Author: Thomas Turner

Paid Francis Smith… in full for the money he paid for me in London… for a side saddle and whip 0.13.0. Paid John Jenner, hatter, in goods 2/11 and in money 5/9 for 2 hats at 2/6, and 2 do. at 22d each. Wrote out 16 receipts for Mr Virgoe. Down at Whyly twice. At Joseph Fuller’s in the evening; stayed and smoked two pipes. Came home about 9 o’clock. Read several numbers in the 4th volume of The Tatler. Paid for butter 3d.

In the morning paid for flour 1¾d. Rec’d of Mr Samuel Virgoe 10 fleeces of wool, 25 lbs. After schooltime went over to Framfield to carry little Darby’s clothes. Found at Master Diggens’s a journeyman whom I think to be the best scholar I ever conversed with. He writes very good square text, engrossing, running hand, round and Italian hands, Rich’s and Weston’s shorthand; and as far as I am a judge seems to speak Greek and Latin very fluent, and is perfectly well acquainted with all the authors of note, so far as to quote almost any remarkable passage. Came home about 8 o’clock. Read the 7th number of Martin’s Magazine of Arts and Sciences.

At home all day and busy. In the morning I weighed of Mr John Vine Sr’s wool; to wit, 68 fleeces, 98 lbs. After dinner weighed of Mr French’s; to wit, 119 fleeces, 7 tod 14 lbs. Paid for milk and butter 4d. In the evening read several numbers in the 4th volume of The Tatler.

At home all day. My wife very ill. Rec’d of Dame Smith on Laughton Common 0.14.0 in full (as agreed the 31st of July). Dame Smith and Dame Cushman drank tea here. Master Marchant brought home my little horse and paid me 2/6 for the hire of him…

This day I sent Francis Smith by his, man 39.14.0, which he is to pay in London for me. Mr John Slade and Mr James Jordan called on me and drank tea with us. I paid Mr John Slade 15.16.0 by a bill I drew on Messrs Margesson and Collison …which is in full of all demands to Mr Slade. Paid for bread 1d.

After schooltime went over to Framfield on foot to talk to Charles Diggens about some clothes for Master Darby’s little boy. Rec’d of my mother in cash £15 for the bill No. 248 which I drew the 15th instant for her. Saw Mr Wharton there. Came home about 8:40. This day let Master Marchant have my horse for a journey for which I am to have 2/6. Paid for butter 3d. Rec’d of Rippington’s boys 6d for a week’s schooling.

This morning about 7 o’clock my wife, John Vine Jr and his wife, Sarah Taylor and myself went to Chailey to visit Mr George Beard, but when we came there Mr Beard and his wife were gone to Cuckfield. We went from thence to Mr Thomas Hicks’s at a farm called “Gyp’s” and dined end drank tea (all of us except Sarah Taylor, who stayed at her father’s but came to us about 7 o’clock). We came home about 9:40 in company with Mr English and Mr John Hicks Jr. Spent in all 19d; to wit, at the turnpike 4d; gave Mr Hicks’ maid 12d; paid for shaving 3d. Not at church all day. Rec’d of John Vine Jr 1 guinea which I lent him the 25th of July last. Borrowed Thomas Fuller’s horse.

The last race-day at Lewes. The plate won by the Lord Partmore’s horse Partner. Mr Rushton called and breakfasted with me. I paid him by a bill I drew on Messrs Margesson and Collison for 19.4.0… which is in full on account of Messrs Goff, Kendall and Rushton, except £10. Paid for a lobster 3d. At home all day and posted my day book.

This day the King’s Plate was run for at Lewes; only one horse. Mr Thomas Chittenden of Hawkhurst called and dined with me. I paid him 38/6 for 11 yards bear-skin, which he brought today. After schooltime went over to Framfield and drew of Messrs Margesson and Collison payable to my mother two bills… No. 248 £15 and No. 249 £12, but have received no money of her for either. Met with Francis Smith at Framfield; he gave me Margesson and Collison’s receipt for 15, 13.10.0 of which I gave him the 12th instant, and he received of Messrs Swainstone and Hedges 1.10.8 on account for Mr Jeremiah French, 30/- of which he paid to them and the 8d he is to pay me. This 1.10.8 I am to make received on account of Mr Jeremiah French. Came home about 9:20. My mother and I had some words, but really I cannot well tell for what.