23rd February 1791 The Diary of Samuel Dodman.
A beautiful day in Holt. Very unseasonal. I walked to the Market Place and the side of the highway was covered in a multitude of crocuses and primroses. I returned with supplies for my impending trip to the Americas. It included a pair of the latest hand flintlocks from Mr Dack the Gunsmith. I even had time to buy a pair of 'comfortable' britches from Mr Derry the Draper. I paid two boys from Gresham's School 2d each to help me carry everything home.
Mrs Dodman was NOT happy that I had spent so much money on the guns. I told her that I needed them because she isn't travelling with me, to scare away any Indians!!!