Harry is unwel, takes this morning Physick, and keeps his Room--Ben is in the same way--_Priscilla_ & Nancy are practising Musick, so that to Day we have only four in School--At five in the Evening, Ben, _Prissy_ & I rode out on Horse back for exercise; before we returned Captain _Dobby_, of the Ship _Susannah_ an agreeable, sensible, polite Gentleman came, & 'Squire _Lee_--The conversation, at Coffee was on American affairs, the 'Squire shew'd us one of Mr Dunlaps papers,[180] in which are accounts that the Northern Colonies are zealous & stedfast in resolutions to maintain their Liberties--We sat til eleven--
[180] John Dunlap had established the _Pennsylvania Packet_ in 1771.
Breakfasted with us Captain _Dobby_, & Mr Taylor, their conversation promiscuous--Clear & warm, not sultry, _Harry_ better & in School, but _Ben_ continues indisposed. I wrote to Day some at my Sermon--After School, with Mrs Carter & the young Ladies & _Bob_, I walked through the Garden--But I seem not suited in being confin'd wholly at Home, yet my stay is quite voluntary--
Very warm all the morning--From twelve to two I was writing at my Sermon--While we were at dinner a very black cloud rose in the West: Mrs Carter, is fearful when it thunders, so that I did not leave the Room till it was over, about four, there was a strong Gale of wind, some thunder, & a refreshing Shower. At five with Mrs Carter & the young Ladies I took a walk; She shewed me from a high Hill several beautiful Prospects--I was diverted tho it was a little cruel, to see the Girls gather the Blossoms of some Prickly-Pears.
Lat night we had a Gust of Rain & Thunder; very acceptable--To Day in course Mr Christians Dance happens here--He came before Breakfast--Miss _Jenny Washington_ came also, & Miss _Priscilla Hale_ while we were at Breakfast--Miss Washington is about seventeen; She has not a handsome Face, but is neat in her Dress, of an agreeable Size, & well proportioned, & has an easy winning Behaviour; She is not forward to begin a conversation, yet when spoken to She is extremely affable, without assuming any Girlish affectation, or pretending to be overcharg'd with Wit; She has but lately had oppertunity of Instruction in Dancing, yet She moves with propriety when she dances a _Minuet_ & without any _Flirts_ or vulgar _Capers_, when She dances a _Reel_ or _Country-Dance_: She plays well on the Harpsichord, & Spinet; understands the principles of Musick, & therefore performs her Tunes in perfect time, a Neglect of which always makes music intolerable, but it is a fault almost universal among [Illustration: formally dressed group]