Category: Diary

1751 May 3 (Friday).  Mr. Holbrook of Grafton here and din’d with us.

1751 May 4 (Saturday).  We have now had five Calves, and four of them has [sic] come on Saturday.  There has been So much of windy, Rainy, Cold weather that people don’t Care to plant yet.

1751 May 5 (Sunday).  Read Lev. 26 with some Exposition chiefly extracted from Mr. Henry,[1] as has been my method for some time.  Preach’d a. and p.m. on 1 Tim. 6.17.18.19.  I din’d as usual.  P.M. read Acts 17.

[1]Matthew Henry (1662-1714), the learned dissenting divine, was the author of numerous works published in England.  Several of his writings had been published in America.

1751 May 6 (Monday).  A.M. at the New House.  Mr. Jonathan Forbush and Mr. Ebenezer Rice there with me.  Mr. Forbush prizes Mr. Rice’s Boards which he has spar’d to me.  The price falls so much below Mr. Rice’s Expectation that I agree not to use ‘em till he is better Satisfy’d.  Mr. Biglo Spends Some Hours in building a Wall against the Bank of Gravel which came out of my Cellar.  N.B. frequent high Winds.  Towards evening I visited Eliezer Rice who is Sick of a Fever.  He and his wife also were so fervent for forgiveness and Reconcilement that I gave him my Hand — but as to the Doctrine of Original Sin, I told him, I would wave every Thought at present, as he was not now able to undergo Discourse and Dispute.  We part’d friendly.  Brother Hicks[1] had been at my House and was gone to Cambridge.  When I came home, found Mr. Edwards[2] of Northampton, who was in his Return home from Boston.  He and Colonel Timothy Dwight[3] have been endeavouring to have a Council to sit at Northampton next week to advise the small part of people there whether it is best to have Mr. Edwards install’d over them, or not.

[1]Parkman’s brother-in-law, John Hicks of Sutton.

[2]The great Jonathan Edwards.

[3]Dwight and other friends and supporters of Edwards were working to establish a new church in Northampton for the dismissed preacher.  James R. Trumbull, History of Northampton (Northampton, 1898, 1902), II, 228, 233-234.

1751 May 7 (Tuesday).  Mr. Edwards left us.  Dr. Breck[1] here and din’d with us.  P.M. went to Worcester.  N.B. Expected Martyn[2] and wife to go to Grafton — but they did not come.

[1]Samuel Breck, the physician of Great Barrington.

[2]The Reverend John Martyn of Northborough.

1751 May 8 (Wednesday).  Fine Weather; blessed be God!  Ebenezer and Thomas are gone to Bolton for Lime.  They have Mr. Richard Barns’s Oxen added to our own Team.  They have a tedious Journey (undertaking it in one Day) and return not till late in the Night.  Mr. Fish here and din’d with us.  Brings Letter respecting his Ordination.

1751 May 9 (Thursday).  My sons begin to plant the Field.  A very fine Day.  Patty Pannell, brought a present, of a Quarter of Veal from the Widow Tomlins with whom she lives.

1751 May 10 (Friday).  Warm, bright and exceeding pleasant, after a night of plentifull Rain.  My sons go on with the planting.  N.B. Brother Hicks and his Daughter Elizabeth here.  Visited Neighbour Eliezer Rice.

1751 May 11 (Saturday).  Another very fine Day.  My Sons finish’d planting at home, this morning.  N.B. Thomas has work’d with his Brother for Several Days — to Day for himself in his Shop.  Brother Hicks and his Daughter return home.  Mr. Levi Brigham sent us a wild Goose which he kill’d in the pond.  Ebenezer p.m. sow’d the rest of the Flax.

1751 May 12 (Sunday).  Ebenezer watch’d last night with Neighbour Eliezer Rice.  In the public Assembly read Lev. 27.  Preach’d on Jam. 2.5, a. and p.m.  Din’d as usual, myself; but my wife, Thomas, William, Sarah and Susanna tarried at the Meeting House.  P.M. read Acts 18.  Some Number of Strangers at Meeting.  Captain Cummins, who is Delegate from Mr. Wigglesworth’s[1] Church to the design’d Council at Northampton.  Lieutenant Steward,[2] from Marlborough, Mr. Smith[3] being absent, and some Number of others.

[1]The Reverend Samuel Wigglesworth of Hamilton.

[2]Daniel Stewart.

[3]The Reverend Aaron Smith of Marlborough.

1751 May 13 (Monday).  Went to Mr. Eliezer Rice’s — Mr. James Maynards, Mr. Seth Rice’s, etc.  Ebenezer harrows the Ground at the Island.  An unusual hot Day.  Mr. Bowman and his Brother Thaddeus din’d here.  N.B. Gave to Treasurer Ebenezer Maynard per Hand of Lieutenant Tainter a Receipt of the whole of my last Years Sallery, £53.6.8 or 400£ old Tenor, but this Receipt the Committee return’d and I destroy’d.

1751 May 14 (Tuesday).  We finish’d planting at the Island.  Was there myself p.m.  Captain Forbush there and dropp’d Corn.  Mr. Silas Brigham with me, about his Affair with Mr. Morse.

1751 May 15 (Wednesday).  My wife and I, together with my two sons Ebenezer and Thomas attended the Marriage of Mr. Abraham Batchellor to Mrs. Sally Newton, only Daughter of the late Mr. Abner Newton; which was solemniz’d at the Widow Newtons p.m.  N.B. My Daughter Lucy was invited also, (and not Molly) — Molly rode over to Mr. Martyns, agreeable to Appointment Some Time ago, and Lucy tarried at home with the children.  I can’t but remark what a changing world we live in.  What an House of Sorrows that was for a great while, which is now of so high Joy.

1751 May 16 (Thursday).  Ebenezer shearing a few Sheep.

1751 May 17 (Friday).  Mr. Abraham Knowlton come from Boston call’d here.  ‘Tis Said that the Prince of Wales is Dead.  Lucy went over to Mr. Martyns for Molly and they came home at Eve

1751 May 18 (Saturday).  Ebenezer and Thomas a.m. to the New House to take Care of the Boards and Lime there.

1751 May 19 (Sunday).  In the Morning Alexander struck a Ram that return’d the Blow and knock’d him down, and repeated it as often as he endeavour’d to rise — till my Daughter Molly running to his relief, was struck down likewise; So that they were both in Some Danger; till I went to their Succour.  In Public read Numbers Chapter 1 with some Exposition.  In the forenoon I thought to have preach’d for the Comfort and Support and Direction of the poor, on the Duty of contentment — and accordingly read Several Essays on that Subject.  But after all, chose to wave writing upon it, till I come to the Tenth Commandment and would also be glad to See Mr. Burroughs’s[1] Treatise hereof.  Therefore I repeated with some alterations my Exposition on Mat. 6.25 to 30 omitting number 27.  Din’d at Justice Bakers, where also din’d Justice Liscomb.[2]  N.B. Lucy, Sarah and Susanna carry’d their Dinners.  P.M. read Acts 19.  Preach’d on Prov. 16.31.  After Divine Service, read Letter from Upton for Ordination of Mr. Fish.[3]  N.B. I nominated Justice Baker.

[1]The Reverend Jeremiah Burroughs (1599-1646), an English Congregationalist, was the author of numerous works published in England.  The following was published in Boston.  The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, Containing Eighteen Rules for the Obtaining this Excellent Grace (Boston, 1732).  Another Boston edition appeared in 1742.

[2]Samuel Lyscomb, a justice of the peace.

[3]The Reverend Elisha Fish.

1751 May 20 (Monday).  Mr. Martyn came a.m. to talk about his people’s Conduct in the Affair of his Sallery.  He din’d and tarried till Eve.  N.B. He is greatly mov’d and very resolute in the affair aforesaid.  Mr. Harding of Brookfield likewise here, but did not tarry long.

1751 May 21 (Tuesday).  I visited old Mr. Bradish and din’d there.  Visited Mrs. Dunlop who is Sick.  Was at Deacon Forbush’s.  N.B. Mr. Solomon Woods (Tything man) complains of my son Williams’s Rudeness at Meeting on Lords Day.  Was at Mr. Williams’s.  Call’d to see Mrs. Pratt.  My son Ebenezer about a well Crotch, Sweep etc.  Thomas not very well.  William setts out Cabbage Plants and goes to Mill at Mr. Allens.

1751 May 22 (Wednesday).  Preach’d my Lecture myself — on Hosea 10.12.  Though with many omissions, alterations and additions — especially on account of the Death of the Prince of Wales.  After Lecture my wife and I visited Neighbour Eliezer Rice who is still sick, and was in one of his Fitts.  Several Neighbours here to raise the Well Crotch and Sweep.

1751 May 23 (Thursday).  This Morning, according to appointment, my Masons were to come, but to my great Disappointment they did not come.  Ebenezer mending Fences, after he had done the well-pole.

1751 May 24 (Friday).  Ebenezer at the Fences, a.m.  At Neighbour Bathericks Barn-raising p.m.  I was in a great Deal of Trouble about Sending to Mr. Willson, the Mason, again.  Neither of my Two Eldest sons return’d from Raising till late at Night.

1751 May 25 (Saturday).  Instead of their rising Earlier than usual that I might Send one of them this Morning to Mr. Willsons, my Sons, both of them were so sound, that when awak’d they are disturb’d — and not without Great Difficulty Ebenezer goes up to him to know the Reason of his not coming to my Work.  The many Troubles, Difficultys and Disappointments I meet with together with the Confinement I am under by the Work and Business of my Sacred office, whilst so many and Important Affairs are depending.  But especially the impudent Conduct of my Sons, render me very Impatient So that I am scarcely able to contain myself which is to my greater Grief because of the present Season, just before the holy Supper.  Thomas rode to Marlborough to get Pannell Crooks and to bring home the rest of my Malt from Deacon Woods.

1751 May 26 (Sunday).  Read Numb. 2.  Preach’d on Rev. 22.16 a. and p.m.  Administer’d the Lords Supper.  Din’d at Justice Bakers — and my wife with me.  P.M. read Acts 20.  N.B. Gave Warning to old and young respecting the Election and requested Young Women to dismiss Seasonably the Young Men that wait upon them.

1751 May 27 (Monday).  Mr. Willson came to work — work’d up my Bricks — got but one Brick above the ridge of the House.  Ebenezer tended him.  At Eve paid off both Mr. Willson and Mr. Obadiah Newton who came this Eve in order to go to work tomorrow — but they both went home.  Mr. Breck[1] of Springfield came and lodg’d.

[1]The Reverend Robert Breck, Jr.

1751 May 28 (Tuesday).  Mr. Breck to Marlborough.  I undertook my Journey afterwards.  Called at Mr. Timothy Warrins to receive money of Lieutenant Tainter.  At Mr. Gale’s to get Horse Shooes mov’d etc.  N.B. One Pierce of Sutton who had been a Delegate at Northampton Council, travelled some Miles with me.  Mr. Breck and I call’d to see Mr. Warham Williams but his Spouse acquainted us how hurtful it was to him to see Company, So that we did not desire to disturb him.  At Saltmarsh’s we saw Mr. Roberts [sic?] Breck of Boston and his Wife with other Company who had rid out so far for their Diversion.  Heard that Captain Joseph White, Elias’s Father-in-Law, was dead: and my Cousen Cowells Son Peam dy’d suddenly last week; being taken sick on Thursday and dy’d on Friday.  About three years old.  I put up my Horse at my Kinsman Procters in Boston and lodg’d at my Brother Samuels.

1751 May 29 (Wednesday).  Another Token for Good from God to New England, in that we enjoy the present Anniversary.  Mr. Welsteeds[1] Sermon on Ps. 47.9, very disgusting to many people in Boston, as therein he much commended what the late general assemblys had done in Sinking the Paper Currency and bringing us into a Silver Medium.  I din’d at Brother Samuels.  Attended the Convention p.m.  N.B. Mr. Prince read divers Letters from England — especially touching a Correspondence propos’d to be kept up between our Convention and the united Dissenting Brethren in England, particularly the Committee of Deputation there.  I lodg’d at Nabby’s.

[1]William Welsteed, The Dignity and Duty of the Civil Magistrate . . . Preached May 29^th, 1751. Being the Anniversary for the Election (Boston, 1751).  The minister of the New Brick Church in Boston deplored the effects of inflation and expressed approval of the resumption of specie payment in this sermon.

1751 May 30 (Thursday).  At the Convention Sermon; preach’d by Mr. Wigglesworth of Ipswich on 2 Cor. 11.2, and the Collection for the Support of the Gospel Ministry which I fear was Small.  Din’d at Mr. Eliots.[1]  N.B. Mr. Kneeland[2] acquaints me with a present from Scotland to Mr. Edwards of Northampton which will turn to be nigh 1000£ value old Tenor.  He likewise tells me he will undertake to print the Collection of Poems which I have propos’d to him — and this (if I understood him) whether there be any more subscribers or not.  Supp’d at Cousen Olivers with some Number besides — Mrs..[?] Davenport.  He lodg’d at Brother Samuels.

[1]The Reverend Andrew Eliot of the New North Church.

[2]Samuel Kneeland, the printer and bookseller of Boston.

1751 May 31 (Friday).  Bought a Box of London Crown Glass 7 by 9 of Mr. James Pitts for 45£ old Tenor.  Bought a piece of Garlix etc of Mrs. Stoddard.  N.B. Mr. Moses Peck has mended my Watch.  Endeavour’d to get upon my Journey but was Stopp’d at Eve, when I design’d to have gone out of Town, by Storm of Thunder and Lightning and Rain.  Lodg’d at Cousen Procters.  N.B. Mr. Gooldsbury[1] of Wrentham there.

[1]Samuel Goldsbury.

1751 June 1 (Saturday).  At five in the morning set out from Boston.  Broke fast at Mr. Dix’s[1] in Watertown.  Visited Mr. Williams[2] of Waltham who is very low.  Pray’d with him.  N.B. Mr. Cotton[3] of Newton and Dr. Convers[4] there.  Visited Mr. Williams of Watertown.  He seems very much humbl’d — yet defends himself in many respects.  Din’d with Mrs. Baldwin in Sudbury; her Husband Captain Baldwin from Home, but her sons there.  Was again refresh’d at Mr. Jonathan Strattons in Marlborough.  Before I got up to Amsdens it rain’d hard — stop’d a great while in the Storm at Mr. Amsdens — before dark set out again, but the rain pour’d down so violently I was oblig’d to turn in to Lieutenant Bruce’s — Pray’d with them, lay’d down and Slep’d.  At 11 o’Clock attempted to ride Home — and arriv’d in Safety.  Blessed be God!

[1]John Dix, the selectman.  Bond, Watertown, p. 199.

[2]The Reverend Warham Williams, who died later this month, June 22, 1751.

[3]The Reverend John Cotton.

[4]Josiah Convers (Harvard 1723), a physician of Watertown.  Sibley, VII, 159-160.

1751 June 2 (Sunday).  Read Numb. 3.  Preach’d on Job 36.24, a. and p.m.  Din’d as usual.  P.M. read Acts 21.

1751 June 3 (Monday).  Lieutenant Tainter was here — wants a Receit of the whole Rates, although above one hundred pounds behind; he offering me his Note of Hand — I comply’d and gratify’d him.  Mr. Grout here — Mr. Grout desires a note to the Collector for 40/ which is the price of the Timber which he got me for the Frame of my New House.  It was so contrary to my Expectation from one who pretended to be so generous, that I was surpriz’d at it.  I was also in a great deal of Consternation at the view and prospect of our Family Circumstances — my sons Ebenezer and Billy not able to accomplish our Weeding at Home — yet have the Cook Island to tend besides — my Mind could be in no Composedness for the Exercises of the Solemnity of Ordination at Upton which approaches — told Mr. Grout I did not see but that I must Stay at Home and hoe.  I took my Horse and rode out — din’d at Lieutenant Thomas Forbushs.  Was at Mr. Ebenezer Rice’s etc.

1751 June 4 (Tuesday).  I rode over to Mr. Cooks and to Mr. Martyns in the Morning — Then to the Island with Victuals and Drink, supposing I should find Some Hands at Work there — but though it was not (I suppose) past 10 a.m.  A number had been there and had finish’d the work.  Lieutenant Tainter and Mr. Charles Rice ploughed and young Mr. Tainter, Mr. Joseph Woods, Two Hands from Mr. Ebenezer Rice’s, Two from his fathers, and one from the widow Newton, in all Seven that Hoed.  Young Mr. Jeduthun Baldwin, my Carpenter, and his Prentice John Woods came about Noon — they Eat with us and went to work to finish the New House.  Whilst I was gone from home came the Reverend Maccarty and Major Keyes.  Also my kinsman Mr. Needham and his wife.  Mr. Breck of Springfield and Mr. Martyn and his Daughter.  Mr. Haven also — but went with Forbush.  Baldwin and his Man lodg’d at old Mr. Maynards.  Mr. Maccarty and Major Keyes went home: the rest lodg’d here.

1751 June 5 (Wednesday).  Mr. Martyn and his Daughter rode with me and my Daughter Lucy and son Thomas to Upton Ordination.  The rest went their respective ways.  But by means of So much Company I was later in setting out than I had appointed.  The Churches met and Mr. Dor[1] was chose Moderator.  N.B. My Enquiry, in the Council, whether Mr. Fish had been at the Shepards Tent?[2]  which was Satisfy’d by Mr. Owen,[3] his Pastor who gave a good Testimony of the Candidate.  N.B. Mr. Fishs having sign’d an agreement with the people about Church Government which I could not approve of; yet did not think it sufficient to break Communion and therefore proceeding.  Mr. Hall[4] open’d the public Exercise with Prayer.  Mr. Owen preach’d on Eph. 4.12.  Mr. Dor the Charge.  I pray’d after the Charge.  Mr. Barret[5] gave the right Hand.  N.B. our Entertainment was at Lieutenant Woods.  We return’d to Westborough at night and Mr. Martyn and his Daughter lodg’d here.

[1]The Reverend Joseph Dorr of Mendon.

[2][Additional note: See Richard Warch, “The Shepherd’s Tent: Education and Enthusiasm in the Great Awakening.”  American Quarterly 30 (Summer 1979), 177-98.]

[3]The Reverend John Owen (Harvard 1723), the minister of the First Congregational Church of Groton, Conn., 1727-1753.  Sibley, VII, 244-247.

[4]The Reverend David Hall of Sutton.

[5]The Reverend Samuel Barrett of Hopkinton.

1751 June 6 (Thursday).  Mr. Martyn etc din’d here.  Lucy Bowker at work here for Ebenezer turning his Camblet Coat.