56

[55] 23
DIARY OF FRANCIS TAYLOR,
1786
December
19, Cloudy rainy day, which occasioned WmTaylor to defer setting off to Caroline till tomorrow. Maj'r Cowherd staid at J.Taylors. Morgan Finnel came with his acco't for 225 feet Oak & 65 feet broad pine plank and Waggoning, pd him 28/- pr rec't in full-
20, J.Pendleton & F.Taylor wont to Midland, Sam Overton, Mr.Dickinsons Apprentice, much disordered in his mind & has been unwell 10 days, took a vomit. Mr Ingram, C.Porter & 2 Boys with them. Wm Taylor set off for Caroline.
21, Frank went upon my horse with Sam'l Overton towards his fathers. Milly Chew I hear was married to James Coleman, widower, the 19th,
22, Frank ret'd & says he went last night to Mr. Quarles's where he left S.Overton this morning the waters being high, could not cross them. I went to Midland. C.Dickinson says he will finish plaistering tomorrow. Wants to paint the house-w'ch I agreed he should if my father hath no objection. Mr Ingram & Porter there.
23, Cold and rainy-Mr Dickinson finished plaist'g and sent me Key of House.
24, [Sunday] Aunt Thomas came from Uncle Taylors. The day clear but windy & cold Molly & J.Taylor went to Church but Mr. Waddill was not there. James Pendleton (son of Phil) from Pittsylvania came to J.Taylors at night. Gave Frank Green Breeches.
25, Xmas, the day moderate & clear. Dined at J.Taylors, Aunt Thomas & Jas Pendleton no other Comp'y-but family. T.Barbour came at night.
26, E.Pendleton, Mary Taylor, Aunt Thomas, J.Taylor, T.Barbour & F.Taylor dined at Mrs Thomas.s. Jos Thomas there - J.Pendleton Fox hunting. Mrs James & Mrs Clark came to J.Taylors & sister staid at home. Misses Ann & Sally Bell came after we were gone- Col'o Barbour went from Mrs Thomas's early & did not return, his family there. A fine day- Jas & Rob't Pendleton went to Culp'r.
27, Rather cooler than yesterday but not very cool, turned warmer- Mrs Barbour, Maj'r Moore & family, R.Taylor, Miss Barbour, Miss Throckmorton, A. & Sally Bell, Tho'Barbour jr & Aunt Thomas dined here.
28, Went to Court, pd Maj'r Lee 5/- for 2 gallons Molasses J.Taylor got last week for me. Mild weather.
29, I went to Court house, Rule day- and came with Mr.H.Burnley to Capt Burnleys to dinner. Col Burnley & wife, Mr.T.Bell & do. Maj'r Moore, Capt Conway, Misses A. & S.Bells & Chas Taylor were there.
30, Went to Called Court, on John Washburn charged with Stealing a Mare & Saddle from Wm Lucas - He is ordered to be sent for further trial. Paid Cha's Dickinson £5.0.0. Weather continues fine.
31, [Sunday] Capt Wood called for proceedings of the Court on Washburn, and is to go to Richmond with prisoner this week. James Pendleton (Phil's son) came with two of his brothers & Bob from Culpeper at night. Weather mild and fine.

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.