…My brother Moses came over (to take up a frock and pair of breeches for my nephew) in the afternoon; he stayed and drank tea with us, as did Master Piper. Rec’d of my brother 8/8 in full for 2 gallons grape brandy, exclusive of carriage. In the evening Mr French and Mr Joseph Fuller, coming into our house accidentally, stayed till about 10 o’clock, at which time Mrs Fuller and her daughter came and called Joseph Fuller, thinking, as I must imagine, that by their superiority of wit they could best judge when it was proper for him to come home. However, to do the good woman justice, she, finding Mr French at our house and her husband sober, did not use much of that volubility of tongue which she is many times so unfortunate as to be afflicted with on such occasions. I would not, by this short digression, be thought to bear ill nature to the last, and therefore the most accomplished, part of the creation (I mean the fair sex), but would have that they should employ themselves in all the soft and endearing ways that their nature seems framed for to delight man with, and not by assuming too much of the obstreperous and masculine behavior render themselves (instead of the greatest happiness, which the contrary behavior must consequently yield to mankind) the greatest misery, trouble and misfortune that can I think accrue to man.
This day delivered to Mr Jeremiah French two bills…together…18.16.8. At home all day. Posted part of my day book and also wrote out part of several bills. Sent Francis Smith 1 bag horse hair, 33 lbs, 1 do. of dock hair of 7 lbs.