Author: Thomas Turner

In the morning Mr Piper and I set out for Lewes in order to have his writings executed from John Goldsmith, which was accordingly done at Mr Michell’s, and the deeds, fine etc. all witnessed by Mr Will Michell and Thomas Farnes.

We dined at the Cats and came home sober about 5:20. Master Piper paid my expenses and gave me 5/3 for my trouble. Rec’d of my brother Richard from Mr John Dennett in cash 34.6.0 in full for my wool. Thomas Durrant took part of my bed.

Myself at church in the morning… I dined on a suet pudding. After dinner I went to Ringmer, intending to go there to church in order to see Mr Long, but when I came there the person was not at home and there was no service. So I went to Lewes where I spent about an hour with my brother, and then came home about 6:20. Sam Jenner and Mr Long lodged at my house.
 

At home all day and very busy. Dame Akehurst a-washing for me and she and Mr Long dined with me. Bett Carman and Suky drank tea with me. In the evening wrote my London letters. And lent Mr Long in cash 5.5.0.

After breakfast Mr Verral and I went up to Mr Vine’s and sold his furniture or at least part of it, there being a public sale, and Mr Verral was salesman and I wrote and took the money. We went all day without dinner, and came home about 8:20. Mr Verral supped with me on a cold shoulder of mutton. Mr Verral and Sam Jenner took part of my bed. I paid Mr Verral 14/- for his day’s work…

Sam Jenner dined with me on the remains of last night’s supper. At home all day and pretty busy. In the evening Sam Jenner and I played a few games of cribbage; I won 3d. He took part of my bed.

…Sam Jenner dined with me on a beef pudding and potatoes. After dinner went to Lewes to meet Mr Baley, but he was not at home. Came home about 8:20, but not sober. Spent 18d. …Sam Jenner stayed to help my servant in my absence, and took part of my bed.

Sam Jenner dined with me on a hot beef pie and potatoes. In the evening went to Lewes and stayed 2 hours with Mr Baley and then spent the evening with Mr Chester, with whom I had some business. Lodged at the Cats.

Breakfasted at the Cats and then came away, but drinking a few glasses of wine, it got up in my weak brains and I can’t say I came home sober. Spent upon myself, horse etc. 3/9.

Oh, my unfortunate temper, that I have not resolution quite to refrain from drinking any thing strong, and the least quantity possible gets up in my head and then I am quite incapacitated from transacting my business.

My servant today at home dined on the remains of yesterday’s dinner. Bett Carman and Mr Blackman’s maid drank tea with me.

Myself nor servant at church in the morning. I dined on a piece of beef boiled and potatoes. My servant at church in the afternoon. Sam Jenner stayed and kept me company, to whom I read one of Tillotson’s sermons. Samuel Jenner and Mr Carman drank tea with me.

At home all day and very much disordered in my mind. Oh, my conscience, my conscience, how dost thou torment me!
 

In the forenoon my brother came over to assist me in cutting out some bedding for Mr Coates, and dined with me on the remains of yesterday’s dinner. Down at Halland in the afternoon, but did not stay. In the evening wrote my London letters.

Rec’d a draft …value £20, for which I gave John Piper (of whom I received the same) a receipt and promissory note to pay the same when the said bill is paid. Delivered to Joseph Fuller Jr a letter for him to carry Mr Nicholas Wake at Winton, enclosing one bill on Mr Will Margesson…value 4.19.6, which bill when paid will be the in full on my account with Mr Wake. My brother went home in evening.