Category: Diary

1776 May 9 (Thursday).  Our Company left us.  Fresh News of Fleets and Armies.  At Eve I asked Capt. Isaac Phillips with his Daughter, going from Boston to Grafton, where he has lived for Some time, to turn in hither and lodge: Which they complyed with, and came in and lodged accordingly.

1776 May 10 (Friday).  Capt. Phillips and Daughter left us.  Mr. Cornelius Waters dined with us.

1776 May 11 (Saturday).  My Son Samuel came from Boston.  Says, no Vessels nor Troops are come — but the people are  diligently at work in fortifying Several important places, viz. Fort-Hill, the Castle, Noddles Island etc.  Mrs. Hicks, waited on by her son Zechary, brings her son James to live with me till he shall be 14 Years old.  D.V.  They tarry here with us.  Being short of Hay, am forced to send her Horse to Mr. Nurse’s.  Mr. Waters and Miss Cloe Grosvenor here.  Her Brother was marryed yesterday.

1776 May 12 (Sunday).  Preached again further on the Fruits and Effects of Faith, carrying on the Subject begun on Rom. 3.28, but now used that Text Rom. 9.33 from p. 67 to 72.  Which may God graciously Succeed!  P.M. on Isa. 55.5 from p. 149 to 155.  Read the Congress’s Proclamation for a General Fast through the Provinces.  Read also the Petition of Mr. Thomas Knowlton for a Contribution.  N.B. at noon I Stopped and consulted the Deacons of the Church and Select Men of the Town, concerning the Petition aforesaid who advised to the Reading of it.

1776 May 13 (Monday).  Mrs. Hicks and her son Zachary left us.  Her son James tarrys to live here, as above.  Mr. Chapman, Taylor, of Hopkinton dines here.  P.M. Young Mr. Aaron Hutchinson comes to See us.  Breck, Sophy and Hannah go to Mr. Grosvenor’s to wait upon him as newly marryed.  They Return at Evening.

1776 May 14 (Tuesday).  Samuel rides to East Sudbury and to Boston.  P.M. Mrs. Townsend Visits here.  News Subsides — but I hear that our people are at work in fortifying.

1776 May 15 (Wednesday).  Closely applyed — but after Dinner came Mr. Benjamin Thurston.  Afterwards Mr. Peter Whitney — Speaks diminutively of Fasts, and as if weary of them.  Tells me he had read an Answer to Common sense, and Additions — but esteems it but a weak Thing.

1776 May 16 (Thursday).  Elias is at his Books again; (though we have not near done our planting) by reason of my Discourse with him lately; yet I did not expect he would have been so suddain in his Resolutions — but I have Mr. Harrington to help my young man; and have Jimmy Hicks to do what he can in waiting upon them.  Mr. Benjamin Tainter junior Post Rider — desires mine and Mrs. Parkmans Company at 4 o’Clock in the Afternoon, at his Fathers House.  We rode there accordingly, though extremely against my Inclination, but there was no avoiding it.  I marryed them — but obstinately resisted all their Invitations to tarry to their Supper.  I am informed that there is another Marriage this Evening at Mr. Barnabas Newtons of one Samuel Gardner to Sally Pierce who has lived here at Deacon Woods for Some months past.

1776 May 17 (Friday).  A General Continental Fast.  I preached a.m. on Isa. 9.13.19.21.  P.M. used again Sermon on Ps. 20.7.  Which may God graciously accept and bless!

1776 May 18 (Saturday).  Though it looked like Rain, I sat out on a Journey to Mr. Frost of Mill-River, to see whether he would take my son Elias to instruct and board him.  It proved a rainy Day.  I called at Mr. John Tafts and was kindly entertained.  Dined at Mr. Frosts, and he consented to take him, at a Dollar per Week.  Young Mr. Frost consents to preach for me sabbath after Election.  I returned by Mr. John Chamberlains at Hopkinton who kindly refreshed me.  N.B. he gave me account of a late Mob which arose at Holliston etc. to defend two men from Constable and Sheriff.  Arrived at home seasonably and Comfortably.  Thanks to God for His Goodness and Protection!

1776 May 19 (Sunday).  Preached at Northborough.  Texts the Same as Fast Day.  But Success depends on God alone.  N.B. At Eve called to see Mrs. Amsden at Capt. Maynards but she could not speak to me.  Mr. Whitney preached for me on Phil. 4.6.

1776 May 20 (Monday).  Town Meeting to choose a Representative.  Previous to it Messrs. Haskill, Ebenezer Chamberlain and Eli Whitney came as being Committee of Inspection, and brought a Declaration etc. appointed by the General Court.  This I at once complyed with Signing.  Capt. Maynard chose Representative.

1776 May 21 (Tuesday).  Elias went to Mill-River.  Reckoned with Breck and paid him the Ballance.

1776 May 22 (Wednesday).  Fisher a.m. Whitewashing the West Room.  Harrington p.m. the East.  Breck sets out for Weathersfield.  P.M. Mr. Fitch makes us a kind visit.  We have Alarming News from Quebeck.  God prepare us for His sovereign will!

1776 May 23 (Thursday).  [No entry.]

1776 May 24 (Friday).  President Daggett of New Haven, on his Journey from Boston home, came in to see me and dined here.  I was much refreshed by his Company.  Thankful Warrin, widow of the late Timothy Warrin junior deceased and Daughter of the late Noah How, was here a Second time to discourse with me in order to her making a Confession and owning the Covenant.  Mr. Abijah Gale came with an Order from Mr. Nichol of Monson, to receive the Contribution made for him.  I delivered it accordingly and took his receipt for it.

1776 May 25 (Saturday).  I was in full Expectation of Mr. Moore, and that he would preach for me tomorrow; but I was utterly disappointed; he came not.  Mr. Thomas Knowlton came and received the late Contribution of this people for him; for which I have his Receipt, viz. for £4.16.10.  Breck returned from Weathersfield.

1776 May 26 (Sunday).  Very much disappointed that Mr. Moore did not come.  I was very little prepared.  Preached what I had formerly on Isa. 55.5 both a. and p.m. from page 155 to p. 167.  N.B. propounded the Widow Thankful Warrin, for Humiliation and Owning the Covenant.

1776 May 27 (Monday).  P.M. Mr. Joseph Appleton from Brookfield, and who has received a Call to settle there; and Isaac Baldwin, came here and lodged.

1776 May 28 (Tuesday).  Mr. Appleton and Isaac Baldwin left us to go to Ipswich and Byfield; Isaac to go to School there.  I undertook my Journey to Gloucester.  Called at Mr. Stones — Mr. Bowens — Mrs. Bridges at Framingham.  Rode to Newtown and lodged at Mr. Pidgeon’s.

1776 May 29 (Wednesday).  Young Mr. Pidgeon waited on me, with Chaise and Horse, to Watertown, where the Assembly meets.  Mr. Samuel West preached on Tit. 3.1.  Dined publickly at the Widow Coollidges.  P.M. the Convention met there; at which I attended after the Moderator was chosen — viz. Mr. James Chandler of Rowley.  At Eve returned to Mr. Pidgions.  Mr. Moore came there and lodged with me.

1776 May 30 (Thursday).  Attended the Convention.  Mr. Cook of Menotamy preached on [blank].  A Collection was made for Ministers Widows.  Adjourned to the School House.  I prayed at the Conclusion.  Dined at Mr. Thomas Russells, Taylor, at Watertown.  P.M. Messrs. Moore and Cushing rode with me to Boston.  This is the first time of my going to this miserable place Since last Election time.  [We went to Fort-Hill, Beacon Hill etc.  Was at Mrs. Surcombs.]  Visit divers others; my Friends and Relatives — as Coarser, Oliver etc.  Lodged at my Kinswoman Bradfords.  We put up our Horses at the Sign of the Yankee Hen.  Lodged (and Mr. Moore with me) at Cousen Bradfords; She and Several Children being returned to Town.

 

[Marginal notation:  N.B. What is within Crotchets[?] was (I believe) on the next Morning.]

1776 May 31 (Friday).  Took a View of the Fortifications on various Eminences.  Went to Charlestown; in Ruins — to Bunker-Hill, Winter-Hill, Prospect-Hill.  Parted with my dear sons in Law.  Rode to Mr. Turells, and was there refreshed, though late for Dinner.  T. Appleton came here.  I rode to my Kinsman Briant at Stoneham.  Lodged there.  N.B. Was received with great Joy; and was entertained generously.

1776 June 1 (Saturday).  My Kinsman Briant and his wife kindly waited on me to Reading, where was my Sister Rebecca at her Neece’s, Miss Betty, and with her Miss Molly, Jarvis’s.  Dined, and p.m. proceeded to Salem.  Called at old Master Nuttings — thence to Mr. Willards at Beverly where I lodged.

1776 June 2 (Sunday).  Preached a. and p.m. for Mr. Willard on Judg. X.6.7.9.10 and 16th v.  Which may God graciously Succeed!  At Evening Mr. Willard and I visited the widow of my late Classmate Champney.

1776 June 3 (Monday).  From Beverly rode to Manchester and dined at Mr. Toppan’s.  P.M. passed through bad Roads, and by many Sordid Hutts.  At Eve arrived at Mr. Forbes in Gloucester, who dwells in the House that was Mr. William [blank] at the Harbour, and his Son and Daughter Coffin, with their little Daughter also, my Great grand Daughter, in the Same House.  Here I lodged, and continued while I was in the first Parish.

1776 June 4 (Tuesday).  Mr. F. and I visited and dined with Mr. John Rogers, Minister of the Town Parish (as its called), though the 3d Church.  But we returned at Evening and saw our Delegates, who were come — viz. Mr. Daniel Forbes and Mr. Abijah Gale; My Sons Ebenezer and Breck, and Daughter Hannah also; Not to forget Miss Suse Brigham, all arrived there this Evening.

1776 June 5 (Wednesday).  An Ecclesiastical Council was formed at the House of Mr. Samuel Whittemores consisting of Six Churches with their Elders and Delegates, viz. of Westborough, 2d and 3d in Brookfield, and the 2d, 3d, 4th and 5th of Gloucester, except Rev. Ebenezer Cleavland pastor of the last, who is Supposed to be at N. York.  Parkman Moderator, and Rev. Obadiah Parsons Scribe.  The Church which sent for us, by Desire, came in.  No Objection.  Mr. Forbes was admitted a Member: and the Church renewed their Request to have him inaugurated or installed their Pastor.  Adjourned to the Meeting House.  The Solemnity was Opened by an Anthem and Mr. Ward prayed.  Parkman preached on Heb. 13.17.  After which proclamation was made that if any had Objection etc.  The Choice and Acceptance renewed.  Mr. Fisk prayed before the Charge, which Mr. Rogers gave.  Mr. Fuller gave the Right Hand and Mr. Parsons prayed after it.  A Psalm was sung.  Mr. F. gave the Blessing — and an Anthem concluded.  All was performed without the least Interruption, notwithstanding there were several Companys of Soldiers at the Harbour.  Nor any Murry there, nor his Followers.  At Eve at Coll. Jonathan Stevens’s.  N.B. At Mr. Forbes’s, when we returned, the Company of Singers performed with much Decency and Agreeableness.

1776 June 6 (Thursday).  Breck and Suse returned homewards.  I rode with Mr. F., his son and Daughter Coffin, my Son Ebenezer and Daughter Hannah to Col. Coffins, where were a Number more, and all of us dined very handsomely.  P.M. I with Mr. F. and Ebenezer rode to Mr. Jaques’s, where lies the poor man in a very deplorable Condition — but with wonderful Patience in bearing, and his dear Judith in faithfully tending him.  Prayed with them.  Returned to Col. Coffins, and lodged there.

1776 June 7 (Friday).  We went to Squam — Mrs. Coffin with us.  Dined at Rev. Parsons’s.  Preached his Lecture on 2 Cor. 5.20.  At Eve in returning to the Harbour called at Dr. Plummers — but I took Cold, and became very Hoarse.

1776 June 8 (Saturday).  A rich prize taken by Capt. John Adams was brought into the Harbour yesterday: a vessel between 4 and 5 hundred Tun — with much plate, and about 30,000 Dollars, about 400 Casks of Sugar and Rum, a great deal of Mohogany, bags of Ginger, Piemento, livestock (Turtles, Goats etc) bound from Jemacia to London.  We went on board in the Morning and were treated civily and generously by the Mate, who now had the Care and chief Command.  We also a.m. rode to the End of the Cape — and returned so as to dine at Col. Stevens’s.  P.M. We (that is, Mr. F. and Ebenezer with me) rode to See the Rock, Normans Wo, where my dear Brother John perished.

1776 June 9 (Sunday).  Was so hoarse I endeavoured to excuse myself from preaching but I was compelled to try.  My Text was Rom. 15.2.  I found it so difficult to Speak that I refused in the p.m.  Mr. Forbes preached on 2 Cor. 5.20.  At Eve We went, by Special Invitation, to Mrs. Saunders’s (Widow of the late honorable William Saunders, and Daughter of Rev. Smith of Falmouth), a worthy, pious and agreeable Lady; and treated us with great Respect.  After our Visit there, I walked, with divers to accompany, to the Burying Place, to See my Daughter Forbes’s Grave.  O might I be adequately affected, and Suitably prepared!

1776 June 10 (Monday).  Ebenezer, Hannah and I sat out from Cape Ann to come home.  Mr. Forbes and his Son Coffin accompanyed us — first to his store, which was a few Miles out of the Harbour.  And there were well refreshed.  After riding a few Miles further, they left us and we proceeded — to [Hamlett?] and dined at Mr. Cutler’s where was his Wife’s Brother, Mr. Balch, who preached for Mr. Jonathan Parsons of Newbury, who is out of Health.  P.M. Mr. Cutler goes with us to See Sister Abigail and her Daughter Dilly (who marryed Mr. Ebenezer Lovering) and has a flock of Children.  They received us with Joy and Generosity.  I took an Account of the rest of my Brother Johns posterity.  Leaving them we came to Beverly and lodged at Mr. Enos Wheelock’s.

1776 June 11 (Tuesday).  In our Journey towards home we called at Mr. Holt’s of Danvers; at sister Rebecca’s at Reading.  Dined at Mr. Prentiss’s.  Called at Mr. Thomas Harringtons (in Watertown) to bait the Horses.  Thence to See my Kinsman Proctor at Lincoln; who now boards at Mr. John Adams’s, and lodge there.

1776 June 12 (Wednesday).  Sat out before Breakfast (though not without Family Prayer) and came to My Son Williams.  Both breakfast and dine there.  N.B. my son William droops.  Ebenezer and William take a ride into the Town, and return Seasonably for Dinner and the remainder of our long Journey.  Through the Great Goodness of God arrived in considerable Comfort, and found my Family in a measure of safety and Joy.  All Thanks and Praise!  But Mrs. P________ informs me that Elias, the Day after the Election, having mounted a young Horse which he rode here, in order to ride back to Mill-River, the Horse reared up, threw Elias off, and as it is said the Horse fell upon him, and his Head meeting with sharp stone; cut a great Gash in it, from whence the Blood issued plentifully — but his Life and senses were preserved.  Dr. Hawes dressed it, and by the Blessing of God it is in an hopeful Way.  She informs me also that my Son Moore was here and preached the first sabbath of my Absence, and my Son Cushing, with Sally and son John were here during the Election Time for several Days — that the Election Day was a Day of Training the 2 Companys of Soldiers — that her Brother and Sister Breck have been here on June 5 and lodged — and when they left our House, it was to go to Mr. Whitneys at Brookline, Connecticut.  That Alexander came also.  That there was a great Frost the morning of June 1 etc. etc.