For a description of early 18th century Virginia, some contemporary accounts are good. The first is from John Fontaine's Journal (referenced earlier).
On November 9, 1715, (a Saturday) John Fontaine and (John?) Clayton left Williamsburg to go to Germanna. The objective was not so much Germanna as it was to scout for land, since Fontaine wanted to buy a farm there for his family. At nine in morning, after breakfast with Spotswood, they left by horseback and travelled 31½ miles that day, including crossing the York River, which was over a mile wide at the crossing point. They stayed that night with Mr. Augustine Moore.On Sunday, they stayed with the Moores. Fontaine's horse ran away and Moore loaned one to Fontaine.
On Monday, they continued, and crossed the Mattapony River in a large dugout canoe, which was novel to Fontaine. (The horses went in a boat.) Muskrats were a new animal. That night they reached the home of John Baylor, prominent citizen.
On Tuesday, a servant of Moore returned the lost horse of Fontaine. They visited an Indian village. That night they reached Robert Beverley's house. (He is often called the "Historian", from the history of Virginia that he wrote.)
On Wednesday, they remained with Beverley and visited his vineyard (he was a partner with Spotswood in the settlement of the Second Germanna Colony, and he encouraged the Germans to raise grapes). This year he has made 400 gallons of wine.
Thursday, the weather was very bad and they stayed over with Beverley and sampled the wine. Beverley is said to be rich, but he lives simply, using stools for chairs, for example. Everything he needs is made or grown on his land.
Friday, the weather was so bad Beverley would not let the men go. Beverley describes his bet that he could make 700 gallons of wine within seven years. It seems as though he will win the bet. "We were merry with the wine.."
Saturday. They went hunting with Beverley and saw deer, squirrels and partridges.
Sunday. Went to church, seven miles distant, with Beverley.
Monday. Beverley's son, William, wanted them to stay and go hunting and so they did. Turkeys and deer are mentioned. Visited neighbors.
Tuesday. They left, and William Beverley went with them. They made it to Mrs. Woodford's, about ten miles below the falls in the Rappahannock River, which are at today's Fredericksburg. Saw ducks, geese, and water pheasants. Kindly entertained.
Wednesday. Mrs Woodford packed food for them and sent them on. About five they crossed a bridge made by the Germans and in another hour were at Germanna.
We gratefully acknowledge the work of John Blankenbaker who published over 2,500 Germanna History Notes via the Germanna-L@rootsweb.com email list from 1997 to 2008. We are equally thankful to George Durman (Sgt. George) for hosting the list and republishing the notes via rootsweb.com.