The weather is something cooler & bearable this Morning--_Frank Christien_ one of Mr _Lowe's_ Scholars came to visit _Harry_ & _Bob_, so that I discharged them about eleven, & retired to my Chamber to writing--I sent Mr _George Lee_ a note this morning begging him to excuse _Ben_ & I from attending his Fish-Feast this Day--Captain _Dobby_ dined with us; he is a Man of much Spirit and Humour: A great Mimick--He acquainted us that at Hobbs's-Hole this Day is a Boat-Race on the River Rappahannock Each Boat is to have 7 Oars: to row 2 Mile out & 2 Miles in round a Boat lying at Anchor--The Bett 50£--And that in the Evening there is a great Ball to be given--I believe both the _Rowers_ & _dancers_, as well _Ladies_ as _Gentlemen_ will perspire freely--Or in plain English they will soak in Sweat! The Captain invited us on Board his Ship next Teusday to Dine with him & wish them a pleasant Passage as the Ship is to Sail the day following--If the Weather is not too burning hot I shall go provided the Others go likewise. Ben towards evening rode to Colonel Tayloe's-- [LETTER OF PHILIP V. FITHIAN TO GEORGE LEE] To Mr. George Lee. July 30th. 1774. SIR. With my compliments I am to inform you that _Ben_:-_Carter_ is, of necessity, to go this day into _Richmond_; and as my company alone will not be equal to the trouble you must be at I give you this timely notice that you may avoid it, I am, with my thanks for your Invitation, Sir, Your most humble Servt: P. V. FITHIAN. [JOURNAL] _Sunday 31._ Daddy _Gumby_ saw me walking--I had just got up, it was early I had only a Gown thrown round me--He walked towards me--Well Master you never call for no Eggs. I can now give you a _Water Melon_--No, Thomas, with your Wife & family enjoy these things. I am well provided for--Well, Master, I promised you Eggs, for writing you will think I never designed to pay you--God yonder in Heaven Master will burn _Lyars_ with _Fire_ & _Brimstone_!--I speak Truth I will not deceive you Men are wicked, Master; look see the Grass is burnt: God burns it to punish us! Is the ground dry, Dadda. O! all dry, all burnt--Pray, Pray, Master, do you go to Church?--No No Dadda it is too hot--Too hot, Good God, too hot! I shall affront you, Master--Too hot to serve the Lord! Why I that am so old & worn out go on Foot.--I felt a little non plus'd, I confess, but walk'd to my Room & went none to Church--I expected that we should have had prayrs at home, but it was not mentioned--Fanny towards Evening brought me half a _Water-Melon_--I accepted & thank'd the little pretty Slut, she seems so artless, & delicate I esteem her exceedingly--I walked out about Sun-set, when it is a little cool, along the River Nominy-- _Monday August 1st 1774._