Category: Diary

1759 April 7 (Saturday).  My Wife so ill and Dr. Chase not coming as he had promised, I Sent to Dr. Crosby, who came.  P.M. Mr. Stone came and desires me to change with him; but when he saw our Affliction, he goes to Mr. Martyn.  Before he goes he reads me a Letter Sent him by Capt. Taylor and Signed by him, Capt. Aaron Fay, Manasseh Stone, and [blank] containing offers and Insults — which Mr. Stone answered with Reprehension and Resentment.  N.B. Mr. Samuel Williams was with me in the Morning to acquaint me with the Death of his son Maynard yesterday — and that it was desired I would attend the Funeral this afternoon.  I therefore proceed to prepare for it.  Afterwards his Son Eleazer comes and tells me he hears there is an Alteration of the Time, to tomorrow after Exercises.  After this Mr. James Maynard came and told me they had concluded to bury his Brother tomorrow after the publick Exercises, for as much as they could neither get ready to Day, nor keep the Corps till Monday.  But the Time was so taken up with these Several men, and the Circumstances of my Wife’s Illness, that I could not prepare new sermons for the Sabbath.  I wrote a few pages but did not complete the Discourse for One Exercise.  My Heart has often wrought greatly on Such Occasions.

1759 April 8 (Sunday).  In the morning my Wife was cool and calm as if She would Soon get Well again; made grateful mention of it in the public Devotions.  Read Ezra 10, Act. 10.  Preached a. and p.m. repeating sermon on Ps. 11.7, former Clause.  Dr. Crosby here.  Dr. Prentice who came to see Mr. Nurse came likewise.  An Alteration arose in my Wife at, or before noon: She had an Ague Fit, Succeeded by a burning Fever.  The Doctors, old Mrs. Dunlop, Mrs. Foster and [blank] dined here.  When I returned and the Doctors with me after meeting, She was in a great Inflammation and Sweat.  I attended the Funeral of Mr. Reuben Maynard, from his House to our burying place.

1759 April 9 (Monday).  The Widow Newton watched with my Wife last night.  She takes Sophy home with her; and little Hannah is at Deacon Tainters.  By reason of Patty Dunlops uneasiness to go home, I rode to Lt. Brighams at Southborough to get Mrs. Suse Gleason to be in her Room, but in Vain.  Was at Mr. Isaac Johnsons.  Visit Mrs. Gourdots (or Gurdow) who has lost her son, his wife and a Child in Canada, at the Isle de Orleans of the small pox: and tells me 700 Neutral French had dyed of the same Distemper.  Called at Mr. Amsdens to discharge my Duty to him respecting his Drinking and in particular laid to him his bad Condition on the Thanksgiving Day — Not having had Opportunity to Speak to him of that till now.  May God Sett home and prosper the Admonition!  When I came home here was Mr. Wellman who came from Sutton, Supposing I had sent to him to come.  He dined here.  Dr. Crosby here.  My Wife low, but her fit is gone off all this Day.  At Night the Doctor here again in his Return from Marlborough, where multitudes have gone, it being the Day of the Mustering of the Soldiers, who are going to Canada.  P.M. I also rode to the Widow Thurstons to get one of her Daughters to help us — but in Vain.  In my Way called to see Mr. Blanc and acquaint him with Mrs. Gourdots Troubles — and to see Mr. James Miller and Family; and his Brother Daniels.  At Deacon Tainters to see my little Hannah.  Nabby Rice, Mr. Zebulun’s Daughter, watches to night.

1759 April 10 (Tuesday).  I rode out again for a Maid or Nurse to be in Pattys Stead — obtain Persis Rice, who comes in the afternoon.  My Wife was calm and cool in the Morning.  At length She had a strong Ague Fitt, was sick and reached to Vomit; then came on Fever [blot]ness and Faintness; She can’t part with Patty though Persis is here.  Dr. Crosby — and a great Variety of Company.  My son in Law Baldwin came; and informed that Billy has listed again, to go under him, who is going Captain of the Second (of Captain’s) Companys in the first Battalion of Coll. Ruggles’s Regiment: He supposes also that Mr. Forbush is going.  I was very much struck at his Account of Billys going again.  He dined here and soon went off to go to Boston, taking leave of me as Supposing he Should not See me again before his Marching.  Dr. Asaph Rice from Berwick here.  Mrs. Joanna Forbush, Mrs. Joslin who had fallen off from the Horse on which her son Whitney was waiting upon her home.  She was greatly terrifyed and distressed, So that I was obliged to go out to her (at Mr. Whitneys Request) to compose her: in which I succeeded.  Thomas rides my mare to Marlborough.  At Eve Mrs. Pratt (wife of Neighbour Hezekiah) and she tarrys to Watch.  The Doctor concludes my Wife’s illness will turn to Fever and Ague.  Samme is also ill.  It Seems to be Fever and Ague.  My Tryals are at this Time very various.  May God sustain me!  N.B. John Dunlop came with an Horse whilst I was in my Chamber writing the above, and carryed off his sister without either of them saying one word to me.

1759 April 11 (Wednesday).  My wife more Comfortable again.  Sitts up longer than any Day since She was confined.  Billy came home.  Came from Brookfield yesterday, and from Worcester to Day.  He coughs as one that has the Meazles and thinks he took the Distemper at his Brother Parkmans, he having been there several Times while the Children were coughing and ill of it.  Mr. Martyn and his Wife here.  Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Maynard, Mrs. Thurston.  Persis Rice who lives here, watches and my Sarah with her.

1759 April 12 (Thursday).  My Wife Very bad — her Ague Fit stronger than Ordinary — And her Fever Fit brings her into great Distress — So that She is perhaps lower than at any time yet.  Billys Meazles come out thick.  He keeps Chiefly on the Bed, but went out twice.  Dr. Crosby here and looks on him as well as my wife.  Samme has his Fit of Fever and Ague likewise.  Mr. Moses Twitchell works for me, mending Fence.  Suse Newton comes to watch.  I have a very poor Night my Self, with Care and Concern, tending Billy, yet have good help of Persis Rice and Suse Newton.  I could not lye till Morning but

1759 April 13 (Friday).  rose at ½ after 3 (though I took a Nap below).  My Wife was expected to have a Well Day — but it proved otherwise, for though She was got up, yet was She very ill.  At 3 and ½ p.m. she is aguish and it holds her to half after 5, and then comes on a Fever which continues into Night, to my great Distressing.  I visited and prayed with Mr. Nurse, who grows worse; and says he is almost out of Hope of any Cure.  Billy has the Meazles full — and keep[s] his Bed all Day.  All Things work kindly with him.  Samme also is so well as to run abroad.  Deacon Tainter from Boston — brought my Wife a Bottle of Madera.  At Eve Mr. Whitney, Mr. Wood, Mr. Daniel Forb.’s Wife here.  Capt. Wood also — who offers to go or send to Dr. Wilson.  [I am?] writing to Dr. Crosby of it, to night, to be sent early tomorrow morning to him; I consented.  And now O that God would be pleased to Sanctifie these sorrowful providences to me!  Would He be pleased to extend His gracious Pity to His poor Hand-Maid, and grant her Relief to soul and Body for His Name’s sake!  Priscilla Rice and Lydia Newton watch.

1759 April 14 (Saturday).  Thomas goes with my Letter to Dr. Crosby, while Captain Woods goes to Dr. Willson.  And they both came.  They dine with me, and retire to consult together.  Dr. Willson much inclines to give her a Vomit, yet She is So very weak it looks as if She could not Survive it: they conclude upon it and that Dr. Crosby come here to Meeting tomorrow, and in the morning administer it, and tarry to see it work.  To my Surprize my eldest Brother came to See me at time of signal Distress.  But he knew not of Mrs. P________’s illness when he sat out from Home.  He is upon a Journey to Connecticutt.  My Wife has her Fit, both of Ague and Fever very strong; and she is extremely weak.  Billy gets up and walks — but keeps the Chamber.  A great and noticeable Favour that he has the Distemper so moderately.  But Samme is poorly — So checkered is our State!  May the Lord look upon us and be mercifull to us as He uses to do to them that fear His Name!  Mrs. Bond watches.

1759 April 15 (Sunday).  My Wife is exceeding Weak and low.  It looks as if she would not survive it.  She tells me in the morning She thinks it will be too hard for her.  This sabbath morning is therefore very gloomy and sorrowful.  My interruptions, Cares etc. have prevented my preparing any more than one sermon.  Dr. Crosby came.  Administered the vomit.  It worked as many times again as the Doctor talked of — a matter of Sixteens times.  Read publickly Neh. 1.  Preached on Hos. 9.12.  My Brother keeps sabbath with us.  The Doctor dines here.  Read p.m. Acts 11.  Repeated on 1 Cor. 6.9.10, some selected passages.  My Neighbour Nurse being grown worse, at Eve my Brother and I made him a Visit and prayed with him.  He was exceeding full of pain in his Back so as that he cryed out aloud.  Patty Dunlop watches.

1759 April 16 (Monday).  I rode with my Brother as far as Shrewsbury, and we dined at Capt. Allen’s.  Persis Rice so indisposed, She goes home.  Jemima Maynard is in her stead to help my Daughter Sarah.  Her Mother has a fit every Day; and is in a low state.  Billy rides to Mr. Dunlops to carry Patty.  Mr. Dunlop works in my Garden.  Widow [Woods?] watches.  Jemima Maynard comes to work here.  On the 16 Brother Hicks and his Wife from Cambridge here and lodge here.  N.B. He is unreasonably set against Mr. Wellman, is very bitter — declares he is a man that will not Stand by the Truth.  My son William and Jemima were in hearing.  I checked him smartly; and desired him to Say no more of these Affairs.

1759 April 17 (Tuesday).  Billy leaves us to go into the Service.  Alexander goes with him to help him on his way, as far as Shrewsbury.  N.B. I gave him six Dollars; and he gave me a province Note of 8£ L.M. or 60£ Old Tenor.  My Wife has her Fitts of Ague and Fever — but I hope She is not so bad as heretofore.  Samme has the Fever and Ague.  Visit Mr. Nurse and prayed with him.  Cousen Maynard here — N.B. my ride to Mr. Jonathan Fay for money.  Mr. Woodward and his wife ride to Sutton — but they did not alight — for I was not at home — but met them near Capt. Woods.

1759 April 18 (Wednesday).  Disappointed and perplexed about ploughing.  Can’t get any done yet.  Was at Capt. Maynards to reckon with him, but he was not at home.  My Wife though somewhat feverish, yet escaped her Fit.  Widow Newton watched last night again.  Dr. Crosby here late at night.

1759 April 19 (Thursday).  Miss Lavinia Baker watched last night.  Visit and pray with Mr. Nurse.  Mr. Benjamin Nurse and his Wife of Framingham, there.  Lt. Rolf brings me a Pair of Boots he has made for me, with English soals etc.  Ebenezer Rice junior comes with a Yoke of Oxen.  Alexander and he split Hills.  Mr. Zebulun Rice brings a plough which he has made for me.  I rode to Hopkinton.  Went by Deacon Burnaps who took his Horse and rode with me through the worst of the Woods towards Dr. Wilsons, where my Business chiefly lay.  I dined there.  N.B. The Doctor generously gave me what ever he had done for me or mine.  Mrs. Henrietta Overing is going to Rhode Island — goes from the Doctors this Afternoon.  I proceeded to Sir Harry Franklands Seat, kept now by Mr. Jacques Joseph Villieout de Rohan marrie avec Madamoiselle Frances [blank] de Turenne.  He gave me such Slips, Branches, Cions, Seeds as I desired — and lent me Du Moulins Book of Accomplishment of the Prophecys or Third Book of Defense of the Catholique Faith.  I borrow’d it for the sake of a Trial with my Mr. Blanc, for it being in French I presume not to read much of it.  In returning at Eve, called at Mr. Barretts, who is gone to Boston.  My Wife had a Fit to Day.

1759 April 20 (Friday).  Though She had no Fit to Day yet She lies in a Weak faint State, and was not up but a little while, during the Bed-making etc.  Samme lies by with another Fit of Fever and Ague.  Mr. [Ebenezer?] Chamberlain here and acquaints me with the great Difficulty he has been at in providing a place for the School and School-Master (now a little while before the Court).  Upon which I Spake freely of the Folly, injustice and shamefull Conduct of the Town respecting that important Article of the School.  Jemima watched last night.

1759 April 21 (Saturday).  My Wife will not be perswaded but that She goes down Hill yet.  Dr. Crosby called in here.  I visited Mr. Nurse and prayed with him.  There is a New Appearance upon his Tumor: where it has Sometimes of late oozed out a little Blood, as from a push; there is now a turning out of the Flesh about a large as a Womans Nipple.  Sarah watched last night.

1759 April 22 (Sunday).  Read Neh. 2, Act. 12.  Preached a. and p.m. on Rom. 2.5.  May God bless it to our thorough awakening!  My wife I hope is somewhat better, though she is yet very weak, and sitts up but very little.  She has had no fit for several Days: And Sarah tended upon her in the Night.  And now this Night Thomas waits on her.

1759 April 23 (Monday).  Abroad after a Maid again.  Went to Monsieur Blanc’s for Magdalene but in Vain.  P.M. Mr. Cushing and his Wife here to see us.  The Widow Forbush brought little Hannah to see us.

1759 April 24 (Tuesday).  Artemas Bruce came part of the forenoon to sow some Rye and Oates at the Island; and Mr. Tainter sent his Oxen and Mare with his Boy to plough.  I rode to Capt. Maynards but he was gone a Journey.  N.B. Ebenezer Maynard junior was lately very grievously wounded in one of his Leggs by the falling down of an Axle Tree upon it.  I saw it dressed.  Mr. Joseph Batchellor of Grafton in Great Affliction by sickness and Deaths in his Family.

1759 April 25 (Wednesday).  Though I sent to Mr. Hutchinson to come and preach my Lecture to Day he came not.  N.B. He rode by the Door; and (notwithstanding Mrs. P________’s Sickness) did not call; but according to his Custom, Sent me his Message from the Shop, that he was pre-engaged.  I preached my self on Jer. XII.2, latter part.  N.B. There were so few at Meeting, though good Weather, that I could not but take Notice of it, and lamented it in the Exercise.  N.B. Mr. Thomas Fessenden (who is junior Batchellour) keeps School for a little while, at Mr. Francis Whipples’s [sic] — was here.  Cousin Maynard and Persis Crosby also at Tea, after Lecture.  Several Days of this Week I visit Mr. Nurse and pray with him — he being Still in a dangerous State, and growing worse from time to time.  Widow Betty Rogers helps us.

1759 April 26 (Thursday).  I visited the Widow Martha Warrin, She being sick of a Fever, and pray with her.  Capt. Maynard (being returned home) tells me if I will mend the Fence at his Meadow that joins upon me, I shall be welcome to the use of it.

 

N.B. Nathan Kenny with Mr. Nurse’s Oxen and Horse help in ploughing my Stubble Ground at the Island.  P.M. have Mr. Ebenezer Rice’s Oxen at that Work.  At Mr. Nurse’s.

1759 April 27 (Friday).  Thomas has Capt. Maynards Mare and Mr. Nurse’s Chair, and goes to Brookfield for Suse.  I Send Ebenezer my great Cow Bell and a Dollar for his Son Elias.  P.M. my Brother P________ returns from Middletown, in Good Health, and Comfort, through the great Goodness of God and finds us far Otherwise than he left us, for whereas my Wife was then very weak and low, now she is greatly recruited and daily gathering Strength.  To God all Glory.  My Brother assists me in grafting Apricots and Apples which I brought from Sir Henry Franklands last week.

1759 April 28 (Saturday).  My Brother early pursues his Journey home.  Deacon Tainter comes from Boston, and has gratifyed my Wife with bringing her some Oysters.  Thomas returns from Brookfield with Suse.  Samme has Still the Fever and Ague.

1759 April 29 (Sunday).  Read Neh. 3, Act. 13.  Preached on 1 Cor. 11.23 and Administered the Ordinance of the Lords supper.  Dr. Crosby, Cousen Maynard, Mrs. Taynter, Widow Forbush dined here.  P.M. preached on Rom. 2.5.  The Comet appeared at Evening in the South.

1759 April 30 (Monday).  Visit Mr. Nurse and pray with him.  N.B. Mr. Moses Nurse having carryed Capt. Ezra Taylor in full, delivered me, from him, my Note for two Guineas borrowed of him last year.  P.M. Mr. Pratt kindly ploughs for me.  Widow Betty Rogers leaves us.

1759 May 1 (Tuesday).  Mr. Pratt came again a.m. to Sow and plough in Grain and Flax in my Orchard.  Rode to Lt. Forb. to get him or his son to plow for me — but with little success.  Saw only his son.  P.M. at private Meeting at Mrs. Grouts — preached on Mat. 7.7.8.  Would bless God for the Impressions on my own Heart, wish they might be preserved!  Too few men there.  In returning called to see Squire Bakers Wife who is Sick of a Fever or Fever and Ague.  At home found Mr. Abner Bailey Minister of New Salem, in New-Hampshire Government and Master Fessenden.

1759 May 2 (Wednesday).  Was designing to Marlborough but Deacon Tainter came and invited me and my Wife to dine at his House.  Though it was a warm, pleasant Day, and though my wife went to the Door, yet she did not venture to go so far.  I went and dined there.  He invited Mrs. Blanc, and I visited there; but she also was too poorly to go.  Her daughters went.  Mr. Edward How of Rutland (Son of the late Mr. Nehemiah How) here.  He is trying to enlist men.  Hear my son Thomas has already ‘listed as a Batteau Man, under Lt. Rolf.

1759 May 3 (Thursday).  A.M. came my son and Daughter Forb. with their Daughter Molly.  They last night got only as far as Capt. Maynards.  I catechized at the Meeting House a. and p.m. but had but few Children.  P.M. Mrs. Dolly Rice and her Daughter Maynard here.  Mr. Forb. rides to Dr. Wilson to get him to go chief Surgeon in Brigadier Ruggles’s Regiment.

1759 May 4 (Friday).  My wife so much better that She rides in a Chair to Neighbour Nurse’s.  I had been there in the morning and prayed with him.  Alex. and Enoch Rice with two Yoke of Cattle, viz. Mr. Zebulun Rice’s and Capt. Woods — and Mr. Nurse’s large plough, plow part of my stubble.  P.M. ride with my Daughter Forb. to her Brother Forb. and thence to the Funeral of Mr. Elijah Rice’s Child Sarah of about 3 and ½.  Visited Ensign Miller who is sick.  N.B. My son Forb. goes to Uxbridge, to See Mr. Jos. Manning in order to obtain him to preach for him, when he goes into the Camp.  N.B. By reason of the Extraordinary Heat and Dryness of the Season there is an Extraordinary putting forth of the Trees — and some Trees are blossomed, full out.  A great Alteration this very day.  Baldwin and his wife came.

1759 May 5 (Saturday).  [No entry.]

1759 May 6 (Sunday).  Read Neh. 4, Act. 14.  My Son Forbush preached on Exod. 15.3.  The Lord is a man of War.  P.M. on [blank].  Deacon Forb. dined with me.  A pleasant agreeable Sight to have my dear Daughters and their Husbands here with me.

1759 May 7 (Monday).  Mr. Forb. Wife and Daughter leave us to go to Boston.  Baldwin returning to Worcester expecting that the Muster-Master would be there for the mustering of his Company.

1759 May 8 (Tuesday).  I rode to the Council at Sutton.  Deacon Bond does not go with me but designs to meet me there.  Mr. Smith of Marlborough and Deacon Wood come.  Deacon Tainter also accompany me.  N.B. Neighbour Joseph Baker sends an Hand to plough.  Capt. Woods and Neighbour Nurse’s Oxen.  At Sutton we repair to Mr. Bucks.  Rev. Weld and Delegates absent.  Rev. Rice and Delegates came, but not having been there at the former session, were not of the Council because they were not before — 12 Churches by their Pastors and Delegates constitute this Council.  We proceeded to our Business.  I lodged at Mr. Welmans, and Mr. Dorr, Mr. Dunbar and Mr. Smith lodges there also.

1759 May 9 (Wednesday).  Somewhat unhappy by the divided Sentiments of the Council.  The Contending Parties with us.  I go to Squire Goddards at Eve and lodge there.  Mr. Maccarty with me.  N.B. Deacon Bond came but by vote was Refused to sit, because he was not with us at the first session last Fall.  At Home — Adam Rice and some part of Team, helps in ploughing a.m.  P.M. Alexander works at Mr. Nurse’s — and at Eve is wounded in the Legg.

1759 May 10 (Thursday).  N.B. Contests in Council.  Mr. Webb and Fish very Opposite to Sundry others.  The latter breaks out with the Meazles and goes home.  Deacon Tainter, with leave of the Moderator, goes home, but N.B. we vote by Churches.  I go to Mr. Wellman to lodge.  At home — p.m. Thomas goes with his sister Baldwin to Sudbury, and designing for Boston.  At Eve comes a young man learning the Practice of Physick with Dr. Prentice, and come to Neighbour Nurse, lodges here.

1759 May 11 (Friday).  A very dark, distressing Day to the Council, on consideration of what we feel in it.  The Council Last night had determined there Should be a Result, and the Committee to draw it were Parkman, Dunbar, the two scribes, viz. Morse and Maccarty, and young Mr. Dorr.  To Day they accomplished it — and about 11 a.m. were ready to present it, but the aggrieved Party sent the Council a Paper Shewing that there were some Evidences which they wanted we should hear, which had not yet been called for.  Therefore the Partys were called in, and a great Conference ensued, and hearing of more Evidences.  This not only retarded the Council, but much embarrassed us.  Nay some of the Members, Mr. Webb and Mr. Gleason, had hot Contests.  Late p.m. our Result being finished was voted, signed and we published it.  Rev. Mr. Dunbar prayed after reading it.  Then the Council was Dissolved, and I returned home.  Mr. Smith with me, and he though late and in the Rain continued his journey, designing to reach his own Family.