Teusday 22.
Mr Carter rode to the County-Court. I read to day several chapters in the Greek testament. Mr Carter has given orders to his Hands to rigg, & fit his Schooner a Vessel of about 40 Tons for Business. Docter Franks with us yet. Mrs Carter was taken ill last Evening & has not been out of her chamber to Day. Miss Stanhope the Housekeeper is also confin'd to her Room with Rheumatic Pains.
Wednesday. 23.
Mr Carter has an invitation to dine at Lee-Hall to Day, which he accepts—before Dinner came in Miss Corbin, & Miss Booth; two young Ladies pretty well gone in what we call the Bloom of Life; Mr Carter was out, Mrs Carter is ill, & Ben was not Drest; Bob & I therefore at Dinner must be Directors of the ceremonies at Table! But happily for me I have them at last all by heart—At five Bob & I had the Pleasure to walk home with them, (for they were on foot) to Assist them in Crossing the River Nomini which lies between us & Mr Turburville's. Evening Mrs Carter seems no better—Miss Sally came out of her Room—
Thursday 24.
Frogs croaked last Evening. This morning the Birds of several kinds are singing; and some presages of Spring seem visible. Mrs Carter continues no better, A messenger is sent for Docter Jones, with orders, that if he is from Home to pursue him.—
Mr Gregory,[127] the Colonels Gardiner came this morning & began with Mr Carters two Fellows who have been in the Garden all winter—They planted this day the common garden Peas.
The Colonel at Dinner gave Ben & I a Piece of Music to prepare on our Flutes, in which he is to perform the thorough Bass—Evening Mrs Carter Some Better.
Fryday 25.
Mrs Carter better—The Day pleasant—There is a report that the Jail-Fever, or Yellow or putrid Fever, is at one Mr Atwel's on potowmack, in this County; that it was brought in a Ship which came lately with convict Servants; that two have already died, one this morning: & that many of Mr Atwells Slaves are infected!—