The Diaries of Arthur Peck, November 1861

Hertfordshire Archives & Local Studies

1st November 1861

Showery and cool. Joe went to Municipal Election. They returned 4 w(h)igs. Pollard, Palmer, Francis and A. Rayment. I drove Mother to Watton with black pony. I went down to DB at night. I and Joe had teeth ache. Little Arthur very queer. We night and cool.  

2nd November 1861

Very wet snowed and rained. Very cold indeed. We were at work at home. David walked here all the way. I had the teeth ache very bad. I went down to DB at night. Very cold night and fine. Joe had his Election money of Mr. Hacks. 7”6 he gave me half. I felt queer.

5th November 1861

Cold and very showery. We were at work at home. I and Joe got a load of sand. We had a letter from Mrs. Johnson Ann a little better. We had a letter from Aunt Charlotte. I went to teach Sam Aves to play at chess. Pris went to David. I felt queer and dull. Very fine night and cool.  

8th November 1861

Very fine and cold. We were at work at home. Joe rode the black pony in the fair. I sent DB a parcell. We had a letter from Mrs. Johnson dear Ann about the same. I and G. Castle chased a hare with our dog. Very fine night moonlight and cold.  

18th November 1861

Very sharp frost and fine. 11 degrees frost. I was cutting letters. Jim and Joe at work in shop. Mr Wonnacott came here. DB came here I went down to her at night. I, G. Castle and J.E. went out with the dogs up to Mr. Acres farm at Rush Green. Nelson caught me a rabbit. We were up there till 11 had some supper. Very cold.  

24th November 1861

Very sharp frost and fine.  We went to Cowbridge C(hapel) all day heard Mr. W. in the morning from the 84th Psalm 11th verse, in the evening from the 81st Psalm 11 and 12 verses. Mr. W. preached to the Children in the afternoon. DB and A. Marshall came here to tea and supper. Father, Emma and A.M. went to Ware at night. I had teeth ache. Joe got blowed up for being late had no supper. 10 degrees of frost at night.  

29th November 1861

Showery and mild. We were at work at home. I and Joe had teeth ache very bad indeed. I did not see DB was nearly mad. Showery night and very mild. Father in at Mr. Proctor’s. Sam Aves came here. Mr Carrington came here.