlemen to invite one another home to dine, after Church; and to consult about, determine their common business, either before or after Service--It is not the Custom for Gentlemen to go into Church til Service is beginning, when they enter in a Body, in the same manner as they come out; I have known the Clerk to come out and call them in to prayers.--They stay also after the Service is over, usually as long, sometimes longer, than the Parson was preaching--Almost every Lady wears a red Cloak; and when they ride out they tye a white handkerchief over their Head and face, so that when I first came into Virginia, I was distress'd whenever I saw a Lady, for I thought She had the Tooth-Ach!--The People are extremely hospitable, and very polite both of which are most certainly universal Characteristics of the Gentlemen in Virginia--some swear bitterly, but the practise seems to be generally disapproved--I have heard that this Country is notorious for Gaming, however this be, I have not seen a Pack of _Cards_, nor a _Die_, since I left home, nor gaming nor Betting of any kind except at the Richmond-Race. Almost every Gentleman of Condition, keeps a Chariot and _Four_; many drive with six Horses--I observe that all the Merchants & shopkeepers in the Sphere of my acquaintance and I am told it is the case through the Province, are young Scotch-Men; Several of whom I know, as _Cunningham, Jennings, Hamilton, Blain_;--And it has been the custom heretofore to have all their Tutors, and Schoolmasters from Scotland, tho' they begin to be willing to employ their own Countrymen--Evening Ben Carter and myself had a long dispute on the practice of fighting--He thinks it best for two persons who have any dispute to go out in good-humour & fight manfully, & says they will be sooner and longer friends than to brood and harbour malice--Mr _Carter_ is practising this Evening on the _Guittar_ He begins with the _Trumpet Minuet_. He has a good Ear for Music; a vastly delicate Taste; and keeps good Instruments, he has here at Home a _Harpsichord_, _Forte-Piano_, _Harmonica_,[91] _Guittar_, _Violin_, & _German Flutes_, & at Williamsburg, has a good _Organ_, he himself also is indefatigable in the Practice.
[90] This schooner had been named for Carter's daughter, Harriot Lucy.
[91] Carter described the harmonica as "the musical glasses without water, framed into a complete instrument, capable of through bass and never out of tune." Quoted in Williams, ed., _Fithian_, p. 59, fn. 1.
[Illustration: boat ride]
_Teusday 14._
Busy in School--The Weather vastly fine! There has been no Rain of consequence, nor any stormy or disagreeable Weather, since about the 10th of last Month! From the Window, by which I write, I have a broad, a diversified, and an exceedingly beautiful Prospect of the high craggy Banks of the River _Nominy_! Some of those huge Hills are cover'd thick with _Cedar_, & Pine Shrubs; A vast quantity of which seems to be in almost every part of this Province--Others are naked, & when the Sun Shines look beautiful! At the Distance of about 5 Miles is the River Potowmack over which I can see the smoky Woods of Maryland; At this window I often stand, and cast my Eyes homeward with peculiar pleasure! Between my window and the potowmack, is Nominy Church, it stands close on the Bank of the River Nominy, in a pleasant agreeable place, Mr Carters family go down often, so many as can with convenience in a Boat rowed by four Men, and generally arrive as soon as those who ride.
The mouth of Nominy River where it falls into Potowmack is about 25 miles above the mouth of Potowmack or where it falls into the Chessapeak-Bay. And about 12 Miles below the mouth of Nominy the River Ucomico[92] puts up into the country, near which River, and about three miles from the mouth stands the lower parish Church of Westmorland County call'd Ucomic Church.[93] The River Potowmack opposite to us the People say is 18 miles over, but I think it is not more than 8. Afternoon Captain Grigg,[94] who arrived last Sunday moning into the River Ucomico from London visited Mr Carter. Evening reading Picteete.
[92] The Yeocomico River.
[93] Yeocomico Church.
[94] Grigg, the captain of an English vessel, often mingled with the plantation families of the Northern Neck when he was in the colony.
_Wednesday 15._