I found a record of my third grandfather John Firebaugh in the Rockbridge
County, Virginia, court records of October 1864, but I don't know what it
means. The quote follows.  I would appreciate any help in translation,
please.
  "On the application of John Firebaugh who produced the Sheriff's recipt
for one (looks like "and taxes") it is ordered that license be granted him
to keep a house of private entertainment at his home in this county until
the first day of May (looks like "court next").

  I know he was a farmer, but in 1864 after the U.S. generals Hunter and
Sheridan,as well as the CSA's demands, I assume there were no crops left. It
seems to me that he either opened a tavern or an inn to support his family.
Does anyone know for sure what "a house of private entertainment" is?
[Incidentally, he had seven sons with the CSA and least eight grandsons, not
counting other family members.]

 Thanks for the help.
   Virginia Hutson

To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions
at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html