Journal and Letters of Philip Vickers Fithian Part 7

Settled myself in the Room appointed me--and adjusted my Affairs after my Ride.

_Sat.u.r.day 30._

Rode with Mr Carters eldest Son[53] to a Store, about seven Miles--Bought half a Box of Wafers for 1/--And a quire of paper for _1/6_. Dined at three--And rode into Richmond Parish 15 Miles to Mr Fantleroys[54]--Was introduced to Mr Fantleroy--two of his Sons--Mr Christian[55] a dancing a dancing-Master--

[53] Benjamin Tasker Carter.

[54] The Fauntleroy family owned extensive holdings and occupied a high social position in Richmond County and other sections of the Tidewater. "Mars Hill" and "Crandall" were two seats of the family on the Rappahannock River in Richmond County, and in the vicinity of the modern towns of Warsaw and Tappahannock. A third manor plantation of the Fauntleroys' was "The Cliffs," also on the Rappahannock, some miles north of the other two. The name of the family was p.r.o.nounced variously as "Fantleroy," "Fantilroy" and "Fauntleroy." Aphia, Samuel and Henry or "Harry" Fauntleroy were the daughter and sons of Moore Fauntleroy (1716-1791) of "The Cliffs." Information supplied by Miss Juliet Fauntleroy of Altavista, Virginia.

[55] Francis Christian held his dancing cla.s.ses in rotation in a number of the manor houses of the Northern Neck at this period. After the pupils had been instructed an informal dance was usually enjoyed on such occasions.

_Sunday 31._

Rode to Church six Miles[56]--Heard Mr Gibbern[57] preach on Felixes trembling at Pauls Sermon.

[56] Nomini Church, one of the two Anglican houses of worship in Cople Parish, stood on the bank of the Nomini River some five miles from Carter's home.

[57] Isaac William Giberne, an English clergyman, thought to have been a nephew of the Bishop of Durham, was licensed to preach in Virginia in 1758. The following year he had arrived in the colony and was serving as the minister in Hanover Parish in King George County.

Possessing a high tempered and somewhat contentious nature, Giberne was involved in numerous sharp controversies. An exceptionally sociable and convivial man, he spent much of his time in visiting and gambling and tippling. Admitted by his enemies at that time to be the most popular and admired preacher in the colony, he had been invited shortly after his arrival in Virginia to preach a sermon before the Burgesses. This sermon was later printed at their request. In 1760 Giberne married a wealthy widow, Mary Fauntleroy Beale of Richmond County, a daughter of Moore Fauntleroy of "Crandall." She had previously been the wife of Charles Beale. Removing to her plantation, "Belle Ville," he was two years later chosen as minister of Lunenburg Parish, and served in that capacity until 1795. He is mentioned in numerous diaries and letters of the period. Cf. Goodwin, Edward Lewis, _The Colonial Church in Virginia_, pp. 271-272; Jonathan Boucher, _Reminiscences of an American Loyalist_, _pa.s.sim_; letter of Miss Juliet Fauntleroy of November 21, 1941 in Department of Research and Record, Colonial Williamsburg, Inc.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Preacher expounding]

_Monday Novemr 1st_

We began School--The School consists of eight--Two of Mr Carters Sons--One Nephew--And five Daughters--The endest Son[58] is reading Sal.u.s.t; Gramatical Exercises, and latin Grammer--The second Son[59] is reading english Grammar Reading English: Writing, and Cyphering in Subtraction--The Nephew[60] is Reading and Writing as above; and Cyphering in Reduction--The eldest daughter[61] is Reading the Spectator; Writing; & beginning to Cypher--The second[62] is reading next out of the Spelling-Book, and begining to write--The next[63] is reading in the Spelling-Book--The fourth[64] is Spelling in the beginning of the Spelling-Book--And the last[65] is beginning her letters--

[58] Benjamin Tasker.

[59] Robert Bladen or "Bob."

[60] Henry or "Harry" Willis.

[61] Priscilla.

[62] Ann Tasker or "Nancy."

[63] Frances or "f.a.n.n.y."

[64] Betty Landon.

[65] Harriot Lucy.

_Teusday 2._

Busy in School--begun to read Pictete[66]--

[66] Benedict Pictete had first published his _Teologia Christiana_ in 1696.

[LETTER OF PHILIP V. FITHIAN TO THE REVEREND ENOCH GREEN]

Westmoreland. Novr 2d 1773.

REVD SIR.

According as I appointed I take this early oppertunity of acquainting you that I am arrived safe; and I am to a.s.sure 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 Sal.u.s.t 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--

_Sat.u.r.day 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.