June 24, 1748

1748 June 24 (Friday).  Exceeding Hott dry Season.  Joseph and Ebenezer mowing and raking.  P.M. came Mr. Stephen Fay with a Warrant from Captain Edward Baker Esquire with which he press’d Joseph Bowker, my Young Man, into the service!  I went over to the Captain to see if nothing could be done to release him.  The Captain said he would do his utmost: and accordingly Sent his son to try to hire Robert Cook,[1] and he should offer him 50£.  Nay not come without him if 60£ would procure him.  I am afraid of the Temptation of too great Anxiety — but I beseech God to enable me to put my Trust in Him! and Committing all to Him, to be at Rest!  Joseph went to Lieutenant Tainters who I am perswaded would do what in him lies.  Two or Three Things made this impressing feel the worse.  Its falling out at this Season, when I cannot get any Body in his stead; and it being on Friday when I was more disturb’d: (It was So exactly when Captain Baker press’d Thomas Winchester) And when they want but one Man out of the whole Town.  My Daughter Mary not return’d from Marlborough till this p.m.  Dr. Gotts young man, Breed, and Mrs. Sally Gott rode up with her in Mr. Lorings Chair, but Breed and Sally return’d.  N.B. They inform me that Mrs. Smith was lately seiz’d with a Lethargy — and her Friends from Cape Ann are Sent for.

[1]The son of Cornelius Cook of Westborough.