February 8, 1745

1745 February 8 (Friday).  I Solemnly committed to God the Business and Affairs of the Precinct this Day — and besought the Divine Direction in the drawing up my Thoughts which the precinct had desir’d Me to Send them.  I drew them up and Sent them by Mr. Abner Newton (one of the Committee).  N.B. Captain Maynards Company together afternoon and I pray’d with them.  No one ‘listed.  The Precinct Met also this afternoon, by adjournment.  N.B. Those who excepted against the Notification (as above) would not attend.  At Eve Deacon Newton and Mr. Francis Whipple, Deacon Forbush, Mr. Abner Newton and others came to my House, and Deacon Newton Said that the Precinct had not appointed a Committee to wait upon me, for it was growing nigh Dark, but they desir’d their Moderator and Clark to come and give me an Account of what they had done, and they were now come accordingly.  And then he desir’d Clark Whipple to read the Votes which had been pass’d that Day; who comply’d and read that the Precinct had voted £55 of New Tenor money (not Soldier money) to be my Yearly sallery from June 5 next — and that in Case the Meeting House be mov’d about 3/4 of a Mile from Me, that then the Precinct pay me £500 old Tenor.  Upon which they dissolv’d the Meeting.  It appear’d to me to be of God that they were so ready to provide for me, as the last meeting they were so universal in their Desire of my Continuance.[1]  At Eve Brother and sister Hicks from Cambridge who inform that Father Champney has been ill, but is better.  That Mrs. Suse Champney[2] dy’d at Hingham, etc. etc.

[1]See DeForest and Bates, Westborough, 131.

[2]Susanna was a cousin of Parkman’s first wife.