Journal and Letters of Philip Vickers Fithian Part 8

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_.

_Teusday 9._

Busy in School--

_Wednesday 10._

Busy in School--The eldest Daughter taken off by her Teacher in Music; Mr Stadley[72] who is learning her to play the _Forte-piano_--

[72] Stadley was a German music master who visited "Nomini Hall"

regularly at this period to instruct the Carter children. He also taught in a number of other homes in the Northern Neck. Before coming to Virginia, Stadley had taught music in New York and Philadelphia. In one of Carter's account books the musician's name is entered as "Strader." Cf. Waste-Book, No. 2, September 27, 1773 to December 31, 1773, p. 45.

_Thursday 11._

Rose by seven--Busy in School--Miss Carter still absent--

_Fryday 12._

Rose by Seven--Ben begun his Greek Grammer--Three in the Afternoon Mr Carter returned from _Williamsburg_.[73] He seems to be agreeable, discreet, and sensible--He informed me more particularly concerning his desire as to the Instruction of his Children--

[73] Carter was doubtless returning from attendance as a member of the General Court at this time.

_Sat.u.r.day 13._

Catechised the Children and dismissed them about Eleven--Read in Pictete--and proceeded in writing my Sermon for the Presbytery[74]-- Expence for my Horse _1/3_.

[74] Fithian was preparing for his examination before the Presbytery at Philadelphia at this time.

_Sunday 14._

Rode to Nominy Church about six Miles--the day Cold--Parson Smith preached--"What shall a man be profited" &c. Rode home after Sermon--Dined at Mr Carters to day Mrs Turbuville,[75] Miss Jenny Corbin,[76] and Mr Cunningham[77] a young Merchant.

[75] "Hickory Hill," the manor house of John Turberville (1737-1799) was about a mile distant from "Nomini Hall." Turberville had married his first cousin, Martha Corbin. One of their ten children, Let.i.tia Corbin Turberville, later became the wife of Major Catesby Jones.

Their youngest son, George Richard Turberville, married his first cousin, Martha Corbin, only daughter of Gawin Corbin of "Peckatone."

Their eldest son, George Lee Turberville, married Betty Tayloe Corbin.

The Turbervilles were connected with the Lees of Westmoreland County in a number of ways and possessed large landed properties.

[76] Jane or "Jenny" Corbin was a sister of Mrs. John Turberville of "Hickory Hill."

[77] Cunningham was one of a number of young Scotch merchants who had settled in the Northern Neck. He was apparently a member of a firm referred to in the account books of Robert Carter of "Nomini Hall" as "Messrs. Fisher and Cunningham."

_Monday 15._

Busy in School--Wrote in the Evening at my Sermon.

_Teusday 16._

In School--Writing at my Sermon.

_Wednesday 17_.

Busy in School--

_Thursday 18._

Busy in School--

_Fryday 19._

Busy in School--

_Sat.u.r.day 20._

Rode to Mr Fishers[78] dined with Mr Cunningham at 3 o-Clock--Rode in the evening to Mr Lancelot Lees,[79] a young Gentleman, who has lately come from England; sup'd on Oysters--Rode home about nine o-Clock he along--

[78] See fn. 51.

[79] Lancelot Lee was the son of George Lee of "Mount Pleasant" in Westmoreland County who had died in 1761. Lancelot's brother, George Fairfax Lee, had inherited their father's manor plantation. Lancelot and George Fairfax Lee were cousins of the Lees at "Stratford," "Lee Hall," and at "Chantilly."

_Sunday 21._

Rode to Church--Mr Smith preached on the Parable of the rich Man.

Dined at home--Mr Lee dined with us--Reading in Pictete--Feel very home-Sick--Saw two Brothers quarrel--Doleful Sight.--

_Monday 22._

Busy in School--Mr Lee gave us his Company in the morning in School, and was very chearful--he left us about twelve o-Clock--