The Agricultural Papers of George Washington 97 



taking leave of Mrs. McHenry), is ready; that, this being 

 over, I mount my horse and ride round my farms, which em 

 ploys me until it is time to dress for dinner, at which I 

 rarely miss seeing strange faces, come as they say out of 

 respect for me. Pray, would not the word curiosity answer 

 as well? And how different this from having a few social 

 friends at a cheerful board! The usual time of sitting at 

 table, a walk, and tea, brings me within the dawn of candle 

 light; previous to which, if not prevented by company, I 

 resolve, that, as soon as the glimmering taper supplies the 

 place of the great luminary, I will retire to my writing-table 

 and acknowledge the letters I have received; but when the 

 lights are brought, I feel tired and disinclined to engage in 

 this work, conceiving that the next night will do as well. 

 The next comes, and with it the same causes for postponement, 

 and effect. 



This will account for your letter remaining so long un 

 acknowledged ; and having given you the history of a day, it 

 will serve for a year, and I am persuaded you will not require 

 a second edition of it. But it may strike you that in this 

 detail no mention is made of any portion of time allotted for 

 reading. The remark would be just, for I have not looked 

 into a book since I came home; nor shall I be able to do it 

 until I have discharged my workmen, probably not before 

 the nights grow longer, when possibly I may be looking in 

 Doomsday-Book. At present I shall only add, that I am 

 always and affectionately yours. 



