Francis Taylor Diary

13[201] DIARY OF FRANCIS TAYLOR, 1792 1792, June, 6, [Continued] The hail, injured John Leather's crop of Wheat almost to ruin- Maj'r Langham's also was much hurt, Other fields were damaged but not so greatly that have yet heard of. 7, I rode to Court house, gave Mr. Howard a Mem'dm to get me some articles at Philadelphia, for w'ch place he set out to day- Maj'r Moore, Maj'r Langham & Mr. Howard went to Capt Burnley's, he asked me, I rode by home & went there to dinner. Mr. Howard proceeded on his journey, intending to Stevensburg- A very little rain in evening, cool day. 8, Cool night and morning- Began before sunrises to rain fine or small rain, continued cloudy all day tho'very little rain- I went with my father to Chas Taylor' J. Taylor, J. Taylor jr, Nancy Taylor, Thos Barbour's wife and Betty Chew dined there. 9, Still cloudy, in the evening a few drops of rain. Jas Taylor came over after breakfast and Ch's Taylor, they dined here and after dinner we went to the Court house, brought home 10 yards brown Linen G.C.T bought in Fred'g for me. 10, Having been for two days rather more unwell than usual I took a Dose of Salts &c- & Rhubarb in the evening- Reu Taylor came here before noon- soon after he came it set in raining with smart North Wind, the rain was small and continued constant till night, I think it the best rain since 22d April. R.T. walked here My father lent him his horse &c at night to return-Very cool weather. [SUNDAY] 11, Cloudy, misty morning and continues cool. G.C. Taylor returned here from Caroline He received The money for me of Mr. Lovell for which a Hhd Tob'o sold, Nt 1255 lb at 18/- $11. 5.10-and bought for me 10 yds Brown Linen 9/2 & a Box Andersons pills 2/- After dinner G.C.T went to Jas Taylor's, very rainy and cold-Had Watermelon & Cucumbers replanted12, Very rainy day and cool- Much rain fell though it was fine- G.C. Taylor came from J. Taylor's after breakfast and after dinner went to C. Taylor's & returned at night. 13, Continues cloudy and cold, some rain in the morning, cleared by noon- G.C. Taylor rode to Court house after dinner, James Bell came home with him. 14, James Bell went away after breakfast- G.C. Taylor set off at same time to Doct'r Walker's with Syl, who returned with the horses in the evening- My father went to Maj'r Lee's as soon as breakfast over, but he had set out for Fredericksburg. After dinner he walked C. Taylor's with a boy to carry G.C. Taylor's Linen &c, for Miss M. Conway to make shirts. Weather clear, and rather cool. 15, Weather warmer this morning than lately. My father rode to the Store at C. house, bo't needles, thread &c. Betty Chew and Nancy Taylor walked here, the former asked me to do somethng about her claim to 30 acres of Land &c whereon Henry Lee now lives- they returned befoe noon. My father dined and then went over to C. Taylor's to carry thread &c for C.G. Taylor's shirts. I cut most of the Peach trees that were planted last year from down near the root. The Locusts had injured them very much, the limbs and bodies of many appeared dying- The Locust lasted in great numbers from about the 2d of May four weeks. Some Locusts (tho' but few) continued about ten days after their continuance about four weeks, about that time a spell of wet cold weather happened which it is thought destroyed great numbers, otherwise they probably would have had a longer duration. 16, I rode to Court house- got my mare's shoes removed. Received my newspapers, Most of the Papers brought by Post did not come from the office at Fredericksburg, where tis supposed they will not deliver them until the postage paid. I came home & dined and walked J. Taylor's in evening. He had rode out and came by here but got home before I came away- Weather changed to warm. Two of my father Sows died this week. 17, My father and I rode to Court house. A Mr. Ellis, a Methodist, preached to a large audience, those whose opinions I heard said they thought he delivered a good sermon. We returned to dinner- Warm, some clouds & distant thunder18, My father sent Syl to Th's Mallory's with 34 lb thread to be wove- I also sent some fine thread to be made into Jeans with 2 lb Cotton I had there before.

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[200] DIARY OF FRANCIS TAYLOR, 1792, 1792, May, 25, I rode to the Court house and carried Mr. Howard's Gallon pot which my father borrowed last fall- I was unwell all day & had high fever at night. Bees swarmed and went off towards Uncle Taylor's Mountain. Weather continues clear & dry- a little warmer. 26, A little hazy in morning- My father sent Syl early to Doct'r Walker's for G.C. Taylor. I think my health a little better than yesterday- Clouded and toward night a very little rain. 27, G.C. Taylor came from Maj'r Madison's where he staid last night, Jas Bell came with him & dined here. -[SUNDAY]28, Weather continues very dry- J. Bell & G.C. Taylor went away before breakfast- My father & I went to Court. Wm Pollock pd me 12/- in part of an order for my attendance at Culpeper Court. I paid 6/8 to J. Taylor for 5 lb Soal leather, he bought at Fredericksburg- I received & paid Mr. James Blair 27 Dollars from the following persons for 1 years subscription to the National Gazette:- Isaac Davis 3. Wm. White 3. Fra's Cowherd 3. Amb. Madison 3. Rob Taylor 3. James Bell 3. Geo. Proctor 3. Catlett Conway 3. Fra Taylor 3.= 27. I paid 3/9 to Mr Blair to be applied towards the postage of my papers after June 1- Zach Burnley had paid Mr. Whitt post master- Mr. J. Blair is to pay for Maj Burton & Wm Madison & said he would take a Receipt from Mr. Waitt for money paid for the papers- Absalom Smith came here at night with his stallion and went away next morning before breakfast. 29, Went again to Court with my father & G.C. Taylor. I paid 11/2 which appeared against me on Capt Joseph Wood dec'd Books for County & parish dues while he was Collector, tho' I thought I owed only 5/6- I paid it to Pierce Sanford and took his receipt- I dined at Nooe's- Weather continues very dry. 30, Went with the same as yesterday to Court- Heard that Col. Madision jun'r went home last night. The Court did not much business to-day and adjourned- Warm and dry weather31, Uncle Taylor, John Taylor, Felix Gilbert jr, Ja's Taylor, James Taylor jr, and Charles Taylor dined here. G.C. Taylor went after dinner to Capt Conway's intending to set out tomorrow early from thence to Caroline. Benj'a Taylor's mare foaled this morning, a bay mare colt. John Moore returned home from College at Carlisle, his sister Polly (who had been on a visit to Maj'r Hite's & Mr. Balmain's) and Fanny Madison came down with him-

June, 1, I went with my father to J. Taylor's- Uncle Taylor, John Taylor & family & Jenny Taylor were there. Cloudy morning with a few drops of rain & some clouds in evening- Mrs Moore sent for a Gallon brandy, while I was at J. Taylor's- I came over with the Boy & sent it by him. Sowed 3 rows Marrow-fat or Nonpareil peas- planted the North part of Caslow's pen in I Potatoes. 2, My father & I went to Maj'r Moore's- Reu Taylor and family, John Taylor & do, Felix Gilbert jr, Uncle Taylor & Jenny Taylor dined there- A good shower of rain fell while we were at Maj'r Moore's, would wet the earth 2 inches, but not near as much fell here- Cabbages planted in garden, but not a good season3, [SUNDAY] We dined at home- from appearance of the Clouds there was good rains to day at a distance, but very little fell here. 4, Cloudy weather with a very little rain. My father rode to Uncle Taylor's and Court house & returned to dinner. 5, A sorry shoat which had been put up to fatten was killed & half sent here-the rest left for Overseer & negroes. Weather smoky but less likely to Rain than for some days past. 6, I went to J. Taylor's to carry subscriptions for the vestrymen- Ca's Taylor's family were there & J. Taylor sent for my father who went over- C. Taylor also dined there. Belfield Cave was there & I got him to take Subscription papers for all the Vestrymen in his district. There was a good rain fell with considerable hail as large as nutmegs &c- thunder & some wind. The Hail and Wind was very violent at the Court house and to the South of us- the wind blew down one of the chimneys, the Corn house & dairy at Nooe's also several large trees.

From the TAYLOR DIARY, #1907-z in the South 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[199] DIARY OF FRANCIS TAYLOR, 1792, 1792, May, [SUNDAY] 13, Warm dry weather. Hodge, the Shoemaker, brought me a pair of Shoes & I paid him a Dollar. My father & I went to J. Taylor's to dinner, He, James Taylor jr, H. Pendleton & Nancy Taylor were at meeting at Jas Clark's but got home to dinner- Some thunder and very slight rain. I gave sundry papers to J. Taylor-vizt, my certificates, to get Interest of them at Richmond, where he intends to go this week- also my account for 1 year's pay when supernumerary Maj'r and a Certificate &c of *Wm. Taylor's to get adjusted, if any mistake. Great numbers of Locusts have appeared within the last week- Saw Light Bugs at night. [* Major W. Taylor, brother of the Diarist, moved to Ky. 1786 or earlier-WKA] 14, Not so warm to day as yesterday- the Earth hard & very dry- Circle around the Sun. Israel & Jack, with horses, set off about noon to roll 2 Hnds Tobacco to Fredericksburg. Capt Burnley dined here. Moses was helping to fix Bee hives. Mrs James was here & paid G. Taylor some money. 15, J. Taylor set off to Richmond- Rained a little in the evening- Wm Leathers was here & got some Hemp for Capt Burnley & said my father's pigs roots their corn lately planted. 16, Cloudy last night, tho'very little rain, same weather this morning. The Overseer went to where the hogs are fed & out the noses of some pigs found in Capt. Burnley's field. Cut & marked 3 of them- A little rain forenoon, had cabbages planted in the square next the gate. A light shower afternoon, but soon dried- Abner Porter & Cha's Taylor were here in the evening- I was out walking in Capt Burnley's fields where I saw ripe Strawberries- Very windy day. 17, The Tobacco rollers, who went down the 14th, returned last night- Warm weather & ear very dry- changed very cool at night18, Clear and cold- I went early to Hyde's store & bought some paper, a hat &c- returned at noon. 19, Weather continues cool and clear- James Taylor came here a brought me my certificates with Int. warrants he drew on them at Auditor's in Richmond. Informed me he had left my account against the U.States for the Depreciation of the year's pay of sup'y Major in Cont'l line- And informed me he could not get anything done with Wm. Taylor's Final Settlement- so returned it. A. Porter's wagon took a load of forty odd Bush Wheat to carry to Blair's- A Porter was here when the Waggon loaded and went away before noon- he found provision &c himself. James Taylor and C. Taylor dined here- The former said it was believed in Richmond that the slaves in the Eastern parts of this State had planned a Revolt but a discovery of their plot had been made. Maj'r Moore & others saw smart white frost this morning. Cold dry weather. 20, [SUNDAY] My father and I went to Court house where Mr. Fry preached a sermon to a tolerable number of people. We came by Uncle Taylor's and dined- Mrs. Madison Mrs Macon, Mrs Burnley & children & Mr. Howard were there. 21, Weather cool, clear, and very dry. My mare foaled last night- has a black, male colt- I rode by Mr. T. Bell's and carried him cucumber seed. Went to Shoemaker, Hodges, got 2 pair shoes he made, paid him 4/- My father sent for making pair shoes- and paid him 6/- the balance I owed for 3 pr made for me- Saw Maj'r Moore & J. Taylor jr at Shoemaker's- In evening had pompion seeks planted in old plant patch. I walked to J. Taylor's after dinner. 22, Cloudy last night but cleared in the morning. Uncle Taylor, J. Taylor & son, H. Pendleton, J. Howie Pendleton and Ch. Taylor dined here- Reu. Taylor, Rich'd Cawthorn & J. Langham called here returning from Court house- but only staid to get 2 quarts brandy my father owed Langham- Very dry continues. Replanted the whole Hog pen. 23, The weather continues cool, clear and very dry. My father went Syl to Abner Porter's, who brought a Small jug and 3 Bus' Salt, his Waggon brought from Blair's, but left a Bar of Iron- The Bees swarmed yesterday and to day, but fear shall not secure the swarms, the first went away24, The weather continues cool and dry- I think it was cool enough this morning for frost.

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: MANUSCRIPTS ARE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT.

10 [198] DIARY OF FRANCIS TAYLOR, 1792, 1792, May, 1, Foggy morning- Bro'r James called here after breakfast on his way to Fredericksburg- we gave him some mem'ds &c.C.Taylor went home- My father went to Hodges, Shoemaker, to get a pair Shoes made. Syl went with him. I sent a calf skin, thread & a shoe to measure for making me shoes. Cleared about noon-smoky and warm. Planted what sweet Potatoes we had (about 1/4 or 1/2 Bushel) in the Pen by the Spring, with an Irish Potatoe in each hill. Sowed Flax seed above the cross ditch- Also below the ditch with Timothy seed with it the same day and next morning. C.Taylor dined with us and staid at night. 2, C.Taylor went home after breakfast. Capt Conway sent a jug & got a Gallon brandy. *Mr.H.Fitzhugh got a licence to marry Betsy Conway. Weather warm and smoky- I walked down the Run, saw a Squirrel & killed it. [*Elizabeth, dau. of Capt. Catlett and Susannah (Fitzhugh) Conway, married Henry Fitzhugh, of Bedford, King George Co. May 3. -Hayden] 3, Very great dew- and fog in the morning, but soon cleared, warm and windy- The fur from the leaves very troublesome to the eyes &c. Killed 2 squirrels. Young Mr. Langham dined here- Says he has made a Cock match to be fought Saturday 12th of this month at Court house. Some distant thunder &c to South at night. 4, Cooler and windy- clear. Cloudy & some rain in evening- Had good watermelon seeds plated in the Pen by the Spring and in the Plant Patch. Also Cucumber and other seeds- Jnc. Taylor called here on his return from Capt. Burnley's. My father & I rode to Uncle Taylor's & dined- Mrs Burnley & family there. 5, Planted 12 rows forward Peas, the rest of ground next the woods with the Large kind- Sowed Cabbage & planted Indian pepper in a small place burnt in the plant pen. J. Taylor got home from Fredericksburg and came over ab't 10 o'clock expecting Beck's waggon with a Bar'l of fish for my father & some articles for himself. Which got here after dinner &c. John Taylor called here before noon but went to Capt Burnley's. 6, [SUNDAY] My father sent 4 White fish to J. Taylor's & Do to C. Taylor's- C. Taylor sent for some articles brought up for hin, we sent all except a parcel of Nails which were sent next day. 7, I rode to Hodge, the Shoemakers, he took measure to make me 3 pair Shoes- I went from thence to Court house, Saw Maj'r Lee- C. Taylor, R'n Raylor, Jas Bell &c- C. Taylor called by with me and dined. Young Mr. Wait came for C. Taylor while we were at Dinner & dined here. C. Taylor went home with him. I bought a pair Shoes for G. TAylor. Had Snaps in garden stuck- Set off the Oxen with two Hogs-heads Tobacco to roll, two more carried out with horses who are to set out early tomorrow morning, if weather permits. Henry Pendleton and Jas Taylor jr walked here in evening. Rob't Moore rode here & brought me a Packet of Letters &c. Maj'r Madison brought from Jon'a & G.C. Taylor, Kentucky. 8, By appointment I met Jas Taylor at the Court house, we went to Maj'r Madison's who with his family, was going to his father's. We went with them- Wm. Madison & family, Fra. Madison and Mrs Macon, were there. We came home in evening. The weather cool for the season, some flying clouds but no rain. P:lanted forward and large Indian Peas the 5th. 9, The day remarkable clear-cool in the morning but the evening warmer. I killed two Squirrels to day. Planted Irish Potatoes in Pen by Gate. We staid at home- My father appeared unwell in the evening. 10, My father rode to Dan'l Davis's, returned to dinner. Overseer returned from rolling Tobacco. After we had dined, Mr Gabriel Jones, who was returning from Fredericksburg, called here and dined- Warm clear day, a little hazy in evening 11, After Breakfast Mr. Jones proceeded towards home. Cloudy and a few drops of rain Planted small & large Indian peas in caslow's pen. 12, Young Mr. Langham came here and breakfasted- bought 1 gallon Brandy & paid G.T.7/- for it. only car'd half of it. I went by the Shoemaker's who had not made my shoes, and from there to Court house, where there was a Cock fight. A few drops of rain fell, warm weather. I gave a Letter to Maj'r Lee for bro'r Richard, the Maj'r intends to Fred'g in a day or two. Bees swarmed & hived in plank hive

From the TAYLOR DIARY, #1907-z in the South Historial 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[197] DIARY OF FRANCIS TAYLOR, 1792, 1792, April, 18, Cloudy, smoky and warm, a moderate rain afternoon. Uncle Taylor, Rob't Taylor, J. Taylor & C. Taylor dined here. Rob't Taylor assisted my father in altering matters of form in his answer to Minor &c Bill in Chancery19, Cloudy morning- My father being unwell I sent to C. Taylor to call on his way to Court house, he did and I went there with him, there was a alled Court on Ezekiel Clements charged with counterfeiting the current coin- He had a part of the stamp for dollars & some other things, but the proof being insufficient he was acquitted- It rained very brisk about the middle of the day and was a wet evening. C. Taylor came with me back & Abner Porter soon after & they dined here. Alex Shepherd paid me 12/- I won of him some time ago at Loo. 20, My father took some Aloe Pills last night and seems much better than he was yesterday. Rained last night and most of this day- dark & cloudy. J. Taylor walked here after dinner to enquire how my father was- Julius King was here & bought a midling Bacon 11 lb. at 8d. & paid 6/8. Macon Biggers (the Overseer) sent to ask for a Shoat, my father assented. 21, Rained a good deal last night and the air cold. Very rainy day with some spits of Snow with it, before noon, the weather very cold for the season. 22, [SUNDAY] A little rain in the morning, cloudy and cool day- The Great Mountains [the Blue Ridge] quite covered with snow. C. Taylor walked here and dined with us. 23, The first of the night cloudy and not so cold as in the day- A slight frost, which I believe hurt nothing about here. A fine day- Roads & vallies very wet. Went with my father to Court, and election. Col'o Barbour, a little before the Election was to begin informed the people that he declined standing a poll, so that Davis & Johnson being the only Candidates, they were returned by the Sheriff duly elected- many think Col. Barbour's aim was to ensure Johnson's election. My father having been sick and being still weak, to'he says he drank but little, became so helpless that it was late before he was able to ride home, G.C. Taylor was at Court and returned without coming here. Tops of Mountains still White. 24, My father remained at home- I went to the Court house. the Court settled rates for Taverns- A vestry was also held & recommended a Subscription for a Minister &c. Had Climblings, Cucumber & pompion seeds planted in the Hog-pen. Warm day & hazy. 25, Cloudy and very rainy day- I think more rain fell than in the same space of time had Done before this year. John Taylor, Rob't Taylor, Felix Gilbert Jr, James Taylor & son, dined here- C. Taylor walked over in the evening, said rain pervented his coming before dinner26, Fine morning- My father sent a quarter of Shoat to C. Taylor's and word that he intended to dine there. I went there also and dined- a few clouds & drops of rain. 27, Fine day. I was trimming Bee-hives & thought stirring made me feel better than for several days past. J. Taylor was here in evening. 28, Warm day- I was taken very unwell before breakfast with a chilly, shivering ague, which lasted about two hours and was followed by a burning fever which continued all day- I took sundry medicines & sweated copiously, and was very weak & think never was more sick in my life. My father rode to Court house after dinner. C. Taylor called here with him; I asked him if bleeding would be proper for me, but he advised me to defer it. 29, [SUNDAY] My fever continues, but something abated- There was Lightning, thunder & brisk rain, with wind. before day. Reuben Taylor dined here- J. Taylor walked over in evening. Planted some good Watermelon & Cucumber seeds in the pen beyond the Garden last night. 30, My health much better to day than cold have been expected from the severity of my disorder. C. Taylor & family went yesterday to Capt Conways, he came home to day and came here to dinner, went home after dinner and came back at night. Began to plant Corn the 23d, & finished the 28th, instant.

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

4 [192] DIARY OF FRANCIS TAYLOR, 1792, 1792, February, 15, Still continues misty, snowy weather & snowed very fast in the evening, cloudy all day- Abselom Smith's Waggon (Driver Hundley) Loaded with Wheat, 40 Bushels by our measure, which he says gained 1 1/2 in the last Load. 16, Ceased snowing in last night, Cloudy with intervals of Sunshine and thawed some C.Taylor, J.Taylor, J.Pendleton & J.Taylor jun'r came here. Maj'r Moore and Reu Taylor went to C.Taylor's & sent here for him, we went [there?] word to come here which they did, to dinner. 17, Froze smartly this morning, a few clouds but soon cleared and thawed, grew windy afternoon- calm evening- Wm Bowling came to ask as much hemp as will make bed-cord. 18, Cloudy morning, began to snow about 9 o'clock and snowed all day, but being soft and moist did not amount to above 1 inch. J.Taylor sent us word that he & C.Taylor were going to Uncle Taylor's. My father & I rode there *John Taylor returned from Georgia two days ago, Felix Gilbert jr came with him. Jane Taylor continues in a low state of health and very weak. Maj'r Moore, J.Taylor, J.Taylor jr, J.Pendleton & C.Taylor dined there, also Jonathan Davis, who came to enquire after his sons who live in Georgia. Harry Mallory was there in the evening, he came to see Maj'r Moore. [*John Taylor son of Erasmus, m.Ann Gilbert] 19, [SUNDAY] Snowed a little in the fore part of last night, cleared & cold before day- fair morning, but changed before noon to cloudy, windy, very cold with showers of snow, tho' very little- 20, Continues very cold- and clear. C.Taylor called here but did not stay long, he had been at J.Taylor's. 21, Some Clouds, cold morning, something warmer evening- Uncle Taylor, John Taylor, Felix Gilbert jr., J.Taylor, J.Taylor jr., John Pendleton and Capt Burnley dined here. 22, Fair and moderate, thawed a little. Rob't Alcock jr and Geo Shepherd came about noon and dined here. R.Alcock came about collecting for Spirits Distilled. My father gave his return: 133 Gallons Brandy. w'ch Alcock said he would receive the Tax on it at Court. 23, John Pendleton & J.Taylor jr., called here on their way to Capt Burnley's I walked with them, my father rode there, J.Taylor and Cha's Taylor also were there to dinner. 24, Sent 3 Bus.Wheat to Mill. Flour about 95 lbs, Seconds 20 lbs. J.Pendleton & family went from J.Taylor's to Culpeper. My father and self went to J.Taylor's to dinner- Betty Chew there, also Peggy Bickers- Thawed a good deal in afternoon. 25, Cloudy and smoky- Some frost last night, but soft weather and thawed considerably in the evening- J.Taylor was here before noon, I gave him some small screws to put on locks- he staid but a short time. 26, Hail and rain before day tho' but very little. Rain and mist all day the Wind North but not very cold. -[SUNDAY]- 27, Rained till a little before day, then cleared with wind at N.West but not very cold. Went with my father to Court. More people at Court than I expected being bad travelling, tho' but few from far- Col.Barbour gave me a letter desiring my attendance next Monday to Settle his & Wm Webb's accounts. Col.W.White & Capt Conway came home with me from Court. 28, Froze hard last night- clear still day and not very cold. We went with ColWhite & Capt Conway to Court, which sat to finish Laying the County Levy. Rob't Taylor invited me to dine with him. We went with him. Uncle Taylor, John Taylor, Col.Jas Barbour, Wm.Madison and family dined there. Fra's Madison called there in evening. I believe Jno Taylor paid him some money. 29, Not quite so cold as yesterday morning- a few clouds in the morning but soon clear & moderate- I saw Capt Burnley at the road- His people were driving some of his cattle to his father's, for the benefit of food- Had candles, 20 dozen, & 5 made to-day, took above 40 lb. Tallow. 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 MANUCRIPTS ARE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT.

3 [191]DIARY OF FRANCIS TAYLOR, 1792, 1792, February, 1, Cold last night tho'not so severe as some past weather. Had crust on Snow hard enought to bear a light man. C.Taylor, John Pendleton & Jas Taylor j'r dined here- Clear day, S.West wind, thawed some tho' pretty cold- 2, Mrs James came here last night to Eliza's house where my father's Sary had come to lie in- Sary delivered of a Boy this morning- Mrs James came to the house and breakfasted & then was sent home- The Stalled Ox killed this morning, it weighed 110 fore & 125 hind Qu'r, making about 470 lb. Nett. Only 22 lb Nett Tallow. The weather clear and moderate. 3, Fine mild weather, clear and thawed some. My father divided a fore Quarter of Beef in three parts and sent one part to each of my brothers, James, Charles & Reuben. We rode to James Taylor's, dined there. Fra's & William Madison, Betty Chew and J.Pendleton & famiy were there- F. & W.Madison came home with us- 4, F. & Wm Madison, J.Taylor & son, & J.Pendleton dined with us, they all went away in the evening. Clouded in the night, began early to rain, which it continued to do till in night, tho' very little fell- Snow thawed a good deal. 5, [SUNDAY] Cleared in the night, mild weather, thaw continues moderately, some flying clouds. 6, Moderate, thawed a little. My father rode to Court house, came by Uncle Taylor's & dined. Jenny Taylor has been very unwell, is a little mending. I being unwell, took a dose of salts & staid at home- 7, Clouded in last night not very cold. Began about 10 o'clock to snow and continued all day very fast, in evening (for a littetime) Sleet & rain & then fine Snow. 8, Snowed but little last night, some little this morning- the new Snow 6 or 7 inches upon the former which is somewhat more- ceased about 10 o'clock & good evening. I carried a ps. Linen to J.Taylor's, with buttons, thread &c, to make me 4 shirts, which J.Pendleton's wife is to make, also 1/2 doz Handkerchiefs to be hemmed- a Shirt to measure them. She is to make the shirts when she goes home J.Pendleton returned from Culpeper while I was over- I returned home about noon- Abner Porter came to my father's to enquire if he had Wheat to send to Fredericksburg, says the price is 5/- pr Bushel- He dined here. 9, J.Taylor, C.Taylor, J.Pendleton & J.Taylor jr dined here. Clear good weather, thawed a little- 10, South wind, not warm in morning- but changed to warm evening and thawed a good deal- My father sent Syl for Cloth &c at T,Mallory's, he met [r.M!s?] son coming with them & took & brought For my father 14 yards- Also brought a pr Yarn hose knit by Mrs Mallory, who ret'd some knitting pins. Henry Mallory's & Abs'm Smith's Waggons Loaded here with Wheat, by the measure 40 bus each. They were found by G.T. with Provision &c. The Wheat car'd on Smith's account. 11, Cloudy morning, the clouds thin and no falling weather, mild weather but does not thaw much. My father rode to Court house after breakfast, I not being well as usual did not go- Heard there was to be a Ball at Nooe's last night. My father did not return till sunset. Maj'r Moore came here between 1 & 2 o'clock dined and ret'd in evening. Some sunshine but not clear. 12, [SUNDAY] Cloudy and did not thaw much, a little sunshine in the evening, but cloudy- We dined at home. 13, Cloudy last night and changed cold- A mist which froze as it fell before day, and continued such weather till noon when it snowed fine snow till night &c. Overseer was here & said there were 5 lambs alive, 1 dead-2 14, Cloudy snowey mist in morning, Sleet, rain & snow in evening. My father went to Court house, this day being appointed for electing an additional member of Congress in this district, the day was so bad only a few persons mett, but 9 voters were there, who gave their votes for Mr.Brackenridge- I staid at home- My father got home in evening to dinner. 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 MANUCRIPTS ARE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT.

Castle Hill" Subsequently the home of Wm [L?] River, U.S.Senator and Ambasador to France, Visited by Tantelon on his raid to Charlottesville during Revolution to capture a part of distinguished people; whereby Jefferson made his escape from Monticello. 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 MANUCRIPTS ARE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT.

20[159] DIARY OF FRANCIS TAYLOR, 1790, 1790, November, 1, My father & I went to Uncle Taylor's to dinner. Col Madison jr, Mrs Hite, Miss F[rances] Madison [The President & two of his sisters-PFT], Miss Polly Moore, & Mrs Balmain there. Mr. Goodlet not at School. 2, I went with J. Taylors to Col. Madisons. Maj'r Moore & family, Mrs Hite &c, W. Madison dined there & we all staid. Warm. 3, Rained a smart shower- In evening Jas Taylor & I came from Col. Madisons and left the above company there4, J. Taylor was here but ret'd before dinner. My father rode to Court house & had jug of oil brought home. 5, Cooler weather. 6, Sent wheat to Mill. -[SUNDAY]7, G.C. Taylor went to Col. Madison's. I sent Memorial &c by him to the young Colone 8, J. bell came here but soon went away- G.C. Taylor returned from Col. Madison's. 9, Heard that Mess're Jefferson & Madison passed by on their way to Philadelphia. We went to C. Taylor's , whose son was Christened, Charles- Uncle Taylor & family, Mr. Belmain & wife & J. Taylor jr were there. 10, G.C.T. went to Col. Burnley's- I rode to Maj'r Lee's- got a pair Shoes brought by him at Fredericksburg & p'd 11/- for them. I bought 3 pr Stockings & p'd 19/- for them. Chs & Reuben Taylor Taylor at Court house. I came with them to J. Taylor's- Uncle Taylor & family- Mr. Balmain & wife & my father were there & Cap Burnley & family. 11, Went with my father to Uncle Taylor's J. Taylor & family, Capt Burnley & do. Mr. Balmain &c were there. I got Mr. Balmain to take my watch to carry to Wells at Winchester. 12, Dined at home- Rode in Evening to Courthouse & got my Mare shod- A very little rain in the morning. 13, Very white frost & smoky weather. Cloudy but not cold14, [SUNDAY] A moderate rain last night- fine day. Dined at home. 15, M. Perry's wife died last night- I let him have plank for Coffin- Two Gartons made here. I went to Hyde's & bo't Sundries & ret'd to dinner. Rd. Taylor's Dosia brought some things for boys. 16, A good rain last night, warm & cloudy today. J. Taylor jr dined here. 17, Cloudy, cool but very little rain in day- Dosia set off to Caroline. Rained in night and some today. 18, Some rain here last night- The Great Mountains White with Snow- Cool today- I went to Maj'r Lee's & bought Cloth &c. G.C. Taylor went to brother Reuben's- Bro'r James was here in evening19, Heard bro'r Charles's wife very unwell and two of his grown negroes dangerously ill- People are very sickly in general- I was shooting & killed 9 Squirrels. Killed a Cow this morning, ab't 300 lb Nett. 20, G.C. Taylor went to Col. Madisons. Yesterday & today fine warm weather. G.C.T returned & J. Bell came home with him. 21, [SUNDAY] J. Taylor & sons & Jas Bell dined here- Charles Taylor's Slave Will died last night. 22, Went to Court. Got Holmes to take Cloth &c to make Vest & breeches for me. Lent Capt Conway a Guinea [?]1.8.6 to pay Duke23, A Traveller was here last night, bought a Shoulder of bacon & paid a bad dollar, I went with G.C. Taylor & Jn Carrill in pursuit of him, overtook hin above Suttons & he plead ignorance of its being bad, returned a good one & let him go on. Capt Conway came home with us last night- Says he lost two negroes this morning24, Capt Conway went away before breakfast, went by C. Taylor's & intends to his quarter- I went with my father to Court- They did not sit, so few people a jury could not be got. C. Taylor's Fanny died. 25, Staid at home, Cloudy and a little snow with sleet. C. Taylor dined here. 26, Very close sleet, fine rain & snow, much ice on the trees &c- Negro Rachel died.

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 MANUCRIPTS ARE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT.

19[158] DIARY OF FRANCIS TAYLOR, 1790 1790 October, 14, Fine moderate weather- I rode to Doulins. He had not made by breeches- Heard Maj'r Hite & family & Mrs. Balmain came down today to Orange. G.C.T. got home from Col. Barbour's. 15, Abner Porter came here & requested me to go w'th him to the Office, where he made his returns of Commissioner's business. I dined at J. Taylor's, B. Pendleton was there & went to Mr. Shepherd's to dinner, Two Miss Bowies, Wm. Miller & wife were at Mr. Shepherd's- Mrs Gaines was at J. Taylor's. 16, I rode to Court house, got my Breeches from Dowlin & paid him 5/- for making. they are badley made. I returned to Dinner17, J. Taylor jr returned 4 Dollars, the sum he borrowed when he went to Fredericksburg, the 7th inst. -[SUNDAY]18, I went to Court house & got Gowling to alter my breeches- I came to Uncle Taylor's and dined. My father & F.S. Taylor, Capt Burnley's family, Rob't Taylor, s do- Jas. Bell, his sisters Nancy & Peggy, Mrs Balmain were there. Mrs Glassell & family & Jenny Taylor came there after dinner from Mr. Glassell's- G.C. Taylor went to Col. Madison's & returned in evening. 19, G.C. Taylor & F.S. Taylor went to C. Taylor's and Dined at J. Taylor's. J. Taylor jr came home with them. I rec'd a letter from Bro'r William and another from Wm. Taylor of Botetourt- Dug Potatoes (both shorts) yesterday & today. 20, Heard that C. Taylor came home last night. My father, F.S. Taylor & I dined there G. C. Taylor went to Capt Conway's- C. Raylor told me he only bo't me some sugar with part of the 4 Dollars he had of me. I went to Capt Burnley's before breakfast, got 2 pr Drawers Mrs Burnley had made & p'd her 2/1 1/2. 21, I let F.S. Taylor have Two half-Joes, [?]4.16.0 part of which is to be returned when G. Taylor &c pays what they promised- He set off for Caroline. Heard Jas. Burnley got much hurt last night at Capt Wood's by a fall from his horse- Mrs Hite & Miss F. Madison dined at C. Taylor's. G.C. Taylor went there & ret'd in evening. Reuben Taylor came her to breakfast & brought a cart which carried large Table I sold him for 40/- which he is to pay for some time hereafter 22, G.C. Taylor went Fox hunting with J. Taylor jr, Doct'r Duke & others, they caught a fox. Killed a Beef. 23, I went with Frank & the boys and got Chestnuts at the Quarter, we got above half a bushel- Bro'r James was here in the evening. 24, [SUNDAY] Chas Taylor & family, *Betsy & Sukey Conway, J. Taylor & son, & Reuben Taylor dined here. The weather has been remarkably fine this fall. [* Susannah Conway, m. Ray Taliaferro- Elizabeth Conway, m. Henry Fitzhugh; they were daughters of Cap Catlett & Susannah (Fitzhugh) Conway and nieces of Mrs.Dr.Charles Taylor.- PFT] 25, G.C.T. staid at home- I went with my father to Court. Received 27/- of A, Smith for 30/- Warrant he had of me at last Court. I lent C. Taylor One half Joe & one Dollar to pay Swetman for saddle- Paid Capt C. Conway 2/10 for Buttons & twist. He came home with us. 26, My father & I went again w'th Capt Conway to Court, which is to arrange the overseers of the County Roads today. Capt Johny Scott paid me {?}6. for John Scott's bond to Hubbard Taylor, ass'd G. Taylor who assigned same to me- the weather turned cold this morning27, Hardest frost seen my me this fall, no ice. G. Taylor carried 43 1/2 lb spun yarn to Nancy Mallory to have wove into cloth- he returned to dinner28, We dined at home, a little cloudy but no rain. J. Taylor jr here in evening. 29, I went to Shoemakers, but not liking his hoses did not buy- Came by Court house, where was to be a general muster but very few met and no muster. Saw Maj'r R. Powell w'th a Maj'r Fars on their way to Col. Madison's. They talk of having a Glass house in Culpeper. Cloudy & a very little rain. 30, I went with G.C. Taylor to Mr. B. Porter's, his son George & Camp Porter intend to set off tomorrow to Georgia- Cloudy & some rain. Mr. Jos Hawkins, Jno Shropshire, Jos Wood, Wm. Porter, Mrs Stewart &c dined at Mr. Porter's. 31, [SUNDAY] Our family all dined at C. Taylor's. J. Taylor & family (except J. Taylor Jr.) M. Fall, were there, very fine day.

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.

From the /;:/YJ...01<. l.JJJ1../.2.'r' l:t /907Z in the Southern Historical Collection, University of North Carolina tibrary, Chapel Hill. FOR REFERENCEONLY: PERMISSION TO PUBLISH MUSTBE REQUESTED.WARNING:MOSTMANUSCRIPTSARE PROTECTEDBY COPYRIGHT.

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