Category: Diary

1781 March 10 (Saturday).  More closely engaged in Preparations etc.

1781 March 11 (Sunday).  Read Ps. 92.  Preached again on 2 Cor. 10.4.  P.M. read Isa. 4 and delivered part of what I have heretofore preached on Isa. 4, v. 6, last Clause.  May God grant they may be accompanied with that divine Power which may render them mighty to pull down Strong Hold!  Breck at Even read part of Mr. Flavels Discourse on the Mystery of providence on Ps. 57.2.

1781 March 12 (Monday).  Wrote to Elias, and to Brother Breck, about Springfield School.  Sent them to Monro’s.  Mr. Solomon Miller swingles 7 1/2 of Flax.  Began about 11 a.m.  His son Jacob and Mr. James Miller and Joshua Twitchell, get out Rails for me out of my Cedar swamp — One Hundred.  They lodge here.  Mr. Elijah Rice of Henneker came to see me: and relates their Troubles about Mr. Jacob Rice.  Towards night came Col. Baldwin and my Grandson Thomas.  A Letter from Ebenezer at Fish-Kill dated Feb.

1781 March 13 (Tuesday).  Col. Baldwin and Thomme go Boston.  Mr. Miller again and swingles 8 1/2.  Mr. Thomas Kenny came to dress out Flax.  He himself both breaks and Swingles 8 3/4.  Joshua Twitchell and Jacob Miller, also Mr. James Miller, (all three) went again to the Cedar swamp.  Got out 150.  Benjamin Wood went to the men at the Swamp and got out 30.

1781 March 14 (Wednesday).  I walk to Mr. Thaddeus Warrins, to get him to go to the Ministerial Lot to Split out Oake Rails — I passed over to the [blot], who Sent a large Quarter of Beef, weighed 214 also an Hear [blot] weighed 16, and with them an Head.  These I gratefully accepted as fulfilling what he had said of giving me a side of Beef: especially remembering he had not long Since sent me a Number of Pieces of salt Beef, till this Should come.  In returning home I called at Mr. Pierce’s and paid him 30 Dollars for mending my shovel and two Crane Eyes or Hooks.  I went in to Mr. Treasurer Newtons for money, but received none.

1781 March 15 (Thursday).  Visited at Mr. Benjamin Fays, One of his Children having fallen into the Fire and burnt both Face and Hands, but is recovering.  Thence to Mr. John Fay’s, whose young Child languishes under a terrible sore at the Navel.  I prayed with them.  Mr. Brigham returned from his Visit to Alexander at Marlborough, New Hampshire.

1781 March 16 (Friday).  The sheep that was lost in the late snow storm, was found and her Wool saved.  Mrs. Persis Adams came, and by word of mouth, gave some Reasons why She delayed the Means of Conviction and Reconcilement with her Husband.  The sum was, for substance that She could not get her Affair along because of the Public more urgent Matters, and She had not received the Returns which She expected.  I caused Mr. Adams’s late letter to be read to her.  At Eve Master Fish was here, has finished his School, supped here.

1781 March 17 (Saturday).  Another Letter from Mr. Daniel Adams, in the Morning of this Date.  The Drift was, It would prevent the Communion till his Case is enquired into.  I wrote Reply.  Neighbour Thomas Kenny dresses Flax.  N.B. Neighbour Harrington wheels home a Quantity of my Ashes, to his Wifes soap-boiling.

1781 March 18 (Sunday).  The abovementioned Letter did so exercise my Mind that it disengaged me from my preparations so that I could not finish them.  I had much in my mind which I could not write.  I thought it best to defer that subject, though it had employed me several days.  I therefore read publickly 1 K. 21 and used what I delivered above 20 Years ago.  Was obliged to stop the Church at noon to read Mr. Adams’s Letter, and an Answer which I had prepared to Send to him yesterday: but thought it safer to read it.  The Church was very unanimous for my Appointing the Communion and had nothing to say or do as the rest of his Letter.  Mrs. Maynard dined here.  P.M. read the latter part of the Chapter and delivered the rest of the Expository Remarks etc.  Which may God bless!  In the Eve Mr. Brigham read in Flavels Mystery of providence.

1781 March 19 (Monday).  Mr. D. Adams here in the A.M. much disquieted: and went away so.  Deacon Wood desires me to acquaint the Church after the next Lecture that they must come prepared, next sabbath to contribute for renewing the stock of Elements, Flower and Wine.

1781 March 20 (Tuesday).  Went to Mr. Nurse’s — to get him to rectifie my Cart — he came p.m. and put in a little Box instead of a broken one, and wedged up the other Boxes also.  I took opportunity to Solemn Warnings and Instructions which may God succeed!

1781 March 21 (Wednesday).  Clear but Cold: yet Mr. Stone came — dined — preached my Lecture on Joh. 7.37.  I am reading Several parts of Ostervald on the Causes of the Corruption among Christians.

1781 March 22 (Thursday).  I talk’d with Breck and with Mr. Brigham about my devolving the Care of my Husbandry to them.  I committed Squire Bakers Note of Hand for £2000 to Mr. Brigham to provide necessary Household stuff for Sophy.  Mr. Abraham Holland dined here.  I visited Mrs. Lucy Forbush (wife of Ebenezer) on account of the Death of her Brother Mr. Charles Bowker by a Cancer.  N.B. Mr. Belknap has been here about Mr. D. Adams: he wants an Extract from Mr. Adams Letter of Jan. [blank] last, which I gave him.

1781 March 23 (Friday).  Further Discourse with Breck.  With Mr. Brigham.

1781 March 24 (Saturday).  Was called to go to Mr. John Fays Child, which is thought to be dying.  Prayed, dined there.  A Number of Northern Neighbours set up a long Frame for stables, on the back of the Meeting House.  Neighbours Nathan Maynard and son, Old Neighbour Hezekiah Pratt and his son Bond, Ben How and Son Warrin, Isaac Parker and Thaddeus Warrin, were there.  Three of them came to me to ask leave.  I went out and gave them Directions, where to place it.

1781 March 25 (Sunday).  It was Communion Day.  I preached on 1 Cor. 11.29.[59?].  It was so very Cold that at the Communion I was much chilled and was obliged to be short.  May God graciously accept of us!  Mr. John Fays infant dyed this morning — Capt. Maynard and his Wife dined with us.  P.M. preached on Isa. 55.13.  At Eve Mr. B. reads Mr. Flavell’s Mystery of divine Providence.

1781 March 26 (Monday).  Mr. John Fay to desire me to attend the Funeral of his Child tomorrow.  Mr. Amasa Maynard Sent to desire me to attend the Funeral of one of his Children tomorrow.  But, what was obstructive of both a Messenger arrives from E. Sudbury with a Letter from Mr. Bridge informing that his honoured Father Smith expired on yesterday Morning about 7 o’clock, and is to be buryed tomorrow at 3 p.m.  This Sorrowful News caused me to send to those forementioned Neighbours and desiring them to provide otherwise for their Funerals.

1781 March 27 (Tuesday).  I rode to E. Sudbury to assist in celebrating Obsequies of Rev. Mr. Aaron Smith, who was a very Dear Brother and the Loss we sustain hereby is very great.  The solemnity was at Rev. Mr. Josiah Bridge’s, where I dined.  The others who were Pall-Bearers were Rev. Messrs. Cushing of Waltham, Woodward of Weston, Gleason of West-Sudbury, Newell of Stow: Mr. Stone of Southborough, being not well, was absent.  Mr. Damon (or Deming), a young Preacher, was the Sixth.  The Under Bearers were Six Marlborough Gentlemen, Members of the Church there, and a Number of other members of the Same, walked in order before the Corps.  I prayed before the procession.  May God sanctifie this wide Breach to us all!  but especially to the bereaved Family!  and may we be followers of them that through Faith and Patience inherit the promises!  I thence rode to my Son Williams at Concord and lodged there.

1781 March 28 (Wednesday).  My Son waited on me with his Chaise, into the Town to visit Mr. Ripley, who is recovering from sickness, and delivered me 240 Dollars for sister Champney.  We dined at Dr. Minots.  P.M. Visited old Madam Minot.  At Eve returned and lodged at my son’s.

1781 March 29 (Thursday).  Rode to Col. Weeks’, where I was refreshed — and thence to Mr. Stone’s, Southborough; dined there, and preached his Lecture on Heb. 6.12, which may God succeed!  At Eve I arrived safe at Home, Thanks to the Great Preserver!  Elias is here.  He came from Springfield the Day before yesterday — having finished his school there.  He brought me a Letter from Brother Breck.  Mr. Brigham went to Boston.

1781 March 30 (Friday).  I wrote to Mr. Bridge of Sudbury concerning a Wig, and to Mr. Simon Willard in my son Williams Name about his Time-piece.  Breck and his Wife, with little Hannah lodge here; Suse being in daily Expectation of her Hour.  Josiah Brigham hath been for Several Days absent from his Books by Reason of [blank].

1781 March 31 (Saturday).  I delivered the Money I received from Mr. Ripley for sister Champney to Mr. Nathaniel Carriel of Sutton to be given to Mr. Zechariah Hicks.  At noon Mr. Thomas Kenny goes to work on the Flax again, the small Remainder.  He finishes the whole (being only 3 lb.) in little more than 2 hours.  The whole that he has broke and swingled is 22 lb. for which he asks 66 Dollars — paid him 33.  He went to Breck for the rest.

1781 April 1 (Sunday).  A.M. I Read Ps. [blank] and in preaching went on further in my preparation upon 2 Cor. 10.4 to 11.  Mr. William Woodbridge from Newburyport, and Mrs. Maynard and her Daughter Davis, dined with us.  P.M. read Ps. 39 and repeated (on occasion of Mr. Smiths Death) some parts of Sermon on [blank].  I gave public Notice of the Family Meeting at Mr. Joseph Grouts next Tuesday.  At Eve Mr. Woodbridge but he lodges at Squire Bakers.

1781 April 2 (Monday).  Mr. Daniel Grosvenor calls here.  I wrote to Dr. Stiles.  Town-Meeting to choose Governor etc.  So stormy could not go to visit Mr. Noah Hardy — I heard he was better.  If he Should be very bad, must conclude his wife would Send for me, or some way or other let me know of it.

1781 April 3 (Tuesday).  Still stormy a.m.  The riding difficult — Was anxious about going to the Meeting at Mr. Grouts — But he came to me.  We concluded to defer it to another Week.  P.M. the weather was more moderate.  While I was desirous to try to get to Mr. Hardy’s — but while I was thinking what to do, News arrived that he was dead.  I did not hesitate, but immediately went to the House of mourning — conversed with the Widow and the Friends there; and prayed with them.  Mr. Hardy expired about 8 or 9 this morning, of a Pleurisy: was 45 this last March 1, but was not apprehensive Death was nigh.  This Eve received a Letter from my old Friend and Correspondent Mr. Quincy.  Elias is with us, expecting to hear from Northampton about their School.

1781 April 4 (Wednesday).  [No entry.]

1781 April 5  (Thursday).  I rode to Mr. Amasa Maynards.  Visit the old people.  Dined at Amasa’s — his Wife not well.  N.B. Winslow Maynard narrowly escaped, when his Flask took Fire and burnt his Wrist and Cloths.  Attended the Funeral of Mr. Noah Hardy, and prayed.  After the Funeral went to Mr. Paul Bigolo’s to see and prayed with his Child, Hannah, about 4 years old who is very Sick, of Fever, Worms etc.  At home our Sister Brigham here and lodges among us.

1781 April 6 (Friday).  I dined at the Shop.  Town Meet to choose Lt. Governor and Senators.

1781 April 7 (Saturday).  Dr. Hall of Sutton going to Marlborough to preach there tomorrow.  Mr. P. Whitney here also, having been to Capt. Fishers and prayed there, with his sick Child.  They both dined here.  Ben and Sam Dalrymp. plowed west-Field.

1781 April 8 (Sunday).  Read a.m. Ps. [blank].  Preached on 2 Cor. 10.4.  P.M. read John. 12.  Preached on v. 35.  After Exercises I went up to Capt. Fisher’s, prayed with the sick Child — conversed with the Father and Mother.

1781 April 9 (Monday).  Elias is in hopes of Some Letter from Northampton, but none arrives.

1781 April 10 (Tuesday).  Josihah Grout here a.m. to see whether I go to their House to day.  P.M. having dined at home I went to the private Meeting at Mr. Grouts and preached on Hos. 6.1.  After meeting called at Capt. Jonathan Fays where was Jonathan from [Boston?].  N.B. I hoped to have seen Nahum who has a grievous sore on his Knee and Thigh but he is at Dr. Wights.

1781 April 11 (Wednesday).  Dr. Hall returning from Concord was here, and drank Tea.  Suse still hold up to Admit[n].

1781 April 12 (Thursday).  Mr. Brigham to Boston.  Write by him to Mr. Quincy, and sent Dennis on the Advancement and Reflection of [Modern?] Poetry for Mr. Thomas Adams of Medfield, whose it is now become.  A Youngster, whose name is John Moulton has come to work here; procured by Mr. Brigham, goes to plowing in the West part of the Mid field.  Mr. Fairbank of Shrewsbury dines here.  Mr. Solomon Miller received his Pay for dressing Flax for me, viz. 87 3/4 at 18d per pound.  I gave him two Bushels of Rye at 4/8d old Way (as its called) and a Note to the Treasurer Newton for £2.8.3 with which he was satisfyed for the whole Debt.  I went up to Capt. Fishers to See his Sick Child and found it recovering.  I endeavoured to improve the Opportunity to excite them to their Duty; and that the Goodness of God might lead them to Repentance.  He desired me to pray and give Thanks for the divine Mercy.  Which I complyed with.  Mr. Belknap was there, and I injoined him to go and See Mr. Dan. Adams; and he said he would.  I went in to Deacon Woods, to see little Patty who is very sick.  She asked me to pray with her, and I did So.  At Eve Master Fish, who has begun again to keep school; and Mr. Hazzleton are here with Elias.

1781 April 13 (Friday).  It has been a Night of Distress with dear Suse — but God all-sufficient was almightily present, and a Child was born 15 minutes after One o’clock.  To His glorious Name be all Glory and Praise!  This Morning we all rejoiced.  They needed to rally only the two Mothers and the two nearest Neighbours, Mrs. Lamson and Mrs. Harrington.  Dr. Ball was the Instrument in the Hand of God: and Successfull, through His Concurrence.  This Day is called Good Friday, because it was the Birth Day of Christ.  Towards Eve Elias waited on our Sister Brigham home, and She has got little Hannah Breck with her.