"I had been for some hours extremely pressed by the necessities of nature; which was no wonder it being almost two days since I had last disburdened myself. I was under great difficulties between urgency and shame. The best expedient I could think of was to creep into my house which I accordingly did; and shutting the gate after me I went as far as the length of my chain would suffer and discharged my body of that uneasy load. But this was the only time I was ever guilty of so uncleanly an action; for which I cannot but hope the candid reader will give some allowance after he has maturely and impartially considered my case and the distress I was in. From this time my constant practice was as soon as I rose to perform that business in open air at the full extent of my chain; and due care was taken every morning before company came that the offensive matter should be carried off in wheel-barrows by two servants appointed for that purpose. I would not have dwelt so long upon a circumstance that perhaps at first sight may appear not very momentous if I had not thought it necessary to justify my character in point of cleanliness to the world; which I am told some of my maligners have been pleased upon this and other occasions to call in question."