Rose at Nine while the Bell was ringing—Breakfasted at ten, Mr Carter and I alone, the Ladies yet in Bed—I gave the Children the third Holiday; Bob Ben & Harry are yet at the Dance—Mrs Carter declines going to Day, I took a Walk out before Dinner, & with my Pen-knife carved Laura's much admired Name, upon a smooth beautiful Beech-Tree—Towards Evening Mrs Lane left us & rode home—Bob came Home about six, but so sleepy that he is actually stupified!—
Thursday 20.
Ben came Home late in the Night—This morning he looks fatigued out. We began to study to Day but all seem sleepy and dull. Dined with us to-day Mr Lee a Gentleman from Augusta County, who has lately been to the Settlements on Ohio.
Evening I began some Verses on Miss Carter for a present at the approaching Valantine[118]—But I drew the Picture from Laura.
Fryday 21.
All seem tolerably recruited this morning; we hear, the company left the Ball last Evening, quite wearied out; tho' the Colonel intreated them to stay the proposed Time.
To Day about twelve came to Mr Carters Captain John Lee, a Gentleman who seems to copy the Character of Addisons Will Wimble. When I was on my way to this place I saw him up in the country at Stafford; he was then just sallying out on his Winters Visit, & has got now so far as here, he stays, as I am told about eight, or ten Weeks in the year at his own House, the remaining part he lives with his waiting Man on his Friends.—
Saturday 22.
Captain Lee with us to Day—The Weather cold; I set in my Room all Day working at my Verses for Miss Carter.
Sunday 23.