This morning came from the Post-office at Hobbes-Hole, on the Rappahannock, our News-papers. Mr Carter takes the Pennsylvania Gazette, which seems vastly agreeable to me, for it is like having something from home--But I have yet no answer to my Letter. We dined at four o-Clock--Mr Carter kept in his Room, because he breakfasted late, and on Oysters--There were at Table Mrs Carter & her five Daughters that are at School with me--Miss _Priscilla_, _Nancy_, _Fanny_, _Betsy_, and _Harriot_, five as beautiful delicate, well-instructed Children as I have ever known!--_Ben_ is abroad; _Bob_ & _Harry_ are out; so there was no Man at Table but myself.--I must carve--Drink the Health--and talk if I can! Our Dinner was no otherwise than common, yet as elegant a _Christmas Dinner_ as I ever sat Down to--The table Discourse was Marriage; Mrs _Carter_ observ'd that was she a Widow, she should scruple to marry any man alive; She gave a reason, that She did not think it probable a man could love her grown old when the world is thronged with blooming, ripening Virgins; but in fact Mrs Carter looks & would pass for a younger Woman than some unmarried Ladies of my acquaintance, who would willingly enough make us place them below twenty!--We dined at four; when we rose from table it was growing dark--The wind continues at South East & is stormy and muddy. Mr _Randolph_ the Clerk told me this Evening a Circumstance concerning _Bob_ which tho it discovered stupidity, yet at the same time discovered great thoughtfulness.--It was about his sleeping with the _Dog_; Mr _Randolph_ told me _Bob_ asked him with great solemnity if he thought _God Almighty_ knew it!--While we supped Mr _Carter_ as he often does played on the _Forte-Piano_. He almost never sups. Last Night and to night I had large clear, & very elegant Spermaceti Candles sent into my Room; _Sunday 26._ I rose at eight--The morning is fair; all seem quiet--I went to the window before I was drest, having only a Gown thrown about me & enjoy'd a beautiful Prospect of the high Banks of the River Nomini gilded by the morning Sun--I could not help casting my Eyes with eagerness over the blue Potowmack and look homewards.--After having paid my morning secret Devotion to the King of Kings, I sat myself to the correcting and transcribing my Sermon--I had the pleasure to wait on Mrs _Carter_ to Church She rode in the Chariot, & Miss Prissy and Nancy; Mr Carter chose to stay at Home--The Sacrament was to have been administred but there was so few people that he thought it improper, and put of til Sunday fortnight. He preach'd from Isaiah 9.6. For unto us a child is Born &c. his Sermon was fifteen Minutes long! very fashionable--He invited me very civilly to Dine & spend the Evening with him, but I could not leave the Ladies! He made me almost promise, however to call some Day this Week.