October 23, 1771

1771 October 23 (Wednesday).  I went from Capt. Clarks to Dr. Wilsons, and So from thence to Mr. Stone’s to attend the Funeral of his Daughter.  In my way my young Horse Stumbled and I fell, my left Foot was so under the Horse as to hurt me much: but through divine Goodness, he did not roll over me.  Blessed be God for this Deliverance.  I dined at Mr. Stones, as did a Number of Ministers besides.  Miss Joanna was better, and among us.  I prayed at this Funeral also.  Messrs. Smith, Mat. Bridge, Sumner, Josiah Bridge, and Dr. Parker and I were Pall-Bearers — and 4 young men under Bearers.  I understand that Drs. Hemingway, Parker, and Curtis had opened her, and found an Obstruction between the Colon and Rectum; by which means there had not been Vent for 28 Days.  They drew up an account of it for the publick.  [See the first page of the supplement to the Massachusetts Gazette, 31 Oct. 1771, for what Shipton calls “a remarkable account of the autopsy.”]  I returned at even.  Alexander and his Wife had been here yesterday in their return home to Leicester.