USA > Virginia > Some prominent Virginia families, Volume II > Part 66
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it seems to have been pretty much neglected, a pretty pleasure garden the trees of which now hardly visible, a small Wilderness, and other shades, shows that the contrivor was not without Judgment; but what to me sur- passed every thing of the kind I had scen in America, was a pretty bricked Green House, out of which was disposed (now) very properly in the Pleasure Garden, a good many Orange, Lemon and Citron Trees, in great profusiou loaded with abundance of Fruit and some of each sort seemingly then ripe. The House here is but small built of Brick with a small kitchen &c justly contrived rather for a small than a numerous Family. It is pleasantly situated on an eminence with a gradual descent over a small Valley, to a handsome level Road cut through a wood, affording an agree- able Vista of near Two miles; on the left hand the slope, descending from the House is a neat little Park tho' I am told there are no Deer in it. In coming home, I went into a Tavern called the "Centre House," as being seated in the very midst of the original Plan of the first intended City; tho' at present, this House is half a Mile or more from the nearest Building in the City. Here is a Bowling Green, and a neat People seem to keep the House, but a Strange Brute of a Land Lord. In the morning carly, I should have observed, I walked to the Platform, the very farthest part of the City on the South East, or down the River Delaware. The Platform by being uncovered, appears much decayed and out of order. There are upwards of Fifty Guns lying about there, the carriages entirely ruined; the bores of some of the largest Guns are 7 or 8 inches in Diameter, but there is only Twenty Five Ports. The Channel seems there to lye on the further side of the River. So that it is imagined a Ship cannot come within a mile of the Fort. Monday May 26. I went again this morning to wait on Mr. Allin as I had intimated in my Letter I proposed to do; but he not coming to Town that Day, and the Servants behaving somewhat churlishly, answering me very shortly. when I Civily enquired when their Master was expected, that they did not know; and having asked one among several whom I saw come from Mr. Allin's Door whether he was then come to Town, he Civily said the Servants had informed him Mr. Allin would not be in Town that Day, but was expected on Wednesday morning; from whence I concluded that was a secret I was not to be let into, yet I was determined on seeing him. I took my Horse after dinner, and rode over to what is called his Country Seat, which I found about 8 or 9 miles distant on the top of a Hill at the further end of a Village two Miles in length, called German Town, from the number of German Weavers and others settled there. The House but small, built of Stone, as most of the Houses thereabouts are; stands close to a large much frequented Road, which often occasions the Dust to be very troublesome. The spot doubtless from its elevated situation, must be as healthy as any thereabouts, but to me, it appears very naked; much exposed to the Sun and to bleak winds; a small Portico facing the South East, where I had my residence is a good Contrivance, and to my think- ing, the very best about the House. My reception here was more gracious than I expected, for he took me by the hand. and invited me to scat myself
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in the Portico and asked me what I chosed to drink; I preferred small Beer, being almost choked with the Dust raised by Wagons &c I met on the Road, and a large Tankard of very good was brought me, after which he quietly let me know it was not in his Power to do any thing for me; but informed me of Mr. Osborn's being in Town, and recommended my return with him again to Williamsburg, saying it would be a fine oppor- tunity. I desired to Continue Somewhat longer, hoping he would not be offended at my Calling on him Sometimes to enquire whether something might not intervene in my favor; to which, he politely replyed he should be always glad to see me. He afterwards walked me into his Garden, Consisting of Edibles only, which seemed well manured and in as good order as a Garden upon a Hill could be. He pointed to a Field of clover adjoining to the Garden, of as I should guess about eight Acres, which He and so did I too considered as a fine improvement; tho' I should doubt its long Continuance in the Scorching heats, and so high a situation ; he staid me to drink Tea with his Lady, a Daughter of the late Governor Mr. Hamilton which I did not know. till I unluckily in relating (at their asking) my observations of what I had seen, gave the preference to the "Proprietor's Garden," which I could see was not over pleasing, tho' they no other-wise manifested their dislike, than (after informing of that cir- cumstance) by saying that the generality of People who were Judges thought Mr. Hamilton's Garden greatly Superior to the Proprietor's. After Tea I set out for Philadelphia, but perceiving my horse was ready bridled when called for, and looked extremely thin and faint, I stop'd at an Inn in German Town to feed him, and came to Philadelphia before it was dark. Wednesday 28th of May I attended Mr. Allin again this morning, and was with him in his Parlour about 15 minutes. He again enquired if I did not propose returning with Mr. Osborn. I assured him I should not, tho' I observed it was my intention to write by him to Mr. Nelson, and begged to know whether I might give him any hopes of my appointment. I waited on Mr. Allin again about Eleven, tho' to my apprehension my presence was far from being grateful to him. He enquired whether I had sent home my horse. I said no and then silence ensued, till a Person relieved him who I presume might have business with him, so in compassion to his visible uneasiness, I moved to depart, at which he seemed pleased, walking with me to the door, I let him know at parting, I would not trouble him again till the ensuing Wednesday, to which as usual with his wonted politeness and Sincerity, he replyed He should be always glad to see me. These two last days in May were I think the Coldest for the Scason that I ever felt in my life, the young shoots of the common bushes in the Fields being cut off. People Say too it is the dryest time that they ever remember. June Ist and 2nd; I spent very Melancholy hearing nothing from Col. Hunter whom I was cautious of teazing, till on the 3d. I was informed he that morning set out to Vir- ginia. So whether he had any talk with Mr. Allin convinced was I never. The circumstances, in a kind of despair, entered my romantic head to communicate my unhappy condition to Mr. Franklin, a Gentleman in good
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esteem here and well known to the Philadelphical world. 1 without reserve laid the whole of my affairs before him, requesting his aid if such a thing might be without inconvenience to Himself. This in writing I sent to him June 4th. Early in the Morning, about The same Day I received a note by a Servant under a wafer in these words, "Mr. Franklin Compliments to Mr. Fisher and desire the favor of his Company to drink Tea at five Oclock this afternoon." I went at the time; and in my imagination met with a humane, kind reception. Ile expressed a concern for my affliction, and promised to assist mc into some business provided it was in his power. In returning from Mr. Franklins, a Silver Smith in the neighborhood to Mr. Franklins, Secing me come out that Gentleman House, Spoke to me as I was passing his door, and invited me to sit down. This man's name was Soumien. I had been several times in his Company at My Inn, and Considered him as a very inquisitive Person, Craving a knowledge of other Peoples affairs, tho' no ways concerning himself I accepted his offer of sitting at his door, and he soon began to fish for my business with Mr. Franklin by asking whether I had any previous knowledge or acquaintance with him; not obtaining a thorough information of all he wanted to know, and knowing I wanted a private Lodging, he made me an offer of his, which I gladly accepted. We agreed at Twelve shillings a week, and I came thither the same Evening. The Family consisted of, himself, his Wife, and a daughter of hers, a Young Woman about 13 years of age, a Negro Man, and two Negro Wenches. I was very well pleased to observe that this Family seemed to be acquainted with Mr. Franklins'. '
June 5th: Thursday-As I was coming down from my chamber this afternoon, a Gentlewoman was sitting upon one of the lowest Stairs which was but narrow, and there not being room enough to pass, She arose up and threw herself immediately upon the Floor and sat there. Mr. Sou- mien and his Wife greatly entreated her to arise and take a Chair, but in vain; She would keep her Seat, and kept it I think the longer for their entreaty. This Gentlewoman whom (tho' I had scen before) I did not know, appeared to be Mrs. Franklin. She assumed the Airs of extra- ordinary Freedom, and great humility. Lamented heartily the misfortune of those who were unhappily infected with a too tender or benevolent disposition, said she believed all the world claimed a privilege of troubling her Pappey (So she usually Calls Mr. Franklin) with their Calamities and distresses, giving us a general history of many Such wretches and their impertinent applications to him.
Mr. Franklin's moral character is good, and he and Mrs. Franklin live irreproachably as Man and Wife.
Friday June 6th: I kept my Chamber, being very ill with my old disorder the cholic but was relieved by taking some drops of Castor and laudanum the next morning. The first rain fell last night that had been since a long time, which greatly refreshed the Earth.
Received an invitation from Mr. Franklin to dine with him to morrow.
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Sunday June 8th about half an hour after nine this morning, I went to the Quakers' meeting on Society Hill. It proved a Silent one, except one old Man in the Gallery, who spoke about two minutes. What he said was not very edifying, nor had he the approbation of the Friends them- selves. Some of them in my hearing, esteeming him a Babbler.
I dined to day with Mr. Franklin and went afterwards to the Dutch Churches.
The Lutheran Church has an Organ and a good Performer. The Cal- vinist Church has an Organ and a good Performer, both 9th and 10th Employed in writing Letters to my Wife and Mr. Walthoe.
Wednesday 11th so very cold for this two nights past, that many People required Fires in their Parlours as in Winter.
Thursday the 12th This morning about Nine Mr. Franklin sent for me to copy a pretty long Letter from General Braddock, acknowledging the care of the Pennsylvanians in sending Provisions &c to the Forces. Mr. Franklin in particular; and complaining of the neglect of the Govern- ments of Virginia and Maryland especially; in speaking of which the Colonies, he says, They have promised everything and had performed nothing; and of the Pennsylvanian, he said They had promised nothing, and had performed everything. That even the small supply she had received from the first two Colonys even in general so decayed or damaged, as to be of no use, and in a letter before this, of which I only saw a Copy, the General acknowledges she had been greatly imposed on in the character given him of the People of Pennsylvania; but that he would in long take an opportunity of doing ample Justice, to the Ministry at Home. When I finished several hasty Copies for which the Post then waited, he desired I would breakfast with him the next morning, and he would then give me more work. June 13th and 14th I was closely employed in several Copys of a Manuscript Treatise entitled the "Observations concerning the Increase of Mankind, Peopling of Countries, &c."
From June 15th to July 10th employed generally in writing or Sorting of Papers at the Printing office. On July 11th I wrote long Letters to my Wife and Mr. Walthoe giving them an exact account of my Situation. I should have observed that on St. John the Baptist Day (June 24th) There was the Greatest Procession of Free Masons to the Church and their Lodge in Second Street, that was ever seen in America. No less than 160 being in the Procession in Gloves, Aprons &c. attended by a band of music. Mr. Allin the Grand Master honouring them with his Company, as did the Deputy Grand Master Mr. Benjamin Franklin, and his Son Mr. Wm. Franklin who walked as the next Chief Officer-a sword Bearer with a naked sword drawn, headed the Procession. They dined together elegant- ly, as it is said at their Hall upon Turtle &c. Perceiving I had nothing ever to hope or expect from Mr. Allin I rarely went near him unless twice for a supply of money; Mr. Nelson in case of need, having given me a Bill of credit for Twelve Pistoles.
Friday July 18th This afternoon about Three Oclock we were terribly alarmed by an Express by way of Maryland from Coln. Innis, dated at
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Wills Creek or Port Cumberland July 11th giving an account that the Forces under Gen'l Braddock were entirely defeated by the French on the 9th on the River Monongahela. The General, St. John St. Clair and a number of the Officers killed, and all our fine artillery taken. The Con- sternation that this City upon the occasion is hardly to be expressed. The next day we received other accounts less terrible, but none very authentic or particular, and on the 20th Some Indian Traders from the upper parts of the country, tho' not from the Camp brought still more flattering accounts, and Reports were various till Wednesday July 23rd when about noon arrived the following Paragraph by the Lancaster Post Dated Carlile 21st July 1755-"It is now reduced to a certainty; that our Army under General Braddock is defeated; The General and St. John St. Clair dan- gerously wounded-about a Thousand men lost, with the Train of Artillery and Baggage. The remaining part of the Army Under Col. Dunbar have destroyed all their Baggage except two six. Pounders and Provision necessary for their retrcat to Wills Creek, where I expect they are by this time." This account was credited and afterward more particularly Con- firmed by Mr. Orme Aid a Camp to the Gen'l. The Mobb here upon this occasion, were very unruly; assembling in great numbers with an inten- tion of demolishing the Mass House belonging to the Roman Catholics, wherein they were underhand excited and encouraged by some People of a Higher Rank. But the peaceable Quakers insisting that the Catholics as well as Christians of other denominations, were settled upon the faith of the Constitution, or Wm. Penn's Charter, and that the Government were bound to protect them, so long at least, as they remained inoffensive and paid a dutiful regard to the establishment. The Magistrates met, and with a good deal of difficulty, prevailed with the Mobb to desist. Having as yet mnade no settled agreement with Mr. Franklin, and being not certain that he had any real occasion for my Services, having several Days together nothing for me to do, I happened to have a very slender acquaintance with one Captain Coultas, who lived at the upper Ferry on the River Schuilkil, and who it was generally believed would be elected Sheriff of Philadelphia at the ensuing Election. A Person of Sense and Character, and to my apprehension, of no less generosity and good nature. To this Gentleman I wrote a few lines, imparting, that if the business he was entering upon required any such aid as it was in my power to administer, I should be very glad to serve him; I apprehending the frequent auctions or Sales which a Sheriff was necessarily concerned in might, require Some Such assistance. In a Day or Two after this, meeting with Captu. Coultas at "Indian King," he called me aside, acknowledged the receipt of my Letter, Said that it would not have a decent book to dispose of my part of an office which he was not then possessed of; not but he said, from the assurance of his Friends, he believed could depend on it; But this he would assure me, if it so happened, I might rely upon any Act of Friendship or kindness in his power to Serve me. Extremely pleased with the humanly rational generosity of this Sensible man, I immediately flew to my Friend Mr. Franklin with the news, that he might participate
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in my Satisfaction, but was some what surprised that he did not consider what I had done, in the same view with myself. He allowed Capn. Coultas was a very worthy man, and would' Sincerely perform everything I was encouraged to expect or hope for; but could not apprehend that any thing he could do for me would be worthy my acceptance. That he had himself thought of several ways of serving me, and has rejected them only, because he esteemed them too mean. Particularly he said, He could immediately put me into the Academy, in the Capacity of English School Master, a Place of 60 a year, with some other advantages; but refrained mentioning it to me in hopes of having it soon in his power of doing better for me. I assured him with the utmost gratitude, the employ did not appear in so mean a light to me; and the only reason I had for declining the favour, was the diffidence of my ability in doing Justice to his recommendation, a thing which he said, he was not in the least apprehensive of. However, presuming it gave him no offence, I craved his leave to decline the kind offer, and he declared himself very well satisfied.
Having informed him that I should prefer Serving him as a Clerk provided he had any occasion for me; On Monday Morning July 28th I received the following Letter from him.
Monday morning July 28th Sir till our building is finished which I hope will be in 2 or 3 weeks, I have no more to accommodate a Clerk. But it is my intention to have one, tho' my business is so small that I cannot afford to give more than I have always given Vizt, Diet at my own Table, with Lodging and washing and 25 per annum. I could never think this worth offering to you, but if you think fit to accept of it, till something better shall fall in the way, you shall be very welcome to it, &c E B Franklin P. S. I may commence from the time you first began to write for me, in which case, I discharge your Board &c at Mr. Sou- mien's; or from the present time, and then I pay for the writing done, or if you choose it, I will get you into the Charity School as I mentioned before."
Without the least hesitation I gave the preference to his service, and he let me know that it should not hinder his endeavours of Serving me further.
Mr. Soumien liad often informed me of great uneasiness and dissatis- factions in Mr. Franklin's family in a manner no way pleasing to me, and which in truth I was unwilling to Credit; but as Mrs. Franklin and I, of late, began to be very Friendly and Sociable, I discerned great grounds, for Mr. Soumien's Reflections, arising solely from jealousy of her dispo- sition; She suspecting Mr. Franklin for having too great an esteem for his Son in prejudice of herself and Daughter, a young woman of about 12 or 13 years of age, for whom it was visible Mr. Franklin nad no less esteem than for his Son. In this situation I was, when on August the 7th I received a most kind letter from Mr. Walthoe informing me that Mr. Mitchelson, the Person who rented his store was become a Bankrupt, and that as it was unlikely I should ever remain in quiet under Mr. Wether-
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burn, If I thought his House would be of service to mne, I should have the preference to any Person whatever, and that I might rest assured of any other friendly aid in his Power; My Family too hc assured me, had now manifested an entire conformity to my will, either to embrace the opportunity and trying here for our Friends at York would assist us, or if I was better pleased with the prospect that Philadelphia afforded, they would remove thither upon the first notice. The uncertainty of my situa- tion together with reflecting upon what might he the consequence of General Braddock's defcat brought me to a resolution of Seeing my Family and Mr. Walthoe at Williamsburg before 1 came to any Certain determination of a settlement; Yet I showed Mr. Franklin my letter, and craved his opinion, who very readily came into mine, assuring me also he would wait a considerable space for the result of our Conferences before he supplied himself with a Clerk or the School with a Master. So I fixed upon Sun- day the 10th for setting out on my journey to Williamsburg. Being not determined which Road I should take (there being several) Mr. Franklin said, if I went the upper, he would get me to take an order for a small matter of Money on Mr. Mercer in Virginia, with whom he had had no settlement for Nine years, upon which I told him, I did not regard a few miles of riding to serve him, and he might depend upon my making Mr. Mercers in my way. He gave me also Six Pistols, asking if that was sufficient for the trouble he had given me. I told him it was. The evening (Saturday) before I set out, I was with him till after cleven oclock, when he pressed me to accept of Two Guineas more, which I refused and I said that in case of accidents, from my horse failing, or any other misfortune, I had a Gold Watch in my pocket which would give me some Credit. It was near Twelve when we parted with mutual good wishes.
Sunday, August 10th 1755 at Five in the morning, I left Philadelphia to return to Williamsburg, arrived at Chester about light, and at Christen Bridge about Five in the afternoon. This last place lay somewhat out of my way, but I came to it for the convenience of Lodging, there being none good at Ogle Town, which it seems in the direct road from New Port. would have been as ncar as where I put up. From Wilmington to New Port (a struggling village) it is a stony or rather a Rocky road. Christen Bridge consists of two small Inns and three or four other houses. The two first miles, Hilly and Stony. Ogle Town only two or three poor houses. About 8 I came to the Head of Elk river (in Maryland) called upon Cap- tain Catto, the gentleman with whom I dined at Hamors on May the 19th. He engaged me to stay and Breakfast, ordering my horse to be well fed. Here breakfasted with us one Captain Dagworthy of a Company of Mary- land Independent who was with Dunbar when General Braddock was de- feated. Came to Charles Town about noon. This place situated at the very head of Chesapeake Bay, just without the mouth of the Long River Susquehannah, on the Eastern Side, Consists of a pretty many (perhaps Twenty or more) very scattered houses, on a wide sandy Common very naked and exposed, tho' in time it may doubtless become a convenient situation for trade. At the Mouth of this Fine River, there is a Bar of
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Sand which the Inhabitants hereabouts complain of, as a great impediment to the navigation; tho where I crossed at the Ferry about 3 or 4 miles above the mouth, I saw a pretty handsome Ship of about 200 Tons, built in this river within the Bar; tho some imagined she could not be got out when loaded, but with great difficulty or at Spring Tides. Passed this Ferry about 3, and arrived at Robinson, before Four. This Tavern though small is kept by very Civil people, and both myself and horse found better than at more promising places. Bush Town Aug. 12th. Came here about 8 -- The White Horse about noon and to Baltimore about Four. Great part of the way to Gun Powder River, was very uneven and Stony. Iron Stone in particular. The Falls of Gun Powder River, now fordable were full of large rocky Stones, and the current very rapid, but the water being now transparent, the danger was the less; besides I luckily met here with a Person just going over who was my Guide, and kept me company all the way to Baltimore.
Baltimore County is esteemed the largest, and least fertile of any in Maryland, tho' it abounds in Iron Stone and many parts of it in Wood, but no great plenty of such as deserve the name of Timber. My Inn at Baltimore, tho' a more flattering outside, did not accommodate me nor my horse, near so well as Robinsons. There were Several Persons in the House of whom I enquired my road to Mr. Mercers. A modest young Gentleman named Watkins I think, related to Mr. Pendleton in Va; tho' he appeared a little different aimed to give me the best introduction in his power, but he was in a great measure overborne by one Captain North, a Conceited, noisy, prattling Fellow, who tho' he promised to furnish me with a draught of the road I was to take, did not do it, and to Speak the Truth, I verily think it was beyond his Capacity. I met here with nothing but confusion, almost every man in the house, being of a different opinion as to the way I should pursue. One, and I believe he was right, insisted I ought to pass through Ann Arundel County, towards Piscatqua, but the majority being against this route I unhappily rejected it. Balti- more Town on Patapsco river, covers a great deal of ground, but the houses very scattered and remote from one another, tho' the Situation of the place is very agreeable. Wednesday August 13th. By Captain North's mistake in directing me to be sure of taking a right instead of a left road, I lost my way this morning, before I had rode two miles, leaving Balti- more works, my true road and which (tho' I put down the distance) I never saw, greatly on the left; I met an ignorant Person who aimed at giving me an obscure direction through a Wood towards the head of Pa- tapsco. It being to my comfort early in the Day, and the Sun shining to assist my idea of the Course I was to take, I entered the wood by a small path which quickly lost but found another that brought me to the house of one Oliver Cromwell, when my path ended. From hence (a poor plantation) I was directed to force my way through a part of the wood without a path, towards a place the man pointed to, where he said he would meet and give me further directions. Accordingly he put me into another, if possible more obscure path, still in the wood, but instructed
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me so well in the several turnings I was to take, that I found the way to a very small Cot, where he told me I must inquire further. In this wretched habitation, seemingly void of every necessary, except Faring, I saw only a young woman in appearance as wretched as the place she lived in. She I dare say gave me the best directions she was capable of; tho it was near two hours troublesome riding, before I got out of the woods, when pereeiving a small plantation, a little out of the road I was got into, 1 went up to it. The door being open, I saw two men in the house, but two bold youngish women only eame out to me. Of them I begged to be informed of my right road to the head of Patapseo. One of them with rude speech and eareless or rather churlish behaviour, pointed to the road I eame from, bidding me keep straight forward. They both went in and shut the door. I pursued the road I should have taken without their direction, but found myself often at a loss by different turnings, and tho' I set out at Five in the morning, it was nine o'eloek when I found myself at the head of Patapseo, and but nine miles from Baltimore. My horse being greatly fatigued I ealled at the first plantation I could see, both to find out where I was and to beg a handful of Corn for my horse. A negro eame out, who on my Craving or desiring him to sell me a little Corn, assured me it was a thing he dared not do, for should his Master who he said was the eruelest man alive cateh him at such a thing, lie would whip him to death. He said his Master's name was Edward Nor- wood. The poor fellow however showed me a path which led down to the Ferry, where he said I must hollow for a boat, for there was no other house on this side the River. When I eame to the river which tho' deep, was not very wide, I ealled for more than half an hour, without being regarded, tho' I eould both see and hear the people on the other side distinctly. At length a little Negro Boy eame over with a very small boat, which gave me great apprehension of danger; but the Boy seeming very confident I got my horse into the Boat, tho' there was hardly room for him to stand. In aiming to put off so tieklish a thing, She was nearly overset, which being what the People on the other shore every moment expected-they were laughing and rejoieing in our distress. The weather being hot, and knowing I eould swim very well, I was the less terrified, but the poor Boy entreating me to take my horse out of the Boat, ingenuously confessed that he had never known a horse brought over in that boat in his life, but his Master he said, one Jacob Holland was a very bad man. On the Boy's importunity I got out again, but what to do I could not tell. My horse almost jaded, and to go around the river head was many miles out of my way. No house to eall at save the unhospitable one Edward Norwood's. So I left the Boy with a heavy heart, but I had not walked with my horse in my hand above two or three hundred yards, before I saw a boat eross- ing the river from the side I was on with two men and two horses, towards the further side. Going opposite to the landing place, I ealled, and was answered, a very good boat and a gray headed old man returned for me, and I got over before the other two passengers had mounted their horses. The old man who had seen me get in Holland boat, assured me
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if I had been put off into deep water, I should inevitably have been drowned. The Gentleman too on hearing the case, Confirmed the Same, adding that this Holland was an infamous Fellow and that it was scandel- ous in the Magistrates to tolerate his keeping a Ferry or a Public house, which it was well known to all the neighborhood, his was a common receptacle of the most abandoned villians in the country. These gentle- men telling me they were going my way towards, Hammon, Tavern, and and that by going with them I should save two miles. I without staying to bait (and which I could not do but at Holland's) gladly took the oppor- tunity of their company, and tho' they did not go quite through with me they put me so well in the way, that I arrived at Hamons before noon, where I rested my horse and self two hours. About 4 I came to Mr. Snowden's, a Gentleman who has very large Iron work. My horse being tired, and having 12 long miles to the next place (Bladensburg) tho' Mr. Snowden himself was not at home, I craved a Night's Lodging of his Lady, Who granted my request and entertained myself and horse very well. Thursday August 14th. The road from Mr. Snowden's (which I. left about 6) is through an almost continued wood. I observed but one habitation in all the way, and that was at a great distance on a Hill on the left hand the road, where there was an opening of pretty large fields planted with Corn and Tobacco, about 7 miles as I guess from Mr. Snowden's. Mr. Watkins the Civil young Gentleman (related to Mr. Pen- dleton) whom I saw at Baltimore, recommended me if I came this road, to call up a Gentleman of Bladensburg, one Dr. Ross, to learn from him whether it was my best way to proceed by Mrs. Addison's Ferry in Mary- land over Potomac River to Alexandria alias Belhaven in Virginia, or to go higher up by Rock Creek; the road dividing just before I entered Bladensburg. At this fork of the road, I perceived a man on horseback as if he was waiting for somebody; of him I enquired the way to Dr. Ross; he directed me and then turned into that part of Town where there was two small Publick houses, or what are still termed Taverns. I called at Dr. Ross, but he being out of Town I went off to one of the Taverns where I met with the person whom I saw attending at the Towns Inn. My horse going a little lame, and I enquiring for a Picker, this same person cautiously assisted me with a mohock at the back of a knife. There were two other persons in the house; and of the whole Company I enquired the nearest way to Mr. Mercer's in Virginia. They in general agreed I ought to Cross Potomac at Mrs. Addison, to Alxandria; another very Civil person in the Company gave me in writing the description of the Road to Addison Ferry. The Company went out of the house before me, for I breakfasted and rested my horse two hours or more.
Bladensburg may be called a pretty large Scattered place; perhaps 30 or 40 houses, a few tolerably handsome. It stands upon a part of Potomac River Called the Eastern Branch. At the Town Inn I passed by the Person who lent me the mohock at the Tavern. He was on foot with his horse in his hand, close to some (I think two) covered country wagons, to which I conjectured he belonged, The very last house in the Town was
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SOME PROMINENT
a very handsome briek building, standing upon an eminenee, and Seeing a workman in the yard, I stopped to enquire who it was, and I had no sooner parted with the man who had gratified my Curiosity, than the man who stood by the wagon rode up, and informed me he was going 4 or 5 miles of my road, and should be glad of my company, and I expressing myself no less pleased with his, we rode together very soeiably. The right hand Side of the Road, on which at some distance was the Branch or River, was pretty open, and we had generally a good prospeet of it for Fonr miles or more; but we had not gone a mile beyond a house where my Companion informed me one Merchant Seott lived, Before the Road forked or divided, the gentlemen at the inn had direeted me to take all right hand Roads except such as led to the River, and my Companion Saying he faneied this was only such a road, we here Coneurred, in taking that which seemed to lye the straightest in our way, and the plainest, rejeeting that which seemed to run on the right towards the River. The Road &e. See next Book. [The next book I have never found-as I did this after my father's death in 1857 .- G. F., July 13, 1886.]
END OF VOLUME II.
1622
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