1747 April 16 (Thursday). Early in the Morning Mr. Goss and I rode to Mr. Seccombs,[1] and breakfasted there. N.B. brought from thence several books — Seldons Table Talk:[2] Warders Monarchy of Bees[3] etc. And from his Garden Box trees and a Variety of Curious Graffs etc. Din’d at Mr. Goss’s (his wife gone from home) — call’d to Mr. Martyns (who was gone afishing). Return’d home in Safety my Self through Gods tender mercy. But whilst I was abroad heard Sorrowful Tidings of the Indians assaulting the Garrison at Saratoga, and they kill’d and carry’d off Captive 40 Soldiers — and at Kenderhook kill’d and Captivated 11. N.B. Jonathan Maynard worse — visited him this Evening. At home whilst I was at Lancaster, a large promising Steer coming 2 years old, for which I had lately got a mate of Mr. David Maynard, was drown’d at a meadow where my Young Cattle went to feed.
[1]The Reverend John Seccomb of Harvard.
[2]John Seiden, Table-Talk (London, 1689). Numerous editions followed, one as late as 1892.
[3]“Joseph Warder, The True Amazons, or the Monarchy of Bees (London, 1713). This went through 8 editions by 1749.