Mon. 18 July 1743. I set out from Newcastle with John Downes of Horsley. We were four hours riding to Ferryhill, about twenty measured miles. After resting there an hour we rode softly on, and at two o’clock came to Darlington. I thought my horse was not well. He thought the same of his; though they were both young, and very well the day before. We ordered the hostler to fetch a farrier, which he did without delay. But before the men could determine what was the matter, both the horses laid down and died.
I hired a horse to Sandhutton and rode on, desiring John Downes to follow me. Thence I rode to Boroughbridge on Tuesday morning, and then walked on to Leeds.
