Patriarchy in Colonial America: Entries from the Secret Diary of William Byrd II of Virginia, 1709-1712:
Source: Excerpt from Louis B. Wright and Marion Tinlings, eds., The Secret Diary of William Byrd of Westover, 1709-1712 (Richmond, Va: Dietz Press, 1941)
Document Introduction:
As a member of the colonial Virginia gentry, William Byrd II wielded considerable power in all phases of his life. He was groomed from birth to be part of the colonial elite. His parents sent him to be educated in Europe from the age of ten until he was eighteen, when he returned to Virginia to fulfill his role as a “gentleman,” which meant marrying well, overseeing a plantation based on slave labor, and taking is place in the administering the colonial government. The colonial gentry believed that their social, economic, and political power also came with the responsibility to maintain control over everything: the government, their society, their plantations, their slaves, their wives, and themselves–their own emotions and actions. This quest for control would define the mindset of the Southern gentry through the colonial era, the American Revolution and past the Civil War. Yet, as much power as the Southern gentry held, their quest for control was never as successful as they hoped. Planters had trouble controlling the people in their lives, and especially their own emotions and the passions they inflicted on others.
We know a great deal about Byrd’s struggles with control because he kept a series of secret diaries, written in a code that historians did not decipher until 1941. Believing his code protected all his secrets, Byrd was unusually candid about the things he said, did, and felt. And being a good gentleman, he was meticulous about completing his entries, recording a short paragraph of his thoughts almost daily. In each entry, Byrd recorded the highlights of his day, from mundane things such as what he ate for breakfast, his daily calisthenics (“dance my dace”), his business dealings, visitors and social interactions, his efforts to discipline slaves, and even his attempts to “roger” [have sex with] his wife. In this way, Byrd’s diary offers an intimate window into the southern gentry’s attempts at mastery and control on a number of fronts–including Byrd’s own battles against his worldly desires.
Your job is to use the entries from the diary to tell us something about the relative power of the Southern gentry by looking at William Byrd’s actions and attitudes in general and toward the different people in his life. What does power mean to William Byrd? Where do women slaves, Indians, and poorer whites fit in his worldview? How is he able to impose his will over other people, particularly his wife and slaves who feature prominently in his diary entries? How successful is he in his attempts at mastery and control?
Document Text:
February 8, 1709. I rose at 5’oclock this morning and read a chapter in Hebrew and 200 verses in Homer’s Odyssey. I ate milk for breakfast. I said my prayers. Jenny and Eugene were whipped. I danced my dance. I read law in the morning and Italian in the afternoon. I ate tough chicken for dinner… In the evening I walked about the plantation. I said my prayers. I had good thoughts, good health, and good humor this day, thanks be to God Almighty.
April 7, 1709. I rose before 6 o’clock and read two chapters in Hebrew and 250 verses in Homer’s Odyssey and made an end of it. I said my prayers devoutly. I ate milk for breakfast. I danced my dance [exercised]. The men began to work this day to dig for brick. I settled my accounts and read Italian. I reproached my wife with ordering the old beef to be kept and the fresh beef used first, contrary to good management, on which she was pleased to be very angry and this put me out of humor. I ate nothing but boiled beef for dinner. I went away presently after dinner to look after my people. When I returned I read more Italian and then my wife came and begged my pardon and we were friends again. I read in Dr. Lister again very late. I said my prayers. I had good health, good thoughts, and bad humor, unlike a philosopher.
April 9, 1709. I rose at 5 o’clock and read a chapter in Hebrew and 150 verses in Homer. I said my prayers devoutly and ate milk for breakfast. My wife and I had another scold about mending my shoes but it was soon over by her submission. I settled my accounts and read Dutch. I ate nothing but cold roast beef and asparagus for dinner. In the afternoon Mr. Custis complained of a pain in his side for which he took a sweat of snakeroot. I read more Dutch and took a little nap. In the evening we took a walk about the plantation. My people made an end of planting the corn field. I had an account from Rappahannock that the same distemper began to rage there that had been so fatal on the Eastern Shore. I had good health, good thoughts and good humor, thanks be to God Almighty. I said my prayers.
April 17, 1709. I rose at 5 o’clock and read a chapter in Hebrew and 150 verses in Homer. I said my prayers, and ate milk for breakfast. I danced my dance… Anaka was whipped yesterday for stealing the rum and filling the bottle up with water. I went to church, where were abundance of people…
April 26, 1709. I rose at 6 o’clock and read two books in Homer and two chapters in Hebrew. I said my prayers and ate milk for breakfast. We went to the Council where it was agreed to open the Indian trade. I did a great deal of business. The sheriffs were appointed this day. They passed several accounts. About 4 o’clock we went to dinner and I ate nothing but beef. Then I took a walk and came to Mr. Bland’s, from whence Mr. Will Randolph and I went to Colonel Bray’s, where we found abundance of ladies and gentlemen dancing. We did not dance but got some kisses among them. About 11 o’clock we returned home. I recommended myself to the divine protection. I had good health, good thoughts, and good humor, thanks be to God Almighty.
May 6, 1709. I rose about 6 o’clock and Colonel Ludwell, Nat Harrison, Mr. Edwards
and myself played at cricket, and I won a bit. Then we played at whist and I won.
About 10 o’clock we went to breakfast and I ate some boiled rice. Then Colonel
Ludwell went to Jamestown court and then we played at [l-n-s-n-t] and I lost £4, most
of which Nat Harrison won. In the afternoon Colonel Ludwell returned and brought
us the bad news that Captain Morgan had lost his ship in Margate Roads by a storm as
likewise had several others. My loss was very great in this ship where I had seven
hogsheads of skins and 60 hogsheads of heavy tobacco. The Lord gives and the Lord
has taken away — blessed be the name of the Lord. In the evening Mr. Clayton and
Mr. Robinson came and confirmed the same bad news. However I ate a good supper
of mutton and asparagus. Then we went to dance away sorrow. I had good health,
good thoughts, and good humor, notwithstanding my misfortune, thanks be to God
Almighty.
May 23, 1709. I rose at 5 o’clock and read a chapter in Hebrew and some Greek in Josephus. I said my prayers and ate milk for breakfast. My horse died this morning. John Woodson came in the rain about paying me some money and left his papers at home; so he returned as wise as he came. My man Jack [slave] continued lame in his foot. I ate
nothing for dinner but mutton boiled with turnips. In the afternoon we played at billiards. I read news till the evening and then I took a walk about the plantation. Moll was whipped for a hundred faults. I said my prayers and had good health, good thoughts, and good humor,
thanks be to God Almighty. I danced my dance.
June 4, 1709. I rose at 5 o’clock and read a chapter in Hebrew and some Greek in
Josephus. I said my prayers and ate milk for breakfast. I danced my dance. My man
Jack was pretty well. We made some wine of the common cherry for an experiment.
It was extremely hot this day. I was out of humor with my wife for not minding her
business. I ate roast shoat and sallet for dinner. In the afternoon I read some Latin
and some Greek in Homer. In the evening Mr. C-s came to see me, who is a man of
good understanding, and Ned Randolph brought me a letter from Mr. Bland in which
he told me that the Lord Lovelace was dead at New York. We took a walk. I said my
prayers and had good health, good thoughts, and good humor, thanks be to God
Almighty.
June 9, 1709. I rose at 5 o’clock and read two chapters in Hebrew and some Greek in
Josephus. I neglected to say my prayers, for which God forgive me. I ate milk for
breakfast. I received a very foolish letter from Robin Bolling which contained many
ridiculous arguments to justify his late foolish proceedings, to which I sent him a full
answer. I ate mutton and sallet for dinner. My Eugene ran away this morning for no
reason but because he had not done anything yesterday. I sent my people after him
but in vain. The sloop came from Falling Creek with copper, timber, and planks. In
the evening Captain Keeling came to see us to account with me for the quitrents [rents from tenant farmers who worked Byrd’s lands] of New Kent. I ate some supper with him, contrary to custom. I neglected to say my prayers, for which God forgive me. I had good health, good thoughts, and good humor, thanks be to God Almighty. I danced my dance.
June 10, 1709. I rose at 5 o’clock this morning but could not read anything because of Captain Keeling, but I played at billiards with him and won half a crown of him and the Doctor. George B-th brought home my boy Eugene…In the evening I took a walk about the plantation. Eugene was whipped for running away and had the [bit] put on him.I said my prayers and had good health, good thoughts, and good humor, thanks be to God Almighty. [Bit pictured to right].
June 15, 1709. I rose at 5 o’clock and read two chapters in Hebrew and some Greek in Josephus. I said my prayers and ate milk for breakfast. Captain Cl-t brought me some letters from England and offered me freight in his ship. He brought a parson with him, Mr. Goodwin. He ate his breakfast here and went away about 9 o’clock. I ate dry beef for dinner, and chicken. While we were at dinner Captain M-r-n came with some more letters. He brought me some goods for my wife, to an extravagant value. My letters gave me a sad prospect of the tobacco trade in England. My wife continued very ill.
June 27, 1709. I rose at 5 o’clock and read two chapters in Hebrew and some Greek in Josephus. I said my prayers and ate milk for breakfast. I danced my dance. I made an invoice of the things that my wife could spare to be sold. I settled the accounts of protested bills. I ate mutton for dinner. My wife was in tears about her [cargo] but I gave her some comfort after dinner.
August 27, 1709. I rose at 5 o’clock and read two chapters in Hebrew and some Greek in Josephus. I said my prayers and ate milk for breakfast. I danced my dance. I had like to have whipped my maid Anaka for her laziness but I forgave her. I read a little geometry. I denied my man G-r-l to go to a horse race because there was nothing but swearing and drinking there. I ate roast mutton for dinner. In the afternoon I played at piquet [a card game] with my own wife and made her out of humor by cheating her. I read some Greek in Homer.
July 31, 1709. I rose at 5 o’clock and read a chapter in Hebrew and some Greek in
Josephus. I said my prayers and ate milk for breakfast. I threatened Moll with a good
whipping again tomorrow for her many faults. Old Ben grew better and better. I read
a sermon in Dr. Tillotson. I took a little nap before dinner. I ate roast pork for
dinner. In the afternoon I read some geometry. In the evening Mr. C-s came to see
me and we drank a syllabub. We walked in the garden till late. I said my prayers and
had good health, good thoughts, and good humor, thanks be to God Almighty.
September 3, 1709. I rose at 5 o’clock and was hindered from reading Hebrew by the company; however I read some Greek in Josephus. I said my prayers and ate chocolate with Mr. Taylor for breakfast. Then he went away. I read some geometry. We had no court this day. My wife was indisposed again but not to much purpose. I ate roast chicken for dinner. In the afternoon I beat Jenny for throwing water on the couch…
September 5, 1709. I rose at 5 o’clock and read some Greek in Josephus and a chapter
in Hebrew. I said my prayers and ate milk for breakfast. I danced my dance. My
wife was much out of order and had frequent returns of her pains. I read some
geometry. I ate roast mutton for dinner. In the afternoon I wrote a letter to England
and I read some Greek in Homer. Then in the evening I took a walk about the
plantation and when I returned I found my wife very bad. I sent for Mrs. Hamlin and
my cousin Harrison about 9 o’clock and I said my prayers heartily for my wife’s happy
delivery, and had good health, good thoughts, and good humor, thanks be to God
Almighty. I went to be about 10 o’clock and left the women full of expectation with
my wife.
September 6, 1709. About one o’clock this morning my wife was happily delivered of a son, thanks be to God Almighty. I was awake in a blink and rose and my cousin Harrison, met me on the stairs and told me it was a boy. We drank some French wine and went to bed again and rose at 7 o’clock. I read a chapter in Hebrew and then drank chocolate with the women for breakfast. I returned God humble thanks for so great a blessing and recommended my young son to His divine protection. My cousin Harrison and Mrs. Hamlin went away about 9 o’clock and I made my [satisfaction] to them for that kindness. I sent Peter away who brought me a summons to the Council. I read some geometry. The Doctor brought me two letters from England from Captain Stith. I ate roast mutton for dinner. In the afternoon I wrote a letter to England and took a walk about the plantation. I said my prayers and had good health and good thoughts, thanks be to God Almighty.
September 19, 1709. I rose at 4 o’clock and read a chapter in Hebrew and some Greek
in Josephus. I said my prayers and ate milk for breakfast. I danced my dance. I beat
Anaka for letting the child piss in bed. I wrote a letter to England for the government
of Maryland. I read some law. I ate blue wing for dinner. In the afternoon I wrote
another letter to England and then took a walk about the plantation. My wife was
something better, thank God. I said my prayers and had good health, good thoughts,
and good humor, thanks be to God Almighty. I read some Greek in Homer.
October 6, 1709. I rose at 6 o’clock and said my prayers and ate milk for breakfast.
Then I proceeded to Williamsburg, where I found all well. I went to the capitol where
I sent for the wench to clean my room and when I came I kissed her and felt her, for
which God forgive me. Then I went to see the President, whom I found indisposed in
his ears. I dined with him on beef on beef [sic]. Then we went to his house and
played at piquet where Mr. Clayton came to us. We had much to do to get a bottle of
French wine. About 10 o’clock I went to my lodgings. I had good health but wicked
thoughts, God forgive me.
November 2, 1709. [two moths after the birth of his son] I rose at 6 o’clock and read a chapter in Hebrew and some Greek in Lucian. I said my prayers and ate milk for breakfast, and settled some accounts, and then went to court where we made an end of the business. We went to dinner about 4 o’clock and I ate boiled beef again. In the evening I went to Dr. [Barret’s] where my wife came this afternoon. Here I found Mrs. Chiswelt, my sister Custis, and other ladies. We sat and talked till about n o’clock and then retired to our chambers. I played at [r-m] with Mrs. Chiswell and kissed her on the bed till she was angry and my wife also was uneasy about it, and cried as soon as the company was gone. I neglected to say my prayers, which I should not have done, because I ought to beg pardon for the lust I had for another man’s wife. However I had good health, good thoughts, and good humor, thanks be to God Almighty.
November 11, 1709. ….We returned in the dark to Arlington where we found some of the women sick and some out of humor and particularly my wife quarreled with Mr. Dunn and me for talking Latin and called it bad manners. This put me out of humor with her which set her to crying. I wholly made the reconciliation. The parson was more affronted than I, and went to bed. I neglected to say my prayers but had good health, good thoughts, and indifferent good humor, thanks be God Almighty.
November 30, 1709. I rose at 3 o’clock and read two chapters in Hebrew and some Greek in Cassius. I went to bed again and lay till 7. I said my prayers, danced my dance, and ate milk for breakfast. Eugene was whipped for pissing in bed and Jenny for concealing it. I settled several accounts…
November 2, 1709. I rose at 6 o’clock and read a chapter in Hebrew and some Greek in Lucian. I said my prayers and ate milk for breakfast, and settled some accounts, and then went to court where we made an end of the business. We went to dinner about 4 o’clock and I ate boiled beef again. In the evening I went to Dr. [Barret’s] where my wife came this afternoon. Here I found Mrs. Chiswelt, my sister Custis, and other ladies. We sat and talked till about n o’clock and then retired to our chambers. I played at [r-m] with Mrs. Chiswell and kissed her on the bed till she was angry and my wife also was uneasy about it, and cried as soon as the company was gone. I neglected to say my prayers, which I should not have done, because I ought to beg pardon for the lust I had for another man’s wife. However I had good health, good thoughts, and good humor, thanks be to God Almighty.
December 1, 1709. I rose at 4 o’clock and read two chapters in Hebrew and some Greek in Cassius. I said my prayers and ate milk for breakfast. I danced my dance. Eugene was whipped again for pissing the bed and Jenny for concealing it….
December 3, 1709. I rose at 5 o’clock and read two chapters in Hebrew and some Greek in Cassius. I said my prayers and ate milk for breakfast. I danced my dance. Eugene pissed abed again for which I made him drink a pint of piss. I settled some accounts and read some news. About 12 o’clock I went to court where I found little good company. However I persuaded Mr. Anderson and Colonel Eppes to come and dine with me. I ate a venison pasty for dinner. In the evening Mr. Anderson and I walked to Mr. Harrison’s where we found Frank W-l-s and James Burwell and Isham Randolph. Here I ate custard and was merry. I stayed till 9 o’clock and when I came home my wife was in bed. I neglected to say my prayers and had good health, good thoughts, and good humor, thanks be to God Almighty.
December 5, 1709. ….In the afternoon we shot in a bow but none of us could hit the mark. My wife was guilty in reproaching Frank W-l-s for swearing and he was out of humor for it. They went away just as it was dark. In the evening I read some Italian, said my prayers, and had good health, good thoughts, and good humor, thanks be to God Almighty.
December 13, 1709. I rose at 5 o’clock and read a chapter In Hebrew and some Greek in Cassius. I said my prayers and ate milk for breakfast. I danced my dance. Last night I gave my wife a flourish and this morning I quarreled with her about her neglect of the family. I settled some accounts….
January 7, 1710. I rose at 7 o’clock and read a chapter in Hebrew and some Greek in
Cassius. I said my prayers and ate milk for breakfast. I danced my dance. I gave a
vomit to my negro children to prevent the distemper. I settled some accounts and
prepared some accounts to send to England. I ate roast pork for dinner. In the
afternoon I played at cards with my wife. Then I took a walk about the plantation to
see what the people were doing. In the evening I gave the rest of the servants a vomit
to prevent the distemper which is come as far as G-l-s Ordinary. I read some Latin in
Terence with which I was very much pleased. I said my prayers and had good health,
good thoughts, and good humor, thanks be to God Almighty.
February 14, 1710. I rose at 7 o’clock and read the Psalms and some Greek in Cassius. My wife miscarried this morning, I said my prayers and ate milk for breakfast. I danced my dance. My cousin Harrison and Mrs. Anderson came to see my wife to comfort her in her affliction. They stayed and dined with me. I ate roast shoat. In the afternoon they went away and Mr. Randolph and I walked to Mr. Harrison’s where we found Colonel Hill extremely troubled with a headache. We stayed about two hours and then Colonel Hill and Mrs. Anderson went over the river and Mr. Randolph and I took a walk. In the evening my spouse was better. I read some Latin and said my prayers, and had good health, good thoughts, and good humor, thanks be to God Almighty. My wife slept very well tonight.
February 26, 1710. I rose at 8 o’clock and read nothing because of my company. I
neglected to say my prayers, for which God forgive me. I ate milk for breakfast.
Then we took a walk about the plantation till it was time to go to dinner. I ate fish for
dinner. In the afternoon we saw a good battle between a stallion and Robin about the
mare, but at last the stallion had the advantage and covered the mare three times. The
Captain’s bitch killed another lamb for which she was beat very much. We took
another walk about the plantation. My maid Anaka was very well again, thank God,
and so was Moll at the quarters. My wife was out of humor with us for going to see
so filthy a sight as the horse to cover the mare. In the evening we drank a bottle of
wine and were very merry till 9 o’clock. I neglected to say my prayers but had good
health, good thoughts, and good humor, thanks be to God Almighty.
March 14, 1710. I rose at 6 o’clock and read the Psalms and some Greek in
Anacreon. I said my prayers and ate milk for breakfast. I received a letter by Captain
Posford from Mr. Bland by which I learned that my sloop was taken into Martinique.
Captain Ned Bolling died of the smallpox at sea and so did Ch-s-t-r, both pretty young
men. The death of this last makes way for Isham Randolph to command Colonel
Hill’s ship, for which he shall have my recommendation. My wife was melancholy,
which made me weep. I danced my dance. I ate roast mutton for dinner. In the
afternoon we played at piquet, then I read more Dutch. Then I took a walk about the
plantation. In the evening I read some English. I said my prayers and had good
health, good thoughts, and good humor, thanks be to God Almighty.
June 3, 1710. I rose at 6 o’clock and as soon as I came out news was brought that the child was very ill. We went out and found him just ready to die and he died about 8 o’clock in the morning. God gives and God takes away; blessed be the name of God. Mrs. Harrison and Mr. Anderson and his wife and some other company came to see us in our affliction. My wife was much afflicted but I submitted to His judgment better, notwithstanding I was very sensible of my loss, but God’s will be done. Mr. Anderson and his wife with Mrs. B-k-r dined here. I ate roast mutton. In the afternoon I was griped in my belly very much but it grew better towards the night. In the afternoon it rained and was fair again in the evening. My poor wife and I walked in the garden. In the evening I neglected to say my prayers, had indifferent health, good thoughts, and good humor, thanks be to God Almighty.
June 4, 1710. I rose at 6 o’clock and read nothing because I took physic which did not work. I said my prayers and ate water gruel. I had no more than two stools but was a little griped. I was so indisposed that I could not settle to anything. My wife had several fits of tears for our dear son but kept within the bounds of submission. I ate hashed mutton for dinner. In the afternoon we walked a little abroad but it was so hot we soon returned. My dinner griped me again but not so much as it did. My man Tom returned from Williamsburg and brought me letters from Green Springs and Queen’s Creek. Jimmy brought a coffin from Falling Creek made of walnut tree. In the evening we took a walk. I said my prayers and had good thoughts, good humor, and indifferent: good health, thank God Almighty.
July 9, 1710. About 1 1 o’clock we went to church and had a good sermon. After church I invited nobody home because I design to break that custom that my people may go to church. I ate boiled pork for dinner. In the afternoon my wife and I had a terrible quarrel about the things she had come inbut at length she submitted because she was in the wrong. For my part I kept my temper very well.
July 15, 1710. I rose at 5 o’clock and read two chapters in Hebre and some Greek in Thucydides. I said my prayers and at milk and pears for breakfast. About 7 o’clock the negro boy [or Betty] that ran away was brought home. My wife against my will caused little Jenny to be burned with a hot iron, for which I quarreled with her….
June 17, 1710. … I ate tongue and chicken for dinner. In the afternoon I caused L-s-n to be
whipped for beating his wife and Jenny was whipped for being his whore. In the evening the sloop came from Appomattox with tobacco. I took a walk about the plantation. I said my prayers and drank some new milk from the cow. I had good health, good thoughts, and good humor, thanks be to God Almighty.
July 8, 1710. I rose at 6 o’clock and read a chapter in Hebrew and some Greek in Thucydides. I said my prayers and ate milk for breakfast. I settled several accounts. It rained gently all day. I sent away the sloop to Falling Creek. I was out humor with Bannister and G-r-l for spoiling the curtains of the bed. I ate roast pork for dinner. Messrs. C-s and Chamberlayne dined with us. In the afternoon I unpacked several things in the afternoon and then gave my wife of flourish and then read in the Tatler. Two negroes of mine brought five of the cows that strayed away from hence and told me all was well above, but that Joe Wilkinson was very often absent from his business. It rained all the afternoon, that I could not walk. The negro woman was found and tied but ran away again in the night. I said my prayers but had good health, good thoughts, and indifferent good humor, thank God Almighty…
July, 30, 1710. I rose at 5 o’clock and wrote a letter to Major Burwell about his boat
which Captain Broadwater’s people had brought round and sent Tom with it. I read
two chapters in Hebrew and some Greek in Thucydides. I said my prayers and ate
boiled milk for breakfast. I danced my dance. I read a sermon in Dr. Tillotson and
then took a little [nap]. I ate fish for dinner. In the afternoon my wife and I had a
little quarrel which I reconciled with a flourish. Then she read a sermon in Dr.
Tillotson to me. It is to be observed that the flourish was performed on the billiard
table. I read a little Latin. In the evening we took a walk about the plantation. I
neglected to say my prayers, but had good health, good thoughts, and good humor,
thanks be to God. This month there were many people sick of fever and pain in their
heads; perhaps this might be caused by the cold weather which we had this month,
which was indeed the coldest that ever was known in July in this country. Several of
my people have been sick, but none died, thank God.
August 12, 1710. I rose at 5 o’clock and read a chapter in Hebrew and some Greek in Lucian. I said my prayers and ate boiled milk for breakfast. I danced my dance. I had a quarrel with my wife about the servants who did little work.
August 22, 1710. I rose at 5 o’clock and read two chapters in Hebrew and some Greek
in Lucian. I said my prayers and ate boiled milk for breakfast. John G-r-l was taken
sick of a fever. About 9 o’clock Mrs. Harrison came to ask my advice concerning her
overseer and those people who sold them drink. I offered my service to wait on her to
her quarters which she accepted of. When we came there we saw the overseer and I
threatened him severely so that he promised never to neglect his business more. Then
we went to C-t Ch-r-n and I threatened him likewise if he ever entertained any of Mrs.
Harrison’s people any more. He promised, very frightened, too, and then we returned
home. I ate whole hominy for dinner. In the afternoon I settled some accounts and
then read a little in Grotius. In the evening I had a severe quarrel with little Jenny and
beat her too much for which I was sorry. I went into the river. I said a short prayer
and had good health, good thoughts, and good humor, thanks be to God Almighty.
October 9, 1710. I rose at 5 o’clock and got myself ready for my journey, and about 6 o’clock. [I] recommended my wife and my family to God’s protection, and after my people had set me over the creek, I got on horseback about 7 and proceeded to Williamsburg where I arrived about 12. About one I went to wait on the Governor, where I found Colonel Digges and several other gentlemen. My wife sent a present of blue wing which were kindly accepted. I ate some roast beef for dinner. In the afternoon we drank a bottle of claret and then we took leave of the Governor and went to the coffeehouse where after we had
settled some accounts of the naval officers we played at cards till 11 o’clock. Then I went to my lodgings but my man [slave] was gone to bed and I was shut out. However I called him and beat him for it. I neglected to say my prayers but had good health, good thoughts, and good humor, thank God Almighty.
November 13, 1710. I rose at 7 o’clock and said a short prayer. Then I took a little
walk about the plantation. I ate toast and cider for breakfast. Colonel Digges sent for
a white negro for us to see who except the color was featured like other negroes. She
told us that in her country, which is called Aboh near Calabar, there were many whites
as well as blacks. We played at dice till about 12 o’clock and then we [went] to
Williamsburg, but I was so dusted with dirt that I was forced to change my clothes.
Yesterday Mr. Ingles had a child burnt to death by fire taking hold of its clothes. We
went to the capitol and stayed there about two hours and then I went and dined with
the Governor where I ate roast mutton. I had a letter from home which told me all
was well except a negro woman who ran away and was found dead. I said my prayers
and had good health, good thoughts, and good humor, thank God Almighty
December 14, 1710. I rose at 7 o’clock and read nothing because I was preparing to
return home to Westover. I said my prayers and ate boiled milk for breakfast. It was
very cold weather. However I was resolved to go home because my wife was
indisposed. Accordingly I went and took leave of Mrs. Bland and thanked her for all
her kindness to me and my servants. About 10 o’clock I took horse and rode away,
without calling anywhere till I got home, where I arrived about 4 o’clock and found
my wife better and the rest of the family pretty well only two people were sick
without danger. I came just as my wife was at dinner with Mr. Dunn and his wife and
ate some wild duck. In the evening I looked about me a little and found things in
pretty good order. In the rest of the evening I read nothing because of the company
that was here. I neglected to say my prayers but had good health, good thoughts, and
good humor, thank God Almighty. I gave my wife a flourish, notwithstanding she
was indisposed.
December 16, 1710. ….I ate boiled beef for dinner. In the afternoon my wife and I had a quarrel about learning to sing Psalms, in which she was wholly in the wrong, even in the opinion of Mrs. Dunn who was witness of it.
December 22, 1710. I rose about 8 o’clock but read nothing because the sloop came and I was busy in loading her and in punishing Johnny and scolding at S-k-f-r for bringing goods for Mr. Tullitt contrary to my orders. About 10 o’clock I sent her away. It rained this morning I ate boiled milk for breakfast. I neglected to say my prayers. I settled several things which took up all the morning. Some of the sick people grew better and some others fell sick. I ate raspberries for dinner. In the afternoon my wife and I played at billiards and I laid her down and rogered her on the [trestle]. About 4 o’clock Mr. Bland came on his way to Williamsburg but I persuaded him to stay all night. We sat and talked all the evening. I neglected to say my prayers but but had good thoughts, good health, and good humor, thank God Almighty.
January 2, 1711. I rose at 5 o’clock and read a chapter in Hebrew and nothing in Greek because of the company that was here. I said my prayers and ate boiled milk for breakfast.
I had six sick negroes come down from the quarters. About 9 o’clock my company went away. My wife was a little better and so was my child, thank God, but C-l-y was extremely ill and so was A-g-y. I tended them as much as I could but God Is pleased to afflict me with his judgment for my sins. His holy will be done. I ate some wild turkey. The wind was northeast and it was cold. In the afternoon I read a little English but could not be easy because poor C-l-y was so very ill. I took a melancholy walk. In the evening about 6 o’clock C-l-y died and all the people was grieved at it. I read a little English and gave the necessary orders about the sick people who were 12 in number. I said my prayers and had good health, good thoughts and good humor, thank God Almighty.
January 9, 1711. I rose about 5 and read a chapter in Hebrew and eight leave in Lucian.
I said my prayers and ate boiled milk for breakfast. My people continued sick and one woman very sick, but A-g-y was better, thank God. I tended them diligently and went to the quarters to see the negroes there and gave the necessary orders about them. The child was very sick again. I set my closet in order till dinner. I ate roast beef. In the afternoon Mr. [Guy]
and I played at billiards. I visited my people again and had one woman extremely sick. In the evening Joe Wilkinson’s [wife] came to beg for her husband but I would not speak to her for fear of being persuaded by her tears which women have always ready at command. At night I read some news and drank a bottle of cider. I said my prayers and had good health, good thoughts, and good humor, thank God Almighty.
January 11, 1711. I rose about 6 o’clock but read nothing because of my company, who went away about 8 o’clock. I said my prayers and ate chocolate for breakfast. Two of my people were very ill. I quarreled with my wife for being cruel to Suky Brayne, though she deserved it.
January 31, 1711. I rose at 5 o’clock and read two chapters in Hebrew and some Greek in Lucian. I said my prayers and ate boiled milk for breakfast. My wife quarreled with me about not sending for Mrs. Dunn when it rained to [lend her John]. She threatened to kill herself but had more discretion. I danced my dance and then read some English about [love]. It rained again all the morning. I ate some roast shoat for dinner. In the afternoon Nurse was taken sick of a [purging]. I took a walk to see the boatwright at work. My wife came into good humor again and we resolved to live for the future in love and peace. At night I ate some battered eggs with her and drank some cider. I said my prayers and had good health, good thoughts, and good humor, thank God Almighty.
February 5, 1711. I rose about 8 o’clock and found my cold still worse. I said my prayers and ate milk and potatoes for breakfast. My wife and I quarreled about her pulling her brows. She threatened she would not go to Williamsburg if she might not pull them; I refused, however, and got the better of her, and maintained my authority.
February 6, 1711. I rose about 9 o’clock but was so bad I thought I should not have been in condition to go to Williamsburg, and my wife was so kind to [say] she would stay with me, but rather than keep her from going I resolved to go if possible. I was shaved with a very dull rasor, and ate some boiled milk for breakfast but neglected to say my prayers. About 10 o’clock I went to Williamsburg without the ladies. As soon as I got there it began to rain, which hindered about the company from coming. I went to the President’s where I drank tea and went with him to the Governor’s and found him at home. Several gentlemen were there and about 12 o’clock several ladies came. My wife and her sister came about 2. We had a short Council but more for form than for business. There was no other appointed in the room of Colonel Digges. My cold was a little better so that I ventured among the ladies, and Colonel Carter’s wife and daughter were among them. It was night before we went to supper, which was very find and in good order. It rained so that several did not come that were expected. About 7 o’clock the company went in coaches from the Governor’s house to the capitol where the Governor opened the ball with a French dance with my wife. Then I danced with Mrs. Russell and then several others and among the rest Colonel Smith’s son, who made a sad freak. Then we danced country dances for an hour and the company was carried into another room where was a very fine collation of sweetmeats. The Governor was very gallant to the ladies and very courteous to the gentlemen. About 2 o’clock the company returned in the coaches. My wife and I lay at my lodgings. Colonel Carter’s family and Mr. Blair were stopped by the unruliness of the horses and Daniel Wilkinson was so gallant as to lead the horses himself through all the dirt and rain to Mr. Blair’s house. My cold continued bad. I neglected to say my prayers and had good thoughts, good humor, but indifferent health, thank God Almighty. It rained all day and all night. The President had the worst clothes of anybody there.
February 15, 1711. I rose at 4 o’clock and read two chapters in Hebrew and six leaves in Lucian. I said my prayers and ate boiled milk for breakfast. I danced my dance. The weather was fair and warm. I wrote to the Falls to order a steer down. I heard news of another negro dead at the Falls. God’s will be done. I granted rights to several people. I was out of humor and denied some men to catch their hogs on my land became they had bred them there. I read some English and took a walk in the garden. I ate roast mutton for dinner. In the afternoon I walked about the plantation till the evening and then my cousin Harrison came and when she had stayed here about an hour my wife and I walked home with her and did not return home till 8 o’clock. Then I ate some milk and wrote some rights that a man came for this evening. I neglected to say my prayers and had good thoughts, good humor, and good health, thank God Almighty. Colonel Eppes was taken very sick last night.
February 25, 1711. … I ate roast beef for dinner. In the afternoon I took a walk about the plantation and met negro P-t-s-n who had been off the plantation and brought some bacon with him, for which I threatened to whip him. Then I found also that John was riding out with the stallion without leave, for which I threatened him likewise…
February 27, 1711. I rose at 6 o’clock and read two chapters in Hebrew and some
Greek in Lucian. I said my prayers and ate boiled milk for breakfast. I danced my
dance and then went to the brick house to see my people pile the plants and found
them all idle for which I threatened them soundly but did not whip them. The weather
was cold and the wind at northeast. I wrote a letter to England. Then I read some
English till 12 o’clock when Mr. Dunn and his wife came. I ate boiled beef for
dinner. In the afternoon Mr. Dunn and I played at billiards. Then we took a long
walk about the plantation and looked over all my business. In the evening my wife
and little Jenny had a great quarrel in which my wife got the worst but at last by the
help of the family Jenny was overcome and soundly whipped. At night I ate some bread and cheese.I said my prayers but had good health, good thoughts, and good humor, thank God Almighty.
March 4, 1711. I rose at 8 o’clock and read two chapters in Hebrew and some Greek in Lucian. I said my prayers and ate boiled milk for breakfast. I danced my dance. My [wife] continued still disordered in her back and belly. However she went to church with Mrs. Dunn in the coach and I walked there. Mr. Anderson gave us a good sermon. After church nobody came home with us. Little Peter came from above and brought news another negro died,
which makes 17 this winter; God’s will be done. Several others are sick. The Lord have mercy on them, and spare them if it be His will. I ate boiled beef for dinner. In the afternoon Mrs. Dunn went away and I was at the trouble to send John home with her, who did not come back till 8 o’clock. He had a great cold still. In the evening I took a walk about the plantation. In the evening I read a little English. I said my prayers and had good health, good thoughts, and indifferent humor, thank God Almighty.
March 20, 1711. I rose at 6 o’clock and read two chapters in Hebrew and some Greek
in Lucian. I said my prayers and ate boiled milk for breakfast. I danced my dance.
Captain Isham Eppes sent for rights but I sent him none because he sent no money. I
took a walk to see my people at work. The weather was cold, the wind being
northeast. My negro boy was better, thank God. I wrote another long letter to
England, about increasing my salary to 400 a year, in which I hope to succeed because
I have some friends in the Treasury. I took a walk to see my people at work. Captain
Posford sent some of my things up. I made an indifferent dinner this day because
Moll had not boiled the bacon half enough, for which I gave her some stripes under
which she [b-s-t] herself. I wrote another letter to England in the afternoon. In the
evening I took a walk about the plantation with my wife. At night I read in the Tatler
and ate some bread and new butter. I said my prayers and good health, good thoughts,
and good humor, thank God Almighty.
April 30, 1711. I rose at 5 o’clock and said a short prayer and then drank two dishes
of chocolate. Then I took my leave about 6 o’clock and found it very cold. I met with
nothing extraordinary in my journey and got home about 11 o’clock and found all
well, only my wife was melancholy. We took a walk in the garden and pasture. We
discovered that by the contrivance of Nurse and Anaka Prue got in at the cellar
window and stole some strong beer and cider and wine. I turned Nurse away upon it
and punished Anaka. I ate some fish for dinner. In the afternoon I caused Jack and
John to be whipped for drinking at John [Cross] all last Sunday. In the evening I took
a walk about the plantation and found things in good order. At night I ate some bread
and butter. I said my prayers and good health, good thoughts, and good humor, thank
God Almighty. The weather was very cold for the season. I gave my wife a powerful
flourish and gave her great ecstacy and refreshment.
April 31, 1711. I rose about 6 o’clock and read two chapters in Hebrew and some Greek in Lucian. I said my prayers and ate boiled milk for breakfast. My wife told me of the misfortunes of Mrs. Dunn—that her husband had beat her, and that she had complained to Mr. Gee of it, who made Mr. Dunn swear that he would never beat her again; that he threatened to kill her and abused her extremely and told her he would go from her. I was sorry to hear it and told my wife if he did go from her she might come here. I read some news till dinner. I ate boiled beef for dinner. In the afternoon we made a cold tincture. In the evening I took a long walk about the plantation. At night we drank a bottle of French wine. I said my prayers and had good health, good thoughts, and good humor, thank God Almighty. Mrs. Russell has good sense and very good breeding but can hardly forbear being hysterical, notwithstanding it is with good manners.
May 14, 1711. ….My wife could not be persuaded to be let blood neither by the Doctor or me to prevent miscarriage. However she promised [she] would forbear eating much to breed blood since she was so unwilling to part with it.
May 16, 1711. My wife was sick still but something better than yesterday. I ate some roast shoat for dinner. In the afternoon came Frank Eppes to bring me his father’s bills for the quitrents. He stayed here till about 6 o’clock and then went with me to see the gates and my wife came and walked with me. Just as I was going to bed the Captain of the salt ship came and stayed about half an hour with me and I gave him a bottle of cider. I said my prayers and had good health, good thoughts, and good humor, thank God Almighty. I rogered my wife, in which she took but little pleasure in her condition.
June 12, 1711. I rose about 5 o’clock and read two chapters in Hebrew and 200 verses in Homer. I said my prayers and ate milk for breakfast. I danced my dance. My wife grew worse and after much trial and persuasion was let blood when it was too late. Captain Stith came about some [n-l] he said he lent my father 20 years ago. Mr. Rogers came also about Mrs. Parker’s business. My wife grew very ill which made [me] weep for her. I ate roast mutton for dinner. In the afternoon my wife grew worse and voided a prodigious quantity of blood. I settled some accounts till the evening and then took a walk about the plantation. Before I returned my wife sent for me because she was very weak and soon after I came she was delivered of a false conception and then grew better. I sent for Mrs. Hamlin who came presently. I said my prayers and had good health, good thoughts, and good humor, thank God Almighty.
October 21, 1711. I rose about 6 o’clock and we began to pack up our baggage in
order to return. We drank chocolate with the Governor and about 10 o’clock we took
leave of the Nottoway town and the Indian boys went away with us that were
designed for the College. The Governor made three proposals to the Tuscaroras: that
they would join with the English to cut off those Indians that had killed the people of
Carolina, that they should have 40 shillings for every head they brought in of those
guilty Indians and be paid the price of a slave for all they brought in alive, and that
they should send one of the chief men’s sons out of every town to the College. I
waited on the Governor about ten miles and then took leave of him and he went to Mr.
Cargill’s and I with Colonel Hill, Mr. Platt, and John Hardiman to Colonel Harrison’s
where we got about 3 o’clock in the afternoon. About 4 we dined and I ate some
boiled beef. My man’s horse was lame for which he was let blood. At night I asked a negro girl to kiss me, and when I went to bed I was very cold because I pulled off my clothes after lying in them so long. I neglected to say my prayers but had good health, good thoughts, and good humor, thank God Almighty.
Oct 29, 1711. I rose about 7 o’clock and read two chapters in Hebrew and some
Greek in Homer. I said my prayers and ate boiled milk for breakfast. About 9 o’clock
I went to wait on the Governor but he was not at home and I walked after him to the
new house and found him there and saw several of the Governor’s contrivances, and
particularly that for hanging the arms. About 11 o’clock I came with the Governor to
court where we sat till about 3 and then I went up stairs and danced my dance and
wrote a letter to England. Then I returned to court where we stayed till about 5 and
then I went home with the Governor and ate venison for dinner and then drank a bottle
till 8 o’clock. Then we went to the coffeehouse, where we played at cards till 10 and I
won 25 shillings. Then I returned home and I committed manual uncleanness, for
which God forgive me. I neglected to say my prayers, but had good health, good
humor, but indifferent thoughts.
January 1, 1712. I lay abed till 9 o’clock this morning to bring my wife into temper
again and rogered her by way of reconciliation. I read nothing because Mr. Mumford
was here, nor did I say my prayers, for the same reason. However I ate boiled milk
for breakfast, and after my wife tempted me to eat some pancakes with her. Mr.
Mumford and I went to shoot with our bows and arrows but shot nothing, and
afterwards we played at billiards till dinner, and when we came we found Ben
Harrison there, who dined with us. I ate some partridge for dinner. In the afternoon
we played at billiards again and I won two bits. I had a letter from Colonel Duke by
H-l the bricklayer who came to offer his services to work for me. Mr. Mumford went
away in the evening and John Bannister with him to see his mother. I took a walk
about the plantation and at night we drank some mead of my wife’s making which was
very good. I gave the people some cider and a dram to the negroes. I read some Latin
in Terence and had good health, good thoughts, and good humor, thank God
Almighty. I said my prayers.
Feb. 5, 1712. 1 rose about 8 o’clock, my wife kept me so long in bed where I rogered her. I read nothing because I put my matters in order. I neglected to say my prayers but ate boiled milk for breakfast. My wife caused several of the people to be whipped for their laziness. I settled accounts and put several matters in order till dinner. I ate some boiled beef. In the afternoon I ordered my sloop to go to Colonel Eppes’ for some poplar trees for the Governor and then I went to visit Mrs. Harrison that I found in a small way. She entertained me with apples and bad wine and I stayed with her till evening and then I took a walk about my plantation. When I returned I learned Peter Poythress had been here. At night I read some Latin. I said my prayers and had good health, good thoughts, and good humor, thank God Almighty. I rogered my wife again.
March 2, 1712. ….I had aterrible quarrel with my wife concerning Jenny that I took away from her when she was beating her with the tongs. She lifted up her hands to strike me but forbore to do it. She gave me abundance of bad words and endeavored to strangle herself, but I believe in jest only. However after acting a mad woman a long time she was passive again. I ate some roast beef for dinner. In the afternoon Mr. G-r-1 went away and I took a walk about the plantation. At night we drank some cider by way of reconciliation and I read nothing. I said my prayers and had good health, good thoughts, and good humor, thank God Almighty.
May 22, 1712. I rose about 6 o’clock and read two chapters in Hebrew and some
Greek in Lucian. I said my prayers and ate boiled milk for breakfast. I danced my
dance. It rained a little this morning. My wife caused Prue to be whipped violently
notwithstanding I desired not, which provoked me to have Anaka whipped likewise
who had deserved it much more, on which my wife flew into such a passion that she
hoped she would be revenged of me. I was moved very much at this but only thanked
her for the present lest I should say things foolish in my passion. I wrote more
accounts to go to England. My wife was sorry for what she had said and came to ask
my pardon and I forgave her in my heart but seemed to resent, that she might be the
more sorry for her folly. She ate no dinner nor appeared the whole day. I ate some bacon for dinner. In the afternoon I wrote two more accounts till the evening and then
took a walk in the garden. I said my prayers and was reconciled to my wife and gave
her a flourish in token of it. I had good health, good thoughts, but was a little out of
humor, for which God forgive me
September 3, 1712. I rose about 5 o’clock and read a chapter in Hebrew and some Greek in Herodian. I said my prayers and had milk and hominy for breakfast. The weather was exceedingly cold. My wife was pretty well and gave Prue a great whipping for several misdemeanors.
Terry Bouton 