Month: October 1776

1776 October 1 (Tuesday).  We left Mrs. Gibbs and rode to Watertown in quest of Mr. Stephen Hall of Sutton who took the Charge of Elias’s Chest and an Oval Table, to be carryed to Cambridge.  Found him, but the Chest etc. were left at Waltham.  We went to Cambridge.  Put the Horse and Chaise under the Care of Mrs. Hicks.  Viewed the Chambers appointed for my son.  Hastings there and they rode to Waltham and brought the Chest and Table which Stephen Hall took care to get brought there.  Dined with Dr. Langdon.  P.M. Sought for a Bonds man.  Walked through the late Entrenchments and Barracks.  Visit venerable Dr. Appleton.  At Eve Cousen Thomas Barrett is bound with me to the Steward — and I pay the Steward 5 Dollars — Upon which he signs the Receipt, and I return [it to] the President who signs the Admittance.  Visit Mr. [Hall?], one of the Tutors, where I also had Mr. Guilds Company — who is another of the Tutors.  Lodge at Mrs. Hicks’s.

1776 October 2 (Wednesday).  Having Settled an Agreement with Hastings and paid all that was due, having breakfasted at Barretts, and called at Mr. Cushings at Waltham, I hastened to Concord and dined with my Son Samuel.  P.M. Visit Dr. Minot — Mrs. Emmerson, who had lately lain in, her Husband also gone to Ticonderoga, where he has been Sick; and a man is gone with an Horse to help him in returning home.  At her and her Mother Emmersons request, I prayed with them.  At Eve visited aged Master Minot.  Lodged at my Son Samuels, where was also Mrs. Carter and her Daughter Cary, of Newburyport.

1776 October 3 (Thursday).  I rode thence to my son Williams who was gone to Newport, Rhode Island.  In returning to Westborough dined at Mr. Weeks in Marlborough.  The Coll. and his Wife were gone a Journey.  Stopped at the widows Gale in Westborough by reason of Amsden Gales Death in the Army.  Before I got home I prayed at the Funeral of old Mrs. Sarah Forbush who dyed on the 1st of her Cancer. When arrived here received several Letters from my Son Moore.  Was informed of Sundry Persons having been here.  As, not only my Grand Daughter Betsey Baldwin (whom I met in her way to Concord) but Joshua Winter, Parkman Bradshaw, etc.  Mrs. Harrington, our nearest Neighbour was (after Several Days Distress) delivered of a Son, to our great Joy — and would praise God for it!

1776 October 4 (Friday).  Having no Body to help me, my Business abroad has miserably Suffered.  No Rowing cut — Bushes unmowed, the few Apples are lost: no plowing done, and yet keep Oxen, Mare and plough, for want of an Hand to take hold of it!  Almost no Wood; but no Body to go and fetch [more?].  Have 34 Pound of Beef from Mr. Barnabas Newton, at 18d.  P.M. Mr. Sumner came to See me.  Wants a printed Account of Mr. Ely who is troublesome at Templeton and otherwhere.  Dr. Eliot Sends a Girth borrowed in his Journey to Fairfield; it was a Trifle only: but with it [torn] Catalogue, 8 vo. and a Letter, containing serious and religious [blot] on the Times; which grow still more gloomy.

1776 October 5 (Saturday).  Mr. [blank] [Gleason and?] his Wife of Leicester (nigh to my son Alexander) were here and dined after us.  Wrote by them to Kezia about sending home my Cattle.  Breck returned from Uxbridge, where he has been at the Inoculation Hospital.  Has had the Small Pox on [the?] Method, and is Recovered, through the Goodness of God and is come home in Safety.  D.G.  I visited my near Neighbour Mrs. Harrington, the first time Since her lying in: and may God be praised that both she, herself, and her little son are so comfortable!

1776 October 6 (Sunday).  Preached a.m. on Ps. 2.8.  P.M. on Prov. 28.14, latter part.  Deacon Wood here after Meeting.  Shews me a Letter from his son John in the Army nigh New York.  Elijah Brigham here and tarrys with us over night.  Wrote to Mr. Grosvenor Receipt from Mr. Thomas Barretts Wife, to cure his Hoarseness.

1776 October 7 (Monday).  Wrote to Elias at College by Mr. B. Tainter junior and Sent a Number of Articles also by him.  Rev. Mr. Ebenezer Grosvenor and his Wife called here in their Journey home from Pomfret and Grafton.  Ride about for Help but in Vain.

1776 October 8 (Tuesday).  Catechized at the Meeting House — had 50 Boys a.m., 20 Girls p.m.  Read the History of Louisiana, Vol. 2.

1776 October 9 (Wednesday).  Mr. John Ball, being Spoke to by Breck, dug potatoes in the Beeton Field.  Three young Women had visited here, but Sophy this Morning sat out with Elijah Brigham, for Ashburnham.  Near Night came Mr. Ezra Carpenter and lodged here.  Mr. Joseph Hardy desires me to Visit his Father.

1776 October 10 (Thursday).  Mr. Carpenter leaves us to go to Providence.  I rode to Mr. Phinehas Hardy’s, he being very ill of the [Phthytick?], a Fever attending.  Discoursed with him.  Dined there.  Prayed there.  Visit at Mr. Twitchels and Benajah Brighams.  Then rode to Mr. Silas Warrins at Grafton in search for a few Barrells of Cyder, but unsuccessful.  Returned by Mr. Jos. Grouts and Capt. Jonathan Fays.  My Kinsman Josh. Winter from Gloucester, lodged here.

1776 October 11 (Friday).  Wrote to Alexander by Mr. Ware.  Mr. Simeon Rice goes with him.  Their Wagon is loaden chiefly with strong Liquors.  My Cousen Winter goes to Brookfield.  N.B. He says Mr. Forbes lives in Mrs. Saunders House and has marryed her.  P.M. James fetched a Barrell of Cyder from Capt. Jonathan Fay’s, which he said he should ask Nothing for.  At Eve received a Letter from Elias per post.

1776 October 12 (Saturday).  Mr. Constantine Hardy came hastily with an Horse for me to go immediately to his Father who is conceived to be near his End.  I went with him — found Mr. Hardy beyond conversing — he was [blot] we prayed.  He expired [illegible] afternoon in his 73d year.  I dined there.  We eat the Bread of mourning.  He has left 12 grown up Children.  P.M. I rode to Mr. Childs, called at several [Neighbours?] — particularly old Mr. Pratts, who is grown [better.  When I returned?] I am much out of my Element inasmuch as I cant compose new preparations for the ensuing Sabbath; having had so many other Employments, Interruptions, Avocations, and Cares this last week.

1776 October 13 (Sunday).  I preached a.m. on Isa. 28, expounding and glossing on the whole, as heretofore.  P.M. on Eccl. 12.7 on occasion of the Death of Mr. Phinehas Hardy: and on this morning dyed Mr. Stockwells little son Anson, nigh 5 years old.  May a gracious God over look what has been amiss and Succeed His own Work!

1776 October 14 (Monday).  Attended the Funeral of Mr. Hardy, prayed with the people and after that rode down to Mr. Stockwells Childs Buryal, prayed with them and went to the Grave.  Not only the hoary Head, but blooming, youthful Beauty, is laid in the Dust.  Col. Levi Brigham and his Wife make us a Visit.  The Subject Breck and Suse’s Union in Marriage.  My Son Samuel from Concord.

1776 October 15 (Tuesday).  Samuel goes to Providence.  I rode to Association at Marlborough.  It is turned into a Fast on Account of the public Troubles.  But neither Mr. Stone nor Mr. Goss were there.  Mr. Smith was not able to perform any of the public Service.  Mr. Biglow prayed and Mr. Bridge preached on Zech. 14.6.7.  P.M. Mr. Whitney Prayed, and I preached.  My Text Isa. 64.1-7.  Mr. Newell prayed after my sermon.  May God most gracious accept our Offerings and answer our prayers!  I returned at Eve.

1776 October 16 (Wednesday).  A Letter from Mr. Cushing and wrote an Answer — both by Mr. David Maynard junior.  Deacon Wood, Mr. Solomon Baker, Mr. Nathan Maynard with others came p.m. and cut up and brought my Indian Corn.  At Eve the Deacon went home, but gave us Cyder for the Huskers at Supper, who, Men and Boys, amounted to 14 only.  In the dark I fell into an Hole, and sorely wounded my Self, so that I could not Sleep.

1776 October 17 (Thursday).  Sent a Letter inclosing 3 Dollars more and therewith Linnen, viz. two shirts, and a stock, two pair of stockings, a Looking Glass and a Box containing 4 1/2 Dozen Candles, by Mr. [Tainter?] to Elias at Cambridge.  The Husking was not over.  It was unhappily wetting weather, though not very rainy.  I read part of Mr. John Cleveland against one Murray [that?] has in[illegible].

1776 October 18 (Friday).  I visited Several Families in the South East Corner.  Dined at Mr. Ithamar Bellows’.  Went to See Solomon Estes, who lies under a broken, but new sett Bone, at Mr. Ezra Baker’s.  By Desire I prayed there.  Visited old Mr. Chamberlain, called at his Son Ebenezer’s likewise by reason of the News that Joshua is taken prisoner by the Regulars at N.Y.

1776 October 19 (Saturday).  Went to See Mr. Eleazer Pratt in his low Condition and prayed with him: and further into that Neighbourhood to buy Cyder, being necessitated thereto.

1776 October 20 (Sunday).  Preached a. and p.m. on Gal. 1.15.16.  May God bless it to us all!

1776 October 21 (Monday).  Undertook a Journey to Ashburnham, where I have not been for a Number of years.  Was forced to Stop at Beetons for Horse-shooing.  Bad News from Lake Champlain by Stephen [Badlem?], Captain of the Artillery, that our Fleet is shattered.  I dined at Mr. Whitneys, Northborough.  P.M. to Lancaster.  Drank Tea at Mrs. Wilders (Widow of Col. Caleb).  Lodged at Mr. Harringtons.

1776 October 22 (Tuesday).  Mr. Harrington rides with me — first to Mr. Quincy’s, and then further accompanyed me 3 or 4 Miles.  I dined at Mr. Gardners at Leominster.  N.B. Col. Wood of Stow, with his Wife and son there.  P.M. prosecute my Journey, and meet with Mr. Paul Langdon from Winchester, who confirms the bad News from the Lakes, that our Forces by Sea are defeated.  A Letter has come from General Gates to Capt. Alexander to hasten his militia forthwith.  Arrive at Ashburnham at Eve.  Found My Children, and theirs well.  D.G.  But I was troubled with a Pain in my back.  May the Lord pity me!  But especially May the Lord pity His People in the great Distress!

1776 October 23 (Wednesday).  Arose refreshed and comfortable.  Blessed be God!  Am happy in the Enjoyment of my Children and their blooming entertaining pratlers.  Read Some of Mr. Grove’s sermon.  Viewed the Farm etc.

1776 October 24 (Thursday).  Mr. Cushing and I took a Ride to Mrs. Winchesters, where were Apples worthy to be distinguished.  Din’d at Squire Wilder’s; but he was not at home.  Viewed and admired, his Chamber and Garrett of Indian Corn, which were an entertaining Sight.  In returning to Mr. Cushings I called at Mr. Overlocks, and at Deacon Fosters.  How calm and still these Regions are, compared with the tumultuous Seats of War!  The Lake Champlain and Environs; New York etc.

1776 October 25 (Friday).  I took leave of my Children and Sophy accompanys me as far as Lancaster; we had a comfortable Time of it.  But N.B. We called at Mrs. Winchesters who was very ill and full of Pain by Rheumatism — of her I borrowed Dr. John Morse’s Serm. Vol. 1.  On the Road overtake One Morse and his sister in Law, from Otter-Creek: he relates the same bad News.  We called also at Mr. Paysons where we dined, at Mr. Gardners, where we were agreeably entertained.  Reach Lancaster at Evening.  Sophy went to the Widow Wilders.  I repaired to Mr. Harringtons where was Mr. Quincy, who was waiting for my Coming.  We Supped and Spent the Evening together with mutual Delight and Profit, as I humbly hope; and I lodged there also.

1776 October 26 (Saturday).  In the Morning went to Capt. Greenleafs (where Mr. Quincy lodges) and received a Volume of Sir William Temple’s Works, which I have borrowed of Mr. Quincy, and promise to Send him that judicious Writers Essays.  I thence went to Mrs. Wilders, who regaled me sumptuously.  Made an early Dinner on Salmon etc.  Left Sophy there with the young Ladies.  N.B. wrote from thence to Mr. Goss of the next Ministers Meeting to be at his House — and came to Mr. Barny Bailys — Mr. Jotham Maynards and delivered him the 40/ L.M. which I had of Capt. Maynard and made a memorandum of it on the Brim of my Hat.  Called at Mr. Whitneys in my hasting home.  Here arrived in Safety and Joy, finding my Family all well, as God had upheld me through the Journey, and no Evil has befall’n me; but have been favoured with moderate Weather, though so late in the Year — for all which Goodness and Kindness of a gracious God I desire to praise His Name, and would look upon my Self as under peculiar Obligations to glorifie Him, as I have engaged, by His Grace to do.  N.B. My Grandsons Ebenezer and Elias, the wife also of the former, from Brookfield, were here last Tuesday, and went from here this Morning.

1776 October 27 (Sunday).  As I could not prepare any new Sermons, I preached a.m. the Remainder of the Discourse on Gal. 1.15.16, Suited to the Solemnity of the Lords Supper, which I administered and may God graciously accept!  A Considerable Number of Grafton people were with us.  Capt. Brooks and his Wife dined with us: as did Master Joseph Hall (Son of Rev. Mr. Hall of Sutton) who is come to keep our school; Mrs. Maynard and Miss Katy [How?] of Marlborough and Miss Suse Brigham.

 

P.M. I preached on 1 Sam. 4.13 as most accommodated to these unhappy Times.  N.B. We have a Rumour, that Every other man of the militia must now be sent for to go to Ticonderoga.

1776 October 28 (Monday).  I visited old Mr. Eleazer Pratt again, and prayed with him.  Also old Mr. Nurse.  Was at Mr. Childs and Mr. Reuben Maynards.  Dined at Capt. Brooks’s (though unexpectedly) with Mr. Grosvenor.  N.B. A Sick Lad of Capt. Kimbals his Name Elijah; his Age 7, his Disease a Consumption.  We prayed together.  I went to Capt. Witherbys about two young Creatures that are yet left at Ashburnham.  Was at Mr. Nathan Banisters — at Dr. Crosbys, at Mr. Joseph Knowltons, and at Mr. Gershom Brighams.  Neither were all these all the places I went to this short day.

1776 October 29 (Tuesday).  Simon Crosby, going to Cambridge calls for Linnen and Letter to Elias.  Mr. Grosvenor, his spouse and Sister Chloe, also his Brothers son Ebenezer and Daughter Lucy, dined here, on their Journey to Scituate.  I mentioned to him my hearty Willingness (with my people’s Consent) to afford him help in preaching a Day for him, Deo Juvte.

1776 October 30 (Wednesday).  Breck goes to Boston — but by the Way of Concord and Cambridge.  I sent by him to Dr. Langdon “the Master Key to Popery”: and a Letter to Mr. Moore to the Care of Col. White, Representative for Rochester.  Write to Col. Baldwin at Ticonderoga.

1776 October 31 (Thursday).  Was chiefly taken up with the writings of the Elegant Sir William Temple.  Thus ends this month — Fugit Hora sine [mora?]!