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181 x sentence crossed out: Sun down, a shower & wind chopped round to N.W.
Sunday 31 December - crossed out: Yesterday & during the night wind S.E.. Shower - 8 am cloudy but fine. x Last night through the Kindness of Mr. Mc the Negros ^ of this vicinity had their Christmas Ball in his unfinished Home. (The Upper
part distined for a Masonic Stud). It was late ere all arrived many of them having had to come several miles. It was a 'Subscription Ball & the unfortunate Negro who contd not ruse a couple of bits (about 1s) was not admitted at the commencement of the Ball, but Black hearts wax soft & as midnight approached & the strains of Music sweet, the excitement produced by dancing, the door Keeper became benevolent & it was a public ball.
As the company arrived they were cordially greeted bows & shaking of hands & introduced by the names of their Masters & Mistresses, &
Tory? Masters - & Misstresses.
Transcriber Note: difficult to determine exactly which names go with which "Masters & Mistresses"
Thus was announced crossed out: Mr & Mrs McD Sukey, Fanny, Mary, Charlotte crossed out: Mr & Mrs E __ ^ Phil, Bob, Tim, _ Meg words crossed out crossed out: Miss Mary E. _ Martin? Joe E _ ^ Jim, Silas, Ned crossed out: Mr & Mrs.]] K _ [[crossed out: Miss Mary K _ &c &c They were well dressed & most orderly. Now and then