Category: Diary

1779 March 9 (Tuesday).  At Squire Baker’s who takes my acknowledgment of another power of Attorney to Mr. David Hitchcock instead of that of the 3d which upon reviewing was not agreeable, and therefore was not sent.  The Squire was exceeding Friendly and generous.  He gave me 20 lbs. of tryed Tallow and to Mr. Stone 12 lb. being all he spoke for.  Moreover he would have me, whenever I am in any Straight, to let him know of it.  I called to see Mrs. Wheelock.  She has a bad Breast: and Mrs. Keens.

1779 March 10 (Wednesday).  Eph. Parker came again.  Breck goes to Boston.  I wrote to Mr. Ripley of Concord for my Books and for Sister Champney’s Chest.  Also to my Son William to hasten my Cart Wheels.  P.M. came my son and Daughter Baldwin from Brookfield and with them Oliver How to wait on them, and by Tea Time came Dr. Stimson and young Mr. Sam. Woodward of Weston.  The two latter returned to Marlborough.  The others lodged here: the Horses were taken in to keeping by Capt. Morse.  Ephraim Parker lodges here.

1779 March 11 (Thursday).  Mr. Baldwin and my Daughter leave us to go towards Byfield, but she is in doubt of her reaching there.  Their man returns back to Brookfield.  At eve came my son Moore, who has been at Oxford and Charleton, and goes this way in his return home.  He brings me another Letter from Mr. West, containing No. VII and VIII of Prophetic Computations and Remarks.  He lodges here.

1779 March 12 (Friday).  At noon came my son Alexander of Marlborough in New Hampshire.  I am so short out for good Hay that I send one horse to Mr. Ebenezer Maynard, the other to Mr. Jonathan Forbes to be kept.  For Mr. Moore will Tarry over the Sabbath.

1779 March 13 (Saturday).  Alexander leaves us to go to some part of Connecticut to pay the woman he bought his place of.

1779 March 14 (Sunday).  I read and briefly expound Zech. 1.7.  Mr. Moore preached a.m. on Luke [?] 6.46.  Mrs. Maynard dined here.  I did not read p.m.  Mr. Moore preached on 1 Joh. 5.3.  Jos. Grout Junior was admitted into the Church.  I appointed the Communion and Lecture and by Desire notified the Congregation to make a new choice of Choristers, after the next Lecture.  At eve Mr. Moore repeated the Heads of the afternoon Sermon, viz. on 1 Joh. 5.3.  I earnestly pray for Success may attend both the Exercises, and that we may all be inspired with that love of God which produces new Obedience.

1779 March 15 (Monday).  Mr. Moore leaves us to return to Rochester.  I wrote by him to Mr. West.  I rode in the Sleigh to visit poor Mr. Daniel How, who has a mortification in one of his Feet.  But I first dined at Mr. Davis’s.  At Mr. Fessenden’s (where Mr. How lives), I talked with him (Mr. Fessenden) about his not coming to meeting — but he gave me no Answer.  Mr. Davis furnished me with his Horse to ride back — for Elias proceeded in the Sleigh to Northborough.  I made a visit to old Mrs. Kelley (who is about 85, was born March 6 old Style 1694) and prayed there.

1779 March 16 (Tuesday).  Visit Deacon Wood.  N.B. Yesterday a Thief stole out of his Bar about 100 Dollars.  They pursued and found the Villian [sic], one Waters at Marlborough, recovered in part and a Note for the rest.  The Deacon made up, but Col. Johnathan Ward sent him to Prison.  I went in to see Capt. J. Wood’s wife and prayed there.

1779 March 17 (Wednesday).  Mr. Stone came, dined with me.  He tells me his people have voted to sing Tate and Brady’s Version, and began last Lord’s Day.  The High Sheriff of this County, William Greenleaf Esq. dined with us.  He is going to Medfield to see his father Quincy, and called to take my Commands, but I had no letter writ.  Mr. Stone preached my Lecture on Ps. 103.3, first clause.  After Sermon and Blessing, the Church were by the Desire of the Deacons, stayed concerning Contributions.  The Congregation staid also at the request of the Choristers, that they might resign and the People might make a new Choice.  They chose Mr. Eli Whitney by 41 votes: Mr. Ebenezer Chamberlain jr. by 31, Mr. Johnathan Batherick by 29, Mr. Elisha Parker by 23.  My son Alexander came from Connecticut and lodged here.  I wrote to President Langdon to excuse Elias’ tardiness.  And delivered Elias 100 Dollars.

1779 March 18 (Thursday).  Elias sat out on Breck’s mare for Cambridge.  Alexander, after dinner, undertook his Journey home.  Rec’d a Letter from Mr. Ebenezer Sparhawk of Templeton, which related to some uneasiness’s there.  I wrote an Answer.  At eve came two of Timothy’s brothers Elias and John Bryant from Stoneham on Foot.  They lodged here.

1779 March 19 (Friday).  Mr. Timothy Parker of Templeton came in, to whom I committed my Letter to Mr. Sparhawk.  The rigorous weather excites Pity to Elias at Coll.

1779 March 20 (Saturday).  The Bryants left us a.m. to go to Littleton and thence home.  When I had prepared nigh as much as I intended to deliver came a young gentleman with Mr. Elijah Brigham, viz. Mr. Caleb Alexander, who was from Northfield, and lodged here.  He was graduated at Yale College, approbated by the Association at New London.

1779 March 21 (Sunday).  Mr. Aaron Hutchinson junior came from Marlborough, to preach for me, today, but Mr. Alexander preached a.m. on Isa. 5.4.  I read Isa. 53.  Both the young Gentlemen attended with us at the Sacrament, which was administered.  Mrs. Maynard dined here.  P.M. Mr. Hutchinson on Mat. 25.46.  I detained the Church and read a Letter from the South-west Parish in Bolton, requesting assistance in a Fast and gathering a Church.  The Church voted compliance and Dr. Hawes and Deacon Wood Delegates.  Mr. Hutchinson goes to Grafton.  Mr. Alexander lodges here.  His horse at Mr. Elijah Hardy’s.

1779 March 22 (Monday).  Mr. Alexander here for it is a great storm.  He lodges here.

1779 March 23 (Tuesday).  Mr. Hardy came to wait on Mr. Alexander to his house.  I am in great Doubt about my going to the Fast etc. at Bolton.  P.M. Deacon Wood here to see what I shall be like to do.  I have endeavored to prepare my Self if I should.  Both the Roads and the Weather very unpromising.

1779 March 24 (Wednesday).  Instead of going to Mr. Whitney’s in the way of Bolton (as I had planned) it proved so tempestuous, so violent a snow-storm, that I could scarcely go out of Doors at all.  Ephraim’s brother Elisha was here and dined with us.  He speaks of the Straits and Difficulties to which many of the People of Bolton are reduced, for want of Bread and how scarce Meat is there.  May the great Provider Pity them, especially at this Season, and all others that are exposed in this terrible Storm!  In Special that are at Sea.

1779 March 25 (Thursday).  The Storm continues: and the Snow is very deep.  Going to Bolton Fast and Council, I suppose is utterly impracticable.  I am employed by my self in my Study.  But about 10 to 11 the Fierceness of the Storm abated and the Sun appeared.  Yet p.m. the Heavens are clouded again.

1779 March 26 (Friday).  Go on with my preparations for the Sabbath.  P.M. came Mr. Alexander accompanied by his uncle Miller.  Stays not long.  Mr. Caleb Harrington invites and waits upon him to his House, and thence he intends to go to Master Moses Brigham’s, who is to be found at his School, or at his Lodging, Mr. Andrews.

1779 March 27 (Saturday).  Though the Snow was troublesome, yet Ephraim is employed in fetching two load of Posts and Rails (partly finished) from Beeton’s.

1779 March 28 (Sunday).  A.M. on Zech. 11 thro’ out.  P.M. on Rev. 14.7 to p. 14, with addition of four uses in a loose Paper.  No stranger to dine.  At eve Mr. Elijah Brigham came with Breck, and such of his Family as could come, to join in the Repetition, Singing etc.

1779 March 29 (Monday).  John Baker undertakes his Journey to Andover, where he is going to School to learn Latin.  He calls here to borrow an Accidence, which I let him have.  May God be his Guardian and grant Success!

1779 March 30 (Tuesday).  Engaged in Various Readings etc. a.m.  P.M. came Parkman Bradshaw from Brookfield.  I understand that the Circumstances of my Son Ebenezer are difficult.  He has hired of Mr. Hitchcock the House which his son Bradshaw took a Lease of.  Sent Mr. Joseph Bond Mr. Bradshaw’s Horse to keep.  He himself lodges here.  Rec’d Letters from Mr. Whitney about a Contribution for Rhode Island people and concerning the Fast etc. at Bolton.

1779 March 31 (Wednesday).  Mr. Bradshaw sett out for Cambridge.  I rode to visit Mr. Stone, of Southborough.  Dined there.  He tells me his son-in-law Bangs of Hardwick is dead.  P.M. I went with Mr. Stone to the Meeting House where Mr. Luke Wilder held a Singing.  In returning, I borrowed and brought home Clark’s Lives of eminent Persons Fol.  Called at Mr. Gale’s, his Father being poorly.  At Mr. Andrews — have not been there since their Marriage till now. The roads are exceeding Dirty, the snow melting apace.  This Ride was followed by Bad Cramp in the Night.  May the Lord pardon the Sins of this Month, and spare me etc.

1779 April 1 (Thursday).  Mr. Baldwin and his wife came from Boston.  This morning from Gale’s, where they lodged last night, but here to Breakfast.  He says the Vessel which Breck and Samuel had interest in, was presently upon Sailing out, was captured in Cape Cod Harbour by a privateer of only 6, 2 pounders whereas they had 8 4 pounders.  But the Capt. had carried the Cash which was 1/2 the Worth ashore, quilted in his Jacket, and therefore saved it.  Mr. Baldwin lodges here.

1779 April 2 (Friday).  My son and Daughter Baldwin left us to go to Brookfield.  A Marvellous Day for Warmth.  Col. Baldwin says if I send my Cattle to his pasture they shall fare as well as his will.  Mr. John Forbes here and dines with us.  He brings me and I read the Constitution of the State of Vermont.  Mr. Fish wrote a Letter to me to desire me to forward a Subscription for his Reply to Mr. Foster of Leicester, concerning Infant Baptism.  I headed a paper, subscribed and set it agoing.  Several Young Gentlemen being present, viz. Sr. Crosby, Elijah Brigham and Abraham Holland.  The weather wonderful warm etc.

1779 April 3 (Saturday).  Alter and enlarge the Garden.  Eph. Parker setts out stumps, roots etc.  I read the Constitution of Government in the State of Vermont.

1779 April 4 (Sunday).  Read Zech. III and my exercise was upon the first 5 Verses.  Mrs. Maynard dined with us.  P.M. on Rev. 14.7, middle clauses, which may God be graciously pleased to bless to all of us!

1779 April 5 (Monday).  Capt. Fisher here a.m.  Borrows the London minister’s Sermons on Prayer.  I write to Mrs. Brown, widow at my son Samuel’s at Boston, concerning Letters sent by a Female Society at Boston to Father Loring.  P.M. I had Dr. Hawes’ mare to go to Bolton.  I first rode over to see Mr. Daniel How, whose case, with his mortifying Toe is deplorable!  He was somewhat free to speak.  I prayed with him.  Proceeded to Mr. Whitney’s and lodged there.

1779 April 6 (Tuesday).  Mr. Whitney and I rode to Mr. Benj. Baily’s in Bolton, where the Pastors and Churches of Westborough, the first in Shrewsbury, Northborough and Stow met.  The East Church in Sudbury did not come.  It was appointed a day of Prayer, Humiliation and Fasting.  We assembled at Mr. Samuel Jones’ House.  Mr. Newel prayed.  Mr. Sumner preached a seasonable sermon on Ps. 122.8.  I prayed after the Sermon.  We sung twice, but had only one Exercise.  After refreshing, formed into a Council.  I was Moderator and Mr. Whitney Scribe.  The Candidates for Communion met us at Mr. Bailey’s and expressed their desires to be formed into a church state.  The members of divers Churches presented their Dismissions.  We made the needful Enquirys into their agreement and mutual Satisfaction with one another.  And though they had in times past been in unhappy Disquietments, yet condescended and were united, thro’ the great Goodness of God and preparations were made for accomplishing the Solemn Work.  I lodged there.

1779 April 7 (Wednesday).  The Council met, and the Brethren assembled.  After prayer, conferred.  Something was prepared for the Brethren, by way of mutual Concession and acknowledgement of past offences, especially the Wally Brethren in setting up that church and some of the members disturbing other churches and Mutual forgiveness.  From such Material, drawn up, one of the Council compiled Result: At Mr. Benj. Baily’s, to whose son I find Sally Crosby is married and lives there.  P.M. The Result was finished and read, was voted by the Council, then Read to and it was voted by the Brethren to accept of and conform to it, except Col. Silas Bailey, who was unavoidably obliged to withdraw: and Mr. Eph. Fairbank, who wanted some Liberty about communicating with Mr. Walley’s Church, if he was there accidentally, but nothing could be granted to him of that kind, upon which he chose to wave joining with them for the present.  A Covenant was read to them in which they term themselves Congregational (not Independents) to which they consented and signed it.  And if the other Brethren should within a few days incline to come and consent, and sign as they had done, it should be accepted as if it had been done today.  This very solemn Transaction performed, they were by the Moderator openly announced and declared to be a Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, by the Name of the South Church of Christ in Bolton, who were then presented to God in an address of Gratulation and Supplication by the Moderator.  In the Council the Votes were unanimous, in the Church, next to; For which may all Glory be given to the most High!  The Church chose Mr. Whitney to be their Moderator pro temp.  I returned with Mr. Whitney so far as to his House and lodged there again.

1779 April 8 (Thursday).  Returned home (calling a little while at Capt. Maynard’s) and found through God’s Goodness all in safety.  P.M. Miss Patty Fish here.  N.B. Polly Howard works here for Sophy, making Lace.

1779 April 9 (Friday).  Capt. Maynard here, and wants to be about the Work of Straitning the Road, through my land back of the Meeting House toward Nurse’s.  My son Cushing and his son John came — lodged here: but Mr. C’s horse is sent to Mr. Bond’s.  N.B. My Daughter C. has been exceedingly ill for some time: and is reduced to a very weak State.

1779 April 10 (Saturday).  Mr. Cushing and Dr. Stinsson dined here.

1779 April 11 (Sunday).  Mr. Cushing preached.  A.M. on Psal. 16.11.  P.M. on Eccl. 8.11.  N.B. He read the Ch. and Psalm.  May God grant His Blessing on the Exercises of the Day!

1779 April 12 (Monday).  Dr. Hall of Sutton going to Boston calls and dines here (with Mr. Cushing).  P.M. though it rained, they both took leave.  Mr. C. goes to Shrewsbury, but leaves his son John here to live with us a while.