Diary, 1786-1799

10[360]

DIARY OF FRANCIS TAYLOR, 1798. 1798. April,

26, Cloudy, misty morning, warm fair evening. I went early to J.Taylor's-After breakfast he set out on his journy ro Kentucky: Col.Wm.Campbell, Capt Prettyman Merry- Bartlett Bennett & Wm Hancock are expected to go with him. J.taylor jr, &c., Cha's & Tho's Bell, were there. I returned about 10 o'clock. Had 2d Hhd corn taken out of new C.house. Had watermelons, Cucumber, Muskmelon and Cimbling & Pompion seeds planted in Potatoe patch.

27, Friday, Some clouds, warm, windy and smoky. Brother Jame's wife sent and borrowed my old saddle for Sawney- She & family were going to T.Barbours (Madison) and intend next week to Jno Pendleton's (Culpeper). I sent my Cart with 21 Bus' Wheat by my measure to D.Troplett's & got rec't for 20-10. Rec'd 40 Bushels Bran from do. Peter and Frank went with Cart. I walked to Mr.Shepherd's- Read sundry Newspapers, dined at Mr.Shepherd's- He, Mrs Shepherd & Miss Betsy present. Doct'r Shepherd came home after dinner. Head that Roebuch & Hill were Elected in Madison.

28, Thin clouds, smoky, some drops rain in evening. Heard C.Taylor had a*son born yesterday. Charles Smith brought me a Loaf Sugar 5lb, & 12 lb blistered steel from Mess'rs Blairs. C.Smith Rec'd 35 Bus Wheat for D.Triplett. [*George Francis, son of Dr.Charles Taylor, born Apl.27. 1798-PFT]

29, Sunday, Very warm, some clouds, distant thunder-smoky. I rode to Reuben Taylor's who was gone from home. I staid an hour, returned & dined at home. In evening walked to C.Taylor's - saw his wide and young son , both well.

30, Warm, windy, broken clouds- Fair and very dry weather. I rode to Barnett's ford where Mansfield had his stud horse: My mare wou'd not take him. I fished til 12 o'clock, only caught a few small ones. I called by C.Taylor;s as I went, and met with J.Taylor jr, Roger Bell and Wm Moore jr- I returned by Mr. Shepherd's & got home to dinner 3 o'clock. Heard Col.Wm Taliaferro died yesterday.

May. 1, Tuesday, Fair, warm, windy, broken clouds. Sent Frank with 3 Bushels Wheat & got flour Madison's Mill. Had a swarm of bees-in Short gum next meat house. I walked to Cawthon's swamp & cut sticks for canes. Capt Jas Walker sent 2 dol- lars & got a Bushel Hemp seed.

2, A little shower of rain last night-some clouds, fair evening. I got some Cabbage plants from J.Taylor jr and planted. Maj'r Moore, John Moore, J.Taylor jr, C.P.Howard & C.Taylor dined here.

3, Very dry- Fair mor, thin clouds in evening. Took out 3rd Hhd Corn-Sent to mill Had 1/2 Bushel Hemp seed sown. Sent to J.Taylor's and got Broom corn & planted some. C.Taylor sent for and got 1/2 Bushel Hempseed. Had Watermelon, Cucumber, Muskmelon & Cimbling seeds planted in patches by Potatoe patch & Nursery. Had Irish Potatoes planted by Gulley in Corn field.

4, Thin clouds in morning. Windy warm and dry. Had 3 male yearlings gelded & marked & 4 female marked. Had blue Potatoes & Indian peas planted by Sweet potatoes. Sowed Peas in Garden, middle square. I walked to C.house- returned to dinner. Mrs.Bell sent and got a peck Hemp seed.

5, Fair, dry, warm. A good shower afternoon. I went to Aunt Taylor's, word was sent me that Jno Taylor desired my company. Aunt Taylor was hone to Reu.Smith's and C.P.Howard ro Battalion Muster at B.Hyde's- Mrs Howard was at home, John Tay- lor & C.Taylor there. J.Taylor was not well, had taken Jallap. I returned by James Taylor's, his family just got home from John Pendleton's- they informed me the E.Pendleton was some better than She has been.

6. Fair, windy. (Sunday). I went by Aunt Taylors, to Robert Taylor's. Aunt Taylor, John Taylor, C.P.Howard & wife & Bailey Burnley dined there.

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.

11 [361]

DIARY OF FRANCIS TAYLOR, 1798. 1798, May,

7, Cloudy, dripping morning( not much), fair evening. John Taylor,C.P.Howard,Robert Taylor & C.Taylor dined here. Had a sheat killed, gave a quarter to M.Biggers.

8, Fair morning-Thin clouds & hazy afternoon-Has a small seed patch burned near Mountain Spring. Sowed Curled Savey Cabbage & Massenburg's Lettuce seeds. I wrote a letter to my nephew Wm Taylor desirinf him to let his brother Francis have 150 dollars(er his debt to me) to be applied to his improvement- gave Jno. Taylor the letter. I went to Aunt Taylor's(via J.Taylors) John Taylor, Robert Taylor & family, C.P.Howard & wide dined there- J.Taylor jr there in evening- Jno Taylor to set out to-morrow to Kentucky.Mrs Scott sent & got 1/2 Bus Hemp seed, p'd for at March Court. Finished second plowing corn land.

9, Fair morning, some broken clouds afternoon. Sent old Peter & two boys & got ashes from Reu Taylor's. Replanted corn. I went to Barnett's ford, my mare refused the horse. I dined at Doolin's paid 1/6- J.Taylor jr, Ch's Bell, Maj'r Moore & Reuben Taylor ret'd when I did.

10, Thin clouds, dropped rain several times. Macon Biggers had 2 Bus' Wheat to send to Mill. I was sent for and went to J.Taylor's to dinner- Maj'r Moore, John Moore, Mrs Bell, Mrs Cambell, Milly Bell, Tho's Barbour, Mrs Noel, C.Bell &c dined there. Mr.Noel came after dinner. Took out 4th Hhd Corn.

11, Fair morning. Cloudy & a little rain afternoon. Cool day. I walked to Court house- Bought 2 pr Cotton hose of Hackley- did not pay him- He promised to write to Fred'g to enquire price of Hemp, and to take mine, if we agreed about price &c. I came to Aunt Taylor's- Maj'r Moore, John Moore, Capt.R'd Barbour's wife, J.Taylor jr & wife, C.P.H & do. dined there.

12, Smart white frost, cool dry & very clear morning. Some broken clouds &c cool evening. I took Salts yesterday & to day. Mr.Triplett's Tom reciveved 50, & Phil. Ballard's Dick, 45 Bushels Wheat for D.Triplett. Had 7 yearlings tuned out of my pasture over mointain. Has 2 kinds Indian Peas planted near Cherry tree. Had a Ditch cut below Oak Spring

13, Sunday, Cold, some clouds& scattering drops rain. I walked to Sermon at Court- house- called on return and dined at Aunt Taylor's - Sally Burnley, Nancy & Sal ly Miller there-Batsy Shepherd in evening- C.P.Howard & wine Lent me 8 books-

14, Clear most of day, flying clouds-very dry. Had Oats sown in batton spots of Confield. G.C.Taylor's Tom came here to work, mended kitchen. M.Biggers rode to Herndon's mill about plank.

14, Very clear, dry and warmer. I went with Cart to Herdon's mill & got 301 feet of Plank. Daniel Hord measured it. I ret'd by Stephen Fox's & offered to pay for the plank but he said I musst pay T.Herndon paid 39/- at Court for all.

16, Remarkably clear-very dry windy. Had 2 Shoats Spayed, 2 cut & 1 male could not geld-Wm Leathers got 4 lb Hemp & 1/4 Bushel of Hemp Seed for Mrs Burnley- Took out 5th Hhd Corn.

17, Hazy, thin clouds afternoon. Charles Leathers bo't 1 lb hemp& breakfasted hereCapt. James Barbour sent 2 Blankets by a boy who said were to wrap up 2 Tables which were left here by Wm Taylor of Fredericksburg. Maj'r Moore's Overseeer got some Indian Peas to plant. Sally Taylor, Harriet Triplett, Robert T.Moore and Charles Bell were here in evening, Has 6 doz Candles made the 15th- 19 lb Tallow & wax-

18, Thin clouds in morning- fair smoky evening. Roger Bell came & got a peck of Hempseed. Maj'r Moore's Joe came here to underpin & floor Spring house- but the water at the bottom would not admit of working on it, drained off part. James Sebree red's 38 1/2 Bus'Wheat for D.Triplett. Sent a letter P/r post to F.S. Taylor.

19, Saturday, Fair and very dry. Hazy evening. Joe underpinned Spring house. Mr Triplett's Tom recieved 42 Bushels early wheat. I walked to Hackley's store at Court house- I agreed to sell himsome hemp at 10 dollar p/r 100. I bought 2 lb brown Sugar- I went & came by J.Taylor's, got home by 10 o'clock.

20, Sunday, Thin clouds, cool and continues very dry. I went to J.Taylor's to dinner, T.Barbour & family, J.Taylor jr & wife there. T.Barbour went home in evening. I had 3 pecks potatoes some time past of Old Peter to plant-Let him have 2 1/2 yards Ticklenburg for them & 2/- in money.

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.

12 [362]

DIARY OF FRANCIS TAYLOR, 1798, 1798, MAY, 21,Flying clouds-smoky,dry. Maj'r Moore's Joes & G.C.Taylor's Tom at wotk for me. Red'd a letter dated 1st instant from F.S.Taylor.

22, Cloudy morn & sprinkled rain,windy, warn,dry evening. Sister J.Taylor sent 9/- & got 9lb Hogs lard. Joe mended fire place in Kitchen & pointed meat house underp'g. I went in evening to J.Taylor's- Mrs Parsons had arrived there just before(attended by H.Thomas) & servent. She conversed woth more sense that I expected, and a pretty good memory.

23, Cloudy morn- A light shower afternoon. Paid Maj'r Moore's Joe 7/6 for Underpin'g Spring house, mending Kitchen fireplace & pointing under meat house, being in full for work at this time. I went home- Mouth sorer than for some time.

24, A little rain last night and Showery to day, but not a good season to plant. M.Biggers went with my Cart to Herndon's mill and got me 421 feet of Plank. C.Taylor sent some corn & got I.Potatoes in exchange.

25, A light shower of rain afternoon. Took out 6th Hhd Corn. Had 24 Sheep Sheared. 14 Lambs marked- 4 of them Cut- left 1 ram- 9 Ewew lanbs. I carried 190 lbs Hemp to Elliot Hackley & sold at 60/- Bo't Sundries of him. Planted Cabbages- Slight season. Wrote F.S.Taylor, sent by Post.

26, Remarkably clear. Sent to Taliaferro's mill & got 6 bus Corn ground. Wm.Bell sent 2 bottles wine in return for Lent 10th March. Had Midlings( The other Bacon before) packed in ashes. I walked in evening to C.Taylor's- Slly & Betsy Taylor were at Col.Barbour's place, whose family were there, they came home accompained by Dr.T.Barbour.

27, Fair cool morning, Hazy thin clouds evenig. I walked to Court house- Mr. Ferguson, a Methodist, preached- A tolerable number to hear him. I came to Aunt Taylor's to dinner. Mrs Burnley & children, Nelly Glassell & own family there.

28, Cloudy morn. Broken clouds- rained a little about sunset. I went to Court. Paid Thomas Herndon 39/- in full for Plank from saw mill the 15 & 24th instant p/r reciept. Sent G.Brooks( a poor man) by his daughter, a dollar . Maj'r Moore Mr.C.P.Howard,C.Taylor & myself looked into A.Shepherd acc't ag't Woods state but not concluded. Heard brother James was at brother Jonathon's 13th inst Rec'd a letter from brother Jonathon dated March last, mat's his daughter Susans marriage to Mr Thomas Arnold. Capt James Barbour sent a waggon to my house & I delivered the two Square Tables left with me by Mr Wm Taylor, of Fredericksburg, which he informed me he has purchased- & next day told me he had also purchased the Tea table & looking Glass which are still here- & that the whole cost 37 1/2 Dollars.

29, Clouds & Sprinkled rain- rained at night moderately. I went to Court- Maj'r Moore, Charles Taylor & myself signed our report to The Suit A.Shepherd ag't Jos Woods Exec're & delivered into Court. I paid William Wirt 4 dollars for feed,& advice in the Pent'n & Summons, McCall Smellie & Co. and Capias George McCall & Co againts Taylor's Ex'ors. Replanted Wtermelon, Cucumber &c.

30, A good Shower of rain last night- Cloudy & several showers to day. A midling good season. Thinned corn. Planted Cabbages in evening. I went in evening to J.Taylor's- Aunt Thomas, John Pendleton's family, Tho's Barbour's do. J.Taylor jr & do. there- G.L.Grasty came with J.T.jr from Court.

31. Clear morning, a very little rain in evening. I staid at home. C.Taylor sent & got Cabbage plants.

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.

13 [363]

DIARY OF FRANCIS TAYLOR, 1798, 1798, June, 1, Friday, Fair morning, thin clouds in evening. I walked to Court house, returned to dinner. Carried Mr.Howard's books(lent me) to Aunt Taylor'- A.Glassell & famiy, Milley Smith & Aunt Thomas there. I had the head ache violently in evening and night.

2, Fair morning- Thin clouds afterwards with drops of rain. I took Jallap & Ipec which relieved my headache. Robert Cawthon came here to breakfast-postponed buying a pair of Oxen, but we did not pargain. C.Taylor sent me ___ Flooring, which he had brought for me from Mr.D.Triplett's yesterday. I staid at home.Had 7th Hhd Corn removed.

3, Sunday, A little rain last night- Broken clouds. Reu Taylor called here, I went with him to Court house. Mr.O'Neil was not there- I came home & went to J.Taylor's to dinner. Tho.Barbour & family, John Pendleton's family, J.Taylor jr-do there, J.Pendleton & J.Taylor jr gone to Bledsoe's meeting & the Springs.

4, Shower of rain last night & good seasonable rains to day. C.P.Howard came here to dinner & staid all night.

5, Tuesday, A fine rain last night, the Earth well wetted. Some light rain to day. Mr.C.P.Howard staid here till evening- I sent for James Taylor jr who came, dined & went away with Mr.Howard in the Evening. James Bell sent his boy Daniel for some wool which he spoke to me for some time ago-Sent him 37 lb in a bag 8 lb weight, 45 gross, which he is to have Spun,& to have half for Spinning, the wool was unwashed.

6, Clouds- A moderate shower of rain afternoon. I went by Aunt Taylor's, and with C.P.Howard went to Mr.Triplett's store, got account of my wheat del'd there. We dined at Mr.Triplett's & came home after the rain. Tom laid new floor in West porch.

7, Fair pleasant morn. Heavy thunder shower, with some hail and strong West wind. Took 8th Hhs Corn out-Sent 6 Bushels to mill. Tom abour repairing Floor &c of Portico. I staid at home. Davy finished making 6 pair Shoes- 5 for the Workers & 1 for Frank.

8, Friday, Some Clouds- droped rain. I walked to Court house- C.P.Howrad was there & asked me to Aunt Taylor's- Rob't Taylor & family, Mrs Burnley & do. Aunt Thomas, C.Taylor & daughters Sally & Betsy, Mrs.Glassell & children, Reu Smith and wife, Nancy Taylor, Fanny Madison, Nelly Madison,Anna Payne,Andrew Shepherd jr, Betsy Shepherd, Doct'r Winslow & brother, G.C.Taylor & a youth named Wm. Drope, Dined there.

9, Thin Clouds in morn without rain. I went to J.Taylor's, Aunt Thomas, Aunt Taylor Mrs Glassell,Polly & Nelly Glassell, Reuben Smith & wife, Col.Madison jr's wife[Dolly Payne Madison-PFT] Anna Payne, Fanny & Nelly Madison, Sally and Betsy Taylor,G.C.Taylor,Andrew Shepherd jr, Billy Drope. J.Pendleton's family, dined there. Col Madison jr, C.P.Howard & Wm Smith came in evening- Wm Daniels wife & daughter came at dinner- Colo.Madison jr & the Ladies with G.C.Taylor's, went to C.Taylor's. M.Biggers gor 2 Reap hooks for me at Hackley's.

10, Sunday, Cloudy morn. small rain all evening. I went to C.Taylor's - Col.Madison jr, his wife, Miss Payne, Miss Madisons, Wm Dade & wife, Nancy & Sally Miller, G.C.Taylor, James Taylor jr, his wife, Nancy Taylor and Billy Drope dined there.

11, Cloudy with small rain most of the day. Geo.C.Taylor came here in evening from C.Taylor's. I settled my account with him and recieved Twenty six poUnds, which with Ten dollars for one month's hire of Tom, made £29. the sum he owed me.he made me a present of 2 lb Saltpetre- I also paid G.C.Taylor £8.8.0 the balance due on his proportion of £85.- in the Estate of Geo.Taylor dec'd. J.Taylor jr came over after G.C.Taylor was here, they went away together- the latter said he intended to go on tomorrow to Col Mdison's on his way to Richmond.

12, Cloudy morn, fair noon- A little rain here in evening with appearance of a very great rain to North & near. I went to J.Taylor's- J.Pendleton & family, Jno.& W.Moore,Charles Bell, dined there. Mrs H.Pendleton & Mrs Parsons got there while we were at dinner. Planted I potatoes behind garden

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

14 [364] DIARY OF FRANCIS TAYLOR,1798, 1798, June,

13, Smart rain last night, cleared in morning.a shower in the evening with wind-not a great rain. John Pendleton, Charles Bell & C.P.Howard dined here.

14, Thursday, Warm with Clouds up the Country, some drops rain here, John Pendleton and family went from J.Taylor's this morning, going to the Springs- I walked the road when they passed, gave E.Pendleton ten dollars. I walked in evening to J.Taylor's- J.Taylor jr not ret'd from T.Barbour's- Mrs H.Pendleton, Mrs Parsons, Aunt Thomas,& J.T.jr's wife, C.Bell & E.Chew there.

15, Hazy & warm(no rain). I walked to Court house, bought sundry articles of E.Hackley& paid him a balance. Reu Taylor cut my hair in the Store-Saw J.T.jr who said T.Barbour had sent 18 Gal's Whisky to Madison's mill for me- All of us went home to our dinners- Tom ceiling chamber. Sent a Dollar by Frank & got a bus'Salt from Hackley & got a cheese, F.S.Taylor sent for me.

16, Warm, sultry-thin clouds without rain. I went by J.Taylor's & with J.Tyalor jr went to Doolin's- I left a Pattern of Sagathy & trimmings with Doolin, who took my measure &c. There was a considerable company playing at fives- I staid till sunset & it was dark when I got home. I let G.C.Taylor's Tom have 7 yds Ticklenburg & thread to make shirts. James Sebree rec's __ Bus'Wheat for D.Tripletts

17, Sunday, A little mist in morning-Cool fair evening. I went to C.Taylor's who got home from Fredericksburg about 10 o'clock. M.James jr., Salley Burnley & I dined there. I walked home by J.Taylor's- Mrs Parsons & E.Chew there. J.Taylor jr gone to Fred'g- Nancy to Orange Springs.

18, Thin clouds sultry- a light rain in evening & at night. C.Taylor called here, said a waggon promised to lodge some goods for him here- He went away before noon, going to visit N.Madison's negroes. George Walters brought sundry articles from Fred'g and left here for C.Taylor, who came here after dinner and had them carried home. Took 9th Hhd Corn out of New House.

19, Cloudy morning, Showery wet evening, no thunder, the wind from East. J.Taylor's Cart brought from Madison's Mill a Cask with 18 Gallons Whisky- Sent there by T.Barbour for me.

20, Cloudy night with small rain.Same weather to day in afternoon heavy showers, with thunder. J.Taylor jr called here after dinner.Left a doz Lemons with me & said he bought 2 Wash Bowls & 4 lb Shot also for me, that the shot was lost and 1 bowl broken. Sent 2 bags Corn to Taliaferro's mill & got meal.

21, Thursday, Scattering clouds, cleared pleasent day. Sister J.Taylor sent & borrowed my old saddle, going to Springs. C.P.Howard came here after dinner from Mrs Burnley's. Robert Cawthorn was here & bought a pair of my Oxen. The black & pied ones, the price was 50 dollars, he paid 40 dollars & gave his note on demand for 10 dollars. Wm Stewart sent Daniel by whom I sent 6 3/4lb Butter in my pot. Had Watermelons & Cucumber seeds planted by potatoe patch. Sundry persons here for Cherries. Hived a swarm of Bees, the 2d, in plank hive.

22, Fair morning, some clouds & very little rain in evening. I went to Court houseExchanged a Quart Decanter for 2 pint ones, with Hackley & gave 1/3- Bought pair Stirup leathers of W.Stewart- C.P.Howard was at Court house I came with him to Aunt Taylor's. Rob't Taylor & family, Betsy & Patsy Taliaferro, Salley Taylor, dined there.

23, Some clouds with some drops rain. I rode by J.Taylor's & J.Taylor jun'r went with me to Barnett's ford. Doolin had done nothing to the Coat he promised to make- I came about noon with C.P.Howard to Rob't Taylor's- C.P.Howard & wife & Miss Taliaferros dined there. Hived 3d Swarm Bees in Split Gum. I paid J.Taylor'jr 12/- for articles he got for me at Fred'g.

24, Sunday, warm. A light shower with thunder in evening. I went to Court houseMr.O'Neil preached to a tolerable number present. I went to J.Taylor's- Col.Jas Barbour, Reuben Taylor & R.T.Moore dined there- J.Taylor jr, his wife & E.Chew only of the family at home.

From the TAYLOR DIARY #1907-Z in 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.