At the _Capitol_, at publick Times, may be seen a great Number of
handsom, well-dress'd, compleat Gentlemen. And at the _Governor's_ House
upon _Birth-Nights_, and at _Balls_ and _Assemblies_, I have seen as
fine an Appearance, as good Diversion, and as splendid Entertainments in
_Governor Spotswood's Time_, as I have seen any where else.

These Buildings here described are justly reputed the best in all the
_English America_, and are exceeded by few of their Kind in _England_.

In every Part of this Town are excellent Springs of good Water, or else
may be made good Wells; and the Ground falling on both Sides, conveys
the Water and Rain by small Channels into the Creeks; but to make the
main Street exactly level, the Assembly lately gave a considerable Sum,
which was expended in removing Earth in some Places, and building a
Bridge over a low Channel; so that it is now a pleasant, long dry Walk,
broad, and almost level from the _College_ to the _Capitol_.

_Williamsburgh_ is now incorporated and made a _Market Town_, and
governed by a _Mayor and Aldermen_; and is well stock'd with rich
_Stores_, of all Sorts of Goods, and well furnished with the best
Provisions and Liquors.

Here dwell several very good Families, and more reside here in their own
Houses at publick Times.

They live in the same neat Manner, dress after the same Modes, and
behave themselves exactly as the _Gentry in London_; most Families of
any Note having a _Coach_, _Chariot_, _Berlin_, _or Chaise_.

The Number of Artificers is here daily augmented; as are the convenient
_Ordinaries_ or Inns for Accommodation of Strangers.

The Servants here, as in other Parts of the Country, are _English_,
_Scotch_, _Irish_, _or Negroes_.

The Town is laid out regularly in _Lots_ or square Portions, sufficient
each for a House and Garden; so that they don't build contiguous,
whereby may be prevented the spreading Danger of Fire; and this also
affords a free Passage for the Air, which is very grateful in violent
hot Weather.

Here, as in other Parts, they build with Brick, but most commonly with
Timber lined with Cieling, and cased with feather-edged Plank, painted
with white Lead and Oil, covered with Shingles of _Cedar_, &c. tarr'd
over at first; with a Passage generally through the Middle of the House
for an Air-Draught in Summer.

Thus their Houses are lasting, dry, and warm in Winter, and cool in
Summer; especially if there be Windows enough to draw the