June 28, 1745

1745 June 28 (Friday).  Thomas work’d for Mr. Chamberlin till noon, when Ensign Bruce came along with him home, having press’d him in his Majesty’s Name to go up to the Western Frontiers.  Somewhat Surpriz’d at Such a sudden and unexpected Turn, I had my Horse, left my Studys and Business and rode with the Ensign over to the Captain, who after a great deal of arguing told me that it was done out of Favour and regard to me, for that unless the young man be Secur’d he would soon Escape, and neither the King nor I Should have any Benefit from him.  But I could not but Conceive that if that had been the Case the Affair would not have been carry’d on with all manner of Tokens of carrying him off, and no private hints given me of the Design, but every way oppressive to me under the Weight, nor merely of my private, but of publick Business.  I mention’d over the Young men of the Neighbourhood that might better have been pitch’d upon than Thomas — and though I was willing to bear my part — a public Calamity yet could by no means conceive it to be my place to suffer as yet in this way.  We broke off with his assuring me he should be releas’d upon his promising him to Stick to my Business and not run away if there Should be further Occasion for young men and Necessity obliging them At Length to take him.  I din’d there.  P.M. The Company train’d and beat up for Volunteers — but without success.  In the North Company Captain Maynard pressed his own son or young man Merodach, [illegible] Lieutenant Forbush’s son Noah and Ensign Rice’s son Joseph.  The last hir’d Silas Pratt to go in his sons stead.  N.B. An Exceeding, great Storm of Thunder and Lightning (which rose among us) prevail’d as it pass’d into the East and the brightest rainbow follow’d.  N.B. I saw Deacon Mirriam of Grafton going to Concord with an Horse for Mr. Whitefield.  N.B. At Evening Joshua Winchester was press’d.  He was of them I nam’d when I mention’d over the Neighbourhood but I added I thought it might not do to take one out of that but I did not remember that they had one Son already in the Kings service, viz. Samuel gone to Cape Breton: for then I should have endeavour’d to have him excus’d.