Category: Diary

1759 July 21 (Saturday).  My Family Circumstances and my own Indispositions prevent my preparing Sufficiently, though I have in some part, for the Sabbath.  Lucy comfortable except her Earnestness to go to Brookfield and to see her son.

1759 July 22 (Sunday).  Read Esther Ch. 1 and Act. 24.  Preached a. and p.m. on Jer. 4.4, latter part, repeating with variations some parts of Sermon on 2 Sam. 21.14 from p. 9 to p. 22.  Master Fessenden dined with us.  N.B. when I appointed the Lecture I added a Number of Arguments and Encouragements to the Assembly to induce them to attend it.

1759 July 23 (Monday).  Mr. Moses Twitchell mows Capt. Maynards Meadow for me.  Deacon Forb. here to hear his sons Letter from the Lake; which I gratifyed him and his son Zebulun with.

1759 July 24 (Tuesday).  Lt. Rolf Setts out for Albany, and my Daughter Baldwin with him to Worcester or further as She can hold out.  N.B. I have writt Letters, to Mr. Forb. and to Thomas.  I also wrote a Certificat in behalf of Lt. Rolf.  Lucy wrote by him to her Husband and Sarah to her Brother Thomas.  Alexander begins to reap the early Rye.  P.M. one Jagg of the Maynard Meadow got in by help of Nathan Kenny, with Capt. Woods Team — but a Thunder shower soaked the rest.

1759 July 25 (Wednesday).  Two turns more of that Hay got in by Neighbour Eleazer Williams with his Team.  Cock’d part of it my self; nor could help being much taken off in this difficult season for Help.  Miss Suse Low and her Neighbour from Marlborough etc. here p.m.

1759 July 26 (Thursday).  Preached my Lecture.  Repeated Sermon on Isa. 61.2 former part.  There was a tolerable Assembly; but yet many were absent.  After Lecture Master Fessenden and Bowman here.

1759 July 27 (Friday).  Received another Letter from Mr. Forbush at the Lake; and from Billy who is at the Same place.  They are in hourly Expectation of Orders to embark upon the Lake: And all Things are carryed on with greatest Dispatch and Chearfullness.  Blessed be God!  Visit Ebenezer Forb.’s Child who is Sick.

1759 July 28 (Saturday).  Was in Expectation of my Brother Samuel and his Daughter Nabby; but the Rain I Suppose prevents them.  Sent Alexander to Shrewsbury to Mr. Henry Baldwins for Lucys Horse; but he was not yet brought there.  Lt. Forb. here to acquaint me that his sons Child was Dead.  A sore stroke!  To have another son taken away.

1759 July 29 (Sunday).  Read Esther 2 and Act. 25.  Preached a.m. on 1 Cor. 11.23.24.25 and administered the Lord’s Supper.  Master Fessenden, Mrs. Tainter and Mrs. Maynard dined here.  P.M. I repeated what I had delivered in [the?] past from several Texts; now from Jam. 3.16.  See the preparations on 2 Sam. 21.14.  After the Exercises attend the Funeral of Mr. Ebenezer Forb.’s Child.

1759 July 30 (Monday).  John How ploughs and Hoes at my Cook Field notwithstanding the Showers: he also sows Turnip seed there.  I rode to Mr. Warrins and made her a Visit under her Infirmitys.  Was at Deacon Bonds to get him to hoe for me — and there heard the News of our Forces in the River St. Lawrence having landed in the Isle de Orleans — and the Army under General Amherst passing over the Lake and landing without much Opposition.  D.G.  Was at Deacon Tainters.  At his Request I rode with him to Mr. Joseph Rice’s, to talk with him and his Wife on Account of their Jarrs.  He made some acknowledgments, promised Reformation and hoped for Amendment.  We were obliged to take up with this for this Time, it being the first of my Endeavours with him.  Left him with strict and solemn Charge to mind what he had Said, and let me hear no more of his disorderly walk.  John How lodges here.

1759 July 31 (Tuesday).  John How works again, and John Ballard, a Lad from Hopkinton came to hoe for me.  N.B. I had let him have ½ Bushel Rye yesterday, in their straights; for which he offered to come and work.  Deacon Bond came with a son and Horse and ploughed and hoed till about 11 a.m.  Neighbour Moses Nurse cradles some Rye at the Island.  P.M. Mrs. Allen and her Daughter (Elder Halsey’s Daughter married to her son Samuel) came to see us.  Young Ballard lodges here.  Send another Letter to Mr. Forb. to the Care of Mr. Bowden of Holliston, to be conveyed to the Lake.

1759 August 1 (Wednesday).  John Ballard worked for Moses Nurse a.m. and for Deacon Tainter p.m.  I rode to Deacon Tainters, being sorely exercised and afflicted to get my hilling done, and he had told me he would help me again about it.  Otherwise I would not have spoke to him who had helped me so much already.

1759 August 2 (Thursday).  Mr. Twitchel came to mowe for me, when for two Reasons it was less agreeable to me than if it had been some Days past, One, I should not be so well able to take Care of it.  The Other, it looked exceedingly like to be foul weather.  As it proved; for before Night it rained upon the Hay.  Deacon Tainter came and ploughed with my Mare, not without turbulent Opposition: He worked till middle of afternoon: And he sowed Rye for me (behind the Meeting House).  I rode down into the Eastern part, visited at almost every House, but went particularly to see Mr. Ithamar Bellows wife who has been sick (and there dined) and to see Mr. Abraham Beemans Child which was lately prayed for.  Visited Mrs. Adams.  In returning home I took a great Cold, as the thunderstorm arose and I was filled with pain.  Mr. Twitchell lodges here.

1759 August 3 (Friday).  Mr. Twitchell works here.  Deacon Tainter came in the Morning and plowed and sowed awhile; and then went home, his son being not well and his Affairs pressing and Urgent.  P.M. came Jabez Snow junior to hoe; Ebenezer Chamberlin junior and Simeon Bellows, who also joined with him.  They all gave their work.  We hear many Things of the Successes of our People in the Several Armys.  God be praised for what has been done.

1759 August 4 (Saturday).  Mr. Twitchell and Mr. Joseph Bruce work here.  They hoe a.m. in the Field behind the Meeting House.  P.M. they get home a Load of Hay part of it from the Maynard Meadow, part from my own.  These Things are inexpressible Hindrances to my studys, but I have prepared somewhat as I have been wont.  But about 3 p.m. came my Brother Samuel and his Daughter Nabby, which rendered it impossible for me to do much more in my studys.  Master Fessenden also came, p.m., brought me a little more money from Mr. Jonathan Fay.  Such Interruptions even by the most agreeable Friends is very Troublesome at this Time in the Week.

1759 August 5 (Sunday).  Brother Samuel and his Daughter keep Sabbath with us.  Read Ester 3 and Act. 26.  Preached on Tit. 3.2, to Speak evil of no man, repeating a. and p.m. from page 49 to 73 of sermons which I delivered some Years ago upon that Text, for as I could not finish my preparations upon the Subject I had designed, So it would not well do to deliver the part I had prepared without the remainder.  May God pardon my Deficiency, and bless my Poor Endeavours!  Mr. Fessenden dined here.  At Eve my Brother prayed in my Family Exercises.

1759 August 6 (Monday).  My wife and I wait upon my Brother and Daughter to Capt. Allens at Shrewsbury; and we dined there.  Mrs. Allen gone to Boston.  My Brother and I, p.m., made a Visit to Mr. Cushing.  In returning at Evening a Thunder storm — were obliged to Stop at Capt. Eagers.  We did also at Capt. Maynards.

 

1759 August 6 (Monday).  My wife and I wait upon my Brother and Daughter to Capt. Allens at Shrewsbury; and we dined there.  Mrs. Allen gone to Boston.  My Brother and I, p.m., made a Visit to Mr. Cushing.  In returning at Evening a Thunder storm — were obliged to Stop at Capt. Eagers.  We did also at Capt. Maynards.

1759 August 7 (Tuesday).  My Brother goes to Boston — carrys Sarah instead of his Daughter and Nabby is to reside a while with us.  Mr. Twitchell works for me — but having finished mowing what I propose for this Year, to Day he rakes; and gets home 3 Load.  He goes home at Night.  I carryed my wife to the private Meeting at Mr. Daniel Forbushs where I preached on Exod. 14, the straights and Difficultys of the Israelites at Pi-hahiroth but are bid to go forward into the Red Sea.  On Occasion of the present Juncture when our Forces are gone against Quebeck etc.  At Evening Mr. Benjamin How comes here with yesterdays News Paper, that I may read it, it being full of remarkable News, of our taking Niagara Fort, and Ticonderoga.  To God be all Glory!

1759 August 8 (Wednesday).  Capt. Wood and Mr. Zebulun Rice come and pole out and cart home a Load of Hay from the Newton Meadow, and dine with me.  Letter from Billy dated the Camp at Ticonderoga July 28.  All Praise to God.

1759 August 9 (Thursday).  In a great deal of Trouble to get my reaping done.  Rode to Mr. Joseph Gamell, at work for Mr. Eliphalet Adams’s wife.  Alexander reaps a little.  My Wife p.m. to visit her Cousen Maynard.

1759 August 10 (Friday).  Mr. Gamel comes to Work, but comes in a great Frett; at which I was much grieved when he came to the House and shewed it here.  Eat but a mouthfull or two of Food at Dinner.  He and Alex finished the Rye at the Island.  P.M. the Wheat at the Barn, and Steuked up the former.  Mrs. Maynard, going to Marlborough, came this way and brought Capt. Woods Mother — who dined with us.  Towards Eve she walked to her sons.  N.B. John Bowden came here to take Letters for the Army (he rides for that purpose).  I Sent to Billy — also to Mr. Forbush.

1759 August 11 (Saturday).  Alexander by Some help from Neighbour Zebulun Rice’s got in half of a Jagg of Hay from the Meadow, which is the Last (of first Cutt) which I intend to get this Year.  I leave the further part of the Newton Meadow and the whole of the Ministerial Meadow.  P.M. Mr. Fessenden here.  He now lodges at Mr. Daniel Forb.  Keeps School at Ensign Harringtons.  Joyful News of Crown Point deserted to the English.  Master Bowman comes from Brookfield with Mr. Joseph Mannings Horse.  Mr. Manning preaches for my son Forb. and Sends me a Letter by Bowman that he designs to come down with my Daughter Baldwin next Week.

1759 August 12 (Sunday).  Met with a great deal of Trouble by Sheep getting into my Corn behind the Meeting House; and Mr. Mannings Horse also unruly, and got into the Corn.  It rained and my Sitting in my Chamber with my Feet wet, gave me a Cold.  Read Esther 4 and Acts 27.  Preach a. and p.m. on 2 Tim. 3.7.  May divine Blessing accompany my weak Essays!  Mr. Fessenden dines here Every Sabbath.  At Night mercifully preserved in the Terrible Storm of Thunder and Lightning.  To God be Glory!

1759 August 13 (Monday).  Great rejoicing every where for Gods great Goodness in the Success we hear in the West and North.  Niagara, Ticonderoga and Crown Point in the Hands of the English.  And Mr. Mitchel an Ireland Minister dining with me, informs of good Success against Quebeck.  A Letter from Mr. Forb. of July 31.

1759 August 14 (Tuesday).  By Means of the ill state of the stables, Many sheep.  Went to t’other House — to Mr. How’s, and Cousen Maynards.

1759 August 15 (Wednesday).  Mr. Daniel Hardy and his son Adams cart home (gratis) my Rye and Oats from the Island.  A.M. Mr. Manning came with my Daughter Baldwin and her son from Brookfield.  Mr. Joseph Knowltons wife here, about joining with our Church.  She and Cousen Maynard and her Daughter Betsy, as well as Mr. Manning, dine with us.  My Daughter is still but infirm, and not able to tend and take Care of her Child — and Suse being also not well work lies too heavy upon my Wife.  Mr. Manning goes to Uxbridge.

1759 August 16 (Thursday).  Alexander reaps the last of the Oates, and gets them into the Barn.

1759 August 17 (Friday).  [No entry.]

1759 August 18 (Saturday).  [No entry.]

1759 August 19 (Sunday).  Read Esther 5.  Act. 28.  Preached a.m. on 2 Tim. 3.7 and p.m. on Phil. 2.1-5.  In the Close used more than 2 Pages of Sermon on Jam. 3.16.  Mary, wife of Joseph Knowlton Junior propounded.

1759 August 20 (Monday).  Mrs. Betty Johnson works here.  Alters the Black Coat my Brother Samuel gave me.  P.M. Rode out with my Daughter Baldwin to the widow Forb., to Mr. Daniel Forb., Blanc’s, Deacon Tainters.  Mr. Joseph Baker trys to Subdue my Mare to go in my Chair — but in Vain.

1759 August 21 (Tuesday).  Mr. Oliver Carter here who delivers me a summons (and a Dollar) to appear at Court, to give Evidence in the Case of Mr. Rogers and the Town of Leominster.  Little Jeduthun was dipt in Cold Water this Morning.  Wrote to Mrs. Winter (if She be yet living) and Sent by Benjamin Flood at Evening.

1759 August 22 (Wednesday).  In conformity to the Summons Yesterday I rode to Worcester — but I might e’en as well stay at home — for the Cause did not come on.  I dined at Mr. Maccartys.  A great Number of Ministers in the Town — Messrs. Martyn, Stone, and Harrington were summoned — Messrs. Hall, Wellman, Hill, Davis, Kendall etc.  N.B. I rode up in Mr. Forb.’s Chair and on the Baldwin Horse which I reposed in Mr. Maccartys Care and lodged there (having attended the Court in the afternoon).

1759 August 23 (Thursday).  We are still detained in Worcester.  Dined again at Mr. Maccarty’s but Mr. Martin and Stone I think at the Tavern.  Four of us at Evening, Being invited to judge Chandlers, we went and lodged there, viz. Messrs. Martyn, Stone and Harrington, besides me., but were obliged to Supp by our Selves — a Young Lady waiting on us — for we had neither Judge nor Mrs. Chandler.

1759 August 24 (Friday).  In forenoon came on the Rogers Case — perhaps about 9 Coll. Worthington opened it.  Coll. Putnam and Mr. Gridley replyed — Coll. Worthington closed, when it was past 2 p.m.  I dined at Judge Chandlers — at ¼ past 5 I mounted the Chair in my Journey for Brookfield — but got no further than Mr. Eatons — where I was kindly received and lodged.