American History Told by Contemporaries/Volume 2/Chapter 12

PART IV
COLONIAL LIFE

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CHAPTER XII — THE LIFE OF THE PEOPLE
80. A Lady's Travel in New England (1704)
BY MADAM SARAH KEMBLE KNIGHT

Madam Knight was the daughter of a Boston merchant, and wife of the captain of a London ship. She was for a time schoolmistress in Boston, and later settled in Connecticut. The journey described below was made to claim some property. — Bibliography: Preface to Madam Knight's Journal, reprinted in 1865; Tyler, American Literature, II, 96-98; Winsor, Narrative and Critical History, V, 167-169; Channing and Hart, Guide, § 130. — For earlier accounts of New England life, see Contemporaries, I, ch. xxi.

MONDAY, Octb'r. y^e second, 1704. — About three o'clock afternoon, I begun my Journey from Boston to New-Haven ; being about two Hundred Mile. . . .

. . . being ignorant of the way, Mad^m Billings, seing no persuasions of her good spouses or hers could prevail with me to Lodg. there that night, Very kindly went wyth me to y^e Tavern, where I hoped to get my guide, And desired the Hostess to inquire of her guests whether any of them would go with mee. ... I told her no, I would not be accessary to such extortion.

Then John shan't go, sais shee. No, indeed, shan't hee ; And held forth at that rate a long time, that I began to fear I was got among the Quaking tribe, beleeving not a Limbertong'd sister among them could out do Madm. Hostes.

Upon this, to my no small surprise, son John arrose, and gravely demanded what I would give him to go with me? Give you, sais I, are you John? Yes, says he, for want of a Better ; And behold ! this John look't as old as my Host, and perhaps had bin a man in the last Century. Well, Mr. John, sais I, make your demands. Why, half a pss. of eight and a dram, sais John. I agreed, and gave him a Dram (now) in hand to bind the bargain.

My hostess catechis'd John for going so cheep, saying his poor wife would break her heart. . . .

When we had Ridd about an how'r, wee come into a thick swamp, wch. by Reason of a great fogg, very much startled mee, it being now very Dark. But nothing dismay'd John : Hee had encountered a thousand and a thousand such Swamps, having a Universall Knowledge in the woods ; and readily Answered all my inquiries wch. were not a few.

In about an how'r, or something more, after we left the Swamp, we come to Billinges, where I was to Lodg. My Guide dismounted and very Complasantly help't me down and shewd the door, signing to me w th his hand to Go in ; w^ch I Gladly did — But had not gone many steps into the Room, ere I was Interogated by a young Lady I understood afterwards was the Eldest daughter of the family, with these, or words to this purpose, (viz.) Law for mee — what in the world brings You here at this time a night? — I never see a woman on the Rode so Dreadfull late, in all the days of my versall life. Who are You ? Where are You going? I me scar'd out of my witts — with much more of the same Kind. I stood aghast, Prepareing to reply, when in comes my Guide — to him Madam turn'd, Roreing out : Lawfull heart, John, is it You? — how de do! Where in the world are you going with this woman? Vho is she? . . .

I told her shee treated me very Rudely, and I did not think it my duty to answer her unmannerly Questions. But to get ridd of them, I told her I come there to have the post's company with me to-morrow on my Journey, &c. Miss star d awhile, drew a chair, bid me sitt, And then run up stairs and putts on two or three Rings, (or else I had not seen them before,) and returning, sett herself just before me, showing the way to Reding, that I might see her Ornaments, perhaps to gain the more respect. . . .

Tuesday, October y^e third, about 8 in the morning, I with the Post proceeded forward without observing any thing remarkable ; And about two, afternoon, Arrived at the Post's second stage, where the western Post mett him and exchanged Letters. Here, having called for something to eat, y^e woman bro't in a Twisted thing like a cable, but something whiter ; and laying it on the bord, tugg'd for life to bring it into a capacity to spread ; w^ch having w^th great pains accomplished, shee serv'd in a dish of Pork and Cabage, I suppose the remains of Dinner. The sause was of a deep Purple, w^ch I tho't was boil'd in her dye Kettle ; the bread was Indian, and every thing on the Table service Agreeable to these. I, being hungry, gott a little down ; but my stomach was soon cloy'd. . . .

. . . the Post told mee we had neer 14 miles to Ride to the next Stage, (where we were to Lodg.) I askt him of the rest of the Rode, foreseeing wee must travail in the night. Hee told mee there was a bad River we were to Ride thro' , w^ch was so very firce a hors could sometimes hardly stem it : But it was but narrow, and wee should soon be over. I cannot express The concern of mind this relation sett me in : no thoughts but those of the dang'ros River could entertain my Imagination, and they were as formidable as varios, still Tormenting me with blackest Ideas of my Approching fate — Sometimes seing my self drowning, otherwhiles drowned, and at the best like a holy Sister Just come out of a Spiritual Bath in dripping Garments.

Now was the Glorious Luminary, w^th his swift Coursers arrived at his Stage, leaving poor me w th the rest of this part of the lower world in darkness, with which wee were soon Surrounded. The only Glimering we now had was from the spangled Skies, Whose Imperfect Reflections rendered every Object formidable. Each lifeless Trunk, with its shatter'd Limbs, appear'd an Armed Enymie ; and every little stump like a Ravenous devourer. Nor could I so much as discern my Guide, when at any distance, which added to the terror.

Thus, absolutely lost in Thought, and dying with the very thoughts of drowning, I come up w^th the post, who I did not see till even with his Hors : he told mee he stopt for mee ; and wee Rode on Very deliberatly a few paces, when we entred a Thickett of Trees and Shrubbs, and I perceived by the Hors's going, we were on the descent of a Hill, w^ch) as wee come neerer the bottom, twas totaly dark w^th the Trees that surrounded it. But I knew by the Going of the Hors wee had entred the water, w^ch my Guide told mee was the hazzardos River he had told me off; and hee, Riding up close to my Side, Bid me not fear — we should be over Imediatly. I now ralyed all the Courage I was mistriss of, Knowing that I must either Venture my fate of drowning, or be left like y^e Children in the wood. So, as the Post bid me, I gave Reins to my Nagg ; and sitting as Stedy as Just before in the Cannoo, in a few minutes got safe to the other side, which hee told mee was the Narragansett country. . . .

. . . But I could get no sleep, because of the Clamor of some the of Town tope-ers in next Room, Who were entred into a strong debate concerning y^e Signifycation of the name of their Country, (viz.) Narraganset. One said it was named so by y^e Indians, because there grew a Brier there, of a prodigious Highth and bigness, the like hardly ever known, called by the Indians Narragansett ; And quotes an Indian of so Barberous a name for his Author, that I could not write it. His Antagonist Replyed no — It was from a Spring it had its name, w^ch hee well knew where it was, which was extreem cold in summer, and as Hott as could be imagined in the winter, which was much resorted too by the natives, and by them called Narragansett, (Hott and Cold,) and that was the originall of their places name — with a thousand Impertinances not worth notice, w^ch He utter'd with such a Roreing voice and Thundering blows with the fist of wickedness on the Table, that it peirced my very head. ... I set my Candle on a Chest by the bed side, and setting up, fell to my old way of composing my Resentments, in the follow ing manner :

I ask thy Aid, O Potent Rum !
To Charm these wrangling Topers Dum.
Thou hast their Giddy Brains possest —
The man confounded w^th the Beast —
And I, poor I, can get no rest.
Intoxicate them with thy fumes :
O still their Tongues till morning comes !

And I know not but my wishes took effect ; for the dispute soon ended w^th tother Dram ; and so Good night !

Wedensday, Octob^r 4th. About four in the morning, we set out for Kingston (for so was the Town called) with a french Docter in our company. Hee and y^e Post put on very furiously, so that I could not keep up with them, only as now and then they'd stop till they see mee. . . . But the post encourag'd mee, by saying wee should be well accommodated anon at mr. Devills, a few miles further. But I questioned whether we ought to go to the Devil to be helpt out of affliction. However, like the rest of Deluded souls that post to y^e Infernal denn, Wee made all posible speed to this Devil's Habitation ; where alliting, in full assurance of good accommodation, wee were going in. But meeting his two daughters, as I suposed twins, they so neerly resembled each other, both in features and habit, and look't as old as the Divel himselfe, and quite as Ugly, We desired entertainm't, but could hardly get a word out of 'um, till with our Importunity, telling them our necesity, &c. they call'd the old Sophister, who was as sparing of his words as his daughters had bin, and no, or none, was the reply's hee made us to our demands. . . .

About seven that Evening, we come to New London Ferry : here, by reason of a very high wind, we mett with great difficulty in getting over — the Boat tos't exceedingly, and our Horses capper'd at a very surprizing Rate, and set us all in a fright. . . .

. . . between nine and ten at night waited on the Rev'd Mr. Gurdon Saltonstall, minister of the town, who kindly Invited me to Stay that night at his house, where I was very handsomely and plentifully treated and Lodg'd ; and made good the Great Character I had before heard concerning him : viz. that hee was the most affable, courteous, Genero's and best of men.

Friday, Octo^r 6th. I got up very early, in Order to hire somebody to go with mee to New Haven, being in Great parplexity at the thoughts of proceeding alone ; which my most hospitable entertainer observing, himselfe went, and soon return'd w^th a young Gentleman of the town, who he could confide in to Go with mee. . . .

. . . about two a clock afternoon we arrived at New Haven, where I was received with all Posible Respects and civility. Here I discharged Mr. Wheeler with a reward to his satisfaction, and took some time to rest after so long and toilsome a Journey ; And Inform'd myselfe of the manners and customs of the place, and at the same time employed myselfe in the afair I went there upon.

They are Govern'd by the same Laws as wee in Boston, (or little differing,) thr'out this whole Colony of Connecticot, And much the same way of Church Government, and many of them good, Sociable people, and I hope Religious too : but a little too much Independant in their principalls, and, as I have been told, were formerly in their Zeal very Riggid in their Administrations towards such as their Lawes made Offenders, even to a harmless Kiss or Innocent merriment among Young people. Whipping being a frequent and counted an easy Punishment, about w^ch as other Crimes, the Judges were absolute in their Sentances. . . .

They give the title of merchant to every trader ; who Rate their Goods according to the time and spetia they pay in : viz. Pay, mony, Pay as mony, and trusting. Pay is Grain, Pork, Beef, &c. at the prices sett by the General Court that Year ; mony is pieces of Eight, Ryalls, or Boston or Bay shillings (as they call them,) or Good hard money, as sometimes silver coin is termed by them ; also Wampom, viz^t Indian beads w^ch serves for change. Pay as mony is provisions, as afores'd , one Third cheaper then as the Assembly or Gene^l Court sets it ; and Trust as they and the merch 1 agree for time.

Now, when the buyer comes to ask for a comodity, sometimes before the merchant answers that he has it, he sais, is Your pay redy? Perhaps the Chap Reply's Yes: what do You pay in? say's the merchant. The buyer having answered, then the price is set ; as suppose he wants a sixpenny knife, in pay it is izd in pay as money eight pence, and hard money its own price, viz. 6d. It seems a very Intricate way of trade and what Lex Mercatoria had not thought of.

[Theodore Dwight, editor], The Journals of Madam Knight, etc. (New York, 1825), 9-43 passim.

81. "A Man Diligent in his Calling" (1729-1732)

BY BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (1771)

 

The autobiography of Franklin is not only an invaluable picture of the times, but is one of the noteworthy books in the world s literature. — For Franklin, see No. 68 above. For colonial life in general, see Lodge, Short History of the English Colonies ; Channing and Hart, Guide, §§133, 145.

 

A S I could not yet begin our paper, I wrote several pieces of entertainment for Bradford s paper, under the title of the Busy Body, which Breintnal continu'd some months. By this means the attention of the publick was fixed on that paper, and Keimer's proposals, which we burlesq'd and ridicul'd, were disregarded. He began his paper, however, and, after carrying it on three quarters of a year, with at most only ninety subscribers, he offer'd it to me for a trifle ; and I, having been ready some time to go on with it, took it in hand directly ; and it prov'd in a few years extremely profitable to me. . . .

Our first papers made a quite different appearance from any before in the province ; a better type, and better printed ; but some spirited remarks of my writing, on the dispute then going on between Governor Burnet and the Massachusetts Assembly, struck the principal people, occasioned the paper and the manager of it to be much talk'd of, and in a few weeks brought them all to be our subscribers.

Their example was follow'd by many, and our number went on growing continually. This was one of the first good effects of my having learnt a little to scribble ; another was, that the leading men, seeing a newspaper now in the hands of one who could also handle a pen, thought it convenient to oblige and encourage me. Bradford still printed the votes, and laws, and other publick business. He had printed an address of the House to the governor, in a coarse, blundering manner ; we reprinted it elegantly and correctly, and sent one to every member. They were sensible of the difference : it strengthened the hands of our friends in the House, and they voted us their printers for the year ensuing.

Among my friends in the House I must not forget Mr. Hamilton, before mentioned, who was then returned from England, and had a seat in it. He interested himself for me strongly in that instance, as he did in many others afterward, continuing his patronage till his death. . . .

But now another difficulty came upon me which I had never the least reason to expect. Mr. Meredith's father, who was to have paid for our printing-house, according to the expectations given me, was able to advance only one hundred pounds currency, which had been paid ; and a hundred more was due to the merchant, who grew impatient, and su'd us all. We gave bail, but saw that, if the money could not be rais'd in time, the suit must soon come to a judgment and execution, and our hopeful prospects must, with us, be ruined, as the press and letters must be sold for payment, perhaps at half price. In this distress two true friends, whose kindness I have never forgotten, nor ever shall forget while I can remember any thing, came to me separately, unknown to each other, and, without any application from me, offering each of them to advance me all the money that should be necessary to enable me to take the whole business upon myself, if that should be practicable ; but they did not like my continuing the partnership with Meredith, who, as they said, was often seen drunk in the streets, and playing at low games in alehouses, much to our discredit. These two friends were William Coleman and Robert Grace. I told them I could not propose a separation while any prospect remain'd of the Merediths fulfilling their part of our agreement, because I thought myself under great obligations to them for what they had done, and would do if they could ; but, if they finally fail d in their performance, and our partnership must be dissolv'd, I should then think myself at liberty to accept the assistance of my friends.

Thus the matter rested for some time, when I said to my partner, "Perhaps your father is dissatisfied at the part you have undertaken in this affair of ours, and is unwilling to advance for you and me what he would for you alone. If that is the case, tell me, and I will resign the whole to you, and go about my business." "No," said he, "my father has really been disappointed, and is really unable ; and I am unwilling to distress him farther. I see this is a business I am not fit for. I was bred a farmer, and it was a folly in me to come to town, and put myself, at thirty years of age, an apprentice to learn a new trade. Many of our Welsh people are going to settle in North Carolina, where land is cheap. I am inclin'd to go with them, and follow my old employment. You may find friends to assist you. If you will take the debts of the company upon you ; return to my father the hundred pound he has advanced ; pay my little personal debts, and give me thirty pounds and a new saddle, I will relinquish the partnership, and leave the whole in your hands." I agreed to this proposal ; it was drawn up in writing, sign'd, and seal d immediately. I gave him what he demanded, and he went soon after to Carolina, from whence he sent me next year two long letters, containing the best account that had been given of that country, the climate, the soil, husbandry, etc., for in those matters he was very judicious. I printed them in the papers, and they gave great satisfaction to the publick.

As soon as he was gone, I recurr'd to my two friends ; and because I would not give an unkind preference to either, I took half of what each had offered and I wanted of one, and half of the other ; paid off the company's debts, and went on with the business in my own name, advertising that the partnership was dissolved. I think this was in or about the year 1729.

About this time there was a cry among the people for more paper money, only fifteen thousand pounds being extant in the province, and that soon to be sunk. The wealthy inhabitants oppos'd any addition, being against all paper currency, from an apprehension that it would depreciate, as it had done in New England, to the prejudice of all creditors. . . .

Our debates possess'd me so fully of the subject, that I wrote and printed an anonymous pamphlet on it, entitled "The Nature and Necessity of a Paper Currency." It was well receiv'd by the common people in general ; but the rich men dislik'd it, for it increas'd and strengthen'd the clamor for more money, and they happening to have no writers among them that were able to answer it, their opposition slacken'd, and the point was carried by a majority in the House. My friends there, who conceiv'd I had been of some service, thought fit to reward me by employing me in printing the money ; a very profitable jobb and a great help to me. This was another advantage gain'd by my being able to write. . . .

I soon after obtain'd, thro my friend Hamilton, the printing of the Newcastle paper money, another profitable jobb as I then thought it ; small things appearing great to those in small circumstances ; and these, to me, were really great advantages, as they were great encouragements. He procured for me, also, the printing of the laws and votes of that government, which continu'd in my hands as long as I follow'd the business.

I now open'd a little stationer's shop. I had in it blanks of all sorts, the correctest that ever appear'd among us, being assisted in that by my friend Breintnal. I had also paper, parchment, chapmen's books, etc. One Whitemash, a compositor I had known in London, an excellent workman, now came to me, and work'd with me constantly and diligently ; and I took an apprentice, the son of Aquila Rose. I began now gradually to pay off the debt I was under for the printing-house. In order to secure my credit and character as a tradesman, I took care not only to be in reality industrious and frugal, but to avoid all appearances to the contrary. I drest plainly ; I was seen at no places of idle diversion. I never went out a fishing or shooting ; a book, indeed, sometimes debauch'd me from my work, but that was seldom, snug, and gave no scandal ; and, to show that I was not above my business, I sometimes brought home the paper I purchas'd at the stores thro' the streets on a wheelbarrow. Thus being esteem'd an industrious, thriving young man, and paying duly for what I bought, the merchants who imported stationery solicited my custom ; others proposed supplying me with books, and I went on swimmingly. In the mean time, Keimer's credit and business declining daily, he was at last forc'd to sell his printing-house to satisfy his creditors. He went to Barbadoes, and there lived some years in very poor circumstances.

His apprentice, David Harry, whom I had instructed while I work'd with him, set up in his place at Philadelphia, having bought his materials. I was at first apprehensive of a powerful rival in Harry, as his friends were very able, and had a good deal of interest. I therefore propos'd a partnership to him, which he, fortunately for me, rejected with scorn. He was very proud, dress'd like a gentleman, liv'd expensively, took much diversion and pleasure abroad, ran in debt, and neglected his business ; upon which, all business left him ; and, finding nothing to do, he follow'd Keimer to Barbadoes, taking the printing-house with him. There this apprentice employ'd his former master as a journeyman ; they quarrel d often ; Harry went continually behindhand, and at length was forc'd to sell his types and return to his country work in Pensilvania. The person that bought them employ d Keimer to use them, but in a few years he died.

There remained now no competitor with me at Philadelphia but the old one, Bradford ; who was rich and easy, did a little printing now and then by straggling hands, but was not very anxious about the business. However, as he kept the post-office, it was imagined he had better opportunities of obtaining news ; his paper was thought a better distributer of advertisements than mine, and therefore had many more, which was a profitable thing to him, and a disadvantage to me ; for, tho' I did indeed receive and send papers by the post, yet the publick opinion was otherwise, for what I did send was by bribing the riders, who took them privately, Bradford being unkind enough to forbid it, which occasion'd some resentment on my part ; and I thought so meanly of him for it, that, when I afterward came into his situation, I took care never to imitate it.

I had hitherto continu'd to board with Godfrey, who lived in part of my house with his wife and children, and had one side of the shop for his glazier's business, tho he worked little, being always absorbed in his mathematics. Mrs. Godfrey projected a match for me with a relation's daughter, took opportunities of bringing us often together, till a serious courtship on my part ensu'd, the girl being in herself very deserving. The old folks encourag'd me by continual invitations to supper, and by leaving us together, till at length it was time to explain. Mrs. Godfrey manag'd our little treaty. I let her know that I expected as much money with their daughter as would pay off my remaining debt for the printing-house, which I believe was not then above a hundred pounds. She brought me word they had no such sum to spare ; I said they might mortgage their house in the loan-office. The answer to this, after some days, was, that they did not approve the match ; that, on inquiry of Bradford, they had been inform'd the printing business was not a profitable one ; the types would soon be worn out, and more wanted ; that S. Keimer and D. Harry had failed one after the other, and I should probably soon follow them ; and, therefore, I was forbidden the house, and the daughter shut up. . . .

And now I set on foot my first project of a public nature, that for a subscription library. I drew up the proposals, got them put into form by our great scrivener, Brockden, and, by the help of my friends in the Junto, procured fifty subscribers of forty shillings each to begin with, and ten shillings a year for fifty years, the term our company was to continue. We afterwards obtain'd a charter, the company being increased to one hundred: this was the mother of all the North American subscription libraries, now so numerous. It is become a great thing itself, and continually increasing. These libraries have improved the general conversation of the Americans, made the common tradesmen and farmers as intelligent as most gentlemen from other countries, and perhaps have contributed in some degree to the stand so generally made throughout the colonies in defence of their privileges. . . .

This library afforded me the means of improvement by constant study, for which I set apart an hour or two each day, and thus repair'd in some degree the loss of the learned education my father once intended for me. Reading was the only amusement I allow'd myself. I spent no time in taverns, games, or frolicks of any kind; and my industry in my business continu'd as indefatigable as it was necessary. I was indebted for my printing-house; I had a young family coming on to be educated, and I had to contend with for business two printers, who were established in the place before me. My circumstances, however, grew daily easier. My original habits of frugality continuing, and my father having, among his instructions to me when a boy, frequently repeated a proverb of Solomon, "Seest thou a man diligent in his calling, he shall stand before kings, he shall not stand before mean men," I from thence considered industry as a means of obtaining wealth and distinction, which encourag'd me, tho' I did not think that I should ever literally stand before kings, which, however, has since happened; for I have stood before five, and even had the honor of sitting down with one, the King of Denmark, to dinner.

We have an English proverb that says, "He that would thrive, must ask his wife." It was lucky for me that I had one as much dispos'd to industry and frugality as myself. She assisted me cheerfully in my business, folding and stitching pamphlets, tending shop, purchasing old linen rags for the paper-makers, etc., etc. We kept no idle servants, our table was plain and simple, our furniture of the cheapest. For instance, my breakfast was a long time bread and milk (no tea), and I ate it out of a twopenny earthen porringer, with a pewter spoon. But mark how luxury will enter families, and make a progress, in spite of principle: being call'd one morning to breakfast, I found it in a China bowl, with a spoon of silver ! They had been bought for me without my knowledge by my wife, and had cost her the enormous sum of three-and-twenty shillings, for which she had no other excuse or apology to make, but that she thought her husband deserv'd a silver spoon and China bowl as well as any of his neighbors. This was the first appearance of plate and China in our house, which afterward, in a course of years, as our wealth increas'd, augmented gradually to several hundred pounds in value.

Benjamin Franklin, Autobiography (edited from his manuscript by John Bigelow, Philadelphia, 1868), 177-210 passim.

82. Society in Virginia (1732)
BY COLONEL WILLIAM BYRD

 

Byrd was a man of education and wealth, living on his Virginian estate in a style of great magnificence. His accounts of business and pleasure trips are witty and interesting. — Bibliography: Doyle, English in America, Virginia, 339-364; Winsor, Narrative and Critical Histor, V, 278-284; Tyler, American Literature, II, 270-279; Channing and Hart, Guide, § 99. — For earlier accounts of Virginian society, see Contemporaries, I, ch. x.

 

THIS famous Town [Germanna] consists of Colo. Spotswood's enchanted Castle on one Side of the Street, and a Baker s Dozen of ruinous Tenements on the other, where so many German Familys had dwelt some Years ago ; but are now remov'd ten Miles higher, in the Fork of Rappahannock, to Land of their Own. There had also been a Chappel about a Bow-Shot from the Colonel s house, at the End of an Avenue of Cherry Trees, but some pious people had lately burnt it down, with intent to get another built nearer to their own homes. Here I arriv'd about three a clock, and found only Mrs. Spotswood at Home, who receiv'd her Old acquaintance with many a gracious Smile. I was carry'd into a Room elegantly set off with Pier Glasses, the largest of which came soon after to an odd Misfortune. Amongst other favourite Animals that cheer'd this Lady's Solitude, a Brace of Tame Deer ran familiarly about the House, and one of them came to stare at me as a Stranger. But unluckily Spying his own Figure in the Glass, he made a spring over the Tea Table that stood under it, and shatter'd the Glass to pieces, and falling back upon the Tea Table, made a terrible Fracas among the China. This Exploit was so sudden, and accompany'd with such a Noise, that it surpriz'd me, and perfectly frighten'd Mrs. Spotswood. But twas worth all the Damage to shew the Moderation and good humour with which she bore this disaster. In the Evening the noble Colo, came home from his Mines, who saluted me very civilly, and Mrs. Spotswood's Sister, Miss Theky, who had been to meet him en Cavalier, was so kind too as to bid me welcome. We talkt over a Legend of old Storys, supp'd about 9, and then prattl'd with the Ladys, til twas time for a Travellour to retire. In the mean time I observ'd my old Friend to be very Uxorious, and exceedingly fond of his Children. This was so opposite to the Maxims he us'd to preach up before he was marryed, that I cou'd not forbear rubbing up the Memory of them. But he gave a very good-natur'd turn to his Change of Sentiments, by alleging that whoever brings a poor Gentlewoman into so solitary a place, from all her Friends and acquaintance, wou'd be ungrateful not to use her and all that belongs to her with all possible Tenderness.

We all kept Snug in our several apartments till Nine, except Miss Theky, who was the Housewife of the Family. At that hour we met over a Pot of Coffee, which was not quite strong enough to give us the Palsy. After Breakfast the Colo, and I left the Ladys to their Domestick Affairs, and took a turn in the Garden, which has nothing beautiful but 3 Terrace Walks that fall in Slopes one below another. I let him understand, that besides the pleasure of paying him a Visit, I came to be instructed by so great a Master in the Mystery of Making of Iron, wherein he had led the way, and was the Tubal Cain of Virginia. He corrected me a little there, by assuring me he was not only the first in this Country, but the first in North America, who had erected a regular Furnace. That they ran altogether upon Bloomerys in New England & Pennsilvania, till his Example had made them attempt greater Works. But in this last Colony, they have so few Ships to carry their Iron to Great Britain, that they must be content to make it only for their own use, and must be oblig'd to manufacture it when they have done. That he hoped he had done the Country very great Service by setting so good an Example. . . . Our Conversation on this Subject continued till Dinner, which was both elegant and plentifull. The afternoon was devoted to the ladys, who shew'd me one of their most beautiful Walks. They conducted me thro' a Shady Lane to the Landing, and by the way made me drink some very fine Water that issued from a Marble Fountain, and ran incessantly. . . . Then we proceeded to the River, which is the South Branch of Rappahanock, about 50 Yards wide, and so rapid that the Ferry Boat is drawn over by a Chain, and therefore called the Rapidan. At night we drank prosperity to all the Colonel's Projects in a Bowl of Rack Punch, and then retired to our Devotions.

Having employ'd about 2 hours in Retirement, I Sally'd out at the first Summons to Breakfast, where our conversation with the Ladys, like Whip Sillabub, was very pretty, but had nothing in it. This it seems was Miss Theky's Birth day, upon which I made her my Compliments, & wish't she might live twice as long a marry'd Woman as she had liv'd a Maid. I did not presume to pry into the Secret of her Age, nor was she forward to disclose it, for this humble Reason, lest I shou'd think her Wisdom fell short of her Years. . . . We had a Michaelmas Goose for Dinner, of Miss Theky's own raising, who was now goodnatur'd enough to forget the Jeopardy of her Dog. In the afternoon we walkt in a Meadow by the River side, which winds in the form of a Horseshoe about Germanna, making it a Peninsula, containing about 400 Acres. Rappahanock forks about 14 Miles below this place, the Northern Branch being the larger, and consequently must be the River that bounds My Lord Fairfax's Grant of the Northern Neck.

The Sun rose clear this Morning, and so did I, and finisht all my little Affairs by Breakfast. It was then resolv'd to wait on the Ladys on Horseback, since the bright Sun, the fine Air, and the wholesome Exercise, all invited us to it. We forded the River a little above the Ferry, and rode 6 Miles up the Neck to a fine Level piece of Rich Land, where we found about 20 Plants of Ginseng, with the Scarlet Berrys growing on the top of the Middle Stalk. The Root of this is of wonderful Vertue in many Cases, particularly to raise the Spirits and promote Perspiration, which makes it a Specifick in Colds and Coughs. The Colo, comple mented me with all we found, in return for my telling him the Vertues of it. We were all pleas'd to find so much of this King of Plants so near the Colonel's habitation, and growing too upon his own Land ; but were, however, surprized to find it upon level Ground, after we had been told it grew only upon the North Side of Stony Mountains. I carry'd home this Treasure, with as much Joy, as if every Root had been a Graft of the Tree of Life, and washt and dry'd it carefully. This Airing made us as Hungry as so many Hawks, so that between Appetite and a very good Dinner, twas difficult to eat like a Philosopher. In the After noon the Ladys walkt me about amongst all their little Animals, with which they amuse themselves, and furnish the Table ; the worst of it is, they are so tender-hearted, they Shed a Silent Tear every time any of them are kill'd. At Night the Colo. and I quitted the threadbare Subject of Iron, and changed the Scene to Politicks. He told me the Ministry had receded from their demand upon New England, to raise a standing Salary for all succeeding Governors, for fear some curious Members of the House of Commons shou'd enquire How the Money was dispos'd of, that had been rais'd in the other American Colonys for the Support of their Governors. . . .

William Byrd, A Progress to the Mines, in the Year 1732, in his History of the Dividing Line, between Virginia and North Carolina, etc. (edited by Thomas H. Wynne, Richmond, 1866), II, 59-67 passim.

83. A Modern Woman (1741-1741/2) 

BY ELIZA LUCAS

Bibliography as in No. 35 above.

Wappo — June 4 [1741]. . . .

A FTER a pleasant passage of about an hour we arrived safe at home as I hope you and M^rs Pinckney did at Belmont. but this place appeared much less agreeable than when I left it, having lost the agreeable company & conversation of our friends — I am engaged now with the rudiments of the Law to w^ch I am but a Stranger and what adds to my mortification is that Doct^r Wood wants the Politeness of your Uncle who with a graceful ease & good nature peculiar to himself is always ready to instruct the ignorant — but this rustic seems by no means to court my acquaintance for he often treats me with such cramp phrases I am unable to understand him nor is he civil enough to explain them when I desire it. however I hope in a short time we shall be better friends nor shall I grudge a little pains and application that will make me useful to my poor neighbours. We have some in this Neighbourhood who have a little Land and a few slaves and Cattle to give their children, that never think of making a Will till they come upon a sick bed and find it too expensive to send to town for a Lawyer. If you will not laugh too immoderately at me I'll trust you with a secrett. I have made two Wills already. I know I have done no harm for I conn d my lesson very perfect, and know how to convey by Will Estates real and personal and never forget in it's proper place him and his heirs for Ever, nor that tis to be sign'd by 3 Witnesses in presence of one another. but the most comfortable remembrance of all is that Doct^r Wood says the Law makes great allowance for last Wills and Testaments presuming the Testator could not have Council learned in the Law. but after all what can I do if a poor creature lies a dying and the family takes it into their head that I can serve them, I cannt refuse but when they are well and able to imploy a Lawyer I always shall. A Widdow here abouts with a pretty little fortune teazed me intolerably to draw her a marriage settlement but it was out of my depth and I absolutely refused it — so she got an able hand to do it — indeed she could afford it — but I could not get off from being one of the Trustees to her settlement and an old Gent^m 1 the other I shall begin to think myself an old woman before I am a young one having such weighty affairs upon my hands . . .

Sept^r 20. 1741. Wrote to my father on plantation business and Concerning a planter's importing negroes for his own use. Col^o Pinckney thinks not — but thinks twas proposed in the assembly and rejected — promised to look over the act and let me know, also informed my father of the alteration tis Soposed there will be in the value of our money occationed by a late Act of Parliament that Extends to all America w^ch is to disolve all private banks I think by the 30^th of last Month or be liable to lose their Estates and put themselves out of the King's protection. informed him of the Tyranical Gov^rt at Georgia.

Oct^r 29. 1741 Wrote to my father acknowledging the receipt of a p^s of rich yellow Lutstring consisting of 19 yards for myself d^o of blue for my Mama, also for a p^s of Holland and Cambrick received from London at the same time. Tell him we have had a moderate and healthy summer and preparing for the King's birth day next day. Tell him shall send the rice by Bullard.

Nov^r 11. 1741. Wrote to M^r Murray to send down a boat load of white oak staves, bacon and salted beef for the West Indies, sent up at the same time a bar^l salt 12 w^t salt peter. some brown sugar for the bacon. Vinegar and a couple bottles Wine for M^rs Murray and desire he will send down all the butter and hogs lard.

Jan^y 1741-2 Wrote my father about the Exchange with Col^o Heron. the purchasing his house at Georgia. . . . Returned my father thanks for a present I received from him by Cap^t Sutherland of twenty pistols, and for the sweetmeats by Cap^t Gregory. Shall send the preserved fruit as they come in season Begged the favour of him to send to England for D^r Popashes Cantatas. Wildens Anthems. Knellers Rules for tuning, about the Jerusalem Thorn, shall try different soils for the Lucern grass this year. The ginger turns out but poorly. We want a supply of Indigo Seed. Sent by this Vessel a waiter of my own Japaning my first Essay. Sent also the Rice and beef. Sent Gov^r Thomas of Philadelphia' Daughter a tea chest of my own doing also Congratulate my father on my brother s recovery from the small pox and having a Commission . . .

[Feb. 6] I received yesterday the favour of your advice as a phicisian and want no arguments to convince me I should be much better for both my good friends Company, a much pleasanter Prescription than Doct^r Meads w^ch I have just received. To follow my inclination at this time I must endeavour to forget that I have a Sister to instruct and a parcel of little Negroes whom I have undertaken to teach to read ... I am a very Dunce, for I have not acquird y^e writing short hand yet with any degree of Swiftness but I am not always so for I give a very good proof of the brightness of my Genius when I can distinguish well enough to Subscribe my Self with great Esteem

Sir

y^r . most obed^t humble Serv^t

Eliza Lucas.

Eliza Lucas, Journal and Letters (edited by Mrs. H. P. Holbrook, Wormsloe, 1850), 13-16 passim.

84. Roisterers in Boston (1750) 

BY CAPTAIN FRANCIS GOELET

 

For Goelet, see No. 23 above. — For life in Boston, see also Contemporaries, I, ch. xxi.

 

SEPTEMB^r 30^th. Being much Fatigued had no Inclination to Church. Stayd at Home Overhaw^g my Papers &c. Dyn'd at Home with Several Gent n and Ladies, viz^t Mr. Hedges, Cap^t Stewart, and Cap^t Goelet, Mis^s Betsey and Mis^s Jenny Wendel, Miss Quincey, M^r Wendell and Famely, where made my home. After Dinner took a Walk withe Gent n to M^rs Grace's, Cap^t Steward^s Lodgeing where Spent the Evening.

Octob^r 1^st After Breakfast went to See about the Protest, had Ordered Satturday Night which was done. I then Gave the Cap^t Proper Orders what to do with the Ship, haveing First advised with Cap^t Wendell, who Provided a Store hous &c. to Store Our Cargoe in, as would be Obliged to Bring Our Ship to the ways to Examine her Leakes &c. haveing an Invitation from the Gentlemen to Dine at M^r Sheppard's, went Accordingly where was a Company of ab^t 40 Gentle men, after haveing Dined in a very Elegant manner upon Turtle &c. Drank about the Toasts, and Sang a Number of Songs, and where Exceeding Merry untill 3 a Clock in the Morning, from whence Went upon the Rake, Going Past the Commons in Our way Home, Surprised a Comp^y Country Young Men and Women with a Violin at A Tavern Danceing and makeing Merry, upon Our Ent^g the house they Young Women Fled, we took Posession of the Room, hav^g the Fidler and the Young man with us with the Keg of Sugard Dram, we where very Merry, from thence went to M^r Jacob Wendells where we where Obliged to Drink Punch and Wine, and ab^t 5 in the morn g made our Excit and to Bed.

October 2^d. Had an Invitation to day to Go to a Turtle Frolick with a Comp^y of Gentⁿ and Ladies at M^r. Richardsons in Cambridge, ab^t 6 Miles from Towne. I accordingly waited on Miss Betty Wendell with a Chaise, who was my Partner, the Companie Consisted of about 20 Couple Gentⁿ and Ladies of the Best Fashion in Boston, viz. the two Miss Phips, Lu^t Gouern^r Daughters, the Miss Childs, Miss Quinceys, Miss Wendells &c. Danced Several Minuits and Country Dances, and where very Merry about Dusk we all rode Home, and See our Partners safe, and Spent the Evening at Cap^t. Maglachlins &c.

October 3^d. Went on Board my Ship in the Stream, with Several Gentⁿ my Acquaint^e , who where desirous to see the Ship, I Regald them with some Punch Wine and Choice Cornd Mackrell, went to M^r Weatherheads at the Sign the Bunch Grapes in Kings street, just below the Towne House, Being noted for the Best Punch House in Boston, and Resorted to by most the Gentⁿ Merch^ts and Masters Vessels, and where I spent the Evening with Several Gentⁿ my Acquaintance.

October 4^th. After Breakfast walkd to the South End the Towne, relaiting some affairs the Ship, and Dined with 2 Country Esq^r at Cap^t Wendells, after Dinner went downe to See the Ship how things went, and Spent the Even^g with some Gentlemen at Cap^t Stewards Lodgeing.

October 5^th. After Breakfast went to see how they whent on with the Ship, And ret^d about 12 a Clock, and to Change, from thence to Weatherheads, with Several Gentlemⁿto drink Punch. Had an Invitation from Several Brothers to Vissett the Masters Lodge, which is kept at Stones, in a Very Grand Manner. M^r Oxnard who is Provincial Grand Master, Presided in the Chair, went from thence at 9 to Sup with M^r Chue, who had a Company Gentⁿ to Spend the Evening with him, we had a Very Grand Supper, where Very merry and Broke up about 3 in the Morning.

October 6^th. Went to the Ship, and from thence to M^r Weatherheads, and to Change, had an Invitation to dine with Some Gentlemen at M^r Richardson's in Cambridge, we where ab^t 15 or 16 of us in Company, all Rhode out, in Chairs. Drank Plentifully Toasted the Ladies Singing &c. ab^t Dusk the Evening returned to Boston, and Spent the Evening at Cap^t McGlaughlin's with some Ladies at Cards.

October 7^th. Young M^r Th^o Leechmore waited of me, and Invited me to dine with him at his Father's M^r Leachmore Surveyor General of America, which I promis'd to do. Agreeable thereto M^r Abraham Wendell who being also Invited We Went to Geather, where very Kindly Received, and Introduced into the Company, where where Several Ladies viz^t Mis^s Leachmores, the three Miss Phips, Mis Lucie, Pegg^y and Beckie, Mis^s Brownes &c. &c. &c. after dinner were Very Merry, Past the Evening with some Friends at Cap^t Stewarts Lodgeing.

October 8^th. In the morning went to the Ship to see how the workmen went on and what was wanting, went to the Several Tradesmen &c. at 11 went to Weatherheads, from thence to Change, Dynd with Some Friends at Cap^ts Lodgeing, from thence went to Cap^t Wendells, where they had not done Dinner Sat down with them to a Desart Sund^y. Fruit &c. and Drank Glass wine and Spent the Evening with ab^t 20 Worthy Gentⁿ at Weather Heads have^g Contracted a Large Acquaintance, was not at a Loss for Comp^y as long as there, which made my Detaim^t there Very agreeable.

October 9^th. Went to the Ship and haveing Orderd the Needfull, from thence to Weatherhead and to Change, from thence home, where found Mes^rs John and Abra^m Wendell Waiting for me to Go and Dine with M^r Edmund Quincey, which we did where Dynd also Miss Tenny Wendell, and Miss Betsey DeBuke, with the Family, M^rs Quinceys and her two Daughters, after Dinner Playd Several Tunes upon the Harpsichord, and Miss Quinceys did the Like, M^r Chief Deputy Collector, Invited me to go to the Consort of which he was a Member, I went accordingly, the Performence was as well as Could be Expected, it Consisted of One Indifrent, Small Oargon, One Base Violin, One German Flute, and Four small Violins, Spent remain^g the Even^g with Cap^t Maxwill. October 10^th. After Breakfast went M^r Abraham Wendell to South End, to Markett, Boug^t Several Nessasaries for the Ship, from thence to Weatherheads and to Change, went with M^r Wendell Agreeable to Invitation to Dine with M^r Bayard, where Dynd also M^r Bohen, A Gentlemⁿ that Courted his Daughter then, and was married the Proceeding Night, after Dinner M^r Bayard and M^r Soloman Davis, Accompanied us to the Commons, to See the Militia Drawn up, from thence went to M^r Stones, where the Lodge was held and Parson Brockwell Presided in the Chair, and M^r William Coffin Merch^t in Boston his Deputy, from thence to Cap^t Wendells where was a Large Comp^y Gentⁿ Drinking Toast and Singing Songs, the Comp^y Broke up ab^t 3 in the Morning. . . .

October 13^th. Haveing Breakfast^d, we Prepaird for a Rhide, the Chairs where Got Ready, M^r Ab^m Wendell went on Horse back and Miss Bety Debuke and M^r M^c Glaughlin and Spouse and Self went in Chairs, wee Passd trough Milton which is a Prety Pleasent Country Town, and arived at Scroten another Pleasant Country Town where have a Prety Prospect, Dynd at M^r Glovers a Publicans, its about 10 Miles from Boston, from thence, at the Request of M^r Edmund Quincey, halted at his Country Seat at Milton ; The Country House is a Neat Brick Building, and Finely Accomodated for Comp^y with a Fine Hall and Large Rooms, about Ten Yards from the House is a Beautifull, Cannal, which is Supply'd by a Brook, which is well Stockt with Fine Silver Eels, we Caught a fine Parcell and Carried them Home and had them drest for Supper, the House has a Beautyfull Pleasure Garden Adjoyning it, and On the Back Part the Building is a Beautyfull Orchard with fine fruit Trees, &c. Returnd Home in the Evening &c.

October 14^th. Being Sunday Dresd my Self and went w th M^r Abrah^m Wendell To Parson Coopers Meeting, but he being at Rhode Island, Parson Abot Officiated for him, his Text on the Psalms (O y^e of Little Faith), a very Good Discourse, Dynd at Cap^t Wendells and in the, Afternoon, went to Trinity Church, and was Introduced by M^r Coffin into his Piew, the Parson M^r Hooper Gave us an Excellent Discourse, on the follow^g text (the Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom). This Build is very Plain without, with Large Sash Windows, But within Verry Neat and Comodius, the Architect Modren, with a Very Neat Little Oargan Pretily Embelished, this Church hav^g no Steeple Looks more Like a Prespetarian Meeting House.

Extracts from Capt. Francis Goelet's Journal, in New-England Historical and Genealogical Register (Boston, 1870), XXIV, 53-55 passim.