Part 9
_Thursday 20._
_Ben_ came Home late in the Night--This morning he looks fatigued out. We began to study to Day but all seem sleepy and dull. Dined with us to-day Mr _Lee_ a Gentleman from Augusta County, who has lately been to the Settlements on Ohio.
Evening I began some Verses on Miss Carter for a present at the approaching Valantine[118]--But I drew the Picture from Laura.
[118] See this valentine in Appendix, pp. 230-233.
_Fryday 21._
All seem tolerably recruited this morning; we hear, the company left the Ball last Evening, quite wearied out; tho' the Colonel intreated them to stay the proposed Time.
To Day about twelve came to Mr _Carters_ Captain _John Lee_, a Gentleman who seems to copy the Character of _Addisons Will Wimble_. When I was on my way to this place I saw him up in the country at Stafford; he was then just sallying out on his Winters Visit, & has got now so far as here, he stays, as I am told about eight, or ten Weeks in the year at his own House, the remaining part he lives with his waiting Man on his Friends.--
_Saturday 22._
Captain Lee with us to Day--The Weather cold; I set in my Room all Day working at my Verses for Miss Carter.
_Sunday 23._
None went to Church on account of the Cold--Afternoon the Sun shone fair--I took my Horse & rode about a Mile & returned--Captain _Lee_ left us this Day.
_Monday 24._
Still very cold snows some--Dined with us Colonel _Frank_ L. _Lee_,[119] & Colonel _Harrison_ of Maryland--Miss _Nancy_ unwel of a cold.--There are great Professions of Liberty here expressed in Songs Toasts, &c. Yesterday News came of the Arrival of Ships with Tea; into _Boston_, _New-york_, _Philadelphia_. & of the New-Yorkers burning the House of his Excellency Governor _Tryon_. for having said that, if orders concerning the Tea had been transmitted to him he would have landed it tho' under the mouths of the Cannon!--Gentlemen here in general applaud & honour our Northern Colonies for so manly, & patriotic Resistance!--
[119] Francis Lightfoot Lee (1734-1797) of "Menokin" in Richmond County was the fourth son of President Thomas Lee of "Stratford." His wife was Rebecca Tayloe, a daughter of Colonel John Tayloe of "Mount Airy." Lee served as a member of the House of Burgesses from Loudoun County and later from Richmond County.
_Teusday 25._
Still sharp & cold--Miss Nancy much indisposed with a sore throat--Dined with us Mr _Cunningham_. Toasts the _King_, _Queen_, _Governor_ & _Colonel_, of _Virginia_. Northern Sons of Liberty. & a good price for our comodities.--This Day the Person who carried my Letters to Baltimore returned without any Letters or Intelligence.
_Wednesday 26._
The weather this morning seems to have moderated--Miss _Nancy_ is poorly but better--In the Evening I ran a Foot Race with Ben & Harry fo exercise, & a prize of ten Apples to the winner. We ran from the School-House round the stable, & Kitchen & Great-House which Distance is about 70 Rod--I came out first about One Rod; but almost wholly spent; I went to my Chamber and lay down, sick, fainty, & quite distressed. I puked several times; after having rested a while, however, I revived & went well to Supper, & Spend the Evening in Writing. At Supper from the conversation I learned that the slaves in this Colony never are married, their Lords thinking them improper Subjects for so valuable an Institution!--
_Thursday 27._
The morning mild Serene and moderate--The Colonel is making preparations for a Journey to _Anapolis_, where he Designs next Month. In the Evening, (for here they call the time between Dinner and day-light-End Evening,) He & Mrs Carter shewed me their House; the original Design, the present form; & what is yet to be Done--Miss _Nancy_ came down stairs to Day--
_Fryday 28._
Snows this morning Briskly--Ben in a great Fever lest the Weather shall stop him from a Ride he has alloted for tomorrow--At twelve the Snow ceased, Depth about five Inches--I corrected _Harry_ for the first time to-day for expressing himself indecently to _Prissy_.
[Illustration: room full of smoke]
_Saturday 29._
_Ben_ is preparing himself to go out--while we were dining about three it began to Snow briskly--After Dinner when I went over to my Room I was very much surprised to find my Room full of Smoke & Flame!--A kind Providence only prevented the total Loss of our School-House & all its Furniture, & our own Clothes Books &c!--A Coal of Fire had by accident (as the Hearth is very narrow) fall'n on the floor, it took fire, & when I entered it was burning rapidly--It had burnt three Boards about eight Inches from the Hearth, & most certainly in a short time would have been inextinguishable--I put it out however speedily, & had all the fire removed--
The Weather is as wintry here in every Respect as I have ever known it in New-Jersey--Mr Carter has a Cart & three pair of Oxen which every Day bring in four Loads of Wood, Sundays excepted, & yet these very severe Days we have none to spare; And indeed I do not wonder, for in the _Great House_, _School_ House, Kitchen, &c. there are twenty Eight steady fires! & most of these are very Large!--After Supper, when all had retired but Mrs Carter, Mr Carter & Myself, the Conversation being on serious Matters, Mr Carter observed that he much dislikes the common method of making Burying Yards round Churches, & having them almost open to every Beast--He would have them at some small distance from the Church, neatly & strongly inclosed, and the Graves kept up decent, & plain, but would have no splendid, nor magnificent Monument, nor even Stone to say "Hic jacet."--He told us he proposes to make his own Coffin & use it for a Chest til its proper use shall be required--That no Stone, nor Inscription to be put over him--And that he would choose to be laid under a shady Tree where he might be undisturbed, & sleep in peace & obscurity--He told us, that with his own hands he planted, & is with great diligence raising a _Catalpa_-Tree at the Head of his Father who lies in his Garden--Mrs Carter beg'd that She might have a Stone, with this only for a Monument, "Here lies _Ann Tasker Carter_."[120] with these things for my consideration I left them about ten and went to my cold Room, & was hurried soon to Bed; Not however without reflecting on the importance of our preparation for this great Change!
[120] Frances Ann Tasker Carter died in 1787 and was buried in the family graveyard at "Nomini Hall." Her husband, who died seventeen years later, was buried in Baltimore.
_Sunday 30._
Very stormy this morning with Rain and Hail which instantly freezes; the trees hang bending with Ice, & the ways are all glassy & slippery--None think of going to Church this day--Mrs Carter & I after Breakfast had a long conversation on religious affairs--Particularly on differing Denominations of Protestants--She thinks the Religion of the established Church without Exception the best of any invented or practised in the world. & indeed she converses with great propriety on these things, & discovers her very extensive Knowledge; She allows the Difference between the Church, & Presbyterianism to be only exceeding small, & wishes they were both intirely united! Through this whole Day it storms but the Evening is terrible! almost an Inundation of Rain; The wind violent at North-East; The Snow, Hail, and Rain freezing together on the Ground! This Evening the Negroes collected themselves into the School-Room, & began to play the _Fiddle_, & dance--I was in Mr Randolphs Room;--I went among them, _Ben_, & _Harry_ were of the company--_Harry_ was dancing with his Coat off--I dispersed them however immediately.
_Monday 31._
Excessive sloppy--Miss _Nancy_ came to School to Day--I finished my verses which are to be presented as a Valantine to Miss _Prissy Carter_.
_Teusday February 1st 1774._
Fair & mild but vastly muddy--About twelve Squire _Lee_ & young _Harry Lee_, who was a College-Fellow, came to see us. They staid while about five. The Toasts at Dinner were as usual--The Colonel & Mrs Carter seem Much pleased with Harry, & with his manner.
_Wednesday 2._
The weather vastly fine. At twelve o-Clock the Colonel & Miss _Prissy_ rode out for an airing--_Prissy_ This day began Multiplication. We had also a large elegant Writing Table brought to us, so high that the Writers must stand.
_Thursday 3._
Prissy, & Nancy practising music--We had last night Thunder, Lightning, & a very great shower.
_Fryday 4._
I put Ben this day into virgil--We had our Room mended & came into it--at twelve I rode out to Mr Taylors about two Miles, in again by Dinner-Time--Dined with us one Mrs Hut--This Evening, in the School-Room, which is below my Chamber, several Negroes & _Ben,_ & _Harry_ are playing on a _Banjo_ & dancing!--
_Saturday 5:_
I spent the morning in my Room, _Ben_, & _Bob_ are gone out. About twelve came on a visit Mr _Goodlett_, & _Saml Fantleroy_;[121] I spent the remainder of the day with them.--At Dinner when call'd upon for a Toast I gave Miss _Sally Hollinshead_. Mr Goodlett told me he has had an Invitation, to accept a School in _Leeds_,[122] a town on the River Rapahannock, about 25 Miles from this up & across the Country.
[121] Samuel Griffin Fauntleroy (1759-1826) was the son of Moore Fauntleroy of "The Cliffs" in Richmond County.
[122] Leedstown was a thriving center of trade and shipping. It had been incorporated in 1742.
_Sunday 6._
I rode to Church; Mrs Carter & Miss Prissy & Nancy were out--Mr Smith gave us a Sermon 14 Minutes long on Charite--But poor Fellow he seem'd Cold as his Subject! Mr Fantleroy; & Mr Goodlett dined with us and set off for Home as soon as we rose from Dinner--This day two Negro Fellows the Gardiner & cooper, wrangled; & at last fought; It happened hard however for the Cooper, who is likely to lose one of his Eyes by that Diabolical Custom of gouging which is in common practise among those who fight here--Evening Ben returned; he has been into Northumland to see one Mr _Jones_. Mr Goodlett, to Day, shewed me a piece of his own performance, a paraphrase on part of the Book of Job, done in Lattin-Verse.
_Monday 7._
The Day pleasant, & seems to have some appearance of Spring--Mr Blain call'd this Affternoon, & told us that by a Letter he hears Lady _Dunmore_ is arrived from New-York[123]--and that many good & wealthy Families arrived in the same Ship--It is indeed amazing, & it will soon astonish the whole World, to consider the Rapidity of the growth of these Colonies--
[123] John Murray, Earl of Dunmore, served as Governor of the colony from 1771 to 1775. Lady Dunmore did not arrive in Virginia to join him until the latter part of February of 1774.
At Supper, Mr Carter informed me it is his purpose to manifacture 30.000 Bushels of wheat in his New-Mill which is yet scarcely finished.
_Teusday 8._
Before Breakfast _Nancy_ & _Fanny_ had a Fight about a Shoe Brush which they both wanted--Fanny pull'd off her Shoe & threw at Nancy, which missed her and broke a pane of glass of our School Room. they then enter'd upon close scratching &c. which methods seem instinctive in Women. Harry happen'd to be present & affraid lest he should be brought in, ran and informed me--I made peace, but with many threats--
Mrs Carter has ordered the Gardener to sew Lettice, & plant Peas this Day in the Garden.--
_Wednesday 9._
This day very blustry & cold--I gave Prissy a Coppy of Secretary-Hand, at her particular Request--
_Thursday 10._
We had the Virginia Gazette[124] to day in which the accounts concerning the destroying the Tea at Boston are confirm'd--& also an account of the Burning of the House of Governor Tryon. Dined with us Colonel _Frank Lee_; his Wife & Captain _John Lee_. Toasts after Dinner, the _King_. _Queen_. Absent Friends, Governor of Virginia, & his Lady just arrived, & Success to American Trade & Commerce
[124] The _Virginia Gazette_ was founded by William Parks at Williamsburg in 1736. This journal continued to issue until 1778. In 1766 a rival sheet bearing the same name was established and was published in Williamsburg until 1776. In 1775 a third _Virginia Gazette_ had been established which continued to issue until 1780.
_Fryday 11._
The Company staid all Night--at Breakfast the conversation was on a terrible Distemper which is in this County at present; & which in Maryland last year about this time carried off hundreds, and is call'd the "_putrid Quinsy_." Mr Carter has a Man lying now dangerously ill of it!
What they do in the Disorder is, when the Inflamation is first observ'd, bleeding; then give the _Bark_ & _Salt-petre_, or _Nitre_, and _Gargles_ to cleanse the mouth--
Our company left us before dinner--Last night I took Bob to my Room, after having in the course of the Day corrected him thrice, & reasoned with him concerning the impropriety of his Behaviour; at the same time I acquainted him with my final resolution to send him over for correction every Day to his Papa's Study, which had so strong an Effect on him (as all the Children are in remarkable Subjection to their Parents) that he firmly pomised to attend to my advice, & thro' this Day has been punctual to his word.
I spent the evening with the Family to hear the music. For every evening Prissy & Nancy play the whole Evening for practice & besides every Week half of Teusday, Thursday, & Saturday. We were informed that the _Carter_ who goes with the Team is ill of the sore Throat!--
_Saturday 12._
After having dismised the School I went over to Mr Carters Study--We conversed on many things, & at length on the College of William & Mary at _Williamsburg_. He informed me that it is in such confusion at present, & so badly directed, that he cannot send his Children with propriety there for Improvement & useful Education--That he has known the Professors to play all Night at Cards in publick Houses in the City, and has often seen them drunken in the Street!--That the Charter of the College is vastly Extensive, & the yearly income sufficient to support a University being about 4.000£. Sterling.--That the Necessary Expence for each Scholar yearly is only 15£ Currency.
Two of the officers of the Institution, Mr Bracker, & Mr Henly[125] Clergymen are at present engaged in a paper War published weekly in the Williamsburg Gazette's.
[125] John Bracken served as minister of Bruton Parish Church at Williamsburg from 1773 to 1818. He also served for a period as master of the grammar school at the College of William and Mary, and for two years as president of the college. At this time Bracken had just incurred the bitter enmity of Samuel Henley, professor of divinity and moral philosophy at the college, who had hoped to secure the appointment given his rival. The two men aired their grievances in a long and acrimonious controversy carried on in the columns of the _Virginia Gazette_. Henley, a Tory, left the colony for England in 1775 and never returned. He later became principal of the East India College at Hertford.
Miss Fanny quite unwell of a Cold with a pain in her Breast. Evening Mrs Carter complain'd of a sore throat; and _Ben_ also, complains that his Throat is quite troublesome--Mr Randolph too is confin'd in his Room all day! We seem to be all sickning!--
_Sunday 13._
Things look better this morning Mrs Carter, & _Ben_ seem relieved, Mr Randolph, & Fanny are better. The morning very blustry with wind & Snow--None go to Church from here to day--In my Room I read _Pictete_.
_Monday 14._
Mr _Randolph_ this Morning happens to be Miss _Nancy's Valentine_; & Miss _Prissy_ mine,--The morning sharp & very cold--
_Teusday 15._
I have a call this morning from _Bob_ & _Harry_ for a Holiday, for Shrove Teusday; I shall dismiss them at twelve o-Clock. I gave Miss Carter my Verses for her Valentine, Dined with us Mrs _Ford_. I finished reading the first, & began the Second Volume of _Pictete_.
_Wednesday 16._
I happened last monday to offend _Prissy_, She retains her anger & seems peculiarly resentful!--_Ben_ agreed for half a Bit a Week to play the Flute every Night, or read, for me, twenty Minutes after I am in Bed.
[Illustration: teacher and students]
_Thursday 17._
Prissy seems much affronted; The Cause was as follows Monday afternoon, by Chance I tapp'd her on the Head, & wholly in Jest; She seem'd vex'd, but Teusday morning which is her day for practice on the Forte-Piano, after Breakfast, I desir'd her to walk over to the School, she refused, & gave for an Excuse that She must begin to play--Both these things laid together were the cause of her resentment.
_Fryday 18._
The Weather pleasant and moderate--_Bob_, _Nancy_, & _Prissy_, are setting off this morning to the Dance, which is at Mr _Washingtons_[126]--
[126] At "Bushfield" on the Potomac River.
_Saturday 19._
at Dinner we were conversing on Reading, among many remarks the Colonel observed that, He would bet a Guinea that Mrs Carter reads more than the Parson of the parish! No panegyrick on the Gentleman? Mr Christian the Dancing Master, Came home with the young Ladies.
_Sunday 20._
Last Evening the virginia News-papers came; but nothing from the Northward.
Rode to Nomini Church; Parson Smith read Prayers, but it was too Cold a Day to give us a Sermon; After Service _Mr & Mrs Carter_, the Parson, his wife & Sister; Mr _Camel_ the Comptroler; _Ben_, _Bob_, Miss _Pierce_, Miss _Sanford_, and My self were invited to Colonel Washingtons to Dinner. His House has the most agreeable Situation, of any I have yet seen in Maryland or Virginia; the broad Potowmack, which they account between 7 and 8 Miles over, washes his Garden on the North. the River Nomini is within a stones throw on the West, a levil open Country on the East; a Lane of a mile & three quarters accurately measur'd. lies from the House South-East it has from the House the whole distance a uniform Descent, & at the Gate at the End of this Lane the Situation is just six feet lower than at the House--There are no Marshes near, which altogether make the place exceeding Description. The Roads are now miry & disagreeable.
_Monday 21._
Prissy seems again reconciled--Miss _Stanhope_ the Housekeeper is ill of a Rheumatism--They are begining to work in the Garden with vigor. Dined with us Docter _Franks_.
_Teusday 22._
Mr _Carter_ rode to the County-Court. I read to day several chapters in the Greek testament. Mr _Carter_ has given orders to his Hands to rigg, & fit his Schooner a Vessel of about 40 Tons for Business. Docter Franks with us yet. Mrs _Carter_ was taken ill last Evening & has not been out of her chamber to Day. Miss _Stanhope_ the Housekeeper is also confin'd to her Room with Rheumatic Pains.
_Wednesday. 23._
Mr _Carter_ has an invitation to dine at Lee-Hall to Day, which he accepts--before Dinner came in Miss _Corbin,_ & Miss _Booth_; two young Ladies pretty well gone in what we call the Bloom of Life; Mr Carter was out, Mrs Carter is ill, & Ben was not Drest; Bob & I therefore at Dinner must be Directors of the ceremonies at Table! But happily for me I have them at last all by heart--At five Bob & I had the Pleasure to walk home with them, (for they were on foot) to Assist them in Crossing the River Nomini which lies between us & Mr Turburville's. Evening Mrs Carter seems no better--Miss Sally came out of her Room--
_Thursday 24._
Frogs croaked last Evening. This morning the Birds of several kinds are singing; and some presages of Spring seem visible. Mrs Carter continues no better, A messenger is sent for Docter _Jones_, with orders, that if he is from Home to pursue him.--
Mr _Gregory_,[127] the Colonels Gardiner came this morning & began with Mr _Carters_ two Fellows who have been in the Garden all winter--They planted this day the common garden Peas.
The Colonel at Dinner gave Ben & I a Piece of Music to prepare on our Flutes, in which he is to perform the thorough Bass--Evening Mrs Carter Some Better.
[127] James Gregory was employed at various seasons to assist and instruct the colored gardeners at "Nomini Hall."
_Fryday 25._
Mrs Carter better--The Day pleasant--There is a report that the Jail-Fever, or Yellow or putrid Fever, is at one Mr Atwel's on potowmack, in this County; that it was brought in a Ship which came lately with convict Servants; that two have already died, one this morning: & that many of Mr Atwells Slaves are infected!--
Docter Jones spent the Evening with us; He complimented _Ben_ _Bob_, & myself with an invitation to dine with him next Sunday.
_Saturday 26._
Mr _Carter's_ Merchant Mill begins to run to-day--She is calculated to manufacture 25.000 Bushels of Wheat a Year--I walked at twelve with the Colonel to view her; it is amazing to consider the work and Ingenuity--He told me his Bill for the materials and work was 1450£.!--
_Ben_ to day Rode to Mr _Fantleroys_. Evening the Colonel & I performed the _Sonata_. I had the Pleasure to hear the Colonel say that I have my part perfect.
_Sunday 27._
I rode to day to Richmond Church, Parson Gibbern preached about 20 Minutes on the Text "he that walketh uprightly walketh wisely"--this seems to be a polite part of the parish.--After Sermon Ben & I rode to Docter _Jones's_; he was from home. Mrs Jones a young, Handsome, polite Lady, received & entertained us exceeding civilly.--On our return home, we called to see Mr Hamilton, who by a accident was thrown from a Horse, & received a sad cut in his Face! he lies at Mr Lanes.
_Monday 28._
Mrs Carter confined yet to her Room, but much better--Prissy & I on good terms once more--Breakfasted with us Mr _Taylor_.[128] Ben determines to ask his Papa to-morrow for Liberty to go home with me in April. Evening we performed the Sonata I the first; Ben the second; & Mr Carter the thorough Bass on the _Forte Piano_.
[128] Probably Colonel John Tayloe of "Mount Airy."
_Teusday March 1st 1774._
By one of Mr Carters Sailors we heard this morning that the Fever mentioned some Days ago continues. Afternoon Mr Lane[129] a young Gentleman, formerly my acquaintance at Princeton came to see me; with one Mr Harison--He stays all night.
[129] Joseph F. Lane of Loudoun County, Virginia.
_Wednesday 2._
I gave my little family a Holiday, with an intention to ride with Mr Lane after Dinner--We walked to the Mill, & about the works, but before twelve it began to rain, & prevented our going out--Mrs _Carter_ came out of her chamber & dined with us, & seems to be well over Illness.
Mr Lane lives in Louden County 20 Miles from Dumfries; & is to return to Princeton towards the close of this month.
_Thursday 3._