Journal and Letters of Philip Vickers Fithian: A Plantation Tutor of the Old Dominion, 1773-1774.Fithian, Philip Vickers
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Journal and Letters of Philip Vickers Fithian: A Plantation Tutor of the Old Dominion, 1773-1774.
Fithian, Philip Vickers
Carter family; Virginia -- Social life and customs -- To 1775
Breakfasted with us Captain _Dobby_, & Mr Taylor, their conversation
promiscuous--Clear & warm, not sultry, _Harry_ better & in School, but
_Ben_ continues indisposed. I wrote to Day some at my Sermon--After
School, with Mrs Carter & the young Ladies & _Bob_, I walked through
the Garden--But I seem not suited in being confin'd wholly at Home,
yet my stay is quite voluntary--
_Thursday 23._
Very warm all the morning--From twelve to two I was writing at my
Sermon--While we were at dinner a very black cloud rose in the West:
Mrs Carter, is fearful when it thunders, so that I did not leave the
Room till it was over, about four, there was a strong Gale of wind,
some thunder, & a refreshing Shower. At five with Mrs Carter & the
young Ladies I took a walk; She shewed me from a high Hill several
beautiful Prospects--I was diverted tho it was a little cruel, to see
the Girls gather the Blossoms of some Prickly-Pears.
_Fryday 24._
Lat night we had a Gust of Rain & Thunder; very acceptable--To Day in
course Mr Christians Dance happens here--He came before
Breakfast--Miss _Jenny Washington_ came also, & Miss _Priscilla Hale_
while we were at Breakfast--Miss Washington is about seventeen; She
has not a handsome Face, but is neat in her Dress, of an agreeable
Size, & well proportioned, & has an easy winning Behaviour; She is not
forward to begin a conversation, yet when spoken to She is extremely
affable, without assuming any Girlish affectation, or pretending to be
overcharg'd with Wit; She has but lately had oppertunity of
Instruction in Dancing, yet She moves with propriety when she dances a
_Minuet_ & without any _Flirts_ or vulgar _Capers_, when She dances a
_Reel_ or _Country-Dance_: She plays well on the Harpsichord, &
Spinet; understands the principles of Musick, & therefore performs her
Tunes in perfect time, a Neglect of which always makes music
intolerable, but it is a fault almost universal among [Illustration:
formally dressed group]
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