The Diary of Sam Dodman - 1768 - 1821. I've just found his diary among my late father's papers. Whether he was a relative or not, I don't know. The writing is difficult to read as it was written in dialect. However, having got used to it, I am captivated by his 'rustic' (naive) poetry. I think that I should translate it and turn it into a book, so everyone can read it.
I am sharing one entry today - as it is St Valentines Day or 'Father Valentine's Day' as Sam calls it.  February 14th 1790. Our hearts will always know it's one True Love; the names never need to be written. Father Valentine will ask our True Love to leave a present on our doorsteps today. Only our hearts will know who left it. Today, I received a new pair of britches!