Thursday, October 28 1762

A great quantity of snow fell in the forenoon, but there being no frost, it did not lie long on the ground. Paid Joseph Fuller Jr in cash £20 on account. Also paid him 9d for a bullock’s cheek bought of him today. I dined on a piece of beef boiled, an apple pudding and turnips. The 2 Misses Carman drank tea with me.

In the evening went down to Mr Porter‘s, where I supped and spent the evening with him. Came home about 10:20. Mr Porter and I settled some affairs relating to the trust reposed in us by Mr Piper’s will, of which we were devisees and executors.

Sunday, October 24 1762

No service at our church today, it being a-repairing. A prodigious wet forenoon, so it was almost impossible to get to any other church. I dined on a piece of beef roasted.

In the afternoon Mr Tipper, Thomas Durrant and myself rode to Laughton Church where we heard a sermon preached by the curate of Laughton from John 1:12: “But as many as received him, to them gave he gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” After churchtime we walked down to Mr Shoesmith’s, where we drank tea and stayed a pipe. Came home about 7:50 very sober. Spent 4d where we put up our horses.

In the evening read part of Hervey’s Theron and Aspasio. A very wet night. Mr Tipper sat with me in the evening.

Thursday, October 21 1762

…I dined on a piece of beef boiled, an apple pudding and cabbage. My brother came over in the evening, and I received of him from James Knight 5 guineas for a cow sent to him some time ago.

My brother supped and stayed all night with me. This day John Jones in this parish surrendered (at a court baron held at Whitesmith for this manor) all his messuage, tenement. etc. in this parish into the hands of the lord of this manor [the Duke of Newcastle] by the acceptance of his steward Will Michell Esq. Mr Thomas Neatby, distiller in Southwark, was admitted thereto by his attorney Mr Tipper, according to the form and custom of this manor. Now Jones [owed] Mr Neatby on bond 32.10.0, and he thinking it not safe agreed to take this house etc. for the bond. I being an acquaintance of Mr Neatby’s, he implored me to act for him, but as I could not attend the court myself, I got Mr Thomas Tipper to be the supposed attorney (as they call it). But however, Jones would not surrender unless the bond was produced in court, which I could not do, Mr Neatby having that himself. But to make all easy and to get Mr Neatby admitted, I gave Jones my note of hand payable to him or order for the sum of 2.10.0 upon condition, that I did not deliver him up the bond within one calendar month from this day.

Tuesday, October 19 1762

Sent Messrs Barlow, Wigginton and Francis…£30. I dined on the remains of yesterday’s dinner. Rec’d of Mr Thomas Reeve per his maid 2.0.6 in full for poor tax assessed on him by a rate made the 9th of August last.

At home all day and pretty busy. Sent Mr Coates per his servant (Pat) in silver two guineas. In the evenings Mr Tipper and I read a few numbers of The Connoisseur. A violent storm of hail in the evening.