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DIARY OF FRANCIS TAYLOR,1796
1796,
April,
4, [Continued], back by Mr.Dade's. W, Taylor came on with us from last place to C.Taylor's. Rec'd a letter by post from F.S.Taylor, my answer to his last had not been received when he wrote.
5, Cool, dry and smoky. Andrew Shepherd brought a note from his father requesting my attendance next friday about settling Bell's affairs. William Taylor, his wife, Sally Taylor & Betsy Taylor came here to dinner, also Mr John Gibson- Wm Taylor gave me his bond for $20. for my horse, pay'ble 1, January next. I delivered Wm Taylor a Certificate signed by P.Henry, dated March 1779, That Jonathan Taylor had paid $81. into the Treasury to pay a debt from him to James Ritchie and Company. The women did some sewing for me. Wm Taylor intends to set out on his journey tomorrow. Mr. Gibson went with them in evening to Ch Taylor's. Paid 1/- to A.Shepherd jr for postage F.S.T's letter.
6, A slight frost. Dry and fair, a little smoky. My mouth sore & swelled & lips broke out from the fever I had. William Taylor & wife set out from C. Taylor's to day on their journey to Botetourt &c. I went to Mr Tho's Bell's funeral at his late residence. I lent Gabriel Barbour 25 Dollars in Bank notes, if they will not answer his purpose, am to let him have specie for them. (G.Barbour paid for the above notes 29th Aug't- no acco't was raised about them,not even in my Cash account.)
7, Dry,Warm and smoky. My lips continue very sore- I took salts. J.Taylor sent a note that Mr.Richard Woolfolk was at his house- I went over and dined there. R.Woolfolk brought me a letter from brother William. R.W. told me that Bro'r Richard was in bad state of health, that he had not sold any of my lands. That Thompson Taylor was married to a Miss [Nancy] Oldham- That Zach Taylor's wife[ Alice Chew-WKA] died last month{March 6th,-PFT-]. R.W. went in evening to Mrs Bell's, intends going on tomorrow to Caroline. Wm Gibson & apprentices putting a new cover of shingles on J.Taylor's house. Had Cimblings & Cucumber seeds planted in Garden- two Poplars in yard.
8, Friday, Very dry,warm,smoky weather. I walked to the Court house- William Moore James Taylor and myself, three of the Commissioners appointed by the High Court of Chancery to divide the Slaves & settle the Executor's account of the Estate of William Bell dec'd met at the house of Thomas Bell and having finished the report inclosed the same Directed to the Clerk of the high Court of Chancery- & left it with Mr A Shepherd to forward. Mr A.Downey, Col Rob't Alcock, Rob't Taylor & Tho's Bell were present- Col.R.Alcock & T.Bell proposed to leave or refer to the same a dispute between them about Rent &c of Tavern & ? but no decision was made thereon.
9, Dry, smoky, windy, some drops rain. I rode to muster at Court house, came home to dinner. After dinner walked to J.Taylor's- Maj'r Moore, Reuben Taylor, John Moore, J.Taylor jr & wife, were there. Macon Biggers Spayed 7 young sows- this morning.
10, Smoky, some clouds, and cold,windy evening. I walked to J.Taylor's & dined there John Moore, Betsy Taylor, Polly Taylor, Peggy Biggers, J.Taylor jr & wife, there. In evening Mrs Howard & Sally Burnley there. --[SUNDAY]--
11, Slight frost-cool, clear & smoky. Little Peter absented. Began to plant corn in field between house and road. I went to D.Triplett's- he said he could not pay me any money now. I bought 50 yards Ozn'a which I left and he promised to send to Mr.Shepherd's, also bo't a Bandanne handkerchief. I dined at Mr. Triplett's- Miss Richards there.
12, Dry,smoky,some clouds & scattering drops rain- M.Biggers found L Peter last night at J.Taylor's & brought him home. I rode to McKinney's Store, bought & paid for a few trifles. Fell in with C.Taylor,who went over the river, & met J.Taylor coming from the store as we went. Rob't Moore was at the store, we rode back together, he went to Mrs Burnley's. I dined at home.

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.