Six north country diaries - The MAN & Other Families

139
to Mr. Reed, he babbled it out to uiicle John, and represented the
matter in the worst colours, and has almost sett uncle against John
Ord entirely, etc.
1718. Sept. 18th. Keport in Newcastle (which has also reached
Durham) that Mr. Farington has gott a child and sent the woman to
be delivered at Elsden—tlie original of the story traced to a court
at Whickham where Cotesworth, Shafto and Baker were—there it
was tirst broached as some think. Came home this day—regaled
with mutton under a hedge, etc.
1718. Sei)t. IDtli. Dr. Laws daughter married to Sir John
Halliburton. 2^^ They say he shitt on her lap, the lirst night—cannot
hold and oft does so—some suppose it a story of some envious women
at her happiness, etc. Metcalf discarded and hooted out of town
for some criminal correspondence, or, however, some attempt that
way upon a woman in Morpeth.
1718. Sept. 20th. Uncle says Wood is a dead weight upon them,
so think uncle and aunt Keed—they could have one for os. per week
that understands the business better and he'll exjDect above 20/. per
annum—and they know not how much brother gives them—Proposes
that he should go to Edinburg for 9 moutlis, and next year, at
farthest, he may gett his degree, and then he thinks to take him of
their hands he must give him the school, etc.
1718. Sept. 21st. Uncle says l>ishop of Carlisle will scarce ordain
him without a degree, especially from this diocese, nor can he recommend
a man heartily to preferment wlio has not taken a degree,
when so many that have spent money there are to be laid a.side for
him—he says Barnes is a better scholar. He came to advise with
me, etc., and yet ne'er spoke of it ;
'
what, does he think I'm so fond
of him, that I would putt it upon him,' says uncle.
1718. Sept. 22nd. Uncle imputed my mare's being worse to my
coming in the evening from Harljottle, etc. Mr. Gammel's son light
here. Uncle did not invite him to dinner—he railed most bitterly ;
I gave him a pint of wine—he gott drunk. Mr. Howard's mistress-^^
laid out 5/. in lace and Intbles—rid behind him, his arm about her
all the dinner—slie affects to be called Mrs. Howard. Spent -is. in
pears for farings, gave to all I knew. Michael Wilkin gave me bottle
of wine. Quarrels at night about sweethearts, etc. James Young
writt me my gamut, etc.
*^ 1716. December 13th. Sir John AUeyburton and Mrs. Elizabeth Lawe,
married bv licence. Whickham Bc/i.stens.
1729 30. Feb. 12. Sir Joiin Hallyburton, knight, of North Britain, buried.
Iiegi'