Diary, 1786-1799

1799, May, 30, [Continued], dined here- whilst he was here it rained a little, a sharp Clap of Thunder shivered Persimmo three near the house Davy lives in. G.C. Taylor came here from Court in the evening. Thomas Williamson & Samuel Lancaster, came with him- they are appointed to do business about having houses insured agains fire &c. G.C. Taylor rode to C. Taylor's and returned before supper. 31, Heavy rain last night without wind- Fair and pleasant, with a little windy. G.C. Taylor went before breakfast to Mr. Verdier's to get his Chair and horses, intending down to Caroline County. C. Taylor came here before breakfast. Mess's Thomas Williamson & Sam'l Lankister viewed my Dwelling house and Kitchen- valued the former at 1,000, the latter at 100 dollars- I intend to insure them the expence on the Dwelling house will be Valuation & policy 21 D. 50 cents- on Kitchen 3 D. .40 cents- total 24 Dollars 90 cents, which sum must be sent to The Office of Insurance at Richmond, when a policy will be granted. Brother James came over while they and C. Taylor were here- They all went away about 10 o'clock. Took out 24th Hhd Corn. Planted a few Small Cabbage plants near little house. Mrs. Tierce bought & paid me for a Midling 19 ½ lb bacon 19/6. JUNE. June, 1, Saturday. Fair and pleasant, a little windy. Charles Taylor came here after breakfast- I lent him £a63.10.0, which added to £36.10.0, Lent 3d May, in £100. he returned before noon. I sent Frank & Jim with 6 bus Corn & got meal from McKinney's Mill. I walked in the evening to C. Taylor's- Ear some Cherries, they are not full ripe- The family at home. 2, [SUNDAY] Fair morn. Clouded afternoon & rained a little about sunset- warm, still & without Thunder. I talked to James Taylor's- Wm Daniels' wife, E. Pendleton & children, dined there. Tho's Crutchfield & wife & E. Chew also there. Had a Swarm Bees hived in Plank hive, 2d. 3, Clouds most of the day- no rain, warm. I staid at home. 4, Some drops rain last night, clouds but no rain to day. I walked after dinner to C. Taylor's- Capt Conway, Mrs James & Franky Edwards were there. 5, Wednesday, A little hazy, warm- some clouds' Wm. Stewart wrote yesterday for 2 pieces bacon- I sent him this morning by George, 1 Gammom & Shoulder 26 lb. After dinner I walked to Post office- Got Newspapers. Paid Andrew Shepherd jun'r for a barrel flour he purchased from a Waggoner (from over the Mountains) 8 dollars. He is to know the price when the Waggon returnes from Fredericksburg- If more than I have paid, I am to make it up. Saw Old Mr. Shepherd at the Store, he appears weak & thin. 5, Thin clouds in morn. Smart shower afternoon. C. Taylor called here going to Raise Lime stone, wanted tow for cleansing holes bored-he got a little. Mrs Burnley called at the door going to C. Taylor's- says my negroes makes slips in her pasture fence to let my hogs in- On enquiry- they say the hogs got in elsewhere- & the gap was to let them out. I sent Frank to Mr. Shepherd's and he brought the Barrel of Flour in the Cart. 7, Cloudy all day, some drops rain. Davy making shoes for people at Harvest. I walked in evening to J. Talyor's. Carried Straw hat to get lined by E. Pendleton 8, A little rain in last night- Cloudy & some drops rain in morn. A little Shower in evening. I walked after dinner to Court house, wanted to see And'w Shepherd jr to know price of Flour, he was gone to J. Bell's. I came by Aunt Taylor's she is gone to Mr. Howards- Saw Cousin John Taylor's wife- Got home soon after it began to rain. 9, Sunday, Fair pleasant morning. I went to J. Taylor's to dinner- sent basket peas John Pendleton's family, T. Barbour's do, Thomas Crutchfield & wife- Richard Noel & family and Nelly Barbour were there.

1799, June, 10, Fair, turned warm, I walked to Stephen Fox's- Saw him as he was going to H. Taliaferro's- S. Fox had no fresh goods- I bo't ½ powder. I got back to dinner. 11, Very warm, fair. Frank took a dose Ipecac. After dinner I walked to C. Tayor's Davy finished making 6 pair Shoes. Finished plowing 3rd time over the Corn. 12, Wednesday, Warm, a little hazy & smoky morning, & day. M. Atkins went to H. Taliaferro jr's Shop to get Plows pointed. had 4 done. I walked to Court house- A. Shepherd jr returned me 1/6. The Flour he bought for me cost 7 ¾ dollars & for which I left 8 dollars with him-(The flour not very good) I got the Newspapers 13, Sunshine & smoky- pleasant breeze, some drops rain & distant thunder in evening. Negroes finished weeding Corn-1st. I staid at home. 14, Fair morn, Clouds & some drops rain in evening & changed cool. Had 25th Hhd Corn taken out. Sent Frank with Cart & 6 bus' Corn to McKinney's mill. Also sent 7/6 and got Scythe blade. Wm Stewart sent Daniel with a note for Bacon, I sent a Gammon, a Shoulder & a midling 50 lb. 15, Saturday, Cool morning and very clear. The Negroes weeding their own crops. I walked to J. Taylor's- Mrs Burnley & 2 youngest daughters- J. Pendleton's wife & children, Thomas Barbor's wife & do. T. Crutchfield & wife and W. Drope,- _____ibbs & Stap'n Noel dined there- I walked in evening by C. Taylor's- his wife not very well. Miss M. Conway was there. 16, [SUNDAY], Very clear morn and day, warm. I walked to court house. Mr. O'Neil preached a sermon to a thin audience- J. Taylor asked me & I came to his house T. Barbour's daughter baptized Anna Maria Eliza. Mr. O'Neil, Mrs Gaines (widow), Drect'r Thomas Barbour, Wm Madison (of Francis),-Betsy Taylor, E. Pendleton & children, Mary Barbour & do., T. Crutchfield & wife, dined there. 17, Warm and remarkably clear, dry. I sent 1/3 with my mare to Mr. Shepherd's Shop and got her Shoes removed. Began to plow over Corn 4th time. I staid at home T. Crutchfield came here before noon, borrowed G.C. Taylor's gun & returned. 18, Tuesday, Fair warm and dry- very hot. I walked down the run this morning before breakfast and killed two squirrels- dined at home. 19, Fair, hot & still morning- Wind, Thunder and a light shower of rain evening. Took out 26th Hhd Corn. After dinner I walked to Court house, got the Newspaper Went & saw Old Mr. Shepherd who appears weak but sitting in Portico. 20, Cloudy and warm- I sent & got some (about 200) Cabbage plants from J. Taylor's- planted in the East middle square- the season not wet enough. J. Taylor walked here in evening & borrowed the Memoirs Q. of France (G.C.T's book) 21, Some clouds- a Sprinkle rain afternoon, warm and dry. I was at home alone. 22, Saturday, Warm, hazy, tho' sunshine morning- A cloud in the evening, a few drops rain. I sent 2 bottles old Cyder to Mr. Shepherd by George. C. Taylor wrote to me to send him some bacon he spoke about some time ago- I sent 2 Gammons, 3 Shoulders & 12 Midlings, 199½ say 198 lb. I was at home all day,not so well as usual. G.C. Taylor came to C. Taylor's this morning & here in the evening. 23, Sultry dry weather, heavy & smoky air. Distant thunder afternoon. J. Taylor sent to inform me he was going to Maj'r Moore's, G.C. Taylor & I went with him- E. Pendleton, Mary Barbour, T. Crutchfield & wife, Reu Taylor's wife & c. J. Moore & wife, C. Bell & Rob't & Tho's Moore & Maj'r Moore dined at Maj'r Moore's. G.C.T. came here at night. --[SUNDAY]-- 24, Very warm- Fair morn, a light show afternoon. G.C. Taylor & I went to CourtI saw D. Grinnanm who said he wou'd be at next Court to receive payment for the Judgments obtained against G. Taylor's estate by McCall, Smellie & Co., & G. McCall & Co. I paid J. Smith 94 for sewing my shoes some time ago. I bought a pattern for pr breeches of pedlar. I dined at Verdier's. G.C.T came here from Court. 25, Tuesday, Warm, dry, gloomy weather. G.C. Taylor complains of being unwell, we staid at home. C. Taylor walked here in evening to see G.C. Taylor- said J. Taylor & family dined at his house. 26, Continues fair warm dry. A Good shower afternoon. G.C.T says he is a little better, we dined at home.

1799, June, 27, Some clouds & a few drops rain, cool. J's Taylor came here early & returned after breakfast. G.C. Taylor went to Col. Madison's & returned at night. John Taylor dined & spent the day with me- I began to Cut Early wheat- but found it not ripe enough, and put it off. 28, There was a little rain last night, clouds & some drops rain to day. Took out 27th Hhd Corn. Sent Frank to McKinneys mill with 3 bags corn- He cou'd not get it ground, went & got it at Madison's mill- did not get home till 2 hours after dark-G.C. Taylor went to Aunt Taylor's &c & ret'd to dinner. J. Taylor dined here, said his wife &c gone to see Mrs James- John Pendleton ret'd from Kentucky- Ja's Bell came in, got Letters from Bro'r Wm Taylor & Jon'a Taylor jr 29 Saturday, Cloudy & drops rain in morning & a little rain in the evening. Pulled up Flax & had potatoes weeded. G.C. Taylor & I went to James Taylor's- Aunt Thomas, C. Taylor, John Taylor, John Pendleton & family, T. Barbour's family, T. Crutchfield & wife, dined there. 30 [SUNDAY] Cloudy morn. Fair evening. G.C. Taylor & I walked to J. Taylor's, Dined there- Maj'r Moore, Capt Wm. Moore- John Pendleton & Family T. Barbour's family T. Crutchfield & wife there.

July, 1, Monday, Fair morning, a light rain afternoon. Began to Cut my Common Wheat which is riper than the early- which I put off cutting for a few days till riper. G.C. Taylor went to James Bell's, to C. Taylor's, where he dined & returned here in evening. 2, Fair. G.C. Taylor went after breakfast to J. Taylor's, returned after dinner & rode to Court house- I staid at home- Continued to Cut common Wheat. 3, Some clouds a very light rain about noon-then fair. G.C. Taylor went away after breakfast- Wm Moore was here to see him, wants to buy a horse. Cut some Early wheat- thin & low. Carted some of the Wheat(out the 1st) to Wheat-yard in Cornfield & Stacked- it rained on the middle. G.C. Taylor went to T. Richards Store- dined at Verdier's and returned in Evening- brought Newspapers. 4, Cloudy morning with a little rain, fair evening. Doct'r R. Barbour & T. Crutchfield came here from J. Taylor's after breakfast- G.C. Taylor went back with them, he & T. Crutchfield here in evening, the latter returned. Cut some early wheat in morning- Stacking in the evening. Wm Martin & Reuben Mallory looked at the Bellows &c talked they wished to buy-but believe did not like it. 5, Fair and pleasant. G.C. Taylor & I went to a Barbecue at Mr. Verdier's- There was a numerous & Genteel company- Tho' the dinner was not much like a Barbecue- It was subscribed for by young men. I subscribed 15/- towards another appointed to be the 1st August. Subscribers married and old man. Stacking Wheat. Had a Swarm of bees hived in plank hive. 6, Saturday, Cloudy & thunder with a little rain in mornin. Cleared about 10 o'clock, Clouds in evening. I was very unwell last night-Took 16 gr Ipecac & 26 Jallap-did not work well. G.C. Taylor went to J. Taylor's to breakfast, from thence to G. Taylor's for his Chair- Passed about 10 o'clock, aid he intended to Mr. F. Walker's, Albemarle. J. Taylor sent his waggon with furniture, a Cow &c to the Springs- I believe T. Crutchfield & wife went there in J.T's carriage- His family intend going in a few days. Cut the remainder of my E. Wheat-in afternoon. Stacked some of the other sort. 7, SUNDAY, Rained moderately about day & light showers, fair afternoon J. Taylor's & J. Pendleton's boys came here after breakfast, got canes &c. I went to J. Taylor's- John Pendleton & family dined there. Aunt Thomas & Aunt Taylor came there after dinner. 8, Fair and pleasant day. My people about my Wheat. I dined at home, gathered 6 fine Cucumbers, being the first this season. 9, Clouds with thunder and appearance of rain about- a few drops here in evening. James Taylor called here after breakfast , left Office Key- He & family went to Orange Springs to day- Had my early wheat collected and sacked. I walked in evening to C. Taylor's.

1799 July, 10, Fair, dry weather. Finished cutting wheat- Stacked some. I walked to Mrs Burnley to request her to make me a pair Breeches &c- She said she wou'd. I went to Court house-got Newspapers, came back by Aunt Taylor's- E. Chew there, appeared very uneasy about where to reside in future. 11, Fair-dry- Finished Stacking Wheat & began to Cut Oats. I walked to C. Taylor's- The Workmen raised the lower part of the frame of his house- Wm Gibson, Joseph Bledsoe-Cha's & Moses Leathers- Cook & Mason(Bricklayers) & Lewis Robertson & Patrick Bell & Negroes about it. Mrs Conway & Mrs W. Taliaferro had been to Richard's Store. Returned & dined at C. Taylor's 12, Friday, Clear & dry pleasant morning. Killed a Lamb. Cutting Rye and Oats, got all cut. James Taylor came here from the Springs this morning, got here to Breakfast-went home-to C. Taylor's, and got here before dinner & returned to the Springs in the evening- John Taylor dined here. 13, Cloudy sultry morn, dropped rain several times. Getting Rye stacked & the Oats poor crops of each- got done. M. Atkins went to H. Taliaferro's Shop with Sylvania and Sorril Mare to get them shod. I sent 22 lb Iron by him- He got the old Shoes removed- Finished Stacking my Grain- viz't, Wheat, Rye & Oats. 14, Sunday, Cloudy with light showers rain. I was very unwell last night and this morn. And'w Shepherd ju'r Came here, Wanted to get the Deed from R'n Gaines &c to his father & Com'n to Examine Mrs Gaines- I went to the Office with him and did the business. Mr. Tho's Macon came here about noon, siad he had been to Maj'r Moore's(who was from home), he dined with me & returned home in evening. 15, Fair, windy and warm. Plowing & Laying by Corn. I went with the Cart and Frank to Aunt Taylor's. Got 10¼ Gallons of Whiskey for myself which I paid 41/- for to John Taylor's wife. Got 13¼ Gallons for Charles Taylor in his cask & brought to my cellar- he to pay J.T. for it I walked to Mr. Shepherd's-went in and saw the old Gentleman, who keeps about- I came from home to dinner. Mr Noel's Negro woman was here & said she saw a man going to C. Taylor's who told her G.C. Taylor was very ill &c at Louisa Springs. Col. Johnson rode to my yard gate, said he wanted some Spa's for Witnesses-but did not alight. 16, Fair warm and dry. Col.Johnson came before noon. I went to the Office, made out two Spa's[Subpoenas] to Orange & Madison-Cason vs him- I went thence to C. Taylor's- he is gone to see G.C. Taylor, who was not so ill as represented- I returned home to dinner. After dinner, Wm Harvey & I went to Office- Copied return His Exo'ns vs Ferrill &c & Woolf- Walked to Mrs Burnleys, she was gone to Maj'r Moore's- left Florinet for Breeches w'th Judy & Lucy. Sowed Turnep seed in Watermelon patch by nursery yesterday, in sone borders &c in the Garden to day. 17, Wednesday, It appears as there was a little rain last night, like a great dew. Clouds this morn, fair afternoon Took out 28th Hhd Corn. I walked to Court house got Newspapers- paid 1/6 to a Shepherd jr for 15 small buttons bo't for me. Saw C. Taylor's George coming from Louisa Springs, who says G.C. Taylor has been very ill & got better. he is to return tomorrow- left his master there. 18, Began to rain early and continued moderately through the day, the ground well wetted- very still. Macon Biggers was here this morning- I Gave him some Turnep seed- he soon went away. It was too wet to work out- Had Corn shelled and about getting out Flax seed. 19, Rained last--cloudy & light showers to day. Sent Frank with 2 bags Corn & got ground at McKinney's. Began to Plow Turnep patch. J. Taylor called & got the Office key, his son Gibson came up with him, he expects part of family tomorrow f'm Springs. 20, Cloudy, some sunshine-and a very little rain. Took a Hive of Bees last night- Got the honey out this morning to drip. Broke up Turnep patch-Sowed about a quart seed the Western Summer- the Rest Winter seed. Harrowed. C. Taylor sent his son Charles for Turpentine &c Cou'd find none- Sent word G.C. Taylor was mending, but not free from danger. C.T. got home to day. 21, Sunday, A little rain last night cloudy & light rains to day. I walked to J. Taylor's- Aunt Thomas, John Pendleton & family, dined there- They intend to Culpeper tomorrow.

1799, July, 22, Cloudy morn, Fair evening. Little Peter Sick-Gave him Jallap &c. I sent 12 lb. unwashed wool to E. Pendleton by J. Taylor's boy, Also turnep seed for Aunt Thomas & J. Pendleton. I rode to Court, carried money to pay D. Grinnan for McCall, Smellie &c, &c Judgements ag'st Taylor's Exors. but Grinnan did not come I was Security to P. Verdier for Ord'y Licence. Rec'd a letter from F.S. Taylor. 23, Tuesday, Fair. I staid at home, not so well as common. J. Pendleton & family & Aunt Thomas went to Culpeper. 24, Fair. Began to Cut my hay, which is poor & thin. Reuben Taylor (just from Kentucky) arrived here about 10 o'clock- informed our friends were well in that Country- that he had purchased of our nephew James Taylor 250 acres of Land, on which he intends to have a house built & left money to pay for part of the expence. fine crops growing in Kentucky, he brought me letters from some of my friends- Brother James came here soon after R. Taylor did, they dined here. I walked to Mr. Shepherd's, got Newspapers-Heard that C. Taylor ret'd from Louisa Springs to day and left G.C. Taylor mending- C.T. unwell himself. 25, Fair. J. Taylor called here, going to T. Barbour's, whose wife is unwell- Sister Taylor is gone too. J. Taylor left the Office Kay & business for Sheriff. About my Hay- finished stacking 3 o'clock. Wm Webb sent for Business in Office- his son left mem'o. Sent Frank to Aunt Taylor's for jug whisky- not at home 26, Friday, Fair warm morning- Cloud and good Shower of rain between 1 & 2 o'clock- fair warm evening. I walked to Mrs Burnley's-dined there in Company with Mrs Cambell, Reuben Burnley and wife and John Burnley- The rain fell while I was there. John Goss sent for me soon after the rain(he was here when it rained) I came home & delivered him the papers Ja's Taylor left for him, he ret'd an Ex'on- I sent Frank with Jug & got 2 gallons John Taylor's whisky- did not send money- After rain had dirty, shattered wheat cleaned with Fan- a little more than 3 bushels. 27, Fair Sultry morn. broken clouds. J. Taylor sent for Office Key &c. he & family just come from T. Barbour's- they went on to the Springs about noon. I walked to Ms Burnley's m carried Lutestring &c to make Vests & paid her 6/-. After dinner I walked to C. Taylor's got ¼ lb Tea, pd 3/- 28, [SUNDAY], Some broken clouds. I walked to Court house, Mr. O'Neil attended, but so few there he did not preach. I dined at Mr. Shepherd's. Mrs Downey, A Darby & wife, Alex Shepherd & do. Thos Jenkins &c, W. Madison jr there. Came by Aunt Taylor's- Jno. Taylor just ret'd from Rockingham, pd him 8/- for Whisky. Mrs Gambell, Charles & Thomas Bell & E. Chew there. Aunt Taylor at Mr. Glassels. 29, Monday, Warm- Distant broken clouds & sunshine. Charles Taylor going to Fred'g called on me. I gave him mem'o to get some medicine, Salt, Leather &c & let him have 2 Doubloons, £9.2.6. to pay with. I was very unwell last night and to day- at home. Old George went with Frank in evening to weed my Potato patch & M. Atkins' wife got 25 grains Ipecac for vomit. 30, Fair, Clouds in night. Took out 29th Hhd Corn. John Taylor sent ½ Gallon Whisky w'ch he thinks was short in measuring &c. Frank & George finished weeding sweet potatoes. 31, Fair. Reuban Taylor came here- I paid him 9 Dol's 38 cents which he paid R'd C, Anderson fees for surveying 333, ⅓ acres Military Land & other fees- I was very unwell- Reu Taylor dined here- he wanted me to write an Advertisement about sale of his land but I was too unwell. There is good cherries hanging on the Morella trees now. W'ch is 20 days later than I remember to have seen them.