Sunday, July 22 1759

In the morning my brother Moses came over, but did not stay. Just before churchtime my brother William came to see me, who with myself went to church in the morning… My brother dined with us on some veal boiled, a cold veal pie and some French beans. My wife and servant at church in the afternoon, my brother and I staying at home, as did Mr Thornton stay with us, to whom I read one of Tillotson’s sermons.

My brother, Thomas Durrant and Mr Thornton drank tea with us. My brother stayed with us till about 7:20. In the evening my brother Moses brought me over half firkin of soap, which he had borrowed for me.

Sunday, July 29 1759

In the morning rode to Mr Snelling’s at Alfriston to consult him further concerning my wife’s illness, but he was not at home; I went forward by his servant’s direction and found him at Mr Allfrey’s at Westdean. We came back to his house where I breakfasted with him and paid him in cash 3/8 for medicines I had of him the 21st instant and today. I came home about 11:20.

In my absence our late servant Mary Martin came to see us and dined with us on some bacon, a pudding cake and some French beans. My family all at church in the afternoon; the text in Joshua 24:24: “And the people said unto Joshua, The Lord our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey.” From which words we had an excellent sermon as I think I ever heard. Our late servant stayed and drank tee with us and then went home… In the evening my wife walked out for air.

Monday, July 30 1759

Balanced accounts with Mr Will Piper and received of him 9d in full to this day.

Rec’d of Mr Will Piper in cash8.14.8
To one receipt for 1 year’s land tax due at Lady Day last         2.8.0
To 1 receipt for 6 years’ quit-rent due St Michael last     2.0.0
To s carpenter’s bill; viz., Mr Vine’s              0.15.4
13.18.0

which together makes the sum of 13.18.0 and is in full for 1 year’s rent due at Lady Day last to Mrs Mary Mills for a farm which Master Piper uses and which money etc. he wants me to transmit to Mr Allen Chatfield at Croydon for Mrs Mill’s use (it being to be paid there by her order). I gave Mr Piper my receipt acknowledging the receipt of 8.14.8… My brother came over today and drank tea at our house in company with Molly French of our parish and Molly French of Bourne [daughter of yet another Jeremiah French, an innkeeper]. At Halland twice today. In the afternoon wrote my London letters. Thank God very busy.

Tuesday, July 31 1759

Ben Shelley and his wife breakfasted at our house. Sent by him enclosed in a letter to Mr Allen Chatfield the receipts and bill I received of Mr Piper yesterday and gave him in cash 8.14.8 (being the money I received of Mr Piper yesterday) in order to pay Mr Allen Chatfield…

James Bull at Whitesmith dined with us on the remains of yesterday’s dinner with some carrots. In the afternoon my wife paid Mrs Porter a visit. Down at Halland three times today. A great deal of rain today. In the afternoon drew off a barrel of cider. James Marchant supped at our house, be helping me powder some sugar for Halland.