Category: Diary

1774 July 18 (Monday).  My Son and his Wife and Child leave us, to return to Boston.  I Send by him Dr. Newton on the prophecys, to Mr. West of Needham; my watch to Mr. Cranch, and some Relief to Cousen Bradford.  Benjamin Clark troubled with pain in his stomach and lies by from Day to Day.  The Town Met again on the Article of Signing the Engagement to break off the Commercial Dealings with Great Britain.  They Send their Committee to Me to let me see what they have drawn up; and if I pleased in Order to my Signing it. I sent my Regards to the Town, with my Request, that it might be suffered in my Hands a little while for my Review, and I will make them Some Return before or at their next Meeting.  Breck paints the Sign of blue Anchor for Deacon Wood.  

1774 July 19 (Tuesday).  Mr. John Prentice Smith dyed this morning at Southborough.  I read Dr. [illegible] tons Julian.  Mrs. Whitmore came to Springs.

1774 July 20 (Wednesday).  Attend to my preparations. Nigh Sun Setting went (according to Request) to Mr. Springs, to Visit their Mother, Mrs. Whitmore.  N.B. I understand that Mr. Brimmer of Boston is at Deacon Woods, with prizers of Mr. John Woods part of that Farm, setting it off to said Brimmer.  I perceive by the public papers that Mr. Samuel Hunt formerly our Neighbour at Boston, Aged 85; and that Sir William Johnson, of Johnson-Hall, above Albany, and Superintendant of Indian Affairs; are dead.  May it please God effectually to admonish me of my own Dissolution!  We have begun the Rye Harvest; and are much favoured with good Weather.  God be praised for it. May God grant to me to remember the Great Harvest at the End of the world!  That I may prepare for it!

1774 July 21 (Thursday).  Am engaged in my Study — O for the gracious Assistance of the divine Spirit for who is Sufficient for these Things?  P.M. a Number of young women from Mr. Edmund Brighams and Mr. Gales visit etc. here.

1774 July 22 (Friday).  Breck goes to Lancaster to carry John Saddle Trees etc.  I send a Letter by him to Mr. Spofford of Townshend to bring my Money which he yet owes.

1774 July 23 (Saturday).  Breck returns, and brings a Letter from my Daughter Cushing.  Breck relates what John met with from a Thief who, lodging in the Same Chamber at Mr. Locks Tavern in Lancaster, picked his Baskets and carryed away two Pocket Books — but he has recovered them and the Thief is put into Worcester Jayl.

1774 July 24 (Sunday).  Read Nahum 1.  Preached on Exod. 14.13.  Administered the Lords Supper.  P.M. read Ps. 80. Preached on Mic. 7.9.  Will the Lord graciously accept us and bless us!  Mrs. Maynard dined here, as did [Perkins?] Bridge, and young Forsdick.  At Eve came in Mr. Grosvenor, who had changed with Mr. Fitch the Day past.  He Supposes Mr. Fitch has read to Grafton Church and Congregation his acceptance of their Call.

1774 July 25 (Monday).  Was at Deacon Woods.  I find he is under many Troubles and Difficultys by reason of his son John.  Mr. Fitch returns to Hopkinton by us, and calls here.  He Yesterday read Mr. Grosvenors answer at Supra.  Mrs. Whitmore and her Daughter make us a Visit p.m.  Mr. Whitney and Mr. Bass were here.

1774 July 26 (Tuesday).  Visit Old Mrs. Grout and pray with her.  Visit Joseph Grout junior and pray with him.  Dine at Mr. Elijah Hardys. Visit Mr. Twitchel (Constable).  He delivers me 40£ 14.4 old Tenor.  At Benajah Brighams and at old Mr. Phineas Hardys.  Old Mrs. Kelly goes with her Daughter Beeton to their House.  

1774 July 27 (Wednesday).  Was So indisposed I could not freely go on with my studys.  Hear that Lt. Bruce’s Cancer has eat through his Cheek, and that magots are taken out from it.  The purulent Matter runs down into his Dish, and hardly to be Separated from his Food.  A deplorable Case! God be praised I am preserved from such Evil! May God Support him and prepare him for His holy Will!  Dr. Hawes and his Wife p.m. — drink Chocolat (instead of Tea). The Doctor brought the Towns Agreement and left it.

1774 July 28 (Thursday).  Transcribed the Towns Agreement for my own use.  I cannot, as it is, like it: It is ill draughted.  I made an Extract from my Account of the captivating the 4 Rices, to be inserted in Governor Hutchinsons History.  P.M. visit Lt. Bruce and his wife: discoursed and prayed with them.  His Cancer has so prevailed that it is a sad spectacle!

1774 July 29 (Friday).  Sent by Mrs. Whitmore (who goes to Milton to day) to Mr. Thomas Hutchinson for the Memoirs of Phil. de Comines translated: and sent him my Account of the Captivating of the 4 Rices.  Sim. Harry, a Free Negro, came (according to Agreement), and mowes with Asa and John McCullock, at the Interval, for me.  Mrs. Kelly returned from Beetons.

1774 July 30 (Saturday).  [No entry.]

1774 July 31 (Sunday).  Read Nahum 2.  Preached on Micah 7.9 from p. 16 to the End.  P.M. Read Zeph. 3. Preached on Isa. 3.9, part 2d.  Would Committ my feeble Endeavors to a gracious and Merciful God, on whom all Success depends.

1774 August 1 (Monday).  The Town Met again on the Affair of Subscribing the Agreement.  I am informed that my Son Breck found it necessary to subscribe.  The people also contribute to the bearing of the Charge of the Congress.  I sent my Quota thereto.  I went to the Meeting House with a paper fit to be subscribed and read it to a Number of persons; but the Town were busy and did not call for it.  See the [12th?] Day. Martin Piper, a Lad in his 12th Year, was thrown by a Colt, and his Head came down on a Rock, nigh Mr. Newtons.  He was carryed in there. It was feared to be a mortal Blow. Mr. Newton came in haste for me. I went.  He was delirious. Dr. Hawes soon blooded him. He bled well. Vomited Several Times — inclined to sleep; when any thing was given him, he cryed out bitterly, but could not speak.  I prayed with him. What a Warning! Especially to Youth! But how great the Mercy he was not killed! His parents much distressed.

1774 August 2 (Tuesday).  Preached at Capt. Benjamin Fays — on Act.17.30.  “The Times of Ignorance God winked at — now Commands etc. to repent.”  Few attend — only 2 or 3 men. Call at Lt. Bakers to see young Piper. He is no better.  Prayed with him. Brecks Mare unfortunately wounded in the near Eye by James Bellows.  

1774 August 3 (Wednesday).  Was at Dr. Hawes.  Walked into Chauncy Meadows.  An exceeding dry time.  May the Lord pity us, and Send Rain!  A Letter from Mr. Moore, dated July 6.

1774 August 4 (Thursday).  Went to old Mr. William Nurse’s, and son Daniels (who had brought up Sugar from Boston for me) and at Mr. Eleazar Pratts.  Called also to See Calvin who is but little better.  He has not Spoke yet. N.B. Instead of the Agreement which the people have signed, I have drawn up what I think may be more Safe for me, if I shall be obliged to Sign any thing.  At Eve my Kinsman B. Bradshaw of New Braintree, came from Boston and lodges here.  I am much exercised with sore Eyes.  

1774 August 5 (Friday).  Mr. Bradshaw leaves us for New Braintree.  

1774 August 6 (Saturday).  Went to Lt. Bakers in the morning.  Dr. Charles Russell, Dr. Flynt, Dr. Hawes, and a Number of Doctors besides being there on the Case of the poor Boy, Calvin Piper — (who last Evening began to recover his senses and to Speak — and is this morning composed and utters himself pertinently).  It was feared the Trepan must be used: but it was first determined to take off part of his scalp and examine his Head. We began with prayer.  Dr. Russel performed the Operation, and finding the grumous Blood, and that there was no Fracture, desisted from any thing further.

1774 August 7 (Sunday).  Read Nah. 3.  Preached on Gen. 3.15 a. and p.m.  Read p.m. Gen. 3. N.B. I had endeavored to prepare on Rev. 13 but could not finish it.  My Son John, who came from Lancaster last Eve, is with us.

1774 August 8 (Monday).  Elias returns to his Books at Mr. Goddards.  I visited Calvin Piper, Old Mrs. Grout and prayed with her, and her Grandson Joseph and prayed with him.  N.B. dined at Mr. Jonathan Grouts. P.M. The Town met again upon some of their Liberty Affairs.  My son Forbes and Sister Champney came and lodge.  Dr. Crosby here at Evening.

1774 August 9 (Tuesday).  Mrs. P. and I having the Doctors Chaise and Deacons Horse rode to Concord.  Called at Col. Weeks’s and refreshed.  Dined at my Son Williams.  All well there. D.G. Lodged there.  He had not done haying, but was nigh it.

1774 August 10 (Wednesday).  We rode into the Town. My Daughter Lydia went also.  Visit Master Minot. Old Mr. Hartshorn there. Dined at the Doctors.  Mrs. Martyn was there also. P.M. Visit Mr. Emmerson.  His Mother Bliss in a low State.  Visit Thomas Whitney Esquire who is under a Dropsie.  Prayed with him. Returned to my Sons and lodged there.

1774 August 11 (Thursday).  Came home in Safety. Thanks to God.  In returning called at Col. Weeks.  Dined at Cousen Uriah Brighams.  Visit Mr. Smith in Affliction. His negro woman, Happy, under a Dropsie.  Called at Col. Williams’.

1774 August 12 (Friday).  Mr. Putnam of Pomfret and his Sister Bethiah dined here.  N.B. He gave me a further account of Mr. Darius Parkhurst of Pomfret (whom I saw at Mr. Adams’s at Roxbury last May) and his accomplishments though deprived of Sight and hearing about 11 AEts.  Is now about 34. You must write in his hand, with your or his finger, to convey your meaning.  Blessed be God for my sight and hearing! May I have grace to improve them! Have received the News Paper, Edes and Gill, which informs that May 20th last, the King gave his Consent to the Acts of Parliament which take away our principal civil privileges, viz. an act for better regulating the Government of the Province of Massachusetts Bay and New England.  And an Act for impartial Administration of Justice therein. May God Sanctifie to us this heavy stroke! and help us rightly to improve such privilege and Libertys as remain!

1774 August 13 (Saturday).  A most Melancholly time! By Drought as well as parliamentary Frowns.  At Eve Elias came home.

1774 August 14 (Sunday).  Read Hubas. 1.  Preached on Ps. 110.3, latter part.  P.M. Read Ps. 49 and Sung latter part of it.  Preached on Mat. 25.10, last words, to the bottom of page 77.  May God forgive my Defects and bless what has been delivered, for the awakening of all of us!  Miss Suse Brigham dines here.  

1774 August 15 (Monday).  Elias returned to Mr. Goddards.  Mr. Thomas Arnold here.  Settled Accounts with him.  A very awfull pinching Drought!  May the Lord extend Compassion, and grant Rain.  I visited Lt. Bruce and prayed with him.  Hear that 1000 regulars are on their march to Worcester.  And that Squire Whipple met with Difficulty at Drurys Mill at Grafton.

1774 August 16 (Tuesday).  Attended the Ministers Meeting at Bolton.  In going, though strictly I broke fast at home, yet joined with Mr. Whitney and his Wife in their Breakfast, they going over to Mr. Goss’s also.  Besides Mr. Stone, Mr. Smith and Mr. Whitney, came Messrs. Harrington, Morse and Johnson of Harvard, so that we were Eight.  Mr. Goss Concr. on 1 Cor. 11.2.  Conversation (unavoidably) turned and engrossed us, on the Distresses of the present Times, and our Apprehensions of increasing Difficultys.  N.B. Mr. Harringtons Account of Brigadier Ruggles (from Brigadier himself) of his Journey from Hardwich to [Lancaster?] being required to wait on the Governor at Salem, in Order to take the Oath as a Counsellor.  Returned home seasonally, calling at Mr. Whitney’s.

1774 August 17 (Wednesday).  My son Breck has caused Joseph Cullock to come to my work of laying Wall leading Northerly from the Store.  Mr. William Williams’s Wife and Child, with Miss Anne Williams of Sandwich, made us a Visit, dined, p.m. drank (I hope undutyed) Tea.  P.M. a great Fire broke out in Capt. Maynards Stubble of his Rye Field, Some of his men burning Brush there. The Wind was high, which caused the Fire to rage and prevail.  I rode to the plain and alarmed them from the words Capt. Maynard Spoke to me. Many gathered, but through divine Favour the Fire was stopped. There arose also a Thunder storm and an heavy Rain; and which continued into Night.  Our company lodged here. Moses Brigham came in the Eve for me to go up to his Grandmother Grout, who was thought to be dying.  I went in the Rain. She was revived and conversed.  Desired prayer. We prayed. I returned home in safety.  D.G.

1774 August 18 (Thursday).  Mrs. Williams and her Neece went to Capt. Maynards and took Sophy with them.  Mr. Forbes and Son Eli came from Cape Ann — Boston and from Southborough this Morning.  Cullocks are digging, sledding Great Stones for the wall.  Mr. Webb here. Mr. Joseph Roberts came and lodged here.  Alexander came from Leicester.

1774 August 19 (Friday).  Alexander discovers his Trouble.  He wants 60£ Lawfull to pay Mr. John Southgate.  Mr. Roberts to Leicester.  Cullocks at the Wall.  Mr. Jonathan Grout came and informed me that his Mother dyed yesterday about 5 p.m.  A gracious woman, as I hope, and gone to Glory. The Lord grant me Grace to prepare likewise.  Wrote to Mr. John Southgate at Leicester to forbear Severity.  Alexander goes to Framingham.

1774 August 20 (Saturday).  Alexander returns from Framingham without Success: His Father Brown gone a journey.  Mr. Ezra Bowman who bought my Horse, came and paid for him.  His note is given up, on his paying £14.14.8 Lawful money to Breck in my behalf.  N.B. Breck delivers 14£ 14/ Lawful to Alexander, by my Order.  This I lend Alexander and have his promisory Note for it.  The Letter to Mr. Southgate I write over again and add my Engagement that my son Shall pay him and as soon as we can raise his money.  Alex goes home. P.M. I attended the Funeral of old Mrs. Mary Grout.  She was 82 years old last January.  I prayed at the House of Mr. Jonathan Grout, where the assembly was not small.  

1774 August 21 (Sunday).  Read Habak. 2.  Preached again upon Mat. 25.10 because I was forced to break off the last Exercise abruptly.  Proceeded from p. 77 to 83 with proper Omissions and Additions. An awakening subject, May God Sanctifie the Truths delivered, both to me and to His people!  Mrs. Maynard dined here. P.M. read Heb. 13 and preached on Occasion of Mrs. Grouts Death, from the 14th v. with omissions and Supplements.  Earnestly pray the word may be Sanctifyed to me, to others who are advanced in Life, and to the whole Auditory!