Friday, September 3 1762

Mr Robert Atkinson, rider to Messrs Kendell and Rushton, called on me and dined with me on a chick pudding and the remains of yesterday’s dinner. In the evening, nay, all the day extreme low. I went to Joseph Durrant’s and smoked a pipe with Thomas Durrant. At home all the day and really very little to do. I think my spirits are so sunk with grief and trouble that I start alarmed at what may be the ill consequence… [26 words omitted].

Monday, August 30 1762

I dined on the remains of yesterday’s dinner with the addition of an apple pudding and some carrots. In the afternoon my brother came over to take up a waistcoat for Mr Tipper, and they both drank tea with me.

In the evening; wrote my London letters. At home all day but not very busy. I think I never knew so general a complaint for money in the little circle of my knowledge as there is at this present time. It is hardly to be met with in the common rise of trade, and those, that have money be too often want to look down with an eye of disdain and even contempt on those who know the want of it.

Sunday, August 29 1762

In the morning my old servant Mary Martin came to see me, and she and myself at church in the morning… My late servant dined with me on a bullock’s tongue boiled, cabbage and carrots and a plain rice pudding. Myself, servant and late servant at church in the afternoon… My late servant stayed and drank tea and then went away.

In the evening Thomas Durrant, Mr Tipper and myself took a walk for air. After my return I read one of Tillotson’s sermons.

Friday, August 27 1762

I paid 2d for 6 plaice bought at the door today. I dined on some boiled plaice with the remains of yesterday’s dinner. Paid Ben Shelley in cash…33.16.11½ and is in full for the same sum he paid in London for me this week; viz.,

To cash paid Mr William Margesson for which Mr Shelley has given me no receipt32.2.0
To a scale beam0.1.9
To a shaving box and brush0.2.6
To the porter and a quart bottle0.0.5½
To money paid Mrs Mary Chandler in full on account of Mr James Fuller1.8.6
To 6 papers ink powder0.2.0

At home all day and but very little to do. Rec’d of John Watford 12/- in full for poor tax by an assessment made the 9th instant.