Category: Diary

1776 June 13 (Thursday).  Mrs. P. and I rode in Samuels Chaise to Mrs. Kendals, where was solemnized the Marriage of Phinehas Forbes to Ruth Adams late of Holliston.  A consid. [blot] Entertainment but I could not bear the Evening Air, and therefore [blot]out Singing.  Ebenezer goes home.

1776 June 14 (Friday).  Pritty much indisposed through the Day.  Went to the Doctors to See the Dressing of Elias’s Wound.  [Blot] Mrs. Warrin (the late Timothy’s Wife) with her Confession; which I Set to rights and give it her again to consider.  Hear Elias, who is with us.

1776 June 15 (Saturday).  Am still hoarse, have pain in my Back, and poorly able to Study.

1776 June 16 (Sunday).  Was much indisposed Still with my Cold, pain in my Back.  Have not been able to finish what I attempted of preparations, but went to meeting and preached on Eph. 6.13 to 18th v. a. and p.m.  Restored a penitant (Mrs. Thankful Warrin) and baptized two Children.  Appointed the Communion and the preparatory Lecture.  May God graciously accept!

1776 June 17 (Monday).  Visited Mr. Richard Barns’s Wife who is very ill of the Cholera Morbus; and I fear will die soon.  She seems to have the Symptoms of Death upon her.  Instructed, exhorted and prayed with her.  And visited also old Mrs. Sarah Forbush, under her Cancer Still and prayed with her.  Dr. Hawes constable, delivered me 50 Dollars.  (The Year was up yesterday.)  My Son Samuel and wife are packing up and preparing to remove.  Wrote to Mr. Fitch to preach my Lecture.  Town Met to choose a Recognizer and elected Deacon Bond.

1776 June 18 (Tuesday).  In the morning my Kinsman Capt. Samuel Trask informs me of the Death of Mrs. Barns, which was Yesterday about 6 p.m.  News of two Transports with 196 Troops on board, taken Sabbath Evening by our Privateers, and carryed into Boston.  My Son Samuel, his Wife and Children remove to Concord.  Amasa Maynard carryed their Goods in his Team.  Breck also sat out for Albany.  Mr. Peter Adams was yesterday Sorely wounded in one of his Ankles, by a broad Ax.  I therefore went to See him.  Squire Baker is building a great Store House, especially for Beef and Pork for the Army.

1776 June 19 (Wednesday).  Attend the Funeral of Mr. Richard Barns’s Wife aged 55 last November.  Mr. Thomas Winchester of Hardwick came to see us.  Tells me his Daughter Molly (of 24) is become delirious.  Mrs. Godfry and her Boy are with us and lodge here.

1776 June 20 (Thursday).  Elias returns to Mr. Frost of Mendon — has Squire Whipple’s Horse, and James Hicks goes to bring him back.  Mr. Fitch came from Hopkinton.  Dined with me and preached my Lecture from 2 Cor. 8.9.  A very good and seasonable sermon.  May the Blessing of God accompany it into our Hearts!  Mr. Ed. Goddard of Swanzy, New Hampshire and his Wife, here after Meeting.

1776 June 21 (Friday).  My Kinsman Mr. Ebenezer Lovering with his son John, came here in the morning (having lodged at Andrews’s) and broke fast with us.  He sat out again for Westfield.  Privateers (we hear) take, one time after another Transports which the King Sends, with many Highlanders to Subdue America.  A great Account of the Mighty Army which is coming.  Mr. Nicholas Dudley, preacher, at Eve and lodges here.  So does Billy Bradford.  Also the Widow Bellows and her Daughter Godfry and Child.

1776 June 22 (Saturday).  Mr. Dudley left us to go to Fullam.  Mrs. Bellows returned home.  Her Daughter and Child tarry.  Ripley came from Brookfield.  Says my Daughter Baldwin has had a Letter from her Husband informing that he has been inoculated with the Small Pox at [St. Ours?] near [torell?] in Canada.

1776 June 23 (Sunday).  Preached a.m. on Isa. 55.5 — last Clause, “for He hath glorifyed Thee,” to pag. [blank] and suited to the Occasion of the Sacrament which was administered after it.  Mr. Ripley and Mrs. Godfrey with us: who with Mrs. Maynard and Miss Suse Brigham, dined with us.  May our great Defects be forgiven and Grace given to keep our solemnly renewed Vows!  P.M. Preached on Col. 2.12, carrying on my Discourse on Faith and made application to the present Times.  This Sermon took up my Time for Composition in the Week.  Read Mr. Thomas Knowltons Letter of Thanks for our late Contribution for him.  Have the affecting News of Mrs. Nurse’s, Mr. William Nurses’s Wife’s Death, this Morning.  A woman of great Steddiness and Prudence in her Family; and beloved of all: leaves her Husband in a poor, broken Condition — his Memory especially Shattered etc.

1776 June 24 (Monday).  Riply goes to Concord, and is going to Plymouth to keep school there.  I write by him to Mr. Moore.  [Mr. Joseph Caryl from Hubbards town and with him Mr. Thomas Pierce and his Lad, with a Team for Rum, dine here.]  [Marginal notation:  N.B. This, between Bracketts, was on the 25th.]  P.M. was Training — they held it very late — when it was passed nine at night, Drum and Fife rattling; the Ground dry and hard made the Sound the greater and it grew very troublesome: I conceived that the Company was dismissed, but that a Number of Idlers and vain Persons were gathered round a Drum and were diverting themselves; I therefore went out and Spoke to them.  They did not so regard as was reasonable for me to expect; but I broke off and turned ‘em away.  Some of them Seemed to dislike it, and the Drum was Struck again — upon which I told ‘em if they did not desist, being it was so late, I would complain to Authority, upon which the Drum Moved off, round the Meeting House — but Seeing that the Principal Body of Men remained, I enquired for Capt. Morse to acquaint him that it was late etc.  Lt. Thomas Bond presented himself and said he had Command, that the Company was not dismissed, and that they were upon Special Bus’ness.  I replyed that if so I did not desire to ‘meddle with their military and necessary Affairs — but prayed their Drums etc. might cease to make such a noise to disturb the Neighbourhood So late at night.  To this there were rough answers from some who moved away as they Spoke; upon which I enquired what their Names were.  Mr. Joseph Harrington came and handsomely made Defence of their tarrying to dispatch their Business, and then they would endeavour to retire.  Upon that I (desiring their troublesome music might be still) returned home.  Mrs. P________ and Several besides, of the Family, were ill through the Night.  I was troubled at so much rugged turbulent Behavior of those whose Morals I was So nearly concerned to watch over.  May God forgive what was amiss in Such a time of Temptation!

1776 June 25 (Tuesday).  Wrote, and Sent by Mr. Daniel Godfry, to Mr. Quincy at Lancaster.  A.M. Attended the Funeral of Mrs. Rebecca Nurse, Wife of Mr. William Nurse.  P.M. Mr. Jonathan Maynard came to me about the Supposed Counterfeit Bill, which Mr. John Maynard came about and by means of his relating so many Circumstances about it, I took it of him, least it should be more and more defective by often fingering.  I conclude I received it from Mr. Fessenden late Constable, on Feb. 2 last.  Went to see poor Nanny Beeton, who is greatly disordered in Mind and Body.

1776 June 26 (Wednesday).  Mr. Whitney and Mrs. Hammock visit us.  He relates Sad News from Canada, of our Forces being driven from their Posts.  May God prepare us for all Events!  Mr. Wh. desires we may change next Lords Day.  Reflecting on the Affair of the Counterfeit Bill, and concluding I had it of Mr. Fessenden, I endeavoured to see him at Capt. Maynards breaking up Team; for I heard he was to be there; but he came not.

1776 June 27 (Thursday).  I again went out to the Team, to see and Speak with Mr. Fessenden but he was not there.  I walked up to Ensign Fays to see his Daughter Mrs. Rhoda Maynard who lives at her Fathers, having at time, very bad Fitts.  They are jealous She has been poisoned.  I heard (I suppose) Ensigns Voice in the House, but he did not come in to see me.  Mrs. Spring has a Letter from her Husband at Albany of June 9.  P.M. I went to See Mr. Ebenezer Forbush’s Children Sick of the Throat-Distemper.  Abner (of near 10) very bad.  Katy (of about 8) not quite so ill; yet has a strong Fever.  I prayed with them.  Abner dyes before night.  Was uneasy that I did not See Mr. Fessenden but could not go there o’ foot.

1776 June 28 (Friday).  Terrible Drought continues.  Bad news frequently arriving — especially from Canada.  P.M. Rev. Hall of Sutton called to See me.  I rode over to Mr. Fessenden with the Counterfeit Bill, which Mr. Jotham Maynard brought me.  I shewed him and offered him it — but he utterly refused to take it.  Moreover he said he was willing that rational, judicious men Should Judge of it.  Also that he would talk with John Maynard about it.  My Son Samuel from Concord.  N.B. Agreed with Mr. Benjamin Tainter junior to Supply me with the Worcester News Paper Every Friday, for 10/ Lawful Money per Year.

1776 June 29 (Saturday).  Attend the Funeral of Abner, Son of Mr. Ebenezer Forbush.  My Son Samuel returns to Concord.

1776 June 30 (Sunday).  My Engagement to Mr. Whitney carryed me over to Northborough (had Neighbour Barn. Newtons Horse).  Preached on Jer. 14.22 a. and p.m.  The forenoon was Clear and Hot; but in the afternoon was a Plentiful Rain, accompanyed with Thunder and Lightning.  A very mercifull Relief!  May God be praised for it!  N.B. Mr. Simon How of Marlborough at Mr. Whitneys.  Mr. Whitney preached here on Mat. 5.43 to the End.  We each returned to our respective Homes.

1776 July 1 (Monday).  I visited at Deacon Woods.  His Son Johns little William Pitt, of about 8, is ill of what is termed the Camp Distemper.  Prayed there.  P.M. The Companys of Militia (having been warned publickly yesterday after the Exercises) met together to gather out a Number of Men to march to New York.  Our Proportion is 28.  Mr. John Ball of Northborough who is employed by the Court in this Affair, is here and acquaints me with Some of the Reasons of the Delaying to send Recruits to Canada.

1776 July 2 (Tuesday).  The People are obliged to meet together again to day, men being backward to ‘list, unless besides the general Courts Bounty (which is 3£ and [3?] Dollars) they have given them 30 Dollars by them that hire them.  Nathaniel Chamberlin, though he has often assured me that he would not ‘list till he was forced — yet I was informed he was prevailed upon; and did. Mr. Thomas Adams brings home my Books, and Dr. Fullers Englands Worthys which I bought of him before.  He has brought a Number more which he urges me to Exchange Some of mine for.  He dined with me, and having Shewn me some of his Daughters Compositions (by ways of Essays) he left me, to return to Medfield.

1776 July 3 (Wednesday).  Mr. Jonathan How of Grafton came to desire me to go up to Grafton to the Funeral of a Child of his Brother Abner’s — whose Wife also and another Child were very ill.  I went, I prayed.  Mr. Grosvenor was present, but can only whisper.  Went to his House and to Mr. Hutchinsons in my returning home.  Called also at Mr. Joseph Grouts whose Wife has lately been delivered, notwithstanding some peculiar Difficultys.

1776 July 4 (Thursday).  I rode up to Mr. Joseph Harringtons to see his Child, and prayed with her.  She has the Dysentery.  In returning went into Deacon Woods (whose wife was lately brought to Bed, and whose Grand Child was still sick).  But thence rode to Southborough.  Dined at Mr. Stones.  P.M. Preached there on Ps. 46.1 and 10.  It was Lecture and Training.  May God grant His own gracious Presence and efficacious Blessing!  I came home by Miss Bulah Bents where I called; also at Mr. William Johnsons and Reuben Bellows’s.

1776 July 5 (Friday).  More Men, I hear, are called for, as the former 28 for N.Y.  So now 8 from this place to go to Canada.  Chamberlain is with me to day only by a few Short Spells — mowes a little in the morning, plows about an hour, hoes a little — and Rain beats him off.  Mrs. Wheelock was here and was examined.

1776 July 6 (Saturday).  Chamberlain is very uneasy with his having enlisted, but cannot get off.

1776 July 7 (Sunday).  I preached a.m. on Joh. III.36, drawing my Discourses of Faith to a Close, and directing Some serious Things to the Newly ‘listed Soldiers.  P.M. I thought it best to deliver again Some parts of Discourse on Ps. 78, v. 3.6.7.  Baptized 7 Children.  Mr. Joseph Harrington acquaints me his Sister Stow is dead and it is requested by his Brother in Law, that I would go to the Funeral and considering the Great Affliction of the Family, another Child lying sick, and that there has been no preaching, one sabbath after another, they desire that I would Preach at the House of Mourning.

1776 July 8 (Monday).  I did so; Mr. Joseph Willard of Mendon prayed before it, and I after it.  My Text was Joh. 18.11.  N.B. Dined at Mr. Grosvenors, and was there after Exercises, as was Mr. Plumb a Young Preacher.  I called at Mr. Hutchinsons who was not at home, and at Capt. Phillips’s.  I returned home at Evening safely.  D.G.  O that I might my Self have  Grace to improve the Word and Providences of God which are so affecting!

1776 July 9 (Tuesday).  Having heard that Deacon Wood had experience in the Trouble of Counterfeit Money I went to confer with him.  Wrote to Mr. Fessenden.  N.B. Mr. Pope of Spencer here and lodges with us.

1776 July 10 (Wednesday).  Mr. Pope left us.  I borrowed Mr. Jonathan Maynards Mare to go to New Braintry.  Sat out after Dinner and got to Leicester.  In my way called at Dr. Crosbys, Mr. Sumners and Mr. Maccartys.  N.B. Highlanders at Worcester Court House.  Lodged at Alexanders.  He has listed indeed; and is preparing for his March, as Eldest Sergeant and Clerk.  He seems inclined and determined to go.  Their Destination is New-York.

1776 July 11 (Thursday).  Sat out for Brookfield, but rode 4 miles in the Rain.  Dined with my Daughter Baldwin — then went to Braintree.  In my way called at my Grandson’s Ebenezers who is lately marryed to Miss Sarah Lyscomb, daughter of Capt. John Lyscomb.  Arrived at my Sons So seasonably as to go to Mr. Ruggles’s, and (by Desire) to visit old Mrs. Wilson (who used to live at Hopkinton) and prayed with her.  Lodged at Ebenezers.  N.B. Mr. Bradshaw lame.

1776 July 12 (Friday).  Mr. Ruggles visits me.  Ebenezer talks of enlisting but is too Subject to pains to presume to.  He rides with me in my returning to Brookfield to my aged Kinswoman Mrs. Sadler — and as far as Mr. Caruths.  At Brookfield I called again at my Grandsons.  Visit Mr. Appleton at Mr. Gilberts — dined with my Daughter Baldwin.  Visit sister Champney.  Rode to Leicester, and lodged at Alexanders.  Though I can’t but wonder at his going into the Army, yet I can’t help his doing it.  May God most gracious direct and support him!  May his Family also be under the divine Care!

1776 July 13 (Saturday).  Returned home — having called at Mr. Maccarty’s (where I saw Mr. Davis of Holden).  At Capt. Curtis’s and Mr. Sumners.  Arrived about 2 p.m. — find Breck here.  He is come from New York; he came on the 10th p.m.  He Saw a Number of the Kings Forces, viz. Great Ships etc.  An Engagement commenced on Staten Island.  Tis said that General Putnams Party prevailed.  Am told that Nathaniel Chamberlain is Sick.  At Evening Mr. Fitch of Hopkinton came here to ‘Change with me.  His Horse is turned (by Order) into Squire Bakers Pasture.

1776 July 14 (Sunday).  Early (having the widow Hills Horse), I rode to Hopkinton.  Preached a.m. on Exod. 33.15.  P.M. on Luk. 12.19.20.  May the Lord Himself add His Blessing.  After Meeting visit Dr. Wilson who is very ill.  Seems partly delirious.  Prayed with him.  Fear he will not continue.  I went into Mr. Barretts, his uncle, the Deacon, and his Wife being there.  Lodged at Mr. Fitch’s.  He returned home.  At Westborough he preached on 2 Pet. 3.11.12.13.14.

1776 July 15 (Monday).  Rode to Mr. Frosts at Mill-River, to See Elias.  Dined there.  My Son is much recovered from his Wound received on May 30.  P.M. returned home.  Breck is gone to Concord.

1776 July 16 (Tuesday).  Am not a little perplexed about the Creatures breaking in, and my Husbandry work is like to hang behind.  Mrs. Richardson of Sudbury and her Grand son, Dr. Crossman of Northbridge, dined here.  N.B. I could not attend the Association which meets at Stow.

1776 July 17 (Wednesday).  My Perplexitys continue as to our Creatures Breechiness.  I visit at Mr. Ebenezer Forbush’s, his Daughters Betty and Patty being Sick of the Throat Distemper.  Instructed, and prayed with them.  P.M. received a large Letter of the 7th instant from my Friend Edmund Quincy Esq. at Lancaster.  His Letters are extremely grateful to me, but fill me with Shame that my part of the Correspondence is so very unequal.  May God grant his eminent Talents may be continued and made usefull!  I read the Surprizing yet real Adventures of Monsieur Pierre Viaud.