July 1, 1756

1756 July 1 (Thursday).  My Kins folks had designed to have left us to Day — but I was not so well as yesterday.  (It was windy, and probably I took some Cold.  I was feverish, relaxed — appetite depraved.)  They would not therefore Spend their Time in visiting any others, nor leave me, since it was evidently very comforting and refreshing to have them here.  Only p.m. my wife and Mrs. Procter rode to Mr. Grouts and got me some Metheglin.  O that I were indeed in a readiness for the Will of God!  N.B. Mr. Procter prayed in my Family in the morning.

July 2, 1756

1756 July 2 (Friday).  It was Somewhat wet at the first of the morning, and in Some Measure discouraged my Kins folks from undertaking their Journey home: but afterwards the Sun broke out and they took leave.  John Forbush, Sent by his Father, hoed with Billy in the New Field.  N.B. Mr. Isaac Mitchel of Peterborough (above Townshend) here and dined with us.  By him I wrote a Letter to Mr. William Jones of Lunenbourg — to desire him to look up the 62 Acre Lot which I had of Lull, promising that I would see him satisfyed.  As to my own Condition, I am to day in a feverish, relaxed, and weak state, but am desirous to place my Hope and Trust in the Lord my God.  But above all, may God of his infinite mercy and Goodness, grant me inward reviving; and strength in my soul!  May the pious Example of Mr. Procter quicken me, in particular his Strictness and Steddiness in the Exercises of Devotion — his Care to avoid sin, and keep all Gods holy Commandments.

July 5, 1756

1756 July 5 (Monday).  But a.m. Mr. Manning left us to go to Uxbridge.  Mr. Moses Twitchel and Daniel Miller come to clear a piece of my Land on Mr. Nurses Road.  I hope I am a little more revived.  Yet dare not meddle much with Books.  N.B. My Cousen Trask of Sutton Sends me word of his sorrowful Bereavement, that last Thursday his dear Wife dyed.  May God Himself comfort him with those Consolations which are not small!  Billy hoes in the New Field alone.  Sarah for [this great?] while at t’other House, helping her sister Eliza, who remains weak and poor.

July 6, 1756

1756 July 6 (Tuesday).  Mr. Twitchell and Miller clearing again.  Dr. Crosby here.  Rev. Fish visits me, p.m.  I feel but weak and low yet: especially my appetite much depraved; and am Soon overcome with a little attention.  However p.m. I walked over to Neighbour Nurse’s, and returned (Blessed be God) in Safety.  Twitchell and Miller lodge here.

July 7, 1756

1756 July 7 (Wednesday).  This Day we had a Variety of Workmen.  Twitchell and Miller at their Clearing.  Neighbour John Rogers all Day mowing at the Island, and Artimas Bruce half the Day with him.  Mr. Jonathan Bellows and his son Reuben, half-hilling in my New field.  Eliza and her Child here, and her Neece Mrs. Warrin here with her.  Mr. Uriah Brigham here near Night, and informs that Dr. Gott has arrived at Marlborough from the Camp, and that Young Master Robert Breck of Springfield, is gone to Boston.

July 8, 1756

1756 July 8 (Thursday).  Mr. John Rogers worked for me a.m. mowing the West Pasture and the little Pasture etc.  P.M. Billy and he raked and carted up a Jagg from the Island.  I was in a poor, weak state, and especially my Stomach much depraved.  At Night Thunder Storm, hard Thunder and sharp Lightning and there were heavy Showers of rain; through most of the Night it held a remarkable Season.  At Eve I began to drink a Steep of Barbery Bark, and it made me very Sick and faint.

July 9, 1756

1756 July 9 (Friday).  A bright, chearfull and pleasant morning after the storm, but I am my Self, I fear, lower, and more distressed; am very sick, abhor every Edible, but endeavour to keep up my Spirits and walk about.  Mr. Moses Twitchell comes to clearing again.  Mr. Abijah Gale here and reckons.  Billy mows a little.  I am exceeding poor and Miserable at Evening.  I had sent for Dr. Chase in the Day.  He came at Night, and being perswaded by my grievous Nausea, and frequent reaching to vomit, that I have the Jaundice, I have Sent Thomas to Mrs. Kimbal of Hopkinton for her famous Remedy.  But I principally beg Grace to [Seak?] to, and depend on the Glorious God the Almighty sovereign of my Life and all my Changes.

July 11, 1756

1756 July 11 (Sunday).  Mr. Forb. a. and p.m. on Eph. 3.6 but I kept House.  Could not set at Table at noon.  Deacon Forb. and wife, Master Gardner, old Mrs. Byles besides my Children of t’other House, dined here.  N.B. a pain has to day seized my Breast, oppressive and hinders free Breathing.  Am afraid what this will end in.  But — to God be all submitted!

July 12, 1756

1756 July 12 (Monday).  Mr. Forb. left us to go to Commencement.  Sent the History of Mary Queen of Scotts to Sir Rice at Cambridge.  Mr. Wellman also here, on his Journey.  This was a dark Morning with me on account of the Increase of the Oppresing pain in my Breast, and the Increase also of my Fever: My abhorrence of Food, and my Weakness add to my Distress.  But may God enable me to resign my self wholly to him!  I sent for Dr. Chase, who came — gives me [Confactio Alkermes?], etc.  Very hot weather.  Thomas and Billy hoeing in the New Field and finished it.  Deacon Jonathan Forb. here p.m.  I was so very low that (upon his having mentioned his going to Hopkinton upon his Busness) I prayed him to go to Dr. Willson for me: which he resolved to do.

July 13, 1756

1756 July 13 (Tuesday).  Dr. Wilson came.  He judges a vomit (of Panacea Antimony) best — and perswades me to take it.  He stays to See the Operation.  N.B. I went down below to dinner and sat at Table (part of the Time).  Took my vomit about 4 p.m.  It worked Slowly, but according to Expectation, both up and down.  And I took an Anodyne before I went to sleep, committing all to God!

July 14, 1756

1756 July 14 (Wednesday).  In the morning was faint and weak indeed!  Neighbour Zebulun Rice (who was here at the time of the working of my physic) came kindly to see me this morning.  Dr. Chase came, and Seems somewhat offended that I had not told him of my Sending for Dr. Wilson.  I gave him my Reasons.  He then chearfully administered of his Druggs.  The Widow Biglow came to work here, making stays for Sarah and Suse.  Mr. Barrett came to see me and dined here.  P.M. Mr. Martyn and his Wife also.  Mr. Barrett prayed.  I gave Mrs. Martyn to understand that I wanted some express manifestation of her Husbands reconciliation to me since those terrible Letters etc.

 

In the Night Mr. Phinehas Hardy brought up for me a Special supply of Wine, Figgs, Raisins etc.

July 15, 1756

1756 July 15 (Thursday).  I had but a faint Night notwithstanding — much pained in my Knees, as well as Back.  Fear I am falling into Rheumatism.  Am faint to Day, appetite depraved.  Am Confined to the Chamber.  Mr. Noah Rice and his son Bacon here from Commencement.  Likewise Mr. Hall.  Mr. Wellman the last dined here; and brought me Theses and Questiones.  Capt. Baldwin dined here also.  He is going to Brookfield.  Thomas and Billy begin to hill the Corn at the Island, and finish it.  At night Came Mr. Robert Breck of New Haven College and his sister, Mrs. Lois, with Rev. Mr. Josiah Whitney of Pomfrat, from Boston in their way to Springfield and lodged here.  Dr. Chase to see me a.m.

July 16, 1756

1756 July 16 (Friday).  In the morning, though poor and weak and somewhat Rheumatic in my Knees, I went down below to Breakfast and prayer with the Company and Family.  Dr. Chase just stept in, judges my Fever abated in some Measure, and yet I am many ways grievously Exercised; my right Knee, my right Eye — I find it necessary to put on a Blister at Night, that if it may please God I may have Ease from my Rheumatick Pains.  Coll. Williams of Marlborough came in at Eve.  Deacon Bond also visited me; likewise Lt. Thomas Forbs. wife.  I am humbly waiting the will of God especially His gracious manifestations for the Refreshment of my inner Man.  Little Sophy ill also.

July 17, 1756

1756 July 17 (Saturday).  My Blister was well drawn, but the Effects are, apparently, but Small on the Side of Success, as yet.  The Pain in my right Knee is very afflicting.  A favour that little Sophy is playfull again.  Lt. Tainter brings a Load of Wood, and kills a Calf for us.  Our Orchard field was Sowed yesterday when My sons began to plough and Hill the Indian Corn there, and to day partly work there (Thomas but a Spell, a.m.) and secure part of the Hay in [of?] the Home Lot.  N.B. I went down to dinner with my Family, but it was with great Difficulty, my stomach being much against the Food, which yet was very good and entertaining to all who were in any Health.  O may I see, and be conformed to the Hand of God upon Me!  P.M. to my great Joy came my Brother Samuel Parkman from Boston to see me, and Mr. Forb. with him.  Towards Eve Mr. Barrett came, and Mr. Forb. is to go to Hopkinton.  Mr. Barrett and my Brother lodge here.

July 18, 1756

1756 July 18 (Sunday).  Mr. Barrett preached here, a.m. on Ps. 73.26, last Clause.  P.M. on Ps. 17.14, those words, “who have their Portion in this Life.”  I sat with them at Dinner but could not go to Meeting.  Dr. Chase here; leaves me some Lavender only; I having many sorts of Drops and Drugs already.  Rheumatism abates so little that I put on another Blister on (the same) Left Arm.  My Eyes are still Strangely affected — the Balls and up above them in Pain.  N.B. Mr. Barrett read the Proclamation for a Fast and Mr. Jotham Death’s Letter, desiring Contribution.  Mr. Barret left us at Eve.  N.B. Mr. Williams kept his Horse.

July 19, 1756

1756 July 19 (Monday).  Notwithstanding my Blisters, my Rheumatism increases — Seizes the thick part of my right Thigh.  I am also more feverish — can’t bear to sit at Dinner, yet try, and worry it out.  God be merciful to me a Miserable sinner, under His holy Frowns!  Son Forb. returns from Hopkinton or his Fathers, and sets out for Brookfield.  Mr. Moses Twitchel mows at Newton Meadow.  Billy mows at the Island.  Thomas a while.  P.M. My Brother Samuel left us and went to Hopkinton.  P.M. Mr. Asaph Rice visits me.

July 20, 1756

1756 July 20 (Tuesday).  Through the Divine Goodness I had a more comfortable Day — freer of Pains, and from the Nauseating Food.  I eat better, but did not venture down to dinner with the Family.  Mr. John Frost, employed by Mr. Moses Twitchell, works for me in the Newton Meadow.  Dr. Chase steps in.  P.M. Esq. Baker came to See me, as did Mr. Smith of Marlborough, who prayed with me.  Mr. Francis Whipple and Neighbour Eliezer Rice came likewise.  The last agrees to Serve me in Carting my Ministerial Meadow Hay.  I feel better this p.m. than I have done a good while.  I would heartily praise God for it!

July 21, 1756

1756 July 21 (Wednesday).  Had not so comfortable Night — a.m. less lively, and more feverish than yesterday.  Such is the will of God that I have my ups and downs.  Yet as to my Circumstances many Things are chearful.  Mr. Twitchell works for me in taking Care of the Hay.  Mr. Barachias Morse and Francis Pierce mow in the Ministerial Meadow, but especially fourteen Hands, great and small, came and hilled my New Field of Corn behind the Meeting House.  They were Lt. Tainter, and his son Benjamin (with their lad Enoch Biglow), Ensign Harrington, Messrs. Solomon Woods, Zebulun Rice, Jonathan Grout, Amariah Thurston, Joseph Pratt, James Bowman junior, Isaac Miller, Eli Whitney, Elisha Forbush, John Forbush, Joseph Bond.  I would take a grateful Notice of this Favour in Providence.  Nigh Evening came Mr. William Crawford.  This was to my great Ease and Comfort.  Sent his Horse to Neighbour Barny Newtons, to be kept.  Two Load of Hay home from Newton Meadow.  My Wife very much exercised with pains, daily.  The Doctor steped in to Day also.  I marryed Samuel junior to Abigail Forbush.  Dr. Wilson visited me and with him Deacon Burnap.

July 22, 1756

1756 July 22 (Thursday).  Publick Fast on Account of our undertaking against Crown Point.  Mr. Crawford preached a.m. on Hos. 6.6.  I went to Meeting — D.G.  And prayed after sermon.  P.M. I prayed before sermon.  Mr. Crawford preached on Deuteronomy 23.9.  I hope I got no Cold, nor received any Harm.  The Lord hear and accept the Addresses; pardoning our many Offences; and may the word delivered have a proper Effect!

July 23, 1756

1756 July 23 (Friday).  Messrs. Barachias Rice and Martyn Pratt came to work in Ministerial Meadow.  Thomas and Billy go to raking in Newton Meadow.  Mr. Crawford returned home.  I feel but poorly still — can’t read or write any Time together but hope I grow stronger in the Main.  D.G.  Mrs. Bulah Bent of Marlborough came to see us and dined here.  She rode with me in my Chair (mended by Neighbour Zebulun Rice) to the Funeral of Mr. Richard Barns’s Child, which I attended, though with much Difficulty.  Mrs. Bulah tells me I may improve her Meadow and welcome.  When I returned home, found Mr. Stone and his Wife here.  This was a refreshing Visit.  He prayed with me before he left me.  Thomas and Billy brought home a Jagg of Hay from Newton Meadow with Neighbour Abner Newtons Team.  Neighbour Morse lodges here.

July 25, 1756

1756 July 25 (Sunday).  I felt not so well as Some Days I have.  But considering the doleful state of the Flock when there is no Minister, I ventured out both a. and p.m.  Repeated a.m. sermon 1 on Jer. 31.18.  P.M. repeated sermon 1 on Mat. 12.20.  Having taken all the ways to favor and strengthen my self that I could, I was not overmuch worried or Spent with the services.  But I cant say I took no Cold, for at night I was Seized again with Rheumatic Pains, chiefly my right Arm and right Knee.  But the Will of the Lord be done!  May his Word which we have heard savingly profit us!  And May these Providences so afflictive and trying, prove Spiritually advantagious, through the divine Concurrence!

July 26, 1756

1756 July 26 (Monday).  Have had a sad Night, being exercised with strong Pain, especially in my right Knee.  Put on a Blister this Morning — but may I, above all, look to God for Relief!  For I am in His Hands, to smite or heal.  Thomas and Billy mowed in Ministerial Meadow, and p.m. Capt. Wood of Hopkinton and His Wife, made me a kind Visit.

July 28, 1756

1756 July 28 (Wednesday).  Had a very distressing Night.  The Blister has little apparent Effect.  Dr. Chase to see Me.  He sends me Balsam Polychris.  Send to Mr. Asaph Rice per Ensign Harrington.  Begin to be seized in my Left Knee.  But it is the Lord!  P.M. Moses Twitchel and Noah Hardy mow in Newton Meadow.

July 29, 1756

1756 July 29 (Thursday).  Had a yet more distressing night Still, in profuse sweating, and faintness — had little sleep — so that I am brought low.  Dr. Chase here; he leaves me a portion of Rhubarb which I am in doubt about taking.  My Wife still very lame.  Billy is poisoned and can do no Work.  Mr. Moses Twitchell and Joseph Pratt Securing the Hay at my Meadow.  A little after noon I took the Rheubarb, and it worked about 3 times — hope it had a good Effect.  P.M. Neighbour Elizer Rice and my son Ebenezer brought each of them a Load of Hay from Ministerial Meadow, which finishes the Haying there for this year, being 6 Load.  Mr. Twitchel brought up one Load from Newton Meadow, and stacked a little more than a Load in the Meadow.  Toward Night Dr. Wilson called in to see me.  It was most seasonable and agreeable, for I had tryed to send for him this very Day.  He advises to take Elixir Camphoratum, 20 or 25 Drops, Early Morn, and 11 a.m.  N.B. Esq. Baker brought the Doctor for his son Joseph; So that riding this way he called in.  Mr. Twitchell and Jos. Pratt lodge here.

July 30, 1756

1756 July 30 (Friday).  Very heavy Rains — especially a.m.  I had not such Colliquative Sweat last Night, as the Nights before, but perhaps owing to thinning the Bed-Cloths: and am apprehensive my Rheumatism is still making progress into other Joints.  Each Heel is Somewhat affected as well as my left Knee — at night my right Foot most.  Brother Forb. came to bring me a Remedy for my Rheumatism, viz. Piony-Oak to be steeped in West India Rum.  4 Spoonful per Day.  P.M. his Son Daniel and several Others visit me.  They enquire about the Nature of Moral Assurance.  Probably they have reference to Mr. Forb. late sermon which gave some of them Disgust.  N.B. Mr. Asaph Rice sends me word that he can’t come the Next sabbath but will endeavour to the Sabbath after.

July 31, 1756

1756 July 31 (Saturday).  Great Rains this Morning also, and hold to p.m.  My right foot full of pain.  Right Shoulder, and right Hand, remain lame, weak and pained.  My left Knee, which was full of pain yesterday easier to Day.  D.G.  I am able, with much striving, and distressing Pain to rise from the Bed, and walk a little — this I have almost every Day.  I am so weak I dare not draw another Blister.  I begin to take of the Elixir Camphoratum.  Capt. Maynard made me a kind Visit.  Mrs. Biglow, stay-Maker, having finished her Work and received her Pay, p.m., returned home.  The Pain of my Foot and of my right Hand is So increased that we are forced to venture another Blister.  This is the 6th Since my illness began.