28th October, 1761 - Claptrap!

Cockfoster's Rub has done the trick, and I am bursting at the gates to get out of here.

Despite the drizzle I ventured to the Market Place in search of some entertainment. Had me a nice plate of oysters. Afterwards, listened to the City Waits playing from upon the Guildhall roof (I think several of their number were drunk), and then had a brief argument with that rogue, Irish Jim. Seeing her at a distance, I avoided Mrs Briggs; hiding in a doorway until she had passed. I decided then, to join the queue for a viewing of the Pig-Faced boy from Framlingham. It was worth a penny - extraordinary! By this time I was working up a prodigious thirst which I was eager to slake.

Taking my place at the window of the Angel Tavern, I was soon joined by Mr Dan Tangle. He was in a very jolly mood, and laughed mightily upon recollection of various japes and adventures we have shared. After some little while, our conversation took a more serious turn when we fell upon discussing our encounter with young Mr Acorn the night before. Whispering, we agreed that this Norman nonsense must be nipped in the bud. We live in an age of Reason, and will not see our pond muddied by such palpable claptrap.

'Gadzooks, Mr Hump! Before you know it some fool will be telling us that men are descended from apes!'

We laughed heartily at the thought.