Thomas Turner

At home all day, except going to Waldron between schooling. Paid for butter and a pane of glass 4½d and bread 1d. In the evening read part of the 4th volume of The Tatler, which I think the oftener I read the better I like it. I think I never found the vice of drinking so well exploded in my life as in one of the numbers.

At home all day, except going over to Framfield after schooltime. Stayed there about 2 hours; came home about 8:20. This day received of Samuel Gibbs 18d in full for the heirs of Mr Thomas Thompsett deceased, and likewise received of him 41/7½ in full, except the boys’ schooling and 12 lbs shot. Joseph Harrison was here writing about half the day.

At home all day. Master Diggens’s man Joseph Harrison was writing for me. Gave him a new Hudibras. Paid the post 2d for bringing a parcel for me from Lewes. Rec’d of Rippington’s boys 6d for a week’s schooling. In the evening read part of The Complaint, Night the 4th. Mr T. Friend Jr came to look on my wool. I offered it him for 7d per lb, but he bid me no more than 6¾d.

Paid Thomas Fuller Jr the butcher 4/2½ for 12 lbs of beef received the 21st, 3/-, and a loin of lamb today, 4 ¼ lbs, 14½d. My wife and I at church in the morning; the text in Matthew 11:29: “and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest for your souls.” After dinner my wife and I went out, proposing to go to Laughton church, but heard there was none on the road, so we went to Horsted. Called on Mr Hill, but he was gone to church. Did not stay, but came again directly. Found Master Diggens and his man had been at our house; he came again in the evening; smoked a pipe or two with me. Read two “nights” in Young’s Night Thoughts, which I think very fine.

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.