DIARY FOR 1796
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January 1st. This first day of the new-year pass’d on very smoothly with me.—My Mother’s spirits are somewhat depress’d by the news of my Grand-mother’s illness.
   In the afternoon I went with my Brother to visit some of our acquaintances. In the first place we call’d and enquir’d for Mr. Sam. Johnson, Silversmith, an old friend of my Father’s; he was very ill.
--We next stopp’d at Rich. Davis’s and ate a cake: then at Rob. Davis.—We extended our walk towards the Ship yards. In our way back my Brother stepp’d into Dr. Young’s.
   Evening. Mrs. Bailey’s wench came to me to get a puke of “Hippe gander” (Ipecacuanha) for Miss Charlotte—I got one at the Apothecary’s and took down to her.—
   8th. At 5 O’clock I attended Dr. Roger’s Lecture, after which I went to Mr. Van Vleck’s where my Mother & John had gone.—Here I pass’d a

very agreeable evening. Mr. Herttell & his wife were there, and my old play-mate Benj. Egbert came in.—Miss Van Vleck play’d on the Harpsichord and her Father accompanied it with the Violin.—
    I came home with Mamma before 9. Mr. Reid had brought me £40 on account for the cuts of the Hieroglyphic Bible.*--
   9th. Much gratified with last night’s company & entertainment—it was rational and exhibited a picture of domestic happiness.
    11th. Mrs. Bailey wonder’d that “Mamma kept my brother & me cheeping about her instead of letting us stir abroad, and make money as Mr. Winstanley does who was paid 150 dollars for a painting, then standing on the mantel piece.”—I endeavour’d to convince the good woman that making money was not the sole object.
   15th. Employ’d the most of the day in studying and collecting materials on Mania which I propose to make the subject of my Inaugural Dissertation.—
   Mr. Oram call’d on me to get a small engraving done.—

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   *This was a Child’s Bible, illustrated with many cuts. The name was a common one then.