Diary of Captain Alex Chesney

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Document ID 8909192
Date 12-09-1755
Document Type Diaries and Journals
Archive Public Record Office, Northern Ireland
Citation Diary of Captain Alex Chesney; PRONI T 1095/3/1; CMSIED 8909192
41002
Mr Floyd
The Nest
Kilkeel
Co Down
[Cap?]tain Alexander Chesney's
Journal
1795 to 1815
Prospect in Mourne County of
Down in Ireland, February 4th 1795.
Having this day found amongst my
papers several Memorandums of
Journeys and occurences [occurrences?], I have
thought it best to collect them in
this Book, and to add such other
matters as are fresh in my recollection
Perhaps I, or some person of my Family
may have occasion to have recourse
to them.
              Alex Chesney.
Journal of
Captain Alexander Chesney
born September 12 1755
I was born in the Townland
of Dunclug near Ballymena,
in the County of Antrim Ireland
16th or 12th of September 1755,
on Sunday, as appears by a
Register in my Father's house
Bible. My Father, Robert Chesney
or McChesney was only son to
Alexander Chesney of Dunclug,
aforesaid, and of Jane Fulton his
wife, his sisters were, Ann
married to William Purdy of
Glenravil who was brother of
my Mother, as she was a sister
to my Father; they are now with
their Family settled in South
Carolina, 2nd Martha Chesney
married to Matthew Gillespy
who went also to Carolina and
died there shortly after their
arrival, about the year 1768,
her husband is married again
and lives near [Enoree?] River
South Carolina - 3rd Sarah
Chesney who married James
Archbold a Pensioner and
lives in County Antrim.
My Grand-Father Chesney
had several brothers. I
recollect to have seen some
of their sons who came from
County Tyrone, and near
the Bann River. My Grand-
Mother Fulton or Chesney
had many sisters, and only
One Brother named George
(I believe) her sister Jenny
was married to David Wilson
of Dunclug County Antrim.
Margret was married to
John Symonton, near Lough
Neagh. Sarah had been
married to John Cook who
died in Pensylvenia [Pennsylvania?], she
removed to Packolet [Pacolet?] River South
Carolina, where she died a
few years ago, and where her
Children are married and
settled, also Martha who had
been married to Niesbit [Nesbit?] in
the Waxhaws in South Carolina
they are both dead - but they
have Children living there.
She (my grandmother) had
several other sisters.
My Mother's name was Elizabeth
Purdy youngest daughter of William
Purdy and Martha his wife of
Ballyreagh, near Clough County
of Antrim. My Father and Mother
were married about two years before
I was born. My Grandmother Purdy's
name was Martha Peden, daughter
of Thomas Peden and (I believe)
of Jane Grier his wife, of County
Longford, she was born that
year in which the conditions
and capitulations of Limerick
were made, lived to about the
year 1780 and died with her
son William Purdy in
Glenravil County of Antrim.
My Grandfather and G.mother [Grandmother?]
Purdy had, twelve children,
of which my mother was the
youngest. I knew William
who lived in Glenravil and
went with his family to South
Carolina - Robert who died in
Killymorris near Clough
Jenny who married Alexander
Wylie and lived on my Grand-
Father's farm in Ballyreagh.
Jane had been married to
John McCleland, she died in a
few years and left only one daughter
Martha who since married John
Baritay - Thomas and John went
to Pensylvenia [Pennsylvania?], live near Carlisle
is alive. Margaret who married
 - [P?]onge lives near them.
Isuppose the other children had
died young for I dont recollect
to have heard of their names.
My Father's Farm in Dunclug
being too small for his family,
he removed to Kirkinreallough
or Kirkmareally to one something
larger, and having lived there
about five years went to South
Carolina in the snow, James and
Mary of, and from Larne. John
Workman master - Jas [James?] Bold mate -
 - Wilson second mate - My
Father's family consisted of my
father, Mother, Alexander (myself)
Ann, Martha, Jane, William, Robt [Robert?]
John and Peggy of about 8 months
old, who died of the small pox
on the passage; Thomas and
Eliza born in Amercia: in all
eight children, with my father
and mother ten went on board
and sailed 25th August 1772,
and nine arrived safe in the
Harbour of Charleston in South
Carolina after a passage of seven
weeks and three days which
was, I suppose about the 16th Oct
1772, we having sailed from
Larne 25th August.
The small pox having been very
severe in the Vessel during
the passage, when the surgeon came
on Board and reported to the Governor
the state of Passengers, we were
obliged to ride Quarantine first three
weeks, and then a second three
weeks and one day, nearly
as long as we were on the passage,
as there is no disorder the Americans
are so much afraid of
as the small pox, and with
good reason as few of them have
had it. We had a large house during
the Quarantine allowed for the
sick on Sullivan Island which
was kept for the purpose of an
Hospital. One Robinson had a
salary from Government for living
there. We went back and forward
between the ship and Hospital
which was a change. When the
Crew was recovered we were landed
at Richards Ship-Yard on Town
Creek a few miles above Charles Town [Charleston?]
from whence the passengers proceeded
to the Country as soon as they could
respectively find Waggons [Wagons?] destined
for that part of the Country where
they meant to settle - My Father
and family agreed with John Miller
of Turkey Creek to leave his family
at John Winn's old Place (now Winn's
Borough) on Jackson's Creek with
this Waggon [Wagon?] for which we paid one
penny per pound - When we came
near Jackson's Creek. I went before
and acquainted our relations by
marriage, Mr John now Colonel
Phillips who with Mrs Phillips
met them at Winn's old place
and brought them to their house.
We got 100 acres of land surveyed
there, built a cabin and cleared
some of the land when my Father
received a letter from his Aunt Sarah
Widow Cook (mentioned before as a
sister to my Grandmother) who
resided on Packolet [Pacolet?] River about
60 miles higher up in the Country,
and wanting them to settle there,
on which I proceeded on foot in a
right direction for that place there being
no direct road, but was to enquire for
John Quin Blacksmith on Sandy
River about 20 miles off, which
was nearly the first house I called
at, from thence to Ned Niels on
Broad River, but crossed the river
something lower down on account of
a Canoe being there - thence to
Elizah Wells on Packolet [Pacolet?] where I
crossed, being then within 5 miles
of my Aunt Cooks. She had two
sons Hugh and John and a daughter
Nancy who lived who with her unmarried
Thomas and Sarah who were both
settled with their families in the
neighbourhood - Sarah was married
to Charles Brandon. The
whole family were remarkable civil
to me and the greatest part of the
settlers near them being their
relations gave them weight;
they soon found for me a vacant
track of land 400 acres which
I got surveyed for my Father
and returned, removed the family
to Packolet [Pacolet?] where we settled.
When the War broke out between
England and America the
Congress party early in 1775 were
sending a quantity of Ammunition
and Clothing as presents to the
Indians, on which a number
of the Loyalites who had not
joined the Congress party assembled
and went to Ninety six a wooden Fort
and after besieging the place for
some days took it and the stores,
and having distributed the
ammunition amongst the
Loyalites both  parties agreed to
a Cessation of Arms for some
weeks until several leading men
could go and return from Charls-town [Charleston?]
to recieve [receive?] Lord William Campbell's
directions on the business.
Colonel Flechall and Captain
John Mayfield were two of the
Delegates sent, and although
under the faith and sanction of
a treaty; they were lodged in
the Gaol [jail?] of Chas town [Charleston?] and the
papers they had recieved [received?] from
the Governor Lord William
Campbell were seized. In the
meantime Congress party sent to the
Neighbourhood of 96 an army under
the Command of Colonel Richardson
who seized the leading men
of the Loyalites and put them
in Gaol [jail?] and disarmed the rest;
All this was accomplished before
the expiration of the truce.
I went down to Jackson's Creek
when Col [Colonel?] Richardson's Encampment
was at Congaree and
pilotted [piloted?] Captain James Phillip
and his company to my Fathers,
and provided them a man to go
to Col [Colonel?] Mills on their way to Saint
Agustine for which I was made
a prisoner, and kept in the snowy
camp on Reedy River for about a
week; Col [Colonel?] Richardson released
me, but the Congress Party held
me at enmity and forced me
in April 1776 to join their army
as a private and to serve until June
1797, during which time I had been
at Charlestown [Charleston?] and Bolton's Landing
place opposite Long Island, during
the time the British Army was encamped
there under Sir Henry Clinton
and I then marched against the
Indians which I had no objection
to, helped to destroy 32 towns of them
under General Williamson with
Colonel Sumpler on returning
towards Charlestown [Charleston?] we were
encamped at [Tackans?] near
Nelson's Ferry on the Santee, from
thence marched to [Puriesburgh?] on
Savannagh [Savannah?] Town, killed a number
of Alligators with rifles, marched to
Simbury, thence to Fort Barrington
On the Attamaha near East Florida,
where we arrived 25th March,
trees beginning to bud - a total
Eclipse of the sun happened when
we were at Ogeechy [Ogeechee?] river on the
march to Sunbury; we had several
scrimmages with the Creek
Indians in which I was always
a volunteer while at Fort Barrington;
returned to Tacan latter
end of May - and home in
June 1777 when I purchased
a track of land on Packolet [Pacolet?] River
and where I lived all the winter,
soon after was chosen Lieutenant
in Captain Bullocks Company
of Militia by my loyal friends.
Went with a party to [Bailis Earls?]
Fort on the Indian line at the
head of Packololet [Pacolet?] River about 50
miles from home, and repaired
the fort, continued some months
there - and was relieved the May
following 1778 by the white
inhabitants making the peace with the
Indians at [Duets?] Corner.
This winter began to trade To Charlestown [Charleston?]
with a Waggon [wagon?] at which I had good
success and realized a good deal,
the profits being 300 per cent with care.
In the summer went out again after
the Indians to Georgia in Capt [Captain?] McWhirter's
Company of Volunteers as first Lieutenant
the whole under command of
General Williamson, were out as
far as the Allamaha, and was very
sick of a flux - relieved in about
three months with the whole party,
Col [Colonel?] Phillips was there also.
In the summer of 1779 was at
Agusta [Augusta?] under Williamson again
was marched to join General
Lincoln, was down at Stona [Stone?] for
some weeks; had returned home
on business before the attack was
made on the British lines at Stona [Stone?]
by General Lincoln.
Continued to go frequently to
Charlestown [Charleston?] with the Waggon [wagon?]
with produce and returned with
goods, one waggon [wagon?] and load was
impressed last summer to
Agusta [Augusta?] and was left there
when we marched to join Lincoln
and troop - and the horses were
valued 2000 Currency -
1780 on the 3rd January I married
Margaret Hodge eldest daughter
of William Hodge and Elizabeth
his wife, who was a daughter
to Widow Cook a sister to my
Grandmother Chesney.
My wife Margaret was born
30th - 1759 as appears by an
entry in her Bible a part of
which was torn by accident -
On the 12th May following Charlestown [Charleston?]
being reduced by the British
Army, and Sir Henry Clinton having
issued a Proclamation commanding
all his Majesty's faithful
and Loyal subjects to embody
for the defence of his Government.
I took arms 24 June 1780 from
Isaac Grey Capt [Captain?] South Carolina
Regiment, and about middle
of July embarked with the
Militia as Lieutenant and
was also appointed Adjutant
of Plomers Battalion; on the
9th August was appointed Capt [Captain?]
of Militia and Adjutant of the
different Batalions [battalions?] under the
Brave Major Ferguson of the
71st Regiment, General of Militia.
I was with him in all his marches
through the frontiers of North
and South Carolina and until
his defeat at King's Mountain
on King's Creek on the North
East side of Broad River about
20 miles from my own Residence -
which defeat happened on the
9th October 1780 when I was wounded
about the knee and taken
prisoner, even my shoes and
silver buckles were taken off
my feet, and having refused to
join the Americans was marched
in an inclement season without
either covering or provision
except raw Indian corn to near
the Moravian town on the N.E
side of the Yadkin River where
I most luckely [luckily?] and by a stratagem
made my escape in the beginning
of the night and got across
the Yadkin before morning -
having first mistaken my road
and gone towards the Moravian
town, passed through the woods
home where I arrived on the
31st Oct [October?] found my wife had
had a son on the 20th, whom
I named William, which was
all the Christening he had -
As I did not know where to
find the British troops, I continued
about home sometimes
in a small cave scarcely large
enough to contain us lying flat,
with Cousin Hugh Cook and
Charles Brandon firm Loyalites
Cook's wife brought us food
and news every night, and
sometimes I was in my
Father-in-laws, until I heard
of Colonel [T?]arletons attack at
Blackstock's fort on Tugger
River where I found Col [Colonel?] [T?]arleton
  From thence went to Colonel
William's house on Little River
where there was a strong party
under General Williamson
and Major Plumber having
been wounded at King's Mountain
the command of our regiment
devolved on Jonathan Frost
as Major, who directed me to
assemble my Company of
Militia and to join him
at an appointed place on the
Enoree River - I came on
the day; and found the
appointed place unexpectedly in
possession of the Americans
under Captain or then Major
Roebuck.
Major Roebuck who immediately
disarmed us and marched
us off; it was a great blunder
in Major Frost to alter the
place of meeting.
However he pursued us and over-
-took us about 12 miles higher
up and having attacked  [Roebuck's?]
party where they were
adventagiously [advantageously?] placed at a
house poor Frost was
killed and the rest retreated
       Roebuck who was acquainted
with me formerly sent me to
Ninety where I was exchanged
for Captain Fleck a son to Colonel Fleck
who had been taken after the attack on Aquita
in Georgia.
I was then sent to garrison the
Gaol [jail?] - of Ninety-six and had the
Command of the Militia stationed
there. Cols [Colonels?] Allen and fruger
commanded the fort near the
Gaol [jail?] - where I continued until
Tartition [Tarleton?] came into 96 district
to go in quest of Colonel Morgan,
and sent to the Garrison for
Guides acquainted with Morgan's
station, which was then
convenient to my house on
Packolet [Pacolet?]; I joined Col [Colonel?] Tartitons [Tarleton?]
and marched to fair forrest [forest?],
he sent me to gain intelligence
and to make the mills grind
for the army.
I came to their encampment
between my Father's house and
my own - My Father said
Morgan had gone towards the
Old field about an hour
before; my wife said the
same, and that they had used
and destroyed my crop and almost
every thing I had - returned to Col [Colonel?]
Tartition [Tarleton?] and found he had marched
towards the old fields.
I overtook them before ten o clock
near the Cowpens on Thukely
Creek, where we suffered a total
defeat by some dreadful bad
management. I proceeded home,
and had just time to bring off
my wife and child on the 17th Jan [January?]
1781, a few hours after the defeat,
and with many others proceeded
for General Cunningham's
sleeping the night at fair
forest Creek.
We could not prevail on Genl [General?]
Cunningham to use any
exe[r?]tion to embody his Brigade
of militia; so we went to [Eduton?]
River in order to settle there,
having nothing but two horses
and some clothes left, everything
else being left in the hands of
the Americans and confiscated
by them. I have not been at
Packolet [Pacolet?] since nor am I likely to be
again.
I continued at Robert McWhorters
on [Eduton?] for some days, and
leaving my wife and child there
proceeded to Charlestown [Charleston?], and
contrary to my expectations met
with several of the British
Officers who had been taken
with Major Ferguson there,
and who very readily assisted me
to get pay for some cattle and
provisions I had furnished
Major Ferguson with for the
use of his Detatchment, and
not satisfied with this they
introduced me to Colonel Balfour
Commandant of Charlestown [Charleston?] who
hearing from them of my great
activity, and that I had lost my
all gave me an order to Mr [f?]ruelen
Commissioner of [Lequesteres?]
Estates to have me accommitdated [accomodated?]
with my family on some
one of them; this produced an
Order to Colonels Ballingal and
McKinsay at Jackson's Borough
who ordered me a house and
provisions with the use of 5
negroes to attend my family.
Thus was I at once introduced to
a new set of Loyalists, and I immediately
removed my wife and child
and Chas [Charles?] Brandon with his family
to Ferguson's Riverside Plantation
near Parker's ferry on Pond-Pond
River where I soon fixed myself
very comfortably having purchased
in Charlestown [Charleston?] some bedding and
other things to set up house-keeping
a second time.
I joined the Negroes allowed me
for my family with others on the
Plantation and began to make
a crop of Indian corn and rice.
In April the Rebels under Major
Snipes came to that Neighbourhood
and a general rising being expected,
I sent an Express to Colonel Balfour
Commandant of Charlestown [Charleston?] acquainting
him of it: who sent some
troops, about 100 men to take post
at Dorchester 20 miles from Charlestown [Charleston?]
stayed until Colonel Balfour
sent for me to 67 in May, he
gave me Commission to raise
a troop of Independent Horse for
the purpose of Intelligence. Expresses etc.
I went to [Saintee?] to call on Captain
McKimmon of the 64 Regt [Regiment?] from
[Motle's?] House - and rode 120 miles
in 24 hours - and having raised
the Troop was stationed at Dorchester
a strong British post and had
my wife and child there.
Joined Lord Randon at [rayburgh?]
after his Lordship raised the
seige [siege?] of ninety-six and withdrew
its garrison an independent
Corps of three companies raised
for the defence of the Sequestered Estates by
the Commissioner John
Cruden Esqr [Esquire?].
In one of our excursions up
Cooper River for rice, one of
the Schooners in which I was
over[s?]et and twelve men were
drowned.
I saved myself being on deck by
swimming. The troops having
confined themselves to Charlestown [Charleston?]
neck and James Island, The
Commandant appointed me to
superintend in the Barrick [Barrack?]
Department, the laying in
wood for fuel for the Garrison
at which a number of Vessels,
and Negroes were employed
My Wife took ill of the ague
and died the 28 Nov 1781, and
is buried near Galins Glens Landing
not far from Stewart's House
on James Island from which
place I removed to Charlestown [Charleston?]
very ill in the fever and ague
sent the child up to my Mother
in the Back Country, and my
illness continuing and no
hopes of recovery there. I was
induced to return to Europe for
the recovery of my health, took
my passage on board the Lady Susan
ship, John Cumming Master
transport went on board the
3rd April 1782.
Sailed from Charlestown [Charleston?] Bar 5th
under Convoy of the Orestas ship
of war. Sir Jacob Wheate commanded,
the fleet consisting of
52 sail.
We had passengers in the cabin
John Robinson, late Major of a
Regiment of Cambden Militia
Micael Egan, Major of Bridage of
the same. James Barber, the Sect [Secretary?] of
the Royal Militia.
We made Mi[z?]en Head on the coast of
Ireland the 19th May; put into Castle
haven 20th in a hard gale of wind
where we landed to Cork where we
found the vessel, and got the
luggage from on board the vessel
to Dublin on a horse I had purchased,
in company with Charles Phillip Campbell
and Soloman Smith both from
Charlestown [Charleston?], arrived in Dublin 4th
June, and took lodgings with them
in Peters Row, Was introduced to
Mr Henry by the former.
Went to Ballymena to see my relations
continued a short time there, and
proceeded to Dublin, in order to go to
London to see what could be done there
with the Ministry, by advice of my
friend Mr Henry. Sunday July 28th 1782
sailed from Georges Quay Dublin for
Liverpool, on board the Prince of
Orange Packet - 29th saw Hollyhead [Holyhead?]
Tuesday 30th landed in Liverpool,
viewed the town and Docks, also
a 64 Gun-ship. At two oclock set
out in a stage coach for London -
Thursday - August 2nd arrived in
London at the Bull and Mouth
Inn. Took a coach to Golden
Cross, Charing Cross, and to Mr
Well's and Mr Hollidays.
Friday 3rd 1782 - went to the War
Office, and to Mr Townshend - secretary
of States Office for the American
Department, left my memorial
and papers there to get an answer
to-morrow [tomorrow?] at eleven oclock.
Took a lodging at Mr [C?]risselds, no.[number?]
58 Crown Street, Westminster
Wrote to C.P. Campbell, Dublin
Saturday, August 4th 1782 - Got up
past ten, went to Mr Townshend's
Office, no answer until Monday -
Went to No [number?] 8 Albermarle street, Lord
Cornwallise's house. He is gone to
the country, Norfolk.
Went to the Earl of Huntingdon's
Saint James's place - Lord Randon
gone to the country for two months
Came home, wrote a letter to Mr
Robert Harper, Charlestown [Charleston?], about my
effects left there.
Went to Westminster Abbey after
dinner, which is well worth seeing,
heard an Anthem there -
Went to see Westminster Hall, and
Westminster Bridge - wrote a
letter to Mr Smith at reading, my
companion from Cork to Dublin.
        Sunday August 5th 1782
Went to Westminster Abbey, walked
in the Park, dined before with two
ladies.The Russian Major who came in the same with me from Liverpool
and who ,as I was an entire stranger
in London, having been taken prisoner
by some of the Native Powers in the East Indies, and from thence got a
passage to Europe; having seen the Russian Ambassador paid his lodging &
removed. Drank tea with the same ladies. Monday 6th August 1782
Went at 10 oclock and saw the
Guard, reviewed at the Park, and
from thence to Mr Townshend's
Office, got my paper again the
the answer.
This Memorial is to the Lords of
the Treasury. If you Memorial
the Right Honbl [Honourable?] Thomas Townshend
Esqr [Esquire?], he will write with you to the
Lords of the Treasury.
Came home, went to Sir Henry
Clintons, No [number?] 12 Cork Street, he is
to be home in two days.
Went to the Treasury, gave my
papers to Mr Rosse - the Board
to sit to-morrow [tomorrow?], but will not take
up the memb [member?], as there is to be a
gentleman appointed in a few days
for that special purpose.
Went to the Archbishop of Canterbury
to enquire for Lord Cornwallis -
he is not to be home for five weeks;
But Lady Cornwallis lives in Cork
Street, she knows - and also where
Col [Colonel?] Tartition [Tarleton?] lives -
        Tuesday August 6th 1782
Got up, it rained, wrote a Memorial
for Lord North, and copied off
Recomendations [recommendations?] purposing to carry
them as soon as its fair -
Lord North is gone 150 miles into
the country, and is not to be back for
five weeks, after dinner went to the
Treasury, met two gentlemen from
America, who came with me to my
lodgings and promised to communicate
to me any intelligence they may
recieve [receieve?] from the Treasury.
Walked in Park, Viewed Buckingham House.
        Wednesday 7 August 1782.
Went to the Treasury. Mr Rose did
not come - spoke to a gentleman in the Office
who examined and no answer for me.
Called at Sir Henry Clintons, he
is not come to town -
Went to Mr Rose, he says there
will be nothing done soon - But
if I was to leave any person in
London empowered to act for me
it would be settled; went to Lady
Cornwallis 4 Cork Street, got
intelligence where Major Ross
aide-de-camp to Lord Cornwallis
lives in half moon street, and
of Colonel Tarleton's being in
Saint James's place.
       Thursday August 8 1782
Called at Colonel Tarletons, he
is not come in. Sir Henry Clinton
is home. Called with Major Ross
who recommends me to send my papers
by him to Lord Cornwallis, and
points out the method to act on
the business. The memorandums
being done here.
I recollect that as there was no
prospect of getting anything done
now after having stayed some
weeks in London, I left London
in the Swan and two Necks
Coach (August 16 1782) from Lad
Lane, took a seat for Loughborough
Arrived at Loughborough and took
a seat to Cavendish Bridge, and
stayed there all night.
        Sunday 18 August 1782
Went to see Lord Rawdon at the
Earl of Huntingdons, Dorrington
Park, Leicestershire, got a very
stronge [strong?] letter of recommendation
from General Burgoyne.
        Monday 19th August 1782
Set out for Manchester in a stage
Coach, slept at the Belle Inn, Derby.
        Tuesday 20th August 1782.
Set out at four OClock for Manchester
1/2 past nine, eat Breakfast at the
George Inn, Sleek, 27 miles -
Mackelfield [Macclesfield?] and arrived at Manchester
at 5 oclock, slept there.
        Wednesday 21 August.
Set out in the Liverpool Coach from
the Lower Swan - and arrived at
the Cross Keys, half past two
oclock, dined and took lodging,
the packet not to sail till
Friday.
       Thursday 22nd August 1752
Went to the Packet Office No 5 Nova
Scotia, the packet not to sail till
Saturday -
       Friday 23rd August -
Went to the Packet Office, to sail
to-morrow [tomorrow?] without fail - very sick
scarce able to sit up.
        Sat 24 August.
Sailed at 12 OClock, blew hard
gale - lay to all night in high-la[k?]e
wind ahead.
        Sunday
Weighed anchor and shoved upon
Liverpool took a lodging in
Thomas Stringers in Nova Scotia.
        Monday and Tuesday.
Wind ahead, continued in Liverpool.
        Wed 28 1782.
Wrote to Mr Wolfe, went to the
Play.
        Thursday 29 -
Wrote a letter to Mr Chas [Charles?] Campbell
packet dont sail to-day [today?].
        Friday 30 -
Fair wind to-day [today?] but calm, sailed
in the Duke of Leinster Packet
from Liverpool, got as far as high
lake. Anchored there.
       Saturday 31st
Got under Weigh [way?] but made little
way - Sunday and Monday at sea
with wind almost calm.
        Tuesday 3rd Sept 1782.
At 5 oclock discovered Wicklow
Mountains - evening got into Dublin
landed at the Watch House, and
went to Peters Row.
        Wed 4th
Went to General Burgoyne, got for
answer that the general could do
nothing in the business: went
to the Custom House to see
Henry, a loyalist who afterwards
befriended me much there
        Thursday 5th
Went to the Old Cross pill Lane,
bargained with a Carman to carry me
back to Ballymena.
        Friday 6th
Left my trunk at the Old Cross, took
a seat in the Newry Coach write a
letter to Lord Randon.
        Saturday 7 Sept
Set out in the Newry Coach at four
oclock and arrived in Newry where
I slept all night.
        Sunday 8th
Got my horse , rode to Antrim.
Monday, came to my Uncle, William
Purdys.
About this time I was desired by
Mr Wolfe to send a sworn account,
of my losses with Certificates from
Lord Cornwallis - Col [Colonel?] Tarleton
and others, and difficulty in getting money
lent to Mr Campbell.
        Monday 7th
Went with Mr Robinson to Montalto
and saw Lord Randon there -
After this I bought out a Grocer in
Ballymena, and set up that business
by advice until Robinson came
with direction for him and me to
go to Monalto - where we set out.
        21st December
Saturday evening at 9 oclock, took a
sleep at the Falls near Belfast.
        Sunday 22nd
Set out at 10 morning, slept that
night at Saintfield.
        Monday -
Got early to Lord Moira in consequence
of a message left. Set out for Dublin
slept that night at Widow Flinns.
        Tuesday  24.
Slept in Dundalk.
        Wed 26 Dec
Slept the night 19 1/2 miles from Dublin.
        Thursday
At 2 oclock set out - got 11 miles by
daylight - got to the old Cross pill
lane at 12 oclock, dressed and
went to Mr Campbell, and from
there to the Play.
        Friday 27th
Went to Dr Doyles, brother of the
Major - he is gone to the country to
Colonel Eustace; he says the
[F?]encibles Officers are complete - and no vacancy
        Saturday  28th
Dined with Mr Campbell.
        Sunday -
Called on Mr Robinson, gone out -
he called to dine with us - went with
him to Counsellor Doyle, he is
gone home.
       Monday 30th
Called Counsellor [Councillor?] Doyle with
Mr. Robinson, he gives us hopes of
successand would call on the Lord Lieutenant.
      Tuesday-
Councillor Doyle had seen the Lord Lieutenant- but got no answer as yet.
Went to Smoke Play house to see the fair American
       Thursday 2nd Jan
Received for answer from Counsellor [Councillor?]
Doyle that the Lord Lieut [Lieutenant?] would
give us places, and wanted our
names - called on Mr Scrope
Bernard private secty [secretary?] to the Lord
Lieut [Lieutenant?].
        Friday 3rd Jan
Went to the Castle and left copies of
my papers there.
        Saturday 4th Jan
Called again at the Castle, no answer
to call to-morrow [tomorrow?].
        Sunday 5th
Mr Robinson has called at the Castle,
and nothing was done - When there he
was to send a note - the Packet had
sailed.
        Monday 6th
Received a letter from the Castle to
call to-morrow [tomorrow?] at the Custom House
to get appointed.
        Tuesday 7th
Went to the Custom House, to call
to-morrow [tomorrow?] to get my appointment
as a tide-Waiter at Waterford, paid
the fees of my Commission, set
out for Kilkenny, from thence
to Waterford, where I got my [Commr?]
and continued there for some weeks,
was boarded by my own desire on a
Vessel for Dublin and removed to
Belfast, by application to the Board
through Mr Morgon, where I continued
a few days and proceeded to
Ballymena.
        1 March 1783
Was married to Jenny Wilson eldest
daughter of John Wilson and Elizabeth
Kirkpatrick his wife - she
had brothers and one sister Molly -
James John - Samuel William and
David and since our marriage
Charles. Jenny Wilson was born
first Sunday in April 1763. We
removed in a few weeks to
Belfast and took a lodging at
Andy Sufferings North St - where I
continued until April, and took
half of a house in Heruclas
Lane.
        Saturday 12 April 1783.
Set out at two oclock from Belfast
for Dublin in order to go to London
by request of Mr Wolfe, got a seat in
a return Coach No. 420 - slept that
night in Banbridge, next night at
Drumlee.
        Monday 14th
Having quit the Coach got a return
Chaise to Dublin - slept at the old
Cross Pill Lane.
        15th
Saw Major Campbell and Henry who
both encouraged me to proceed to
London & went to the Custom
House, saw Mr Windsor who promises
me his friendship, which I owe
to Mr Henry's kindness. Went to
the Packet Office to sail to-morrow [tomorrow?].
        Thursday 18th
The packet to sail to-day [today?]. Wrote a letter