Author: Anthony Vaver

1745 June 20 (Thursday).  My Wife ill yet.  Sent to Dr. Gott.  P.M. the Doctor came.  Left divers Medicines both with regard to her Fever and pains in her Limbs, and likewise for her Sore, pained Breast.  God grant us to make a good Improvement of his holy Corrections!  My Family divers of them continue not well, Several of the Children as well as their Mother.  My concern at present great for Thomme yet he is Stirring about a little, but growing no better (I think) in the Main.  Mr. Joseph Batchellor here and we finish’d with regard to Thomme.

1745 June 21 (Friday).  I rode over to see Deacon Tomlin who lies ill.  He answer’d me with great readiness respecting his State, and said he had such Hope, and such scripture ground for his Hope that he was not afraid.  I gave him some Cautions, — Strait the Gate — few etc. — the many deceiv’d — the Heart deceitful — the wiles of Satan — our own Sin — particularly warn’d him respecting Covetousness and loving the world — wanting to Live longer, how long soever we live.  Pray’d with him and recommended him to the Grace of God.  Neighbour Abner Newton[1] din’d with me, told me he heard that a Young man at Mill River was kill’d by the Lightning the Day before yesterday — as was another at Woodstock or Pomfret last Monday Night in his Bed.  Mr. Jenison here, and pleasant.

[1]Son of Thomas Newton.

1745 June 22 (Saturday).  Mrs. Hannah Rice (wife of Noah) from Sutton, here with 3 Children and din’d with me.

1745 June 22 (Saturday).  Mrs. Hannah Rice (wife of Noah) from Sutton, here with 3 Children and din’d with me.

1745 June 24 (Monday).  A very Spreading report that Mr. Whitefield is to preach at Grafton tomorrow.  I visited Deacon Tomlin who lyes utterly insensible, breaths as if he was in a Sleep but cannot be wak’d, nor has Spake ever since about Sundown last Evening.  Tis conceiv’d is in a dying State. Mr. Benjamin Burnap came to me at the Deacons.  He has gather’d a Number of Subscriptions (under mine) for Mr. Edwards to Religious Affections.  Old Ensign Newton here.

1745 June 25 (Tuesday).  Early in the Morning to the House of Death, the late Deacon Tomlins, who deceas’d last Night.  Jejun. Priv. Speciatim propter Reverendi Domini Whitefield Approquinquationem: ut de Voluntate Dei gravis sim; ut nosque De Displiceani nec Quomodocumque opus eius impediam sed Sapientiam et Directionem omnem quae necessaria Set praesertim hoc Tempore, a Deo Fonte et Patre Luminum et Largitionem, obtineam.

1745 June 26 (Wednesday).  Deacon Tomlin was bury’d.  Thunder Showers.  At the request of the Widow — principal Heir and Executor, I stop’d at the House after the Funeral to read the Last Will and Testament of the Deceased.  N.B. The Will disquieted the Daughters.  Deacon Fay rode home with me and I show’d him Something that I had drawn up with regard to Mr. Whitefield.  Mr. Whipple and his wife at my House at Eve.

1745 June 27 (Thursday).  Mr. Thomas Billing here.  Neighbour Rogers Suffers Damage by Doggs among his sheep.  People report here for the Fruits of my Garden.  Cherry and Currants.  Thomas and Ebenezer mow Bushes instead of Grass, by Reason of the Cloudiness of the Weather.  Nor have we done anything at Haying for several Days.

1745 June 28 (Friday).  Thomas work’d for Mr. Chamberlin till noon, when Ensign Bruce came along with him home, having press’d him in his Majesty’s Name to go up to the Western Frontiers.  Somewhat Surpriz’d at Such a sudden and unexpected Turn, I had my Horse, left my Studys and Business and rode with the Ensign over to the Captain, who after a great deal of arguing told me that it was done out of Favour and regard to me, for that unless the young man be Secur’d he would soon Escape, and neither the King nor I Should have any Benefit from him.  But I could not but Conceive that if that had been the Case the Affair would not have been carry’d on with all manner of Tokens of carrying him off, and no private hints given me of the Design, but every way oppressive to me under the Weight, nor merely of my private, but of publick Business.  I mention’d over the Young men of the Neighbourhood that might better have been pitch’d upon than Thomas — and though I was willing to bear my part — a public Calamity yet could by no means conceive it to be my place to suffer as yet in this way.  We broke off with his assuring me he should be releas’d upon his promising him to Stick to my Business and not run away if there Should be further Occasion for young men and Necessity obliging them At Length to take him.  I din’d there.  P.M. The Company train’d and beat up for Volunteers — but without success.  In the North Company Captain Maynard pressed his own son or young man Merodach, [illegible] Lieutenant Forbush’s son Noah and Ensign Rice’s son Joseph.  The last hir’d Silas Pratt to go in his sons stead.  N.B. An Exceeding, great Storm of Thunder and Lightning (which rose among us) prevail’d as it pass’d into the East and the brightest rainbow follow’d.  N.B. I saw Deacon Mirriam of Grafton going to Concord with an Horse for Mr. Whitefield.  N.B. At Evening Joshua Winchester was press’d.  He was of them I nam’d when I mention’d over the Neighbourhood but I added I thought it might not do to take one out of that but I did not remember that they had one Son already in the Kings service, viz. Samuel gone to Cape Breton: for then I should have endeavour’d to have him excus’d.

1745 June 29 (Saturday).  Thomas went to Captain Bakers and home.  After a while came his Mother, disquieted that I (as she said) was the means of having Joshua press’d.  Ebenezer carry’d home Mr. Tainters Chaise which has stood in my Barn now some Time.  Very letting Weather as to our Hay — so frequent showers and Shines.  P.M. another Thunder Storm, but chiefly went away South.  After which there was Still a great and dismal one which went from the North East to the South East but did not come up over us.

1745 June 30 (Sunday).  On Hos. 6.3, former part.  P.M. 1 John 3.23, former part.  For this last I us’d an Exercise on the Catechism which I had deliver’d to Young Women.  Eli Forbush din’d here.  N.B. He and Jonathan Bruce being press’d to go to Westward to guard the Frontier desir’d prayers for them.  I was very much tir’d and worried with my Services to Day which were somewhat long.  Memorandum.  Mr. Whitefield preaches at Grafton to Day and Some number of my Southern Neighbours are gone to hear him.  Thomas Winchester at his Fathers and went to hear Mr. Whitefield.

1745 July 1 (Monday).  Thomas Winchester got off from going out a solider.  His Brother Joshua also got off as did divers others.  But the seven that appear’d and that went this Morning from Captain Bakers to Colonel Wards in order to their going up to Colonel Hoddard of Northampton, were there.  Jonathan Bruce, James Bradish, Ephraim Whitney, James Miller, Jonas Warrin, Elijah Rice and Eli Forbush.  These out of Captain Maynards Company were Two only, viz. his own son, his only child Stephen, and Silas Pratt who went in the Room of Ensign Rice’s son Joseph.  N.B. I wrote a Letter in Eli’s behalf to Mr. Edwards of Northampton.  P.M. I rode down to Mr. Matthias Rices to get an Horse to go to Cambridge, but did not succeed.  Went also to Mr. Seth Rice’s and got one.  Mr. Whitefield, I hear, preaches at Grafton to Day, a.m. and at Upton p.m.

1745 July 2 (Tuesday).  My Daughter Molly accommodated with Captain Fays Horse rode to Cambridge with me.  My Wife rode with me as far as Mr. Amsdens, whom I obtain’d to carry her (and her child) to Marlborough to see Sister Breck who was extreme urgent to have her be with her in her affliction and Confinement.  N.B. Mr. Whitefield preach’d at Dr. Gotts and my wife heard him.  An Hot Day.  Molly and I rested at Lieutenant Biglo’s at Waltham.  Got to Mother Champneys just before a great storm of Thunder and Rain.  N.B. Mother Champney in a Comfortable State of Health to what she has been.

1745 July 3 (Wednesday).  This Morning going over to Cambridge met Mr. Matthias Rice, who inform’d me that our Forces had taken CAPE BRITON and that there was all manner of Joy thereat.  The Exercises came to the Governor this morning early, and presently the Bells were rung, Guns fired, etc.  Commencement was render’d the most gladsome Day.  Everybody was full of the welcome story and wishing one another Joy.  Was chiefly at Mr. Hancocks and at Sir Peabodys Chamber.  N.B. Mr. Swift[1] of Acton his indecent Vociferation concerning my not being present at Mr. Smiths January 22 to bear my Testimony against Mr. Whitefield.  I din’d in the Hall.  N.B. Poor Mr. Samuel Coollidge[2] — his Distractions and Deliriums — pluck’d out of the presidents Chair in the Meeting House and dragg’d out on the Ground by a negro, like a Dead Dogg in presence of all the Assembly.  Most piteous Sight!  Molly din’d at Mr. Danforths.[3]  Mr. Rand[4] of Sunderland has left his people.  Mr. Breck gives me word from my wife that Mr. Smith (who had engag’d to last Lecture when he came with Mr. Breck to my House) could not preach my Lecture.  Lodg’d at Mother Champneys.

[1]Rev. John Swift, Jr.

[2]Samuel Coolidge (HC 1724), the former schoolmaster at Westborough and other places, who had become a public charge. SHG 7:326-331.

[3]Samuel Danforth.

[4]The Rev. William Rand left Sunderland because he disliked the preaching of George Whitefield, while many of his congregation evidently sympathized with the evangelist. John M. Smith, History of the Town of Sunderland (Greenfield, 1899), 61. Rand is believed to have written an address of the Hampshire County clergy to Whitefield which appeared in The Testimony of the North Association in the County of Hartford (Boston, 1745).

1745 July 4 (Thursday).  Molly and I rode to Boston.  Broke fast at Brother Alexanders.  Visited my Mother who is weak and sick.  Mr. Gay[1] of Hingham preach’d the Lecture on 1 Sam. 14.6.7.13. Din’d at Mrs. Thomas Hubbards.  Mr. Niles,[2] Mr. Webb, Captain Dupre and others din’d also.  N.B. My Kinsman at Dr. Delhonds[3] but is not well contented there.  At Mrs. Thomas Stoddards and paid her about 12 pounds old Tenor.  Return’d to Cambridge at Eve.  N.B. Roxbury illuminated.  Colleges illumin’d.  Bonfire.  Bell ringing, Drum beating, etc. most of the Night.

[1]Rev. Ebenezer Gay.

[2]Rev. Samuel Niles (HC 1699), minister of the Second Church of Braintree, 1711-1762. SHG 4:485-491.

[3]Louis Delhonde, the Boston physician.

1745 July 5 (Friday).  It was Somewhat misty, but Molly and Mr. John Sparhawk[1] in Company we rode as far as Mrs. Bekky Walkers in Waltham, when Molly being indispos’d we  Lit and stay’d the making and Eating of Chocolat.  We got up so seasonably to Westborough that I preach’d my Lecture at the usual Time in the afternoon, on John 4.24.  My wife return’d from Marlborough a.m.

[1]Rev. John Sparhawk of Salem.

1745 July 6 (Saturday).  [No entry.]

1745 July 7 (Sunday).  Sacrament.  On 1 John 4.11.  P.M. Ps. 89.15.  N.B. Somewhat more of the Northside at Communion than Some seasons of late, for I had wrote a Letter to Mr. Martyn before last Sabbath to notifie them.  Yet some Number were absent.

1745 July 8 (Monday).  Read Lowman on the Revelations.[1]

[1]Moses Lowman (1680-1752), a non-conformist English divine, wrote A Paraphrase and Notes on the Revelation of St. John (London, 1737).

1745 July 9 (Tuesday).  Catechetical Exercise to young Women on the Eternally unchangeableness and wisdom of God.

1745 July 10 (Wednesday).  An Hott Day.  Ensign Bruce (who went up to Fort Shirley to bring back his son Jonathan) return’d — and informs that last Friday about 10 a.m. Mr. William Phipps was kill’d by the Indians about 30 Rods from the Garrison at [Putney] (nigh which lives Mr. Nehemiah How who went from Grafton) and his Body was treated inhumanly, Scalp’d, his Heart taken out etc.

1745 July 11 (Thursday).  Another Hot Day.  Conformable to a Request from Reverend Stone of Southborough in behalf of Mr. Moses Fay and his wife of Said Town I went down there to a private Fast.  Mr. Loring,[1] Barrett,[2] Stone,[3] and Smith[4] also at Mr. Fay’s.  N.B. Mrs. Fay had been languishing more than Seven Years and not at Meeting in that Time though she has had six Children, and now suppos’d to be in a Consumption; her Case therefore calling for Pity and Prayers.  Mr. Stone offer’d up the first Prayer.  I preach’d on Ps. 65.2.  Mr. Barrett pray’d and Mr. Loring preach’d p.m. on Isa. 45.22.  A good Savoury Sermon which may the Lord bless to all Souls!  Supp’d at Mr. Stones.  I return’d at Evening.  N.B. Mr. Smith inform’d me that Brother Breck was gone home, but a Number of Books which were all by Dr. Owen, he had bargain’d away to him, for which he had receiv’d and carry’d home with him Dr. Hammond.[5]  Compare this Conduct with Mr. Brecks Engagement to Me May 23.

[1]Rev. Israel Loring of Sudbury.

[2]Rev. Samuel Barrett of Hopkinton.

[3]Rev. Nathan Stone of Southborough.

[4]Rev. Aaron Smith of Marlborough.

[5]A work of Samuel Hammond, the English non-conformist divine (d. 1665).

1745 July 12 (Friday).  Hot Weather Still.  Heard that Deacon Fisher[1] was lately kill’d at Ashualot by the Indians, and a post in this Day gone along to the Governor with the sad news of it.

[1]Josiah Fisher, one of the original proprietors of Upper Ashuelot, was killed and scalped by the Indians, July 10, 1745. Philip A. Fisher, The Fisher Genealogy (Everett, 1898), 74-75.

1745 July 13 (Saturday).  [No entry.]

1745 July 14 (Sunday).  A.M. on 1 John 4.11.  P.M. on Eph. 6.13 to 18.

1745 July 15 (Monday).  Mr. Jenison was here with divers important pieces of public News, in the Public Papers, in special our Loosing the Battle in Flanders near Tournay.  N.B. Mr. Aaron Hardy of Grafton here, and is full of uneasiness about Mr. Prentices preaching.

1745 July 16 (Tuesday).  [No entry.]

1745 July 17 (Wednesday).  Isaac Newton of Southborough here, from Fort Shirley.  Becky[1] and Molly rode to Sutton.  Brother Hicks from Cambridge to Sutton.

[1]Rebecca Hicks, daughter of John Hicks of Sutton, was Parkman’s niece.

1745 July 18 (Thursday).  In the Singular good Providence of God Lieutenant Tainter this Morning Sent us a large Quarter of Lamb.  Otherwise we Should have been unprovided for any special Entertainment at our Table to Day, which was THANKSGIVING on Account of the late Success at Cape Briton, on which Occasion I preach’d on Isa. 25.1.2.9.  N.B. Mr. Prentice and his wife went a while agoe along with Mr. Whitefield and his wife in their Journey to Northampton and are not return’d.  A Number of Grafton at Meeting with us.  Mr. John Collar and Deacon Cooper[1] and his wife din’d with us.  At the Request of our Young Men Some while Since I appointed a Lecture to them to be in about 2 Hours, which I attended and preach’d on Rom. 2.4, latter part.

[1]Samuel Cooper of Grafton.

1745 July 19 (Friday).  Thomas and Ebenezer began at the Meadow.  At Night there was Exceeding loud Cracks of Thunder and Sharp Lightning.

1745 July 20 (Saturday).  Thomas and Ebenezer at the Meadow.  Rain p.m.  Becky and Molly return’d from Sutton.  Thomas sow’d Turnips.

1745 July 21 (Sunday).  Repeat’d on Eph. 6.13, and 1 John 3.23.  Mrs. Wheeler didn’d here.  It is my Grief that the North side are in so broken and unflourishing state.

1745 July 22 (Monday).  Ebenezer having been somewhat poison’d by his working in the Meadow last week, goes not today with Thomas, but Reap’d Rye.  I rode to Marlborough to Mr. Woods and return’d their Occasional Paper 3 vols.  At Deacon Stevens’s and paid him 10 shillings for mending Lieutenant Tainters Chaise May 22 last.  I went to Mr. Smiths but he and his wife, old Mr. Loring and Sister Breck were gone down to Mr. Jonathan Lorings,[1] to dine there but I din’d at Dr. Gotts.  After Dinner the Doctor and I rode to Mr. Lorings.  They had not din’d.  I was oblig’d to Sit down with them Mr. Loring insisting, when as I had heard he was (though unreasonably) disgusted with me.  My Design in going to Marlborough was very much, this to wait on Sister Breck to our House, but she was not to be perswaded.  I return’d with Mr. Smith etc. to his House and thence home.

[1]Son of Rev. Israel Loring. Jonathan lived in Marlborough. Hudson, Marlborough, 410.

1745 July 23 (Tuesday).  Thomas at the Meadow.  Ebenezer at the Rye.  P.M. I preach’d at Mr. Sam Fay juniors on Heb. 12.5.  Mrs. Fay not having been at publick worship for more than 2 years.  Very few attended — it being so busy a season.

1745 July 24 (Wednesday).  Cornelius Biglo Sick of a Fever.  I visited him, and dealt plainly with him.  At divers Neighbours.  Visited also Mr. Daniel Forbush’s wife who is confin’d again by weakness and illness.  Din’d at home.  Thomas at the Meadow.  Ebenezer at the Rye.  Towards Night Mrs. Maynard had my mare to ride to Mrs. Miles[1] at Shrewsbury.  At Eve I help’d Ebenezer in his unloading Hay and Carting in a Turn of Rye.

[1]Wife of Deacon Samuel Miles. Ward, Shrewsbury, 368.