The day fine--It is whispered to Day that B... is the Ghost that walk'd in the Nursery the other night, but I think the report is false, and arises from calumny. We had an expectation of company to day, but are disappointed. We dined on Fish & Crabs, which were provided for our company, to-morrow being Fish-Day--I begun a Sermon Job XXIII. 3. 4. We have too vagrant Tinkers with us mending several articles, one of whom is this afternoon violent sick with the Fever & Ague--I rode to my old spot, the Corn field, by chance met with Mr Taylor. I walked with him among the Tobacco Cotton &c. He gave me Directions for raising the latter.--Cotton must be planted about the middle of May in rich Land, prepared with Hills, & made very mellow. When up it must be weeded & kept clean, it must be top'd & suckered as Tobacco, otherwise it runs too much to vine. Towards the Fall it will begin to open, when the opened pods mu[s]t be gathered & laid by til dry, then the Cotton pick'd out & clean'd-- _Wednesday 7._ Mrs Carter not very well; is troubled with a small tooth-Ach Fever & a Cold--Every leisure minute I spend in writing at my Sermon--Dined with us Mr Sorrel, & Mr .... on Fish, Rock, Perch, fine _Crabs_, & a large fresh _Mackerel_. Yesterday & to day I have been a little pained & pretty much alarmed, at an unusual feeling in my right arm. Almost all the Summer I have felt an obstruction when I would lift up my arm. But now it is a trembling steady _knawing_ down the under part of my arm & Wrist, without unless when I move it suddenly--Evening I walked throug the pasture to the River, the Hills are green, since the late rains, & look fine tip'd with the setting Sun. _Thursday 8._