Category: Diary

1771 May 16 (Thursday).  Old Mrs. Fessenden and Mrs. Maynard make us a Visit and dine here.  Mr. Peter Adams from Monadnock here and gives me Account of their hopefull Circumstances there.  Joseph Chamberlin and Brookfield Elias go 3 Times to the Ministerial Lot for Rails.  They brought 104.  Reckoned with Mr. Hill and paid all by a Note to Constable Gleason.  N.B. I sent by my son Elias, an Order upon Mr. Gleason, to pay Mr. Stockwell my Account for Shooemaking and mending, in full to this Day.  Mr. Morse from Boston brings a Return from Mr. McAlpine respecting the Psalm Books brought by Mr. Spring, which I never sent for; are without Tunes, and must be returned back.

1771 May 17 (Friday).  [No entry.]

1771 May 18 (Saturday).  Mr. Peter Adams here and takes the Care of driving one of my Cows (which is with Calf) to Mr. Cushing at Ashburnham that he may have the Benefit of her the ensuing summer.  My son Elias goes with Mr. Adams to assist in driving the Cow as far as Mr. Eliezar Pratts — the intention being to set out from thence next Monday morning.  Miss Sally Woods yet continues at work here.  Breck has been for some Days at work on a Frame of a Barn, at Mr. Isaac Johnsons at Southborough but returns home this Evening.  Joseph Chamberlin has my Horse to go home to his Fathers.  N.B. Mr. Levi Warrin here desiring his Paper of April 30 be laid before the Church.  I recommend some alteration.  He desires to take it with him, to consider it.

1771 May 19 (Sunday).  Read Ezek. 43.  Preached on Prov. 4.23.  P.M. read 1 Tim. 2.  Prepared in great Measure with reference to our Political State, on Ezek. 48, ult. Jehovah Shammah — but did not finish it.  Chose rather to use, with alterations (viz. new Introduction and new Conclusion) Sermon on 2 Chron. 15.2, “Hear ye me,” etc.  N.B. Took notice of the Times — in London — and had Regard to the important Affair of choosing a Representative tomorrow.  N.B. Mr. Levi Warrin at noon gave me his Paper again, expecting it should be laid before the Church.  This I did, after the Exercises — and the Church voted acceptance.  Miss Sally Woods with us.

1771 May 20 (Monday).  Joseph Chamberlin returned from Hopkinton.  Breck to Southborough again.

1771 May 21 (Tuesday).  Rode to the East Corner and dined at Mr. Ebenezer and Edward Chamberlains, attended the Funeral of Mr. Seth Woods youngest Child.  Mrs. Hitty Brigham with me, and is uneasy about the Conduct of Mr. Jonathan Cook whom she has hired to work for her.  N.B. Sundry young Women, viz. Miss Polly Baker, Miss Nanny Brigham — to help Sophy in Quilting a Petticoat.  The Weather is so dark etc. that we are threatened with much Rain.  Joseph and Elias go to the ministerial Lot for Rails (bring 94 [at?] several Times) but in the last Turn they are in the Rain, and till 9 at night.  It rains so hard that the Young Women, Quilters, tarry all night.

1771 May 22 (Wednesday).  The Young Women go home early — but Miss Sally Woods, making stays and altering Gowns, is here at work still.  Mr. Jonathan Cook here, but I softened him with Gentle Words.

1771 May 23 (Thursday).  Breck returned home from Southborough.  Catechized a.m. 55 Boys — p.m. 21 Girls.  I Sought to Mr. Joseph Harrington for pasturing — but in Vain.  Sent by Mr. Samuel Thurston to Boston for a Rundlet for Rum.  Gave him in old Tenor £3.12.  Master Taylor at Eve.  Fresh Complaints against Mr. Hutchinson.  Miss Sally Woods finishes her work here.

1771 May 24 (Friday).  Went to Mr. Morse and obtained Chestnut Timber for Posts for my Fence in the fore yard.  Breck and Joseph go and hew and bring it with my Oxen.  Brother Breck lodged at Capt. Maynards last night.  Cousin Betty Gott is come with him.  He came hither but he did not tarry.  Goes on his Journey to Boston.  N.B. He has informed me that my Son Alexanders Wife is brought to Bed and has a Son.  Mr. Moore came, late at Night, by the way of Oxford, in a Chair, with a Letter from Suse requesting Sophy may go to Rochester.

1771 May 25 (Saturday).  Mr. Moore being with me and designing to keep Sabbath with me I laid aside my preparations which I was making, and Spent a great deal of my time with him.  But Solomon Woods and his Wife were here in their penitence, were examined, and desired to be propounded.  Mr. Samuel Thurston brought from Boston a Rundlet of Rum.  Mr. Moores Horse is sent to Capt. Maynards.

1771 May 26 (Sunday).  Read a.m. Ezek. 44.  Mr. Moore Preached on Gal. 4.4.5.  Mr. Taylor dined with us.  P.M. Read 1 Tim. 3.  Mr. Moore preached on 2 Cor. 5.14.  Mr. Samuel Fays twenty [blank] Child, Noadiah, was baptized.  Solomon Woods and wife propounded; Caution and Exhortation given respecting Election Day rejoicings.  N.B. The whole Time which was Set for bring objections (if any there be) against Singing Tate and Bradys Psalms, is run out, and none has been brought.

1771 May 27 (Monday).  Mr. Moore and Sophy go to Cambridge.  Alexander came here from Leicester, extremely early; to take advice what to do with James Jones, whose Time (for the County to maintain him in Goal) is now out.  Alexander leaves us a.m.  Mr. Taylor here as he goes to the Grout school-House; and takes Elias with him.

1771 May 28 (Tuesday).  I rode to Waltham.  In my way called at Coll. Buckminster and dined.  P.M. at Brother Browns to See what he had done about Alexander’s Thief.  Called at Mrs. Goddards (who was Lydia Cutting) whose Husband is dead.  I lodged at Mr. Cushings with his Brother John.

1771 May 29 (Wednesday).  Rode to Cambridge and heard the Election Sermon, Preached by Mr. Tucker of Newbury, from 1 Pet. 2.13 etc.  N.B. Conferred with Mr. Sewall, the attorney General on the Affair of Alexander’s Thief.  I dined in the Hall.  P.M. was at the Presidents, and at Mr. Appletons where a Number of ministers were gathered to consult about an Address to the Governor.  N.B. Mr. Breck and his Cousen Williams Seem to have prepared, each a Draught and read them.  Rode to Roxbury with Mr. MacCarty, and put out my Horse at Mr. Lewis’s to pasture.  Walked over to Boston with Mr. Maccarty — and lodged at Cousen Procters.

1771 May 30 (Thursday).  Attended my Son Alexanders Affair relative to his Villain.  Was at Mr. Quincys who had writ me an Answer to mine, on the Same Head.  He is a very obliging and opens the way in Order to get a Market for him.  I was at the Convention.  Dr. Pemberton Moderator.  An Address to his Excellency was voted, and a Committee at 9 to wait upon him with it.  Was at the Concio.  Mr. Breck Preached on Heb. 13.1, a very pacific Discourse.  I dined at Dr. Chauncys where were Mr. Gay, Rand etc.  The Doctor was very Sanguine against those Councils which sat at Concord and lately at Bedford Ordination, and which treated Mr. Emmerson of Concord with Severitys not to be vindicated.  Visited my Aged Brother who is grown very weak and feeble.  Visited Sister Bekky, Cousin Oliver, Winter etc.  At Eve preached at Mr. Coverleys — on 2 Pet.1.14, “Knowing that Shortly,” etc.  I lodged at my Brothers.

1771 May 31 (Friday).  Parkman Arms at my Kinsmans Elias’s (who was lately marryed but Still is in Mr. William Jackson’s Business).  Visit Mr. Surcomb.  Dine at Coll. Marshall’s.  Took Directions from Mr. Quincy (and Mr. Benjamin Kent was present and assisted) in the Affair of Jones abovesaid.  I went to Mr. Edes to have him advertised.  N.B. Mr. Thomas Baily generous with regard to My Horse, which Lewis of Roxbury had Sent to Backets instead of Proctors, etc. etc.  I rode over to Roxbury and lodged at Mr. Adams’s but my Horse is put up at the Widow Ruggles’s.

1771 June 1 (Saturday).  Mr. Adams, I perceive, is just upon marriage to Dr. Chauncys Daughter.  I called at Mr. Cushings at Waltham to write to Alexander by one Mr. William Brakenridge of Ware.  Dined at Mr. Woodwards.  Called at Mr. (now elected Deacon) Browns, to acquaint him with what I had done, and writ to Alexander.  Made opportunity to confer with Col. Taylor upon the Case of Alexander with reference to the persons who bought the Stolen Cloth of Jones.  His answer the Same as Messrs. Sewal, Quincy, Kent, Coll. Elisha Jones etc., viz., that Alexander pay them no farthing, they being to blame, and rather liable to Action; and nothing to any Officer in bringing the Villain to punishment.  Unless my son shall get so much for him as to defray his own Charges, which must be looked to and satisfyed first.  Old Mr. Gale my Company from Col. Taylors, as far as his Sons.  Arrived safe, and my Tabernacle in Peace.  Thanks be to God for His Goodness!  Mr. Levi Warren came with his own and his Wife’s Relation.  N.B. Breck has put up almost all the Pale Fence before the House.

1771 July 1 (Monday).  Joseph returned from Hopkinton.  He begins to mowe.  Elias also mowes with him.  I rode to Mr. Snow’s to see his Wife who is very low — being in great Distress with her Throat — scarce able to swallow the thinest Liquid.  Prayed with them.  Dr. Wilson, Hawes, Joslin came, and they expect Dr. Flynt.  At Eve received Ashmole of the Knights of the Garter.

1771 June 2 (Sunday).  Read Ezek. 45.  Preached a. and p.m. on Eccl. 7, last Clause, with various Additions.  Cousin Betty Gott dined here.  P.M. Read 1 Tim. 4.  Admitted Levi Warren and his Wife — was obliged to have the Vote by rising up, it being in the Congregation: and I baptized their Child.  At Eve Rev. Morse of Shrewsbury returning from Hopkinton where had Preached to Day, called here.

1771 June 3 (Monday).  Breck sat out for Monadnock to build a Barn for Levi Brigham.  Read variously.  Wrote to Alexander about Jones.

1771 June 4 (Tuesday).  Preached at Mr. Jonathan Grouts, on Josh. 24.15, last Clause.

1771 June 5 (Wednesday).  Mr. Seth Morse here, and desires me to write to Mr. John Boyles in his Name, and he Signed it, to desire him to suspend the sending of Psalm Books.  Mrs. Bekky Warrin of Upton here, and dines with us.

1771 June 6 (Thursday).  Joseph Chamberlin has had a bad night of pain and vomiting and is ill this Morning — continues ill through the Day — in great pain, though his Vomiting Ceases.  I got Moses Smith (who works for Deacon Wood) to plow awhile, and Isaac Lamb and Sherebiah Fay to work p.m. with Elias in Weeding the West Field.  A Letter from Mrs. Eunice Rice.

1771 June 7 (Friday).  Joseph wants to go home.  Deacon Wood is going to Hopkinton, acquaints Mr. Chamberlin with his Sons illness.  Nathan (another Son) rides over, and p.m. works in his Brother Josephs Stead; Joseph rides home.  At Eve came Mr. Daniel Nurse and paid me Twenty five pounds and two shillings old Tenor.  Mr. Fisk of Brookfield and his Wife came from Cambridge.  Afterwards Mr. Forbes and his Wife and son Eli came: and they lodged here.

1771 June 8 (Saturday).  The Company proceed on their Journey to Brookfield.  Nathan Chamberlin nigh Evening goes home.

1771 June 9 (Sunday).  Read Ezek. 46.  Preached a. and p.m. on Prov. 4.23.  P.M. read 1 Tim. 5.  N.B. Was obliged to Set the Psalm my Self, in the afternoon first Singing, and for the last desired that Some one would Set a convenient Tune.  I added, that I named no body that I might not give Offence and I had been willing to do every Thing to keep Peace in this matter of Singing.  Still no body arose.  After waiting Some while, I desired Neighbour Batherick, and added “let who will be offended,” but neither did he Soon rise to do it.  At length he undertook it.  N.B. Mr. Joseph Ward of Bellingham here.  Dined — lodged — tells me he was lately burnt out.

1771 June 10 (Monday).  Mr. Ward left us.  Mr. Spring finishes the paling my fore yard, and mends one of the great Gates.  Deacon Wood carrys Letters to Messrs. John Boyles, Fleeming, etc. about Psalm Books.  P.M. I walked out to provide Oxen for a Breaking up Team.  Visit old Mrs. Kelly and Mr. Nathan Maynards Wife.  N.B. In Pursuance of a Notification for that purpose, the Subscribers for Tate and Bradys Version of the Psalms, met at Evening at the Meeting House to agree upon a Method of providing and getting from Boston, the Books.  Mr. Moses Nurse here in very great Perplexity — being Sued again, and wants me to relieve him.  I had on the 7th of this month lent him 4 Dollars.  I now Lent him 31£ old Tenor more, in all 40£ old Tenor which he promises (upon a Forfeit) to return to me by the 11th of July.

1771 June 11 (Tuesday).  Walk in the morning to Mr. Joseph Harringtons and to Mr. Tainters to get a pasture for my Horse.  Succeed with the latter, and for Assistance in breaking up.  When I returned Capt. B. Fay was here about the Widow Brighams controversie with the Whipples.  Deacon Brown and his Wife, from Framingham, going to Leicester.  They hear Kezia is like to have a broken Breast.  I finish vol. 10 of the world displayed.  Rebuked a Pedlar and turned him off, though Mrs. P. wanted some small Supplys.  Hope he will trouble us no more.

1771 June 12 (Wednesday).  Mr. Stone dined with us and Preached my Lecture from Mat. 15.7.8.  I stopped the Church to See whether they would not choose some more Choristers.  This they agreed to, but did not proceed to do it at this Time, but would have the Congregation regarded in it and therefore would have them notifyed and join, as far as suitable, in it.  This I consented to, for Peace Sake.  I observed to them that it was however matter of Trouble to me that when I had done so much in Condescention to oblige the Congregation in the Matter of the Version, and given so much Opportunity for them to acquaint me with their Objections, if they had any to make that were of weight, yet that they Should still be disturbed when not one had come to me.  Upon this, Mr. Batherick rose and was warm — also Mr. Daniel Hardy; Shewing that they were [illegible] were uneasy, and Seemed to want that something should be done, though no body knew what.  I prevented further jarring by putting an End to the Meeting.  At Eve wrote another Letter from Mr. Morse to Mr. Boyles at Boston, about Psalm-Books.

1771 June 13 (Thursday).  Closely applyed to sermon etc., etc.  Mrs. Eunice Rice here — About her Confession — but appears to me too lame and backward in some particulars.  She does not incline to acknowledge that She is guilty of breaking the 7th Commandment — nor is willing to ask forgiveness of her Husband.  At Eve Master Taylor here — talks of the unreasonableness of those persons who oppose our Singing the version, which has been Voted, particularly Ensign Jeduthun Fay.

1771 June 14 (Friday).  Rev. Mr. Elnathan Whitman and Daughter Betsy of Hartford came and lodged here.  Received from Rev. Adams of Roxbury Dr. Chauncys complete View of Episcopacy.

1771 June 15 (Saturday).  Mr. Roger Sherman of New Haven, and his Lady here at Breakfast with us, to accompany Mr. Whitman etc.  They all leave us, to go to Woburn and Boston.  Towards Night Solomon Woods here, with a Confession — which I am oblidged to alter and transcribe.

1771 June 16 (Sunday).  Administered the Lords Supper.  Mr. Simon Tainter, Old Mrs. Fessenden and Mrs. Maynard dined here.  Read Ezek. 47 and preached on part.  P.M. Read 1 Tim. 6.  Preached on 1 Pet. 1.18 — “Redeemed from a Vain Conversation.”

1771 June 17 (Monday).  Mr. Brown and wife from Leicester, and dine here.  Kezia is better.  Jones in Jayl yet.  Visit old Lt. Forbush and his Wife.

1771 June 18 (Tuesday).  To Mr. Snows to see his Wife.  To Southborough Ministers Meeting.  But met Mr. Stone overwhelmed in Trouble, going to Hardwick, his Daughter Bangs in Travel and could not be delivered.  I went to his House — Miss Judith ill: Quilla very low.  Messrs. Loring, Smith and Bridge came.  Mr. Loring prayed — dined there — Mr. Goss came — shewed us the Result of the late mutual Council at Bolton.  I read to the Ministers Mrs. Eunice Rice’s Letter to me and Confession — asked their advice.  Returned home before night.  N.B. Mr. Williams the Sadler dyed suddenly at Marlborough yesterday: And Mr. Smith goes to his Burial to Day.  I excepted against it — as in all such Cases, of Sudden Death, I cannot countenance a sudden Funeral.  Returned home in safety.  D.G.