Author: Anthony Vaver

1746 June 5 (Thursday).  Mr. Breck^[1] of Springfield here and din’d with me.  Cold Season.

^[1]The Reverend Robert Breck, Jr.

1746 June 6 (Friday).  Mr. Appleton^[1] and with him Mr. John Wendall^[2] of College here.  The north Company train’d. I pray’d with them.  At Eve Mr. Appleton, etc. went down with me to Captain Maynards.  The Expedition to Canada Engrosses all Conversation.

^[1]The Reverend Nathaniel Appleton of Cambridge.

^[2](Harvard 1747).

1746 June 7 (Saturday).  Mr. Appleton and Mr. Wendall to Worcester.  P.M. refreshing Rain and Moderate Thunder.

1746 June 8 (Sunday).  On Tit. 2.12, and p.m. repeated on Acts 13.36. Mr. Miller din’d with us.

1746 June 9 (Monday).  Noah Forbush^[1] here who gives me a distinct account of the Skirmish with the Indians at No. 4 last Saturday was fortnight when 5 Englishmen were kill’d, one wounded, and one carry’d away Captive.  N.B. Noah was in the hottest Engagement, and broke through the Indians though in a Lane, and 70 Rod from the Fort.  So memorable the Goodness of God towards him that he got in Safe.^[2]  N.B. Though the Thunder last Saturday was So Moderate here, yet at Mr. Joseph Wheelers an Horse was kill’d.  Training of the South Company and I din’d with the Officers at Captain Fays.^[3]

^[1]Son of Aaron Forbush of Westborough.

^[2]“We hear from No. 4. of the Narragansett-Townships, that on the 24th of May past, four Men were killed by the Indians; another was dangerously wounded, and two more are missing. . . .”  The Boston Weekly News-Letter, June 5, 1746.

^[3]John Fay, a deacon of the Westborough church.

1746 June 10 (Tuesday).  Rainy. My Cattle grow very troublesome by breaking in upon my Corn, whilst Ebenezer and Thomme were gone a fishing.  Mr. Eliezer Rice hobbled my Ox which was the Ringleader in the Mischief. At Eve Mr. Ebenezer Rice here and whilst he wants Privileges in the Church discovers to me the great Disadvantage his Character had been brought under by Lydia Pratt of Grafton.

1746 June 11 (Wednesday).  Brother Hicks from Cambridge tells me they are in a way of settling the Affairs at Mother Champney’s.

1746 June 12 (Thursday).  Preach’d to Young Men from Jer. 46.10 former part, but herein us’d Sermon 3 and 4 on Isa. 61.2.  Though the Subject was very moving yet there were but few to hear. O that God would quicken and awaken up all of us!

1746 June 13 (Friday).  James White and Robert Cook^[1] here; they with Some others going out to the Frontiers.  May the Lord Sanctifie them and protect them.  Thomas Winchester here at Evening to desire he may not begin with me at the Time agreed for, but may take Care of Mr. Abraham Temple’s^[2] Work and Affairs for a while, he being come out in the Troop, to the Frontiers.  Out of compassion therefore I yielded to a Weeks Delay.

^[1]Son of Cornelius Cook of Westborough.

^[2]Of Marlborough.

1746 June 14 (Saturday).  The Sow missing yesterday and this morning — at length found by the Side of a great Pine Logg in the Hill, with Ten Piggs.  P.M. a Storm of Thunder and rain: but bore away to the South, and south East. Reverend Mr. Smith here requesting me to go to Worcester in his Stead, but I could not well go.  He proceeded to Shrewsbury.

1746 June 15 (Sunday).  Rest of Sermon on Acts 13.36, and p.m. on 2 Tim. 2.3

1746 June 16 (Monday).  Mr. Smith of Marlborough was here, and din’d with me.  P.M. I went to the Funeral of Mr. Eliezer Rice’s Child.^[1]

^[1]No record of death in Westborough Vital Records.


1746 June 17 (Tuesday).  My Wife and I were purposing to Visit Mr. Martyn and his, but Mr. Buckminster^[1] with his spouse came a.m. and din’d with us, but we prosecuted our Design.  At Mr. Martyns were Mr. Goss^[2] and his Wife, and Mr. Martyns Landlord and Landlady Sawyer.  I beg of God that the Correspondence which I now settle may be for his Glory and our mutual good, and that of the Societys respectively under our Care!  At Eve when we return’d home my wife was ill, and full of Pain.

^[1]Reverend Joseph Buckminister [that is, Buckminster], minister of the First Congregational Church in Rutland.

^[2]The Reverend Thomas Goss of Bolton.

1746 June 18 (Wednesday).  Hard Thunder in the Morning but it did not seem very nigh, and accompanying it was a great Storm of Rain.  Mr. Cushing here and is desirous that instead of preaching a Lecture to his young people I would preach the Lecture Preparatory to the Sacrament among them.

1746 June 19 (Thursday).  Preach’d at Shrewsbury Lecture on Rom. 6.13. Yield yourself to God.  N.B. Not many at meeting.  There was a Training yesterday and another to be tomorrow — besides that it was good weather for Business after much hindrance by the late Rains.  N.B. Captain Caleb Johnsons^[1] House was greatly wreck’d by the Thunder Yesterday Morning and the Lives of the Family marvellously Spar’d.  N.B. Lieutenant Stone^[2] came to Speak with me about my Letter, lately Sent to Mr. Cushing in which it was Suppos’d I severely check’d the Young Society there for their undutifulness to their pastor.  I had prepar’d an Answer and deliver’d it by Lieutenant’s Hands.  At Eve when I return’d to my own House I found there Mr. Elisha Whittlesey of Wallingford and Mrs. Sara Noyes^[3] of New Haven who lodg’d here.

^[1]Of Shrewsbury.  Ward, Shrewsbury, p. 336.

^[2]Isaac Stone was at one time selectman of Shrewsbury.

^[3]Wife of the Reverend Joseph Noyes of New Haven.

1746 June 20 (Friday).  Rain a.m. held up p.m. After Dinner our Company went off.  Sorrowfull News that Benjamin Tainter is either kill’d or Carry’d away Captive, by the Indians who have besett Massachusetts Fort at Hoosuck.

1746 June 21 (Saturday).  About 10 o’Clock at night comes Mr. Thomas Marsh^[1] from College to request me to go to Worcester to preach in Mr. Stevens’s^[2] Stead.  The Circumstances of the Case being Singular (as he related the matter with regard to both Mr. Steven and himself) — though he had undertaken to come, yet it was only to Exchange with Some Neighbouring Ministers, and if I could not he must go to Mr. Cushing or somebody for he could not preach there himself.  I told him Mr. Cushing preach’d there but last Sabbath and Especially I know Mr. Cushing could not go because it was his (appointed) Sacrament.  As to his being so late in his Journey, the President and Fellows sat upon an affair of some Difficulty till one o’Clock, and after that he had to dine.  I at length consented to go, and

^[1](Harvard 1731).  Tutor of Harvard College.  Sibley, IX, 67-70.

^[2]Benjamin Stevens (Harvard 1740) was later minister of Kittery, Me., 1751-1791.  Sibley, X, 535-539.

1746 June 22 (Sunday).  In the morning I rose so Early as to ride a mile from home before sunrise. Got to Worcester about 7 o’Clock.  Preach’d all Day on Gal. 2.20. N.B. Colonel Chandler, who came up last night, confirms the News which Mr. Marsh brought that the Duke of Cumberland is Slain in Battle against the Rebells at Inverness.  Din’d at the Colonel’s. Supp’d at Dr. Brecks. Rode back to Mr. Cushings at Eve and lodg’d there.

1746 June 23 (Monday).  Home Early. Mr. Marsh not gone.  Thomas Winchester was to have come but did not till nigh noon, and I had sent the Oxen home which I had order’d to be got together to cross our Ground by the Settle.  It prov’d Rainy also, So that Thomas could do but little today. Pamela which Colonel Chandler lent to Molly.

1746 June 24 (Tuesday).  We cross’d the foresaid Ground with Neighbour Tomlins, Neighbour Hows and my own Oxen and Mare.  Yet ‘twas somewhat Rainy. Mr. Samuel Forbush of Upton here to be Examin’d. Mrs. McAllister and Mrs. Dowsing here, would have Dismissions from our Church.

1746 June 25 (Wednesday).  Thomas and Ebenezer Hoaing and Mowing.  They finish’d the Second.  The first good Day for Hay that has come.  I visited Lieutenant Tainter^[1] and his Family in their Distress for Benjamin, who, as they conclude, is carry’d away Captive by the Indians.  Captain Maynard brought old Christian (Squab Widow of George Misco) from Grafton to dwell at his House.  Frequently bad news respecting our poor Englishmens Sufferings in the Indian Wars.  We hear of another Skirmish at No. 4, and that a Trooper Shot himself with his own Pistol.  Lieutenant Hezekiah Ward here at Evening.

^[1]Deacon Simon Tainter.  [Correction: Tainter was not elected deacon until 1757.]

 

1746 June 26 (Thursday).  Thomas and Ebenezer Mowing: a good Hay Day.  P.M. Mr. Martyn here. After School Mr. Jenison.  At Eve I walk’d to Captain Maynards to See Old Christian.

1746 June 27 (Friday).  Rain a.m. Considerable Hay lyes expos’d.  P.M. held up.

1746 June 28 (Saturday).  No School yesterday or to Day.

1746 June 29 (Sunday).  On 2 Tim. 2.3, a. and p.m. N.B. Lieutenant Tainter receiv’d a Letter from Aaron Warrin at Fort Pelham informing and Certifying of the onsett of the Indians on Hoosuck or Massachusetts Fort, and killing or carrying away Benjamin Tainter.  N.B. Captain Thomas Steel, one that has Beating Orders for Canada, at meeting here.

1746 June 30 (Monday).  Journeyed to Boston. Din’d at Mr. Patersons in Sudbury with Sir Williams.  Sir Bass my Company from thence to Roxbury. Lodg’d at Brother Alexanders who marry’d Mrs. Rebecca Jarvis on the 5th Day of this Month.

1746 July 1 (Tuesday).  Visited my (only) Sister Willard, who through divine Goodness is better, and talks of going to Westborough with me.  Din’d at my Kinsman John Parkman’s. At Eve to Cambridge. Mother Champney but weak and feeble. Brother Hicks at work there.

1746 July 2 (Wednesday).  At Commencement.  Along with the Governor were Admiral Warrin^[1] and Sir William Peperell.  Every Body rejoic’d at the refreshing News of the Defeat of the Rebels in Scotland, and the Taking the young Pretender Prisoner.  P.M. the Joyfull News Confirm’d by another vessell with Duplicates of the Letters lately receiv’d by the Governor respecting a Squadron of English Men of Warr and Troops about to sail from England for Canada Expedition.  Thus God mixes Mercy with Judgment, and makes us, though unworthy, to rejoice one Commencement after another.  At Evening again heard something sorrowfull so Checker’d our State.  A Lad was drown’d as he went into Water to Day.  Brother Samuel Parkman lodg’d with me at Mother Champneys.

^[1]Pepperrell and Warren had just returned from Louisburg.

1746 July 3 (Thursday).  My Brother rode with me to Boston.  Some of us who are Heirs to our deceas’d Mothers Estate were inclin’d to be together to Day to prepare (as we Should be able) for a Settlement.  But Brother Alexander was not ready with his account So that it was prevented.  Receiv’d one of Mr. Edwards’s Books at Mr. Green’s^[1] for which I pay’d 28 Shillings Old Tenor.  Din’d at Brother Parkmans.  At Eve my sister Willard and I rode to Cambridge where we lodg’d.

^[1]Timothy Green, the printer, of Boston published a number of the works of Jonathan Edwards.

1746 July 4 (Friday).  My Sister rode Home with me.  We Stopp’d at Mrs. Bekky Walkers, at Dr. Robys^[1] and at Wards Tavern.  Got up somewhat after 2 p.m., they having din’d but little before.  N.B. John Hicks junior and Mrs. Molly Whittemore here before us.  They went to Sutton. After them came Dr. Breck and Mr. Colton^[2] Schoolmaster at Springfield, who at Eve proceeded to Worcester.  N.B. Both Companys of Foot together this Afternoon.  Lieutenant Hezekiah Ward beats up for Volunteers.  Thomas Winchester trains p.m.  N.B. Mr. Hastings^[3] of Shrewsbury and Mr. Sparhawk^[4] of Sutton in Company.

^[1]Ebenezer Roby, the physician of Sudbury.

^[2]Jonathan Colton (Yale 1745) was later the missionary for the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel for Hebron and vicinity.  Dexter, Biographical Sketches, II, 35-36.

^[3]Daniel Hastings.

^[4]Joseph Sparhawk.

1746 July 5 (Saturday).  [No entry.]

1746 July 2 (Wednesday).  At Commencement.  Along with the Governor were Admiral Warrin^[1] and Sir William Peperell.  Every Body rejoic’d at the refreshing News of the Defeat of the Rebels in Scotland, and the Taking the young Pretender Prisoner.  P.M. the Joyfull News Confirm’d by another vessell with Duplicates of the Letters lately receiv’d by the Governor respecting a Squadron of English Men of Warr and Troops about to sail from England for Canada Expedition.  Thus God mixes Mercy with Judgment, and makes us, though unworthy, to rejoice one Commencement after another.  At Evening again heard something sorrowfull so Checker’d our State.  A Lad was drown’d as he went into Water to Day.  Brother Samuel Parkman lodg’d with me at Mother Champneys.

^[1]Pepperrell and Warren had just returned from Louisburg.

1746 July 7 (Monday).  Lieutenant Hezekiah Ward, surveyor, came at my request to look up the Bounds of the Ministerial Meadow.  Warn’d Mr. David Maynard junior, Eliezer Rice and James Maynard of it, and they each of them attended upon it.  Heavy rains beat us off when we had Spent but about one Hour.  We retir’d to Dinner: and met again p.m. At about 1/4 after 3 we finish’d the Lines of the 10 Acres, and with some Conversation upon the 3 Corner’d piece laid on upon the South Line towards the Spring of Water; and the northeast Line taking in Some of what Mr. Maynard has been wont to mow, we parted.  A Storm of Thunder, Lightning and Rain arose before Night.  N.B. Lieutenant ask’d me 20 shillings for his work.  Without Saying much to him he took up with 14.  Mr. Whittlesey^[1] of Wallingford and Mr. Williams (junior)^[2] of Longmeadow here whilst I was at the Meadow.  Mr. Jenison keeps school again.  Molly return’d Pamela volume I to Colonel Chandler by Mrs. Lucy Stearns.

^[1]Reverend Samuel Whittelsey (Yale 1705), the minister of Wallingford, 1708-1752.  Dexter, Biographical Sketches, pp. 40-44.

^[2]Stephen Williams, Jr. (Yale 1741), later the minister of West Woodstock, 1747-1795.  Dexter, Biographical Sketches, pp. 695-696.

1746 July 8 (Tuesday).  Thomas etc. Hilling my Corn.  A Boy from Mr. Wadsworth of Grafton to buy Cyder of me.

1746 July 9 (Wednesday).  Captain Maynard comes for Thomas to go into the Service.  Offers to send his own Young man a fortnight in his stead if he be willing to go then. To which he Consents if he can’t get anybody else.  Old Mr. Axtel of Grafton dines here. Very Hot.