16. Mer. at 65 in the morning. Wind fresh from the Southward, but variable—great appearances of Rain & some sprinkles. Went up to Alexandria to the Purse Race, & returned in the Evening. Mr. Law & Doctr. Thornton here. Mer. at 70 at N.
purse race: At 3:00 P.M. there was to be run “a Purse of Fifty-five pounds, the best two in three, 4 mile heats, free for any horse, mare or gelding” (Columbian Mirror [Alexandria], 11 May 1799).