Part 35 (1/2)
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 pet.i.tion 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_, _f.a.n.n.y_ & Harriot, & made Mrs Was.h.i.+ngton 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
[207] ”Chantilly.”
_Sat.u.r.day 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 fis.h.i.+ng making Potatoes &c, building & patching their Quarters or rather Cabins--