Day in the life of a Statesmen…

Bong, Bong, the agonizing sound of the early 6 o’clock bell. Minutes pass. I pull myself up with much pain. I’ve been awakening early in the morning for many years now but I still can’t force myself up. I groan, “eugh” I get out of the bed. I ring the bell calling the footman to prepare dinner downstairs. Still in my bed gown I continue to my dressing room. I slip on my white shirt, vest, cravat, and tailcoat of the statesmen attire. I pull on my boots and begin to walk down the ornate staircase of Plantas Manor. Over 1,000 acres of land, plants and homesteads, it is one of the largest plantations in Virginia. In the heart of the land stands the manor, a house built by the most acclaimed architects of our time. Built out of white marble, granite, and dozens of woods and metals. I stride into the break fast room and seat myself at the head of the table. The footman enters with a platter of assorted fruits, three small hens, and a variety of breads, vegetables, and cakes.

“Tell Johnson to prepare the coach” I say to the footman.

He nods “Of course my lord”

I get up with the Williamsburg Gazette under my arm. The morning is still gray and hazy. The great wooden doors open with a swoosh and I step outside. I soft drizzle lands tenderly on my face and I smile for a moment.

“The coach is ready my lord”

“Of course”

             The horses whinny and the coach rocks into motion. As we ride I look out the window to see the next plantation’s slaves working in the fields the hoes digging into the earth and the shovels lifting out the dirt covered in morning dew. I girl of only nine years turns to me in my majestic coach and for one moment I wish I could go to their master and whip every single man who denies god’s people their freedom. I stand in grandeur  each day were as they work in the fields and are whipped each day. Is this god’s will. No it is not, and it never will be. We continue and we enter the the bustling streets of Williamsburg. The coach comes to a stop. I look out the window to see the huge brown tower of The House of Burgesses. I leave the coach and enter the house. The huge wooden doors creak open and I stride into the house. I am greeted by the mostly hostile yells of statesmen discussing and debating. I go to the statesmen stand.

“The floor recognizes Solomon Plantas…”

“Gentlemen, today we stand to vote. To vote on freedom…”

Yells come from the stands

“Go home slave lover”

“Boooo!!!”

I speak louder ” That every person- no matter the color of their skin shall not be the property of any other man.”

“Go to hell!” a men shouts

“Back where ya came from!”

A man spits at me.

“Get off the stand!” they chant.

I step down. I turn to James Madison, my cohort.

“There is no way to pass this with this heap of scoundrels.

“Meeting Ajourned!” the governor calls.

We get up, I say good day to Madison and step outside. My next order of business is to meet with the surgeon Dr. Chimers. I walk down the Duke Glouster street to the hospital. I see two men unloading stretchers containing wounded soldiers. I nod to the doctors and proceed upstairs.

“Ah Dr. Winthrop”

He turns to me,

“Sir, a new troop of wounded soldiers coming back from Indian attacks just arrived.”

“The poor men. I’m just looking for Dr.Chimers.”

“He’s just down the hall”

“Good day” I nod and walk down the hall. I open the first door.

Dr.Chimers stands over a bleeding soldier bandaging his arm.

“My sir. How can I be of any assistance.”

“Dr, I’m just looking for the medical reports of last week, the house needs them.”

Oh of course” he goes into a small room and returns in a few minutes holding two papers.

“Here they are”

“Thank you, good day.”

I leave for I must return to the House of Burgesses for my final meetings.

        It is already dark when I step outside the House of Burgesses it’s about 6 pm most people are stopping work unlike me for I can afford candles. I walk down the streets of Williamsburg and turn into my local tavern. I am to meet with another statesmen. Many of us burgesses meet in taverns to hold conferences.  Some lanterns are lit already and the tavern smells strongly of tobacco and drink. I go to the main desk

“A tavern conference room for Solomon Plantas, I have a reservation.”

He leads me into a large white room where the statesmen already waits.

” I’m glad you could make it”

We talk late into the night. I leave happily after gaining five votes for my bill from the statesman. The coach is ready so I depart immediately. We arrive at 11:30 and I retire for the night. I finish the papers I need to work on and then leave for bed. I walk up to my study and begin to work on my bill. I light another candle after the old one goes out. I’m so tired and my eyes are so happy, perhaps I shall just sleep for a few minutes, then I’ll just finish my work. I hear two knocks on the door and wake up with a start.

“Sir”

It’s just the maid bringing more firewood and a candle.

“Oh thank you.” I get up.

She puts down the fire wood and lights the candle. As she is leaving she turns to me.

“I hope your bill is passed sir, I really do”

“Thank you, I hope so too.”

I turn to my desk and see that if all representatives of the people would vote for me, I would still be two votes short.

I hope so too…