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DIARY OF FRANCIS TAYLOR, 1798,
1798
NOVEMBER,
28, Sunshine, very smoky and mild. Got more slab timber brought home,2 loads. C.Taylor came in morning to see Sary's child-brought me another 1/4 lb Tea-and wrote to T.Richard for 1 M 10d.Nails which I received by Frank,who went to Mill and got meal, he carried Corn yesterday. Sent 3/9 to Mrs Clark by Frank, balance due for weaving. C.Taylor breakfasted & said he intended going to W.Madison's. I walked to Court- G.McCall & Co suit vs me not called, Court did but little business & adjourned to Co't in course.
29, Thin clouds, very smoky and no frost this morn, mild. I walked to Stephen Fox's store, bought sundry articles to amount of $4.6.1 1/2 Capt Johny Scott & family J.Scott jr & wife, Mrs Herndon, Maj'r Moore,J.Tayor,Reu Taylor, & Rob't Cawthon &c were there. I returned in evening to dinner. Gave M.Biggers a small Should of Bacon.
30, The weather continues very dry,smoky and moderate. I staid at home- C.Taylor called in the evening & went to see Sary's child-who continues sick.

December,
1,Saturday, Cloudy,smoky morning-A little fine rain in evening. Reuben Taylor called here- I walked with him to J.Taylor's. Carried Letters to go to Kentucky by Durret Sanford who sent a boy for business at the office,who took the letters- To Jonathan Taylor, Hub'd Taylor,G.G.Taylor, R'd Woolfolk, W.Taylor & Wm Taylor jr.,also letters from Bror's James,Charles & Reuben. We dined at J.Taylor's- J.Taylor jr with his wife & Nancy, had been to store at Goldby's- Ret'd before we came away. Jacob Williams was at Office & dined at J.Taylor's Reuben Taylor took his 2 & my 1 plats for Land with the Warrants to carry to Surveyor(which had been returned by the Register for not being in form) to be rectified-
2, Rained a little moderately last night,clouds and very little rain to day. I walked to J.Taylor's. J.Taylor jr & wife there. I dined there.[SUNDAY]
3,Very clear,west wind but not very cold. I delivered Joseph Robinson 50 bushels wheat for Stephen Fox, weighed a small bag & 2 Bushels, 116 lb- Let J.Robinson have 19 lb Fodder for same. Let E.Chew's Hannah have 3 1/2 yards Ozn'a & thread. Made preparations to Kill Hogs tomorrow.
4, Turned very cold, Broken clouds,very windy-Snowed at Mountains, Had 23 Hogs killed- Weight below- Left 8 fatten longer.
200-180-164-161-156-152-151-148-147-145-140-130-125-120-118-113-111-107-104-100-87-83-65-=Total Nt. 3,007lb Had them Salated & packed up. Used 5 1/2 Bushels Salt & 1 lb Saltpetre.
5, Wednesday. Severe cold night, windy and clear. Milk froze. Had gut fat refined & Hogs feet cleaned. I walked to Mrs Burnley's. She had not gone from home from Mr.Triplett's.
6, Continued very cold- Clouded in latter part of night & began to Snow about sunrise & continued till evening, ab't an inch deep. About refining Leaf Fat-and making Sausages- Sent Frank to Mrs Burnley's to ask if she wouo'd cut out my Negroes Clothes- She sent word not till last of next week.
7, Frost on Trees-thin clouds- hazy or smoky-chilly weather. the snow did not half go of. Macon Biggers had the Cart two trips and removed his family to Col.Willis's quarter. D.Triplett sent Gibson's Jonathan & waggon. I delivered him 45 Bushels Wheat. Wrote for sundries when he comes again. Receipt the 8th for 40, 48/60 Wheat received. 3 Duffil Blankets & 3 pair Shetland hose.
8, Rained a little in morning, cloudy cool day. D.Triplett sent same Waggon as yesterday. I delivered 48 1/2 Bushels Wheat, about 40 of it early. Took all. Jonathan brought 3 D.Blankets & 4 pair coarse yarn hose.
9, Sunday, Rained most of last night-and all day moderately. Jonathan staid(here last night & set off early this morning. I staid at home.

From the TAYLOR DAIRY, #1907-z in the Southern Historical Collection, University of North Carolina Library, Chapel Hill. FOR REFERENCE ONLY: PERMISSION TO PUBLISH MUST BE REQUSTED. WARNING: MOST MANUSCRIPTS ARE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT.