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5[355] DIARY OF FRANCIS TAYLOR,1798, 1798, March, 1, Thursday, Cloudy night-Cloudy day, misty with drops of rain. Most of the snow melted. J.Taylor, J.Pendleton, Robert Taylor & C.P.Howard dined here. 2, Cloudy,foggy morning, clear evening, moderate. Frank rode to Mr.Shepherd's,bro' R'n Taylor's Newspaper. I dined at home. Had all my geese(46) put into meadow. 3, Cloudy cold morning-Fair evening. J.Taylor sent here and got a Pot of butter weighing including Towel & pot 25 lb. I sent Frank with jug to J.Taylor's and got about 1 1/2 Gallons whisky for that lent him last year- I took Ipecac & Jallap-did not operate much- Capt James Barbour was here about noon to look at some *Tables &c of +Wm.Taylor's- went before dinner. *[Left there for storage- +Wm.Taylor of Fredericksburg, not a relative-WKA] 4, Hard frost and white do. Fair day. I went to C.Taylor's,dined there- Sally Taylor was gone to Bledsoe's meeting, with J.Taylor's family. {SUNDAY] 5, Some frost, Clouds in morn, Fair mild evening. Began to Plow for Corn,by Gum Spring. Had Seeds sown in bed by the road,burnt last week. Wm.Pollock,D.S. Executed a Petition & writ on me at Suit McCall,Smellie & Co., & Geo.McCall & Co as Executor of Geo Taylor Dec'd. I walked in evening to J.Taylor's,only he & wife at home-Reuben Taylor called here returning from Madison's Mill- I gave him Newspaper. 6, Tuesday, White frost, hazy, smoky. I sent 3 Bags Corn & got meal from Dade's Mill. Polly Edwards sent a pair breeches made for me by Negro Woman,and I sent her a Quart honey in part pay. M.Biggers got Cabbage, Onion & Sellery seeds to sow in two beds,burnt to day, on the branch below his house. 7, White frost, Hazy, warmest day this year. Second plow began in corn ground. Sent Frank with my breeches to get P.Edwards to alter them- Sent 3/- by him. Sowed 10 Rows of Peas-6 Common & 4 Nonparial, in square by Little house. I was very unwell. 8, Thursday, Warm,smoky and windy. I staid at home. Began to Plow new ground yesterday with oxen. 9, Warm and smoky, and sunshine. I was very unwell the latter part of night and this morning- Rode by Court house to Robert Taylor's- J.Taylor and wife, J.Pendleton & wife, Aunt Taylor, Maj'r Moore & J.Taylor jun'r, dined there. 10, Warm,sunshine & smoky. Mrs.Gilden & Mrs King came here- I let the former have 1 1/2 pints honey-to pay work if I require it. C.Taylor was here at dinner,got 12 lb Hemp. After dinner I walked to J.Taylor's, J.Pendleton &c there- while there Reuben Burnley sent his servant for two bottles port wine for T.Bell. I came home and let him have them,he said they wou'd be repaid next week. Had 4 Shoats cut yesterday & spayed to day. 11, Cloudy,windy and light showers- About sunset Thunder rain and Hail. I wnet to Sermon at Court house, came by Aunt Taylor's. D.Triplett & family, Mrs Burnley & do. C.Taylor and daughters & Fanny Barbour, dined there. C.P.Howard gone to Richmond. Sent 3/3 p/r Frank to Polly Edwards(she had a quarter of honey before) for making a pair Breeches. [SUNDAY] 12, Monday, Sharp frost, Clear cool and windy. J.Taylor came here before noon & got some seeds. The Rev'd Mr.O'Neil and Phil Barbour(son of Thomas) came here to dinner- I paid Mr.O'Neil 4 dollars for 1797- He left the Subscription paper with he & requested me to leave it with And'w Shepherd jr- After dinner they went down to Col.W.Taliaferro's. Mr. O'Neil had been to Col.T.Barbour's & married T[homas].Newman & Lucy Barbour. After dinner Stephen Fox was here and looked at a pair of my Oxen which he said he wanted to purchase. I want to hear from F.Taliaferro before I sell. 13, Cloudy morning, fair mild day, Snow on G.Mountains. Six geese missing. I epect were stolen last night. I walked to J.Taylor's in the evening. A Shepherd jr came there to desire me to meet at Court house next thursday about settling his father's accounts with the late Joseph Woods Estate.
From the TAYLOR DIARY, #1907-z in the Southern Historical Collection, University of North Carolina Library, Chapel Hill. FOR REFERENCE ONLY : PERMISSION TO PUBLISH BE REQUESTED. WARNING: MOST MANUSCRIPTS ARE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT.
6[356] DIARY OF FRANCIS TAYLOR,1798, 1798, March, 14, White frost. Fair mild morning, hazy evening. I was very unwell, had sore throat and sore mouth. Heard that Mrs.Mary Willis Madison died this morning. Saw some blossoms on Apricot. [* Mary Willis Lee, daughter of Hancock Lee and Mary Willis,his wife; married Ambrose Madison, son of Col.James Madison Sr., and his wife, Eleanor Rose Conway; and grandson of Ambrose Madison and Frances Taylor,his wife-PFT] 15, Thursday, Cloudy and a very little rain- Clear evening. My mouth and throat continues very sore-which prevented my going to Mr.Shepherd's,as requested &c. I took 30 grains Rhubarb yesterday & Castor oil to day but continue in much pain. John Pendleton came here to dinner, his son Tommy came with him but soon returned. After dinner Wm.Buckner jr & C.Bell walked here from J.Taylor's- they all ret'd in evening. Had Scarcity, Beets, Carrot & Parship seeds sown in the pen South of the yard. 16, Frost and ice- cool and fair. I continue unwell- sore mouth and throat,took salts. J.Pendleton was here in evening ab't two hours. 17, Some clouds in morn, fair mild day- J.Pendleton came here, I walked with him to C.Taylor's- his wife, J.Taylor, his wife, N.Taylor, dined at C.T's. J.Taylor got home this morning from Fredericksburg. Had Cucumber,Climbling,Parsnip and Carrot seeds Planted & sown in Patch by Meadow Spring. 18, Sunday, Hazy,Thin clouds, some drops of rain The boys from J.Taylor's came here before noon and got Walnuts and returned. I walked to J.Taylor's but had so severe a pain in my mouth and jaw that i staid only about an hour. J.Pendleton & family- Mr.Noel(Schoolmaster) & wife, were there. J.Taylor jr was there after I came away, and called here in evening to enquire how I did. 19, Thin clouds,with some drops of rain and smoky. My mouth continues sore, tho' a little mending. I staid at home. J.Pendleton sent here and got Cluster Cherry Cyons and some lavender to plant, he & family set out to Culpepere to-day. Little Peter sick at night, gave him Castor oil. 20, Cloudy, and a moderate rain. I was in very great pain from Sore jaw & mouth. I sent Frank with Sledge and a cask to Rob't Taylor for my part of Hhd Molasses(Mrs Taylor having wrote for that purpose) J. Tarylor was there also & got part. Frank says he brought 16 Gallons for me. Began to make soap. Frank says the Kittle has hole in it- I intend to return it to D.Triplett. 21, Rained in the night a good deal-and thunder about day- a little rain to-day- Cleared by noon. Very windy flying clouds & cool at night. I took some pills last night, a dose Salts this morning. Am easier than last night. At home all day. Gave L.Peter a dose of Salts to day. 22, Last night very high wind, windy forenoon. Fair,cool morning, mild evening. Snow on Mountains. I continue in much pain. Took Castor oil. Mrs Burnley sent about noon, that C.P.Howard was there and asked me to dinner- I talked there this evening- C.P.Howard & wife and Rob't Taylor's wife & children there. Davy was cleaning the Hemp that is in cellar. 23, Some white frost-Hazy,some sun & wind clouds. I walked to Mr.Shepherd's- Gave Mr.O'Neils Subscript'n paper to A.Shepherd Sen'r- took Reu Taylor's Newspapers and ret'd to dinner. I was better to day than for more than a week past - grew worse at night. Had about 4 Bushels Oats sown. 24, A heavy rain began(with thunder) about 2 o'clock this morning and continuedd showery all the forenoon, very high wind from South, blew down fences &c. Wind clouds & sunshine in evening. I continue very unwell,staid at home 25, Sunday, The ground frozen a little. Cold Cloudy with a very little rain in evening. Ch's Taylor, G.C.Taylor, J.Taylor, J.Taylor jr & Maj'r Moore dined here- G.C.Taylor borrowed 10 dollars of me, which he said he wanted to bear his expenses to Wythe. After dinner he went to Col'o Madison's on his way - he acknowledged the 80 dollars for F.Walker the 23 February. Wm.Twisdell called here in evening, told me F.Taliaferro said he wou'd see me at Court (about oxen).
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 PROTECED BY COPYRIGHT.
7[357] DIARY OF FRANCIS TAYLOR, 1798, 1798, March, 26, Slight Frost, cool and thin clouds. I went to Court. Saw Mr.F.Taliaferro sen'r who I believe will decline buying my Oxen. A son of Hoshua Willis paid me a dollar, for which I am to let Mrs.Scott have 1/2 Bus' Hemp seed. William White & James Burton came here from Court. My throat &c continues sore. 27, Tuesday, Warm, pleasant- a little smoky. Peach & Cherry begin to bloom. I went with Col.White and Capt.Burton to Court. Paid C.P.Howard 6/- for Antibilious pills & received 2/- of Thos Jenkins for 1/3 part of them & am to let J.Taylor have 1/3 of them for same and keep 1/3 myself. Yesterday rec'd a State of my acco't with Mess'rs Blairs and on C.Taylor's request agreed that 40/- of money in their hands may be applied to Cr. G.C.Taylor. Rec'd a letter from F.S.Taylor yesterday dated 12th inst't. Spoke to Mr. *Wort to defend the suits brought against me byMcCall &c- did not give him fees.[*Wm.Wirt, Att'y Gen'l U.S.] 28, Hazy, mild. I continue unwell- Davy complained on monday and continues unwell with pain in the side. Sent this morning for C.Taylor who directed a purge of Jallap, which I gave- The Doctor thinks he ought to have been bled at first. I walked to Court house & ret'd in evening. 29, Thin Clouds & sprinkle rain in morn, fair & smoky even. I took Castor oil and relieved a little. In evening went to J.Taylor's, T.Barbour & wife there, their daught, Nancy, died yesterday,the corpse brought down. J.Taylor took 36 pills & paid 2/-. 30, Friday, smoky and warm-some thin clouds. Sent 21 Bushels Wheat in my cart to D.Triplett's, it weighed there 19,/56- Had 36 Bus' Bran bro't home in the Cart I bought sundries, and got home between 2 & 3 o'clock- Peter & Frank went w'th cart & Macon Biggers rode up & saw Wheat weighed. C.Taylor came in the evening to see Davy. I sent for him in morning when he was from home. I gave a dose Castor oil to Davy, who says he is better. 31, Smoky, windy, warm & some clouds. Roger Bell sent 3/- & got 6 lb Hemp. Reuben Taylor sent Harry & got 3 Bus Oats. J.Taylor sent to request me to let him have butter. I had but little & sent a small bit, did not sell. I staid at home in the garden. The Wheat & Rye in this neighborhood is very thin and low & unpromising for a good crop.
April, 1, Sunday, Warm,windy,smoky with thin clouds- dry. I went to Sermon at Court house- Came to J.Taylor's. Mr.O'Neil read the burial service on Thomas Barbour's dec'd daughter. Col.Madison sen'r, Mrs. Bell & son Thomas, Maj'r Moore, Rob't Moore, Mrs Burnley, T.Barbour & family, Richard, Gabriel & Philip & Fanny Barbour, C.Taylor's daughters, Thomas Jenkins & Reuben Taylor, J.Taylor jr & wife, there. All of above dined there but Col Madison who went to Aunt Taylor's. Catlett Pendleton from Culpeper got there about 3 o'clock. 2, Cloudy & began to rain in morning, continued all day. some thunder, wind chaged to North in the morning and blew strong and cold, much rain. Had the Yearlings turned out of the meadow.*Tho's Bell's wife died to-day. [Probably Tho's Bell jr's wife. He died 12th Apl.1798--WKA] 3, Raine with cold wind last night and continued all this day very constant. Old Ewe died. I expected several persons to dinner, from the wet weather (I expect) nobody came. 4, Same weather continued- not quite so cold. Staid at home. 5, Close rainy weather, wind North,but not so cold as the preceding three days of rain. I had headache and continue unwell.
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 MANSCRIPTS ARE PROTECED BY COPYRIGHT.
8 [358] DIARY OF FRANCIS TAYLOR, 1798, 1798, APRIL,
6,Ceased rained before noon having continued four days pretty constantly, mild & some clouds all day. I sent Frank to Joseph Clarks and got 3 pecks of Spanish & Bermuds potatoes & 1/2 Bus' Flax seed. I walked in evening to J.Taylor's - Fanny Barbour & T.Barbour's family there - T.Barbour went for Fred'g to day - I sent memo' for him to purchase dome articles for me.
7,Cloudy mild-some sunshine in evening. I went to Col.Madison's to the burying of Mrs Mary W[illis] Madison. Mr O'Niel read the service. There was a considerable large number of genteel people. I dined at the Col.Madison's, when I got home *Thompson Taylor & Hugh Mercer Tennant were at my house, they were on their way to Kentucky - Thompson left home in Feburary - says friends were then well expect brother Jonathon, who had a bad cough and in a low state of health. [*Thompson, son of Commodore Richard Taylor, WKA]
8, Sunday. A shower of rain in last night. Fair pleasent day. Thompson Taylor's mare had her back badly hurt by the saddke &swelled too bad to ride her - He wrote a note to J.Taylor jr. who came over & let him have a horse in exchange for her. Thompson too let J.T. have a bond due from one of Kirton to his father for £6. which bond J.Pendleton had to collect themoney. J.Taylor also came over - Thompson Taylor & Hugh Mercer Tennant proceeded on their journey toward Red-stone, via Winchester. J.Taylor & J.Taylor jr & I went to Courth house to Funeral semon on the death of Mrs.[Mary Willis] Madison preached by Mr. Waddell to a tolerable number of people - I came to J.Taylors to dinner. Reuben Burnley John Moore, Rob't T.Moore, Fanny Barbour, J.T.jr & wife, dined there - Capt R'd Barbour, his wife &Lucy Barbour from Madison &Thos Barbour from Fred'g got there and dined after - Th. Barbour infirmed me he had purchased Ozbab'gs & other things for me - I saw Joseph Clark at Court house & paid him 7/6 for Flax seed & potatoes got on the 6th. John Taylor got down to Court house to sermon, he lately arrived from Georgia.
9, Fair and pleasant - very slight frost. I went to James Taylor's - Thomas Barbour paid me the sum of £62.12.3. cash & bought sundry articled at Fred'g for me £15.15.1 & bringing 1/11, making in all £78.9.3 Which sum I gave credit on the bond from him & his father. He sent to S.Fox's for part of the things (being left there by T.Herndon) to J.Taylor's- Rueben Taylor was at J.Taylor's, I let him have £25.0.0 to pay for his son Frank's schooling & board, which I promised him for the present year. Tho's Barbour & family - his brother Philip & sisters Fanny & Lucy- R's Barbour's wide, Reu Taylor, Wm Moore jr, Phil Barbour (of Ambrose) Mrs Cambell, Chs & Thos Beli, dines there. Reuben Burnely & John Moore was there before noon & J.Taylor jr went with them to cock fight at Col Maury's.
10, Fair warm morning, Scattered clouds & wind in evening. I went to J.Taylor's after breakfast- rectified a mistake in the money rec'd of T.Barbour yesterday Frank brought home 1 Bolt oznab'gs Side leather &Spade,T.Barbour had bought for me. T.Barbour & family, Nancy Taylor, Philip, Fanny &Lucy Barbour went to Madison- I came home to diner. J.Taylor sent in morning & got 4lb butter. John Taylor walked here in evening & staid.
11, Rained in night- some broken clouds, wind &cooler. Isent to ask C.Taylor to dine here, he sent word that he was very unwell, but better than last evening. John Taylor, Robert Taylorm C.P.Howard, J.Taylor & C.Bell, dined here: they went away in evening. (Wednesday).
12, Broken clouds. Wm Stewart sent a note & got 7 1/2 lb Wool. Heard that *Tho's Bell died last night. Had the Geese(excpet 4 Setting) Turned out of meadow. Planted 1/2 Bus; Spanish & 1/4 Bus' Bermudas potatoes. John Smith (shoemaker) sent 2 dollars by his little son to buy bacon. I let him have a midling 10 3/4 lb. & sent 1/3 back. Had 1/2 Bushel Flaxseed sown near the Spring. I went in evening to see C.Taylor who has been sick, and got better. Wm Bell was here when I returned- I paid him 6 dollars for making a pair Cart wheels; but he had not got boxes for them yet, which when he gets I am to pay for, and for hooping, the nuts &c. [*Thomas Bell , son of Thomas & Elizabeth Taylor Bell.]
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.
9[359]
DIARY OF FRANCIS TAYLOR, 1798.
1798
APRIL. 13, Thin clouds smoky, cool, some drops rain about sunset- I walked to Mr.Shepherd's read Newspapers, ret'd to dinner. Went in evening to C.Taylors, who had been very ill &had Doct'r Shepherd whith him, and had got easier. J.Taylor &Doct'r Shepherd was there. I left the Doct'r at C.Taylor's.
14, Some Snow on Great Mountains, some clouds, appeared to Westward, cold Wind N.West. The negroes had this day to plant potatoes &c. Reuben Taylor came here before noon. I walked with him to see C.Taylor, who appeared to be recovering, tho' still very unwell and in bed. We returned and Reuben Taylor dined with me. William Twisdell sent his negro women here for Hog's lard, I let her have 10lb- he spoke to me some time ago for it.
15, Sunday, Frost, Cold morning, ice from piggin or water, snow on G.Mountains, continued cold oall day- Clear evening . I went to C.Taylor's dined therem he continues to mend, tho' slowly- he was in bed whilst I was there. Came by J.Taylor's. Only he, his wife, E.Chew, Gibson &Nat at home.
16, Very cold, frost & ice 1/5 inch thick on piggen- sunshine morn, broken clouds & windy cold afternoon. Began to plant corn. I went out with a gun & killed 2 squirrels. Turned some cows into Woods. C.Taylor sent & got a little Barley. Boy said he is better.
16, Turned most of the old Cattle & Oxen out.
17, Very hard severe dry frost- Ice full 1/2 inch thick on Piggen- Fair Windy, milder, evening. Packed part of my Bacon in ashes.
18, Some white frist and a little ice- Fair &warm. Continued planting corn-3d day. I walked out with my gun but killed nothing.I continue unwell- 5 weeks since I was taken ill. Had Irish potatoes taken out of trench in Garden.
19, Sunshine, smoky warm. Finished planting corn (except a little in wet ground) got done in 3 1/2 days. 20th planted the balance. I was at home till evening, walked to C.Taylor's met with J.Taylor, who went with me. C.Taylor has got much better of his indisposition.
20, Thin clouds, windy, smoky, some drops rain. Had first Hhd Corn taken out of New house- sent 6 Bus' Corn to F.Taliaferro's Mill & got meal. I was very ill last night & to day. took salts. John Smith sent 9/- by his son & got a midling Bacon, 9lb. Had the low places broke up & planted in Corn.
21, Thunder & a good shower of rain last night, fine morning. Windy with thunder & showery- fine evening. I walked to J.Taylor's in the evening. J.Taylor jr & wife and the rest of family Roger Bell's wife there.
22,[SUNDAY] Windy, some broken clouds, but mostly fair. I went to sermon at Court house a tolerable number of people there- Came to J.Taylor's yo dinner. Reuben Taylor & wife, J.T.jr & family, dinere there- *Mr.Noel & wife, Salley & Bet- sy Taylor there after dinner[*Warner Taylor, son of Reuben Taylor, m. Fannie Noel, WKA].
23, Windy and broken clouds- warm. I was very unwell- fever & heavy. I went to Election- J.Barbour Jr & John Wright chosen- Jno.Spotswood near 100 behind.
24,Fair moderate morn, Evening hazy & smoky. Court sat to day- I rode to Court. had my mare's Shoes removed, pd A.S. 1/3, Pompey 3d. Came home by 4 o'clock Gave J.Blair mem'dum to send me a Loaf of Sugar, a p/s Steel & 10lb. Brown Sugar.
25, Cloudy with sometimes drops rain. Had Irish Potatoes abour 2 Bushels planted by Nursery, Do. 3/4 Bus Sweet do. got of old Peter. Had the Geese picked. I went to Court house, met Maj'r Moore, C.P.Howard & John Moore and proceeded with them in examining & Stating account referred to us between A Shepherd jr.Comp't ag'st the Adm'rs of Jos Wood dec'd. did not finish. Got Wm Stewart to fasten Pad & of my saddle. Alwx'r Shepherd & Pearce Stanford were present(exept the former) we dined at Wm Bell's- And'w Shepherd sen'r was present but none of the defendants.
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.