Saturday 20.
Ben Mr Taylor, Mr Grubb, & Harry went to the Potowmack to a Fish Feast—Come, Fithian, what do you mean by keeping hived up sweating in your Room—Come out & air yourself—But I choose to stick by the Stuff. The Colonel too, very kindly, offered me a Seat in his Chariot to Nomini Court-House, but I declin'd Mr Lane & Mr Warden came in towards evening—Both in high Spirits. But Mr Lane was (as they say) "Half Seas over"—they sat & chated noisily til nine—Evening clear a full Moon, & very light—Our neighbourhood seems alive with little Negro Boys playing in every part—
Sunday 21.
Nomini Church—Parson Smith gave us after Prayrs, which he was obliged to read himself, a useful Sermon; poor man he seemed to labour hard—Dined with us Captain Walker, Mr Lane, Mrs Lane, Mr Wadman, Mr Warden.
Soon after Dinner I left the company & retired to my chamber where I seem commonly most happy—
[Letter of Philip V. Fithian To Palatiah Webster]
Nomini-Hall Virginia, augt 21st 1774.
Sir.
I have an oppertunity by some gentlemen, who go from this Colony to the Congress, of writing you a line according to promise, since I saw you, I have been in good health; The reigning spirit in Virginia is liberty—And the universal topic politicks—I suppose it to be the same with you God Almighty knows where these civil tumults will end; probably not without War & Blood!—I have but little to say but to present you my best regards, remember me to your sister—To Miss Cunningham—The Miss Armitages—Miss Cooks—I hope to see you the last of october, when I expect to be in Town—Probably you can make it convenient for you to take a ramble into the country at that time. I hope to be at leisure, and shall be proud to attend you—Mr Blain, who favours me by carrying these is a Gentleman of my acquaintance in this Colony, a Merchant of Note, I shall thank you if you will take some notice of him,—And by him, as he is to return immediately I beg you write—Tell me how matters go in Town—Tell me what you know of the Country—Tell me much about the Sex you love—Remember to ask Mr Blain the hour he returns, and dont fail to send me a line
I am, Sir,
with great regard,
Yours.
Palatiah Webster.