Felicity, above left, is the linchpin of the family, a 12-year-old who lends her hand wherever it is needed. Above center: Richard Merriman, owner of Merrimans' Williamsburg Mercantile and an ardent patriot. Above right, Alice Turner Merriman. Alice was raised in a brick mansion in Salem, Mass. and came South to improve her health. She met Richard through friends and they spent an enjoyable evening comparing herbal remedies. Alice is a stickler for household routine and chores. She is a renowned cook and also spins, weaves and sews. Bottom center: Charity Louise Merriman, age 5. Precocious and personable, Charity spends a great deal of time with her eccentric best friend, George Cole. Polly Rowena Merriman, below right, is 6 months old. Alice nearly died giving birth to her, and Felicity has served as a second mother. Polly gets into everything! Alice can't cope with her and Richard thinks she's funny, so it's up to Felicity to keep order.
At left, Felicity helps Alice in the kitchen. At right, Richard entertains their pastor, the Rev. Ezekiel Putnam Smith, as Polly eyes Alice's vanilla cake. The cake is a votive candle.
Felicity is happiest when she's outdoors. Here she is with the spring chicks, the sheep and Charity's goose.
Felicity loves going on errands for Mother in her white hat and cape!
Above: Felicity and Alice are on their way to choir practice at the First United Parish Federated Church of Williamsburg. The Rev. Ezekiel Putnam Smith is their pastor. At right, the whole gang gathers before Sunday service.
Charity is home from her trip North. She was ill and went to Massachusetts to Alice's people, the Turners, to recuperate. She is back now and full of stories about her adventures.
Alice is ill with one of her migraine headaches. Felicity offers to run errands. Richard brings Polly to her. This does not help. He redeems himself by bringing tea instead.
Polly Merriman is about to get into the fall apples. We call this photo, "Polly don't!"
The Rev. Ezekiel Putnam Smith, left, is the Merrimans' pastor at the First United Parish Federated Church of Williamsburg. He is also a strong believer in the cause for Freedom.
Squire Albert Livingston, left, is the local attorney and Richard's best friend. He sought solace with the Merrimans after his young wife died in childbirth. He is Felicity's godfather. He is also an ardent patriot. Because he can move in several social circles, he is able to gather news of the King's troops and their activities. He also plays the violin and gives lessons to Elizabeth Cole.
Albert lives alone in a room above his law office. He has an aged manservant come in daily to take care of him and prepare dishes from the "Aged Manservant's Recipe Book."
Albert lives alone in a room above his law office. He has an aged manservant come in daily to take care of him and prepare dishes from the "Aged Manservant's Recipe Book."