Category: Diary

1764 October 18 (Thursday).  Squire Stone having invited me to his House, we rode to Harwich, and dined with him — a very handsome and elegant Entertainment.  Messrs. Stone and Smith with us, but Mr. Williams dined at Mr. Dunstars.  P.M. leaving Brother Stone at his Brothers, we rode to Eastham; and I went to the Bridge at Nossett, where the waters of the West and East Seas sometimes meet.  We went to Mr. Joseph Crockers, and lodged there.  N.B. Their Country is very sandy and few Streams.  Wind mills are therefore the more frequent.  N.B. At Harwich Mr. David Bangs raises Wicker-Trees — the Stump of one, Set but 8 Years Since, measured about 19 Inch diameter, and was 50 feet high, when it was cut down.  The Same Mr. Bangs had 51 Bushels of good Wheat from an Acre and Quarter of Ground.

1764 October 19 (Friday).  Walked in Mr. Crockers Prim-Grove, being the Ascent to the House of the Lord.  On the Wind Mill Hill, Saw from Sea to Sea.  Saw Malabar Point, or Menomoy — in the Bay of which, I was when I went to Nantucket.  Saw that remarkable Place, where our Fathers first came ashore in America; called Namskakit; the Division between the Towns of Harwich and Eastham.  We return to Squire Stones, but dine at Mr. Dunstars.  N.B. the Inoculating unbearing mulberry Trees, to make them bear.  At Mr. David Bangs again, where was Capt. Heman Stone.  Take affectionate Leave, and hasten to Barnstable, where we arrive in the Rain, at Mr. Greens and lodge there.  N.B. an exceeding large Lobster for supper, bigger than (I think) I ever saw.  Mr. Mayhew Still there, and very pleasant Interview.

1764 October 20 (Saturday).  Bid Adieu to my good Friend and Brother Green and his.  Mr. Williams and I (as requested) dine at Coll. Otis’s.  N.B. His Barn — Drills — Onions — 420 Bush from 135 Rod of Ground — 90 Bush from 19 Rods.  His Wine of Currants — Cyder — made better by this method — viz. Draw it off in March, before the Bud Swells; put in 2 oz. of Pulverized Allum, in a pint of West India Rum — and break in 2 Cakes of Gingerbread.  We arrive at Sandwich at Eve, and lodge at Mr. Williams’s.

1764 October 21 (Sunday).  Preached for Mr. Williams on Luk. 16.23 a. and p.m.  May God give His Special Blessing!  At Eve came Mr. Benjamin Fessenden, Deacon Toby and Deacon Smith.  I lodge at Mr. Williams and find his Conversation very agreeable.

1764 October 22 (Monday).  Mr. Williams and I ride to the Indian Town, Mashpee.  N.B. On the Way, a Rock called Non-such, wherein is a Print, which they call the Devils cloven foot.  It is in this form, [here a sketch of a cloven foot].  Mr. Hawley, the Minister, went with me to See some of the Wigwams.  Went into the Wigwam of Mary, the Widow of Popmonet, formerly Sachem.  Dined at Mr. Hawley’s.  Mr. Shaw came from Barnstable to us.  Mr. Williams and I return to Sandwich.  We go to the Burying place, and view the principal monuments of the Dead.  Messrs. Stone and Smith came there.  We all lodge at Mr. Williams’s.

1764 October 23 (Tuesday).  We all set out for home — by the way of Wareham — 13 Miles — dine at Mr. Thatchers.  P.M. proceed to Middleborough — 15 Miles — and visit old Madam Thatcher.  Mr. Conant and his wife there.  They are called away to some Company at their House from Portsmouth.  We sup and lodge at Mrs. Thatchers.  N.B. She presents me an Hebrew Bible in six Volumes in 24to, but not finding the 5th of them She gives me Montanus’s interlineary of Psalms, Prov: Eccl. and Solomons Song in 8vo.

1764 October 24 (Wednesday).  At Mr. Conants meet with Dr. Langdon of Portsmouth who rides for his Health, and therefore is our Company.  Arrive at Bridgewater, and while Messrs. Stone and Smith go to Mr. Perkins’s, the Doctor and I dined at Mr. Shaw’s.  It was Lecture there, but we can’t tarry.  Mr. Pattin is there to preach.  We pass through Easton; and at Capt. Leonards we part again.  The Doctor goes with me to Mr. Curtis’s, where we lodge.  Mr. Stone and Smith to Mr. Adams’s, in Stoughton.

1764 October 25 (Thursday).  Being so near to my Kinsman Bradshaws, I make them a Visit and breakfast with them.  Am joined by Dr. Langdon again.  Call at Mr. Paysons of Walpole, but we hasten to Medfield, and the rest of our Company coming to us at Mr. Townsends, we all dined there — Mr. Townsend himself being gone to Barrington.  P.M. we come to Sherbourn, and after a short stay at Mr. Locks and parting with Dr. Langdon there, we put on for Framingham, where despairing of getting home, and having Special Business at Mr. William Browns, I turn there, whilst my good Brethren tend homewards.  Lodged at Mr. Brown’s.

1764 October 26 (Friday).  Alexander is bound to Mr. Brown.  Capt. Drury and his son are Witnesses to the Indentures.  Mr. Brown and wife promise in their Hearing that if Mr. Brown dies, Alexander shall not have a Master forced upon him that he shall not like, and can’t submitt to.  Dined at Coll. Buckminsters but Coll. at Boston.  Called at Mr. Stone’s.  At sunsett joyfully found my Family in Peace.  Deacon Kimbal here, plaistering the East Chambers.  He came last Tuesday.  Deacon Tainter came to see us.  My son Forbes (who has been to Boston) and Daughter Baldwin from Sudbury.  N.B. Mr. Forbes brought me a Pair of Black, Leather Breeches from my Brother Samuel.

1764 October 27 (Saturday).  Mr. Forbes rides to Shrewsbury and writes home — therefore returns to me, and goes to his Father.  Deacon Kimbal works a.m., dines and goes home.

1764 October 28 (Sunday).  Mr. Forbes comes — preaches a.m. on Mat. 15.24, p.m. on 2 Pet. 3.18.  I read Prov. 23 and Mat. 27 to v. 34.  I read to the Church a Letter from Westmorland to desire our Assistance in the Ordination of Mr. William Goddard on Nov. 7 next: but the Request could not be complyed with both because it was so far, and too late in the Year for me to pretend to ride so far at so late season and especially because we had another Duty of like kind, at which we could not avoid our assistance and which would interfere, viz. the Installation of Rev. Mr. Bowman — for I read also a Letter from the Church of Oxford to that purpose, to be on the 14th.  This was accepted — and Squire Whipple and Mr. Daniel Forbes were chosen Delegates.

1764 October 29 (Monday).  My son Forbes goes to Upton and preaches a Lecture there.  I went to Capt. Maynards — he was not well.  Mr. Forbes has desired me to pay 100£ old Tenor of the Gilbert Money urgent Necessity for Mr. Bowmans supply presses it.  My Dependence is on Capt. Maynard — but no money from him.

1764 October 30 (Tuesday).  Mr. Forbes, Lucy and Suse Set out for Brookfield.  Training — sent for by a Serjeant Drum and Fife of Musqueteers.  Prayed — considerable good Order kept.  The whole Company March to Lt. Bakers and open to the Right and Left; through which we walk in — and dine there — prayed at Evening with the Company; and the whole marched as before to Lieutenant’s.  The whole was conducted in far better order than in times past.

1764 October 31 (Wednesday).  This morning was informed the Ministers Meeting was adjourned to this Time, because of the Absence of three of us at the Ordination at Yarmouth.  Hastened over to it.  Got to Mr. Martyns before Lecture.  Mr. Gardner preached, on Gen. 11.32, last words.  Mr. Stone, Goss and Wheeler absent nevertheless.

1764 November 1 (Thursday).  Mr. Bowman, his Wife and Child go their Journey to Dorchester.  Wrote by Mr. Bowman to Mr. Fessenden who is gone to Gloucester, to preach for Mr. Jaques.  P.M. rode up to Capt. Jonathan Fays.  N.B. he is much set for singing, and has joined to a society in Grafton.  Visit Mrs. Hardy again, and pray there.

1764 November 2 (Friday).  John not well.  Enoch Rice carrys four Barrells to Capt. Jonathan Fays.  Lydia David and her Child lodge here.

1764 November 3 (Saturday).  John still confined.  Perplexed about Hair for the Mason who is to come again soon.  Send Lydia to Mr. Joseph Knowltons at Shrewsbury, and succeed.

1764 November 4 (Sunday).  Read Prov. 24 and Mat. 27 from v. 35 to the End.  Preached a.m. on 2 Pet. 3.9 to page [blank] and this was that I might have the greater Liberty for what I had to deliver and might deliver all I had prepared, on that occasion.  P.M. on Deut. II.7, it being the last Sabbath of the 40th Year since I was ordained.  Mrs. Maynard dined here.

1764 November 5 (Monday).  Visit Joseph Joslin who is ill again and is now at Mr. Daniel Warrin, and proceed thence to Southborough.  Find Mr. Smith there.  Angelica spirits from Plymouth are come.  We divide the Keg but have short of 6 Quarts apiece.  Returned at Eve.  Moses Smith brings a Barrell of Cyder from his Brother Ezekiels.

1764 November 6 (Tuesday).  Deacon Kimbal came — Points my Cellar.  Mr. Frost of Mill-river came from Deacon Bonds.  He had been yesterday at Mr. Joseph Miles’s, and preached there.  To day he dines here and preaches a good useful sermon on Phil. 3.8.  Many people attended and I hope to good purpose.  Master Cushing here at Eve.

1764 November 7 (Wednesday).  Deacon Kimbal in the Cellar, and Neighbour Richard Barns tends upon him.  I Paid off Mr. Wheelock — and bought a side of Seal Leather, weighed 16 1/2 lbs., of Lt. Baker.  Mr. Artemas Bruce brings 10 Bush. of Turnips and a Load of Corn from the old place.  Mr. James Lock senior here.  I payd him 30/ for Mr. Jonathan Wallis of Townshend for recording 6 Plans.

1764 November 8 (Thursday).  This is a Day to be well observed.  Tis now 40 Years Since the Gathering of this Church, and my own Solemn Ordination to the Pastoral Office in this Place.  The Lords name be praised for His amazing Patience and Longsuffering.  At the Same Time I desire to be deeply humbled for my unprofitableness and unfruitfulness.  O that the Lord would free Pardon me, for His Mercy’s Sake!  Mr. Seth Morse’s Daughter, Elizabeth, Sick — am Sent for.  I went, prayed — had his Horse and visited Mr. Kendal who had lately a bad fall from the Poles above, down upon the Barn Floor.  Prayed there.  Mr. Davis of Holden here.  N.B. Enoch Rice went with my two Yoke of Oxen to the ministerial Lot for Posts, but came home wholly empty.  Mr. Maynard had cleared the Wood of Posts: whether he had carryed away more than his own I cannot positively tell.  Deacon Kimbal left us.  He charges 3£ for this last work.  The whole is 8£ old Tenor.

1764 November 9 (Friday).  Mr. Morse’s Child dyed last Night — the other is Sick.  My largest Oxen I have sent to My Son Ebenezer and to my Son in Law Baldwin, to be between them.  Mr. Nurse wants to borrow 4 Bushel of Rye, to sow.  Nathan has got out two Bush.  He and Mr. Gamel, now thrash and clean out the rest.  At Eve Mr. Nurse and Nathan come and Make a Bin in my Cellar, and carry down Turnips etc.  N.B. Capt. Jonathan Fay brought 4 Barrells of Cyder.  One is a present — the other 3 I pay him 3 Dollars for, by a note to the Collector, Mr. Gale.

1764 November 10 (Saturday).  Attend the Funeral of Mr. Morse’s Child.

1764 November 11 (Sunday).  Read Prov. 25 and Mat. 28.  Preached a.m. on Ps. 75.10.11.  This being the first Sabbath of the 41st Year with us of this Flock.  Master Cushing dined here.  By Reason of my Preparation for the Installment next week I could not prepare another Sermon for p.m. but with Some Alterations formed an Exercise from another part of the Discourses on 2 Pet. 7.9, viz. from page 17 to 22.  Which may God bless to our great Quickening that his Goodness and Forbearance may lead us to Repentance.  Read the Proclamation for Thanksgiving and the Church dismissed Mr. Bowman and recommended him to Oxford.

1764 November 12 (Monday).  Am finishing my Sermon for the expected Installment.  The Addresses etc.  Having finished every Thing, I made a Visit to Mr. Seth Morse, especially because of the Indispositions of their only Child — as also to borrow his better Horse.  Mr. Moses Warrin here p.m.

1764 November 13 (Tuesday).  Uncertain whether Mr. Martyn would come this way and understanding that Mrs. Hardy grew much worse, I thought it my Duty to Set out so much the Sooner as to visit her.  I did so and prayed with her.  She was very weak and low, but her Faith strong and her hope firm.  She Said I had been her Father this forty Year.  Mr. Forbush and afterwards Squire Whipple came there.  Deacon Paul Newton also came, from Mr. Martyn, who was on the Road to call us.  N.B. Sarah has my mare (as I ride Mr. Morse’s) and with my Consent to gratifie Lt. Baker put her into his Chaise, and take up Miss Molly.  They come to me at Mr. Hutchinsons in Grafton, where we dine.  The rest of the Company I overtake at Capt. Lelands.  We call at Mr. Halls.  N.B. I received a Bundle of Papers of him relative to the Davidson Case.  We arrive at Squire Davis’s.  Rev. Goss with us — and lodge there.

1764 November 14 (Wednesday).  We repair to Deacon Davis’s, where the Pastors and Delegates are formed into a Council.  I was chose Moderator and prayed.  Mr. Maccarty Scribe.  N.B. The Church drop the Davidson Affair.  Mr. Bowman was admitted a member of the Church.  The solemnity (of the Installment of Mr. Bowman) at the Meeting House was opened by Mr. Forbes of Brookfield.  I preached on Jer. 3.15.  Mr. Martyn gave the Charge.  Mr. Gleason prayed after it.  Mr. Maccarty the Right Hand.  Rev. Bowman appointed Ps. 119, latter part, and gave the Blessing.  I visited old Mrs. Campbel and Capt. Griffin.  Plentifully entertained at Deacon Davis’s.  In the Eve at the fine singing at Capt. Moores.  Lodged at Deacon Davis’s.

1764 November 15 (Thursday).  Waited long for my Daughter and Miss Molly Baker, who have kept at Capt. Moores, where Mr. Bowman lodges.  Have opportunity of conversing with my son Ebenezer, who came, a Delegate with Mr. Forbes.  Mr. Martyn returns by Worcester.  Squire Whipple accompanys us from Squire Davis’s.  When we came to Sutton there was an Exercise at the Meeting House.  Squire and I attended — the Girls tarryed at Mr. Halls.  Mr. Emmerson of Mendon preached — Text Ezek. 36.9.  We dined at Mr. Halls.  He gives us Account that Yesterday there was great Difficulty at Sutton North End, when they attempted to ordain (one) Mr. Chaplin there: and that it was not accomplished till it was done by Candle Light and by but Three Ministers — Mr. Hall, Mr. Webb and Mr. Frost.  For Mr. Stone of Southborough and his Delegates refused to act.  A great Obstruction was, a Strange Plan of Church Government.  Squire Whipple and I made a Visit to his aged Uncle, Deacon Whipple, and Aunt.  Called, but lit not at Mr. Hutchinsons.  N.B. Great Disturbances and Animositys in Grafton.  I stopped at Lt. Bakers at Eve to Warm etc.  Drank Tea there.  Lieutenant brought Sarah home, and then took the Mare to keep.  We have the sorrowful News of the Death of Mrs. Prudence Hardy, about 56 years old.  A sorrowful Stroke!  The Lord sanctify it to us!  Especially to her Husband and Children.  And Aged Mother Byles.  N.B. Another Letter from Father Wigglesworth relative to Mr. Cleavelands Church.  Levi Rice helped John cart out our Muck.  Mrs. Johnson at work here for William.

1764 November 16 (Friday).  Mr. Phinehas Hardy here a.m.  I attended the Funeral of his Wife p.m.  N.B. Another Letter from Brother Samuel Parkman.  Mrs. Maynard here.  And I gave her Account that the Letter I received was for 100£ old Tenor.  Mrs. Johnson here at work for Billy.

1764 November 17 (Saturday).  Mrs. Johnson till dinner and then went home.  I was employed about various domestic Affairs.  Mr. Whitney here.  Read him Mr. Wigglesworths Letter.  Fear I have taken Cold to Day: have pain in my Hip.

1764 November 18 (Sunday).  Notwithstanding the Pain in my Hip I ventured to ride over to the North End and preached a. and p.m. and Mr. Martyn for Me.  My Text a.m. was Luk. 44.26.  P.M. was Prov. 10.20.21.  Mr. Martyns 1 Pet. 3.15 and 1 Pet. 1.13.  Each returned at Eve.

1764 November 19 (Monday).  Wrote sundry Letters — viz. to Rev. Wigglesworth and to Rev. Toppan (of Manchester), which I sent by Mr. Daniel Dike.  And wrote to Brother Samuel Parkman in reply to his which I received on 16.

1764 November 20 (Tuesday).  Am engaged in my preparations.  At Eve Mr. Bowman.  Billy has a side of Beef of Mr. Samuel Forbush.  240 lb.

1764 November 21 (Wednesday).  Mr. John Fessenden dines here.  He takes my Sheep to the Halves.  Viz. 8 of them and is to return them in two Years: half the wool each Year and half the stock.  Samuel Brigham comes to board here and go to School with my Children.