War much talked of. The militia calling out. These things, whatever the event, are certainly God’s providences. His will be done. But when I consider the almost universal vice and iniquity of the kingdom, the amazing protection and blessings which have been showered down on us, and the vile ingratitude to God which pervades all ranks in an utter forgetfulness of Him, or contempt of His judgments, I must own I tremble at the thought. I have lived some time without making a will, which has been very wrong. I am under such complex settlements that I do not understand what power I have; and Gotobed’s draft was so full of law jargon, that I understand nothing of it. I wait no longer, but have made one plain and simple, and such as I hope, with the blessing of God, will not nor can be misunderstood. I have disposed of what I have to the best of my conscience, that is, if I was to die at Christmas. Here is only 300_l._ to be made up by sale of timber, ‘Annals,’ &c. &c., but a farm auction would produce more than 900_l._, and rents are always behind, some over due. I pray to God for better economy, and much hope, by a fresh and careful attention to my farm and ‘Annals,’ to bring things speedily to a better account. I forgot 100_l._ due to me from the Board for Norfolk Report, so that I evidently leave enough for all demands, probably without cutting any timber. I have never lived so well with Mrs. Young as for five weeks past. War! To look into futurity is idle. The event is in the Lord’s hand, and will depend on the number and piety of true Christians amongst us, and not be governed by fleets and armies. France is so unprepared at sea, that no war ever opened in that respect with better prospects. But this is the arm of flesh, and may mark the vanity of all trust in such circumstances. The following letter to A. Y. may fitly close the chronicle of this year: ‘Drinkstone: Dec. 8, 1803. ‘Sir,—A letter from Lord Euston to Sir Charles Davers recommends that in case of invasion all horses and draft cattle that cannot be driven out of the reach of the enemy be shot; and that all the axle-trees or wheels of all carriages likely to fall into the enemy’s hands be broken, the fullest assurance being given of complete indemnification, provided no horses, draft cattle, or carriages of any description fall into their hands through negligence or want of proper exertion on the part of the owners. ‘All other stock is to be left for the use of the troops, unless there be evident danger it may fall into the invader’s hands, in which case the measures formerly determined upon must be resorted to. ‘I am, Sir, ‘Your obedient humble servant, ‘JOSHUA GRIGBY.’ ----- Footnote 200: _The Elements of Agriculture._ Footnote 201: Mrs. Oakes, _née_ Betsy Plampin. Footnote 202: