1778 January 22 (Thursday). Town Meeting to consider the Articles of the Confederation of the United States. A Committee meet here for my Advice. They were Messrs. Abijah Gale, Chairman, Samuel Forbush, Phinehas Gleason, Hannaniah Parker, Dr. Hawes, Lieut. Thomas Bond, Capt. Fisher, Messrs. Eli Whitney, Joseph Harrington, and Breck Parkman. At Eve came Parkman Bradshaw from Stoughtonham, who informs that this Morn deceased at Walpole, the Rev. and Pious Mr. Philips Payson of a Fistula in Ano. May God grant I may be duely affected with these repeated Instances of Mortality, of such Persons especially! Mr. Daniel Nurse here at Evening and acquaints me with the sad Condition of his sister Rebecca and wants I should go to her as soon as I can conveniently, though she is frequently out of her Head. I told him that it was difficult Weather he must not expect me; but it would not hinder my Praying for her (which he desired). And we thus left the Matter.