Journal and Letters of Philip Vickers Fithian: A Plantation Tutor of the Old Dominion, 1773-1774.

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.

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! —

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

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.

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.

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

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 —

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.

Saturday 28.

Left Port Tobacco by six, rode to Mrs Laidlers Ferry. At Port Tobacco expence 3/10. 12 Miles Breakfasted with Mrs. Laidler Breakfast & Oats 1/7 Ferriage 6/. The broad beautiful Potowmack looks smooth & unbroken as tho' it was fettered in Ice: it is to where we land on the other Side eight miles a little down the River the passage over, in the best time of this loveliest month was vastly agreeable – From Tylers[177] in Virginia where I landed about twelve o-Clock I rode to Mattox Bridge eight miles; thence to Mattox Church six miles – Here I bought some Ears of corn for my Horse – Thence to Westmorland Court House 16 miles – Here is a Tavern I got a Bowl of Punch & fed 2/6 – Thence I rode to Nomini Hall about Eeight in the Evening 10 miles – I found Mr & Mrs Carter at home sitting together – They received me with great welcome —Ben, Bob, Miss Fanny & Betsy came in to see me – The others in bed – sup'd on Crabs & an elegant dish of Strawberries & cream – How natural, how agreeable, how majestic this place seems!

Sunday 29.

I rose by half after six – Ben informed me that Bob has behaved vastly ill since I left him – He has reported several mischievous & false stories of his brother; That has been intimate in some bad families – That he has injured his own fathers Servants &c – The morning pleasant – I did not attend Church, Ben out of kindness kept me company at Home – I had however chosen to stay alone – The family is invited to dine with Mr Turburville – Mr & Mrs Carter, Miss Priscilla & Nancy with three Servants went from Church —Ben, Bob, Miss Fanny, Betsy & Harriot with two Servants cross'd the River – Miss Sally with Tasker & one Servant rode in a Chair – Dined with us Captain Dennis, of the Ship Peggy; Dr Steptoe; & Mr Cunningham. Politicks were the topic – and indeed the Gentlemen seemed warm – The Governor of this province dissolved the Assembly last week after they had made a resolve that a general & solemn fast be observed thro' this whole Colony, on Account of the melancholy aspect of American Affairs at present, to be kept the first day of June, which is next Wednesday, when the alarming Act of Parliament which has lately come over is to take place at Boston – Parson Smith accordingly gave it out at the Church to Day & it is to be observed – I only saw Miss Sally Panton, she did not dine with us – I am told She has an Estate in England of 50£ Sterling pr Annum, but for some unknown cause came over, probably the same as drew me from home – After dinner we had a Grand & agreeable Walk in & through the Gardens – There is great plenty of Strawberries, some Cherries, Goose berries &c – Drank Coffee at four, they are now too patriotic to use tea – Soon after we set out for Home – The young Ladies chose to walk and Cross the water with us – I am much more pleas'd with the Face of the Country since my return than I have ever been before – It is indeed delightsome! —

Monday 30.

Our little beautiful Seminary collected They seem all glad to see me, & willing to enter on business – I am truely fond of the young growing beauties – Soon they will be the admiration of the world, & ornaments in their family – This morning I asked & received four Guineas of Mr Carter to satisfy Mr Taylor of whom I had a small Sum. Mr Randolph is yet here, & is recovered of the hurt I formerly mentioned – After Dinner my Toast was the amiable Laura– Evening called in & staid only a few minutes Captain Dennis, & Parson Gibbern – At Supper I had an agreeable conversation with Mr & Mrs Carter on the Times manners, &c.

Teusday 31.

Very warm – I feel well reliev'd of the Fatigues of my ride – The lower Class of People here are in a tumult on the account of Reports from Boston, many of them expect to be press'd & compell'd to go and fight the Britains! – Evening I asked the Colonel if he proposes to observe the fast, & attend Sermon tomorrow; he answered that "No one must go from hence to Church, or observe the Fast at all" – By this, (for it is hard to know his opinion from any thing he declares) I conclude he is a courtier. – Last Night, & this evening the Colonel sup'd with us, which is more than he has done before since I have been in the Family —

Wednesday June 1st 1774.

Cool & pleasant – I began my English Exegesis – or Thesis.

Thursday 2.

I took out of the Colonels Library for Assistance in making my pieces Biblia-Sacra, & Mr Hammonds Exposition of the New Testament. I toasted Miss Beatty to day in a Bumpper of old Medaira – Evening Mr Carter at the Harpsichord.

Fryday 3.

The dancing School happens in course to day at Mr Washingtons – Mrs Carter takes Bob & Nancy with her – Our School seems silent – Writing at my English Thesis – I put Harry & Bob this week to read Popes Homer but Homers inimitable fire cannot charm or move them! – Evening Ben rode to the Dance – We were informed that in Queen-Anns in Maryland many die at present, of a Fever that follows a slight Ague! – I took a Ramble, in the evening, as usual, through the Garden.

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian To John Peck]Nomini Hall June 3d. 1774.Virginia.

Sir.

I have the pleasure to inform you I arriv'd safe and had a pleasant ride; I expect to hear from you by every post but have received no letter yet – If you did not receive my letter dated "Delaware-River, on board the Swallow," this is to request you to apply immediately to Dr Witherspoon who promised me in Philadelphia that he would recommend you here; the reason of my demanding dispatch is, that Mr Carter proposes to write to England for a Tutor if he cannot be speedily satisfied of having one from the Northward – If I attempt to write news I must inform you that the Assembly of this province is dissolved on passing a resolve to keep the first day of June through the whole province a solemn fast, the resolve past however, and the day was kept – The frost of the 4th. of May was much more fatal here than to the Northward, for not only Garden produce, but Wheat and Rye in the upper parts of the province are blasted and the owners mow them down for fodder; and here the Woods look like winter! – I expect to hear from you several times this summer, I beg you will not disappoint me.