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3 {353] DIARY OF FRANCIS TAYLOR, 1798
1798,
January,
31, Wednesday, White Frost, Fair morning, cloudy evening. Sent Cart and got some pine knots, or lightwood. Frank began to ride the Horse colt. The weather moderate for season this month- there has not been a snow this winter above 2 inches deep- plenty of rain.

February,
1, Thursday, A little frost- Fair and pleasant. I walked in evening to J.Taylor's. T.Barbour got there from home, his family & J.Pendleton's there. Sally Taylor & Polly Glassell in evening- J.Pendleton went to Culpeper to day- his wife mending.
2, Slight frost, Fair and warm. I received a letter from G.C.Taylor inclosing The American repository, or Annual, register for 1798. Charles and Thomas Bell rode here before noon,bought 12 lb Hemp & paid 5/- for it. I walked in evening to J.Taylor's. T.Barbour & family & J.Pendleton's family there- Wm Bell came & got some Tamarinds for his brother,who continues very ill.
3, Saturday, Warm, some thin clouds. I took some Castor oil, staid at home.
4, Warm, some clouds- Fair evening. Frank rode my young mare, Peter the young horse Sent a letter for John Dawson Esq'r by Frank, to go p/r post. I went to J.Taylor's- T.Barbour & family, J.Pendleton's family Milley Bell, her brother Thomas and Betsy Wright, dined there & Polly & Patsy Taylor.
5, Fair,windy,mild. J.Taylor, C.Taylor,J.Taylor jr,J.Pendleton, John Moore,Philip Barbour(of James), dined here, except C.Taylor, who sent for before dinner. Wm Edwards was here from his father, Col.James Taylor, directing me to pay his son $90. being the price for Negro Essex, which I did, and took his Receipt. Which was attested the next day by my bro' J.Taylor.
6, Some thin clouds-windy,cooler but moderate. J.Taylor came by after Breakfast- with J.Pendleton, Reuben T.Taylor set off to Caroline after breakfast. I went with J.Taylor & J.Pendleton to dine with Mr.Hay Taliaferro,who sent yesterday to invite us. Captain Conway & Reuben Taylor & above dined there. Plenty of Fish for dinner. Saw J.Taylor jr (as we went) burning plant patch.
7, Wednesday, Rained a little in the night and to-day- coudy, cool. I was at home
8, Hard frost, cold,clear and a little windy. I was sent for to J.Taylor's about noon & went over. C.Taylor & family, C.P.Howard & wife- John Pendleton & family, dined there. Mr.Howard & wife staid. I came home after supper.
9, Very hard frost, hazy morn, fair evening. Frank rode horse colt to Mr.Shepherds brought C.Taylor's & Reuben Taylor's Newspapers. I sent C.Taylor's paper to his house,I was ver unwell last night-better to day. Lent C.Taylor Whipsaw. Finished trimming apple trees.
10, Sharp frost:Hazy;not sol cold as 2 days past. M.Biggers went to Louisa,on his own business. I was at home.
11, Sunday, Fair morning,some clouds in evening moderate. I went to J.Taylor's- J.Pendleton and family dined there. Nancy Taylor was gone to T.Bell's at Ct. house. Frank & Peter rode the young mare & horse.
12, Slight frost, Fair morn, cloudy evening, warm. I staid at home.drew off the wine, about 5 Gal's and put in bottles. J.Pendleton & son,Tommy,here in evening. Joe got here in the night and brought me some oysters-said a bushel, but there was not 1/2 bushel. I paid him 3/- & he promosed to make them up hereafter
13, Cloudy-dark,and cold fog- rained last night a little, Col.T.Barbour & family came last evening to J.Taylor's and I expect John Thomas's funeral was to day. I staid home- Frank rode young mare to Co't house.
14, A little rain & sleet last night-Mild mornign with scattering clouds-very windy at night, and clear. I staid at home-drew off brandy into small key.

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