[111] Thomas Thompson was a well known physician of Westmoreland County. Robert Carter retained the services of Thompson for the blacks on his plantations for a number of years. [112] Probably James Balendine of the firm referred to in the Carter account books as "Messrs. James Balendine & Co." [113] "Dotterell" was an English blooded horse that had been bred by Sir John Pennington. He was regarded as the swiftest in that country with the exception of one, called "Eclipse." Dotterell had been imported into the colony in 1766 by Philip Ludwell Lee of "Stratford" in Westmoreland County. [Illustration: man at writing table in bed chamber] In the Evening about seven o-Clock it snowed exceeding fast til Eight when it ceased, it being the second Snow we had this winter here, At Supper we had much conversation about the Dance. Mrs Carter & myself, sat while ten and the Colonel read philosophy. _Sunday 9._ The Morning very cold--None from our Family went to church; _Bob_ beg'd of me to let him go, I refused him; he then asked to go and dine with Mr Turburville, I gave him no liberty.--I wrote to-Day a letter to _Laura_, I wish it _speed_ & _Success_--I wrote also a letter to Mr _Bryan_ in Baltimore; Another to the Gentleman who keeps the "Fountain Inn" in _Baltimore_; & one to Dr _John Beaty_--_Bob_ returned in the Evening after having stole away and spent the day at Mr _Turburvill's_ with a Note to his Papa from Squire _Lee_, in which Mr Carter & his Family are invited to the Ball at his House on Monday the 17th Instant But I must stay alone. [LETTER OF PHILIP V. FITHIAN TO ELIZABETH BEATTY] Nominy-Hall. Virginia. Jan: 9th: 1774. TO LAURA. The long Distance there is between us, & Uncertainty of the Conveyance, makes it improper for me to write what I wish to tell you. I may not, however, neglect to acquaint you that you still possess the largest earthly Share of my Regard; & that my Fidelity towards you is unshaken & inviolable. I continue this Winter, by the Kindness of Heaven, in perfect Health; & expect to return by the last of April next, if no Accident comes between, when I promise myself Madam, much Pleasure, much Peace in your Company. The Family in which I live, is so kind, & suitable to my Wish, that I would gladly continue in it--Or, at least, provide some well-qualified Person to succeed me since I must by previous Agreement, shortly leave it, as I do not propose to let my coming here put off my entering on the Great-World. If I shall be so happy as to meet with you in the Spring, I will tell you many curious Occurrences of this Winter; but none with greater Truth than that I have been your constant Admirer. PHILIP. V. FITHIAN. [JOURNAL] _Monday 10th_