Category: Diary

1765 May 16 (Thursday).  Thomas and John plow a.m.  P.M. furrow out.  As I brought Mr. Hutchinsons History of Massachusetts Bay from Mr. Stones yesterday, to Day I was much employed in it: yet was much taken up about my Affairs in the Field, walking into Several parts of our Neighbourhood to forward the Business.

1765 May 17 (Friday).  Thomas and John furrow out.  Several Lads came to assist in getting out Muck and placing it in the Hills.  Neighbour Levi Warrin sends Benjamin Ball and Benjamin Whitney; Mr. Tainter Sends Jonathan Forbes.  They dine here.  P.M. Mr. Ebenezer Maynard came and assists in planting and Mr. Hezekiah Pratt sends John Rogers.  Mr. Elijah Warrins wife came and lodged here.

1765 May 18 (Saturday).  Thomas and John still carrying out Muck and planting.  They finish our Planting Corn.

1765 May 19 (Sunday).  Read Song 1 and preached on it; enlarging on v. 7.8 from former preparations.  P.M. read Mark 13 and preached on Luk. 17.32.

1765 May 20 (Monday).  Hired Dr. Haws Chair, and Put my Mare to draw.  Mrs. P________ with me, undertook a Journey to Boston.  Called at Mr. Gales, Collector, who payd me 80£ old Tenor.  Called at Mr. Stones, but dined at Coll. Buckminsters.  P.M. reached to Mr. Nathaniel Goddards and drank Tea.  Arrived at Mr. Cushings at Waltham and there lodged.

1765 May 21 (Tuesday).  At Boston put up at Mr. Holbrooks, who had good Convenience for Horse and Chair.  Went to Major Marshalls to get a Coat — but did not determine, his newly arrived Goods not opened.  We dined at Brother Samuels, Mr. Hutchinson of Grafton with us.  N.B. My Brother induces both Mr. Hutchinson and me to Suspend our buying New Coats — by reason of the Cheapness of black Coats at Vendues; and offers me one of his own at a low rate.  P.M. I went to Major Marshalls and told him I Should wave the Matter for the present: and So put by having a Coat of him.  McAlpine binds a few of Mr. Edwards’s Pieces for me.  At Evening Mr. Holbrook carrys me to a Singing Meeting at Mr. Thompsons, in Seven starr lane.  Return with Mr. Holbrook in his Chaise and lodge there.  Mrs. P________ lodges, I suppose, at the North End.

1765 May 22 (Wednesday).  Mrs. P________ lodged last night at Brother Samuels and was in Trouble that I did not go there to her.  They sat up late for me.  Samuel rides my Horse to Westborough.  Visit Cousen Nathaniels Daughter Sarah who is in a Consumption.  Dined at Brother P________ and at Eve preached there on Gal. 1.3.  We also lodged there.  N.B. I had visited Cousen Oliver etc.

1765 May 23 (Thursday).  In the morning Mr. Pemberton sends to me to Preach the public Lecture for him — but I declined it.  Attended his.  His Text, Heb. 2.3.  Mr. Surcomb had invited us to dine with him to Day.  I went from Lecture.  Mrs. P________ was carry’d from Mr. Holbrooks.  We dined handsomely and Spend the Afternoon there — Mr. Holbrook and his Wife with us.  At Eve Mr. Surcomb sent his Servant and Chaise with us to Brother Samuels where we lodged.

1765 May 24 (Friday).  Dined at Mr. Quincy’s.  At Eve preached for Mr. Eliot.  Text was John 14.6.  We lodged at Mr. Winters.

1765 May 25 (Saturday).  Was at Mr. Hyslops Warehouse.  We dined at Mr. Holbrooks (expecting Mr. Surcomb, but he did not come).  Returned to Brother Samuels and lodged there.

1765 May 26 (Sunday).  I Suppose Mr. Antipas Steward preaches for me at Westborough.  I preached for young Mr. Checkley, at the old North, Boston, on 1 Joh. 1.7 and was at Communion with them at the Lords Supper.  After which I dined at Mr. Pembertons.  Preached for him p.m. on Eph. 1.3.  May God give His Blessing and pardon my Defects and Miscarriages, for His Mercys sake in Jesus Christ!  We lodged at Brother Samuels.

1765 May 27 (Monday).  N.B. having on the 22d settled my Account with Brother Samuel Paid him the Ballance in full.  I lent him, besides, 50£ old Tenor.  Visit poor Sarah Parkman, almost daily — and often pray with her.  My Kinsman seems to be a good deal affected with this Providence: which I wish may fasten upon him.  He is generous enough to make me a present of an handsome walking staff, Suitably ornamented.  We dined at Mr. Procters (at the Alms House).  Leaving my wife there, Mr. Procter and I visit Mr. Foxcroft.  I visited also my old Friend Mr. [Samuel?] Kneeland, printer, who is in a very low Condition.  Mr. President Edwards’s Life is published.  At Mr. Holbrooks at Evening — but lodged at the Alms House.

1765 May 28 (Tuesday).  Prayed in the morning, in the Hall, with the miserables.  Visit Mr. Byles — his wife with him — but looks like a poor ruined Woman.  Mr. Byles and I go to Mr. Johonnots and dine there.  Mr. Millen also, of Chauxit.  P.M. Mr. Millen and I visit old Mr. Checkley.  Thence to Dr. Chauncey’s, but he was not at home — nor was Mr. Cooper.  Go into Mr. Johnsons Engraver and painter.  At Eve at Brother P________ where was Mr. Fish of Upton — going by Water to George’s in the Eastern Country.  We lodged at Mrs. Winters.

1765 May 29 (Wednesday).  In the Early Morning at Mrs. Brecks to Speak with Brother Breck of Springfield, concerning Dr. Samuel Brecks Effects, and the administration etc.  Mr. Eliot preached the Election Sermon on 1 Chron. 12.32.  Dined in Fanuil-Hall.  N.B. Mr. Martyn with me.  P.M. attended the Convention.  Was chose Scribe.  Very little done besides reviewing the Accounts and choosing Dr. Chauncy to preach to morrow, Mr. Prentice being ill and Mr. Eliot, unprepared.  Visit Cousen Salt; where I meet Mrs. P________.  At Eve at Mr. Gill’s.  Lodged at Brother P________s.

1765 May 30 (Thursday).  Early in the Morning, according to appointment, Meet Mr. Stone, who goes with me to Capt. Smith’s — Haberdasher — where I bought a second hand Bever Hat, for 4£ old Tenor.  Thence we walked into the Common, and to Mr. Holbrooks.  Attended the Convention.  Dr. Chauncy preached, on Act. 8.5.  In the midst of the sermon, a Cry of Fire.  The Collection was 225£ old Tenor — and Some odd Money.  Although I had engaged to Mr. Mather, yet by reason of writing for the Convention, I was forced to dine at Dr. Sewalls.  Messrs. Loring, Stephen Williams, Stone etc. and Mr. Justice Quincy with us.  P.M. have so many Things to attend upon in preparing for my Journey home, that I desired to be excused from attending any further at the Convention.  N.B. People are flocking to the Free-Mason Hall to hear Mr. Sandeman, who preaches there.  Was at Mr. Surcombs, but both he and his Wife gone to Mr. Stillmans Lecture.  Mr. Maccarty urges me to go to his uncle Newman Greenoughs, where I Supped.  N.B. My son Samuel is returned from Westborough and tells me Billy has been at Home.  We lodged again at Brother P________’s.  N.B. He has delivered me 20£ old Tenor in part of Rent for Mother’s House.

1765 May 31 (Friday).  We Broke fast at the Alms House — and were going to Mr. Holbrooks (where my Mare was kept) to mount, when Mr. Surcomb came, and engaged us to return to his House.  We were obliged (irresistably) to go — but it was not to our Loss.  He and his Wife loaded us with presents — Tea, Bread, Wine, Cane Spirits, Bear — to carry home with us.  May God reward such Kindness and Bounty!  N.B. At Mr. Holbrooks Saw and conversed with Mr. James Chandler of Rowley, who tells me he is Dissatisfyed with Mr. Cleaveland and cant hold Communion with him.  N.B. I have received of Brother Samuel a Black Coat, which he setts at only 10£ old Tenor and we take up 10£ more in his Shop — so that he gives me a Note of only 30£ old Tenor — this upon Demand.  We take Leave of all, and go to Cambridge — to get my Copy of Father Brecks Will Examined and attested — which was done by Mr. Boardman and paid for.  Visit Brother Champney — and Sisters — but we dined at Capt. Marrett’s; where dwells my Sister Swain.  I have borrowed the 2d Volume of Dr. Doddridge’s Expositor of Mrs. Winter.  P.M. forward our Journey.  Call at Mr. Storers.  Reach to Mr. Browns at Framingham and lodge there.

1765 June 1 (Saturday).  Left my Beaver Hat (for which I gave a Guinea to Capt. Maynard, Some time agoe) with Alexander and took what I had bought for him, home with me.  Called at Coll. Buckminsters.  (N.B. Mr. Bridge who lately met with some Disaster and broke his Collar Bone, is not at home, but is gone to Dr. Adams at Waltham.)  We dined at Mr. Stones.  Finally through the Great Goodness of God arrived at our own House in safety and found all we left, well.  But my Daughter Baldwin is here not well.  Several Children in the Neighbourhood have dyed — viz. Mr. Tainters young Child, a Daughter, Mr. Benjamin Garfields, and Mr. Richard Kellys.  I find that Mr. Steward preached last Lords Day: and that a variety of Company have been here — Messrs. Fessenden, John Marrett etc.

1765 June 2 (Sunday).  I read Song 2.  Preached again on Song 1.8 both a. and p.m.  P.M. read Mark 14 to v. 32 exclusive.

1765 June 3 (Monday).  Visit Mr. Kendal and pray with him.  Visit Margery Pratt and pray with her.  N.B. Mr. Wood of Summers and his Wife, and son and Daughter Tainter, here.

1765 June 4 (Tuesday).  Rode over to Mr. Martyns and dined there.  N.B. prepared an Account of Dr. Brecks Credit etc., inclose it, with the Will in a Letter for Brother Breck and leave it at Lt. Martyns and go my self to Marlborough and leave Word at Coll. Williams that Mr. Breck may know what I have done.  Mr. Smith is at the Colls. and gives me fresh Intelligence from Chebacco.  I returned home at Eve.

1765 June 5 (Wednesday).  Mr. Martyn has engaged to preach my Lecture to Day — but it proves so very rainy that he came not.  I preached my Self.  Text was 1 Cor. 10.4.

1765 June 6 (Thursday).  [No entry.]

1765 June 7 (Friday).  Nathan and Jonas Kenny help John in Weeding our Indian Corn.  At Eve came My Son Forbes and his Wife; and with them their Daughter — also James Dean who is educating for Onohoquaye.

1765 June 8 (Saturday).  Mr. Forbes, his Daughter and Jemmy leave us for Boston.  My Daughter Forbes tarrys and keeps Company with her sister Baldwin, who is in a poor weak State.

1765 June 9 (Sunday).  Read Solomons Song 2.  Preached on Mat. 18.10.  Administered the holy Supper.  Mrs. Maynard and Mrs. Hardy of Brookfield dined here.  P.M. I read Mark 14 from v. 32.  Delivered the remainder of Discourse on Song 1.8.  N.B. Sundry Separates at Meeting — viz. Mr. James Fay of Hardwick; Mr. Josiah Woods and wife, of Summers.

1765 June 10 (Monday).  Thomas Arnold having been weak and infirm could not come to his Work in either of the last Weeks; but now is Somewhat recruited, and comes to work again, and goes to weeding, with John.  Read Mr. Edwards Life etc.

1765 June 11 (Tuesday).  Mr. Townshend (William Blair) of Boston and Mr. Roberts of Leicester, call here.  Mr. Roberts tells me he has bought the Farm in Weston that was Coll. Fullam.  Thomas and John finish their Weeding by noon; and work p.m. for Neighbour Nurse.  P.M. Mr. Boynton of Byfield here, going to Connecticut.  My Daughter Baldwin but in a poor State.  May god graciously look upon her state and prepare her, and each of us, for His holy Will!

1765 June 12 (Wednesday).  Got Mr. Wheelocks Chair, and Mrs. Forbes and I drove to her Brother Kendalls.  Prayed with him and dined there: then made a Visit to Mr. Tainter under their Bereavement (they having lately lost their little Daughter) and may God please to sanctify it to them!  At Eve Sent my Scudders daily Walk, by Elisha Forbes, to Mr. Nat. Procter of Boston to be New bound.

1765 June 13 (Thursday).  Catechized at the Meeting House both a. and p.m.  Had 57 Boys and 33 Girls.  May the Lord bless my poor weak Labours for their everlasting profit!  Mr. Forbes, Jemmy Dean and Joshua Winter from Boston and lodge here.  Mr. Forbes informs me of the great stir in Boston about the Indian Minister, Mr. Sampson Occum, and especially the Disquietment between Mr. Pemberton and the Committee of his Meeting House, about his preaching last Lords Day.

1765 June 14 (Friday).  Lucy has had a very poor Night and is very low this Morning.  Vomits very much.  I send for Dr. Hawes, who comes.  He determines to consult Dr. Wilson to Day upon her Case; for he is to meet him at Ensign Snows.  Mr. Forb. and wife, Jemmy and Joshua, leave us for Brookfield.  Yesterday and to Day Thomas and John cleared at the Island.

1765 June 15 (Saturday).  Lucy was Somewhat better yesterday p.m. and Slept pritty well the last Night, till about Break of Day — but then grew very ill again; Vomits frequently this morning.  Dr. Hawes again — and She ceases to Vomit — is revived when She gets up.  P.M. Mrs. Rebecca Warrin of Upton.  Mr. John Wood brings me 1/4 Hundred of Sugar from Brother Samuels and a Ream of Paper, which I buy of Mr. Hyslop — price 5£ 5/ old Tenor.

1765 June 16 (Sunday).  Read Song Ch. 4 and made my forenoon Exercise the Exposition of it.  Small addition gathered from sermons on Song 4.16, p. 1 and 2, a few Passages only.  P.M. Read Mark 15 and preached on Mat. XVIII.11.  N.B. Lucy a poor morning, but grew better afterwards.

1765 June 17 (Monday).  Dr. Hawes has my Mare to go to Wrentham.  Thomas Arnold comes to work — mowes Bushes at the Island.  My Son Baldwin comes from Brookfield and dines here.  P.M. he leaves us again to go on his Journey to Boston.  N.B. Lucy did not vomit this morning.  Read Hutchinsons Massachusetts.

1765 June 18 (Tuesday).  My Daughter Still poorly in the morning.  Having Mr. Samuel Forbushs Mare I visited Several Sick and prayed with them, viz. Mr. Belknap and Kezia Snow.  Thence to Association at Marlborough.  Mr. Goss absent, there was no Concio.  I delivered my Question and its Answer respecting right worshipping God.  Mr. Morse there; he has an hot Contest with Mr. Martyn about the former Controversie with Jotham Bush.  They are perswaded to call in the Assistance of three Brethren in the Ministry, viz. Mr. Gardner, Mr. Harrington and Mr. Maccarty, and if either of them Should fail, then Mr. Smith to be in his room.  They are to Sit at Mr. Martyns this Day three Weeks.  I returned at Evening.  Mr. Fessenden from Gloucester.  Stays at Mr. Smiths.  N.B. There had been this afternoon so great a Storm as to break off the principal of the Branches of one of the Elm Trees before my Door.  At night Mr. Levi Stone of North Sutton, leaves here with me 5 Dollars for Nathan Kenny.

1765 June 19 (Wednesday).  Mr. Fessenden dined here.  P.M. He and I went over to Capt. Maynards.  While I was there Mr. Josh. Biglow from Westminster came with a Request from the Church there, that I would go there to be moderator of a Meeting for the Choice of a Minister, next Monday 3 p.m. and he delivered me a Letter from Mr. Asaph Rice, Candidate, to come; and with his own Desire, that I would change with him next Lords Day.  Having weighed these, I consented (with Submission to Providence).  Mr. Fessenden returns with me and lodges here.  Thomas Arnold with Capt. Woods oxen p.m. fetches 3 Load of the Soaked Ashes from the Potash works.