Thomas Turner

My wife and I at church in the morning; the text Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Not at church in the afternoon. Just as we were at dinner Mr Tucker came in; stayed till about 7 o’clock. At home all day. Paid for bread ½d. Rec’d of Mr John Tucker 21/- in part of the three guineas I lent him the 27th of April last.

This morning my wife and I had words about going to Lewes tomorrow. My reason for not going was on account of my owing Mr Roase some money, and was loath to go till I could pay him the balance. Oh! what a happiness must there be in a married state when there is sincere regard on both sides and each party truly satisfied with each other’s merit; but it is impossible for tongue or pen to express the uneasiness that attends the contrary. Paid for bread ½d. At home all day and very busy. Paid Halland (gardener) for cucumbers 12d in full.

Paid for a neck of mutton weight 3¾ lbs 13d. Paid for bread ½d. Rec’d by Dann’s waggon 7 pieces of poking [sackcloth] and 1 piece of pound ditto, which, with 2 pieces of pound and 1 piece of poking received some time since by Smith, makes in all 8 pieces of poking and 3 pieces pound. About 7 o’clock I went over to Framfield; came home about 9 o’clock. Read part of the 4th volume of The Tatler.

Went over to Framfield after dinner to meet with Francis Smith. Drank tea there at my mother’s with Mrs Diggens. While we were a-drinking of tea Mrs Beard and Dickie came in. There I found out that Harrison has run away with the 1st volume of The Tatler which I like a good-natured fool lent him the 26th instant. Came home about 7 o’clock; read several numbers in the 4th volume of The Tatler.

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.