In the forenoon Mr Thomas Friend Jr came to seen my wool and I rode with him to Framfield to see my brother’s, where we dined on the part of a cold leg of mutton… As Mr Friend and I were on the way from Framfield I sold him mine and my brother’s wool at 19/- per tod delivered in Lewes…
Thursday, August 13 1761
…At home all day. In the afternoon busy a-writing.
Friday, August 14 1761
…Mr and Mrs Porter, Miss Benge and Miss Plasted drank tea with me. At home all day and surely a deader time for trade I never knew. Oh, how melancholy my present situation!
Saturday, August 15 1761
…I dined on a sheep’s heart pudding, French beans and carrots. In the afternoon rode down to Halland. Rec’d of Mr Joseph Burgess in cash 9.13.0 in full for the use of the widow Browne and which I sent to her by her servant Henry Godley. Mrs and Fanny Weller drank tea with me. I hardly know which way to turn or what way of life to pursue.
Sunday, August 16 1761
…Myself and one servant at church in the morning… During churchtime my servant’s brother and sister came to see her and dined with us on a shoulder of lamb roasted and French beans. No service at our church in the afternoon, Mr Porter preaching at Laughton.
I went and called Sam Jenner and we walked to Laughton Church… I came home and drank tea, after which Mr Saunders and his wife went home. This day Mr Crowhurst, overseer of Folkington, promised me he would pay the debt of Francis Rich deceased, at Easter next.
In the evening read part of the New Whole Duty of Man. Oh, how melancholy my situation; how am I depressed with grief.
Monday, August 17 1761
…Balanced accounts with Mr Joseph Burgess and received of him 2.5.8 in full. In the afternoon rode down to Halland… In the evening wrote my London letters. How melancholy is my situation.
Tuesday, August 18 1761
…Paid Joseph Fuller 8/9 for 15 lbs of wool bought of him today. Mr Tucker came to see me and dined with me on a breast of lamb boiled and broiled. Mrs Atkins, Mrs Hicks and Mrs Brook drank tea with me. At home all day. Posted some accounts. Oh, how severely do I know the loss of one who was the best of wives and a most amiable companion.
Wednesday, August 19 1761
I dined on a piece of bacon and French beans. In the afternoon posted part of my day book; at home all day and but very little to do. Paid the miller 4/- for a bushel of flour received of him today.
Thursday, August 20 1761
In the forenoon packed up my wool… In the afternoon posted part of my day book; at home all day. A most extreme melancholy time.
Friday, August 21 1761
…I dined on a butter pudding and some lamb chops broiled. Mr Jordan called on me and dined with me on some mutton steaks broiled. Mr Will Francis called on me and drank tea with me, with whom I rode to bring going on his road to Lewes so far as the Broyle Gate; came home about 7:20.