1736 March 10 (Wednesday). Variously taken up with Visits and Business. At Mr. Fennels[1] (Bookseller) Shop — Dr. John Perkins[2] there. He informs me that many in Town are sick of the Kingston Distemper,[3] and that more dye of it than a while agoe — however (through Divine Mercy) no proportion to what have dyed at the Eastward. N.B. I was pritty much Diverted and Chearfull at Eve, at Cousin Clarks particularly. But yet I felt considerable of Sore Throat which was increased as I went through the Sloppy streets to my Brother Elias’s; and it prevailed as the Night grew old. But with a [illegible], emollient application I Slept well, through the Goodness of God.
[1]Mr. Fennel, bookseller
[2]Dr. John Perkins (1676-1740), Harvard 1695; SHG, 4:264-66.
[3]Parkman was undoubtedly familiar with reports of the outbreak of diphtheria in Kingston, New Hampshire. See Boston News-Letter, Aug. 21 and 28, 1735; Boston Gazette, Aug. 25, 1735; New-England Weekly Journal, Aug. 26, 1735.