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

Yours,

Philip. V Fithian.

[JOURNAL]

Monday August 30.

Rose by half after six – Wrote a Letter to Dr Witherspoon concerning my going to Virginia – I hear that many of my Friends in this Place are unwilling I should go – I am indeed in a Dilimma – But I have agreed – Well, I must away – And I hope in the Kindness of him who was my Fathers God, & has been the Guide of my Youth, that he will save me from being corrupted, or carried away with the Vices which prevail in that Country – Wrote a Letter to And: Hunter – In the Evening, rode with my Letters, to the Stage – Saw there by Chance, the famous Miss Betsy Elmore: famous for Wit, Extensive Knowledge, but especially for Volubility of Tongue—

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian To Dr. Witherspoon]

Greenwich august 30th 1773.

Revd Sir.

I am sorry that I may inform you of the dissattisfaction which my friends in general since my return home seem to discover, with my intention of going this fall to Virginia. However willing I am myself to accept the proposal and go, it will not be easy to break through the entreaties of those who are my neares[t] relations, and who have all along, with the warmest friendship interested themselves to procure my welfare. I do not intend by any means, abruptly to decline the fulfilling my agreement, but only desire to know, if there are not some to be found among the late Seniors who would willingly discharge me by accepting the offer themselves. If not I have only further to beg, that you would be pleased, Revd Sir, to favour me with the proposal of the gentleman; and so soon as there is a return from him, I shall be glad to know the time when I must leave home;

I am Revd Sir, with great respect your humble Servt

Philip V. Fithian

P. S. Letters come safe sent by the princeton stage, and directed to me at Greenwich.

[Philip V. Fithian To Elizabeth Beatty]

Princeton. August 31. 1773.

To Laura.

As an old Sinner, who has been long accustomed to Mishief, cannot bear to think of quitting his much-loved Practice; so I, from Time to Time, with few Returns, am intruding my Epistles upon you.

I have just been reading Yorrick's celebrated Letters to Eliza: They are familiar – They are plain – They are beautiful. I love Eliza, from the admirable Description he has given of her: But possibly he has been wholly romantic; & only painted the Woman he could love; or, if has given his own candid Sentiments, & described that Woman in Truth; There is in America an Eliza I would venture, from Yorricks own Picture, to set against it; & let Yorrick himself be Judge, should I venture never so largely, I am sure I should succeed —

I was, yesterday, at Deerfield, & heard News enough – I was told that a civil, good looking Gentleman; who had been lately from N – n, told them he saw me there with you – That I was wild, & noisy – He thinks I shall make a damn'd droll Figure in a Pulpit, with Powdered-Hair; a long Cue; & deep Ruffles! – I fancy myself it would appear odd! – I was told there also every Circumstance of our Ride from Princeton to N – n. Of my being with your Brother in Philadelphia as I went up, & returned – Of almost the whole of my Company & Conduct while in Town.

It is something curious, tho' by no Means troublesome, that every part of my Behaviour, is in whatever Place I go, so circumstantially inspected. – I shall suppress all I heard of you, only that you are soon to be married, & I should not have mentioned this, but that I might let you know it was told in Triumph to dash me! – Yet if it had wounded my Soul I would have sustained & concealed the Pain, to outbrave such Insolence! I cannot help, however, when I am alone in my Chamber, reflecting on the Danger of the Impropriety I may possibly be guilty of in thus continuing my Intimacy with you.

But I turn it all off with a Smile, &, if the Report be true, with a Wish, in the Language of the Poet Walter to a Lady of his Acquaintance "That you may possess all your Wishes, as to earthly Happiness & Comfort, in the Society of him whom you have preferr'd to the rest of Men; & that you may feel as much for him, of that Anxiety which arises from Esteem, as others have felt for you" – I am going, next Month to Virginia, unless the Remonstrances of my Relations prevail with me to decline it.

But on I go little thinking how much I may incur your Censure by writing so freely, & so long – O Laura, I wish most ardently, that I could with Propriety, from the present Moment, spend all my hours near your Person. – They would then, with their purple Wings, fly along through the Sorrows, & Tumults of Life, wholly unnoticed.

Laura, yours

Philip. V. Fithian.

[Andrew Hunter To Philip Fithian]

Nassau Hall Septr 6th 1773

Dr Sir.

I am very sorry that I cannot answer your letter so much to your satisfaction as I could desire. Doctor Witherspoon is gone to New-England to the convention and is not expected home 'till the latter end of this week – he received no account from Virginia before he went from home. You may trust that I will let you know when ever I can hear any thing related to your prospect of going to the southward.

Mr Imlay^[37] is gone from College and is not expected back 'till near commencement, however I have talked with some of his acquaintances, and they say he expects to go.

I would have the spelling of your name corrected, but the catalogue is sent off, and I suppose by this time is in the press. I must thank you for the good news you give me concerning the young lady's health.

I was very uneasy about the account we heard before you left princeton.

We go on pretty well in College, but I hope we shall have two or three of the possessed swine turned off when the Doctor comes home.

Do write me every week and give what news you can.

I am, Sir,

Your friend.

Andw Hunter.

[JOURNAL]

Wednesday Sept: 8.

Received a Letter from Mr Hunter – No News from Princeton – Nor Virginia – Evening Mr Paterson came home with Uncle.^[38]

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian To Elizabeth Beatty]

Greenwich. Sept: 10th: 1773.

To Laura.

I hope the World is using you very well, & that you enjoy yourself in Contentment; & the Society of your Friends with Pleasure. The Reason of my saying this, is, because many People here are often enquiring about you; Where you live? How you do? When you will return? The Cause of your Absence? – And forty other things that none knows, or ought to speak of, but yourself.

You inform me that you propose to be at the approaching Commencement: It will not be in my Power, with any Convenience, to go – I can, however, give you a Caution; Let not Pity so much affect you, nor Fear so much alarm you, as again, (you remember last Fall) to excite Tears in your Eyes, or one sorrowful Ake in your Breast, if any of Nassau's bold Sons shall attempt once more, to support their Right by suppressing Impertinence & Violence.

There are many going from Philada &, I am told, some Ladies of Note & Eminence – There are many expected from the Southern Colonies – And, because of the Connexions, many from York, & the New-England Goverments. The Assembly, no Doubt, will be large, & splendid – And I hope the Exercises may be worthy their Attention & Approbation. Nothing hinders my being there but only my Purpose of going soon to the Southward.

I may not omitt telling you that – Smith as we were returning Home, pitied you from his Heart; An agreeable, & sensible young Lady, separated from genteel Society, & prisoned in a Room in the Woods, in the Midst of an unpleasant Country, like a penitent Virgin conscious of her Sins, voluntarily retiring to a lonely Monastary! – But he forgot, Laura, that infelt Peace, makes us always happy, even tho' our Circumstances be apparently distressful.

I am, Eliza, yours

Philip. V. Fithian.

[JOURNAL]

Wednesday. Sept: 15.

Rose at seven; slept but little for I was affraid – Breakfasted on Oysters, at the Ferry-Mans, with John Holmes, Esq: – Had an Hours Conversation with him, on Lotteries – Whether they are just & lawful – He thinks not – At ten we came up to his Brother Benjamin Holmes's Esq: – They mentioned to me an Intention they have to erect, & establish a School, among them, that their Children may be taught, Latin, Greek, & the Practical Branches in Mathematicks – They desired to know if it would be convenient, & agreeable for me to undertake with them, to prosecute their Plan. But I must, with Doubt, away to Virginia– It would be a laudable undertaking if such a School could be founded in this Part of our Province; & I think ought to be duely encouraged —

I left Mr Holmes's about twelve, & came to Mr Hunters about four, seventeen Miles – Evening walked Home. Expence 2s/0.

Sunday. Sept: 19.

Rose half after six – Read some in Pictete – Walked to Sermon by ten; Smith Rode in order to go home with Mr Hunter after Sermon – Dr Ward seems very low, confined commonly to his Bed; the Disorder it is to be feared is a Consumption, & increases in malignity almost daily – How much will Cohansie feel his Death if by this Illness he is soon taken of, or by the Violence of it wholly disabled to practice among us, who has been so long successful in his Work! Received a Letter late last Night from Mr Hunter at College, and He informs me that the Dr insists on my Going to Virginia —

[William R. Smith To Philip Fithian]

Philadelphia Octr 3d 1773.

Futurus Pedegog'issimus.

Fe-O-whiraw, whiraw, hi, fal, lal fal, lal de lal dal a fine song – commencement is over whiraw I say again whiraw, whiraw.

And what is more never was there such a commencement at princeton before and most likely never will be again. The galeries were cracking every now and then all day – every mouse hole in the church was cram'd full – The stage covered with Gentlemen and ladies amongst whom was the Governor and his lady; and that he might not appear singular Lee^[39] was stiff with lace, gold-lace —

A band of music from Philadelphia assisted to make all agreeable and to crown the whole the eloquence of Demosthenes was heared in almost every mans mouth, so that the person who spoke last was always the hero of the tale – O murder! what shall I do I want to say a great deal to you but cannot for the girls who are almost distracting my heart – O murder! murder, murder I say what will become of me, murder, murder – I shall go distracted – I saw Dr Beaty^[40] and Betsy – I gave your love to them – and indeed to tell you the truth I could not for my life help leaving my own heart, and love, and all with Besy – she is realy a sweet soul. I wish ten millions and she were mine, I should be a happy creature, happy indeed to the last degree – . I got cleverly up from cohansie early in the evening – My love ten thousand times and ten thousand kisses to all the girls of my acquaintance.

I cannot quit but must

Willm R. Smith.

[JOURNAL]

Wednesday. Octob. 6.

Walked with Paterson, after Breakfast to Mr Hunters, where we met with Mr Smith, & Mr Irwin two young Clergimen, & Mr Hunter Junr. They came down yesterday, & inform that the Commencement was the most splendid, & honoured with the greatest Number of Strangers of any one, perhaps, since it was founded, May it still increase, & long flourish! – Immediately after Dinner Smith & Irwin set off for Cape-May– Andrew brings me Word that I must by the twentieth of this Month meet Mr Imlay in New-Castle, who is going down into Virginia. And I must at last, away – The thought is indeed hard!

Thursday Octob: 7.

Slept but little last Night; my Mind seems troubled and involuntarily disturbs me! Rose early – After Breakfast rode to Deerfield. Settled all my Affairs, & took a formal, final Leave of my Friends, & Relations there! Rode home in the Evening. By the State I received a Letter from Mr McCalla,^[41] with a Suit of Cloths. Cost £6/16/6.

Expence in the Evening for a Bowl of Punch 1/6 —

Fryday Octob: 8.

To Day is the Fast before our Sacrament – O that the mighty God would teach me true Humiliation for my many Sin's, & give me Grace that shall enable me to hate & forsake them! – Grace to keep me right in the Path of Life, & to guide me to his heavenly Kingdom. – Mr Hunter preached two useful Sermons, describing worthy, & unworthy Communicants —

Saturday October 9.

Rode to the Bridge, & bought a Saddle, Bridle, Spurrs, &c. for my intended Journey – Returned before Evening, & of Saml Dennis bought a Pr of Sadle-Bags. —

Monday Octob: 11.

By Six up – Busy in Preparing for my Journey – Agreed with Uncle for his Horse; I am to give him 25£. – The Money to be paid in May next.

Teusday October 12.

Rose early; very busy – Had my Boots altered & mended – Was measured for a Surtout-Coat – Drew up a Form to settle my Affairs before I leave Home – Afternoon Mrs Peck, Mrs Hoshel, Johnny Peck, Stephen Ranney, Miss Abby Peck call to see me & take a final Adieu for the present – The Thought of Leaving Home haunts me at Times!

Wednesday Octob: 13.

Dismissed Study, & begin to take Leave of Relations & Friends! —

Dined at Mrs Brewsters, and at two went to Mr Danl Mashells; & from thence to Mr John Gibbon's, At all which Places I gave them my last Farewel—

Thursday Octob: 14.

Rose early – Busy in making Preparations – Had my Horse shod, Did sundry Pieces of Writing – This Eveng Mr Irwin, & Smith returned from Cape-May.

Friday Octob: 15.

Rose early – Did sundry Pieces of Writing – At twelve Mr Irwin gave us a Sermon, on Felix's trembling before Paul preaching – He preached without Notes; His Sermon was easy, well-digested, plain, yet pathetic, short, and in general much admired —

Mr Smith & Mr Hunter junr dined with me – In the Evening of this Day I had a severe Fit of the Fever & Ague – Violent Pains in my Head, & Back!

Saturday. Octob: 16.

Rose at seven; feel bewildered, & unesy – Finished some necessary Writings, & begin before noon to grow better.

Sunday Octob: 17.

Rose early – Not well – Attended Sermon; Mr Smith preached – Before the last Sermon was done I was obliged to come Home with my second fit of the Fever & Ague. It kept on me violently while about seven in the Evening; then went off in a gentle Sweat! —

Monday Octob: 18.

My Fit is well gone off, & I feel bravely – Finished & executed some Writings to Joel Fithian^[42] for the Securing the Several Porttions to the Children – Took my Leave of Mr Wallings, & Mr Ewings Families. Mr Paterson in to see me in the Evening – In the Night we had a fine Shower – I have through this Day taken the Peruvian Bark, to try if by any Means I can break my Fits.

Teusday Octob: 19

Early went to Mr Hunters; took my Leave & left them by eleven – Rode & took Leave of all my Relations – How hard is it at last? My Heart misgives, is reluctant, in spite of me; But I must away!

Protect me, merciful Heaven, & keep me under the Wing of thy over-ruling Providence – Make me know myself, & my constant, & necessary Dependance on thee!

The Continuation of my Journal, &c.

Wednesday October 20th 1773.

Left Greenwich by six in the Morning. Rode to Michael Hoshels 8 Miles. Thence Mr Hoshel, & John Peck along, rode to Quintons-Bridge 8 Miles. Expence there is 1s/: Rode thence to Penn's-Neck Ferry by two oClock 10 Miles. Expence at Toll-Bridge /2. Ferriage over Delaware 4s/6d. Oats & Cordial in New-Castle 1s/2d. Rode thence to Mr Achans Tavern 12 Miles. Whole Distance 38 Miles. Whole Expence 6/10.

Octob: 21.

Expence at Mr Achans 3s/4d. Rode thence to North-East 12 Miles. Breakfast 1s/6d. Thence to Sesquehannah 10 Miles. Ferriage 1s/: Oats /9d. At Bush-Town by 4 °Clock 12 Miles. Whole Distance 34 Miles. Whole Expence 6s/7d.

Fryday 22d

Expence at Bush-Town 4/2. Rode thence to a small, mean Tavern to Breakfast, 13 Miles – Expence 1/6. Thence to Baltimore by one O-Clock 13 Miles. Whole distance 26 Miles – Whole Expence 5/8.

Saturday 23d

Expence at Baltimore 15/3. Rode and forded Petapsko^[43] to a small Tavern 15 Miles. Expence 1/11. Rode thence to Blandensburg 23 Miles. Whole distance 38 Miles. Whole Expence 17/2.

Sunday 24.

Expence at Blandensburg 5/7.^[44] Rode thence to Georgetown^[45] 8 Miles. Expence 1/6. Ferriage /6. – From thence we rode by Alexandria,^[46] 9 Miles – Thence to Colchester^[47] 18 Miles – Dined – Expence 3/9. Ferriage /6. Rode thence to Dumfries 10 Miles.^[48] Whole distance 45 Miles. Whole Expence 11/4.

Monday 25.

Expence at Dumfries 4/5. Rode thence to Aquia 10 Miles.^[49] Expence 2/4– Rode thence to Stafford-Court-House 12 Miles.^[50] Whole Distance 22 Miles. Whole Expence 6/6.

Teusday 26.

Expence at Stafford 5/. Stopped at Colonel Thomas Lees,^[51] only a few Rods from Stafford Tavern. Continued there all day, and the following Night. Expence to Day 5/.

Wednesday 27.

Expence to boy 1/. Rode from Mr Lees to a small poor Ordinary 13 Miles – Expence /8 for Oats – Rode thence, without feeding to Captain Cheltons.^[52] on the Potowmack 32 Miles – Whole Distance 45 Miles. Whole Expence 1/9.

Thursday 28.

Rode after Breakfast to the Honorable Rob: Carters the End of my Journey; 12 Miles, by two o-Clock in the Afternoon. Both Myself, and my Horse seem neither tired nor Dispirited – Occasional Expences on the Road. In Baltimore for some Buff-Ball, 1/6. In Blandensburg for having straps put to my Saddle-Bags 3/. In Colchester for Shaving and Dressing 1/3. The whole 5/9. So that my whole Distance appears to be 260 Miles, perform'd in seven Days. And my whole Expence appears to be 3£ 6s 6d.

Fryday 29.

Settled myself in the Room appointed me – and adjusted my Affairs after my Ride.

Saturday 30.

Rode with Mr Carters eldest Son^[53] to a Store, about seven Miles – Bought half a Box of Wafers for 1/ – And a quire of paper for 1/6. Dined at three – And rode into Richmond Parish 15 Miles to Mr Fantleroys^[54]– Was introduced to Mr Fantleroy – two of his Sons – Mr Christian^[55] a dancing a dancing-Master —

Sunday 31.

Rode to Church six Miles^[56]– Heard Mr Gibbern^[57] preach on Felixes trembling at Pauls Sermon.

Monday Novemr 1st

We began School – The School consists of eight – Two of Mr Carters Sons – One Nephew – And five Daughters – The endest Son^[58] is reading Salust; Gramatical Exercises, and latin Grammer – The second Son^[59] is reading english Grammar Reading English: Writing, and Cyphering in Subtraction – The Nephew^[60] is Reading and Writing as above; and Cyphering in Reduction – The eldest daughter^[61] is Reading the Spectator; Writing; & beginning to Cypher – The second^[62] is reading next out of the Spelling-Book, and begining to write – The next^[63] is reading in the Spelling-Book – The fourth^[64] is Spelling in the beginning of the Spelling-Book – And the last^[65] is beginning her letters —

Teusday 2.

Busy in School – begun to read Pictete —^[66]

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian To the Reverend Enoch Green]

Westmoreland. Novr 2d 1773.

Revd Sir.

According as I appointed I take this early oppertunity of acquainting you that I am arrived safe; and I am to assure you that I find the place fully equal to my highest expectations – I am situated in the Northern-Neck, in a most delightful Country; in a civil, polite neighbourhood; and in a family remarkable for regularity, and oeconomy, tho' confessedly of the highest quality and greatest worth of any in Virginia. I teach only Mr Carters children, and only one of them is to learn Languages, and he is reading Salust and the Greek grammer, is seventeen years old, and seems to be a Boy of Genius – the other two learn writing and Arithmetic – But he has four Daughters, young Misses that are at times to be taught writing and English – I have the terms as I expected, and find the place wholly agreeable – and am strongly solicited to stay many years – But money nor conveniency shall detain me long from my most important connections at home – You may expect me in may at the Synod. Please to have my compliments to Mrs Green, to Miss Betsy if at Deerfield, and to my acquaintances that shall enquire and accept to yourself the

Respect of your humble Servt

Philip V Fithian

[JOURNAL]

Wednesday 3.

Busy in School —

Thursday 4.

Busy in School – To day the two eldest Daughters, and second Son attended the Dancing School.^[67]

Fryday 5.

Busy in School —

Saturday 6.

Catechised in School til twelve – the Children. And dismiss'd them. Afternoon rode with Ben Carter to the Bank of Potowmack^[68]– 8 Miles – Returned in the evening – Expence Ferriage 1/.

Sunday 7.

Rode to Ucomico Church^[69]– 8 Miles – Heard Parson Smith.^[70] He shewed to us the uncertainty of Riches, and their Insufficiency to make us happy – Dined at Captain Walkers;^[71] With Parson Smith, his Wife; her Sister, a young Lady; &c – Returned in the Evening.

Monday 8.

Busy in School – Finished reading the first, and begun to read the Second Book of Pictetes Theology. Expence to Boy /4.

Teusday 9.

Busy in School —

Wednesday 10.

Busy in School – The eldest Daughter taken off by her Teacher in Music; Mr Stadley^[72] who is learning her to play the Forte-piano—

Thursday 11.

Rose by seven – Busy in School – Miss Carter still absent —

Fryday 12.

Rose by Seven – Ben begun his Greek Grammer – Three in the Afternoon Mr Carter returned from Williamsburg.^[73] He seems to be agreeable, discreet, and sensible – He informed me more particularly concerning his desire as to the Instruction of his Children —

Saturday 13.

Catechised the Children and dismissed them about Eleven – Read in Pictete – and proceeded in writing my Sermon for the Presbytery^[74]– Expence for my Horse 1/3.

Sunday 14.

Rode to Nominy Church about six Miles – the day Cold – Parson Smith preached – "What shall a man be profited" &c. Rode home after Sermon – Dined at Mr Carters to day Mrs Turbuville,^[75] Miss Jenny Corbin,^[76] and Mr Cunningham^[77] a young Merchant.

Monday 15.

Busy in School – Wrote in the Evening at my Sermon.

Teusday 16.

In School – Writing at my Sermon.

Wednesday 17.

Busy in School —

Thursday 18.

Busy in School —

Fryday 19.

Busy in School —

Saturday 20.

Rode to Mr Fishers^[78] dined with Mr Cunningham at 3 o-Clock – Rode in the evening to Mr Lancelot Lees,^[79] a young Gentleman, who has lately come from England; sup'd on Oysters – Rode home about nine o-Clock he along —

Sunday 21.

Rode to Church – Mr Smith preached on the Parable of the rich Man. Dined at home – Mr Lee dined with us – Reading in Pictete – Feel very home-Sick – Saw two Brothers quarrel – Doleful Sight. —

Monday 22.

Busy in School – Mr Lee gave us his Company in the morning in School, and was very chearful – he left us about twelve o-Clock —

Teusday 23.

Busy in School – Miss Carter rode out with her Dady and Mama to the County Court^[80]– Writing at my Sermons.

[Poem Inserted in Journal]

 
Who knows what heaven may have in view?
What yet remains for me to do?
But knowlege here might give me grief.
Instead of pleasure and relief;
I therefore yield and peaceful wait
On Providence to rule my fate;
Nor if it long 'til' I must fly
Unbodied to my judge on high
Why need I then disturb my mind?
Why not lye humble and resign'd? —
Yet tho' 'tis wrong for me to try
Into these mysteries to pry
Sure I may sit and simply sing
(I dare not strike a lofty string)
The various scenes through which I've past
I may be now acting my last;
Here in Virginia, far from friends
Except those Heaven in pity sends!
 

Novr 23d 1773.

Wednesday 24.

Busy in School.

Thursday 25.

Rode this morning to Richmond Court-house,^[81] where two Horses run for a purse of 500 Pounds; besides small Betts almost enumerable.

One of the Horses belonged to Colonel John Taylor,^[82] and is called Yorick– The other to Dr. Flood,^[83] and is called Gift– The Assembly was remarkably numerous; beyond my expectation and exceeding polite in general.

The Horses started precisely at five minutes after three; the Course was one Mile in Circumference, they performed the first Round in two minutes, third in two minutes & a-half, Yorick came out the fifth time round about 40 Rod before Gift they were both, when the Riders dismounted very lame; they run five Miles, and Carried 180 lb – Rode home in the Evening – Expence to the Boy 7½d —

Fryday 26.

Busy in School – Robin, & Nancy at dancing-School.

Saturday 27.

Robin and Nancy yet at Dancing-School – Mr Harry Fantleroy call'd after dinner to see us. In the Evening Ben & I rode with him to his fathers; I was introduced to one Mr Walker a Scotch Gentleman, lately a School-master but has quit, and is going in the Spring for the Gown to England.^[84]

Sunday 28.

Rode to Church – the Parson was absent; it is indeed a little cold! The Clerk read prayers for us – We rode home – Found at Home two young Ladies, Miss Corbin, and Miss Turburville and Mr George Lee, brother to the Gentleman here last Sunday, & has lately returned from England – I was introduced by Mr Carter to the two latter —

Monday 29.

All our Scholars present – Mr Carter has put into my hands; Tyre's Dictionary, & the pronouncing Dictionary, to improve his Sons in Grammar classically, both Latin and English, and he has given me Fenning in Arrithmetic.

Teusday 30.

Busy in School – I was solicited the other Day at the Race by one Mr Gordon,^[85] to take and instruct two of his Sons, Saturday also I was again solicited by Mr Fantleroy to take two of his Sons – But I must decline it —

Wednesday Decemr 1st 1773.

Busy in School – Wrote home by the Post, to Mr Green & Johnny Peck. Afternoon Vacant.

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian to the Reverend Enoch Green]

Decemr 1st 1773.

Revd Sir.

As you desired I may not omit to inform you, so far as I can by a letter, of the business in which I am now engaged, it would indeed be vastly agreeable to me if it was in my power to give you particular intelligence concerning the state and plan of my employment here.

I set out from home the 20th of Octr and arrived at the Hon: Robert Carters, of Nominy, in Westmorland County, the 28th I began to teach his children the first of November. He has two sons, and one Nephew; the oldest Son is turned of seventeen, and is reading Salust and the greek grammer; the others are about fourteen, and in english grammer, and Arithmetic. He has besides five daughters which I am to teach english, the eldest is turned of fifteen, and is reading the spectator; she is employed two days in every week in learning to play the Forte-Piana, and Harpsicord – The others are smaller, and learning to read and spell. Mr Carter is one of the Councellors in the general court at Williamsburg, and possest of as great, perhaps the clearest fortune according to the estimation of people here, of any man in Virginia: He seems to be a good scholar, even in classical learning, and is remarkable one in english grammar; and notwithstanding his rank, which in general seems to countenance indulgence to children, both himself and Mrs Carter have a manner of instructing and dealing with children far superior, I may say it with confidence, to any I have ever seen, in any place, or in any family. They keep them in perfect subjection to themselves, and never pass over an occasion of reproof; and I blush for many of my acquaintances when I say that the children are more kind and complaisant to the servants who constantly attend them than we are to our superiors in age and condition. Mr Carter has an over-grown library of Books of which he allows me the free use. It consists of a general collection of law books, all the Latin and Greek Classicks, vast number of Books on Divinity chiefly by writers who are of the established Religion; he has the works of almost all the late famous writers, as Locke, Addison, Young, Pope, Swift, Dryden, &c. in Short, Sir, to speak moderately, he has more than eight times your number^[86]– His eldest Son, who seems to be a Boy of Genius and application is to be sent to Cambridge University, but I believe will go through a course either in Philadelphia or Princeton College first. As to what is commonly said concerning Virginia that it is difficult to avoid being corrupted with the manners of the people, I believe it is founded wholly in a mistaken notion that persons must, when here frequent all promiscuous assemblies; but this is so far from truth that any one who does practise it, tho' he is accused of no crime, loses at once his character; so that either the manners have been lately changed, or the report is false, for he seems now to be best esteemed and most applauded who attends to his business, whatever it be, with the greatest diligence. I believe the virginians have of late altered their manner very much, for they begin to find that their estates by even small extravagance, decline, and grow involved with debt, this seems to be the spring which induces the People of fortune who are the pattern of all behaviour here, to be frugal, and moderate. You may expect me at home by the permission of Providence the latter end of april next, or the beginning of May; and as I proposed I shall present my exercises for the examination of the Presbytery; and if they think proper I shall gladly accept of a licence in the fall: I must beg your favour to mention me to such of my acquaintances in Deerfield as you think proper, but especially to Mrs Green, Miss Betsy, your family, and Mrs Pecks – I must also beg you to transmit so much of this intelligence to Mr Hunter as that my relations in Greenwich may know that I am through the mercy of heaven in good health. I beg, Sir, you will not fail to write, and let it be known to Mr Hunter, that a letter will come as secure by the Post as from Cohansie to Philadelphia; the Letters are to be directed to me thus, To Mr Philip V. Fithian at Mr Carters of Nominy, to be left at Hobes Hole^[87]

I am, Sir, yours

Philip V Fithian

[JOURNAL]

Thursday 2.

Busy in School.

Fryday 3.

Busy in School. Expence to Boy for trimming my Horse half a Bit. Evening after School walked in the fields with Mrs Carter, Miss Carter, and Miss Nancy.

Saturday 4.

About Eleven Ben and I rode to Mr Lees walked over a Part of his Farm; from his House we see the Potowmack, and a fine River putting from it. We returned in the Evening, found Mr Fantleroy, and Mr Walker at Home; at Supper I had the pleasure to toast in my turn Miss Corbin – But I meant the absent Laura!

Sunday 5.

Rode to Richmond upper Church, a Polite Assembly; Mr Gibbern gave us a Sermon on, O Death I will be thy Plague &c., a warm discourse Dined at Home.