An Account of a Journey to Bristol in the Year 1766, by Dodshon Foster, Lancaster

oil portrait of Dodshon Foster

May 28th, 4th day. My dear Wife Elizabeth Foster & self set out this day at ½ after 1 PM. on a journey to Bristol along with Cousin Mary Nicholson in Thos Becks Chaize, we drank tea at Garstang, & reached Preston about ½ after 7 in the eveng without much fatigue.

 

Expenses at Garstang

£

_

2

3

a Messenger to Croston

 

 

2

_

Turnpikes

 

 

1

_

22 miles

£

 

5

3


5th day, the 29th. My dear EF rested tolerably last night, we left Preston ½ after 8 & got to Wigan ½ after 12, where we had the pleasure of Ann Masters company, who dined with us; we staid there till near 4 in the afternoon & reached Warrington a little after 6, where we were obliged to part with Cousin MN. rather abruptly, the Stage just setting out for Lancaster, as we got there, by which she was under the necessity of returning home.

 

Expenses at Preston

£

_

6

6

(A Masters paid for us at Wigan) Turnpikes

 

 

1

_

Cous. MNs Coach hire home

 

 

15

_

30 miles

£

1

2

6



6th day, the 30th. We spent the eveng yesterday dully, partly for want of Cous. MN's company, my dear had somewhat a better night, & we left the Red Lion Warrington about 8 in the morning, did not reach Holmes chapel / the road being very heavy, till ½ past one, we dined, set out from thence about 3. & got to Newcastle about 7. we performed this days journey with less fatigue than yesterdays.

 

Expenses at Warrington

£

_

6

_

Holmes chapel 18 miles

 

 

3

9

Turnpikes

 

 

1

_

34 miles

£

_

10

9


7th day 31st. My dear did not rest quite so well as the night before. we left Newcastle about 8. got a second breakfast of tea at Sandon 13 miles, reached Litchfield about 3. where we dined, & were forced to stay all night, the waters being much out in the road to Birmingham, we had rain all day. My dear not quite so well this afternoon; the Landlord & Landlady at the George were very civil, which made our detention here more tolerable.

 

Expenses at Newcastle 6/3, Sandon 1/4

£

_

7

7

at a house on the road 3d: Turnpike 1s

 

 

1

3

30 miles

£

_

8

10



1st day, 1st June. My dear had rather a better night than the preceding one; in order to reach Worcester tonight, had two horses put before our own to Birmingham 16 miles, where we arrived ½ after 11 AM. dined at the Hen & Chickens, & set out ½ after 1 PM. understanding the road to Bromsgrove was very bad, had 2 horses again before our own, which brought us thither ½ after 4. drank tea at the Cross, set out thence at 6 with only our own horses, & got to Worcester about 9 in the evening. Cousn Joseph Beesley & his Wife came & sat with us at the Hop Pole. My dear performed this days journey without much fatigue.

 

Expenses @ Litchfield

£

_

9

_

Chaise & Boy to Birmingham 9s Expences @ Birmg 4s

 

 

13

_

do to Bromsgrove 7/6 do Broomsg 1/6

 

 

9

_

Turnpikes

 

 

1

2

42 miles

£

1

12

2


2nd day 2nd June. My dear rested but indifferently last night, breakfasted at J. Beesleys, & left Worcester after 10 AM. dined at the Swan Tewksbury, left it about 4. & got to Gloucester about 7. at the Bell.—We saw grass mowing at Tewksbury (if should come again from Worcester to Gloucester, would try this road by Upton, tho 2 miles further, that we came being very bad in places.)

 

Expenses at Worcester

£

_

6

4

Expences at Tewksbury 4/10, lent Ned 10/6d. Turnpikes 1/6

 

 

16

10

26 miles

£

1

3

2


3rd day 3rd. My dear rested better last night, we set out from Gloucester about 8 AM. reached Newport before 12—18 miles, dined there, set out thence ½ after 1. & got to Bristol about 6 in the eveng to the White hart in the old Market, sent a note to Uncle Wm. Dodshon who I found was removed into Wine Street, he came to us, & we went to lodge at his house.

 

Expenses at Gloucester 7/6. Exps. at Newport 4/6

£

_

12

_

Do at White hart Bristol 6d. Turnpikes 2/4d.

 

 

2

10

224 miles from Lancaster—40 miles

£

_

14

10


4th day 4th. My dear & I rested rather better the last night. Uncle Dodshon & self went this forenoon to enquire for Dr. Rigg, found him at his lodgings, acquainted him with my dears indisposition, & requested his attendance at Uncle Dodshons; he accordingly came in the evening, & ordered a draught from Apothecary Dyer to be taken at bed time—She was very low in the forenoon, but more chearful in the afternoon—

 


5th Day, 5th. This morng about 11 went down to the Hot wells, accompanied by Uncle & Aunt Dodshon, my dear drank one glass of water, & returned back to dinner. At noon Ned set out from hence wrote to Father Birket—Dr. Rigg visited my dear twice today, & ordered from Dyer, a draught to be taken in the morng. & another in the Eveng.

 

Recied from Captn Greenwood £2..2.

 

 

 

 

Advanced to Ned £2.2—Bristol Chaise boy 1s.

£

2

3

_



6th day, 6th. Cousin Betsey Dodshon went down with us to the Hot wells, my dear only drank one glass of water; this afternoon Uncle & Self went to look out for lodgings, but did not fix on any. my dear had to Issues cut in her Arms by Dr. Ludlow—

 


7th day 7th. At Dr. Riggs Lodgings before breakfast, he went with me to look at other lodgings, we fixed on 2 rooms at the Rock house a bed in the parlour 15s a lodging room 10s & a Servants room 5s per week—Uncle & Aunt came down with us to the Hot wells about noon, my dear drank 2 glasses of water: in the afternoon I went with Uncle & Aunt to purchase Crokery ware, Groceries, Chocolate Sago &c. which we should want at our lodgings—a Chocolate pot & grater—

 


1st day 8th June. Dr. Ludlow came to dress my dears Issues the two preceeding days, they were likely to do well Cousn Betsey went with us this forenoon to the Wells, my dear drank 2 glasses of water, in the afternoon I went to the Fryers Meeting.

 


2nd day 9th. This day about Noon came down to our lodgings at the Rock house, close by the Hot wells, accompanied by Aunt & Cousn Betsey Dodshon, we dined on a Leg of Lamb &c. brought from their house—Aunt returned home in the evening & Cousin Betsey staid to lodge with us.

 


3rd day, 10th. This morning was informed that the horse we had borrowed of Jno Hipsley for riding out on, had got out of the pasture & was not to be found. my dear had a better night than since we came to Bristol, & drank the Hot well water 3 times. we had a Chicken to dinner. wrote to Bror. R Foster.

 


4th day, 11th. My dear had as good a night as the preceeding but on getting up in the morning was very sick, Dr. Rigg coming very opportunely ordered her chamomile tea which settled her stomach, & She drank the water 3 times. I walked to Bristol this forenoon, purposely to see Wm. Reeves but did not meet with him at Change: returned home to dinner, of a Chicken—Mr Lee who hath a lodging in the same house with us, came & drank tea. At Bristol I heard the horse I had hired was taken at Bristol bridge on 2nd day eveng. ½ past 9 o' clock

 


5th day, 12th. My dear rested as well as the night before was rather sick again this morning but not to prevent her drinking the water before breakfast. Dr. Rigg recommended our getting a chaise to ride out in this forenoon, the day being not favorable for horseback, I went to Bristol & brought one down, in which we took Cousin Betsey near Winestreet, returned back & rode round the Downs, & so to our Lodgings—sent our maid Sally to Market, She bought a neck of Lamb, cost 1s part of which was roasted for dinner with Greens & Carrots cost 2d—my dear drank the water 4 times this day, & complained much of the Gripes towards evening, at going to bed was sick & threw up her night draught—we were very dull all the afternoon for want of Cousin Betseys company | to pay Chaize-hire today 5s.

 


6th day 13th. My dear had a tolerable night not sick this morning, drank 2 glasses of water an hour before breakfast, we rode out on horseback upon the Downs, returned, drank 2 glasses more an hour before dinner, dined of the remainder of the neck of Lamb boiled & Greens 1d.—Uncle James Birket & Jno Lawson called at our lodgings, on their return home from London. they drank tea with us, along with Sally Reeves, who gave us a very kind invitation to her Fathers: my dear drank a glass of water an hour before tea, & in the evening had 2 very griping stools. Receed a Letter from Bro. Foster Durham. posta. 4d.

 


7th day, 14th. My dear rested pretty well the last night. Uncle James came down from Bristol this morng. he breakfasted dined, & staid till 7 oclock in the evening with us. Sent our maid Sally to market. She did not return till after 3 PM with our dinner the Mistress of the house where we lodge, was so kind as offer us a place of beef steaks, which we gladly accepted, & along with a fine Mackerel 3d. we dined very well. Aunt Dodshon bought us a new cheese, a Heart, Tongue, Eggs &c. cost 2/4 Sally bought a Leg of Lamb & butter cost 2/8d.—my dear drank 4 glasses of water today, omitted the glass in the afternoon, as She had a return of the gripes, had 3 stools, did not ride out being very windy. Receed a Lrē from Father inclosing a bill value £20.

 


1st day 15th. June. My dear rested as well as usual, but had perspired a good deal more than since She came down here, drank 5 glasses of water, dined of part of the Leg of Lamb fried & greens 1d. it rained all this day, so could not ride out, & nobody came to visit us. wrote to Father & Ann Masters at Croston. my dear had 2 very griping loose Stools this evening. I dressed her Issues yesterday & today, which seem to discharge bravely.

 


2nd day 16th. My dear did not prespire so much the last night as the preceeding, was hindered going to drink the water this morng at the pump by rain, which continued without intermission till noon, then got to drink 2 glasses—in the afternoon rode round the Downs in Churchills chaize—my dear had one griping loose stool before we went, & the griping rather returning the water was omitted, had no more Stools, the griping was rather mitigated by taking a good deal of Chalk in hot well water Uncle & Jno Lawson came down in a chaize this morng to see us. they returned to dine at Bristol, we dined of a Calves heart Greens & Turnips. this eveng I paid my Landlord Jno Bettington for a week's lodging 30s cooking victuals 1/6 Coals 2/4 a Whiting 2d    £1.14.– .

 


3rd day 17th. My dear rested tolerably the last night, went to the pump room to drink the water before breakfast & dinner, rode out on horseback on the Downs, it being very windy made it very unpleasant, in the afternoon exceeding rainy. had the water brought in a warmed bottle into the house, my dear had a voilent griping & 2 loose stools. Cousin Betsey Dodshon came down from Bristol to stay with us. wrote to Uncle Jno Birket at London recēēd per Coach from Uncle Dodshons my boots &c. & 4 bottles of Wine for which I owe him—dined of boiled Leg of Lamb & Turnips.

 


4th day, 18th. My dear rested as usual. this morning about ½ past 6 She had ½ a pint of Asses Milk, a teaspoonful of Chalk mixed in a little of it, & the remainder after—drank the water twice in the morng. once at noon, & once afternoon. Uncle James & Jno Lawson dined with us on hashed Lamb & 2 Whitings about 5 Cousin Betsey rode out with us in Battys Chaize on the Downs. it proved wet, & unpleasant. the griping returned again as voilent as ever this afternoon, & had 2 Stools. Receed per the Coach a neck of mutton, for which I owe Uncle Dodshon

 


5th day 19th. My dear had the Asses Milk as yesterday morning afterwards I walked up to Bristol, & bought sundries as below. called at Uncle Dodshons, & returned back to the Rock house by the Stage about 9 A.M. my dear went to the pump room, & drank one glass of water only before breakfast, one before dinner & one before tea, were brought into our lodgings on account of rain which continued most part of this day. Uncle James & JL were down this morng. drank Chocolate, & staid till near 1 PM. we dined of part of a neck of Mutton boiled, & Turnips—my dears painful complaint of the gripes was rather less today, had only one Stool. She took a good deal of Chalk & Nutmeg mixed in water. the Doctor directed us to put an oz of Chalk, & a large peice of Cinnamon in 2 quarts of hotwell water, & boil it till half was consumed, put to it a tea cup full of brandy, & add nutmeg every time it is used, for her common drink, besides the Hot well water, which was prepared this afternoon.

 

Issue plasters 1s ½ 100 orange pease 2/-.

 

 

3

_

Common pease 1 d. Oil cloth 4 d. 1 oz Nutmegs 8d. Sugar 1/6. Coach 6d

 

 

3

1

 

£

_

6

1



6th. day 20th. June. I got up before 6. & went to forward the Ass's coming, my dear had the milk in about ½ an hour after mixed with chalk as before, about 9 I went to the Meeting at Bristol in the Stage, dined with Uncle & JL at their Inn, the White hart after dinner we went to Change, where Uncle met with several acquaintances, one of whom his Honr. Cox we went up to see at Mile hill, he gave us some Bead Leaf, which he recommended to be drunk by my Wife instead of Tea, being a good pectoral. we proceeded to our Lodgings at the Rock house. Uncle & JL drank tea with us, & returned to Bristol in the Stage about 8 in the eveng. my dear drank one glass of water before breakfast, 2 before dinner & none in the afternoon, her griping not so voilent today, had 2 Stools. She rode out about 11 o' clock in Churchills Chaize.



7th day 21st. My dear had Asses Milk about 6. a glass of water before breakfast, 2 before dinner, & one before tea, we rode on the Downs about 11 being the 3rd time on horseback, & the finest day we have had—Uncle & JL came down this morning. Uncle was so kind as to leave me £20—least that which Father sent me should prove insufficient to answer our expences, they returned to dine at Bristol; my dear was this afternoon very sleepy & perspired a good deal, her complaint of griping much abated, had only one Stool—Cousn Betsey was ordered home this eveng. & left us about 8 o clock Sent our Maid Sally to Market, & She bought as under

 

Leg of Lamb & Liver 1/10, Duck 1/1, Cream Cheese 8d, old Cheese 1/8½

£

 

5

3 ½

Salt 1d½ Sundries 4d½ Whitings 4d. Cinnamon 8d. Sugar 1/6

 

 

3

_

paid Aunt Dodshon for sundries receed the 18th

 

 

2

1

We dined of part neck Mutton & Liver.

£

_

10


1st. day 22nd. My dear had Asses Milk this morng. & drank the water 5 times, 2 glasses before breakfast, 2 before dinner, & one in the afternoon. we rode on horseback about 11, but ere we had got to the Turnpike on the Downs, it rained, & forced us to return, after drinking the water at noon, the day became fine, & the horse waiting for us we mounted again, & rode for an hour & a ½. we dined at ½ past 2 of the Duck, & ½ a measure of pease 4d½—expected Cousn Betsey to set me at liberty to go to meeting this afternoon but only met her coming in our ride about 5 o clock, it was pleasant. we returned about 7. my dear had one Stool, but not attended with so much griping—She complained of being much fatigued this evening.

 


2nd. day 23rd. My dear had her Asses Milk as usual. Uncle James & JL came down this morng. & after She had drank 2 glasses of water, Uncle took my dear & Cousn Betsey in the Chaize & I walked with JL up to Clifton to see Thos Goldneys Grotto where Cousin Betsey got us admittance, it is esteemed the [word omitted in turning the page] of its kind in England, but for my own part, I had very little pleasure in viewing it, being so much concerned least my dear should take hurt by being in so cold a place, walking too much, & for want of her breakfast. we returned to our lodgings & breakfasted about ½ after 11. I dined with Uncle, JL., & an agreable gentleman of the name of Lynch, at Sir Wm. Merediths lodgings on Clifton hill, where we staid till ½ past 6. I accompanied Uncle & JL. to their Inn in the Old Market, where I took leave of them, they intending to set forwards towards home at 4 in the morng. in the Stage to Worcester. I got to the Rock house ½ past 9 found my dear tolerably, no more griping than yesterday. She rode on horseback this afternoon. Receed a Lrē from Uncle John Birket London 21st currt. also one from Son Robert, Lancaster 20th.

 

paid Jno Bellington 2nd weeks Lodgg. £1.10 dressg. victuals 1/6

£

1

11

6


3rd day 24th. June. My dear drank her Asses Milk this morng. about 9 I went in the Stage to Meeting at Bristol, dined at Uncle Dodshons, wrote a few lines to Father, & returned to the Rockhouse about 4. found my dear had been as well as usual She rode out in the forenoon behind a boy, & with me in the eveng. She drank 5 glasses of water at the pump, in the afternoon was rather more griped & had 2 Stools.

 


4th day 25th. This morning about 5 my dear was sorely attacked with griping, had 3 Stools before breakfast. Dr. Ludlow came & bled her in the foot he took about 3 oz. She breakfasted in bed, & did not rise till 12 oclock. She was very low & poorly till about 5 in the eveng. having had another Stool, but was afterwards pretty chearful, drank no water in the morng. only one glass before dinner & one before Coffee, which were brought into the house. Cousn Betsey was taken very ill this morng in the colic sickness & headache Camomile tea cleared her stomach bravely, & in the evening she seemed as well as usual again—a windy day, & began to rain at 6 in the eveng.—I wrote to Uncle John this afternoon, we did not ride today.

 


5th. day 26th. Soon after my dear had drunk her Asses Milk this morng. She had a griping stool, we rode out in a Chaize about 1 till ½ past 2 for which I paid 5/6. on our return she was very much griped & as soon as we got home had a 2nd. about 8 in the eveng. a 3rd. about 11 at going to bed a 4th. & ½ an hour after a 5th. her Issues were dressed yesterday with common pea's, & discharged better than with orange pea's. it rained most of this day. did not get to the pump to drink the water, had only 3 glasses. Cousn Betsey took 20 grains of Rhubarb, with nutmeg, & was bravely to day.

 


6th. day 27th. My dear drank Asses milk this morng. & had 3 very griping lax stools before She got up. She drank the water twice before breakfast, one glass brought into the house, the other at the pump, after which she had another stool. Dr. Rigg ordered no more water to be drank till the Lax was stopped, & of which She had no more returns today. it rained for the most part, that we did not ride. Recēēd a Lrē from Uncle Jno Birket London 25th. Sent for Sundries per the Stage Groceries & carriage 6/1d.

 


7th day 28th. My dear rested pretty well last night: had Asses milk Cousin Betsey went home about 9 oclock, about 11 my dear & self rode in a Chaize to Kings Weston, where on a fine day is a delightful prospect, but this was unfavorable being rain & very cloudy. we returned to our lodgings ½ past 1.—dined of part of a neck of veal fried, which was bought yesterday—Yesterday Sir Wm Meredith brought me some franks, 12 for Self, 12 for Uncle James, 10 for Robert Lawson. wrote this post to Bro. Foster in a Frank—my dear drank no water today, & had no Stool. Pd Sally for sundries 8/1d.—

 


1st. day 29th June. My dear had Asses milk, about 8 when She should have got up was very sick, after taking 2 or 3 times camomile tea. She cleared her stomach, & settled, drank the water twice in the house before breakfast. about 11 we rode on horseback, almost to Kings Weston, returned ½ past 1, drank a glass of water at the pump, & dined an hour after on a Duck—Uncle Dodshon came to see us, & staid till ½ past 4. we intended to have rode out again but it came very heavy rain which continued till bed time. my dear had not a Stool till this afternoon & was not so much griped.

 


2nd. day 30th. My dear had a pretty good night. had the Asses milk was not sick at getting up, went to the pump room & drank one glass of water, rode on horseback about 11, but being afraid of rain we returned at 12, at 1 went to the pump room, drank 2 glasses of water, dined at 2. on 1lb. Salmon 7d. & the remainder of the Duck hashed. Sally Reeves & Cousin Betsey came & sat an hour with us. the horse came for us to ride, but it threatened so exceedingly for rain, we durst not go far, & returned without going onto the Downs. our Landlady Bettington came in & supped with us. receed a Lrē from Ann Masters

5. pd. for Lodgings & dressing victuals 31/6 — .£1.11.11

my dear had one Stool today.

 


3rd. day 1st. July. My dear rested as well as usual, had Asses milk not sick at getting up, went to the pumproom took 2 glasses of water, after breakfast at 11 o clock rode on the Downs on horseback, it threatening very much for rain. we were careful to keep near a public house, where we were glad to put in to escape a shower, as many more were besides ourselves, it was fair again in ½ an hour, & we set out to return to the Wells, drank one glass of water, my dear being too warm to drink another conveniently before dinner—dined of part of a neck of Lamb roasted—a wet afternoon could not ride—my dears issues run the most since last dressing, that they have ever yet done, had 2 Stools but not quite so much griped, took her night draft an hour before she went to bed, which seemed to answer better than just at bedtime—I was very poorly this afternoon having a very painful headache, & sick to throw up my Supper.

paid Jennings for 12 rides on horseback 24 s. for 2 weeks Asses milk @ 5/6. 10 s. £1.14.–

 


4th. day 2nd. My dear had Asses milk, went to the pump room ¼ before 9. drank 2 glasses of water, breakfasted ½ an hour after, & rode on the Downs from 11. till one, only drank one glass of water, dined of the remains of a neck of Lamb boiled—it threatened so much for rain, we durst not venture to ride this afternoon. my dear had only one stool today.

 

paid Chaize hire 28th past

7/

 

 

 

 

 

Do. breadbaker to do

6

6

£

~

13

6



5th day 3rd. My dear had Asses milk about the usual time, at 9 went to the pump room, drank 2 glasses of water, breakfasted & about ½ past 10, rode over the Downs, & along a lane which brought us to Mile hill, returned about one, & drank 2 glasses of water, dined on a Chicken, at 5 we rode onto the Downs, & a good way on the lane towards Kings Weston, when my dear had a touch of the gripes which occasioned our returning back to the Ostrich, a public house on the Downs, where we sheltered from rain the 1st. inst.—She had a stool, we drank tea there, & returned to our lodgings ½ past 7. o clock Recēēd a Lrē from Brother Robert 4d. wrote to Brother Robert, & Father Birket, & enclosed 2 franks for Uncle James, & 2 for Robert Lawson

 


6th. day 4th. My dear had Asses milk did not sweat near so much last night as the night before, went at the usual time & drank 2 glasses of water, we rode round the Downs, & took her forenoons draught with us yesterday & today, to be taken while we were out returned about one, & drank 2 glasses of water, dined on a Duck & 1lb. of Mutton chops for the Girl, at 5 we rode to Kings Weston, & returned about ½ past 7. it is said to be 10 miles thither & back, we did not alight, or get any refreshment, save 1d. of new milk, & my dear did not seem more than usually fatigued. She had only one Stool today: for several evenings by past her cough hath been very troublesome so as almost to be like to stop her breathing, it was very bad this evening. her Issues did not discharge so well since the last dressing as before, I put in orange peas—Henry Gurney, his Wife, & Daughter from Norwich came to the Well house this afternoon.

 


7th. day 5th July. My dear rested tolerably, had Asses milk, went to the pump room at our usual time, & drank 2 glasses of water, about 11 o clock we rode on the Downs, returned at one, & drank 2 glasses of water, dined on Mutton chops, & new potatoes—drank tea with Freind Gurneys, about 6 we rode round the Downs. Before which my dear had another glass of water, her griping complaint was very troublesome this afternoon, She had 2 stools. her cough not so bad. gave Sally market money 10/6—

 


1st. day 6th. My dear rested as well as usual, drank Asses milk this morning, soon after had a very lax stool without griping, about 9 I set off & walked to the Fryers Meeting, returned to dinner, dined on a Duck & pease—my dear did not ride this forenoon, she drank one glass of water in the morning, 2 at noon, & one afternoon—after which we rode round the Downs. Since her Issues have been dressed with Orange peas, they have discharged as well as usual, she had no more stools today—Freind Gurneys came & sat an hour with us after Supper.

 


2nd. day 7th. The morning threatening for a very hot day, my dear rose rather earlier in order to have our ride before breakfast, but She was no sooner dressed, than the griping came on. She had a very lax stool, & afterwards was exceedingly sick, & threw up bile, drank about a pint of camomile tea which staid on her stomach, then a glass of water brought into the house, which also settling, at ½ past 9 we rode round the Downs, & returned to breakfast about 11.—went about one to the pump room, & drank 2 glasses of water. Aunt Dodshon came & dined with us, which is the first visit we have had from her, we had a Leg of Lamb boiled, which was quite too long kept, tho only bought on 7th. day—my dear drank the water this afternoon, & about 5, we rode towards Gloucester, returned about 7, & found Friend Gurneys Uncle & Aunt Dodshon at our rooms—between 8 & 9 while at Supper, Uncle Jno Birket Cous. Isaac Birket of Lancaster, & Saml. Bownas agreably surprised us tho all but Isaac had been impatiently expected most of last week, their stay was very short, having bespoke beds, at the White hart Bristol. I got Simmons chaise to take them thither, having walked down from thence, when they were gone my dear had a very griping stool & after was sick & threw up her supper, a little camomile tea settled her stomach at going to bed—I this forenoon saw Joseph Rule, who claimed some knowledge of me, by my resemblance of Brother Robt. he is the most remarkable Man I have ever seen, is dressed in white & wears his hair & beard very long, & exceedingly white—altho he appears such an Oddity, I esteem him to be a worthy good man—Recēēd a Letter from Brother RF.

 


3rd. day 8th. I rose this morng. at 5. my dear had her Asses milk before 6, & got up a little after 7. as soon as she was dressed had a griping stool, was afterwards sick, took camomile tea, but did not throw any thing up, a little after 8 drank a glass of water at the pump & immediately got on horseback, rode round the Downs, & returned to the pump room, & drank another glass—about 12 Uncle Jno Birket JB. & SB. came down to our Lodgings, & dined with us on Mutton chops, & new potatoes, they returned to Bristol about 8. I drunk tea with them at Friend Gurneys lodgings, he & his daughter rode with us at 5 on horseback round the Downs, on our return, were much pleased to find Cousn Betsey one of our family again. my dear was exceedingly sleepy both fore & afternoon, had another very griping stool, her cough was very troublesome, & she had several bad fits like to stop her breath.

 


4th. day 9th. July. My dear had Asses milk about 6, I did not call her up till after 8, as She was so dull & sleepy yesterday, drank a glass of water, & rode on the Downs about 9, returned & breakfasted about 11, drank 2 glasses before dinner, dined on a Shoulder of Lamb & new potatoes, drank a glass of water, & rode at 5 to Cooks folly. my dear was not sick this morning, had 2 Stools one of which only was griping. no sight or tidings all this day of Uncle John & his companions. last night they partly promised to take a ride with us this morning to Kings Weston.

 


5th. day 10th. My dear had Asses milk at 6, when I walked up to Bristol to see what had become of Uncle & Co, was told at their Inn the White hart, that they took their horses yesterday morning & were not then returned, so which way they are gone, cant tell, no tidings of them all this day. I met with John Pedder & walked with him down to the Quay, where they were discharging 2 vessels one from Jamaica, & the other from Barbadoes with Sugar. I sauntered about there till after 8 when I fell in with the Stage Coach by which I got to the wells about 9. my dear was not sick at getting up, went to the pump room, & drank 2 glasses of water, & 2 more before dinner, dined of a Chicken & cold Lamb—it rained all day without intermission. Freind Gurneys drunk tea with us—my dear had a Stool this evening the only one today, & without much griping—She was uneasy at her Legs being more swelled tonight than usual, which I suppose may be owing to her having had no riding exercise today. wrote to Father. paid for ½ a hundred Orange Peas – 2s.

signature of Dodshon Foster

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