bear the gnawing of his stomach till eight o'clock for my sake. Colonel Waller, after a score of loud hem's to clear his throat, broke his fast along with us. When this necessary affair was dispatched, Col. (Henry) Willis walked me about his town of Fredericksburg. Though this be a commodious and beautiful situation for a town, with the advantages of a navigable river, and wholesome air, yet the inhabitants are very few. Besides Colonel Willis, who is the top man of the place, there are only one merchant, a tailor, and an Ordinary Keeper; though I must not forget Mrs. Levistone, who acts here in the double capacity of doctress and coffee woman; and were this a populous City, she is qualified to exercise two other callings. It is said the Courthouse and the Church are going to be built here, and then both religion and justice will help to enlighten the place. Colonel Byrd's prediction has been happily verified. |