1777 October 13 (Monday). Went to Deacon Woods and got his Horse. Rode to see the widow Fay who is Sick; and dined there. Rode to Mr. James Bellows’s and Mr. Broads (at the Mills). Was at Widow Bakers, who is, with her Brother Josephs wife, very generous to me. But my principal Design was at old Mr. David Maynards, whose wife is very ill. Prayed there. At Eve read Dr. Whitakers Sermon on Judg. 5.23, “Curse ye Meroz,” etc.[1] Hannah is in much bodily Distress — extreme low — besides cough, a very smarting Pain in her side — and is grown raw with lying — complains that she has not Assurance, can’t pray Steddily — her Cough very bad, but what is special is, she is much weaker. Little Alexander has been ill these two Days with bad Cough and sore Throat. Was Vomited this morning.
[1]Nathaniel Whitaker (1732-1795), An antidote against Toryism. Or The curse of Meroz, in a discourse on Judges 5th 23, by Nathaniel Whitaker D.D. Pastor of the Presbyterian congregation in Salem, state of Massachusetts-Bay. Published at the desire of many who heard it. Dedicated to His Excellency, General Washington (Newbury-Port: [Mass.] Printed by John Mycall., MDCCLXXVII [1777]).