Monday 4th July 1811

Dear Diary,
It is the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in the New World. One assumes there will be some jollity over there this day and I can fully understand their joy for I am happy in my own 'Independence' here at Knob End. It is indeed a haven of solitude and serenity when I am here alone and this morning, after breakfast and after Willow had departed for the school at Cobbler's Bottom, I roused myself from comfort's cosy embrace and went out into 'the garden' armed with a scythe. There is much clearing still to be done and I was determined to make my own mark amongst the wild and thorny tussocks. 
I must confess I retired indoors fairly soon afterwards, with an aching arm, some very nasty nettle stings and the threat of a perspiration upon my brow. I dare not be found perspiring! Heaven knows who might call upon me and I must be in a fit state to greet them. Pity, I would have liked to have shown Willow upon his return that my day had not been idle, as it was I was fairly ruined for a number hours after my exertions and found refuge in 'Fatherless Fanny'...a novel by Clara Reeve.
My day was not completely wasted. I resolved to hire some help for Willow in the garden, kitchen and around the house and so concocted a pithy little advertisement for Willow to display upon the notice board in Cobbler's Bottom.
It read;
'Wanted. 
Strapping Lad for Outdoor and Indoor Exertions.
Must know how to handle a chopper and have experience of;
humping, nailing, screwing, thrashing, ploughing, sowing seed,
kneading, filling and washing.
3d a day.
Apply Knob End, near Cobbler's Bottom.'