…This morning James Hutson and Sarah Stevens were married at our church, and I doubt, a very unpromising match both parties, I doubt, have little else in view than to gratify passion, a sordid motive truly to build happiness upon in a married state.
Wedlock’s an evil [the] human race are fond with open arms t’embrace.
Not that I would be thought to have my dislike to matrimony. No, far from it. At least to make us as happy as our natures are capable of in this world. And as to my own self I can say by experience it-is the only state in which I ever knowed anything that might with any degree of propriety be called happiness. I only speak as matches are now commonly made, which I doubt are too often from lucrative and avaricious views, or else to gratify a base and inordinate appetite.
Master Watford Sr, a-working for me today, dined with me on the remains of yesterday’s dinner with the addition of a few rashers of bacon and green salad. Paid Master Watford 16d for his work yesterday and today…
Mrs Shoesmith, paying for some things in the day book, drank tea with me. At home all day and pretty busy, but took very little ready money.