According as I appointed I take this early oppertunity of acquainting you that I am arrived safe; and I am to assure you that I find the place fully equal to my highest expectations--I am situated in the _Northern-Neck_, in a most delightful Country; in a civil, polite neighbourhood; and in a family remarkable for regularity, and oeconomy, tho' confessedly of the highest quality and greatest worth of any in _Virginia_. I teach only Mr Carters children, and only one of them is to learn Languages, and he is reading Salust and the Greek grammer, is seventeen years old, and seems to be a Boy of Genius--the other two learn writing and Arithmetic--But he has four Daughters, young Misses that are at times to be taught writing and English--I have the terms as I expected, and find the place wholly agreeable--and am strongly solicited to stay many years--But money nor conveniency shall detain me long from my most important connections at home--You may expect me in may at the _Synod_. Please to have my compliments to Mrs Green, to Miss Betsy if at Deerfield, and to my acquaintances that shall enquire and accept to yourself the Respect of your humble Servt PHILIP V FITHIAN [JOURNAL] _Wednesday 3._ Busy in School-- _Thursday 4._ Busy in School--To day the two eldest Daughters, and second Son attended the Dancing School.[67] [67] Priscilla, "Nancy," and "Bob." This school was conducted in rotation at a number of manor plantations of the region by Francis Christian, a dancing master. _Fryday 5._ Busy in School-- _Saturday 6._ Catechised in School til twelve--the Children. And dismiss'd them. Afternoon rode with Ben Carter to the Bank of Potowmack[68]--8 Miles--Returned in the evening--Expence Ferriage _1/_. [68] The banks of the Potomac River could be seen in the distance from the upper floor of "Nomini Hall." _Sunday 7._ Rode to Ucomico Church[69]--8 Miles--Heard Parson Smith.[70] He shewed to us the uncertainty of Riches, and their Insufficiency to make us happy--Dined at Captain Walkers;[71] With Parson Smith, his Wife; her Sister, a young Lady; &c--Returned in the Evening. [69] Yeocomico Church, one of the two Anglican churches in Cople Parish in Westmoreland County. Built in 1706, this structure still stands. [70] Thomas Smith was the rector of Yeocomico Church at this period. Smith was a man of large means. He had been sent as a youth to be educated in the mother country. He first attended a school at Wakefield in Yorkshire and later entered Cambridge University, where he was graduated in 1763. His son, John Augustine Smith, later became president of the College of William and Mary. [71] Captain Walker was a friend of Robert Carter and often visited "Nomini Hall." Fithian frequently dined at Walker's home. _Monday 8._ Busy in School--Finished reading the first, and begun to read the Second Book of Pictetes Theology. Expence to Boy _/4_.