Diary, 1786-1799

1799, September, 23, Cool clear morn, some clouds but no rain. G.C. Taylor let me have 80 dollars Bank notes, to place to James Taylor's credit. he ret'd here from Court. Reuben Taylor called by, I rode with him to Court, he sold his Land to Oliver Terrill for $1,050. Tariton Goldshy agreed to take my crop of Wheat from home by the middle Oct'r at 10/- p/r bushel,to be paid 1st March next. P. Verdoer paid for bacon he bo't the 17th instant. 24, Fair pleasant cool mornings. G.C.Taylor went to J. Taylor's early- He returned with G.L. Grasty, and I lent him $18. to send by Grasty to the Auditor at Richmond- G.C. Taylor promised to place the same sum in Mr. James Blair's hands in ten days (which I intend to pay F.S. Taylor for Rum &c. I requested him to purchase at Norfolk- G.C. Taylor rode, I walked to Rob't Taylor's. John Taylor & wife- Wm Gilbert, Rob't Moore & E. Chew dined there. 25, Fair pleasant. Sent Frank with 6 bus Corn & got ground at McKinney's- Col. J. Madison jr sent _____Tyre to whom I delivered 3 Gammons, 2 Shoulders, & 1 Midling, 86 lb Bacon- Tyre carried a Basket Peaches hone, & 1 for P. Verdier- Col. J. Madison Sen'r Sent Some pears by Sam & got two baskets Peaches. John Bell & John Luttrell came with each a Waggon & Received 87½ Bushels Wheat for Tarlton Coolsby, who was here with the waggons- he paid me 10/6 for ½ Barrel Corn John Bell received for feeding his horses. John Taylor walked by, From J. Taylor's-who came afterwards to see T. Goolshy; they all went away before dinner. Began to cut Tops. 26, Thurday, Fair and pleasant cool mornings. M. Atkins and Frank went to McNeils to look for young Ox & Steer, did not find them there. Roger Bell was here, wanted to see G.C. Taylor who went to J. Taylor's this morning. ret'd at night. John Taylor, Wm Gilbert, Jonathan Shipman, Thos's Macon, Cha's Taylor & G.C. Taylor dined here. About fodder. 27, Fair and pleasant- Stacked a little fodder- the Blades areall cocked- G.C.T. went away in morning, returned to dinner. J. Taylor here a little time in evening. Sent Frank & got some Father Abrahams from Corn field28, Fair and pleasant weather. After breakfast, G.C. Taylor went to J. Taylor's, ret'd & dined- J. Taylor also dined here- G.C.T went to see C. Bell & ret'd at night 29, SUNDAY, Some scattering clouds, warm. G.C.T. went to C.Conway's & ret'd at night. C. Bell & T. Bell was here to see G.C. Taylor & ret'd before noon, Reu. Taylor also here a ittle time- I was very unwell-dined alone- After dinner John Taylor & Capt John Moore was here- Whilst they were here, Colby Taylor, with Isaac Robertson, Owen Gwatmey [Gwathmey-PFT], & Robert Gaines- the three first of Kentucky- R. Gaines of King & queen- from Kentucky Arrived here- they said Ben Taylor had accidentally shot himself with a rifle- the ___was not extracted but he was in a fair way to recover- that other friends were well. James Taylor walked her to see the Gent'n from Kentucky. 30, Fair with some clouds and cool. J. Taylor invited the Kentucky gent'n &c to dinner- I went with them- G.C. Taylor was there after breakfast making office business & besides the above, Capt John Moore- Robt T. Moore, John Taylor, William Gilbert, C. Bell, T. Bell, T. Crutchfield & wife, were there- Colby Taylor, Isaac Robertson, Owen Gwatmey [Gwathmey-PFT] and Rob't Gaines & G.C. Taylor came here at night. I sent & got a fore quarter Shoat-5 lb- of J. Taylor- I have been about my Fodder tops and got nearly half to the Shelter- Cut the remainder to day. Note- Colby Taylor was 5th son of Commodore Richard Taylor and his wife, Catherine Davis. He was then in his 20th year. Isaac Robertson married Matilda, dau of Com Richard Taylor, on May 30,1799. She was then under 15 years of age. Owen Gwathmey married Ann (*Nancy*) Clark, a sister of Gen George Rogers Clark. She and Isaac Robertson were 1st cousins. The Gwathmey and Robertson families emigrated from King & Queen Co. Va., to Kentucky-WKA]

1799, October, 1, Tuesday. A few clouds & warm for the season. C. Taylor sent & got half a barrel Corn. About getting my Fodder together. G.C. Taylor tried to get John Leathers to remove the papers from J. Taylor's to Court house, but cou'd not to day-he ret'd to Breakfast- Reuben Taylor & two sons- James Taylor, Tho's Crutchfield Charles Taylor, Cha's Bell, Tho's Bell, dined here, with the Gent'n from Kentucky- Plenty of fine peaches 2, Warm- a slight fog- soon fair. Took out 36th Hhd Corn. I let Colby Taylor have 5 Guineas & 10 dollars-£10. his father had wrote to Reuben Taylor to let him have about that sum- but R.T. had not got it. Colby Taylor, Isaac Robertson, Owen Gwathmey & Robert Gaines set out after breakfast-going down the Country. Intend to *Gen'l Jon'a Clark's to day- G.C. Taylor went from here early to remove the papers of the Clerk's office to Court house and dd not return here. I expect he staid at Verdier's- I sent Frank for a Bolt German Oznab'gs, left at J. Taylor's by T. Goolshy, 90 Ells. I staid at home, not well as common. Bringing tops [Fodder] from Barn field- [* Gen Jonathan Clark was brother of Gen Geo.Rogers Clark and bro-in-law of Owen Gwathmey. 1st cousin of Isaac Robertson- WKA.] 3, Thursday, Very warm, thin clouds, some drops rain. Malachi Atkins got ½ Barrel Corn to send to Mill- Ch's Taylor got ½ Barrel Corn: P. Bell help to shell it. Bringing fodder from Barn field, finished Stacking Tops. G.C. Taylor came from Court house about noon, went to C. Taylor's to dinner- returned & went to Court house- Returned here in the evening with Nr. Reynolds Chapman, who he expects to be his Deputy. 4, Cloudy warm morn. Took out 37th Hhd Corn. Sent 6 bus Corn to Dade's Mill and got it ground. G.C. Taylor & Reynolds Chapman went after breakfast to the Court house- the former returned at night. Polly Taylor & Judy Burnley was here returning from Mrs Burnley's to C. Taylor's,whose Girl got Piggin Peaches. I intended to have trod wheat, but being cloudy, the people were bring blades to the shelter to stack. M. Atkins went to Shop with Sorril mare. 5, Moderate rain in morn, heavy shower before noon & ceased- Took out 38th Hhd Corn- C. Taylor sent by boy & got ½ Barrel corn. G.C. Taylor went away early & ret'd at night. Augustine Wright was here early this morning- I agreed to employ him to be Overseer for me next year on the same terms that Malachi Atkins lives with me this year- To enter into writings at October or November Court- To give him £28- and find him 400 lb Pork- 6 Barrels Corn, 1 Bushel Salt & a Cow to milk. My people pulled up seed hemp- Davy mended shoes- I was unwell did not got go to Called Court on Jonathan & Francis Graves- charged with murder of a slave. Understand they were acquitted. 6, Fair & pleasant- much cooler than lately. I wrote to F.S. Taylor- & nr J. Blair- Brother James called going to Fred'g. I gave him 20/- to Printer for Lat half year and ½ next in advance- also 6/- to buy Worm Lozenges. C.G. Taylor borrowed 5 dollars and set out after breakfast on his journey to Wythe. Reuben Taylor came here. I walked with him to C. Taylor's- Mrs Burnley's two youngest daughters dined- Salley & Betsy from home- Col. J. Madison jr, Mr. John Howard, C.P. Howard and John Taylor there this evening. Col. J. Madison paid me a Doubloon £4.11.3, in part for bacon- do paid 5/6 the 7th at R't Taylor's. --[SUNDAY]-- 7, Cloudy morning- good day, some thin clouds. Trod & Bed of Wheat, the first since 16 August. I walked by Aunt Taylor's to Rob't Taylor's- Col Madison jr & wife, Mr J. Howard, Aunt Taylor, C.P. Howard & wife & C. Taylor dined there. John Taylor went but ret'd went but ret'd to deliver Wheat for Goolsby- Wm Gilbert had ague to day at Aunt Taylor's. Saw Mrs Wardell there- gave her pipe bowls for C. Wardell. She went to Mrs Burnley's I paid Rob't Taylor for a Receipt for that sum from Robert Mercer, Editor of Genius of Liberty-10/- making the whole subscription for the first year beginning at No. 41 & ending 144 inclusive- Col. J. Madison jr paid me 5/6 balance on full for bacon. 8, Rained briskly an hour or two before day, & a little after. Clear & warm middle day- Cloudy & a little rain in evening. Got remainder of blades from Barn field & some from middle field bro'ght to Shelter & Stacked. Took up the Hemp first laid out to dew rot.

1799, October, 8, [CONTINUED] Reuben Taylor dined here-we had a small bowl punch- Had Rawles Jennets & some Crab apples gathered. 9, Cloudy day- rained in evening and night. It being too damp to tread Wheat- Finished bringing Blades to Shelter & Stacked them. C. Taylor came here- we Settled our small a/c, there is due me on that £4.2.4½- I lent C. Taylor the sum of $50. to pay towards building his house. Sent Frank with basket peaches to Mrs Madison Sen'r. who sent some pears. 10, Rained last night and great part of this day. I am very unwell, much griped, took Salts, Castor oil and other things, which di not remove a violent cramp and pain below my stomach- which kept me awake till about day & then slept very little. 11, Friday, Clear morning- Cloudy till evening when it cleared and was cool- It being too wet to tread wheat- my people picked up a Cart Load of broken off corn & then getting the dead trees for wood, beyond the gate. I am still very unwell, Griping or cramp at intervals. Reuben Taylor called here, said a Company are to be at School house with meat & drink- asked me to go- he went to Court house- the Company sent for Frying pan, fat and Axe. I sent some potatoes & the other things & Frank went to help cook &c. I walked down about 1 o'clock & returned about 3 or 4, continuing unwell. 12, Some clouds,but mostly fair- The Wheat yeard rather wet-but had a bed of Wheat trod. I took 12 grs Ipecac & 24 Jallap, being much cramped or griped below my stomach- I slept midling well last night & thought myself mended-but walked out to work my physick- was much fatigued & weak at my return & continued so all day- physick purged a little. A Shepherd jr rode here before noon- I exchanged 20 dollars bank notes with him for 20 dollars specie at his request. 13, Sunday, Thin clouds- mild. I continued in much pain till before noon I got something easier- I think Turlington's balsam taken last night and today has been beneficial. Sent Frank to court house & got Newspapers. Had a Turkey dressed- dined alone. Joe said his mistress, M. Barbour,sent 7/6 for 6 lb Wool. I let him have 8 lb unwashed wool & told him return the money- sent ½ doz peaches next morn 14th, Salley Burnley, Salley & Betsy Taylor, went to C. Taylor's from Mrs. Burnley's this morning- called here in evening returning to Mrs Burnley's. 14, Rained before day- continued rainy all day. I was in much pain last night- slept very badly. Reuben Sanford & one ___Arnold (from Fauqueir) called here, said going to Julian King's- they bo't a pint whisky- I took a Bee hive- the second this year- not much honey. 15, Cleared about day- fair pleasant day. People getting wood from the dead trees in morning- About noon went to Cleaning the Wheat trod out before. Brought 77½ Bushels to Wheat house at night. Sent 6 Bus Corn & got ground at Dade's, Frank was gone till night. I am very unwell- Saw C. Tayor in the road- He brought me some medicine in evening which gave me some relief. 16, Cloudy morning- Clearer in evening. Had 3 Bushels Wheat beat out to send to mill. Had all the Red Wheat put down, that was not got out, and trod- it was rather damp & tough. Roger Bell called here & said he wanted to Sow about 4 bushels Wheat for G.C.T. in Tob'o ground, he sent and got 2 Bushels & the 19th delivered to Geo .Bickers 2 Bushels more. The medicine I took last night gave me considerable relief- I am a little mended to day- am to continue the medicine- C. Taylor came over to see me. went away about noon- I grew worse at night. George brought some Newspapers- none from Philad'a nor Norfolk17, High wind early in last night- changed cool and clear- Clear and colder than it has been this fall. Had 42½ Bus Wheat cleaned & brought to Wheat Shed- afterwards beating Tailings, but did not get them clean. Wm Gilbert rode here, went away before dinner- J. Taylor came over and dined with me. I killed a Wether- weight about 40 lb Nett.

1799, October, 18, Great white frost-the first I have seen this season- Bit al the tender leaves &c, clear cool & still. Trod a small bed of Early wheat. I walked to James Taylor's, he sold some Horses,Cattle,Sheep,Geese & plantation Tools- There was not many at the sale, perhaps 40 or 50 people. Roger Bell's Waggon( drove by Benjamin Lancaster)came here in evening- I came home & delivered for Tarlton Goolsby 50 Bushels Wheat- Roger Bell and Joe Bledsoe called here before the Waggon was loaded- they had been at J.Taylor's sale. I dined at home about sunset. ½ Bushel of above Wheat Weighed 29 lb by my small Steelyards. 19, Saturday, Smart frost- Fair morn, mild- Cloudy & a few drops rain the evening George Bickers got 2 Bus' Wheat to sow for G.C.Taylor( see 16th) Trod out the remainder of my Early Wheat- Suppose about 70 Bushels in all- Cleaned about 24 Bushels and brought to Shed- the rest- run once through the Fan. 20, [SUNDAY], Cloudy, warm, a few drops rain. I sent Fank & got Newspapers from Ct. house. J. Taylor dined here- he had been to C. Taylor's who was gone from home. 21, Monday, Fair smoky and warm for the season. I was so unwell that I slept but little last night- continue very sore & severe pains in my bowels- Had the balance of Early wheat cleaned & brought to Shed- Also about 12 Bushels cleaned by beating this tailings- J. Taylor brought me a box of Hamiltn's Worm Lozenges, which T. Barbour got & brought from Fred'g for me. J. Taylor did not alight. 22, Fair and mild- a little cooler in evening. I was very unwell & often got up last night- feel easier to day than for two or three weeks- took extract bark. Had 2 pair young steers yoked. Began to dig potatoes. John Grady came here for a load of wheat-but having brought no order for it- I refused to let him have it. He afterwards brought a note from T.Goolsbys, when I delivered him 48 bushels red wheat, ½ Bus' 29 lb.- to be delivered Mess'rs Colin & James Ross, Fredericks'g- Let Grady have ½ Bus' Old Corn for 2/- he p'd. 23, Wednesday, A little Frost- Fair till evening then haz7- M.Atkins rode to Mr. John Martin's- they hunted for my lost Ox & Steer,but without finding them. I had a bad night & more unwell to day than yesterday. Finished digging sweet potatoes- put the small in a pit under Fodder Shelter, 4 Hampers in Cellar, about digging Irish Potatoes. Sent Frank with Cart in evening to Mr.Shepherd's for a Bar'l Flour he sent word he had got for me, he brought home the flour- Got Newspapers. 24, Some Frost- Fair. I was extremely unwell last night, very high fever, headach and slept very little- very weak & sore to day. The people still digging Irish potatoes- Same put into a hold beyond Hay stacks- Some in Garden &c- Benj'a Lancaster with Roger Bell's Waggon,Received 50 Bushels wheat. Early kind, for Tarlton Goolsby. T. Crutchfield walked here to see Waggoner & soon returned. A large flock Geese flew by about dusk. 25, Cloudy morning and most of the day & at night rain(a little), I continue very unwell but a little better than yesterday- Reuben Taylor called here going to Court house, returned with Reynolds Chapman about 1 oc'clock, they dined here- James Taylor came here after he dined- staid awhile. Negroes finished digging Irish potatoes in morning, and went about Digging their own- and finished them next day. 26, Saturday, A little rain before day- Thin clouds most of the day and warm.- Lightning at night. I am a little mended( -still in much pain). Chas Taylor called here, also Reuben Taylor & son William. I rode with them to General muster at Court house- Paid Andrew Shepherd jr 8½ dollars for the Barrel Flour he bought for me the 23rd. I signed two articles of agreement with Augustine Wright to be my Overseer the ensuing year- kept one & gave him the other. Saw T. Goolsby just from Baltimore-where he had been & purchased goods- he said he expects them in a week. 27, Cloudy smoky morning-and day- windy but warm. Sent a quart Whisky to M. Atkins by Old Peter. Rested badly after the frist of the night. Owen Gwatmey & Colby Taylor got here to breakfast- say they expect Mr. Isaac Robertson to day- he did not come- The above with Ch's Taylor & Reu Taylor dined here. Tho's Crutchfield here after dinner.

1799, October, 28, [SUNDAY], Thin clouds morning-fair afternoon. I delivered John Bell 23½ Bushels early & 27th ½ Red Wheat-& Benjamin Lancaster 19 Bus' Red Wheat for Tarlton Goolsby this being the last (except 3 Bus' I keep) and making 297½ Bushels, by my measure, delivered for T. Goolsby at sundry times. J. Taylor & Reuben Taylor called here going to Court- Colby Taylor rode there with them- I walked with Mr O. Gwathmey, tho' very unwell last night and all day. Mr. Gwatmey & Colby Taylor went to J. Taylor's- I came home at night. T. Barbour gave me a receipt of 20/- paid printed of Genius Liberty. Began to gather Corn in Barn field. 29, A very little frost- Mild fair pleasant weather. Mr. Owen Gwatmey, Colby Taylor & Tho's Crutcfield came here from J.Taylor's- I went with them to Reuben Taylor's J. Taylor went there (by S. Fox's) Major Moore, John Moore & wife and Mr. Isaac Robertson (who arrived about 1 o'clock from below) with the above dined at R. Taylor's. Isaac Robertson, Owen Gwatmey & Colby Taylor came with me. 30, Fair and mild somewhat smoky. J Taylor came here to breakfast- I Gave Colby Taylor £4. I gave him £10 when going down. Mr. Gwatmey, I Robertson & Colby Taylor set off after Breakfast on their return to Kentucky- they intend to John Pendleton's to day- then proceed to Winchester, Redstone & down the Ohio. 31, Fair, warm and very smoky. I continue to sleep badly- & constant pain in my bowels Macon Biggers came this morning, Spayed 6 Shoats, he & M. Atkins breakfated here. About 1 o'clock I was sent for and went to C. Taylor's-dined there with Old Mrs Taliaferro- Capt Conway, Mrs Conway, their sons John & Henry & Miss M. Conway who came up to day to stay- C. Taylor was gone to Sale at Mrs Burrus's Mrs Taliaferro, Capt Conway &c went to Rose hill in evening. I began to gather Corn Last monday 28th in Barn field. Sary had 9 Yds Country cloth for her children's clothes. Hannah 6 yds Linsey woolsey & Jacket & petticoat. L. Peter 3 yards for Jacket.

November 1, Friday, Fair and mild-a little smoky. I was very unwell last night and to day. Sent Frank with 29 lb Spun yard to Joseph C. Clark's to get Mrs Clark to weave for negroes cloth. 2, A little Frost- smoky. I continue unwell. C. Taylor came over to see me in evening. 3, Thick smoky, with thin clouds. I was very unwell- Took Jallap & Ipecac. J. Taylor walked here in evening. 4, Very white frost, smoky mild. Sally Taylor called here- C. Taylor's negroes carried away most of the things sent here when his house was burnt (except one bed &c & the Chairs) C. Taylor moved into his new house about two weeks ago- I continue very unwell, but a little better than yesterday-I walked to Court house, bought 2 Sides upper Leather of P. Verdier 15th for 30/- John Taylor opening his goods at his Store- I came to J. Taylor's to dinner- Mrs Gaines (Pamunkey), Mrs Burnley & daughters- Salley & Betsy Taylor, T. Crutchfield & wife & Peggy Biggers there. James Taylor's girl got a Pot containing 12 lb butter, w'ch I sent word if it did not suit might be returned, they chose to keep it. Took out 39th Hhd Corn. 5, Tuesday, A little white frost, Hazy and smoky-mild. some thin clouds in evening Had 27 Hogs put into the meadow to fatten- the Boar (who was out today) is one of them. Cha's Taylor called here going to Fredericksburg-got G.C. Taylor's Chair box. I let him have Bank note of 10 dollars, and gave him memorandum to buy me some things. Sent Fank with 2 bags corn to McKinney's mill got one ground into meal-the other chopped for to fatten Cow. I continue in great pain & grow weak. 6, Cloudy & some drops rain in morn, very warm for season,smoky. Reuben Taylor called here going to Court house- returned and dined here. Finished gathering and brought to Shelter, The Corn in the Barn field.