September 1, 1746

1746 September 1 (Monday).  Wrote a Letter at the fervent Desire of his Wife to Mr. John Rogers (now a soldier at or near Winchester) to inform of the distress of his Family and the Death of his Child Betty, and the sickness of little Persis. I wrote also a Number of Letters to Neighbouring Ministers to desire their Assistance at the propos’d Fast.  Lieutenant Tainter here. Kill’d my old Ram. Molly took another part of her purge, and I hope she is better. Deo Soli Laus!  A long Time of Foul Weather.  Tis not a little dull without my Dear Consort — but how is it with them who part for 5 nay 10 Times so long?  How lonely soever I am, yet how happy is She in the Embraces of her dear Pierpoint? She has so many articles to reveal and to hear that She can have little Leisure to think of what she has left behind.  But how Ardent and United were we this Day Nine Year ago! when our Nuptials were Celebrated at Mr. Pierpoints at Boston. The Lord has pleas’d to overlook the many miscarriages and Defects which we have been chargeable with since, especially my own!  and make us Mutually Blessings, and Helps to the Kin of God! O how soon the Time will come when there will be neither marrying nor giving in Marriage, but the Saints shall be as the Angels of God!

September 3, 1746

1746 September 3 (Wednesday).  Visited Mr. Hows[1] Family again, they being all ill.  Their son Benjamin also is taken.  Was at the Funeral of another of Mr. Barns’s Children and visited Mr. Cooks Family.  There heard of Madam Shirley’s[2] Death, a great Loss to our Province because of her influence with the Duke of New Castle.

[1]Parkman’s neighbor and old friend, Hezekiah How.

[2]Frances Barker Shirley, wife of Governor William Shirley of Mass.

September 4, 1746

1746 September 4 (Thursday).  This Day was observ’d by us in this Parish as a Time of Solemn Humilliation Fasting and Prayer on account of the great Mortality among us.  I Sent to all the Neighbouring Ministers, but Mr. Barrett and Mr. Stone only came. Mr. Martyn had appointed a Lecture on this Very Day, and had engag’d Mr. Cushing to preach it.  A.M. I pray’d and Mr. Stone preach’d on Heb. 3.7.8. P.M. Mr. Barrett both pray’d and preach’d: his Text, Ps. 37.2. A Considerable assembly. Some Number of Strangers. O that God would accept our Offering and answer our fervent Supplications — that He would pardon our Defects and grant an abiding Effect of his Word upon us!  May our Souls be heal’d, the Hand of God sanctify’d and when it Shall be best, the Affliction removed! May this Day be Some Suitable Preparatory for the Special Work before me tomorrow also — the Lord give Me wisdom and Instruction!

September 8, 1746

1746 September 8 (Monday).  Visited divers Sick.  Neighbour Tomlin[1] came and desir’d me to go to Mr. Chamberlins to See his little son who was near his End, they fear’d.  I went, but he had gasp’d.  I minister’d to them as I was able, in Exhorting etc. Pray’d with them and proceeded in my Visit to Meeting with Messrs. Howe. At Eve Eli Forbush borrow’d Tully’s Orations — and having heard that Mr. Barns has lost their Fourth and last Child, I improv’d Eli to go to Mr. Barns and acquaint them that Mr. Chamberlin had fix’d the Time for his Son’s Funeral to be (God Willing) tomorrow at 2 o’Clock; and that therefore they must avoid appointing their Child’s to be at the Same Time.

[1]Isaac Tomlin, Jr.

September 9, 1746

1746 September 9 (Tuesday).  I expected word from Mr. Barns’s but none came.  I attended the Funeral at Mr. Chamberlins.  N.B. Dr. Smith there, their Daughter Betty being ill.  He brought Ebenezers Hatt from Mr. Cushings.[1]  N.B. Mr. Winchester a Letter from Joshua Winchester a Soldier at Deerfield, who informs that Thomas is not well — is posted at Pelham Fort.  The Lord graciously preserve him and defend him!

[1]Reverend Job Cushing of Shrewsbury.

September 11, 1746

1746 September 11 (Thursday).  Captain Maynard here to inform me from Dr. Breck that his Sister and my son were well last Friday was Sennight at Hartford: and he tells me he Saw a Copy of a Letter Sign’d by Mr. John Norton late preacher at Hoosuck Fort[1] which informs that the French and Indians besieg’d their fort, slew Thomas Knowlton and captivated all the rest.  Read the account of Canada in six Chapters with an appendix lately published.  Thomme by the help of Nathan Maynard made Cyder.  One of my Oxen still very mischievous.

[1]Reverend John Norton (Yale 1737) was serving as chaplain to the soldiers in various forts in western Massachusetts.  At Fort Massachusetts, within the present township of Adams, Norton was taken captive, Aug. 20, 1746.  He later published the narrative of his captivity and release.  John Norton, The Redeemed Captive (Boston, 1748).  See Dexter, Biographical Sketches, 587-88.  [Was this related to John Norton, Narrative of the Capture and Burning of Fort Massachusetts by the French and Indians, in the time of the War of 1744-1749, and the Captivity….  Written at the Time by One of the Captives (North Adams, Mass., 1933; originally published 1748)?]

September 12, 1746

1746 September 12 (Friday).  Neighbour Edwards Whipple helped Thomme bring Home Two Barrells of Cyder.  Mornings have been foggy and some Days of late misty — but yesterday and to Day pleasant sunshine. Hear of Several Deaths in our North Precinct, viz. Mr. Jacob Rice[1] has bury’d one — and now Mr. Matthias Rice’s little Foster son which they Set their Hearts much upon.  Receiv’d (per Hand of Mr. Ebenezer Johnson of Southborough) a Letter from my Wife, when She was at [illegible], brought by Dr. Brown.

[1]Eunice Rice died Sept. 5, 1746.

October 13, 1746

1746 October 13 (Monday).  Mr. Bass, who had kept Sabbath with us, return’d to Lancaster, a Sober modest young gentleman, and I perceive is something observably Skill’d in the Hebrew. May God be pleas’d to make him a great Blessing in his Generation!  P.M. was at the Funeral of Mr. Edwards Whipples Daughter.  Visited his Brother Francis’ Daughter Abigail who is taken sick.  We have observ’d that the Child bury’d to Day is the 24th that has died in Town since August 23, when Mr. Cook’s first (which dy’d) expir’d.  Our Children Billy and Suse are somewhat indispos’d with Flux, but (through Divine Goodness) run about yet.  Ebenezer made Cyder at Mr. Hows.[1]  At Eve had a Quarter of Beef from Mr. Jonah Warrin.  Stormy and some snow.

[1]Neighbor Hezekiah How.

September 14, 1746

1746 September 14 (Sunday).  On Habac. 3.17.18 and p.m. repeated sermon on Mat. 10.29.30.  Mr. Jenison and Mr. Dunlop din’d here.  N.B. A Letter from my Wife (per Hand of Mr. Daniel Forbush[1]) Dated at New Haven.  Most truely welcome.  I grow not a little uneasy at their Absence.  God be pleas’d to protect both her and my son and return them in Safety!  Dull weather now and then Showers.

[1]Son of Deacon Jonathan Forbush.

September 15, 1746

1746 September 15 (Monday).  Mr. Tainter here to see my Sister and invited my Sister to spend a few Days at their House.  Mrs. Fay (Captain’s Wife) here, with a large Present, viz. a Cheese, 3 pounds Butter and Two Considerable pieces of Salt Pork.  Visited Neighbour Chamberlin’s Daughter Betty.  Had Mr. Tomlins Mare to go to Mr. Eleazer Bellows to see his Daughter Forbush[1] in her great Trouble by her Husbands Captivity and sickness of her Child.

[1]Sarah Bellows had married Phinehas Forbush.

September 16, 1746

1746 September 16 (Tuesday).  Disappointed of Lieutenant Forbush’s Horse by his being chose Jury man yesterday, I was at some Trouble to get another, to go up the Road and meet my wife.  Mr. Barns lent me his.  But Lieutenant Tainter came over with his Chaise to convey my sister to his House and I was oblig’d to accompany them and dine there.  After dinner I rode up to Shrewsbury designing to go to Dr. Brecks, with expectation of meeting my wife there; but she had come to Worcester last night (from Springfield) and was now so forward as almost to Captain Hows[1] in Shrewsbury.  I met them with much pleasure and satisfaction, for they had had the Favour of Health and success through their whole Journey.  Blessed be God!  At Mr. Bezaleel Eagers earnest Entreaty we turn’d in there to see his sick Children. One of them was near her End.  I pray’d with them and commended them to the Divine Mercy.

[1]Daniel Howe.  See Ward, Shrewsbury, p. 312.

September 17, 1746

1746 September 16 (Tuesday).  Disappointed of Lieutenant Forbush’s Horse by his being chose Jury man yesterday, I was at some Trouble to get another, to go up the Road and meet my wife.  Mr. Barns lent me his. But Lieutenant Tainter came over with his Chaise to convey my sister to his House and I was oblig’d to accompany them and dine there.  After dinner I rode up to Shrewsbury designing to go to Dr. Brecks, with expectation of meeting my wife there; but she had come to Worcester last night (from Springfield) and was now so forward as almost to Captain Hows in Shrewsbury.  I met them with much pleasure and satisfaction, for they had had the Favour of Health and success through their whole Journey. Blessed be God! At Mr. Bezaleel Eagers earnest Entreaty we turn’d in there to see his sick Children. One of them was near her End.  I pray’d with them and commended them to the Divine Mercy.

September 18, 1746

1746 September 18 (Thursday).  Fast at Mr. Jacob Gibbs’s in Hopkinton: after visiting Several sick Familys (Mr. Chamberlins, Captain Maynards, Mr. Pratts and Mr. Jonah Warrins) I rode over to those Exercises.  Mrs. Gibbs lyes in a miserable Condition by a Cancer in her Breast.  Mr. Barrett began with Prayer. Mr. Prentice[1] of Holliston preach’d on Mark 7.37.  He hath done all Things Well.  P.M. I pray’d and preach’d on Phil. 1.21.  And O that God would pardon our Defects and accept our Offerrings through Jesus Christ and have Mercy upon his Handmaid for his Name’s Sake.  As I return’d I found that one of Mr. Warrins Children[2] was dead; and the other which was sick, growing worse.  The Lord Sanctifie his holy Hand to my afflicted Neighbours and to all of us, for our great awakening; and prepare us for his holy Will!

[1]Reverend Joshua Prentice.

[2]Elisha, the son of Jonah Warrin died Sept. 18, 1746.

September 22, 1746

1746 September 22 (Monday).  I understand that the Sickness is so sore and grievous on t’other side of the Town that three lie dead in one House (Timothy Fay’s) and his Brother Silas has lost another. Mr. Martyn here to desire me to attend a Fast in their Precinct next Thursday. At Mr. Chamberlin’s sons funeral.  N.B. There are 5 Funerals this Day in Town. God be Mercifull to us miserable Sinners and prepare us for what is yet to be laid upon us! Mr. Whipple here at Evening. We talk’d of the Brest Squadron — and I Said to him, No Doubt but One Month will bring about great overturnings. N.B. Lieutenant Thomas Forbush here, and angry that his son Samuel of Upton and his wife could not be admitted to the privilege of Baptism for their Child.  Rakes up old Things in his Fathers Days, to my Sorrow, and will have it that I have pick’d his son out, etc., whereas I have endeavour’d to do nothing by Partiality. But the Lord Sanctifie this Trouble to me!

September 23, 1746

1746 September 23 (Tuesday).  Mr. Benjamin Eager, Colonel Nahum Wards Messenger, comes Express amongst us and tells me that a French Fleet were yesterday within half a Days Sail of the Light House, and a Post came to the Colonel for 500 Men out of this Regiment — and I hear that 36 are requir’d out of this Company.  We were going to plough with Lieutenant Forbush’s Cattle but I sent them back again: and Ebenezer to Sutton.  Bekky[1] borrow’d an Horse and went to Sutton also.  It is a Day of great Trouble and Distress in all likelihood at Boston; and God only knows how Soon it may be among our Selves.  May we all be suitably Prepar’d for the Divine Will in all Things!  P.M. Catechetical Exercise, but 13 present.  I read to ‘em sermon on Hos. 4.12.  At Eve I was very faint, and my feverishness greatly increas’d — but I bestir’d myself what I could.  Took up an Hive of Bees.  Was as chearfull as I could in Conversation.  Lieutenant Aaron Forbush from Brookfield, Neighbor Ebenezer Maynard, here.  But my illness increas’d.  I had no stomach, nor much rest all night — but beg Grace to enable me to repose my Self in God.

[1]Rebecca Hicks, Mr. Parkman’s niece.

 

September 24, 1746

1746 September 24 (Wednesday).  Not So ill to Day as I fear’d from So bad a Night.  Blessed be God! Our Forces mov’d down to Wards at Marlborough.  Wrote to my Brethren by Mr. James Maynard. I walk’d over to the South Road — visited Ensign Newton and others in the Neighbourhood.  N.B. Mr. Prentice rides with Captain Willard before Grafton Company, going to Boston. Towards Evening Reverend Gay of Suffield and his Wife, and Mr. Caleb Hitchcock at the Gate, but would not tarry with me.  Ebenezer return’d from Sutton.

September 25, 1746

1746 September 25 (Thursday).  Sent Ebenezer to Boston.  Fast in the North Precinct.  But before I went over I visited little Joel Maynard (son of Ebenezer) and pray’d with him being dangerously sick.  At the Fast Mr. Martyn pray’d and Mr. Cushing preach’d on Isa. 26.9.  P.M. Mr. Morse[1] pray’d and I preach’d on Rev. 6.8.  O that God would hear in Heaven his dwelling place, and when he hears forgive, Pity, and appear for his people not only on account of the Sickness but the fear’d Invasion!  N.B. Sister Willard rode with me, and my Daughter rode with Mrs. Tomlin (widow) over to the Fast.  At Eve Mr. Daniel Forbush here.  Wrote by him to Brother Samuel Parkman to Secure Sister Willards Interest among them.  Some Soldiers return from Boston.

[1]Reverend Ebenezer Morse of Boylston.

September 27, 1746

1746 September 27 (Saturday).  Little Joel Maynard ill and I visited him.  At Eve Mr. Whipple came for me to go and see Mrs. Persis Rice (wife of Eliezer) who is ill of the Same Distemper (Fever and Flux) which is so Common among Children.  At Eve also our Son Ebenezer return’d from Boston. Our Friends all well except sister Betty who is remov’d to Reading. The Town is very kind to the Soldiers. Several Small Vessells are sent out to see what Fleet it is that lies off, but they are not yet come back. So that they are wholly uncertain Still.

September 28, 1746

1746 September 28 (Sunday).  In the Morning I rode over to Mr. Martyns, and he rode hither.  I preach’d to the Second Precinct a.m. on Ezek. 5.5 to 9. P.M. on Rom. 6.13.  N.B. Several Soldiers travelling back from Boston, being dismiss’d for the present and sundry of Westborough men, viz. Billings, Jacob Rice, Paul Newton, Mr. Ephraim Allen likewise.  The 3 former at Meeting. Mr. Martyn on Mat. 10.28 and on Eccl. 7.1 latter Clause. Each return’d at Eve to our respective Familys.

September 29, 1746

1746 September 29 (Monday).  Visited Mrs. Rice and Joel Maynard who ‘tis thought is dying.  N.B. I had sent a Letter to Mr. Samuel Forbush of Upton that he night go otherwhere for Special Privileges since his Father was not well Satisfy’d with my Methods here; This brought him here to Day; but I Still Decline encouraging his coming here till there is some better Satisfaction.  Mr. Whitney here and informs that Some Vessel is come in to Boston which certify that it is a French Fleet that was discov’d and that they are turn’d in to an Indian place not far from Annapolis. Mr. Martyn here p.m. Towards Eve I was at Neighbour Eliezer Rice’s who brought up the News — he Confirms it, and that the people of Boston are very courteous to soldiers.