1745 March 1 (Friday). Orders having Come to the Captains of the Companys in this Town last Night, to Beat up to Day again for Volunteers to go to Cape Briton the Companys were together, p.m. Colonel Nahum Ward and Lieutenant Willard[1] (from Lancaster) came. After prayer I went down to Captain Maynards, at his urgent Request. But no man ‘listed in this Town. A.M. Mrs. Martha Warrin here — took her Relation from her Mouth.
[1]Moses Willard.
1745 March 2 (Saturday). At night came a storm of Snow; but not so bad as last Year just before Sacrament. The Lord give me strength and Assistance!
1745 March 3 (Sunday). Sacrament. Preach’d on 1 Tim. 6.2. Those Words, Partakers of the Benefit. Mr. Jenison did not Stay to Communion. Said he was not very well. I told him I expected him to have communicated. He din’d with me as did also Deacon Forbush and Deacon Newton. Deacon Fay did not. P.M. Repeated sermon on Isa. 1.20. At Night Very much Tir’d in Body, and much disquieted in my Mind, having had but too lifeless a Time of it. The Lord in much Mercy Pardon, and quicken me! N.B. Captain Tainters[1] (of Watertown) Daughter Rebecca here. N.B. Only Mr. Matthias Rice (of Men I think) from the Northside at Communion, though a pritty good Day for Stirring.
[1]John Tainter.
1745 March 4 (Monday). Though I have had Such a fine wood pile got me, yet I am very much without Loggs. Sent to Neighbour Ebenezer Maynard who came up, with his Brother Nathan and their Oxen and Sled, who, having Cut the Chief of them (and adding my Oxen) got me down 3 Turns of Loggs. The Town met. Deacon Forbush and Captain Warrin came to me from the Town to desire me to pray with them. Mr. Whipple (after Prayer) came to me and deliver’d me a Letter from my Aged and venerable Mother (writ by my Kinsman Elias) complaining of too long neglect, and informing me of Sister Dorcas’s[1] low State. N.B. Our Affair upon which the Committee went down from the Town to the General Court, labours much and goes from House to House, and is undetermin’d. Ebenezer went this morning again to South School, having been taught by me Last Week. N.B. Lieutenant Tainter talks with me about a Chaise that he has bought with some View to me.
[1]Parkman’s sister-in-law, Mrs. Samuel Parkman.
1745 March 5 (Tuesday). I visited Mr. Thomas Billings and Family, and din’d with him. Visited also Mr. John Oake and Wife, talk’d with them again touching their owning the Covenant. Rode up to Mr. Asa Bowkers,[1] and thence I proceeded (Major Keys[2] my Company from thence) to Mr. Cushings, His little Daughter Molly (a Second Molly) being bad with the Throat Distemper. As I return’d at Eve, I call’d at Captain Maynards, the Captain going to Boston Early tomorrow morning. N.B. Mr. Francis Whipple. N.B. Talk of Justice Baker[3] (our New Justice) his judgment of the first Warrant for Precinct Meeting on this side the Town (which was issued out by Esquire Nahum Ward and directed to Constable Abner Newton) that was defective and all that has been done by Vertue of it (of Consequence) invalid. N.B. Brother Hicks[4] and Mr. Barnard[5] of Sutton din’d with my wife. By my Absence I could not see them. N.B. John Hicks junior has ‘listed to go to Cape Briton.
[1]Of Marlborough.
[2]John Keyes of Marlborough.
[3]Edward Baker, Justice of the Peace for Worcester County.
[4]John Hicks, formerly of Westborough, Parkman’s brother-in-law. Benedict and Tracy, Sutton, 660-661.
[5]Isaac Barnard.
1745 March 6 (Wednesday). Mr. Morse[1] of Shrewsbury here in his way home from Mendon etc. Mr. Dodge[2] of Brookfield here at the Same Time. And by and by Mr. Patteshall in his Journey from Killingley to Cambridge — But he soon went off with Mr. Morse.
[1]Rev. Ebenezer Morse of Boylston.
[2]Francis Dodge.
1745 March 7 (Thursday). Catechiz’d a. and p.m. at the Meeting House. 40 Boys, but 10 Girls. I know not whether the Private Meeting this afternoon might not be some reason for so small a number. N.B. Molly had a Ride to Cramberrying [sic] with Mrs. Thankfull Rice.
1745 March 8 (Friday). Fine Weather. I was induc’d to have Something done at Gardening. Mr. Jonas Warrin of Upton here to be Examin’d in order to his joining with our Church.
1745 March 9 (Saturday). Captain Maynard, who came up from Boston last Night, brings Me Brother Samuels Mournfull Letter of the Death of his Wife,[1] on Monday Eve last, about 6 o’clock. The Lord Awaken all of us to a due Sense of his holy Will! May He be very gracious to those more immediately Suffering under So Sore a Bereavement. And may we all be quicken’d to and assisted in all due preparation for our own Decease! Sister Dorcas had been long languishing and wasting, and much Confin’d from Publick Ordinances but I have learnt Nothing of the State of her Mind. N.B. Small pox Said to have been at Boston.
[1]Dorcas (Bowes) Parkman died March 14, 1745.
1745 March 10 (Sunday). Greatly Unprepar’d for public Service (as I am any Sabbaths) — go to my work but very dully; my mind crowded with the Composing of my sermon. Preach’d a.m. on John 27.3, but could not do justice to so grand and important a Subject. P.M. Repeat’d the remainder on Isa. 5.4. Mr. Jenison din’d with us, as did old Mrs. Byles[1] and old Mrs. Whipple,[2] and Mrs. Rebecca Tainter of Watertown. Exceeding high Winds.
[1]Widow of Captain Joseph Byles.
[2]Mrs. Francis Whipple.
1745 March 11 (Monday). A Letter at Eve by Captain Maynard from Mr. Smith[1] of Marlborough again requesting me to preach his Lecture. N.B. Benjamin Whipple[2] and Nathan Maynard[3] here to desire that Some Neighbouring Minister might preach to their Society, which I very freely consented to.
[1]Rev. Aaron Smith.
[2]Son of Francis Whipple of Westborough.
[3]Son of David Maynard, an early resident.
1745 March 12 (Tuesday). I rode a.m. to Mr. Grouts, by whom I sent a Letter to Brother Samuel Parkman, Mr. Winchesters, Mr. Thomas Whitneys and Mr. Eleazer Pratts. Din’d at Home. Mr. Jonas Warrin here again on his Examination. See the Eighth Day. My Wife ill and in Pain from Day to Day, yet keeps about for the most Part. We are waiting the Will of the Sovereign God.
1745 March 13 (Wednesday). A Storm of Snow. My Wife grows very bad. No possibility of gratifying Mr. Smith in his Lecture: nor does he indeed Deserve it, having Twice Disappointed me, by engaging me to preach, without appointing the Lecture or Sending me Word, So that I went, once part of the way, and the other time wholly to the House expecting to preach, but behold! there was no Lecture appointed. But I am ready to forgive the Injury; and was very much upon going to Day were it not for my wife’s Circumstances — and the Storm. Yet I wrote a Letter to give him word and Committed it to Captain Maynard for Conveyance. My Wife gave us the Alarm. I hasted to old Mr. Maynards and got Nathan to go for Mrs. Forbush,[1] who was brought. Nathan went also for Divers other Women. We got as many together as were needed, before or by 12 o’Clock. By Gods Power and Mercy my wife was deliver’d of her Third but my Sixth Daughter, being my Ninth Living Child about 1/2 past 2 o’clock. The Glory be to God! May We who are the Instruments of its Natural be under God, of its Spiritual Birth! And may the Lord yet magnifie his Mercy to His Handmaid and recover her to Health and Strength again! Nor We be unmindfull of God’s Goodness or of our Obligations to Him therefor! The Women assisting to Mrs. Forbush were the following — viz. old Mrs. Whipple, Mrs. Rogers, Mrs. Maynard, Mrs. How, Captain Samuel Forbushs and Lieutenant Aaron Forbush Wife’s. Our Eating was over before Night — prayer also — and Thomme began to carry Home the Women, though some of them tarry’d in the Evening whilst others were returning. But Granny Forbush tarry’d all Night.
[1]Widow of Thomas Forbush. She often served as midwife.
1745 March 14 (Thursday). My Wife and Infant Child very Comfortable. Pleasant, warmish Day after the Storm. Mrs. Forbush carry’d Home by Thomme. May others in the Town experience (where they need it) the like Mercy and Power of God that we have done!
1745 March 15 (Friday). Brother Hicks (who has been at Cambridge Some time and whom we concluded to have gone Home) return’d, and brings the Sorrowful News that my Honoured Father in Law Mr. Samuel Champney departed this Life on the eight instant and was bury’d on the thirteenth. May we mark the perfect man and behold the upright, for the End of this Man in peace! O what an heavenly mind; what Hours together Spent with God, what a Contempt of the World, what Concern for the true Interests of Religion and of the Land, what value for the truely Godly and pious — was discernible in this worthy Person, above most! May I, and all nearly related have Grace to imitate his Excellent Example in those Respects!
1745 March 16 (Saturday). One Mr. Daniel Hubbard of Suffield here with Flax. Noah How came p.m. to raise up the west part of my red Fence which had been blown down by the late high winds, but he did not finish it.
1745 March 17 (Sunday). A.M. Preparatory to the Solemnity of Dedicating my young Child I preach’d on Ps. 51.15 and p.m. on Gen. 17.7. It was baptiz’d by the Name of Susanna. God grant his Covenant may be with me and mine. Messrs. Winchester of Brookline sons of old Captain — din’d here. Mr. Jenison not at Meeting. Mr. Martin[1] preaches to the North Precinct.
[1]John Martyn, later the first minister of Northborough, 1746-1767.
1745 March 18 (Monday). Mr. Martin made me a kind visit, and din’d with me. Mr. Jonas Warrins wife from Upton here and examin’d. Divers neighbours to see my wife — who, and the Child, are very comfortable and Strengthen apace. D.G.
1745 March 19 (Tuesday). Mr. Cushing here and din’d with me. N.B. The Committees of Each Precinct running the precinct Line. Captain Robert Goddard of Sutton, the Surveyor. P.M. I went to Deacon Tomlins,[1] who is under much Affliction and under many Temptations by reason of his being included in the North Precinct Line. I had much, and Earnest Discourse with the Deacon against the Baptists, whilst he entertain’d favourable Thoughts of their Tenets. I gave him affectionate Caution in such a Day of Temptation, and Strong Exhortation to Steadfastness, etc. His son Mr. Elisha Newton there — who was my Company to Bezaliel Eagers. In returning Mr. Ithamar Bellows with me. At Eve Captain Maynard brought Captain Goddard to see me, who tarried all Night.
[1]Isaac Tomlin of Westborough.
1745 March 20 (Wednesday). Captain Goddard return’d to his work, in running the Line. I rode over to Visit Mr. Barrett[1] — in my way I call’d at Mr. William Pierce’s[2] — Understanding that Mr. Dunlop had gone away clandestinely to Ship for Cape Breton. I visited his wife who was in great Distress for her Husband and two Sons. I din’d at Mr. Barretts. I return’d him his Henry vol. 5.[3] N.B. Major Jones there. In returning I call’d at Mr. Tainters where I view’d a Chaise which he had bought with a View to me, but I conceiv’d it too much worn, yet determin’d nothing.
[1]Rev. Samuel Barrett of Hopkinton.
[2]Of Westborough.
[3]Matthew Henry, Exposition of the Old and New Testaments (London, 1710), 5 vols.
1745 March 21 (Thursday). Preach’d at Shrewsbury Lecture, Preparatory to the Communion, on Cant. 1.4.
1745 March 22 (Friday). Could not get to writing my preparations for the Sabbath till this Morning, to any purpose; and then with too many Burdens, Cares and Avocations. Heavy Showers and extreme high Winds. I was not a little concern’d on the account of Such of the forces as have sail’d for Canso,[1] the place of Rendezvous.
[1]In northeastern Nova Scotia, opposite the shore of Cape Breton Island.
1745 March 23 (Saturday). The Winds very high still; white flying Clouds. My old Barn so weak, and continually Cracking, is in Danger.
1745 March 24 (Sunday). A.M. on Gen. 17.7. P.M. on Ps. 91.1. Mr. Jenison and Granny Forbush din’d with me. Mr. Jenison Supp’d and lodg’d with me. N.B. Propounded Mr. Jonas Warrin and Lydia his wife, for full Communion. N.B. Mr. Dunlop with me after meeting with various Spiritual Distresses.
1745 March 25 (Monday). In the Morning walk’d with Mr. Jenison to Merchant Rices. Was at Captain Bakers[1] — and at Abner and Deacon Newton’s. This Last Consider’d me on account of the Towns being so long prevented being assess’d, and so the Rates for my Sallery and Support suspended — he paid me 5£ old Tenor. N.B. One David Dunsmore of Wrentham here. Bought a very large Deer Skin of him. P.M. Mr. Thomas Goodenow and Mr. Elijah Rice’s wife here. In the Eve Mrs. Hephzibah Maynard. Heard that Mr. Seth Rice is so oppress’d with being forc’d into the North Precinct that he has mov’d his Family and stock out of it, and Deacon Tomlin is also preparing to build in this Parish.
[1]Edward Baker of Westborough.
1745 March 26 (Tuesday). Heard that Ensign Josiah Rice has mov’d out of the North Precinct into this, by means of his Uneasiness. Mr. Willson came to work. Mending Hearths and Jamms. At his Instigation I sent Thome up to Mr. Hastings[1] of Shrewsbury for Lime to whitewash but succeeded not.
[1]Daniel Hastings.
1745 March 27 (Wednesday). Rode to Mr. Samuel Fays to see his Wife again who is in her Confinement and expecting the Hours of Travail. Proceeded to Mr. Gershom Brighams and din’d at Mr. Joseph Knowltons: with whom I agreed to take his Son Nathan (who is about 11 Years of Age) for a Twelve Month, feeding, Clothing and instructing him. In returning home Colonel Williams[1] of Marlborough in pursuit of a maid, overtook me, but could not visit his sister. N.B. Precinct Meeting to choose Precinct Officers. Mr. Belknap here with Me most of the afternoon. At Eve rain’d very hard. Mr. John Stow here. His Horse left him and tarried all Night.
[1]Abraham Williams.
1745 March 28 (Thursday). Mr. Stow finds not his Horse. I went to Mr. Barns and obtain’d of him to wait upon Mr. Stow with his Horse — to Marlborough, but he chose to go o’foot. Windy and Cold. P.M. I visited Mr. Daniel Forbush’s wife, who had been long Confin’d — but Somewhat to my surprise found She was brought to Bed, and has a fine son. Visited Mr. Millers[1] son Solomon whose Leg was lately broke by a Log. Was at Mr. James Fays who went with me to see Mr. Timothy Warrin who had a few Days Since, a Fit of Nervous Convulsions: and had another ill Turn last Night.
[1]James Miller.
1745 March 30 (Saturday). One Young, a Taylor, Travelling to Norwich, here. Our Young Child very sore Mouth. Ebenezer brought Samuel Bakers Relation.
1745 March 31 (Sunday). On Gen. 17.7. I am full of Hopes God was pleas’d to make the Sermon a Means of Good to the souls of Some. P.M. on 2 Cor. 6.2. Mr. Jenison, Mrs. Tainter and Mrs. Child din’d here. N.B. a most pious and Religious Proclamation for another Fast.
