Left Port Tobacco by six, rode to Mrs Laidlers Ferry. At Port Tobacco expence 3/10. 12 Miles Breakfasted with Mrs. Laidler Breakfast & Oats 1/7 Ferriage 6/. The broad beautiful Potowmack looks smooth & unbroken as tho' it was fettered in Ice: it is to where we land on the other Side eight miles a little down the River the passage over, in the best time of this loveliest month was vastly agreeable--From Tylers[177] in Virginia where I landed about twelve o-Clock I rode to Mattox Bridge eight miles; thence to Mattox Church six miles--Here I bought some Ears of corn for my Horse--Thence to Westmorland Court House 16 miles--Here is a Tavern I got a Bowl of Punch & fed 2/6--Thence I rode to Nomini Hall about Eeight in the Evening 10 miles--I found Mr & Mrs Carter at home sitting together--They received me with great welcome--_Ben_, _Bob_, Miss _Fanny_ & _Betsy_ came in to see me--The others in bed--sup'd on _Crabs_ & an elegant dish of Strawberries & cream--How natural, how agreeable, how majestic this place seems! [177] Tyler's Ferry. _Sunday 29._ I rose by half after six--Ben informed me that Bob has behaved vastly ill since I left him--He has reported several mischievous & false stories of his brother; That has been intimate in some bad families--That he has injured his own fathers Servants &c--The morning pleasant--I did not attend Church, Ben out of kindness kept me company at Home--I had however chosen to stay alone--The family is invited to dine with Mr Turburville--Mr & Mrs _Carter_, Miss Priscilla & Nancy with three Servants went from Church--_Ben_, _Bob_, Miss _Fanny_, _Betsy_ & _Harriot_ with two Servants cross'd the River--Miss _Sally_ with _Tasker_ & one Servant rode in a Chair--Dined with us Captain Dennis, of the Ship Peggy; Dr _Steptoe_; & Mr _Cunningham_. Politicks were the topic--and indeed the Gentlemen seemed warm--The Governor of this province dissolved the Assembly last week after they had made a resolve that a general & solemn fast be observed thro' this whole Colony, on Account of the melancholy aspect of American Affairs at present, to be kept the first day of June, which is next Wednesday, when the alarming Act of Parliament which has lately come over is to take place at Boston--Parson Smith accordingly gave it out at the Church to Day & it is to be observed--I only saw Miss Sally Panton, she did not dine with us--I am told She has an Estate in England of 50£ Sterling pr Annum, but for some unknown cause came over, probably the same as drew me from home--After dinner we had a Grand & agreeable Walk in & through the Gardens--There is great plenty of Strawberries, some Cherries, Goose berries &c--Drank Coffee at four, they are now too patriotic to use tea--Soon after we set out for Home--The young Ladies chose to walk and Cross the water with us--I am much more pleas'd with the Face of the Country since my return than I have ever been before--It is indeed delightsome!-- _Monday 30._