March 8, 1738

1738 March 8 (Wednesday).  Cold, windy Day.  Visited old Mr. Thomas Forbush.  My Kinsman (accommodated with Mr. Francis Whipples Horse) rode with me to Shrewsbury.  N.B. Mr. Cushing gone to Lancaster.  N.B. A Meeting of the Proprietors of the Houssatunnoc Township No. 3[1] at Captain Daniel Hows.  And on Consideration of my paying 15£ I was admitted into their Society.  N.B. The peculiar Friendliness of those who were Westborough Members, and especially of Mr. James Miller, who in a Singular manner espoused my Cause.  The remaining Right (of the Seven that were to be disposed of) was sold to the highest Bidder for 26 10s.  Late in the night when we got home, and very Cold, but through the Goodness of God we got home Safe and well.

[1]Later the town of Sheffield, Mass.

March 13, 1738

1738 March 13 (Monday).  It was a Day appointed to get Wood for me, but the Depths of the Snow prevented Captain Eager and his Neighbours.  But Captain Warrin and his Son Jonas came with a good Strong Team, and Neighbour Aaron Hardy and his Boy, Samuel Forbush (son of the Ensign) and Charles Bruce, and in the afternoon John Rogers and John Bradish came; and they got me a good Pile, 10 very large Loads, though it was heavy, troublesome Stirring and but one Team.

March 14, 1738

1738 March 14 (Tuesday).  A.M. John Rogers with their Oxen and mine sledded stones from the Chimney of the Old House, but the Rain prevail’d upon us in so much that we were beat off before noon.  N.B. Lieutenant Holloway[1] brought News from my mother, Brother, etc., with Flower, etc.  N.B. Mr. Wheeler here.  Talk of Jason again.

[1]William Holloway of Westborough.

March 19, 1738

1738 March 19 (Sunday).  On Eph. 5.22.33.  N.B. So ill a Night last that when I awak’d in the morning I concluded I Should not be able to go to meeting.  But Samuel Forbush came with an Earnest Request  from his dying Grandfather that I would step down to him.  I rose, and wrapping up well I ventur’d, pray’d with him, etc.  As the Day rose I grew more lively, and by Divine Favour I got through the Exercises.  N.B. Mr. Samuel Mason[1] of Stonington din’d and Supp’d and lodg’d here.

[1]Descendant of Captain John Mason of Pequot War fame.

March 27, 1738

1738 March 27 (Monday).  Captain Abraham Williams[1] here and din’d with us.  P.M. My wife and Kinsman, with Captain Williams and me, rode to Cousin Winchester, who had lately lain in, and leaving my wife, we rode to Grafton.  But Mr. Prentice was gone to Cambridge.  Captain Williams, in returning, continued his Journey to Marlborough, but we stay’d So long at Cousen Winchester as to sup.

[1]Parkman’s brother-in-law of Marlborough.