1780 January 27 (Thursday). As the Flax aforesaid hung before the Fire, notwithstanding the Distance it was placed at, a Coal was snapped out from the Fire, and began immediately to burn in it, which had it occurred last night, while we Slept, what would have been the Event! All hearty Thanks to our great Preserver! Elias is gone again with the Cattle today to break and shovel the Road. Mr. Andrews and Mr. Gale, generous to them, have got to the crotch of the Road, below Mr. William Wood’s. The northern Neighbors have tryed to plough their Road today. I read Lord Chesterfield’s Letters.