Category: Diary

1774 June 13 (Monday).  Town Meeting to consider a Letter from the Town Clerk of Boston and there is come also a printed Covenant for them to Sign, in which they are to join with Others, and Solemnly bind themselves to renounce all Trade with Great Britain till the Bill for blocking up the Harbour of Boston Shall be repealed.  N.B. Little is said about supplicating the Throne of Grace on this Great Occasion. But they Chose a Committee to consider what is best to be done, and report to the Town. Squire Whipple here but hardly goes to the meeting. Mr. Gleason here at Eve.

1774 June 14 (Tuesday).  Had Conversation with Dr. Hawes and Lt. Baker, two of the said Committee, on the present sorrowful State.  N.B. The latter also offers to sell me his Land joining to mine South of the Road before the Meeting House.  I have gone through both the Volumes of Infernal Conference, by the Listener.  At Eve John came from Oxford.  

1774 June 15 (Wednesday).  Rode to Southborough, dined at Mr. Stones.  Preached his Lecture on 1 Chron. 15.13, latter part.  And read as a parallell Text 1 Cor. 11.29, which was largely explained and the Explanation confirmed.  There were but very few at meeting by Reason of heavy Rain, with Thunder and Lightning at the very time of Assembling.  The Lord bless the word to those few of us who could attend! The Rain continuing, I tarryed all night. Mr. Stone gave me (from Mr. Gordon of Roxbury) Mr. Joseph Allaines Serious Treatise on Conversion.  A New Edition under a new Title, viz. “An Admonition to unconverted Sinners.”

1774 June 16 (Thursday).  Returned home. Read Mr. Josiah Quincy juniors Observations on the Act of Parliament commonly called “the Boston-Port Bill.”  Writ with Sp[ecia?]l Learning and Elegance. Sophy to Mr. Edmund Brighams to dine etc.  

1774 June 17 (Friday).  My Son John Setts out very early for Boston.  N.B. John gave me last Eve Mr. Ezra Bowmans Note for Fourteen pounds L.M. for my Horse.  P.M. The Committee of Correspondence was here; viz. Deacon Bond, Dr. Hawes, Messrs. Daniel Forbes, Hannaniah Parker, Thomas Bond and Joseph Harrington.  Lt. Baker who was one, was gone to Boston.  They came to hear my Sentiments of the Covenant which they had received from Boston and another from Worcester, which I, in part gave them.  It was Said from among the Committee that they Should be glad I would be at the Town meeting, when they were to report.  Mr. Edmund Quincy junior called here in his way to Symsbury. Old Mrs. Brigs of Rochester came to see us and lodged.

1774 June 18 (Saturday).  Mrs. Brigs goes to Northborough to see her son Zephaniahs Wife.  Breck goes to Brookfield and New Braintree.  P.M. Coll. Buckminster and his wife came this way from Rutland.  Capt. King, Representative of Sutton, calls and tells me that the Assembly is dissolved.  This was done by his Excellency when he perceived the House was upon the Article of a Congress.  Elias came from Shrewsbury.

1774 June 19 (Sunday).  Read Mic. 5.  Preached on Isa. [10?].3 a. and p.m. because of these times.[1]  Old Mrs. Kelly at Dinner and stays with us.

[1]Isaiah 10.3: “And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?”

 

1774 June 20 (Monday).  Mrs. Kelly lives here again.  John returns from Boston but only from Col. Buckminsters this morning.  I visit and pray with Mr. Samuel Fay, who is sick of a Fever.  P.M. The Town Meet on the Affair of Signing a Covenant of Non-importation etc.  A Committee came to me to confer about a Fast.  They were Capt. Maynard, Capt. Ben Fay and Capt. Jonathan [blank].  Agreed that the Fast Should be next Thursday come sennight.  Breck returns with Hannah from Brookfield.  Young Mr. Hutchinson here and lodges to night.

1774 June 21 (Tuesday).  I was by various Incidents Sadly hindered in going to Ministers Meeting at Southborough, but got there before noon.  My not coming was the hindrance of Observing the Day as a Time of Fasting — but it was improved as a season of more repeated and enlarged Supplication on consideration of the public Distresses.  Mr. Stones Sermon was on Prov. 16.7.  A very suitable and quickening Discourse.  May God bless it to all of us! To me especially!  And may it please the Lord to be reconciled to us and hear our prayers!  At Eve when I was got home came Mr. Charles Lawrence of Ashby to buy my Land there.  I wrote by him to Mr. Cushing concerning it, and what offers he makes etc.  Mr. Hancock, the Taylor lodges here.

1774 June 22 (Wednesday).  I send Mr. Barretts Mather’s Magnalia by Mr. Beriah Ware.  A Clock Set up in my West Room.  Mrs. Keen visits us.

1774 June 23 (Thursday).  Isaac Lamb and Hannah Williams marryed.  Mr. Joseph Hancock works here one Day after another on divers Garments, making a Jacket for Elias, Breeches for John and Ware.

1774 June 24 (Friday).  Hear that divers people conjecture that I have Signed the Address to Governor Hutchinson at his embarking, whereas I am very remote from it.  Riply came from Cambridge and lodges.

1774 June 25 (Saturday).  Riply to Brookfield.  John goes to Settle at Lancaster.  P.M. Breck goes to Lancaster with Mr. Levi Wilder.  Mr. Hancock, nigh night goes home.

1774 June 26 (Sunday).  Read Mic. 6 and made my Exposition of it very much by Assistance from Sermon on Mic. 6.2, though with many Omissions and Alterations.  P.M. Read Ps. 105. Preach on Isa. 63.9 and delivered the whole of my Preparations which I have Spent much Time upon; for it could not be divided.  I suppose I was Somewhat more than an Hour. After Sermon I gave the Church, as Such, an Account of what the Town had agreed to concerning a Fast next Thursday, on the Account of the public Distresses; and proposing it virtually though not directly to them, there was no Objection: therefore it was complyed with as I conceive.

1774 June 27 (Monday).  Deacon Bond came and delivered me 4 Papers of the public affairs relative to Signing a Covenant etc.  I copyed the Covenant with alterations. Breck returned from Lancaster.  

1774 June 28 (Tuesday).  Visit aged Mrs. Woods at Mr. Daniel Forbes’s.  Went to Mr. Ebenezer Millers and Spoke to the women, since the men were not there, of my utterly disliking Mr. Millers or his son Harringtons attempting to buy the woody Hill north of my House since I had so bespoke it and depended upon having it.  N.B. [Met?] Mr. Jacob Whitman of Providence, and 3 women with him, going to Stow.  P.M. read vox populi, vox Dei.  Thomas Bond here about the Boston papers, Covenant etc.  Read him my Draughts: he Seems to fall in with them.  He carrys back those I borrowed.

1774 June 29 (Wednesday).  I rode to Southborough, it being Fast-Day there on account of the public Distresses.  Mr. Smith Prayed at the Beginning.  I preached on Isa. 4.5.  P.M. Mr. Stone prayed and Mr. Matthew Bridge preached on Eccl. 7.13, principally the first Words “Consider the Work of God.”  May it please God graciously to hear our fervent Supplications, Pardon our Sins, and teach us due Obedience to His Word, Especially Such a Day as this!  Returned at Eve.

1774 June 30 (Thursday).  This Day was Set apart for the purposes of Religion, a Day of Humiliation and Fasting, with Supplication on the great Occasion of the Public Troubles and Distresses.  Mr. Stone and his wife came.  I began the Solemnity with Prayer.  Mr. Stone preached a.m. on Deut. 29.24.25.  N.B. At the End of the Sermon he delivered his Mind concerning the Covenant that is going about the Country to be Signed in all places by all persons, on highest Penalty.  May God add His Blessing! The same prayed before Sermon. P.M. which I delivered from 2 Chron. 14.11, not attending to the immediate Occasion of the Words of the Text, as to the Text itself  and the Dutys now incumbent. No other minister came to my Assistance but Mr. Stone, but there was a considerable Number of Friends here at Noon, who came from Marlborough.  Also one Mr. Knight (who learns [Latin?] at Mr. Goddards) came with Elias from Shrewsbury and was refreshed with us.  And O that what we have offered might not be a corrupt Thing!  

1774 July 1 (Friday).  Mr. Fitch of Hopkinton returning from Connecticut (whither he had been to wait on his mother) and with him his Sister Wights son John (about 13 years old).  They dine here and I agree that on July 14th I will (God willing) assist him in a Fast at Hopkinton.  N.B. Mr. Daniel Forbes one of the Committee of Correspondence here.  Shewed him my Remarks on the Covenant etc. He desires me to let Dr. Hawes (who is another) See some of my papers concerning those Matters.  At Eve Breck goes to a Military Meeting at Lt. Bakers, who I hear, is chose one of the Captains, to settle their Affairs. N.B. All those Expressions in the public News Papers which are further irritating to Authority are my continual Grief, but I would willingly, heartily, promote what ever is lawful, constitutional and consistent with Wisdom and prudence under our unhappy Circumstances, and that is our Duty under our Christian Obligations to undertake for our Relief, and for the Restoration of our privileges and Liberties, that we may again enjoy under God our wonted Peace and Harmony with Great Britain.

1774 July 2 (Saturday).  Received a kind, respectful Letter from my dear Kinswoman Mrs. Elizabeth Bradford dated June 25.  Capt. Bradford being then at Havre Grace Newfoundland.  I rode to Southborough and Mr. Stone came hither.  I went to Coll. Brighams to see Mr. John Prentice Smith who is consuming.  Prayed with him. N.B. Governor Gage has issued out a Proclamation against Combinations — Assemblys for signing a solemn League and Covenant etc.  I lodged at Mr. Stones.

1774 July 3 (Sunday).  Preached at Southborough a. and p.m. on Hos. 9.12, last Clause, “Yea Wo,” etc.  Returned at Eve. As did Mr. Stone, who preached both parts of the Day on Heb. 13.1.  N.B. Young Holland a Scholar is here with Elias, and lodges here.

1774 July 4 (Monday).  Holland goes to Shrewsbury.  Elias goes, but returns that he may go to work, and doth go p.m. tending Hay.  Mr. Whitman of Providence and Daughter, also Dr. Throops and her sister Nightinggale with them, called here.  Town Meet on the Affair of signing some Draught, for the public Relief.  Old Mr. Whitney and Capt. Jonas Brigham are sent to me to desire me to go and assist ‘em, by prayer and advice.  Went and prayed. After prayer the Moderator (Mr. Daniel Forbes) requested me to communicate to them my Thoughts, if I had prepared something etc.  I told him I had made no formal Draught: but read the Introduction and some other parts of my Remarks on the Covenant from Boston.  Also what I wrote at Bottom of the Letter signed William Cooper.  Sundry persons urged my tarrying and advising them with respect to what their own Committee had drawn up, but I answered that I did not care to meddle with it; for I conceived it was not safe for me to do it, Safe either for me or for them, especially by reason of the Governors Proclamation.  I craved the Liberty to retire; not but that I was heartily ready and willing to improve my small Abilitys to my utmost in their service.  It was asked me whether I would read their paper if it were Sent Me. I did not refuse to do that in [onelay?] for them and I said I had no desire or Intention to offend any one of them all, not the least; but intreated, and challenged the Liberty of Briton and a New Englandman: and I prayed they would not be hasty in signing every thing; I could not advise to signing any Thing Seeing there was no immediate Necessity; Boston itself had not and their meeting was adjourned to the 19th.  I conceived they would know better how to conduct if they waited a while, and had better perhaps till after the proposed Congress.  I observed that there was not such an Alternative as was mentioned in the Covenant, viz. of Suffering Blood-shed or slavery, unless we would withdraw Commerce with Great Britain; for by the News from Newport it appeared that their Messengers to the Congress would propose a general Address and Supplication to the King from all the Colonys jointly.  Before I retired I openly declared, for the Ease and satisfaction of all their minds, that I had signed no paper of Address or Recommendation of the late Governor and that I could not but take it ill that numbers of persons had been ready to take up a Reproach against their Neighbour.  When I retired, they, as I understood went on to ripen for signing, and that many did sign. Capt. B. Fay here to speak about the Private Meeting expected to be at his House tomorrow; but considering the busy season it was put by till next month. Mr. David Spofford from Townshend here, and paid Interest 15£ old Tenor and 4 Coppers for a Months Delay: and 16£ of like money principal.  Mr. Caleb Harrington here.  I let him know that I design to have the Pine Hill back of my House; and pray him not to interrupt me in purchase of it.

1774 July 5 (Tuesday).  Read some Political pieces against passive Obediance and non-resistance.  N.B. Delivered Breck 4£ Lawful Money to be sent to Samuel as part of what John borrowed of him.  And I wrote to Samuel but it was not sent.

1774 July 6 (Wednesday).  Deacon Stone’s and Deacon Browns Wife, from Framingham for Leicester, here and dine.  Continual Reports from Boston, and all Conversations are upon the Governors Proclamation prohibiting Combinations and Covenants against Great Britain.  Read various Pieces bound with Vox Populi etc.

1774 July 7 (Thursday).  Mr. Whitney of Northborough here and sollicits my Changing with him next sabbath.  He brought me the last London Magazines for January, February and March.  Messrs. Daniel Hardy, Edwards Whipple etc. here.  The former is disturbed that I would not so much as read, at the late Town-Meeting, what their Committee had prepared to be signed.  I gave him some Reason for my refusing: namely that I was aware that if I heard it, I must either approve or condemn it — but do which I will, I must of necessity be blamed.  If I approved of their Draught, I must have exposed my Self to the resentments of Authority which I must teach all Men to avoid: for I must teach and injoin that “every soul be subject to the higher powers” — “to obey Magistrates” — as Rom. 13.1 and Tit. 3.1.  If I Should dislike it, I was aware that they would not be easily turned aside notwithstanding from what they had done.  I was not o’ mind to render my Self Obnoxious either way.

1774 July 8 (Friday).  Wrote to my Kinswoman, Mrs. Elizabeth Bradford at Boston.  Sophy to Dr. Crosby’s.  Many Reports of the Forces arrived at Boston.

1774 July 9 (Saturday).  Young Mr. Hutchinson going to Concord.  I wrote to my son William to inform him of Mr. Charles Lawrence’s desire to buy my Land that yet remains in Ashby.  Read a Letter from my Son Samuel in response to mine by Mr. Daniel Nurse — that at Boston and other Towns, they did not conform to the Governors late proclamation etc. that it was expected there would be a Congress, that they Should sit still till that was over, and then should pursue the Measures that would be agreed upon by that Body.

1774 July 10 (Sunday).  I rode to Northborough and preached there a.m. on Mat. 25.10 from p. 61 to the End of p. 68.  P.M. preached, by reason of the Troubles, on Isa. 10.3.  Baptized Persis, of John and [blank] Wyman.[1]  Appointed a Fast there to be by divine leave, on the next Thursday.  I returned at Eve.  Mr. Whitney preached for me a. and p.m. on 1 Joh. 2.15.16.17.

[1]Persis, daughter of John and Hazadiah Wyman, was born on July 5,1774; Northborough VR, 70.

1774 July 11 (Monday).  Asa, though laid by on the 9th p.m., yet is at his business again today.  He is mowing the rest of the Clover between the Garden and the Road. I assisted in opening the Cocks which had stood over the Sabbath.  Then rode to visit the aged Mrs. Grout, who is very low.  Dined there, and prayed with them.  Visited also Mr. Joseph Grouts Family, who are called to Sing of Mercy of Judgment for Mrs. Grout has newly lain in, and is comfortable, but their Son Joseph is very weak again, and wasting.  Breck has a large Company (Mr. Caleb Wilder and Wife, Col. Ingersol and two Daughters, Dr. Jenisons son and Daughter) who stop at the Store etc.  Mr. Hutchinson brings a Letter from my son William in which he lets me know he has no further Dependence on my Land at Ashby; and he informs that all the Aggrieved Brethren in Concord Church come together to Meeting again.  Blessed be God for this agreeable Reconcilement!  Mrs. Keenes, Wife of Joseph Keenes, here to desire She might be put into a way of preparation for having her Child baptized.  She acknowledged her low Education — but that she was baptized, for that She remembered well her being confirmed by the Bishop of Winchester.

1774 July 12 (Tuesday).  [No entry.]

1774 July 13 (Wednesday).  Was much employed in my Preparations for tomorrow.

1774 July 14 (Thursday).  Rode over to the Fast at Hopkinton, Solemnized On Account of the present public Distresses.  I began with prayer. Mr. Fitch preached a.m. on Ps. 85.9.  A very suitable sermon. P.M. Mr. Fitch prayed, and I preached on Isa. 63.9.10.  May God be graciously pleased to hear our Supplications and grant a gracious Answer to the fervent Requests of His people!  May the Word delivered prove profitable in the highest respects! Great Numbers of other Congregations (I hear) observe this Day in the like solemn Manner.  O that the Sins of our holy Things may be forgiven; and may it be such a Fast as God has chosen! The people of Hopkinton had a Meeting after the Exercises and Signed an Agreement which Capt. Thomas Mellen shewed me at Evening at Mr. Fitch’s.  I returned home.

1774 July 15 (Friday).  Mrs. Cushing and Mrs. Sumner from Shrewsbury, made us a Visit and dined here.  As did Mr. Caleb Wilder of Mendon, and his Wife.  In mid-afternoon came My Son Samuel and his Wife, with their Child, from Boston.

1774 July 16 (Saturday).  Received from Mr. Fitch of Hopkinton a Copy of their Agreement Signed the 14th.  Company very frequently interrupting I can have but too little time for my preparations.  Yet attend as I can thereto.

1774 July 17 (Sunday).  Both my son and Daughter with us.  I Read Mic. 7.  By what I wrote for Expounding which, and with assistance from Sermon on Mic. 7.9, I formed the a.m. Exercise.  Elias brought in one Forsdick, a Scholar from Mr. Goddards, to dine with us.  Miss Suse Brigham dines also.  P.M. Read Ps. 77.and preached on Isa. 63.9.10.  The Exercises were long, both a. and p.m., So that I became faint and weary.  May God accept and add His Blessing!