Sent Mr Will Lee, hosier in Nottingham, enclosed in a letter, which letter was also enclosed in one to Mr John Crouch in order for him to put Mr Lee’s letter in the post (delivered to Shelley), 1 bill on Mr William Margesson… value 8.16.0, which bill when paid is in full on my account with Mr Will Lee. Sam Jenner at work for me all day and dined with me on part of the knuckle of a shoulder of veal stewed and some greens. At home all day and thank God very busy.
In the evening went down to Jones’s, there being a public vestry held to make a poor rate. But what through the ignorance of some and the avaricious views of others, we [made] none, notwithstanding this being the second vestry called for that purpose. I am sorry to say it, my partner Mr Carman was the chief, nay only instrument of its not being made, and that for no other reason than to serve his own private ends and to be assessed lower according to the law than anyone else–a sad principle for an overseer or any other person who is concerned in a public office. For I think whenever the public good and that thing, self-interest, stand in competition with each other, the last should always submit and give way to the former. For in all communities I presume were the public good more studied and practised, the consequences which would ensue must be that of the private interest of every individual.
Came home about 10:20 and spent 6d for drinking once. Sam Jenner keeping my servant company during my absence, he took part of my bed. After I came home, I played a few games of cribbage with Sam Jenner, but neither of us got any advantage.