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

A Man has 5000£ which he puts to interest for 30 years 6£ per Cent. per Annum. I demand how much of this he must spend every day, to spend it all, principal and interest in the thirty years, and let the daily sums in the whole time be equal?

As to the question given, "to Multiply 12£ 12s 12½d by itself", It must have been a punn, or from one not well skill'd in figures. If it was the former, it does not deserve to be answered at all, because that would be indulging wanton impertinence; and if it was the latter, I am not able to understand how such a person should venture to question Mr Rigmaidens answer – Upon the whole, I am apt to think it is all a punn which, "Brother Quill" (as he is pleased to style himself) has ventured to throw out, and on this account, until I am better satisfied that the sentiment is genuine, I decline wholly entering farther into the matter.

I am, Sir, Yours

P V Fithian

To Mr Larkin Randell

Nomini Hall.

[JOURNAL]

Thursday 29.

Warm to day, but dry & clear. Mr Leech & Mr Hodge spent last evening with us; the Conversation was on exchange – Loyal Toasts, Agreement, & Firmness through the american Colonies – Ladies. mine was Miss Corbin – The Colonel informed us that early next week he shall set out for Williamsburg – Soon after I hope to set out for Cohansie!

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian to Benjamin Carter]Nomini Hall Septr: 29th. 1774."Aetas Parentum, pejor avis, tulitNos nequiores; mox daturosProgeniem vitiosiorem."

Sir.

You will comprehend, at once, the design of Horace in the Ode from which this motto was taken, And, perhaps, you may think the application of it here unmeaning, and impertinent. In order to free you wholly from every such secret suspicion, you will please to take notice, that the dignity of your very respectable family, (which is a sacred thing) depends almost entirely upon your Capacity, improvement, and behaviour, an attempt, therefore, to guide and enlarge either or all of these may not be called unmeaning; and, as you have honoured me for some time past in the character of a Tutor, by submitting to my advice and instruction, I cannot suppose you so utterly destitute of candour and gratitude as to put the name of impertinence on what is the close and sum of my duty to you: especially as there is but little probability that I shall ever see you more, and can, therefore, have no possible incitement from interest, to flatter nor oppertunity of indulging any kind of revenge. These remarks, I presume, are sufficient to remove from you any hurtfull prejudice. I therefore go on, to make several observations with moderation and freedom, which, at least, I hope you will duely consider, and if they please you, practise. Give me leave then, first of all to tell you, That you possess a critical tho' a high station, and that in your road throug[h] life you are liable to innumerable dangerous [dev]iations. On many accounts your station is critical; I shall enumerate only a few.

– The rest is lost —

To Mr Ben Carter

[JOURNAL]

Fryday 30.

Warm, but clear & dry – Dined with us Mr Blain; He gave us a large account of affairs at the Congress, of the City, Country, Manners, Persons, Trade &c – But he swears the Women are coarse & hardy – Evening I informed the Colonel that it is hardly probable I shall continue in his family til his return from the general Court, & at the same time, desired him to give me a discharge so that I expect to have all things adjusted before he leaves Home – We have now entered on the Winter plan, have Coffee just at evening & Supper between eight & nine o-Clock – It is wonderful to consider the Consumption of provisions in this family – I have before spoken of Meat, & the steady Rate of flour weekly, for the great House is 100Lb of which 50 is the finest, & 50 the Seconds – But all the Negroes, & most of the Labourers eat Corn.

Saturday October 1st. 1774.

Wind South West cloudy. After Breakfast with the Boys I went a Surveying along the River round the lower pasture at twelve, Ben, Bob, Harry all gallop off – I spent the afternoon plotting my work – I paid Sam our Barber for Blacking, Dressing &c. 12/.

Sunday 2.

Parson Smith is out of the Parish so that we have no service – With Ben I rode to Mr Washingtons. Mr Lowe again absent – Dined with us Mrs Turberville, Miss Corbin, Miss Pierce– we found the Colonel in the evening busy at his Instrument of Music – We drank our Coffee & retired early to our Room, & read til ten, then thanking our bountiful Preserver we retired to our bed. —

Monday 3.

I gave Tom the Hostler, for his care of my Horse 3s – After Breakfast the Colonel settled & paid me for my Years Service 40£ Sterling – This is better than the scurvy annuity commonly allowed to the Presbyterian Clergy – He is very Busy in adjusting his affairs, he set out however, by twelve for Williamsburg, after taking final leave of me —Ben accompanies him to Richmond Court – Afternoon Miss Corbin & Miss Turberville came in to stay a while with Mrs Carter. Bob went yesterday to Mr Lanes there was Parson Gibbern ill of his last weeks Bout; he was up three nights successively drinking & playing at Cards, so that the liquor & want of sleep put quite out of his Sences – A rare tale this to relate of a Man of God! – To use the language of the vulgar, "Old Satan will sadly belabour such overgrown Sinners"! —

Teusday 4.

Dined with us Mrs Turberville and Miss Letty we were all Tete a Tete, vastly merry & garrulous – I gave Nelson for a Stirrup Buckle a Bit – I am preparing my Saddle. Cloth's, Bags, Horse, & myself for the intended Ride —

Wednesday 5.

Dined with us Mr Taylor, he informs us that the crops of Tobacco are like to be good – Evening I wrote a Letter to Mrs Thornton Northumberland, concerning Mr Leek's coming into her Family as a Tutor – I had a fine walk with the young Ladies through the Pasture – They make me proud by expressing much concern at my necessary Departure, throwing out many Wishes that I would continue with them —

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian to Mrs Charlotte Thornton]Nomini Hall. Octr. 5th. 1774.

Madam.

I saw Mr Leek last Spring, and, as directed by Colonel Taylor,[206] I enquired if he would undertake the education of several children in this Colony: he seem'd willing, but would make no promise, nor enter into any agreement til he is fully instructed as to the number and standing of his pupils, the conditions of the agreement, and time when he is to begin.

I expect to return shortly to Philadelphia, and write these to acquaint you that I would willingly forward a letter to him, if you are yet desirous of employing him to instruct your family.

you will please, Madam, if you think proper to write, to direct the letter thus "To Mr Samuel Leek junr: Cohansie, New Jersey – "

I shall leave this place about the 18th instant.

I am Madam, your

Most humble Servt:

P V Fithian

To Mrs Charlotte Thornton

Northumberland

[JOURNAL]

Thursday 6.

I paid Natt who drives the Team half a Bit as a Forfeit for taking hold of his plough – And to Harry 18d for a stirrup-leather & sundry other Articles – The School presented me with a petition formally drawn up for a holiday to day on account of the race at Mr Turberville's, which I granted —Priscilla, Nancy, Ben, & Bob go Harry & I, making in my opinion the wisest choice both stay.

[Philip V. Fithian to Harry Willis and Robert Bladen Carter]Nomini Hall Octr: 6th. 1774.

For Masters Harry & Bob.

I approve highly of the method you have taken in asking for liberty to attend the race this afternoon, and think myself bound to give you an answer in the same manner.

This Race happening so soon after the other, which was at the same place, and so much like it seems to promise nothing that can require your attendance, it is therefore my desire and advice that you stay contented at home. But if your inclination be stronger than either of these, and you still choose to go, you have my consent provided you return by Sun set in the Evening.

Yours

Philip V Fithian[JOURNAL]

Fryday 7.

Nancy, & Bog go to the Dance at Schantille[207]– Mrs Carter after Breakfast took Prissy, Fanny & Harriot, & made Mrs Washington a Visit, Ben, Harry, Betsy & I are left at Home alone I spent to Day in writing off Mr Peck's Letter – Evening I am troubled with a drunken Carpenter; he saw a Light in my Chamber – up he bouzes, with a Bottle of Rum in his hand; Who keeps Home? – I asked him in – Have you any water Sir? – Not any I told him – Not a Drop, Sir? – No – My Flute was lying on the Table, he took it for a Trumpet & tooted in for two or three Minutes Then again he begs, O Sir call in a Servant & have me some Water – But I left the Room glad to be free of his foolish Impertinence. At Supper Mrs Carter informed us that Captain Walker's little Son has the putrid Quinsey, but we hope it is only a bad sore Throat by a Cold – I have a Complaint of a painful Jaw, for these several Days

Saturday 8.

Expence to the Smith for mending my Stirrup a Pisterene 1/3 – Ben this morning Wrote a letter to his Papa – I finished off mine for Mr Peck The Pain in my face is a good deal troublesome. Dined with us Colonel Frank Lee & his Lady; Mr Turberville Mrs Turberville & Miss Letty.

Sunday 9.

Ben & Harry ride to Ucomico Church I at home spend the day in my Room, I walked out towards evening & saw a number of Negroes very busy at framing together a small House – Sundays they commonly spend in fishing making Potatoes &c., building & patching their Quarters or rather Cabins —

Monday 10.

The General Court at Williamsburg begins to sit this Day – We have no intelligence of the carryings on of the Congress; our Papers this Summer come vastly seldom, it is said that the Post Men are bribed & give away the News Papers. I expect that Mr Peck is about setting out from Home for this place – I wish him a speedy & successful passage, for I am now impatient of Delay til I visit again my acquaintances & Home – The day is cold, the wind at North & the ground extremely dry —

Teusday 11.

Mr Stadley came this morning. He brings no news of the Congress, but much of the great Race lately at Fredericksburg – Every Evening, for the Benefit of exercise I ride out, and commonly carry with me one of the small Girls, who partaking of the prevailing Spirit, are passionately fond of Riding —

Wednesday 12.

I was told often before I left Home that coming into Virginia would bring me into the midst of many dangerous Temptations: Gay Company, frequent entertainments, little practical devotion, no remote pretention to Heart religion, daily examples in Men of the highest quality, of Luxury, intemperance, & impiety: these were urged, by my kind acquaintances, as very strong dissuasions against my leaving home; the admonitions I accepted with great Thankfulness, tho' I could not allow them to turn me off from my purpose & I resolved with as much sincerity & Firmness as I could to carry them with me in every part of my behaviour. The close of the time of my Stay here is I expect now near at hand: And if I may judge myself of the carrying my resolutions into practice, I should pronounce that I have not been wanting in my duty in this respect. Some few who frequently ask me to go from home, say I am dull, unsociable, & splenetic: But the Gentlemen generally here have a good & reasonable manner of judging in this case they are well pleased with strict & rigid virtue in those who have the management of their children, if it does not grow to factious enthusiasm; so that Levity, tho perhaps they would wink at it lessens, & in a while would take away the Reputation & business of a Family Tutor – Of this I was fully convinced in a short time after my coming into the Colony, & saw too the very great advantage of the Precaution which I received from my friends, for they assisted me in setting out on a safe, and prudent Plan, which has, I hope directed me to propriety of conduct with regard to my private character, & likewise to my little lovely Charge.

Thursday 13.

Good Mr Stadley left us this morning. I took leave with great reluctance of this worthy Man, & do not expect to see him more! – After Breakfast Mrs Carter with the young Ladies, rode to Colonel Tayloe's. My jaw continues growling & keeps me uneasy, I very much fear some hurtful humours are collecting themselves there together – To day at twelve o-Clock Bob providentially escaped with his life – He went up into a tall Chesnut tree to cut down Boughs & gather Chesnuts & foolishly he began to cut the Limb on which he was standing, at a little distance from his feet – Chesnut splits extremely easy, so that when the Limb was about half cut off it split down; this so weaked the part on which Bob stood that his weight instantly split it too, & down he must have tumbled upwards of thirty feet but he happily caught a bough on his way down. —

Fryday 14.

The Disorder in my face continues, slow, uniform, & Steady; it does not hinder me from rest by night or from any exercise or business by day; But It keeps me in continual doubt, & anxiety, whether it be not something gathering which will be peculiarly distressful – But my temper, I fear, in these respects is very phlegmatic; I find it unpleasing to myself, & it would be certainly unpleasant to any one who was interested in my complaints – I am of so strange a constitution that very trifles make me utterly unhappy – A mere conceit, frivolous & unsubstantial often takes away my rest – This feeling I have possest from my infancy; I remember very well that a Cuff on my Ear would make me sullen for Several days when I was too young to go out to school; Afterwards a disappointment of an hours play would mak me disrelish for a long time both play-fellows, & all Diversion! When I was at the College one Blunder at recitation, or in any performance of my duty would make one [me] dull, low-Spiritted, & peevish; In fact any disappointment, even the most inconsiderable seems to have a general Effect on my Passions & mingle fear, & anger, & rage, together with many others which are excited by different & disagreeable modifications of our Bodies, &, tho' I am conscious of this frailty in myself, I have not yet brought myself under so good subjection, as to make these humours give way intirely to Philosophy or Religion – It is, however, my constant study how I may accomplish this much wish'd for habit – While we are dining there is a large shower of rain but by no means plentiful, for the earth is uncommonly dry – Mrs Carter to day asked me if Mr Peck is to be here before my setting out: I answered that he is – And says she, is he grave as you? —

Saturday 15.

I rode after Breakfast to Dr Thompsons with a settled purpose of having my troublesom tooth drawn out but on examination he found it to be too far back, & too short to be extracted – More sorry I. – Dined with us besides the family, Mr Munro, young Mr Washington, and Master Christien – Here is a fine Prospect from an exceeding high eminence, of the Potowmack; River Nominy; our House, which is six miles distant; Lee Hall Bush-field; all remote. – Evening I rode Home, the country pleasant Bought several articles as presents for the young Ladies, a neat gilt paper Snuff Box for Miss Priscilla, a neat best clear Hair-Comb a piece for Miss Nancy & Fanny. A broad elegant Sash a piece for Miss Betsy & Harriot Value of all 15s. Soon after my return, when I was in the Chamber adjusting my articles Ben came bawling at my window Mr Peck's come, Mr Peck's come! I step'd to the window, & saw presently that what he said was fact, my Heart bounc'd & I with it bolted down to meet him But he comes empty of a letter, & barren of news, at least all he brings seems gloomy; none at all of the great Congress; very little of the present momentious political affairs; that it has been at Cohansie an unhealthy season; that good & useful Mr Hunter has been ill of a disorder in his head: that Mrs Reve is gone & left a Brood of infants! that young Tom Jennifer of Port-Tobacco, my acquaintance at College too is dead! that matters go in their usual course at Cohansie & Princeton; that Laura is not in new Jersey! All his intelligence is similar to this, which is to me harsh & unharmonious as a Ravens ominous Croak! – To Day Harry boil'd up a Compound of Poke-Berries, Vinegar, Sugar &c. to make a red Ink or Liquid – I spent the evening til two in the morning in conversation.

Sunday 16.

A fine morning – We rose by Seven but we were informed that there is no Sermon so that out of compliment to Mr Peck's weariness we kept close at home rathar than ride to Richmond. We spent the Day in our chamber til towards evening when with the young Ladies we took a turn down the River Many we saw fishing – Mrs Carter with Priss rode to Captain Turberville's – We all return'd and assembled by evening at the great House —

Monday 17.

Before Breakfast I heard all the School a lesson round Mr Peck Present – After Breakfast I heard their Tables, Grammer &c. & then in Spite of my resolution with great reluctance, I resigned up to Mr Peck my little much-loved Charge! – The pain in my Face is quite gone – To day I saw a Phenomenon, Mrs Carter without Stays! – She complains of a pain in her breast, that prevents her wearing them, she says that She is always supposing the worst, & fears it is a Cancer breeding there – I hope it may be only fear – I am more & more every day pleased with the manner, Temper, Oconomy, & whole management of this good Lady – Now I am to take my final Leave! – Towards evening we all went down on the River & had a pleasant exercise —

Teusday 18.

Early to Day I wrote a Note to Mr Lowe and Harry Fantleroy to dine with us to day, & soon received their promise – After Dinner with Mr Lowe on the violin, I play'd over many tunes on the Flute, he plays with good Taste and accuracy – At five we all walk'd over to Mr Turberville's – I gave to our Wash-Woman some old Linen & as a Box 2/4 – We spent the evening in Music Chat & pleasantry – But this said thing which I hear of that turn-Coat Laura, that She loves & courts one Mr Rodman this distresses me exceedingly But this relieves me, for I have had it always in my View that – Varium & mutabile semper Feminae – Tho I have made a Solemn vow which I have no inclination at all to forego, yet if it shall appear that she has listened to another, my dearest vow is not inviolable; I will retreat from every former Promise, I will not hearken to womanish solicitations, but I shall in return for her want of goodness treat her with contempt; & Sincerely pity, instead of resent, her ineffectual Caprice —

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian To John Lowe]Nomini-Hall Octr: 18th: 1774.

For Mr Lowe.

Ben: Carter's compliments with mine wait on you this morning, and beg your company with us to day to dine, if it be convenient.

We also present our compliments and the same request to Mr Fantleroy.

I should not have ventured to encroach upon your hours of business, but as Mr Peck, the gentleman who succeeds me in this family arrived last saturday so that I propose to set out tomorrow and should be glad to see you before I leave Virginia.

I am, Sir,

Your most humble Servt.

P V Fithian.[JOURNAL]

Wednesday 19.

Mr Lowe & Fantleroy left us early But I agreed to stay till tomorrow – I gave to Nelson on going away 2/2 – To Miss Sally the House-Keeper 5/. —

Thursday 20.

I rose by three, & left Home by half after four – Gave Nelson & Dennis half a Bit a piece – rode thence to Westmoreland Court House ten Miles by half after six – Fed my Horse & drank some Brandy – Expence a Bit – Rode thence to Mattox Bridge 18 miles – Fed here three quarts of Bran & Corn for a Bit – The Bloody-Flux is now extremely bad in this Neighbourhood – I am told that scarce a Family is clear of it, & of every family some die! – Rode thence to Tylers Ferry 8 miles the road extremely dry & dusty – At two I set off for Maryland, the wind fresh at South East arrived at Mrs Laidlers by five Ferriage 7/6 I gave the Ferrymen a Bottle of Rum – Here I dined on fryed Chicken, Ham, with good Porter – Accomodations good – I[n] Bed by half after Seven —

Fryday 21.

Directly over my Room was a sick Woman that kept a dismal groaning all night – My window-Shutters Clapt the Potowmack howl'd, yet I Slept – My Bill at Mrs Laidlers – A Bottle of Porter 2/. Dinner 1/3 Bed./6d – Bottle of Rum for Ferrymen 1/3 – Gallon Oats./8d – Stable & Foder 1/. – A smart looking Girl at Mrs Laidlers made me smile – She was complaining to me of the unhealthy Climate, that these three months past she has had a constant Ague & Fever, & been in the Country only six months – Pray Miss said I did you come from Britain? – No Sir, I came from London – Rode thence to Port-Tobacco – It has been extremely sickly here this Fall – Bill to Barber 1s/8 – Breakfast 1/ – Hay and Oats 1/3 – Mrs Halkinson my Landlady, a poor aged, distress'd Widow, when she found that I was acquainted with her little son at Princeton, seemed a little to revive; she beg'd me to encourage her Son to be diligent & industrious, to caution & admonish him from h[er] against bad company & wicked practices – She told me of her great & sore loss of an only Daughter, a young woman of 15 this Summer, since which, she told me in tears, that She has been a stranger to health & Quiet – O relentless Death! – How universal & severe are thy Commissions! From Mrs Laidlers to Port Tobacco is called 13 miles – I rode thence thro' a fog of Dust to Piscatua 14 miles. The Landlady here is very ill – That dismal disorder the bloody-Flux has been extremely bad at Port-Tobacco, & in the Neighbourhood of this town, but is subsided – Expence here half a Gill of Brandy./3d – Oats & Fodder./6d – Left this Village half after four, and rode to upper-Marlborough, almost blinded with sweat & dust! – Arrived by seven, a little tired this Evening – Distance 16 Miles – Whole distance yesterday including the Ferry 8 miles 44 Miles – Whole Expence 8/7 – That epidemical distemper above mentioned has been likewise raging in the Neighbourhood of this Town – Bill at Marlborough To Tea 1/3 – To lodging ./8 – To Oats 1/1 – To stabling 1/. —

Saturday 22.

Rode thence to Patuxen Ferry 4 mile Ferriage./6d – Thence to South River 12 miles, Ferriage./6d – To Boy ./4 – Thence to Annapolis 4 miles – Bill here To Dinner & Club 4/6 – To Hay & Oats 1/3 – To two Silver watch Seals 15/6 To half Gallon Rum for Ferryman 2/6 – To Hay for Horse /8 – To Barber 1/ – Left Annapolis at 6 no wind returned about 8 to the Coffee-House To Ferriage across the Bay 17/6 —

Sunday 23.

Teusday evening last the people of this Town & of Baltimore obliged one Anthony Stewart a Merchant here to set fire to a Brig of his lately from London in which was 17 Chests of Tea – The People seem indeed to be full of patriotic Fire – Second Bill at Annapolis – Supper 1/6 – Lodging ./9 Hay 1/3 – 2 Gallons Oats 1/6 – Articles for the Voyage 4/. – Landed about 5 at Kent-Island,[208] rode thence to a small Ferry for Oats & Ferriage 1/. – thence we rode to Queens Town 15 miles[209]– Bill there 5/2½

Monday 24.

Rode from Queens Town over a low levil Country 7 miles to a small Tavern – Breakfasted 1/7 rode thence by a small Town call'd Churchill – thence to the Head of Chester River 22 miles here I dined my Company gone to the Chester Races which happen to morrow – Expence 2/4 Rode thence to Warwick 12 miles My Horses feet swell this Evening

Teusday 25.

Bill at Warwick – supper 1/3 – Oats./8 – Stable Hay & Lodging 2/. – Glass of Wine Bitters./4 – Rode thence to Port Penn 15 miles expence there 1/7 – Ferriage 5/. – Arrived once more by Gods Kindness in New-Jersey among my friends & relations I found many of my Acquaintances have gone off the Stage Uncle Seeley; Damon James; Mrs Reeve; James Boyd; & several others – And many are Sick – Our Family through divine Goodness are in Health. —