Category: Diary

1754 June 7 (Friday).  [No entry.]

1754 June 8 (Saturday).  Ensign Whipple of Grafton brought a Letter from Mr. Hutchinson about their Difficultys and desiring Help.

1754 June 9 (Sunday).  Sacrament.  Read Ruth 3, 2 Pet. 2.  Preach’d on Isa. 9.6, his Name Wonderful.  P.M. on Rom. 6.1.2.  After the Exercises the Church stop’d upon the Sudbury Affair.  Voted not to Send.  But those who were for sending and were the minor part, were in some Chafe, especially M. Grow and Lieutenant Bruce.  Esquire Baker and Mr. Whipple earnestly for it.  However there was no withstanding so evident a Vote.

1754 June 10 (Monday).  My son Thomas help’d me.  Had Mr. Williams’s Cart and Oxen to carry out the ashes to the Island Field.  My sons plough’d with my Mare and Lieutenant Forbush’s plough.  P.M. Messrs. Chamberlin and Joseph Wood, with Two or Three sons apiece, hoed what was to be hoed at the Island.

1754 June 11 (Tuesday).  Rain.  Yet I rode to the School House and Catechiz’d the Children there, at 4 p.m.

1754 June 12 (Wednesday).  Mr. Martyn came here in order to go with me to Grafton.  No word nor Lisp of either Side respecting the Epistolary Acrimony.  At Grafton we join’d with Messrs. Cushing and Hall[1] in hearing the Matters of Difficultie between a Number of the Church and Mr. Hutchinson,[2] who they conceive, was chargeable with Falsehood in saying that the Selectmen had agreed and determin’d to move Mr. Arnolds Shop and at Such a Time — when they had not.  See the Minutes of the Council.  Mr. Carter,[3] Father in Law to Mr. Hutchinson there.  Mr. Hall at Eve went home.  The rest of us lodg’d there.

[1]David Hall of Sutton.

[2]Aaron Hutchinson.

[3]Margery Carter of Hebron, Conn., married the Grafton minister.

1754 June 13 (Thursday).  Mr. Hutchinsons Confession new drawn — we were at the Meeting House Twice.  The Church accepted by a Majority of those present.  I pray’d at the Conclusion.  After Dinner we parted.  Mr. Martyn and I rode to Westborough together but no word of our own Troubles.  Call’d at Winchesters — and at Captain Bakers.  When I came home marry’d Cornelius Biglow junior to Sarah Miller.[1]  Billy to School at the School House.  Mr. Hezekiah Coolidge Master.

[1]The daughter of James Miller of Westborough.

1754 June 14 (Friday).  Captain Bakers[1] Company together in pursuance of Beating Orders to go to the Eastward; I pray’d with the Company.  Captain Timothy Brigham of Southborough and others here after the Company was dismiss’d.

[1]Edward Baker of Westborough.

1754 June 15 (Saturday).  The Busness [sic] of the Week and the Circumstances of my Family prevent my making the fully of my Ordinary Preparations for the Sabbath.  Mr. Jonah Warrin here Early and desires me to write a Letter to his son Samuel which I gratify’d him in.  Receiv’d a Letter from Daniel Millen to be Communicated.

1754 June 16 (Sunday).  Read Ruth ult.  Preach’d a.m. on Isa. 9.6 — shall be call’d Wonderfull.  P.M. read 2 Pet. 3.  Repeated on Mat. 22.37.38.  Stay’d the Church and read the Letter from Daniel Miller and the request was answer’d.[1]

[1]Daniel Millen of Holliston had requested assistance in a council to be held July 2.

1754 June 17 (Monday).  Sundry Neighbours, viz. Mr. Jonathan Warrin, Daniel Hardy, Phinehas Hardy, Solomon Woods, and Ebenezer Rice junior, Samuel Harrington, Jonathan Bond, Moses Nurse’s Boy little Ebenezer came and gave a lift in Weeding my little Field by the Barn.  The Precinct Met (among other Things) to See whether Mr. Jonathan Forbush Should retain his Right in the Meeting House Seating, if he Conveys his Right in the Pew which he drew for me, equal to what he would have had if he had done nothing about said Pew.  They sent for me — upon Esquire Bakers informing me in the middst of them that the Money for the Pew must be immediately paid, I insisted to have a just Title convey’d to me I would See to the answering it — Upon its being intimated that they wanted the money forthwith and maybe I could not pay, I answer’d that although this precinct, as a precinct had paid me their Dues (that is, with regard to Sallery) yet this Body, namely as Members of the Town were yet indebted to me; and that as much or more than the Pew came to.  Lieutenant Bruce answer’d Sharply, and coarsely, asking me with great Anger Why I Up[b]raided them with this?  Whereas I spake of my just dues only when forc’d to it, and with all Meekness in my just Defence.  But I soon retir’d from them and would not stay to contend with them.

1754 June 18 (Tuesday).  The Association met here, viz. Merrers. Cushing, Martyn, Stone, Smith, Maccarty.  Lieutenant Tainter kill’d one of my Lambs.  Captain Baker sent a side of Lamb.  Mr. Ebenezer Rice’s Wife sent a dozen and half of Biskett — French Turnips, Potatoes and Salletting.  As for the Exercises and the Conversation see the Association Minutes.  Mr. Maccarty lodg’d at Esquire Bakers; the rest lodg’d here.  The Horses were sent 1 to Esquire’s, 1 to Lieutenant Tainters, 1 to Mr. Nurse’s and Two to Mr. Pratts.

1754 June 19 (Wednesday).  Mr. Maccarty pray’d at the public Lecture and Mr. Cushing preach’d on 3 John 4.  Mr. Hutchinson, here and Mr. Hezekiah Coolidge din’d here.  Mr. Hutchinson and I confirm’d an Agreement to Change next Lords Day.

1754 June 20 (Thursday).  Catechetical Exercise to Young Men, Number 6 from page 22 to page [blank].  N.B. That I might not hinder the Carpenters at the Meeting House, I took the Young Men to my own.

1754 June 21 (Friday).  Having heard that Messrs. Harrington and Daniel Forbush and some others were disquieted with what I mention’d of late at the Precinct Meeting concerning the Towns arrears with me, I went to see ‘em and talk with them and did so, and made a Visit likewise at Mr. Nathaniel Whitneys.  Am growing Feeble and out of Health.

1754 June 22 (Saturday).  Another Letter from the agriev’d Brethren in Sudbury, which I am the more sorry for as they Seem to have some bad Design in it; or at least it will be like to have a bad tendency among us, some of the Brethren of our Church being in some Ruffle already about their Affair.  But its coming now when I am going out of Town, and there will be no other Lords Day in which it can be done, I thought it best to acquaint Deacon Newton with it, that he might tell the Church — but I wrote what I said to him and left it with him, telling him with all that the Letter was at the Churchs Service, being left with my wife for them if they Should desire to have it.  Then I rode to Grafton.

1754 June 23 (Sunday).  Preach’d at Grafton on Rom. 12.28.  If it be possible etc.  Mr. Hutchinson at Westborough.  I baptiz’d a Daughter of Mr. Andrew Adams, and a son, Abner, for Mr. Charles Bruce.  Rainy Day, but at Eve it increas’d, but especially was violent in the Night.  Yet Mr. Hutchinson return’d home which I could not.  Mr. Hutchinson preach’d on Gen. 3.22.23.24.  Heb. 11.4.

1754 June 24 (Monday).  Great part of the forenoon rainy, but I set out for Westborough.  At Captain Bakers found that he and Francis Whipple were disquieted with me about the Sudbury Letters not being read, whereas Deacon Newton was told that it was at the Churchs service.  N.B. Deacon was at the Squires, and I think own’d that I told him where they might have the Letter — but he said he had promis’d me he would Say nothing but what I had writ.  I offer’d to warn a Church Meeting this Day to be towards Night, and to hire a man to do it if that would satisfie; but it was not accepted.  I left ‘em ruffl’d.  P.M. saw Mr. Abraham Smith with his Father ride upwards.

1754 June 25 (Tuesday).  This Day the Churchs are to meet at Sudbury for Council.  Mr. Campbell[1] of Oxford, and Deacon Davis here on their way thither.  N.B. Mr. Nathaniel Whitney’s Discourse of Sudbury Affair.  Jonah and the Storm.  Send Mr. Nurse my Chair to carry his Wife to Salem.

[1]The Reverend John Campbell.

1754 June 26 (Wednesday).  A very menacing Letter from Mr. Abraham Smith, threatning to prosecute me for telling him he was a Lyar and had told a Lie.

1754 June 27 (Thursday).  Mr. Adams at work making a pair of Great Doors for the Barn.  Sent an answer to Mr. Smiths Letter, but Mr. Phinehas Rice of Grafton.  Was over at t’other House.

1754 June 28 (Friday).  Mr. Adams finishes that work.  Mr. Samuel Livermore junior here, going to Cold Spring.  I wrote by Mr. Livermore to Mr. Forbush on the Smith Affair.  Mr. Phinehas Rice brings me another blustering Letter from Mr. Smith.

1754 June 29 (Saturday).  I was in a poor feeble, relax’d State, but got through my Preparations somewhat Seasonably and largely.  D.G.

1754 June 30 (Sunday).  Read and expounded for the a.m. Exercise 1 Sam., chapter 1.  P.M. read 1 John 1, and preach’d on Rom. 6.3.4.  Forenoon Exercise finish’d Somewhat before 12.  Although I was Still but in a weak State yet had today Some Appetite to my Dinner which I have not had for some time.  Stay’d the Church at Eve and related to them what I had done about the Sudbury Letter, and so endeavour’d to remove all misunderstandings among them about that Affair, and I said that if any one of them had any Thing to offer there was Opportunity but no Body Spake.  So the Church was dismiss’d with Blessing, and I desir’d that those who were appointed Delegates to the Holliston Council would Seasonably attend that service.

1754 July 1 (Monday).  Messrs. Martyn and Maccarty and their Wives here p.m.  Neighbour Eleazer Williams plough’d at the Island, and Mr. Benjamin Tainter hoed.  Send Two Calves to be kept at t’other Place:  Mr. Tainter assisted in getting them over and took my Mare to keep at his own Pasture.

1754 July 2 (Tuesday).  My Mare was brought from Mr. Tainters: and Lieutenant and I rode to Holliston.  Neither heard nor saw any Thing of Esquire Baker, the other Delegate.  At Mr. Daniel Mellens who had call’d us, we found the Reverend Messrs. Bucknam[1] and Bridge,[2] and their Delegates, viz. Esquire Adams[3] for Medway first Church, and Esquire Haven,[4] Deacon Pike[5] and Ensign Stone[6] for Framingham.  We got together by about 10 a.m. so that we settled all our Preparatory Busines respecting the Churchs Committee who were ready with us to attend upon the Council when we should be form’d — we form’d — (though I earnestly besought I might be excus’d leading in the Work, and try’d a Vote for Mr. Bucknam), yet I could not escape.  Mr. Bucknam chose Scribe and sent a written Message to Captain Littlefield to attend if he pleas’d.  These Things before Dinner.  P.M. Mr. Mellen gave us a long and too confus’d Account of his Case.  At Eve were in our Debates — Could find no Method to proceed in:  both Esquire Adams and Esquire Haven went home.  We remain’d wholly incapable of drawing up anything, till we dispers’d.  I only, lodg’d at Mr. Mellens.  Lieutenant Tainter at Captain Littlefields.  I was in a most feeble, weak, trembling State through the Night and had but little sleep.  But (Mr. Mellen lodging with me)

[1]Nathan Bucknam of Millis.

[2]Matthew Bridge of Framingham

[3]Elisha Adams.

[4]Joseph Haven, selectman and representative.

[5]Moses Pike was a prominent office-holder.  Temple, Framingham, p. 670.

[6]Hezekiah Stone.

1754 July 3 (Wednesday).  In the Morning I had some Discourse with him which open’d a Way for us to proceed in — I wrote — it took; with Mr. Bridge’s Help it was ripen’d — and we had a result which succeeded (D.G.).  Mr. Mellen Consented.  The Ministers din’d at Mr. Prentice’s.  P.M. went to Lecture.  I pray’d before sermon.  Mr. Bucknam preach’d on 1 Sam. 4.13, for his Heart trembled for the Ark of God.  After Sermon the Church was Stop’d and our Result was publickly read by the Scribe.  Mr. Mellen renewed his Acceptance, Submission etc.  The Church also voted their Concurrence.  And Mrs. Mellen publickly consenting was also restor’d by the Church to Charity and privileges — all which gave us great Joy and cause of Praise to God.  We left ‘em cheerfully and Lieutenant Tainter and I rode to Southborough.  I wanted to Consult Mr. Ezra Tailor on the Smith Affair.  Found him at Captain Timothy Brighams, and read him the Letters which had pass’d between us.  He said he would go and See Smith next Monday or Tuesday, with Mr. Ebenezer Rice.  Lieutenant Tainter rode Home.  I lodg’d at Mr. Stones being afraid to ride in the Evening Air.  Had but a poor Night.

1754 July 4 (Thursday).  Lowery till 8 or 9.  I return’d home when it clear’d up in Safety, except my feeble state.  My wife tells me that 16 Hands came Yesterday forenoon and hoed the rest of my Corn over.

1754 July 5 (Friday).  Am not altogether So faint and feeble.  Can Study part of my Time.

1754 July 6 (Saturday).  Mr. Jason Haven,[1] a Senior sophister here; din’d with us.  Sent an Answer to Mr. Smiths second Letter by Primus — Mr. Phinehas Rice’s Negro.  P.M. I attended the burying of Mr. Thomas Twitchells Infant.

[1](Harvard 1754).  Haven became the minister of Dedham, 1756-1803.

1754 July 7 (Sunday).  Read and gave large Exposition of 1 Sam. 2.  P.M. read 1John 2.  By the Extra Business of last Week was able to prepare but one Exercise — therefore p.m. repeated Exposition on Mat. 11.29.30, delivering two Exercises in one.  Mr. Gershom Brighams wife din’d with us.  At Eve read to the Church the late Result of the Council at Holliston.

1754 July 8 (Monday).  Went to t’other House; my son Ebenezer began to mow between the House and Barn.  Brought over Ebenezer’s Mare for Mr. Ebenezer Rice to go down with Mr. Ezra Taylor to Abraham Smith of Sudbury.  At Eve Mr. Jason Haven came and lodg’d here.  Thomas mow’d Bushes p.m.

1754 July 9 (Tuesday).  Mr. Haven to Framingham.  Thomas mow’d at the Island.  Billy mow’d p.m.  Mr. Forbush and his Wife and Child with their Friend Deacon Cutler and his Wife came from Brookfield to t’other House last Night, and this Day here, with Mrs. Brown (Mr. Zechariah Browns Wife) broke fast and din’d here.  P.M. Mr. Forbush to Cambridge and the rest of the Company left us except My Daughter and her Child.  Master Coolidge and I rode over to Mr. Eliezer Rice’s to See the Ministerial Meadow, and find that some of the Grass is now fit to be mow’d.

1754 July 10 (Wednesday).  Expected Mr. Stone to preach my Lecture but he did not come.  I preach’d myself on 1 Cor. 11.31.  Thomas and Billy at the Island part of the Day.

1754 July 11 (Thursday).  Mr. Phinehas Hardy here about the Affair of the Pew; and he seems inclin’d to have me resign the matter to Mr. Jonathan Forbush that he may take the Pew and Pay the Money.  I visited Captain Forbush and other Neighbours as far as Jonas Twitchells.  N.B. came home on Foot.  Thomas and Billy mowing and raking at the Island.