of his conquering Troops, on the 13th of September 1759;
The King,
and the Parliament of Great Britain
Dedicate this Monument.
Honour is here indeed done to merit, and Valour is justly eternized!—
I was reading in the Evening to Bob in the Monthly Review the remarks on the Poetry and writings of Phillis Wheatly[130] of Boston; at which he seem'd in astonishment; sometimes wanting to see her, then to know if She knew grammer, Latin, &c. at last he expressed himself in a manner very unusual for a Boy of his turn. & suddenly exclaimed, Good God! I wish I was in Heaven!—The Weather is so stormy I chose to forego my Supper, rather than venture into the dark, & Water. In bed a little after ten which is our usual time.
Sunday 6.
I rose at eight—The morning cold & stormy—Ben is distressed that he cannot go to Church; I cannot say but I enjoy myself with great Satisfaction tho' I stay most of my time in my Chamber; & often have to withstand the solicitations of Gentlemen to visit them.
Breakfasted at half after nine. Mr Lane the other Day informed me that the Anabaptists in Louden County are growing very numerous; & seem to be increasing in afluence; and as he thinks quite destroying pleasure in the Country; for they encourage ardent Pray'r; strong & constant faith, & an intire Banishment of Gaming, Dancing, & Sabbath-Day Diversions. I have also before understood that they are numerous in many County's in this Province & are Generally accounted troublesome—Parson Gibbern has preached several Sermons in opposition to them, in which he has labour'd to convince his People that what they say are only whimsical Fancies or at most Religion grown to Wildness & Enthusiasm!—There is also in these counties one Mr Woddel,[131] a presbiterian Clergyman, of an irreproachable Character, who preaches to the people under Trees in summer, & in private Houses in Winter, Him, however, the people in general dont more esteem than the Anabaptists Preachers; but the People of Fashion in general countenance, & commend him. I have never had an opportunity of seeing Mr Woddel, as he is this Winter up in the Country, but Mr & Mrs Carter speak well of him, Mr & Mrs Fantleroy also, & all who I have ever heard mention his Name. Like Bob I am at once fill'd with pleasure & surprise, when I see the remarks of the Reviewers confirmed as to the Writings of that ingenious African Phillis Wheatly of Boston; her verses seem to discover that She is tolerably well acquainted with Poetry, Learning, & Religion. In the universal Magazine for September 1773 are the following Lines on her being brought from Africa to America by herself.
"Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan Land,
Taught my benighted Soul to understand,
That there's a God; that there's a Saviour too;
Once I Redemption neither sought nor knew,
Some view our sable Race with scornful Eye,
"Their Colour is a diabolic Dye."
Remember, christians, Negroes, black as Cain,
May be refin'd, & join the Angelic Train.
—The people Went to day as usual into the Woods with the Cart & Oxen for Wood, as the cold and stormy Weather the several days past has occasioned large, & steady fires—It seems however to be a Breach of the Law of the Sabbath. Ben impatient of staying at home rode out about Eleven, when the weather is more moderate; Bob, Harry & Mr Randolph also are all going out; I seem happy when intirely alone, & have undisturbed liberty to spend in Devotion God's holy Sabbath of Rest.