Author: Anthony Vaver

1746 September 16 (Tuesday).  Disappointed of Lieutenant Forbush’s Horse by his being chose Jury man yesterday, I was at some Trouble to get another, to go up the Road and meet my wife.  Mr. Barns lent me his.  But Lieutenant Tainter came over with his Chaise to convey my sister to his House and I was oblig’d to accompany them and dine there.  After dinner I rode up to Shrewsbury designing to go to Dr. Brecks, with expectation of meeting my wife there; but she had come to Worcester last night (from Springfield) and was now so forward as almost to Captain Hows^[1] in Shrewsbury.  I met them with much pleasure and satisfaction, for they had had the Favour of Health and success through their whole Journey.  Blessed be God!  At Mr. Bezaleel Eagers earnest Entreaty we turn’d in there to see his sick Children. One of them was near her End.  I pray’d with them and commended them to the Divine Mercy.

^[1]Daniel Howe.  See Ward, Shrewsbury, p. 312.

1746 September 16 (Tuesday).  Disappointed of Lieutenant Forbush’s Horse by his being chose Jury man yesterday, I was at some Trouble to get another, to go up the Road and meet my wife.  Mr. Barns lent me his. But Lieutenant Tainter came over with his Chaise to convey my sister to his House and I was oblig’d to accompany them and dine there.  After dinner I rode up to Shrewsbury designing to go to Dr. Brecks, with expectation of meeting my wife there; but she had come to Worcester last night (from Springfield) and was now so forward as almost to Captain Hows in Shrewsbury.  I met them with much pleasure and satisfaction, for they had had the Favour of Health and success through their whole Journey. Blessed be God! At Mr. Bezaleel Eagers earnest Entreaty we turn’d in there to see his sick Children. One of them was near her End.  I pray’d with them and commended them to the Divine Mercy.

1746 September 17 (Wednesday).  A very Rainy Day all Day. Reckon’d with Nathan Maynard for his Mare which my wife had in her Journey and paid him 40 shillings old Tenor.

1746 September 18 (Thursday).  Fast at Mr. Jacob Gibbs’s in Hopkinton: after visiting Several sick Familys (Mr. Chamberlins, Captain Maynards, Mr. Pratts and Mr. Jonah Warrins) I rode over to those Exercises.  Mrs. Gibbs lyes in a miserable Condition by a Cancer in her Breast.  Mr. Barrett began with Prayer. Mr. Prentice^[1] of Holliston preach’d on Mark 7.37.  He hath done all Things Well.  P.M. I pray’d and preach’d on Phil. 1.21.  And O that God would pardon our Defects and accept our Offerrings through Jesus Christ and have Mercy upon his Handmaid for his Name’s Sake.  As I return’d I found that one of Mr. Warrins Children^[2] was dead; and the other which was sick, growing worse.  The Lord Sanctifie his holy Hand to my afflicted Neighbours and to all of us, for our great awakening; and prepare us for his holy Will!

^[1]Reverend Joshua Prentice.

^[2]Elisha, the son of Jonah Warrin died Sept. 18, 1746.

1746 September 19 (Friday).  Took up our old Hive of Bees which was pritty well Honey’d.

1746 September 20 (Saturday).  [No entry.]

1746 September 21 (Sunday).  I preach’d on Heb. 12.24, and on Acts 9.6.  Mr. Jenison din’d with us. O that God would make his holy word Effectual for our Saving Good.  Mr. Chamberlin has lost his other son.

1746 September 22 (Monday).  I understand that the Sickness is so sore and grievous on t’other side of the Town that three lie dead in one House (Timothy Fay’s) and his Brother Silas has lost another. Mr. Martyn here to desire me to attend a Fast in their Precinct next Thursday. At Mr. Chamberlin’s sons funeral.  N.B. There are 5 Funerals this Day in Town. God be Mercifull to us miserable Sinners and prepare us for what is yet to be laid upon us! Mr. Whipple here at Evening. We talk’d of the Brest Squadron — and I Said to him, No Doubt but One Month will bring about great overturnings. N.B. Lieutenant Thomas Forbush here, and angry that his son Samuel of Upton and his wife could not be admitted to the privilege of Baptism for their Child.  Rakes up old Things in his Fathers Days, to my Sorrow, and will have it that I have pick’d his son out, etc., whereas I have endeavour’d to do nothing by Partiality. But the Lord Sanctifie this Trouble to me!

1746 September 23 (Tuesday).  Mr. Benjamin Eager, Colonel Nahum Wards Messenger, comes Express amongst us and tells me that a French Fleet were yesterday within half a Days Sail of the Light House, and a Post came to the Colonel for 500 Men out of this Regiment — and I hear that 36 are requir’d out of this Company.  We were going to plough with Lieutenant Forbush’s Cattle but I sent them back again: and Ebenezer to Sutton.  Bekky^[1] borrow’d an Horse and went to Sutton also.  It is a Day of great Trouble and Distress in all likelihood at Boston; and God only knows how Soon it may be among our Selves.  May we all be suitably Prepar’d for the Divine Will in all Things!  P.M. Catechetical Exercise, but 13 present.  I read to ‘em sermon on Hos. 4.12.  At Eve I was very faint, and my feverishness greatly increas’d — but I bestir’d myself what I could.  Took up an Hive of Bees.  Was as chearfull as I could in Conversation.  Lieutenant Aaron Forbush from Brookfield, Neighbor Ebenezer Maynard, here.  But my illness increas’d.  I had no stomach, nor much rest all night — but beg Grace to enable me to repose my Self in God.

^[1]Rebecca Hicks, Mr. Parkman’s niece.

 

1746 September 24 (Wednesday).  Not So ill to Day as I fear’d from So bad a Night.  Blessed be God! Our Forces mov’d down to Wards at Marlborough.  Wrote to my Brethren by Mr. James Maynard. I walk’d over to the South Road — visited Ensign Newton and others in the Neighbourhood.  N.B. Mr. Prentice rides with Captain Willard before Grafton Company, going to Boston. Towards Evening Reverend Gay of Suffield and his Wife, and Mr. Caleb Hitchcock at the Gate, but would not tarry with me.  Ebenezer return’d from Sutton.

1746 September 25 (Thursday).  Sent Ebenezer to Boston.  Fast in the North Precinct.  But before I went over I visited little Joel Maynard (son of Ebenezer) and pray’d with him being dangerously sick.  At the Fast Mr. Martyn pray’d and Mr. Cushing preach’d on Isa. 26.9.  P.M. Mr. Morse^[1] pray’d and I preach’d on Rev. 6.8.  O that God would hear in Heaven his dwelling place, and when he hears forgive, Pity, and appear for his people not only on account of the Sickness but the fear’d Invasion!  N.B. Sister Willard rode with me, and my Daughter rode with Mrs. Tomlin (widow) over to the Fast.  At Eve Mr. Daniel Forbush here.  Wrote by him to Brother Samuel Parkman to Secure Sister Willards Interest among them.  Some Soldiers return from Boston.

^[1]Reverend Ebenezer Morse of Boylston.

1746 September 26 (Friday).  Daily in Concern for our Friends at Boston.  Half the Companys of Some Regiments dismiss’d return home.

1746 September 27 (Saturday).  Little Joel Maynard ill and I visited him.  At Eve Mr. Whipple came for me to go and see Mrs. Persis Rice (wife of Eliezer) who is ill of the Same Distemper (Fever and Flux) which is so Common among Children.  At Eve also our Son Ebenezer return’d from Boston. Our Friends all well except sister Betty who is remov’d to Reading. The Town is very kind to the Soldiers. Several Small Vessells are sent out to see what Fleet it is that lies off, but they are not yet come back. So that they are wholly uncertain Still.

1746 September 28 (Sunday).  In the Morning I rode over to Mr. Martyns, and he rode hither.  I preach’d to the Second Precinct a.m. on Ezek. 5.5 to 9. P.M. on Rom. 6.13.  N.B. Several Soldiers travelling back from Boston, being dismiss’d for the present and sundry of Westborough men, viz. Billings, Jacob Rice, Paul Newton, Mr. Ephraim Allen likewise.  The 3 former at Meeting. Mr. Martyn on Mat. 10.28 and on Eccl. 7.1 latter Clause. Each return’d at Eve to our respective Familys.

1746 September 29 (Monday).  Visited Mrs. Rice and Joel Maynard who ‘tis thought is dying.  N.B. I had sent a Letter to Mr. Samuel Forbush of Upton that he night go otherwhere for Special Privileges since his Father was not well Satisfy’d with my Methods here; This brought him here to Day; but I Still Decline encouraging his coming here till there is some better Satisfaction.  Mr. Whitney here and informs that Some Vessel is come in to Boston which certify that it is a French Fleet that was discov’d and that they are turn’d in to an Indian place not far from Annapolis. Mr. Martyn here p.m. Towards Eve I was at Neighbour Eliezer Rice’s who brought up the News — he Confirms it, and that the people of Boston are very courteous to soldiers.

1746 September 30 (Tuesday).  At Joel Maynards funeral.  N.B. Sister Breck^[1] from Worcester, here with Mr. Golding.  My wife rode with sister Breck to Marlborough.

^[1]Mrs. Samuel Breck, Parkman’s sister-in-law.

1746 October 1 (Wednesday).  Sent for to Mrs. Rice who grows very bad.  N.B. her, and her Husbands Mutual Forgiveness.  N.B. her declaring how Easy and comfortable is her View of Departing till I put Some Close Questions about her Faith, Love to God etc.  Upon which she seem’d to be much damp’d and Confus’d: Yet maintain’d a strong Hope. Rain; yet Mr. Cushing came and preach’d my Lecture on John 3.16.  Wife and Sister Breck return’d from Marlborough in the Rain and did not go to Meeting. Sister Breck tarry’d all night.

1746 October 2 (Thursday).  Rainy. After Dinner (it holding up) Sister Breck setts out for Worcester, and Ebenezer waits on her as far as Mr. Cushings. Young Solomon Prentice here with a Team to bring the Barells which they borrow’d of me.  Stormy Night

1746 October 3 (Friday).  Bright Morning: but the Day prov’d very Windy.  Solomon Prentice went home with his Team. P.M. Mr. Abner Newton here and acquaints me that his Sister Rice is yet alive, though as they apprehend, is dying, and desires Me to visit her once More.  I went — on my way saw several of our Soldiers return’d, who Say that all Colonel Chandlers and Colonel Wards Regiments are dismiss’d. As to Mrs. Rice I found her in the Valley of the Shadow of Death, and as she said freely, ready and willing to Depart.  She gave her Testimony to the usefulness and Expediency of our attending upon Divine Ordinances. Said that God had graciously manifested his Mercy to her since she came to that Bed. I mix’d some Caution with my Consolation notwithstanding. But she fully expected Soon to be remov’d to Glory.  After Prayer I gave Exhortation to all present — and particularly to the Children. Return’d sometime before sundown.

1746 October 4 (Saturday).  Sent Lieutenant Thomas Forbush a Letter respecting his unseasonable Disquietments with me with Reference to his son Samuel of Upton.

1746 October 5 (Sunday).  Sacrament. Preach’d on Rom. 8.31, a. and p.m. Deacon Fay and Mrs. Joslyn din’d here.  I hope this Day was not in vain. Mrs. Rice is yet alive. N.B. Mr. James Fay and his wife from Grafton here at Communion.

1746 October 6 (Monday).  Mr. Nathaniel Trask^[1] who has preach’d at North Sutton din’d here.  P.M. Asa Brigham and his wife here.  Mrs. Rice was thought to be dying about Noon, but Reviv’d.

^[1](Harvard, 1742).  The first minister of Brentwood, N. H., 1748-1789.  Sibley, XI, 172-173.

1746 October 7 (Tuesday).  I visited a.m. Mrs. Rice who is Somewhat better.  Two of their Children taken sick. Their little Thimme very ill: but is at his Uncle Seth’s.  I rode to Mr. Whipples, Mr. James Maynards, Mr. Seth Rice’s, but he was not at home, his wife in great Trouble because of her Husbands Distractions: was at Ensign Rice’s — neither was he at home.  I proceeded to Mr. Bellows whose wife was ill, and their Daughter Sarah Forbush’s Child. Visited also Mrs. Fay, Messrs. Green, Edwards Whipple whose Child is ill — and then hasten’d over to the southside.  Din’d at Mr. Jonas Childs (from its Convenience to the School House) attended the Catechizing of above 50 (if I mistake not 55) Children of that part of the Town. Was at Mr. Daniel Forbush’s at Catechizing. N.B. Mr. Millers Company part of the way Home, for I turn’d away to Deacon Newtons.

1746 October 8 (Wednesday).  The Weather much alter’d — a Cold Air like Winter.  Was at Mr. Hows, Tomlins, Chamberlins and Captain Maynards a.m.  At old Mr. Maynards p.m. Neighbour David and his Sister Hannah went to Boston at Eve by whom I sent to Mr. Greens for Mr. Edwards’s Books on Religious Affections which I so long ago subscrib’d for.  Mr. Samuel Williams here at Evening. My Sons have pick’d up our Apples, gather’d the Beans, and this afternoon some of the Corn.

1746 October 9 (Thursday).  Rain.  Hear that Mrs. Persis Rice^[1] is Dead.

^[1]Wife of Elizer or Eleazer Rice.

1746 October 10 (Friday).  I was not well in the Early Morning So great Pains in my Bowels and working that I fear’d whether I should go out to Day; but I grew better, and though it was a Cold, Raw, Rainy Day, yet (it holding up at the Time of my going and being abroad) I went to Mrs. Rice’s Funeral, and visited Mr. Edwards Whipples Child.  N.B. Christian, the Widow of Old George Misco, Indian, expir’d. Deacon Whittemore of Cambridge at Eve, and lodg’d here.

1746 October 11 (Saturday).  Very Cold. It snow’d a Little yesterday, but last Night so as to cover the Roofs.

1746 October 12 (Sunday).  I with my wife went to the Funeral of old Christian.  She was bury’d in a very decent manner by Captain Maynard, from his house.  Samuel Brigham Esquire, Edward Baker Esquire, Captain Timothy Brigham, Messrs. Jotham and Charles Brigham and many others (besides a Number of Indians) attended.  She was carry’d to our South Burying Place. At Eve Mr. Edward Bass, Schoolmaster at Lancaster came to see us, my wife being a Relation. Bekky Hicks watch’d with Neighbour Edwards Whipple little Daughter which dy’d in the Night.  Not being able by means of many Interruptions to finish my Preparations without much Difficulty, and hurrying what I wanted to take Some Time about, I threw them aside for the present and preach’d again my sermon on Job 22.21, a. and p.m. N.B. No Proclamation till I was going into the Pulpit p.m.

1746 October 14 (Tuesday).  Snow’d and Rain’d last Night, but this morning rains hard.

1746 October 15 (Wednesday).  Mr. David Batherick’s Child bury’d.  I attended upon it with my sister Willard.  [This is the 25th since August 23.]  In our way we call’d at Mr. Jonas Childs, and at Deacon Newtons.  At Eve came Mr. Bacon^[1] of Ashuelot.

^[1]Reverend Jacob Bacon of Keene, N. H.

1746 October 16 (Thursday).  Publick Fast on Occasion of the Distresses the Province is under by the War, and especially the Great French Squadron appearing in North America; the Hopes also we are in of an English Fleet for Help.  Mr. Bacon preach’d all Day. A.M. on Ps. 50.15. P.M. on Zech. 7.5. O that God would hear in Heaven and answer and defer not for His own names sake!

1746 October 17 (Friday).  Mr. Bacon left us for Wrentham.  P.M. Visited Abigail Whipple and Hepzibah Rice.  Ebenezer got home our Cyder, 7 Barells, from Mr. Hows Mill.  N.B. We have made in all this Year something more than Nine Barrells.  More than ordinary Cold and Raw Weather — very uncomfortable for people that labor abroad.  My son gather’d some of the Corn.

1746 October 18 (Saturday).  The Earth covered with Snow — a Stormy Day. Thomme Carry’d Barrells and Chairs to Mr. Whiteness — and brought Turnips from Mr. Pratts.  N.B. Billy has a Bloody Flux, but helps about House.

1746 October 19 (Sunday).  On Rom. 8.31 a. and p.m. the Entertainment’s I designed for the late Fast Day.  May God accompany them with his Blessing! The Snow goes off. Billy about yet.

1746 October 20 (Monday).  The Snow has wholly disappeared. A Very pleasant warm Day.  My sons Carted Stones in the fore part of the Day, and then gathered Corn. Mr. Goss of Boston, and with him one Mr. Carter and a Lad here, journeying to Narragansett.  Mr. Jonathan Burnap din’d here. Mr. Stone p.m. going to ministers meeting at Rutland.