The landlord’s claim was instantly discharged, and after several pots of strong green tea, rendered innocuous by brandy, we sallied forth in pursuit of what we then ignorantly conceived to be pleasure.

I will not pause to particularise the gradual diminution of our property, but come at once to that period when, having consumed all our superfluities, it become a serious subject of consideration, what should next be sacrificed.

I will now proceed to make extracts from our general diary, merely premising that our only attendant was an asthmatic individual named Peter.

Dec. 2, 1808.—­Peter reported stock—­eight coats, eight waistcoats, eight pairs of trousers, two ounces of coffee, half a quartern loaf, and a ha’p’orth of milk.  The eight waistcoats required for dinner.  Peter ordered to pop accordingly—­proceeds 7s. 6d.  Invested in a small leg of mutton and half-and-half.

Dec. 3.—­Peter reported stock—­coats idem, trousers idem—­a mutton bone—­rent due—­a coat and a pair of trousers ordered for immediate necessities—­lots drawn—­Jones the victim.  Moved the court to grant him his trousers, as his coat was lined with silk, which would furnish the trimmings—­rejected.  Peter popped the suit, and Jones went to bed.  All signed an undertaking to redeem Jones with the first remittance from the country.  Proceeds 40s.  Paid rent, and dined on a-la-mode beef and potatoes—­beer limited to one quart.  Peter hinted at wages, and was remonstrated with on the folly and cruelty of his conduct.

Dec. 4.—­Peter reported stock—­seven coats, seven pairs of trousers, and a gentleman in bed.  Washerwoman called—­gave notice of detaining linen unless settled with—­two coats and one pair of trousers ordered for consumption.  Lots drawn—­Smith the victim for coat and trousers—­Brown for the continuations only.  Smith retired to bed—­Brown obtained permission to sit in a blanket.  Proceeds of the above, 38s.—­both pairs of trousers having been reseated.  Jones very violent, declaring it an imposition, and that every gentleman who had been repaired, should enter himself so on the books.  The linen redeemed, leaving—­nothing for dinner.

Dec. 5.—­Peter reported stock—­four coats, and five pairs of trousers.  Account not agreeing, Peter was called in—­found that Williams had bolted—­Jones offered to call him out, if we would dress him for the day—­Smith undertook to negotiate preliminaries on the same conditions—­Williams voted not worth powder and shot in the present state of our finances.  A coat and two pair of continuations ordered for supplies—­lots drawn—­Black and Edwards the victims.  Black retired to bed, and Edwards to a blanket—­proceeds, 20s.  Jones, Smith, and Black, petitioned for an increased supply of coals—­agreed to.  Dinner, a large leg of mutton and baked potatoes.  Peter lodged a detainer against the change, as he wanted his hair cut and a box of vegetable pills—­so he said.