[147] Mrs. Charlotte Belson Thornton was the widow of Colonel Presley Thornton (1722-1769) of Northumberland County. Mrs. Thornton had been born in England and she returned to the mother country with her children just prior to the outbreak of the Revolution. Her three sons served in the British forces during the War. At the conclusion of hostilities two of them, Presley and John Tayloe Thornton, returned to Virginia. [148] Perhaps a member of the Corbin family. Elizabeth Tayloe, sister of Colonel John Tayloe, had married Richard Corbin of "Laneville," in King and Queen County. _Fryday 8._ The Ladies before breakfast gave us several tunes on the Harpsichord--About ten Mr Carter set out for _Williamsburg_, to the general Court, which sits twice a year, each Time twenty four Days Sundays excluded--We had some agreeable Conversation this morning; Horses seem to be the Colonels favourite topic--He inquired of me however, where I was born; where educated; & if I am pleased with _Virginia_--He told me he saw Dr Witherspoon, & conversed with him an Evening last Fall, & is much pleased with his manner, & Qualities--He informed me that Dr _Morgan_[149] of Philadelphia breakfasted with him a few Days ago; he calls the Docter facetious, sensible, & prudent. The Colonel desired me to enquire for some Gentleman of undoubted ability to teach in a Family--I shall apply to Mr _Saml Leek_ junr[150] & if he declines I will look no further--Ben & I took our Leave about Eleven, and returned Home--The Day is cloudy and cold, the wind hard at North, & threatens Snow--This evening Ben met with a sad repulse; Mrs _Carter_ proposes going to Williamsburg soon, & says She must have his company! Poor Boy, he feels the Force of Disappointment! And I confess I am a little vexed-- [149] Dr. John Morgan was one of the founders and most eminent professors of the medical school at Philadelphia which is now a part of the University of Pennsylvania. Morgan later served as director-general of hospitals and physician-in-chief of the American army from 1775-1777. [150] Samuel Leake, Jr., of Cohansie, New Jersey, was at this time a student at Princeton. Leake apparently did not accept the position in Mrs. Thornton's home. _Saturday 9._ Mrs Carter gave Ben liberty to go with me as far as Anopolis, provided we set out soon, & accordingly we propose to set off to-morrow or Monday morning, I begin therefore to prepare for the Ride. The Day is rainy & cold, & I am in a vastly disagreeable Humour-- _Sunday 10._