“We were very kindly and well entertained without knowing it was at his expence.”
THE DIARIES OF GEORGE WASHINGTON
1791
APRIL
Monday, 18th. Set out by six o’clock—dined at a small house kept by one Slaughter, 22 Miles from Hallifax and lodged at Tarborough 14 Miles further.
This place is less than Hallifax, but more lively and thriving; it is situated on Tar River which goes into Pamplico Sound and is crossed at the Town by means of a bridge a great height from the water, and notwithstanding the freshes [sic] rise sometimes nearly to the arch. Corn, Porke, and some Tar are the exports from it. We were recd. at this place by as good a salute as could be given by one piece of artillery.
. . .
Wednesday, 20th. Left Allans before breakfast, and under a misapprehension went to a Colo. Allans, supposing it to be a public house; where we were very kindly and well entertained without knowing it was at his expence, until it was too late to rectify the mistake. After breakfasting, and feeding our horses here, we proceeded on and crossing the River Neuse 11 miles further, arrived in Newbern to dinner.*
The Road South. Adobe Firefly
JULY
Sunday, 3d. Received, and answered an address from the Inhabitants of York town and there being no Episcopal Minister present in the place, I went to hear morning Service performed in the Dutch reformed Church—which, being in that language not a word of which I understood I was in no danger of becoming a proselyte to its religion by the eloquence of the Preacher.
Monday, 4th. This being the Anniversary of American Independence and being kindly requested to do it, I agreed to halt here this day and partake of the entertainment which was preparing for the celebration of it. In the fore-noon I walked about the town—at half passed 2 oclock I received, and answered an address from the Corporation and the complimts. of the Clergy of different denominations—dined between 3 and 4 Oclock—drank Tea with Mrs. Hand about**
* excerpt
** uncompleted entry
See also,21 March entry for more diary entries from Washington’s Southern Tour.
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