1781 January 12 (Friday). Mr. Isaac Ruggles brings back the Order I had given him upon Mr. Nathan Maynard Constable; and I gave him another Order upon Mr. Barnabus Newton, Treasurer; for the Same sum, viz. 75£. Mr. Elijah Force was with him, and to him I offered 50 Dollars, before Witnesses, namely, Mr. Ruggles aforesaid, and Mr. Beriah Ware, who was present, and also Pamela Coolledge. But he would not take it unless I would give him 4 sh. I offered to pay him in Rye; But Still he would not take it — unless I would give him a Bushel. I must give him two Yards of Tow-Cloth. My Wife interposed and said she would make it for him. I asked him whether I did ever promise him Tow Cloth? He Said, No: I did not. But That would satisfie. I required to know what in Money, would content him? He said 70 Dollars. I was not willing to give him so great a price for one Days work, and would rather give him tow-Cloth, if I knew of what kind. He said, Such as was strong and fit for a Blacksmiths Trowzers or shirts to work in. Thus we parted. Ruggles and Pamela were witnesses of what we said.