in number, for 34s. Fixed on William, a {43} fine young yellow slave, as my body guard, to attend my person within or without, and to dress or undress if necessary. He so offered himself, agreeable to the custom of this establishment, and is considered always at command and faithful to his trust. The population of this warm city seems above half black and yellow. Called on the venerable Nathaniel Russell, Esq., residing in a splendid mansion, surrounded by a wilderness of flowers, and bowers of myrtles, oranges, and lemons, smothered with fruit and flowers. This gentleman is near 90 years old, very courteous and friendly, and willing to give any assistance in promoting the object of my mission, being the original trustee to the estate of my late matrimonial uncles, Rowland and Henry Rugely, Esqrs. These gentlemen were merchants here and in London, previous to the American revolution, in which they bravely fought as colonels under Lord Cornwallis. The former, Rowland, a poet of some celebrity, died a natural death in this city, and the latter (Henry) at Potton Beds. Old England lost in them two generous fellows, of whom I shall hereafter say more.
Sunday 25th.—Conducted by Mr. Bird to the seat of Patrick Duncan, Esq., a Scotsman, who emigrated 36 years since, and is now the head of a bank in this city. He is a rich, knowing old gentleman, living in a garden of the choicest flowers and fruits, breaking down the trees with their {44} weight. Although, nine days ago, I was freezing amidst an icy, snowy winter, yet here is summer in all her gay luxuriance, and down every street is the Pride of India (a tree so called) in full flowery perfection, forming an ornamental colonnade on every side. Met and parted with Dr. Osgood, a physician of Boston. He
