1780 June 21 (Wednesday). Took an Opportunity to reckon with Elias, as to his Expenses. I found there was so great Alteration of Times, Customs and Charges as was very astonishing — especially considering that no alteration was made by the Constable, or the Town as to what is paid to me. Read the Life of the Celebrated Erasmus in Biogr. Dictionary. Rec[eiv]ed a letter from my Son Forbes dated the 6th containing an account of his Wife’s Death. I undertook to write him an answer to it — Great Difficulty in raising Men for the War. Twelve are called for, but 9 obtained: and yet (I hear) Orders are immediately for twelve more.