Before Breakfast I heard all the School a lesson round Mr Peck Present—After Breakfast I heard their Tables, Grammer &c. & then in Spite of my resolution with great reluctance, I resigned up to Mr Peck my little much-loved Charge!—The pain in my Face is quite gone—To day I saw a Phenomenon, Mrs Carter without Stays!—She complains of a pain in her breast, that prevents her wearing them, she says that She is always supposing the worst, & fears it is a Cancer breeding there—I hope it may be only fear—I am more & more every day pleased with the manner, Temper, Oconomy, & whole management of this good Lady—Now I am to take my final Leave!—Towards evening we all went down on the River & had a pleasant exercise—

Teusday 18.

Early to Day I wrote a Note to Mr Lowe and Harry Fantleroy to dine with us to day, & soon received their promise—After Dinner with Mr Lowe on the violin, I play'd over many tunes on the Flute, he plays with good Taste and accuracy—At five we all walk'd over to Mr Turberville's—I gave to our Wash-Woman some old Linen & as a Box 2/4—We spent the evening in Music Chat & pleasantry—But this said thing which I hear of that turn-Coat Laura, that She loves & courts one Mr Rodman this distresses me exceedingly But this relieves me, for I have had it always in my View that—Varium & mutabile semper Feminae—Tho I have made a Solemn vow which I have no inclination at all to forego, yet if it shall appear that she has listened to another, my dearest vow is not inviolable; I will retreat from every former Promise, I will not hearken to womanish solicitations, but I shall in return for her want of goodness treat her with contempt; & Sincerely pity, instead of resent, her ineffectual Caprice—

[Letter of Philip V. Fithian To John Lowe]

Nomini-Hall Octr: 18th: 1774.

For Mr Lowe.

Ben: Carter's compliments with mine wait on you this morning, and beg your company with us to day to dine, if it be convenient.

We also present our compliments and the same request to Mr Fantleroy.

I should not have ventured to encroach upon your hours of business, but as Mr Peck, the gentleman who succeeds me in this family arrived last saturday so that I propose to set out tomorrow and should be glad to see you before I leave Virginia.

I am, Sir,
Your most humble Servt.