Nomini-Hall August 21st 1774.
Madam.
I send you these inclosed in a line to your Brother.
I do this that you may recieve the letter, for there seems to be little security in a letter directed to you, the youngsters are so curious to examine what is written for you—I understand that you never recieved my last dated "May 1774. Delaware River on board the swallow." I wish I could detect the impudent interceptor—You have then at last condescended to visit Cohansie! I hear by Mr Ewing that you was in the Country several weeks—Does it delight you, to hear the noise of Birds, of Lowing Cows, of Sheep, and of chatt'ring poultry, instead of the City-Cries? But I forget myself—Did you see that your Merchant, who, as I mentioned to you, is so moved with youn[g] person and manner? I suppose he was your constant and unwearied gallant—I expect that according to promise, you spent some part of your time with my sister—She a little Vixen, has never scribbled me a line, but I am level with her, for I have been as silent as she—Miss Beatty, that girl you seem so passionately fond of, is I expect, before this returned—She is indeed a lovely girl, if I say more you will call me partial—At any rate, as you correspond, I beg you will present her with my compliments, which are indeed but empty, thread-bare things—But Madam, I assure you they are the most valuable articles I can now transmit—I expect to be in town by the latter end of October, or beginning of November—If you are not too busy when you recieve this, I beg you will sit yourself instantly down and write me a friendly answer—This I think my due since I have written to you only, and to no other Lady either in town or country
I am, Madam,
P. V. Fithian
To Miss Ruth Webster.
[JOURNAL]
Monday 22.
Mr Grubb & Ben returned last evening—They spent their Day in Richmond[196]—I wrote to day several letters. to Philadephia One to Miss Webster. To her Brother. To John McCalla junr—To Mr Donald—These I send by 'Squire Lee who is to be of the Party—After School Ben, Grubb, & Myself rode to the 'Squires—He took us into his Garden, shewed and gave us great Plenty of fine Peaches, Nectarines &c