Category: Diary

1766 July 11 (Friday).  Caleb and John mowe and take Care of the Hay.  Rode to Deacon Bonds and to Mr. Kendalls about Grass and Slabbs.

1766 July 12 (Saturday).  Deacon Tainter kills a Calf for me.  Dr. Hawes, Mrs. Nurse and Mrs. Johnson, each a Quarter.  William came from Townshend and dined with us.  He came from his House this Morning.  Reckoned with Mr. Moses Nurse (after a long fruitless Endeavour to accomplish it) and pay him by a Note to Mr. Tainter — £4.17.0 old Tenor.  Caleb works for Dr. — tends the Hay the rest.  John went with two Yoke of Oxen to the Forbes Saw Mill and brought a Load of good slabs to floor our Barn Bay before we put Hay into it — and p.m. Caleb Strives to get home the Hay From the Meadow.  Brings the most of it in one great Load.

1766 July 13 (Sunday).  Read Isa. 28 and preached upon it.  I took a great deal of Pains — but yet did it brokenly and imperfectly.  Should be glad to transcribe it.  P.M. rode [sic] the latter part of John 1, beginning at v. 29.  Had Spent my Time so much upon the forenoon Exercise that p.m. I repeated with additions and Alterations my Exposition of Mat. [12.60?].  The widow [illegible] dined with us [illegible].  Sermon on Mat. 10.16.  Counsels of Prudence, especially for Young persons.  N.B. In the proclamation for a Thanksgiving (which was read to Day) the Exhortation to assemble, is only to the Ministers, and not to the people.  And the prayers directed to be made are chiefly with reference to Submission to Authority and to live in Love etc.

1766 July 14 (Monday).  I undertook my Journey to Boston.  Went Sudbury way.  Called at Cyprian Hows who has marryed Miss Molly Williams of Marlborough.  Dined at Mr. Josiah Bridge’s at Sudbury and now first saw him and his Wife at their own House.  Rev. Mr. Hedge of Warwick[1] dined there also.  He is my Company to Roxbury.  Lodged at Brother Samuels.  Horse kept at Mellikins at the Green Dragon.  Town Met to give Instructions to the Representative, but adjourned.  However, they chose Col. Ward [Esq.?] Representative.

[1]Lemuel Hedge (1734-1777), Harvard 1759; SHG 14:437-42.

1766 July 15 (Tuesday).  Was early at Mr. Holbrooks.  Breakfast and pray there.  He makes me several Presents, of Draughts, Pictures, etc., especially a Mathematical Projection containing the Rules for writing each Letter of the Alphabet.  Visit Cousen Procter, who informs me that their Troubles with the Overseers of the Poor Subside.  Dined at [blank].  At Mr. Surcombs at Eve.  At Brother Samuels was Dr. [blank] Pierce, Son of the Late Coll. Ch Pierce of Newbury.  Lodge at Brother Samuels.

1766 July 16 (Wednesday).  Mr. Moore and Suse came to Brother Samuels.  They went down yesterday in the Rain and lodged at Mr. Adams’s at Roxbury.  Samuel rides my Horse home.  Suse is left in his stead.  Mr. Moore and I ride to Cambridge in the Chaise he came down in, and attend the Commencement.  Dined in the Hall.  View the New Library.  I refuse Mr. Checkley, who wants I should preach the Lecture at Boston tomorrow.  P.M. at meeting uncommonly crowded — supposed to be faint — refreshed by the Compassions of several Bottles and Fans handed me by several Ladys.  After Meeting at Capt. Marretts, where my sister Swain lies dangerously ill.  At Eve visit Mr. Appleton.  Mr. Moore lodges with me at sister Barrets.  N.B.  have conversed to Day with Mr. Toppan of Manchester about Mr. Cleveland.

1766 July 17 (Thursday).  Mr. Moore and I rode back to Boston.  Broke fast at Mr. Adams’s.  I called to See my Kinsman Elias at Mr. Salters, but he was gone out upon the Water; and, as they represented, without leave.  For which they were much offended.  Dr. Langdon preached the Lecture on 1 Pet. 2.25.  N.B. Talked with Mr. Jewet [of?] Rowl[ey?][1] of Ch[illegible].  I dined at Major Marshalls.  P.M. was again at Mr. Salters, whose wife was full of Resentments against Elias.  Visit Mr. Quincy, who presents me his newly printed Abstract of Monsieur Marcandier on Hemp.  Coll. Lydius there, and says he is going to Europe by the first Ship.  At Mr. Condys, where was Dr. Chauncy and several Others.  At Mr. Mathers, who communicated several of his ingenious Criticisms on the Bible, and confirmed what we did with respect to several Books which I had of him when we were young, as, Dr. Scotts Christian Life: Boems Enchirid. Precum and St. Augustine’s Meditations etc.  Visit Mrs. Breck, whose Cancer, She thinks, is better.  Went to Cousen Coverly and acquainted her with what Mr. Salter and Wife say of Elias’s Behaviour that She may seasonably do what is necessary about him.  Returned to Brother Samuels and lodge there — as do Mr. Moore, Mr. Little of Wells and Dr. Ch. Coffin of Newbury.

[1]Jedediah Jewtt (1705-1774), Harvard 1726 (SHG 8:64-8), minister of Rowely.

1766 July 18 (Friday).  Mr. Moore discovers the horrible Deceit in the Horse-keeping at Millikens, and brings a sample of the Hay which our Horses live upon, and shews is to my Brother who is astonished at it.  We attempt to come home, but the Horse proves very dull, according to his Keeping.  We drag along — dine at Mr. Woodwards — called at Dr. Roby’s and at Mr. Bridge’s.  Tea at Cyprian Hows.  We arrive safely, through divine Goodness.  Mr. Moore lodges here.

1766 July 19 (Saturday).  Mr. Moore tarrys that he may preach for Me.  Mr. Cushing p.m.

1766 July 20 (Sunday).  I read Isa. 29 and Joh. 2.  Mr. Moore preached a. and p.m. on Isa. 1.3 — My people doth not Consider.  May God bless it, for our universal and saving Benefit!  Mr. Cushing dined here.  Mr. Cushing at Tea, at Night, and lodged.

1766 July 21 (Monday).  Mr. C. to his School.  Mr. M. tarryed and dined.  I went to Ensign Josiah Rice’s for Hay, but I could obtain none.  Mrs. Johnson had been before me and obtained.  Dined there.  Mr. M. leaves us to go to Oxford.  At Eve Mr. Hutchinson with his Son — and Ruddock returning from Cambridge etc.  My Daughter Sarah poorly.  Miss Betty Gott here, and lodges.

1766 July 22 (Tuesday).  Caleb Carts home 5 shocks 8 Sheaves Rye and one Load of Hay.

1766 July 23 (Wednesday).  Sarah much indispos’d.

1766 July 24 (Thursday).  Publick Thanksgiving for Repeal of the Stamp Act.  Preached on Ps. 124.6.7.8.  Miss Betty Gott dined with us.  N.B. Sarah so poorly, and Suse at Boston, Mrs. P________ makes no great Provision.  Mr. Tainter and his Wife visit us, attend our Family Exercise (in which I read in Mr. Grove on the Lords Supper) and sup here.  Mr. Tainter tells me Mr. Andrews refuses to pay his ministerial Rate.  At Night Mr. Moses Wheelock was marryed to Lydia Bond.

1766 July 25 (Friday).  Sarah droops more and more, So that we Send for Dr. Wilson, who comes — dines here.  Caleb works for Neighbour Pratt.  John is hoeing in the Orchard etc.

1766 July 26 (Saturday).  [No entry.]

1766 July 27 (Sunday).  Read Isa. 30.  Preached on Gal. 6.4 and administered the Lords Supper.  Mr. Cushing and Mrs. Maynard dined here.  P.M. Read John 3.  Preached on Act. 5.31.  After introduction I pursued my Scheme in repeating sermon on Mat. 1.21 to p. 15, but then added at the Close.  Read at Eve in Mr. Bolton to the Family from p. 126.

1766 July 28 (Monday).  Samuel Sat off early for Boston.  I visit Mr. Snows young Child, which is dangerously ill.  Prayed with them.  Dr. Dexter there.  P.M. I rode up to See Mr. Artemas Bruce’s Wife under Languishment.  Prayed there.  Call at Widow Smiths, who is under Spiritual Darkness.  Cousen Betty Gott came — lodges here.

1766 July 29 (Tuesday).  Letting Weather.  Caleb is about sundry Chores.  Mr. David Maynard here and offers to sell me four Acres of Meadow Land or 45£ an Acre — in Middle Meadow.  N.B. Sent last Eve by Thomas Drury tertius, of Grafton, for my Mare from Boston.

1766 July 30 (Wednesday).  Thomas Drury brings the Mare home, and he breakfasts with us.  Rains so I can’t go abroad about the Meadow proposed yesterday.  N.B. Cornet Brigham here, and talks upon the Andrews Affair.  He dines here.  Capt. Wood was here also, viz. to desire me to preach at his House next Tuesday.  N.B. Deacon Tainter has brought me a Letter from Mr. Frost of Mill-River to desire me to look over his Sermons, which he has transcribed for the Press.

1766 July 31 (Thursday).  At Mr. David Maynards about the Meadow abovesaid.  Dined at Squire Whipples.  Caleb reaps Rye, but chiefly Cradles Wheat.  Visit at Mr. James Maynards.  At Mr. Edmund Rices and T. Temples.  Mr. David Maynard meets me at Mr. James Maynards and we go to view his Meadow.  He shows me part of the ministerial Meadow as part of what he would sell me — which with other Bounds not to my liking, makes me decline buying it; but I dont answer him to night.  Was at Neighbour Solomon Bakers — who can’t advise to buying it.

1766 August 1 (Friday).  C. and J. about the Rye and Wheat — they get in [blank] Shock of Rye and [blank] Shock of Wheat.  They work till past 10 in the Night and Mr. Nurse and Nathan Kenny help them.  Mr. Benjamin Hills being in a languishing Condition and lodging at Mr. Wheelocks, I went up to see him and Speak with him, upon his low state etc.  He is going another Journey, and his Wife with him.  I visit at Neighbour Zebulun Rice’s.  N.B. Earnest Talk upon the Andrews Controversie.  Visit Capt. Woods Wife.  Mr. Snow here and tells me his sons Child is Dead, and Burial tomorrow.  N.B. I sent by him a Letter to Mr. Andrews which I wrote 2 or 3 Days agoe.  N.B. Mr. Stone here in his Return from Stafford.

1766 August 2 (Saturday).  A.M. I rode to the South East Corner — in special to visit Mr. Belknap and his Wife upon her Recovery — and prayed giving Thanks for Gods great Goodness in healing her.  Called at Seth Woods’s.  Dined at Mr. Chamberlains, who goes with me to Mr. Snows.  Attended the Funeral of the Child and prayed.  Mr. Snow tells me the Andrews did not receive my Letter very kindly.  N.B. Mr. Timothy Warrin rides with me going to the Burying — the Conversation is Andrews.  N.B. Dr. Willson takes Sarah.  Caleb worked a good part of the Day at Mr. Nurse’s.  John at the Bushes.  N.B. I apprized Neighbour Newton that a part of the Meadow which his unkel David Maynard was going to sell him, was ministerial.  His Chief Answer was, that it had been possessed a long Time undisturbed.  I rode to Grafton and lodged at Mr. Hutchinsons.

1766 August 3 (Sunday).  Mr. Hutchinson went to Westborough this morning, though against my Disposition — but he will do after his own manner.  He preached on Gen. 3.29.23 and on Ch. 28.12.  He also baptized Aaron, son of Isaac Miller.  I preached for him on Heb. 4.2 a. and p.m. to the End of p. 20.  Returned at Eve and met him, who had been discoursing with Ensign Fay.

1766 August 4 (Monday).  Caleb mows at the further part of the Newton Meadow.  I rode over to Edmund Rice to see whether he would sell his Right in Middle Meadow.  But he utterly declined it.  P.M. I visited and prayed with old Capt. Forbush.  He appeared to have some Concern about Death, but he is wofully deficient respecting the Things of Religion.

1766 August 5 (Tuesday).  Mrs. Johnson had my Mare for Thomas Arnold to carry Bread to Worcester.  The Eclipse observed: but with with no advantage to view it with Instruments.  Mrs. Johnson, and her sister Hannah who very kindly have helped us this forenoon because of Sarahs Illness, dined with us.  Caleb a Load of Hay.  I preached at Capt. Woods on 1 John. 3.14, first Clause, to p. 10.  N.B. Mrs. Wood very low and dangerously ill.  After Exercise I desired the Brethren would tarry a little that I might speak with them.  (For Mr. Zebulun Rice had apprized me that some of them had agreed together to enquire into the Case of Mrs. Andrews, at this time: and I conceived from the Drift of his Discourse t’other Day, that they were such as were uneasy with me about it.)  Though they seemed to be drawing off, yet a Number returned to me and I thereupon addressed my self to them attempting some Narrative of the Affair, that they might understand the first Beginning of Mrs. Andrews’s Disquietment and might See how little Reason she had to be offended with me.  But they soon grew unwilling to hear.  Upon their manifesting Such a Frame, and I fearing what Advantage might be taken at what I said, Upon my mentioning her name, I turned my Self about to See who they all were, I observed to them that I Should be carefull to minute down who I spoke to and what I said, as had been my manner to do in this matter, that I might be able to defend my self, when Occasion Should arise to require it.  I took notice they were Eleven of them (Capt. Wood, Mr. Charles Rice, Deacon Tainter, Capt. B. Fay, Capt. Jonas Brigham, Messrs. Cushing, Whitney, Zebulun Rice, B. Tainter, John Wood, and Mr. Jonah Warrin).  Capt. Brigham said, he observed a great deal of my Discourse brought in the Man, whereas we had nothing to do with the man — it was only with the woman: and he wanted to have nothing said but about her.  One and another seemed to be impatient at my saying any thing about the society which she came from; as if they for their parts, Should not make a Difficulty upon that score.  Capt. Brigham (upon my having said that this Church never would have Communion with Separates) asked me whether we did not hold Communion with such now?  For did we not with Stephen Fay and his Wife?  I answered that we did not, for if they were faulty, they who were Members ought to search it out, and deal with them.  It did not lie upon me; as he seemed to Cast it upon me, that I was to blame.  I observed that it could not be expected that the Pastor Should become Complainant, witness, Judge and Executioner.  Mr. Whitney made uncomfortable Return to this, applying it to what I had done with Mrs. A.  I earnestly asked the Brethren what I could possibly do more for her Recovery?  I had already taken the utmost Pains and all was ill taken and in Vain.  Capt. Brigham (who spake chiefly) said he did not see that my going to visit at their (Andrews’s) House, would do any good.  And (as Mr. Cushing testifies) he Said, “he believed that if I had not visited there so much, it would have been as well.”  Thus I must be blamed on both Hands; for others are ready to complain that I let them alone so much, and don’t go there to try what might be done.  Briefly, all were in an hurry to be gone, so that we broke off, and this Opportunity went over: I fear is lost.  Sad News of Mr. John Garfields being hurt by a Cart, which going over him broke one of his Thighs and one of his Arms.

1766 August 6 (Wednesday).  Caleb and John get in the last Load of Meadow Hay.  I am persuing and Correcting Mr. Frosts Sermons, which are to go to the press; and finish them.  Caleb mows green Oats etc.

1766 August 7 (Thursday).  I rode with Sarah to Dr. Wilsons, further to consult him upon her Case.  We dined there.  N.B. Mrs. Wilsons Brother Capt. Overing, there.  He relates some of his late sufferings by shipwreck at the east End of Cuba.  We returned in Safety and Comfort.  Blessed be God!  Mr. Cushing here when we came home.  Mrs. Wood grows worse.  Caleb and John get in a Load of Stover cut within the Island Field — some Grass, Some Weeds, Some Oates cut before ripe.

1766 August 8 (Friday).  Caleb and John mowe Bushes.  At Eve was call’d to go immediately up to Mrs. Wood.  It was feared she was struck with Death.  She seemed sensible — conversed a little — prayed with her.  She says that about 23 years ago She met with something peculiar etc.

1766 August 9 (Saturday).  [No entry.]

1766 August 10 (Sunday).  Read Isa. 31.  Read p.m. Joh. 4 to v. 27.  Preached on the former part of the Chapter especially on v. 10.  At Eve visit Mrs. Woods again and pray with her.  Asked her how Death and Eternal Things looked to her?  She answered, “Comfortable, I think” etc. etc.  I replyed “What a Favour if upon good Grounds!  I would therefore have her, by all means, look to these.”

1766 August 11 (Monday).  At Neighbour Nurse’s Importunity Caleb and John goe to help him in his haying and Harvest.  Mr. Moore having come from No. 1 last week, to North Shrewsbury and preached for Mr. Morse yesterday, came here to Breakfast this morning.  Master Cushing also brought his sister Bridget, who is out of Health.  After Dinner they all (and take Sarah with them) mount.  Mr. Moore has my Mare, and Mr. Wheelocks Chaise (leaves his own Horse to be sent to him, when at Boston) and promises to be very careful of my poor Daughter — who is so exceeding tender.  They hope to get to Mr. Bridge’s at Sudbury, and then to Boston tomorrow.  The Town met upon adjournment to See whether they would give Instructions to their Representative respecting the provinces paying the Damages sustained by those last year, who were supposed to stand by the Law, and by authority.  At Eve Visit and pray with Mrs. Wood.  Am Surprized to see her smoaking.

1766 August 12 (Tuesday).  Mrs. Parkman visits Mrs. Wood, though through much Difficulty by Reason of her own Lameness.  Mrs. Wood is still alive, and sits up in the Bed, and Smoaks.  I read part of old Mr. Joseph Simonds Departed Souls Case and Cure.

1766 August 13 (Wednesday).  This morning sent Mr. Moore’s Horse to Boston by Isaac Stone of Shrewsbury, who is going down to Cambridge to live at College.  Towards Eve Visit Mrs. Wood.  While I was there, am sent for to go to Mr. Hezekiah How, who is thought to be near his End.  Mr. Jacob Rice came to see us, and I rode his Horse to Mr. How’s, whom I find very low.  Prayed with him.  Returned before midnight.

1766 August 14 (Thursday).  Mr. Jacob Rice having lodged here, is with us.  Dines here.  P.M. leaves us.  I am upon my preparations.