1779 January 26 (Tuesday). Mr. Elisha Parker here a.m. on the Same Business, of the Singing Lecture — to write to Mr. Sumner etc. but I answered him as I did Capt. Fisher yesterday. P.M. Deacon Wood. here — brought a large Spare Rib, advised with him ab’t Singing Lecture and he approved of the Steps proposed. Mr. Peter Whitney, his Wife and Child, also Mr. Hammock, came over in a Sleigh to visit us, and N.B. Mr. Daniel Forbes was here, tarrying after the Company and gave me great Disquietment about the Support of my Family, what number in it they were willing to maintain, and what not — that 300 and my wood was an honorable sufficiency etc. But it was too apparent that he was put out of Humour by my consulting him about my advising the Singers to invite the Choristers to lead in the proposed plan of the Singing Lecture. For he said those men had been too much courted already, and had conducted but indecently towards the Singers; so that they did not deserve such respect to be shown them. On the other Hand, I conceived it would be most prudent in me, in time of so much Difficulty, to advise to a Method that must needs be most conciliating, and prevent further Complaint. May God graciously impart the Wisdom that may be profitable to direct, under such trying Circumstances.