December 26, 1778

1778 December 26 (Saturday).  An extraordinary tedious Time.  Cold, blowing, snowing.  How invaluable the Mercies I enjoy.  I am through great goodness, in health, Habitation, Cloths, Food, Fewel: my son and Timothy etc. tend the Fires, the Cattle, get Wood and Water etc.  But how many are at this  time exposed to terrible Hardships, both by land and Sea!  May God extend pity to the miserable poor — to Sailors, to Soldiers, to Teamers abroad and their destitute Families at home!