University of Virginia Library

I had an interview last week with Mr. R. Colston who
was here on a visit. I enquired about Alta Vista. He was well acquainted
with its character location etc according to his acct it
would seem that it has been in market a good while. He spoke
rather disparagingly of the quality of the land, mentioned several
gentlemen & names who had been induced by the glowing representations
of a Mr. Rives the agent for the widow to sell it, to visit
it, but none could be induced to purchase after examination. He
said it was composed principally of the light chesnut soil, easily
blown away by the wind & unsusceptible of improvement. He remarked
however that for situation it was beautiful, & would answer
for a gentleman of wealth to live upon, intimating however that it
could not be made a profitable farm, in quality it was of the general
character of that part of the country. He did not wish me to
be governed by his judgement, but advised me to go & see for myself,
which if you persist in thinking advisable I will do. Last
week I took a ride to the Lisbon neighborhood, & spent a night with
Mr. Wm. Benton the owner of the school house & dwelling now occupied
by Mr. Carr. His school is not quite so flourishing thus far as
it was last year. He has but 12 to 15 Boarders now. These may & no
doubt will increase. He had last year boarders from Balto, Alex.a,
Winchester & other places from a distance. I inquired of W. Benton
why Mr. Benjamin Benton discontinued his school. He replied that
B. B. was fickle & probably an infirm state of health had had something
to do with it. He had got up a rather flourishing school, a
good aparatus etc. The country surrounding is a very pleasant and
inviting one. The neighborhood is good. Mr. Jno. A Carter, J. P.
Dulany, Lucketts etc are tolerably near. If I get Peter Greggs farm
it will be central between Goshen & Leedswood, 12 & 18 miles from
each respectively. I have engaged the school house conditionally,
or as they say here have the refusal of it for next year if Carr
leaves.Mr. W. Benton designs the teachers dwelling which is a
beautiful & comfortable one, large & commodious—for one of his
sons after awhile as a farm house, he having some 1000 acres of
land in a body there, which he intends to divide.

Mr. Carrs school last year as I understood was about this

       

22 Boarders @ 100$ for 10 mos	$2200
Tuition 20 to 40$ average 30 for 22	660
20 pupils not boarders average fee 30$	600
	3460

         

Contra House rent	$240
Provisions, wood etc for school & boarders say	1500	2200
servants hire etc	210	1260
contingencies	250
	leaving

for furnishing house & school & clothing for home family etc etc.
I understood however that Carr is clearing 2000$. If he can do this
could not F. H. S. a graduate of the Uni. of Va. with the highest
testimonials of capacity etc etc double or treble that. We will
continue to agitate this subject, & make every inquiry so as to
be well posted before we act. I suppose that it would require an
outlay of 2000$ to furnish a boarding home & school to start with.
Your private apartments would require 500$ school & aparatus 300$
15 or 18 beds for boarders 300$, chamber furniture 150, cooking
utensils etc etc the balance. I took dinner with Jos. P McGrath
near Lisbon who is of opinion that a good school could be established
by a competent teacher. From what you say of the style of living
in your part of the country creates an objection in my mind to it.
Extravagance is so characteristic of Va. Loudoun Co. excepted. This
will not do for a new beginner. Economy with industry only will insure
independence. We must learn the value of pence & tinn. Suppose
you should conclude to come to Loudoun & commence a school &
should not succeed to your satisfaction, could you not then try
farming. With the Blessing of God who sparing my life & health,
I hope in cooperation with my boys to establish them in independent
stations, always relying upon the aid of a good Providence &
our own experience & sober judgement. I can sympathize with you in
your perplexities. I myself passed through all the anxieties of
a commencement in life, the misgivings, uncertainties & doubts, attendant
upon all human enterprizes are so well calculated to perplex
one. We cant penetrate the future. Therefore the real necessity
of trusting in a Good Providence. He will open the way for his
faithful servants, never fear, if you design to promote his glory.
He will take care of you if you are true to Him. May he Bless you
& reassure your mind. Encourage yourself in this reflection. We
are well. Our love to you & Edward.