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238 of them are kill'd. At Night the Colo. and I quitted the threadbare Subject of Iron, and changed the Scene to Politicks. He told me the Ministry had receded from their demand upon New England, to raise a standing Salary for all succeeding Governors, for fear some curious Members of the House of Commons shou'd enquire How the Money was dispos'd of, that had been rais'd in the other American Colonys for the Support of their Governors. . ..



83. A Modern Woman (1741-1741/2) BY ELIZA LUCAS

Wappo — June 4 [1741]. . .. FTER a pleasant passage of about an hour we arrived safe at home as I hope you and Mrs Pinckney did at Belmont. but this place appeared much less agreeable than when I left it, having lost the agreeable company & conversation of our friends — I am engaged now with the rudiments of the Law to wch I am but a Stranger and what adds to my mortification is that Doctr Wood wants the Politeness of your Uncle who with a graceful ease & good nature peculiar to himself is always ready to instruct the ignorant — but this rustic seems by no means to court my acquaintance for he often treats me with such cramp phrases I am unable to understand him nor is he civil enough to explain them when I desire it. however I hope in a short time we shall be better friends nor shall I grudge a little pains and application that will make me useful to my poor neighbours. We have some in this Neighbourhood who have a little Land and a few slaves and Cattle to give their children, that never think of making a Will till they come upon a sick bed and find it too expensive to send to town for a Lawyer. If you will not laugh too immoderately at me I'll trust you with a secrett. I have made two Wills already. I know I have done no harm for I conn d my lesson very perfect, and know how to convey by Will Estates real and personal and never forget in it's proper place him and his heirs for Ever, nor that tis to be sign'd by 3 Witnesses in presence of one another.