Rode to Nomini Church; Parson Smith read Prayers, but it was too Cold a Day to give us a Sermon; After Service _Mr & Mrs Carter_, the Parson, his wife & Sister; Mr _Camel_ the Comptroler; _Ben_, _Bob_, Miss _Pierce_, Miss _Sanford_, and My self were invited to Colonel Washingtons to Dinner. His House has the most agreeable Situation, of any I have yet seen in Maryland or Virginia; the broad Potowmack, which they account between 7 and 8 Miles over, washes his Garden on the North. the River Nomini is within a stones throw on the West, a levil open Country on the East; a Lane of a mile & three quarters accurately measur'd. lies from the House South-East it has from the House the whole distance a uniform Descent, & at the Gate at the End of this Lane the Situation is just six feet lower than at the House--There are no Marshes near, which altogether make the place exceeding Description. The Roads are now miry & disagreeable. _Monday 21._ Prissy seems again reconciled--Miss _Stanhope_ the Housekeeper is ill of a Rheumatism--They are begining to work in the Garden with vigor. Dined with us Docter _Franks_. _Teusday 22._ Mr _Carter_ rode to the County-Court. I read to day several chapters in the Greek testament. Mr _Carter_ has given orders to his Hands to rigg, & fit his Schooner a Vessel of about 40 Tons for Business. Docter Franks with us yet. Mrs _Carter_ was taken ill last Evening & has not been out of her chamber to Day. Miss _Stanhope_ the Housekeeper is also confin'd to her Room with Rheumatic Pains. _Wednesday. 23._ Mr _Carter_ has an invitation to dine at Lee-Hall to Day, which he accepts--before Dinner came in Miss _Corbin,_ & Miss _Booth_; two young Ladies pretty well gone in what we call the Bloom of Life; Mr Carter was out, Mrs Carter is ill, & Ben was not Drest; Bob & I therefore at Dinner must be Directors of the ceremonies at Table! But happily for me I have them at last all by heart--At five Bob & I had the Pleasure to walk home with them, (for they were on foot) to Assist them in Crossing the River Nomini which lies between us & Mr Turburville's. Evening Mrs Carter seems no better--Miss Sally came out of her Room-- _Thursday 24._ Frogs croaked last Evening. This morning the Birds of several kinds are singing; and some presages of Spring seem visible. Mrs Carter continues no better, A messenger is sent for Docter _Jones_, with orders, that if he is from Home to pursue him.-- Mr _Gregory_,[127] the Colonels Gardiner came this morning & began with Mr _Carters_ two Fellows who have been in the Garden all winter--They planted this day the common garden Peas. The Colonel at Dinner gave Ben & I a Piece of Music to prepare on our Flutes, in which he is to perform the thorough Bass--Evening Mrs Carter Some Better. [127] James Gregory was employed at various seasons to assist and instruct the colored gardeners at "Nomini Hall." _Fryday 25._