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

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.

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]—

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.

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.

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.

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.

Late last Evening the Packets came in: In the Pennsylvania Gazette I saw that Docter Elmer of my acquaintance in Jersey; & Docter Jones at whose House I dined Last Sunday are created members of the American Philosophical Society. – In the virginia Papers there is an Account of an Earthquake felt on monday the 21 ult. at Williamsburg, Richmond, & Fredericksburg– After Breakfast Mr Lane left us, He was drest in black superfine Broadcloth; Gold-Laced hat; laced Ruffles; black Silk Stockings; & to his Broach on his Bosom he wore a Masons Badge inscrib'd "Virtute and Silentio" cut in a Golden Medal! Certainly he was fine! – Mrs Carter continues better. Evening we performed again in the several parts our Sonata —Ben mentioned to his Mama, as Mr Lane's coming hindred his asking his Papa for his Consent to go to Philadelphia.

She seems to be not unwilling.

Expence to Day for Paper a Bitt, or 7½d.

Fryday 4.

I gave the Hostler directions for preparing my Horse for the approaching expedition. In a Ship arrived last week in Potowmack Mr Carter received half a Dozen of the latest Gent. Magazines with several other new Books,

This day I wrote two Letters to be forwarded by Mr Lane, one to a young Lady in Philadelphia the other to my Sister.

No news of beautiful Laura; perhaps I may say of her, to myself: Quid insanis, Philippe, tua lura Laura, – Alium – secuta est! Keep her, kind Heaven, & in her Friendship make me happy! After School at Evening, on account of some difference about the Key of the School-Room Ben gave Harry a smart, but just correction; I kept in my Room that I might be wholly unconcerned in the matter.

There came in about eight o-Clock a man very drunk, & grew exceeding noisy & troublesome, & as the Evening was cold & stormy Mr Carter thought it improper to send him away; he was therefore ordered into the Kitchen, to stay the Night: Him Bob soon after persuaded to the School-house; I soon heard from my Room the noise & guesed immediately the Cause. I waited however 'til half after ten, when all seemed silent; I then took a candle & went into the School-Room, And before the Fire Bob had brought a matt, & Several Blankets, & was himself in a sound sleep covered with the Blankets on the same Matt between the drunken Man, & a Negro Fellow, his Papas Postilion! I mention this as one Example among a thousand to shew the very particular Taste of this Boy! – I could mention another which would illustrate what I have said of this passion for Horses when I gave a Scetch of his character, Ben has a very sightly young mare which he has in keeping for our intended Journey; this morning Bob agreed to give his Brother a Pisterene, & a rich Tortoise-Shell Handled Knife bound elegantly with Silver, only for Liberty to ride this Mare every day to Water, until his Brother sets away, & would consent to be limited as to the Gait he should use in Riding – I borrowed the late Magazines & read them in my Leisure. I am daily more charmed & astonished with Mrs Carter. I think indeed she is to be placed in the place with Ladies of the first Degree.

Saturday 5.

Very stormy this morning, no going out: I spend the day very agreeably at Home. Mr Carter appointed to Ben, & I another Sonata to practise. He wrote for Miss Nancy also "Infancy" to get by Heart & sing it with the Guitar. The day continues stormy; Bob, however, has ventured out; for neither Heat, nor Cold, nor Storm can stay him! —

We dined at three – The Colonel at Dinner observed that many of the most just, & nervous sentiments are contain'd in Songs & small Sketches of Poetry; but being attended with Frippery Folly or Indecency they are many times look'd over. I am remarkably pleased with the Monument erected to the memory of General Wolfe in the universal Magazine for September 1773. The General is there represented in an expiring Posture, supported by an English Soldier, who seems to comfort him in his last moments, by directing his closing Eyes to a Figure representing Victory, holding in one hand a palm-Branch, the emblem of peace; & a Crown or Wreath of immortality in the other, which she offers the dying commander; while he himself seems to make a final effort to express his Sattisfaction at her Appearance. On the corners of the Base are two Lions couchant, the Emblems of the british Nation, supporting the Sarcophagus or marble Urn, & intended to express the gratitude of his native country for his eminent Services. On the first pannel of the Base is an elegant alto Relievo, representing the debarkation of the Troops at the Foot of the Heights of Abraham.

The Writer says that the Height of the Monument from the Ground-Line to the top of the Tent, is nearly twenty-seven feet; that the figures are considerably larger than the Life, & beautifully executed.

On an oval Tablet on the front of the Urn are inscribed the underwritten Lines.

To the MemoryofJames Wolfe Esqr

Major-General, & Commander in Chief of the British Land Forces on

an Expedition against Quebeck. Who, surmounting by Ability &

valour All Obstacles of Art & Nature,

Was slain,In the moment of VictoryAt the head

of his conquering Troops, on the 13th of September 1759;

The King,

and the Parliament of Great Britain

Dedicate this Monument.

Honour is here indeed done to merit, and Valour is justly eternized! —

I was reading in the Evening to Bob in the Monthly Review the remarks on the Poetry and writings of Phillis Wheatly[130] of Boston; at which he seem'd in astonishment; sometimes wanting to see her, then to know if She knew grammer, Latin, &c. at last he expressed himself in a manner very unusual for a Boy of his turn. & suddenly exclaimed, Good God! I wish I was in Heaven! – The Weather is so stormy I chose to forego my Supper, rather than venture into the dark, & Water. In bed a little after ten which is our usual time.

Sunday 6.

I rose at eight – The morning cold & stormy —Ben is distressed that he cannot go to Church; I cannot say but I enjoy myself with great Satisfaction tho' I stay most of my time in my Chamber; & often have to withstand the solicitations of Gentlemen to visit them.

Breakfasted at half after nine. Mr Lane the other Day informed me that the Anabaptists in Louden County are growing very numerous; & seem to be increasing in afluence; and as he thinks quite destroying pleasure in the Country; for they encourage ardent Pray'r; strong & constant faith, & an intire Banishment of Gaming, Dancing, & Sabbath-Day Diversions. I have also before understood that they are numerous in many County's in this Province & are Generally accounted troublesome – Parson Gibbern has preached several Sermons in opposition to them, in which he has labour'd to convince his People that what they say are only whimsical Fancies or at most Religion grown to Wildness & Enthusiasm! – There is also in these counties one Mr Woddel,[131] a presbiterian Clergyman, of an irreproachable Character, who preaches to the people under Trees in summer, & in private Houses in Winter, Him, however, the people in general dont more esteem than the Anabaptists Preachers; but the People of Fashion in general countenance, & commend him. I have never had an opportunity of seeing Mr Woddel, as he is this Winter up in the Country, but Mr & Mrs Carter speak well of him, Mr & Mrs Fantleroy also, & all who I have ever heard mention his Name. Like Bob I am at once fill'd with pleasure & surprise, when I see the remarks of the Reviewers confirmed as to the Writings of that ingenious African Phillis Wheatly of Boston; her verses seem to discover that She is tolerably well acquainted with Poetry, Learning, & Religion. In the universal Magazine for September 1773 are the following Lines on her being brought from Africa to America by herself.

"Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan Land,Taught my benighted Soul to understand,That there's a God; that there's a Saviour too;Once I Redemption neither sought nor knew,Some view our sable Race with scornful Eye,"Their Colour is a diabolic Dye."Remember, christians, Negroes, black as Cain,May be refin'd, & join the Angelic Train.

– The people Went to day as usual into the Woods with the Cart & Oxen for Wood, as the cold and stormy Weather the several days past has occasioned large, & steady fires – It seems however to be a Breach of the Law of the Sabbath. Ben impatient of staying at home rode out about Eleven, when the weather is more moderate; Bob, Harry & Mr Randolph also are all going out; I seem happy when intirely alone, & have undisturbed liberty to spend in Devotion God's holy Sabbath of Rest.

Before Night it grew fair when on a Sudden all are out, so that we seem like a Town; but most of the Inhabitants are black – We dined at three, no company. Evening Bob returned & brought Mr Turburville's Compliments, with a strong invitation for me to visit him – A little before the Sun went down I took a walk down the Poplar Avenue; which must certainly be vastly pleasant in Summer – At the farthest end of this Walk I gathered & eat some Pisimmonds from a large Tree which were exceeding sweet, & agreeable. Supped at nine, At Supper The Colonel informed me that he has invented this Day a method for finding the difference of the value of money in this Province and in Maryland. We do not spend Sundays thus in Jersey. In Bed by ten. Ben at home.

Monday 7.

The morning vastly clear & cool – The Colonel rode to Richmond court at twelve, with Mr Randolph, I walked to see the Negroes make a fence; they drive into the Ground Chesnut stakes about two feet apart in a strait Row, & then twist in the Boughs of Savin[132] which grows in great plenty here – Ben, to Day, began Virgils Georgics – And Prissy began Division – By accident to day in the Garden I took up Mr Gegory the Gardiners Spade, for which he instantly called on me for my forfeit – This Gardiner through the Summer from this Time has half a Crown daily Wages – Dined at half after two.

Teusday 8.

I rose by six – the morning fine. Breakfasted at nine. At twelve I walked, to the mill together with Mr & Mrs Carter; Miss Prissy & Nancy, to see them bake Biscuit, & pack flour; here too I had a Forfeit for kneeding biscuit. The Colonel shewed me and explain'd the Pan of his Mill; his Canals; Waste-gates; Toll Mill, Merchant Mill: &c. The tide flows quite to the Mill & is navigable with Canoes & Flats – He told me that his Wastgate as it stands alone cost him 95£. – And that nothing less than 5000£ Capital can continue the works & keep them supplied. The Ovens bake 100lb of Flour at a Heating; there are in the Bake-house two Ovens. Dined half after two.

The Colonel formed last Sunday, & is yet compleating Tables for finding the Difference between Virginia, & Maryland Currency, as he is entering largely into Trade he finds it necessary to be better acquainted with the Exchange. Ben agreed to ask his Papa at Supper for Leave to go with me to Philadelphia but poor Boy his resolution fail'd him!

Wednesday 9.

Up by seven, very Windy – Evening I rode with Ben to Mr Lanes to see young Lane; he was out however, & we soon returned – Mr Warden was at Mr Lanes. Evening we played in our small Concert our old Sonata; & besides Feltons Gavott,[133] supp'd at nine.

Thursday 10.

Mrs Carter informed me last Evening that this Family one year with another consumes 27000 Lb of Pork; & twenty Beeves. 550 Bushels of Wheat. besides corn – 4 Hogsheads of Rum, & 150 Gallons of Brandy. Breakfasted with us Mr Warden, at twelve, with Mr Randolph, I went a fishing, but we had only the luck to catch one apiece. Dined with us Mr Cunningham, he has lately had a severe turn of the Pleurisy – I supped with Mr Randolph on Fish —

Fryday 11.

The finest morning we have yet had: the Robbins, & blue Birds singing all around us. Prissy, Nancy, & Bob go this day to the Dance which is at Mr Turburville's – It come here next – I wrote a Letter to Mr Rees[134] at Trenton – At twelve with Ben I rode to Mr Lanes to see young Mr Lane, he happened to be at Home, & introduced to me Mr Middleton an old facetious but pofane Gentleman. We dined with Mr Lane. When call'd on for my Toast I gave Miss Sally Hollinshead, of Philadelphia Dined at three —

I heard a mocking Bird sing this Day. supped at eight & in Bed early for I am much fatigued with riding.

Saturday 12.

I rose by six – Breakfasted with us Captain Blackwel; master of a Ship lying in Ucomico– I heard Harry, Miss Fanny, & Besy repeat their catechism – At ten Mr Lane called on us to go on Board Captain Blackwels Ship to Dine – We consented and set off by Eleven; We rode to a place called Horn-Point, which is about a Mile up the River Ucomico, & in sight of the wide Potowmac, off this point at about a Quarter of a miles Distance lay Captain Griggs, & Captain Blackwels Ships, they sent immediately a Boat to carry us on board, but on telling us that neither of the Captains were at Home, we chose rather to turn Back – The distance from Mr Carters to this Point, is called twelve miles; the Land seems to be exceeding poor, as it is covered for most of the way with Large Pines, & shrubby Savins, & destitute almost intirely of Cultivation – From Horn-Point we agreed to ride to one Mr Camels, who is Controller of the customs &c. here; cheifly to see a Daughter of his to whom we were equally strangers, we arrived at Mr Camels about two o-Clock, & were severally introduced to Miss Pinkstone Camel, a young woman of about sixteen, neat, handsome, genteel, & sociable; & in my opinion she possesses as much of these as any young Lady in Virginia whom I have yet seen – It has been Mr Camels misfortune, in the course of trade, to be reduced to low circumstances, on which account his Family does not now meet with so great respect, as I am told they formerly did —

From Horn Point to the Comptrolers, the distance is call'd four miles. Before Dinner we Borrowed the Comptrolers Barge, which is an over grown Canoe, & diverted ourselves in the River which lies full fronting the House; & we were the better pleased with the sport as all our motions were in the sight of Miss Camel – We dined at half after three on Fish, & wild Duck – our drink Grogg, & Water. From the Comptrolers at 5 o-Clock we set of Homewards; we call'd on our way at Captain Meddletons,[135] whom I take to be exceedingly Profane in his Language; we were introduced to his two Daughters; they seemed however aukward in their Behaviour, & dull, & saturnine in their Disposition – The distance from the Comptrolers to Captain seven Miles – We left there at eight in the evening, & rode to Mr Joseph Lanes Esqr which distance is called five miles, & arrive at 9 o-Clock – here we had an elegant Supper – with good Porter & Madeira – after Supper, when call'd on for my Toast, I gave Miss Betsy Beaty of Newington, Pennsylvania – At half after ten we set off and rode home; Distance three miles, Our poor Horses went the distances which I have laid down and were not fed in the course of the day; as they have no taverns in these parts – Our whole Distance 31 Miles Expence to the Sailors for their trouble is 1s 10d. Exceedingly fatigued with Riding.

Sunday 13.

Soon after Breakfast Captain Scott (master of a Schooner laden with Wheat, & bound from Alexandria for Philadelphia, which about ten days past in a gale of wind run aground and is like to lose her Cargo) come to hire Mr Carters Schooner to assist in unloading her that the vessel may be saved; the vessel run aground, & now lies nearly opposite the mouth of the River Nomini in Potowmack! – The Colonel is engaged in taking off a Description of the River Ucomico; the Road from hence to Horn-Point; & Mondays-Point[136] with the Houses on the several ways – This day I declin'd going to Church, chiefly on account of my Horse, who went so far yesterday – It is however the first time that I have kept myself at home in good weather – Evening Mr Carter received a Packet of Letters from Anopolis by the Post, but none comes to me this long Winter – Bob to-day rode to Richmond Church, & in the Evening brought from Counsellor Taylor[137] a strong invitation to come and see him.

Monday 14.

Bob this morning begg'd me to learn him lattin; his Reason he tells me is that yesterday Mrs Taylor[138] told him he must not have either of her Daughters unless he learn'd Latin he urged me so strong that I put him some Lessons for leasure hours. Rainy most of this day, & in the afternoon from the West arose a black cloud which was attended with several pretty hard Claps of Thunder – We had with us one Mr Neal a good Sort of self sufficient Gentleman —