About 5:40 I set out for Rye in order to take a shop which I heard was to be let at Winchelsea (and a very sharp frosty morning I had to ride in). I called at Battle and baited and spent 8d; that is, 2d for oats and 6d for half a pint of wine. I then proceeded on my journey, and sure I never rode in a more unpleasant day in my life, it snowing and raining all the way and the wind most remarkably high. Before I got to Rye I had scarce a dry thread about me, and when I got just to Rye the tide was out, and I, a stranger to the roads, was afraid to venture through; so that I turned back and rode to a public house about 2 miles back, where I hired a guide and went in and dried myself. While he was getting ready I spent as under:
| To my horse | 0.0.4 |
| To beer for the person that took care of my horse and others that assisted in drying my things | 0.0.4 |
| To brandy for my guide | 0.0.5 |
| Beer myself | 0.0.2 |
| Gave the people for their trouble and wood | 0.0.3 |
| 0.1.6 |
I then proceeded on my journey and got safe to Rye about 2:50, though once wet through again. I gave my guide 12d. I put up at the George, where I dined on some beefsteaks and oyster sauce and spent the evening there in company with Mr Fender, Mr Blake’s servant… Spent today 2d more for a turnpike. I stayed at the George all night.