_Ben_ not very well--At twelve _Bob_ teaz'd me for leave to go to a Cock-Fight & Horse-Race about two Miles off, I gave him Leave with his promising to be home by Sun Set.--Spent the Afternoon in my room writing--Towards evening 'Squire _Lee_ call'd in, & brought a late London News-Paper in which we are informed that another Act of Parliament has pass'd taking from the People of Boston all power of trying any Soldier, or Person whether for commiting any Crime; & obliging all such offenders to be sent home for legal Tryal--Heaven only knows where these tumults will End!--He informed us likewise that last Saturday in Richmond (our neighbour County) the people drest & burnt with great marks of Destestation the infamous Lord _North_--Mrs _Carter_, after the 'Squire left us quite astonished me in the Course of the evening. with her perfect acquaintance with the American Constitution-- _Sunday 19._ The day cool--Sermon is at Ucomico, so that we all stay at Home Mrs Carter was in the morning frightned thinking that several of the Negro-Girls in the Family are unwell with the Measles, but I believe it to be only a Frett of the Heat Ben is unwel; He has a sick Stomach; at Times aguish; complains of Pains in his Breast & Side; & in the morning Spits Blood. He keeps about however, but his fond Mama discovers great anxiety.--I spend the Day in my Room writing at my Sermon, & reading the plain & useful _Pictete_. _Monday 20._ So cool that I sit with my Cloths buttoned, & am chilly. the children also complain of the cold; this must certainly be unwholesome weather--Breakfasted with us Mr _Cox_--Ben continues no better, he lays by Study to day & keeps in--I myself either conceit or in reality have a Fever & head-Ach to Day--Before twelve we had a moderate Shower no wind nor Thunder--Mrs _Carter_ wrote a note to Dr _Jones_ & Desired him to call & See _Ben_, towards evening he came; He thinks _Ben_ has only Symptoms of an Agu approaching--He prescribed some Physick--Drank Coffee with us, & went home about six--I lightens in the North. _Teusday 21._ Harry is unwel, takes this morning Physick, and keeps his Room--Ben is in the same way--_Priscilla_ & Nancy are practising Musick, so that to Day we have only four in School--At five in the Evening, Ben, _Prissy_ & I rode out on Horse back for exercise; before we returned Captain _Dobby_, of the Ship _Susannah_ an agreeable, sensible, polite Gentleman came, & 'Squire _Lee_--The conversation, at Coffee was on American affairs, the 'Squire shew'd us one of Mr Dunlaps papers,[180] in which are accounts that the Northern Colonies are zealous & stedfast in resolutions to maintain their Liberties--We sat til eleven-- [180] John Dunlap had established the _Pennsylvania Packet_ in 1771. _Wednesday 22._