Diary of Captain Alex Chesney
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 letterClose