In the forenoon accompanied Mr French and Mr Porter to Hailsham, this being the day appointed for Mr Fage and Mr Porter to settle the affair between Mr Beckett and Mr French relating to Mr Beckett’s post chariot killing Mr French’s horse the 29th June last, of which accident I was a spectator and therefore went as a witness, but however our journey was to no purpose, for the affair could not be settled, both parties being rather obstinate, and I am afraid Master Beckett’s clan are hardly good principled and honest.
We dined at the George in Hailsham on a forequarter of lamb roasted, a piece of beef roasted, a giblet and pigeon pasty, boiled and roasted chicken, ham, plum pudding, carrots, cabbage, French beans etc., in company with a great many people, there being a sitting of the justices for granting beer licenses, as also a meeting of the commissioners of the land tax for hearing and determining all appeals to the land and window tax. (My servant at home dined the remains of yesterday’s dinner). We came home very safe, and thank God very sober, about 7:30. Spent nothing today, Mr John French paying all expenses. A very pleasant fine day.