1736 September 4 (Saturday). A very Melancholly, distressed House. Elias[1] much worse. I perceived his Mouth and Throat to be exceeding bad — a great Bladder or Tumor upon his Swallow. Fever very Strong. His Mother very low. The little Girl (his sister) confined also by her sore Throat. Before I left the Town Brother Elias appeared in great Distress by his sons growing still worse — light-headed and confused. Our Mother was very ill also at his House. We parted with heavy hearts, yet confiding in the tender Compassion of our Merciful heavenly Father. I rode to Cambridge and then to Capt. Samuel Jacksons where I found young Mr. Smith, Mr. Swan and Mr. Wakefield upon their Journey upward. Mr. Swift rode as far as his Brother Robys.[2] The rest of us dined at Mr. Baldwins. Mr. Swan and Mr. Wakefield accompanyed me home and kept sabbath with me.
[1]Elias Parkman (1718-1751), Harvard 1737. SHG, 10:223-24.
[2]Ebenezer Roby (1701-1772), Harvard 1719, physician of Sudbury, m. Sarah, dau. of Rev. John Swift (Harvard 1697) and sister of Rev. John Swift, Jr. (Harvard 1733). SHG, 6:336-39.