June 17, 1754

1754 June 17 (Monday).  Sundry Neighbours, viz. Mr. Jonathan Warrin, Daniel Hardy, Phinehas Hardy, Solomon Woods, and Ebenezer Rice junior, Samuel Harrington, Jonathan Bond, Moses Nurse’s Boy little Ebenezer came and gave a lift in Weeding my little Field by the Barn.  The Precinct Met (among other Things) to See whether Mr. Jonathan Forbush Should retain his Right in the Meeting House Seating, if he Conveys his Right in the Pew which he drew for me, equal to what he would have had if he had done nothing about said Pew.  They sent for me — upon Esquire Bakers informing me in the middst of them that the Money for the Pew must be immediately paid, I insisted to have a just Title convey’d to me I would See to the answering it — Upon its being intimated that they wanted the money forthwith and maybe I could not pay, I answer’d that although this precinct, as a precinct had paid me their Dues (that is, with regard to Sallery) yet this Body, namely as Members of the Town were yet indebted to me; and that as much or more than the Pew came to.  Lieutenant Bruce answer’d Sharply, and coarsely, asking me with great Anger Why I Up[b]raided them with this?  Whereas I spake of my just dues only when forc’d to it, and with all Meekness in my just Defence.  But I soon retir’d from them and would not stay to contend with them.