Category: Diary

1756 June 24 (Thursday).  Brother Hicks and his son Joshua, the latter returned from the Eastward from Bay Vert here.  I grew not well — but attended the Funeral of Eliza Bond.  My Daughter in Law ventured over here, and I carryed her to her Brother Bonds.  I was ill whilst there and performed the service with much Difficulty.  Had an ill Night.  Having got Cold, was aguish, my stomach acked and my Bones were in Pain.  Ebenezer carryed his Mother to the House of Mourning.  Billy is at the 2d hoing of the Island Field.

1756 June 25 (Friday).  Had a bad night, and am much indisposed to Day — much pain in my stomach etc.: was wholly confined — but it is of the Lords Mercy I am not consumed.  Peggy Read said to be dying — sends for me, but I am so ill I can’t go.  It proves also an exceeding rainy time.  At night I was seized by a very violent Ague which held me shaking about half an hour — which was followed with Fever and held me I Suppose all Night.  Sent for Dr. Chase and he Came.  It is altogether uncertain what the Sovereign of my Life is now about to do with me.  May I be prepared for His holy will!  The Indications are now strong.

1756 June 26 (Saturday).  Dr. Chase again.  He administers (as far as I discern) judiciously.  Peggy Read is yet living.  I perswade Dr. Chase to go and See her.  My Sons Ebenezer and Thomas go to Brookfield, p.m.  I am Grieved at their setting out so late.  Towards Night Brother Harrington of Watertown, came.  He goes to Deacon Bonds to lodge.  N.B. having agreed to change with Mr. Martyn tomorrow, was obliged to Send over Billy to acquaint him of my Sickness.  When he returns he informs me that they also are in much Affliction, Mrs. Molly being sick and o’Bed, and they had sent for Dr. Morse.  A bright Day.  I took a Cathartick; an infusion of Senna, Liquorish etc.

1756 June 27 (Sunday).  I hope I am (through the Goodness of God) a little better.  But it is a Melancholly Day on Account of God’s Sanctuary which is very desolte.  Yet a few do assemble So as to carry on Exercises both a. and p.m.  I Sent ‘em good Mr. Willison on the Sabbath.  Billy walks over (as does Master Gardner) to Mr. Martyns Meeting.  He dines at Mr. Martyns also.  Mrs. Molly Somewhat better, but her Mother is now ill.  Dr. Chase came diligently to See me, both Morning and Evening.  The Indian woman yet alive.  Brother Harrington goes from Deacon Bonds to t’other House and lodges there.

1756 June 28 (Monday).  Through the great Goodness of God I gather strength; but I can’t freely read or write yet.  It affects my Eyes and disorders me at my Vitals to attempt much of either.  P.M. to my great Joy, my dear Kinsman Mr. Procter of Boston and his Spouse, came on purpose to make us a visit.  She was never here before.  They tarry with us.  I send their Horse to Mr. Hezekiah Pratts to be kept.  It proves very refreshing to me especially at this time of my illness.  Mr. Jacob Amsden made me a seasonable visit (particularly considering what he brought).  It is the glorious God who over rules every thing in His holy Providence.

1756 June 29 (Tuesday).  I grow better, I hope every Day.  Chearfullness with my Relatives, who are here, doubtless promotes it.  The Doctor here once more.  He brings me Bitters.  Mr. Whipple made me a Visit.  The Indian Woman (tis said) recovers — so that she walks about.  Mr. John Morris a wounded, maimed man, here, begging Charity.  Says he is of Uxbridge.  Mr. Jotham Death also here; he had left a Letter begging a Contribution for him, he having been sorrowfully burnt out.  My Kinsfolks here with us.  My sons return from Brookfield.

1756 June 30 (Wednesday).  I felt so much better that I venture to ride with my Kinswoman to my sons.  Her Husband walked over.  We dine there.  P.M. my Wife over there also, but all return hither at Eve.  N.B. a little son of Mr. Nathan Maynard, Nehemiah, this morning at play with his little Brother Nathan, has two middle fingers of his Right Hand cutt off, and the forefinger cutt almost off also — doubting whether it can be saved.  A very sorrowfull Providence!  May the Lord sanctify it to them and may his Name be praised and magnifyed for His protecting, guarding and preserving my little sons who are continually extremely Exposed!  I earnestly beg the Continuance thereof!  I hear that Peg Read has walked off from Esq. Bakers.  I doubt not o’ their great Joy.

1756 July 1 (Thursday).  My Kins folks had designed to have left us to Day — but I was not so well as yesterday.  (It was windy, and probably I took some Cold.  I was feverish, relaxed — appetite depraved.)  They would not therefore Spend their Time in visiting any others, nor leave me, since it was evidently very comforting and refreshing to have them here.  Only p.m. my wife and Mrs. Procter rode to Mr. Grouts and got me some Metheglin.  O that I were indeed in a readiness for the Will of God!  N.B. Mr. Procter prayed in my Family in the morning.

1756 July 2 (Friday).  It was Somewhat wet at the first of the morning, and in Some Measure discouraged my Kins folks from undertaking their Journey home: but afterwards the Sun broke out and they took leave.  John Forbush, Sent by his Father, hoed with Billy in the New Field.  N.B. Mr. Isaac Mitchel of Peterborough (above Townshend) here and dined with us.  By him I wrote a Letter to Mr. William Jones of Lunenbourg — to desire him to look up the 62 Acre Lot which I had of Lull, promising that I would see him satisfyed.  As to my own Condition, I am to day in a feverish, relaxed, and weak state, but am desirous to place my Hope and Trust in the Lord my God.  But above all, may God of his infinite mercy and Goodness, grant me inward reviving; and strength in my soul!  May the pious Example of Mr. Procter quicken me, in particular his Strictness and Steddiness in the Exercises of Devotion — his Care to avoid sin, and keep all Gods holy Commandments.

1756 July 3 (Saturday).  I feel but poorly Still.  Am capable of but very little of either reading or writing.  Mr. Joseph Manning, I hear, came to t’other House last night.  P.M. he came here.  He lodges here.  Billy is obliged to hoe my New field very much alone.

1756 July 4 (Sunday).  Though I am low, feverish and weak, yet I was not without hope of going into the House of the Lord but it proved so rainy I could not.  Mr. Manning preached for me.  A.M. on Joh. 6.27.  P.M. on Eccl. 3.2, those words “a Time to die.”  He continues with us to night.

1756 July 5 (Monday).  But a.m. Mr. Manning left us to go to Uxbridge.  Mr. Moses Twitchel and Daniel Miller come to clear a piece of my Land on Mr. Nurses Road.  I hope I am a little more revived.  Yet dare not meddle much with Books.  N.B. My Cousen Trask of Sutton Sends me word of his sorrowful Bereavement, that last Thursday his dear Wife dyed.  May God Himself comfort him with those Consolations which are not small!  Billy hoes in the New Field alone.  Sarah for [this great?] while at t’other House, helping her sister Eliza, who remains weak and poor.

1756 July 6 (Tuesday).  Mr. Twitchell and Miller clearing again.  Dr. Crosby here.  Rev. Fish visits me, p.m.  I feel but weak and low yet: especially my appetite much depraved; and am Soon overcome with a little attention.  However p.m. I walked over to Neighbour Nurse’s, and returned (Blessed be God) in Safety.  Twitchell and Miller lodge here.

1756 July 7 (Wednesday).  This Day we had a Variety of Workmen.  Twitchell and Miller at their Clearing.  Neighbour John Rogers all Day mowing at the Island, and Artimas Bruce half the Day with him.  Mr. Jonathan Bellows and his son Reuben, half-hilling in my New field.  Eliza and her Child here, and her Neece Mrs. Warrin here with her.  Mr. Uriah Brigham here near Night, and informs that Dr. Gott has arrived at Marlborough from the Camp, and that Young Master Robert Breck of Springfield, is gone to Boston.

1756 July 8 (Thursday).  Mr. John Rogers worked for me a.m. mowing the West Pasture and the little Pasture etc.  P.M. Billy and he raked and carted up a Jagg from the Island.  I was in a poor, weak state, and especially my Stomach much depraved.  At Night Thunder Storm, hard Thunder and sharp Lightning and there were heavy Showers of rain; through most of the Night it held a remarkable Season.  At Eve I began to drink a Steep of Barbery Bark, and it made me very Sick and faint.

1756 July 9 (Friday).  A bright, chearfull and pleasant morning after the storm, but I am my Self, I fear, lower, and more distressed; am very sick, abhor every Edible, but endeavour to keep up my Spirits and walk about.  Mr. Moses Twitchell comes to clearing again.  Mr. Abijah Gale here and reckons.  Billy mows a little.  I am exceeding poor and Miserable at Evening.  I had sent for Dr. Chase in the Day.  He came at Night, and being perswaded by my grievous Nausea, and frequent reaching to vomit, that I have the Jaundice, I have Sent Thomas to Mrs. Kimbal of Hopkinton for her famous Remedy.  But I principally beg Grace to [Seak?] to, and depend on the Glorious God the Almighty sovereign of my Life and all my Changes.

1756 July 10 (Saturday).  Thomas did not come early, yet I began Mrs. Kimbals Medicine, looking to God for His Blessing.  P.M. came Mr. Forb. to my great Joy, because of tomorrow.  I felt somewhat better at noon.  Sat at Table and eat somewhat.  It was also with relish.  D.G.

1756 July 11 (Sunday).  Mr. Forb. a. and p.m. on Eph. 3.6 but I kept House.  Could not set at Table at noon.  Deacon Forb. and wife, Master Gardner, old Mrs. Byles besides my Children of t’other House, dined here.  N.B. a pain has to day seized my Breast, oppressive and hinders free Breathing.  Am afraid what this will end in.  But — to God be all submitted!

1756 July 12 (Monday).  Mr. Forb. left us to go to Commencement.  Sent the History of Mary Queen of Scotts to Sir Rice at Cambridge.  Mr. Wellman also here, on his Journey.  This was a dark Morning with me on account of the Increase of the Oppresing pain in my Breast, and the Increase also of my Fever: My abhorrence of Food, and my Weakness add to my Distress.  But may God enable me to resign my self wholly to him!  I sent for Dr. Chase, who came — gives me [Confactio Alkermes?], etc.  Very hot weather.  Thomas and Billy hoeing in the New Field and finished it.  Deacon Jonathan Forb. here p.m.  I was so very low that (upon his having mentioned his going to Hopkinton upon his Busness) I prayed him to go to Dr. Willson for me: which he resolved to do.

1756 July 13 (Tuesday).  Dr. Wilson came.  He judges a vomit (of Panacea Antimony) best — and perswades me to take it.  He stays to See the Operation.  N.B. I went down below to dinner and sat at Table (part of the Time).  Took my vomit about 4 p.m.  It worked Slowly, but according to Expectation, both up and down.  And I took an Anodyne before I went to sleep, committing all to God!

1756 July 14 (Wednesday).  In the morning was faint and weak indeed!  Neighbour Zebulun Rice (who was here at the time of the working of my physic) came kindly to see me this morning.  Dr. Chase came, and Seems somewhat offended that I had not told him of my Sending for Dr. Wilson.  I gave him my Reasons.  He then chearfully administered of his Druggs.  The Widow Biglow came to work here, making stays for Sarah and Suse.  Mr. Barrett came to see me and dined here.  P.M. Mr. Martyn and his Wife also.  Mr. Barrett prayed.  I gave Mrs. Martyn to understand that I wanted some express manifestation of her Husbands reconciliation to me since those terrible Letters etc.

 

In the Night Mr. Phinehas Hardy brought up for me a Special supply of Wine, Figgs, Raisins etc.

1756 July 15 (Thursday).  I had but a faint Night notwithstanding — much pained in my Knees, as well as Back.  Fear I am falling into Rheumatism.  Am faint to Day, appetite depraved.  Am Confined to the Chamber.  Mr. Noah Rice and his son Bacon here from Commencement.  Likewise Mr. Hall.  Mr. Wellman the last dined here; and brought me Theses and Questiones.  Capt. Baldwin dined here also.  He is going to Brookfield.  Thomas and Billy begin to hill the Corn at the Island, and finish it.  At night Came Mr. Robert Breck of New Haven College and his sister, Mrs. Lois, with Rev. Mr. Josiah Whitney of Pomfrat, from Boston in their way to Springfield and lodged here.  Dr. Chase to see me a.m.

1756 July 16 (Friday).  In the morning, though poor and weak and somewhat Rheumatic in my Knees, I went down below to Breakfast and prayer with the Company and Family.  Dr. Chase just stept in, judges my Fever abated in some Measure, and yet I am many ways grievously Exercised; my right Knee, my right Eye — I find it necessary to put on a Blister at Night, that if it may please God I may have Ease from my Rheumatick Pains.  Coll. Williams of Marlborough came in at Eve.  Deacon Bond also visited me; likewise Lt. Thomas Forbs. wife.  I am humbly waiting the will of God especially His gracious manifestations for the Refreshment of my inner Man.  Little Sophy ill also.

1756 July 17 (Saturday).  My Blister was well drawn, but the Effects are, apparently, but Small on the Side of Success, as yet.  The Pain in my right Knee is very afflicting.  A favour that little Sophy is playfull again.  Lt. Tainter brings a Load of Wood, and kills a Calf for us.  Our Orchard field was Sowed yesterday when My sons began to plough and Hill the Indian Corn there, and to day partly work there (Thomas but a Spell, a.m.) and secure part of the Hay in [of?] the Home Lot.  N.B. I went down to dinner with my Family, but it was with great Difficulty, my stomach being much against the Food, which yet was very good and entertaining to all who were in any Health.  O may I see, and be conformed to the Hand of God upon Me!  P.M. to my great Joy came my Brother Samuel Parkman from Boston to see me, and Mr. Forb. with him.  Towards Eve Mr. Barrett came, and Mr. Forb. is to go to Hopkinton.  Mr. Barrett and my Brother lodge here.

1756 July 18 (Sunday).  Mr. Barrett preached here, a.m. on Ps. 73.26, last Clause.  P.M. on Ps. 17.14, those words, “who have their Portion in this Life.”  I sat with them at Dinner but could not go to Meeting.  Dr. Chase here; leaves me some Lavender only; I having many sorts of Drops and Drugs already.  Rheumatism abates so little that I put on another Blister on (the same) Left Arm.  My Eyes are still Strangely affected — the Balls and up above them in Pain.  N.B. Mr. Barrett read the Proclamation for a Fast and Mr. Jotham Death’s Letter, desiring Contribution.  Mr. Barret left us at Eve.  N.B. Mr. Williams kept his Horse.

1756 July 19 (Monday).  Notwithstanding my Blisters, my Rheumatism increases — Seizes the thick part of my right Thigh.  I am also more feverish — can’t bear to sit at Dinner, yet try, and worry it out.  God be merciful to me a Miserable sinner, under His holy Frowns!  Son Forb. returns from Hopkinton or his Fathers, and sets out for Brookfield.  Mr. Moses Twitchel mows at Newton Meadow.  Billy mows at the Island.  Thomas a while.  P.M. My Brother Samuel left us and went to Hopkinton.  P.M. Mr. Asaph Rice visits me.

1756 July 20 (Tuesday).  Through the Divine Goodness I had a more comfortable Day — freer of Pains, and from the Nauseating Food.  I eat better, but did not venture down to dinner with the Family.  Mr. John Frost, employed by Mr. Moses Twitchell, works for me in the Newton Meadow.  Dr. Chase steps in.  P.M. Esq. Baker came to See me, as did Mr. Smith of Marlborough, who prayed with me.  Mr. Francis Whipple and Neighbour Eliezer Rice came likewise.  The last agrees to Serve me in Carting my Ministerial Meadow Hay.  I feel better this p.m. than I have done a good while.  I would heartily praise God for it!

1756 July 21 (Wednesday).  Had not so comfortable Night — a.m. less lively, and more feverish than yesterday.  Such is the will of God that I have my ups and downs.  Yet as to my Circumstances many Things are chearful.  Mr. Twitchell works for me in taking Care of the Hay.  Mr. Barachias Morse and Francis Pierce mow in the Ministerial Meadow, but especially fourteen Hands, great and small, came and hilled my New Field of Corn behind the Meeting House.  They were Lt. Tainter, and his son Benjamin (with their lad Enoch Biglow), Ensign Harrington, Messrs. Solomon Woods, Zebulun Rice, Jonathan Grout, Amariah Thurston, Joseph Pratt, James Bowman junior, Isaac Miller, Eli Whitney, Elisha Forbush, John Forbush, Joseph Bond.  I would take a grateful Notice of this Favour in Providence.  Nigh Evening came Mr. William Crawford.  This was to my great Ease and Comfort.  Sent his Horse to Neighbour Barny Newtons, to be kept.  Two Load of Hay home from Newton Meadow.  My Wife very much exercised with pains, daily.  The Doctor steped in to Day also.  I marryed Samuel junior to Abigail Forbush.  Dr. Wilson visited me and with him Deacon Burnap.

1756 July 22 (Thursday).  Publick Fast on Account of our undertaking against Crown Point.  Mr. Crawford preached a.m. on Hos. 6.6.  I went to Meeting — D.G.  And prayed after sermon.  P.M. I prayed before sermon.  Mr. Crawford preached on Deuteronomy 23.9.  I hope I got no Cold, nor received any Harm.  The Lord hear and accept the Addresses; pardoning our many Offences; and may the word delivered have a proper Effect!

1756 July 23 (Friday).  Messrs. Barachias Rice and Martyn Pratt came to work in Ministerial Meadow.  Thomas and Billy go to raking in Newton Meadow.  Mr. Crawford returned home.  I feel but poorly still — can’t read or write any Time together but hope I grow stronger in the Main.  D.G.  Mrs. Bulah Bent of Marlborough came to see us and dined here.  She rode with me in my Chair (mended by Neighbour Zebulun Rice) to the Funeral of Mr. Richard Barns’s Child, which I attended, though with much Difficulty.  Mrs. Bulah tells me I may improve her Meadow and welcome.  When I returned home, found Mr. Stone and his Wife here.  This was a refreshing Visit.  He prayed with me before he left me.  Thomas and Billy brought home a Jagg of Hay from Newton Meadow with Neighbour Abner Newtons Team.  Neighbour Morse lodges here.

1756 July 24 (Saturday).  Neighbour Morse and Neighbour Martyn Pratt work in Ministerial Meadow till about 5 p.m.  Neighbour Eliezer Rice carts home 3 Load from thence.  Thomas and Billy work at the Meadow also, but a shower beat them all off Sun two hours high.

1756 July 25 (Sunday).  I felt not so well as Some Days I have.  But considering the doleful state of the Flock when there is no Minister, I ventured out both a. and p.m.  Repeated a.m. sermon 1 on Jer. 31.18.  P.M. repeated sermon 1 on Mat. 12.20.  Having taken all the ways to favor and strengthen my self that I could, I was not overmuch worried or Spent with the services.  But I cant say I took no Cold, for at night I was Seized again with Rheumatic Pains, chiefly my right Arm and right Knee.  But the Will of the Lord be done!  May his Word which we have heard savingly profit us!  And May these Providences so afflictive and trying, prove Spiritually advantagious, through the divine Concurrence!

1756 July 26 (Monday).  Have had a sad Night, being exercised with strong Pain, especially in my right Knee.  Put on a Blister this Morning — but may I, above all, look to God for Relief!  For I am in His Hands, to smite or heal.  Thomas and Billy mowed in Ministerial Meadow, and p.m. Capt. Wood of Hopkinton and His Wife, made me a kind Visit.

1756 July 27 (Tuesday).  Am Somewhat relieved in my Knee, but am grievously Seized in my Right Shoulder, and my Right Hand — it swells and is very useless.  Another Blister improved.  A very dark time!  But such is the holy and sovereign Will of God!

1756 July 28 (Wednesday).  Had a very distressing Night.  The Blister has little apparent Effect.  Dr. Chase to see Me.  He sends me Balsam Polychris.  Send to Mr. Asaph Rice per Ensign Harrington.  Begin to be seized in my Left Knee.  But it is the Lord!  P.M. Moses Twitchel and Noah Hardy mow in Newton Meadow.