Falls of Rappahannock 



rather bigger than a lark, and are delicious eating. 

 During the time of their continuing in season, you 

 meet with them at the tables of most of the planters, 

 breakfast, dinner and supper.* 



Oct. 2. We went to another plantation about 

 twenty-four miles distant, belonging to a private 

 gentleman,f upon Mattapony river. We staid there 

 all that and the next day on account of rain. 



Oct. 4. We traveled twenty-five miles to another 

 gentleman's \ house; and from thence, the day fol- 

 lowing, about twenty-five miles farther, to a town 

 called Fredericksburg. 



Fredericksburg is situated about a mile below the 

 Falls of Rappahannock: it is regularly laid out, as 

 most of the towns in Virginia are, in parallel streets. 

 Part of it is built upon an eminence, and commands 

 a delightful prospect; the rest upon the edge of the 

 water for the convenience of warehouses. The 

 town was begun about thirty-two years ago, for the 

 sake of carrying on a trade with the back-settlers; 

 and is at present by far the most flourishing one in 

 these parts. 



* In several parts of Virginia the ancient custom of eating meat 

 at breakfast still continues. At the top of the table, where the 

 lady of the house presides, there is constantly tea and coffee; but 

 the rest of the table is garnished with roasted fowls, ham, venison, 

 game, and other dainties. Even at Williamsburg, it is the custom 

 to have a plate of cold ham upon the table; and there is scarcely 

 a Virginian lady who breakfasts without it. 



f Major Henry Gaines. 



+ Col. Bailors. 



[63] 



