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FROM  THE  LIBRARY  OF 
REV.   LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON.  D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED   BY   HIM   TO 

THE  LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


IMTiaion     , 
Stctlon         ^ 


An    Essex    County   Pepys 

The  Dlury  of  William  Bentley,  D.  D.,  Pastor 
of  tho  Eiist  Chuivh,  Sulem,  Massachusetts.  Vol. 
IV.     Salem:  Tho  Essex  Institute. 

IN  the  fourth  and  concluding:  volume  of 
the  Diaries  of  William  Bentley,  the 
Esse^x  Institute  completes  a  work 
which  may  be  compared  with  the 
diaries  of  Pepys  and  Sewall,  but 
wliich  has  a  detail  and  a  gossipy  flavor 
distinctly  its  own.  For  William  Bentley 
was  a  man  of  great  attainments.  Born 
in  Boston  In  1759,  he  was  ordained  over 
the  East  Church  In  Salem  in  1773,  this 
being  his  only  pastorate.  He  became 
eminent  for  his  facility  in  mastering  lan- 
guages, particularly  thoqe  of  Oriental 
sources,  and  he  read  in  twenty  different 
languages  and  spoke  most  of  those\  of 
Europe.  The  credentials  of  the  first  min- 
ister from  Tunis  to  Washington  were 
sent  to  him  for  translation,  and  his  cor- 
respondence, now  preserved  by  the  Amer- 
ican Antiquarian  Society  at  Worcester, 
reveals  the  closest  of  relations  with 
Jefferson  and  Adams.  For  nearly  twenty 
years  he  edited  the  Salem  Register  and 
was  the  author  of  numerous  theological, 
historical  and  Masonic  publications.  His 
rare  literary  attainments,  ardent  patriot- 
ism, originality  and  independence  of 
character,  mental  activity  and  social 
spirit  madei  him  a  marked  and  interest- 
ing personage.  At  his  death  he  was  a 
member  of  many  historical  and  learned 
societies   of  America  and   Europe. 

The  present  diary  deals  with  the  period 
from  January  1,  1811  to  December  29, 
1819,  the  day  of  his  death  from  angina 
pectoris.  It  Is  not  only  of  particular 
value  for  its  presentation  of  an  intimate 
picture  of  social,  political  and  religious 
life  In  Eastern  Massachusetts,  and  par- 
ticularly from  the  close  of  the  Revolu- 
tionary War,  but  no  similar  diary  cover- 
ing this  period  is  known  to  exist.  It 
excels  all  other  like  records  of  other 
times  in  richness  of  detail  and  acuteness 
of  observation.  The  concluding  volume, 
which  is  of  737  pages,  contains  about 
100  pageip  of  index  of  the  whole  work 
and  numerous  illustrations. 


From  the  painting  by  rrothiughani ,  nuw  io  possession  of  Lawrence  Waters  Jenkins. 


THE   DIARY 


X^H  OF  PrTJJ^ 
/  1      NOV  20  1931 


OF 


WILLIAM  BENTLEY,  D.  D. 

PASTOR  OF  THE    EAST    CHURCH 
SALEM,  MASSACHUSETTS 


l^olume  1 

April,  1784  —  December,  1792 


SALEM,  MASS. 

%\t  (E00£i  3In0t(tttte 

1905 


CONTENTS 


blogbaphical  sketch,  by  judge  joseph  g.  waters, 
Addbess  on  Dk.  Bentlky,  by  Marguerite  Dalrymple, 
Bibliography,  by  Alice  G.  Waters, 
Account  of  the  East  Meetinghhouse,   by 

Judge  Joseph  G.   Waters,' 
Diary  of  Dr.  William  Bentley,  1784-1792, 


IX 

xxiii 

xxxvii 

xli 
1 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


Dr.  William  Bentley,  from  the  painting  by  Frothingham.  Frontispiece 

The  East  Church,  Salem,  to  face  page  xiii 

Interior  of  the  East  Church,  Salem,  xvii 

Dr.  William  Bentley,  from  a  silhouette  made  about  1815,  xxiii 

The  Crowninshield  House  where  Dr.  Bentley  lived,  xxxiii 

Plan  of  Arrangements  at  the  funeral  of  Dr.  Bentley,  xxxvii 

The  Brick  School-house,  Salem,  31 

Rev.  Nathaniel  Whitaker  of  Salem,  36 

Rev.  John  Murray  of  Newburyport,  61 

Seal  of  the  Second  Corps  of  Cadets,  Salem,  105 

Seal  of  the  Proprietors  of  Essex  Bridge,  106 

Jonathan  Jackson  of  Newburyport,  116 

The  Mclntire  Washington,  131 

A  Northeast  Vievr  of  Newburyport,  201 

Court  House  and  Town  House,  Salem,  213 

The  Philip  English  House,  249 

Dummer  Academy,  Byfield,  291 

Gravestone  of  Rev.  Nathan  Holt  of  Danvers,  285 

"  Lord"  Timothy  Dexter  of  Newburyport,  391 

The  Essex  Merrimack  Bridge,  Newburyport,  419 


INTRODUCTION 


In  printing  the  Diary  of  Dr.  William  Bentley  it  has  been 
thought  undesirable  to  include  everything  found  in  the  original 
text.  The  omissions  principally  consist  of  quotations  from  books, 
and  newspapers,  easily  accessible  elsewhere,  and  also  lists  of  parish 
calls,  for  Dr.  Bentley  preserved  in  tabular  form  a  memorandum  of 
every  call  that  he  made  and  of  every  invitation  to  dinner  or  to  tea. 
A  century  ago  it  was  customary,  in  time  of  sickness  or  death,  for 
the  minister  to  receive  and  to  read  from  the  pulpit  on  Sunday, 
notes  requesting  the  prayers  of  the  congregation.  In  the  following 
pages  the  weekly  record,  there  preserved,  will  be  found  to  be  of 
great  value  to  the  biographer  and  the  genealogist,  although  it 
should  be  kept  in  mind  that  connection  by  marriage  is  frequently 
referred  to  as  though  it  were  by  blood.  '<  Mother-in-law  "  means 
step-mother,  in  present  day  usage,  and  "  brother  at  sea  "  may  mean 
brother-in-law  at  sea. 

The  publication  of  this  Diary  has  only  been  made  possible 
through  the  cordial  co-operation  of  the  American  Antiquarian 
Society,  and  grateful  acknowledgment  is  also  due  to  Mr.  William  C. 
Endicott  of  Danvers,  and  to  an  unknown  friend,  for  assistance  of 
a  substantial  nature.  The  larger  number  of  the  foot-notes  to  be 
found  on  the  succeeding  pages,  have  been  supplied  by  Mr.  Edward 
Stanley  Waters,  of  Minneapolis,  Minnesota,  a  former  resident 
of  the  East  Parish,  Salem,  who  has  long  been  familiar  with  the  his- 
torical value  of  the  diary  and  has  frequently  urged  its  publication. 


A  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH 

OF 

REV.  WILLIAM  BENTLEY. 

From  the  Historical  Address  by  Judge  Joseph  G.  Waters  prepared 

for  the  celebration  of  the  ISO'**  Anniversary  of  the 

establishment  of  the  East  Church,  observed 

November  8,  1868. 


William  Bentley  was  born  in  the  north  part  of  Boston,  on  the 
twenty-second  day  of  Jime,  A.  D.  1759,  and  was  the  son  of  Joshua 
and  Elizabeth  Bentley.  He  was  named  after  his  maternal  grand- 
father, William  Paine  of  Boston,  of  whom  he  was  a  great  favorite 
and  towards  whom,  Dr.  Bentley  ever  showed  so  strong  an  attach- 
ment that  it  almost  interrupted  the  harmonious  relation  between  the 
parents  and  the  son. 

Upon  the  decease  of  his  grandfather.  Dr.  Bentley  entered  in  his 
Diary,  the  following  reference  to  him. 

«  1786.  The  night  of  Nov'"  1»'  ended  the  life  of  my  most  worthy 
grandfather.  It  was  by  his  generosity,  I  was  educated  at  Cambridge, 
and  he  continued  through  life,  as  an  unceasing  benefactor.  May 
my  gratitude  be  as  imceasing  as  his  goodness." 

Dr.  Bentley  entered  Harvard  College  in  1773,  at  the  age  of  foiu-- 
teen,  in  a  class  quite  distinguished  for  its  scholarship,  and  graduated 
with  high  honor  in  1777.  Soon  after  leaving  college  he  was  appoint- 
ed a  teacher  in  the  Latin  grammar  school  in  Boston,  but  soon 
exchanged  this  position  for  the  preceptorship  in  the  North  gi-ammar 
school  in  that  city.  He  had  hardly  entered  upon  his  duties  there, 
when  he  received  the  appointment  of  Latin  and  Greek  tutor  in  Har- 
vard College.  He  continued  in  this  ofBce  till  his  ordination  over 
this  Church,  occasionally  preaching  in  the  neighborhood  of  Boston 
where  he  became  noted  as  a  poj^ular  speaker. 

He  commenced  preaching  as  a  candidate  (in  Salem),  on  the  first 
Sabbath  in  May,  1783,  and  continued  with  them  till  the  twenty- 
third  day  of  July  following  when  he  received  an  invitation  to  a 
settlement  as  colleague  pastor  with  Mr.  Diman,  which  he  accepted. 

During  the  preceding  month,  an  Act  had  been  passed  by  the  Gen- 
eral Court,  incorporating  the  proprietors  of  the  house  and  providing 
for  a  dissolution  of  the  parish  on  the  death  of  the  senior  pastor. 

The  ordination  took  place  on  the  24'^  of  September  following. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Lathrop  of  the  old  North  Church  in  Boston  preached 


X  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCH 

the  sermon,  the  K.ev.  Th*  Barnard  of  Salem  made  the  introductory- 
prayer,  Dr.  Cooper  of  Brattle  Street  Church  in  Boston  made  the 
consecrating  prayer,  the  senior  pastor,  Mr.  Diman,  gave  the  charge, 
and  the  Kev.  John  Prince  of  the  First  Church  in  Salem,  the  right 
hand  of  fellowship. 

Diu'ing  the  whole  of  the  joint  ministry  thus  inaugurated,  the  rela- 
tion between  these  pastors  was  inharmonious.  ]Mr.  Diman  had  not 
regarded  with  much  favor  the  selection  of  Mr.  Bentley  as  a  colleague, 
and  soon  after  his  induction  into  office,  treated  him  uncourteously. 
For  nearly  two  years  he  neglected  to  invite  him  to  participate  in  the 
rites  of  the  commiuiion,  or  baptism.  Dr.  Bentley  having  a  sensi- 
tive nature  felt  these  incivilities  most  keenly  and  remonstrated 
against  them. 

The  society  sided  with  him  and  demanded  that  Mr.  Dunan  should 
permit  his  colleague  to  enjoy  all  the  privileges  of  his  sacred  office. 
They  likewise  appointed  a  committee  to  devise  some  measiires  for 
restoring  the  peace  and  harmony  of  the  society,  thus  interrupted. 
This  movement  of  the  parish  in  a  degree  effected  its  purpose  for 
soon  after  Mr.  Diman  gave  his  consent  that  the  two  pastors  should 
alternately  officiate  at  the  communion  service. 

Harmony  was  thus  restored,  for  a  while,  but  new  causes  for  dis- 
content arose,  which  revived  the  angry  feelings  between  the  senior 
pastor  and  the  people,  and  occasioned  the  passing  of  a'  vote  by  the 
society,  on  the  IQ'*"  day  of  October,  1785,  insisting  absolutel}'-  on 
Mr.  Diman's  withdrawal  from  all  services  in  the  pulpit,  and  prom- 
ising to  pay  to  him,  if  he  assented  to  their  request,  all  arrearages 
due  to  him  from  the  society — and  to  meet  him  in  the  spirit  of  peace 
and  harmony.  Mr.  Diman  acknowledged  the  receipt  of  this  vote 
in  a  gentle  and  forgiving  spirit  and  in  reply  stated,  that  he  must, 
under  the  obligation  imposed  by  his  ordination,  ever  regard  it  his 
"  duty  of  using  his  utmost  endeavors  to  promote  true  religion  among 
the  People."  Thus  terminated  Mr.  Diman's  official  intercourse  with 
the  East  Society. 

As  the  different  phases  of  this  unfortunate  controversy  pass  in 
review  before  us,  at  this  distance  of  time,  we  are  better  prepared  to 
form  a  judgment  upon  them,  than  were  those  personally  concerned 
in  it. 

Candor  and  justice  alike  require  us  to  admit  that  each  party  to  it 
failed  to  manifest  that  spirit  of  forbearance  and  meekness  of  tem- 
per becoming  a  christian  brotherhood. 

In  the  heated  zeal  of  the  society  to  vindicate  the  cause  of  their 
young  pastor,  they  did  not  properly  appreciate  the  trying  circum- 
stances Tinder  which  Mr.  Diman  was  placed. 

For  nearly  a  half  century,  he  had  exercised  an  almost  despotic 
sway  over  this  people,  training  them  to  walk  in  the  ways  of  a  theol- 
ogy which  admitted  no  progress  save  in  the  iron  ruts  which  an  arbi- 
tary  priesthood  had  laid  down  as  the  sure  and  only  way  to  the 
heavenly  kingdom. 


BY  JUDGE   JOSEPH   G.    WATERS  XI 

How  could  he  bear,  with  equanimity,  as  a  rival  for  the  favor  of 
his  people,  this  youthful  competitor,  fresh  and  jubilant  as  he  then 
was — full  of  the  spirit  of  progress — alive  to  every  good  work — his 
liberal  mind  richly  stored  with  every  variety  of  learning,  open  to 
and  ready  to  receive  any  suggestion  of  reason  that  might  aid  him. 
in  interpreting  the  scriptures — an  acknowledged  champion  for  the 
right  of  private  judgment,  in  all  matters  of  faith — rejoicing  in  a 
heart,  sated  to  its  core  with  every  generous  impulse  to  instruct,  cheer 
and  elevate  the  poorer  and  downtrodden  among  his  fellow  beings  ? 
How  could  elements  so  diverse  and  heterogeneous  ever  be  expected 
to  assimilate  ? 

Mr.  Diman's  ministry  was  an  useful  one  in  many  respects.  He 
took  a  very  active  part  in  all  the  improvements  and  changes  made  in 
the  house.  Outside  of  the  society  he  had  obtained  quite  a  reputa- 
tion as  a  learned  divine  and  was  frequently  called  upon  to  perform 
public  duties.  He  was  chosen  chaplain  to  both  branches  of  the 
General  Court. 

He  passed  away  on  the  eighth  day  of  October,  1788,  in  the  eighty- 
first  year  of  his  life,  and  the  fifty-second  of  his  ministry. 
There  were  religious  services  at  the  meeting-house  on  the  day  of  his 
funeral,  the  expense  of  which  was  borne  by  the  society.  Eev.  Mr. 
Swain  of  Wenham  delivered  the  sermon  and  Eev.  Mr.  Forbes  of 
Cape  Ann  made  the  prayer.  His  remains  were  followed  to  the 
grave  by  all  the  clergy  in  the  vicinity,  the  senior  members  of  the 
Ministerial  Association  supporting  the  pall.  ^Mr.  Diman  was  a  native 
of  Long  Island,  and  was  born  on  the  twenty-ninth  of  November, 
1707,  graduated  at  Harvard  College  in  1730  and  was  its  librarian 
from  1735  to  the  time  of  his  ordination.  He  was  married  to  ]SIary, 
daughter  of  Timothy  and  Lois  (Pickering)  Orne,  of  this  town.  She 
died  Nov.  14,  1787,  leaving  two  sons  and  three  daughters.  One  of 
the  latter  married  Eev<^  Aaron  Green  of  Maiden,  the  father  of  James 
D.  Green,  former  pastor  of  the  Unitarian  church  in  Lynn. 

Mr.  Bentley  found,  in  the  commercial  character  of  our  people, 
much  to  satisfy  the  demands  of  his  liberal  and  investigating  mind, 
and  consequently  he  readily  assimilated  with  them.  This  blending 
of  the  peculiar  elements  which  characterized  pastor  and  people, 
served  to  develop  in  Dr.  Bentley  those  catholic  and  liberal  %dews  of 
Christianity,  as  well  as  those  generous  social  virtues,  for  which  he 
was  so  highly  distinguished,    and  made  him  so  popular  as  a  pastor. 

A  portrait,  drawn  in  a  poem  of  the  late  lamented  Judd,  so  closely 
resembles  the  character  of  Dr.  Bentley  that  we  almost  might  sup- 
pose that  it  was  intended  for  him. 

"  Christ's  minister  is  one  possessed  of  Christ, 
"  Able  to  reproduce  that  Christ  in  others  ; 
"  He's  no  schismatic — to  no  creed  subscribes — 
"  His  ordination  more  from  Heaven  than  man, 


XU  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCH 

"  Allows  no  Government  'twixt  him  and  God  ; 

"  Seeks  no  patristic  but  the  Gospel  model — 

"  By  function  a  reformer — not  by  name — 

"  In  vu'tue  of  his  office  pledged  to  Peace 

"  Freedom  and  temperance  joined  with  unity — 

"  Parochial  were  his  duties — he  was  constant  true. 

"  To  cheer  the  sick,  and  tln-ough  the  darkened  vale 

"  To  light  the  dying  man — inter  the  dead — 

"  Console  afflictions  manifold  events — 

"  Impress  the  sacred  seal  on  marriage  vows — 

"  Bishop  of  the  Town  schools — he  did  inspect 

"  His  diocese — His  office  had  no  end." 

In  his  pulpit  exercises  he  was  very  interesting  and  instructive. 
His  prayers  breathed  the  spu'it  of  true  devotion  and  so  full  were 
they  of  his  overflowing  sympathy  for  those  who  sought  an  interest 
in  them,  that  he  was  often  carried  away  by  his  feelings,  on  these 
occasions  extending  the  service  much  beyond  the  limit  of  a  patient 
endurance,  even  of  the  most  devout  listener.  It  was  in  admonition 
of  this  error,  that  the  clock  now  hanging  before  me,  was  first  set  up 
in  the  front  gallery  of  the  old  meeting-house,  to  remind  him  of  the 
flight  of  time. 

His  manner  of  reading  the  scripture  lesson  was  very  peculiar. 
After  naming  the  chapter,  he  would  give  a  paraphase  of  the  whole 
of  it  embodying  in  his  version  the  sph-it  of  the  best  commentators 
and  always  concluding  the  service  with  the  words  "  Here  endeth 
the  Collect." 

This  part  of  the  exercises  was  much  enjoyed  by  those  of  his  hear- 
ers whose  tastes  and  scholastic  attainments  had  qualified  them  to 
appreciate  it.  But  frequently  it  exposed  him  to  the  charge  of 
strangers  that  he  discarded  the  common  version  and  substituted  a 
Bible  made  by  himself. 

This  practice  must  have  commenced  early  in  1791,  as  would 
appear  from  the  following  entry  in  his  diary  of  that  year :  "  Jan^ 
Monday.  Introduced  yesterday  the  Lecture  proposed  in  explaining 
the  Scriptures,  at  the  usual  time  of  the  reading  to  the  Assembly. 
The  Commentaries  are  to  be  entered  in  a  volume  reserved  for  the 
purpose,  with  their  date  to  show  when  delivered." 

He  did  not  write  out  his  sermons  in  full  except  on  special  occa- 
sions. His  style  was  very  peculiar  and  required  the  closest  atten- 
-4ion  of  the  hearer  to  understand  him.  The  subjects  of  his  sermons 
were  often  suggested  by  cvu-rent  events  of  the  day  and  prefaced  by 
texts  as  pertinent  as  they  were  odd. 

On  the  first  Sunday  after  his  ordination  he  selected  for  his  text. 
Acts,  10th  Chap.,  29th  verse,  "  I  ask  therefore  for  what  intent  ye 
have  sent  for  me  ?  "  Early  in  the  War  of  1812,  our  governnent 
saw  fit  to  transfer  the  troops  from  our  fort  to  the  frontier.      A 


THE   EAST   CHURCH,    SALEM. 
From  a  lithograph  made  about   I  845. 


BY   JUDGE   JOSEPH    G.    WATERS  XH1 

measure,  in  his  judgment,  of  questionable  policy.  He  therefore 
sought  to  contrast  this  ill-judged  order  with  the  wise  provision  of 
the  Israelites  in  distributing  then-  forces  to  protect  the  Tabernacle. 
The  words  of  his  text  were,  "  At  Parbar  westward,  four  at  the 
causeway,  and  two  at  Parbar."  I  Chronicles,  26th  Chap.,  18th 
verse. 

He  often  ventured  to  discuss  in  the  pulpit,  some  of  the  most 
exciting  political  problems  of  the  day,  and  attacked  long  cherished 
opinions  of  many  of  his  hearers  with  a  freedom  which  sometimes 
overstepped  true  prudence.  Yet  so  warm  was  their  attachment  to 
him,  and  so  true  and  abiding  their  faith  in  him  as  a  chi-istian 
pastor,  that  many  diametrically  opposed  to  him  politically,  continued 
under  his  ministrations,  amid  that  most  bitter  warfare  of  party 
politics,  caused  by  those  great  national  measures,  the  embargo  and 
the  war  that  followed  it. 

On  these  subjects  he  was  bold  and  uncompromising  ;  for  his  love 
of  country  was  most  intense  and  as  he  indentified  with  it  a  loyalty 
to  the  national  government,  he  considered  it  a  religious  duty  to 
advocate  their  measures  freely  and  fearlessly. 

His  devotional  services  were  very  impressive,  and  always  con- 
tained some  reference  to  important  events,  of  a  public  or  private 
nature,  which  had  occm-red  during  the  preceding  week. 

Our  society  being  composed  of  seafaring  people,  there  were  fre- 
quent occasions  for  offering  notes,  for  retiu-ning  thanks  for  mercies 
received,  as  well  as  imploring  blessings,  the  reading  of  them  formed 
no  inconsiderable  part  of  the  morning  service.  Coupled  with  this 
practice  was  a  peculiar  custom  observed  by  him  for  many  years  of 
his  early  ministry,  of  making  out  a  bulletin  of  the  sick,  stating  their 
disease,  and  the  stage  of  it  reached  by  the  patient.  This  was  hung 
up  in  some  conspicuous  place  in  the  house,  for  the  purpose  undoubt- 
edly of  informing  the  society  where  their  sympathy  was  called  for 
and  their  benefactions  could  be  applied. 

The  founders  of  our  society  brought  from  the  parent  church  the 
Bay  State  Psahn  Book,  and  it  was  used  here  till  sometime  after  the 
settlement  of  Mr.  Diman,  when  he  substituted  for  it  Watts'  Collec- 
tion. In  November,  1788,  Dr.  Bentley  exchanged  it  for  a  compila- 
tion made  by  himself,  of  more  modern  hymns  with  the  addition  of 
part  of  Tate  and  Brady's  version  of  the  Psabns.  This  was  regarded 
as  a  great  improvement,  as  it  supplied  a  want  that  had  been  long 
felt  by  the  Society,  in  having  this  part  of  our  religious  service  brought 
more  into  harmony  with  the  liberal  and  catholic  spirit  of  Dr.  Bent- 
ley's  teachings. 

Diu'ing  the  ministry  of  his  immediate  successor,  Dr.  Flint,  the 
books  had  become  so  much  dilapidated  that  a  new  edition  was 
required.  Dr.  Flint,  at  the  request  of  the  society,  in  1842  prepared 
the  admirable  collection  now  used  by  us  and  which  contains  a 
large  part  of  Dr.  Bentley's  compilation. 


Xiv  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCH 

Dr.  Bentley  had  a  great  fondness  for  sacred  music,  and  improved 
every  occasion  for  cultivating  a  taste  for  singing  among  the  young 
ladies  of  the  society.  He  procured  suitable  teachers  for  them, 
attended  their  choir  meetings,  and  frequently  invited  their  classes 
to  his  room  for  practising. 

A  few  yet  survive  among  us,  who  now  take  pleasure  in  remember- 
ing how  his  countenance  lighted  up  while  he  stood  listening  to  his 
favorite  strains  of  Pleyel's  Hymn,  Denmark  and  Newburg.  His  ser- 
vices at  the  communion  were  solemn  and  impressive,  and  on  these 
occasions  there  was  a  hymn  sung  of  the  Doctor's  composition.  It 
may  not  be  out  of  place  to  remark,  that  until  1798,  the  church 
owned  but  one  silver  cup,  which  was  probably  the  one  formerly 
called  a  tankard  and  came  into  the  possession  of  the  parish  in  1747 
under  a  process  of  distraint  against  W™  Brown  Esq'  for  nonpayment 
of  taxes.  Two  pairs  of  silver  cups  were  procured  in  1799  and  two 
flagons  and  two  plates  in  1800. 

In  1786,  it  was  found  impracticable  to  supply  the  office  of  deacons. 
It  was  therefore  voted  at  a  parish  meeting  in  that  year,  that  two 
persons  be  selected  out  of  the  church  or  congregation  who  shall  be 
called  wardens  and  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  aid  the  minister  in  all 
matters  involving  the  exercise  of  a  discretionary  power,  in  relation 
to  church  ordinances,  or   other  matters. 

He  was  one  of  the  pioneers  in  clearing  the  way  for  the  introduc- 
tion of  Unitarianism  into  this  country  and  fearlessly  defended  it 
from  the  bitter  assaults  of  all  his  ministerial  brethren  in  the  vicinity. 

He  believed  in  the  fatherhood  of  God  and  brotherhood  of  man. 
That,  to  be  a  true  christian,  one  must  deny  himself  and  do  all  the 
good  he  can  to  others.  He  must  seek  out  the  sick,  destitute  and  suf- 
fering, from  whatever  cause,  relieve,  instruct  and  elevate  them. 
This  was  the  Gospel  which  Christ  proclaimed  to  him  and  which  he 
delighted  not  only  to  preach,  but  to  fulfil,  and  in  accomplishing  it 
was  indeed  a  mighty  evangelist.  He  despised  all  cant  and  hypocrisy 
in  religion  and  was  unsparing  in  denouncing  a  dissembler. 

The  late  Dr.  James  Freeman,  of  King's  Chapel,  Boston,  was  his 
classmate  and  lifelong  friend,  but  their  college  attachments  ripened 
into  a  mutual  fraternal  affection,  when  their  minds  came  into  full 
harmony  on  matters  of  a  religious  faith.  Each  of  them  emerged, 
about  the  same  time,  from  the  shadows  of  a  cold  and  gloomy  theol- 
ogy, into  the  clear  sunlight  of  a  liberal  faith,  and  ever  after,  they 
shone  with  an  undiminished  lustre,  as  a  bright  constellation  in  our 
theological  formation.  He  was  the  first  minister  to  exchange  with 
Dr.  Freeman,  and  in  his  diary  of  Oct.  26"S  1788,  thus  refers  to  it. 
"  I  exchanged  with  Mr.  Freeman  of  the  Kings  Chapel,  the  first 
instance  of  this  ministerial  service  between  churches  with  and  with- 
out Liturgies." 

In  his  earliest  printed  discourse,  he  thus  portrays  a  true  chris- 
tian. "  When,"  says  he,  "  a  man  is  found,  who  does  not  profess 
much,  nor  despise  all,  who  is  pure  from  guile,  peaceable  in  his  life, 


BY  JUDGE  JOSEPH    G.    WATEES  XV 

gentle  in  his  manners,  easily  dissuaded  from  revenge,  with  a  heart 
to  pity  and  relieve  the  miserable,  impartial  in  his  judgment  and 
without  dissimulation, — this  is  the  man  of  religion.  This  is  an 
apostolic  description  of  a  good  man;  and  whatever  opinions  he  may 
have,  and  he  has  a  right  to  choose  for  himself,  this  man  is  after 
God's  own  heart." 

On  another  and  later  occasion,  while  ordaining  a  young  brother 
to  the  ministry,  he  exhorts  him  to  be  ever  zealous  in  good  works, 
telling  him  "to  be  rather  employed  in  one  act  of  Charity,  than 
expounding  the  whole  Apocalypse." 

A  few  months  after,  on  April  25,  1788,  he  writes  to  Dr.  Freeman : 
"  I  have  adopted  many  opinions  abhorrent  to  my  early  prejudices, 
and  am  still  ready  to  receive  truth  upon  proper  evidence,  from 
whatever  quarter  it  may  come.  I  think  more  honor  is  done  to  God 
in  rejecting  Christianity  itseK,  in  obedience  to  my  Convictions, 
than  in  any  fervor,  which  is  pretended  towards  it,  and  I  hope  that 
no  poverty,  which  I  can  dread,  or  hope  I  can  entertain,  will  weaken 
my  resolution  to  act  upon  my  Convictions. 

The  only  evidence  I  can  have  of  my  integrity  is  a  good  life  and 
as  to  Faith, — his  can't  be  wrong,  whose  life  is  in  the  Right.  You 
are  acquainted  with  my  avowed  disbelief  in  the  Trinity  or  of  any 
being  who  governs  or  influences  human  affairs,  but  God  the  Father, 
etc." 

Before  Dr.  Freeman's  ordination,  Dr.  Bentley  had  been  visited 
by  Rev.  Wm.  Hazlitt,  an  Unitarian  clergyman  from  England,  and 
a  friend  of  Dr.  Priestley.  Wm.  Hazlitt,  the  author,  was  his  son 
and  was  born  during  his  father's  residence  in  this  country,*  which 
extended  through  two  years.  Mr.  Hazlitt  was  the  guest  of  Dr. 
Bentley  and  occasionally  supx^lied  his  desk.  He  also  preached  at 
the  First  Chm'ch,  as  well  as  the  North  Church,  in  this  town,  but  he 
failed  to  please  either  of  them,  as  they  were  not  prepared  to  receive 
his  views  of  Christianity.  While  in  Salem  he  compiled  Priestley's 
catechism,  which  was  adopted  by  Dr.  Bentley  as  a  substitute  for 
the  Westminster  catechism  which  had  been  in  use  in  our  society 
from  its  foundation. 

After  leaving  Salem,  Mr.  Hazlitt,  removed  to  Hallowell,  Maine, 
where  he  made  an  ineffectual  attempt  to  establish  an  Unitarian 
church,  then  returned  to  Boston,  and  after  preaching  there  a  short 
time,  embarked  for  England  and  afterwards  settled  at  Wem,  in 
Shropshire. 

Dr.  Bentley's  bosom  was  filled  with  kindness  towards  all  who 
needed  aid  of  any  kind,  and  in  administering  it  he  never  stopped 
to  inquire  to  what  society  they  belonged ;  it  was  sufficient  to  know 
that  they  lived  within  the  old  parish  lines ;  he  hastened  to  their 
relief,  ascertained  their  wants,  then  sought  out  some  parishioner 
who  could  supply  them,  for  he  had  a  carte  blanche  for  all  such 
purposes. 
*Born  at  Maidstone,  England,  April  10, 1778.    Nat.  Diet,  of  Slog. 


XVI  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCH 

He  regarded  the  whole  eastern  section  of  the  town  as  a  diocese 
over  which  he  had  an  exclusive  jurisdiction  and  whenever  there  was 
occasion,  this  "  Man  of  Eoss  "  would  be  found  in  all  weather  bent 
on  his  mission  of  mercy,  laden  with  articles  of  comfort  for  the  sick 
and  destitute. 

The  children  throughout  the  parish  eagerly  sought  to  pay  him 
obeisance  and  were  recognized  by  him  with  some  token  of  his 
regard. 

"  They  gladly  followed,  with  endearing  wile, 

To  pluck  his  gown  and  share  the  good  man's  smile." 

In  his  daily  walks  among  his  parishioners,  he  noticed  every 
change  going  on  about  their  dwellings,  and  upon  his  return  home, 
referred  to  it  in  his  diaiy.  He  also  learned  the  arrival  and  depar- 
ture of  every  vessel  belonging  to  them,  which  were  likewise  thus 
noted.  I  have  seen  several  pages  of  his  daily  record  thus  filled 
with  notices  of  new  buildings,  and  repaired  ones,  also  names  of  ves- 
sels and  their  masters,  their  tonnage,  time  of  sailing  and  place  of 
destination.  One  of  his  entries  contained  the  names  of  twenty-one 
sea  captains,  belonging  to  his  society,  then  absent  at  sea. 

There  was  not  a  single  vessel  launched  here  during  his  ministry 
which  was  not  seen  by  him  and  referred  to  in  his  diary.  Upon 
the  arrival  of  any  intimate  friend,  he  would  be  welcomed  in  it  by 
some  appropriate  greeting  often  indited  in  Latin  or  French. 

He  took  a  peculiar  interest  in  our  military  institutions  and 
always  attended  military  musters  of  which  he  made  mention  both 
in  his  journal  and  the  newspaper  he  had  charge  of.  He  was  an 
enrolled  member  of  the  military  company  in  his  ward,  attended 
their  meetings  regularly,  and  often  served  on  their  committees. 
On  more  than  one  occasion  while  witnessing  a  parade,  he  was  hon- 
ored by  a  marching  salute  of  the  troops  under  the  order  of  their 
commanding  ojQBcer. 

The  various  charitable  associations  in  this  town  always  found 
in  him  a  zealous  friend  and  supporter.  I  can  hardly  doubt  that  it 
was  principally  owing  to  his  suggestion  and  labors,  that  the  East 
India  Marine  Society  had  its  origin  and  support  for  many  years. 
Its  first  board  of  ofiicers  was  composed  of  his  personal  friends,  and 
some  of  them  were  his  most  influential  parishioners.  He  prepared 
its  first  articles  of  association  and  was  its  leading  counsellor  for 
many  years.  His  collection  of  curiosities  was  the  foundation  of 
their  valuable  museum,  which  has  been  so  long  one  of  the  chief 
attractions  of  strangers  to  our  city.  He  usually  furnished  its  mem- 
bers on  their  departure  for  foreign  ports,  with  the  localities  where 
valuable  specimens  might  be  found,  and  with  prepared  directions 
for  preserving  them. 

The  Marine  Society  had  been  in  operation  for  many  years  before 
Dr.  Bentley  came  here,  but  as  its  principal  members  belonged  to  the 


BY   JUDGE   JOSEPH   G.    WATEES  xvii 

East  Parish,  he  soon  became  interested  in  its  charitable  objects, 
and  at  one  time  when  its  resources  were  nearly  exhausted,  made  an 
eloquent  appeal  to  the  public  in  its  behalf,  which  was  successful  in 
renewing  its  means  of  usefulness. 

Masonry  was  another  subject  to  which  he  gave  great  attention, 
I  find  several  references  in  his  diaries  to  proceedings  of  meetings 
held  at  his  house  by  officers  of  lodges.  He  was  very  often  called 
upon  to  deliver  masonic  addresses  in  other  places  and  many  of 
them  have  been  published. 

Being  so  alive  to  every  thing  affecting  the  business  and  happi- 
ness of  his  parishioners,  he  was  drawn  into  intimate  relations  with 
them  and  his  visits  among  them  were  of  the  most  cordial,  familiar 
character.  Every  day  in  the  week  found  him  enjoying  their  hos- 
pitality and  wherever  he  went  he  was  met  with  a  hearty  welcome 
both  from  the  young  and  old.  He  usually  retired  at  an  early  hour, 
but  until  its  arrival,  he  kept  up  such  a  constant  outpouring  of 
quaint  remarks,  amusing  anecdotes,  and  instructive  hints,  from  his 
richly  stored  mind,  that  the  regret  for  the  parting  guest  was  as 
deeply  felt  as  had  been  the  welcome  for  the  coming  one. 

During  the  summer  months,  a  week  seldom  passed  without  his 
inviting  a  company  of  young  ladies  on  an  excursion  to  the  seaside, 
to  gather  marine  plants  or  shells,  of  which  he  made  a  study,  in- 
structing them  in  the  character  and  uses  of  each  specimen. 

Natural  history  was  one  of  his  favorite  studies,  and  his  researches 
in  it  were  perhaps  quite  as  extensive  as  those  of  any  student  of  that 
day.  Among  his  manuscripts  will  be  found  frequent  references  to 
rare  plants  and  animals  which  had  been  subjected  to  his  examina- 
tion. Seldom  was  a  strange  fish  caught  in  our  neighboring  waters, 
which  was  not  preserved  and  sent  to  him  to  be  named. 

The  collection  of  coins  and  rare  books  was  another  of  his  favorite 
pursuits,  and  to  gratify  him  in  these  respects  was  a  leading  object 
of  every  ship-master  of  our  parish  who  went  abroad.  Scarcely  a 
vessel  arrived  that  did  not  bring  valuable  contributions  to  his  cabi- 
net or  library,  so  that  some  of  his  collections  were  indeed  very  rare 
and  valuable  and  often  consulted  by  every  virtuoso  in  the  neigh- 
borhood. 

The  coins  were  mostly  transmitted  to  his  friend.  Judge  Winthrop 
of  Cambridge.  All  the  specimens  in  natural  history  thus  furnished 
were  suitably  arranged  in  their  respective  classes,  and  upon  the  es- 
tablishment of  the  East  India  Marine  Society,  made  an  important 
addition  to  its  valuable  museum. 

He  was  a  man  of  the  most  indefatigable  industry.  Eising  at  a 
very  early  hour  in  the  morning,  he  took  his  accustomed  walk  upon 
the  Neck,  to  enjoy,  upon  his  favorite  hill,  the  picturesque  view 
there  presented  to  the  eye.  It  is  near  the  upper  fort,  and  was,  for 
many  years,  distinguished  by  a  brick  monument  erected  by  one  of 
his  parishioners  in  commemoration  of  the  seat  he  had  selected. 


XTiii  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCH 

He  then  returned  to  his  study  and  entered  upon  the  duties  of  the 
day,  the  first  of  which,  on  Monday,  was  writing  the  two  sermons 
for  the  next  Sabbath,  and  he  seldom  left  the  room  till  they  were 
completed.  He  was  very  careful  to  prepare  new  discourses  as  he 
disliked  to  repeat  one.  In  reference  to  this,  he  writes  on  one  occa- 
sion, "  I  preached  two  old  sermons,  with  as  great  apprehension  of 
guilt,  and  as  much  confusion,  as  though  I  had  stolen  from  my 
neighbors.  It  is  the  fault,  in  this  case,  that  by  a  violation  we  get 
hardened,  God  forgive  me." 

His  discourses  being  finished,  he  attended  to  his  correspondents 
who  were  quite  numerous,  both  in  this  country  and  abroad,  and  if 
he  could  find  a  spare  hour  before  dinner  he  devoted  it  to  a  call  on 
some  friend.  In  the  afternoon  he  spent  one  or  two  hours  in  reading 
Greek. 

The  other  days  in  the  week  were  similarly  improved  by  him, 
varied  only  by  the  substitution  of  other  writings  for  the  sermons. 
Part  of  every  Tuesday  he  appropriated  for  the  reading  of  French  ; 
of  every  Wednesday,  Latin ;  every  Thursday,  Spanish  and  Italian  ; 
Friday,  German,  Dutch,  Slavonian  and  their  kindred  dialects ; 
Saturday  to  philology,  in  relation  to  the  versions  and  texts  of  the 
Hebrew  and  Greek  sacred  scriptures. 

He  read  with  facility  more  than  twenty  different  languages,  and 
was  very  familiar  with  Latin,  Greek,  Hebrew,  Arabic  and  Persian. 
He  wrote  and  spoke  in  most  of  the  popular  languages  of  Europe. 
The  credentials  of  the  Timisian  Ambassador  were  sent  from  Wash- 
ington to  be  translated  by  him. 

In  glancing  over  one  of  his  manuscripts  I  found  quotations  from 
several  of  the  ancient  languages,  especially  Hebrew,  written  in  a 
style  of  singular  elegance. 

During  each  week,  he  prepared  a  record  of  all  the  marriages, 
births,  baptisms  and  deaths,  which  had  occurred  in  the  parish,  and 
it  was  filled  with  the  most  minute  details.  In  the  report  of  deaths, 
he  gave  the  sex,  parentage,  age,  residence,  employment,  condition  of 
deceased,  and  every  other  circumstance  peculiar  to  the  case.  The 
marriage  report  was  equally  as  circumstantial.  At  the  end  of  the 
year,  each  of  these  was  collected  into  tables,  classified  and  entered 
in  books  prepared  for  the  purpose.  He  also  made  similar  but  sep- 
arate summaries  of  baptisms  attended  by  him  during  the  year. 

In  addition  to  all  these  great  drafts  on  his  industry  and  patience, 
Jhe  contributed  to  the  Gazette  at  first,  and  afterwards  to  the  Regis- 
ter, newspapers  in  this  town,  nearly  two  columns  of  closely  printed 
matter,  twice  a  week  for  nearly  thirty  years.  They  were  made  up 
of  news-items  and  various  departments  of  human  knowledge,  col- 
lected by  him  from  the  foreign  aud  home  journals  of  the  day,  and 
were  regarded  as  prodigies  of  learning  and  labor.  In  allusion  to 
them,  President  Adams  in  one  of  his  letters  to  Dr.  Bentley,  play- 
fully salutes  him  as  "Doctor  of  Physics,  Dr.  of  Philosophy,  Dr.  of 
Laws,  and  D.  D." 


BY  JUDGE   JOSEPH   G.   WATERS  XIX 

Nor  was  this  all.  Beside  the  diaries  to  which  I  have  referred, 
he  kept  constantly  by  him,  a  note  book,  in  which  he  recorded  his 
criticisms  of  new  publications,  &c.  These  manuscripts  filled  thir- 
ty-two bound  volumes,  most  of  them  in  a  folio  form,  thirteen  of 
them  being  diaries,  in  which  he  daily  entered  all  events  referring 
to  him,  personally,  or  to  the  parish.*  But  amid  all  these  occupa- 
tions he  found  time  to  fulfil  all  his  pastoral  duties  with  the  most 
remarkable  punctuality  and  fidelity. 

He  devoted  two  afternoons  every  month  to  the  catechising  of 
the  children.  At  one  time  he  delivered  to  his  parishioners  a  course 
of  lectures  on  English  grammar  and  geography.  He  was  a  member 
of  the  school  committee  for  many  years,  and  on  one  occasion  took 
charge  of  one  of  the  public  schools  and  taught  it  for  several  weeks 
during  a  vacancy  occuring  by  the  resignation  of  the  teacher. 

For  many  years  he  furnished  his  friend  and  correspondent.  Pro- 
fessor Ebeling  of  Hamburg,  with  materials  for  his  great  work  on 
the  History  and  Geography  of  the  United  States,  one  volume  of 
which  is  dedicated  to  William  Bentley.  The  papers,  thus  furnished 
by  Mr.  Bentley,  form  a  large  part  of  the  Ebeling  Collection,  now 
deposited  in  Harvard  College  Library  through  the  liberality  of 
Israel  Thorndike  Esq*"  of  Boston,  by  whom  they  were  purchased  in 
Europe,  in  1818. 

During  the  time  when  the  public  mind  was  much  excited  here  in 
favor  of  inoculation  against  the  spread  of  the  small-pox,  hospitals 
were  established  in  different  parts  of  the  town.  The  one  on  the  Neck, 
he  visited  every  Sunday  afternoon,  after  the  church  service  was 
concluded,  and  preached  to  the  patients.  There  is  a  series  of  his 
manuscripts  endorsed  by  him,  "  inoculation  service."  There  were 
found  at  his  decease,  thirty -five  hundred  sermons  which  are  now 
deposited  in  Tufts  College  Library. 

*Li8t  of  the  Rev.  William  Bentley  Manuscripts  in  the  possession  of  the  American 
Antiquarian  Society,  Worcester,  Mass. 

Correspondence  by  and  with  Dr.  Bentley,  4  volumes,  folio. 

Documents  and  family  papers  of  early  Salem,  with  numerous  Bentley  letters,  1  volume, 
folio. 

Miscellaneous  manuscripts  by  William  Bentley,  in  a  portfolio. 

List  of  books  belonging  to  William  Bentley,  1  volume. 

Rules  in  grammar  for  modern  European  languages,  1  volume. 

Note  book  for  the  study  of  the  French  language,  1  volume. 

Notes  of  natural  history,  1  volume. 

Rules  in  mathematics,  etc.,  1  volume. 

Notes  largely  relating  to  ornithology  and  natural  history,  1  volume. 

Commentaries,  etc.,  on  the  Scriptures,  2  volumes. 

Note  book  on  educational  matters,  1816, 1  volume. 

Text  book  for  the  study  of  natural  history,  1800, 1  volume. 

Reviews  and  criticisms,  on  works  read,  2  volumes. 

Original  and  detached  thoughts  referring  to  authors  and  their  works,  6  volumes. 

Meteorological  observations,  Salem,  1801-1817,  with  general  statistical  notes  relating 
to  the  United  States  during  the  years  1806-1811,  2  volumes. 

Day  book  of  personal  and  church  accounts,  1795-1819,  3  volumes. 

Day  book  containing  record  of  events  in  the  East  parish,  Salem,— births,  deaths,  re- 
movals, etc.,  beginning  April  29,  1784.    Also  events,  political  and  occasional,  1  volume. 

Book  of  daily  occurences  or  diary,  recording  personal  experiences,  remarkable  events, 
deaths,  information  relative  to  Salem  and  vicinity,  observations  on  the  weather,  tides, 
Shipping  news,  etc.,  etc.,  April,  1785-Dec.  1819, 11  volumes. 


XXIV  AN   ADDRESS 

His  style  of  dress,  severely  plain,  had  often  attracted  their  notice. 
His  silver  cuff-buttons,  knee-buckles  and  shoe-buckles  were  articles 
of  use  not  ornament.  The  long  academic  robe  with  its  ample 
sleeves,  the  broad-brimmed  hat,  shelter  alike  from  sun  and  rain,  the 
snow-white  minister's  band  around  his  neck,  and  his  nice  hands, 
were  objects  of  remark,  but  his  grace  of  motion,  and  elegance  and 
affability  of  manner,  captured  their  unbounded  admiration.  Above 
all,  his  cheerfulness  of  look,  tone  and  word,  changed  the  atmosphere 
of  that  school-room  entirely.  It  was  no  longer  a  prison  and  its 
discipline  a  torture.     Work  was  no  longer  weariness. 

He  was  an  ideal  teacher.  Before  commencing  the  routine  work, 
he  spoke  to  the  boys  of  the  dignity  of  their  human  nature,  the  grand 
powers  of  the  mind,  in  which  consisted  their  likeness  to  the  Infinite 
God,  their  Heavenly  Father.  That  to  cultivate  the  mind,  which  is 
our  duty  and  ought  to  be  our  pleasure,  would  increase  and  beautify 
this  Divine  likeness. 

The  boys  stood  straighter  and  looked  taller.  They  had  never 
heard  of  this  august  relationship  before,  nor  of  its  obligations. 
Their  work  commenced.  The  boys  noticed  how  carefully  he 
handled  the  book  which  was  passed  to  him.  He  opened  to  the  page 
of  the  reading  lesson.  He  spoke  to  them  of  the  writer,  of  the  time 
when  he  lived,  of  the  subject  and  its  purport,  and  then,  with  all  the 
magic  of  his  rhetorical  power,  he  read  it  to  them.  Was  this  read- 
ing? They  had  never  heard  anything  like  it.  It  was  alive,  invested 
with  a  charm  they  never  dreamed  of.  Then  he  went  tb-ough  the 
lesson,  paragraph  by  paragraph,  pointing  to  the  difLcult  words, 
showing  how  they  were  spelled,  how  pronounced,  and  then  sent 
them  to  study.  They  had  never  studied  so  before.  Oh  !  if  they 
could  only  attain  to  the  grace  of  this  accomplished  scholar.  The  boys 
surprised  themselves  if  they  did  not  surprise  their  teacher,  when 
they  read  the  lesson. 

Grammar  was  not  included  in  the  curriculum  of  the  three  R's.  No 
one  heard  the  words  orthography,  etymology,  or  syntax,  but  every 
spelling  and  reading  lesson  gave  opportunity  for  much  instruction. 
He  made  them  go  over  their  spelling  lessons  aloud  with  him,  before 
studying  them,  and  explained  to  them  how  one  letter  had  power 
over  another  and  could  nullify  it  ;  for  instance  how  that  h,  though 
only  a  breath,  could,  when  coming  after  p,  utterly  deprive  it  of  its 
sound,  and  compel  it  to  a  partnership  where  both  letters  should 
assume  a  new  name  f,  as  in  the  word  philosophy.  He  never  per- 
mitted them  to  stumble  blindly  over  the  lesson,  which  had  a  new 
interest  every  time,  because  of  the  new  and  important  instruction 
he  gave  them.  Before  every  lesson  in  arithmetic,  he  explained  its 
utility  and  the  necessity  of  mastering  it,  if  the  scholar  desired,  as 
he  ought,  to  possess  the  power  of  knowledge.  How  important  this 
was  in  all  great  operations,  and  that  hands,  with  educated  brains  to 
direct  them,  did  and  always  could,  accomplish  wonders.     In  proof 


BY  MARGUERITE  DALRYMPLE  XXV 

he  would  adduce  tlie  glories  of  Egypt,  Greece  and  Rome.  No  day 
passed  without  its  excursion,  if  brief,  into  some  broad  held  of  time 
or  space.  No  one,  in  those  days,  heard  of  ethical  culture,  but  when- 
ever was  there  more  thorough  moral  training  than  there  was  then  in 
that  East  parish  school-house? 

There  were  no  more  poiitings,  tears,  obstinacy  or  truancy, — of 
course  there  were  no  more  punishments.  His  government  was  by 
reason,  not  by  force.  The  boys  recognized  him  as  their  friend, 
always  kind  and  helpful. 

During  their  writing  lessons  after  giving  them  general  directions 
as  to  their  position,  placing  their  books,  holding  their  pens,  &c.,  he 
would  be  going  from  desk  to  desk,  mending  pens  and  giving  advice. 
His  cheerful  and  hopeful  look,  his  smile  of  encouragement,  were 
inspirations  to  effort. 

When  the  new  teacher  came,  the  school  was  in  admirable  order 
and  discipline.  He  did  not  separate  from  his  boys  nor  from  his 
interest  in  their  progress  and  welfare.  He  had  been  their  faithful 
and  affectionate  teacher  and  they  were  his  grateful,  admiring  and 
devoted  friends  through  life.  Who  can  measure  the  power  of  his 
influence  ?  Those  boys  became  able,  energetic  and  useful  men,  and 
the  success  of  their  lives,  with  deepest  and  most  heartfelt  gratitude, 
they  were  proud  to  ascribe  to  their  beloved  friend  and  teacher. 
Parson  Bentley. 

Salem  being  an  important  seaport,  the  young  lads'  ambition  was 
to  seek  their  fortune  on  the  high  seas,  to  ascend  from  cabin  boy  to 
captain  and  perhaps  to  merchant. 

He  knew  well  all  the  vessels,  their  ports  of  destination,  and  the 
young  people  going  in  them.  He  would  have  talks  with  them  about  the 
countries  to  which  they  were  going,  their  productions,  their  peoples, 
their  governments,  their  places  on  the  scale  of  civilization,  and  the 
opportunities  to  increase  their  stock  of  useful  knowledge,  and  he 
would  ask  them  to  bring  him  something  from  these  places,  an  old 
book  if  they  could  get  it,  and  when  the  vessels  came  back,  his  young 
friends  would  bring  him  mementos  of  their  travels,  often  rare  curi- 
osities. These  were  carefully  placed  in  his  cabinet  which,  at  the 
time  of  his  death,  was  richly  stored  with  a  most  valuable  collection. 
This  cabinet,  with  all  his  paintings  and  engravings,  he  left  by  his 
will  to  the  American  Antiquarian  Society  at  Worcester.  He  left 
also  to  this  Society  his  German  books,  and  his  manuscripts,  not  of 
his  own  hand.  He  left  to  Meadville,  then  in  its  struggling  infan- 
cy, his  classical  and  professional  books,  nearly  seven  himdred 
volumes.  What  a  bequest !  And  how  serviceable  it  must  have 
been  to  that  institution.  It  is  truly  wonderful  that  he  managed  to 
obtain  a  library,  so  large  and  so  valuable,  when  we  take  into  view 
the  smallness  of  his  income. 

He  was  settled  at  a  salary  of  a  thousand  dollars  a  year,  but  he 
iad  such  sympathy  for  the  embarrassments  of  his  people  in  the 


XXVI  AN  ADDRESS 

troublous  times,  that  he  receipted  in  full  for  eight  hundred  dollars. 
He  must  have  restricted  his  personal  expenses  very  much  to  enable 
him  to  do  the  works  of  charity  which  were  unintermitted. 

No  pastor  was  ever  more  closely  united  to  his  parish  ;  no  parish 
was  ever  more  closely  united  to  its  pastor.  His  church  was  indeed  his 
family  and  he  held  the  most  cordial  relations  with  it. 

His  calls  on  his  parishioners  were  not  perfunctory  matters  which 
must  be  performed  so  many  times  in  the  year,  short,  ceremonious 
and  stately,  with  the  luck}^  escapement  of  a  card  when  the  lady  of 
the  house  happened  to  be  absent.  No  indeed  !  He  carried  his 
heart  full  of  kindest  interest  in  their  weal  or  woe. 

In  order  to  understand  his  noble  work  as  a  pastor,  it  must  be 
remembered  that  he  came  to  Salem  just  after  the  revolutionary 
army  was  disbanded.  That  army  had,  through  terrible  sufferings, 
achieved  the  independence  of  their  country.  They  had  freed  it 
from  its  galling  foreign  yoke.  They  and  the  rest  of  the  people  had 
now  a  country  whose  peace,  whose  freedom,  had  been  attained 
through  their  self-sacrificing  heroism.  They  had,  too,  a  Congress. 
It  had  done  nobly  in  the  past,  sustaining  the  country  through  the 
long  and  exhausting  war,  but  it  could  do  nothing  now  to  show  how 
highly  the  services  of  this  grand  army  were  appreciated.  It  had 
no  power  to  levy  a  tax.     It  could  not  by  that  means  raise  a  dollar. 

Let  us  bear  in  mind  that  the  country's  foreign  debt  for  means  to 
carry  on  the  war  was  fifty- four  millions  of  dollars  and  their  domes- 
tic or  state  debt  was  twenty-five  millions.  All  that  the  Congress 
could  do  was  done.  It  gave  to  the  brave  and  victorious  army  cer- 
tificates of  the  country's  indebtedness  and  its  promise  to  pay  as 
soon  as  able.  These  men  returned  with  their  certificates  to  homes 
depleted  by  eight  years'  struggles.  They  needed  sustenance,  and 
what  is  so  imperative  as  want  ?  Under  the  stress  of  hard  circum- 
stances, they,  like  Esau,  sold  to  greedy  and  far-sighted  speculators, 
for  a  few  shillings,  the  hard-earned  recompense  their  certificates 
would  have  entitled  them  to  receive,  and  had  the  added  aggrava- 
tion to  see  these  men  pile  up  fortunes  on  them. 

The  good  pastor's  broad  mind  and  generous  heart  grasped  the 
situation.  These  men  must  be  sustained  and  encouraged  in  these 
times  that  tried  men's  souls.  But  did  they  not  try  the  women's  also  ? 
In  the  most  disastrous  conditions  their  fortitude  stood  firm  to  sus- 
tain the  men's  courage.  The  good  pastor  resolved  that,  with  the 
aid  of  the  heroic  women,  their  poverty,  though  it  might  depress, 
should  not  degrade  them.  That  they  should  feel  by  the  respect 
shown  them  that  their  great  and  hard  sufferings  in  the  cause  of 
liberty  were  gratefully  appreciated.  He  would  call  at  the  house  of  one 
of  the  poorest  of  his  flock  some  fine  morning  to  say  that  "  if  the  lady 
would  not  be  specially  engaged,  he  would  like  to  take  tea  with  her 
and  her  family  that  afternoou.  And  when  the  proud  and  grateful 
lady  would  reply  that  he  would  be  most  welcome,  he  would  say. 


BY   MARGUERITE   DALRYMPLE  XXvii 

"  My  dear  Madam,  will  you  do  me  the  favor  to  invite  so  and  so," 
mentioning  the  names  of  six  or  eight  of  his  unfortunate  parishion- 
ers, to  which  she  would  reply,  "  Certainly  sir,"  and  after  the  parting 
salutation  would  retire  to  plan  how  to  provide  for  the  entertainment. 
If  she  happened  to  have  corn  meal,  potatoes  and  a  little  piece  of  pork, 
it  would  be  an  easy  matter,  for  shores  were  clean  then  and  Nep- 
tune's domains  unpolluted  and  abounding  in  fish.  Some  of  her 
family  or  neighbors  would  go  out  and  in  a  short  time  bring  her 
an  ample  supply  of  fish  for  her  to  fry  for  supper.  This  with  her 
nice  potatoes  and  corn  cakes, — for  which  some  dear  mother,  sister 
or  friend  would  bring  butter, — would  make  a  feast  for  Olympus. 
If  some  one  should  bring  a  basket  of  apples  to  grace  her  hospitable 
board  what  need  would  there  have  been  of  gold  or  silver  cake. 

While  she  was  planning,  a  basket  was  brought  by  the  grocer's 
man  with  the  dear  pastor's  best  respects,  containing  an  abundance 
for  the  party,  plenty  of  baker's  flour  loaves,  and  pans  of  gingerbread, 
butter  and  cheese,  tea  and  sugar,  a  big  salt  fish,  and  last  not  least, 
pipes  and  tobacco.  Here  was  everything  really  necessary,  provid- 
ed by  the  pastor's  kind  and  thoughtful  generosity,  but  she  would 
not  give  up  her  own  hospitable  plan,  her  nice  fried  fish,  potatoes  and 
corn  cakes.  When  the  supper  was  ready,  so  appetizing  and  nice, 
was  there  not  a  feast,  not  for  the  stomach  merely,  but  for  the  heart 
and  brain  ? 

Every  one  tried  with  kindest  courtesy  to  make  it  a  happy  occa- 
sion to  all  and  conversation  was  kept  up  in  cheery,  lively  tones. 
The  pastor  and  company  came  at  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  and 
he  met  them  so  graciously,  so  cheerfully,  he  put  them  all  at  ease. 
There  was  no  patronizing  condescension  on  his  part.  All,  by  his 
cordial  courtesy,  were  on  his  level.  He  was  an  admirable  question- 
er and  knew  how  to  elicit  from  each  the  thrilling  tales  of  past 
experience.  One  story  would  follow  another,  keeping  interest  keen- 
ly alive  and  whiling  away  the  hours  till  ten  o'clock  came,  the  good 
pastor  then  going  home  richer  with  the  knowledge  gained  from 
their  books  of  life  and  happier  because  he  had  witnessed  their 
enjoyment,  and  they,  gratified  beyond  measure  by  the  frank  and 
respectful  sociability  of  the  dear  pastor  and  the  cordial  hospitality 
of  their  host  and  hostess.     Could  any  club  do  better  ? 

There  were  no  parish  houses  then,  but  the  good  pastor  had  away 
of  building  them  as  beautiful  as  it  was  unique.  He  had  so  faith- 
fully preached  the  fatherhood  of  God  and  the  brotherhood  of  man, 
that  the  well-to-do  people  of  his  parish  felt  that  these  pastor's  par- 
ties, as  they  were  called,  which  were  of  frequent  occurence,  ought 
not  to  be  managed  and  sustained  by  him  alone.  They  felt  too,  that 
the  freedom,  the  peace,  and  security  of  their  homes  they  owed  to 
these  unfortunate  brothers  and  that  they  ought  to  assume  their 
share  of  the  country's  indebtedness.  So  they  were  glad  to  enter 
into  their  pastor's  plans  for  social  gatherings. 


XXVm  AN   ADDRESS 

There  were  a  goodly  number  of  merchants  and  seafaring  men  in 
his  congregation  amply  able  to  provide.  He  would  call  at  one  of 
their  houses  some  fine  morning  to  inquire,  as  before,  if  the  lady  of 
the  house  would  be  disengaged  that  afternoon  as  he  would  like  to 
take  tea  with  her  and  her  family.  And  when  the  lad}'^  assured  him 
she  would  be  most  happy  to  receive  his  visit  he  would  suggest  the 
names  of  some  very  unfortunate,  saying  he  would  like  to  meet  them, 
if  she  would  be  so  kind  as  to  invite  them.  The  lady  and  her  hus- 
band could  think  of  more  and  were  richly  repaid  for  their  thought- 
fulness  by  their  dear  pastor's  evident  gratification  at  seeing  so  large 
a  party. 

Sometimes  the  gentlemen  and  ladies  of  his  parish  gathered 
together  a  large  number  of  his  flock,  of  which  he  had  no  intimation 
until  he  received  his  invitation.  These  parties  were  great  social 
helps  in  those  trying  times.  They  were  not  only  a  means  of  better 
acquaintance  but  of  a  better  estimation  and  of  mutual  assistance. 
They  truly  promoted  the  spirit  of  the  "  Lend-a-Hand  Clvibs."  They 
were,  in  a  manner,  lyceums  where  the  momentous  topics  of  the  day 
were  freely  discussed,  and  the  pastor,  from  his  ample  stores  of 
knowledge,  could  hold  up  the  solemn  lessons  of  history  to  throw 
light  on  present  events  and  their  tendencies  and  to  teach  that 
equity  and  brotherly  love  should  rule  in  men's  hearts  and  lives. 

There  were  no  hospitals  then,  no  Society  of  Associated  Charities, 
no  King's  Daughters,  but  this  good  pastor,  aided  by  the  willing 
hearts  and  open  hands  of  his  parish,  formed  an  effective  commis- 
sariat in  every  emergency.  He  had  but  to  give  a  few  items  to  the 
lady  of  the  house  to  which  he  had  gone  for  aid,  ending  with,  "  My 
dear  Madam,  your  own  benevolent  heart  will  know  better  than  I 
could  suggest  what  is  required  in  this  case."  Three  or  four  such 
calls  would  open  as  many  depots  of  relief  which  would  fully  pro- 
vide what  was  necessary  and  more.  He  gave  to  all  who  were  able 
to  contribute,  the  privilege  of  the  opportunity  to  join  in  these 
works  of  mercy,  and  it  did  not  matter  whether  this  case  of  need 
was  in  their  own  parish  or  belonged  to  the  great  congregation  of 
the  unchurched  outside.  No  words  could  do  justice  to  his  gentle 
kindness  to  the  sick,  the  suffering  or  the  afflicted,  nor  how  like  the 
bright  sunshine  were  his  visits,  nor  what  peace  of  God  his  benedic- 
tion left  with  them. 

He  took  much  outdoor  exercise  and  went  down  to  the  "  Neck  " 
for  a  constitutional  every  day  when  not  stormy,  and  he  frequently 
was  the  first  to  spy  returning  vessels.  Capt.  George  Crowninshield, 
a  highly  esteemed  parishioner  had  a  tower  built  for  him  on  the 
highest  hill.  It  had  a  square  base  of  granite  masonry  but  the  tower 
was  of  brick  and  wood.  It  had  a  set  of  plank  steps,  set  into  the 
masonry,  winding  to  the  top  which  was  a  heavy  plank  floor.  A  flag- 
staff was  firmly  inserted  in  this  and  from  it  the  flag,  telling  of  the 
safe  arrival  of  some  expected  vessel,  floated  at  the  top,  or  drooped 


BY  MARGUERITE  DALRYMPLE  xxix 

at  half-staff  giving  notice  of  sorrowful  news  impending.  Grateful 
to  his  young  friend  for  this  testimony  of  respect  and  affection,  the 
good  pastor,  spyglass  in  hand,  delighted  to  climb  to  the  top  to 
seek  for  good  news  from  the  Ocean.  This  edifice,  called  "  Bentley's 
Eock."  remained  for  some  years,  but  a  vandalism,  inexcusable 
among  boys,  doomed  it  to  destruction  and  scattered  the  bricks  and 
stones  after  they  had  battered  them  down  so  that  not  a  trace  is  left 
of  the  tower  which  gave  such  pleasure  to  the  good  Pastor  and  was 
so  serviceable  to  the  commiinity  as  a  lookout  and  which,  could  it 
have  been  left,  would  have  been  a  memento  of  the  affectionate  pas- 
torship of  a  hundred  years  ago. 

At  last  after  weary  waiting  we  had  a  government,  and  the  sec- 
ond Congress  under  Washington's  administration  adopted  Hamil- 
ton's noble  and  equitable  plan  for  settling  the  Nation's  affairs,  — a 
plan  as  just  as  it  appeared  to  be  generous.  The  government 
assumed  the  indebtedness  of  the  individual  states  as  well  as  of  the 
United  States  and  its  paper  rose  immediately  from  two  shillings 
and  sixpence  to  twenty  shillings  in  the  pound,  giving  an  impetus  to 
enterprise  unexampled  before.  Commerce  started  into  energetic 
life  and  the  dear  pastor  had  a  season  of  heartfelt  rejoicing  with  his 
flock,  so  long  depressed.  Our  ships  were  on  every  sea  and  when 
hostilities  broke  out  between  Great  Britain  and  France,  they  had 
the  carrying  trade  of  the  world  and  reaped  a  rich  harvest  of  profits. 
This  prosperity  was  not,  however,  to  last  long.  The  first  note  of 
trouble  ahead  was  the  British  order  in  council  declaring  a  blockade 
of  French  ports  from  the  Elbe  to  Brest.  This  was  retaliated  by 
the  French  decree  blockading  the  British  Islands.  Every  one  of 
our  vessels  which  should  attempt  to  run  the  blockade  would  be  in 
danger  of  capture  and  confiscation.  Not  only  in  this  time  of  fear 
and  grief  for  the  loved  ones  of  whose  fate  they  were  ignorant, 
did  his  parish  realize  the  faithful  service  of  their  pastor,  but  in  the 
dreary  and  discouraging  time  when  between  British  orders  in 
council,  French  decrees,  our  own  embargos,  and,  last  not  least,  the 
Non-Intercourse  Act,  our  vessels,  not  captured,  lay  mouldering  at 
the  wharves.  His  heroic  service  in  sustaining  his  people's  courage, 
stood  side  by  side  with  his  noble  efforts  to  allay  the  bitterness  of 
party  strife  between  two  great  political  parties.  The  Federalists 
advocating  a  consolidated  government,  and  the  Kepublicans  main- 
taining the  individual  sovereignty  of  the  States. 

Dr.  Bentley  was  a  Republican,  earnest  and  steadfast,  and  he 
energetically,  by  tongue  and  pen,  maintained  the  principles  of  his 
party  and  showed  to  the  people  the  warnings  to  the  future  by  the 
lessons  of  the  past.  He  furnished  the  foreign  summary  and  the 
leading  editorial  to  the  Essex  Register,  then  the  emphatic  voice  of 
truth  and  reason  for  the  County,  During  the  time  immediately 
preceding,  and  through  the  war  of  1812,  how  faithfully  he  por- 
trayed the  dignity  of  patience,  the  heroism  of  fortitude,  when   the 


XXX  AN    ADDRESS 

aggressive  arrogance  of  the  British  claiming  the  right  of  search 
caused  a  thrill  of  indignation  throughout  the  land.  He  stood 
among  his  people  like  a  prophet  of  old,  guarding  them  against  de- 
spondency and  heralding  victory  and  success  by  the  light  of  reason 
in  his  steady  lamp  of  hope. 

Towards  the  close  of  the  war,  a  British  force  under  Gen.  Ross 
sailed  up  the  Chesapeake,  landed,  and  perpetrated  its  disgraceful 
outrage  on  our  new  capital,  Washington,  by  burning  its  public 
buildings,  and  then  tiirned  northward  to  commit  further  deeds  of  de- 
struction. All  hearts  trembled  for  Baltimore  whither  they  were 
bound.  The  troops  stationed  there,  aided  by  the  militia,  forced 
them  to  retire  with  the  loss,  among  many  others,  of  Gen.  Ross  who 
was  killed  in  the  battle.  The  good  news  was  brought  to  Salem  on 
Sunday.  A  gentleman  entered  the  front  door  of  the  East  Church, 
in  the  middle  of  the  sermon  and  walked  toward  the  pulpit.  Dr. 
Bentley  stopped  and  leaned  forward,  saying,  "What  news.  Sir?" 
On  receiving  the  answer  he  stretched  up  his  arms  at  full  length, 
exclaiming  in  loud  exulting  tones,  "  Glory  to  God,  Glory  to  God, 
Baltimore  is  saved !"  At  this  the  joyful  exclamations  of  the 
people  filled  the  house  with  a  mighty  sound  and  pastor  and  people, 
moved  by  one  impulse,  hastened  out  to  hear  the  full  account  of 
the  glad  tidings. 

On  another  Sunday,  in  the  middle  of  the  service,  one  of  the 
parish,  Capt.  George  Crowninshield,  came  to  the  western  end  win- 
dow, which  was  in  the  pew  of  Deacon  James  Brown,  and  told  him 
of  the  rumor  that  the  Constitution  was  in  Marblehead  harbor,  in 
danger  of  capture  by  two  British  cruisers.  Dr.  Bentley  stopped  at 
once  to  inquire  "  Mr.  Brown,  is  there  any  news?"  And  when  the 
news  was  reported  he  said,  "  This  is  a  time  for  action  not  words, 
let  us  go  to  do  what  we  can  to  save  the  Constitution  and  may  God 
be  with  us,  Amen."  Seizing  his  hat  he  rushed  out  with  the  men,  each 
resolved  to  do  and  dare  his  utmost.  A  highly  esteemed  member  of 
his  parish,  Capt.  Joseph  Perkins,  was  keeper  of  the  lighten  Baker's 
island.  He  was  a  most  skilful  pilot  and  knew  every  rock,  shoal 
and  channel  of  the  locality.  He  saw  the  Constitution's  peril  and 
resolved  to  save  her  as  he  alone  could.  He  went  to  her  in  his  little 
boat  and  assumed  his  duty  as  pilot.  The  tide  was  at  ebb  and  the 
commander  of  the  frigate  seeing  the  shoal  water  in  the  little  chan- 
nels through  which  the  pilot  was  steering  the  precious  vessel,  so 
dear  to  the  country  and  to  him,  was  dismayed  at  the  risk.  How- 
~Bver,  the  pilot  persevered  till  he  had  brought  her  into  a  safe  place 
under  the  protection  of  our  forts.  What  a  thanksgiving  there  was 
over  this  heroic  feat  of  her  salvation  by  our  brave  and  skilful 
townsman. 

The  first  Catholics  in  Salem  were  French  people,  refugees  from 
British  tyranny.  They  were  few  in  number  and  poor.  Bishop 
Cheverus  came,  as  soon  as  he  heard  of  them,  to  their  relief.     They 


BY  MARGUERITE   DALRYJfPLE  XXXI 

needed  care  and  they  needed  sympathy.  There  were  no  travelling 
conveniences  then  and  in  cases  of  emergency  he  could  not  get  or 
send  to  them  in  time.  They  must  have  help  near  at  hand.  To  whom 
should  he  apply  ?  There  were  St.  Peter's  Episcopal  and  two  other 
Orthodox  churches  all  having  the  same  creed  as  his.  He  did  not 
go  them.  He  went  to  the  young  pastor,  so  liberal  in  his  belief  and 
preaching,  who  was  the  first  preacher  of  liberal  Christianity  in 
Salem  and  by  these  Orthodox  people  called  an  infidel.  Through 
that  mysterious  telegraphy  of  God,  by  which  great  souls  know  and 
appreciate  each  other,  he  came  to  him  in  perfect  confidence  that 
there  would  be  no  attempts  to  proselyte  them.  Faithfully  did  the 
good  pastor  care  for  these  unfortunate  people.  He  spoke  French 
like  a  Parisian  and  how  glad  were  they  in  their  own  tongue  to  tell 
the  story  of  their  sorrows  to  this  good  friend  and  how  they  appre- 
ciated his  kind  and  sympathetic  visits,  charitable  in  every  sense  of 
the  word.  His  respectful  sympathy  won  their  hearts  and  they 
loved  him  as  they  did  their  good  Bishop  and  no  friendship  was 
ever  more  sacred  and  sincere,  more  honorable  and  heartfelt,  than 
that  between  the  good  Catholic  Bishop  and  our  beloved  pastor. 

Returning  from  a  constitutional  after  the  sunset  of  a  bitterly 
cold  Saturday  afternoon  he  saw,  on  Court  street,  then  our  market 
for  hay  and  country  wood,  a  man  pacing  back  and  forth  by  a 
wood  cart,  disheartened  by  cold  and  disappointment.  The  only 
thing  to  help  was  to  buy  the  wood,  which  he  did,  telling  the  man  to 
lay  the  wood  carefully  by  the  sidewalk  so  as  not  to  impede  the  foot 
passengers  or  to  interfere  with  the  cart  road,  because  it  could  not 
be  taken  care  of  till  Monday  morning.  The  Doctor  was  busy  in 
some  study  about  midnight  when  he  heard  some  one  at  the  wood. 
Carefully  covering  his  light  he  looked  through  an  orifice  in  the 
window  shutter  and  saw  to  his  astonishment  a  woman  going  down 
the  opposite  street  with  a  log  of  wood  in  her  arms.  She  went  into 
the  yard  of  a  house  where  lived  a  man  degraded  by  intemperance. 
In  a  few  minutes  she  returned  for  another  log.  In  a  short  time  she 
came  again  for  another,  looking  cautiously  around  each  time  to  be 
sure  that  no  one  was  on  the  street  to  see  her.  The  good  man 
stood  spellbound  at  his  post  of  observation.  She  came  out  again 
but  not  empty  handed.  She  was  bringing  back  one  of  the  logs. 
After  depositing  it  on  the  pile  she  hurried  back  with  flying  feet  for 
another  and  another,  throwing  down  the  last  with  force  as  if  to 
say,  "  I  have  not  stolen,  I  have  not  taken  what  does  not  belong  to 
me,"  and  she  walked  away  down  the  street  with  proud  steps.  The 
good  pastor  was  profoundly  impressed  by  this  battle  between  temp- 
tation and  conscience.  How  it  was  decided  by  the  victorioiis  con- 
science he  could  not  know.  The  time  which  must  elapse  before  he 
could  send  relief  to  her  seemed  long  to  him.  Early  on  Monday 
morning  he  went  to  the  wood  wharf  and  bought  a  load  of  wood  for 
her,  charging  the  teamster  to  say  to  her  inquiry  that  it  was  sent  by 


XXXll  AN   ADDRESS 

a  friend.  Shortly  after  the  wood,  came  a  supply  of  groceries  with 
the  same  message.  He  told  the  story  of  the  great  battle  and 
signal  victory  of  that  dreary  Saturday  night,  so  honorable  to  the 
poor  woman,  to  a  few  ladies  of  his  parish  and  enlisted  their  hearty 
sympathy  so  that  relief  came  to  her  in  many  w^ays. 

In  those  hard  times  of  hard  thinking  and  hard  work,  amusements 
had  little  scope.  The  idea  of  picnics  had  not  dawned.  The  pastor's 
parties  were  for  adults  and  elderly  people  in  which  children  did  not 
mingle.  The  pastor  felt  that  children  must  be  attended  to.  He  must 
hold  direct  and  intimate  association  with  them  by  themselves. 
This  he  managed  by  inviting,  at  a  time,  a  dozen  or  fifteen  children 
of  nearly  the  same  age,  to  take  a  walk  with  him  on  the  Neck.  He 
would  call  on  two  or  three  families  and  get  their  children  to  invite 
the  others  whom  he  named.  He  never  left  anything  to  chance. 
His  calls  would  be  in  the  morning  of  a  very  fine  day  so  as  to  be 
sure  that  the  weather  would  be  favorable.  The  children  were  to 
meet  at  his  house  at  two  o'clock  precisely  when  he  would  be  ready 
to  start  with  them.  He  would  train  their  powers  of  observation 
by  calling  their  attention  to  many  things  worth  notice.  Sometimes 
the  topic  would  be  trees.  He  would  talk  to  them  about  their  trunks, 
limbs,  branches,  leaves,  fruits  or  seeds  by  which  their  life  was 
transmitted  to  future  times.  Then  about  what  latitude  meant  in 
the  manner  of  their  growth  and  how  all  vegetation  was  adapted  to 
climates;  that  certain  climates  were  adapted  to  certain  growths.  He 
would  direct  their  attention  to  such  trees  as  they  might  find  in  the 
course  of  their  walk,  or  such  as  might  be  in  their  gardens,  or  neigh- 
borhoods, to  notice  the  variety  in  the  shape  of  their  foliage,  the 
wonderful  changes  there  would  be  from  the  spring  when  first  the 
leaves  would  appear,  to  the  autumn  when  the  trees  would  be  clad 
in  garments  of  various  bright  and  gorgeous  hues,  and  reverently 
spoke  to  them  of  the  kindness  of  the  dear  Father  in  providing  them, 
not  only  to  refresh  us  with  their  shade  and  delight  us  with  their 
beauty,  but  who  had  loaded  so  many  of  them  with  rich  and  deli- 
cious fruit  for  our  nourishment  and  enjoyment.  At  another  time 
he  would  open  their  eyes  as  it  were  to  the  wealth  of  the  grasses  and 
grains,  clean  and  delicate  food,  not  only  for  human  beings  but  for 
birds  and  beasts,  and  how  impossible  it  would  be  for  us  to  enjoy 
the  cow's  sweet  milk  and  butter  and  cheese  which  add  so  much 
pleasure  to  our  meals,  were  it  not  for  the  rich  and  nourishing  food 
which  the  grasses  supply.  On  another  day  the  talk  would  be  of 
the  sweet  flowers  with  which  the  dear  Father  has  beautified  the 
lonely  hillsides  as  well  as  the  cultivated  gardens,  the  elegance  of 
their  forms,  their  exquisite  fragrance  and  their  medicinal  uses  and 
that  we  owed  to  them  the  honey  which  the  busy  bees  so  industri- 
ously gather.  At  another  time  he  would  lead  their  observation  to 
the  mosses,  the  opulent  variety  of  their  forms  and  shades  of  the 
ever  refreshing  green,  from  the  dry  mosses  of  the  rocks  on  the  hills, 


—      ^    tin 


BY   MARGUERITE  DALRYMPLE  XXXlll 

to  the  rich  verdure  of  those  in  wet  and  swampy  places.  On  another 
day  he  would  discourse  to  them  about  the  rocks,  their  formation, 
the  revelations  they  could  make  of  the  wonderful  progress  of  the 
works  of  nature  through  the  long  ages.  Of  the  opulence  of  their 
immense  variety  from  the  building  stones  to  the  precious  diamonds 
which  flash  in  the  crowns  of  kings  and  in  the  jewelry  which  people 
wear.  Sometimes  their  walk  would  be  to  the  sea-shore  where  the 
children  could  gather  the  tiny  shells,  the  little  stones  smoothed 
and  polished  by  the  action  of  the  waves,  and  the  seaweeds,  as  they 
are  called,  and  he  would  show  to  their  delighted  gaze  the  richness 
of  their  coloring  and  the  fragile  delicacy  of  their  forms  and  con- 
trast them  with  the  great  kelp  leaves  floating  in,  that  they  might 
form  some  idea  of  the  wonders  and  beauties  of  the  world  beneath 
the  waves.  At  another  time  their  talk  would  be  of  the  ocean,  of 
which  they  coixld  see  a  small  part,  of  its  regular  tides,  of  its 
storms,  of  its  mighty  power,  of  its  innumerable  multitudes  of  fishes 
of  all  sorts,  from  the  tiny  fishes  they  saw  rushing  swiftly  by  in 
schools,  to  the  great  whales  and  other  massive  creatures  of  the 
deep. 

After  the  talks  and  the  walks  he  led  them  to  what  is  now  called 
the  Juniper  House.  Then  it  was  a  new  and  pretty  house,  built  and 
owned  by  one  of  his  respected  parishioners,  Capt.  Allen.  It  was 
called  Allen's  farmhouse.  The  farmer  who  cultivated  the  farm 
lived  there  all  the  time,  but  Capt.  Allen  was  there  only  in  the  sum- 
mer. There  was  a  veranda  facing  the  water  and  the  pastor  led 
the  children  into  it  to  rest  till  the  farmer's  wife  called  them  to  the 
supper  he  had  ordered  in  the  morning.  Por  drink  they  had  water, 
milk  as  much  as  they  wished,  and  one  little  cup  of  "  frightened"  cof- 
fee. The  eatables  were  most  appetizing  to  the  hungry  children;  baked 
potatoes,  fried  cunners  and  the  good  lady's  hot  biscuits  and  butter, 
and  a  little  fruit,  if  attainable  as  it  generally  was.  At  sunset,  the  child- 
ren, rested  and  refreshed,  started  on  their  walk  home  with  their  be- 
loved friend,  delighted  with  the  wonderful  things  he  had  told 
them  and  showed  them  and,  last  not  least,  the  delicious  treat  they 
had  enjoyed  with  him.  Surely  they  loved  him  for  they  were  sure  he 
loved  them.  He  had  no  Sabbath  school.  There  were  none  then. 
But  were  not  those  days,  when  their  beloved  friend  introduced  them 
to  the  wonders  of  the  dear  God's  providence,  sacred  to  moral  train- 
ing as  much  as  that  found  in  the  Sabbath  school  ? 

There  were  in  those  days  no  Sabbath  school  accommodations,  no 
books  of  religious  instruction,  no  little  army  of  teachers  intent  on 
their  beautiful  work  and  devoted  to  it,  no  music,  no  libraries. 
Were  not  the  lovely  afternoons,  the  children  of  the  East  parish 
spent  with  their  beloved  friend  when,  with  his  inspiring  eloquence, 
he  talked  to  them  of  the  glory  of  the  dear  God's  works,  as  seen  in 
the  processes  of  nature,  His  great  book  of  records  which  is  ever 
before  us  for  our  instruction  and  delight,  a   prophetic   premonition 


XXXIV  AN   ADDRESS 

of  the  privileges  now  enjoyed  and  were  they  not  as  good  a  substi- 
tute as  a  widely  liberal  mind  and  generous  heart  could  devise,  to 
impart  to  the  children  some  of  the  wealth  of  his  far-reaching 
knowledge  ? 

The  good  pastor  evidently  did  not  believe  in  vacations  for 
boys,  and  he  as  little  approved  of  staying  away  from  church. 
When  he  iirst  came  to  Salem  he  found  that  an  elderly  man  belong- 
ing to  the  parish  did  not  go  to  meeting  and  had  not  gone  for  years. 
He  inquired  about  him  and  people  said,  "Oh,  Dicky  is  well  but  he 
won't  go  to  Church.  He  has  not  been  for  years.  You  could  not  get 
him  to  go."  The  pastor  determined  to  try.  He  called  on  him  and 
after  a  little  talk,  asked  why  he  had  never  had  the  pleasure  of  see- 
ing him  at  church?  Dicky  pointed  to  his  shoes  and  said,  "These 
'ere  shoes  don't  look  fit  t3  go  to  meetin."  "Well,"  said  the  pastor, 
''You  shall  have  a  pair  before  Sunday  which  will  be  fit."  He 
bought  a  good  easy  pair  of  shoes  and  sent  them.  But  Dicky  did 
not  go  to  meeting.  Soon  after  the  pastor  called  to  see  if  he  were 
ill.  No,  he  was  well,  but  his  hat  was  not  in  good  condition  as  he 
could  wish.  A  hat  was  promised  and  sent  and  still  Dicky  did  not 
make  his  appearance.  Another  call  revealed  the  fact  that  another 
article  of  clothing  was  needed.  It  was  furnished.  And  still  anoth- 
er disappointment.  Dicky  did  not  come.  The  good  man's  patience 
was  as  inexhaustible  as  his  benevolence.  He  must  have  taken, 
like  Mr,  Angell  in  his  noble  and  tireless  work,  "Nil  desperandum" 
for  a  motto.  He  called  the  next  day  to  express  his  disappointment, 
for  he  really  had  hoped  for  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  him  at  church. 
And  he  had  a  genuine  pity  for  the  poor  man's  lonely  situation. 
Dicky  was  sorry  to  see  how  much  he  had  disappointed  his  patient 
and  faithful  friend.  He  stood  up  and  said,  "Now,  parson,  this  ere 
coat  don't  seem  to  'sociate.'"  "Is  that  so  ?  Well  you  shall  have  a 
coat  that  will  before  next  Sunday."  He  lost  no  time  in  going  to  a 
tailor  to  bespeak  a  coat  that  would  "sociate."  No  doubt  it  was  made 
at  the  lowest  price  the  tailor  could  afford,  for  no  one  would  take 
advantage  of  the  generous  pastor.  It  was  sent  with  his  best 
respects  and  the  hope  that  he  should  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing 
him  at  church  next  day.  And  sure  enough,  his  patience  and  perse- 
verance were  crowned  with  success.  Dicky  was  at  church.  As  soon 
as  benediction  was  pronounced  the  pastor  hurried  down  to  shake 
hands  with  him,  to  bid  him  welcome,  and  to  tell  him  how  great  was 
his  pleasure  at  seeing  him  there.  Quite  a  number  of  the  elderly  men 
and  women  came  also  to  shake  hands  and  bid  him  a  most  hearty 
welcome.  Dicky's  heart  was  touched.  Never  before  in  any  house 
had  he  received  such  a  hearty  welcome  as  had  been  given  him  that 
day  in  that  house  of  God.  And  he  resolved  to  deserve  it.  He 
would  go  to  church  hereafter  ;  and  he  did  go,  regardless  of  storms, 
till  his  last  sickness.  Dicky  had  always  had  a  good  library  ;  a  Bi- 
ble and  an  almanac.    The  latter  he  had  consulted  for  changes  of  the 


BY  MARGUERITE  DALRYMPLE  XXXV 

moon,  &c.,  but  the  Bible  lay  under  its  coat  of  dust  imtouched.  It 
had  never  amused  or  instructed  him.  Of  late,  the  sermons  and  the 
readings  of  the  pastor  had  opened  it  for  him  as  a  source  of  in- 
struction and  comfort.  The  pastor  had  taken  the  initiative  in  his  mild 
and  gentle  way  ;  he  had  drawn  him  into  the  church  to  receive  its 
consolations,  out  of  his  desolate  condition,  careless  of  himself  and 
uncared  for  by  others.  He  now  found  the  Sundays  delightful.  He 
heard  two  sermons,  rich  in  noble  and  inspiring  thought,  prayers  full 
of  gratitude  to  the  Father  of  Mercies,  and  full  of  faith  in  his  infin- 
ite love.  Is  it  any  wonder  that,  in  his  heart,  he  carried  home  these 
and  the  sweet  music  of  the  psalms  and  hymns  he  had  heard  in  the 
church,  to  cheer  the  hours  which  before  had  been  so  vacant?  And 
was  not  this  brightening  of  his  closing  years  a  rich  benediction  on 
the  patient  perseverance  of  the  faithful  pastor  ?  The  gentlemen 
and  ladies  of  the  parish  afterwards,  through  the  rest  of  his  life, 
took  a  special  pleasure  in  providing  suitable  clothing  for  the  now 
happy  and  grateful  old  man. 

The  good  pastor  arranged  as  often  as  possible,  little  parties  with 
an  aged  couple,  in  his  benevolent  desire  to  relieve  by  some  cheer- 
ful variety  the  monotony  of  their  painful  trials.  The  old  gentle- 
man's early  and  most  of  his  later  life  had  been  spent  on  the  ocean. 
But  now  he  was  a  helpless  cripple  ;  prisoner  to  chronic  rheumatism. 
They  lived  in  a  small  house.  The  front  room  was  small,  designed 
for  a  shop  but  not  then  used  for  that  purpose.  The  back  room, 
quite  a  sizable  apartment,  served  for  various  uses, — kitchen,  eating 
room  and  parlor.  Generally  the  parlor  floor  was  decorated  with 
dotted  sand,  but  when  the  pastor's  party  was  expected,  mats  were 
spread  for  the  guests.  The  rest  of  the  room  had  the  sand  streaked 
over  the  clean  floor  in  a  fashion  called  herring-bone.  One  moining 
the  pastor  summoned  the  old  lady,  who  was  deaf,  by  a  loud  knock- 
ing on  the  wooden  half-door  of  the  shop,  the  glass  upper  part  hav- 
ing been  put  back  to  admit  the  fresh  air.  He  had  called  to  inquire 
for  the  aged  sufferer  and  having  received  a  pretty  comfortable  re- 
port asked  permission  to  take  tea  with  them.  The  old  lady  gladly 
gave  it  knowing  the  pleasure  it  would  give  to  her  husband  as  well 
as  herself.  He  then  said,  *'My  dear  Madam,  will  you  do  me  the 
favor  to  invite  Grandsir  and  Grandm'am,  Uncle  and  Auntie  and 
the  Misses  ?"  These  were  highly  esteemed  friends  of  the  aged  cou- 
ple and  bright  cheerful  people  who  would  bring  cheer  to  the  inva- 
lid when  they  came,  and  leave  the  memory  of  happy  hours  when 
they  left  him.  It  happened  that  morning  that  the  parson  had  lin- 
gered a  few  minutes  beside  the  door  to  speak  to  some  children. 
Children  all  over  the  town  would  run  to  salute  him  and  to  receive 
kind  words  from  him.  Short  as  the  time  was,  it  was  long  enough 
for  him  to  hear  a  colloquy  between  the  old  lady  and  her  husband. 
*'Who  was  there  ?"  "Our  dear  pastor;  he  is  coming  to  tea  and  we 
are  going  to  have  a  little  party,  but  what  shall  I  do,  the  teapot's 


XXX VI  AN   ADDRESS 

broke."  Swiftly  he  sped  down  to  the  grocery  at  the  corner  and 
quickly  as  possible,  the  grocer's  basket,  holding  beside  the  usual 
provisions  a  nice  teapot,  was  sent  with  the  pastor's  best  respects  to 
the  old  lady  to  relieve  her  dilemma. 

She  took  great  pleasure  in  preparing  for  her  guests.  She  would 
spread  a  snow-white  cloth  over  the  large  table  near  the  wall  of  the 
eating-room  and  put  a  big  tray  with  her  fine  China  tea-set  on  it  so 
that  it  could  be  easily  arranged.  And  she  would  make  a  nimble  cake  to 
be  baked  on  a  board  before  the  fire  near  tea  time  so  that  her  friends 
might  have  the  hot  cake  to  eat  with  sweet  sauce,  a  favorite  substi- 
tute for  pie.  A  fund  of  entertainment  was  brought  to  the  old  gen- 
tleman that  afternoon  to  banish  pain  and  promote  laughter.  Each 
member  of  the  party  possessing  a  keen  sense  of  the  ridiculous, 
amusing  incidents,  odd  adventures,  and  funny  stories  followed  each 
other  in  mirthful  succession  till  the  hour  of  parting  came,  all  too 
soon.  Before  saying  "  good  bye,"  the  good  pastor  spoke  of  the  duty 
and  beauty  of  cheerfulness,  that  it  was  produced  by  difficulties, 
and  educated  by  the  sharp  trials  of  the  school  of  affliction,  but 
once  attained  it  could  lift  the  burthen  of  our  crosses.  And  what 
gratitude  we  owed  to  the  Father  of  Mercies  for  the  providence  that 
out  of  the  trials  we  were  too  apt  to  call  misfortunes,  should  spring 
the  richest  graces  which  can  adorn  human  nature.  The  aged  cou- 
ple, grateful  to  their  dear  friend,  were  comforted  by  the  treasure  he 
had  revealed  to  them,  a  wider  and  higher  sense  of  the  mercy  of  the 
dear  God. 

Dr.  Bentley's  last  evening  was  spent  with  a  large  parish  party 
at  the  house  of  Capt.  James  Fairfield,  a  highly  respected  parishion- 
er who  had  just  returned  from  a  long  voyage.  The  good  pastor 
boarded  with  Mrs.  Crowninshield  in  the  house  nearly  opposite 
Union  street.  It  was  his  custom  before  retiring  to  call  on  the  old 
lady  and  bid  her  ''good  night."  Leaning  on  the  back  of  her  chair  he 
was  telling  her  what  a  pleasant  and  interesting  party  it  was,  when 
he  stopped,  and  asked  her  daughter.  Miss  Hannah,  for  a  glass  of 
water.  She  handed  it  as  quickly  as  possible.  He  took  it,  raised  it  to 
his  lips  and  fell.  Help  was  called  immediately  but  his  fine  spirit 
had  passed  beyond  recall.  If  ever  anyone  deserved  to  receive  the 
heavenly  welcome  surely  did  this  beloved  pastor.  "Well  done  good 
and  faithful  servant.     Enter  thoii  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord." 


Plan  of  Arrangements 

AT  THE 

FUNERAL  OF  DR.  BENTLEY, 


The  Wall  Pews  of  the  East  Meeting  House  are  assigned  for' 
the  use  of  the  Ladies.  Pews  on  the  floor  of  the  house,  east  of 
the  fii'ont  aisle,  are  assigned  for  the  use  of  the  ffaternity  of  Free 
and  Accepted  Masons,  and  the  Clergy. 

Committee  to  attend  the  House,  to  see  the  arrangements  ear- 
ned into  effect — William  Silsbee,  Robert  Stone,  Edwauv 
Stanley,  William  A.  Rogers,  Franklin  H.  Story^  HabsT 
Prince. 

The  doors  will  be  open  to  the  Ladies,  the  Society  of  MasOBS;; 
and  the  Clergy,   at  the  tolling  of  the  fii-st  bell. 

The  male  members  of  the  East  Society  will  meet  atthf  house 
of  George  Hodges,  Esq.  at  the  tolling  of  the  first  bell,  whence 
they  will  move  in  procession  with  the  Clergymen  who  are  the 
pall-bearers,  to  the  Meeting  House.  Ladies  will  not  walk  in  the 
procession.  After  the  services,  the  Funeral  procession  will 
form,  and  proceed  directly  to  the  New  Burying  Ground,  in  the 
following  order ; — 

Masonic  l?rocesftiotx. 

HeNeretid  CVergy- 

18,e\at\oTis. 

Mcmbeta  oi  tlae  CVvweli. 

Society. 

J!l\uiic\pai  and  other  Pwblvo  AvitVioiitiei. 

Citizens. 

It  is  wished  by  the  Committee  that  the  male  membersl  of  the 
Society  wear  Crape  on  the  left  arm. 

By  direetion  of  the  Committee  of  the  East  Society, 

ANDREW  DUNLAP. 

8AMM,  Jan.  1,  iSHO. 


BIBLIOGRAPHY. 

COMPILED  BY  ALICE  G.  WATERS. 


A  Collection  of  Psalms  and  Hymns  for  Publick  Worship.  Salem. 
Printed  by  Dabney  and  Gushing.     [1789.]     24  mo.    [166  pp.] 

A  Sermon,  preached  at  the  Stone  Chapel  in  Boston,  September  12, 
1790.  By  William  Bentley,  A.  M.  Pastor  of  the  Second  Congre- 
gational Church  in  Salem,  Published  at  the  request  of  the  hearers. 
Boston  :  Printed  by  Samuel  Hall,  at  Ko.  53,  Cornhill.  MDCCXC. 
8vo.  24  pp. 

A  Sermon,  delivered  in  the  East  Meeting-House,  Salem,  on  Sun- 
day Morning,  March  13 :  occasioned  by  the  Death  of  Jonathan 
Gardner,  Esq.  Master  of  the  Marine  Society  in  Salem  ;  who  died 
March  2,  1791,  set.  63.  By  William  Bentley,  A.  M.  Pastor  of  the 
Second  Congregational  Church  in  Salem.  Printed  at  Salem,  by 
Thomas  C.  Cushing.  MDCCXCI.  8vo.  32  pp.  [ed.  400  cop.  See 
Bentley's  Diary,  5  April,  1791.] 

Letter  from  Rev.  Mr.  Bentley  to  the  Corresponding  Secretary. 
[Concerning  the  Abbe  de  Mably.]  (In  Massachusetts  Historical 
Society  Collections,  1st  series,  vol.  4,  1795.  pp.  157-8.) 

A  Collection  of  Psalms  and  Hymns,  for  Public  Worship.  Second 
edition.  Printed  by  William  Carlton,  Salem.  1795.  24mo.  149  -\- 
[6]pp. 

A  Sermon,  preached  before  the  Ancient  and  Honourable  Artil- 
lery Company,  in  Boston,  June  6,  1796,  being  the  Anniversary  of 
their  Election  of  Officers.  By  William  Bentley,  A.  M.  Pastor  of 
the  Second  Congregational  Church  in  Salem.  [Greek  quotation,  1 
line.]     Boston  :  Printed  by  Manning  &  Loring.  1796.  8vo.  23  pp. 

A  Funeral  Discourse,  delivered  in  the  East  Meeting-House, 
Salem,  on  the  Sunday  after  the  Death  of  Major  General  John  Eiske, 
who  died  September  28,  1797.  £et.  53.  By  Wm.  Bentley,  A.  M. 
Pastor  of  the  Second  Congregational  Church  in  Salem.  Beati  resur- 
gimus.  Min.  Felix.  Printed  at  Salem,  by  Thomas  C.  Cushing. 
1797.  8vo.  37  pp. 

A  Discourse,  Delivered  in  Roxbury,  October  12,  5796 ;  before 
the  Grand  Lodge  of  Free  and  Accepted  Masons  in  the  Common- 
wealth of  Massachusetts ;  (The  Most  Worshipful  Paul  Revere, 
Esq;  Master.)  at  the  request  of  the  members  of  Washington  Lodge, 
on  occasion  of  the  consecration  of  the  Lodge  and  the  instalation  of 
officers.     By  the   Rev.  Brother  William  Bentley,  A.  M.  F.  H.  S. 


XXXVIU  BIBLIOGKAPHY    OP 

Sperata  voluptas  suavis  amicitiae,  quemvis  perferre  laborem,  sua- 
det. — Lucretius.     Boston  :  William  Spotswood.     1797.  8vo.  21  pp. 

A  Discourse,  delivered  at  Amherst,  August  10,  1797 ;  before  the 
Most  Worshipful  Nathaniel  Adams,  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  New- 
hampshire,  and  the  officers  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Massachusetts ; 
at  the  installation  of  the  Benevolent  Lodge,  under  the  Right  Wor- 
shipful Samuel  Dana,  Esq.  Fides  antiquitatis,  religione  fir- 
matur.  Tacitus  de  moribus  germ. — Collocatas  esse  scio  columnas, 
quibus  runse,  ad  evocandos  mortuos  efficases,  simt  inscriptse.  Edda. 
By  the  Rev.  Brother  William  Bentley,  A.  M.  F.  H.  S.  Samuel 
Preston,  Printer.  1797.  8vo.  24  pp. 

A  Charge  delivered  before  the  Morning  Star  Lodge,  in  Worcester, 
Massachusetts,  upon  the  festival  of  Saint  John  the  Baptist,  June 
25,  A.  L.  5798.  By  the  Rev.  Brother  William  Bentley,  of  Salem, 
Massachusetts.  Published  at  the  request  of  the  Brethren.  Wor- 
cester :  From  the  press  of  Brother  Isaiah  Thomas,  Jun.  June,  A.  L. 
5798.  8vo.  36  pp. 

An  Address,  delivered  in  the  Essex  Lodge,  upon  the  Festival  of 
St.  John  the  Evangelist,  at  the  induction  of  the  officers  by  Brother 
Joseph  Hiller,  Past  Master,  and  Brother  Benjamin  Hodges,  Master 
Elect.  December  27,  1798.  By  William  Bentley,  Member  of  Es- 
sex Lodge.  "To  receive  guests  with  honour,  is  the  sacrament  of 
men."  Institutes  of  menu.  "  If,  in  the  instructions  we  give  to 
others,  we  inquire  not  into  the  experience  and  institutions  of  past 
ages,  how  can  we  profit  mankind?"  Chou-king.  Printed  at  Salem, 
by  Joshua  Gushing.     1799.  8vo.  31  pp. 

A  Description  and  History  of  Salem,  by  the  Rev.  William  Bent- 
ley. (In  Massachusetts  Historical  Society  Collections,  1st  series, 
vol.  6,  1799.  pp.  212-288.)     Boston,  1800.  8vo. 

A  Funeral  Discourse,  delivered  in  the  East  Meeting  House,  Sa- 
lem. On  Sunday,  15th  April,  1804.  the  day  after  the  interment  of 
Benjamin  Hodges,  A.  B.,  only  son  of  Captain  Benjamin  and  Hannah 
Hodges,  aged  XIX.  By  William  Bentley,  Minister  of  the  Second 
Congregational  Church  in  Salem.  Benjamin,  a  son  of  my  right 
hand. — Jacob.  Very  dear  to  me. — David.  From  a  child  thou  hast 
known  the  Holy  Scriptures. — Paul.  Salem:  Printed  by  William 
Carlton.  1804.  12mo.  23  pp. 

A  Sermon,  delivered  July  2,  1806,  at  the  Ordination  of  Mr. 
Joseph  Richardson,  A.  M.  to  the  pastoral  care  of  the  church  and 
congregation  of  the  First  Parish  in  Hingham.  By  the  Rev.  Wil- 
liam Bentley,  A.  M.  Pastor  of  the  Second  Church  in  Salem. 
Boston  :  Printed  by  Hosea  Sprague.  1806.  8vo.  24  pp. 

A  Discourse,  delivered  in  the  East  Meeting-House  in  Sa- 
lem, September  2,  1807,  at  the  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Salem  Fe- 
male Charitable  Society.  By  William  Bentley,  Minister  of  the 
Second  Church  in  Salem.  Salem  :  Printed  by  Pool  &  Palfray. 
1807.  8vo.  27  pp. 


REV.   WILLIAM  BENTLEY  XXXIX 

A  Sermon,  before  the  Governor,  the  Honorable  Council,  and  both 
Branches  of  the  Legislature  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Massachu- 
setts, on  the  day  of  General  Election,  May  27,  1807.  By  William 
Bentley,  A.  M.  IVlinister  of  the  Second  Church  in  Salem.  Boston  : 
Printed  by  Adams  and  Ehoades,  Printers  to  the  State.  1807.  8vo. 
25  pp. 

A  Collection  of  Psalms  and  Hymns  for  Public  Worship.  Third 
edition.  Boston :  Printed  by  Rowe  &  Hooper.  1814.  24mo.  144  pp. 

Washington's  Birth-Day  Oration,  at  Salem,  Mass.,  February  22, 
1793.  By  Rev.  William  Bentley,  D.  D.  Now  first  Printed  from 
the  Original  Manuscript,  belonging  to  IMiss  Mary  R.  Crowninshield, 
Charlestown,  Mass.  (In  Historical  Magazine  (Dawson),  2nd 
series,  vol.  VII.,  1870,  pp.  3-8.) 

Selections  from  the  papers  of  Rev.  William  Bentley,  D.  D.,  of 
Salem,  Massachusetts.  Prom  the  originals,  in  the  Collection  of 
Miss  Mary  Crowninshield,  of  Charlestown,  Massachusetts.  (In 
Historical  Magazine  (Dawson) ,  2nd  series,  vol.  VIII.,  1870,  pp. 
339-342.) 

Selections  from  the  papers  of  Rev.  William  Bentley,  D.  D.,  of 
Salem,  Mass. — Continued  from  Series  II.,  Volume  X.,  Page  113. 
Prom  the  Originals,  in  the  Collection  of  Miss  Mary  R.  Crowninshield, 
of  Charlestown,  Mass.  (In  Historical  Magazine  (Dawson),  3rd 
series,  vol.  II.,  1873,  pp.  244-252.) 

Selections  from  the  papers  of  Rev.  William  Bentley,  D.  D  ,  of  Sa- 
lem, Mass. — Concluded  from  the  November  number.  From  the 
Originals,  in  the  Collection  of  Miss  Mary  R.  Crowninshield,  of 
Charlestown,  Mass.  (In  Historical  Magazine  (Dawson),  3rd  series, 
vol.  II..  1873,  pp.  3G4-367.) 

Selections  from  Dr.  W.  Bentley 's  correspondence.  Comprising 
Letters  from  James  Freeman,  Jeremy  Belknap,  James  Winthrop, 
Levi  Lincoln,  John  Smith,  Samuel  L.  Mitchell,  Joseph  B.  Varnum, 
Wm.  Bentley  and  others.  Communicated  by  Miss  Mary  R.  Crown- 
inshield, of  Charlestown.  (In  New-England  Historical  &  Geneal- 
ogical Register,  vol.  XXVIL,  1873,  pp.  351-360.) 

An  Address  to  the  members  of  the  American  Antiquarian  Society, 
pronounced  in  Kings  Chapel,  Boston,  on  their  fourth  anniversary, 
October  23,  1816,  By  the  Rev.  William  Bentley.  Worcester  : 
Printed  for  the  Society.     [1875.]   8vo.  26  pp. 

Record  of  the  Parish  List  of  Deaths.  1785-1819.  By  Rev.  William 
Bentley,  D.  D.,  Pastor  of  the  East  Church,  Salem.  (From  the 
Historical  Collections  of  the  Essex  Institute.)  Salem:  Printed  for 
the  Essex  Institute.  1882.  8vo.   [4]-|-177  pp. 


Constant  contributor  to  the  Essex  Gazette  for  nearly  10  years. 
Constant  contributor  to  the  Essex  Register  for  nearly  30  years. 


Xl  BIBLIOGRAPHY 

Remarks  on  "A  History  of  Salem."  (In  Massacliusetts  Histori- 
cal  Society  Collections,  1800,  1st  series,  vol.  VII.,  pp.  III-V.) 

Remarks  upon  Remarks,  etc.  in  the  first  page  of  the  seventh  vol- 
ume of  the  Historical  Collections.  (In  Massachusetts  Historical 
Society  Collections,  1801,  1st  series,  vol.  VIII.,  pp.  1-4.) 

Catalogue  of  that  part  of  the  late  Dr.  Bentley's  Library,  not  be- 
queathed to  literary  institutions,  to  be  sold  by  auction,  on  Wednes- 
day and  Thursday,  June  14  and  15,  1820,  At  9  o'clock,  A.  M.  and 
3  P.  M.  at  Blake  &  Cunningham's  Office,  No.  5,  Kilby  Street,  Bos- 
ton. Boston :  Printed  by  Crocker  &  Brewster,  No.  50,  Cornhill. 
1820.  8vo.  28  pp. 

Catalogue  of  the  Books  bequeathed  to  Alleghany  College  by  the 
Rev.  William  Bentley,  D.  D.  of  Salem  in  Massachusetts,  who  de- 
parted this  life  near  the  close  of  December,  1819,  aetatis  61.  (In 
Catalogus  Bibliothecse  Collegii  Alleghaniensis.  E  Typis  Thomae 
Atkinson  et  Soc.  ApudMeadville,  1823.  8vo.  pp.  66-88.) 

[Sketch  of  Rev.  William  Bentley.]  (In  Buckingham,  Joseph  T., 
Specimens  of  Newspaper  Literature :  with  personal  memoirs,  anec- 
dotes, and  reminiscences.     Boston.  1850.  vol.  2.    pp.  341-350.) 


SOME    ACCOUNT    OF    THE    EAST    CHURCH 
MEETING-HOUSE,  SALEM. 

BY    JUDGE    JOSEPH    G.    WATERS. 


The  materials  for  the  House  were  collected  on  the  eleventh  of 
June,  1717,  and  on  the  twenty-seventh  of  August  following,  the 
raising  of  the  frame  was  commenced  and  finished  in  two  days.  In 
the  month  of  October  ensuing,  it  was  underpinned.  The  names 
of  the  committee,  who  superintended  its  construction,  were  Joseph 
Andrew,  Abraham  Purchase,  Josiah  Willard,  Jacob  Manning,  and 
Malachi  Foot,  the  last  named  gentleman  acting  as  treasurer. 

The  building,  as  compared  with  similar  structures  in  these  days, 
would  be  called  small,  as  there  were  but  seven  hundred  and  six 
feet  of  glass,  five  hundred  and  sixty  yards  of  plastering,  and  four- 
teen hundred  clapboards,  used  in  its  construction.  The  roof  was 
tunnel-shaped,  culminating  in  a  belfry,  the  bell-rope  hanging  down 
through  the  ceiling  to  the  floor  of  the  house.  The  aisle  extended 
from  the  door  on  Main  street,  to  the  pulpit,  which  was  on  the 
south  side  of  the  house.  On  each  side  of  the  aisle  were  parallel 
ranges  of  benches  facing  the  pulpit.  Those  on  the  right  were  oc- 
cupied by  females ;  on  the  left  by  males. 

A  small  gallery  ranged  along  one  side  of  the  building.  The  win- 
dow panes,  in  conformity  with  the  prevailing  fashion,  were  small 
and  diamond-shaped. 

The  seating  of  the  occupants  was  under  the  direction  of  a  com- 
mittee who  assigned  the  places  of  the  worshippers  according  to  their 
age,  wealth  and  station.  One  of  the  benches  near  the  pulpit  was 
occupied  by  the  singers. 

The  house  was  opened  for  worship  on  the  first  Sunday  in  May, 
1718.  There  is  no  evidence  that  any  repairs  were  made  on  the  meet- 
ing-house from  the  time  it  was  built,  till  1761  when  it  was  sashed 
anew,  and  during  the  nine  following  years  other  repairs  were  made 
on  it.  In  the  month  of  August,  1769,  accommodations  were  pro- 
vided in  the  gallery  for  the  singers  and  also  for  the  women  negroes. 

In  1770  it  was  voted  to  enlarge  the  meeting-house.  A  lot  of 
land  in  the  rear  of  it  was  purchased  of  the  minister  and  during 
the  next  year  the  building  was  entirely  remodelled  by  opening  the 

zli 


xlii  EAST   MEETING-HOUSE 

centre  of  it  and  inserting  an  addition  of  fourteen  feet.  A  handsome 
tower,  with  a  spire,  was  erected  on  the  western  end  and  a  conven- 
ient porch  on  the  eastern.  The  pnlpit  stood  on  the  southern  side 
of  the  house  at  a  slight  elevation  and  was  reached  by  a  flight  of 
stairs  at  the  head  of  which  projected  a  seat  for  the  accommoda- 
tion of  the  sexton,  whose  duty  it  was  to  tend  the  hour-glass,  the  on- 
ly mode  then  in  use  there  for  marking  the  time.  Here  too,  he  seat- 
ed unruly  boys  whom  he  found  committing  any  disturbance. 

Over  the  pulpit  hung  a  lofty  canopy  or  sounding-board  and  in 
front  of  the  desk  was  placed  the  deacon's  seat  with  a  projecting 
shelf  on  which  the  communion  utensils  were  placed.  This  re- 
mained till  about  the  year  1786  when  it  was  removed  and  a  com- 
munion table  substituted  for  it,  which  continued  in  use  till  the  dem- 
olition of  the  house,  when  it  was  deposited  in  the  Essex  Institute. 

A  gallery  extended  along  the  front  of  the  interior,  and  each  end, 
to  which  stair- ways  led  from  the  tower  and  porch.  The  front  gal- 
lery was  occupied  by  the  singers,  that  on  the  west  end,  by  some  of 
the  families  in  the  society,  on  the  east,  by  men  and  boys.  Seats 
were  provided  here  for  the  inmates  of  the  almshouse,  who  usually 
attended  in  considerable  numbers.  For  many  years  during  Dr.  Bent- 
ley's  ministry  they  averaged  twenty. 

The  floor  of  the  house  was  covered  by  square  pews,  each  top  of 
which  formed  a  baluster.  One  pew,  set  apart  for  the  aged,  was  ex- 
empted from  taxation. 

It  is  a  noticeable  circumstance  that  in  the  contract  for  making 
these  repairs,  the  committee  agreed  to  allow  a  gratuity  of  thirty 
gallons  of  New  England  rum  and  twenty-eight  pounds  of  sugar. 

A  weather  cock  4  feet  4  inches  long,  gilded  with  the  best  gold- 
leaf,  was  placed  on  the  steeple.  It  now  surmounts  the  balcony  of 
the  Bentley  school.  In  1772,  a  new  bell  was  procured  from  Eng- 
land, the  old  one  having  been  sold  to  Harvard  College.  While 
these  repairs  were  going  on  the  society  worshipped  with  the  Eirst 
Chiu'ch,  then  without  a  pastor,  and  as  they  were  at  variance  in  the 
selection  of  one,  Mr.  Diman  was  invited  to  officiate  so  long  as  the 
East  Society  continued  with  them. 

In  1773,  a  clock  manufactured  by  Mr.  Samuel  Luscomb,  purchased 
by  subscription,  was  given  to  the  society  and  set  up  in  the  tower. 


DIARY 

OF 

REV.  WILLIAM  BENTLEY. 


"  Day  Book  for  a  record  of  events  in  the  East  Parish,  Salem. 
Births,  Deaths,  Removals,  &c.  April  29,  1784  -  Jan.  1796."  [The 
manuscript  is  numbered  Volume  IX,  and  the  original  pagination  is 
here  shown  within  brackets.] 


On  ]May  the  4"'  1783,  William  Bentley  first  preached  at  Salem  in 
the  East  Parish,  upon  an  invitation  by  Letter  dated  April  23,  signed 
by  the  Parish  Clerk,  and  accompanied  with  an  invitation  from  the 
Rev'*  James  Diman.  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Church  July  23,  he  was 
chosen  Colleague  Pastor,  and  the  Proprietors  concurred  unanimous- 
ly on  the  day  following,  and  made  choise  of  a  Committee  to  consult 
about  the  necessary  terms  of  Settlement. 

At  a  meeting,  Aug.  4"^  the  following  Votes  passed  to  grant  a  Set- 
tlement of  two  hundred  pounds,  to  be  paid  one  half  at  Ordination, 
and  the  other  half  within  a  year  after,  and  a  Salary  of  one  hundred 
and  thirty  pounds  during  the  Life  of  M"^  Diman,  of  one  hundred  & 
sixty  after  his  decease,  during  actual  service,  and  in  case  of  natural 
infirmity  one  hundred  and  twenty  pounds  until  death. 

The  Ordination  was  on  September  24, 1783. 

[1]  April  30,  1784.  Arrived  at  Beverly  Capt.  George  Dodge, 
after  sickness  and  a  long  Voiage  to  the  W.  Indies. 

May  13.  Marriage  of  Joseph  Allen  Harrington,  to  Mary  Gun- 
nerson. 

May  14.  On  Friday,  May  14,  Cap'  John  Collins  sailed  for  the 
West  Indies. 

March  23,  1784.  Leicester  Academy  incorporated.  Principal 
Trustees,  &  Benefactors,  Ebenezer  Crafts  of  Sturbridge,  &  Jacob 
Davis  of  Charlton,  Esq'. 

Rev**  Robert  Breck  of  Springfield  died  in  May,  Ag.  71. 

John  Lowell  Esq'  chosen  into  the  Corporation  of  Cambridge  Col- 
lege, May  7. 

May  19,  1784.  Capt.  Francis  Bowman*  arrived  after  having 
been  ashore  on  Cape  Codd,  with  little  damage.  Capt.  Nath  :  Sils- 
bee  sailed  for  the  W:  Indies. 

June  20.     Arrived  Capt.  Henry  AVhite  &  Capt  Briggs. 

Marriage  of  Mr  Thomas  Briggs  to  Miss  Anna  Vincent. 

♦Boardman. 


2  DIAllY   OF  [1784 

July  27.     Marriage  of  Elislia  Gunnerson  to  Mary  Archer. 
Sept.  27.     Considerable   Shock   of  an   Earthquake  was  felt  at 
Windsor,  Vermont,  about  half  p  :  twelve. 
Nov'  7.     Marriage  of  John  Walker,  to  Mary  MacDonald. 
Nov'^  26.     November,  an  uncommonly  fair  month,  except  on  the 
26,  when  by  a  sudden  Storm  the   tides  within  the  whole  bay  were 
raised  to  a  very  uncommon  height,  with  much  damage. 

Sept  6.     Died  the  fam  :  G:  Stevens,  author   of  the  Lectures   on 
Head. 

[2]     Jan^  13,  1785.     Marriage  of  George  Smith  to  Lydia  King. 

Feb^  2.     Snow  Storm  deep  &  much  drifted. 

Feb''  15.     Marriage  of  Henry  Prince,  to  Sarah  Millet. 

[101]     Dec'  14,  1791.     A  contract   with  Mr   Groce,  to  attend  & 

lead  in  the  public  singing  of  the  East  Meeting  House  for  which  he 

is  to  receive  of  the  Proprietors  from  free  contribution,  subscription, 

or  donation  to  the  amount  of  three  shillmgs    per  Sunday,  and  I  am 

to  make  it  equal  to  £      s     d 

9,     0,  0. 
By  an  after  agreement  he  is  to  keep  a  School,  &  be 
paid  upon  the  advice  of  the  Committee,  annually,  12,    0,  0. 

1792.     Dec'  25.  Delivered  to  W"^  King  9  shillings  for  Wood. 
Statement  of  Singing  School  Account  for  1792. 

For  Books  of  Music,  £1,     10,     0. 

Psalm  Books  dozen,  1,     16,     0. 

For  Candles,  1,       5,     0. 

For  Groce,  services,  6,       4,     5. 

For  Seats,  Groce' s  Bill,  7,       0,     7. 

For  King's  Bill  on  Seats,  2,       2,     3. 

£19,    18,     3. 

[3]  Jany  9,  1794.  Agreed  with  M'  Levi  Maxcy,  now  resident 
in  this  Town  to  attend,  &  superintend  the  public  Singing  on 
Lord's  days,  (Mr  Ward,  &  Mr  Becket  present)  for  which  he  is  to 
receive  f  of  a  dollar  every  such  day. 

Attended  2^  Sunday  in  January. 

[4]  The  School  opened  under  M'  Groce.  In  addition  to  the 
old  Singers,  the  pupils  are  Dec.  1791. 

MALES.  FEMALES. 

Allen,  Edw.  Browne,  Abigail. 

John  Allen.  Cooke,  C. 

Alex.  Allen.  Carrol,  H. 

Brown,  B.  Chever,  S, 

Becket,  W.  Dean,  E. 

Bickford,  W.  Ellison,  M. 


1791] 


BEV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY 


FEMALES. 

Hitchins,  S 
Hunt,  M. 
Lane,  M. 

Lane,  S. 
Manning,  M. 
Manning,  E. 
Peale,  M. 
Peale,  E. 
Kue,  S. 
Smith,  S. 
Swasey,  M. 
Whittemore,  S. 


Males,  25. 
Females,  18. 


MALES. 

Brooks,  L. 

Becket,  J. 

Collins,  Jo. 

Cooke,  W°. 

Fiske,  John. 

Hutchinson,  W. 

Preston,  J. 

Patterson,  B. 

Patterson,  E.  S. 

Pease,  B. 

Rowell,  B. 

Rowell,  W. 

EoAvell,  J. 

Nourse,  B. 

Nourse,  T. 

Randolph,  R. 

Ring,  S. 

Swasey,  J. 

Rue,  P. 
Jan^    1793.     School   opened  by   M^   Wade.      Only   the   Treble 
attended  six  evenings. 

Vizt.     Ellison,  M.  Lane,  S. 

Hitchins,  S.  Peale,  M. 

Hunt,  M.  Peale,  E. 

Lane,  M.  Rue,  S. 

&  a  few  occasionally. 

[5]     Names  of  females  returned  as  instructed  in  Master  Earring- 
ton's  School  such  only  being  a  charge  to  the  Society,  &c. 
Sally  Lane.  Betsey  Dean. 

Polly  Lane.  Polly  Hunt. 

Polly  Peele.  Hannah  Ross. 

Betsey  Peele.  Hannah  Burne. 

Sally  Rue.  Polly  Millet. 

Peggy  Ellison.  Betsey  Browne. 

Sally  Edwards.  Polly  Burrill. 


[1793]     Names  returned  by  M.  AmosLefavi-e 
Singers  in  1792. 

Archer,  Daniel.  JEt.  16. 

Balch,  Robert.  21. 

Byrne,  Simon.  17. 

Becket,  Samuel.  17. 

Babbidge,  John.  26. 

Babbidge,  John  jun"^  8. 


List  of  intended 


Becket,  W"  Mt.  17. 

Becket,  John,  jun''  16. 

Bray,  Benj.  17. 

Becket,  David.  6. 

Teague,  Thomas.  24. 

Teague,  Nath.  28. 


4 

DIARY 

OF 

[1793 

Lefaveur,  Amos. 

Mt.  27. 

Brown,  Polly. 

.Et.  16. 

Parker,  Broadstreet. 

22. 

Archer,  Mehit : 

19. 

Undewood,  George. 

18. 

Horton,  Sally. 

10. 

Swan,  Caleb. 

24. 

Knap,  M^s 

28. 

Foy,  Eben^ 

25. 

Knap,  Anna. 

17. 

Millet,  Benj* 

20. 

Burke,  Patty. 

14. 

Parnell,  James. 

20. 

Parnell,  Betsey. 

18. 

Horton,  John. 

12. 

Byrne,  Hannah. 

15. 

Knapp,  W™ 

9. 

Ropes,  Hannah. 

27. 

Ropes,  Sam^ 

12. 

Pickworth,  Mary. 

28. 

Eopes,  Benj* 

10. 

Peele,  Lydia. 

22. 

Eopes,  W" 

8. 

Ropes,  Sally. 

6. 

Webb,  Thomas. 

16. 

Holman,  Polly. 

30. 

Wellman,  Timothy. 

15. 

Hawkes,  Mary. 

30. 

Dean,  Thomas. 

9. 

Ellison,  Peggy. 

17. 

Peele,  William. 

19. 

Becket,  Betsey. 

10. 

Valpey,  Abraham. 

8. 

Becket,  Rebecca. 

7. 

Valpey,  Stephen. 

11. 

Becket,  Polly. 

8. 

Valpey,  Betsey. 

26. 

Waters,  Polly. 

9. 

Valpey,  Dorcas. 

10. 

Waters,  Ester. 

7. 

Bell,  M" 

25. 

Waters,  Patty. 

5. 

Robinson,  Betsey. 

25. 

Frank,  Rachel. 

15. 

Keefe,  M" 

29. 

Frank,  Patty. 

11 

[7]  Oct.  29,  1795.  Master  Palfray  delivered  me 
receipt  for  21  Dollars,  as  a  purchase  of  a  Bass  Viol 
from  M"-  Joseph  Pierce  &  Son  of  Boston,  21.00. 

I  delivered  to  him  a  Crown  in  addition  to  the  sum 
of  Oct.  26  for  expenses,  1.10. 

Oct.  30.  Paid  Ireland  for  manufacturing  Rods  for 
the  Curtains  in  the  Girls  Seats,  E.  Meeting  H.  9/.  1.50. 

&  for  staples  towards  Lightening  Rods,  &c.  3/6.  0.58. 

For  altering  rods,  1/6.  0.25. 

Nov.  5.     Paid  M^^  Gibaut  for  the  Curtains  &  making,  3.00. 

Nov.  7.     Paid  M"  Gibaut  for  Bag  for  Bass  Viol,  1.50. 

Expences  upon  Tything  Man's  Seat,  bolt,  1/4.  nails, 
1/6.  Carpenter,  6/.  hinges,  1/4.  including  seats  &  re- 
pairs in  Women  Gallery  1.70. 

Nov.  23.  Gave  Master  Palfrey  two  dollars  for  his 
trouble  at  Thanksgiving  by  promise,  2  Dollars. 

Nov.  26.  Gave  Palfrey  two  pistareens  to  purchase 
Music  paper  to  transcribe  the  Tunes,  0.40. 

Presented  to  the  Misses  Peales  two  pair  of  black  Silk 
gloves  as  Singers. 

Nov.  28.  Paid  Dabney  [for]  a  Music  Book  by  Amos, 
the  German  Flute  for  the  School,  4/6.  0.75. 

[83]     Dec.  10,  &  Nov.  26,  1795. 


1795]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  6 

Presented  to  the  Misses  Polly  &  Betsey  Peele  a  pair 
of  silk  gloves  each,  besides  a  pair  of  leather  gloves, 
see  Nov.  26  iu  part.  Also  to  the  Misses  Polly  &  Sal- 
ly Laue,  to  the  elder  a  pair  of  leather  gloves,  &  of  silk 
mouse  gloves  &  to  the  younger  of  black  silk  gloves  for 
their  services  in  the  Singing  Company. 

Dec.  15.  Paid  Newhall  4  1/2  Dollars  for  an  Iron 
Stove  for  the  nse  of  the  Singing  Seat,  4.50. 

1796.  January  6.  Pair  of  silk  gloves  to  Mary 
Hunt  in  the  seats. 

January  9.  Paid  Gunnison  towards  attendance  at 
Singing  school  towards  his  ten  nights  as  by  account. 
4/4.'  0.72. 

[17]     Oct.  1794,  made  the  number  of  girls    returned  as    singers 
93,  of  men  118. 

[•So]     Xovember,     1788.     By  the  consent  of  the  Proprietors,  a 
new  collection  of  Psalms  &  Hymns  were  allowed  to  be  introduced, 
and  a  copy  of  them  presented  severally  to  the  following  Persons, 
then  in  the  Singer's  Seats. 
Major  Buffington  Master.  Anna  Wiatt, 

Messieurs  Snelling,  Anna  Townsend, 

Knowlton,  Sally  Chever, 

Silsbee,  Sally  Becket, 

J.  Archer,  Sally  Crowninshield, 

J.  Babbidge,  Sally  Archer, 

Lefaveur,  Hannah  Webb, 

S.  Archer,  Hannah  Mascoll, 

C.  Smith,  Lydia  Becket, 

Putnam,  Polly  Swasey 

B.  Babbidge,  Christiana  Dean, 

J.  Snelling,  Polly  Snelling, 

Lander,  Polly  Waters. 

Peele.  Abigail  Cumbs, 

M"  Betsey  LeFavem, 
March  23,  1789.     Proposals  were  made  for  a  New  School  which 
was  opened  April  3^.     The  terms  were  that  the  School  formerly 
kept  should  be  opened  on  friday  night  in  a  fortnight.     That  in  that 
week  the  new  School,  should  be  open  on  Tuesday,  &  alternately  on 
Friday.     The  money  6/  pr.  evening. 
The  names  given  in  are  as  follows. 
Mess  :  John  Dundee,  xx  Miss  :  x  Betsey  Phillips,  xx 

John  Trask.  xx  .  Sally  Chever.  xx. 

X  Andrew  Ward,  xx  x  Sally  Phippen.  xx 

X  Luke  Heard,  xx  x  Polly  Herrick.  xx 

X  Samuel  Leach,  xx  x  Lydia  Herrick.  xx 


DIARY   OP 


[1789 


Ebenezer  Phelps,  xx  x 

Samuel  Chever.  x  x 

Ebenezer  Leach.  x 

Jonathan  Webb,  x 
Thomas  Palfrey,  x 
Joseph  Vincent,  xx 
X  Benj**  Hutcheson.  xx 
John  Becket.  xx 
Benj*  Dean,  x  x 

X 

X  agreed  to  attend,     xx  have  attended, 
those  whose  names  are  prefixed  with  x. 


Sally  Becket.  xx 
Nabby  Swasey.  xx 
Hannah  Swasey.  xx 
Priscilla  Webb,  xx 
Peggy  Chever.  xx 
Polly  Bowditch. 
Betsey  Bowditch. 
Sukey  Dean,  xx 
Polly  Emerton.  xx 
Hannah  Beadle,  xx 
Psalm  Books   delivered 


to 


[38]     March,  1785.     List  of  persons  in  the  Singing  Seat. 


MEN. 


Mr.  Snelling. 

A.  Hovey. 

S.  Silsbee,  married. 
J.  Babbidge. 
M.  Vincent,  x. 
J.  Archer. 
J.  Brindley. 
S.  Archer. 
J.  Snelling. 

B.  Babbidge. 
G.  Dean. 

N.  Knowles. 
Eb :  Ebeley. 
Ch :  Smith. 

C.  Bangs. 
Eob :  Wallis. 


Miss.  N.  Wyatt. 
H.  Phippen. 
E.  Babbidge. 
L.  Gale,  married. 
L.  Mason. 

E.  Vincent,  married. 
S.  Becket. 
P.  Snelling. 
C.  Dean. 

S.  Crowninshield. 
S.  Archer. 
A.  Cumbs. 
P.  M^'Demer,  married. 


Jn"*  Brown. 
M""  B^  Brown,  married 
W"  King. 
J°  Chandler. 
SP^  Cloutman. 
Jon*  Smith. 
T.  Leavitt. 
R»^  Bray. 
Hy  Osborne. 
Peter  Herrick. 
Josh :  Lathe. 
Joseph  Loring. 
Thornd  :  Proctor. 
N.  Knowlton,  dead. 
G.  Ward,  x  married. 
J.  Cnshine. 


WOMEN. 


E.  Brown,  married. 

N.  Brown. 

H.  Brown. 

S.  Brown. 

P.  Phippen. 

H.  Babbidge. 

S.  Richardson,  married. 

S.  P.  Reuough,  dead. 

H.  Webb. 

M.  Burrill,  x  married. 

A.  Townsend. 

A.  Elkins,  married. 

S.  Babbidge. 


1785]  REV.    WILLIAM  BENTLEY  7 

[40]  1785.  About  the  time  of  my  Ordination  the  Proprietors 
voted  to  open  a  Singing  School,  the  Charges  of  which  were  to  bs 
defrayed  by  an  Assessment  of  one  dollar  pr.  Quarter  upon  each 
Scholar,  &  deficiencies  to  be  made  up  from  the  public  fund,  in  con- 
sequence of  which  vote  the  School  was  opened  at  M''  Rue's  for  one 
Quarter,  then  at  the  Widow  Crowninshield  for  the  next  Quarter,  then 
at  Capt.  Ingersoll's  for  another  Quarter,  and  at  each  two  nights  in 
a  week.  Then  for  the  Summer  Season  one  night  in  a  week  at  the 
Public  School,  &  for  the  ensuing  winter  in  a  building  in  the  great 
street. 

[42]  Moved  from  Welsh's  School  at  Widow  Knights  began  ou 
Thursday,  September  1,  [17]  85,  at  2s  6/  p'.  Q.  At  the  end  of  the 
Quarter  School  removed  to  the  New  East  School  House.  December, 

[198]  June,  1785.  An  Account  of  the  Number  of  Inhabitants 
in  the  Town  of  Salem,  as  taken  (on  Oath)  by  the  Assessors  of  said 
Town,  piu'suant  to  a  Law  of  this  Commonwealth,  passed  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord,  one  thousand,  seven  hundred  eighty-four. 


Males. 

Under  16 
years  of  age. 

from 
16         30 
to        to 
30          50 

50 
to 
70 

70 
to 
100 

Females. 

Undei 
Wid-      16  y. 
ows. 

•     16 

to 
30 

30 
to 
50 

50 
to 
70 

70 
to 
100 

Total. 

Ward  No  1.    427 

183 

155 

47 

13 

120     429 

268 

189 

90 

27 

1828 

No  2.     314 

143 

97 

29 

8 

74    274 

213 

114 

69 

16 

1277 

No  3.     382 

192 

152 

33 

14 

109     428 

242 

180 

75 

17 

1715 

No  4.     432 

176 

185 

36 

7 

116     409 

301 

221 

56 

22 

1845 

1555  694  589  145   42  419  1540  1024  704  290   82   6665 

People  in  the  Poor  House,  &  who  are  not  included  in  the 
above  account  66 

"6731 

192  Negroes,  who  also  are  not  included  in  this  account.  Widows 
who  appear  in  a  separate  Column,  are  likewise  included  in  the 
several  columns  under  their  respective  Ages.  Those  in  the  second 
Column  from  16  to  30  years  of  age,  are  under  30,  &  so  on  through- 
out the  heads  of  the  several  Columns.  The  last  mentioned  number 
of  years  is  to  be  understood  exclusively.  Care  was  taken  not  to 
include  any  person,  who  was  not  certainly  known  to  be  an  Inhabi- 
tant of  the  Town,  according  to  the  general  sense  or  meaning  of  the 
word  "  Inhabitant."  This  account  delivered  to  me  by  Mr.  Miles 
Greenwood  one  of  the  Assessors. 

Spring,  1785.  This  is  the  first  List  that  ever  was  taken  by  me 
after  my  settlement  at  Salem.  Occasionally  others  were  added,  but 
the  first  part  which  I  have  endeavoured  to  mark  off  are  Original, 
&c.  Those  marked  with  a  straight  line*  denoted  early  removals, 
&  were  marked  early.  The  waving  line  is  the  line  of  separation 
between  the  Original  List,  &  the  additional  Members. 

•  Here  printed  in  italics. 


DIARY   OF  [1785 


Mary  Andrew.     Widow  iu  the  Great  Street.  Prop. 

X  Capt  Edward  Allen.*  Prop. 

Jonathan  Archer,  tertius.     Barber. 

Jonathan  Archer,  junior.    Philom  :  Prop. 

X  John  Andrew.     Jeweller,  removed. 

Jonathan  Archer.     Barber.  Prop. 

Widow  JIa7inah  Archerf  in  Long  Wharf  Lane. % 


Capt.  John  Archer,  on  the  Common. 
Hannah  Adams,  married. 
James  Archer.     Shoemaker. 
Samuel  Archer.     Barber. 
Thomas  Ashbey.   Capt. 

B. 

Lydia  Babbidge.     Schoolmistress.  x  Prop. 

Joseph  Brown.     Mariner.     Becket's. 

Ja  mes  Becket.  Boatbuilder,  &c.  x  Prop. 

X  Eben  :  Burril.  Carpenter,  removed  to  Boston. 
John  Browne.     Baker. 

X  John  Browne,  senior.  Carpenter.  dead. 

Cap*  John  Berry.     Daniel's  lane.  Prop. 

X  Capt.  John  Burchinore.  has  left  the  Parish. 
Widow  Mai-y  Becket.  at  the  Ship  Yard. 
Capt  Johnston  Briggs.     Union  Street. 

John  Becket.  Boatbuilder.  Prop. 

Mary  Bates,  Widow  of  Capt  Bates  in  the  Street.  sold  Prop. 

Widow  Mary  Becket,  daughter  of  ditto. 

Mansfield  Burril.   Carpenter.    Street.  Prop. 

X  Alden  Burril.  Carpenter,  has  left  the  jyai'ish, 
James  Browne.     Shopkeeper.     Hardy's  Lane. 

William  Browne.  Prop. 

Susey  Beadle.     Maiden.     Turner's  Lane. 
Widow  Lydia  Beadle,  in  Derby  Street. 

Widow  Mary  Batten,  below  the  M  :  House.  Prop. 

Widow  Mary  Bowditch.  in  Long  Wharf  Lane.  Prop. 

Capt  Francis  Boardman.  on  the  Common,  x  Prop. 

Capt  Christopher  Babbidge.     Street. 
Abigail  Berry.  Shopkeeper.     Daniel's  Lane. 
Jonathan  Brown.     Labourer,  in  English's  Lane. 

*  Bom  at  BorwIck-on-Tweed;  came  to  Salem  in  1757. 

t  Widow  of  Nathaniel  Archer  and  daughter  of  Gamaliel  Hodgea. 

i  Now  Union  street.  Union  wharf  was  formerly  Long  wharf. 


1785]  EEV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  9 

Widow  Hannah  Byrn.*  in  L.  Wharf  Lane,  x 

X  Jonathan  Bruce,  Mariner.  Pierce's,  removed  to  Boston. 

Kobert  Bartlet.    Labourer.  Fort. 

John  Batton.     Mariner.     Englisli's  lane. 

Mary  Berry.   Pierce's  Street. 

Mary  Bvu-roughs.     Derby  Street. 

Sarah  Brown.  Chever's  Street. 

Benj*  Boylstone.    Ropemaker.    Neckgate.f 

Hannah  Brown.     Neckgate. 

Anna  Brown.     DanieVs  lane. 

X  Capt  Nathan  Brown.     Derby  Street.  dead. 

C. 

Widow  Mary  Crowinshield.  in  Ives'  Lane. J  Prop. 

X  Benj*  Cheever.     Shoemaker,  on  the  Common. 

X  Capt  George  Crowninshield.     Derby  Street.  Prop. 

X  Capt  George  Dodge,  jun"".  Derby  Street. 

Capt  James  Cheever.   Street. 

X  Widow  Abigail  Cumbs.  on  the  Common. 

Col:  Samuel  Carleton.     Union  Street.  Prop. 

Widow  Mary  Collins,  in  Becket  Street. 

James  Collins  jun'".    Shoemaker. 

Widow  Hannah  Cro^vninshield.§  in  the  Street.  Prop. 

X  Capt.  Benj*  Crowinshield.     Street. 

X  John  Croivninshielcl.    Mariner.  dead 

X  Capt  John  Collins.   Turner's  lane.  Prop. 

X  Capt  Jacob  Clark.  dead,  widow. 

X  John  Collins.     Carpenter  in  the  Street. 

Benj*  Cloutman.  Carpenter.    Neckgate. 

Stephen  Cloutman.     Ship  Carpenter.  Street. 

X  James  Carrol.  Mariner,  at  Elvin's  Point.  || 

Widow  Abigail  Curtis.  Derby  Street. 

Widow  Mar  :  Clark  near  Capt  Jo  White's. 

William  Chever.  in  L.  Wharf  Lane.  Widow  removed.      Prop.  dead. 
Widow  Mary  Cloutman,  in  Turner's  Street. 
Joseph  Crookshanks.     Ship  Carpenter.     Becket's. 

*  widow  of  Simon  Byrne. 

t  At  the  easterly  ena  of  Essex  street.     The  gate  at.the  entrance  to  Salem  neck. 

t  Formerly  Beadle's  lane.  Named  for  Benjamin  Ives.  Now  that  part  of  Pleasant  street 
extending  from  the  Common  to  Essex  street.  She  lived  in  an  old  mansion  house  which 
was  once  the  famous  Beadle  tavern.  In  general  style  it  resembled  the  Stephen  Sewall 
house,  see  Essex  Institute  Hist.  Colls,  vol.  36,  p.  197. 3 

§  Daughter  of  Samuel  Carlton,  and  widow  of  Capt.  Jacob  Crowninshield.  She  lived  on 
Essex  street,  opposite  Union,  in  the  house  built  by  her  husband's  father.  Here  Dr. 
Bentley  lived  during  the  greater  portion  of  hia  life  in  Salem,  and  here  he  died. 

II  Near  the  foot  of  Daniels  street. 


10  DIARY   OF  [178t5. 

X  Elias  Cotton.    Ropemaker.  not  with  us. 

Elizabeth  Collins.   Fairfield's. 

Widow  Cowley.   Battou's. 

James  Carrol. 

Thomas  Chipman.  Mariner. 

Capt  Samuel  Chever.     Common, 

John  Collins.  Shoemaker.    Daniel's  lane. 

William  Crispeu.     Mariner. 

John  Chandler.    Tanner,  removed. 

James  Clearage.  Mariner. 

Joseph  Crookshanks.     Ship  Builder. 

D. 

Thomas  Diman.  at  the  Neck.  Prop. 

Richard  Dighton.    Mariner,  near  the  M.  House. 

Capt  George  Dodge.  x  Prop. 

Capt  Benj*  Dean,  in  Daniel's  Lane. 

Capt  Thomas  Dean.    Derby  S.  Prop. 

Thomas  Dean,  jun''.  Mariner. 

Widow  Dane,  in  Derby  Street. 

Mary  Dean. 

E 

Widow  Sarah  Elkins  in  L.  Wharf  Lane.  Prop. 

Widow  Mary  Elkins.  Prop, 

Henry  Elkins.    Mariner.     Capt. 

Nathaniel  Easties.    Cooper  in  Turner's  Lane. 

X  Jno    Edwards.     Mariner. 

Philip  English.*   Neck. 

F. 

X  Sarah  Foivles.  maiden,  has  left. 

John  Fairfield.  Carpenter,  in  Becket  Lane.  Prop. 

Capt.  John  Fiske.  x  Prop. 

Capt.  W™  Fail-field.  x 

Joshua  French.  Tanner.  x 

William  Foy.  Ropemaker.f 

Capt.  Samuel  Foot.|  (mariner)  Ives'  Lane. 

M''  Franks. §  Labourer.  x 

X  Richard  Fm-ber.  Mariner.  Derby  Street.  x  removed. 

*  He  was  for  many  years  sexton  of  the  East  church. 
t  Foye's  ropewalk  was  near  Neck  Gate. 
X  Afterwards  instructor  in  mathematics  and  navijjation. 

I  Joseph  Francois  (Franks)  was  born  in  Corsicj,  brought  up  in  a  convent  and  intend- 
ed for  the  priesthood.    He  married  Rachel  Nicoll  of  Marblehead. 


1785]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  11 

"William  Foye 

Johu  Forbes.  Mariner.  Ives'  lane. 

G. 

Capt.  Edward  Gibaut.  Prop,  x 

"Widow  Anna  Gale,  in  the  Street.  x 

Be72j<*  Gale,  Mariner.  x  dead,  widow. 

xTohn  ]\I<=Gregore.  Mariner.  x 

Benjamin  Gardner.  Ropemaker. 
Benjamin  Gardner,  jiuir.  removed,  returned. 

Gunnison.  Taylor.  dead,  widow  alive. 

John  Gunnison.  Carpenter. 

Elisha  Gunnison.  Mariner. 

Widow  Elisabeth  M<=Grew.  at  Elvin's  Point.  x 

Francis  Grant.  Mariner,  ferry. 

Pris cilia  Gill  in  the  Street.  Prop,  x 

Benj*  Gale.  dead. 

Francis  Grant.  Mariner,  ferry. 

Josiah  Gaines.  Eopemaker.  Street. 

H. 

X  Cajjt  Joseph  Hodges.  dead. 

Widow  Hannah  Haskoll.  left.  Prop. 

Capt  John  Hodges.  Prop. 

€apt  Benj*  Hodges.  x 

Thovias  Hutcheson.  Smith,  dead.  Widoxv. 
Barnabas  Herrick.  Carpenter. 
Abijah  Hitchins.  Carpenter. 
Susey  Hathorn.  Widow,  with  Touzell. 

Widoiu  Sarah  Hohbes.  in  the  Street,  removed  to  Danvers.  married. 
iTohn  Allen  Harrington,  removed  to  P.  Ifaine 


Widow  Hodgdon.  Turner's. 

X  Benj»  Hill.  Mariner.  Whitford's.  dead. 

Nathaniel  Hitchins.  x 

Amos  Hitchins. 

James  Hunscombs. 

Capt  Richard  Hodges. 

Oeorge  Hodges.  Mariner, 

John  Hill. 

I.  J. 
Oapt  Samuel  Ingersoll.  Prop,  x 


12  DIARY   OF  [178S 

K. 

X  Cajot  Benj^  Knight.  deacL 

Widow  Knight,  in  Ives  Lane. 

X  Capt  jSTathaniel  Knight,  left. 

Capt  Kimball,  in  L.  Wharf  Lane.  left. 

Thomas  Keene.  Mariner.  Silsbee's.  x 

Widoiv  Sarah  Kimball.  Browne's  Lane.  left. 

Edmund  Kimball.  Mariner.  Becket's  Lane. 


William  King.  Phippen's. 

Jolm  &  Mary  Knap.  Beckets. 

Capt  Benj*  Knight.  Turner's. 

Lydia  King. 

Nath :  Knowlton.  Cabinet  maker.  Street. 

Joseph  King.  Mariner. 

L. 

Mary  Lambert. 

Capt  Joseph  Lambert,  jiin'.  Prop. 

Capt  Joseph  Lambert,  sen"^.  Prop,  x 

Mr  Lazell.  Mariner.  Wife. 

Mr  Langhlin.  Mariner. 

M. 

Capt  Jon*  Mason,  sen"^.  x  Prop. 

Capt  Jon*  Mason,  jnn'".  x 

Capt  Richard  Manning. 

Widow  Hannah  Maskoll.*  Derby  Street. 

X  Capt  Eichard  Masury.  dead.  Heii'S.  Prop. 

Samuel  Masury.  Mariner. 

Jacob  Manning.  Shoemaker.  Prop. 

Capt  Jonathan  Millet. 

Capt  Jolm  Masury.  Neck  Gate. 

Widow  Hannah  Murray.  Becket's  Lane. 

Widow  Hannah  Murray.  Turner's  Lane. 

Peter  Murray.  Cooper.  Becket's  Lane. 

Widow  Maservey.  on  the  Common. 

Samuel  Murray,  jun'^.  Cooper.  Derby  Street. 

Widow  E.  Millet,  near  Crowuinshield's. 


Polly  Mm-ray.  Green  Lane. 

John  Marsh.  Mariner.  Turner's  lane. 

•Afterwards  kept  a  wen-known  dame  school. 


1785]  KEY.   WILLIAM  BENTLEY  13 

Hannah  Mansfield.  Derby  Street. 

James  Masury.  Cooper. 

Elizabeth  Millet. 

Richard  Manning.  Blacksmith,  on  the  Common. 

Abigail  Masnry. 

Deliverance  Masury. 

David  Newhall.  Mariner.  Becket's  Lane.  dead 

Widow  Mary  Xewhall.  Becket's  Lane.  married 

0. 
Nathaniel  Osgood.  Shoemaker,  at  Orange  Tree.  left. 


Widow  Elizabeth  Phillips,  on  the  Common. 

William  Peale.  Cooper.  Becket's  Lane.  Prop,  x 

Capt  William  Patterson. 

Capt  Andrew  Presson.* 

Capt  Joseph  Pratt.  x 

Capt  Ehenezer  Pierce.  dead  x 

Capt  Hunlock  Palfrey. 

Elizabeth  Philpot.  Maiden. 

Ebenezer  Phippen.  Cabinet  Maker. 


Henry  Prince.  Mariner,  at  Millett's. 
Thomas  Parsons.  Mariner.  Silsbee's. 
John  Patterson.  Mariner.  Derby  Street. 
Henry  Prince.  Mariner.  Street. 
Josiah  Parsons. 

Nath.  Phippen.  Mariner.  Street. 
Joshua  Phippen.  Cooper.  Hardy's  lane. 
Robert  Phippen.  Mariner.  Daniel's  lane. 
Nath.  Phippen.  Cooper. 

R. 

Thomas  Rue.  Shoemaker.! 

Capt.  Robert  Richardson. 

Nathaniel  Richardson.  Tanner.  Prop. 

Capt  William  Ropes.  Browne's. 

X  Widow  Mary  Rantall.  in  the  Street. 

*AJ9o  Preston. 

tHe  was  one  of  the  exiles  from  Acadia. 


14  DIARY   OF  [1785 

Thomas  Rowell.  Boatbuilder. 
Samuel  Eopes.  near  Becket's. 

Koss.  Mariner.  Whittemore's. 

Martha  Rue. 
Mary  Renew. 

S. 

Capt  Robert  Stone.  x  Prop. 

Widow  Eunice  Stevens.*  Becket's  Lane. 

Thomas  Stevens. 

Capt  Nath.  Silsbee.  x  Prop. 

Johanna  Silsbee. 

Widow  Sarah  Stevens.     Fiske's. 

Joseph  Searls.  Mariner.     Becket's.  x 

M"  Searle. 

Samuel  Silsbee.  Carpenter.  Prop. 

M''  Joseph  Snelling.  Bookbinder. 

Seward,  mariner.  Batten's. 

Joseph  Smith.  Mariner.  Derby  Street.  gone. 

Widow  Susey  Smith.  Daniel's  Lane. 
Cap*  Sam  :  Swasey.  mariner. 
Jonathan  Southward.  Pierce's,  left. 
Susanna  Sayward.  Turner's  lane. 

Capt  Joseph  Strout.  Neck  gate. 

Samuel  Parrot.  Mariner.  Street. 

Sarah  Silver.  Street. 

Robert  Smith.  Carpenter,  ferry. 

Sarah  Stivers. 

Robert  Summers.  Mariner.  Daniel's  lane. 

William  Sage.  Carpenter.  Daniel's  lane. 

Rebecca  Smith.  Daniel's  lane. 

Ebed  Stoddard.  Shoemaker,  ditto. 

Marshall  Stocker.  Mariner.  Street. 

George  Smith.  Mariner.  Street.  ^ 

Capt  Andrew  Sleuman. 


Penn  Townsend.  mariner.  Turner's  lane.  Prop. 

Capt  Moses  Townsend.  Lambert's. 

Sarah  Tozzer. 

Abiel  Tozzer. 

Capt  William  Thomas.  Derby  Street. 

•Daughter  of  Daniel  Bray. 


REV.   WILLIAM  BENTLEY  16 

U.    V. 

Joseph  Vincent.  Ropemaker.  Prop. 

Richard  Valpy.  Mariner.  L.  Wharf  Lane. 

Richard  Valpy,  senior.  Mariner.  Hardy's  Lane. 

Sarah  Underwood.     Street. 

Charles  Vanderfoot. 

Mary  Valpy.     Hardy's  lane. 

Lydia  Valpy.  Daniel's  lane. 

W. 

Sam  :  Woodkin.  Carpenter.  Neck  Gate. 

Capt.  John  White.  Prop. 

Stephen  Webb,  at  the  Fort.  Prop. 

Capt  Joseph  White.  Prop. 

X  Abraham  Watson.  Carpenter.  Prop. 

X  John  Watson.  Schoolmaster. 

Oliver  Webb,  Mariner,  Derby  Street. 

X  Thomas  Welcome.  Baker,  removed. 

Widow  Whitford.  on  the  neck. 

Widow  Mary  Waters,  beyond  Fiske's.  Prop. 

Capt  Benj*    Ward.  Glazier.  Prop. 

Capt  Tim :  Welman.  in  the  Street.  Prop,  x 

Capt  Adam  Welman.  Beckets  Lane,  Prop,  dead 

Isaac  White.  Tallow  Chandler. 

Widow  Hannah  Webb,  on  the  Common.  Prop. 

Widow  Welman.  Neck  gate, 

Edm:  Whittemore.  Carpenter,  dead. 

Rachel  Ward,  beyond  Fiske's. 

Capt  Henry  White.  x 

John  Ward.  Carpenter.  Derby  Street. 

Capt  Joseph  Waters.  x 

Capt  W™  Wyatt. 

John  Walker.  Mariner,  Street, 

M"  Webb, 

Benjamin  Webb.  Mariner,  English's, 

Mercy  White.  Neck  gate. 

Mary  Williams. 


DIARY 

OF 

REV.  WILLIAM   BENTLEY 

April  4,  1785— December  4, 1788. 


[The  manuscript  is  numbered  Volume  X,  and  the  original  pagina- 
tion is  here  shown  within  brackets.] 


DAILY  OCCURRENCES. 

April  4,   1785.     Arrived  Welman  &  Cheever. 

5.  Mr.  M.  Townsend  arrived  &  Capt.  M.  White. 

6.  Buried   Mrs.  —   Grifford   set.    75.  from   the  Work  House. 
Infirm  :  of  age.  Snow  at  great  depth  on  the  earth. 

7.  A  Fast. 

8.  Engagements   Monday  at    Capt.   Fiske's.    Tuesday,    Capt. 
Knighfs.  Wedn:  Col.  Carleton.     Called  at  Capt  Briggs',  Silsbee's. 

9.  Engaged  Thurs  :    Capt  Dodge's.     My  Brother  Thomas  with 
me  from  Boston. 

10.     Sunday  at  Home. 

12.  En  gag :  at   Welman' s  Friday, 

Visited  Widow  Anna  Gale,  with  two  daughters. 

John  Crowninshield,  no  child. 

Sarah  Eowle.  Maiden. 

Widow  Hannah  Archer,  with 

Widow  H.  Byrn  &  4  Child:  2  Males  &  2  Fem  : 

John  Brown.  Sen.  aged  81.  with 

John  Brown  &  six  children. 

In  evening.  Knight's. 

13.  Visited  at  Mr.  T.  Keene's,  husband  at  Sea,  wife  and  one 
child,  Male. 

[6]  Visited  at  Mr  John  McGregore's,  husband  at  Sea,  Wife,  no 
child. 

at  Mr.  Thomas  Parsons',  husband  at  Sea,  one  child,  male. 

Mr  James  Carrol,  Wife  and  four  children,  one  male. 

Mr.  Franks,  wife,  &  4  child :  one  male. 

widow  E.  McGrew,  no  children. 

16 


1785]  KEV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  17 

Visited  at  Capt  William  Fairfield's,  husband  at  Sea,  wife  &  5 
child.  2  males,  evening  at  Col :  Carleton's.     Tea  at  Lambert's. 

14.  Visited  Mr.  John  Edwards,  husband  out.  Wife  &  2  child  : 
one  male. 

called  at  Widow  Mary  Crowninshield's. 

called  at  Capt.  A.  Presson's. 

Tisited  Mr.  John  Collins,  Carpenter,  husband  out.  wife  &  6  children. 

one  by  a  former  wife,  a  daughter,  5  by  the  present.  3  males. 

called  at  Capt  Kimball's,  not  at  home. 

Tisited  Widow  Mary  Hobbes.  one  child. 

visited  Widow  Gill.  4  Daughters. 

[7]  Visited  Widow  A:  Cumbs.  6  children,  4  males. 

visited  Joshua  French,  husband  out.  wife  &  one  child. 

widow  Dane  and  one  child,  d. 

visited  William  Peale.  husband  out,  wife,  &  6  children.  2  males. 

visited  Joseph  Searle,  &  second  wife,  no  child. 

J^^  engaged  Monday  at  Tea  Chever's  in  the  evening  to  receive  Col. 

Carleton  &  M.  Hiller.  asked  to  be  at  Tea  at  Hobbes'  &  J.  Mason's 

called  at  Millet's,  J  Mason's,  M.  Lambert's,  Chever's,  Boardman's, 

Collins',  Gaine's  &  Becket's. 

15.  Visited  Capt.  Tim.  Welman,  he  absent.  Wife  and  two  chil- 
dren, one  male.  Talk  about  an  advertisement  resp'g  the  Parson's 
daughters. 

16.  News  of  Dr.  Jeffries  having  passed  from  Dover  to  Calais  in 
a  Baloon.  Mentioned  to  Mr.  C.  Cabot  to  write  to  Mr.  Gardoqui  for 
Madrid  Ed:  of  Don  Quiekotte. 

[8]  17.  Sunday.  Notes  for  Eebeccah  Bushnel.  sick.  She  died 
between  the  Services.  Sarah  Tozzer  aged,  &  sick,  &  her  G.  Sons  at 
Sea.  David  Hilliard*  for  his  Son  sick.  F.  Beverley.  A  black,  for  a 
Sick  child. 

18.  Was  visited  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Haslet  who  dined  with  me. 
visited  Capt  Prat,  Wife  »&  5  Children,  three  males. 

visited  Mr  Chever.  Wife  &  3  Child,  one  male  and  a  second  wife. 

visited  Mr  D.  Kewhall,   supposed   dying.  A  Wife   &  4  child,  three 

males. 

Col.  Carleton's  &  M.  Killer's  visit  def :  to  next  E. 

19.  A  List  of  such  Persons,  who  have  been  so  frequently 
visited  that  their  families  can  be  recollected. 

Lydia  Babbidge.  a  daughter  with  her. 

James  Becket.  Wife  &  one  Child. 

Francis  Boardman.  three  Child,  one  male. 

[9]  Capt.  E.  Allen.  2  Wife.  8  Child,  four  males. 

C.  G.  Crowninshield.  8  child:  six  males. 

C.  G.  Dodge.  Wife  &  one  child  male. 

•LiTed  on  the  -wefetern  sice  of  Enf:lish  street  ar.d  owned  a  rope-walk  at  the  head  of 
Salem  Neck,  which  afterwards  was  sold  to  Richard  Derby. 


18  DIARY   OF  [1785 

C.  B.  Crowninshield.  Wife  &  one  child  male. 

C.  J.  Collins.  Wife  &  2  Child :  one  male. 

C.  J.  Fiske.  2  Wife.  6  Child,  one  male. 

C.  E.  Gibaut.*  Wife  one  child  male. 

C.  B.  Hodges.  Wife  one  child,  d. 

C.  S.  Ingersoll.  Wife.  3  child,  two  males. 

C.  J.  Lambert  sen.  6  child:  one  male. 

C.  J.  Mason  sen  :  5  child,  two  males. 

C.  J.  Mason,  junr.  2  child,  one  male. 

C.  E.  Pierce.  Wife  one  child. 

Mary  Eantall.  Widow  two  child,  males. 

C.  R.  Stone.  Wife  &  4  Child,  two  males. 

C.  N.  Silsbee.  Wife.  4  Child,  two  males. 

T.  Welcome  2d.  Wife.  3  Child,  one  male. 

C.  H.  White.  Wife  3  Child,  males. 

C.  J.  Waters.  Wife  &  one  child. 

Ab.  Watson.  Wife.  2  child,  one  male. 

John  Watson.  Wife.  3  child,  two  males. 

These  are  children  living  at  this  time  not  the  number  born  to  each. 
[10]  visited  Mr.  Newhall. 
Mr  Benja  Gale,  husband  not  at  home,  a  wife. 
Mr  Elisha  Gunnerson  &  wife  not  at  home. 
Called  at  Chevers  to  see  Mr.  Brown  to  drink  tea  on  Thursday. 
Visited  Sarah  Tozzer,  &    Visited   her   daughter  E.  Miller,    widow, 
three  children  two  males  &  G.  Daughter.  Wife  of   T.   Chipman  at 
Sea.  one  male  child. 
Visited  Widow  King.  7  Child.  6  males. 

Grandame  Whitefoot  &  Mr.  [S]   Tozzer,  Widow.  4  Child.  2 

males. 

Called  at  Capt  Kimball's,  not  at  home. 

Visited  Widow  M.  Bowditch.  7  children,  three  males. 

Widow  Elkins  5  ch  :  3  males. 

To  drink  Tea  at   GunnisoiVs  Friday. 

Funeral  at  Dodge's  &  Allen's.  Hilliard's.  Bowman's. 

A  Storm  of  Snow,  Hail  &  Rain,  prevented  the  visit  to  Mason's. 

[11]  20.     The  Lecture  Revn.  Holt  preached,  visits  to  sick. 

21.     Visited  Widow  Hannah  Murray. 
Visited  Peter  Murray.  Absent  husband.  Wife  »&  one  child,  d. 

Fairfield,  wife,  7  child.  4  males. 

E.  Kimball,  out.  Wife  4  child.  3  males. 

Widow  Eunice  Stevens. 

Roivell,  Capt.  Wife,  4  child:  2  males. 

Thomas  Rowell,  out.  wife  3  child:  males. 


•Boru  in  the  Island  of  Jersey.     Married  Sarah  Crowninshield  and  lived  at  the  comer 
of  Essex  and  Walnut  streets. 


1785]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  19 

Mr.  Ross,  out.  Wife  and  one  child,  d. 

Bich.  Dyton,  out.  AVife,  no  child. 

Tea  &  Evening  at  Chever's  James,  Wife.  2  children,  d. 

22.  Visited  Newhall  &  Milliard,  mom'g. 
To  drink  Tea  at  Lamberts  junr  Sunday. 

Tea  at  Gunnison's,  engaged  to  be  at  Harringtons  on  Wednesday. 

23.  died  John  Hilliaid.  set,  33.  of  Consumption. 

24.  Sunday.  Notes  for  Martha  Hodgdon.  sick  &  Brother  at 
Sea.  Hannah  Bushnel,  for  Sisters  death  &  Br  at  Sea.  Hannah  Ar- 
cher, death  of  dr.  Foot  &  fr.  at  Sea.  Mary  Whitford.*  death  of  sis- 
ter, &  fr.  at  Sea.  [12]  Nath.  Phippen,  for  safe  delivery,  David 
Newhall  sick,  «&  son  at  Sea. 

25.  died  Benja  Brown,  set.  52,  of  rheumatism. 

26.  Newhall  died. 

27.  Set  off  for  Cambridge. 

28.  Went  to  Boston,  heard  at  the  lectures  one  Pitman,  preacher 
at  Providence,  jNh-.  Everet  of  Dorchester  &  Mr  Skillman,  &  very 
much  preferred  the  latter.  Found  political  disputes  high.  Engaged 
to  assist  my  Brother  Thomas  by  advancing  within  six  months  15£ 
for  him,  which  he  has  borrowed  at  the  premium  of  a  dollar  pr 
month,  &  to  assist  him  in  his  rent  which  is  also  15£. 

29.  returned,  &  found  spots  of  Snow  on  the  hills  between 
Boston  &  Salem. 

April  30.  Engaged  at  home. 

May  1,  1785.  Sunday.  Notes  for  prayers.  David  Hilliard,  death 
of  his  son,  Hannah,  for  d:  of  Husband  Brown  &  son  abroad.  [13] 
Mary,  for  d:  of  Husb  :  Newhall,  &  Son  at  Sea.  W.  Ropes  for  deliv- 
ery. 

2.  Received  of  Hazlet,  6  Priestley's  Appeal  &  6  Views.  6  Dia- 
logues, of  Feskwick.  3.  Friendly  Dialogues  bet.  Athan.  &  Unit. 
Gave  2  Dial:  to  Col.  Carleton. 

1  Ap:  1  View.  &  2  Dial :  to  Mr  Watson, 

1  Dial :  to  Capt  White. 

1  App:  1  View.  &  1  Dial :  to  Capt  Joseph  White, 

1  App :  1  View.  &  1  Dial:  to  Capt  Stone. 

1  App.  1  View,  to  Capt  Ward, 

1  App,  1  View,  to  Capt  Fiske. 

reserved  to  lend,  bound  in  one  volume,  a  copy  of  each  Pamphlet. 
Received  as   a  personal  present  a  Volume  of  Hints  &  Essays  by  a 
Layman  &  An  Appeal  to  Common  Sense. 
Visited  Mr  Harrington,  wife,  one  Daughter. 

Widow  !M,  Batten,  two  child,  one  male. 

Mr  Seward,  not  at  home,  three  daughters. 

Saml  Murray,  Wife,  five  child.  4  males, 

•The  name  Whitford  was  formerly  Whitefoot,  a  translation  of  Blancpied.     The  family 
came  from  the  Island  of  Jersey.    At  Marblehead  the  name  became  Blampey. 


20  DIARY  OF  [1785 

Visited  John  Gunnison,  wife,  two  child,  one  male. 
Jonathan  Bruce  removed  to  Boston. 

[14]  4.     Benja  Gardner  junr  removed  to  Beverly. 

May  3.  Widow  Welman  visited ;  in  her  family  an  husband's  fath- 
er, aet.  88,  &  she  has  living  seven  children.  2  males.  Observed 
upon  clearing  away  the  foundation  of  an  old  Outhouse  back  of  the 
house  of  Capt  Gibaut  intended  for  family  business,  &  of  unknown 
antiquity,  a  foot  thickness  of  such  stones  as  are  used  in  pavements, 
filled  with  dirt,  promiscuously.  The  whole  amounted  to  many 
Loads. 

4.     Visited  Mr.  T.  Masury,  old  &  blind.  Wife  &  children. 
Visited  his  Son  S.  Masury.  Wife  &  two  children,  one  male. 

Widow  Hannah  Maskell.  children. 

Jona.  Brown,  &  wife. 

-Widow  M.  Cloutman,  5  child.  2  males. 


-Abijah  Hitchins,  wife,  children. 


Mr.  Southward,  Wife,  one  child,  daughter. 
Widow  Whitford,  3  child,  one  male. 
Widow  Hodgedon,  3  child,  two  males. 
[15]  Mr  Walker.  Wife. 
Widow  Murray,  daught:  of  Capt  Webb. 

8.  Sunday.  Notes  for  N.  Richardson,  for  safe  deliv  :  Joseph 
Snelling,  for  safe  deliv :  Mary  Bowditch,  death  of  Mother  in  Law. 
Evening  visited  Wid.  Haskell. 

9.     Went  to  Newbury  with  Mr  Hazlit. 

10.  returned  to  Ipswich  &  on  the 

11.  was  at  the  Ordination  of  Mr.  Joseph  McKeene  in  the  lower 
P.  of  Beverly. 

12.  at  Home. 

May  13,  visited  Mr  Lazell. 

15.  Sunday.  Changed  with  Revd  :  Wadsworth.  Note  for  Re- 
becca Dwire  for  recovery  of  health. 

Wrote  a  note  to  Mr  Diman  in  consequence  of  his  proceedings 
against  my  sentiments  resptg  the  ministration  of  Baptism. 

"Being  informed  of  your  proceedings  in  my  absence  ;  I  request 
that  in  my  name  a  meeting  of  the  Communicants  [16]  may  be  called, 
(by  a  public  Summons  on  Sunday)  on  Monday  next."     B. 

Summons  were  given  for  a  meeting  at  his  house  on  Wednesday  ten 
o'clock.  A.  M.  Upon  which  on  Monday  morning, 

16.  a  note  unsealed  was  written.  "  I  am  desired  to  inform  you 
that  several  members  of  the  Communion  object  to  the  place,  ap- 
pointed for  the  meeting  on  Wednesday  next,  &  desire  that  the 
public   Church  may  be  appointed  instead  of  it." — yours  B. 

18.  The  meeting  was  attended  on  the  day  appointed,  the  result 
of  which  by  the  consent  of  all  the  members  present,  (Parson  D. 
excepted)  was,  "  All  baptised  persons  shall  obtain  Baptism  for  their 
children,  after  being  propounded  to  the  Assembly  for  their  consent, 


1785]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  21 

without  owning  a  covenant  or  making  any  profession,  beside  that 
which  they  virtually  make  by  regular  [17]  application  for  such  Bap- 
tism, &  by  answering  such  rational  questions  as  the  Minister  may 
propose."  buried  Talbot,  a  black  child,  set.  7,  of  Consumption  & 
Malachi  Dodge,  mariner  of  Boston,  who  died  in  the  harbour,  set.  23, 
of  the  Small  Pox. 

22.  Sunday,  changed  with  Prentice.  Note  for  Joseph  Browne's 
Wife.  sick.     Went  to  Boston  in  this  week. 

May  29.     Thanks  for  delivery  by  J.  Collins. 

31.     d :  Ebenezer  Hacker,  set.  62.  of  Eheum  :  fever. 

June  5.     Sunday  :  Keene  death  of  child. 

6.  Catechising  females.     3  o'clock. 

7.  Catechising  males. 
12.     Sunday. 

14.  Association  Meeting  at  my  house.  Present.  Revd.  Diman, 
Barnard,  Prince,  Holt,  Wadsworth,  Swain,  &  Parsons.  Visitors. 
Hopkins,  Langdon,  &  Masters,  Smith  &  Noyes,  Revd.  McKeene 
preached  and  was  admitted  into  the  association. 

15.  Catechised  of  both  sexes  175. 

16.  Preached  at  Beverly  first  lecture  for  McKeene. 

[18]     19.     Sunday.     E.  Ward  for  death  of  Sister  Nutting-  * 

21.  Went  to  Andover  to  visit  part  of  Capt  Fiske's  family ,  there 
sick. 

26.     Sunday.     Mr  Hazlittf  preached  in  the  morning. 

July  3.  Sunday.  Notes  of  Capt  Fiske  for  d :  of  B.  Orne,  &  his 
wife  and  daughter  sick.  Mary  Waters,  delivery,  hiisb.  &  brothers 
at  Sea. 

July  10.  Sunday.  Note  of  Thomas  Keene  for  return  from 
Voiage,  &  rem.  preservation.  &  death  of  his  Mother,  &  his  child. 
Joshua  Pitman  for  delivery,  fr.  at  Sea.  Joseph  Smith  for  delivery, 
br.  at  Sea.  Wm.  Brown,  wife  dang'ly  ill.  f.  at  Sea.  Children  of 
Joseph  &  Mary  Waters  propounded  for  Baptism.  No.  Catechising 
last  Monday  &  Tuesday.  The  whole  number  247.  distributed 
Priestley's  Catechism,  published  in  Extracts  for  the  purpose. 

July  15.  Upon  enquiry  find  that  we  entered  Welch's  Building, 
by  the  permission  of  Mr  Andrew  about  [19]  December  1784,  &  left 
about  the  middle  of  June  1785. 

July  17.  Sunday.  Notes  from  Mr  Brown's  family  on  her  Death 
&  for  absent  friends.     Exchanged  with  Mr  Holt. 

July  24.  Notes  for  death  of  Mrs.  Tozzer.  also  for  Brown's  fami- 
ly.    Patterson's  return.     Capt  Thomas,  wife's  safe  delivery. 

July  31.     Sus  :  Dean,  delivery,     abs.  husb.&  friends. 
Aug.  7.     Foster  for  death  of  only  child,  brother  Long  ab :  Lam- 
bert d.  of  child,  husb.  &  friends  at  Sea.     Ebenezer  Phippen  f.  de- 

•Elizabeth  (Pickman),  wife  of  John  Nutting,  a  noted  schoolmaster. 
tFather  of  William  Hazlitt,  the  well-known  English  essayist. 


22  DIARY   OF  [1785 

livery.  Son.  J.  E.*  Good  Coat,  superf.  Handkerchief,  Shoes, 
Stocks,  Knee  buckles  silver,  Stockings,  Spirits  St.  Vincent,  &  Wine 
3  bottles. 

Aug.  14.  Changed  with  Parsons.  Notes  for  P.  English,  death 
of  Wife,  for  Mr  Rowell,  delivery,  died  Neighbor  TouselLf 

Aug.  21.  My  G.  Father  with  me.  Notes.  Harthone,  d.  of 
Brother  Touzel.  Joseph  Prat,  d.  of  child.  Hannah  Hodges  for 
delivery  &  absent  Husb:  &  brethren.  [20]  W.  Fairfield,  delivery, 
&  return  fr.  Sea. 

Aug.  28.     Ab.  Woods,  sick,  husband  at  Sea. 

Sept.  4.  J.  Lambert  junr.  retui-ned  from  Sea  &  death  of  Child. 
Atwater  Phippen.     Sister  Euth  dep'd  of  reason. 

Sept.  18.     Capt  Fiske,  death  of  D.  Lydia. 

Sept.  25.  M.  Renew  for  Sick  D.  Peggy.  Child  of  Henry  Prince, 
propounded. 

Oct.  2.  Abijah  Higgins  for  delivery.  Sarah  Millet  for  ditto, 
abs.  hus  :  &  friends. 

Oct.  9.  Mary  Grant,  death  of  child,  husb  &  sons  at  sea.  Martha 
Renew,  death  of  a  daughter.  Widow  Renew  for  G.  daughter's 
death,  &  Son  abroad.  Susannah  Valpy  for  delivery,  &  husband  at 
Sea.  &  son  at  Sea. 

Oct.  16.  John  Hodges  for  death  of  brother.  Hannah  Archer  for 
d.  of  brother  &  friends  at  Sea.  Katy  Brown,  a  black,  for  the  death  of 
her  master.  John  Gunnison  for  delivery.  Benja.  Cloutman  for  de- 
livery. 

[21]  Oct.  19.  Was  amicably  adjusted  a  controversy  between  the 
Parish  minister  &  the  Proprietors  of  the  East  Meeting  House.  After 
the  Ordiaation  for  eighteen  months  the  administration  of  Baptism, 
&  of  the  Communion  was  left  in  the  Parish  Minister's  hands.  An 
attempt  by  a  private  conference  between  the  Parish  Minister  and  the 
Proprietors  Committee,  was  made  to  transfer  part  of  this  service  in- 
to the  hands  of  the  Proprietors  Minister,  which  issued  in  an  agree- 
ment that  each  Minister  should  officiate,  when  applied  to,  &  by  an 
agreement  between  the  Ministers,  alternately  to  officiate  at  the 
Communion.  However  as  it  was  the  intention  of  the  Proprietors 
in  general  to  obtain  from  the  Parish  minister  a  refusal  of  all 
public  services,  on  account  of  his  age  and  infirmities,  they  did  not 
long  continue  satisfied  with  this  arrangement.  [22]  There  was  a 
Proprietor's  meeting  for  the  special  purpose  of  desiring  the  Parish 
Minister  to  leave  off  officiating.  The  desire  being  expressed  in  such 
general  terms  &  delivered  by  Capts  White  &  Allen,  the  Parish  Min- 
ister extended  the  idea  to  an  exclusion  from  all  Parish  Duty,  &  in 
a  manner  disrespectful,  tho'  accidental,  returned  an  answer,  in  which 
instead  of  asking  the  Proprietors,  or  their  Committee  an  explanation, 

♦"  J.  E."— probably  John  Edwards. 

tJobn  Towsell,  of  Jersey  extraction  and  grandson  of  Philip  English,  the  merchant. 


1785]  REV.  WILLIAM  BENTLEY  23 

he  explains  their  request,  to  divest  himself  entirely  of  the  ministerial 
character,  &i  on  account  of  the  solemnity  of  his  ordination  &  his 
conscience  refused  a  compliance.  U})ou  this  general  dissatisfaction 
ensued.  The  Proju-ietors  returned  him  an  answer  in  which  they  did 
insist  upon  their  request,  &  in  which  they  charge  the  Parish  Minis- 
ter with  an  aversion  to  peace  &  harmony,  [23]  To  the  true  rea- 
sons for  desiring  his  silence  new  ones  were  added,  some  invented 
without  any  facts  to  support  them.  The  Parish  &  Minister  crimin- 
ated each  other.  The  Minister  asserted  that  from  his  settlement 
they  &  their  fathers  had  shewn  a  disposition  to  render  his  support 
insufficient,  &  precarious.  His  family  joined  in  the  reports.  Among 
other  evils,  which  a  supposed  injury  induced  them  to  mention,  were 
charges  against  the  Parish  for  imprudent  speeches  about  religion 
implying  that  such  speeches,  &  new  doctrines,  &  fatal  innovations, 
were  introduced  by  the  Proprietor's  minister.  And  to  compleat  all, 
complaints  in  this  form  were  carried  before  the  Association  of  the 
Clergy  at  Beverly,  which  tended  to  render  the  Parish  &  The  Pro- 
prietors Minister  odious  m  the  world.  [24]  In  reply  the  Parish 
said,  that  the  Parish  Minister  settled  for  50£,  and  had  received  to 
the  amount  of  80£  annually  from  his  settlement.  That  he  had  dis- 
tinguished himself  thi-ough  life  by  a  complaining  temper,  &,  was 
commonly  known  as  an  avaritious  man.  That  he  had  made  no  con- 
sideration for  a  free  contribution,  which  he  received,  &  for  the  con- 
stant favors  he  had  received  from  the  Merchants  in  goods  exported 
&  imported  in  all  their  Vessels  free  of  all  duties,  imposts,  freights 
&  commissions.  That  he  had  received  in  charge  a  liberal  Donation 
for  the  Poor,  which  by  his  special  management  had  been  deprecia- 
ted to  an  inconsiderable  sum,  when  the  other  Clergy  distributed  the 
donations  committed  to  them  immediately  upon  the  reception  of 
them.  That  he  had  almost  dissolved  the  Parish  by  continuing  to 
preach  contrary  to  their  [25]  general  wish  for  many  years,  &  had 
done  everything  which  could  embarass  the  Proprietors  in  a  new 
choice  by  proposing  a  new  Candidate,  when  they  were  unamimous  in 
one  they  had  heard,  &  by  endeavoring  to  influence  the  opinions  of  oth- 
ers by  indirect  means.  That  he  had  in  his  charge  never  acknowledged 
the  Gentleman  ordained  as  a  Colleague,  or  his  relation  to  the  Church, 
which  relation  he  now  claimed  as  the  sacred  ground  of  his  resolution 
to  officiate.  Then  he  had  ungenerously  reported  things  to  weak  minds, 
which  he  would  neither  defend,  nor  represent  to  any  respectable 
men  in  the  Parish  to  the  disadvantage  of  the  doctrine  &  designs  of 
the  young  ^linister,  «&  did  absolutely  deny  what  in  dubious  expres- 
sions he  had  delivered  to  one  of  his  church,  &  upon  the  member's 
request  of  satisfaction  did  exclude  him  from  his  house,  &c.  &c.  [26] 
Upon  this  a  Parish  meeting  was  called,  which  rather  sh[o]wed  the 
passions  of  the  People,  that  helped  to  adopt  any  measures.  At 
length  a  hasty  meeting  of  the  proprietors  was  called,  with  a  determi- 
nation to  restore  peace,  at  which  after  great  hesitation  the  Parish 


24  DIARY   OF  [1785 

Minister  consented  to  resign  all  public  service  in  the  House,  pro- 
vided that  if  the  Church  desired  it  he  might  officiate  at  the  Com- 
munion, &  at  Baptism,  when  no  ordained  Minister  could  be  had. 
Thus  ended  a  most  perplexing  dispute  carried  on  with  a  total  want 
of  candor  by  the  Parish  Minister  &  great  violence  by  the  People. 

Oct.  31.  David  Hiliard,  death  of  daughter  Woods,  &  Son  at  Sea. 
Lydia  Hiliard:  d.  of  Sister  &  Bs  at  Sea.  Thomas  Welcome,  deliv- 
ery. Propounded  Edm.  &  Ann  Dwire,  Thomas  &  Eliz*  Parsons 
&  James,  &  Sarah  Browne. 

[27]  Nov'.  6.  Notes.  J.  Watson,  delivery.  E.  Dwire,  delivery.  T. 
Parsons,  delivery. 

Novr.  13.     Note.  James  Browne  for  delivery. 

Novr.  20.  Note  of  Mehitable  Patterson,  death  of  youngest  child. 
Husb  :  &  son  at  Sea. 

Novr.  27.     Mary  Carrol,  sick.  George  Smith,  for  delivery. 

Deer.  4.  John  Watson,  death  of  E.  Leach  in  his  family.  Ed- 
mund Whittemore,  sick.  Ruth  Phippen,  dangerously  sick.  John 
Fiske,  Father,  Mother,  &  Connections,  for  death  of  his  wife. 
Thanksgiving  mentioned  for  Deer.  15.  Mary  Carrol  propounded 
for  Clinical  Baptism.  In  propounding  the  Subject  for  Clinical 
Baptism,  In  the  Morning  Service  I  mentioned  after  the  conclu- 
ding prayer,  that  there  was  a  subject,  &  that  there  were  no  prece- 
dents in  the  New  Testament  which  could  imply  the  irregularity 
[28]  of  it,  but  many  to  justify  it.  It  was  uncertain  how  many  were 
present  at  the  baptism  of  Jesus,  &  the  nature  of  the  baptism  admin- 
istered by  the  disciples  must  render  it  often  private.  The  Eunuch 
was  baptized  by  Philip  privately.  To  the  house  of  Lydia,  &  the 
Tailor,  or  at  least  nothing  is  said  to  render  any  time,  or  place,  or 
number  of  Spectators  essential.  I  remarked  on  the  baptism  of 
Tertullian  &  several  of  the  fathers,  &  on  the  practices  of  the  Eng- 
lish, Roman  &  Greek  Churches.  On  Wednesday  following  as  on 
objection  was  ojffered,  I  proceeded  to  baptise.  In  the  following 
form.  I  took  brother  Benjamin  Ward  jnnr.  with  me  to  the  house  of 
the  Candidate,  she  laying  in  bed.  I  made  a  short  prayer  justifying, 
by  devoutely  alluding  to  the  Scripture  testimonies,  the  solemnities. 
[29]  I  then  read  the  holy  Gospel  Matthew  28th  C.  18th,  and  the 
Epistle  of  Paul  to  the  Romans  6th  C.  Then  performed  the  Rite  af- 
ter asking  her  whether  she  heartily  desired  Christian  Baptism.  I 
then  prayed  with  her  for  her  wise  use  of  the  solemnities,  her  recov- 
ery, &  resignation,  &  closed  with  a  short  exhortation. 

Deer.  11.  Service  morning  to  begin  1-2  past  10,  Bernard  1-2 
the  day. 

Deer.  15.     Thanksgiving.  Contribution  £12. 

Deer.  18.  Mary  Carrol,  dangerously  sick.  Sarah  Cloutman, 
dang  :  sick.  Gave  notice  from  the  Committee  that  the  Salary,  or 
assessments  on  the  pews  were  to  be  raised  by  a  weekly  Contribu- 
tion on  the  Sunday. 


1785]  EEV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  25 

Deer.  19.  Set  out  with  Miss  Allen  for  Tewkesbury,  dined  at 
Widow  Upton  in  Dan  vers,  drank  Tea  at  Esqr.  Ford's  in  Wilming- 
ton, and  arrived  at  Madam  Boardman's  in  Tewkesbury  at  6  in  the 
evening.  [30]  The  day  was  of  clear  sunshine,  but  the  roads  very 
bad  as  far  as  Reading.  At  the  Esqrs.  I  was  entertained  with  his 
religious  enthusiasm  of  the  Calvinistic  cast.  His  conversion  was 
miraculous.  Excepting  his  religious  frenzy  he  retams  his  facul- 
ties with  surprising  vigor  after  a  very  laborious  life  until  82.  At 
ISIadam  Boardman's  we  lodged  that  night,  &  breakfasted,  and  dined 
the  next  day.  The  old  lady's  powers  were  never  large  &  now 
much  weakened.  Her  Son  the  only  child,  ruined  for  active  life  or 
economy,  &  her  daughter-in-law  ruined  by  intemperance.  What 
destruction  to  a  good  estate  flowing  from  Governor  Phipps,  Esqr. 
Boardman,  Hon.  Ballard,  &  Esqr.  Townsend.  After  dinner  we 
rode  6  miles  to  Billerica&  drank  Tea  at  Revd.  Cummings'.  A  man 
of  a  liberal  mind,  eminent  in  his  profession,  kind  in  his  temper,  a 
widower  with  5  children,  two  sons,  all  very  amiable.  It  is  uncom- 
mon to  find  a  family  [31]  in  such  polite  order  in  the  Country.  We 
returned  in  the  evening  to  Madam  Boardman's,  and  lodged  that 
night,  breakfasted  in  the  morning  and  arrived  at  twelve  on  our  re- 
turn at  Revd.  Stone's,  Reading.  We  here  experienced  great  hospi- 
tality, &  found  a  large  family  with  great  examples  of  rural  dili- 
gence before  them.  We  drank  tea  at  Widow  Upton,  &  at  seven  in 
the  evening  reached  home,  after  a  disagreeable  ride  in  a  bad  road, 
upon  a  very  dark  evening.  I  left  with  Mr.  Boardman  to  remember 
me  a  dozen  of  Sermons  preached  at  my  Ord.,  one  of  Priestley  ap- 
peal, three  of  his  Catechisms.  The  Pamphlets  respecting  Mr.  Mur- 
ray to  &  from.  And  received  two  Sermons  of  Revd  West  of  Keed- 
ham,  written  with  a  freedom  of  sentiment  which  must  inspire  the  best 
hopes  respecting  our  rising  Country.  [32]  Miss  A's  behavior,  was 
very  modest  &  engaging.  It  was  the  most  becoming  of  any  ex- 
ample I  have  ever  been  witness  to. 

Deer.  25.  Christmass.  The  Service  as  follows.  To  introduce 
the  morning  service.     Two  short  anthems.   Hail,    Hail,  &c.,  &  Me- 

thinks  I  see,  & Boston.     Before    Sermons,    Shepherds    rejoice, 

&c.  After  Sermon.  Anthem.  Behold,  &c.  Evening  Service,  at 
Introduction,  While  Shepherds,  Bethlehem.  Before  Sermon, 
While  Shepherds,  &c.  After  Sermon,  Anthem.  Behold,  &c.  Pre- 
served Elkins  propounded  to   receive   Baptism  for  her    child. 

Jany.  1,  178G.  Samuel  Masm-y,  death  of  child.  Edmund  Whit- 
temore,  sick.  Widow  Mary  Carrol,  sick.  Preserved  Elkins,  de- 
livery &  husb  :  at  Sea.  [33]  On  January  the  Ninth,  as  Mr 
Joseph  Loring  was  endeavoring  to  thaw  the  water  of  His  Grind- 
stone with  a  hand  Grenade,  or  as  he  supposed  Shot,  which  had  lain 
for  thirty  years  at  the  bottom  of  Capt  Derby's  Cellar,  it  discharged 
itself  as  he  was  removing  it  in  his  Apron  from  the  fire  to  the  trough 
in  a  moderate  degree  of  heat,  &  tore  his  left  hand  which  was  under 


26  DIARY  OF  [1786 

it,  so  as  to  oblige  an  amputation,  &  injuried  his  right  hand  so  as  to 
oblige  him  to  lose  the  third  finger  with  great  injury  to  his  hand. 

During  my  absence  Deer.  20th  the  Parish  Minister  went  to  Mrs. 
Carrol,  whom  I  baptised  on  Deer.  7,  &  represented  to  her  that  the 
Practice  of  Clinical  baptism  was  Roman,  &  many  other  things  which 
could  disturb  her  mind  &  cast  reflection  on  the  Proprietor  Minister. 
This  Conduct  took  place  in  ray  absence,  [34]  and  even  when  he 
had  been  applied  to  before  I  was  consulted,  when  he  had  lodged 
no  other  objection  than  that  he  had  never  done  such  a  thing,  &  even 
when  the  Candidate  had  been  regularly  propounded.  And  to  shew 
the  Christian  temper  he  exercises,  his  maid  was  ordered  to  go  and 
take  her  seat  in  the  Proprietor's  pew,  which  his  family  had  forsaken. 
This  happened  last  Simday. 

Jany.  15.  Mary  Lambert,  death  of  Sister,  &  Children  &  G. 
Children  at  Sea.     William  King,  for  delivery. 

Persons  who  have  left  the  worship  in  the  East  House,  from  pro- 
fessed Dislike,  &c.  At  Ordination,  Mr.  Safford  &  Wife,  Wife  since 
dead,  &  Mrs  Lacey  married  to  him,  gone  to  Hopkins's.  John  In- 
gersoll  &  Wife  to  Hopkins*.  Widow  Kimball  to  Tabernacle.  Mrs. 
Pierce  to  Tabernacle.  Mrs.  Palfrey  to  Tabernacle.  [35]  Maiden 
Sarah  Pov/le  to  Tabernacle. 

Came  only  to  the  Communion.  Mrs  Matoon*  gone  to  Prince's. 
Mrs  Flint  gone  to  Tabernacle.  Two  daughters  of  Parson  Diman, 
gone  among  those  who  happen  to  ask  them  to  dine,  of  whatever 
persuasion. 

19th.  News  of  the  Death  of  Capt  Jacob  Clark  upon  his  home- 
ward bound  Passage  from  Hispaniola,  from  whence  he  sailed  Novr. 
29,  &  died  on  the  9th  day  out.  The  Vessel  arrived  at  New  York. 
He  has  left  a  widow  &  two  children.  Arrived  Capt.  Jona.  Mason  J^mr. 

22.  Sunday.  Eliz*  White,  death  of  Capt.  Clark.  Eliza  Clark, 
death  of  her  husband,  a7id  Son  at  Sea.  Martha  Gale,  prep  :  for  bap- 
tism for  her  children.  Hannah  Cloutman  for  bapt:  for  children. 
Both  theu"  husbands  unbaptized.  Widow  Lydia  Beadle,  death  of 
her  mother.  [36]  Thomas  Keene  &  Wife,  she  sick.  Mary  Carrol, 
dang  :  sick,  &  son  at  Sea.  Hannah  Collins,  delivery,  husb.  at  sea. 
Mary  Parrot,  death  of  Mother  &  Husband  at  Sea.  Eliz.  Parsons, 
death  of  B.  Clark  &  Husband  at  Sea.  Marg  :  Clark,  death  of  Son 
&  Sons  at  sea.  Marg:  Gordon,  death  of  B.  Clark  &  Brethren  at  Sea. 
Delivery.  Notes  for,  from  Ruth  Briggs,  Husband  at  Sea.  Stephen 
Cloutman  &  Benjamin  Gale  &   Isaac  White. 

Capt.  Jona.  Mason  junr  being  obliged  on  account  of  the  Ice  to 
anchor  in  Nantasket  Road,  was  carried  upon  Point  Allerton  by  the 
breaking  up  of  the  Ice,  &  in  securing  the  Vessel,  the  Mate  [37]  lost 
both  legs  &  this  week  died.  On  the  week  before  last  at  the  begin- 
ning the  Cold  was  very  intense  &  at  one  time  11°  below  0. 

•Elizabeth  (Meservy),  wife  of  Hubartus  Mattoon,  afterwards  of  Newmarket,  N.  H. 


178G]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  27 

On  Friday,  Jany  27,  died  Joseph  Orne,  an  eminent  Physician  of 
this  Town.  He  possessed  an  early,  &  sprightly  genius.  Has  left 
a  pleasing  collection  of  his  poetic  lucubrations  with  the  Lady  of 
George  Cabot  Esq.  Keverly,  &  was  highly  endeared  by  a  native  & 
pure  vein  of  Wit,  &  the  highest  social  accomplishments.  His  pro- 
fessional knowledge  was  great,  &  his  application  assiduous.  He 
died  of  a  Consumption  in  the  87th  year  of  his  age,  &  has  left  a  wife 
&  three  children  to  mourn  his  loss.  He  was  honored  in  the  Acad- 
emy with  the  collection  of  the  first  volume  of  their  Transactions,  in 
company  with  other  principal  Gentlemen,  &c. 

[38]  Feby  1.  Left  a  dollar  with  Mrs.  Keene.  Distributed  my 
Oranges  between  Mr.  Loring,  Mrs.  Keene,  &  Miss  S.  Cloutman. 
Paid  for  tolling  the  Bell,  two  shillings. 

A  List  of  such  Mariners  in  the  Society,  as  sail.  Masters  of  Ves- 
sels in  the  East  Society,  Salem. 

Capt.  Edward  Allen,  at  Sea.  Capt.  Benj*  Knight,  at  Sea. 

Capt.  Johnson  Briggs,  at  Sea.        Capt.  Joseph  Lambert  jim"",  at  Sea. 
Capt.  Francis  Boardman,  at  Sea.    Capt.  Jon*  Mason  jun"". 
Capt.  James  Chever.  Capt.  Wm.  Patterson,  at  Sea. 

Capt.  Benj^Crowninshield,  at  Sea.Capt.  Joseph  Prat. 
Capt.  John  Collins,  at  Sea.  Capt.  Ebenezer  Pierce. 

Capt.  Henry  Elkins,  at  Sea.  [39]   Capt.  Moses  Townsend. 

Capt.  Wm.  Fairfield,  at  Sea.  Capt.  Timothy  Welman,  at  Sea. 

Capt.  Benj*  Hodges,  at  Sea.  Capt.  Adam  Welman,  at  Sea. 

Capt.  Sam'  IngersoU.  Capt.  Henry  White,  at  Sea. 

Capt.  Joseph  Waters,  at  Sea. 

This  List  is  intended  to  include  not  all,  who  have  borne  the  title 
of  Masters  of  Vessels,  or  are  actually  at  Sea  &  have  the  title,  but 
such  only  as  are  in  present  employ  in  that  character,  in  order  for 
future  minutes  of  their  returns  &  their  sailings  from  the  Port. 
Capts.  Prat  &  IngersoU  are  now  property  owners  on  shore,  but  such 
as  have  not  professedly  given  up  all  purposes  of  navigating  their 
Vessels. 

Feby  3,  1786.  Letter  from  Revd.  J.  Eliot  respecting  an  ex- 
change, agreed  2d  Sunday  in  February.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Batelle 
respecting  Critical  Review,  &  Worcester  Gazette.  Sailed  this  week 
Capt  Townsend. 

[40]  Feby  5.  Edmund  Whittemore,  sick.  John  Andrews,  de- 
livery. 

Feby  9.  Projected  an  addition  to  the  Singing  Company,  &  in- 
vited to  my  chamber  for  the  evening,  Mr  Benj*  Brown  ;  INIr  Wil- 
liam King ;  Mr  John  Chandler  ;  ]\Ir  Samuel  Webb,  never  appeared  ; 
Mr  Stephen  Cloutman  &  included  an  invitation  to  two  Mr  Smiths. 
Added  to  the  Company  by  an  invitation,  Mr.  John  Becket,  &  Mr 
Benj*  Cloutman,  Mr  Ward  &  the  School  Master.  Added  an  invita- 
tion in  the  evening  to  Mr  Joshua  Leavitt,  &  Robert  Bray.  'Mv 
Welcome  &  Mr  Hovey  visited  us. 


28  DIARY   OF  [1786 

Feby  12.  Preached  in  Boston,  &  carried  with  me  one  of  Capt 
Allen's  children. 

Expences  of  Carriage 0,  16,  0. 

Going  to  Camb  :  &  expences 0,    7 ,  6» 

[41]  Barber 0,    3,  0. 

Acknowl :  &c 0,    3,  0. 

Returned  on  Wednesday.  On  Tuesday  attended  the  induction  of 
Professor  Pearson  into  the  Oriental  Chair  in  the  room  of  S.  Sewall, 
ungenerously  dismissed. 

Feby  15.  Received  the  fii'st  Lecture  in  Music  fr  Mr  Buffington 
for  the  Young  Gentlemen  mentioned.  Feb.  9.  Present,  Mr.  B. 
Brown,  Mr  Wm.  King,  Mr  J.  Chandler,  Mr  S.  Cloutman,  Mr  Smith, 
Mr  J.  Leavitt,  Mr  B.  Bray,  Mr  Henry  Osborne,  Mr  Herrick.  Was: 
shewn  an  Original  Collection  of  Psalms  &  Hymns,  not  very  poet- 
ical by  Mr  Needham  an  Anabaptist.  Collections  from  Watts  & 
others,  published  at  Exeter  &  Bristol,  &  [42]  A  Versification  of 
Many  of  the  Psalms  by  a  Lady  in  a  more  antient  publication  in  the 
name  of  Theodosia.  These  are  in  the  possession  of  Mr  Smith. 
Arrived  Boardman  &  Tim  Welman  from  West  Indies. 

Feby  19.  Rebecca  Brown,  death  of  Husb's  mother.  Husband  & 
Son  at  Sea.  Wid.  Mary  Burroughs,  dang^^  sick.  Joseph  Prat,  de- 
livery. John  Crowninshield  went  out  a  mate  with  Capt  Lambert 
junr  &  returned  sick  with  C.  Tim  Welman  &  died. 

Feby  20.  died  Capt  Moses,  a  well  known  attender  upon  the 
King's  Customs  and  a  celebrated  Devourer  of  food  of  all  kinds  &c., 
aged  80. 

21.  A  note  to  John  Brown  to  join  the  Wednesday  night  Sing- 
ers. On  Monday  evening  a  fire  broke  out  in  Marblehead,  by 
which  was  consumed  a  large  Store,  the  chamber  of  which  was  a  Sail 
loft,  containing  many  [43]  suits  of  Sails  belonging  to  fishermen. 
In  the  Store  was  a  large  quantity  of  fish  part  of  which  was  de- 
stroyed. The  Town  of  Salem  was  alarmed,  but  on  account  of  the 
Storm  the  preceding  day,  which  continued  through  the  evening,  & 
the  great  drifts  of  Snow,  the  engines  did  not  arrive  soon  enough  to 
give  any  assistance.  The  engines  went  on  to  the  Cross  roads.  On 
Wednesday,  Mr  John  Brown  &  Caleb  Bangs,  &  Joseph  Loring, 
joined  the  New  Singing  School.  Le7it  Dr  Nutting  a  dollar.  Invited 
James  Cushing  to  attend  Singers. 

26.  Sunday.  Notes.  Sarah  Crowninshield,  death  of  husband 
&  friends  at  Sea.  Hannah  Crowningshield,  death  of  y'est  Son  & 
other  Son  at  Sea.  Thomas  Keene,  Death  of  Wife  &  brother  at  Sea. 
Sarah  Silver,  death  of  Keene,  &  Sons  at  Sea.  John  Faii-field,  & 
Samuel  Woodkins,  for  delivery.  Brother  &  Son  at  Sea.  [44]  Jon- 
athan Mason  &  William  Foy,  for  delivery. 

To  drink  Tea  at  Herrick's  Monday  &  at  Crowninshield's  on  Tues- 
day. On  Monday  I  was  stopped  in  the  Street  by  Parson  Diman,  & 
told  he  should  look  to  me  for  the  deficiency  of  his  salary  !  !  !   Death 


1786]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  29 

of  the  Venerable  &  Revd  Mr  Wingate,  of  Amesbury,  set.  82.  About 
this  time  the  News  of  the  death  of  the  Celebrated  Dr  Leechman, 
Principal  of  the  University  of  Glasgow,  arrived  in  America. 
Arrival  of  Capt  Thomas  fr.  West  Indies.  Jonathan  Palfrey  begged 
Ch  :  Baptism.     I  was  measured  for  a  Suit  of  Cloathes. 

March  5.  Note  for  Mr  Gunnerson  by  his  Wife  Hannah  &  chil- 
dren &  for  Son  at  Sea.  Caution  for  Edmund  Whittemore.  Arrived, 
Capt  Adam  Welman. 

[45]     Letter  to  my  Father. 

Salem,  March  7,  1786. 
My  dear  father ; 

I  am  not  so  insensible  to  my  duty,  as  not  to  feel  and  to 
regard  every  lesson  of  reproof,  I  received  from  you.  So  firmly  am 
I  persuaded,  after  all  things  which  have  happened,  that  you  are  my 
friend,  that  I  should  instantly  plead  guilty,  &  beg  forgiveness,  could 
I  not  see  clearly  the  true  cause  why  you  have  represented  my 
conduct  in  so  odious  light. 

Burdened  in  the  decline  of  life  with  coils  you  never  deserved,  ev- 
erything looks  adverse  to  you.  Hence  my  want  of  affection  is  sus- 
pected, because  at  a  critical  hour  all  my  resources  failed,  as  well  as 
your  own.  As  there  was  no  real  cause,  why  I  should  leave  my 
affection,  you  assigned  poverty  as  the  probable  one.  But  duty  to 
parents  is  so  essential  to  my  religion,  that  were  my  parents  vagar 
bonds,  how  much  more  when  they  truely  deserve  reverence,  they 
would  find  me  disposed  to  the  utmost  of  my  power  to  relieve  &  as- 
sist them.  No,  Sir,  I  love  you  still,  and  whatever  shall  happen,  will 
love  you  forever.  [46]  You  know,  Sir,  the  true  cause  of  my  ad- 
herence to  my  Grandfather,  &  know  it  to  be  a  sufficient  one.  The 
time  will  come,  when  you  will  as  much  applaud  me  in  it,  as  you 
now  fear  my  motives  in  it.  Time  will  prove  I  have  been  a  friend 
to  you  in  it,  &  time  is  the  best  interpreter  of  the  actions  of  men. 
Should  the  best  friend  I  have  on  earth,  advise  me  to  neglect,  or 
prejudice  my  parents,  I  would  renounce  Him  forever. 

The  only  reason,  why  I  have  not  punctually  fulfilled  my  engage- 
ment to  my  brother,  has  been  my  utter  inability.  My  day  book, 
my  applications  to  my  friends,  &  the  conduct  of  my  Committee,  can 
attest  this  truth.  If  I  did  not  speak  truth,  it  would  be  easy  to  con- 
vict me. 

I  have  received  a  letter  from  my  brother  this  week.  Before  the 
week  is  out  I  will  send  him  ten  dollars.  I  wish  to  know  precisely 
how  much  he  really  needs  from  meat  present,  because  it  is  extreme- 
ly difficult  to  raise  money,  &  especially  to  appropriate  it,  when 
one's  own  [47]  circumstances  are  embarassed. 

with  sacred  regard  to  my  parents 

&  brethren  &  Sisters  your  obed* :    Son. 

This  letter  was  written  after  repeated  letters  to  my  Father,  on 
account  of  the  most  cruel  censures,  which  a  father   could  allege 


30  DIARY  OF  [1786 

against  a  Son.  That  I  despised  him  in  his  poverty,  &  neglected  my 
Brother  to  whom  I  promised  assistance — from  which  brother  I  have 
received  the  most  impudent  letters  ever  written  to  the  most  Bil- 
lingsgate rascal  who  ever  existed.  I  shewed  the  letters  to  a  Lady 
of  my  acquaintance,  &  that  I  might  not  be  stimulated  by  just  re- 
sentment to  expose  them  hereafter,  in  her  presence  I  committed 
them  to  the  flames.  There  is  a  personal  quarrel  between  my 
Grandfather  &  Benefactor,  &  my  Father  from  whom  I  have  experi- 
enced, what  Christianity  obliges  me  conceal.  God  forgive  him.  It 
is  to  be  hoped  that  I  may  be  able  so  to  conduct  for  the  future,  as  at 
least  to  escape  evil  reports  from  my  parents. 

[48]  Mr  Lathe  joined  the  N.  Sn^  School,  &  Mr  Wallis  accepted 
an  invitation.  Without  any  regard  to  my  letter  sent  to  my  father, 
which  perhaps  was  not  communicated,  I  received  another  from  my 
Brother  Thomas  which  I  answered.  My  Brother,  I  have  received 
your  letter  of  the  8th  &  not  of  the  6th  instant.  In  consequence  of 
which  I  have  borrowed  of  several  friends  the  sum,  which  I  have 
now  sent  to  you.  I  have  taken  no  notice  of  what  I  have  given  be- 
fore, &  I  now  declare  that  I  shall  consider  myself  free  of  all  obliga- 
tion to  advance  any  sum  or  sums  of  money  for  the  future.  I  am 
entering  life  as  well  as  yourself,  I  have  nothing  beside  my  profes- 
sion to  depend  upon,  &  really  need  assistance  as  well  as  yourself. 
Pray  never  let  me  receive  another  letter  upon  the  subject  of  money, 
as  I  shall  answer  to  no  such  letter.  From  him,  who  is  willing  to 
do  his  duty,  but  must  remember   [49]  himself,  your  Brother. 

S.  March  9,  1786. 

&  the  sum  of  fifty  dollars,  give  Burrill  a  receipt.  I  wrote  a  let- 
ter also  to  Capt  Ridgway  which  contained  little  except  the  two 
preceding  letters. 

March  12.     Kote  for  Uncle  Frank,  sick.     Nich.  Lane,  delivery. 

On  Saturday  March  11,  I  was  visited  by  Mr  Burnum  &  Col.  Wade 
fr  Ipswich  on  the  subject  of  the  Convention  at  Charlestown  on  May 
last,  the  result  of  which  has  been  printed,  &  which  I  have  never 
seen,  &  the  result  of  which  as  it  was  not  determined  by  the  vote  of 
the  delegates  of  Essex  Lodge  in  person  or  by  their  proxy.  Professor 
Warren,  1  could  not  judge  of.  Monday  was  at  Eevd  Holt's.  Let- 
ter to  Hall,  printer,  Boston.  Mr  Hall,  I  propose  to  take  with  your 
excellent  paper,  Thomas's  Worcester  Gazette.  You  would  much 
oblige  a  constant  customer,  if  you  would  give  directions  to  have  the 
W.  G.  left  at  your  office,  &  transmitted  [50]  regularly  with  your 
paper  to  Salem.  Pray  desire  that  it  may  be  sealed,  &  all  charges 
shall  be  paid  punctually  by  the  Subs  :  who  with  highest  personal 
respect  is  your  humble  Sev* 

To  the  President  of  the  University. 

It  is  the  first  &  may  be  the  only  occasion,  on  which  I  may  apply 
to  the  University  for  a  dispensation  in  favor  of  an  undergraduate 
&  did  not    his   existence   plead  for   it,    I   had   now   been   silent. 


$  s 


1  e 

5    2 


5   S 


o  ^ 


1786]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  81 

Gibaut  is  thought  by  his  friends  at  Salem  to  be  in  such  habit  as 
requires  an  experiment  of  Sea  air.  His  friends  were  dissuaded  by 
my  solicitations  last  fall  from  an  application  to  the  University  for 
his  absence,  as  he  could  then  have  taken  a  long  voiage  with  an  ex- 
cellent friend.  His  present  necessities  oblige  his  application  at  this 
time,  &  it  is  my  earnest  request  in  behalf  of  a  worthy  family  &  for 
an  only  Son,  that  he  might  be  indulged  with  all  submission  and 
reverence,  to  the  Government  of  the  University  be  it  referred.  Mr. 
P.  with  the  highest  personal  esteem  &  with  regard  to  your  public 
character  E.  Dr.  Willard.  your  devoted  servant. 

[51]  To  James  Winthrop  Esq',  Librarian,  &c.  my  friend,  I  have 
written  to  the  P.  in  behalf  of  Gibaut.*  He  is  in  extreme  danger, 
without  doubt,  of  losing  life,  &  our  last  &  only  hope  is  from  the 
advantages  of  a  voiage.  He  has  an  excellent  opportunity  for  a 
long  &  healthy  one  from  the  friendship  of  E.  H.  Derby  his  uncle, 
which  I  would  by  no  means  advice  him  to  neglect.  If  ever  I  speak 
my  sentiments  it  is  on  this  occasion,  if  indulgence  can  consist  with 
wisdom,  assist  me  in  gaining  my  request.  As  your  knowlidge  of 
the  youth  will  confirm  what  I  have  asserted,  I  rest  persuaded  that 
you  will  not  conceive  my  request  unreasonable. 

your  sincere  friend. 

To  the  Schoolmaster.  March  14.  My  good  friend  Mr.  Watson, 
Upon  your  determination  to  leave  the  East  public  School,  I  have 
been  desired  to  preside  in  person  in  said  school  until  the  Committee 
have  a  reasonable  time  to  enquire  for  &  obtain  a  man  of  competent 
abilities  to  supply  your  place.  [52]  The  zeal  I  showed  for  your  ad- 
vancement to  it,  declared  fully  my  regard  to  the  institution,  &  to 
your  person.  I  have  still  the  same  sentiments  of  both.  Tho'  I 
prefer  a  private  to  a  public  School  &  would  urge  all  who  can  afford 
the  former,  to  endeavor  after  it,  yet  so  great  a  majority  cannot 
afford  the  expence,  that  I  feel  myself  obliged  to  declare  that  I  am 
zealous  to  establish  the  liberal  institution  of  a  Free  School  upon 
the  best  foundation  in  my  Society,  &  do  really  consider  this  insti- 
tution as  the  most  noble,  which  my  sphere  of  action  presents  to 
my  patronage,  with  the  warmest  love  &  most  hearty  wishes  of 
success,  your  obliged  friend,  W.  B.  9  o'clock. 

According  to  direction  I  will  wait  upon  you,  &  receive  the  School 
at  your  hands  at  eleven. 

[53]  Accordingly  I  went  at  eleven  A.  M.  and  found  the  School 
dismissed  under  the  excuse  of  a  Launching.  In  the  afternoon  I 
presided,  &  found  the  utmost  confusion.  On  the  next  day  I  pro- 
vided four  boys  to  rule  the  books  to  whom  I  gave  the  front  middle 
Seat.  I  assigned  the  writing  branch  to  Mr.  Jon*  Snelling,  the  As- 
sistant Master.  Dismissed  40  reading  boys  into  the  East  End,  & 
appointed  the  precise  place  of  the  boys,  to  write  &  cypher. 

•John,  son  of  Capt.  Edward  Gibaut. 


32  DIARY  OF  [1786 

Tuesday  buried  from  a  Vessel  in  the  harbour  a  Child  on  its  pas- 
sage to  the  River  Sheepscut,  by  the  name  of  Blackmore. 

As  further  regulations  in  the  School  March  15,  I  altered  the  time 
of  the  School  terms,  from  8  to  11  A.  M.  &  from  1  to  4  P.  M. 
After  Prayer,  heard  all  the  boys  read  in  turn,  then  [54]  sent  them 
in  their  Classes  to  the  Writing  Desk  to  receive  Copies,  or  [Sh'ts?] 
&  to  the  Boys  on  their  return  to  rule  their  Books.  Then  mended 
all  the  Pens.  Forbid  except  only  in  cases  of  necessity  any  boys  to 
go  out  of  the  School,  till  this  was  done,  &  then  only  three  at  a 
time.  Forbid  any  boy  to  converse  or  associate  with  any  boys,  who, 
not  belonging  to  the  School,  should  be  found  loitering  round  the 
School,  in  the  School  terms. 

March  19.  Sunday.  Notes  for  death  of  Mr.  Gunnerson,  by  his 
wife  &  Son  Elisha,  &  for  daugh  :  absent. 

On  this  Sunday  morning  preached  memoriter,  because  I  could 
not  write  out  an  whole  discourse  on  account  of  my  School.  N. 
with  great  velocity.  On  Wednesday  morning  Mr.  Lang  the  School 
Master  took  the  School,  &  I  attended  with  him,  [55]  On  Wed- 
nesday had  a  letter  from  Hon.  G.  Cabot  informing  me  of 
the  Arrival  of  my  "Don  Quickotte"  from  Spain  at  Providence. 
Inclosed  his  letter  &  the  Bill  of  Lading  in  a  letter  to  my  G.  Father 
Paine.  News  from  the  Ship  for  Africa, Capt Robinson  Commander; 
dead  on  board  the  Captain,  the  Doctor  &  Mr  Israel  Dodge  of  Salem , 
Additional  regulations  in  School.  All  private  Htders  &  Plummetts 
forbid.  The  great  hand  condemned,  &  single  lines  from  12  to  18 
required  on  each  page.  Method  of  going  out,  one  from  each  School, 
&  on  occasion  a  special  license  to  a  third.  An  Answer  22d  to  G. 
Cabot  Esq""  by  Rev'i  McKeen. 

Continuation  of  Rules  for  School.  Reasons  for  beginning  School 
at  one  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

1.  That  at  one  all  the  people  dine,  [56]  &  from  that  hour  until 
two  the  children  are  collecting,  &  form  parties  for  conversation  & 
divertion,  &  commonly  are  more  noisy  in  the  afternoon.  If  the 
School  be  open  to  receive  them  at  one,  they  are  upon  duty  without 
oppertunity  for  dissipation,  after  they  leave  their  families  &  so  are 
better  subjected  to  good  order. 

2.  At  one.  Public  notice  is  given  through  the  town  of  the  hour, 
&  as  there  are  few  clocks  &  watches  in  the  Town  in  families,  there 
can  be  no  other  certain  time  of  collecting. 

3.  It  is  best  to  have  one  hour  of  beginning  through  the  year,  & 
no  other  consists  with  a  term  of  three  hours  for  two  thirds  of  the 
year. 

4.  In  the  Summer  Season  Children  are  apt  to  go  in  to  bathe  in  the 
water  immediately  after  dinner,  which  is  a  pernicious  custom,  &  is 
hereby  prevented,  &  lastly,  [57]  it  is  best  to  prevent  Children  from 
being  too  much  crammed  with  animal  food  which  is  hereby   easily 


1786]  BEV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  33 

prevented  on  tlie  four  days  in  which  there  is  a  School-Term  in  the 
afternoon. 

^rarch  26,  Notes,  George  Dodge,  death  of  Brother.  Mary 
Clontman,  death  of  daughter.  Stephen  Cloutman,  death  of  Sister. 
John  Brown,  delivery,     Benjamin  Gale  &  wife,  him  sick. 

"  In  the  above  reasons  for  one  o'clock  I  add,  that  it  affords  the 
master  a  more  convenient  Quarter  School."  In  the  course  of  the 
last  mouth  Brother  Hiller,*  &  myself  were  appointed  as  a  Commit- 
tee to  wait  upon  the  Grand  Lodge,  &  to  enquire  respecting  the  de- 
mands made  upon  our  Lodge,  &  to  decide  the  fate  of  our  Essex 
Lodge  !  ! ! 

[58]  About  sunset  April  1,  Saturday,  came  on  a  violent  storm  of 
snowf  with  an  high  N.  E,  wind,  which  continued  till  Sunday  2 
o'clock  p,  m.  There  were  few  persons  at  Church,  &  no  woman  in 
the  morning.  Bickford's  store  blown  from  a  Coal  wharf  on  the  west 
side  of  North  Bridge,  Sz,  a  lintel  from  Palfrey's  house  below  the 
East  meeting-ho^^se.  A  Schooner  ashore  on  Thursday  night  upon 
Baker's  Islands  breakers,  from  the  West  Indies,  belonging  to  Bev- 
erly, The  Vessel  &  Cargo  lost,  hands  saved.  Came  ashore  on 
Saturday  night  a  Schooner  belonging  to  Boston,  with  a  crew  from 
Cape  Ann,  &  all  on  board  perished.  The  vtreck  &  some  bodies 
were  found  upon  Tinker's  Island  off  Marblehead-neck,  They  were 
from  Bilboa,  Capt  Davis,  Sailed  April  4,  Capt  Boardman,  &  Capt 
McGregore, 

[59]  Arrived,  Capt  Waters,  sold  Vessel.  Sailed,  Capt  Boardman 
for  W.  I. 

[59]  Fast.  Notes.  Wid  :  Marg  :  Clark,  death  of  her  daughter  & 
Son  at  Sea.     Eliz  :  Parsons,  death  of  M'^  Clark,  husb :  at  Sea. 

April  9.  Sunday.  Went  up  into  Town  to  change  with  Mr  Ber- 
nard, I  returned  disappointed  through  mistake.  Note.  Hannah 
Collin's,  delivery,  husb.  at  Sea. 

In  the  fall  of  1784  appeared  in  America  a  Mr  Hazlitt,  who  was 
of  Ireland,  &  had  been  educated  at  Glasgow,  &  settled  as  a  dissent- 
ing Clergyman  in  Banden  in  Ireland,  &  in  Maidstone  in  Kent, 
England.  He  is  a  man  of  good  natural  abilities,  &  of  excessive 
zeal,  &  having  adopted  the  Socinian  opinions  of  Mr  Lindsey,  did 
not  hesitate  in  soon  making  his  sentiments  well  known.  In  his 
own  Country  he  has  published  an  "  Essay  on  the  Justice  of  God," 
which  is  a  good  clerical  performance.  He  afterwards  published 
two  sermons  on  Human  Authority  in  matters  of  faith  in  vindica- 
tion of  himself  [60]  against  the  disapprobation  which  attended  the 
delivery  of  the  sermons  in  a  dissenting  Congregation;  he  is  said 
also  to  have  published  in  the  monthly  review.  Upon  his  arrival 
at  Philadelphia  he  published  with  some  of  his  own  addresses  as 
Editor,    Priestley's  Appeal,  Elwall's  Trial,  &  the   Arg :   against 

•Major  Joseph  Hiller. 

fAp  ril  3, 1786  the  snow  was  six  feet  deep  In  Boston. 


34  DIARY   OF  [1786 

Trin  :  &  Arian  hypotheses.  Was  patronized  by  Dr.  Ewins,  so  as  to 
bring  the  Dr's  just  credit  into  dispute  in  the  Gazette  charging  him 
as  wishing  to  bring  heresy  into  their  college.  Being  unfavorably 
received  at  Philadelphia,  he  came  to  Boston,  &  in  the  vacancy  of 
Dr.  Cooper's  Church  was  employed,  till  he  rendered  himself  odious 
by  his  heresy  to  some,  &  his  zealous  wiggism  to  others.  Upon  the 
settlement  of  Mr  Thacher  in  that  Society,  he  preached  among  the 
neighboring  Clergy,  particularly  at  Hingham,  &  was,  after  numer- 
ous publications,  &  debates  in  the  Gazettes,  &  Magazine,  invited  to 
Hallowell,  in  the  county  of  Lincoln,  where  he  is  now  waiting  their 
determinations.  [61]  While  at  Boston  he  attached  himself  to  the 
ingenious  Mr  Freeman,  now  reader  at  the  King's  Chapel,  &  led  that 
worthy  man  to  some  hasty  measures  in  revising  the  Liturgy,  which 
may  prove  fatal  to  his  establishment  in  that  Society.  He  attacked 
the  doctrine  of  the  Trinity  in  the  Gazettes,  &  particularly  inveighed 
against  Parker,  an  ambitious  and  popular  preacher  at  the  Trinity 
Church,  &  soon  was  loaded  with  the  abuse,  which  Gazette  printing 
brings  with  it.  From  Hallowell  he  has  published  a  Thanksgiving 
Sermon.  In  going  to  Hallowell,  he  went  near  the  infamous  Dr 
Whitaker,  who  was  settled  at  Norwich  in  Connecticut,  &  afterwards 
at  Salem  in  the  Massachusetts,  &  who  became  known  by  his  con- 
nection with  the  Wheelock  Indian  College,  finally  fixed  in  Hanover 
upon  the  Connecticut  in  the  Cohoss,  &  within  the  Newhampshire 
Government.  This  Whitaker  went  to  England  in  [  ]  with  the 
Indian  Preacher  Occum,  with  whom  he  has  since  differed  &  [62]  in 
1769  settled  at  Salem  where  he  managed  a  controversy  with  his 
people  (who  divided  &  part  separated  from  him)  in  favor  of  Pres- 
byterianism.  He  then  managed  the  controversy  of  "  imputed  right- 
eousness" with  a  Mr  Hart  of  Connecticut.  During  the  War  pub- 
lished sermons  against  the  Tories,  as  the  friends  to  Government 
were  called,  &  libels  against  the  British  Government.  But  at 
length  by  privateering  a  continued  course  of  dissolute  manners  & 
the  low  vices,  he  became  infamous  &  his  people  shut  their  doors 
against  him.  A  Council  was  conveened,  the  Doctor  condemned,  & 
pamphlets  published  between  the  Doctor,  and  a  Mr  Cleveland  of 
Ipswich  in  behalf  of  the  council.  The  Doctor  had  the  last  word 
against  his  insignificant  antagonist.  Upon  this  violent  expulsion 
he  went  into  the  Eastern  Country,  to  a  settlement  far  up  the  Ken- 
nebeck  called  Canaan  into  which  he  intruded  by  his  semblance  of 
orthodoxy.  From  thence  he  interfered  with  Mr  Hazlitt,  who  wrote 
to  [63]  him,  as  follows.  Sir,  you  will  not  suppose  that  any  person, 
who  is  acquainted  at  Salem,  would  wish  to  make  known,  or  to  vin- 
dicate his  character  to  you.  But  with  a  friendly  intention,  I  cau- 
tion you,  in  future  to  meddle  less  than  you  have  done  with  the 
characters  of  those  who  are  wiser  &  better  than  yourself.  (H^^  per- 
sons who  had  been  censured  by  Dr.  Whitaker,  &  who  recommended 
Mr.  Hazlitt.)     You  have  called  Dr  Priestley  an  infamous  fellow,  & 


REV.    NATHANIEL   WHITAKER, 

Pastor  of  the  Tabernacle  Church,  Salem,   I  769-1  784.      He  was  the  first  to 

introduce  Presbyterian  doctrines  into  Salem.      From  the  portrait, 

probably  by  Chamberlain,  now  in  possession  of 

Dartmouth  College. 


1786]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  35 

have  classed  bira  with  the  Devil  as  his  Compeer.  Upon  what  foun- 
dation have  you  done  this?  Had  Dr.  Priestley  been  ever  known  to 
be  a  frequenter  of  Stews?  Has  he  been  known  to  have  debauched 
the  yoimg  women  of  his  congregation  under  the  pretence  of  convert- 
ing them?  Was  he  ever  char  [g]  cable  with  a  single  fraud,  or  a  single 
lie.  Can  you  insinuate  a  single  circumstance  against  him,  unless 
that  he  has  more  learning  &  real  religion,  than  ten  thousand  Whit- 
akers,  or  that  he  does  not,  like  you,  believe  exactly  as  his  nurse  has 
taught,  or  as  the  Westminster  [64]  divines  believed  150  years  ago? 
Endeavor  to  establish  your  own  character,  &  leave  that  of  other 
men  to  the  judgment  of  those  who  have  had  proper  opportunities 
of  investigating  it.  Besides  Whitaker  a  certain  J.  Murray,  who 
forged  his  credentials  &  has  been  repeatedly  censured  by  Ecclesias- 
tical bodies,  who  settled  in  the  Eastern  Country,  &  there  ruled  un- 
controverted,  as  there  were  few  other  Clergymen  near  him,  &  has 
since  removed  to  Newbury  Port,  by  virtue  of  his  popular  talents,  & 
verbosity,  this  M.  attempted  by  a  Mr  Noble  to  improve  his  interest 
ag  :  Mr  Hazlitt,  to  whom  H.  wrote,  as  follows.  Sir,  I  understand 
that  you  have  taken  particular  notice  of  me.  I  could  not  therefore 
pass  through  this  town  without  taking  some  notice  of  you.  A 
Gentleman  of  Hallowell  where  I  am  now  going,  informed  me,  that 
when  he  was  on  his  way  to  Boston,  he  met  a  man,  called  Noble, 
who  told  him,  that,  under  your  direction,  he  was  going  to  Hallo- 
well,  to  preach,  [^65']  because  you  had  acquainted  him  that  I  had 
been  there,  &  that  I  was  a  deist,  or  very  nearly  a  deist.  You  should 
I  think,  keep  within  your  own  precinct,  &  not  meddle  with  other 
men's  matters.  You  should  not  throw  out  calumniating  reflections 
upon  a  man,  with  whom  you  are  totally  unacquainted,  &  who  has 
never  given  himself  any  concern  about  you.  You  should  not  charge 
me  with  Deism,  unless  you  could  prove,  that  I  had  forged  my  cre- 
dentials, that  I  had  endeavored  by  palpable  falsehoods  to  support 
the  forgery  a  succession  of  years,  &  that  after  I  had  been  repeatedly 
silenced  by  the  Ecclesiastical  bodies,  with  whom  I  was  connected,  I 
still  had  the  impudence,  to  open  my  mouth  in  all  places,  where  I 
could  have  admission,  ct  to  publish  all  the  lies,  which  my  imagina- 
tion furnished  against  those,  whom  I  chose  to  brand  as  heretics. 
Presbyterian  lies  have  lost  some  of  their  force.  Those  who  have 
forfeited  all  pretentions  to  character  should  learn  a  little  modesty. 
I  have  nothing  to  do  with  your  stupid  Calvanism,  or  with  your  anti- 
scriptural  [66]  Scotch  Church.  Attend  more  to  yourself,  and 
leave  the  friends  of  truth  to  their  own  enquiries.  I  can  say  more 
if  you  chuse  to  provoke  me.  At  present  I  have  only  time  to  say, 
that  I  dispise  all  self-important,  malicious  intermeddlers,  &  that  I 
am  your  well  wisher. 

Directions  to  Mr  Monville.  Mr  Duval  de  Monville  adress^  a  Mr 
Jean  Jacques  Minyer  negt.  sur  la  fosse  a  Nantes,  France.  Mr  Du- 
val de  M.  fils  sur  ses  terras  quartier  de  la  rivierre  Pilotte,  Martini- 


36  DIARY  OF  [1786 

CO.  Mr.  Duval  de  M.  fils  sur  ses  terres  plaine  du  fond  isle  a  Yaclie 
aux  cayes,  St  Doininque.  returned  from  Sea,  Chever  &  Welman. 

April  12.  Sailed  John  Gibaut  in  the  horse  Brig,  Capt  Buffing- 
ton.  Collection  at  fast  April  6,  25  dollars.  Sailed  Pierce  for  West 
Indies. 

April  21.  On  friday  morning  at  4  o'clock  a  fire  was  discovered 
in  a  painter's  [67]  Shop  belonging  to  Mr  Gray,  situated  on  the 
Great  Street.  The  fire  had  communicated  to  the  whole  building,  & 
particularly  to  the  back  part,  improved  below  for  West  India 
Goods,  &  above  for  an  hay  loft  by  which  accident  the  Building,  & 
all  it  contained,  were  consumed,  &  an  adjacent  building,  improved 
by  a  Mr  Welsh  as  a  dwelling  house.  A  building  which  had  been 
improved  by  Mr  Welsh  as  a  School,  &  as  such  by  the  Singers  of  the 
East  Proprietary,  was  much  injured,  &  several  houses  took  fire. 

[70]  April  22.  Attended  the  funeral  of  child  belonging  to  one 
Toppelin.  From  April  15,  Friday,  to  April  25,  a  continued  series 
of  foul  dirty  weather.  At  the  end  of  April  a  plan  for  extending 
knowledge  of  arts  &  sciences  two  hours  every  day  for  Classic  Stud- 
ies.— And  two  parts  of  days  for  Philosophy  &c. 

April  30.  Notes.  N.  Brown  from  Sea  &  death  of  his  mother. 
Mansf :  Burril  &  wife,  d  :  of  his  mother  &  friends  at  Sea. 

Altered  beginning  of  evening  service  till  the  autumnal  Equinox 
from  two,  to  three  o'clock.  Proposed  on  account  of  the  Preacher 
to  change  the  form  of  religious  service  by  introducing  a  Psalm  to 
be  sung  immediately  after  sermon  in  both  exercises,  that  the 
Preacher  may  have  a  proper  interval  between  his  sermon  &  the 
concluding  prayers.  Proposed  on  all  returns  of  the  Communion,  to 
have  a  short  discourse  [71]  after  the  distribution  of  the  Wine,  as  a 
substitute  to  any  lecture  in  the  week  time.  The  reasons  offered 
were,  that  a  preacher  without  a  family  could  not  attend  to  them 
in  the  usual  forms,  &  because  people  could  not  leave  their  business 
on  such  occasions.  Another  reason  might  be  added  that  the  lec- 
tures are  a  relick  of  superstition  and  their  visible  abuse  is  constant- 
ly before  our  eyes.     Go  not  thou  in  their  paths. 

May  1.     Returned,  Collins  &  Patterson. 

May  2.  Tuesday  morning,  the  bell  for  the  first  time  since  I 
have  iaeen  in  Salem  rung  at  five  o'clock.  The  hint  of  industry. 
Last  Sunday  night  week  was  buried  Francis  Cabot  an  eminent  mer- 
chant in  Salem,  &  this  evening  a  Maiden  Sister  to  the  Gardiners. 
Received  April  29  the  Madrid  Edition  of  Don  Quixotte  from  Spain 
pr  f .  of  G.  Cabot. 

May  7.  Sunday.  Notes  for  W"^  Paterson  returned,  &  child's  d  : 
in  his  absence.     Widow  M.  Andrews,  d :  of  Sister. 

On  May  9.  Attended  the  association  at  Cape  Ann  at  Mr.  Forbes' 
the  place  so  much  agitated  by  the  controversy  between  [72]  Mr 
Forbes,  &  J.  Murray  the  Universalist.  The  assembly  was  decently 
filled,  but  only  by  Mr  Forbes'    party.     The  worship    was   serious. 


1786]  KEV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  S7 

The  music  excellent.  Mr  ^PKeen  preached.  The  sermon  pleased. 
After  a  good  dinner  we  visited  the  several  parts  of  the  to^vn,  the 
Rope- walk,  the  Spermaceti  works,  the  fort,  upon  a  nole  which  pro- 
jects into  the  harbour,  opposite  to  a  small  island.  The  whole 
scene  was  agreeable.  Visited  at  Capt  Pierce's  «&  returned  with  Mr 
Rhust  the  same  day. 

On  ]\Ionday  the  8*'^  received  a  Son  of  Capt  Piske  into  my  Study. 
In  answer  to  ]\[r  Cushing's  Letter  from  Charlestown,  respecting 
the  printing  of  P.  Sewall's  Latin  Translation  of  the  first  Night  of 
Young's  Night  Thoughts  I  wrote,  Mr  Gushing, 

May  9, 1786.  I  thank  you  for  transmitting  the  "Subscription 
papers."  I  have  a  high  esteem  of  Professor  Sewall's  critical  abili- 
ties, &  set  a  proper  value  upon  recommendations.  I  must  howev- 
er think  it  an  unseasonable  time  of  life  for  him  to  engage  in  such 
[731  a  work,  not  only  on  account  of  the  nature  of  the  work,  but  in 
regard  to  the  reputation  of  so  eminent  a  man.  In  so  great  a  man 
it  is  mere  trifling.  If  it  can  however  be  agreable  to  him  to  publish 
such  a  work,  &  he  will  use  your  press,  you  may  rely  on  me  to  re- 
ceive a  dozen  copies,  or  on  any  services  by  which  a  gentleman  of 
your  merit  may  be  encouraged.  I  have  no  literary  men  in  my  so- 
ciety, upon  whom  I  can  depend  for  encouragement  to  such  a  work. 
I  will  therefore  deliver  the  subscription  papers  to  Mr  Bernard*  & 
Prince,  begging  a  prudent  use  of  my  sentiments,  I  am  sincerely 
yours.     I  will  notify  you  of  the  success  of  the  Subscription  Papers. 

On  May  13,  was  buried  from  the  Almshouse,  Provided  Carroll, 
set.  83.  old  age.  she  has  left  G.  children.  Returned,  Capt.  Moses 
Townsend.     Sailed,  Capt.  Rich  :  Hodges. 

16"*  Arrived,  Capt  W"  Fairfield.  Undertook  for  three  days, 
the  School  in  the  absence  of  Master  Lang. 

[74]  20">     Arrived,  Capt  Allen  from  Carolina. 

22.  Attended  from  Almshouse  the  funeral  of  a  natural  child  : 
which  died  of  convulsions,  eet.  6  weeks,  belong^  to  Sally  Glover. 

25.  Attended  the  funeral  of  an  Indian  woman  from  the  work 
house ;  she  was  found  dead  in  a  swamp  in  the  Great  Pasture,  upon 
a  search  directed  by  the  discovery  of  bloody  clothes  lying  near  the 
Swamp.  She  has  travelled  in  company  with  a  pretended  Indian 
Doctor,  in  the  character  of  a  wife.     He  is  apprehended. 

29.  Died,  INIadam  Greenleaf,  relick  of  Dr.  John,  a  good  old 
friend.  Public  notice  was  given  in  the  prints  that  an  account  of  M' 
Gallatin's  fate  was  earnestly  desired  by  his  friends  at  Geneva.  The 
power  to  adjust  his  accounts  at  Cambridge,  has  issued  so  unfavor- 
ably &  I  was  so  obliged  to  depend  on  M"^  Hale,  that  I  thought  all 
notice  from  me  would  be  impertinent. 

[76]  On  Tuesday  30,  went  for  Boston.  At  Newhalls',  Lynn, 
1/6.     ferry,  14**  1/2.     Expenses  of  Madrid  Quixotte.  12/.     Pounce 

•Minister  at  the  North  church,  Salem. 


38  DIARY   OF  [1786 

&  Boxes.  2/4.  Keviews  from  FeV  1785,  12  N^^  20/.  Larkin's, 
Lettering,  &c.  8/.  Passage,  6/.  Copperplate  Slips  for  writing,  5/. 
At  Convention,  6/.  Cambridge  in  Company,  3/8.  At  Vendue  pur- 
chased, 12  Books,  1/5  ;  gave  them  to  Cap'^  Adams  &  Ridgeway. 
Lightfoots  harmony,  2/.  Johnson's  Unb :  Sacrifice,  2/.  Water- 
land's  Sermons,  1/.  Sandeman  on  Marriage,  1/6.  Present  from 
M"  Adams,  2d  V.  of  Clergyman's  Yade  mecum. 

Returned  with  child  of  Capt  Adams  ;  passage  &  ferry,  9/9.  [77] 
paid  towards  Charlestown  -paper  to  Gushing,  6/8.  Engaged  to  re- 
ceive of  Martin,  Gay's  Fables,  8vo.  neat.  Collection  of  Elegant 
engraving  for  writing,  &c.  &c.  1/2  a  Ream  of  thick  4to  Post  paper. 
Left  order  with  my  G.  Father,  for  two  neat  Copy  Books  for  boys. 
M"^  West  of  Needham  preached  at  the  Election.  Dr.  Hemmenway 
at  the  Convention. 

June  4.     Note  for  Mr  Whittemore  sick. 

June  7.  Received  from  James  Winthrop,*  A  terrestrial  Globe 
17  inches  diameter  much  rubbed  at  the  southern  parts  without  se- 
curity in  the  north,  &  without  a  quadrant  of  altitude.  It  is  said 
to  be  the  property  of  M"^  Vernon. 

[78]     June  11.     Note.     Nathan  Brown  for  his  wife's  delivery. 
On  Monday  12,  was  buried  Madam  Pickman,    Widow  Col.  Pick- 
man,  aged  75.     A  very  respectacle  Character.     This   week,  Doctor 
Spofford  of  Beverly  died.     All  sense  but  Common  Sense. 

June  17.  E.  Masury,  delivery,  husband  &  brothers  at  Sea.  Sa- 
rah Masury,  Sick,  Husb.  &  Sons  at  Sea.  Richard  Manning  jun"", 
her  delivery.  Richard  Dighton  &  Wife,  death  of  her  father  Whit- 
temore, friends  at  Sea.  Mary  Welman,  death  of  her  G.  Child  & 
for  two  Sons  at  Sea. 

Went  to  Boston  on  June  17  to  attend  the  ceremonies  of  passing 
the  bridge  over  the  Charles  from  Prince  Street.  The  procession 
was  at  two  P.  M.  in  the  following  order. 

The  Artillery  Company. 

The  Mechanics  with  the  tools  of  their  occupation, 
[79]  The  Proprietors  of  the  Bridge. 

The  Band  of  Music. 

The  Sheriff,  &c. 

The  Governor. 

Council. 

Senate. 

House  of  Representatives. 

Civil  officers  of  the  Towns. 

Clergy. 

Gentlemen  of  learned  Professions. 

Merchants,  &  private  gentlemen. 
Above  800  dined  upon  Breed's  Hill.     There  was  a   great   Con- 

*0f  Cambridge ;  son  of  Prof.  John  Winthrop,  LL.  D. 


.  100 

.     16  1-2 

.  622  1-2 

.     30 

.  672 

.     75 

.     161-2 

.     451-2 

1786]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLET  39 

course,  &  uncommon  good  order  throughout  the  day.  The  Bells 
rang.  Cannon  were  discharged,  «&  flags  displayed  on  the  Bridge, 
&  adjacent  hills,  &  the  neighboring  Steeples.  The  music  was  ex- 
cellent, &c.      Returned  the  same  day. 

[80]  A  discription  of  Charlestown  bridge  as  given  in  the 
Charlestown  Gazette  of  June  20, 1786,  taken  from  actual  survey. 

feet 
The  Abutment  at  Charlestown  from  the  old  landing  is 
Space  to  the  first  pier  ...... 

36  Piers  at  equal  distances  to  the  draw 

Width  of  the  draw  ...... 

39  Piers  at  equal  distances  ..... 

Whole  number  of  Piers  ..... 

Space  to  the  Abutment  at  Boston        .... 

Abutment  at  Boston  to  the  old  landing 

Whole  length  feet 1503 

Each  Pier  is  composed  of  seven  sticks  of  oak  timber,  united  by  a 
cap  piece  strong  braces,  &  girts  &  secured  by  a  single  pile  drive  ob- 
liquely to  a  solid  bottom  on  each  side  the  Pier,  all  driven  to  the 
bottom  of  the  River  [81]  and  connected  together  by  large  string 
pieces,  &  covered  with  four  inch  oak  plank.  The  bridge  is  42  feet 
wide,  &  on  each  side  a  passage  of  six  feet  width  is  railed  in  for 
foot  passengers.  The  Bridge  rises  two  feet  in  the  middle,  has  for- 
ty lamps,  &  four  stone  wharves  connected  with  three  piers  each. 

The  following  minutes  give  the  exact  distance  on  the  east  side 
from  the  floor  of  the  bridge  to  the  bed  of  the  river,  beginning  on 
C'harlestown  side.  [Measurements  between  each  pier,  appearing  in 
the  original  are  here  omitted.] 

[85]  Died  on  Tuesday  June  20,  M"  Lee  of  Beverly,  sister  to 
the  Cabots.     At  Salem,  June  23,  Joseph  Blaney  Esq"".* 

July  1.  Scetched  a  petition  to  the  University  for  Cap*  Dodge  of 
Wenham  in  behalf  of  his  son. 

July  2.  Notes.  Sarah  Masury  &  daughter,  death  of  her  Hus- 
band, &  Sons  at  Sea.  James  Brown,  death  of  Father  Masury  & 
brethren  at  Sea.  Elisha  Gunnison  &  Wife,  safe  delivery  &  death 
of  the  child. 

July  8.  Went  to  exchange  at  Billerica  in  company  with  Silsbee 
Capt  N.  &  his  Lady  &  a  Miss  Felt,  dined  at  Rogers  in  Tewkesbury, 
visited  Kitteridge  &  lodged  at  Billerica.  Lodged  at  Boardman's 
on  the  my  return,  Sunday  night,  &  arrived  at  Salem  ten  o'clock 
Monday — nothing  new.  Note  of  Daniel  Cloutman  »&  Wife,  death 
of  Child. 

A  Curious  petition    in  print   circulated   in   favor   of   a   Doctor 

•See  Essex  Institute  Hist.  CoUs.  vol.  VI.  p.  104. 


40  DIARY  OF  [1786 

Stearns,  of  Paxton,  a  Refugee,   imprisoned  in  Worcester  Gaol,  de- 
livered by  me  to  the  Committee. 

[86]  July  16.  Notes  for  Benj=*  Gale,  sick  &  for  James  Carroll's 
wife,  delivery. 

Went  to  Commencement  on  Tuesday  &  returned  on  Saturday. 
Preached  on  Sunday  following  for  Mr  Prince.  Newhall's,  1/10. 
Perquisite  res,  12/.  Gushing  for  "Nocte  Cogitata",  one  dozen,  8/. 
Cambridge  Chaise,  9/.  Capt  Moses  to  Castle,  6/8.  Settled  Gi- 
bauts  accounts.  Ackuowlidged  to  have  received  from  E.  Jackson 
Esff   ninety  pounds  from  Little  Cambridge  to  Mellen. 

Notes  of  W.  Mary  Emerton,  for  death  of  Sister  &  son  at  Sea. 
Prancis  Boardman  for  delivery.  James  Brown,  wife  &  Sister, 
death  of  Mother  Masury,  &  [87]  Brothers  at  Sea.  Wid :  Lydia 
Beadle,  death  of  Masury  &  Sus :  Beadle,  death  of  Sister  Beadle  & 
friends  at  Sea. 

Aug.  6.  Lydia  Pierce,  death  of  her  husband.  IVIary  Berry, 
death  of  her  Brother  Pierce  &  f :  son  at  Sea.  W.  Hannah  Gunner- 
son,  d  :  of  G.  child.  John  Gunnerson  &  wife,  death  of  their  young- 
est child.  Sam  :  Masury  from  sea,  for  death  of  Father  &  Mother, 
«&  Brothers  at  Sea.  According  to  Mr  Webster  about  730  Dwelling 
houses  in  Salem. 

Aug.  13.  Mary  Lauchlin,  delivery,  husband  at  Sea.  Anne  Gale 
&  children  for  death  of  Son.  Martha  Gale,  death  of  husband,  & 
brethren  at  Sea.  Mary  Crowninshield  &  children,  d.  of  Son  in  Law 
&  Sons  at  Sea. 

[88]  Distributed  in  this  season  a  dozen  of  Mr  Hazlitt's  Sermons 
from  Hallowell.  This  day  I  christened  for  the  first  time,  a  Child 
of  Capt  Josiah  Orne  in  the  family,  having  first  propounded  the 
Child  in  the  afternoon  Service,  in  this  form,  "  I  announce  the  in- 
tention of  baptising  the  Child,"  &c. 

Aug.  27.  Wid.  Mary  Lambert,  death  of  G.  Child  &  G.  Sons  at 
Sea.  Thomas  Diman  &  Wife  for  her  Sister  sick.  For  delivery. 
Jon*  Archer  &  wife  &  friends  at  Sea.  Thomas  Rue  &  Wife  & 
Brother  long  absent.     Mary  Bateman  &  husb  &  Br.  at  Sea. 

Letter  to  Capt  Cordis,  Aug.  31. 
Sir: 

It  affords  me  great  pleasure  to  find  a  youth  for  whom  I  have  an 
unfeigned  esteem  in  the  charge  of  a  Gentleman  whose  politeness, 
tenderness,  &  abilities  qualify  him  to  be  both  a  guardian  and  a 
friend.  An  affectionate  regard  [89]  to  M"  Ives  has  fixed  more 
firn)ly  my  attachment  to  Master  Thomas,  who  engaged  my  affec- 
tions when  at  School  &  when  his  friends  were  unknown.  A  report 
has  indirectly  reached  Madam  Poynton,  that  Thomas  was  sick  at 
Providence,  which  has  occasioned  great  uneasiness  to  Madam  & 
the  Sisters.  You  would  relieve  the  minds  of  all  the  friends,  if  you 
could  return  an  answer  this  day,  what  your  information  is,  &  what 
are  your  apprehensions,  &  if  you   should  judge   it  best   that   he 


1786]  KEY.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  41 

should  return  among  his  friends,  till  his  recovery,  I  stand  ready  to 
perform  any  services  in  my  power  &c.,  Sir,  with  great  personal  es- 
teem, &  pleasing  reflections  on  your  relation  to  my  young  friend,  . 

your  devoted  Servant.  || 

Sept.  3**.  Caleb  Bangs,  Wife  sick.  Mary  Hutcheson,  death  of 
husband  &  of  Sister  Trask.  Widow  Ab :  Porter,  death  of  brother 
Hutcheson  &  Sister  Trask. 

[90]  Letter  to  my  father  upon  another  demand  of  money. 
Salem,  Sept.  6.  'My  father,  I  received  yours  of  the  4'**  instant  this 
afternoon.  I  have  sent  you  seven  dollars  by  Burril  which  is  all 
the  money  I  can  command.  You  must  consider  my  circumstances 
will  not  enable  me  to  answer  frequent  demands  of  money,  &  that  at 
present  I  absolutely  depend  on  health,  for  an  existence  one  degree 
above  absolute  poverty.  Sir,  your  obedient  Son.  W.  B.  My  duty 
to  my  Mama  &  reg:  to  the  fam  :  Letter  to  Capt  Ridge  way  after  men- 
tioning the  affairs,  you  see  how  things  go,  &  how  I  need  a  Casuist 
to  enable  me  to  decide,  when  duty  to  myself  is  inconsistent  with 
submission  to  an  unfeeling  parent.  At  the  Proprieters  meeting  was 
the  following  appointment  of  Wardens.  Whereas  it  is  impractica- 
ble at  present  to  supply  the  [91]  office  of  Deacon,  &  whereas  it  is 
prudent  at  all  times,  to  free  the  minister  from  censure,  which  will 
unavoidably  be  incurred  in  the  use  of  any  discretionary  power. 

Be  it  agrekd,  that  two  persons  be  chosen  annually  as  Wardens, 
belonging  to  the  Church  or  Congregation,  being  resident  proprie- 
tors through  the  year,  &  of  the  Standing  Committee,  if  convenient, 
which  Wardens  shall  recommend  such  discretionary  proceedings  to 
the  minister,  as  do  not  incur  expence,  or  interfere  with  any  prac- 
tices grounded  on  any  former  legal  proceedings  of  the  proprietors, 
&  that  the  recommendations  of  such  wardens,  shall  be  considered 
as  justifying  the  minister  till  the  Committee  for  the  time  being,  or 
proprietors  order  otherwise. 

Sept.  10.  Passed  upon  Sept.  28,  1812.  Notes.  Benj»  Dean  & 
wife,  death  of  child  &  friends  at  Sea.  Wid :  Mary  Collins,  death 
of  G.  Child  «S:  friends  at  Sea. 

[92]  D'  Lathrop,  accept  my  thanks  for  the  2*^  Vol :  of  Gerard's  Ser- 
mons "  I  like  the  4"'  s  :  best,  not  because  it  is  new,  but  becaixse  it  is 
familiarly  true.  The  Sermons  in  answer  to  Hume,  do  not  distinguish 
sufficiently  between  what  clergymen  are,  &  what  they  might  be,  &c." 

13th.  On  Wednesday  went  to  Boston  on  account  of  the  illness 
of  my  G :  Father,  received  in  consideration  of  6/8,  ten  family  pic- 
tures.    Boiight  Boileau  for  14/ — 4  Vol. 

Wednesday,  20"',  experienced  the  resentment  of  the  Schoolmas- 
ter in  resigning  the  office  of  Treasurer,  on  account  of  the  late 
revolution  in  the  School. 

At  Boston,  Sept.  23.  This  afternoon  the  Church  of  England 
read  over  their  Liturgy  with  the  proposed  alterations  of  the  late 
Episcopal   Convention.     The  principal    are,  the  omission    in    the 


42  DIABY   OF  [1786 

Apostle's  Creed  of  the  Article,  "  he  descended  into  hell."  The  en- 
tire ommission  of  the  Athanasian  &  Nicene  Creeds.  The  frequent 
repetition  of  the  Lord's  prayer  is  not  to  be  continued.  The  phrase 
[93]  *'  Didst  not  abhor  the  Virgin's  womb  "  in  the  Te  Deum  is 
softened.  In  the  responses  Save  the  Church  is  substituted  in  the 
place  of  Save  the  King.  The  attribute  of  God  in  the  prayer  for 
the  Clergy,  who  dost  "great  marvels,"  is  differently  expressed. 
And  a  few  other  faint  efforts  at  a  reformation.  These  alterations 
are  to  be  determined  on  by  the  vestry,  Oct.  18.  The  prayers  for 
the  government  are  by  the  alteration  of  names,  in  the  Litany  in- 
stead of  King  &  Council,  governor,  and  council,  &  instead  of  magis- 
trates, the  judges,  &  subordinate  magistrates,  &c. 

Had  a  fire  in  the  evening  of  Sept  19"^.  Returned  from  Sea,  H. 
Elkins,  &  R.  Hodges. 

Letter  to  Master  Hunt,  Sept.  21,  1786. 

My  dear  Sir,  please  to  return  to  General  Palmer  "  The  Liturgy," 
which  accompanies  this  letter.  When  I  see  you  I  will  make  an 
apology  for  detain^  it  so  long,  &  for  returning  it  in  a  form,  differ- 
ent from  that  in  which  I  received  it.  My  knowlidge  [94]  of  G.  P. 
I  consider,  as  one  of  the  many  advantages  I  received  from  living 
in  your  family,  &  while  I  entertain  the  most  sincere  respect,  I  can- 
not prevent  the  most  sensible  regret  at  any  of  his  misfortunes. 
With  many  thanks  to  the  G  :  believe  me  your  dev  :  Pupil. 

Capt  Moses  Tovvnsend  returned  from  Sea. 

24.  Returned,  Capt  Benj*  Hodges.  In  consequence  of  an  agree- 
ment with  Mr.  Bernard  &  Mr.  Prince,  there  is  a  monthly  lecture 
established,  &  the  terms  come  quarterly,  to  our  house  on  the  last 
Wednesday  of  September,  December,  March,  &  June.  The  first  lec- 
ture was  27  ins  : 

To  D'  Lothrop.     Sept.  28,  1786. 

Rev*  D',  when  I  was  in  Boston  last,  I  waited  upon  Master  Davis, 
to  examine  a  Catalogue  of  D""  Mather's  books,  which  he  had  taken. 
In  the  Cat :  I  found  two  vol :  of  Baronius  mentioned,  which  may 
be  the  absent  Vol :  of  your  Collection.  It  cannot  be  amiss  to  ques- 
tion Master  Davis  on  the  subject,  &  when  you  do  it,  I  wish  you 
would  remind  him  of  his  promise  to  borrrow  in  his  own  name  the 
Serm :  of  Bellarmino  [95]  &  Fl^chier.  I  am  happy  in  the  high 
encomium  your  services  have  received  at  Salem  &  remain  sincerely 
yours.     W.  Bentley. 

The  two  first  wardens  chosen  in  our  society  were  Capt  Benj* 
Ward,  &  Mr  William  Brown,  both  of  the  Communion. 

To  the  Commitee. 
Gentlemen, 

If  the  Committee  should  conclude  to  assign  a  pew  or  pews,  to 
the  aged  poor,  on  the  floor  of  the  house,  it  is  requested,  to  prevent 
abuse  of  the  privilege,  that  such  aged  poor  be  permitted  to  sit  in 
them,  as  shall  obtain  leave  of  the  wardens,  &  that  the  seats  so  dis- 


1786]  REV.   WILLIAM  BENTLEY  43 

posed  of,  be  held  during  good  behavier,  &  without  giving  any  right 
to  children,  or  any  other  person,  to  whom  they  may  resign  them , 
without  the  consent  of  the  wardens.         not  presented. 

Oct.  1.     Notes.  Caleb  Bangs,  death  of  wife.     Mary  Griffin,   d.  of 
Sister    Bangs.     First   Collection  at   Communion,   a   Guinea.     For 
ten  days  in  succession,  clear  &  hot  weather,  resembling  July. 
Oct.  2.    Lodge  met  at  my  house  to  consider  the  state  of  the  Fund. 
[96]     A  list  of  the  members  present. 
Joseph  Hiller.  K.  W.  M.  Major. 
William  Lang.  Shopkeeper. 
Benjamin  Warren.  Capt  :  of  a  Vessel. 
Joseph  Vincent    Capt.  ilopemaker. 
John  Becket.  Boatbuilder. 
Jon*  Mason  jun''.  Capt.  of  a  Vessel. 
Benj*  Crowninshield.  Capt. 
Benj*  Hodges.  Capt. 
John  Collins.  Capt. 
Henry  Elkins.  Capt. 

A  visiting  B.  from  Newbury,  Capt.  Noyes. 
Oct.  8.     Notes.     Marg.  White,   d  :  of  Sister   Townsend  &  John 
Dorson  &  wife  &  prayers  for  son  at  Sea. 

Application  was  made  after  the  evening  service,  to  obtain  Pri- 
vate Baptism  for  the  adults  of  a  family  named  Vandehook,  by  M"^ 
Smith,  one  of  the  Church.  But  as  previous  application  had  been 
made  to  the  Clergyman  of  the  English  Church,  &  there  was  a  dis- 
appointment, for  unknown  reasons,  the  matter  was  [97]  referred  to 
one  of  the  wardens,  Mr.  Ward,  &  judged  by  him,  not  a  proper  case 
to  proceed  in. 

N.  See  April  last,  proceeded  &  altered  the  form  of  a  former  reso- 
lution &  appropriated. 

Monday  some  paH  for  Greek,  &  Tuesday  for  french,  &  Wednes- 
day/or  Za^fiVz,  &  Thursday  for  Spanish  or  Italian  &  Friday  for 
German,  dutch,  Sclavonian  &  their  various  dialects,  &  Saturday  & 
Sunday  for  Fhilology  in  relation  to  the  Versions,  &  Texts  of  the 
Hebrew  &  Greek  Sacred  Scrijitures. 

Oct.  9.  Began  course  of  evening  Lectures  upon  Geography, 
English  Language,  &c.  Arrived  this  week,  Capts  Knights,  Orne, 
Waters,  Allen  jun^ 

Notes.     Penn  Townsend,  d.  of  Wife. 

Oct.  16.  Was  Cut  down  the  great  Elm  Tree  at  the  Corner  of  the 
Street,  facing  the  Common  &  leading  to  S'  Peters  Church.  [98] 
Continuation  respecting  Hazlitt.  The  natural  severity  of  Mr  H's 
temper  prevented  his  success  at  Hallowell,  &  he  returned  to  Wey- 
mouth, then  removed  to  Dorchester  &  then  embarked  for  England, 
as  his  letter  testifies  in  Oct.  1786.  He  printed  at  Falmouth  a  ser- 
mon under  the  signature  of  Bereanus  Theosebes,  upon  "  God  man- 
ifest in  the  flesh."     This  publication  tended  neither  to  the  success 


44  DIARY  OP  [1786 

of  his  Scheme,  nor  to  his  reputation.  Application  for  private  bap- 
tism by  one  Wood,  referred  to  the  Wardens.  Wrote  to  D^  Lathrop 
respecting  two  Vol :  of  Baronius  belong^  to  North  Church  in  the 
possession  of  Dr  Mather,  &  had  answer  that  they  were  recovered. 
Had  a  letter  from  Revd  J  Eliot  offering  to  purchase  Lardner,  Ed  : 
Kippis  in  London  by  his  friend  Capt.  Sohier,  wrote  thanks  &  de- 
clined in  hopes  of  obtaining  them  by  Hodges  from  Hardy. 

Returned  Oct.  18,  Gibaut,  in  Buffington  from  Petersburg.  He  was 
wounded  [99]  by  the  sudden  disengagement  of  the  takle,  from  a 
bale  of  Hemp. 

October  18.  Came  on  the  review  of  the  Liturgy  in  the  Church, 
professing  the  worship  of  the  Church  of  England  at  which  every 
attempt  of  a  reformation  was  utterly  rejected,  with  only  one  dis- 
senting voice,  vz'  of  Col  Carleton.  The  alterations*  proposed  have 
been  recommended  in  all  the  conventions  of  Episcopal  Clergy 
through  the  states,  &  generally  accepted.  At  Boston  without  dis- 
pute. Tell  it  not  in  Gath,  publish  it  not  in  Askelon,  lest  the 
Sons  of  infidelity  triumph.  It  is  to  be  noted  that  the  P —  has 
been  deemed  a  Socinian  in  doctrine,  if  he  knows,  what  that  means, 
&  has  never  shown  any  change,  &c.  — Alas  !  News  of  a  Fishing 
vessel  belongs  to  Capt  Pratt  being  lost  on  Sable  Island.  Crew 
saved. 

Oct.  24.  went  to  Boston  upon  intelligence  that  my  G.  father 
was  very  sick,  &  found  him  in  a  dangerous  illness.  Went  with  Mr. 
Pierre  to  Cambridge.     Expenses  to  Cambridge  with  Mr  Pierre. — 5/. 

[100]  Oct.  29.  Notes  for  delivery  Sam^  Ropes.  Benj*  Nourse, 
death  of  youngest  child.  Through  October  an  uninterrupted  scene 
of  fine  weather. 

On  30'^^  a  little  flight  of  snow  which  dissolved  on  the  next  day. 
At  the  first  proposal  of  a  lecture  at  the  old  Church  I  was  prema- 
ture.    For  the declined  on  account  of  family  circumstances. 

The  night  of  November  1  ended  the  Life  of  my  most  worthy 
Grandfather  aged  77.  It  was  by  his  generosity,  I  was  educated  at 
Cambridge,  &  he  continued  through  life  an  unceasing  benefactor. 
May  my  gratitude  be  as  unceasing  as  his  goodness.  Arrived,  Capt 
Byrne.  The  ponds  on  the  Common  remained  dry  till  Nov""  3,  ex- 
cept the  Pond  near  the  School,  which  had  no  water,  but  only  a 
moist  mud.* 

On  Saturday  November  4,  my  G.  Father  was  buried,  &  an  iniq- 
uitous  will,  by  Adams,  read  to  the  family,  which  makes  a  most  un- 
rightous  distribution  of  his  estate,  &  makes  Adams  principal  heir. 
[101]  I  spent  Sunday  Nov'  6,  in  Boston,  &  attended  Doctor 
Lathrop.  Spent  the  time  till  Tuesday  at  Deacon  S.  Ridgeway's. 
Weather  unusually  pleasant. 

General  view  of  Evidence   respecting  my   Grandfather's   Will. 

»See  Essex  Institute,  Hist.  Colls,    vol.  IV.  p.  2. 


1786]  REV.   "WILLIAM  BENTLEY  45 

News  having  been  sent  by  G:  father  of  his  illness,  &  a  request  to 
come  to  Boston,  I  went  on  Wednesday  Sept  13,  when  I  found  him 
very  much  debilitated  by  his  old  disorder ;  the  dysentery.  I  was 
on  the  Wharf  solicited  by  Adams  to  request  the  making  of  a  will, 
&  was  promised  on  his  part  his  assistance  in  obtaining  a  rich  legacy 
for  myself  for  so  doing.  He  proposed  as  an  article  of  the  will  that 
Capt  Ridgway  should  not  have  the  same  consideration  as  himself, 
on  account  of  the  difference  in  the  two  families,  as  to  the  number 
of  children.  This  proposal  I  immediately  made  known  to  Capt 
Eidgway.  Thereupon  Adams  engaged  the  old  woman  (G.  M.)  to 
introduce  the  subject  [102]  of  a  will  to  my  G.  F.  that  he  might  he 
more  sure  of  itit/  ojjhiion.  The  result  7vas  a  great  coolness  in  the  re- 
ception I  afterwards  met  with.  Upon  the  first  opportunity  I  conferred 
with  my  G.  Father,  who  told  me,  he  had  no  plan  of  a  will,  &  did 
not  intend  to  make  one,  adding  that  the  Law  made  the  best  will,  & 
also  adding,  how  can  I  trust  Adams,  who  told  me,  that  he 
would  cheat  his  own  father,  if  he  could.  On  Sept.  23,  Saturday 
upon  an  exchange  concerted  with  D'  Lathrop,  grounded  upon  our 
common  conviction  of  my  G.  F's  sensible  decay,  I  went  to  Boston. 
Adams  with  more  reserve  introduced  the  subject  of  the  will,  &  I 
again  was  assured  by  my  G.  F.  that  he  remained  of  his  former  mind. 
On  ]\[onday  I  returned,  &  never  went  to  Boston  again  till  Tuesday, 
Oct.  24.  I  then  found  my  G.  F.  speechless.  I  went  to  the  bed  side 
repeatedly,  squeezed  his  hand  &  observed  to  all  the  company  that  I 
coiild  obtain  no  [103]  signs  that  he  knew  me.  In  the  evening  the 
old  woman  (G.  M.)  mentioned  that  it  was  agreeable  to  my  G.  F. 
she  did  not  doubt,  that  in  my  usual  manner  I  should  pray  in  the 
family.  I  objected  before  the  family,  consisting  of  a  M"  Carnes, 
the  old  woman  (G.  M.),  a  daughter,  to  praying  in  the  chamber  with 
my  G.  F.  from  a  persuasion  that  he  might  be  disturbed,  &  could 
not  be  sensible  of  the  design.  It  was  however  agreed  to  pray  in 
the  Chamber.  The  G.  F,  was  asked  for  his  approbation,  but  not 
the  least  sign  obtained  of  a  consent,  or  any  appearance  of  senses. 
As  soon  as  the  prayer  begun  he  was  disturbed,  rose  from  the  bed  in 
apparent  confusion,  I  stopped,  he  seemed  to  be  calm  again,  &  began 
again.  But  with  all  the  pains,  which  could  be  taken,  no  proof  could  be 
got  that  he  had  any  idea  of  the  transaction.  I  then  [104]  desisted,  & 
had  the  consent  of  the  company  that  he  was  not  able  to  know  our  de- 
sign. In  the  morning  the  greatest  laneasiness  appeared,  when  this 
story  was  told,  &  Adams  repeatedly  desired  me  to  go  up  in  the 
morning  to  see  him  again.  (He  had  found  me  some  accoimts, 
which  he  had  prepared  for  the  old  Gentleman  to  sign,  which  seemed 
to  me  to  be  a  cover  to  a  discovery  I  made,  that  the  books  & 
private  papers  had  been  carried  out  of  the  house,  as  all  the  Account 
books  of  my  G.  F.  were  brought  into  Adam's  house  in  an  handker- 
chief by  a  ^U  Ash,  He  then  told  me  that  he  had  got  the  consent 
of  my  G.  F.  to  settle  his  accounts,  and  that  he  had  prepared  a 


46  DIARY    OF  [1786 

paper,  which  would  settle  all.)  Upon  this  I  was  alarmed  &  /  dis- 
covered a  coolness  toward  me  &  expected  to  be  treated  as  many  others 
had  been  before  me,  to  be  excluded  a  free  intercourse  at  the  house.  I 
therefoi-e  went  [105]  immediately  up  into  my  G.  F's  chamber. 
Found  him  setting  by  the  fire.  He  received  me  with  appar- 
ent joy,  uttered  a  few  broken  sentences  with  tears,  &  told  me  he 
hoped  to  go  soon,  for  more  reasons  than  one.  He  then  delivered  a 
Key,  &  said  '-there  are  nails  in  it"  which  the  old  woman  readily  un- 
derstood to  mean,  the  way  to  open  the  trunk,  which  trunk  I  opened 
at  her  request,  &  unhooped  a  small  cask  filled  with  Dollars.  I  saw 
her  take  money  from  the  trunk  into  her  apron,  &  left  her  in  pos- 
session. Immediately  Esq^  Gardner  came  in.  My  G.  F,  beckoned 
first,  &  then  said  set  down.  But  supposing  there  was  a  scene  of  in- 
iquity, &  observing  my  G.  F's  situation,  I  hurried  away,  saying 
there  was  a  french  gentleman  waiting  for  me  to  go  with  him  to 
Cambridge.  Esq''  Gardner  followed  me  to  the  Stairs,  &  asked  me 
whether  I  thought  my  G.  Father  was  able  to  make  a  will.  I  told 
him,  I  would  have  nothing  [106]  to  do  in  the  affair,  upon  which  he 
commended  me,  &  we  parted,  &  he  returned  to  the  Chamber.  I  rec- 
ollect that  in  the  chamber  the  old  woman  said  your  G.  F.  is  going 
to  make  a  will  which  will  please  you.  But  as  he  was  so  unfit  at 
that  time,  I  did  not  suppose  he  would,  &  as  he  made  no  answer,  I 
concluded  that  he  remained  of  his  former  opinion.  However  in  a 
few  minutes  after  the  work  was  finished,  &  when  I  returned  from 
Cambridge,  just  before  dinner,  it  was  generally  agreed  that  the  old 
gentleman  was  dying,  &  ought  to  receive  no  more  company.  I 
therefore  left  the  town,  after  informing  Capt  E-idgway,  &  lamenting 
that  the  state  of  the  family,  would  not  allow  me  to  check  such  hor- 
rid proceedings.  A  proof  is  given  that  I  could  have  done  nothing 
successfully  against  such  an  interest,  in  that  the  will  was  altered 
on  Saturday  by  a  codicil,  in  favor  of  the  will-makers,  &  guilt  of 
conscience  [107]  was  shown  in  the  nature  of  the  legacies  then 
added.  It  is  to  be  remembered  that  Adams,  wrote  me  a  note 
informing  me  that  my  G.  F.  was  actually  dying  when  he  was 
making  of  himself  a  will  for  him.  I  went  to  the  funeral  «&  the  will 
was  for  insufficient  reasons  refused  after  the  funeral,  I  therefore 
stayed  till  Monday,  when  it  appeared  the  most  horrid  abuse  to 
which  I  was  ever  witness. 

Nov.  12.  Notes  for  John  Becket  &  wife  for  delivery.  Notice  of 
a  Lecture  at  North  Church  on  Tuesday,  11  o'clock. 

Nov.  17.  Appeared  before  the  Judge  of  Probate  for  the  County 
of  Suffolk,  A  reflection  has  been  cast  upon  my  mother  that  my  G. 
F.  cried  out  against  her.  But  quere,  against  whom  did  he  cry, 
when  he  asked  my  G.  M.  as  she  informed  me,  whether  the  disputes 
were  such,  that  Billy  could  not  come  to  the  house  ? 

[108]  It  is  reported  that  I  asked  for  a  will.  What  articles  did 
I  propose  for  a  will  ?  did  she  (G.  M.)  not  say,  that  I  should  like 


1786]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  47 

the  will,  in  which  there  was  no  legacy  for  myself  as  she  knew,  & 
she  told  me  at  the  time  of  making  the  will,  as  well  as  at  the  funer- 
al. The  legacy  of  the  Codicil  was  added  after  such  information  as 
she  gave  me.  If  it  is  said  that  she  wished  for  me,  &  thought  I 
wished  that  my  father  should  not  have  the  estate,  pray,  was  a  wish 
not  to  cut  off  children  a  wish  to  disinherit  parents.  I  never  heard, 
any  person  but  Adams  say  that  my  Father  should  not  have  his  part 
of  the  estate,  or  Eidgway.  Adams  proposed  legacy  in  these  words, 
"  I  have  heard  that  your  mother  reported,  Billy  would  have  the 
mansion  house.  If  you  get  a  will  I  have  no  objection."  If  Capt 
Eidgway  not  an  evidence,  how  comes  the  G.  M.  &  M"  Adams  wit- 
nesses? [109]  Adams  told  me  at  his  own  house  Oct.  24,  that  after 
repeated  solicitations  he  had  prevailed  upon  the  old  gentleman  to 
make  a  will. 

As  to  the  expences  of  the  will  &  account  Adams  told  me  at  his 
own  house  Oct.  24,  that  he  was  to  pay  them,  out  of  his  own  pocket. 
Deacon  Eidgway  says,  that  M"  Adams  said  before  the  reading  of 
the  will  &  when  the  heirs  were  collected,  now  I  don't  care  for  all 
the  Devils  in  hell.  From  the  testimony  of  D.  Eidgway,  when  his 
wife  enquired  of  her  father  whether  a  will  was  made,  he  replied  no, 
&  promised  to  do  her  justice.  The  Deacon  says  that  the  G.  M. 
confessed  this,  &  afterwards  denied  it.  Times  when  at  Boston 
since  my  G.  Father's  visit  to  Salem  on  August  21,  1785,  from  Day 
book. 

Feby  12.     Preached  for  Mr  Eliot  of  Boston. 

May  30.  went  to  Boston. 

June  17.  went  to  Boston  returned  same  day.  [HO]  I  went  to 
Commencement. 

The  point  to  be  proved  respecting  the  assertion  from  the  mouth 
of  my  G.  Father  is  a  family  Anecdote,  &  the  Sons  stand  ready  to 
testify  that  the  Father  has  repeated  to  them,  the  same  peech  & 
the  occasion  of  it.  Eidgway  &  Bentley  &  V — .  Adams  told  me 
"  he  had  at  last  prevailed."  I  did  not  see  the  delivery  of  the  key. 
The  will  it  seems  will  stand.  The  Judge  has  appointed  Apprais- 
ers. I  left  with  Capt  Eidgway  an  extract  from  the  preceding 
account. 

[Ill]  Xov"^  19.  Xotes  for  Baptism.  E.  Furber.  Morning 
Service  to  begin  at  1-2  past  10. 

"Went  to  Boston,  21,  &  returned  next  day.  Will  not  proved. 
Left  a  written  deposition  with  E.  for  Hitchborn.   not  delivered. 

Kov'  26.     W™  Chever,  sick  of  a  fever. 

Nov"^  29.  A  little  shake  of  an  Earthquake  was  felt  at  4  o'clock 
P.  M.     Mr  Vaughan  promised  me  a  view  of  German  writers. 

Dec'  3.  Israel  Chever,  death  of  Brother.  Eebecca  Chever,  with 
children,  death  of  Husband.     Samuel  Eopes,  death  of  Brother. 

At  Sundo^v^l,  Monday  4"^,  came  on  a  Storm  of  Snow  which  lasted 
24  hours,  in  which  a  great  quantity  of  snow  fell,  &  the  tide  was 


48  DIARY  OP  [1786 

raised  beyond  any  height  in  the  memory  of  the  present  inhabitants. 
The  damage  to  perishable  goods  in  the  Stores  was  considerable,  but 
no  loss  of  vessels  or  lives  in  the  harbour.  [112]  A  quarter  of 
mutton  in  the  market  weighed  23  lbs. 

On  Saturday  Dec'  9,  very  early  before  day — came  on  another 
severe  snow  storm,  which  continued  till  Sunday  ten  o'clock,  A.  M. 
Several  vessels  were  driven  from  their  anchors  but  not  great  dam- 
age done  here.  In  the  last  storm  a  Connecticut  Brig  was 
driven  upon  Point  Shirley.  5  perished,  who  left  the  vessel,  in 
the  snow.  In  the  same  storm  a  coasting  Sloop  drove  ashore  upon 
Plum  Island,  2  perished  in  the  snow.  Quantity  of  snow  was  un- 
common &  very  much  drifted.  Two  men  belonging  to  Marblehead 
named  Hooper  &  Trevet,  supposed  intoxicated,  perished  on  Satur- 
day night  between  Salem  &  Marblehead.  Capt  W"  Fairfield  was 
driven  ashore  upon  Cape  Cod,  &  one  man  perished.  A  Brig  belong- 
ing to  Beverly  was  driven  ashore  upon  Hingham  beach.  The  Sun- 
day [113]  was  so  stormy  &  cold  &  the  snow  so  deep,  that  few  were 
out  at  Church  &  no  woman,  &  our  house  was  the  only  one  opened. 
The  Thanksgiving  was  rainy,  &  the  traveling  very  uncomforta- 
ble. Sailed,  Allen,  jun"",  between  the  storms.  Capt  Allen,  Thanks- 
giving evening,  for  Carolina,  with  his  wife,  &  left  his  family  behind. 
Contribution  in  a  thin  assembly  14£.  A  Sloop  was  driven  ashore 
upon  Lowell's  island,  bound  for  Boston,  10  men  &  a  woman  out  of 
13  persons  perished.  An  eastern  Schooner  belong^  to  Boston  drove 
ashore  at  Cape  Cod,  Godfrey  master,  all  on  board  perished. 

Deer  17.  Notes.  J.  Berry  &  wife,  death  of  Sister  Clough.  Wid- 
ow Sarah  Elkins,  death  of  Sister  &  Sons  at  Sea.  John  Chandler  & 
wife,  her  delivery. 

18.  Drafted  a  petition  for  the  Artillery  company  to  Governor  for 
State  small  armes.  Wrote  to  Winthrop  &  sent  Baltic  papers  &  9 
coins,  3  silver,  &  6  copper.     Wrote  to  Major  Hoit  of  Newbury. 

[114]  On  Thursday  21,  Dec'  was  executed  an  Indian,  called 
Isaac  Coombs,  but  who  declared  his  true  name  to  be  Jolin  Peters. 
He  was  firm  at  his  execution,  sober  &  devout.  In  his  confinement 
he  was  visited  by  some  enthusiasts  who  created  all  that  contempt 
for  religious  pretentions  in  his  mind,  which  their  hypocrisy  excites, 
&  which  weakens  all  regard  to  true  religion,  when  proposed  by  others. 
Saturday  night  was  another  Storm  of  snow,  but  less  violent  than 
the  other,  &  continued  in  some  degree  all  Sunday. 

To  my  father  Dec'  26. 

As  to  the  Estate  of  the  Old  Gentlemen,  I  am  ready  to  give  you  a 
power,  to  dispose  of  my  part  of  it  (which  is  disposed  of  by  the 
pretended  will  to  me)  &  to  leave  such  part  in  your  hands,  when 
due,  for  your  use  [115]  and  at  your  discretion. 

Dec'  29.  News  of  the  death  of  Capt  Adam  Welman.  There  is 
something  singular  in  this  event.  Welman  is  the  third  Captain  who 
has  been  part  owner  with  Captain  White  in  the  same  vessel  &  who 


1786]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  49 

has  died  in  succession  within  the  space  of  one  year.     Capt  Clark, 
Jany.  19,  1786.     Capt  Pierce,  Octb,  1.  &  Capt  Welman. 

Dec'  31.  Wid  :  Mary  Browne,  death  of  sister  &  friends  at  Sea. 
Returned,  Boardman  from  W.  Indies. 

Jan^  6,  1787.     Dined  with  Clergy  at  Fiske's. 

7.  Notes.  Mary  Foot,  death  of  Brother  Welman.  Mary  Wel- 
man, d  :  of  Br.  Welman  &  Son  at  Sea.  Sam'  Smith  &  wife  for  d  :  of 
G.  Son,  &  prayers  for  Son  at  Sea.  Mary  Burroughs,  d  :  of  her  Son 
&  friends  at  Sea.  Anna  Sarvey*  d  :  of  Brother.  Mercy  Welman 
&  Children,  d  :  of  her  husband. 

[116]  Upon  the  establishment  of  Wardens  I  persuaded  the 
Wardens  to  take  the  provision  for  the  Communion,  into  their  own 
hands,  which  they  did  on  December  1786.  Mr  Phippen  resigned 
that  charge,  but  has  not  yet  settled.  The  last  Communions  being 
on  first  days,  &  the  male  communicants  few,  the  collections  only 
exceeded  18/  each,  I  persuaded  the  Committee  unanimously  to 
consent,  on  account  of  the  narrowness  of  the  Aile  &  the  height  of 
the  Deacons  seat,  to  substitute  a  table.  I  then  wrote  to  Mr  Diman 
for  a  List  of  the  Church,  as  he  had  kept  the  books,  ^^for  charitable 
^urposesP  He  returned  me  an  answer  full  of  insolence,  referring  me 
in  a  taunting  manner  to  my  own  Church  Book,  &  to  the  General 
list  of  my  committee,  writing  the  word  general  in  larger  Letters,  & 
beginning  it  with  a  capital  to  reflect  on  my  opinion  of  this  subject. 
I  showed  the  letter  to  Capt  Ward's  family,  &  then  burnt  it.  I  wrote 
the  follow^  answer  [117]  but  never  sent  it. 
Sir, 

I  am  surprised  to  receive  so  uncandid  an  answer.  You  direct  me 
to  my  Church  book  &  I  may  as  properly  direct  you  to  your  own. 
Had  I  delivered  to  a  young  man,  a  church  with  only  seven  males, 
members,  who  accused  me  of  suffering  public  charities  to  perish  in 
my  hands,  &  who  by  my  advice  &  example  had  never  provided  a 
single  ounce  of  plate  for  their  communion,  &  who  for  above  40  [4?] 
years  had  never  at  my  request  performed  one  charitable  action 
among  the  members  at  their  communion,  I  should  not  have  taunted 
such  young  man,  because  he  could  not  persuade  communicants  to 
have  charity  enough  for  me  as  a  Christian  to  join,  while  I  was  a 
member. 

Jan^  14.     Note  for  delivery,  Mary  Parrot,  husband  at  Sea. 

The  alterations  under  the  pulpit  undertaken  this  week  by  M' 
Ward,  &  the  Painting  by  M"^  Liscombe. 

[118]  List  of  Proprietors  from  the  Treasurer's  Books  for  1787. 
Capt  Edward  Allen.  Capt  John  Berry. 

Jon*  Archer,  sen'.  John  Becket. 

Jon*  Archer,  jun'.  Mansfield  Burrill. 

James  Becket.  William  Browne. 

*  Sarrey  wu  a  cormptiOD  of  MesBervey.    See  Feb.  11, 1787. 


50 


DIABY   OF 


[1787 


Capt  Francis  Boardman. 

Capt  George  Crown  inshield. 

Col  Samuel  Carleton. 

Capt  John  Collins. 

Capt  William  Carleton. 

Thomas  Diman.* 

Capt  George  Dodge. 

Capt  Thomas  Dean. 

John  Fairfield. 

Captain  John  Fiske  Esq"^. 

Capt  Edward  Gibaut. 

Capt  John  Hodges. 

Capt  Samuel  IngersoU. 

Capt  Benja.  Hodges. 

[119]     Heirs  in  the  name  of 

The  Widow  Mary  Andrews. 

The  Widow  Lydia  Babbidge. 

The  Widow  Mary  Becket. 

The  Widow  Mary  Bates. 

The  Widow  Mary  Batten. 

The  Widow  Mary  Bowditch. 

The  Widow  Mary  Crowninshield. 

The    Widow  Hannah    Crownin- 
shield. 

The  Widow  Sarah  Elkins. 

The  Widow  Mary  Elkins. 

Heirs  of  Phippen's  Estate,  uns. 

The  Widow  Hannah  Haskoll. 


Heirs  of  Capt  Richard  Masury. 
The  Widow  Mary  Waters. 
The  Widow  Mercy  Welman. 
The  Widow  Hannah  Webb. 

Non  Residents. 
Elias  Hasket  Derby,  Esq'. 
Heirs  of  Richard  Derby  Esq"". 
Heirs  of  Capt  Thomas  Elkins. 
[120]  Proprietors  continued. 
Capt  Joseph  Lambert,  sen''. 
Capt  Joseph  Lambert,  jun'. 
Capt  Jonathan  Mason,  sen''. 
Capt  Richard  Manning,  Esq"". 
William  Peale. 
Nathaniel  Richardson. 
Capt  Robert  Stone. 
Capt  Nathaniel  Silsbee. 
Samuel  Silsbee. 
Penn  Townsend. 
Joseph  Vincent. 
Capt.  Jolin  White. 
Stephen  Webb. 
Capt  Joseph  White. 
Abraham  Watson. 
John  Watson. 
Capt.  Benj"  Ward. 
Capt  Timothy  Welman. 

To  Master  Watson.  Jan^  17,  1787. 


[121] 

Master  W. 

In  looking  over  my  books  I  find  a  private  debt,  owed  to  you,  of 
£5,  5,  1.  As  it  is  my  care,  &  I  suppose,  ought  to  be  my  care,  to 
settle  all  my  accounts ;  &  as  I  have  no  ready  money;  you  would  very 
greatly  oblige  me  by  allow^meto  setoff  thefamili/jjew  taxes,  against 
that  debt,  &  then  suffer^  me  to  pay  you,  what  you  judge  to  be  the 
balance.  I  find  also  the  Note  given  to  Mr  Andrews,  will  probably 
occasion  some  speculation.  I  should  therefore  be  obliged  to  you,  if 
you  could,  on  any  terms,  or  in  any  way,  give  me  your  advice  how 
to  conduct.  These  are  my  largest  &  almost  my  only  debts,  &  there- 
fore occasion  serious  care  to  your  devoted  servant.     W.    B. 

The  result  of  this  letter  was  a  conference  with  Master  W.  on  the 
next  morning,  in  which  he  acknowlidges  he  answered  the  present 
treasurer  rather  caverlierly,  but  he  settled  in  the  most  amicable 
manner.  The  balance  of  the  private  account,  after  the  deduction  of 
the  pew  Taxes,  was   in   his  favor  23  /4  /4.   He  gave  up  the  note 


*No  connection  ol  Rev.  James  Diman.    The  name  was  sometimes  written  Diamond. 


1787]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  61 

given  to  Andrews  for  9£  as  the  due  of  the  proprietors,  &  every 
other  diiJiculty  was,  I  hope,  brouglit  to  a  close.  I  hope  this  is  an 
instance  in  which  seasonable  writing  did  no  harm. 

[122]  On  Thursday  after  5  P.  M.  Jan^  18,  there  came  up  a 
sudden  squall  with  Snow  &  some  hail,  which  lasted  20  minutes  & 
Avith  great  violence,  as  well  as  a  great  quantity  of  Snow.  While  a 
Mr  Horton  &  liis  wife  were  passing  to  their  homes  on  Horton's 
point,  neai"  Beverly  ferry,  The  old  Lady  was  blown  down  &  before 
assistance  could  be  obtained  by  her  husband  she  perished.  She 
was  aged  80. 

Jan^  21.  Note  of  Jon*  Archer,  tertius,  for  delivery  of  his  wife. 
On  Sunday  arrived  the  news  that  the  brig  on  board  of  which 
Captains  Clarke,  Pierce  &  Welman  have  died  successively,  went 
ashore  on  Martha's  Vineyard  on  Monday  Night  the  15  inst. 

Jan^  25.  Went  to  Beverly  at  the  funeral  of  John  Bartlet,  A.  B. 
A  promising  youth.  Arrived  23.  Capt  M.  Townsend.  Proposal  to 
the  Rev*^  Mr.  Smith  for  collections  of  Singing  Psalms,  &c. 

Jan^  29.  Anecdote  of  P.  Lambert.  Being  in  a  shop,  &  solicited 
to  attend  the  [123]  fast  of  the  new  lights,  on  that  day,  she  replied 
she  endeavored  to  hear  and  retain  the  best  sermons  she  could  hear 
on  Sunday,  &  on  other  days  thought  it  best  to  practice  what  she 
then  heard,  &  not  to  be  running  after  every  absurd  enthusiast. 

Feby  5.  On  Sunday  evening  I  offered  an  invitation  to  several 
■Gentlemen  to  form  a  meeting  at  my  house  on  Sunday  evenings. 
The  Gentlemen  came,  being  Capt.  Fiske,  White,  Joseph;  Hodges, 
Benj'*;  Stone  &  Ward.  The  interview  was  agreeable.  By  this  en- 
gagement, I  am  prevented  from  my  visits  to  Capt  Jn°  White, 
which  I  have  continued  every  Sunday  evening  since  my  ordination. 
I  proposed  to  the  old  Gentleman  Saturday  even^  in  its  stead,  &  re- 
ceived an  answer  "  I  am  happy  in  my  solitude.  Saturday  evening, 
I  devote  to  prayer  &  fasting." 

Feby  7.  Left  the  minute  of  a  request  with  Capt.  Hodges  to  be 
sent  to  Hardy,  London,  to  subscribe  for  "  Lardner's  works  "  then 
publishing  by  D''  Kippis  at  one  guinea  advance,  &  two  upon  deliv- 
ery. The  work  eleven  Vol :  8vo.  in  boards.  [124]  Anecdote  of 
Nanny  Willis,  who  died  at  this  time.  Eequiring  of  the  Overseer 
two  Watchers,  &  being  refused  more  than  one,  she  insisted  that 
there  should  be  two,  &  so  sat  up  herself.     Aged  92. 

In  a  conference  with  M""*  Rhust  she  informed  me,  that  Adams 
told  her  that  he  made  the  will.  That  the  G.  mother  alledged  con- 
versation at  Capt  Silsbee  as  justifying  the  charge  that  I  wanted 
a  will.  That  at  the  same  visit  &  [126]  after  my  G.  father  had  left 
me,  he  told  M''*  Rhust,  that  Billy  Avanted  nothing  more  of  him,  & 
if  he  gave  him  anything  he  would  certainly  give  it  immediately  to 
his  father.  That  Adams  proposed  to  her,  whether  it  would  be  best 
to  ask  Billy,  what  part  he  would  chuse,  whether  the  Mansion  house 
&c.     That  he  asked  by  way  of  temptation,  tlio'  dissuaded  by  Mrs 


52  DIARY   OF  [1787 

Rhust.  That  finding  it  did  not  take,  he  added  the  legacies  of  the 
will  to  the  children,  as  a  substitute  to  silence  Billy.  That  as  to 
Ridgway,  he  did  not  wish  his  favor,  or  to  observe  any  terms  with 
him,  &  as  to  Bently  Billy,  the  world  knew  how  the  G.  Father  would 
be  ruled  by  him.  That  my  G.  F.  wished  to  make  a  will  &  declared 
to  her,  that  the  law  made  the  best  will.  That  she  told  Adams,  she 
had  heard  him  say  that  he  would  cheat  his  own  father,  if  he  could. 
That  the  G.  Mother  had  uttered  very  ill  natured  invectives,  but  all 
grounded  upon  the  pretended  good  will,  respecting  which,  she  pre- 
tended she  had  been  deceived  but  by  alleging  no  facts,  of  confidence, 
consent,  &c. 

[127]  D'  Cooper  of  Boston  Son  to  the  Rev^  W""  Cooper,  &  Suc- 
cessor died  Jan^  1784.  He  was  a  Gentleman  of  uncommon  polite- 
ness, of  most  easy  address.  He  was  much  in  favor  with  Hancock, 
&  the  political  papers  of  that  Gentleman  were  in  common  opinion 
ascribed  to  him.  In  prayer  the  D'  was  engaging,  his  scriptiu'e 
language  seemed  pertinent.  His  sermons  were  agreeably  delivered, 
&  in  the  style  of  his  printed  performances. 

The  Sermons  left  are.  Sermon  on  the  death  of  George  II ; 
On  Conquest  of  Quebec  ;  On  Popery  ;  at  the  Dudleian  Lecture ;  at 
the  revolution,  on  the  Constitution ;  at  an  Ordination  at  Brooklyn  ; 
to  a  Charitable  Society ;  at  the  General  Election.  He  has  left  no 
printed  compositions  in  any  other  form.  The  University  experi- 
enced a  kind  friend  in  him — he  left  only  one  daughter  &  one 
grandson.  [128]  D'  Eliot  died  several  years  before  Cooper.  His 
knowlidge  was  solid,  but  not  extensive.  His  address  was  good, 
but  his  application  to  the  true  interest  of  the  university,  &  to  the 
duties  of  his  function  were  most  distinguishing.  The  family  of 
HoUis  corresponded  through  him,  at  the  time  of  their  most  liberal 
services.  The  Doctor  was  grave  in  the  pulpit.  His  voice  was 
rather  clear,  than  sweet.  His  talents  in  occasional  addresses,  & 
extemporary  performances  were  not  great.  His  sermons  were  plain, 
solid,  &  instructive,  &  universally  acceptable.  He  has  only  left 
us  a  collection  of  occasional  Sermons,  &  a  volume  containing 
twenty  Sermons,  which  he  published,  a  few  years  before  his  death. 
His  Election  Sermon  was  celebrated.  He  has  two  sons  in  the  min- 
istry. One  is  his  successor.  His  family  was  numerous  at  his 
death.  [129]  D""  Mayhew  who  died  many  years  before  Eliot  or 
Cooper,  I  knew  only  by  his  printed  performances,  &  the  reports, 
which  they  have  circulated.  He  died  at  the  most  vigorous  part  of 
his  life.  His  abilities  were  uncommon.  But  as  he  could  not 
adopt  the  prevailing  theology,  and  openly  avowed  Arianism,  he  had 
not  that  applause  which  the  others  received  in  the  different  Con- 
gregations. His  first  printed  sermons  upon  the  love  of  God  &  our 
neighbor  were  his  best.  There  were  seven  in  number.  His  ser- 
mons to  young  men  are  careless.  His  other  Sermons  beyond  any 
printed  then  in  America.     His  Jan^  30  Sermon,  a  counterpart  to 


1787]  REV.   WILLIAM  BENTLEY  St 

South,  but  not  so  well  supported.  His  controversy  with  the  Soci- 
ety for  propagating  the  gospel  in  foreign  parts,  succeeded  but  was 
unhappy.  His  other  occasional  pieces  have  fell  into  obscurity, 
being  occasioned  by  writings  or  events  which  live  only  for  a  day. 
He  left  a  daughter. 

[130]  Feby  11.  Nanny  Maservey,  death  of  father,  Samuel 
Welman,  d  :  of  father  &  G.  father,  &  thanks  for  his  return  from 
Sea.  Mary  Welman  &  children  for  father  Welman  &  t-n^o  sons  at 
Sea.  Mercy  Welman,  d:  of  Father  Welman.  Sarah  Chever  for 
delivery  &  for  her  husband  &  brother  at  Sea.  Sick.  M"  Dighton 
of  a  pleurisy,  recovering. 

From  this  time  on  every  Sunday  list,  will  he  found  the  list  of  per- 
sons sick,  after  the  mention  of  the  notes,  &  their  disorders  with  the 
several  stages  of  them,  either  at  the  time,  or  as  learnt  in  the  pre- 
ceeding  week. 

D"^  Appleton  of  Cambridge,  died  at  an  age  exceeding  90  years,  in 
1784.  He  was  a  very  prominent  man,  as  a  preacher  to  the  univer- 
sity, amidst  the  religious  convulsions,  which  happened  during  his 
long  ministry.  He  had  a  happy  influence  in  composing  difficulties 
both  at  the  settlement  of  ministers,  &  in  the  course  of  their  minis- 
try. His  powers  were  moderate.  His  printed  occasional  sermons, 
are  about  20.     He  has  left  two  sons,  merchants. 

[131]     D"-  Chauncy  died  Feb^  10,  1787,  set.  82.     He  was  of  emi- 
nent service  to  the  country  in  1742,  when  a  religious  frenzy,  called 
New  Light,  spread  in  New  England.     He  openly  engaged  White- 
field,  Tennent,  Davenport  &  others  in  his  Book  entitled  the  "  State 
of  Religion,"  besides  in  other  Tracts.     He  also  opposed  the  intended 
encroachments  of  Episcopal  authority,  by  his  controversial  pieces 
with  the  Bp.  of  Landaff  &  by  his  view  of  Episcopacy  to  enlighten 
his  countrymen.     He  published  also  numerous  occasional  sermons, 
and  some  discourses  opposed  to  the  ridiculous  notions  of  faith,  & 
the  doctrines  of  grace  as  they  were  called.     He  wrote  also  upon  the 
Communion.     In  the  latter  part  of  life  he  published  his  sentiments 
on  the  restitution,  upon  the  goodness  of  God,  &  his  dissertations 
upon  the  fall,  and  we  are  assured  these  publications  were  but  a  part 
of  his  labours  intended  for  the  public,  &  a  small  part  of  the  com- 
positions of  his  Study.     He  led  a  useful  life,  &  was  a  distinguished 
character.     [132]     His  passions  were  sudden,  but  his  writings  were 
cool.     He  wrote  often  hastily,  but  never  forget  to  correct  his  com- 
positions.    His  stile  was  very  careless  but  clear,  &  upon  the  whole 
he  was  the  most  useful   man  of  his  age,  &  perhaps  the   greatest 
divine  of  N.  England.     His  principal  works  are 
800  sermons  on  faith,  &c. 
Letter  respect^  Bp.  of  Landaff's  Sermon.  1767. 
Ans  :  to  Chandler's  Appeal,  &c.  1768. 
Reply  to  Chandler's  defence.  1770. 
State  of  Religion.  1742. 


64  DIABY   OF  [1787 

Dudleian  Lecture  on  Ees:  Ord:  1762. 

View  of  Episcopacy.  1771. 

Seven  Serm  :  on  Communion.  1773. 

Universal  restitution.  1784. 

Benevolence  of  the  Deity.  1784. 

Dissert :  on  Fall,  &  1785. 

Occasional  Sermons  on  Self  Murder,  on  Earthquake,  Stamp 

Act,  Elections,  Charity. 

[133]     Minutes  introductory  to  the  disorders  in  Massachusetts, 

Conventions  in  New  Hampshire  in  the  beginning  of  Aug.  1786. 

Papers  circulating  for  the  same  end  in  Massachusetts.  Militia 
orders  published  Aug.  14. 

Conventions  appointed  in  Middlesex,  Worcester,  &  Hampshire. 

Worcester  convention  from  37  towns  met  at  Worcester  &  ad- 
journed to  Leicester  &  publish  their  proceedings  Aug.  17.  People 
divided.  Bolton  in  Worcester  unanimously  ag :  Members  for 
Convention  Aug.  29. 

Middlesex  Convention  met,  as  they  state  themselves,  from  a 
majority  of  Towns,  at  Concord,  Aug.  23. 

Aug.  30.  Insurgents  appear  in  arms  at  Northampton.  Conven- 
tion of  Hampshire  at  Hadley. 

Court  of  Common  Pleas  stopped  by  Insurgents  at  Northampton, 
Aug.  29.     Also  at  Worcester,  Sept.  5. 

Proclamation,  Sept.  2. 

[134]  Boston  Circular  Letter  voted  Sept.  8.  Concord  Circular 
Letter  voted  Sept.  9. 

C.  of  Common  Pleas  stopped  at  Great  Barrington,  Berkshire, 
Sept.  12. 

A  proclamation  to  convene  the  General  Court,  Sept.  27. 

The  Convention  in  New  Hampshire  consisting  of  30  towns  out  of 
200,  had  the  same  effect  as  in  the  Bay. 

Sept.  20.  The  insvu-gents  surrounded  the  General  Court  &  beat 
to  arms.  President  Sullivan,  issued  his  military  orders,  &  seasona- 
bly crushed  the  rebellion.  Worcester  convention  were  together 
again  at  Paxton,  Sept.  26. 

The  Supreme  Court  by  arms  was  protected  at  Springfield  ag  : 
insurgents. 

Worcestor  Convention  petition  to  government  at  their  sitting. 
The  Convention  was  from  41  towns. 

October  Session  of  the  General  Court  passes  the  Riot  Act,  also 
an  Act  of  Indemnity.     Susp.  of  the  Habeas  Corpus  till  January. 

An  association  formed  by  the  principal  gentlemen  of  the  Court 
to  discourage  luxm-y,  &c.  Signed  by  Gov.,  L.  G  :,  Senate,  Speaker 
&  66  of  the  House. 

[135]  Nov.  29.  A  Party  of  Horse  went  into  the  interior  parts 
of  Middlesex,  &  apprehended  several  distinguished  rioters.  At 
this   time  the   whole  County    was  in    confusion.     The  County  of 


1787]  BEV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  55 

Bristol  had  caught  the  infection,  &  nothing  short  of  compleat 
anarchy  was  before  us. 

Nov''  28.  The  Court  of  Sessions  Avas  protected  at  Cambridge  by 
troops  under  Gen.  Lincoln,  &  his  Excellency  the  Governor,  &  a 
most  respectable  number  of  Gentlemen  attended. 

Dec^  5.  The  Insurgents  in  arms  make  a  formidable  appearance 
in  Worcester  Commanded  by  one  Shays,  &  one  Wheeler. 

1787.  Jan^  10.  Shays  the  ostensible  head  of  the  insurgents  had 
taken  possession  of  the  State  Barracks  at  Rutland. 

Jan^  12.  Proclamation  calling  on  the  people  to  oppose  force  by 
force.  An  army  at  Worcester  under  the  Command  of  General  Lin- 
coln on  Jan^  22  to  protect  the  Court  of  Sessions. 

On  Jan^  25.  General  Sheppard  at  Springfield  fired  upon  the 
Insurgents  &  killed  four  men. 

[136]  Jan^  28.  GeneralLincoln  joins  Gen.  Sheppard  at  Spring- 
field &  the  insurgents  disperse.  From  Hadley. 

Jan^  28.  Gen  :  Lincoln  promises  a  pardon  to  all  privates,  who 
should  lay  down  their  arms,  &  take  the  oath  of  allegiance.  The 
address  to  the  People,  ordered  by  government  in  the  November  ses- 
sion was  generally  read  in  the  religious  congregations  by  this  time. 

Feb^  3.     The  Court  is  again  convened. 

Feb^  4.  The  Insurgents  disperse  from  Petersham,  to  which  place 
Gen.  Lincoln  marched  from  Hadley  30  miles,  in  an  open  country  in 
extreme  cold.  The  Court  declared  a  Rebellion  to  exist  &  on  the  9 
of  Feb^  a  Proclamation  is  issued  to  apprehend,  Daniel  Shays  of 
Pelham,  Luke  Day  of  West  Springfield,  Adam  Wheeler  of  Hubbard- 
ston,  &  Eli  Pai-sons  of  Adams,  offering  150£  for  the  first,  &  100£ 
for  each  of  the  others.  The  measures  of  the  Court  are  unanimous. 
They  approve  of  Sheppard's  conduct.  And  a  most  sudden  turn  is 
given  to  public  affairs. 

[137]  Boston,  by  an  accurate  calculation  has  been  found  lately 
to  contain,  exclusive  of  strangers,  14,540  inhabitants.  This  num- 
ber gives  7  persons  to  an  house.  If  the  same  proportion  holds  good 
in  other  toivTis  their  numbers  can  he  nearly  ascertained. 

[138]  Feb^  18.  Notes.  Rebecca  Adwrie*  &  children  for  death 
of  mother.  Mary  Lambert,  death  of  G.  Daughters  &  g.sons  at  Sea. 
Rob.  Stone,  «&c.  for  delivery.  Nath  Phippen,  «&c.  for  delivery. 
Capt  Gibaut,  confined  by  a  Cold.  D.  of  Capt  G.  Crowninshield, 
complaints  resembling  paralytic,  mouth  twisted,  &c.  Wife  of 
Uncle  Gardner,  delirious  after  a  Fever, 

Feb^  26.  Delivered  at  Capt  Gibaut's  a  written  request  to  be 
forwarded  to  E.  H.  Derby,  now  on  his  travels  in  France,  that  he 
would  purchase  for  me  one,  any,  or  all  the  volumes  of  Bossuet's 
theological  works,  «&c. 

Was  inclosed  in  a  Letter  from  Major  Hiller  the  letter  of  the  G. 
Master  Webb,  respecting  the  Essex  Lodge,  begging  the  Lodge  to 

*Dwire  ? 


56  DIAKY   OF  [1787 

comply  with  requisitions  or  return  the  Charter.  The  latter  seems 
preferable,  Salem  not  being  a  soil  for  such  institution,  as  the  Clerk 
informed  me,  at  the  Marine  Society,  the  attendance  was  careless,  & 
at  the  last  December  the  interest  of  the  funds  was  appropriated  for 
the  charities,  without  any  charitable  contribution  of  the  members. 
The  conclusion  is  safe. 

[139]  A  comparison  of  Characters  in  a  disputed  Case,  or  a 
comparison  between  a  prudent  man,  &  an  imp  :  one  as  they  stand 
in  public  opinion.  It  is  true,  the  latter  has  every  disadvantage. 
While  he  was  at  the  University  as  designed  for  the  ministry,  he 
was  in  full  communion  with  the  Church,  that  he  might  be  obliged 
to  avoid  at  least  dissipation.  He  went  from  his  College  to  a  rep- 
utable School  in  B,  &  from  thence  to  his  College  again,  &  was 
never  out  of  a  public  life,  which  did  not  require  decency  of  behavior. 
He  was  introduced  into  the  ministry  without  a  father's  friends,  or 
a  division,  by  a  unanimous  popular  election.  He  never  since  has 
decided  in  any  political  dispute,  against  the  Church  or  State.  It  is 
true  he  has  never  published  a  Sermon,  in  which  he  could  indiscrimi- 
nately censure  the  geniuses  of  the  past  age,  or  in  which  he  conld 
flatter  deists  with  the  compliment  of  "  manly  reasonings,"  while  he 
softened  it  with  their  enemies  on  the  same  page,  by  hinting  at  an 
evil  heart  of  unbelief.  It  is  true,  he  was  not  [romancer?]  enough 
to  tell  of  "  withdrawing  extraordinary  aids,  &  trusting  existence, 
&c.,  to  the  actions  of  certain  causes  alone,  &  the  occasional  inter- 
position of  its  invisible  head,"  or  theological  enough  to  tell,  what 
human  [140]  abilities  could  do  alone,  when  they  could  do  all  things 
by  his  powerful  aid,  who  said,  "  my  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee." 
Nor  did  his  metaphysics  extend  to  such  clear  expressions,  as  deter- 
mine the  most  important  questions  relative  to  our  passions,  "  by  a 
consideration  of  them  unattended  with  consequences."  Perhaps 
his  style  has  been  observed  to  be  crowded  with  parentheses,  great 
&  small  in  an  happy  variety,  &  with  qualifying  clauses,  which 
render  his  opinions  easy  to  be  desired.  This  however  may  be  said, 
he  never  valued  as  wisdom,  what  the  Abbe  Beccaria  justly  stiled, 
the  timid  prudence  of  inferior  understandings,  nor  thought  it  great, 
like  the  Tyrant,  who  cut  &  formed  every  body  by  his  own  bed  post. 
As  he  thought,  he  acted,  &  whatever  ill  consequences  ensued,  he 
had  so  good  proof  of  his  upright  intentions,  that  all  the  world  con- 
fessed, if  there  was  any  sufferer  he  was  the  greatest. 

This  was  written  to  pass  away  a  few  minutes  before  dinner,  with- 
out intended  harm  to  any  man.  Such  comparative  views  extend 
our  knowlidge  of  Characters  or  we  might  suppose  that  Plutarch  in 
his  lives  of  the  Antient  worthies,  would  not  have  taken  up  so  much 
time  about  them. 

[141]  March  4.  Widow  Margaret  Clark,  death  of  Son.  Th : 
Parsons,  death  of  wife's  brother.  Very  stormy.  Church  thin,  & 
communion  omitted. 


1787]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  57 

March  10.  Went  to  Boston.  Instead  of  finding  greater  quiet,  I 
found  every  branch  of  the  family  at  variance.  My  Father  opposed 
to  Ridgway,  &  conversant  again  with  Adams.  I  received  a  letter 
from  Adams,  requesting  me  to  visit  him,  and  promising,  upon 
failure  to  visit  me.  There  was  less  insolence  than  I  expected,  but 
from  the  indecent  behavior  of  M"  Adams  at  the  Court,  &  the  known 
character  of  Adams,  I  thought  it  best  to  abandon  all  connections 
with  them. 

March  11.  Mr.  Webber  preached  for  me  «&  I  was  at  the  Castle. 
There  were  in  that  Garrison,  70  Soldiers  of  the  Garrison,  30  In- 
valids, 220  Continental  recruits  &  42  convicts.  They  were  sober  in 
the  religious  worship,  &  regular  throughout  the  whole  services  of 
the  Garrison.  Major  Perkins  was  attentive  to  us,  «&  we  supped  at 
his  house.  Lieu.  Treat  was  in  Boston.  Mr  Hinds,  Lieu  :  in  the 
Corps  of  Invalids  was  with  us  in  the  [142]  evening,  &  we  drank 
Tea  with  Mr  Burbeck  the  Gunner,  a  younger  son  of  the  old  command- 
er. JVIajor  ]S^orth,  a  pupil  of  Baron  Stuben,  commanded  the  re- 
cruits, &  was  an  accomplished  gentleman  &  officer.  Mr  Heyward, 
a  pupil  of  mine,  when  at  the  university  &  Mr  Warren,  Son  of 
General  Warren  were  in  the  recruits,  the  first  as  a  surgeon's  mate, 
&  the  last  as  an  Ensign.  Mr  Martin  Brimmer,  &  another  son  of 
Col.  Burbeck  were  with  the  recruits  of  my  former  acquaintance.  I 
left  the  worthy  Mr  Smith  on  Monday  morning.  Notes.  Rebecca 
Chever  for  delivery  &  death  of  child. 

March  18.  Notes.  John  Brown,  sick.  Hannah  Rowell,  delivery, 
husband  at  Sea.     William  Foy,  wife's  delivery. 

The  Proclamation  for  what  has  been  called  the  "  Annual  Fast," 
was  entitled  only  for  a  "  day  of  humiliation  &  prayer,"  the  circum- 
stance of  fasting  having  been  previously  neglected  by  a  majority  of 
Christians  of  all  denominations.  [143]  Account  that  on  Sunday, 
March  18,  died  Dr  Gay  of  Hingham,  in  the  93  year  of  his  age.  He 
has  been  respectable  in  his  long  course  of  ministry,  &  died  at  last 
without  "  Physician  or  disease "  without  warning,  being  full  of 
days. 

March  22.  At  fast  sung  Denmark  &  anthem,  I  said  I  will  take 
heed  &c. 

Contribution,  £8,     3,  2  Thanksgiving  last,      14,  0,  0 

Fast  before,  7,  10,  0  Thanksg :  before,        12,  0,  0 

March  25.  Service  altered  to  10  o'clock  A.  M.  List  of  the  Poor 
who  received  the  Contrib  :  A,  Curtis,  M.  Whitfoot,  Lander,  M. 
Swaysey,  Searle,  Renew,  H.  Mansfield,  M.  Young,  A.  Laskin,  E. 
Collins,  S.  Beadle,  Masury,  P.  Foote,  Webb,  M.  Masury,  H.  Clout- 
man,  M.  Valpy,  King,  Beadle,  M.  Burroughs,  Hodgdon,  Cox,  S. 
Becket,  M.  Burke,  H.  Murray,  Cloutman,  Touzzer,  Clark,  Silver, 
Ab.  Masury,  Chever. 


68  DIARY   OF  [1787 

[144]  March  26.  Gave  3  s.  to  one  Newell,  relation  to  some  old 
neighbors  in  Boston. 

April  3.     First  warm  spring  day  this  year. 

April  6.  Good  Friday.  I  attended  public  worship  at  the  Church 
in  Marblehead.  Rev*^  Mr  Oliver  read  prayers  well,  his  Sermon  in 
the  scenery  was  correct,  the  inferences  not  methodical.  The  as- 
sembly decent.  The  music  good.  The  organ  being  out  of  order, 
but  the  best  masters  performing  the  vocal,  Messieurs  Sewell,  Kim- 
ball, Johnson,  Grabe,  &c. 

Dined  with  Mr  Story  from  whose  collection  in  exchange  for 
Brown's  Serm  :  4  vol.  8  vo.     I  received 

8vo.      ^schines  Dialogi.  Horr.  Leovard  :  1768. 
8vo.      Epist.  Clementis.  Wotton.  Cam.  1712. 
8vo.      Grabe  Spicel:  Patrum.  vol.  1  Ox.  1714. 

12mo.  Vol  2.  cont :  Suetonius,  Spartianus,  Capitolinus,  Lam- 
pridius,  Gallicanus,  Vopiscus,  Pollis,  Victor,  Laetus, 
&  Egnatius. 

12m.        Heliodori.  ^th.  Commobis.  1596. 

12m.        Buxtorfii  Synagogo  Judnica,  Han.  1604. 

12m.        ^liando  Animalibus.  Genevae.  1611. 

12m.        Seneca.  Vol.  II. 

24to         Boethii  de  cons  :  Philosphiae.  Amst :  1609. 

These  books  are   the  remains  [145]  of  the  old  Library  of  the 
family  of  Govner  Bradstreet,  &  his  Son  Minister  at  Charlestown,  & 
his  G.  Son  M.  at  Marblehead.     The  two  surviving  Daughters  have 
married  Col :  Johonnot,  &  the  Rev"^  Story,  with  y^  latter  these  re- 
mains are  found.     Among  other  curious  books  still  remain. 
Fol.    Cyril.  Teroyl :  &  Synesius.     Paris  1611.     Prevot. 
8vo.      King's  History  of  the  Apostles  Creed. 
4to.      LeDieu  Evang  :  Syric  :  Notae.  L  Bat.  1617. 
8vo.      Perigonii  de  Morte  Judae.  L  Bat.  1702. 

12mo.     Laubegeois  Gr  :  Rad  :  Canib.  1626. 

12mo.     BuUinger  :  Apol : 

12mo.     Summa  Concetionim. 

12mo.     Augustin  de  Heresibus. 

12mo.     Drusii  observ  :  Philog  : 

12mo.     Jewel's  Apol  of  Eng.  Ch :  gr. 

12mo.     Education  of  a  Prince.     Port  royal  (trans,). 

12mo.     Camdeni  Brittania.  &c.  &. 

April  6.  M"  Gardiner  seemed  in  a  decay,  tho  without  any  ex- 
pectoration, was  delirous  for  six  months,  had  dropsical  complaints, 
upon  the  whole  however  died  in  a  decay,  which  might  be  called 
Consumption. 

April  8.  Sunday.  In  the  evening  about  11  ocl :  came  on  a 
heavy  shower  of  Rain  with  thunder.  A  new  light  preacher  of  the 
town  by  name  Spaulding*  was  alarmed  in  his  sleep,  &  jumped  out 

*Rev.  Joshua  Spaulding,  settled  over  the  Tabernacle  church  in  1785;  was  dismissed  la 
1802  and  formed  the  "  Branch  Church  "  on  Howard  Street. 


1787]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  59 

of  his  chamber  window  into  a  ditch.  There  is  no  report  that  it  has 
injured  his  understanding,  and  common  fame  imputes  the  accident  to 
the  distracted  manner  in  which  he  had  preached,  &  exhorted  through 
the  whole  preceeding  week,  &  particularly  on  the  preceeding  Sunday. 

April  9.  A  Storm  of  Hail  very  uncommon.  It  destroyed  the 
glass  windows  particularly  of  our  hot  beds. 

[150]  April  11.  The  Library  was  cleansed  &  the  names  in- 
serted. Number  in  all,  605  bound,  sewed  62.  [List  of  books  in  his 
library,  appearing  in  the  original,  is  here  omitted.] 

[151]  April  11.  The  Artillery  appear  on  the  Neck  for  the  first 
time.  Not  great  success  in  firing  at  the  target.  Broke  the  leg 
after  twenty  times. 

April  15.     Benj*  Gardner  &  children,  d  :  of  wife. 

April  18.  Finished  the  Satyres  of  Juvenal.  Wrote  a  form  for 
D""  Oliver  from  an  English  form  he  gave  me.  Omnibus,  ad  quos 
presentis  hae  perveniunt  Salutem.  Sciatis,  quod  nos,  Societatis 
^ledicae  Massachusettenses,  Censores,  approbamus  A.  B.  facultatis 
Medicae  at  Chirurgicae  Candidatum,  ipsius  Hudiorum  rationem,  pro- 
gressumq  :  exquisiti.  Et  his  presentibus  delaramus,  quodnos  ipsum 
invenimus  adomne  munus  facultatis  M.  et  C.  paratum  et  instructum. 
In  testimonium  census  nostra  nomina  subscribimus  C. 
Expotestate  mihi  commissa. 

subsignavi 
Preses.  siguillo  S.  M.  Mass. 

Ap.  19.  The  Cadets  appeared  in  their  uniform  for  the  first  time. 
And  the  first  military  parade  in  Town  since  the  War. 

[152]  April  21.  The  weather  having  been  uncommonly  cold  & 
windy,  last  night  the  Snow  fell,  but  not  at  any  considerable  depth. 
D""  Holyoke's  proposed  amendments  in  the  above  form  are  literce  in 
the  first  sentence  after  perveniunt,  &  prkis  affixo,  after  sigillo.  Ar- 
rived H.  White,  Strout,  Briggs,  &  Thomas.  A  fire  at  Boston 
observed  at  the  bottom  of  the  Lane  leading  from  the  Meetinghouse 
to  the  water,  over  the  Castle  Hill. 

The  fire  was  very  great.  It  appeared  most  bright  about  8  o'clock, 
&  disappeared  at  10,  Its  first  appearance  at  sundown.  From  the 
Gazette  it  appears  that  the  standard  for  the  Salem  Cadet  Company 
is  of  crimson  silk,  &  bears  on  one  side  a  shield  inscribed  with  the 
name  of  the  company,  held  by  a  figure  of  Mars  seated  on  a  cloud; 
who  with  his  spear,  directs  to  glory  above.  Motto,  Si  recte  facies. 
On  the  reverse  is  a  crown  of  laurel  in  a  field  surrounded  with  tro- 
phies. Motto,  Sic  itur  ad  astra.  In  the  quarter  are  thirteen  fed- 
eral stripes.  In  our  country  the  colors  are  chosen  at  discretion. 
As  the  uniform  takes  notice  of  the  alliance  the  Standard  might 
have  done  the  same.  [153]  The  Shield  with  the  name  of  a  company, 
implies  at  least  that  there  was  no  emblem  of  use  to  j\Iars.  And  why 
that  bellowing  God  should  be  preferred  to  Pallas,  when  a  Company 
had  never  been  in  an  engagement  might  be  hard  to  guess.     Mars 


60  DIARY  OF  [1787 

had  never  tried  his  shield,  &  we  are  not  told  that  he  was  ever  pre- 
sented with  this  for  trial,  as  the  motto  ought  to  imply.  He  is  in 
actual  possession.  It  is  to  be  hoped  not  minerva  invita.  The  seat 
of  Mars  is  new.  He  has  quite  usurped  upon  Minerva.  His  spear 
directing  to  glory  above,  is  quite  unheard  of  in  mythology.  And 
the  motto  quite  ill  judged,  if  it  be  classical  the  words  are  unsuit- 
able to  Mars,  &  certainly  not  in  common  use.  Perhaps  the  mottos 
ought  to  shift  sides.  A  Crown  surrounded  with  trophies  in  a  reverse 
is  novel,  &  the  disciples  of  Mars  have  so  frequently  been  mounted 
ad  astra,  that  its  pertinence  is  unquestionable.  The  trophies  if 
properly  placed  well  apply  as  does  the  place  of  the  shield  in  a  new 
institution.  They  were  advised  to  a  mounting  eagle  with  a  motto, 
Cedo  nemini.  But  who  would  chuse  to  mount,  when  by  a  word 
they  are  a  shield  even  to  Mars,  &  can  have  a  General's  Laurel,  with 
his  trophies,  without,  &c. 

[154]  April  22,  1787.  Jou»  Archer  jun^  &  wife,  death  of  her 
sister  Crow,*  friends  at  Sea.  [An  account  of  the  fire  in  Boston,  ab- 
stracted from  the  Massachusetts  Gazette  of  April  24,  1787,  appear- 
ing in  the  Diary,  is  here  omitted.] 

[158]  April  23,  1787.  Was  added  to  the  certificate,  the  foUow- 
enlargement  B.  L.  O.f  habitantem  in  Salem,  Comitatus,  Essx  in 
Republica  [hacco  ?].  After  nomina  apud  Bostonienses,  die  secundo. 
Kalendarum  Mail,  annoq :  salutis  milesimo,  septingentesimo,  octa- 
gesimo,  septimo. 

24.  This  John  Brown  J  was  able  to  read  &  write  &  was  devout 
in  the  Lutheran  forms  of  his  country.  He  had  received  a  wound 
in  the  foot  from  a  Spaniard  by  a  knife,  &  by  his  sufferings  in  that 
state,  was  brought  into  that  decay  which  finished  his  days.  The 
attention  of  the  family  to  him  was  exemplary.  A  note  was  left  by 
Rev^  Prince  at  my  lodgings,  requesting  me  to  join  in  the  Lecture 
proposed  last  September.  I  wrote  an  answer  in  substance,  that  I 
was  utterly  averse  to  it.  Not  from  disrespect  to  the  Gentlemen  who 
hold  the  course  but  to  preserve  a  consistency  in  my  late  declara- 
ti  ons,  with  my  conduct. 

Monday,  April  30.  I  went  for  Newbury  in  a  chaise  with  Lydia 
Mason  &  arrived  at  Newburyport  at  12  o'clock.  [159]  I  put  up 
at  Capt  Noyes',  dined  with  him  &  spent  the  evening  with  Mr. 
Murray.  I  found  him  a  Scholar  &  a  Gentleman.  His  Lady  is  of  a 
most  excellent  person  rather  corpulent,  but  of  a  fine  countenance. 
Tuesday  was  the  Quarterly  Fast  at  the  Presbyterian  Church.  The 
rigid  doctrines  of  the  Confession  were  preached  by  Mr  Murray  in 
the  morning,  but  rendered  tolerable  by  the  uncommon  eloquence  of 
Mr  M.  who  exceeds  in  delivery  all  his  contemporaries  of  New  E. 
He  stands  low  &  appears  to  speak  from  the  memory,  but  really  has 

•"Crowell"  was  often  written  "Crow." 
^Benjamin  Lynde  Oliver? 

{Died,  April  24,  John  Brown,  a  Swede,  set.  18,  at  Capt.  Moees  Townsend's.consumption. 
He  was  brought  by  the  Captain  from  Trinidad. 


REV.   JOHN    MURRAY. 


Pastor  of  the  Old  South  Church,  New  bury  port.   I  781  -I  793.      From  the 
portrait  now  in  possession  of  a  descendant. 


1787]  EEV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  61 

his  notes  before  him.  In  prayer  he  lifts  the  hands  &  sometimes 
applies  them  to  the  breast  but  uses  no  other  gestures.  In  Sermon 
he  is  not  in  the  least  affected  in  his  manner,  he  triumphs  over  his 
audience,  &  supports  attention  for  three  hours.  In  the  afternoon 
the  performances  by  a  M'  Strong  were  contemptible.  I  dined  on 
Wednesday  with  Mr  Murray.  His  affability  is  engaging.  He  is 
agreeable  in  spite  of  his  doctrines.  I  spent  Tuesday  evening  with 
a  Master  Pike,  who  has  in  the  [160]  press  a  Treatise  of  Arithmetic. 
He  is  the  Master  of  the  Grammar  School,  &  of  Cambridge  Univer- 
sity. I  was  also  introduced  to  a  Master  Norton  in  the  South  Writ- 
ing School.  He  has  raised  himself  by  his  moral  good  qualities,  & 
his  attention  to  study  in  the  public  esteem.  Understands  french 
perfectly.  The  Printer  M'  Mycall  gave  me  some  Types  from  his 
own  Foundery  which  did  him  honor.  M'  Gary  the  Gongregational 
minister  preached  on  Thursday  at  his  own  house.  A  pious  and 
rational  discourse.  He  is  a  man  of  wealth,  &  of  kind  manners,  as 
a  better  acquaintance  shews.  On  Friday  I  returned,  &  arrived  at 
Salem,  impressed  by  the  hospitality  of  the  Gentlemen,  whose  houses 
I  visited,  Kev"*  Gary  &  Murray,  D""  Swett,  Messieurs  Hoit,  Noyes, 
Pike,  Norton,  &c. 

Gurious  passage  as  a  Specimen  from  the  60  Sermons  of  Mv  Par- 
sons, predecessor  to  Mr  Murray.  Vol.  1  p.  345,  Ghrist  the  Root  & 
Morning  Star.  4  as  he  is  the  cause  of  all,  which  renders  souls 
truely  amiable.  It  is  an  ancient  observation  [161]  that  when  the 
morning  star  has  the  ascendant  over  other  stars  its  influences  pro- 
duce comely  features  upon  human  bodies,  and  tho'  we  may  think  it 
whimsical,  it  is  as  accountable  as  many  other  known  facts.  For  it 
is  a  known  fact,  that  objects  may  be  so  striking  to  the  imagination, 
as  to  cause  uncomely  features,  &  why  they  should  not  have  an 
equal  influence  to  produce  the  contrary,  2  believe  none  can  tell ! 

In  another  Book  I  saw  there,  God  is  called,  a  Curious  Lapidary. 
I  received  of  Capt  Noyes  as  a  present  Dictionaire  de  synonymes 
frauQois.  Made  little  acknowlidgements  to  the  children.  Pur- 
chased the  Friend  to  Children,  &  presented  to  a  daughter  of  Capt 
Hodges  on  my  return.  This  little  Book  is  printed  by  Mycall  from 
the  common  English  translation  from  the  french  Berthouir.*  It  is 
admirably  imitative  of  the  tender  &  infant  manners  of  the  children, 
&  has  the  most  proper  subjects  for  instruction  at  that  age.  It  is  a 
book  fit  to  spreaxi,  which  would  be  an  easy  work,  could  any  person 
afford  to  do  it  gratis  ! 

[162]  May,  1787.  Mr  Norris  wrote  to  me  informing  me  that  the 
Law  required  a  return  of  marriages  every  April. 

6.  Note  for  Joseph  Brown,  work  house,  he  &  wife,  for  him  sick. 
Saw  at  Newbury  in  the  vault  under  the  pulpit  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  the  remains  of  the  Rev  :  George  Whitefield.  He  died  Sept. 
1770.     His  Body  is  yet  firm.     The  resistance  of  the  breast  is  as  great 

•Amand  Berquin. 


62  DIARY   OF  [1787 

as  in  a  piece  of  tight  parchment,  both  his  hands  are  taken  away,  & 
his  throat  cut  open.     Sailed,  Henry  White. 

8.  Mr  Ellis  Mansfield  jiin'  presented  to  me  a  View  of  LordBol- 
ingbroke's  Philosophy.  8  vo.  Association  Lectures  at  Holts,  Cut- 
ter preached.  The  subject,  the  Convertion  &  character  of  Cornelius. 
Quere,  whether  he  was  the  first  Gentile  convert?  The  Eunuch  went 
to  worship  at  Jerusalem,  which  shows  a  prepossession,  &  the  Sami- 
tants  had  some  connection.  But  there  being  prior  facts  shew  that 
the  conversion  of  Cornelius  was  not  the  beginning,  but  rather  a  main 
fact  in  a  gradual  series,  by  which  Christianity  was  introduced 
among  the  Gentiles,  of  which  series  the  sending  for  Paul  at  Tarsus, 
where  Peter  was,  &  the  preaching  [163]  at  Antioch,  where  the  dis- 
ciples were  first  called  Christians,  was  the  close.  Quere,  whether 
Cornelius  can  be  said,  to  have  been  chosen  for  the  liberality  of  the 
Soldier,  in  preference  to  Stoics,  Epicureans,  &c.  Whether  such  a 
fact  does  not  contradict  the  analogy  of  the  conversion  of  Paul,  a 
Pharisee,  &c.,  &  whether  the  character  of  Cornelius,  as  a  man  of 
religion  is  not  also  out  of  the  Apology  of  the  Soldier's  character,  & 
whether  devotion  is  not  in  the  Scripture  sense,  inseperable  from 
superstition,  &  whether  his  devotion  is  not  actually  considered  as 
the  only  cause  of  the  vision,  &  whether  the  next  examples  of 
convertions  at  Antioch  are  not  considered  as  of  the  same  descrip- 
tion, &  the  opposers  also  (Zeyow^  woTtien?  Whether  then  upon  the 
whole  the  character  of  the  soldier  is  not  distroyed. 
A  Note  with  a  pair  of  Clasps. 

May  9,  1787. 

Madam  Alice  Ome,*  permit  me  to  express  my  unfeigned  esteem 
of  your  person,  &  my  best  wishes,  that  you  may  enjoy  in  your  fam- 
ily, &  posterity  every  valuable  pleasure,  by  the  little  gift  to  your 
Son,  which  accompanies  these  lines.  Accept  from  your  sincere 
friend,  W.  B. 

Answer.  R.  S.  I  received  your  kind  note  with  the  present  to 
my  little  son.  I  take  it  as  the  gift  of  friendship.  I  am  much  obliged 
to  you  for  the  particular  attention  you  have  shewn  me.  May  you 
prosper  in  all  your  undertakings,  is  the  ardent  wish  of  your  sincere 
friend,  &  well  wisher,  A.  0. 

[164]  May  13,  1787.  John  Gunnison,  Wife's  safe  delivery. 
Died  14th  April,  Rev"^  John  Angier  of  Bridgewater,  set.  86,  ministry, 
63. 

20.  Saml  Ingersoll  for  wife's  delivery  &  bound  himself  to  Sea. 
Benj*  Dean,  Wife's  delivery  &  his  return  from  Sea.  Sent  a  mem  : 
by  Capt  Hodges  who  sailed.  For  a  Russian  Dictionary  &  Gram- 
mar. For  Prince  Shenebatof  the  Historian.  For  Lomonozof  the 
Writer  of  Odes  &  for  Somororof  t\iQ  Dramatist.  At  the  bottom  to 
get  Midler's  Samlung  Russeschter  Geschichter,  or  the  German  Works 

•Daughter  of  Capt.  Edward  Allen  and  wife  of  Capt.  Josiah  Ome. 


1787]  RKV.    WILLIAM    BENTLEY  63 

of  GcUert,  or  3f(///^r'.s' Journal  of  Peterslmrg,  periodical  in  German. 
Sent  a  list  upon  a  larger  Scale  to  Gotheburg  in  Sweden  by  Jn"  Gi- 
baut.  It  included  niin :  respecting  Russian,  Danish,  Swedish,  & 
German  literature,  sometime  in  March  last. 

[1G5]  27.  James  Brown  &  wife,  death  of  Brother  &  Brethren 
at  Sea.  Abigail  Cooley,  sudden  death  ofherhusb.  Abigail  Masury, 
sudden  death  of  (^'hild.  A  Brief  was  read  this  day  for  a  contribution 
for  the  families  who  suffered  by  a  fire  in  Boston,  April  20,  1787. 
This  John  Cooley,  of  Whitehaven,  England,  married  a  Batten,  & 
has  left  one  child  a  Boy  5  years  old.  Was  drowned  off  the  Capes 
of  X'irginia  in  a  skiff"  going  to  his  vessel,  Capt.  J.  Birchmore,  Com- 
mander, tet  31.  He  attended  the  worship  of  the  Church  of  Eng. 
Presented  to  Betsey  Cook  my  London  Edition  of  "  Paradise  Lost," 
24to. 

29.     Went  with  Betsey  Cook*  to  Wenham. 

Books  presented  in  my  Parish.  To  Betsey  Cook,  Paradise 
Lost.  24to.  To  Nancy  Stone,  Gay's  Fables.  12mo.  To  Sally 
Stone,  English  Dicty.  8  vo.  To  Hannah  Hodges,  ('hild  :  Friend, 
12mo.  To  Alice  Orne,  Sterne's  Serm.  7  vol.  12mo.  To  Pris- 
cilla  Lambert,  Uni.  Mag.  3  vol.  8  vo.  &  Gent.  Mag.  1755.  To  Bet- 
sey Cooke,  Lowth's  Grammar.  To  Nancy  Stone,  Dryden's  Fables. 
12mo. 

[IGC]  May  30.  Went  to  Boston,  &c.  &c.  A  disagreeable  con- 
ference with  that  stu])id  Breck  of  Topsfield. 

June  2.     W'"  Roj^es,  Wife's  delivery,  Brethren  at  Sea. 

June  4.  Engaged  on  a  journey  to  Saco,  in  the  eastern  country, 
in  the  coxmty  of  York,  &  province  of  Maine,  in  company  with  Pris- 
cilla  Lambert,  the  youngest  daughter  of  Capt  Joseph  Lambert. 

[1G7]  We  crossed  lieverly  ferry  at  8  o'clock,  stopped  in  Ipswich 
at  11,  &  crossed  Salisbury  ferry  at  1  o'clock.  At  3  we  dined  at 
Hampton  falls.  At  G  we  reached  Greenland,  «&  at  8  we  arrived  at 
Portsmouth. 

Portsmouth  is  the  Capital  of  New  hampshire.  It  is  situated  on 
the  west  side  of  the  entrance  into  Piscatua  river.  It  does  not  ap- 
pear so  large  as  Salem,  or  Newbury.  The  streets  ai"e  not  so  regular 
as  Newbury,  nor  in  so  good  stile,  as  to  the  buildings  as  Salem.  In 
Vaughn  Street  is  their  Assembl}',  which  is  much  larger  than  that  at 
Salem,  but  its  i)aintings  are  not  so  elegant.  The  Hall  is  u})  a  flight 
of  stairs  &  of  a  single  story.  The  fireplaces  are  as  at  Salem,  on 
each  side  of  the  entrance,  but  the  Music  gallery  has  the  appearance 
rather  of  a  childish  imitation,  from  the  size  of  its  balustrate,  &  must 
have  an  ill  effect  when  the  gallery  is  fitted.  The  benches  are  upon 
the  floor,  &  not  raised  as  at  Salem.  The  drawing  rooms  are  very 
convenient  in  the  room  they  contain.  There  are  two  Congregational 
Churches,  one,   formerly  preached  in  b}'  D''  Langdon,  now  by  a  Mr 

'Daughter  of  Cbarles  aud  Haauah  (Stone)  Cook. 


64  DIARY   OF  [1787 

Buckminster,  is  on  the  west  side  of  the  Court  house.  [168]  The 
Tower  is  depressed,  &  no  elegance  in  the  Spire.  The  other  at  the 
lower  end  of  the  Town,  in  which  D''  Haven  preaches,  is  a  large 
building,  with  a  naked  Spire,  injured  by  a  sudden  gust  of  wind. 
The  Church  of  England  has  a  very  elevated,  &  delightful  situation, 
upon  a  hill,  which  projects,  into  the  river,  &  from  which  there  is 
the  best  prospect  of  the  Town.  The  Wharf,  &  business  below,  & 
the  river,  &  country  above.  There  is  nothing  in  the  building  very 
pleasing  &  it  is  remarkable,  tho'  it  has  room  enough,  the  Altar  is 
thrown  into  the  body  of  the  Church.  In  this  Town  is  an  Assembly 
of  Brownists  so  called  from  the  head  of  the  sect.  They  have  a 
house  of  worship,  with  a  belfry,  in  the  lower  street.  In  their 
public  service  they  have  no  appointed  person  to  officiate  &  every 
brother  may  prophecy.  There  is  also  a  house  for  the  worship  of  the 
Sandemanians,  &  Glassites.  In  this  town  that  ingenious  Scotchman 
had  his  greatest  success,  &  tho'  his  sect  has  lessened  since  his  death. 
In  this  place,  &  in  no  other  in  New  hampshire,  or  Massachusetts, 
do  they  maintain  regular  worship.  The  Court  or  Town  house  is 
much  out  of  repair,  is  a  large  building,  unornamented,  and  not  in 
the  most  frequented  part  [168]  of  the  Town.  Below  in  the  cross 
street  there  is  an  elegant  house  kept  by  Mr  Brewster  for  entertain- 
ment. After  passing  the  ferry  at  Portsmouth,  we  went  through  a 
part  of  Kittery,  the  Spire  of  the  first  parish,  &  old  town  being  seen 
upon  our  right  hand  at  a  few  miles  distance.  We  then  passed  a 
Meeting  house  called  Spruce  Creek.  It  had  a  tower,  &  no  bell,  & 
resembled  much  the  idea  I  had  of  a  Scotch  church.  We  then 
crossed  a  bridge  which  brought  us  to  York.  The  Spire  of  the  meet- 
ing house  rests  upon  the  round  of  the  Tower,  which  gives  the  ap- 
pearance of  a  disagreeable  length  to  the  Spire.  And  this  is  true  of 
all  Spires  eastward  of  Salem,  except^  Mr  Spring's  of  Newbury,  which 
is  very  short,  &  rises  out  of  a  lanthorn  over  the  tower,  &  has  no 
pleasing  effect.  Over  the  bridge  by  turning  to  the  left,  »&  not  to 
the  right,  we  passed  Rev**  Mr  Lyman's  about  noon  on  Wednesday 
the  5.  We  enquired  our  road,  but  was  not  invited  to  stop,  tho  in 
a  heavy  rain.  The  road  is  rough  &  very  uneven.  We  dined  at 
York,  &  at  2  o'clock  we  set  out  for  Wells  through  a  very  disagreea- 
ble road,  «&  for  a  stage  of  13  miles,  during  which  the  rain  [170]  was 
incessant,  &  at  times  violent.  The  road  was  very  rocky,  inhabited 
by  poor  people,  whose  cottages  could  not  be  exceeded  in  miserable 
ap}»earance  by  any  of  the  most  miserable  in  Europe.  We  saw  no 
marks  of  discontent.  Glass  was  not  to  be  seen.  Few  of  the  huts 
were  framed,  &  few  had  floors.  The  Crotches  supported  a  few 
slabs,  under  which  the  inhabitants  lived.  We  reached  Littlefield's 
in  Wells  at  night.  The  part  of  the  road  which  is  over  a  ridge  of 
smooth  stones  thrown  up  by  the  sea  is  no  longer  to  be  used,  as  we 
are  told,  &  the  court  of  sessions  have  ordered  a  road  above,  to  be 
opened  immediately.     From  Wells  we  proceeded  next  morning  to 


1787]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  65 

Kennebunk.  The  road  is  sandy,  &  much  more  comfortable.  In 
these  Towns,  formerly  one,  are  two  well  known  clergymen.  Mr 
Hemmenway  of  Wells,  for  his  answers  to  Hopkins  &  at  Kennebunk, 
Mr  Little,  the  ^lissionary  to  the  Indians.  lieyond  Kennebunk 
meeting  house  lives  ^Ir  Bernard,  who  rides  post  from  Falmouth  to 
Portsmouth,  in  this  lower  road.  The  road  was  bad  through  Arundel 
woods  till  we  reached  Saco,  which  finished  our  journey,  from  the 
badness  of  the  roads  &  the  rains. 

[171]     Expenses  down  to  Saco  &  Distances. 

Miles 

Beverly  ferry,  1/. 
10.     Ipswich,  Treadwell,  /7^  /4,  1/2'* 

12.  Salisbury  ferry,  1/4.      oats,  4/  1/2.     Toll  at  Newbuiy 

bridge,  /8. 

8.  Hampton  falls,  Sanburne,  2/8** 

9.  Greenland,  Libby,    /4  1/2. 

5.     Portsmouth,  Brewster's,  7/9*.  Ferry,  2/. 
9.     York,  Emerson,  2/5. 

13.  Wells,  Littlefield,  6/. 

8.  Kennebunk,  Bernard,  /O** 

9.  Saco,  Bridge,  /8. 

Saco  bridge  was  carried  away  by  the  freshet  of  the  river,  &  re- 
paired last  fall.  It  passes  to  an  Island,  of  about  18  acres,  which  is 
the  property  of  Col.  Cutts,  who  has  a  large  house  upon  the  top  of 
it  which  is  very  high.  The  Soil  is  Clay,  which  the  rains  render 
very  disagreeable  &  not  in  the  higliest  degree  of  cultivation.  There 
are  a  few  small  houses  upon  the  island.  The  falls  of  the  river  are 
on  each  side  of  the  Island,  widest  on  Biddeford  or  the  west  side, 
but  more  sudden  on  the  side  towards  Pepperellborough.  [172] 
About  a  mile  above  the  falls  is  the  Boom  which  confines  the  logs, 
from  whence  they  are  drawn  out,  being  known  by  the  marks  & 
rafted,  &  lain  near  the  banks  of  the  river  below  for  the  sawing.  The 
Boom,  so  called  as  going  over  the  river,  consists  of  six  large  logs, 
he^vn  on  one  side,  chained  together,  &  fastened  on  the  opposite 
shores,  to  two  booms,  wliich  are  secured  by  strong  horses  in  the 
ground  at  the  further  ends,  &  which  rest  upon  cobbs,  &  to  the  other 
ends  have  chains  reaching  to  the  logs  in  the  river.  The  logs  are 
rafted  by  ])egs  in  the  middle,  &  confined  by  ropes.  The  road  on 
Pepperellborough  side  is  very  level,  &  good,  all  the  way  up  to  the 
boom,  being  chiefly  sand.  The  other  side  is  broken,  &  very  uneven, 
besides  l^eing  cut  into  islands,  which  the  small  branches  of  the  river 
form.  We  })assed  halfway  uj)  upon  the  Biddeford  side  to  the 
island,  >S:  then  ferried  over.  Pepperellborough  meeting  house  stands 
about  half  a  mile  iroin  the  bridge  on  the  road  leading  to  Old 
Orchard,  &  by  the  side  of  the  river,  for  several  miles  below  the 
meeting  house  the  soil  is  sandy  and  the  road  good.  It  runs  nearly 
southeast.     I  went  down  the  river  about  a  mile  to  the  narrows.    The 


66  DIARY   OF  [1787 

river  is  navigable  [173]  only  at  high  tide.  There  is  a  bar  at  the 
mouth.  Gordon's  neck,  vvhicli  I  visited  by  land  &  which  is  a  mile 
below  the  falls,  &  very  high,  containing  abont  8  acres  is  very  agreea- 
ble, the  best  soil,  &  affords  the  most  romantic  view  of  the  River, 
the  falls,  Cutts  Island,  the  Settlements  in  Biddeford,  &  the  Country 
round.  The  approach  in  over  the  great  marsh  &  very  disagreeable. 
About  three  miles  in  the  road  carried  us  down  to  the  place  called 
the  old  ferry,  at  which  we  could  see  the  sea,  &  the  course  of  the 
river,  which  is  six  miles  below  the  falls.  Col.  Cutts  house  is  the 
best  in  its  situation,  but  by  studying  convenience  within  he  has 
deranged  all  his  windows,  &  destroyed  the  style  of  the  building. 
Col.  Scammon's  house  stands  low,  but  has  the  best  appearance  in 
itself.  It  is  over  the  bridge  upon  the  Postroad,  on  the  left  hand. 
The  other  houses  are  so  poorly  finished,  &  so  little  glazed,  that  they 
have  an  ill  effect.  The  meeting  house  on  the  floor  is  composed 
altogether  of  pews,  &  is  finished  but  is  but  partly  clapboarded  with- 
out, &  the  windows  are  broken. 

[174]  On  Sunday  I  preached  for  Mr  Fairfield.  The  singing 
was  very  good,  the  congregation  neat,  &  the  manners  agreeable. 
As  I  arrived  on  Thursday  noon,  I  spent  till  Wednesday  following 
J\me  13  in  the  Town.  I  took  letters  from  D^"  Lathrop  of  Boston 
to  Rev''  Mr.  Fairfield.  He  received  me  with  great  civility.  I 
lodged  on  Saturday  night  with  him,  &  spent  Sunday.  I  found  him 
not  uninformed.  But  discovered  that  his  first  views  were  to  accum- 
ulate interest  at  the  expence  of  all  the  conveniences  of  life.  The 
object  of  my  visit  being  to  see  M"  Rice,  a  daughter  of  Capt  Lam- 
bert, I  tarried  with  the  Doctor,  her  husband,  as  at  my  home. 
The  Doctor  is  kind,  not  liberally  educated,  but  successful  among 
the  people.  Mr  Welcome  &  family  were  from  Salem,  &  formerly 
my  hearers,  belonging  to  the  same  family.  Col  Cutts  is  rich  but  a 
man  of  the  world.  Col  Scammons  chatty,  Capt  Coit  kiud,  Mr 
James  Gray,  who  had  two  sons  with  me  at  the  university,  boasting, 

Mr Clark    conceited,    Mr   Abbot  slow,   Mr  George  Thatcher, 

Lawyer  of  Biddeford,  was  at  court.  His  Lady,  daughter  of  [175] 
Judge  Savage  of  Weston,  Middlesex,  is  amiable.  The  most  agree- 
able girl  of  the  place,  was  the  only  daughter  of  Col  Scammons, 
which  I  saw.  The  only  Son  of  Rev«i  Fairfield  addresses  my  female 
partner  in  the  journey.  By  forming  a  plan  to  give  Mr  Fairfield  a 
seat  in  the  chaise,  &  to  return  in  Capt  Tong,  by  water,  I  became 
acquainted  with  the  obstructions  in  the  navigation  of  the  river. 
The  wind  must  be  on  the  northerly  points  to  cross  the  bar,  which 
wind  was  uncommon  at  this  season.  On  Wednesday  we  left  Saco 
on  our  return,  deterred  by  our  experience  of  the  lower  road  from 
that  way,  &  solicited  by  Messieurs  Abbot,  &  Fairfield  to  take  an- 
other rout.  We  were  to  turn  to  the  right  three  miles  beyond  Ken- 
nebunk.  On  this  road  we  see  the  advantage  of  comparison.  The 
paint  on  Mr  Brown's  house,  near  the  meeting  house  in  Kennebunk, 


1787]  BEV.  WILLIAM  BENTLEY  67 

obliges  attention,  in  de.s})ite  of  the  neglect  of  all  i)iopoition,  &  gives 
the  idea  of  wealth  and  distinguished  prosperity.  [176]  On  this 
road  we  see  before  us  the  Hills  Adrinieti(Mis*  in  York  near  Deacon 
Clarke's  in  Wells  at  whose  house  we  dined  &  ojtposite  to  Deacon 
Wells,  4  miles  from  Kennebunk,  we  broke  our  axle  tree,  &  were  de- 
tained the  whole  day.  The  roads  for  two  miles  here  were  exceed- 
ingly bad,  owing  to  the  deep  ruts  made  by  the  great  Uuubering  in 
the  late  rains.  Afterwards  the  dry  Clay  was  tolerable,  &  then  we 
carae  to  the  li'uhje  Avhich  for  five  miles  was  very  good,  being  a  mix- 
ture of  gravel  &  sand.  Then  the  Clay  roads  from  the  very  deep 
ruts,  &  the  roads  through  the  low  grounds  from  the  beams  laid 
across  made  the  roads  very  bad.  The  clay  hills  in  Berwick  were 
very  bad.  At  the  falls  seven  miles  from  Berwick  landing  is  a  meeting 
of  the  friends  &  the  country  is  much  better  cultivated  than  any  we  had 
seen  below  the  Piscataqua.  On  the  right  the  upper  meeting  house  of 
Berwick  shews  with  a  white  spire,  in  a  very  elevated  situation.  On 
the  other  side  of  the  landing  the  loAver  meeting  house,  has  an  ele- 
vated situation,  a  higher  spire,  not  painted.  [177]  We  were  polite- 
ly received  by  Mr  Cutts,  Son  in  law  to  Col  Cntts,  from  whose  delight- 
ful situation  we  beheld  the  settlements  at  the  falls.  Over  Quem- 
pegan  Bridge,  or  Indian  fishing  ground  Ave  passed  in  two  miles  to 
Somersworth.  The  meeting  house  is  new,  has  a  tower,  &  is  not 
glazed.  In  four  miles  we  reached  Dover.  It's  meeting  house  has 
a  steeple,  &  is  near  the  landing.  The  road  from  Berwick  to  Som- 
ersworth is  level  sand.  From  thence  to  Dover  mostly  clay.  Pass- 
ing the  friend's  meeting  house  we  go  down  to  Dover  point,  called 
Bloody  point,  which,  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  places  I  ever  be- 
held. The  river  in  its  different  branche.s,  on  both  sides,  &  the 
country  round  &  Newington  &  Portsmouth  spires  at  a  great  dis- 
tance. Here  my  horse  tired,  but  by  the  assistance  of  the  Gentle- 
men in  our  company  we  reached  Greenland,  &  there  obtained  an- 
other horse.  We  passed  the  ferry  into  Newington,  &  rode  over  its 
green,  &  pastures  five  miles  into  the  great  road  to  Portsmouth,  & 
were  at  the  same  distance  from  Portsmouth  as  were  from  Bloody 
point  ferry,  when  we  entered  the  Post  road.  The  roads  meet  at 
Green  [178]  land  from  different  directions,  &  the  meeting  house 
with  a  handsome  spire  stands  near  the  three  taverns,  which  are 
here  opposite  each  other.  Here  I  visited  the  benevolent  Mr  Mac- 
clentock.  His  countenance  was  the  most  agreeable  that  ever  I  be- 
held. We  then  returned  to  Hampton  Falls,  passing  North  hill 
meeting  house,  on  the  left  without  a  spire,  &  Hampton  meeting 
house  on  the  left  a  little  from  the  post  road,  having  a  spire,  which 
may  be  viewed  from  the  surrounding  hills,  in  the  valley  between 
which  it  is  situated.  The  Meeting  house  at  the  falls  has  been  re- 
moved about  ten  years,  two  miles  up  Exeter  road  upon  our  right  on 

"Agamenticus. 


68  DIARY   OF  [1787 

our  return.  We  then  pass  into  Seabrook,  pass  the  friends  meeting 
house,  &  the  congregational  meeting  house  on  our  right  &  then 
Salisbury  lower  meeting  house  on  our  left  &  reach  the  ferry  to 
Newbury.  After  breakfast  we  left  Newbury,  &  arrived  to  dine  at 
Wenham,  spent  the  afternoon  upon  the  Ponds  &  arrived  at  Salem 
in  company  with  Mr  Fairfield  leaving  Mr  Abbot  at  Newbury  on  his 
journey  to  Andover. 

[179]     Expences  &  Distances  from  Saco  to  Salem. 
9.     Kennebunk. 

4.     Deacon  Clarke,  Wells,  6/4 

axle  tree,  2/4 

Gripes,  Ring,  &c.,  3/10 

15.     Berwick  Landing, 
2.     Somersworth, 
4.     Dover,  /4  1/2 

4.  Bloody  point  ferry,  1/2  1/2 

5.  Greenland,  Libby,  2/ 
9.     Sanburne's,  Hampton  falls,  2/6 

8.  Newbury  ferry,  1/4 

12.  Ipswich,  Treadwell,  /4  1/2 

6.  Wenham,  Fairfield,  3/7  1/2 
5.  Beverly  ferry,  1/. 

If  discouragement  can  arise  from  continued  rain  &  rocks  in  going, 
and  excessive  heat,  &  clay  ruts  returning,  then,  &c. 

[180]  About  the  same  time  in  the  year  1785,  Extracts  from  D' 
Priestley's  Catechisms  were  published  at  Salem  under  the  Title,  Ex- 
tracts from  D""  Priestley's  Catechism,  at  Boston,  with  the  New 
Chapel  Liturgy.  The  first  were  barely  Extracts,  without  any 
material  alterations,  the  latter  by  Mr  Freeman  with  several  altera- 
tions, &  the  following  are  the  reasons,  why  such  alterations  might 
not  be  received  hereafter  in  the  former.  The  Lord's  prayer  being  in  the 
Scriptures  was  a  needless  addition  to  a  Catechism.  The  [re]  was  no  nec- 
essity after  a  Child  has  declared  God  would  love  him  if  good,  to  make 
the  enquiry  respecting  the  punishment,  &  power,  to  punish  two 
questions.  The  wicked  will  receive  their  just  punishment,  but  why 
not  go  to  hell,  why  not  an  idea  of  terror,  if  they  are  told  afterward 
that  hell  is  local  as  that  he  Avill  send  the  wicked  into  a  place  of 
punishment.  To  avoid  the  expression  of  God's  anger,  should  you 
not  be  afraid,  that  God,  who  sees  you,  will  [181]  punish  you. 
Cannot  a  parent  be  angry  at  a  fault,  &  love  a  child  too,  &  is  not 
this  a  familiar  just  idea,  &  ground  of  fear,  &  in  what  respect  is 
fear,  softer  than  anger.  Afterwards  there  is  an  enquiry  whether 
there  is  any  form  of  words  in  which  Christians  express  the  princi- 
pal articles  of  their  belief,  &  the  answer  is  yes,  the  Apostles'  Creed, 
which  was  composed  in  the  first  ages  of  Christianity.  How  it  was 
composed  for  the  ends  of  the  party,  the  history  of  it  may  show,  & 
it  is  absurd  to  propose  a  form,  which  it  is  necessary  to  mutilate. 


1787]  REV.    WILLIAM   BBNTLET  69 

It  omits  what  is  the  Bible,  &  the  account  of  providence.  He  has  in- 
serted one  ingenious  question.  In  what  manner  should  we  treat 
the  inferior  animals? 

Ans.  We  should  treat  them  with  tenderness  &  humanity  ;  &  never 
torment  them  or  destroy  tlu'ir  lives  to  make  ourselves  sj)ort  because 
they  are  the  creatures  of  God,  &  because  God  has  commanded 
us  to  be  merciful  unto  them.  Then  comes  in  the  enquiry  to  intro- 
duce the  ten  commandments,  which  Priestly  mutilated,  but  this 
gives  in  full  length.  How  should  such  a  person  hesitate  at  the 
word  anger. 

[182]     June  24.     M"  Silver,  death  of  Son  in  law,  &  son  at  Sea. 

June  25.  Monday  received  Charles  Jackson.  On  Monday, 
Catachized  70  female  children,  delivered  26  copies  of  Catachisms. 
On  Tuesday,  Catachized  102  male  children,  delivered  66  copies  of 
Catachisms.  At  present  the  Town  engaged  upon  the  subject  of  a 
Bridge  over  Beverly  ferry.  The  Question  was  tried  on  Monday, 
June  25,  &  carried  against  the  Bridge.  Against  it,  187,  for  it 
164. 

The  Representation  of  those  who  are  for  a  Bridge  over  Beverly 
Ferry  is,  as  follows:  A  Comparative  view  of  the  distances  from 
the  County  Road  in  Beverley  to  several  parts  of  Salem  by  way  of 
Orne's  Point,  with  the  distances  to  the  same  parts  of  Salem  by  Ferry 
Lane. 

[183]     From  the  ferry  ways,  or  County    Road 
in  Beverly  to  M""  Van's  Corner,*  by  way  of  Orne's    Rods.       Links. 
Point  is,  608  12 

From  the  same  ferry  ways  or  County  road,  over 
the  Bridge  at  the  2}laceproposed,thvongh.  ferry  lane 
to  M""  Van's  corner,  is,  580  6 

Difference  in  favor  of  Ferry  Lane,  is,  28  6 

From  said  Ferry  ways,  or  County  road  in  Bev- 
erley, to  the  place  where  the  old  Court  House  stood, 
by  Orne's  Point,  is,  654  18 

From  the  same  place  in  Beverley,  to  the  same 
place  in  Salem  through  Ferry  Lane,  is,  534  1 

[184]     Difference  in  favor  of  ferry  Lane,  is,  120  17 

or  3/8""'  of  a  mile. 

From  said  ferry  ways,  or  ('ounty  road  in  Bever- 
ley, to  an  half  way  Point  between  M"^  Van's  corner, 
&  M''  Gardner's  corner,  near  Doctor  Holyoke's,  by 
Orne's  point,  is,  674  15 

From  the  same  place  in  Beverley  to  the  same 
place  in  Salem  by  Ferry  Lane  is  514  3 

Difference  in  favor  of  Ferry  Lane,  is,  160  12 

or  half  a  mile. 

•Corner  of  Essex  and  North  streets. 


70  '  DIARY   OF  [1787 

From  said  Ferry  ways  or  County  road  iu  Bever- 
ley to  Gardner's  corner,  by  Orne's  point,  is,  740  17 

From  the  same  place  iu  Beverley  to  the  same 
place  in  Salem  by  Ferry  Lane,  is,  458  1 

[185]     Difference  in  favor  of  Ferry  Lane,  is,         282  16 

which  is  more  than  7/8"'^  of  a  mile. 

From  the  County  road  in  Beverley,  through  Ferry 
Lane,  &  over  the  flats  on  two  Courses  to  the  south 
end  of  North  Field  bridge,  is,  486 

And  by  Orne's  point,  649 

Difference  in  favor  of  Ferry  Lane,  63 

From  the  Statement  of  distances,  which  have  been  accurately  as- 
certained, it  follows,  that  from  the  County  road  in  Beverley,  to  any 
part  of  Salem  on  the  South  side  of  North  River,  it  is  nearer  by 
Ferry  Lane,  than  by  Ornes  Point.  And  to  all  that  part  of  the  Town 
which  [186]  lies  to  the  Eastward  of  Doctor  Holyoke's,  &  where 
the  principal  business  is  transacted,  it  is  nearer  by  half  a  mile,  & 
to  the  Ropewalks,  Derby's  Wharf,  &  all  that  part  of  the  town,  it  is 
nearer  by  a  full  mile.  It  is  to  be  observed  that  the  admeasurement 
from  whence  the  aforegoing  facts  result,  Avas  taken  along  the  middle 
of  the  roads,  as  they  now  are,  both  by  way  of  Orne's  point,  &  by 
way  of  ferry  Lane.  It  is  also  to  be  observed  that  a  farther  differ- 
ence of  thirty  rods  iu  favor  of  Ferry  Lane  may  be  made,  by  having 
the  Bridge  where  the  ways  now  are  on  Beverley  side,  &  a  still 
further  saving  of  twenty  or  thirty  rods  by  cutting  off  the  angle  at 
the  head  of  Ferry  Lane,  but  as  these  might  be  balanced  by  a  new 
road  from  Orne's  point  more  directly  towards  the  North  field  bridge, 
the  Comparison  between  the  two  Roads  must  forever  remain,  nearly 
the  same  as  stated  above.     From  George  Cabot,  &c.  &c. 

[187]  Lydia  Smith,  dang:  sick,  delivery.  Benj*^  Archer,  sick. 
Hannah  Caen,*  death  of  her  Brother,  husband  &  son  at  Sea. 
Lydia  Smith,  dangerously  sick  by  a  dysentery  which  attended  her 
delivery.     A  Negro  boy  found  drowned  from  the  North  Bridge. 

July  4.  Was  celebrated  by  the  military  parade  of  the  Artillery 
&  Independant  Companies.  The  Point  of  honor,  respecting  the 
Right  hand  prevented  a  coalition.  The  Artillery  are  in  black  with 
yellow,  the  Independants  in  red  with  white  underclothes.  The 
Clergy  dined  at  the  Sun  with  the  Cadets. 

July  6.  I  received  of  M''^  Hodges  a  present  of  a  Canary  Bird, 
bred  in  her  own  house  &  about  a  fortnight  old.  He  has  wings  & 
neck  grey,  &c.  &c. 

July  8.  Notes  for  delivery.  From  Hannah  Hodges,  Joseph 
Lander  jun"",  George  Hodges,  &  James  Brown.  Notes  on  death  of 
Archerf  from  Hannah  Archer,  Jonathan  «&  Sister  Brown  &  fr.  at 
Sea. 

♦Keene? 

tBenjamin  Archer,  son  of  Nathaniel,  born  1760,  non  compos. 


1787]  REV.   WILLIAM    BENTLEY  71 

[188]  July  15.  Hannah  Pearson,  death  of  child,  &  husband 
away. 

July  22.  Thomas  Keene  &  wife,  death  of  Brother  &  son  at  sea. 
Sam'  Parrot  »!v:  Wife,  he  dangerously  sick.  Mary  Waters,  delivery, 
Husband  «S:  Brothers  at  Sea.  Deborah  Sage,  delivery,  Husband  & 
Brothers  at  Sea.  A  Frenchman  drowned  on  July  20,  in  the  even- 
ing, from  a  Vessel  in  the  harbour. 

Thursday,  26.  Began  a  written  course  of  Lectures  Avith  the 
Misses  at  Capt  Stone's. 

Saturday,  28.  Rode  with  Miss  Betsey  Cooke  to  the  Xahant 
where  I  found  my  very  good  friend  M"  Bethune  &  her  family,  M" 
English,  &  Duncan,  Jenny  &  Nancy,  &c.  I  visited  the  natural 
curiosity,  the  Sivalloiu  house,  a  cavity  through  a  rock  in  one  of  the 
head  lands,  &  passed  through.  Upon  our  return  we  enjoyed  the  long 
l)each,  &  tried  an  experiment  of  the  coolness  of  the  water  upon  our 
feet.  We  drank  Coffee  [189]  at  W.  Breed's  upon  the  right  hand 
going,  and  arrived  at  Salem  at  eight  o'clock. 

July  20.  Sam'  Parrot,  sick.  ]\Iary  Stocker,  delivery,  Husband 
&  friends  at  sea.  Mr  Piutard,  the  American  Consul  at  Maderia, 
left  the  name  of  the  best  writer  of  a  Dictionary  for  the  Portuguese 
Language.     Antonio  Velra. 

July  30.  Was  delivered  to  me  A  Primer  engaged  by  200  copies 
for  the  use  of  my  parish  Avith  such  alterations  as  were  judged  prop- 
er, for  4'  8/.  The  object  in  this  publication  was  not  to  countenance 
a  work  of  this  kind,  in  which  the  particular  prejudices  of  a  reli- 
gious party,  or  any  religious  sentiments  are  inculcated,  but  as  an 
intermediate  step  to  the  utter  abolition  of  such  works,  &  to  intro- 
duce regular  grammars  into  our  Schools,  &c.  &c. 

[190]  Capt  Elkins  returned,  &  brought  with  him  a  curious  fe- 
male adventurer,  who  pretended  that  she  was  carried  of  from  Nor- 
folk in  Virginia,  by  a  Captain  from  Water  ford,  from  whence  she 
escaped  to  Gotheburg,  &  from  thence  came  to  Salem.  After  tarrying  a 
few  days  at  Capt  Gibaut's  she  sailed  in  Dennis  for  Virginia,  under 
the  name  of  Jude  Wilkie  Hiscomb. 

Aug  :  3.  Friday.  Had  a  Sail  with  B.  C.  &  S.  S.  quite  in  the 
wet,  &  disagreeable  way,  &  as  it  is  the  begin^  designed  as  the 
end,  &e. 

Aug.  8     Had  my  friend  Winthrop  from  Cambridge. 

Aug.  11,  1787.  M'*.  H.  Jackson,  M.  The  design  of  my  writ- 
ing to  you,  excuses  me  for  not  writing  sooner.  Charles  has  now 
been  with  me  long  enough,  to  enable  me  to  judge  of  his  abilities. 
And  without  flattery  I  can  assure  you,  that  I  have  the  most  pleas- 
ing hopes.  His  engaging  deportment  in  the  family  recommends 
his  temper,  his  choice  of  companions,  his  prudence,  &  his  applica- 
tion, with  his  ready  comprehension,  his  wise  purpose  to  answer  the 
best  expectations  of  his  friends.  Tho  I  have  been  much  with 
youth,  I  confess,  I  was  never  better  pleased  with  anyone  &  I  hope 


72  DIABY  OF  [1787 

upon  the  return  of  his  Papa  [191]  we  shall  have  good  proof  that 
his  abilities  have  not  been  unassisted  with  useful  instruction. 
With  aff.  regards  to  the  parent  of  so  agreeable  a  youth,  your  dev: 
Ser.     W.  B. 

Spent  an  hour  at  Capt  Allen's  with  Latour  the  Dutch  Consul  for 
Boston  &  Mr  Grooves  the  Dutch  Consul  for  Charlestovvn,  South 
Carolina.  Mr  Grooves  was  very  agreeable.  M'"^  Latour  was  not  un- 
sociable.    Her  husband  not  a  man  of  enquiry. 

Aug.  12.  At  Lynn  attended  a  funeral  among  the  friends.  No 
meeting  at  the  meeting  house.  We  had  an  tedious  silence  at  the 
house.     Their  appearance  very  simple  &  pleasing. 

Aug.  14.  At  association,  Wadsworth's.  Mr  McKeen  assured 
me  that  16  families  about  70  years  ago,  settled  Londonderry  in  N. 
Hampshire.  That  the  heads  of  all  these  families  outlived  their 
generation  in  Ireland  &  that  their  ages  added  together  exceeded  80 
years  each.  Quere  whether  their  longevity,  compared  with  the 
ages  of  their  friends  in  Ireland  depended  most  on  climate  or  mode 
of  life? 

[192]  On  Wednesday,  15  August,  an  uncommon  hurricane 
about  6  P.  M.  passed  over  the  Towns  of  Framingham,  Sudbury, 
Ma[r]lborough,  &c.  Great  damage  was  done  to  the  fields,  build- 
ings, &c.     A  French  fleet  this  week  in  Boston. 

On  Wednesday,  22,  we  had  a  funeral  celebrated  in  the  C.  of 
England,*  quite  in  West  Indian  Taste.  The  Singers  were  Bacchin- 
alians  from  Marblehead,  who  were  entertained  with  punch  in  the 
Organ  loft,  which  gave  the  true  air  to  their  music,  to  the  no  small 
satisfaction  of  the  devout  men  who  gave  the  invitation. 

Aug.  26.  Castor  Dickerson,  a  Mullato,  for  his  wife  sick.  Widow 
Mary  Crowninshield,  d  :  of  her  Son  in  Law  Molloy,  &  sons  at  Sea. 

Was  presented  by  Master  Lang,  a  Medal  of  Silver  in  value  about 
16'',  &  in  size  below  \  a  Pistareen.  On  one  side  within  a  wreath, 
which  encircles  the  whole  face  is  an  eye  with  the  glory  above,  with 
a  book  [193]  open  below,  on  one  part  is  written  AUG.  &  on  the 
same  line  opposite,  is  CONF.  On  the  same  book  below  1630.  Boyle 
in  the  life  of  Melancthon  says,  "  that  M.  in  1530  drew  up  a  consti- 
tution of  faith.  It  is  that  which  goes  by  the  name  of  the  Confes- 
sion of  Augsburg,  because  it  was  presented  to  the  Emperor  at  the 
edict  held  there."  On  the  reverse  is  a  shield,  upper  Mlf  barred, 
with  the  inscription  round  it  in  German  letters  :     (I5ott.  dlC.  CEbCC' 

(Bcbt.  Untttnt,  and  on  the  sides  of  the  shield,  1730.    Gott. 

The  honor  of  the  Confession  on  us.  Supposed  to  have  been  exe- 
cuted at  Gottenburg,  &  inscribed  in  the  Swedish  Language.  Copied 
off  hastily  in  the  evening. 

[194]  Returned  from  Sea,  Capt  Tim.  Welman,  Capt  Benj^ 
Crowninshield,  Capt  Henry  White.     Sick,    M"   Waters,   of    Cap 

•St.  Peter's  Church. 


1787]  REV.    WILLIAM    BENTLEY  73 

Waters.  Sailed,  Capt  Henry  Elkins.  About  this  time  several  vio- 
lent hurricanes  were  felt  in  New  England.  One  at  Stepney  in 
Connecticut,  which  reached  many  miles,  one  iu  the  government  of 
Rhode  Island,  &c.  &c.  &c.  &c. 

Presented  to  Winthrop  a  Copper  Coin  of  Charles  twelfth,  of 
Sweden,  7  by  9  inches.  The  stamps  were  all  on  one  side,  one  in 
the  middle,  cSc  one  at  each  corner.     Its  weight  about  4  lb. 

A  note  to  Parson  Diman,  with  ^  a  dozen  primers,  signifying  that 
they  are  published  to  render  the  method  of  religious  education  more 
simple. 

Sept.  2.  Rebecca  Brown ,  death  of  husband*  and  son  at  Sea.  Sukey 
West  died  last  night.     Now  sick,  M"  Waters. 

On  Thursday,  Aug.  30,  at  4  o'clock  P.  M.  was  seen  a  meteor  in 
the  north  east,  bearing  over  the  Isle  of  Shoals,  at  an  altitude  of  30 
degrees,  it  was  large,  &  appeared  to  burst  &  discharge  [195]  a 
smoke  which  reached  at  a  distance  from  the  nucleus,  whose  motion 
was  quick,  &  appearance  several  minutes.  As  no  person  of  philo- 
sophic observation  beheld  it,  these  circumstances  are  mentioned  in 
which  the  accounts  from  different  parts  of  the  town,  &  the  towns 
for  40  miles  on  our  eastern  coast  agree.  A  vessel  then  at  the  Isle 
of  Shoals  reports  a  discharge  like  a  confused  firing  of  small  arms, 
some  in  town  pretend  to  have  heard  a  report,  &c.  All  agree  that  it 
appeared  large,  &  was  attended  with  smoke. 

About  this  time  there  was  a  great  difficulty  respecting  the  circu- 
lation of  the  small  copper  Coin.  Those  of  George  III.  being  well 
executed  were  of  uncommon  thinness,  &  those  stamped  from  the 
face  of  other  coppers  in  sand,  commonly  called  "  Birmingham  "f 
were  very  badly  executed.  Beside  these  there  were  coppers,  bearing 
the  authority  of  the  states  of  Vermont,  Connecticut,  &  New  York, 
&c.,  but  no  accounts  [196]  how  issued,  regularly  transmitted 
The  Connecticut  Cojjper,  has  a  face,  in  general  form  resembling  the 
Georges,  with  this  Inscription,  AUCTORI :  CONNEC :  The  edge 
plain,  but  the  face  fretted  on  one  side  near  the  edge.  On  the  reverse 
is  a  woman  resembling  the  Brittania  of  the  English  (.oppers  with 
the  staff  &  cap  of  liberty  in  one  hand  &  the  branch  of  peace  in  the 
other  &  shield  behind,  the  Inscription  INDE  :  ET  :  LIB  :  underneath 
1787,  &  late  dates. 

The  New  York  Copper  is  like  the  other  excepting  that  it  has  no 
fret  on  its  face  near  the  edges,  &  has  the  following  inscriptions. 
On  the  face,  NOVA  EBORAC  :  separated  by  roses.  On  the  reverse, 
VIRT.  ET.  LIB:  underneath  1787.  On  the  Vermont  Coppers,  a 
specimen  of  which  I  have  not  before  me,  are  new  emblems,  adapted 
to  their  own  condition.  A  new  star  appearing  among  the  thirteen. 
A  rising  Sun  over  the  mountains,  to  denote  the  green  mountain 

•Capt.  Nathan  Brown,  died  Aug.  7,  1787,  at  Marliuico. 
tAfterwards  familiarly  known  as  "  nniniinagenm." 


74  DIARY   OF  [1787 

boys,  a  name  assumed  in  the  war,  &  a  plow  below.  Inscriptions 
forgotten.  [197]  Of  all  the  executions  the  Vermont  is  the  most 
perfect.  A  Mint  it  is  said  is  preparing  for  the  commonwealth  of 
Massachusetts,  It  may  be  noted  that  the  New  York  &  Connecticut 
Coin  face  opposite  ivays. 

To  remember  all  the  Coin  which  passes  through  my  hands,  I  note 
down  a  few  Coppers  of  foreign  Coin. 

Swedish  Coin.  Shield,  three  bars,  lion  rampant,  round  four 
crowns.  Ins.  S.  G.  V.  R.  A.  F.  reverse,  cross  bearded  arrows,  crown 
above.  Ins :  2.  OR.  S.  M.  underneath,  1763.  measures,  1  incli  &  .3/10"'^ 

Cross.  [  ]  round  four  crowns,  reverse,  cross  bearded  arrows, 

crown  above.  Ins.  1.  OR.  S.  M.  underneath,  1747.  measures,  1  inch, 
3/20*'^^  Printed  AF.  round  four  crowns,  reverse  as  above.  1759. 

Russian.  A  Warrior  on  horseback,  with  a  Spear,  piercing  a  pros- 
trate Dragon,  with  a  confused  foliage.  On  the  reverse  a  wreath 
infolding  a  Cypher. 

[198]  Plan  of  a  Bird  Cage.  To  have  the  trap  bottom  of  a  very 
hard  wood,  of  twice  the  common  thickness,  &  dove-tailed  into  the 
sides  &  glued.  To  have  one  false  &  moveable  bottom  of  a 
wood  least  aj>t  to  warp,  &  entering  on  the  side  opposite  to  the 
trough,  on  account  of  the  dovetailed  bottom.  That  when  entered 
into  the  Cage,  this  false  bottom,  shall  be  covered  on  all  sides  by  a 
Groove  cut  into  the  sides,  Avhich  shall  be  of  greater  thickness  on 
that  account.  The  false  bottom  shall  not  rest  upon  the  true  bottom, 
but  shall  play  into  the  groove  made  for  it.  The  trough  shall  enter 
on  one  side,  &  the  frame  in  which  the  trough  commonly  is  placed, 
shall  be  removed  at  pleasure  on  the  other,  teing  formed  like  a  larger 
trough,  &  resting  upon  the  true  bottom,  having  a  groove  upon  its 
open  side  in  the  cage  to  receive  the  end  of  the  false  bottom  at  the 
height  of  the  groove  made  in  the  inner  part  of  the  immovable  sides. 
The  top  of  this  frame  in  which  the  holes  are  made  for  a  communica- 
tion with  the  trough,  shall  also  slide  in  &  out,  at  the  side  in  which 
the  frame  enters.  On  the  sides  in  which  the  frame,  &  trough  enter, 
shall  the  holes  be  made  for  the  fountain,  exactly  in  the  middle,  & 
near  the  top.  The  side  over  the  place,  at  which  the  false  bottom 
enters,  &  which  cannot  be  glued  upon  the  bottom,  shall  be  formed 
to  [199]  take  out,  &  be  confined  only  with  grooves  for  the  more 
convenient  cleansing  of  the  Cage.  The  wires  which  compose  the 
body  of  the  cage  shall  be  entirely  detached  from  any  wood,  except 
the  Head  in  Avhich  they  meet,  &  from  which  the  cage  hangs.  Their 
form  shall  be  round,  but  of  strait  sides,  &  be  fastened  on  the  wooden 
bottom  by  small  staples.  The  corners  of  the  wooden  bottom  shall 
not  be  covered  with  wire  but  secured  with  dovetail  corner  pieces, 
extending  to  the  wires.  The  sides  of  the  wooden  bottom  shall  be 
3  inches  high  ami  of  the  upright  wires  nine,  thence  gently  rising  to 
the  head,  through  which  the  wire  passes  upon  which  the  cage 
hansxs. 


1787]  KEV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  76 

Further  information  from  Portsmouth,  Exeter,  &  York,  as  well 
as  from  Stow  in  the  County  of  Middlesex,  Massaeli :  assures  us  of 
the  real  appearance  of  a  meteor,  &  a  report  loiul  like  thunder,  but 
the  accounts  of  the  appearance  are  sore  confused. 

Sept  9,  Jou"^  iMason  &  Wife,  death  of  Cliild.  Read  Vote  for  the 
promotion  of  a  public  contribution. 

[200]  Tuesday,  Sept.  11.  Association  at  my  house,  present,  Rev"* 
James  Diman,  Rev"  Thomas  Bernard,  Rev**  Isaac  Story,  Rev'^Eben- 
ezer  Hubbard,  Rev**  Mr  Holt,  Rev'*  Mr  VVadsworth,  Rev'' Mr  Forbes, 
Rev'*  Mr  MacKeen,  Rev"  Mr.  Swain,  Rev**  Mr  Cutler.  Private  Gent. 
^Ir  Treadwell,  Read  &  Noyes.  Father  Holt  preached  about  & 
about  it. 

Course  adopted  in  the  Instruction  of  Charles,  &c. 

Saturday.  History  of  English  Language.  Progress  of  Literature. 
The  (Grammar.  Rhetoric  &  Belles  Lettres. 

Monday.  Latin  History.  Style  of  History.  Livy  &  Caesar. 
Salhust  &  Tacitus. 

Tuesday.     Latin  Poetry.  Epic.  Virgil.  Lyric.  Horace.  &c. 

[201]  Wednesday.     Latin  Grammar.  Syntax  &  Prosody. 

Thursday.  Prose  Exercises.  Orations.  Cicero.  Ethics,  (-icero  & 
Seneca.  Epistles,  Pliny  2**  &  Cicero.  Dramatic,  Terence  &  Plautus. 
Philosophy.  Cicero  &  Pliny  1". 

Friday.     Arts  &  Sciences  of  the  Antients. 

Sept.  16.  Henry  Prince  for  wife's  delivery  &  friends  at  Sea.  lu 
removing  a  Stone  wall  in  Mystic,  or  Medford,  in  1783,  there  were 
found  under  it  a  large  Collection  of  brass  pieces,  nearly  square, 
mixed  with  the  smallest  brass  coins  of  Europe,  the  whole  |  peck. 
A  few  round  ones,  have  a  ileur-de-lis  stamped  on  each  side  of  them. 
The  figures  on  the  others  were  confused  but  representing  no  char- 
acter. The  stone  had  lost  all  appearance  of  having  ever  been  moved, 
&  there  is  no  recollection  of  the  Currency  of  such  pieces,  Avhich 
appear  to  have  been  of  use. 

[202]  An  Act  [passed  June  22,  178G]  for  the  orderly  Solemniza- 
tion of  marriages,  1786.  p.  437.  [appearing  in  the  original  Diary  is 
here  omitted]. 

[212]  Sept.  20.  Attended  funeral  of  a  Child  of  M-^  Moses,  G. 
Son  to  Capt.  Moses,  14  months  old. 

Sept.  19.  had  a  fire  in  the  C'hamber. 

Sept.  23.     Joshua  Leavitt  &  wife,  death  of  Child. 

Sept.  24,     ]My  motlier  came  to  see  me. 

Sept.  26.  Gave  a  few  general  queries  to  Mr  W™  Mason  going  to 
Charlestown,  South  Carolina. 

A  copper  coin  circulated  with  the  apparent  authority  of  Vermont. 
A  Star  with  an  eye  in  the  center,  &  between  the  rays  other  Stars  in 
number  13.  Inscription  Constellato  uova.  On  the  reverse  a  wreath 
in  which  is  inclosed  the  cyphers  [U.  S,],  Inscription  Libertas  et 
Justitia.  1785. 


76  DIARY  OF  [1787 

[213]  Sept.  30.  Sarah  Hodges,  d :  of  Husband*  &  Brother  at 
Sea.  John  Hodges  &  children,  death  of  Son,  &  Sons  at  Sea.  James 
Chever,  d.  of  Brother  Hodges. 

Oct.  3.  Rev''  Mr.  Oliver  was  ordained  in  upper  Beverley.  The 
Council  consisted  of  17  Churches. 

Pastors. 

2  in  Salem,  Bernard  &  Hopkins. 

2  in  Danvers,  Holt  &  Wadsworth. 

1  in  Beverley,  MacKeen. 

1  in  Wenhara,  Swain. 

4  in  Ipswich,  Dana,  Frisbee,  Cutler  &  Cleveland. 

1  in  Cape  Ann,  Forbes. 

1  in  Plymouth,  Bobbins. 

1  in  Topslield,  Breck. 

1  in  Wilmington,  Morrill. 

1  in  Andover,  French. 

1  in  Middleton,  Smith. 

1  in  Lynn,  Parsons. 

The  Council  was  mixed,  &  the  questions  marked  the  illiberality 
which  is  yet  notorious  in  all  such  bodies  of  the  Clergy.  Mr.  Hop- 
kins asked  the  Candidate  at  the  close  whether  he  were  sure,  that  he 
had  experienced  the  change  called  the  new  birth.  The  C.  was  fit  to 
answer.  [214]  The  services  were,  Sermon  by  French,  Charge  by 
Swain,  Fellowship,  McKeen.  Father  Morrill  presided.  I  walked 
up  to  Wenham  &  dined  at  Aunt  Fairfield's,  &  returned  at  6 
o'clock. 

The  result  of  the  Federal  Convention  appeared  among  us  this 
week.  It  excites  great  speculation,  &  I  hope  in  spite  of  prejudiced 
men,  who  influence,  that  it  may  go  down.  Some  complaint  is  made 
that  the  advantage  is  unduely  thrown  in  favor  of  the  representation 
from  the  southern  states,  &c.  &c. 

Silver  &  Copper  medals  for  Capt  Kenrick  on  a  voiage  to  the 
Pacific  Ocean.  On  one  side  a  Ship  &  Sloop  under  full  sail,  with 
the  words  Columbia  &  Washington  commanded  by  J.  Kenrick.  On 
the  reverse  the  following  *'  Fitted  at  Boston,  North  America,  for 
the  Pacific  Ocean  by  "  encircling  the  names  of  J.  Barrell,  S.  Brown, 
C.  Bulfinch,  J.  Derby,  C.  Hatch,  J.  M.  Pinard,  1787.  Kenrick 
sailed  Sept.  30,  1787. 

The  Cents  and  half  Cents  are  to  have  the  device  on  one  side,  the 
Spread  Eagle  of  the  union,  encircled  [215]  with  the  word  *'  COM- 
MONWEALTH." On  the  reverse  an  Indian  with  his  bow  & 
arrow,  surrounded  with  the  word  "  MASSACHUSETTS."  Coin  of 
the  Massa.    Commonwealth. 

*Capt.  Richard  Hodges,  died  Aug.  17, 1787,  at  Deinerara. 


1787]  REV.    WILLIAM    BKNTLEY  77 

An  answer  to  M'"  Porter.*  M''  B.  feels  the  most  sincere  regard  to 
M"  P.  M''  H.  always  supposed  M'*  P.  favored  by  nature  with  supe- 
rior understanding,  &  always  believed  her  conduct  worthy  of  her 
understanding.  Mr.  H.  has  always  retained  respect  for  M"  P.  & 
could  never  have  expressed  the  least  dissatisfaction,  had  not  some 
accidents  shewn  Mr.  B.  that  M""*  P.  distrusted  his  fidelity.  Mr.  B.  is 
most  happy  in  the  prospect  of  a  full  restoration,  will  be  very  much 
obliged  by  having  any  services  in  his  ])ower,  will  wait  upon  M"  P. 
at  her  father's  on  the  morrow  at  Tea  and  by  a  total  silence  & 
forgetful ness  respecting  the  past,  do  his  utmost  to  secure  the  firra- 
est  confidence  for  time  to  come. — (P.  M.)  upon  reception  of  her 
note. 

Copy  of  M"  Porter's  Note.  M"  Porter  presents  her  respectful 
compliments  to  Mr  B.  tho'  perhaps  the  unhappy  difference,  which 
has  subsisted  some  time  between  them,  may  render  it  in  his  opin- 
ion rather  impertinent,  yet  she  hopes  for  his  favorable  excuse  [216] 
&  assures  him  it  is  her  opinion  that  differences  of  all  kinds  are 
compromised  in  time.  But  she  leaves  that  matter  entirely  to  his 
discretion  not  doubting  but  his  judgment  is  best.  She  however  at 
present  earnestly  wishes  for  a  little  of  his  advice.  And  if  he  thinks 
her  not  too  unworthy,  begs  it  as  a  particular  favour,  that  he  would 
call  &  see  her  at  her  Father's.  She  is  engaged  out  today  to  drink 
tea,  but  tomorrow  morning — or  tomorrow  afternoon  or  in  short 
any  time,  between  that  &  Saturday  night,  which  will  be  most  agree- 
able to  him.     Thursday  Morn^.  Excuse  errors. 

Oct.  Nath.  Knowlton,  death  of  Wife  &  Child,  sick  Brother.  Mary 
Boardman,  delivery,  husband  &  Brothers  at  Sea. 

Preached  two  old  Sermons,  with  as  great  apprehensions  of  guilt 
&  as  much  confusion  as  tho'  I  had  stolen  from  ray  neighbours.  It 
is  the  fault  in  this  case  that  by  a  violation  we  get  hardened.  God 
forgive  me. 

Oct.  9.  Elias  Hasket  Derby  arrived  from  Europe.  On  October 
5,  happened  a  curious  interview  with  a  celebrated  Joshua  Grafton, 
which  deserved  to  be  remembered.  [217]  I  had  no  previous  ac- 
quaintance with  the  Gentleman.  Tho'  I  had  been  at  his  house  it 
was  not  on  the  occasion  of  any  visit,  or  to  dine  with  him.  He  had 
been  sick  ever  since  I  had  been  in  Salem.  He  sent  for  me  by  his 
Cousin.  The  reason  offered  for  going,  was,  that  the  patient  was 
apprehensive  of  death,  &  wished  to  communicate  his  last  thoughts, 
&  prove  that  he  was  of  sound  mind,  &  memory.  I  proposed  to  go 
after  eleven  &  was  accompanied  by  Capt  Joseph  White.  After  a 
few  delays,  a  company  mustered,  consisting  of  Capt  B.  Putnam, 
Jon*  Ingersoll,  Josh  :  Ward,  J°  White,  &  J.  Fiske.  Upon  our  ad- 
mission below,  the  women,  five  in  number  consisting  of  old  M" 
Grafton,  two  maidens,  a  Miss  Chapman,  and  a  Woodbridge,  began 

•Mrs.  Rath  Porter  daughter  of  Capt.  Edward    AUeu  and  wife    of    Thomas    Porter  of 
ToysticKl 


78  DIARY  OP  [1787 

a  most  horrible  wailing.  The  intercession  of  the  Consin,  &  the 
commands  of  the  Patient  obliged  us  to  go  np.  Our  opinions  were 
then  different,  whether  the  whole  were  distracted,  a  part,  which 
part,  which  most,  &c.  The  Patient  made  several  demands  for  the 
Sexton,  repeated  a  little  poetry,  talked  of  his  Pall  holders,  qvies- 
tioned  such  as  were  [218]  present,  &  rambled  from  thing  to  thing 
to  prove  he  was  in  his  right  mind.  Then  he  required  whether  we 
judged  him  right,  asked  prayers,  interrupted  them,  &  soon  we  all 
retired  in  the  greatest  confusion,  insulted  by  the  women,  confiised 
by  the  unexpected  jtowers  of  the  family,  &  the  conductor  of  the 
family  told  one  of  the  persons  looking  for  his  hat,  that  if  he  would 
go  home  he  would  bring  it  to  him. 

[219]  A  Letter  from  my  father,  shewing  his  proceedings  respect- 
ing the  Legacy  of  a  Quilt  &  Pillow  Cases,  &  Adams'  refusal. 

Oct.  12.  Received  my  Bird-cage  upon  the  Plan  of  p.  198.  The 
plan  was  well  executed  in  the  wood,  but  not  in  the  wire.  I  bor- 
rowed of  Lydia  Mason,  her  Goldfinch  to  sing  with    my  Canary. 

Oct.  14.  Sam*  Murray,  death  of  Chikl.  E.  Allen,  delivery  of 
Wife.  Ruth  Porter  applied  to  be  propoimded  to  our  church,  offering 
as  a  reason  that  she  was  better  known  here,  &  more  pleased  with  the 
usual  forms  of  administrating  Baptism.  She  was  propounded  at  the 
communion,  &  on  the  next  Sunday  had  the  follow'^  certificate,  as 
my  memory  gives  it. 

Salem,  Oct.  15,  1787. 

This  may  certify  that  the  chvirch  of  wliich  we  are  members  do 
approve  of  our  Sister  Ruth  Porter,  &  do  recommend  the  adminis- 
tration of  Christian  Baptism  to  the  children  which  God  may  give  her. 

Wardens,  Benj'^  Ward  junr. 
W™  Browne. 
William  Bentley,  Clerk. 

[220]  Had  news  that  James  Brown  of  S'  Vincent  died  on  Nov"^ 
2:  178G,  from  his  Executor  Kidd.  James  Brown  lived  with  us  six 
months. 

Oct.  15.     Took  Linnett  into  my  Study. 

Oct.  17.     Dined  with  M''  Gracie  of  Jamaica  at  Capt  Collins'. 

A  pul)lic  military  parade  this  day  of  three  companies.  The  In- 
dependents, or  ('adets.  Mayor  Abbot.  The  Artillery,  Major  Buff- 
ington.     W*  3  of  the  Militia,  C^apt  Page. 

Oct.  19.  After  reading  Clarke's  Nepos,  &  Justin,  Charles  began 
Clarke's  Suetonius. 

Oct.  23.  In  consequence  of  a  Note  p.  164,  Capt  Benj*  Hodges 
brought  from  Petersburg,  a  French,  German,  Latin,  Russ.  Diction- 
ary. 4to  3  Vol.  in  sheets.  Charpentiere's  Russ.  Grammar,  Svo. 
Petersburg,  1708.  A  Vocabulary,  French,  Russ,  sewed,  8vo. Peters- 
burg, 1780.  Gellert's  Works,  German,  12mo.  in  sheets.  Muller's 
Russian  History,  German,  12mo.  9  Vol,  Petersburg,  1732,  Those 
through  the  Academy, 


1787]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  79 

[221]  Oct.  27.  Proposed  to  alter  service  till  half  past  ten  in 
the  morning.  Rev**  Diman,  Bernard,  &  Prince,  sick  at  home  this 
day. 

Nov"^  4.  Jon*  Archer  jun'  &  wife,  death  of  another  sister  & 
friends  at  sea.     Edward  Allen  &  family,  death  of  daughter  Sally. 

5.  Translateel  a  will  of  Richard  Hodges,  &  an  inventory  of  his 
chest  from  the  Dutch. 

[222]  A  list  of  Medals  &  Coins  sent  to  M'  Winthrop  of  Cam- 
bridge.    Medal  from  Sweden  in  honor  of  the  Augsburg  Confession. 

A  George  reigning. 

A  Pitt. 
Coin.        Russian,  4  Copec. 

Danish,  XXIV  skill : 
XII.      skill : 

George  II.,  penny  :  eng  : 

Charles  I.,  penny. 

Charles'  rose.     Jus  divinum. 

S'  Pelegrin. 

five  northern  Copper  Coin, 

&  besides  a  Chinese  Lanthorn. 
Nov'  11.     Widow  Sarah  Knight,  death  of  Sister.      Sarah  Knight, 
death  of  Sister  &  husband  absent. 

The  principal  subject  of  consideration  among  the  people  has  been 
a  Bridge  over  Beverley  ferry.  The  sentiments  of  the  County  of  Es- 
sex, excepting  only  a  few  towns,  or  inhabitants  of  towns,  [223] 
who  were  immediately  interested,  were  well  known  to  be  in  favor 
of  a  l>ridge,  when  a  petition  by  George  Cabot  Esq'  &  others  was 
made  to  the  town  of  Salem  for  their  concurrence  &  for  their  right 
&  title  in  the  ferry.  The  ad-measurement  may  be  seen  at  the  two 
places  proposed  for  a  Bridge  at  page  182.  The  town  divided  upon 
the  Petition,  nearly  in  parties  east  &  west  of  the  Court  house.  All 
living  above  the  Court  house  nearly  favoring  a  Bridge  over  Orne's 
point.  The  majority  being  westerly  &  northerly  in  the  Town,  & 
being  joined  by  the  north  iields,  obtained  a  committee  against  Bev- 
erley ferry  liridge,  &  in  favor  of  Orne's  point  to  be  sent  to  the  gen- 
eral court  consisting  of  Major  Sprague,  a  M'  N.  Ropes,  &  a  Sam' 
Ward.  A  committee  of  live  persons  in  consequence  was  sent  from 
the  House  &  Senate  to  siirvey  &  consider  the  roads  leading  to  the 
above  places,  their  convenience,  the  navigation  of  the  River,  &  the 
general  Ix^nefit  of  a  liridge.  The  Minority  in  the  East,  &  South 
East  part  of  the  Town,  gave  in  their  names  to  the  General  Court  in 
a  [224]  petition,  &  consented  to  a  choice  in  their  private  capacities, 
of  a  Committee  to  represent  the  Subscribers  of  the  bridge,  &  the 
minority.  Capt  Jn°  Fiske,  &  F.  Cabot,  &  Joseph  AVhite  in  the 
to^vn  of  Salem,  joined  several  Gentlemen  in  Beverley.  The  parties 
were  warm  in  their  debates  upon  exchange,  which  was  the  strongest 
&  most  numerous.     The  Taxes  of  the  Petitioners  for  the  Bridge, 


80  DIARY  OP  [1787 

who  exceeded  200  in  number,  were  16  out  of  59  parts  of  the  public 
taxes.  The  friends  of  the  Bridge  asserted  that  the  interest  of  the 
town  was  on  their  side,  when  absent  persons,  &  estates  in  their  fa- 
vor were  reckoned.  78  persons  were  absent  in  the  Eastern  division. 
To  remove  all  doubt  the  first  majority  in  numbers  called  a  meeting  of 
the  Town,  &  were  out  voted  in  a  motion  immediately  to  dissolve  the 
meeting  by  80  majority.  However  tho'  the  Committee  of  Court  re- 
ported unanimously  in  favor  of  a  bridge  over  Beverley  ferry,  the 
Senate  only  passed  the  Bridge,  and  the  House  being  very  full,  not 
concurred  by  a  majority  of  20.  This  induced  the  Party  for  the 
bridge  as  they  had  dissolved  [225]  the  former  meeting,  to  call  another 
hoping  to  be  able  to  remove  the  Committee,  which  had  still  power 
to  express  the  sense  of  the  town  against  a  Bridge,  and  as  the  other 
part  of  the  Town  had  given  up  the  Bridge  over  Orne's  point  the 
Question  now  was  "  Bridge  or  no  Bridge."  But  being  unequal  to 
the  other  party  in  the  conduct  of  large  bodies  of  men,  after  long 
dispute  the  meeting  adjourned  till  January,  then  to  receive  a  tilie 
statement  of  the  real  property,  for  &  against  the  Bridge.  The 
great  address  of  Mr  G.  Cabot,  which  was  discovered  on  this  occa- 
sion, raised  up  several  Committees  from  other  Towns  in  the  County, 
by  which  measure  he  had  a  rehearing  for  the  Bridge  &  obtained  a 
majority  of  twenty  to  confirm  the  bringing  in  a  Bill.  During  the 
dispute  there  was  the  greatest  rancor  in  the  parties.  The  S,  Ward 
was  forbid  the  office,  wherein  the  Gentlemen  of  the  town  converse 
in  the  evening,  &  for  which  they  were  lampooned. 

[226]  A  List  of  Books  sent  by  Jonathan  Jackson  into  my 
Study,  June,  1787,  to  be  mine  at  pleasure  [appearing  in  the  orig- 
inal Diary  is  here  omitted]. 

[228]  Charles  begun  Salhust,  Nov'  13,  1787.  Services  pro- 
posed for  the  ensuing  Thanksgiving  : 

Intro — I  was  glad  when  they  said,  &c.     an  anthem. 

A  new  version  of  the  CLV  Psalm  l)y  D'  Watts  to  a  tune  of  that 
name. 

A  new  version  of  CXLIX  for  S'  Michael's  before  Sermon. 

After  Sermon  I  will  praise  the  Lord,  &c.  an  anthem. 

Nov'  18.  Isaac  White  for  delivery.  Read  Thanksgiving  Procla- 
mation. 

Nov'  20.  News  of  M'  Freeman's  ordination  at  the  Chapel 
Church,  Boston.     Upon  which  was  written  the  following  note. 

My  very  dear  friend. 

This  moment  I  have  received  by  the  Salem 
Gazette  the  glorious  news  of  your  Triumph  over  an  oppressive  ene- 
my. It  has  raised  me  into  a  transport.  Have  you  leisure  enough 
for  a  friend  to  give  him  a  few  circumstances.  God  bless  you,  you 
hare  kept  the  faith,  henceforth,  &c.      from  your  affectionate  friend. 

W.  B. 


1787]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  81 

To  Revd.  J.  F.  a  christian  bishop  in  Boston,  upon  [229]  the  re- 
ception of  the  Gazette  of  Nov''  20'". 

B.  Bridge.  After  the  permission  to  bring  in  a  Bill,  the  matter 
succeeded  very  quietly,  &  the  Bill  was  engrossed. 

A  William  King  related  to  the  family  of  Hodges,  Webb,  Stone, 
&  Mason  by  their  wives,  after  having  been  long  absent  in  the  West 
Indies,  about  four  years  ago  returned,  &  married  a  daughter  of  Dea- 
con Phippen,  by  whom  he  had  one  child,  &  a  prospect  of  another. 
This  W.  K.  being  very  capricious,  left  his  family,  without  any 
warning,  wrote  a  letter  of  his  intentions  to  abscond,  without  being 
pressed  by  debt,  or  any  other  visible  reason.  He  was  pursued,  ap- 
prehended near  East  Haven,  in  Connecticut,  by  the  owner  of  his 
Sulkey  &  Horse,  gave  his  note  for  16  £  damage,  &  has  returned 
again  after  a  fortnight's  absence. 

In  October  ended  the  lectures  with  the  young  Misses  of  Capt* 
White's  &  Stone's  family,  from  motives  of  convenience,  &  because 
of  an  engagement  in  their  behalf  with  a  dancing  School,  under  some 
very  prudent  regulations. 

[280]  A  M''  Vernon,  son  of  an  English  Merchant  in  Petersburg, 
visited  this  town  under  the  direction  of  Cap*  Hodges. 

Extract  from  a  letter  of  the  Rev'*  James  Freeman  mentioning  the 
circumstances  of  his  ordination.  On  Sunday  after  evening  prayer, 
the  Church  wardens  came  into  the  reading  desk,  &  having  placed 
me  between  them,  D""  Bulfinch,  the  senior  warden,  in  a  very  hand- 
some address,  informed  the  congregation  of  the  design  of  the  meet- 
ing. A  short  prayer  introduced  the  service.  The  following  vote  of 
ordination  was  then  read,  voted,  &  signed. 

Boston,  Nov''  18,  1787.  Voted  that  we,  the  Wardens,  Vestry, 
Proprietors, &  Congregation  of  the  Chapel,  or  first  Episcopal  church  in 
Boston,  do,  by  virtue  of  the  third  article  of  the  declaration  of  Rights, 
hereby  solemnly  Elect,  Ordain,  Constitute  &  Appoint,  the  Rev** 
James  Freeman,  of  said  Boston,  Clerk,  to  be  our  Rector,  Minister, 
Priest,  Pastor,  Teaching  Elder,  &  Public  Teacher,  to  preach  the  word 
of  God,  &  to  dispence  lessons  &  instructions  in  piety,  religion,  [2.'il] 
&  morality,  &  to  minister  the  holy  Sacraments  in  the  Congregation  ; 
&  to  do,  perform,  &  discharge  all  the  other  duties  &  offices,  which 
of  right  belong  to  any  other  rector,  Minister,  Pastor,  Teaching 
Elder,  Publick  Teacher,  or  Priest  in  orders. 

And  it  is  hereby  intended  &  understood,  that  the  authority  & 
rights  hereby  given  to  the  Rev'*  .James  Freeman,  to  l)e  our  Rector, 
Minister,  Priest,  Pastor,  Teaching  Elder,  &  Publick  Teacher,  are  to 
remain  in  full  force,  so  long  as  he  shall  continue  to  preach  the  word 
of  God,  &  dispence  lessons  of  Piety,  Religion  &  Morality,  conform- 
ably to  our  o]tinions  &  sentiments,  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  &  no 
longer  ;  and  that  our  judgement  of  his  not  thus  conforming  to  our 
religious  sentiments  &  opinions  shall  be  ascertained  by  the  votes  of 
three  fourths  of  the  wardens  and  Vestry,  &  of  three  fourths  of  the 


82  DIARY  OP  [1787 

Proprietors  usually  worshipping  in  said  Church,  separately  &  indi- 
vidually taken. 

signed 

Tho"  Bulfinch, 

Shrirapton  Hutchinson,  Wardens. 

[232]  in  behalf  of  ourselves,  &  the  Vestry,  &  a  majority  of  the 
proprietors ,  &  Congregation  of  the  Chapel,  or  first  Episcopal  Church 
in  Boston. 

After  the  vote  of  ordination,  the  following  vote  was  passed,  and 
it  is  further  voted,  that  if  at  any  time  hereafter  ordination  by  the 
imposition  of  hands  from  a  Bishop  in  common,  &  usual  form  can 
be  procured  for  M''  Freeman,  without  sacrificing  our  religious  sen- 
timents to  those  of  others,  we  will  adopt  that  method  in  confirma- 
tion of  the  present  mode  of  ordination. 

I  then  declared  my  acceptance  of  the  election  &  ordination,  & 
that  I  believed  it  to  be  valid  &  apostolick.  After  which  the  D'' 
pronounced  me  duely  ordained,  &  whilst  he  exhorted  me  to  do  the 
work  of  a  Christian  minister  with  fidelity,  he  laid  one  hand  upon 
me,  and  with  the  other  delivered  me  the  Bible.  Another  prayer  &  the 
blessing  concluded  the  ceremony. 

There  was  a  protest  in  the  Gazette  of  the  past  week,  but  Mr  .Freeman 
in  his  letter  assures  me,  that  only  two  belonged  to  his  congregation. 

[233]  The  danger  of  Loan  of  Books,  for  whose  sentiments,  you 
wish  not  to  be  accountable. 

Tindal  was  lent  to  Capt.  Jo.  W.  upon  the  solemn  promise  of  a 
private  examination.  It  was  left  under  a  pillow,  found  by  a  wom- 
an, lent  to  an  Aunt,  read  before  her  husband,  &  by  him  reported  to 
Col.  Carlton,  who  never  was  able  to  obtain  the  title  so  distinctly,  as 
to  ask  properly  for  the  book.     It  was  returned  &  hidden. 

Alleri's  oracles  of  reason,  given  by  J.  W.  Esq""  was  lent  to  Col.  C. 
under  solemn  promise  of  secrecy,  but  by  him  lent  to  a  Mr  Grafton, 
who  was  reported  to  have  died  a  Confirmed  Infidel,  see  p.  216.  The 
book  was  found  at  his  death  in  his  chamber,  examined  with  horror 
by  his  female  relations.  By  them  conveyed  to  a  Mr.  Williams, 
whose  shop  is  remarkable  for  news,  «&  there  examined — reported  to 
be  mine  from  the  initials  W.  B.,  viewed  as  an  awful  curiosity  by 
hundreds,  connected  with  a  report  that  I  encouraged  infidelity  in 
Grafton  by  my  prayers  with  him  in  his  dying  hour,  &  upon  the 
whole  a  terrible  opposition  to  me  fixed  in  the  minds  of  the  devout 
&  ignorant  multitude. 

Beware  of  the  third  time. 

[234]  Copy  of  verses  addressed  to  Miss  A.  A.* 
Said  F. — to  a  priest  one  day, 

Priests  should  to  men  examples  prove  : 
Why  neglect  you  then  to  marry, 
•*  For  happiness  's  allied  to  love." 

•AUce  Allen? 


1787]  REV.    WILLIA3f   BENTLEY  83 

The  Priest  replied,  Reason  I  followed, 
But  without  fire,  Love's  but  a  name: 

Reason  is  cool,  deliberate,  wise, 
Tis  only  })assion  fans  the  flame. 

Merit  &  beauty  reason  sees  : 

Passion  admires,  to  love  inclined, 
Passion  is  warm,  &  soon  pursues 

While  reason  always  lags  behind. 

My  R. — yielded  to  his  passion 

His  choice  my  reason  did  approve  : 

He  gained  the  prize  :  Love's  undivided, 
My  part  is  to  admire  the  Love. 

Yet  my  sweet  A — grant  a  friend 
At  modest  distance,  hours  to  spend, 

To  form  his  choice — until  he  find 
A  maid  blessed  with  so  pure  a  mind. 

This  was  never  copied  off,  as  its  numerous  defects  obliged  the 
writer  to  more  time,  than  he  could  reasonably  spend  on  the  subject. 

[235]  Nov""  25.  Abijah  Hitchins  &  wife,  death  of  youngest  child. 
One  of  the  family  sick.  Sarah  Cliever,  death  of  Brother  Cheever  & 
husband  at  Sea.  Stephen  Cloutman,  delivery  &  brother  at  Sea. 
Elizabeth  Marsh,—  sick.     Thomas  Keene  &  wife — death  of  Sister. 

A  Protest  against  M"^  Freeman's  ordination. 

Messieurs  Adams'  &  Nourse. 

As  the  mode  of  inducting  Mr.  Freeman  into  the  ministerial  office 
on  the  last  Lord's  Day,  at  the  Stone  Chapel  in  this  town,  was  cer- 
tainly very  singular,  if  not  wholly  unprecedented  :  and  lest  it 
should  appear  to  the  world,  that  the  transaction  was  unanimously 
pleasing  to  the  proprietors  of  that  church,  you  are  requested  to 
publish  the  following  dissent,  which  was  presented  to  the  senior 
warden,  &  undoubtedly  was  communicated  to  the  persons  con- 
cerned, [236]  previous  to  the  time,  when  they  publickly  assumed  the 
right  of  Ordination,  &  determined  their  proceedings  therein  to  be 
valid. 

Boston,  Nov"^  16,  1787. 

Whereas  certain  persons,  calling  themselves  a  majority  of  the 
Proprietors  of  the  Stone  Chapel  in  Boston,  have  of  late  declared 
that  the  pews  of  a  numlier  of  the  original  proprietors  are  forfeit  on 
account  of  their  absence,  &  have  sold  said  pews  to  persons,  who 
never  were  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  &  who  hold  tenets  diametri- 
cally opposite  to  said  Church,  &  said  new  proprietors  have  intro- 
duced a  liturgy  different  from  any  now  used  in  the  Episcopal 
churches  in  the  United  States,  &  articles  of  faith  which  in  our 
o})inion  are  unscriptural,  &  heretical,  &  have  thereby  deprived  many 


84  DIARY   OF  [1787 

of  the  proprietors  of  said  house  of  their  property,  &  of  the  privi- 
lege of  worshiping  God  therein,  according  to  the  dictates  of  their 
conscience : 

And  whereas  we  are  informed  by  a  Committee  from  said  propri- 
etors, that  they  intend  next  Lord's  day,  to  take  upon  them  to  author- 
ize [237]  M""  James  Freeman,  to  administer  the  sacraments  of  Bap- 
tism &  the  Lord's  Supper  in  said  church,  &  to  receive  him  as  a 
regularly  ordained  minister,  which  step  in  our  (3})inion  is  unprece- 
dented, irregular,  &  contrary  to  apostolic,  &  primitive  usage,  &  to 
the  common  sentiments  of  almost  every  sect  &  denomination  of 
christians;  a  step,  which  may  be  attended  with  fatal  consequences 
to  the  interests  of  religion  in  general,  &  that  of  the  Episcopal 
Church  in  particular. 

We  therefore  the  subscribers,  in  behalf  of  ourselves,  &  other  orig- 
inal proprietors  of  said  church,  who  have  empowered  us  to  act  for 
them,  do  hereby  enter  our  most  solenm  &  serious  dissent  &  protest 
against  all  such  proceedings,  &  particularly  against  the  settlement, 
&  pretended  ordination  of  the  said  James  Freeman  declaring  our 
utter  abhorrence  of  measures  so  contrary  to  the  doctrine,  discipline, 
&  worship  of  an  Episcopal  church,  &  which  will  include  in  them  a 
total  alienation  of  the  property  of  said  house  from  the  use  intend- 
ed by  the  original  donors,  or  founders. 

[238]  James  Ivers  for   himself  &   James    Trecothick.     Gilbert 
Deblois,  for  himself,  Lewis  Deblois  &  Mr.  Henry  Leddel.     James 
Lloyd,  for  Wm  Vassal  Esq"".     Henry  Smith,  for  Henry  Lloyd  Esq''. 
James  Apthorp.     John  Haskins.     John  Box.     Grizzell  Apthorp. 
Charles  Williams.  Mathew  Nayro.  Lydia  Box.    Dorothy  Forbes. 
Theodore  Dehon.     Amb.  Vincent. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  proprietors  of  the  Chapel  or  first  Episcopal 
Church  in  Boston  on  the  16'*^  November,  1787. 

Voted,  that  this  our  protest  be  delivered  to  the  wardens  of  said 
Church  by  Messieurs  Gilbert  Deblois,  J.  Ivers,  &  C.  Williams,  the 
Committee,  &  to  request  that  this  protest  be  recorded  on  the  Church 
Books. 

Nov''  29.  Thanksgiving.  At  the  thanksgiving  the  contribution 
was  £19. 

Dec"^  2.  Mary  Elkins  &  family,  sudden  death  of  her  youngest 
Son.*     Elizabeth  Marsh,  sick  &  child  sick. 

[239]  Dec''  5,  1787.  At  a  meeting  of  the  Town  of  Salem  to 
choose  members  of  the  Convention  to  consider  the  federal  Consti- 
tntion,  208  voters,  the  following  Gentlemen  were  chosen, — Richard 
Manning  Esq^  Edward  Pullen  Esq^  Mr.  Francis  Cabot  &  Mr.  Wil- 
liam Gray,  jun'. 

Received  a  Female  Canary  Bird  of  M'*  Hodges.  Bought  a  Male 
GoldfinchofCaptH.  Elkins  for  6/.     And   had  from  Capt  H.  El- 

*Thoma8  Elkius,  drowned  Nov.  17, 1787,  while  on  passage  from  Madeira. 


1787]  REV.    WILLIAM  BBNTLEY  85 

kins  the  gift  of  a  Linnet,  -wbicli  has  been  some  time  with  me.  Re- 
oeived  also  to  keep,  Mrs  Sleinnau's  canary. 

Mtj  male  Canarij  Bird  has  grey  featliers  full  under  the  left  ear, 
reach*  full  over  to  the  back  of  the  neck,  then  is  grey  over  the  right 
ear,  which  grey  continues  dovm  over  the  right  wing  &  spreads  over 
the  tip  of  both  wings,  otherwise  being  of  a  bright  yellow  except 
white  near  the  feet,  &  at  the  end  of  the  tail.  His  bill  is  round  & 
pointed,  full  &  large. 

[240]  The  Female  Canary  is  grey  upon  both  ears,  &  upon  the 
breast.  The  left  wing  is  of  a  deep  grey,  the  right  wing  is  of  a  pale 
yellow  intermixed  with  grey,  &  has  a  deep  grey  ring  round  the 
lower  parts  of  the  body.  His  bill  is  longer  &  less  pointed  than  the 
other.  ^Z"  Sleuman^s  Canary  has  a  ring  round  its  neck,  better  de- 
fined at  the  ears,  than  on  the  back,  or  the  rear.  The  ends  of  the 
•wings  are  greyish,  k  there  is  a  grey  feather  outermost  on  the  right 
wing. 

A  very  light  &  the  first  snow  fell  on  the  7"',  it  lay  only  one  day. 

Dec""  16.  Mary  Lufkin,  death  of  Sister.  Eliz.  Parsons  for  her  de- 
livery &  Husband  at  sea.  This  week  M"  Diman  was  buried.  I  was 
chosen  a  bearer,  but  declined  &  went  among  the  relations.  Holt 
prayed.  The  bearers  were  Rev**  Messieurs  Holt,  Hopkins,  Treadwell, 
Storer,  McKeen,  &  Spaulding.  Snow,  a  flight  of  on  the  19"'. 

Dec"^  19.  Presented  to  the  Widow  Webb's  youngest  daughter 
Priscey  a  copy  of  the  "  Children's  friend."  Another  copy  to  Sally 
Webb,  G.  Daughter  of  Capt  Allen. 

[241]  Dec""  23.  James  Diman  with  his  children  desires  your 
prayers  that  the  sudden  &  surprising  death  of  his  wife,  &  their 
mother,  may  be  sanctified  to  them  for  spiritual  good.  Sarah  Well- 
man,  death  of  Sister  Fearsen,  Husband  &  friends  at  Sea.  Mary 
Dana,  death  of  Sister  &  friends  at  Sea.  Richard  Valpey,  delivery 
of  wife  &  friends  at  Sea.  Nath.  Phippen's  wife's  delivery,  himself 
returned. 

Last  Friday  was  entertained  by  a  Mr.  Le  Croix,  a  frenchman, 
who  has  been  a  Surgeon  in  Spain,  &  claims  to  converse  in  french, 
dutch,  &  Spanish.  On  Thursday  evening  the  29"'  we  were  enter- 
tained from  the  pulpit  of  the  First  Church  by  the  celebrated  Mr  M.* 
the  Universalist.  His  introduction  to  that  church  we  dare  not 
recommend,  however  he  was  liberal  in  his  new  vampt  mysticisms, 
out  of  which  he  formed  a  religious  system,  from  total  depravity  as 
its  ch[  ]  ;  rendered  [242]  plastic  by  a  suffering  God,  &  ha})py 

to  mankind  from  an  indiscriminating    salvation. 

Dec/  30.  Nath  Richardson,  wife  delivery.  Lydia  Townsend,  de- 
livery, husband  &  brothers  at  Sea. 

The  month  of  January,  1788  came  in  before  the  earth  Avas  once 
covered  with  snow. 

•Uev.  John  Murray. 


86  DIARY  OF  [1788 

MDCCLXXXVIII 

Appeared  a  protest  of  the  Clergy  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  against  Mr  James  Freeman,  upon  the  appearance  of  which 
the  following  appeared  in  the  Salem  Mercury  of  Jan^  8'^,  Mes- 
sieurs Dabney  &  Gushing.  Having  seen  handbills,  distributed  in  this 
town,  containing  an  excommunication  of  the  llev**  James  Freeman 
from  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  I  would  inquire  what  is  the 
singular  fault  of  this  ingenious  young  Gentleman?  If  Luther,  under 
the  name  of  a  reformation,  being  but  a  priest,  [243]  did  ordain  a 
Bishop,  surely  a  sober  congregation,  at  a  time,  confessed  to  be  a 
time  of  reformations,  may  instruct  their  own  minister  in  such  alter- 
ations of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  as  they  approve,  &  ordaiu 
him  to  use  them. 

The  political  circumstances  of  the  country  have  induced  a  Con- 
vention of  Protestant  Episcopal  Clergymen  to  propose  thirteen  ar- 
ticles of  amendment,  &  to  act  upon  them.  This  Convention  has 
reduced  the  39  articles  to  20.  Surely  this  proceeding  shews  us  that 
there  is  a  prevailing  Conviction  that  the  present  time  is  a  proper 
time  to  make  all  needed  amendments  in  the  Common  Prayer,  and 
the  character  of  all  reformation  by  the  Clergy  may  not  be  in  doubt 
if  we  believe  with  an  honest  Bishop  of  the  same  church,  who  declared, 
in  the  present  age,  that  he  did  not  recollect  any  instance  in  history, 
since  the  time  of  the  Apostles,  where  the  reformation  of  religion, 
in  any  material  points,  hath  [244]  been  brought  about  by  the  influ- 
ence of  the  Clergy  in  general :  the  bulk  of  them,  who  are  always 
the  least  knowing,  being  most  tenacious  of  old  opinions.  But  if  we 
are  to  take  our  precedents  from  what  hath  hitherto  passed  in  the 
reformation  of  any  material  points  in  religion,  it  must  be  effected 
by  a  few  leading  persons  among  the  clergy,  when  supported  by  the 
upper,  &  more  thinking  part  of  the  laity. 

Zuingle. 

Copy  of  the  Protest. 

Whereas  a  certain  Congregation  in  Boston,  calling  themselves  the 
First  Episcopal  church  in  said  town,  have,  in  an  irregular  &  uncon- 
stitutional manner,  introduced  a  liturgy  essentially  differing  from 
any  used  in  the  Episcopal  churches  in  this  Commonwealth,  &  in  the 
united  states,  not  to  mention  the  protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
general ;  and  have  also  assumed  to  themselves  a  power,  unprece- 
dented in  said  Church,  of  seperating  to  [245]  the  work  of  the  min- 
istry, Mr  James  Freeman,  who  has  for  some  time  past  been  their 
Reader,  &  of  themselves  have  authorized,  or  pretendedly  authorized 
him,  to  administer  the  sacraments  of  Baptism  &  the  Lord's  Supper ; 
and  at  the  same  time,  most  inconsistently  &  absurdly  take  to  them- 
selves the  name  &  style  of  an  Episcopal  Church. 


1788]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLET  87 

We  the  ministers  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  church,  whose  names 
are  under  written,  do  liereby  declare  the  ])roceedings  of  said  Con- 
gregation usually  meeting  at  the  Stone  C'hapel,  in  Boston,  to  be 
irregular,  unconstitutional,  diametrically  opposite  to  every  princi]ial 
adopted  in  any  Episcopal  church  ;  subversive  of  all  order  &  regular- 
ity, &  pregnant  with  consequences  fatal  to  the  interests  of  religion. 
And  we  do  hereby,  &  in  this  public  nuinner,  protest  against  the 
foresaid  proceedings,  to  the  end  tliat  all  those  of  our  Communion, 
wherever  [246]  dispersed,  may  Ix^,  cautioned  against  receiving  said 
Reader  or  Preacher  (Mr  James  Freeman)  as  a  Clergyman  of  our 
Church,  or  holding  any  Communion  with  him  as  such,  &  may  be 
induced  to  look  upon  his  Congregation  in  the  light,  in  which  it 
ought  to  be  looked  upon,  by  all  true  Episcopalians. 

Edward  Bass,  of  S'  Paul's  Church,  Newbury  Port. 

Nathaniel  Fisher,  of  S'  Peter's  Church,  Salem, 

Samuel  Parker,  Trinity  Church,  Boston. 

Thomas  Fitch  Oliver,  S"^  Michael's  Church,  Marblehead. 

William  Montague,  Christ's  Church,  Boston. 

John  C.  Ogden,  Queen's  Chapel,  Portsmouth,  New  Hampshire. 

This  was  printed  at  Mr  Freeman's  request  in  the  Ceutinel,  Boston, 
Jan^  2,  1788,  and  Mr  Wheeler's  dissent  declared  in  an  anonymous 
piece.     Wheeler  of  Situate. 

[247]  Jany  13.  Samuel  Carlton  &  wife,  death  of  her  Sister.  Re- 
becca Fairfield,  delivery,  Husband  &  Son  at  Sea.  Died  Deacon 
John  Bickford,  set.  85.     Wife  of  Major  Buffington,  aet.  30, 

On  the  16  instant  we  had  a  violent  storm  of  rain,  after  four  days 
of  severe  cold,  &  on  the  17'"  fair  spring  weather.  The  ground  has 
not  yet  been  covered  with  snow. 

Murray  the  Universalist  embarked  for  Great  Britian,  judgement 
in  the  Supreme  Court  being  given  against  him  for  marrying  without 
compliance  with  the  Law  in  that  case  provided, 

[248]  On  Tuesday,  Jan^  22,  we  had  the  first  snow  which  cov- 
ered the  ground  or  laid  24  hours.  Rain  fell  with  it.  Botany  Bay 
in  New  South  Wales,  alias  Van  Diemen's  land,  alias  New  Holland, 
is  about  Lat.  35.  &  Long.  E,  140. 

Jan^  27.  Samuel  Presson  &  parents  for  him  sick.  Last  even- 
ing a  Buck  from  Newbury  finished  his  life  at  the  Sun  by  a  draught 
of  Liquid  Laudanum  his  name  Benj*  Hooper.  The  jury  of  inquest 
gave  in  their  Verdict,  Self  Murder. 

[249]  Feb^  4.  Sara*  Presson,  dangerously  sick,  Nicholas  Lane, 
wife's  delivery, 

Sunday  &  Monday  very  warm,  &  carried  away  the  Snow,  but 
Tuesday  extremely  cold.  At  noon  as  cold  as  is  ever  found  in  this 
coimtry.  To  compare  with  [page]  233,  Lent  to  Capt  H. — Shaftes- 
bury's  Characteristics  after  mentioning  the  former  facts.  The  next 
news  was  that  they  were  in  the  hands  of  a  celebrated  declaimer 


88  DIARY  OF  [1788 

against everything.  So  uncertain  our  confidence,  and  so  op- 
posed our  conduct  to  our  experience. 

On  Feby  11,  Mr  Gallatin  mentioned  p.  75  visited  me.  Extract 
from  M''  Parsons'  speech  in  the  Convention  respecting  religious 
Tests.  It  has  been  objected  that  the  C.  provides  no  religious  test 
by  oath,  &  we  may  have  in  power  unprincipled  men,  atheists  & 
pagans.  No  man  can  wish  more  ardently  than  I  do,  that  all  our 
public  offices  may  be  filled  by  men  who  fear  God  &  hate  wickedness  ; 
but  it  must  remain  with  the  ELECTORS  to  give  the  government 
this  security — an  oath  will  not  do  it.  Will  an  unprincipled  [250] 
man  be  entangled  by  an  oath?  Will  an  atheist  or  a  pagan  dread 
the  vengeance  of  the  Christian's  God,  a  being,  in  his  opinion  the 
creature  of  fancy  &  credulity  ?  It  is  a  solecism  in  expression.  No 
man  is  so  illiberal  as  to  wish  the  confining  places  of  honor  or  profit 
to  any  one  sect  of  Christians.  But  what  security  is  it  to  a  govern- 
ment, that  every  public  officer  shall  swear  that  he  is  a  christian  ? 
For  what  will  then  be  called  Christianity  ?  One  man  will  declare 
that  the  Xtian  religion  is  only  an  illumination  of  natural  religion,  & 
that  he  is  a  christian  ;  another  Christian  will  assert  that  all  men 
must  be  happy  hereafter  in  spite  of  themselves ;  a  third  Christian 
reverses  the  image,  &  declares  that  let  a  man  do  all  he  can,  he  will 
certainly  be  punished  in  the  another  world  ;  &  a  fourth  will  tell  us, 
that  if  a  man  use  any  force  for  the  common  defence,  he  violates 
every  principle  of  Christianity.  Sir,  the  only  evidence  we  can  have 
of  the  sincerity  &  excellency  of  a  man's  religion,  is  a  good  life— and 
I  trust  that  such  evidence  will  be  required  of  every  candidate  by 
every  elector.  That  man  who  acts  an  honest  part  to  his  neighbour, 
will  most  probably  conduct  honorably  towards  the  public. 

[251]  On  Wednesday  the  6"^  Feb^  1788,  the  Federal  Constitu- 
tion was  accepted  in  the  Massachusetts  Convention,  yeas,  187 ;  nays, 
168. 

Friday,  Feb^  15,  we  had  the  first  storm  of  snow  which  fell  this 
year. 

17*^  Andrew  Presson,  wife  &  children,  death  of  son.  Mary 
Rantoll,  death  of  Brother.  Mary  Lambert,  d  :  of  Gr.  Son.  Richard 
Manning  jun""  &  wife,  for  her  delivery.     Church  very  thin  this  day. 

[256]    *Feby  24,  1788.     Amos  Hovey,  death  of  his  mother. 

[257]  On  Monday,  Feb^  25,  1788,  the  Committee  with  the  Cler- 
gy visited  the  Schools.  At  Hacker's  about  100  present.  At  Noyes's 
Gram.  15  present.  At  Norris's  about  80  present.  At  Lang's,  about 
130  present. 

March  2,  Joseph  King  &  wife,  for  him  sick.  We  had  a  very  long 
cold,  &  very  severe,  and  reports  from  the  southern  states  are,  that 
the  cold  has  been  such  as  is  unusual  among  them. 

[258]  March  7,  1788.  Sai[le]d  Capt  Hodges  for  Gotheburg.  I 
gave  him  papers  to  get  a  Lexicon  Laponicum  or  Bergeman's  Scia- 
graphia  &  late   works.     Cronstedt,   or  Linneus'  works,   or  Dahl's 


1788]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  89 

wealth  of  Sweden  or  Celsius'  Library  of  Upsal.  A  man  named 
Kennedy  drowned  this  week  in  the  harbour. 

A  Medal,  in  the  hands  of  M"  I'owditch,  of  the  Seven  Bishops. 
Grainger  mentions  many  prints  of  these  by  tlie  best  hands.  The 
]\Iedal  has  the  areh  bishop  on  the  faee,  with  his  name  «St  title,  1688, 
and  on  the  reverse  seven  Bishops  in  the  eenter  of  wliom  is  the  Bp. 
of  London.     The  heads  are  encircled,  &  have  the  name,  &  title. 

[259]  March  16.  Lydia  Dean,  for  delivery.  Husband  &  Broth- 
ers at  Sea. 

March  11.  Sick,  Mr  Joseph  King,  Consumption.  The  news 
arrived  that  Elkins  foundered  at  sea,  &  no  lives  lost.  Now  abroad. 
Cai)t  Collins,  sailed  last  year,  Patterson,  Mason,  Allen  &  Chever, 
Welman,  Townsend,  Thomas,  Briggs,  Boardmau,  Crowninshield,  &c. 
&c. 

On  last  Christmas  several  of  the  New  Light  preachers  attended 
the  worship  of  the  Church  of  England  in  Marblehead  since  which 
time,  there  have  been  frequent  private  meetings  in  that  town.  The 
objections  of  Mr  Hubbard  to  Mr  S —  being  proposed,  &  resting  on 
his  Evangelical  commissions,  &  its  consequences,  both  as  to  the 
powers  of  Ordination,  &  Itinerant  Preaching,  a  Course  of  Letters 
ensued,  in  which  Mr.  S.*  is  said  to  have  renounced  [261]  all  such, 
privileges  with  respect  to  Marblehead,  provided  regular  exchanges 
could  take  place  on  the  Sunday.  In  consequence  &  to  comply  with 
the  importunity  of  the  people  Mr.  H.  exchanged  with  Mr.  S.  of  Sa- 
lem on  Sunday  March  9'*',  &  Mr  Story  with  Mr  Hopkins  on  the 
Sunday  following.  Serious  attention  seems  due  to  the  success  of 
such  a  negotiation. 

The  proceedings  of  the  Town  of  Tops  field  are  singular.  Mr 
Breck  their  minister,  a  native  of  Boston,  &  bred  in  the  occupation 
of  a  Cooper,  went  late  to  his  studies,  &  being  destitute  either  of  ad- 
dress or  abilities,  &  actuated  by  a  zeal,  which  is  opposed  to  the  pas- 
sions of  men,  Avithout  any  attractive  qualities  to  the  reason  &  un- 
derstanding, has  been  long  in  broils.  Just  exceptions  have  not  been 
taken  to  his  morals  legally  considered,  but  the  restlessness  of  the 
people  induced  them  to  give  him  a  dismission  last  January.  The 
proceedings  however  being  irregular,  they  consented  to  a  mutual 
Council  now  setting,  of  which  the  following  Gentlemen  are  members. 

On  the  part  of  Mr  l^reck,  Mr  Dana  &  Mr  Frisbie  of  Ipswich,  & 
Mr  Spring  of  Newbury  Port.  [262]  On  the  ])art  of  the  people, 
Mr  Cutler  of  Ipswich,  Mr  Parsons  of  Ljam  &  Mr  IVIcKeen  of  Bev- 
erley. 

Mr  Barnard  of  Salem  chosen  mutually.  Some  time  since  there 
was  a  Council  upon  the  same  difficulties,  after  which  they  subsided, 
but  they  have  been  increased,  lately  by  a  Mr  Cummings,  a  dismissed 
Clergyman  from  New  Marlborough  &  a  Mr  Wilds,  a  sworn  Attorney 
at  Law,  living  in  the  Town. 

•Spaulding. 


90  DIARY  OF  [1788 

This  winter  Mr  Bell  of  Amesbury  in  this  county  was  dismissed 
by  mutual  consent  of  parties  agreably  to  a  common  Construction  of 
the  3'^  article  of  the  Bill  of  Rights. 

March  28.  Joseph  King,  dangerously  sick,  &  wife's  delivery. 
On  Easter  Sunday,  Bishop  Seabury  visited  Marblehead,  &  confirmed 
an  hundred  persons.  As  the  following  account  was  printed  in  the 
Gazette  as  received  from  the  Marblehead  Church  Clergyman,  it  may 
be  worthy  of  remembrance,  noting  only  that  out  of  pity  the  printers 
inserted  the  and  instead  of  Whenin  the  original.  The  whole  trans- 
actions on  the  same  day,  [263]  (We  hear  from  M.  that  on  Sunday 
last,  being  Easter  Sunday  the  R.  R.  the  Bp.  of  Conn  :  administered 
Conf  :  in  S'  Mich  :'s  church  in  that  town;  and  [when]  on  the  day 
following,  upwards  of  120  persons  received  the  benefit  of  this  apos- 
tolick  rite.)  An  attempt  to  make  some  remarks  on  the  Subject, 
from  the  timidity  of  the  printers  ended  in  publishing  the  Bp's 
definition  of  Confirmation,  &  D""  King's  account  of  the  same  rite. 
The  mention  made  of  this  matter  to  Carlton  endangered  a  quarrel 
with  the  Printers,  &  raised  a  dust,  &c. 

March  25,  Mr  Samuel  Ward,  took  a  Mr  Brown  by  a  writ  of  defa- 
mation. The  writ  was  drawn  by  Mr  Pyuchon  with  a  description 
of  all  the  offices  which  the  said  Ward  held,  particularly  that  of 
Collector  of  Excise,  in  which  he  failed,  &  was  allowed  by  the  public 
to  pay  with  State  securities  (at  a  great  discount  in  their  circulating 
value),  the  face  of  the  Bills  for  Specie,  of  the  same  name.  The 
matter  was  settled  by  Brown's  paying  for  the  Avrit,  &  shaking 
hands,  &  the  usual  remarks,  &c. 

[264]  March  30"'  1788.  W.  Lydia  King,  death  of  Son  &  Son  at 
Sea.     Sarah  King,  d.  of  Husband,  &  Brother  at  Sea. 

Of  Capt  H.  Elkins,  a  Chinese  Razor  measuring  from  Heel  to 
Point  2  4-10  inches,  and  in  breadth  1  2-10  inch,  from  3-lOths  at  the 
Heel.     It  opens  only  as  Knife,  the  handle  being  solid  on  the  back. 

31.  Attended  the  pall  of  Madam  Cleveland.  She  was  the  relict 
of  the  Rev'*  M"^  Cleveland,  who  had  been  ordained  a  dissenting  Min- 
ister in  Connecticut,  &  installed  in  the  Lower  Parish  in  Maiden, 
Mass.  Had  received  a  Captain's  Commission  in  the  ])rovincial 
forces  at  the  taking  of  Louisburg,  &  afterwards  preached  at  Halifax. 
He  removed  from  Nova  Scotia,  &  went  to  England  for  orders  in  the 
English  Church,  &  came  out  for  Pennsylvania,  &  died  very  soon 
after  his  return  to  his  own  country.  Two  of  his  Sons  are  settled  in 
Salem,  &  one  in  Connecticut.  His  dauglaters  married  to  Mr  Stp. 
Higginson  of  Boston,  Messrs  Blythe  &  Hiller  of  Salem  ;  some  are 
unmarried. 

The  Council  at  Topsfield  mentioned  pag.  261,  residted  after 
setting  two  Aveeks,  unanimously.  That  tho'  the  charges  against  M'' 
Breck,  did  [265]  prove  nothing  fully  against  his  moral  character, & 
only  the  frailties  incident  to  the  most  prudent  men,  yet  as  the  dis- 
affection was  great  &  inveterate,  it  was  recommended  that  he  should 


1788]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  91 

ask  a  dismission  from  his  charge,  provided  that  in  eight  weeks  the 
Parish  eitlier  paid,  or  gave  security  to  his  entire  satisfaction  for  the 
sum  of  three  luuulred  pounds  due  upon  his  settlement  &  salary,  & 
fifty  pounds  in  addition  to  said  dues. 

April  2.  The  Chinese  Copper  Coins  I  received  from  Capt  West, 
which  may  be  the  Caxa*  are  9/10'"*  of  an  inch  diameter,  with  a  square 
cut  out  in  the  center  of  2/10^"*  incli.  The  single  caxa  is  about  8/10 
diameter,  &  the  square  the  same  as  is  the  other.  The  rim  is  raised 
1/lOth  of  an  inch  wide,  &  the  characters  raised  as  high  as  the  rim, 
within  the  space  l)etween  the  rim,  &  open  square,  filling  the  sides 
of  the  square,  &  going  off  square  to  the  rim,  leaving  four  void  tri- 
angular spaces,  which  complete  the  circle.  [266]  On  the  reverse 
instead  of  the  square  filled  on  all  sides,  it  is  filled  on  the  opposite 
sides  «&  by  a  character  differing  from  the  former,  which  is  of  strait 
lines,  but  this  resembling  the  syriac  letters,  when  seen  together,  at 
first  view.  From  Capt  Elkins  I  received  two  Coins  much  like  our 
Cobbs.  They  are  above  the  weight  of  an  English  farthing,  thick 
having  a  character  differing  from  either  of  the  former,  &  having  on 
one  side  the  Arabic  figures. 

In  shifting  the  Annual  registers  into  a  leather  binding,  upon  the 
blank  leaves  were  found  the  following  minutes,  to  be  here  preserved. 
Arrived  at  Marlborough,  March  3, 1780.  Left  after  four  Sundays, 
boarded  at  Mr  Howe's  back  of  the  Meeting  House.  April  14, 1780, 
took  place  at  Cambridge.  Engaged  in  Boston  to  be  Usher,  or  as- 
sistant Master  to  M""  Hunt  in  the  South  Grammar  School  in  June, 
1777.  Settled  at  the  North,  March  26,  1779,  as  Preceptor  to  the 
North  Grammar  School,  Boston.  [267]  Engaged  to  Preach  with  D'" 
Appleton  at  Cambridge,  on  the  second  Sunday  in  May  14, 1780,  en- 
gagement for  four  months.  Engaged  at  Little  Cambridge  for  the 
months  of  Oct:  Nov''  &  Dec""  ensuing.  And  from  January,  1781, 
engaged  to  second  Sunday  in  IMarch.  10  Sund.  And  from  second 
Sunday  in  March,  three  months.  13  Sundays.  From  third  Sunday 
in  June  till  Sunday  before  Commencement.  4  Sinid.  In  this  inter- 
val preached  at  Lincoln  &  Woburn  first  Parish.  5  Sunday.  En- 
gaged again  at  Little  Cambridge  from  tliird  Sunday  in  August  to 
first  Sunday  in  October.  8  Sundays,  &  from  first  Sunday  in  October 
to  the  end  of  the  year.  1.3  Sundays.  In  the  winter  vacation  of  1782 
I  preached  at  Deerfield  in  the  County  of  Hampshire,  Massachusetts. 
5  Sundays. 

Upon  my  return  in  the  Spring  [268]  in  Company  with  Mr  Mellen, 
afterwards  settled  at  l'>arnstable,  &  Mr  Motley,  settled  afterwards 
at  Lynnfield,  I  preached  in  turn,  &  afterwards  six  months  by  my- 
self I  preached  in  the  first  Parish  in  Beverley  which   made   the 

*Dr  Bentley  elsewhere  sjiells  the  word  "  ('n>xa."  Tlie  coin  evidently  was  the  universal 
"  tsien  "  of  the  present  dyiianty  (IClti— ),  ''denominated  Kaxa  or  Kanlia  by  the  early  Port- 
uguese, &  by  the  Knt;lish"Ka.sh  or  cash,"  Marsden  II,  kIH.  On  the  face  are  the  Chinese 
characters  indicating-  the  poetic  title  of  the  reijjning  Emperor  and  on  the  reverse  the 
two  "  opposite  "  characters,  which  to  the  diarist  resembled  "  Syriac,"  are  iu  the  more 
angular  Mancbou  character  and  indicate  the  mint  city  where  the  coin  was  cast. 


92  DIARY  OF  [1788 

principal  preaching  business  for  the  year  1782,  &  beginning  of  1783. 
On  the  first  Sunday  in  May  1783,  I  began  my  preaching  at  Salem 
second  Parish  in  whicli  I  settled. 

']''he  History  of  my  occasional,  &  less  stated  preaching  is,  I  began 
in  the  Block  House  in  Oharlestown,  which  stood  upon  the  top  of 
the  Hill,  now  levelled  for  the  present  Meeting  House,  &  herein  I 
preached  my  three  first  Svmdays,  some  time  in  the  year  1778.  I 
preached  during  the  interval  between  this  beginning  &  my  visit  to 
Marlborough  at  which  begins  my  regular  account  March  3,  1780, 
when  I  left  the  Schools  in  Boston,  to  attend  to  the  ministry  in 
different  places.  Three  months  in  the  first  parish  in  Woburn. 
On[e]  Month  in  the  New  South,  Boston  beside  several  occasional 
services.  One  month  for  D''  Gordon  in  Roxbury,  while  he  jour- 
neyed at  the  Southward,  occasionally  at  the  first  Parish  [269]  in 
Koxbury,  &  labours  of  Love  for  all  the  dissenting  Clergy  of  Boston 
of  different  Religious  denominations,  &  for  the  Clergy  of  the  vicinity. 

In  my  visit  to  Deerfield  in  the  Winter  of  1782,  I  was  very  great- 
ly entertained.  I  went  on  Horseback  from  Cambridge  and  arrived 
the  first  night  at  Leicester.  I  visited  the  Minister  Mr  Conclin,  a 
fat,  easy,  &  hospitable  man,  in  the  evening  &  lodged  at  Swan's.  In 
the  morning  I  went  forward  in  a  Slay  to  Brookfield  &  breakfasted 
at  Reed's,  stopped  at  the  Ironworks  in  Western  at  noon,  &  lodged  at 
a  Dr  How's  in  Cold  Spring,  alias  Belchertown,  on  the  next  night. 
On  the  next  day  I  proceeded  through  Amherst,  &  Sunderland  to 
Deerfield.  Amherst  meeting  house  had  a  very  elevated  situation, 
&  the  celebrated  Mount  Tom  is  in  full  view.  Sunderland  had  a 
Street,  &  an  old  Meeting  house  in  the  middle  of  it,  like  Pennant's 
Scotch  Kirk,  with  a  Pepper  box  top.  The  street  was  of  proper 
width  on  a  line  with  the  river.  Deerfield  is  three  miles  from  the 
Connecticut,  &  the  river  upon  which  it  lays  empties  into  the  Con- 
necticut [270]  North  of  the  Street,  passing  it  upon  the  West. 
The  interval  land  is  excellent,  &  overflowed  in  the  Spring  &  Fall. 
The  Street  is  one  measured  mile,  running  north  &  South,  higher 
towards  the  South,  &  insulated  in  the  common  floods  or  freshets. 
The  elevation  is  not  gradual,  but  rather  sudden  north  of  the  Meet- 
ing house,  which  stands  on  the  west  side,  has  an  handsome  appear- 
ance, electric  rods,  a  public  clock  with  pointers,  &  a  good  Bell. 
The  rods  are  directed  without  the  wain,  from  an  ignorance  of  the 
electric  principles.  The  School  is  on  the  open  square  in  which  the 
church  stands  &  on  the  side  of  it  is  the  Burying  ground.  Back 
stands  an  elegant  House  belonging  to  Mr  Williams.  There  is  a 
gate  at  each  end  of  the  Street,  &  about  60  houses  in  the  Street  in 
better  style,  than  in  any  of  the  Towns  I  saw.  Several  gentlemen 
liberally  educated  in  the  County  reside  here,  &  of  the  learned  pro- 
fessions, but  a  distinguished  opposition  was  here  made  to  the  amer- 
ican  revolution,  whicli  required  the  interposition  of  the  government, 
&  the  imprisonment  of  J.   Williams,  J.  Ashley  &  Lieu:  Carlton 


1788]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  93 

Esqrs.  The  resolution  of  Government  upon  their  proceedings  is 
singular,  tlC:  shews  the  evidence  of  the  factions  then  prevailing. 
[271]  On  the  South  of  the  Street  is  a  Groop  of  Houses  at  a  miles 
distance  called  Joppa,  and  on  the  South  West  the  greatest  district 
of  land,  called  liloody  Brook  towards  Whately.  From  this  Town 
have  been  incorporated  three  towns  on  the  west  side  of  the  River. 
Greenfield,  which  has  a  street,  not  so  regular,  or  closely  settled  as 
Deerlield,  but  it  is  longer,  &  it  is  the  Northern  division,  upon  a 
branch  of  the  Deerfield.  Shelburne  &  Conway  lay  below  it.  Con- 
way has  increased  from  50  to  above  an  100  families  within  a  few 
years.  The  meeting  house  stands  at  the  foot  of  a  great  hill,  upon 
which  some  fine  farms  lay  in  open  view.  Here  was  an  agreeable 
Mr  Emerson,  who  received  us  with  great  civility.  Son  of  the  Rev'* 
Emerson  of  Maiden,  &  Brother  to  the  Kev^  Joseph  Emerson  of 
Concord,  &  Mr  Emerson  of  Pepperell,  both  deceased.  10  miles  be- 
low Deerfield  is  Northampton,  which  is  not  only  distinguished  by 
being  the  largest  Town  in  the  County  but  the  eminence  of  its  min- 
isters. Mr  Solomon  Stoddard,  is  known  for  his  great  age  &  piety, 
his  controversial  pieces,  especially  that  against  the  Mathers  on 
Church  Communion,  &  for  his  pulpit  performances.  D""  Edwards  is 
as  well  [272]  known  in  Europe  for  his  treatises,  particularly  that 
celebrated  one  on  the  "  Will,"  as  in  America,  &  was  justly  celebrat- 
ed. He  was  also  President  of  the  Yale  College.  Mr  Hooper  was 
a  good  character  their  successor,  who  died  young.  The  present  Mr 
Williams  is  a  remarkable  contrast  to  these  great  men.  The  Town 
is  large  but  without  elegance  in  its  streets  or  public  buildings,  & 
lays  upon  the  bend  of  the  river,  which  continually  encroaches  upon 
the  opposite  side,  which  projects  into  this  bow,  upon  which  lays 
Hadley,  whose  street  reaches  from  the  river  at  Hatfield,  &  crossing 
as  the  string  of  a  Bow  the  point  round  which  the  river  directs  its 
course,  meets  the  river  in  its  course  again  at  the  other  end,  opposite 
to  Northampton.  The  street  of  Hadley  is  too  wide,  &  the  Church 
in  the  middle  does  not  add  a  good  effect.  Hatfield  less  than  North- 
hampton, but  larger  than  Deerfield,  or  Hadley,  lays  above  North- 
hampton, &  on  the  same  side  of  the  river.  It  is  irregular  but  more 
agreeable  to  the  view  than  Northhamj)ton.  It  is  however  to  be  no- 
ticed that  Hatfield  has  a  large  spire,  painted  red  up  to  the  wain. 
The  towns  which  lay  near  the  great  towns  on  the  river,  are  however 
very  [273]  unpromised,  such  as  Whately  on  the  road  from  Hatfield 
to  Deerfield,  &  Bernardston  from  Deerfield  to  Northfield.  This  last 
town  is  upon  the  bounds  of  the  Massachusetts.  It  has  a  Street, 
but  the  houses  are  placed  as  upon  the  sides  of  a  Country  Road,  & 
the  ('hurch  stands  in  the  middle.  Hinds  Dale  which  lays  above  is 
on  the  East  side  of  the  River  in  New  Hampshire,  &  on  the  West  in 
Vermont.  The  best  lands  are  in  the  possession  of  rich,  &  decent 
farmers.  But  the  common  soil  is  under  wretched  cultivation,  & 
strewed  over  with  wretched  Log  houses.     On  the  river  I  was  enter- 


94  DIARY  OP  [1788 

tained  from  the  favor  of  Judge  Jones  by  a  wealthy  Mr  Straten. 
The  Judge's  seat  was  upon  the  East  side  of  the  river  a  mile  below 
Fort  Dummer,  &  looked  like  a  little  city.  Fort  Dummer,  so  well 
known  in  the  history  of  New  England,  is  upon  the  west  side  of  the 
Connecticut,  in  a  Township  called  Brattleborough,  &  on  the  part 
nearest  to  Hinsdale.  The  road  at  1/2  a  mile  below  the  fort  is  near 
the  river,  &  the  land  rises  on  the  left.  The  road  then  goes  off  from 
the  river  so  that  at  the  fort  it  is  80  rods  to  the  road.  The  triangle 
made  by  the  public  road,  the  road  to  the  fort  &  the  river,  is  a  level 
meadow  [274]  which  the  fort  commands.  On  the  opposite  side  of 
the  river  the  land  is  very  high,  &  has  a  full  command  of  the  fort, 
which  gives  us  a  very  miserable  conception  of  the  engineer.  The 
river  in  this  place  runs  nearly  north  &  south.  The  south  west  cor- 
ner of  the  fort  remained,  &  enabled  to  form  some  idea  of  the  fort 
&  our  information  was  from  Capt  Waters,  who  lived  in  this  fort,  & 
whose  father  had  been  a  commander.  The  fort  was  upon  the  bank 
of  the  river,  about  10  feet  elevation,  &  consisted  of  logs,  being  8 
rods  upon  the  bank,  &  6  on  the  Eastern  Line,  on  the  East  side  a 
mound  of  earth  was  raised  of  12  feet,  &  at  each  Corner,  excepting 
the  N  east  were  2  stories  framed  square,  the  whole  height  being  N 
West  23  feet,  South  W  40  feet.  South  East  16  feet.  Upon  the  pa- 
rade nearer  East  than  West  was  a  Watch  Tower,  of  three  stories, 
each  9  feet,  upon  which  was  a  Centinel's  box,  &  to  that  a  May  Pole, 
or  flag  staff,  the  top  of  which  was  60  feet  from  the  ground.  Be- 
tween the  buildings  raised  in  the  corners  of  the  fort  were  hewn 
Logs,  14  feet  high,  mortised  into  perpendicular  posts,  &  trunneled 
into  each  other,  under  which  were  the  Barracks,  &  houses.  This 
was  the  account  given  on  the  spot  by  the  inhabitant.  [275]  Upon 
my  return  from  Deerfield,  I  passed  through  Pelham,  the  eastern  hill 
being  an  1/2  mile  of  a  steep  ascent,  and  the  land  miserable.  Here 
was  a  fort  as  well  as  at  Colrain,  &  it  must  be  a  mistake  by  which 
Pelham  fort  on  the  east  side  of  the  river,  is  placed  on  the  west 
(where  Colrain  fort  now  is)  by  the  latest  Geographers.  Greenwich 
is  poor  &  Oakham,  »!(:  the  whole  country  till  you  come  to  Rutland. 
As  you  ascend  the  hill  upon  the  top  of  which  is  the  Meeting  House, 
you  see  the  Monadnock  Hill  &  the  Wachuset  is  near  you  on  the 
left,  &  not  of  much  greater  elevation.  On  the  north  side  of  this 
hill,  &  on  your  left  were  the  celebrated  barracks.  Having  passed 
Rutland  we  came  &  lodged  at  a  public  House  kept  by  Major  Gen- 
eral Warner  in  Hardwick.  The  Meeting  House  with  the  neighbour- 
ing buildings  seemed  the  best  sight  I  saw  upon  this  road.  On  the 
next  day  we  arrived  at  Malborough,  &  soon  at  ('ambridge.  The 
state  of  religious  opinions  did  not  enable  me  to  form  any  hopes  of 
making  myself  happy  in  such  a  country  in  a  ministerial  character. 
[276]  April  3.  Arrived  in  the  Brig  Eliza,  Capt  Francis  Board- 
man  from  S'  Croix. 


1788] 


REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY 


96 


The  following  is  a  list  of  the  Church,  or  Christian  Communion, 
^Members  in  the  East  Parish  in  Salem,  taken  by  the  Reverend 
James  Diman,  Jan^'  29,  1778,  to  which  is  added  Members  since  re- 
ceived, &  the  time  of  admission. 


Margaret  Abbot.    Young  Widow. 

Abigail  Andrews.     Widow. 

Elizabeth  Andrew.     Wife  of  John. 

Elizabeth  Brown.     Dead. 

Mehitable  Babbidge.     Maiden,  dead 

Mary  Beadle.     Widow,  dead. 

[277]  Susannah  Babbidge.     Widow. 

Lydia  Babbidge.     Maiden. 

Hannah  Brown.     Widow. 

Mary  Berry.     Wife  of  John. 

Mary  Berry.     Widow  of  Oliver. 

William  Browne. 

Martha  Babbidge.  Wife  of  Christopher. 

Thomas  Barker.     Windham. 

W.  Susannah  Becket,  of  Wm. 

John  Becket.     Dead. 

Mary  Boardman.     Wife  of  Francis. 

Elizabeth  Becket.     Wife  of  John. 

Hannah  Becket.     Wid  of  Benja. 

Malcolm,  County  of  Lincoln. 

[278]    Mary  Cloutman.    Dead. 

Hannah  Collins.  Widow,  Marblehead 

Mary  Cloutman.     Dead. 

Abigail  Curtis.     Widow. 

Mary  Collins.    Widow. 

Eunice  Carlton.    Wife  of  Samuel. 

Hannah  Crowninshield.     Widow. 

Mary  Collins.     Dead, 

Elizabeth  Cann.    Flynt.  N:  Scotia. 

Daniel  Curtis.    Dead. 

Hannah  Cloutman.  Widow  of  Joseph. 

Mary  Diman.    Dead. 

Elizabeth  Derby.    Wife  of  E.  H. 

James  Diman.  jun'.     Stratham. 

[278]  Richard  Derby,  jun^     Dead. 

Sarah  Elvins.     Dead, 

Hepsibah  Elson,     Widow, 

Elizabeth  Elkins.    Greenwood. 

Sarah  Elkins.    Widow  of  John. 

Sarah  Fowle,     Maiden. 

Mary  Foot.    Dead. 

Mary  Frye.    Widow,  dead. 

Susannah  Flynt.    Widow. 

Lydia  Fiske.     Dead, 

Anna  Foot.    Wife  of  Samuel. 

Elizabeth  Fairfield.     Wife  of  John. 

Sarah  Gibaut.     Wife  of  Edward. 

Hannah  Hodges.     Dead. 

Mary  Hilliard.     Wife  of  David. 

Elizabeth  Herbert.     Dead. 

Lydia  Hardy.  Wife  of  Edm.Henfield. 

[279]  Ruth  Hardy,     of  Ropes  Benja. 

Edmund  Henfield. 

Mary  Hutchinson.     Wid:  of  Thomas. 

Mary  Ives.     W:  of  J.  Crowninshield. 


Elizabeth  Ives.  Widow  of  Benja  Bev- 
erley. 

Mary  Knap.     Dead. 

Sarah  Knight.     Widow  of  Nath: 

Nathaniel  Knight.     Dead. 

Sarah  Lacey,     Widow  Safford, 

Benjamin  Masury.     Dead. 

Mary  Mansfield,     Dead. 

Edey  Mansfield,     Dead. 

John  Mascoll.     Dead. 

Hannah  Mansfield.     Widow. 

[280]  Susannah  Mason.  Wife  of  Jon^, 
.Elizabeth  Meservey,     Mattoon. 

Margaret  Mansfield,     Skeldon. 

Hannah  Murray.     Wid:  of  Peter. 

Susannah  Mansfield.     Clough. 

Hannah  Murray.     Widow  of  Jona. 

Mary  Nourse.    Dead. 

Mary  Nourse.     Wardilloe. 

Nathaniel  Nourse.    Derryfield. 

Mary  Pickering,  Ellis  now  Widow 
Gardner,  Palfrey. 

Ruth  Phippen,     Maiden,  dead, 

Anne  Philpot.     Widow  Gale. 

David  Phippen,    Deacon,  dead. 

[231]  Sarah  Porter.     Widow. 

Mary  Presson.    Wife  of  Andrew. 

Samuel  Page.     Dead. 

Sarah  Palfrey.     Wife  of  Hunlock. 

Mehitable  Patterson.    Wife  of  W™. 

Ebenezer  Phippen. 

Elizabeth  Phippen.    Wife  of  Eben: 

Susannah  Ropes,     Widow. 

Eunice  Richardson.    Wife  of  Nath: 

Hannah  Revell,     Wife  of  John, 

Rebeccah,   A  Negro,  Turner's,  dead. 

Abigail  Silsbee.    Dead, 

Joanna  Silsbee.     Widow, 

Margaret  Swasey,    Widow. 

Mercy  Smith,     Maiden, 

Sarah  Swasey.     Dead. 

[282]  Elizabeth  Stone.     Dead. 

Martha  Silsbee.    Wife  of  Samuel. 

Mercy  Stevens.     Welman. 

Eunice  Stevens.     Widow. 

Thomas  Safiford.     Dead. 

Sarah  Silsbee.     Wife  of  Nath: 

Anstis  Stone.    Wife  of  Robert. 

Joseph  Smith. 

Elizabeth  Short.     Dead. 

Elizabeth  Safford.     Dead. 

Anne  Townsend.     Dead. 

Mary  Very.     Dead, 

Lydia  Valpy.     Widow. 

Abraham  Watson. 


96  DIAKY   OF  [1788 

Elizabeth  Watson.  Sarah  Whittemore.     Dead. 

Rachel  Ward.     Wife  of  Ebeuezer.  John  White  junr. 

[283]  Mary  Williams,  of  John,  dead.  Mary  Whitf  ord.     Widow  of  John. 

Priscilla  Webb.     Dead.  John  Watson. 

John  Wyatt.     Newbury,  dead.  Abigail  Watson.     Wife  of  John. 

Margaret  White.     Widow.  Benjamin  Ward. 

Edmoud  Whittemore.     Dead.  Martha  Young.    Widow,  dead. 

[284]  Since  January  29,  1778,  the  following  members  have  been 
admitted. 

1778.  March  8.  ]\[ary  King.    Webb.  Hodges.  Hannah  King,  of  W™ 
March  22.  Rebeccah  Fairfield.  Thom^  Deland,  Widow.  Eunice 

Bray. 
May  24.  Elizabeth  King.  Mason. 
Sept.  13.  Lydia  Clary.  Dead. 
Nov''  22.  Peter  Chever.  Dead. 

1779.  Eeby  7.  Mercy  Brown,  of  W"  dead.  Mary  Collins,  of  John. 
Feby  14.  Thomas  Diman. 

1780.  March  26.  Mary  Burchmore,  of  John. 
December  24.  Mary  Kopes  of  W™. 
Dec'"  31.  Hannah  Ingersol,  of  J°°. 

1781.  March  11.  Eunice  Mason.  Harraden.  Mary  Diman,  Lois  Diman. 
[285]  1782.  March    24.    Priscilla    Gill.    Simons.    Sarah    Hobbes. 

Anstis  Phippen. 
April  28.  Margaret  Phippen.  Rebecca  Phippin.  King. 
Aug.  18.  Mary  Felt,  of  John. 

1783.  Sept  24.  William  Bentley. 
April  25.  Lydia  Watkins,  of  Sam^ 
May  23.  Elizabeth  Collins.  Wid. 

1784.  Oct.  30.  Hannah  Haskell.  Widow. 

[286.]  April  10.  Arrived,  Capt  Joseph  W^aters.  Arrived  in  the 
Brig,  Dispatch,  Capt  Johnson  Briggs,  Capt  Joseph  White,  Sam^  In- 
gersoll  commander. 

A  repetition  of  the  List  beginning  at  page  276.  Such  only  are 
included  as  live  within  the  Parish  Limits,  or  attend  Public  worship. 

Abigail  Andrews,  Widow  at  the  Hannah  Brown,  Widow. 

Corner.  Bed  Ridden.  [287]  Manj,  Wife  of  John  Berry, 

Elizabeth,  wife  of  John  Andrew,  Mariner,    living    in    Daniel's 

Jeweller,     living  in     the    G.  Lane. 

Street.  Mary,  Widow  of  Oliver  Berry. 

Susannah      Babbidge,     TVidow,  William  Browne,  Warden. 

School-dame,  living  in  the  G.  Susannah,  Widow  of  W"  Becket. 

Street.  Elizabeth,  Wife  of  John  Becket, 

Lydia  Babbidge,  Maiden,  living  Ship  Carpenter. 

with  the  above  Susannah.  Mary,  Wife  of   Francis   Board- 

Martha,    Wife    of    Christopher  man,  Mariner,  on  the  Common. 

Babbidge,  Mariner,  living  in  Abigail  Curtis,  Widow. 

the  G.  Street.  Mary,  Widow  of  James  Collins. 


1788] 


KEY.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY 


97 


Mar}/,  Wife  of  John  Collins, 
Mariner,  Turner's  Lane. 

Elizabeth  Collins,  Widow. 

Eunice,  Wife  of  Samuel  Carleton, 
^lariner,  Long  Wharf  Lane. 

Hannah  Crownin shield.  Widow. 

Mary  [ ]  Ives. 

[288]  Hannah  Cloutman,  Wid- 
ow of  Joseph. 

Thomas  Diman. 

Elizabeth,  Wife  of  E.  H.  Derby. 

Sarah,  Widow  of  John  Elkins. 

Anna,  Wife  of  Samuel  Foot. 

Elizabeth,  Wife  of  John  Fairfield. 

Rebecca,  Wife  of  W'"  Fairfield. 

Mary  Gardner,  Widow. 

Sarah,  Wife  of  Edw  :  Gibaut. 

Friscilla,  Wife  of  John  Gill. 

Mary,  Wife  of  David  Hilliard. 

Mary,  Widow  of  Thomas  Hutch- 
inson. 

Hannah,  Wife  of  Benj*  Hodges. 

Mary,  Widow  of  J.  Crownin- 
shield,  formerly  Ives. 

Sarah,  Widow  of  Nath.  Knight. 

Rebecca,  Wife  of  W"  King. 

Hannah  Mansfield,  Widow. 
School  dame. 

Susannah,  wife  of  Jona  Mason. 

Elizabeth,  wife  of  Jona  Mason 
2d. 

[289]  Hannah,  Widow  of  Peter 
Murray. 


Hannah,  AVidow  of  Jon"  Murray. 

Anne  Philpot,  now  Gale,  AVidow. 

Mary,  AVife  of  Andrew  Presson. 

Mehitable,  AVife  of  AV"'  Patter- 
son. 

Ebenezer  Phippen. 

Elizabeth,  AA^ife  of  Ebenezer. 

A?istis  Phippen. 

Margaret  Phippen. 

Eunice,  AVife  of  Nath:  Richard- 
son. 

Hannah,  Wife  of  John  Revelle. 

Mary,  AVife  of  AV"  Popes. 

Joanna  Silsbee,  widow. 

Margaret  Swasey,  widow. 

Mercy  Smith,  Maiden. 

Martha,  Wife  of   Sam^   Silsbee. 

Eimice  Stevens,  AVidow. 

Sarah,  Wife  of  Nath.  Silsbee. 

Anstis,  AVife  of  Robert  Stone. 

Lydia  A^alpy,  AVidow. 

[290]  Abraham  AVatson. 

John  Watson. 

Elizabeth,  AVife  of  Abraham 
AVatson. 

Abigail,  AVife  of  John  Watson. 

Rachel,  AVife  of  Ebenz:  AVai'd. 

Margaret  White.  AVidow. 

John  White. 

Mercy  Welman,  AVidow. 

Mary  Whitford,  Widow. 

Benj°'  AVard,  AVarden. 

Margaret  Young,  Widow. 


April  12.  To  Miss  Hannah  Webb.  Tho'  I  blame  your  severe 
modesty,  which  prevents  your  being  known  &  distinguished, — &  like 
a  flower  unseen  makes  you  waste  your  sweetness  still — with  a  Copy 
of  Farquhar. 

April  14.  At  the  Fast,  the  Contribution  exceeded  12£,  an  increase 
of  three  pounds  upon  any  former  contribution.  [291]  Two  Light 
houses  on  North  end  of  Plumb  Island,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Merri- 
mack. To  go  over  Newbury  Bar,  observing  the  tide  keep  the  two 
lights  in  one,  till  within  two  lengths  of  the  shore,  then  coursing  by 
the  beach,  there  is  a  safe  anchoring  near  the  western  Lighthouse 
in  3  fathoms.  A  vessel  near  the  Rocks  of  Cape  Ann,  called,  the 
Salvages,  steering  N.  AV.  five  leagues  will  come  up  with  the  Bar  in 


98 


DIARY   OF 


[1788 


10  fathoms.  There  is  good  anchorage  in  12  fathoms  1/2  a  league 
short  of  the  Bar. 

The  Lighthouses  East  and  west  of  each  other  are  constructed  to 
move  as  the  Bar  shifts.  Upon  Plumb  Island,  three  miles  asunder 
are  three  small  houses  for  the  shipwrecked  mariners,  near  the  beach, 
with  high  poles.  Strangers  are  advised  to  tarry  on  board  their 
vessels.  N.  B.  There  are  seven  feet  of  water  upon  the  shoal  part 
of  the  bar  at  low  water,  &  at  half  tide  better  than  eleven. 

A  list  of  the  persons  who  received  the  charities  of  the  last 
Thanksgiving  &  Fast,  the  Widow  Hannah  Murray,  being  added 
upon  the  list. 


[292]  Sus :  Beadle. 
My  Burrass. 
Sus :  Becket. 
Mary  Burke. 
Wid.  Beadle. 
Ab.  Curtis. 
Wid.  Cox. 
Wid.  H.  Cloutman. 
Wid.  Cloutman. 
Marg.  Clarke. 
Eliz.  Collins. 


Wid.  Foot. 
Wid.  Hodgdon. 
Wid.  King. 
Wid.  Lander. 
Ab.  Laskin. 
Han.  Mansfield. 
Wid.  Masury. 
Mary  Masury. 
Wid.  Murray. 
Abig :  Masury. 
Eliz  :  Marsh. 


Wid.  Kenew. 
Mary  Swasey. 
Wid.  Sarle. 
Wid.  Silver. 
Ab.  Tozzer. 
Mary  Valpy. 
Mary  Wliitefoot. 
Wid.  Webb. 
Mary  Young. 
Youlin. 


April  20.  La  mort  de  serin  des  Canaries  de  Madame  Hannah 
Hodges.  Sailed,  Capt  Joseph  Waters. 

21.  Tradidi.  M.  H.  Hodges  Carduelem  mas  :  at  se  conjungeret 
cum  passere  canaria,  nunc  vidua. 

[293]  April  22.  Omni  materia  comportata,  hodie  opus  faciundi 
pontis  paratum  est  et  ex  hoc  tempore  pons  institui  captus  est,  in 
flumen  Septentrionale,  errans  intu  Salem  et  Beverley. 

I  have  adopted  many  opinions  abhorrent  of  my  early  prejudices, 
&  am  still  ready  to  receive  truth  upon  proper  evidence  from  what- 
ever quarter  it  may  come.  I  think  more  honor  done  to  God  in  re- 
jecting Xtianity  itself  in  obedience  to  my  convictions,  than  in  any 
ferver,  which  is  pretended,  towards  it,  &  I  hope  that,  no  poverty 
which  I  can  dread,  or  hope  I  can  entertain,  will  weaken  my  resolu- 
tions to  act  upon  my  convictions.  The  only  evidence  I  wish  to  have 
of  my  integrity  is  a  good  life,  &  as  to  faith,  his  can't  be  wrong 
whose  life  is  in  the  right.  [294]  You  are  acquainted  with  my 
avowed  disbelief  of  the  Trinity,  or  of  any  being,  who  governs,  or 
influences  human  affairs  but  God  the  Father.  I  have  been  suffi- 
ciently explicit  on  the  Subject.  As  to  the  M.  C.  it  has  but  an  in- 
direct connection  with  the  Controversy,  &  can  be  introduced  only 
by  an  examination  of  the  Inspiration  of  the  Scriptures,  so  that  the 
open  discussion  must  be  preceeded  by  some  very  critical  enquiries. 
My  first  apprehensions  are  removed  in  consequence  of  an  attempt 


1788]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  99 

to  hold  this  jiass,  by  asserting  the  i)lenary  inspiration.  But  from 
the  want  of  Generalship,  the  desersions  are  so  freqiient  that  I  hope 
soon  to  go  through  without  interruptions,  &c.  &c.  yours. 

April  25.  Cardueli  reddito,  niisi  passeres  Canarias. 

April  25.  Ovum  paueit  Passer  Canaria  apud  J°  Fiske  armigerum. 

April  27.  In  the  Pamphlet  containing  Bp.  Seabury  Charity  Ser- 
mon at  Trinity  Church  is  an  account  of  their  Fimd,  which  in  1783, 
exclusive  of  the  interest,  [295]  amounted  to  dB  1383.7.  the  members 
then  voted  to  make  it  £1700,  &  new  members  to  pay  entrance  30/. 
Being  incorporated  Feb^  1784,  yearly  Subscriptions  £75,  annual 
interest  £130.  Members  annually,  at  least  4  dollars.  Number  of 
Members,  788.  fifty. 

April  27.  Fortune  Kolfe,  wife's  delivery.  John  Berry  &  Wife, 
her  sick  of  a  fever. 

Extract  from  a  Letter  to  Winthrop.  Upon  Lexicons.  The  price 
of  a  work  of  this  kind,  depends  upon  its  author,  age,  &  edition. 
We  might  suppose  the  more  modern  the  better,  but  the  plans  of  ren- 
dering such  works  more  simple,  have  not  been  favorable  to  Oriental 
Literature.  The  History  of  such  works  especially  the  modern  part 
I  am  not  fully  acquainted  with,  but  from  what  I  have  seen,  V)oth 
antient  &  modern,  I  am  prejudiced  against  Pentaglott's,  Heptaglots, 
&  Polyglots.  Schindler  expresses  the  whole  Pentaglot  in  the  Chal- 
dee  characters,  a  strange  presumption  when  all  the  Alphabets  have 
not  the  same  numl^er  of  letters,  &  deserves  in  the  execution  much 
about  the  same  respect  as  your  publishers  of  Circles  of  sciences  in 
which  everything  is  promised  &  nothing  distinctly  known.  [296] 
The  great  success  of  Gryevius,  Grenovius,  in  Latin,  Stevens,  &  Port- 
ryal  in  Greek,  Buxtorf  in  Hebrew,  Pocock  Arabic,  &  Kennicott  in 
the  late  Collations  confirms  the  opinion  that  concentred  force  is  the 
greatest  &  discourages  me  from  looking  into  Authors  who  treat  of 
everything. 

For  the  Cabinet.  Chinese  Coins.  Caexas.  Two  Indian  &  Chinese 
Eazors. 

Vermont  Paper  Money.  Five  Shillings.  The  Possessor  oi  iYiis,  Bill 
shall  be  paid  by  the  Treasurer  of  the  State  of  Vermont  Five  Shillings 
in  silver,  at  six  shillings  &  eight  pence  per  Ounce  by  the  first  day 
of  June,  A.  D.  1782.  By  order  of  Assembly,  Windsor,  February, 
1781,  signed  by  two  face  Scales  joined  at  bottom  with  the  thirteen 
links,  Avithin  towards  the  balance,  light.  Under  towards  the  links, 
a  single,  disconnected  Ring.  Motto,  Vermont  calls  for  Justice. 
On  the  face  of  others  the  Scales  are  alike  suspended,  the  rings  form 
a  circle  passing  over  the  Scales,  in  the  upper  [297]  part  towards 
the  balance.  In  the  circle  the  disconnected  Ring,  motto  the  same. 
On  the  Reverse,  The  Sum  Coarse  Chequer  Death  to  Counterfeit, 
WESTMINSTER.  Printed  by  Spooner  &  Green,  1781.  In  half 
crowns,  shillings  &  Pounds.  1/2  Crowns  &  Five  Shillings,  on  the 
reverse  a  flowered  edge. 


100 


DIARY   OF 


[1788 


Mr  Hazlitt  upou  his  arrival  in  England  settled  in  Wem  in  Shrop- 
shire, &  received  from  a  Mr  Tayleur  an  acknowledgement  of  thirty 
pounds  sterling,  for  his  sermon  printed  at  Fahuouth.  mentioned  p.  98. 

May  2.  Arrived,  Schr.  Industry,  Capt  M'^Gregore,  from  N.  Caro- 
lina. 

May  3.  Mr  Cox  who  built  the  Bridge  over  the  Mystic,  informed 
me,  that  the  length  of  that  Bridge  within  the  abutments  was  2000 
feet,  the  piers  100  at  20  feet  distance  and  the  depth  of  water  at  low 
water  greatest  from  9  to  12  feet.  [299]  Mr  Cabot  from  actual 
measure  represents  the  distance  over  Beverley  Ferry  as  the  Bridge 
is  to  run  at  1530  feet.  The  piers  are  to  be  16  1/2  feet  apart,  &  the 
first  pier  was  sunk  in  a  mudsill  on  Saturday,  May  3,  1788. 

Received  from  Pintard  of  Madeira  a  Barrel  of  Lemons.  Their 
distribution  was  as  follows. 


Rev*^  Diman,  2  dozen. 
S.  Archer,  1/2  dozen, 
M"  Elkins,  dozen. 
M"  H.  Elkins,  dozen. 
M"  Sleuman,  dozen. 
N.  Silsbee,  dozen. 
M"  Ward,  dozen  &  1/2. 
Treas.  Brown,  2  dozen. 
M"  Gibaut,  2  dozen. 
M"  Webb,  1/2  dozen. 
M"  Mason,  dozen  &  1/2. 
M"  Allen,  dozen  &  1/2. 
M"  Hodges,  dozen  &1/2. 
M"  Lambert,  dozen  &  1/2. 


Jno.  White,  2  dozen. 
M''*  Collins,  dozen  &  1/2. 
Mess  :  Mason  jun"",  dozen. 

English,  dozen. 

Vincent,  2  dozen. 

Gaines,  dozen. 

Gardiner,  dozen. 

Jon'*  Archer,  1/2  dozen. 
M"  West,  dozen. 
M"  Jos.  "VVhite,  dozen. 
The  Bridge,  2  dozen. 
32  dozen  &  1/2. 
1/2  left. 


[301]  May  17.  A  Mr  Brock,  set.  23,  fell  from  a  mast,  &  died 
instantly. 

May  18,     John  Hill,  wife's  delivery. 

May  19,  Attended  a  meeting  of  Ward  N"*  1,  for  the  election  of 
military  Officers,  &  was  of  a  Committee  to  wait  upon  John  Derby, 
Captain  elect. 

May  20.  A  Building  for  a  Tan  House  was  raised  byMr  Chever  on 
the  road  leading  to  the  Bridge,  May  22, 

'■'   [302]  May  25,     Notes,   Hannah  Webb,   delivery.   Husband   at 
Sea.     Seeth  Ropes,  delivery,  Husb.  at  Sea. 

May  28.  Went  to  Boston,  &  tarried  at  the  General  Election  & 
Convention.  Two  very  singular  events  engaged  the  public  attention. 
The  first  was  the  faulty  proceeding  of  Mr  Everett  which  was  at- 
tended with  the  delivery  of  his  wife  in  6  months  after  marriage. 
The  second  was,  an  open  charge  of  forgery  upon  the  P.  of  Math,  in 
Cambridge.  The  overseers  appointed  a  Court  of  enquiry,  which 
was  a  Committee  of  9  persons,  whose  meeting  was  on  the  27  instant. 


1788]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  101 

[303]  June  1.  Xotes  for  "Wife  of  Manual  Choshull,  dangerously 
sick.  Jon*  Archer  junr  &  wife,  death  of  Sister  Moses,  the  third  in 
a  short  time,  &  for  friends  at  Sea. 

June  6.  Wrote  to  Winthrop  respecting  the  Election  of  a  New- 
Professor,  a  description  of  Coins,  &  requesting  of  a  Commission  for 
T.  W. 

[304]  June  15.  John  Andrew,  Wife's  delivery.  Continued  a 
fire  in  the  Chamber  without  interruption  on  Sunday  evenings,  till 
this  evening.  The  air  was  very  cold  this  evening.  An  order  has 
arrived  for  four  additional  companies  in  the  Militia. 

[305]  On  Friday,  20'^^  a  young  child  of  M^  Dean's*  being  left  to 
play  with  the  children  in  a  necessary,  being  a  few  minutes  alone, 
fell  into  the  vault  &  perished.  On  Saturday,  a  young  son  of  Capt 
Allen  fell  from  the  mast  of  a  Vessel  &  broke  his  thigh. 

22.  Notes.  Benj*  Brown,  wife's  delivery,  Brother  at  Sea. 
Thomas  Rowell,  wife's  delivery. 

On  Monday,  23,  we  had  news  that  the  Federal  Constitution  was 
accepted  in  New  Hampshire  by  a  majority.  Yeas,  57.  Nays,  46. 
Majority,  11.  The  Bells  rang  in  Town,  &  there  was  Procession  at 
Noon,  of  which  the  children  of  the  Schools  made  the  principal  part. 
In  arranging  the  Toasts  it  was  proposed  to  add  [306]  Trade,  between 
Agriculture,  Commerce  &  Fishery.  But  the  connection  was  overruled 
by  a  celebrated  Protestant  so  that  the  most  useful  &  numerous  order 
of  citizens  was  forgotten  in  the  ceremonies  of  the  day.  As  soon  as 
the  procession  reached  the  Common,  there  was  an  heavy  shower  of 
rain,  which  prevented  any  use  of  the  tables  on  the  Common.  The 
provision  was  carried  into  the  Court  street,  &  wantonly  wasted. 
The  officers  broke  their  tables  at  the  Sun,  &  caroused  for  the  night 
at  each  others'  houses. 

June  21.  Andrews'  Tann  Yard  at  the  Common  bought  by  Chever 
&  Gardner,  &  carried  north  the  whole  width,  &  a  new  part  put  in 
upon  the  junction  of  the  north  west,  &  south  east  parts.  Pasca 
Foots'  building,  on  the  street  leading  to  the  Neckgate,  between 
[307]  Turner's  &  Becket  Lane,  moved  round  &  repaired.  Webb's 
House  on  the  Common  had  an  addition  of  a  Shop  on  the  front  north 
side.f  Capt  Mason  built  a  Shop  on  the  common  East  of  his  own 
dwelling  House.  J 

June  29.  Notes.  Hannah§  Dean  &  children,  death  of  child, 
Husband  &  Son  at  Sea.  Widow  Mary  Collins,  death  of  G.  child, 
Son  &  friends  at  Sea.  The  East  end  of  the  Cottage  purchased  by 
Jn°  Archer.  Harbort's  House  ||  in  Derby  Lane  purchased  by  Capt 
Patterson. 

•Benjamin  Dean. 

tAt  one  time  occupied  by  Samuel  Webb,  silversmith. 

iXhis  house  was  afterwards  removed  to  the  comer  of  Federal  Street  Court.    The 
Salem  Club  house  is  located  on  the  original  site. 
§SbouId  be  Susannah. 
llCapt.  Benjamin  Herbert? 


102  DIARY  OF  [1788 

July  1.     died  Female  Goldfinch. 

July  6.  Widow  Eliza  :  Murray,  death  of  Husband,  &  Sons  at 
Sea.  Widow  Mary  Becket  &  children,  death  of  her  Br.  Murray. 
Barnabas  Herrick  «S:  wife,  death  of  her  Br.  Murray.  [308]  Thom- 
as Keene  &  wife,  delivery  &  Son  at  Sea.  Nath :  Batchelor  &  wife, 
delivery,  Brother  at  Sea.  Read  the  Brief  in  favor  of  the  Society 
for  propogating  the  Gospel. 

July  13.  Notes.  B.  Dean  &  Son,  death  sudden  of  youngest 
child,  and  return  from  Sea.  Emme  Kimball,  Murder  of  B.  N.  C. 
Webb,  by  Pirates,  May  20.  Pirates  executed  at  Charlestown. 
Capt  Patterson  bought  Harbort's  House  in  Derby's  lane,  back  of 
Millett's.  Sailed  in  Ship  from  Boston,  July  12,  Capt  Patterson  for 
West  Indies.  The  Brief  in  favor  of  the  Society  for  prop.  Gospel 
obtained  a  Contribution  amounting  to  13  dollars. 

[309]  July  14.  A  young  man,  Green,  belonging  to  Boston,  fell 
from  the  piers,  &  bruised  himself.  He  was  Son  to  M''  Green,  an 
apprentice  of  my  G.  Father,  &  therefore  entitled  to  particular  at- 
tention from  me.  I  carried  to  him  D""  Paine,  who  generously  offered 
the  services,  gratis. 

July  20.  John  Andrew  &  wife,  death  of  youngest  child.  Oliver 
Webb,  death  of  Brother  N.  C.  Webb  &  Brother  at  sea.  Last  Sat- 
urday Mr  Cox  was  dismissed  from  the  Bridge  by  the  Directors  up- 
on an  open  affront  between  them.  The  conduct  of  that  work  is 
now  changed  into  quite  different  hands.  [310]  Sailed  Sch  :  In- 
dustry, July  19*'',  Capt  E.  Allen,  for  Europe.  Arrived  July  14, 
Capt  J.  Collins  from  Jamaica,  in  a  Nova  Scotia  Bottom. 

Reasons  for  dismissing  Mr  Cox  from  the  Bridge  at  Beverley. 

1.  That  Mr  Cox  did  not  consider  the  first  proposals  of  the  Di- 
rectors, as  a  positive  agreement,  but  immediately  insisted  on  other 
terms,  to  which  the  directors  consented,  &  on  which  they  acted  for 
three  months. 

2.  That  Mr  Cox  did  not  approve  of  the  needless  interference  of 
the  Directors,  &  their  subordinate  agent,  with  the  workmen, 

3.  That  he  disapproved  of  the  capricious  changing  of  the  work- 
men. 

4.  That  he  wrote  a  letter  to  the  Salem  Directors,  because  he 
thought  them  ignorant  of  the  Transactions. 

5.  Because  under  the  resentment  of  the  directors,  he  told  the 
authority  upon  which  he  had  proceeded,  &  [311]  offered  to  acknowl- 
edge any  errors  of  which  he  might  be  convicted,  &  lastly,  because 
he  must  have  been  addicted  to  different  conduct  in  an  afternoon 
from  a  forenoon,  because  he  affronted  Mr.  G.  C*  in  an  afternoon  & 
this  admits  a  question  whether  he  be  a  sober  man  all  day. 

J\\\j  21.  Letter  to  Cox.  It  is  not  with  grief  only,  but  Avith  in- 
dignation,   I  learn  the  treatment  you  have  received.     I  can  bear 

•Crcorge  Cabot. 


1788]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  103 

witness  to  a  conduct  manly  &  faithful,  so  far  as  I  have  known  you, 
&  I  pray  God  to  give  you  resolution  not  to  forfeit  the  good  charac- 
ter, I  think  you  deserve.  I  regret  that  any  of  my  friends  are  blind- 
ed to  your  merit  by  party.  Accompanied  with  the  gift  of  Pike's 
arithmetic,  which  had  been  borrowed.  The  directors  have  already 
sent  to  examine  the  other  Bridges,  but  have  been  mortified  by  their 
insuccess. 

[312]  July  24.  Letter  to  &  from  M'"  Herrick*  respecting  de- 
gree at  Cambridge,  &c. 

Aug.  10.  John  Collins  &  wife,  death  of  his  mother.  Copper 
Coin  nearly  the  size  of  a  dollar  with  the  arms  of  Portugal,  elegaait 
inscription.  Maria.  1.  et.  Petrus  III.  Dei.  gratia,  and  ou  the  reverse 
a  wreath  inclosing  17x77,  and  round  an  inscription.  Portugalia.  et. 
Algarbiorum.  Reges.  [313]  Copper  of  the  size  of  English  half  pence, 
with  the  face  &  shield  of  a  pistareen.  Ins.  Philip  :  V.  D.  G.  Hisp : 
Rex.  and  on  the  reverse  a  lion  crowned,  globe  &  Sceptre.  Ins  : 
Utrumq  :  Virt :  Protego  :  1742.  Coppers  stamped  XII.  on  one  part, 
&  opposite  on  the  same  side  16  effaced,  on  the  reverse  VIII.  63.  and 
other  confused  marks.  On  Sunday,  Aug.  3,  B.  Barnard  sent  for  an 
exchange,  in  order  that  in  his  absence  the  Committee  might  detain 
the  Congregation  in  order  to  notify  them  of  the  great  delinquency 
of  the  Society  in  their  payments.  Great  agitations  were  occasioned, 
without  any  very  serious  consequences. 

August  12.     The  Association  met  at  MacKeen's,  Beverley. 

August  13.  Our  Militia,  Train  Band,  mustered  300  men,  &  dis- 
tinguished themselves  by  a  uniformly  good  behavior.  [314]  Au- 
gust 12.  Died  D"^  Putnam,t  71.  A  good  friend  to  public  worship 
&  the  Clergy. 

Aug.  15.  Received  from  M'^  H.  Greigs,  Merchant  at  Gottenbui-g, 
a  Swedish  Dictionary,  as  a  present  by  my  friend  Hodges. 

August  17'".  Notes.  Jn°  Collins  &  wife,  death  of  his  brother. 
Lydia  Murray,  d  :  of  her  mother. 

August  21.  Arrived  Capt  T.  Bro^vn  (Chever's),  Sloop  Exchange,  fr. 
S'  Eustatia,  in  whom  Capt  Josiah  Orne  came  Passenger  having  sold 
his  Vessel. 

August  19.  A  ^M""  Patterson  &  a  friend  came  from  Cape  Ann,  at 
which  they  touched,  to  see  Capt  Allen's  family. 

[315]  August  1.  The  first  ordination  by  Bp.  Provost  of  New 
York  was  on  Sunday,  July  15,  1787. 

Aug.  26.  On  Wednesday,  I  set  out  with  Charles  for  Newbury. 
On  Thursday  I  went  down  to  Newbury  Bar,  &  the  Lights  accom- 
panied by  M""  Jackson,  Capt  Noyes,  &  Sv  Mycall.  Friday  I  returned. 
[316]  The  New  Lights  Tunes  rxm  very  high.  Two  Sermons  were 
delivered  upon  the  first  afternoon  after  my  arrival.     On  Aug.  20, 

•Probably  Jacob  Herrick,  a  classmate. 

tDr.  Ebenezer  PntDam.  Lived  at  tbe  comer  of  wbat  is  now  WaBtaiDgtoD  aod  Cbnrcb 
streets. 


104  DIAliY  OF  [1788 

M''  Story  of  Marblehead,  attended  cue  of  the  New  Light  meetings 
contrary  to  an  express  agreement  with  Mr  Hubbard,  &  without  his 
knowledge.  M''  H's  resentment  was  strong,  &  his  church  interested 
themselves  in  the  affair.  In  consequence  they  made  application  to 
the  Clergy  of  Salem.  But  the  general  disapprobation  shewn  to  M"^ 
S's  conduct  on  the  next  Sunday  by  the  absence  of  M"^  S's  principal 
parishioners,  occasioned  his  most  humble  concessions,  &  a  full 
acknowledgement  of  his  error.  See  HonV®  Hooper's  Letter  occa- 
sioned by  a  personal  conference  on  the  subject.  Such  are  the  exer- 
tions of  a  certain  class  of  Preachers,  called  Hopkintonians  that 
weekly,  &  almost  daily,  lectures  are  established  in  many  towns  of 
Essex,  and  we  are  told  that  M""  Tappan  of  Newbury  has  been  carried 
away  by  their  dissimulation. 

[317]  Sept.  7.  Note.  Lydia  Dean,  death  of  child,  Husb  :  & 
Brethren  at  Sea. 

Sept.  9.     Association  met  at  Marblehead  at  Mr  Story's. 

Sept.  7.     Arrived  at  Boston,  Jon*  Mason. 

Sept.  9.     Died  M"  Cabot*,  wife  of  Francis, 

Sept.  12.  Saw  with  Mr  Pulling  a  Wax  Impression  of  the  Seal 
for  Essex  Bridge,  of  which  I  promised  a  copy  to  Mr.  Mason.  The 
last  pier  of  Essex  Bridge  was  raised  on  Sept.  6. 

[318]  September  23.  Capt.  W™  Fairfield,  Felicity,  Sch.  sailed, 
according  to  the  Clearance,  for  Cape  de  Verd  Islands.  It  is  sup- 
posed from  the  Cargo,  this  latter  carried,  &  the  character  of  the 
owner,  that  this  Vessel  is  intended  for  the  slave  trade.  The  owner 
confesses  he  has  no  reluctance  in  selling  any  part  of  the  human 
race.  The  event  in  its  probable  consequences  gives  great  pain  to 
thinking  men,  and  in  consideration  of  the  owner's  easy  circum- 
stances, is  supposed  to  betray  signs  of  the  greatest  moral  depravity. 
It  is  daring  presumption  to  dictate  to  divine  wisdom,  but  when 
God's  judgements  are  abroad  in  the  earth,  sinners  will  tremble. 
The  positive  law  of  this  Commonwealth  is  against  the  Slave  Trade, 
which  it  is  to  be  hoped,  will  be  seriously  noticed. 

[319]  The  account  of  Essex  Bridge  in  the  Gazette  of  Salem,  is 
as  follows.  From  Abutment  to  Abutment  is  1484  feet  long. 
Breadth,  32.  Piers,  93.  The  Draw  is  30  feet  wide.  The  Wharves 
on  each  side,  at  the  draw  are  60  feet  long.  And  it  is  to  have  12 
lamps.  On  the  24'^  the  Bridge  was  passed  free  of  toll,  «&  its 
Erection  celebrated  in  the  following  manner.  Public  Notice  was 
given  of  the  day.  The  Proprietors  dined  together  in  Beverley,  with 
whom  dined  the  L.  Governor  Lincoln,  &  Hon:  John*  Jackson.  The 
Workmen  were  entertained  in  the  Rope  walk,  facing  the  bridge. 
The  Bridge  was  decorated  with  the  Colors  of  all  nations,  &  the  pop- 
ulace amused  by  walking  over  the  Bridge,  &  in  the  Lanes  adjoining. 
The  Concourse  was  great,  &  the  several  Parties  forgot  their  resent- 

•Mra.  Nancy,  daughter  of  John  and  Sarah  (Pickering)  Clarke,  ae.  27y. 


SEAL  OF  THE   SECOND   CORPS   OF  CADETS,    SALEM, 
In  use  before  I  860. 


SEAL  OF  THE   PROPRIETORS    OF   ESSEX    BRIDGE. 


1788]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  105 

meat  on  the  occasiou.  Vessels  passed  the  draw,  one  against  the 
tide  without  ditticultj.  [320]  The  Bridge  is  named  the  Essex 
Bridge  and  the  Proprietors  being  incorporated  have  a  Seal  on  the 
Top  in  a  label  Essex  Bridge.  Inscription  round  the  Seal  is  Cereri 
concedit  Keptunus.  The  Bridge  is  represented  in  the  center,  Nep- 
tune with  his  trident  in  the  water,  Ceres  with  a  cornucopia  on  the 
Bridge.  The  perspective  is  not  very  good,  &  the  Ceres  very  indis- 
tinct. Neptune  contended  with  Minerva  for  Athens,  Ceres  inter- 
feres here  against  history  &  allegory  to  build  Bridges  out  of  Corn- 
stalks. 

Continued  from  page  216.*  As  Mr.  G.  was  of  professed  deistical 
opinions,  which  became  odious  in  him  from  his  prophane  manners, 
this  event  occasioned  great  speculation,  and  although  the  matter 
was  not  opened  to  us  as  was  intended,  yet  after  this  length  of  time 
it  has  appeared.  The  deceased  made  a  will  in  favor  of  his  Cousin, 
by  which  he  committed  his  children  to  him,  &  by  the  settlement 
[321]  the  interest  was  found  in  the  Cousin's  hands,  the  deceased 
having  no  property  of  any  valuable  amount.  In  the  course  of  life 
he  had  discovered  a  preference  to  a  M"  P —  alias  E —  alias  G — 
This  preference  was  public,  &  in  contempt  of  his  lawful  wife.  To 
her,  after  marriage  to  the  Cousin,  the  children  were  to  be  committed, 
&  taken  wholly  from  the  natural  parent.  The  boasted  virtues  of 
the  parties  drew  the  public  attention.  The  wife  of  the  deceased 
■was  soon  dismissed,  after  a  little  redress,  for  her  injuries  from  the 
Judge  of  Probate.  The  children  turned  upon  her  when  without 
food  or  clothing.  In  the  settlement  of  the  Estate  with  the  Aunts, 
an  account  of  1300  LM.f  was  turned  against  him  into  a  considera- 
ble debt,  &  all  the  goods  attached  by  a  brother  for  money  borrowed 
at  the  wedding.  The  brother's  necessities  drove  him  to  the  Law, 
&  the  mother's  distresses  drove  her  to  the  overseers  of  the  Town 
Poor  for  relief.     So  stands  the  affair  in  September,  1788. 

[322]  The  weather  very  changeable  this  month.  We  have  felt 
the  extremes  of  heat  &  cold  of  a  European  climate. 

Sept.  28,  was  the  first  Sunday  after  the  close  of  the  fifth  year  of 
my  ministry.  In  consequence  I  thought  of  a  subject  proper  to 
follow  the  sermons,  which  had  been  commonly  preached  at  such 
times.  And  as  the  abuse  of  the  order  was  a  common  objection,  it 
was  admitted  as  a  proper  subject  on  this  occasion.  The  Law 
against  Slavery,  the  outward  bound  passage  of  a  vessel  for  Guinea, 
as  mentioned  p.  318,  led  me  to  think  of  the  general  conversation  on 
the  Slave  Trade,  &  as  the  Clergy  were  mentioned  as  having  pro- 
cured the  Law  against  it,  to  think  what  had  been  said  against  them. 
It  so  happened  that  the  owner  of  the  Guinea  Vessel  uttered  in  the 
preceeding  week  many  hard  things  upon  the  subject  of  the  Clergy, 

•Original  pagination. 
tProbably  "  lawful  money." 


106  DIARY  OF  [1788 

&c.  The  sermon  also  touched  at  the  objection,  some  men  have 
against  [323]  any  liberty  granted  to  ministers  to  enter  minutely 
into  the  circumstances  of  men,  &c.,  upon  which  a  Parishioner  had 
declared  himself.  This  Parishioner  instigated  the  owner  to  a  resent- 
ment of  the  sermon  as  a  personal  affair,  &  after  having  expressed  the 
most  ungoverned  resentment,  the  owner  came  to  my  house  in  the 
evening,  &  demanded  satisfaction,  whether  it  was  a  personal  affair, 
&  without  waiting  for  an  answer,  threatened  his  resentment,  should 
he  dislike  the  answer.  The  matter  subsided  after  a  little  conver- 
sation but  not  before  it  had  by  common  fame,  been  generally 
known.  The  wife  offered  to  absent  from  the  public  worship  of  the 
afternoon,  but  it  was  agreed  to  suspend  such  resentment,  till  there 
was  an  opportunity  to  enquire  concerning  the  personal  intention. 
The  most  painful  part  of  the  affair  was  the  threatening.  There 
were  present  Captains  Gibaut,  Ward,  B.  Hodges,  Mr.  Brown  & 
Charles.  It  is  my  wish  that  this  most  profitable,  &  friendly  event 
may  do  its  oflSce. 

[324]  On  Wednesday,  October  1,  I  had  an  opportunity  for 
preaching  the  Sermon  No.  392,  at  the  Lecture  in  the  old  Church. 
The  approbation  of  a  few  reputable  gentlemen  was  expressed  at 
the  Office  in  the  presence  of  said  owner,  when  he  renewedly 
expressed  his  satisfaction,  &c. 

On  Friday,  Oct.  3**  we  had  a  review  of  the  Salem  Regiment  by 
Gen  :  Titcombe.  The  whole  was  performed  agreably.  The  Inde- 
pendants  on  the  right.  The  Artillery  next,  «&  the  Regiment.  The 
Ipswich  Horse  was  present.  An  elegant  dinner  was  provided  in 
the  Court  House,  «&  Gl:  Titcombe,  Jackson,  &  Brookes  gave  their 
company.  The  Col :  lost  his  horse  by  an  accident,  but  nothing  else 
tended  to  lessen  the  general  joy  of  the  occasion.  Was  a  Ball  in  the 
evening. 

[325]     Oct.  5.     Peggy  Skelden,*  widow,  death  of  her  only  son. 

[326]  On  the  evening  of  the  8*^  instant  at  ll*''  o'clock,  departed 
this  life,  the  Rev"*  James  Diman  in  the  81^'  year  of  his  age.  He 
belonged  to  the  Plimouth  Colony  and  was  born  Nov^  29,  1707.  He 
was  educated  at  Cambridge,  &  graduated  in  the  year  1730.  In  the 
year  1737  he  was  ordained  at  Salem.  In  the  character  of  a  minis- 
ter he  continued  till  death,  above  51  years.  The  funeral  was  ap- 
pointed on  the  Monday  following  his  death.  There  was  a  public 
religious  service,  attended  by  the  whole  association,  the  neighbour- 
ing ministers,  &  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  in  general.  Mr. 
Swain  of  Wenham  preached  &  Mr  Forbes  of  Cape  Ann  made  the 
[327]  introductory  prayer.  The  senior  members  of  the  association 
supported  the  pall,  &  the  other  clergy  followed  after  the  relations. 
The  Parish  by  the  Contribution  of  Individuals  are  to  defray  the 
funeral  charges.     The  Expences  were  as  follows, 

•Sheldon? 


1788] 


liEV.    WILLIAM    BENTLEY 


107 


For  Maliogony  Coffin  to  ^h- 

.  Ward, 

£     4,       IG,       0. 

For  Coffin  Furniture  to  ^Iv. 

Blythe, 

1,         0,       0. 

For  Gloves  for  Clergy  16  pair  at  3/, 

2,         8,       0. 

For  Tolling  Bells  at  3/, 

0,       12,       0. 

Porters'  Attendance, 

1,         4,       0. 

Opening  &  sealing  the  Tomb, 

1,         1,       0. 

Hiring  Pall, 

0,         3,       4. 

Attendance  at  Tomb, 

0,         4,       0. 

Amount, 

£  11,           8,     4. 

The  Subscriptions  were  as  follows, 

Capt.  John  Fiske, 

six  dollars. 

Richard  ^Manning  Esq., 

,         .         ,         . 

five  dollars. 

Capt  John  Hodges, 

two  dollars. 

Abraham  Watson, 

two  dollars. 

Capt  Benj*  Hodges, 

four  dollars. 

[328]  Capt  Francis  Boardman,    . 

four  dollars. 

Capt  Nathaniel  West, 

. 

two  Crowns. 

Capt  John  Collins, 

, 

one  dollar. 

Capt  Sam^  Ingersoll, 

. 

two  dollars. 

This  month  was  raised,  &c.,  the  building  for  a  store*  eastward  of 
Capt  John  Hodges,  by  his  Son  Benjamin  who  has  purchased  the 
Homestead. 

Oct.  19.  James  Diman,  Brother,  &  Sisters,  death  of  their  Father. 
Sam^  Ropes,  wife's  delivery. 

[329]  October  26.  I  exchanged  with  Mr.  Freeman,  &  preached 
at  the  King's  Chapel.  The  first  instance  of  this  mutual  service 
between  Churches  with  &  without  Liturgies. 

On  the  28*^  the  Association  met  at  Cape  Ann,  &  tarried  over 
night,  &  were  very  agreeably  entertained  by  a  Band  of  music,  &  by 
the  vocal  music  accompanied  with  female  voices. 

Oct.  29.  This  day  arrived  Derby's  Ship  Astrea,  which  had  been 
on  a  voiage  to  the  North  of  Europe,  &  upon  a  leak,  had  put  in  at 
Newfoundland. 

News  from  East  Indies,  Isle  of  France,  of  the  arrival  of  E.  H. 
Derby  in  the  Ship  Turk,  &c.  &c.     Mr.  Gibaut  in  the  Ship. 

[330]  Nov''  1788.  Reasons  against  admitting  a  certain  Uni- 
versalist  f  into  the  public  desk.  That  he  is  a  stranger,  without 
credentials  or  Testimonials  of  any  sort.  That  he  has  been  educated 
in  a  quite  different    profession,    from   that   of   a   public    teacher. 

That  he  is  a  vagrant,  having  no  regular  abode  in  any  place,  any 
ordination,  or  appointment  to  any  charge  whatever.  That  he  has 
inveighed  bitterly  against  the  whole  order  of  ministers,  &  had  not 

•On  Essex  street,  comer  of  Orange  street. 
tRev.  John  Murray? 


108  DIARY   OF  [1788 

properly  confuted  their  opinions.  That  he  has  laid  himself  open 
to  just  censures  from  a  denial  of  his  own  crude  assertions.  That 
he  is  incapable  of  judging  of  points  in  question  by  the  deficiency  of 
his  education.  That  he,  by  being  admitted,  opens  a  way  for  every 
pretender  however  deficient  his  education,  or  his  understanding. 
[331]  These  objections  cannot  lay  open  to  the  charge  of  illiberali- 
ty,  since  Universalists  have  had  free  admission  to  the  desk,  par- 
ticularly the  gentleman  of  Boston. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Association  ou  the  day  of  the  funeral  of 
Rev**  Diman,  the  ministers  of  Marblehead,  Oct.  13"^  desired  advice 
respecting  the  proceedings  of  several  members  of  their  respective 
Congregations.  The  facts  seem  to  have  been.  Several  men  of  ill 
lives  being  affected  with  the  declarations  of  the  New  Lights  in 
Salem,  had  agreed  upon  a  night  meeting  in  their  own  houses.  In 
these  they  were  assisted  by  Itinerant  ministers.  Upon  application 
to  their  own  ministers  they  were  refused,  provided  they  gave 
countenance  to  such  itinerants.  However  Mr  Story  was  overawed 
as  may  be  seen,  pag.  316"^.  Mr  H.  demanded  satisfaction  &  by  a 
preserved  course  of  letters  it  appears  that  Mr.  S.  agreed  to  object 
to  the  itinerants.  Of  these  letters  an  account  was  given  at  the  As- 
sociation in  Marblehead. 

[332]  Sept.  9^^  In  consequence  of  these  proceedings  the  As- 
sociation by  their  advice  individually  did  recommend  to  proceed 
tenderly,  but  not  visit  in  connection  with  the  Itinerants,  in  the 
meanwhile,  should  the  pretendedly  aggrieved  proceed  to  any  open 
measures  of  opposition,  that  the  ministers  of  the  town  should  notify 
them  of  the  regular  course  directed  in  the  Platform  of  the  N.  E, 
Churches.  Without  any  regard  to  these  measures,  the  aggrieved, 
headed  by  a  Knot  Martin,  had  sent  to  several  Churches,  such  as  to 
the 

Church  in  Ipswich,  Chebacco,  Cleveland, 
in  Beverly,  Upper,  Oliver, 
in  Maiden,  Upper,  Jutson. 
in  Newbury  Port,  Spring, 
in  Rowley  Lower,  Bradford. 

The  Church  in  Beverley  unanimously  declined  the  service,  &  in- 
stead of  it  were  added  the 

Church  in  Ipswich,  Dana. 

in  Stoneham,  Cleveland,  junr. 

[333]  On  Oct.  21,  this  body  met  at  Marblehead,  but  did  not 
form  into  a  Council.  Recommended  to  the  aggrieved  a  public  con- 
fession of  their  irregular  proceedings.  Then  advised  them  to  con- 
verse with  the  ministers,  &  thence  appeal  to  the  Churches,  & 
thence  to  a  mutual  council,  &  to  shew  their  disposition,  they  at- 
tended in  company  the  night  meetings,  which  had  occasioned  the 
disturbance. 


1788]  REV.    WILLIAM    BENTLEY  109 

Nov.  4,  came  nevrs  of  the  death  of  Richard  jNIasury,  who  was 
drowned  from  on  board  Capt  Allen,  on  an  outward  bound  i)assage 
to  Cadiz.  He  Avas  addicted  to  Intemperance,  which  occasioned  his 
death.  His  brother  William,  set.  18,  was  drowned  May  G,  1787. 
His  father  &  mother  died  just  before.  The  Father,  June  25,  178G. 
The  :Mother,  July  23,  1786,  a  month  after.     Richard,  xt.  25. 

Last  week  the  Estate  of  Jon*  Andrew  was  sold.  The  store  on 
the  common  with  lot  of  land  next  to  Putnam,  to  the  Executor. 
The  Tanhouse,  yard  &  land  adjoining  [334]  to  W  AV°'  Brown, 
£180.  The  front  end  of  the  House  lately  belong^  to  j\Ir  Brown  in 
the  Lane  leading  from  Capt  Jn°  White's  to  the  Wharves,  was  sold 
for  £60  to  Capt  John  Hodges.  The  Estate  of  Nath  Silsbee  below 
Daniel's  Lane  was  by  an  execution  extended,  set  off  in  part  to  Jn° 
Collins,  in  following  manner.  All  the  House  &  land  north  of  a 
line  running  parallel  with  the  south  side  of  the  great  Entry,  includ- 
ing Barn,  out  house,  &  the  front  south  chamber. 

Nov.  9.  James  Brown,  wife  &  sister,  death  of  Brother,  &  Breth- 
ren at  Sea.  Priscilla  &  Patty  Friend,  for  death  of  their  Brother  at 
Wenham.     They  live  in  family  of  Hodges. 

Nov.  11,  after  a  very  windy  day,  there  came  on  toward  night  a 
heavy  rain  with  wind  from  S.  W.  About  5  o'clock  P.  M.  just  before 
it  cleared  off  the  wind  blew  violently.  It  cleared  away  the  whole 
range  of  buildings  in  the  Tan  yard  of  Chever  &  [335]  Gardner, 
above  100  feet  in  length.  Broke  the  windows  in  the  public  build- 
ings, which  were  high  &  exposed  to  its  fury,  destroyed  the  Turret 
upon  the  house  of  Capt  Allen,  &  did  great  damage  to  the  fences, 
upon  our  enclosures.  The  chimnies  of  Mr  Joshua  Ward's  elegant 
brick  house  were  broken  off  level  with  the  roof  of  the  house. 

Nov.  13.  I  received  the  new  Collection  of  Psalms  &  Hymns 
for  public  worship,  &  took  of  the  200  Copies  75  into  my  Study.  2 
copies  I  sent  to  Larkin,  Boston  to  be  bound. 

Nov.  16.     Read  the  Proclamation,  &  notified  the  new  Psalms. 

Nov.  18.  Received  110  Copies  in  addition  to  75  copies  Nov.  13. 
Paid  Snelling  for  Collating,  8/.      30  [copies]  to  the  Singers. 

Nov.  23.  Widow  Mary  Cloutman,  for  death  of  her  Sister  Webb. 
Micah  Webb,  death  of  ]\Iother,  &  Brother  at  Sea. 

[337]  Nov.  27.  At  the  annual  Thanksgiving  the  Contribution 
exceeded  £15.  The  weather  exceedingly  foul.  The  Anthem,  the 
Voice  of  Lord  shake  th.  &c.  Ps :  XXIX  Ascribe  ye  glory,  &c. 

[342]  Nov.  30.  Nath  :  West  &  W^ife  for  her  delivery.  Sailed, 
Capt  Josiah  Orne  for  a  Guinea  Voiage. 

From  the  Gentleman  Magazine  for  April,  1788. 

Died  in  New  Hampshire  in  America  [343]  about  the  latter  end 
of  the  year  1787,  Asa  Dunbar  Esq^*  He  was  an  eminent  Practitioner 
of  the  Law  :    Master  of  the  rising  Sun  Lodge  :  A    man  of  great 

•Colleague  minister  of  the  First  Church,  Saleno,  1772-1779;  died  at  Keene,  N.  H.,  June 
22, 1787,  aet.  41  years. 


110  DIARY   OF  [1788 

genius  &  literary  talents,  &  a  most  excellent  mason.     A  Brother 
Mason  inscribed  the  following  lines  on  his  tomb. 

Peace  to  these  Ashes. 

May  the  green  grass  &  flowers 

Around  this  grave 

Be  as  the  memory  of  him  beneath, 

Flourishingly  sweet. 

Pass  not  the  spot,  without  heaving  a  sigh 

Ye  men  of  Benevolence, 

For  he  was  your  friend,  &  Companion 

Brethren  of  the  Crafts, 

Wet  the  sprigs  on  the  Turf 

With  your  willing  tears, 

For  he  was  your  Master. 

Imitate  his  life,  emulate  his  virtues 

For  doubtless  he  now  lives 
With  our  Grand  Master  in  Heaven. 

[344]     Decyphered  a  letter  from  Andrew  Murray  of  Groningen, 
from  the  Latin. 


DIARY 

OF 

REV.  WILLIAM  BENTLEY 

December  5,  1788— December  22,  1790. 


[The  manuscript  is  numbered  Volume  XVI,  and  the  original  pagi- 
nation is  here  shown  within  brackets.] 


Ne  in  lucem  prodeatis.  Memoriae  in  bona  omnia  vertontis,  Sar- 
cinas  portate.     Omnium  oculos  fugite. 

[8]     Dec.  5.     The  first  Snoiv,  but  very  light. 

Dec.  9.  Visits  at  Tea  past  week.  West,  Mason,  Boardman, 
Gibaut,  Lambert,  White,  Gains.  The  visits  are  mentioned  to  sub- 
ject them  to  a  review,  that  no  family  may  be  neglected. 

Dec.  11.  IVr  Bentley  to  his  good  friend  Capt  B.  Hodges,  with  my 
good  wishes  &  prayers,  pray  accept  for  your  voiage,  In  religion, 
Priestley's  smaller  tracts,  as  all  you  may  want  to  know  of  the 
simple  doctrines  of  Christianity.  Your  own  good  heart  will  supply 
the  rules  for  practice.  Priestley  on  enquiry  will  recommend  the 
liberty  of  thinking  for  yourself.  Busching.  6v.  4to,  will  be  the 
best  Geography  for  Europe.  Bolingbroke  on  History  may  be  read 
with  profit.  His  tracts  upon  Study  &  Exile  will  not  be  impertinent 
in  [9]  your  voiage  &  absence.  Bolingbroke's  patriot  King  & 
Hume's  Essays  will  furnish  political  reflections.  D""  Price  will  put 
you  in  mind  of  your  country.  Pope  4v.  12mo.  will  afford  you  the 
best  poetry  of  the  English  nation.  Campbell's  State  of  Europe  will 
prepare  you  for  the  present  sera. 

Dec.  14.     Nath.  Richardson  &  wife,  d  :  of  youngest  Child. 

Dec.  17.  Snow.  The  Supreme  Judicial  Court  opened  here 
yesterday. 

Dec.  21.  Ebenezer  Ward  &  wife,  him  sick,  she  dangerously. 
James  Clearage,  wife's  delivery. 

Dec.  22.     Letter  to  John  Gibaut  in  the  Indies. 

Dec.  23.  Letter  to  Freeman.  My  good  friend,  I  rest  assured 
that  you  have  every  evidence  of  my  esteem  &  confidence.  Allow 
me  then,  freely  to  ask  you  about  a  clause  in  a  letter,  which  I  re- 
ceived this  afternoon  from  the  noted  John  Murray.  I  here  trans- 
cribe the  whole  letter.  Boston,  Dec''  22.  Dear  Sir,  I  am  desired 
by  the  people  amongst  [11]  whom  I  labour,  to   request  your  com- 

111 


112  DIARY   OF  [1788 

pany  &  assistance  at  the  throne  of  grace,  next  thursday.  We  have 
been  long  used  to  observe  the  day,  kept  at  the  anniversary  of  our 
saviour's  birth.  On  this  day  my  friends  intended  to  make  my  or- 
dination 'public.  Mr  Freeman  is  of  opinion  you  will  make  no  diffi- 
culty in  complying  with  this  request,  made  by  my  friends,  &  your 
friend,  &  devoted  Servant.  John  Murray,  directed  for  me  on  the 
outside,  «&  inclosed  in  a  letter  to  Hon.  B.  Goodhue. 

How  happens  this  letter  to  be  dated  at  Boston  ?  Is  the  Ordina- 
tion at  Boston  ?  Who  are  the  people  called  his  friends  ?  How  do 
I  know  they  desire  my  assistance,  &c.  Do  they  live  at  Boston, 
Cape  Ann,  or  elsewhere  ?  Is  not  one  name  to  be  given  to  me  ?  In 
what  character  am  I  to  go  ?  As  a  private  man,  Can  I  do  any  ser- 
vice ?  Is  it  the  particular  appointment  of  a  people  which  qualifies 
me  to  act  according  to  the  Cambridge  Platform  ?  How  long  have 
I  to  think  of  this  matter  ?  Is  one  day  enough  ?  What  have  I  to 
do  with  an  Anniversary,  against  which  I  remonstrated  last  sunday  ? 
What  is  intended  by  making  an  ordination  pxiblic?  Ought  I  not  to 
have  seen  the  Candidate?  [12]  in  truth,  according  to  this  letter, 
I  have  place  &  business  too,  still  to  enquire  after.  What  is  a 
prayer  at  an  ordination  made  public  under  such  circumstances? 
I  should  not  have  paid  attention  enough  to  the  letter  to  have  made 
any  enquiries,  had  I  not  seen  the  last  clause  of  the  letter,  Mr  Free- 
man sees  no  difficulty  in  doing  all  these  things,  at  least  in  exposing 
his  good  friend,  who  may  act  without  thought  in  the  matter.  But, 
pray,  my  good  friend,  there  may  be  real  difficulties,  of  which  you 
did  not  think,  «&  to  which  you  would  not  chearfuUy  submit. 

Such  are  the  consequences.  Is  it  no  difficulty  to  dissolve  a 
pleasing  connection  with  an  whole  association  to  satisfy  as  it  ap- 
pears from  the  letter,  not  the  judgment  but  the  caprice  of  a  man, 
who  has  railed  against  the  whole  order  of  ministers  ?  Is  it  no 
difficulty  to  have  open  connections  with  an  illiterate  foreigner 
without  credentials  ?  Is  it  no  difficulty,  when  we  do  not  open  our 
church  for  our  own  lectures,  to  have  it  haunted  with  night  lectures, 
&  filled  with  negroes  &  vagabonds  ?  Is  it  no  difficulty  to  change, 
as  of  course  follows,  with  a  man  dragging  the  [13]  undefined  no- 
tions of  Trinity,  atonement,  personified  sins  &  [dout  Apurgato- 
ries  ?]  as  so  many  spectres  along  with  him,  hideous  with  deformi- 
ty ?  These  are  real  difficulties  in  my  mind.  Pray  then  let  me 
hear  from  you  for  I  am  convinced  that  your  good  sense  would  not 
allow  you  to  lend  your  name  on  such  an  occasion.  Should  any 
modest  man  want  encouragement  in  delivering  his  sober  sentiments, 
you  know,  however  different  they  might  be  from  my  own,  I  would 
show  him  all  the  attention  in  my  power.  I  have  no  contracted 
feelings  of  sect,  or  party :  but  while  good  order  is  necessary  among 
all  ranks  of  men,  &  proper  qualifications  of  mind,  &  manners,  no 
good  man  should  dispence  with  them.     With  all  sincerity,  in  regard 


1788]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  113 

to  your  public  character,  &  your  personal  merit,  Rev**  Sir,  your 
most  devoted  &  hurabl*  Sevt,&  friend,  W.  B. 

[14]  Dec.  28.  Sunday,  very  stormy.  [15]  James  Clearage  & 
wife  to  be  remembered. 

Dec.  29.  The  meeting  house  had  a  new  floor  laid  upon  the  old 
one.  Capt  Patterson  ready  to  sail  passenger  in  a  Sloop  belonging 
to  W™  Gray,  for  Charlestown,  on  account  of  Pierre's  arrival  at  that 
port.  The  weather  in  the  month  of  December  has  been  upon  extremes. 

[16]  January  1,  1789.  Trans :  Will  from  French  for  Widow 
of  Benj*  Cox. 

Jan.  4.  Sam*  Ropes  &  wife,  death  of  her  father.  Susannah 
Dean  for  delivery,  Husband  at  Sea.  Mary  Hodges  for  delivery, 
Husband  »S:  Brother  at  Sea. 

Jan.  5.  About  this  time  appeared  the  wandering  star  John  M.* 
&  preached  repeatedly  in  the  Court  House.  The  Gent,  noted  for 
his  prudence,  declared  in  his  pulpit,  that  on  account  of  the  risk 
(such  was  the  idea)  it  was  best  to  conceive  pimishment  literally 
eternal.  Prudence  !  At  the  same  time  came  about  an  Irish  wire 
dancer.  They  did  not  both  exhibit  in  the  Court  House,  the  last  had 
the  Assembly  room,  but  the  last  could  not  refrain  from  closing  with  a 
sermon,  tho  a  ludicrous  one.  The  curiosity  awakened  by  them  both 
was  great,  tho'  among  the  better  sort  it  ended  in  disgust. 

[17]  Jan.  9.  Whether  (is  a  question),  is  a  secret  better  kept, 
by  being  written  ?  Or  in  other  words  does  writing  a  resolution  to 
keep  a  secret,  enable  a  person  better  to  keep  a  resolution?  How  is 
the  effect  produced  ?  Whether  a  man's  honour  &  his  bond  are 
felt  in  this  case  ?     Take  notice  of  this  a  month  hence. 

Jan.  10.  A  letter  from  W"  Mason  dated  Dec""  13'''  1788.  News 
about  this  time  that  my  Uncle  Wheat  was  drowned  at  Providence. 
He  was  an  intemperate  man. 

Jan.  12.  Notes.  Ebenz :  Ward,  Death  of  his  wife.  Benj* 
Ward  &  wife,  d.  of  Mother  &  Brother  at  Sea.  [18]  Seizure  of 
John  Norris'  Goods  for  running  them.f 

Jan.  16.  Letter  from  Forbes,  Cape  Ann,  for  exchange  &  begging 
business  with  M"  Welman.  Answer  upon  Welman's  business.  "  I 
waited  upon  M"  Welman  at  your  request,  &  am  firmly  persuaded 
that  she  sealed  her  letter,  &  intended  nothing  disrespectful  either 
in  the  manner  or  piarport  of  her  letter.  C.  Pherson  left  the  note 
with  his  mother,  Avith  other  property  for  the  maintainence  of  his 
children.  As  the  time  of  payment  would  be  out  in  his  absence,  he 
left  the  note  ready  for  i)ayraent.  The  other  steps  seem  to  have 
been  dictated  by  the  mother's  OAvn  necessities,  «&  there  is  no  appear- 
ance of  a  design  either  to  dispose  of  the  note,  or  of  any  other  than 
friendly  purposes." 

•Murray. 
tSmuggling. 


114  DIARY    OF  [1789 

Jan.  18.  Johnson  Briggs,  Wife's  delivery,  son  at  sea.  Jonathan 
Archer,  2d,  Wife's  delivery,  friends  at  Sea. 

Jan.  21.  A  paper  was  circulated  to  be  signed  [19]  by  the  Essex 
Lodge  of  Free  Masons,  in  order  to  obtain  a  meeting  of  the  Lodge, 
to  consider  of  the  requisition  made  by  the  Grand  Lodge  respecting 
the  delivery  of  the  Charter.  As  a  previous  vote  had  been  obtained, 
authorizing  Joseph  Hiller  R.  W.  M.  &  W"  Bentley  to  act  discre- 
tionally  in  this  matter,  a  few  being  together  the  Charter  was  deliv- 
ered to  be  returned  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  &c. 

Jan,  22.  This  morning  M""  N.  Kuowlton  removed  to  Ipswich,  far 
gone  in  a  consumption. 

[20]  Jan,  25.  Notes.  Mary  Waters,  delivery,  Husband  & 
Brother  at  Sea. 

Feb.  1.  Notes.  Wid.  Abigail  Archer,  death  of  G.  Son  Obeare, 
&  G.  Sons  at  Sea.  Abigail  Lambert,  death  of  Brother,  Husband  & 
Brother  at  Sea.  Sarah  Chever  for  delivery,  Husband  &  Brother  at 
Sea. 

Feb.  2.  To  My  Father.  Dear  Sir,  I  received  this  day  a  letter 
from  you,  offering  your  opinion  upon  a  collection  of  Psalms  & 
Hymns,  which  I  sent  you.  No  man's  opinion  could  be  more  ac- 
ceptable to  me  than  my  father's,  I  am  then  ever  sorry  to  find  it  so 
hasty.  How  Dean  Swift  &  Socinus  came  together  I  cannot  imagine, 
especially  when  the  former  has  published  a  sermon  recommending 
implicit  faith  in  the  Trinity.  As  to  the  mutilation,  there  are  no 
half  sentences  &  the  collection  of  Psalms  was  [21]  made  by  the 
late  Convention  of  Episcopal  churches  at  Philadelphia,  all  of  whom 
received  the  doctrine  of  the  Trinity  among  their  articles.  But  per- 
haps the  omission  of  some  Psalms  is  intended  in  your  severe  objec- 
tion. Did  not  D""  Watts  designedly  omit  some  Psalms  in  his  ver- 
sion? Else  why  has  a  late  Connecticut  poet  attempted  to  supply 
them  ?  In  the  choice  of  the  Hymns  imdoubtedly  you  leave  us  at 
fall  liberty,  &  did  you  know  the  direction  given  to  D''  Doddridge, 
&  Jennings  respecting  D''  Watts'  Hymns  from  the  author,  you 
might  find  that  the  D""  would  have  wished  a  separation.  But  per- 
haps the  doctrine  of  the  Trinity  is  left  out  ?  Where  is  it  to  be 
found  in  the  whole  of  Tate  &  Brady's  version  of  the  Psalms  of 
David  ?  The  English  church  has  recommended  that  version,  &  it 
has  been  used  by  many  churches  in  New  England.  Can  the  addi- 
tion of  Doxologies  no  where  to  be  found  in  the  Scriptures  be  less  a 
crime,  than  "  mutilations  "  consisting  only  in  prefering  some  Psalms 
to  others  in  Christian  worship  ?  From  your  writing  respecting  de- 
votion one  might  [22]  be  led  to  imagine  that  you  would  wish  D'' 
Watts'  Hymns  to  the  Saviour  from  the  Canticles  were  inserted.  I 
shall  only  offer  you  the  Dr's  own  words  on  that  subject.  "  Let  it 
be  observed  that  it  was  much  the  fashion,  even  among  some 
divines  of  eminence  in  former  years,  to  express  the  fervers  of  de- 
vout love  to  our  Saviour  in  the  style  of  the  song  of  Solomon.     And 


JONATHAN   JACKSON   OF   NEWBURYPORT. 

From  a  portrait  painted  by  Copley  in  I  784.     This  plate  is  from  Currier's 
History  of  Newburyport. 


1789]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  115 

I  miist  confess  that  Several  of  my  composures  in  Verse  written  in 
younger  life  were  led  by  those  examples  unwarily  into  this  track. 
But  if  I  may  be  permitted  to  speak  the  sense  of  maturer  age,  I  can 
hardly  think  this  the  happiest  language  in  which  Christians  should 
discover  their  warm  sentiments  of  religion,  since  the  clearer  &  more 
spiritual  revelations  of  the  Kew  Testament."  I  leave  the  Dr's 
opinion  with  you,  &  declaring  myself  a  friend  to  rational  religion, 
&  offering  my  duty  to  my  Mamma  &  friends,  I  with  thanks  sub- 
scribe myself  your  dutiful  son. 

[23]  Feb.  11.  Trans :  from  french  a  Letter  from  Mr  Hubon  to 
Mr  N.  Eichardson  relating  to  Mr  Cox's  will. 

Feb.  12.  Capt  Lander  taken  sick  by  violent  bleeding  at  the  nose. 
Letters  from  W.  Mason  with  Gazettes,  &  specimens  of  Carolina 
Cotton,  &  "Walter's  Hay  seed.  From  mem  :  Jan^  9.  consider  the 
maxim  of  Cardinal  de  Retz,  otherwise  applied,  that  it  is  one  of  the 
greatest  inconveniencies  when  one  ought  to  study  with  greater  care, 
what  is  to  be  hid  from  one^ s  friends,  than  what  is  to  be  done  against 
one's  enemies. 

Feb.  19.  Letter  to  Capt  Hodges  by  Murphy.  Compliments. 
Gazettes.  Goodhue's  Election.  Govr's  impeachment.  Election  of 
President.  New  York  backward  &  City  preparations.  N.  Carolina. 
Rhode  Island  State  act.  Reports  of  English  Fortifications.  Gen  : 
Conclusion.  [24]  Naval  list.  Seizure.  Town  By  Laws.  Diman. 
Becket  &  Silsbee.  Murray,  wii-e  dancer  &  Tumbler.  Parish  anec- 
dotes.    Boardman's  entertainment. 

The  History  of  the  periodical  Publications  called  Magazines  in 
Massachusetts  from  Thomas'  Proposals  to  renew  them  in  1789. 
"  The  first  publication  of  the  kind  was  as  early  as  about  the  year 
1749. — That  work,  entitled  The  American  Magazine,  was  continued 
three  years.  The  next,  that  we  recollect,  made  its  appearance  in 
the  year  1758,  entitled  The  Neio  England  Magazine.  This  was 
published  only  three  months.  In  1774  appeared  the  Rorjal  Amer- 
ican Magazine,  which  soon  ceased."  The  first  numbers  by  Mr 
Thomas.  The  other  by  Mr  Greenleaf.  After  the  Revolution  ap- 
peared the  "  Boston  Magazine,'^  &  soon  after  another,  "  The  Gentle- 
man &  Lady's  Town  &  Country  Magazine.  These  soon  failed. 
The  present  proposals  are  for  the  Massachusetts'  Magazine. 

Feb.  21.  I  went  for  Newbui-y.  The  roads  were  much  blocked 
by  large  drifts  of  Snow  which  fell  the  night  before,  &  in  other 
places  the  earth  was  left  uncovered.  After  [25]  stopping  at  Fair- 
field's in  AVenham,  &  Treadwell's  in  Ipswich,  I  arrived  at  C  P.  M. 
at  ^Ir.  Jackson's.  This  Gentleman  had  a  son  under  my  instruction 
for  several  months.  He  owns  a  very  large  and  elegant  Mansion 
house  on  the  road  to  Amsbury  from  N.  Port,  on  the  north  side  of 
the  road.  At  present  he  occupies  an  house  belonging  to  Mr  N. 
Tracey  built  of  brick  in  the  great  street  leading  to  the  ferry.  Town 
House,  &  first  Church.     I  was  received  with  every  mark  of  atten- 


116  DIAEY   OF  [1789 

tion.  M"  Jackson  is  a  second  wife  with,  a  large  family  of  very  amia- 
ble children.  She  is  of  the  Tracey  family,  &  her  father  Patrick 
Tracey  then  lay  at  the  point  of  death.  On  Sunday  M''  J.  very 
politely  waited  upon  me  to  the  Meeting  House,  in  which  the 
preachers  are  Mess"  Cary,  &  Andrews.  The  assembly  is  the  best 
in  the  port,  including  the  best  families.  The  weather  was  very  bad, 
&  therefore  did  not  admit  a  general  attendance.  The  building  has 
nothing  to  recommend  it.  In  the  evening  we  were  favored  [26] 
with  the  company  of  Master  Pike,  author  of  a  late  treatise  on 
Arithmetic,  Mr.  S.  Hooper,  D""  Swett,  &c.  On  Monday  morning  I 
waited  upon  D'"  Swett  in  company  with  Mr  Jackson,  &  breakfasted. 
D""  Swett  is  a  polite  scholar,  &  can  recommend  himself.  I  dined 
with  Rev*^  Cary.  This  Gent:  has  been  ordained  20  years,  but  is 
taken  from  his  public  labours  by  a  paralytic  stroke,  which  prevents 
his  conversation,  but  has  not  otherwise  impaired  his  memory,  than 
by  the  loss  of  words,  which  he  recollects  by  counting  the  letters 
upon  his  fingers.  He  has  strong  passions  which  he  has  remarkably 
governed.  This  evening  I  drank  Tea  at  M'  Pike's  who  teaches  the 
Grammar  School,  &  enjoyed  afterward  my  classmate  Kilham  at  Mr. 
Jackson's.  On  Tuesday  morning  I  breakfasted  with  M''  S.  Hooper 
a  merchant  of  the  place.  And  according  to  appointment  M""  J.  in- 
troduced me  to  M'^  Carter's,  who  has  an  amiable  daughter.  As  I 
wished  for  an  acquaintance  there  was  a  favorable  opportunity, 
for  Miss  C.  &  her  Brother  intending  a  journey  to  Boston  on  the 
upper  road,  it  agreed  [27]  with  my  plan  of  a  return  home  to  accom- 
pany them.  We  passed  by  M'"  Noble's  meeting  house  on  the  right, 
&  then  M''  Kimball's,  &  afterward,  M""  Tappan's  on  the  left,  upon 
an  high  hill,  near  to  the  elegant  Seat  of  Hon :  M''  Dalton,  &  the 
farm  of  M''  S.  Hooper,  which  were  on  our  right,  &  commanded  a 
view  of  the  Port  &  of  the  Ocean.  We  stopped  at  Bradford  &  de- 
livered Letters  from  D"^  Tucker  of  Newbury,  one  of  the  best  char- 
acters of  the  age,  to  a  celebrated  M"^  Balch,  whose  good  sense 
distinguished  him  in  his  ministerial  character  in  his  own  generation, 
&  makes  him  venerable  to  posterity.  He  is  above  80  years  of  age, 
&  has  been  past  his  public  labours  for  15  years.  His  wife  is  blind, 
&  deaf,  but  an  uncommon  share  of  chearfulness  falls  to  the  good 
man's  lot.  M''  Dutch  his  colleague  was  at  the  house,  when  we  visi- 
ted. We  then  went  for  the  Upper  Parish.  The  river  was  frozen 
&  there  was  an  excellent  path  from  Russel  ferry  to  Haverhill,  but 
it  being  near  night,  [28]  &  very  cold  we  kept  on  Bradford  side  & 
put  xip  at  Rev'*  M""  Allen's.  He  addressed  the  eldest  daughter  of 
D""  Eliot  of  Boston  who  died  before  his  settlement,  &  is  now  mar- 
ried to  a  M"  Kent,  many  years  older  than  himself.  They  have 
one  child  &  are  very  hospitable.  Haverhill  is  an  agreable  Town  on 
the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  which  side  being  lower  than  on  Brad- 
ford side,  gave  us  a  good  view  over  the  river.  After  breakfast  we 
proceeded   to   Andover.     There   was   a   lecture   appointed  at   M"" 


1789]  REV.    WILLIAM  BENTLEY  117 

French's,  but  my  company  formed  an  excuse  for  my  leaving  them 
after  I  had  viewed  the  Academy.  It  is  an  elegant  building,  situa- 
ted upon  an  hill,  in  free  air.  In  the  front  are  enclosed  two  rooms, 
designed  for  private  Schools,  &  a  Library,  &c.  Between  there  you 
pass  into  the  Academy.  Between  40  or  50  youth  were  present  un- 
der the  Preceptor  M""  E  Pemberton,  &  the  Sub  P.  a  IVP  Abbot. 
The  Preceptor  is  an  amiable  man  &  communicative.  His  abilities 
are  admirable  for  his  profession.  Above  unfinished,  &  fitted  with 
benches  for  [29]  the  religious  Congregation,  for  which  an  house  has 
been  rebuilding,  was  the  Hall,  &  Theatre.  It  is  arched  with  great 
success  for  the  exhibitions  of  the  youth  of  the  academy.  The 
Meeting  House  is  finished  with  great  elegance.  It  has  a  tower 
but  no  steeple,  «S:  is  painted  in  the  best  manner.  We  dined  at 
Jones'  Wilmington,  &  then  parted.  The  Young  Lady  gave  me 
every  proof  of  a  good  education  for  all  the  useful  ends  of  life.  At 
Esq""  Fords  I  conversed  upon  the  subject  of  our  old  acquaintance,  & 
found  his  conversation  still  marked  with  the  religious  enthusiasm, 
which  has  distinguished  his  whole  life.  He  is  above  80.  I  then 
went  to  Tewksbury  &  found  Madam  Boardman,  with  whom  I 
boarded  at  Cambridge,  &  her  Son.  Madam  is  aged,  &  was  the 
Daughter  of  Lieu :  Gov  :  Phipps.  On  the  next  morning  I  went  to 
Billerica,  &  visited  the  Kev*^  M''  Cummings.  He  will  bear  com- 
parison in  his  [30]  profession,  with  any  clergyman  of  N.  England, 
with  whom  I  am  acquainted.  After  having  dined,  &  a  little  con- 
versation with  a  Circle  of  Ladies,  who  had  met  together  from 
different  parts  of  the  country,  I  visited  M''  W^  Bradford,  to  enquire 
after  a  Miss  Babbidge,  who  had  been  carried  thither  by  a  M''  Soley 
from  Boston.  I  then  returned  to  Tewkesbury,  after  having  deliv- 
ered letters  from  my  friend  M"  Orne  to  the  family  of  Whites.  On 
the  next  morning  I  went  for  Salem,  &  arrived  at  2  o'clock  P.  M. 

Expenses  beside  horse  &  Slay,  Essex  Bridge,  /9'*.  Wenham,  1'/. 
Ips:  1/6.  Newb:  Bridge,  /4'».  New:  Servant,  1/6.  Shavs,  /iQi. 
Bradf :  Horse,  /lO"*.  Boardmans  sert:  1/6.  Danvers,  Upton,  1/6. 
tot:979<». 

Feb.  23.  G :  Crowninshield's  Schooner  sailed  for  the  Isle  of 
France.     His  Son  John  went  in  her. 

March  1.  Mary  Brown,  thanks  for  delivery.  Husband  &  Brother 
at  Sea. 

Mar.  2.  A  W™  Perkins  committed  to  the  Goal  for  stealing  sev- 
eral Boxes  of  Castille  Soap  from  Col.  Fiske.  He  lived  in  Wiat's 
house. 

Mar.  3.     Note  to  the  Selectmen  at  Mr.  Archer's  request. 

Salem,  March  3,  1789. 

Gentlemen  :  This  may  certify  that  the  services  performed  by  me 
upon  the  Eastern  public  Clock  [36]  were  by  Mr.  Archer's  permis- 
sion, &  without  any  regard  to  the  usual  payments  made  for  such 
services.     Gent :  your  humble  Serv*  W.  B.     Quanta  de  spe  decide  ! 


118  DIARY   OF  [1789 

Mar.  8.  W"^  Kopes  for  wife's  delivery,  &  Brothers  at  Sea.  On 
Sunday  night  the  dwelling  house  of  Col.  Fiske  was  plundered  in  the 
follow^  manner,  about  two  o'clock  in  the  morning.  The  thief  en- 
tered by  a  Pantry  window  over  the  garden,  which  was  not  fastened. 
¥rom  the  pantry,  through  the  Kitchen  he  went  into  the  Setting 
room.  He  found  all  doors  open,  &  the  plate  in  the  Buffet.  Hav- 
ing secured  the  Plate,  he  searched  the  draws,  &  desk,  &  took  the 
linnen,  Sc  a  pair  of  pistols.  In  the  morning  upon  the  discovery  of 
the  thieft  search  was  made,  &  guards  placed  upon  the  roads  & 
bridges.  On  Tuesday  the  Kneebuckles  were  offered  at  the  Maiden 
bridge,  the  thief  detained,  &  upon  a  public  hearing  at  Salem  con- 
fessed, &  restored  the  goods.  He  gives  as  his  name  Steward.  He 
is  of  good  person,  ready  wit,  &  open  [37]  in  his  declarations. 
This  is  the  fourth  thieft  detected  by  the  Col.  this  winter,  &  one 
other  culprit  is  under  confinement. 

Mar.  13.  Capt.  IngersoU  experienced  an  imposition  from  a  Wheel- 
right,  alias  Parsons  in  a  bargain  for  a  pretended  vessel  at  Kenne- 
bunk.  The  Rogue  secured  %  a  bag  of  cotton,  &  has  escaped.  In 
this  week  happened  one  of  the  most  interesting  events  of  my  life. 
It  was  in  the  following  manner.  On  the  Monday  of  the  past  week 
I  drank  tea  at  M""  W™  Browne's,  &  was  informed  that  the  circles 
in  which  the  young  ladies  drank  tea,  were  not  friendly  to  the  suit- 
able decorum  required  of  the  sex,  from  the  want  of  a  guard  upon 
their  youthful  spirits,  &  that  a  wanton  ess  had  ensued,  which  dis- 
covered itself  in  the  street  by  such  language  as  curse  you,  «&c.  As 
this  information  involved  the  fate  of  a  Miss  B.  C*  to  whom  I  had 
been  very  attentive,  I  pursued  my  enquiries  &  by  Miss  Hannah 
Webb  was  told  that  on  the  Saturday  night  preceeding  [38]  this 
young  lady  in  company  of  her  sex  did  behave  disorderly,  &  use  pro- 
phane  &  obscene  language.  I  then  enquired  at  the  house  of  the 
person,  with  whom  this  event  took  place,  &  was  assured  that  the 
above  person  came  to  her  house  pursued  as  she  said  by  a  sailor,  who 
had  thrown  a  hat  at  her,  with  a  torn  night  cap,  that  her  dress  was 
disordered,  &  her  behavior  unseemly,  &  her  language  obscene,  & 
common  only  to  sailors.  Upon  this  information  I  reported  to  my 
friends  in  confidence  what  I  had  heard,  namely  to  M''^  Gibaut,  B. 
Hodges,  A.  Orne,  &  to  Capt.  John  White,  daring  to  represent  the  con- 
versation in  Sailor's  language.  In  violation  of  promise,  the  infor- 
mation lodged,  to  obtain  general  character  was  reported  to  the  fam- 
ily. Upon  which  Miss  B.  C.  sent  a  note  on  Saturday  evening,  last 
past,  implying  an  attempt  in  me  to  injure  her  character.  Having 
company  I  wrote  an  answer  to  the  note.  On  Monday  Capt  W.  the 
guardian  called  upon  me,  demanded  satisfaction,  accused  me  in  the 
severest  [39]  terms,  &  afterwards  in  public  places  threatened  a 
civil  prosecution.     As  I  was  fully  convinced  my  method  had  not 

*Bet6y  Cooke? 


1789]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  119 

been  regular,  &  that  to  inform  myself  I  had  injured  the  parties, 
tho'  without  intention,  I  went  to  the  parties  offended,  confessed  the 
error  of  my  proceedings  &  asked  forgiveness.  The  reports  are  vari- 
ous, my  informers  equivocate,  &  the  consequences  are  yet  unknown. 
If  this  event  does  not  teach  me  prude7ice  in  my  conversation,  &  great 
caution  in  my  attachments,  the  greatest  suffering  will  be  my  just  due. 
Mar.  14.  Died,  W™  Pynchon  Esq'',  Barrister  at  Law.  He  pos- 
sessed an  amiable  temper,  sweet  manners,  &  a  pure  &  classical 
taste.  His  avertion  from  the  Revolution  prevented  his  opportuni- 
ties for  advancing  his  fortune  during  the  War,  «&  the  dissolute  man- 
ners of  his  male  children  served  to  involve  the  little  property  he 
had  acquired  before  in  his  profession.  He  married  a  Sewell.  His 
eldest  [40]  son  died  without  issue.  His  youngest  son  is  now  in  the 
profession  of  Law.  His  daughters  who  are  living  are  amiable  wom- 
men.  One  married  the  Rev*^  T.  F.  Oliver,  of  Marblehead,  the  other 
Mr.  Tim :  Orne  of  Salem.  Another  daughter,  who  married  W™ 
Wetmore  Esq"",  Barrister  at  Law,  is  dead  »&  has  left  one  child.  ^T. 
64. 

[44]  March  17.  Tuesday  evening  a  second  dance  was  permitted 
in  the  chamber  of  Capt  Boardman's  elegant  house.  The  number 
of  persons  much  lessened  on  this  second  occasion. 

[47]  Mar.  18.  A  Building  the  propeHy  of  the  family  of  Lambert, 
having  one  room  upon  a  floor,  &  the  entrance  in  a  range  with  the 
Chimney  at  the  eastern  end,  the  whole  building  facing  the  western 
end  of  English's  Lane  nearly,  taken  down. 

Mar.  23.  Mr  B.  Babbidge  brought  the  following  List  of  persons 
disposed  to  enter  a  Neiv  School,  proposed  to  fill  the  Singing  seats,  &c. 

xMiss  Betsey  Philips,  on  the  Common. 

xMiss  Sally  Chever, . 

xMiss  Sally  Phippen,  Hardy's  Lane. 

xMiss  Polly  Herrick,  New  Street. 

xMiss  Sally  Becket,  Becket's  Lane. 

xMiss  Lydia  Herrick,  New  Street. 

xMiss  Nabby  Swasey,  Daniel's  Lane. 

xMr.  John  Duncklee,  App  :  of  R.  Manning,  Smith. 

X  John  Trask, . 

xAndover*  Ward,  App:  of  R.  Becket,  Shipwright. 

xLuke  Heard,  App :  of  B.  Chever,  Cordwainer. 

xSamuel  Leach,  App :  of  J.  Becket,  Boatbuilder. 

xEbenezer  Phelps,  Baker. 
[48]      xMr  Samuel  Chever,  S.  of  Capt  S.  Chever. 

xEbenezer  Leach,  App  :  of  Mr  Fowler,  Cordwainer. 

xJonathan  Webb,  Cooper. 

xThomas  Palfrey,  Cooper. 

X  Joseph  Vincent,  S.  of  J.  Vincent,  Ropemaker. 

•Andrew? 


120  DIARY  OF  [1789 

The  persons  who  have  been  visited  &  have  agreed,  are  marked  x. 
Mentioned  to  be  added,  are 

xMiss  Hannah  Swasey,  Daniel's  Lane. 
xPriscilla  Webb,  On  the  Common. 
xPeggy  Chever,  Ou  the  Common. 

On  March  23  I  was  called  at  3  o'clock  A.  M.  to  attend  at  Capt 
Pratt's  on  account  of  a  delirium  which  had  seized  his  Son  Joseph, 
aet.  19.  He  was  outrageous,  &  from  the  uncommon  business  which 
devolved  upon  him  his  ideas  run  upon  rank,  &  government. 

Mar.  25.  A  Letter  written  to  D''  Kitteridge  on  the  occasion,  in- 
closing letters  from  D''  Holyoke  &  Capt  Crowninshield.  On  Tues- 
day J.  P.  was  conveyed  to  Andover  to  the  family  of  a  M""  Chickering 
under  the  care  of  D""  Kitteridge.  Letter  to  S.  C.  Ward  on  the 
same.  In  the  last  month  died  the  noted  Col.  Ethan  Allen,  who  dis- 
tinguished himself  in  the  last  war  in  Canada,  &  since  by  a  book  in 
his  name,  called  "  The  Oracles  of  Eeason." 

[49]  Maxims  from  Card  :  di  Retz  formed  into  a  prayer  for  night 
&  morning.  0  God  I  enable  me  to  remember  that  nothing  but  a 
continuation  of  good  fortune  is  able  to  fix  most  men's  friendship, 
the  numbers  of  faults  from  believing  otherwise  are  inconceiva- 
ble. It  is  easier  to  withstand  our  enemies,  than  to  know  what  to 
trust  to  our  friends.  All  men  are  capable  of  ingratitude  without 
knowing  it.  Familiarity  ruins  a  man,  when  he  is  in  adversity,  as 
it  is  then  improved  against  him.  May  I  always  keep  my  natural 
goodness  under  some  restraint,  &  by  good  conduct  so  keep  it  hid,  as 
that  I  may  preserve  the  dignity  of  it.  0  God,  write  these  truths 
upon  my  heart. 

ilar.  26.  Added  another  letter  to  jy  Kitteridge  in  my  own  name, 
&  another  signed  by  M'''  Pratt,  &  sent  them  on  by  Capt  Sam^  Chever, 
who  is  Brother  to  M"  Pratt,  &  who  wishes  to  consult  a  Physician 
on  his  own  case.  At  5  P.  M.  departed  this  life  Miss  Betsey  Hol- 
yoke, second  daughter  of  Dr  Holyoke,  aet.  17.  She  was  of  good 
person,  &  amiable  manners. 

Mar.  27.  Margaret  Prat,  for  Son  delirious,  &  Husband  at  Sea. 
John  Collins,  wife's  delivery.  The  name  given  was  W"^  Bently, 
which  I  declined,  naming  it  William  only.* 

[50]  On  Tuesday,  March  29,  I  went  for  Andover.  I  dined  at 
the  Black  Horse  in  Middleton  &  while  dinner  was  preparing  I 
viewed  the  Pond  lying  west  of  the  road  at  a  ^  of  a  mile's  distance. 
The  Pond  measures  a  mile  E.  &  "W.  &  about  \  mile  north  &  S.  A 
road  passes  by  it  on  the  north,  on  which  side  the  pond  is  viewed 
with  great  advantage  from  the  top  of  an  hill  adjoining.  After  dinner 
I  proceeded  to  Andover,  &  put  up  at  Adams'  on  Haverhill's  road. 
Then  went  to  D'  Kitteridge's  \  mile  from  the  meeting  house.  He 
has  a  large  mansion  house  finished  in  front  with  great  elegance  [51] 
with  a  plan  of  a  large  yard.     The  House  is  on  the  S.  side  of  a  HiU 

•Probably  refers  to  a  child  baptized  that  day. 


1789]  KEV.    WILLL\M   BENTLEY  121 

of  considerable  elevation  &  commands  a  good  prospect  of  the  Great 
Koad.  After  Tea  with  the  D"",  &  his  wife  an  Osgood,  very  deaf,  & 
a  sweet  daughter  Sukey,  I  went  in  company  with  the  D*"  to  M"" 
Chickering's.  At  this  house  young  Prat  is  confined.  I  found  his 
delirium  contimied.  I  spent  the  evening  at  Rev.  Symmes,  &  found 
him  an  informed  &  agreeable  Gentleman.  His  health  is  very  infirm. 
His  wife  was  a  sensible,  &  kind  woman.  I  lodged  &  breakfasted 
at  the  Doctor's,  visited  Pratt  again,  took  my  leave  of  the  Parson,  & 
left  the  Town.  I  dined  at  E.  Fuller's  a  good  farmer  in  Middleton. 
Visited  Parson  Smith,  &  drank  tea  &  lodged  at  Rev*^  Wadsworth 
in  Danvers.  He  is  an  ingenious  man  «&  has  a  very  amiable  wife  & 
family.     On  Thursday  11  o'clock  A.  M.  I  reached  Salem. 

Ap.  3.  On  Friday  opened  a  new  school  for  singing  at  my  own 
house.  Present  at  the  first  meeting  were  Misses  Phillips,  S.  &  P. 
Chever,  S.  Phippen,  &  P.  Webb.  The  men  were  Messieurs  Luke 
Heard,  S.  Leach,  B.  Hutcheson,  &  J.  Becket, 

New  names  added,  to  page  47  : 

xMr  Benjamin  Hutcheson,  a  Smith,  apprentice. 
xJohn  Becket,  a  miner. 
xBenj*  Dean,  a  miner. 
[52]      xMiss  Polly  Bowditch. 
xBetsey  Bowditch. 
xSukey  Dean, 
xPolly  Emerton. 

Died  April  2,  Miss  Charlotte  Ives,  aet,  18,  daughter  of  my  friend 
Wid.  Ives  at  Beverley.     She  was  an  amiable,  &  pretty  girl. 

Ap,  6.  At  the  Election  of  Governor  the  votes  stood  for  Han- 
cock, 214.  Bowdoin,  52  ;  for  L  :  Gov,  Adams,  131,  Lincoln,  126. 
This  change  of  opinion  was  occasioned  by  the  virulence,  with  which 
the  Gov :  had  been  attacked  by  a  writer,  Laco,  in  the  Centinel, 
Boston. 

Ap.  7.     Added  to  New  Singers,  Miss  Hannah  Beadle, 

Ap.  10.     "We  had  rain  &  thunder  on  this  day  Friday. 

[53]  Ap.  15,  Families  removed,  till  this  time  in  the  current  year, 
are  of  N.  Knowlton,  who  died  at  Ipswich.  John  Andrews,  removed 
to  Windham.  The  families  &  other  events  to  be  noted  in  the  day 
book,  &  transferred  into  a  list  No.  IX.  at  the  end  of  the  year, 

Ap.  16.  To  Mr  Mason  upon  entering  the  ininistry.  As  to  the 
intimation  you  leave  with  me  respecting  my  profession,  I  hardly 
know  what  to  write  to  you,  I  should  never  advise  you  to  enter  the 
ministry,  unless  you  had  rationally  examined  Christianity.  And 
after  such  examination  I  should  not  recommend  preaching,  unless 
you  was  a  firm  believer.  By  a  firm  believer,  I  intend,  not  one,  who 
gives  an  easy  credit  to  mysteries,  or  renounces  his  understanding 
on  any  point  of  faith,  but  a  man,  who,  upon  the  full  conviction  of  a 
future  moral  retribution  as  the  great  point  of  Christian  faith, 
preaches  with  sober  regai-d  to  the  virtuous  happiness  of  mankind, 


122  DIAKY   OF  [1789 

being  able  to  abandon  without  reluctance  all  worldly  interest, 
which  may  interfere  with  the  conscientious  discharge  of  his  duty, 
&c.,  &c. 

[54]  April  19.  Notes  by  William  Sage  &  wife,  death  of  her 
Brother  Welcome.  Benj^  Nourse  &  Wife,  death  of  her  Brother 
Welcome.  Abigail  Lambert,  delivery,  &  Husband  &  Brethern  at 
Sea.     John  Gunnison's  wife's  delivery. 

Ap.  20.  Upon  settlement  of  Parish  Books  M*'  Snelling  fell  into 
debt  upon  his  sum  collected,  nearly  half.  Mr  Diman  wrote  a  letter 
proposing  a  settlement  of  his  father's  salary.  The  Committee 
offered  a  reference,  by  letter,  to  which  he  answered,  that  should 
they  oblige  him  to  a  legal  course  he  should  chuse  the  most  expensive. 

[56]  Ap.  24,  The  dancing  at  p.  44,  was  an  occasion  for  some  low 
satyre  spread  in  writing  through  the  Town. 

Ap.  26.  Proclamation  for  Fast,  7  May,  read.  Evening  service  noti- 
fied at  3  o'clock.  Died  in  this  month  Rev**  Chandler  set.  82,  of  Row- 
ley. The  Hon :  Judge  Cushing  at  the  opening  of  the  Supreme 
Court  at  Worcester,  in  his  charge  pointed  out  the  7iature  &  dayiger- 
ous  tendency  of  Libels.     A  Seasonable  caution  to  this  Commonwealth. 

On  May  7,  1788,  I  spake  to  Cushing  for  the  Worcester  Gazette,  by 
Thomas,  and  on  April  29,  1789,  for  the  Courier  de  Boston,  a  french 
Gazette,  published  by  Nancrede,  the  french  Instructor  at  Cambridge 
from  Mr.  Hall's  press  in  Boston,  the  same  press  formerly  employed 
at  Salem. 

[57]  Ap.  29.  Mr.  Barnard  appointed  to  preach  the  Artillery  Elec- 
tion S.  at  Boston  this  year.  No.  1.  of  Courier  de  Boston  was  pub- 
lished Apr.  23,  1789. 

May  7.  Collection  for  the  poor  at  the  Fast,  £8. 

[May  10.]  Notes.  Primus  Grant  &  Wife,  death  of  child.  Samuel 
Silsbee  &  Wife  for  her  delivery,  &  Brethren  at  Sea. 

May  13.  Mr.  Edmund  Kimball,  a  mariner  on  board  Capt  Lambert, 
going  out  upon  the  bowsprit  [58]  was  knocked  over  &  was  drowned. 
He  has  left  a  wife  who  was  a  Webb,  &  several  children. 

Last  week  a  Cellar  was  dug  hy  a  Mr.  Palfrey,  on  the  Lot  of  Land 
running  from  Blaney's,  alias  Ingersoll  &  Allen's  wharf,  into  Derby 
street,  &  on  the  right  of  the  road  leading  from  the  wharf.  The 
house  is  upon  the  street. 

A  Building  which  joins  Vincent's  House  to  the  Work  house,  & 

ope  walk. 

A  Shop  by  Mr.  Gray  in  the  Bow  Street,  which  has  the  place  of 
the  Shop,  burnt  some  time  since. 

Foundation  laying  for  a  Distill  House*  on  the  land  belonging  to 
Woodbridge,  &  upon  the  Creek  running  up  to  Col.  Fiske's. 

Another  rupture  with  the  Vir  ingenuus.  He  was  suspicious  of 
my  influence  in  favor  of  Col.  Fiske,  as  a  representative,  &  went  in- 
to the  office  «&  upon  the  wharves  insinuating  his  suspicions,  &  to  give 
•Foot  of  Elm  and  Walnut  streets. 


1789]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  123 

au  odious  turn  to  my  conduct,  he  pointed  it  as  designed  injury  to 
Esq''  Manning,  another  Candidate.  This  is  the  fourth  rupture,  the 
first  respecting  the  sermon  in  September.  The  second  res})ect8  Mrs. 
Sanders'  question,  whether  I  believed  what  I  said  in  the  pulpit,  the 
third  of  the  last  month.  Tims  when  men  are  disposed  for  mischief 
it  is  alivays  in  their  power,  if  they  have  interest,  ivhile  the  general 
character  of  [59],  imjyrudence  serves  to  strengthen  all  susjjicions. 

On  the  12'",  Association  met  at  Fuller's  in  Gloucester.  The  road 
is  at  present  through  Chebacco,  part  of  Ipswich.  It  is  tolerable 
till  we  reach  the  pond  on  our  right.  From  thence  it  is  two  miles 
to  the  inlet,  upon  which  the  Meeting  house  stands.  The  Bridge  is 
convenient,  but  the  Causeway  beyond,  being  overflowed  by  the  tide, 
consists  of  so  many  naked  cross  pieces,  &  stones,  as  make  it  very 
disagreable.  After  we  are  over  we  turn  to  the  left  in  a  bad  road  & 
in  three  miles  reach  the  Meeting  house.  It  is  the  most  rocky  par- 
ish I  ever  beheld.  12  Clergymen  of  the  Association  were  present. 
We  returned  on  the  same  day.  In  Chebacco  are  two  meeting  houses 
near  to  each  other,  which  are  improved  alternately  as  the  age  of  the 
houses  &  their  size  suit  the  seasons.  They  are  monuments  of  relig- 
ious dissentions  in  that  place,  which  is  still  remarkable  for  its  zeal. 
Mr.  Cleveland,  to  whom  they  are  indebted  for  their  present  character, 
was  severely  handled  by  Mayhew,  &  tho'  a  man  of  small  abilities 
has  interfered  in  many  printed  controversies  &  his  daughter  in  the 
zeal  of  Night  meetings  was  overtaken  by  temptation,  &  fell. 

[60]  Notes.  Emmy  Kimball,  with  children,  for  death  of  Husband 
&  Father,  &  for  two  Sons  at  Sea  &  Brother.  Ab  :  Knowlton  &  wife 
for  her  very  sick.     Benj*  Henderson  for  him  sick  of  a  fever. 

May  21.  This  day  in  a  conference  with  my  friend  Col.  Fiske,  I 
asked  his  advice  respecting  the  renewal  of  my  visits  to  the  man  who 
has  injured  me,  &  of  whom  I  have  formed  the  most  horrid  opinion. 
My  most  devout  prayer  to  heaven  is,  that  I  might  never  mention  the 
subject  again  to  any  man,  whatever  may  be  my  resolutions.  I  know 
the  wise  maxims  of  Philosophy,  but  should  I  not  regard  them,  the 
sight  of  this  passage,  might  serve  to  humble  me,  &  produce  no  incon- 
siderable benefit.  I  consider  my  existence  as  a  Parish  Minister  de- 
pending on  my  resolution. 

[61]  May  24.  Notes.  Hannah  Hodges,  delivery,  husband  &  Broth- 
ers at  Sea.     Elizabeth  Cotton,  delivery,  husband  at  Sea. 

May  25.  Translated  from  the  Spanish,  the  Edict  of  the  King  of 
Spain  respecting  the  Slave-Trade  in  the  West  Indies,  in  12  articles, 
for  Mr.  Joshua  Ward.  Very  hastily. 

May  29.  On  Wednesday  went  to  Boston  &  returned  on  Friday. 
News  of  the  death  of  Captain  William  Fairfield,  who  commanded 
the  Schooner  which  sailed  in  Capt.  J''  White's  employ  in  the  African 
Slave  Trade.     He  was  killed  by  the  Negroes  on  board.* 

•See  Essex  Institute  Hist.  Ck)lls.  vol.  XXV.  p.  3U. 


124  DIARY  OF  [1789 

May  30.  Translated  papers  relating  to  the  funeral  of  VV™  Molloyj 
in  Martinico,  fr.  French,  for  Capt.  J.  Chever. 

May  31.  Lydia  Hodges  for  delivery,  Husband  &  friends  at  Sea. 
Went  to  Boston  on  Monday  &  returned  on  Tuesday.  The  Artillery 
Election. 

June  1.  Translated  Dutch  Inventory  of  Effects  of  Capt.  Richard 
Hodges. 

[63]  June  6.  E..  Fairfield,  death  of  Husband,  son  &  friends  at  Sea. 
W»  Peele  &  Wife,  death  of  Br.  F.,  son  &  friends  at  sea.  Wid :  H. 
Cloutman,  death  of  B.  F.,  son  &  friend  at  sea,  John  Becket  with 
family,  death  of  Br.  Fairfield. 

June  21.  Visited  this  week  the  Nahant.  Visited  Manchester. 
Notes.  Elizabeth  Chipman,  delivery,  Husband  &  Brethren  at  Sea. 
James  Brown  &  Wife,  her  delivery.  Brethren  at  Sea, 

June  22.  Catechised  the  young  Daughters  of  the  Flock,  74  in 
number.     Died,  Capt.  Josiah  Orne  senior,  set.  44. 

June  23.     Catechised  the  young  sons  of  the  flock,  102  in  number. 

[64]  June  22.  Removed,  Mr  Snelling,  Bookbinder,  to  Boston, 
with  family  of  6  persons.  New  difficulties.  Col.  F.  obtained  a  pe- 
tition from  a  Lawyer,  to  gain  an  explanation  of  the  Parish  Act. 
It  was  signed  by  a  few  &  sent  on,  &  passed  both  Houses.  The  man 
of  judgement  has  inflamed  the  people  with  the  idea  of  rashness,  in 
truth,  that  it  is  a  measure  which  will  oblige  the  parish  to  pay  their 
debts. 

June  28.  W""  Fairfield  &  Mother,  death  of  W"  Fairfield,  his 
father,  &  thanks  for  his  own  return.  He  was  with  his  father  at  his 
death.  Edmond  Kimball,  death  of  his  father  &  Brother  «&  friends 
at  Sea.     Mary  Crownin shield,  delivery,  Husband  &  Brother  at  Sea. 

July  5.     John  Berry  &  Wife,  for  her  sick. 

July  6.  On  Monday  evening  there  was  an  exhibition  in  the  new 
&  elegant  Academy  erected  at  Marblehead.  The  youth  performed 
the  Tragedy  of  Cato  by  Mr.  Addison  &  several  other  pieces.  The 
performances  were  good  &  did  honor  to  the  Academy.  Mr.  Harris 
the  preceptor  gained  just  credit. 

July  7.  By  Capt.  Pratt  we  learn  the  death  of  George  Waters,* 
who  was  killed  by  the  Guards  in  the  Verd  Islands,  attempting  to 
rescue  some  of  the  American  sailors  apprehended  by  authority. 
His  fate  was  of  a  rash  young  man,  acting  against  the  remonstrances 
of  his  friends. 

Capt  Samuel  Ingersoll  is  carrying  out  the  wall  of  Col  Turner's 
Garden  several  feet  &  securing  it  by  a  firm  breastwork  of  stone. t 

Col.  Fiske  elected  the  Brigadier  General  by  the  field  Officers  of 
Regiments  belonging  to  Salem,  Cape  Ann  &  Lynn.  [68]  The 
petition  sent  on  mentioned  page  64th,  was  signed  by  Col.  Fiske  of 
Prop :  &  Parish  Committee.     Abraham   Watson,  Parish  Treasurer. 

•Son  of  Samuel  Waters. 

tAt  the  foot  of  Turner  Btreet. 


1789]  KEY.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  125 

Benj*  Ward,  Warden.     W"  Browne,  Warden  &  of  Prop's  Coram. 
Nath.  Richardson  of  Parish  Committee. 

[July  16.]  House  raised  by  M^  Palfrey  at  the  Corner  of  Lane 
leading  to  Allen  &  Ingersoll's  wharf.  Commencement  at  Cambridge 
with  usual  chearfulness.  Mr.  [69]  Winthrop  lost  the  professorship 
by  a  majority  against  him  of  32  to  14.  Among  his  friends  were 
the  Governor,  L.  Gov.  &  principal  Civil  Characters.  Mr  Webber  a 
worthy  man  is  chosen. 

July  19.  Joseph  Searle,  death  of  his  wife.  Susannah  Babbidge, 
d.  of  Sister  Searle.  Mary  Collins,  d.  of  Sister  Searle.  Widow 
Mary  Waters,  d.  of  her  Son  at  Cape  Verde  &  Son  at  Sea. 

July  27.  The  Machine  for  weighing  Hay  was  erected  upon  the 
entrance  of  the  Common  from  the  Bridge,*  &  the  Pond  begun  to  be 
filled  up,  which  lay  between  it,  &  the  Alms  House,  the  Pond  also 
in  front  of  Capt  Boardman's  partly  filled.  The  Houses  of  Capt 
Benj*  Hodges,  &  Master  John  Watson  in  the  Street  painted,  as 
well  as  several  pews  in  the  Meeting  House.  [70]  A  Sermon  de- 
livered last  Sunday  in  the  North  Meeting  House  upon  the  subject 
of  the  worship  of  Jesus  inculcating  such  worship. 

Aug.  2.  Wid.  Mary  Whitford,  death  of  two  Brothers  abroad  at 
Sea,  &  friends  at  Sea.  Thomas  Diman  &  wife,  death  of  his  daugh- 
ter, thanks  for  his  own  return  from  Sea.  Mary  Batemanf  for  her 
delivery,  prayers  for  her  Husband  &  Brethren  at  Sea. 

On  Saturday,  Aug.  1,  visited  Topsfield,  one  of  the  most  pleasing 
towns  in  our  neighborhood.  After  dinner  M''  Porter  with  M""*  Orne 
went  with  me  to  a  pond  about  two  miles  above  the  Meeting  house 
on  the  road  to  Boxford.  At  a  Mr  Hood's  at  the  upper  end  of  the 
pond  we  were  entertained  with  berries,  &c.,  &c.,  &c.  The  pond  runs 
nearly  with  the  road  in  a  supposed  north  &  south  direction  ^  a  mile, 
&  is  nearly  of  equal  width  throughout,  being  about  a  :^  of  a  mile 
under,  in  both  directions  the  given  distances.  The  approach  to  the 
pond  upon  the  west  side  is  best,  but  the  greater  part  is  swampy. 
[71]  We  travelled  through  the  swamp,  by  which  we  were  prepared 
without  ceremony  to  wade  in  for  the  Pond  Lillies.  W^e  returned 
for  Tea  to  M''  Porter's.  The  sides  of  the  Pond  are  very  shoal, 
which  makes  fishing  with  angling  rods  very  difiicult,  &  there  was 
no  boat  at  this  time  in  the  pond.     Mr  Porter  caught  one  Pickerel. 

Aug.  11.     Association  at  Chelsea  at  which  Rev**  Belnap  preached. 

Aug.  13.  Wrote  a  letter  to  my  Brother  John  Bentley  living  with 
Mr.  George  Ulmer,  Thomaston. 

[72]  Aug.  14.  Reports  of  the  death  of  Bishop  White  of  Philadel- 
phia, false.  College  of  Philadelphia  have  given  degree  of  D.  D.  to 
Rev.  Robert  Smith,  Rector  of  S*  Philip's  &  Principal  of  Charleston 
College,  South  Carolina.  Also  the  same  degree  to  Rev**  Edw.  Bass 
of  Newbury  Port,  Bp.  elect  for  Massach  :  &  N.  Hamp.  &  to  Rev'* 

*In  Winter  Street  opposite  the  Common. 
tBootman? 


126  DIARY  OF  [1789 

Sam^  Parker  of  Trinity,  Boston.  Kev*  D^  David  Griffith,  Bp.  elect 
of  Virginia,  died  at  Philadelphia.  Died  at  Marblehead  25**'  instant 
my  worthy  friend  Major  Lee,  of  Manchester, 

Aug.  30.  Eliza  Chipman  with  her  children,  prayers  for  death  of 
her  mother,  &  Husband  &  Brothers  at  Sea. 

Sept.  3.  Fire  in  the  Study  on  the  2^  of  September. 

[73]  Sept.  4.  Copy  of  a  Certificate  given  to  member  of  Mr.  Diman's 
Communion,  &c.,  &c. 

Salem,  Sept.  5,  1789. 

This  may  certify  that  Sarah,  the  Wife  of  Hunlock  Palfrey,  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  Communion  of  the  Christian  Church  according  to  the 
Cambridge  Platform  by  the  Rev**  James  Diman,  &  is  under  no 
Church  Censure. 

Benj*  Ward,  Warden.  Will'"  Bentley,  Clerk. 

Sept.  6.  Isaac  White  &  Wife,  for  her  delivery.  John  Eliot  Dale 
&  Wife,  for  her  delivery.  Susannah  Jeffrey,  for  delivery  &  Husband 
at  Sea. 

Sept.  10.  A  Subscription  for  replacing  the  Tail  Part  of  the  Vane, 
or  Weather  Cock,  on  the  Steeple  of  the  East  Meeting  House.  The 
Vane  is  in  a  place  from  which  it  may  be  seen  most  easily  at  the 
Wharves,  &  in  the  Harbour  as  well  as  by  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
Eastern  Part  of  the  Town.  It  was  injured  by  a  storm  of  wind, 
which  broke  off  the  hinder  part,  &  prevented  its  motions  otherwise 
than  broad  to  the  wind.  It  is  now  liable  to  be  forced  [74]  off  by 
exposing  its  whole  side  to  the  wind,  &  to  bend  the  Spindle,  &  besides 
being  useless  as  a  Vane,  &  dangerous  to  the  Spire,  it  is  a  Public  mark 
of  inattention,  &  neglect.  The  Gentlemen  are  therefore  requested 
to  subscribe  for  so  convenient,  &  necessary  repair.  Delivered  to 
Cap'  Jon*  Mason  sen',  at  his  private  request. 

Sept.  13.  Notes.  Stephen  Cloutman  &  Wife,  her  delivery,  brethren 
at  Sea.  Amos  Lefavre  &  wife,  her  delivery.  Service  altered  to  2 
o'clock,  P.  M. 

Sept.  20.  Mary  Hill,  death  of  her  husband,  &  Brother  at  Sea. 
Mary  Whitford,  d.  of  Son  Hill,  &  Son  at  Sea.  Mary  Waters,  d.  of 
Child,  Husband  absent  &  brethren  at  Sea. 

Sept.  27.  Marshall  Stocker  &  wife,  return  from  Sea  (he)  Sick. 
Benj*  Gardner  and  Children,  death  of  Brother  at  Boston.  Jonathan 
Archer  &  wife,  he  sick  of  a  fever,  &  for  death  of  G.  Child.  James 
Archer  &  wife,  death  of  Child. 

[75]  Sept.  28.  M"^  Derby  has  repaired  the  store  at  the  head  of  his 
wharf,  &  glazed  the  front,  so  as  to  give  it  a  very  improved  appear- 
ance, compared  with  its  former  condition.  King  W.,  the  Turner, 
has  conveyed  a  Shop  for  his  business  to  the  southwest  corner  of  the 
Common  on  the  estate  of  Andrew ;  now  property  of  Gardiner.  Beck- 
et's  House  opposite  to  Lambert's  in  the  Street  leading  to  the  Neck 
is  brought  forward  by  the  addition  of  a  new  Shop  for  Wid.  Fairfield. 

On  the  opposite  side  of  the  road  leading  from  the  Common  into 


1789]  REV.   WILLIAM  BENTLEY  127 

the  Street  going  to  the  Neck  by  an  additional  building,  Brown's 
Barn  is  converted  into  a  Bakehouse  for  M''  Phelps.  An  old  Barn 
standing  in  the  Lane*  east  of  Long  Wharf  Lane,  belonging  to  Ar- 
cher's estate  has  been  taken  down.  The  House  on  the  Great  Street 
at  the  entrance  of  the  Lanej  leading  from  Capt  John  White's  to 
the  Wharves,  has  undergone  an  entu-e  repair.  It  was  formerly  oc- 
cupied by  Capt.  Patterson.  A  Hatter's  Shop  built  in  front  of  the 
distill  House,  lately  raised  upon  Woodbridge's  Wharf.  The  Store 
on  Long  Wharf,  belong^  to  Heirs  of  Richard  Derby,  repaired  by 
Miles  Ward  in  virtue  of  a  Lease.  [76]  Capt  Patterson  has  moved 
from  the  Lane  the  Barn  belong^  to  the  House  he  bought  in  the  Lane 
east  of  Long  Wharf  Lane,  &  finished  it  &  the  fence  very  handsome- 
ly. Mr.  Derby  has  repaired  the  Store  on  Winter  Island,  &  contin- 
ued the  Koof  down  over  a  new  part  raised  on  the  West  side,  towards 
a  convenient  landing  within  the  Wharf.  Mr.  J.  Becket  has  repaired 
the  end  of  his  House  which  belonged  to  the  wife  of  Mr  Searle,  & 
the  heirs  of  the  Estate.  Capt  Byrne  in  the  Lane,  east  of  Long  Wharf 
Lane  sometime  since  moved  the  Barn  from  the  Lane,  &  raised  a  neat 
painted  Fence.  Capt  Benj*  Hodges  painted  anew  his  elegant  dwell- 
ing House  in  the  Street.  Mr  A.  Watson  did  the  same  upon  his 
House  at  the  corner  of  Long  Wharf  Lane. 

Sept.  27.  A  building  moved  onto  the  East  front  Corner  of  the 
Land  of  Widow  Crowninshield,  nearly  facing  Daniel's  Lane  by  Mr 
Very. 

[77]  Oct.  2.  Stone  Steps  purchased  for  the  side  doors  of  the  front 
porch  of  Meeting  House.  66  feet  at  1/8,  amounting  to  £5.10.  0. 
The  feet  are  measured  by  the  picked  surfaces.  The  College  of  Yale 
has  conferred  degree  of  LL.  D.  on  Rev'*  Cutler  of  Ipswich.  Capt 
Boardman  arrived  with  his  new  Ship  the  Betsey,  &  Maria  &  Eliza, 
from  Portsmouth.  Spake  to  Dunham  to  procure  Portuguese  Dic- 
tionary Portuguese-English,  see  order  vol.  10.  Mr  B.  Ward's  Barn  on 
the  Common  was  moved  from  Capt  Boardman's  last  year,  when  the 
new  one  belonging  to  Capt  Boardman  was  raised.  Capt  Allen  has 
covered  the  roof  of  his  house  &  store,  with  the  sides  of  the  latter, 
with  Tar  intermixed  with  a  fine  gravel,  &  has  converted  the  front  of 
the  Store  into  a  Shop. 

Oct.  3.  Capt  Collins  laid  the  foundation  of  his  new  Sea  Wall 
which  makes  his  garden  square  at  the  bottom  of  Turner's  Lane,  on 
the  east  side.  Capt.  S.  Ingersoll  on  Turner's  Estate  has  added  a 
new  picketed  fence  to  his  excellent  stone  wall,  which  gives  a  good 
appearance. 

[78]  Oct.  11.  Sarah  Silsbee,  death  of  Child,  Husband  &  son  at 
Sea.  W°»  Browne  &  Wife,  death  of  G.  Child.  Benj*  Browne  & 
Wife,  death  of  Child. 

On  Monday,  Oct.  5,  the  Militia  was  under  arms  &  on  Tuesday 

•Herbert  street. 
tCurtis  street. 


128  DIARY  OP  [1789 

were  reviewed  by  General  Titcombe.  The  weather  being  foul,  the 
pleasure  of  the  day  was  much  interrupted.  On  Thursday  following 
Gen  :  Brooks,  with  Brig.  Hull  reviewed  the  Troops  at  Medf ord,  con- 
sisting of  Bond's  &  Blanchard's  Regiments,  a  Troop  of  Horse,  & 
Artillery,  &  Independant  Companies.  On  Monday  following  Gen. 
Titcombe  with  Brig.  Fiske  reviewed  the  Cape  Ann  Regiment.  The 
general  joy,  &  the  attention  paid  to  the  occasion  gave  uncommon 
satisfaction.  There  was  a  brilliant  assembly  in  the  evening,  hon- 
ored with  the  company  of  the  principal  gentlemen,  &  Clergymen  of 
the  Town.  I  was  present  at  these  reviews.  [80]  New  difficulties 
from  the  little  friend  of  the  man  of  judgment  respecting  the  baptism 
of  a  Child,  grounded  on  the  small  error,  that  the  substituting  in 
place  of  the  usual  form,  the  words  in  the  name  of  J.  Christ,  was 
equal  to  a  refusal  to  use  his  name  at  all.  He  applied  for  the  form 
in  the  name  of  God. 

Oct.  18,  [1789.]  Jonathan  Archer  &  wife  for  him  very  sick. 
Gamaliel  Hodges  &  wife  for  her  delivery,  &  Brethren  at  Sea.  In 
1784,  E.  H.  Derby  employed  Mr  Joshua  Fhippen  to  finish  the  east- 
ern part  of  his  wharf  in  stone  at  bottom,  continuing  it  till  nearly  a 
line  with  the  upper  store,  leaving  it  open  above  as  in  a  jog.  This 
work  was  begun  in  June,  &  ended  2  November. 

Oct.  19.  From  this  jog  he  begun  Oct.  19,  89,  by  the  same  work- 
man to  continue  a  breastwork  over  to  the  other  wharf  called  Pal- 
frey's wharf  in  a  line  with  the  Street,  &  many  feet  below  the  former 
breastwork,  which  had  been  ripped  up  for  other  uses.  The  last  Job 
is  said  to  be  engaged  at  £110.  [81]  The  distances  as  given  by 
Mr  Phippen  &  measured  are.  The  Eastern  side  of  the  Wharf  from 
the  head  to  the  projection,  at  which  the  new  closs  wharf  is  to  begin 
about  667  feet.  The  width  of  the  Eastern  Side  at  the  projection, 
or  jogg — 28  feet.  The  distance  from  the  old  breast-work  down  to 
this  projection,  &  consequently  the  wider  road,  94  feet.  The  dis- 
tance from  the  projection  to  the  opposite  Wharf,  which  will  be  the 
length  of  the  breast  work,  173  feet. 

[82]  Oct.  23.  Capt  Allen  at  the  corner  leading  to  the  Water, 
in  Meeting  house  Lane,  has  raised  a  building  contiguous  to  his 
house  50  feet  by  10,  covering  the  Pump,  &  fitted  for  a  Chaisehouse 
at  the  Western  end.  Mr  Brown  &  Chever  have  raised  a  peaked  & 
rough  fence  on  each  side  of  the  land,  running  parallel  with  the  cross 
Lanes  leading  to  the  water,  between  the  Houses  belonging  to  them 
in  said  Lanes. 

Oct.  22.  Application  was  made  for  an  Ode  upon  the  Occasion  of 
the  intended  visit  of  General  Washington.  For  reasons  avowed  I 
declined  oifering  one,  however  I  possessed  myself  of  the  follow- 
ing materials,  which  are  preserved  for  review  at  some  future 
day. 


1789]  REV.    WILLIAM   Bentley  129 

I.     Hail,  hail,  the  day,  ye  heavenly  choir! 
Let  earth  with  all  her  sons  conspire 
Great  Washington  demands  your  song 
Let  Heaven  &  Earth  their  notes  prolong. 

Chorus.     Loud,  loud,  proclaim,  the  Hero's  come. 
Proclaim  aloud,  Great  Washington. 

[83]        II.     Our  Winthrops  nursed  our  infant  days 
Our  Fathers  did  rehearse  their  praise 
From  proud  oppression  sought  retreat 
And  Salem  Avas  their  happy  Seat. 

New  joy  proclaim,  our  Hero,  &c. 

III.     Our  Fathers  with  fair  freedom  blest 

Here  sought  their  peace,  here  found  their  rest : 
The  rich  inheritance  they  gave. 
Great  Washington  was  sent  to  save. 

Loud,  loud,  proclaim,  &c. 

IV.     When  proud  oppression  lu-ged  to  Arms, 
And  slaughter  spread  its  dire  alarms, 
Great  Washington  with  glory  rose 
Repelled,  &  vanquish'd  all  our  foes. 

Loud,  &c. 

V.     Sweet  peace  return 'd,  glad  plenty  smiled, 
The  Arts  and  Commerce  were  revived  ; 
Domestic  pleasures  we  recall 
Great  Washington  secured  them  all. 

VI.     The  tender  fair  quit  their  retreat, 

And  fearless  round  their  Altars  meet, 
Their  falling  tears  attend  the  song 
In  honor  of  Great  Washington. 

Loud,  &c. 

[84]    VII.     The  (Children  hear  their  Savior's  fame. 
And  lisp  with  gratitude  his  name. 
While  sires,  for  them  in  hopes  most  are  blest. 
Quit  life,  of  every  wish  possest. 

VIII.     Behold  how  gi-eat,  &  good  the  name  ! 
Guardian  in  War,  in  peace  the  same ! 
Our  Peace,  our  Wars  bring  his  renown 
The  Olive,  &  the  Warrior's  crown. 


130  DIARY  OF  [1789 

IX.     Fair  Liberty  behold  thy  Son 

Who  nations  for  thine  Empire  won  : 
Who  lives  to  teach  in  every  clinie, 
Thy  sacred  Laws  to  all  mankind. 

Loud,  loud,  proclaim,  &c. 

Oct.  29  On  Thursday,  Oct.  29,  General  Washington  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  United  States  visited  Salem.  Notice  of  his  approach 
from  Marblehead  was  to  be  given  by  hoisting  a  flag  at  Gardiner's 
Mills,  two  miles  from  the  town  and  at  the  head  of  the  bay,  which 
makes  the  harbour  of  Salem.  This  flag  was  to  be  followed  by  an- 
other at  the  old  Fort,  a  mile  below  the  Town,  at  the  entrance  of 
the  Harbour,  opposite  to  Noggshead  [85]  and  this  was  to  be  signal 
for  discharging  thirteen  cannon  from  the  New  Fort,  on  the  Great 
hill  west  of  the  Old  Fort  on  the  Neck.  Three  Pieces  12  pounders 
were  placed  at  the  entrance  of  the  new  Fort,  towards  the  Town  for 
the  discharge.  At  the  same  time  orders  were  issued  in  Town  to 
assemble  the  Inhabitants  at  one  o'clock  in  Court  Street,  who 
formed  from  the  Court  House  towards  the  Street,  first  the  Town 
Magistrates  such  as  Selectmen,  Overseers,  School  Committees  & 
Justices  of  the  Peace,  then  the  Clergy,  then  the  Merchants, 
Mechanics,  &  the  School-Masters  with  the  children  of  their  respec- 
tive charges.  These  were  marched  to  the  corner  at  the  En- 
trance of  the  Town,  called  Buffum's  Corner,  &  then  opened  on  the 
opposite  sides  of  the  streets.  The  Militia  of  the  Town  were  ordered 
out  to  be  reviewed  in  the  Back  Street*,  within  sight  of  the  Proces- 
sion &  crossed  the  Procession  in  the  Main  Street  just  as  it  had  ar- 
rived at  the  place  appointed.  The  Regiment  of  the  Town  under 
command  of  Col.  Abbot  was  joined  by  a  Regiment  from  Lynn,  with 
the  Horse  from  Ipswich,  the  Independant  Company,  [86]  &  the 
Artillery.  The  Ipswich  Horse  were  in  blue  with  hats,  the  Inde- 
pendants  in  red,  &  the  Artillery  in  black  uniforms.  The  Militia 
were  partly  in  Rifle  frocks.  After  two  o'clock  General  Washing- 
ton passed  Gardiner's  Mills,  &  approached  the  Town  by  Marble- 
head  road,  turned  up  into  the  Street  leading  to  Pickering  Hill, 
passed  Chapman's  Corner,  crossed  the  Street  at  the  Town  pump,  & 
proceeded  by  the  North  Meeting  house  into  the  Back  Street  to  re- 
view the  Troops.  He  then  passed  round  to  Buffum's  Corner 
through  Boston  road,  escorted  by  the  Troop  from  Andover  in  red 
uniform  with  caps,  preceeded  by  the  Marshall  Mr  Jackson,  &  the 
Sheriff  of  the  county,  &  attended  by  such  Gentlemen  as  joined  him 
on  horseback  as  personal  attendants.  He  had  a  few  servants  with 
him  and  a  Baggage  waggon.  He  was  received  at  the  Procession  by 
the  Independant  Company,  &  passed  through  the  Procession,  leaving 
the  Troops  which  opened  for  him  at  the  head  of  the  Procession. 

•Federal  street? 


THE   MclNTIRE  WASHINGTON. 

From  a  medallion  cut  in  wood  by  Samuel    Mclntire  after  drawings 

from  life,  made  by  him  during  Washington's  visit  to  Salem 

in   I  789.      It  IS  38  X  56  inches  in  size  and  formerly 

decorated  the  western  gate  of  the  Common. 


1 


1789]  BEV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  131 

After  he  had  passed,  the  Procession  formed  &  moved  towards  the 
Court  House  through  [87]  Paved  Street;  upon  their  arrival  the 
General  was  accompanied  by  the  Town  Officers  into  the  Balcony 
in  full  view  of  the  crowd  below.  An  Ode  was  then  simg  by  the 
Inhabitants,  in  a  loft  erected  for  the  purpose  on  the  west  side  of 
the  Street,  &  then  an  address  was  read  to  him  by  Mr.  B.  Goodhue, 
the  Member  of  Congress.  The  General  then  read  an  Answer,  &  the 
Crowd  dispersed  after  several  most  loud  Huzzas,  with  the  fullest 
expressions  of  the  highest  satisfaction.  The  General  then  retired 
to  the  House  of  Mr.  Joshua  Ward*,  which  is  situated  below  the 
Old  Church  at  the  Entry  of  the  Town  from  Marblehead.  It  is  a 
large  Brick  House  on  the  west  side  of  the  Street.  This  assignation 
was  made  at  the  General's  particular  request,  &  was  part  of  his 
plan  of  proceeding  through  New  England.  In  the  Evening  he  re- 
ceived the  principal  Gentlemen  of  the  Town.  The  Clergy  were 
first  introduced,  took  hands,  but  did  not  sit  down.  After  Seven 
the  General  attended  the  Assembly,  &  tarried  till  after  nine.  The 
Ladies  were  numerous  &  brilliant.  The  Gentlemen  were  also  nu- 
merous. [88]  The  Bells  rang  15  minutes  after  his  arrival  &  in  the 
evening  Sky  rockets  were  thrown  from  the  Court  House.  The 
Artillery  discharged  after  they  were  reviewed,  as  did  the  other 
troops.  As  there  was  a  disposition  to  accommodate  the  Town  by 
assigning  Capt  Boardman's  House  on  the  East  side  of  the  Common, 
which  was  overruled,  on  Friday  morning  the  General  took  his  de- 
parture from  the  Town  through  the  Great  Street  eastward,  &  turned 
in  at  the  bottom  of  the  Common  through  Ives  lane.  At  the  Bridge 
which  was  covered  with  Flags  from  on  board  the  Ships  the  General 
was  received  with  the  Shouts  of  the  Inhabitants,  collected  in  crowds 
on  the  occasion  and  after  satisfying  his  curiosity  upon  the  Bridge, 
at  ten  he  went  for  Ipswich. 

Nov.  1.  Elizabeth  Chipman,  death  of  Child,  Husband  at  Sea. 
Elizabeth  Millett,  death  of  G.  Child,  &  Son  at  Sea. 

Nov.  3.  Dined,  &  prayed  at  the  opening  of  the  Supreme  Court. 
I  could  not  have  conceived  that  any  Situation  could  have  made  such 
an  impression  upon  me,  &  produced  so  much  confusion. 

[89]  Nov.  3.  Capt  Boardman  sailed  for  Virginia  in  the  New 
Ship,  belonging  to  himself  &  Capt  N.  West,  named  Maria  &  Eliza. 
At  the  late  visit  of  General  Washington  it  has  been  observed  that 
only  three  Gentlemen  were  at  any  trouble  in  accomodatingf  stran- 
gers. General  Fiske,  Col.  Abbot,  &  Richard  Ward  Esq''. 

Nov.  6.  A  Fence  raised  from  lugersoll's  Store  to  the  land  of 
Heirs  of  Richard  Derby  Esq''  by  Miles  Ward,  inclosing  the  New 
Wharf,  lately  finished  by  E.  H.  Derby,  before  his  Father's  Mansion 
House  the  whole  length  being  above  130  feet.  The  purpose  is  to 
secure  a  Lumber  Wharf. 

•Essex  Institute  Hist.  Colls,  vol.  vr,  p.  104;  vol.  vi,  p.  259. 
tTo  accommodate,  etc. 


132  DIARY   OF  [1789 

Nov.  7.  As  the  Sons  of  Major  John  Ha"Ri;horne  were  driving  a 
Cart  upon  the  Neck  at  point  of  Rocks,  his  fourth  son  fell  from  the 
Cart  loaded  with  Rockweed,  &  the  wheel  went  over  his  bowels  &  he 
died  on  the  next  morning  at  4  o'clock. 

Nov.  8.  No  singing  in  the  morning,  when  Mr  Prince  preached, 
the  first  omission  of  the  kind  since  ray  ordination.  The  cause  was 
a  prevailing  cold,  which  has  spread  very  extensively  through  the 
United  States.  News  of  the  death  of  the  wife  of  Rev"*  M""  Swain, 
of  Wenham. 

[90]     Nov.  10.     Association  at  Wadsworth's,  Danvers. 

Nov.  11.  M"  Swain  buried.  I  attended  the  funeral.  The  fence 
mentioned  p.  89,  continued  upon  the  estate  of  heirs  of  R.  Derby  by 
Mr  Ropes,  who  occupies  the  Cooper's  Shop  at  the  corner  of  the 
Long  Wharf,  upon  said  estate.  My  Sister  Betsey  married  last  Sun- 
day to  a  Mr  Henry  Fowle. 

Nov.  15.  Susannah  Harthorne  &  family  for  the  sudden  death  of 
her  G.  Child  Harthorne  &  several  infirm  G.  Children. 

Nov.  22.     Notes.     Elisha  Gunerson  &  Wife,  for  him  sick. 

Nov.  23.  The  front  of  Land  belong^  to  James  Chever  facing  the 
wharves  between  Crowninshield  &  Derby  cleared  of  Shops.  One 
improved  by  A.  Collins  for  selling  spirituous  Liquors,  [91]  another 
by  a  Mr  Webb  as  a  Shoemaker,  &  another  by  a  Murray  as  a  Cooper's 
Shop.  The  last  is  repaired  &  to  be  moved  back  with  the  fence  to 
run  a  parallel  line  with  Crowninshield.  The  little  Shops  are  re- 
moved to  the  corner  of  Daniel's  Lane. 

Nov.  26.  Thanksgiving  from  the  President  of  the  United  States, 
but  appointed  by  the  Governor.  John  Ward  &  wife,  him  sick,  sons 
at  Sea.     John  Gunnison  for  Brother  dangerously  sick. 

Nov.  29.  Notes.  J.  Ward  &  wife,  him  sick,  sons  at  Sea.  John 
Gunnison  for  Brother  &  Mother  &  Sister  absent.  Deborah  Sage, 
delivery.  Husband  &  Brother  at  Sea. 

Nov.  30.  The  front  end  of  the  House  belong^  to  the  Estate  of 
Searle  in  the  Bow  Street,  above  the  Meeting  House  sold  by  P.  Auc- 
tion to  Mr  Cooke.  Several  attempts  have  been  made,  &  some  with 
success,  in  different  parts  of  the  Town  to  break  into  Houses,  Stores, 
&  Vessels.     The  Losses  have  not  as  yet  been  great. 

[92]  Dec.  6.  John  Gunnison  &  wife,  for  Brother  very  sick. 
Molly  Ward  &  Children,  death  of  Husband  &  sons  at  Sea.  Hannah 
Webb,  death  of  Brother  Ward,  &  Sons  at  Sea.  News  of  Capt  J. 
Chever,  had  a  storm  at  Sea,  lost  all  from  the  deck,  &  his  mate 
drowned.  Employed  upon  a  Catalogue  of  Curwen's  Books  at  R. 
Ward's. 

Dec.  11.  Boston  Booksellers  prohibited  selling  Books  unless  by 
a  Salem  Auctioneer.  Letter  to  &  from  Mr  Harris,  Preceptor  at  Mar- 
blehead  respecting  Globes,  &c.,  &c. 

Dec.  13.  Notes.  Mary  Gunnison,  d.  of  Brother  &  for  absent 
friends.     John  Gunnison,  death  of  only  Brother,  Mother,  &  Sister 


i 


1789]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  133 

at  a  distance.  Jon*  Archer  &  wife  for  death  of  Son  Gunnison  and 
Brother  Ward,  &  for  his  own  recovery.  Jon'^  Archer  3**  &  wife, 
death  of  Brother.  James  Archer  &  wife,  death  of  Brother  &  Breth- 
ren at  Sea.     Elizabeth  Bullock,  sick  of  a  fever,  &  Son  at  Sea. 

[94]  Dec.  12.  On  the  night  of  the  12">  a  Brig  for  Boston  ran 
upon  the  rocks  off  Eagle  Island,  &  was  lost,  the  men  all  saved.  The 
Cargo,  salt  from  S'  IMartin's,  Mr  Derby  has  laid  open  the  Plot  of 
Ground  in  the  Cross  Street,  behind  the  old  Mansion  house,  for  the 
Timber  of  his  new  Ship  Yard. 

On  Dec.  24 1  went  with  Mr  Isaac  White  to  Boston,  &  dined  that  day 
with  Capt,  now  Deacon  Ridgway,  whose  house  [95]  I  made  my  home. 
I  visited  My  new  Brother  Mr  Fowle,  &  the  family  &  found  things  in  a 
very  quiet  state.  On  Christmass  I  attended  the  Worship  &  Communion 
of  the  Chapel,  &  heard  Brother  Freeman.  I  dined  with  Isaac  White 
senior,  in  company  with  D'^'  Lathrop,  &  in  the  afternoon  visited  the 
Catholic  Chapel  in  School  Street.  The  Priest  gave  a  discourse  first 
in  french,  &  then  in  english,  &  afterwards  Christened  a  child.  The 
behaviour  of  the  crowd  was  rude,  but  there  was  not  a  disposition  to 
countenance  such  behaviour  in  the  sober  people,  &  it  was  principally 
attributed  to  the  uncomfortable  situation  of  the  audience  that  any 
improprieties  ensued.  On  the  next  day  I  walked  upon  the  neck,  & 
in  the  different  parts  of  the  Town,  &  left,  for  Salem  at  one  o'clock, 
P.  M.  The  weather  was  remarkably  mild  for  the  whole  time.  All 
circumstances  were  agreeable  from  the  intercourse  of  friends,  and  I 
returned  again  to  Salem  to  submit  to  my  unavoidable  Share  in  the 
business  of  life.  Worship  was  at  the  Meeting  of  the  Universalists, 
as  well  as  at  the  four  other  Chm-ches. 

[96]  Dec.  28.  Application  was  made  for  M"  Seward  alias  Bea- 
dle alias  Batten  for  certificates  of  her  marriage.  Baptism,  &  the  Bap- 
tism of  her  Son,  to  recover  dues  from  a  British  Ship.  Mr  Jenks 
was  negociator.  During  my  absence  at  Boston  a  melancholy  series 
of  facts  occurred,  which  respected  the  peace  &  happiness  of  many 
parishioners.  One  of  my  singers,  not  only  distinguished  by  his 
abilities  to  sing,  but  his  constant  attention,  &  pleasing  deportment, 
was  detected  in  the  act  of  breaking  into  a  Shop,  from  which  he  had 
repeatedly  plundered  several  articles,  but  of  inconsiderable  value. 
He  was  left  an  orphan  in  the  charge  of  a  pious  G.  Mother,  &  maiden 
aunt,  but  had  been  unfortunate  in  being  an  apprentice  to  an  indo- 
lent master.  In  very  early  life  he  had  contracted  a  fondness,  which 
ended  in  a  courtship  of  a  young  woman,  whose  domestic  subjection 
was  not  without  great  liberties,  as  to  diversions,  visits,  &  self  [97] 
disposal,  without  any  imputation  of  the  low  vices.  This  attach- 
ment between  parties,  once  in  better  circumstances,  &  to  compensate 
for  the  want  of  a  ])resent  prospect,  urged  the  young  man  to  make 
presents  beyond  his  abilities,  &  produced  the  criminal  act,  which 
exposed  him  to  the  Laws  of  his  Country.  Every  method  Avas  used 
by  the  friends  to  avert  a  public  punishment.     Compensation  was 


134  DIARY  OF  [1789 

made,  the  party  concealed — first  in  hopes  of  a  voiage  to  the  W. 
Indies,  but  the  public  clamour,  grounded  on  numerous  suspicions 
of  a  long  course  of  dishonesty,  &  the  frequent  sufferings  of  the  in- 
habitants of  the  town,  rendered  it  unsafe  for  any  Master  of  a  Vessel 
to  take  him,  afterwards,  he  was  dismissed  into  the  country,  in  hopes 
that  he  might  be  reformed,  &  have  such  commimications  with  his 
friends,  as  might  render  his  reformation  favorable  to  his  future  wel- 
fare. Such  events  as  they  flow  from  obvious  sources,  lead  us  to 
consider  the  true  sources  of  public  evils  &  guard  our  parents  as  well 
as  youth  ag.  them. 

[98]  The  course  of  the  past  year  has  brought  some  important 
considerations  with  the  greatest  force  to  my  mind.  In  the  first 
place,  the  conversation  into  which  I  am  easily  betrayed,  free,  & 
unguarded,  has  involved  me  in  many  little  enmities  which  will 
ever  imbitter  life.  The  severe  reproof  of  vices  has  incurred  the 
blame,  &  horrid  abuse  of  such  men  as  were  attached  from  the 
licentiousness  of  their  minds,  who  connect  always  favor  to  them- 
selves, with  all  revolutions  in  favor  of  rational  religion.  I  have 
seen  warm  professions  of  friendship  suddenly  converted  into  as  bit- 
ter reproaches.  I  have  seen  my  own  reputation  insulted  upon  many 
transient  acts,  &  in  danger  from  a  want  of  consideration,  that  a  ri- 
valship  cancels  every  obligation.  I  have  seen  that  success  fixes 
most  men's  friendships,  and  that  if  I  am  not  prudently  provident  for 
futurity  in  vain  may  I  expect  that  they  who  have  enjoyed  the  ser- 
vices of  my  youth,  will  regard  me  when  they  have  not  the  enjoyment 
[99]  of  my  usefulness.  On  the  next  year  then  I  have  among  many 
important  duties  respecting  my  manners,  enquiries,  &  Studies  the 
four  following  of  the  great  consequence  &  immediate  use  to  me. 

First,  to  be  more  guarded  in  my  conversation ;  secondly,  to  remem- 
ber that  men  can  love  their  vices,  &  will  consider  reproofs  as  injur- 
ies, &  therefore  be  watchful.  Join  the  serpent, — to  the  friendly  re- 
prover ;  thirdly,  to  attend  particularly  to  the  character  of  Clergy- 
men ;  fourthly,  to  remember  charity  begins  at  home,  &  lay  up  in 
Store.  Four  weighty  &  necessary  duties,  inculcated  in  the  last 
year.  D'  Mather  when  he  was  dying  gave  me  the  following  advice, 
D^^  quantum  de  studio,  tantum  de  fama. 

[100]     YEAR  1790,  JANUARY. 

Religion  is  the  highest  pleasure  of  human  life.  Deo  sit  gloria. 
This  year  every  day  to  be  noticed,  either  for  natural,  political, 
civil,  moral,  or  religious  occurrences,  &c. 

[101]  A  Copy  of  the  Articles  in  the  account  of  Jona  Mason  for 
my  Sister,  Elizabeth.  Coffee  Pot,  Six  cups  &  saucers,  Cream  Pot, 
bowl,  Sugar  Bowl,  6  Knives  &  Forks,  3  Dishes,  a  quart  Jugg,  &  a 
Pint  Jugg.     I  added  a  dozen  Plates. 

Jan.  1.  A  very  pleasant  day  of  the  New  Year. 


1790]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  135 

Jan.  2.  Letters  are  Keceived  from  a  Sam'  Jennison  at  Oxford, 
Worcester  County,  begging  charitable  relief.  He  was  a  Son  of  Rev** 
Jennison  formerly  of  the  East  Parish,  Salem.  The  Town  has  formed 
the  following  resolves,  To  have  a  Town  Watch  &  To  petition  for 
a  Lottery  to  cleanse  the  Channels  of  the  Harbour,  &  North  Kiver. 
There  is  a  Duck  Manufactory  proposed  for  which  the  Subscription 
is  for  fifty  shares  at  one  hundred  dollars  each.  It  is  said  that  the 
Selectmen  have  offered  the  land  adjoining  the  Old  Almshouse  on 
Pickering's  hill,  at  a  quit  rent  of  six  pence  pr.  annum.  Mr.  H.  Derby 
beside  opening  his  land  back  of  the  old  Mansion  house  is  making 
large  preparations  at  the  iinfinished  House  [102]  near  the  Wharf, 
for  a  commodious  Shed,  Saw  pit  &  work  yard,  for  his  Ship  Building. 

Jan.  4.  This  day  uncommonly  mild,  windows  open.  &  the  appear- 
ance of  opening  Spring.  A  woman  in  the  neighborhood,  known  for 
her  industry  &  passimony,  having  an  intemperate  husband,  whom 
she  had  long  endeavored  to  reclaim,  &  being  at  last  addicted  to  the 
vice,  she  so  often  attempted  to  prevent,  in  a  melancholy  mood  pre- 
pared to  put  an  end  of  life,  but  being  discovered,  &  the  fact  not  being 
generally  known,  it  is  hoped  will  desist  from  such  purposes. 

[103]  5'*^  The  Salem  printed  News  assumes  the  name  of  SALEM 
GAZETTE. 

6"*.  The  projection  of  a  certain  character  (G.  C.)  to  alienate  the 
Church  Plate  in  part  pay  to  the  heirs  of  Rev**  Diman,  &  oblige  the 
Church  to  redeem  it,  after  being  set  olf  at  its  weight,  to  pay  the  Par- 
ish Debts. 

7"*.  On  Saturday  last  arrived  at  Boston  the  noted  John  Thayer* 
formerly  of  Boston,  educated  at  Yale  College,  sometime  chaplin  at 
the  Castle,  now  a  convert  to  the  Catholic  Roman  Faith.  The  sing- 
ularity of  his  conduct  before  his  conversion  has  made  this  visit  a 
subject  of  curious  nature.  It  is  supposed  he  has  an  American  Mis- 
sion, &c. 

[104]  8.  Last  evening  one  Bennet  pretending  to  be  the  first  Amer- 
ican Wire  dancer  appeared  &  exhibited  in  this  Town.  M''  Phippen 
the  Undertakerf  at  M''  Derby's  wharf  assured  me  that  the  carting 
of  mud  from  the  Flats  upon  the  Wharf,  cost  him  in  the  ratio  of  the 
expence  of  the  Schowwingt  as  33  to  20,  so  much  did  the  carting 
exceed. 

10.  Sunday.  No  singing  in  the  morning  when  Mr  Bernard  preached. 
Notes.  John  Becket,  Wife's  delivery.  Richard  Manning  jun"".  Wife's 
delivery.     Mary  Gunnerson  for  delivery.     Her  husband  lately  dead. 

11.  M''  Thayer  officiated  in  Boston  for  the  first  time  last  Sunday. 
A  few  weeks  since  the  Small  Pox  made  its  appearance  upon  the 
youngest  child  of  M""  Leibetter,  living  in  the  Eastern  end  of  Whit- 
ford's  house,  below  the  Locust  field,  near  the  Neck.  It  was  re- 
moved to  the  Hospital  in  the  great  pasture,  &  is  still  living.     The 

•See  Ezra  Stiles'  Diary,  vol.  in.  p.  416. 

t  Contractor. 

tScow,  i.  e.  a  flat  boat. 


136  DIARY   OF  [1790 

Small  Pox  has  again  [105]  appeared  upon  a  child  of  8  months  be- 
longing  to  a  M""  Smith,  labourer  in  South  fields. 

12.  State  of  the  Market  before  Sleding. 

Beef,  2^  to  S^^  p^  lb.  Mutton,  /2d  to  S^ 

Veal,  2i  to  S^  Lamb,  /2'^  to  S^ 

Pork,  2|  to  31  Pig,  /2'» 

Bacon,  /7<»  Butter,  8<*/  p""  lb. 

Turkeys,  3^  to  /4'J  Geese,  2*  to  /S'^ 

Fouls,  2|  to  /4d  Eggs,  /8^/  p^  dozen. 

Wheat  not  in  the  Market  nor  Barley. 

Rye,  from  376^  to  /47  p'  Bushel. 

Indian  Corn,  4/ 

Oats,  1/8  p^  Bushel. 

Southern  Flour,  six  dollars  p*"  Barrel. 

Fresh  Fish,  /I  p'  lb. 

13.  Meeting  for  the  Sale  of  Pews  adjourned,  after  the  Settlement 
of  John  Derby  Esq"",  &  the  Heirs  of  Richard  Derby  Esq""  &  good 
hopes  from  others. 

15.  Mr  Dabney  having  opened  a  Circulating  Library  in  the  Center 
of  the  Town,  his  [106]  Conditions  are  p''  week. 

For  each  Quarto,  ninepence. 

For  each  Octavo,  seven  pence. 

For  each  Duodecimo,  four  pence. 

For  each  Pamphlet,  Magazine,  &c,  two  pence. 

The  Abbe  de  la  Poterie,  under  a  list  of  Titles  appeared  at  Boston 
in  1789,  and  consecrated  the  Brick  Church  built  by  the  French 
Protestants,*  then  in  ruins,  to  the  Holy  Cross.  He  published  a  Cer- 
tificate to  be  signed  by  such  of  his  friends  as  would  chuse  to  recom- 
mend him.  He  published  also  a  pamphlet  calling  on  the  public  to 
examine  his  Credentials  &  Titles,  another  announcing  his  Catholicf 
intentions,  tho'  he  was  not  countenanced  by  the  Consul,  being  author- 
ised by  his  Superior  —  D""  Carrol  —  in  America.  He  published  also 
pastoral  letters,  designating  the  service  particularly  on  Ash  Wednes- 
day, Lent,  Palm  &  Easter  Sunday.  The  whole  has  no  recomenda- 
tion  to  an  American,  the  absolution,  the  persons  who  were  forbidden 
the  communion,  &  other  things  abhorrent  of  the  doctrines  of  the 
[107]  Protestant  &  Reformed  churches,  being  shewn  in  their  most 
forbidding  forms.  The  Printer  brought  the  Catalogue  of  Curwin's 
Library  in  a  proof  sheet  to  be  corrected. 

16.  Last  evening  the  Singers  met  at  my  Chamber  attended  by 
Messieurs  Ward,  &  J"  Becket.     The  men  who  attended  were, 

M''  Le  Favre.  M""  James  Archer. 

M"^  John  Babbidge.  M'  Sam^  Archer. 

M''  Andrew  Ward.  M""  Sam^  Leach. 

M'"  Luke  Heard.  M'"  John  Dundee. 

M^  John  Trask.  M'  Benj*  Hutcheson. 

•Located  in  School  street. 

fOne  of  his  avowed  ends  is  to  urge  the  public  charity.— Footnote  in  Bentley  Diary, 


1790]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  137 

17.  News  that  Capt  C.  Babbidge  lost  one  of  his  mariners,  by  be- 
ing drowned.  The  man  belonged  to  Bev^erley.  Notes.  Sunday. 
Rebecca  Ashbey,  very  sick,  «&  for  husband  at  Sea.  Sarah  Prince 
for  delivery,  husband  &  Brother  at  Sea. 

18.  Attended  the  drawing  of  a  deed  by  which  M"  Ashby  shews 
her  intention  of  vesting  the  property  she  has  in  her  house  &  land  in 
her  husband,  for  his  repairs,  &c. 

[108]  19.  In  the  Gazette  we  are  told  that  on  31  October  it  was 
so  dark  from  two  till  \  past  four  in  the  afternoon  at  Lexington  in 
Kentuckey  that  the  inhabitants  were  obliged  to  dine  by  lighted  can- 
dles.    Letter  from  my  Brother  John  dated,  Thomaston,  January  1 
1790. 

20.  The  Proprietors  adjournment  for  the  sale  of  Pews. 
Rev"*  Diman's  sold  to  Gen.  Fiske,  49  doll. 
Carleton's  Heirs  to  Sam*  IngersoU,  £6. 

Becket's  Heirs  to  John  Becket,  £5. 
Palfrey,  to  give  a  deed  for  half  the  Pew. 
Young's  Pew  sold  to  Proprietors. 

21.  Report  of  Capt  Reid's  being  overset  in  a  sloop  bound  from 
Boston  to  Townsend.  The  Captain  &  one  mariner  escaped  after 
having  been  in  an  open  boat  eight  days. 

22.  Attended  last  evening  the  Exhibition  of  youth  in  the  Acad- 
emy of  Marblehead.  The  youth  were  dressed  very  handsomely  both 
male  &  female.  Their  manners  not  so  simple  as  before.  The  in- 
troductory part  belonging  to  the  Preceptor,  was  performed  by  a 
youth  of  the  School,  &  the  [109]  subject  was  the  importance  of  ed- 
ucation. The  Preceptor  never  made  his  appearance  in  his  public 
character.  The  simple  &  puerile  performances  were  easy  &  enter- 
taining. The  philosophic  pieces  were  delivered  so  as  to  betray  that 
they  were  above  the  capacity  of  children.  Berquin's  inimitable  work 
appeared  with  very  great  advantage  on  this  occasion.  The  Tragedy 
of  Barnwell  began  about  10  in  the  evening,  &  I  left  the  academy. 
The  part  of  Millwood  was  performed  by  a  young  lady  of  the  Town. 
The  female  part  of  the  entertainment  was  highly  disgusting  to  me, 
as  the  parts  were  infamous,  assigned  to  them,  &  as  this  kind  of  ed- 
ucation has  no  friendly  influence  upon  their  amiable  modesty,  their 
sympathy,  or  more  kind  domestic  accomplishments.  Opposite  feel- 
ings seized  me  on  this  occasion.  A  love  of  innocent  youth  in  the 
hopes  of  good  education,  attended  with  most  solemn  apprehensions 
of  their  danger  &  destruction.  I  tarried  till  the  morning  with  Rev* 
Hubbard. 

[nO]  23.  Died  this  morning  early  M"  Elizabeth  Becket.*  She 
was  an  IngersoU.  For  many  months  she  had  complained,  but  since 
her  last  delivery,  had  apparently  recovered  unusual  health.  She 
was  taken  with  complaints  in  the  back,  but  not  conceived  by  her 
physician  to  be  in  eminent  danger.     The  cause  is  uncertain,  the  bow- 

•The  second  wife  of  Capt.  John  Becket. 


138  DIARY  OF  [1790 

els  swell  exceedingly  since  her  death.     She  was  a  very  excellent  do- 
mestic woman,  &  very  chearful  in  her  natural  temper. 

24.  Sunday.  Notes  for  Prayers.  Mansfield  Burril,  Wife  &  Chil- 
dren, death  of  Son  in  Law  Stocker  &  friends  at  Sea.  Martha  Stock- 
er,  death  of  her  husband.  Widow  Margaret  Young,  death  of  a 
friend,  Madam  Ashby. 

25.  Brother  Bernard  shut  up  his  meeting  House  yesterday  incon- 
sequence of  a  fall  upon  the  Ice,  by  which  he  was  rendered  unable  to 
walk  without  pain.  [HI]  Strong  Aurora  Borealis  observed  in  Nov- 
ember at  Charlestown,  S.  C.  It  was  of  a  crimson  colour,  &  reached 
the  zenith,  continuing  from  7^  to  12  o'clock. 

26.  At  the  funeral  of  M''^  Becket  the  Militia  Officers  appeared, 
&  followed  the  relations.     The  procession  very  long. 

27.  Last  week  a  Schooner  from  the  W.  Indies  belonging  to  Mar- 
blehead  was  cast  ashore  on  Boar's  Head  below  Newbury.  The 
Capt,  Hinckley,  died  on  his  passage. 

Jan.  28.  Certain  persons  disappointed  in  regard  to  the  pur- 
chase of  M''  Diman's  Pew,  after  having  dispossessed  an  old  Tenant, 
&  put  a  raised  floor  upon  the  Pew,  gave  orders  to  have  it  ripped 
up,  &  in  resentment  left  the  Pew  without  any  accommodations,  &;c., 
&c.  One  of  these  persons  belongs  to  the  Church,  the  other  in  a 
quarrel  about  a  pew  lately  left  the  Church  of  England. 

29.  The  Sun  Shone  so  bright  &  the  air  was  so  agreable,  as  ren- 
dered a  fire  unnecessary  for  the  whole  day.  The  evening  was  as 
moderate  as  the  day  preceeding  it. 

[113]  30.  This  day  a  woman  by  the  name  Welch  was  delivered 
of  Twins  in  the  South  fields  &  died  after  delivery.  One  child  has 
survived  her.  This  is  the  fourth  time  of  bearing  Twins,  &  the, 
woman  is  now  possessed  of  no  lawful  husband,  &  46  years  of  age 
w'  300  lb.  The  force  of  natural  propensity  is  strikingly  seen,  & 
why  may  not  the  natural  child  verify  the  old  observation  respect- 
ing genius,  got  by  Inatful  stealth  of  nature.  The  30  of  Jan^  against 
the  old  English  Proverb  a  fair  day  this  year.  M""  J°  White  assures 
me  that  the  looming  on  the  Virginia  Mountains  mentioned  by  Jef- 
ferson as  different  from  the  common  looming  of  near  objects  on  the 
water,  by  changing  the  form  of  the  objects  entirely,  has  been  ob- 
served at  Sea  but  only  by  him  uj^on  Southerly  wind,  &  a  low  point 
has  become  seemingly  bluff,  &  in  various  forms  in  a  few  minutes. 

31.  Sunday.  Notes.  John  Becket  &  children,  death  of  his  Wife. 
W"  Peele  &  Wife,  death  of  Sister  Becket  &  Son  at  Sea.  John  Bab- 
bidge  &  Wife,  death  of  her  mother  &  absent  friends.  Hannah 
Cloutman,  death  of  Sister  Becket  &  Sou  at  Sea.  Hannah  Malcolm, 
d.  of  Sister  Becket,  &  husband  &  Sons  at  Sea.  John  Underwood  & 
Wife,  for  her  delivery. 

[114]  February  1,  1790.  The  Town  Lottery  proposed  meets 
with  no  encouragement  at  the  General  Court.  The  Committee  of 
the  House  rather  treated  it  as  whimsical.     The   petitions   of  the 


1790]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  139 

same  nature  are  very  numerous.  At  present  ('lasses  of  Tickets  are 
selling  in  the  C'harlesto\%Ti  &  Lancaster  Lotteries,  &c.  The  desire 
of  adventuring  is  so  great  in  this  way,  that  lirokers,  &c.  have  s])ec- 
ulated  upon  the  purchase  of  Tickets,  a  speculation  before  unknown 
in  America.  This  day  was  drowned  Harry,  a  very  active  Negro 
man  from  a  Vessel  belonging  to  J.  Norris,  commanded  by  Capt. 
Knight.  He  was  leaping  from  the  wharf  to  the  vessel,  after  fast- 
ening a  rope,  &  slipped  into  the  water.  He  was  recovered  after 
20  minutes,  from  the  bottom  in  9  feet  of  water.  Every  experiment 
was  tried,  first  that  of  the  Humane  society,  then  electricity,  then 
the  warm  water,  &  the  inflation  of  the  lungs,  but  with  no  success. 
He  seemed  a  very  proper  subject,  but  whether  the  cold,  which  tho' 
not  extreme  on  a  rainy  day  in  open  air,  is  great  near  the  bed  of 
rivers  continually  running,  &  which  freezes  at  the  bottom,  or  a 
neglect  to  evacuate  [115]  that  quantity  of  water  collecting  in  the 
stomach  was  the  cause  is  not  determined.  Tho'  the  rolling  former- 
ly used  was  too  violent  I  cannot  conceive  that  so  natural  a  thought 
for  relieving  persons  taken  from  the  water  should  have  no  substi- 
tute for  relief,  &c. 

2.  Letter  to  W™  Mason  inclosing  Gazettes,  Curwin's  Catalogue, 
&  the  Bye-Laws  of  the  Town,  with  information  of  particular  events 
till  this  date.  At  M""  Bernard's  a  Latin  edition  of  Father  Faul, 
which  has  long  laid  in  his  hands  unknown.  It  was  printed  in  1622, 
but  the  place  not  mentioned — the  name  is  given  Petrus  Suavis, 
Polanus.  The  family  name  of  Father  Paul  was  Peter  Sarpi,  &  his 
Council  of  Trent  was  published  in  England,  according  to  Bayle  in 
1619,  &  succeeded  by  an  english,  latin  &  french  translation.  The 
Episcopal  clergyman  of  this  town  is  endeavoring  to  cooperate  open- 
ly with  Gay  &  Duane  of  N.  Y.  against  the  measures  of  the  Episco- 
pal Convention.  The  printed  proceedings  of  the  Episcopal  Con- 
vention I  have  not  seen.  I  have  already  sent  to  Charlestown,  but 
could  not  obtain  them,  see  p.  120.  [116.]  The  Convention  of 
Ministers  Parker,  Oliver,  D""  Bass,  &  Ogden  met  at  Salem,  &  elect- 
ed D""  B.  Bishop.  They  did  not  ask  lay  concurrence.  Trisker*  & 
Wheeler  protested  to  Bp.  Provost,  who  is  in  Gay,  &c's.  interest. 
Trisker  is  now  employed  to  go  to  Marblehead  to  interest  the  laity 
in  his  measures.  Dalton  has  at  last  made  D""  B.f  uncomfortable  at 
Newbury  Port,  &  T.  is  to  do  the  same  for  O.J  at  Marblehead.  The 
interest  of  any  chm-ch  was  never  rendered  more  contemptible  than 
the  Episcopal  interest  in  Massachusetts.  The  avowed  object  of  the 
Convention  at  Salem  was  to  unite  the  clergy  of  Connecticut  with 
the  Southern  churches,  which  they  have  accomplished  and  hereby 
have  endangered  the  whole  interest,  by  counteracting  the  wishes  of 
powerful  individuals  through  the  United  States.     An  anecdote  of 

♦Taaker? 

tBass. 

tOliver. 


140  DIARY  OP  [1790 

Bishop  Seabury  from  Rev*^  Andrew  Eliot  of  Fairfield.  He  was  ap- 
plied to  by  a  number  of  Episcopalians  in  an  inland  Town  to  admin- 
ister Confirmation  &  Baptism.  [H'J']  As  they  had  no  house  of 
Worship,  their  neighbors  the  Dissenters  respectfully  offered  by  a 
Committee  the  use  of  the  Congregational  Meeting  House  to  the 
Bishop.  With  sovereign  disdain  he  replied,  I  NEVER  HAVE,  & 
I  NEVER  INTEND  TO  OFFICIATE  IN  AN  UNCONSE- 
CRATED  HOUSE.  The  disgust  of  his  partizans  was  so  great 
that  they  renounced  Episcopacy,  &  joined  the  dissenters.  The 
English  Reviewers  complain  that  the  Proceedings  of  the  Episc: 
Convention  are  not  published  with  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer. 
The  truth  is,  it  is  from  various  causes  impossible  to  get  a  fair  rep- 
resentation on  either  side.  It  complains  that  Parker  designedly 
concealed  from  him  the  copies  of  the  Proceedings  sent  forward  for 
his  use.  Oliver  in  turn  that  F.*  has  carried  proposals  to  his  peo- 
ple, of  which  he  is  ignorant  &  without  asking  his  permission.  Such 
is  the  management  of  the  Episcopal  Interest  in  the  Commonwealth 
in  the  hands  of  men,  totally  inadequate  to  such  great  undertakings. 

[118]  3.  I  walked  with  M""  W™  Browne  round  the  Wharves, 
which  I  had  never  visited  before  since  I  had  been  in  town.  The 
Committee  to  examine  into  encroachments  made  upon  the  Channel 
have  determined  a  line  rimning  from  the  Bridge  of  Long  Wharf  to 
the  eastern  end  of  Gray's  Wharf,  which  intersects  at  an  acute  angle 
the  Ends  of  the  Piers  belonging  to  Pierce  &  Ward's  Wharves, 
both  of  which  have  been  lengthened  very  lately.  The  number  of 
Wharves  is  greater  than  I  supposed,  &  may  admit  from  8  to  9  feet 
of  water.  The  Controversy  is  yet  sub  judice.  At  Ashby's  a 
Schooner  is  on  the  Stocks. f 

4.  I  went  over  to  Marblehead  to  preach  a  Lecture  for  M"^  Hub- 
bard. The  weather  was  foul.  [119]  This  evening  there  was  a 
Proprietor's  Committee  meeting  at  Marblehead.  Their  method  is 
Annually  to  chuse  a  Committee  both  at  M""  Story's  Society,  &  M"^ 
Hubbard's.  This  Committee  is  chosen  nearly  at  the  beginning  of 
the  Year  upon  the  Calendar.  At  the  annual  election  this  Commit- 
tee consisting  of  thirteen  persons  dines  with  the  minister.  Monthly 
they  meet  at  each  others'  houses,  &  sup,  &  spend  an  evening  togeth- 
er, &  on  such  occasion  the  minister  is  always  to  be  invited.  At 
these  meetings  they  pay  the  minister  what  they  have  collected,  & 
then  having  examined  the  Books,  they  divide  the  delinquencies 
among  the  members,  assigning  to  each  his  part  in  order  to  collect, 
as  he  should  be  able  against  the  next  meeting.  At  M""  Oliver's  the 
Ep.  Minister's  I  had  the  pleasure  of  looking  over  a  compleat  collec- 
tion of  all  Hogarth's  paintings  in  some  admirable  engravings,  & 
the  following  question  was   considered.     Whether    Elizabeth   did 

•Fisher. 

tXheir  shipyard  was  near  the  Charter  street  barying-ground. 


1790]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  141 

exercise  all  tJie  powers  as  Supreme  head  of  the  church,  which 
Henry  the  8  exercised? — or  under  limitations  ? 

[120]  5.  I  obtained  of  the  EeVi  T.  F.  Oliver  a  Copy  of  the  pro- 
ceedings in  the  late  Episcopal  Convention.  But  he  assures  me  that 
there  are  some  subsequent  alterations  respecting  the  manner  of  de- 
ciding, &c.  in  the  upper  house  of  Bishops,  as  well  as  respecting  fur- 
ther alterations  in  the  Book  of  Common  prayer. 

6.  Reports  respecting  M""  Reid*  Apothecary  in  this  Town  that 
he  has  gone  to  Congress  for  a  patent  for  some  machine,  said  to  be 
of  Steam,  &c.  Vulgar  Report.  Public  conversation  is  engrossed 
by  the  proposals  respecting  American  Finances  &  Loans.  A  Letter 
has  been  sent  into  the  Parish  signifying  that  M"^  Diman  has  applied 
to  the  General  Assembly  for  an  act  enabling  him  to  settle  with  the 
East  Parish  in  Salem. 

[Feb.]  7.  Sunday.  Notes.  David  Hilliard  &  Wife  for  her  sick. 
Isaiah  Thomas  has  sent  on  PROPOSAL  Sprinted  in  order  to  facilitate 
the  printing  of  a  ()  UARTO  AMERICAN  BIBLE.  [121]  These 
proposals,  it  is  said,  have  been  sent  to  all  the  Clergy,  &c.  A  Small 
Octavo,  but  larger  &  much  fairer  than  our  common  Scotch  Bibles, 
was  printed  at  the  close  of  the  War  by  Aitken  in  Philadelphia.  It 
is  said  he  was  a  great  sufferer  by  the  impression  as  the  close  of  the 
War  occasioned  a  great  influx  of  Scotch  Bibles  which  were  sold  at 
a  cheaper  price  by  almost  half  than  he  could  afford  for  his  Ameri- 
can Impression.  Many  impressions  of  the  New  Testament  have 
been  made  in  America,  but  the  fairest  &  largest  is  the  Octavo  pub- 
lished by  Collins  of  Trenton,  in  1788.  This  is  the  best  I  have  seen, 
but  the  circulated  copies  are  upon  very  mean  paper. 

8.  Another  letter  from  the  Member  that  the  Parish  matter  at  the 
general  Assembly  is  deferred  till  tomorrow  for  a  second  reading.  I 
applied  to  the  Wardens  for  assistance  to  M"  Hilliard.  The  knowl- 
edge of  Characters,  &  the  changes  in  human  life  is  the  most  in- 
structive which  we  can  attain.  As  the  present  Salem  Membert  of 
the  General  Assembly  is  a  remarkable  character,  some  anecdotes  of 
him  may  deserve  to  be  remembered.  When  M""  Dunbar  was  ordained 
at  Salem  [122]  the  member,  &c.  was  a  minister  in  Lynn,  &  belong- 
ing to  the  Salem  Association.  M""  D.  applied  for  admission  but 
was  opposed  by  this  person,  who  had  the  opposition,  &  M*"  D.  gained 
admission  by  the  artifice  of  obtaining  admission  for  D""  Willard, 
now  President  at  Cambridge,  &  inducing  him  to  give  a  vote.  M'' 
Dunbar  with  genius,  possessed  the  dangerous  weapon,  ready  wit,  of 
which  we  know  what  men  are  most  afraid.  The  same  M —  being 
absent  often  at  Topsfield  &  Ipswich,  from  which  town  he  married 
his  wife,  became  subject  of  innocent  merriment  between  D""  Eliot 
of  Boston,  &  M''  Payson  of  Chelsea.  The  conversation  being  told, 
the  member  consented  with  his  Parishioners  to  invite  M"^  Payson 

•Hon.  Nathan  Bead,  afterwards  Judge  and  Member  of  Congresa. 
tDr.  John  Treadwell,  see  Essex  Institute  Hist.  Colls,  vol.  iv.,  p.  129. 


142  DIARY  OF  [1790 

into  his  parish  at  a  Lecture,  &  assigned  to  his  confederates  to  insult 
him  in  public  worship  by  going  out,  &c.  under  pretence  of  Toryism, 
a  very  odious  imputation  at  that  time.  This  agreement  Cap*  Holden 
Johnson  has  since  acknowledged  with  many  aggravating  circum- 
stances, as  a  further  anecdote  of  his  leaving  the  ministry.  Cap' 
Johnson  having  purchased  the  house  in  which  the  member  lived,  to 
whom  the  refusal  was  given  at  a  certain  [123]  price  by  the  heirs  of 
the  Rev*^  Hinchmau  deceased.  He  became  so  irritable  that  without 
any  other  notice  after  Sermon  he  abruptly  took  leave  of  his  Parish, 
&  tho'  solicited  to  officiate  on  the  next  Sunday,  by  the  application 
of  the  Parish  he  utterly  refused  &  the  house  was  shut  up.  The 
friends  of  M''  Dunbar  are  now  his  friends  &  tho'  of  an  obsti- 
nate &  unrelenting  temper  he  is  the  only  Member  for  Salem,  after 
residing  but  a  short  time  in  the  Town,  without  any  knowledge  of 
Commerce. 

9.  In  the  Mass  :  Mag.  for  last  Month  are  republished  some  re- 
marks from  D''  Pranklin  first  published  in  1763,  respecting  Heat 
&  Cold.  The  D""  denies  the  supposed  difference  between  the  effects 
of  ivet  a7id  damp  clothes.  He  asserts  the  safety  with  which  he  has 
arisen  from  bed  &  continued  naked  reading  or  writing,  &  the  sup- 
plemental  pleasure  of  going  to  bed  after  having  been  in  this  state. 
He  mentions  a  person,  who  by  Sanctorius  Balance  decided  that  the 
perspiration  was  greater  when  naked,  than  when  cloathed,  a  D' 
Stark,  &  begs  the  experiment  might  be  renewed.  He  infers  that 
the  causes  of  taking  cold,  or  of  a  checked  perspiration  are  not  such 
as  are  commonly  imagined.  [124]  Quere,  whether  the  opinion  of 
the  difference  between  damp  &  wet  cloathes  does  not  arise  from  the 
first  more  frequently  happening  while  the  Body  is  at  rest.  We  are 
told  that  the  Demolition  of  the  old  Hall  of  Dartmouth  College  on 
the  3*^  of  December  last  was  occasioned  by  a  general  Combination 
of  the  Students  to  destroy  it  on  account  of  its  wretched  State,  «Sc 
that  they  subscribed  £100  for  the  Rebuilding  of  a  Chapel  in  its 
Stead.  Thomas  has  published  repeatedly  in  the  Worcester  Gazette 
an  Account  of  the  principal  American  Editions  of  works  in  several 
branches  of  literature,  &  gives  us  proof  that  we  proceed  faster  in 
the  number  of  our  Books  than  in  the  excellence  of  our  Execution. 
Tho'  the  Books  are  not  the  first  in  reputation  a  lai'ge  share  of  them 
apply  to  useful  life. 

[125]  10.  The  weather  has  continued  since  Saturday  five  days 
very  cold,  after  a  very  pleasant  season.  At  1/2  past  7  A.  M.  The 
Thermometer  Far.  stood  7  1/2  below  0.  after  sunrise  at  9  below, 
&  was  then  rising.  The  Master  Workman  observed  to  Capt  Becket 
that  Timber  was  purchased  by  M''  Derby  at  6*/  p''  Ton  cheaper  than 
at  the  South  Shore,  tho'  the  whole  be  land  carriage,  but  that  the 
workmen  must  be  hired  at  1/4  dearer  price,  from  the  many  attempts 
at  Ship  Building  in  Providence,  &  at  the  Yards  in  this  Common- 
wealth.    M""  Prince  observed  the  Thermometer  at  Sunrise  to  be  10 


1790]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  148 

below  0.  Cloth  is  made  in  private  families  of  good  qualities.  I 
saw  a  specimen  from  the  family  [126]  of  the  Rev**  Smith  of  Mid- 
dleton,  wove  intermixed,  black  &  white,  very  dark  ground,  &  fin- 
ished very  well.  M'  Richardson  carried  some  this  day  to  the  Ful- 
ler's mill  at  Ipswich,  &  intended  a  better  specimen  from  his  farm 
in  Middleton  to  be  sent  to  Lancaster,  Worcestershire,  to  a  noted 
Fuller  in  that  place. 

11.  A  Federal  discharge  of  Cannon  on  the  Common  in  honor  of 
the  birth  of  our  Illustrious  President  George  Washington.  The 
Episcopalian  Convention  met  after  the  time  mentioned  on  the  5  in- 
stant, &  Avhich  accounts  for  the  alterations  alluded  to.  No  account 
of  this  meeting  has  been  printed  or  can  be  obtained  with  any  degree 
of  certainty. — Cm-ious  fact. — The  Proprietors  of  Union,  commonly 
called  the  Long  Wharf,  have  adopted  the  following  regulations, 
■with  which  the  owners  of  piers  &  wharves  have  agreed  to  comply. 
The  following  is  a  Copy  of  the  Advertisement.  This  is  to  give 
notice  to  all  Master  of  Vessels,  &  others  concerned,  that  the  Pro- 
prietors of  the  Union  Wharf  (commonly  called  the  Long  Wharf) 
in  Salem  [127]  have  appointed  Jonathan  Mason,  Wharfinger,  & 
have  given  him  directions  to  receive  of  all  Masters  of  Vessels,  & 
others  who  make  use  of  said  Wharf,  such  Wharfage  as  may  be  due 
from  them  before  they  go  to  Sea,  &  have  established  the  Rates  of 
Wharfage  as  follows,     viz'. 

Dockage  of  Vessels  from  50  to  100  Tons 

100  to  150  do 
150  &  above 
For  Landing  &  Taking  off  Goods, 

Hogsheads  &  Pipes, 

Tierces, 

Barrels, 

Small  Bags,  Half  Barrels,  Firkins  &  Kegs,  at 

Boards,  Staves,  &  Hoops,  p''  M. 

Shingles,  Clapboards,  &  Lathes, 

Shook  Hogsheads, 

Timber,  Iron,  Cordage,  Hemp,  Lead, 
Steel,  &  Hay, 

Green  Hides  &  Leather, 

Horses,  Cows,  &  Oxen, 

Sheep, 

Wood  &  Bark, 

Ballast  &  Bricks, 

Grain  of  all  Sorts, 
[128]  Lemons  p''  box, 

Every  Trunk,  Bale,  Case,  Box  of  Goods 
&  Crates, 

Salt  &  Coal, 
And  other  Goods  in  proportion. 


at 

1'/  p'  day. 

at 

1/6"     " 

2/p^     " 

at 

/S'^  each 

at 

/2d      .. 

at 

Mi         u 

at 

¥ 

at 

/S" 

at 

/6<»p'  M. 

at 

^"*  each. 

at 

/S"*  p""  Ton. 

at 

:^"»p^Hide. 

at 

/6dp^  Hd. 

at 

MA  it        U 

at 

/6d  p^  Crd. 

at 

/8d  p^  Ton. 

at 

i*!  p'  Bu. 

at 

^-p^ 

at 

Ib^  each. 

at 

/2V  Hhd. 

144  DIARY  OF  [1790 

Goods.  Taking  out  or  in  alongside  half  price.  All  Wood  & 
Lumber  Coasters  that  do  not  unload  at  the  Wharf  shall  pay  as  other 
Vessels  do  for  Dockage  &  for  goods  taking  in  or  out  at  the  above 
Rates.  Boston  Coasters  &  Fishing  Vessels  at  /G*^  p"^  day  and  all 
goods  landing  or  taking  off  at  the  above  Rates.  All  vessels  laying 
at  the  String  to  pay  the  same  Wharfage.  Salem,  February  11, 1790. 
Jon*  Mason,  W[h]arfinger. 

A  Marine  Society  was  formed  in  Salem  25  March  1766,  &  the 
Laws  were  revised  in  1784,  &  corrected  again  in  1790.  The  Laws 
first  published  were  seventeen  &  in  the  following  order.  Law  I. 
provides  that  the  members  should  have  been  Commanders  of  Vessels, 
unless  upon  extraordinary  occasions.  The  same  in  1784.  [129] 
Law  II.  Meet  once  a  month,  &c.  This  law  was  altered  in  1784,  but 
by  a  Petition  to  the  Gen  :  Assembly  1790  is  restored.  The  third 
article  1784  provides  for  the  choice  of  officers,  inspection  of 
Accounts,  &c.  in  October.  Law  III.  Appoints  the  Master  of  the 
Society  Moderator  &  provides  for  his  absence.  This  corresponds 
with  Law  fourth  1784.  Law  IV.  Requires  every  admitted  member 
to  pay  at  admission  twenty  shillings,  &  eight  pence  monthly  for 
the  stock,  &c.  Law  fifth  1784  determines  admissions  at  a  quar- 
terly meeting,  twelve  members  present,  &  three  fourths  in  favor  by 
corns  put  in  a  Hat,  &  Law  sixth  requires  the  same  payment,  except- 
ing six  pence  for  each  quarterly  meeting  since  the  annual  meeting 
in  October,  &  Law  seventh  provides  three  shillings  to  be  paid  at 
every  quarterly  meeting  for  the  fund.  Law  V.  Requires  that  the 
member  applying  for  relief  should  have  paid  dues  for  six  months. 
Law  ninth  1784  requires  to  have  been  a  member  one  year  &  to  have 
complied  with  all  the  rules  &  regulations.  [130]  Law  VI.  Pro- 
vides that  every  applicant  shall  set  forth  his  case  in  writing,  &  the 
next  meeting  shall  vote  him  relief,  provided  notwithstanding  that 
if  three  members  declare  him  a  proper  object,  the  relief  may  be 
granted  immediately.  Law  tenth  1784,  provides  that  the  Appli- 
cant shall  appear  in  person,  &  that  the  Society  may  admit  another 
person  in  his  name,  &  may  take  time  to  consider  it,  unless  the  Soci- 
ety think  immediate  relief  is  required  by  the  necessity  of  the  Case. 
Law  VII.  Requires  all  successful  absent  members  to  pay  monthly 
dues.  Law  eight  1784  requires  that  the  Clerk  shall  call  on  all 
members  not  excused  by  poverty  or  misfortune  for  dues,  &  neglect 
to  pay  for  six  quarterly  meetings,  shall  prevent  their  being  consid- 
ered as  members.  Law  VIII.  May  relieve  families  of  deceased 
members.  This  is  provided  for  in  Law  tenth  1784  the  Applicant 
being  "  the  member,  his  widow  or  children."  Law  IX.  Decayed 
Seamen  relieved  annually  provided  they  have  been  members  seven 
years.  This  is  Law  XI.  1784.  [131]  Law  X.  Money  let  only  upon 
Collateral  Security  in  Land,  double  the  value,  as  near  as  may  be 
to  Salem,  &  clear.  This  is  Law  twelfth  1784.  Law  XL  No  gam- 
ing at  a  Meeting.     Law  XIII.  1784.     Law  XII.  No  Quarrels.     And 


1790]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  145 

if  they  take  place  Three  members  at  least,  shall  fine  the  party 
offeuding  not  above  20  shillings  or  less  than  two.  This  is  Law 
XIV.  1784.  Law  XIII.  Against  open  Vices,  to  be  discharged  by  a 
vote  of  the  major  part  of  members  present  &  excluded  from  any 
benefits  at  the  Annual  Afo.  This  is  Law  XV.  1784.  Law  XIV. 
Profanity  and  not  attendance  a  fine  of  one  &  four  pence.  Law 
XVI.  1784,  provides  three  shillings  at  the  quarterly  meeting  but 
to  be  changed  at  the  discretion  of  the  Society.  Law  XV.  Attend- 
ance at  Funerals  required  under  penalty  of  one  shilling  &  4  pence. 
This  is  Law  XVII.  1784.  Law  XVI.  Commimications  after  Voi- 
ages  to  be  received.  Law  XVIII.  1784  requii-es  that  communica- 
tions be  made  in  extraordinary  cases.  Law  XVII.  Clerk  keeps 
just  accounts  &  read  the  Laws.  This  is  the  same  as  Law  XIX. 
1784. 

The  last  publication  shews  more  full  experience,  tho'  the  less 
frequent  meetings  have  had  the  expected  effects.  [132]  The  Cat- 
alogue printed  in  1766  has  36  members.  The  Catalogue  in  1781 
has  78  members  and  the  Catalogue  in  1784  has  92  members.  Since 
this  time  only  one  member  has  been  added.  The  Beverley  members 
have  withdrawn,  many  are  absent  &  settled  abroad,  &  the  number 
of  those  remaining  in  Salem  is  forty-two.  The  great  attention  paid 
to  this  Institution  in  Boston  has  induced  several  members  to  make 
new  attempts  to  revive  it  here  in  all  its  force.  I  proposed  to  the 
Clerk  that  a  Chaplain  should  be  chosen,  whose  business  it  should 
be  to  attend  all  strangers,  who  should  call  for  the  relief,  or  council 
of  the  ^Marine  Society,  perform  all  offices  in  the  visitation  of  sick 
Strangers,  attend  their  funerals,  &  assist  them  by  advice  in  dispos- 
ing of  their  effects,  writing  letters  to  their  friends,  &  giving  them 
most  ready  information  of  the  Laws  of  the  Commonwealth  &  the 
Union.  I  objected  to  any  annual  election,  because  a  long  acquaint- 
ance with  foreigners,  their  languages,  &  the  usual  houses  of  board- 
ing strangers  could  enable  a  man  to  do  his  duty.  The  election 
should  be  during  good  behavior  &  the  Chaplin  should  appear  at  the 
Annual  [133]  meeting,  have  no  vote,  &  serve  without  fee  or  Reward. 
Their  Laws,  applications  to  Physicians,  &  their  necessary  business 
may  be  additional  objects,  as  well  as  public  services  to  explain  the 
Institution  to  the  People. 

12.  The  Cold  continues  severe,  &  the  Harbour  is  frozen  over 
below  the  Port.  A  man  perished  last  night  at  Marblehead,  upon  a 
bed  of  Rags  by  the  Cold,  &c. 

13.  Uncle  Diman  the  only  male  member  of  our  Church  who  is 
the  object  of  charity,  sick.  I  applied  to  the  Wardens  for  his  relief, 
&  to  Sisters  Allen,  Hodges,  Mason,  Boardman,  &  Richardson,  & 
Piske.     An  uncommon  number  of  cracks  in  the  Earth  by  the  frost. 

[Feb.]  14.  Sunday.  Notes.  David  Hilliard  &  family.  Death  of 
his  Wife.  M''  Clough  Son  of  a  former  Sexton,  &  late  Clerk  of  the 
Episcopal  Church  rung  the  Bell  at  the  public  worship  at  the  request 


146  DIARY  OP  [1790 

of  M*"  English,  who  is  confined  by  a  humour  in  the  leg.  The 
weather  has  become  moderate,  &  we  have  had  Snow  this  afternoon. 
[134]  15.  The  public  Spirits  are  much  agitated  by  the  late 
proposal  of  General  Knox  for  the  regulation  of  the  Militia  from 
Congress.  The  Ice  reached  so  far,  that  report  says  a  man  went  & 
sat  upon  the  Rocks  at  the  mouth  of  the  Harbour  called  Aquae  Vitae. 
A  M""  Hill  says  he  went  within  a  few  yards.  M"^  Gardiner  in  his 
attack  upon  the  Bal.  Call  in  the  General  Assembly,  when  he  de- 
clared that  it  originated  under  Governor  Hutchingson,  charged  the 
Clergy  in  a  late  convention  with  a  purpose  to  institute  a  similar 
trial  in  their  own  profession.  The  last  Convention  chose  a  Com- 
mittee to  report  at  the  next  meeting  in  May,  "  ways  &  means  to 
prevent  illiterate  preachers,"  &c.  The  Boston  Clergy  were  not  so 
unanimously  against  it  as  G.  represented.  M''  Eckley  voted  for  it. 
Clarke  plead  against  it. — I  have  this  upon  the  authority  of  Rev.  E. 
Hubbard.  The  method  of  catching  Eels  upon  the  Ice  has  been 
practiced  here  but  a  few  years.  It  is  now  so  general  that  the  har- 
bour appears  covered  with  men  employed  in  this  way.  Muscles  too 
are  taken  from  the  Banks  by  removing  the  Ice  at  low  water.  Very 
moderate  weather. 

[135]  16.  As  at  p.  126  the  regulations  of  the  Long  Wharf 
are  mentioned,  they  may  be  accompanied  with  the  following  List 
of  Proprietors  &  their  Shares,  in  the  following  Order,  &c.  Order 
by  the  Committee  to  warn  the  Proprietors  to  meet  at  M""  Samuel 
Robertson's,  Feb^  5,  1790  at  6  o'clock  P.  M.  The  whole  in  twenty- 
four  Shares.  3 

General  John  Eiske,  5/24"« 

Hon  :  Benj*  Lynde  Esqr's  Estate,      3/24 
M^  Thomas  Mason,  3/24 

Madam  Mary  Orne,  2/24 

M^  John  Norris,  1/24 

M'"  Jon*  Archer,  1/24 

Col.  Benj»  Pickman,  1/24 

Madam  Margaret  Barton,  1/24 

Estate  of  Tim"  &  Joseph  Orne,  2/24 

Jou*  Gardiner  Esq',  1/24 

George  Williams  Esq'',  3/24 

Cap*  John  Gardiner,  1/24 

24  Shares. 
Jonathan  Mason  senr.  Wharfinger. 
[136]  A  Crazy  man  by  the  name  of  William  Scales  came  along, 
dispersing  Advertisements  to  The  virtuously/  disposed,  begging  Char- 
ity for  the  Town  of  Bowdoin.  He  was  partly  educated  at  Cam- 
bridge, intimately  connected  with  the  Shakers,  &  preaches  through 
the  streets.  He  is  decently  dressed,  has  a  clear  &  manly  voice,  & 
excites  public  curiosity.     Marblehead  ever  indigent,  &  ever  using 


1790]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  147 

the  means  to  keep  themselves  in  that  condition,  have  offered  to 
repeat  the  exhibitions  in  the  Academy  for  the  benefit  of  the  poor, 
at  3'/  p""  Ticket.  In  the  Gazette  they  represent  that  there  are  now 
living  "  no  less  than  four  hundred  &  fifty-nine  widows,  &  eight 
hundred  &  sixty-five  Orphans,  five  hundred  of  which  are  Females." 
Some  of  them  may  however  be  Widows  like  the  woman  of  Samaria. 
The  number  of  Widows  is  not  a  third  more  than  in  Salem,  &  the 
children  not  being  two  to  a  mother,  &  about  one  daughter,  nothing 
but  a  characteristic  want  of  economy,  even  in  the  worst  state  of 
the  fishery  can  be  the  cause  of  suffering.  [137]  Saw  at  Widow 
Hawthorne's  an  old  fashioned  Silver  Goblet,  of  one  pint  measure, 
&  1/2  a  dozen  Sweet  meet  Silver  Spoons,  with  Round  Ladle  Bowls, 
twisted  Shafts,  &  two  pronged  forks  on  the  Handle. 

17.  Snow  fell  this  day,  but  the  water  upon  the  Ground  made  the 
walking  uncomfortable.  It  is  reported  that  Marblehead  have  pe- 
titioned against  the  duty  upon  Salt.  They  are  exempt  from  all 
Taxes  because  of  the  Poor.  The  Poor  are  provided  only  with  an 
house  without  any  accomodations  or  regulations,  &c.,  &c.  The 
noted  John  Gardner,*  whose  opposition  to  the  Ball.  Call,  has  turned 
the  public  attention  to  him,  was  a  native  of  Boston,  studied  Law  & 
plead  in  England.  Upon  his  return  he  was  distinguished  by  the 
Selectmen  of  Boston  as  a  proper  person  to  deliver  an  Oration  on  the 
Anniversary  of  Independance  1785.  The  Oration  agrees  with  the 
present  character  of  the  man.  It  is  filled  with  the  most  virulent 
abuse  of  the  House  of  Stuarts,  &  the  distinguished  characters  in 
favor  of  Power.  It  is  accompanied  with  learned  but  very  imperti- 
nent notes  respecting  the  antient  constitution  &  revolutions  of  G. 
Britain,  &  the  Oration  is  surcharged  with  a  most  disgusting  Bom- 
bast. [138]  M""  Derby  sent  to  Hardy,  London,  for  an  elegant 
Library  of  six  hundred  Books.  The  Catalogue  was  not  so  perfect 
as  it  might  have  been  with  more  consideration,  but  the  Books  came 
over  in  1783  in  excellent  order. 

18.  On  Tuesday  last  the  Officers  from  Danvers,  Beverley,  &  Mid- 
dleton  chose  the  field  OflBcers  of  their  Militia,  &  hereby  compleat 
the  Brigade — Chosen  in  this  Town.  In  the  District  Court  is  to  be 
heard  the  Causes  of  several  Vessels  entering  after  the  first  of  Au- 
gust in  the  State  Naval  [139]  Office,  but  as  Officers  were  not  ap- 
pointed in  the  Federal  Office,  paid  no  duties.  A  Captain  Saunders 
also  is  to  be  heard  respecting  a  false  Entry.  The  Independant  So- 
ciety under  Rev**  Hopkins  having  tried  the  boasted  experiment  of 
paying  as  they  pleased  without  success  have  petitioned  to  Ije  incor- 
porated in  order  to  pay  a  tax  upon  pews  as  in  the  other  houses  in 
the  Town.     It  is  to  be  wished  experience  would  correct  other  errors. 

19.  Last  evening  retiu-ned  a  Vessel  from  the  AV.  Indies,  belonging 
to  W™  Orne,  whose  master  Hugh  Smith  died  abroad.     He  has  left 

•3  ee  Lorlng'8  Hundred  Boston  Orations,  p.  168. 


148  DIARY  OF  [1790 

children  with  a  Second  Wife.  Benj*  Goodhue  Esq""  has  erected  a 
monument  upon  his  Tomb,  on  Pickering's  Hill,  of  an  oval  figure 
about  4  feet  by  6,  &  about  4  feet  high.  The  stone  which  stands  up- 
on the  arch  is  the  common  hewn  stone  of  Danvers,  &  is  solid.  The 
Stone  upon  which  the  Inscription  is  made  is  a  4  inch  Slate,  & 
worked  off  at  the  oblong  ends,  with  a  death  Head  below.  It  does 
not  please  the  eye,  resembling  a  millstone,  being  unusually  low,  & 
the  slope  of  the  Slate  favoring  such  an  appearance.  He  is  our  Mem- 
ber at  Congress. 

[140]  Feb.  20.  The  Officers  chosen  in  the  Militia  last  Tuesday 
were  Col.  Foster  of  Danvers,  Lieu.  Col.  Francis  of  Beverly ,Maj or 
Peabody  of  Middleton.  Went  to  Beverley,  &  accompanied  by  Capt 
Ashton  I  visited  all  their  wharves.  I  did  not  see  one  square  rigged 
Vessel  in  their  Harbour.  The  Fishermen  were  endeavoring  to  float 
their  Vessels,  which  in  their  phrase  were  "beneaped."  The  Harbour 
was  entirely  free  from  Ice,  while  our  wharves  are  yet  encumbered 
in  want  of  a  wind  to  carry  it  off  from  above  the  Point.  Beverley  & 
Manchester  have  petitioned  to  be  separate  Kegiment  from  Danvers 
&  Middleton.  Manchester  formerly  belonged  to  Cape  Ann  Regi- 
ment, but  being  disgusted  upon  the  late  popuk*  election  of  Officers, 
seperated.  From  a  similar  cause  they  wish  to  connect  themselves 
only  with  Beverley.  The  only  point  now  disputed  is,  which  Regi- 
ment shall  have  the  first  rank,  be  the  fifth  or  sixth  Regiment  of  the 
Brigade.  [141]  It  is  said  the  Marblehead  Exhibition  last  Thursday 
night  procured  the  poor  the  sum  of  one  hundred  Dollars,  after  all 
charges.  The  performances  were  George  Barnwell,  The  Haunted 
House,  &  Recruiting  Officer. 

21.  Sunday.  Snow  fell  in  the  morning — dined  with  Col.  Pickman. 
News  that  Cap*  Spence  Hall  of  this  end  of  the  Town  has  lost  both 
his  Vessel  &  Cargo  upon  Cape  Hatteras  as  you  enter  upon  the  Caro- 
lina Coast.  The  Vessel  belonged  §  to  the  Cap',  who  has  insured 
£160.  The  other  third  to  James  Becket,  who  has  not  insured. 
The  Vessel  was  taken  by  execution  from  N.  Silsbee. 

[142]  Feb.  22.  D""  E.  Leonard,  who  lives  with  D""  Holyoke  has 
favored  me  with  the  following  account  of  the  Cold  Weather  this 
season  from  the  Dr's  course  of  observations. 

January  3,  1790.  The  Thermometer  being  hung  on  the  north  side 
of  the  House,  was  52°  -|-  Farenheit's  Scale  at  2  o'clock  P.  M. 

February  9'^  1790.  The  mean  heat  of  the  day  was  1"  -|-  taken 
by  the  same  measure  &  at  the  same  place.  And  on  the  same  day 
at  noon  the  Thermometer  stood  at  4"  -f-  ^s  low  as  perhaps  ever  was 
known  in  this  country  at  the  same  time  of  the  day. 


1790] 


REV.    WILLIAM  BENTLEY 


149 


3 

a 

3 

o 

o    . 

01 

m 

13 

3 
CO 

o    . 

5- 

Wind  &  Weather. 

>7 

G 

3° 

6" 

12° 

10° 

6° 

N.  W.,  fair,  cloudy. 

(^ 

7 

5» 

12° 

26° 

25° 

28° 

S.  W.,  fair,  snow. 

3) 

8 

25° 

20° 

13° 

4° 

N.  W.,  fair,  dry. 

<? 
5 

9 
10 

1° 

10" 

0° 
3° 

6° 
12° 

1° 

9° 

3° 
3° 

N.,  cloudy. 

N.  W.,  fair,  dry. 

^ 

11 

5° 

8° 

18° 

10° 

3" 

W.,  fair,  dry,  Aur.  Bor. 

9 

12 

3» 

2° 

16° 

13° 

6° 

N.  W.,  fair,  dry. 

h 

13 

2° 

8° 

23° 

20° 

12° 

N.  W.     S.  W.,  fair,  dry, 
Aur.  Bor. 

Feb.  25.  Last  Evening  before  7  o'clock  a  fire  broke  out  in  the  Barn 
belonging  to  the  Estate  of  Kichard  Derby  Esq""  deceased  in  the  North 
Parish  of  Beverley.  The  Estate  is  kno^vm  by  the  name  of  Brown's 
folly  from  the  House  formerly  standing  on  the  top  of  the  Hill,  & 
now  moved  near  the  road.  It  was  afterwards  the  property  of  one 
Willard,  «&  Fairweather,  who  disposed  of  it  in  divisions  on  the  South 
Side  of  the  Koad  to  R.  Derby  including  the  Mansion  House,  &  on 
the  North  side  to  Col.  Thorndike  of  Beverley.  All  the  Cattle,  Hay 
&  contents  of  the  Barn  were  consumed,  damage  exceeding  £300. 
About  2^  miles  geog:  north  of  Salem,  4  measured  miles. 

34.  Upon  being  weighed  I  found  the  Corpus  205  lb.  It  is  said 
that  the  last  session  of  the  Episcopal  Convention  was  committed  to 
the  press  in  the  middle  of  last  month,  several  months  after  the  Con- 
vention rose.  The  Clamours  of  Gay  &  Duane's  party  may  have 
occasioned  this,  while  any  unnecessary  delays  on  the  part  of  the 
Convention  give  an  unfair  appearance  to  their  proceedings.  This 
is  but  conjecture. 

[144]  25.  An  uncommonly  pleasant  day.  Upon  examination 
there  are  above  70  Widows  within  the  former  limits  of  the  East 
Parish.  My  last  list  of  Widows  is  49,  worshipping  in  the  East 
Meeting  House.  M'"H.  Derby,  Col.  Pickman,  &  Cap'  West  went  to 
Boston  to  see  the  Ship  Massachusetts,  850  Ton  launched  last  fall  at 
German  Town,  Braintree,  now  ready  to  sail  for  the  Indies,  ^F  Job 
Prince,  Commander,  M""  Shaw,  Supercargo,  &c.  She  is  generally 
praised  as  a  fine  Ship,  />.  ISIf..* 

26.  I  dined  with  D'  Holyoke,  &  after  dinner  I  went  to  Driver's 
Lane,  vulgarly  Cape  Driver,  to  Mr  Kilham's  a  ^Mechanic  who  is 
making  the  Jennies  for  the  Duck  manufactory.  In  Boston  each 
spinner  has  a  child  to  turn  the  wheel,  which  carries  two  spindles. 
M"^  Blodget  invented  for  the  Duck  manufactory  at  Haverhill  a  ma- 
chine to  carry  three  setts  of  spindles  by  one  wheel,  »&;  the  spindles 

'Original  pagination. 


150  DIARY   OF  [1790 

are  all  set  with  false  spindles  of  a  greater  diameter,  which  by  means 
of  a  button  below  can  be  raised  to  take  the  band  off  of  each  sett  by 
itself,  should  the  thread  break,  and  the  spindles  which  are  of  greater 
diameter,  serve  by  the  slower  motion  [145]  to  assist  learners.  The 
Button  is  managed  at  any  distance  by  a  cord,  which  passes  directly 
over  the  head  of  the  Spinner.  It  is  fixed  at  one  end  of  the  button,  & 
a  weight  at  the  other,  by  two  pegs  its  motion  is  confined  &  the  bal- 
ance of  the  weight  is  removed  by  pulling  the  cord.  M'  Kilham  has 
increased  the  setts  from  three  to  six,  the  wheel  to  move  in  the  middle. 
The  band  is  kept  tight  by  a  weight,  which  moves  a  trundle  at  the 
end.  The  spindles  are  in  a  serpentine  line,  &  he  proposes  to  add 
six  setts  more  on  the  opposite  side.  The  motion  is  easy  of  the 
whole,  the  six  to  be  added  are  to  play  above  the  Band. 

27.  I  attended  the  Funeral  of  Edmond  Henfield  who  was  a  mem- 
ber of  the  East  Church,  but  by  great  infirmity  has  not  been  able  to 
attend  Public  worship  for  many  years.  He  left  the  old  church  in 
the  dissentions  respect^  Rev.  S.  Fiske. 

28.  Sunday.  Yesterday  I  attended  &  Christened  two  children  of 
Mr  E.  Phippen.  The  first  time  of  christening  children,  except  on 
Simday. 

[146]  March  1,  1790.  Drafted  a  Petition  in  favor  of  Capt  Ash- 
ton,  &c.  to  Selectmen  of  Salem,  remonstrating  against  the  State  of 
the  New  Road,  leading  to  Essex  Bridge. 

2.  The  Federal  District  Court  for  the  first  time  opened  this  day 
in  Salem.  The  Hon  :  John  Lowell,  Judge.  The  Hon  :  Jona  Jack- 
son, Marshall.  Nathan  Goodall,  Clerk.  Col.  Sam  :  Bradford,  Dep- 
uty Marshall.  Hon :  Christopher  Gore,  Attorney.  The  Judge 
addressed  the  Jury  in  an  excellent  manner,  &  Rev^  Hopkins  prayed. 

3.  The  Jury  sat  all  last  night  upon  a  Seizure  &  could  not  agree, 
&  were  dismissed  this  morning.  M""  Phippen  buried  two  children 
in  one  procession,  the  first  instance  within  my  own  knowledge.  Both 
carried  in  Chaises.  Another  Jury  was  collected  from  the  Town 
who  decided  upon  the  short  entry,  &  whether  the  entries  at  the 
State  Offices  were  valid  for  the  Continental  Office  after  the  Consti- 
tution of  the  States  took  place,  but  before  the  appointment  of  offi- 
cers, &  decided  both  points  at  once  without  hesitation.  Such  are 
our  Juries,  &  this  is  the  specimen  given  to  us  at  the  first  Court,  in 
which  Mr.  Parsons  of  Newbury  seems  to  have  an  unbounded  influ- 
ence. 

[147]  4.  A  Chimney  belonging  to  Cap*  J.  Gardiner  took  fire, 
it  being  a  very  windy  day,  &  it  burnt  with  great  fury.  It  has  com- 
munication with  one  of  your  Open  Stoves  called  Philadelphian. 
This  shows  the  need  of  these  Franldin  Stoves,  in  which  by  lamina 
over  &  under  which  the  smoke  passing  into  the  Chimney,  the  soot 
is  detained  in  the  Stove,  &  can  be  cleansed  from  the  lamina  upon 
•which  it  lodges.  The  Ventilator  on  the  side  makes  the  passage 
easy  for  the  smoak. 


1790]  REV.    WILLIAM  BENTLEY  151 

5.  General  Catalogue  of  Social  Library  in  Salem,  as  taken  from 
L.  Books  [appearing  in  the  original  is  here  omitted.].  This  Cata- 
logue is  taken  almost  literally  from  the  Catalogue  shewn  me  in  the 
Library  by  Master  Noyes  {&  tho'  it  is  very  badly  arranged),  being 
short,  it  may  be  read  over  in  a  few  minutes.  The  Library  has 
been  collected  for  some  time.  There  have  been  no  additions  to  it 
since  the  War,  deserving  of  notice.  In  the  War  a  Library  includ- 
ing Phil.  Transactions,  &c.  was  taken,  going  to  Canada,  which  has 
laid  the  foundation  of  a  distinct  Philosophical  Library  &  this  is  the 
object  of  present  attention. 

[158]  6.  Capt  Strout  &  Ives  arrived  at  Boston,  &  returned  to 
their  families,  leaving  their  Vessels  in  Nantasket  Road.  The  mate 
left  Ives'  Vessel  &  went  to  dine  on  board  with  Strout's  mate  in  the 
same  Road,  the  wind  rose  on  the  4"*,  &  he  could  not  return. 
Strout's  Vessel  parted  one  of  her  cables,  »&  they  were  obliged  to 
put   out,   &   arrived    at    Cape    Ann.     Ives    outrode    the    Storm. 

[Mar.]  7.  Sunday.  Notes.  Wid  :  H.  Cloutman  &  children  for  her 
sick.     Mr.  Ward  sung  alone  at  the  Communion. 

8.  Attended  the  Annual  Town  Meeting  for  the  choice  of  Officers, 
&  heard  a  lengthy  debate  on  the  Subject  of  encroachments  from 
the  Wharves  which  project  too  far  into  the  Channel.  The  princi- 
pal Gentlemen  appeared  interested.  M'  Derby,  E.  H.  declared  that 
as  a  Committee  had  been  chosen  to  draw  a  line,  &  that  line  had 
been  approved  in  a  full  &  legal  Town  Meeting,  the  existence  of  the 
Channel  requii-ed  that  the  measure  should  not  be  rescinded.  Gen. 
Fiske  advanced  that  the  Flats  at  the  settlement  of  the  Town  were 
reserved  to  the  Town  «&  that  at  very  antient  reviews  made,  the  right 
of  the  Town  had  been  acknowledged.  An  Instance  was  brought 
in  W^oodbridge's  Wharf,  which  being  found  without  a  grant  of  the 
flats,  the  Town  was  for  a  certain  con- [159]  sideration  induced  to 
grant  the  possession.  M""  R.  Ward  »S:  Pearce,  who  were  the 
aggressors  replied.  M""  Ward,  that  no  objections  had  been  regularly 
entered  ag :  said  Wharves  while  in  building,  &  therefore  the  remov- 
al of  them  ought  not  to  be  solicited,  whatever  future  measures 
might  be  taken  to  prevent  incroachments.  M''  Pearce  presented  a 
memorial,  &  declares  that  he  is  convinced  of  a  partiality  in  the 
proceedings.  That  the  Committee  report  as  they  do,  "to  avoid  the 
sacrifice  of  property."  Why  not  of  his  property,  as  well  as  of  other 
men.  Was  ]\[''  Gray's  wharf  less  in  the  way  up  than  his  ?  Was  M"^ 
Gray's  less  an  incroachment?  Was  the  obstruction  greater  on 
account  of  the  width  of  the  Channel  at  his  ^Vharf  than  M"^  W  ™  Gray's? 
M""  S.  Ward  said,  he  had  drawn  up  a  petition  ag  :  said  wharves, 
while  building,  but  from  some  neglect,  a  great  number  did  not  sign 
it.  His  opinion  must  then  be  well  known.  Still  he  was  of  the 
opinion  the  prosecution  was  partial.  M""  E.  H,  Derby  spake  again, 
that  the  Town  had  already  declared  their  sense  that  the  encroach- 
ments were  alarming,  that  they  had  chosen  disinterested  men   to 


152  DIARY   OF  [1790 

judge  [160]  what  line  was  necessary  to  be  run  to  preserve  a  chan- 
nel, &  that  the  Town,  or  individuals  ought  to  indemnify  individual 
sufferers.  The  Vote  was  taken,  &  two  thirds  were  for  rescind^. 
M""  Jos.  Ward,  &  W™  Orne  however  continue  the  Prosecution,  upon 
the  Bill  of  the  Grand  Jxiry. 

9.  I  applied  to  Rev*^  M''  Prince  &  paid  the  delinquencies  upon 
D"^  Joseph  Orne's  right  in  the  Philosophical  Library,  arising  from 
Purchases  made  since  the  original  purchase.  The  sum  was  £  1,  7. 9. 
By  payment  of  nine  pounds  more,  I  enter  for  a  Share  in  said 
Library.  The  Library  shares  have  not  been  sold  so  high  but  being 
very  fond  of  D''  Orne,  who  left  very  little  to  his  children  &  at  a 
time  when  Money  was  not  at  its  present  exchange,  I  promised  to 
take  the  share,  &  I  am  bound  by  honor. 

March  10.  News  from  Kenrick  on  the  N.  W.  Coast  of  America, 
dated  at  Nootka,  July,  1780.  In  the  Ship  Columbia,  with  Sloop 
Washington. 

11.  The  deepest  Snow  which  we  have  had  through  the  year,  im- 
mediately after  a  second  cold  spell  of  weather.  Last  evening  D' 
Bernard  visited  me  in  form,  and  I — forgot  myself,  as  usual. 

[161]  12.  A  Certificate  from  the  New  York  Marine  Society.  In 
the  form,  it  is  expressed,  that  the  Candidate  "  was  by  a  majority  of 
Votes  regularly  admitted."     signed  Sect — President. 

In  a  proper  foliage  Sinist.  over.  A  Ship  safely  arrived,  &  land- 
ing its  men  from  the  Ship's  Boat.  On  the  Shore  Commerce  holding 
an  Atlas,  &  an  Hadley's  compass,  as  well  as  the  Marine  Compass 
laying  on  the  gi'ound.  A  Woman  holding  in  her  right  hand  a 
Globe,  seven  stars  round  her  head,  pointing  with  her  left  to  the 
Atlas.  Another  hold  a  Goblet,  &  the  Commander  of  the  Vessel 
coming  up. 

dext.  sup.  A  Ship  lost  in  a  Storm,  a  dead  mariner  extended  on 
the  Shore,  the  wife,  son  &  daughter  lamenting  him  in  exquisite 
grief.  Hope  leaning  On  her  Anchor  pointing  to  the  Roll,  on  which 
is  inscribed  in  large  characters  New  York  Marine  Society.  The 
Roll  is  supported  &  unfolded  by  a  Widow,  her  little  son  looking 
over  it  with  joy,  &  showing  it,  while  an  infant  sets  near  feeding  it- 
self from  its  bounty. 

Sinist.  infra.  An  Indian  leaning  extending  his  hands  with  a 
Bow  in  one,  &  an  arrow  in  the  other.  A  Scull  at  his  feet,  &  an 
arrow,  &  a  Beaver  passing.  The  Scene  is  a  Cataract,  A  Pine, 
Rocks,  &  a  Rivulet  run^, 

Dext.  infra.  A  prospect  of  the  City  of  New  York.  Ships  en- 
tering the  Port,  «&  a  Sloop  sailing  out.  [162]  In  the  middle  below 
the  Society  Seal  in  Red  Wax.  On  the  left  sits  Charity  extending 
a  Cup,  &  opposite  is  a  Widow  with  her  children.  The  Motto  is  in 
English  And  to  Charity,  Knowledge,  below  is  Mar.  Soc.  of  N.  Y. 

March  13.     Last  evening  M""  Briggs*  the  Superintendant  of  the 

•Essex  Institute  Hist.  Colls,  vol.  VI.  p.  174. 


1790]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  158 

Ship  yard,  &  his  Brother  gave  us  their  company  at  the  Singing 
School.  The  Brother  was  approved  as  a  good  Singer.  In  addition 
to  the  Certificate  of  New  York  Marine  Society,  I  put  that  of 
Charlestown,  S.  Cai'olina.  In  front  was  an  Hospital  with  wings,  & 
a  pleasant  Area  before  it.  On  the  left  above  was  the  English  word 
Education,  &  beneath  it  A  Twig  growing,  &  guarded  by  pales. 
Education  with  a  bunch  of  twigs  in  her  hand,  a  child  reading  at  her 
right  side,  covered  at  the  waist.  A  Ray  of  light  descending  on  her 
head.  And  a  City  behind  her  at  a  distance.  On  the  right  above 
was  the  word  Study,  &  represented  by  a  Student  setting  &  writing, 
with  a  large  Library  before  him  &  a  pendant  Lamp  burning.  A 
Cook  standing  by.  On  the  left  below,  word,  Hospitality,  she  is  rep- 
resented standing,  with  plenty,  a  youth  having  a  conucopia  full,  &c 
scattering  flowers.  Distressed  age  upon  its  knees,  the  Shepherd's 
crook  &  cup  supported.  A  cottage  at  a  distance  behind.  [163]  On 
the  right  below  Word  Charity,  represented  giving  suck  to  an  infant, 
&  having  two  children  at  her  knees.  A  flame  on  the  head,  the 
Country  behind.  The  Seal,  in  red  wax.  A  Hand  hold*  a  Shoot 
with  the  Roots  filled  with  the  Soil.  A  wreath,  plain,  within  which 
is  the  motto.  Posteritati  Foliage.  The  Certificate  is  signed  by  the 
Steward  on  the  right,  &  the  Clerk  above  on  the  left.  This  may 
be  seen  at  Capt.  E.  Allen's  senior.  The  New  York  one  at  Capt 
Jon*  Mason's  senior. 

[;Mar.]  14.  Sunday.  Notes.  B.  Browne  for  Wife's  delivery,  Broth- 
er at  Sea.  Joseph  Joy,  for  Wife's  delivery.  Reproved  publickly 
in  the  Congregation  a  Whispering  heard  in  the  Galleries.  Persons 
Sick.  Widow  Hannah  Cloutman.  Eliz  :  Wife  of  Jon*  Mason  jun'. 
Wife  of  M^  Lane. 

15.  Reports  of  the  melancholy  event  at  Boston  respecting  the 
Wife  of  the  celebrated  D''  Danforth.  A  Brother  is  now  delirious,  & 
another  sometime  since  put  an  end  to  his  life.  The  Sister  after  de- 
livery a  few  days,  went  into  an  upper  chamber  &  covering  her  head 
with  a  Petticoat,  leaped  from  the  window  to  the  Ground.  She  had 
made  several  attempts  to  distroy  life  before.  She  is  in  a  way  to 
recover.  [164]  The  admeasurement  of  the  Ship  Massachusetts  as 
given  in  the  Worcester  Gazette  of  March  11,  is  137  feet  7  inches 
long.  36  feet  broad.  18  feet  deep.  791  Tons  &  23  feet  burden 
by  admeasurement. 

[165]  16.  The  Governor's  Proclaim :  put  into  the  Gazette  as  au 
article  of  News  by  Extract,  without  date  or  acknowledgement  of  his 
authority  in  calling  for  a  public  fast.  Into  what  follies  does  the 
liberty  of  action  betray  Republics  ? 

17.  In  reading  H.  Walpole's  Catalogue  of  Noble  Authors,  I  find 
the  name  of  our  family  which  curiosity  leads  me  to  trace.  Vol.  2** 
searching  for  letters  of  Lady  Abergavenny  they  were  found  in  a 
Book.  p.  179.  "The  monument  of  Matrons  containing  several  Lamps 
of  Virginity,  or  distinct  Treatises  compiled  by  THOMAS  BENT- 


154  DIARY   OF  [1790 

LEY,"  black  letter,  no  date.  Under  Lord  Cutts.  p.  245  some  po- 
etical exercises  are  said  to  be  licensed.  "Lond.  printed  for  R.  Bent- 
ley  &  S.  Magnes  in  Eussel  Street  in  Covent  Garden  1687." 

18.  In  the  Worcester  Gazette  is  an  authenticated  account  of  a 
person  cutting  down  an  hollow  Tree,  in  which  were  found  a  large 
number  of  swallows  in  a  torpid  state,  the  quantity  was  said  to  be 
two  barrels,  but  that  upon  being  carried  near  the  fire  they  speedily 
revived,  &  soon  flew  about  the  house.  A  late  memoir  in  the  first 
Volume  of  the  American  Academy  respecting  swallows  being  found 
in  the  water,  has  made  this  a  subject  of  enquiry. 

[166]  19.  Report  says  that  Rev*^  D.  Oliver  of  Beverley  has  been 
taken  by  a  writ  of  defamation  for  saying  to  the  man  whose  barn 
was  burnt  the  22**  ult.  Why  did  you  set  your  barn  on  fire  ?  Oliver 
is  resolute,  &  the  man  has  utterly  refused  to  own  that  a  candle  or 
fire  had  been  near  for  a  fortnight.  Oliver  forms  his  plea  on  a  vin- 
dication of  his  neighbours  who  must  have  been  malicious,  if  Porter's 
own  family  did  not  occasion  the  fire.  By  giving  advice  to  a  married 
woman  against  dancing,  I  have  given  rise  to  a  general  report,  of  in- 
terference, rash  covmcil,  &c.  Isaiah  says  in  such  cases,  your  strength 
is  to  set  still.  The  case  was,  she  was  never  taught  to  dance  while 
young,  &  now  mixes  with  young,  &  very  mixed  companies  in  her 
husband's  absence. 

20.  Yesterday  the  painful  news  was  brought  that  the  Stern  of  a 
"Vessel  marked  the  '  'Abigail  of  Salem"'  had  driven  ashore  on  Cape 
Ann.  She  is  supposed  to  have  been  wrecked  on  the  evening  of 
Tuesday  last  in  a  flight  of  Snow,  &  upon  the  Rock  of  Thacher's 
Island  called  the  Londoner.  The  commander  was  T.  Stevens,  a 
young  man  of  the  Parish,  whose  Wife  is  near  delivery  &  has  two 
young  children.  The  Mate  M*"  S.  Welman  is  promised  in  marriage, 
&  several  families  are  involved  [167]  in  the  distress.  The  Owner 
R.  Leach  has  gone  in  a  Sloop  to  make  further  discoveries.  Upon 
M''  Leach's  return  the  Vessel  is  ascertained.  The  Stern  had  come 
ashore  on  the  main,  the  M.  mast  had  been  taken  up  at  Squam,  & 
one  mast  was  brought  into  this  port.  The  Cables  &  Anchor  were 
saved,  the  boat  not  found  nor  any  of  the  Cargo,  Chests,  &c. 

21.  Sunday.  A  M"^  Gideon  Batch elor  in  his  own  name  presented 
a  petition  to  be  read  for  a  Contribution  to  relieve  him  under  the 
distresses  of  the  late  fire  in  Beverley,  stating  his  loss  at  three  hun- 
dred dollars,  &  mention*  the  Articles — but  the  Wardens  did  not 
agree  that  it  should  be  read  without  a  recommendation  from  the 
Selectmen,  &  then  not  until  some  measures  were  taken  to  assist  the 
Widow  Stevens  in  her  bereaved  &  distressed  condition.  Anecdote. 
As  I  had  frequenly  been  interrupted  by  the  young  man  who  has 
taken  lead  in  our  singing  by  talking  aloud,  humming,  whispering, 
&c.  I  heard  a  sound,  which  resembled  the  same  noise,  &  taking  it 
to  be  the  same  disorder,  I  stopped  &  reproved  it.  But  it  proved  to 
be  the  sound  of  the  Town  Bull.     The  young  man,  tho  not  called  by 


1790]  REV.   WILLIAM   BBNTLEY  155 

name  has  returned  me  the  Pipe,  &  Psalm  Book,  the  last  I  have  sent 
to  Uncle  Diman. 

[168]  22.  The  Business  of  little  minds  the  Bull  of  yesterday.  One 
would  at  first  be  surprised  to  find  no  greater  expansion  of  Soul,  than 
to  spend  a  whole  day  in  conversing  about  &  laughing  at  a  mistake, 
which  the  PUBLIC  VICES  occasioned.  M""  Harris  with  me,  who 
is  assisting  M""  Smith  the  Librarian,  in  digesting  a  compleat  Cata- 
logue of  the  Library  in  Cambridge.  M'  Sewall  is  upon  the  Oriental 
Literature. 

23.  Information  from  Cambridge  that  my  friend  Winthrop  had 
employed  his  singular  abilities  upon  the  Revelation  of  John.  Ac- 
cording to  the  account  I  received  he  has  not  touched  the  supposed 
history  of  the  period  included  in  the  life  of  the  writer,  but  about 
the  fourth  chapter  in  a  paraphrase,  illustrated  by  General  History, 
Coins,  &c.,  has  shewn  the  History  of  the  Church  till  the  present 
period.  A  Presumptive  argument  of  the  nature  of  the  work  is 
taken  from  the  particular  politics  of  the  Author,  which  find  a  place 
in  the  Paraphrase,  which  explains  the  agreement  with  present  times. 
I  wrote  a  Letter  to  M^  Winthrop,  expressing  my  fears  that  he  had 
attempted  impossibilities. 

[170]  24.  Applied  to  Capt  Curtis,  one  of  the  men  engaged  to  work 
upon  M""  Derby's  Ship,  to  assist  in  our  singing,  offering  him  an  ade- 
quate consideration.  He  gave  encouragement,  &  will  be  with  us  on 
the  next  meeting,  to  give  a  direct  answer.  Capt  Becket  went  with 
me  on  the  occasion. 

25,  A  Funeral*  attended  this  day  quite  in  the  country  fashion,  some 
bewailing  dirty  stockings,  &  standing  in  the  way  of  others.  Some 
calling  to  others  in  the  procession,  to  consult  whether  they  had 
better  proceed.  Some  endeavoring  to  follow  recalled  by  others,  & 
the  porters  hasting  on  to  finish  the  scene. 

[171]  26.  The  Funeral. 

On  Thursday,  when  t'was  very  muddy 
And  friends  &  all  were  in  a  hurry. 
The  Funeral  from  the  eastward  moves. 
The  end  forgot, — to  save  their  shoes. — 
The  lusty  porters  quicken  pace. 
The  women  following  in  the  race  ; 
One  drops  a  shoe,  one  dirts  a  stocking. 
The  neighbours  to  the  windows  flocking. 
One  lays  a  board  across  the  gutters, 
And  all  around  the  mud  he  spatters. 
One  cries,  I'll  not  another  step — 
Another  has  her  partner  left. 

•Of  widow  Mary  Cloutman? 


156  DIAKY   OF  [1790 

The  Pall  hangs  dangling  on  the  ground, 
And  not  an  holder  can  be  found. 
The  justling  crowd  together  meet, 
The  children  gather  in  the  street, 
The  matrons  wise,  who  hear  the  chatter, 
Run  out,  &  cry,  Lord,  what's  the  matter? 
The  frightened  priest  runs  over  shoes  in 
Supposing  they  had  dropt  the  coffin. 
The  Coffin  safe,  he  gives  direction. 
Of  Lanes  to  make  a  new  election. 
Quite  out  of  breath,  close  by  the  Pump, 
They  run  in  turn  &  take  a  jump. 
And  hie  them  home  to  shift  their  cloaths 
And  part  like  friends  at  Aunt  Gibaut's. 
So  Boys  pursued,  run  down  a  Lane 
And  leap  a  fence,  &  run  again  : 
The  wondering  neighbours  run  at  doors — 
And  cry,  what's  that  ? — The  Boys — 
[172]  The  M'  Brigs  attended  our  School  this  evening.     We  are 
in  hopes  from  the  promise  of  Capt  Curtis  that  he  will  attend  after 
he  has  been  home  as  he  expressed  it,  to  get  some  cloathes. 

27.  The  Season  very  open,  &  boats  out  in  every  place,  successful 
in  taking  the  flat  fish,  with  which  our  harbour  abounds.  The  Keel 
of  Derby's  Ship  is  laid  already.  General  anxiety  to  know  whether 
the  whole  Government  concur  in  assuming  the  State  debts.  The 
first  Sill  of  the  Duck  House*  laid  upon  the  northern  wall,  which 
alone  is  now  finished.  At  Beverley  the  Deacon  was  solicitous  with 
a  certain  Clergyman  to  read  a  certain  Psalm.  How  pleased  &  blest 
was  I.  The  Psalm  being  found,  &  read  the  following  parody  was 
written  on  the  Deacon's  motion. 

How  pleased  &  blest  was  I, 
To  make  the  people  cry, 
This  mighty  deed  their  favor  gains. 
May  God  grant  me  power 
To  lengthen  prayer  an  hour, 
And  have  a  parish  for  my  pains. 
This  has  often  been  a  subordinate  wish. 

[173]  28.  Sunday.  Mary  Stevens,  for  sudden  death  of  her  Hus- 
band, &Brother  at  Sea.  Marcy  Welman,  with  her  children,  sudden 
death  of  two  sons  &  son  at  Sea.  Mary  Valpy  with  children,  d.  of 
Son  Stevens  &  son  at  Sea.  Hannah  Webb,  d.  of  Sister  in  Law 
Cloutman  &  prayers  for  sons  at  Sea.  Stephen  Cloutman  &  Wife,  d. 
of  his  mother  &  Brother  at  Sea.  Benj*  Cloutman  &  wife,  d.  of  his 
mother.  Wid.  H.  Cloutman,  d.  of  Mother  in  Law  &  Son  at  Sea. 
Mary  Cloutman  &  Sister,  d.  of  their  Mother.     A  very  pleasant  day. 

•Manufactory  for  sail  clotb,  Broad  street. 


1790]  REV.   WILLIAM    BENTLEY  157 

29,  Proposals  for  a  Medal  of  General  Washington.  Attempts  to 
excite  uneasiness  respecting  the  appointment  of  a  Fast  by  the  sole 
authority  of  this  State.  It  is  viewed  politically.  The  Church  of 
England  object  that  the  day  assigned  is  in  the  middle  of  Easter 
Week,  a  time  appropriated  for  General  joy.  The  papers  are  not 
without  proof  of  the  ferment. 

[174]  30.  A  ]\F  Knowlton  formerly  of  Ipswich,  Carpenter, 
absconded,  &  this  day  his  father  removed  the  family.  M""  Hovey's 
Store  was  broken  open  near  the  Long  Wharf,  &  goods  taken  to  the 
supposed  amount  of  £12.  No  discovery  as  yet  of  the  Offender,  M"" 
Treadwell,  formerly  Minister  of  Lynn  thought  of  as  Senator,  & 
Richard  Manning,  Esq"". 

31.  A  full  confirmation  of  the  Loss  of  the  Vessel  navigated  by, 
&  partly  belonging  to,  Cap*  Spence  Hall  upon  N.  Carolina  reefs. 
The  Other  part  belonged  to  M"^  James  Becket.  Hall's  Insurance 
exceeds  £140,    Pickman  &  Dodge. 

April  1,  The  Ship  Massachusetts  sailed  from  Boston  last  Sunday, 
&  saluted  the  Castle  as  she  passed.  Hon.  S,  Shaw,  Consul  at  China 
on  board.  The  highest  ecomiums  are  lavished  upon  her.  The  at- 
tention to  Lotteries  is  so  great  that  a  Gazette  extraordinary  was 
printed  this  day  in  this  town  to  announce  the  fortunate  members  in 
the  first  Class  of  Marblehead  Lottery.  The  effects  are  already  vis- 
ible, the  poorest  people  are  spending  their  time  &  interest  to  pur- 
chase Tickets,  &  already  the  number  of  Lotteries  are  sufficient  with 
their  schemes  to  fill  a  Gazette.  The  State,  Charlestown,  Williams- 
ton,  Lancaster,  Marblehead  Lotteries  are  in  this  day's  print  [175] 
and  all  are  to  draw  within  a  month.  Their  Schemes  included  the 
the  following  sums. 

Marblehead,  Class  1 

"     2 
"     3 

a       4 

Charlestown,  Class  thirteenth, 
Lancaster,  Class  fourteenth, 

Williamston,  Class  sixth, 

STATE  LOTTERY,  CLASS  FIRST, 
Sum  in  this  Commonwealth  at  the  present 

time,  &  but  at  the  commencement  of  the 

Career,  according  to  appearances, 

The  professed  object  at  Charlestown  is  to  repair  the  Streets  of  a 
Town,  which  was  destroyed  by  the  War.  At  Williamston  to  pro- 
vide a  free  School,  At  Lancaster  to  repair  Bridges  swej>t  away  in 
a  late  freshet.  At  Marblehead  to  secure  their  Causeway  leading  to 
the  Neck,  &  save  the  Harbour,  &  of  the  State  to  pay  the  State 
Debts.  The  sale  is  amazing  rapid,  hundreds  sell  at  a  time  for  spec- 
ulation, &  there  is  hardly  a  person  who  is  not  an  adventurer  & 


4,000 

dollars 

6,000 

<( 

10,000 

<< 

19,000 

(( 

7,000 

(( 

6,000 

(( 

7,000 

« 

15,000 

i( 

39,000  dollars. 

158  DIARY   OF  [1790 

sometimes  large  parties  buy  conjointly  so  as  to  pay  themselves  their 
money  again. 

[176]  2.  The  vile  old  man,  who  involved  me  in  a  former  diffi- 
culty, has  insinuated,  so  as  to  form  a  report  that  a  married  woman 
under  our  roof  is  with  child.  So  tender  are  the  people  here  of  rep- 
utations. Another  worthy  woman  of  the  same  family  has  been 
reported  as  frequently  intoxicated,  &  the  relations  threaten  highly 
the  person  who  may  be  detected  as  the  author  of  the  reports. 

3.  Spent  the  day  in  Beverley  at  M""  Roman's  at  whose  house  I 
tarried  while  I  was  a  Candidate  in  Beverly.  Had  conversation  with 
G.  Cabot.  Saw  M""  Dane,  our  Senator,  late  member  of  Congress. 
He  has  been  on  a  late  committee  for  proposed  amendments  of  the 
Constitution,  measures  which  were  not  popular,  as  the  amendments 
were  rejected  at  the  proposal.  This  M'  Dane  is  considered  as  a  sett 
3Ian.  He  is  not  talkative,  but  fixed  in  maintaining  an  opinion, 
which  he  has  advanced.  When  at  College  he  was  Mathematical 
Thesis  Collector,  He  collected  several  rejected  Cartesian  Hypoth- 
eses. D'  Winthrop  told  him  that  the  design  of  the  publication  was 
to  shew  the  progress  of  knowledge,  &  that  such  theses  could  not 
answer  the  end.  He  refused  to  exchange  them,  &  finally  the  D' 
thought  himself  obliged  to  prepare  theses  to  substitute  in  the 
places  of  those,  which  he  had  refused  to  accept. 

[177]  [Apr.]  4.  Sunday.  Notes.  William  King  for  Wife's 
delivery  &  Brethren  at  Sea.  Sick.  M"  ISTesbitt,  &  M"  Smith,  Widow. 
When  sick  is  put  at  the  end  of  a  Line  or  begin^  it  denotes  persons, 
who  have  not  j>\\t  up  Notes.  Wife  of  Micah  Webb.  The  measles 
have  been  round  us,  but  only  a  single  person  has  had  them  as  yet 
in  our  families. 

5.  Proposals  for  printing  a  little  Tract  belonging  to  Emlyn. 
This  Arian  Piece  is  engaged  at  Hall's  Office,  Boston,  &  several 
thousand  Copies  subscribed  for.  It  is  designed  openly  to  affront 
the  belief  of  the  Doctrine  of  the  Trinity.  A  Woolen  Manufacturer 
established  at  Watertown  by  Faulkner  &  Co.,  &  have  already  made 
2,000  yards  of  Cloth.  At  Hawkes'  Mill,  Reading,  8,000  yards  of 
Woolen  Cloth  are  annually  fulled  &  dressed  for  the  neighbouring 
country.  Nails  &  Wool  Cards  are  made  in  sufficient  quantities  for 
exportation.  M'  Gul lager,  of  Boston  has  compleated  a  Bust  of  Gen- 
eral Washington  in  Plaster  of  Paris,  as  large  as  Life. 

[178]  6.  The  Assumption  of  the  State  Debts  has  been  nega- 
tive in  the  House  of  Representatives  by  a  small  majority.  This 
is  a  subject  of  much  speculation.  The  Gazettes  however  encourage 
the  public  that  a  future  resolution  of  the  House  may  quiet  all 
fears. 

7.  The  Duck  House  is  up  &  covered. 

8.  The  Fast  appointed  by  the  Governor.     Contribution  £7, 10,  0. 

9.  A  M''  Jarvis,  past  50  years,  perished  in  the  Snow  on  Tuesday 
night  by  intoxication.     He  was  passing  from  Salem  to  Marblehead, 


1790]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  159 

his  home.  Master  Moody,  who  lias  long  been  the  Preceptor  of  the 
Dummer  Academy  in  Newbuiy,  has  resigned  that  Trust,  by  a  spec- 
ial agreement  with  the  trustees,  &  has  been  among  his  friends  to 
take  leave,  as  he  retires  to  York  in  the  Province  of  Maine.  He  has 
been  the  Preceptor  to  many  of  our  most  distinguished  Characters, 
but  has  been  subject  to  those  delirious  animal  weaknesses,  which 
have  marked  the  family,  &  which  increase  often  in  age.  He  is  a 
Batchelor.  The  Academy  once  crowded  with  Students  is  now 
evacuated,  &  the  neighbouring  Academy  of  Andover  is  most  fre- 
quented.    A  new  appointment  may  make  another  alteration. 

[179]  10.  M'  Hovey  found  the  goods  mentioned  30  ult.  at 
Middleton.  They  were  sold,  &  the  offenders  have  escaped  towards 
Boston. 

11.  Ventured  to  preach  on  the  nature  &  extent  of  Christ's 
Commission  respecting  the  forgiveness  of  Sin.     Sunday. 

12.  The  Ship  of  M'  E.  H.  Derby  was  raised  this  day,  &  the 
Stern  post  transoms,  &c.  erected,  &c. 

13.  A  Brig  commanded  by  Capt.  H.  White,  &  the  property  of 
his  Brother  Joseph  White  put  in  upon  a  voiage  from  N.  Carolina 
to  Europe,  with  a  load  of  Corn,  which  had  sweated  on  the  Voiage, 
&  is  much  damaged.  The  quantity  was  8,000  Bushels.  The  Great 
demand  of  Grain  in  Europe  has  occasioned  great  exportation.  This 
painful  accident  to  the  Owner,  has  given  an  occasion  to  the  people 
at  large  to  hope  that  the  damage  to  the  Corn  will  detain  it  in  our 
own  market,  and  they  expect  it  will  materially  affect  the  Market. 
I  spent  this  day  agreeably  at  M"  Dane's  in  Beverley.  In  the 
morning  with  several  Ladies  I  visited  Woodberry's  Head,  &  the 
noted  Willow  Grove  belonging  to  Hale's  Estate.  The  Grove  is  be- 
low the  house  near  the  Shore.  It  is  nearly  surrounded  by  a  pond 
of  fresh  water,  which  is  seperated  [180]  from  the  Sea,  only  by  the 
Beach  thrown  up  by  the  Sea,  through  which  Beach  when  the  earth 
is  full  of  water  a  rivulet  runs  to  the  Sea.  The  Grove  is  upon  the 
skirts  of  a  conical  hill  which  the  pond  surrounds  except  on  the  part 
towards  the  Town. 

April  14.  This  day  in  Gen.  Fiske's  store  I  gave  M""  W™  Orne  a 
note  for  £9,  which  entitled  me  to  the  Share  which  his  Brother  D"" 
Joseph  Orne  had  in  the  Philosophical  Library  in  this  Town.  An 
exorbitant  price  amounting  almost  to  the  cost  at  a  Vendue-Sale  of 
the  whole  Library,  taken  by  a  Privateer  in  the  war.  I  was  betrayed 
into  this  unprof  :  bargain  by  a  Rev'*  Librarian  to  increase  the  val- 
ue of  his  Library.  It  is  not  the  first  time  I  have  been  betrayed  by 
men  of  that  profession.  News  that  Isaac  Bradish  of  Cambridge 
put  an  end  to  his  life.  The  circumstances  are  not  known.  He 
appeared  to  be  a  worthy  man  upon  a  long  neighbourly  acquaintance. 
Strange  infatuation.  In  the  Ship  above  the  apron  Mr  Derby  has 
ordered  three  pieces  across,  bolted  to  the  stem,  increasing  as  they 
rise,  for  the  greater  security  of  the  stem.     They  are  fayed  to  the 


160  DIARY   OF  [1790 

stem  which  enters  several  inches,  &  they  exceed  a  foot  square,  & 
above  three  feet  long. 

[181]  15.  Called  upon  Rev"^  Prince,  Librarian,  and  took  a 
Catalogue  of  the  PHILOSOPHICAL  LIBRARY,  as  follows: 
[appearing  in  the  original  biit  omitted  here.]  exceeding  200 
Volumes. 

16.  A  great  number  of  hands  employed  in  repairing  the  new 
Road  to  the  Bridge.  The  Earth  is  dug  in  trenches  on  each  side,  & 
thrown  into  the  middle,  &  upon  the  highest  land  a  foot  path  is  left 
near  the  fences  &  walks.  Woodbridge  is  running  his  stonewall 
upon  the  strait  line  from  Simons's,  &  we  have  good  hopes  that  the 
road  will  be  pleasant.  The  Ship  goes  on  fast.  The  Delay  of  pine 
timber  from  the  eastward,  enabled  to  get  the  frames  finished,  which 
they  have  raised  without  accident.  The  Corn  will  be  saved  which 
was  brought  in  &  principal  part  be  fit  for  market.  Several  Bank- 
rupcies  in  Marblehead.     Joshua  &  Azor  Orne,  &  Gatchell. 

[184.]  17.  The  opposition  on  the  part  of  the  Southern  States  to 
the  assumption  of  the  State  Debts  occasions  a  great  ferment,  and 
we  are  told  that  parties  in  the  House  of  Representatives  are  as  high, 
as  they  can  be  among  their  Constituents.  It  is  pretended  that  the 
northern  states  having  urged  the  Slavery  Bill,  laid  the  foundation 
of  such  bitter  animosities. 

19.  Last  evening  &,  night  a  Storm  of  Wind  &  Rain.  The  Sun 
rose  bright,  but  was  soon  shut  in.  A  New  Light  Preacher  from 
Maine  has  appeared  at  Beverley  by  the  name  of  Snow.  He  was  for- 
merly an  abandoned,  &  prophane  man,  but  since  by  inward  light  he  is 
converted  into  an  extravagant  ranter  against  unconverted  Clergy, 
&c.  He  is  entirely  destitute  of  learning,  which  he  disclaims,  &  has 
no  other  recommendation  than  impudence  &  strong  passions  can 
give  him.  He  exhorted  last  friday  evening  at  Capt.  Giles'  in  Bev- 
erley &  has  since  been  employed  in  the  same  way.  [185]  At  New 
Mills*  an  Abijah  Crosman  from  Rowley  has  distinguished  himself 
in  the  same  way  &  renews  his  monthly  visits,  occasionally  visiting 
Salem,  &  preaching  in  private  houses.  The  New  Light  preachers 
of  the  Town  have  become  less  industrious,  since  the  religious  fer- 
ment has  inclined  some  of  their  adherents  to  the  Anabaptist  opinions, 
which  may  occasion,  unless  seasonably  checked,  a  new  Meeting 
House.  When  party  views  so  plainly  operate  upon  these  men  who 
preach  without  hire,  how  can  men  be  blind  to  the  effect  of  selfish 
principles  ?  It  is  our  misfortune  in  Essex  to  feel  severely  the  con- 
sequences of  measures  adopted  by  men  called  Hopkintonians,  whose 
leading  maxim  is  to  embitter  the  minds  of  men,  by  the  fear  of  dan- 
gerous delusions  from  all  other  men  but  themselves,  having  neither 
system,  nor  reputation  to  support  them.  Spring  is  their  head  at 
Newbury,  &  the  only  quiet  one  in  his  own  congregation  which  is 

•Danversport. 


1790]  KEV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  161 

the  smallest  in  Newbury  Port.  Parish,  in  NeAvbury,  is  opposed  by 
a  Majority.  Bradford  at  Rowley  is  not  established  by  a  Presby- 
terian ordination,  &  is  an  exceptionable  character  among  his  party. 
Hopkins  of  Salem  is  a  cunning  man,  Spaulding  a  very  weak  one. 
Their  Marblehead  Society  is  at  present  lost  after  most  unhappy 
dissentions.  [186]  Cleveland  of  Ipswich  is  old,  &  of  little  conse- 
quence. In  the  parts  of  Middlesex  bordering  upon  us  these  enthu- 
siasts abound.  Cleveland's  Son,  a  Lieutenant  in  the  Army,  with- 
out education,  is  at  Stoneham.  At  Reading  they  are  preparing  to 
settle  one  against  a  powerful  opposition.  M"^  Prentice  must  soon 
quit,  as  they  have  rendered  him  so  unhappy  by  a  party  in  his  own 
parish.  Judson  has  become  uncomfortable  at  Maiden  who  is  one  of 
these  Schemers.  Several  Clergymen  of  inferior  abilities  settled 
near  them,  are  suffering  from  the  exertions  of  this  party.  In  truth 
we  are  in  a  religious  ferment  as  to  one  part  of  the  Community  near 
us,  while  in  the  other  there  is  an  abundant  liberality  in  some,  licen- 
tiousness in  many  others,  &  a  few  in  different  religious  opinions, 
who  lead  quiet  &  peaceable  lives  in  godliness  &  honesty.  It  is  full 
time  that  the  civil  power  should  view  all  opinions  as  harmless,  & 
that  good  men  should  by  precept  &  example  place  the  greatest 
stress  upon  sober  maxims  of  life.  A  Hopkintonian  is  respectable 
if  not  uncharitable.  There  always  has  been  a  sect  to  whom  un- 
charitableness  seems  particularly  to  have  belonged.  Once  it  was 
the  Anabaptists  but  they  have  now  risen  to  some  importance  &  can 
subsist  without  it.  It  is  now  left  to  others,  who  are  struggling  to 
rise. 

[187]  20.  Last  night  the  house  of  Capt  Gibaut  was  broken  open. 
Forcible  entrance  was  made  by  a  window.  They  ransacked  the 
lower  part  of  the  house,  &  even  lodged  a  fork  taken  from  the  win- 
dow upon  the  bed  of  a  person  asleep.  They  carried  off  Plate, 
exceeding  £20  in  value,  besides  Linen  to  considerable  amount. 
Town  Watch  dismissed  night  preceeding. 

21.  From  Barnard's  Charge  to  M""  Whitwell,  his  Colleague,  M"^ 
Samuel  Chever  first  preached  in  Marblehead,  Novr.  1668,  &  was 
ordained  13  Aug.,  1684.  That  M''  Bernard  preached  first  11  July, 
1714,  &  was  ordained  18  July,  1716.  From  M""  Whitwell's  Funer- 
al Sermon  it  appears  that  M''  13ernard  died  24  Jan^  1770,  aged  88, 
&  healthy  through  life.  M''  Bours  Episcopal  Minister  there,  died 
after  nine  years  ministry  24  Feb^  1762,  set  36. 

[188]  A  Letter  from  M'  Thayer  a  Romish  Missionary  request- 
ing the  names  of  the  Catholics,  a  proper  place  for  lodgings,  &  noti- 
fying his  intentions  to  say  mass,  &  preach  in  Salem,  asking  a 
convenient  place  of  worship.  I  communicated  it  to  the  Selectmen 
of  this  part  of  the  Town,  &  to  such  persons  as  would  probably  make 
it  public. 

22.  I  went  up  into  the  Great  Pasture  to  see  the  opening  of  the 
Great  Swamp.     This  Swamp  is  1/2  mile  long  nearly  north  &  south 


162  DIARY  OF  [1790 

&  of  unequal  width  from  half  q  :  to  a  quarter  of  a  mile.  It  has 
been  drowned  for  several  years  with  an  intention  to  kill  the  brush 
with  which  it  abounds,  &  afterwards  to  drain  it  for  pasturage. 
This  day  was  appointed  to  open  the  Sluice,  &  break  the  Causeway, 
which  was  done  about  ten  o'clock.  The  seine  was  broken  by  the 
violence  of  the  water,  which  was  at  12  feet  depth  in  the  middle  of 
the  Swamp.  A  large  concourse  of  people,  particularly  children,  col- 
lected on  the  occasion  to  see  the  fishing.  But  the  water  was  not 
sufficiently  drained  in  the  morning,  &  a  Thunder  Shower  came  over 
which  dispersed  us  at  noon.  The  children  caught  very  many  little 
eels  &  a  small  fish  2  inches  which  has  at  the  navel,  head  fins  & 
back  several  thorns  which  makes  me  call  it  Thorn  Fish.  [189]  In 
looking  for  a  root  called.  Dragon  Root,  I  found  very  many  horn 
snails  1/2  inch  in  circujnference,  &  several  lizards  (Newts)  with 
four  legs  like  the  Guiana,  about  4  inches  long.  In  the  afternoon  I 
found  the  water  had  lowered,  but  considerable  quantity  still  re- 
mained. No  large  fish  appeared  at  the  sluice,  but  many  very  small 
ones.  M''  Deland  thinks  that  the  swamp  includes  about  60  acres. 
It  must  exceed  that  quantity. 

23.  Letter  in  answer  to  M""  Thayer,  Priest.  Rev.  Sir.  I  have 
received  yours  of  the  15***  instant.  It  is  my  desire  that  every  man 
enjoy  his  religion  not  by  toleration,  but  as  the  inalienable  right  of 
his  nature.  I  communicated  your  letter  to  two  of  the  Selectmen,  & 
assure  you  of  the  fullest  protection  our  internal  police  can  give  you. 
As  to  Lodgings,  should  you  call  on  me,  I  will  give  you  all  the  in- 
formation in  my  power,  &  we  may  then  consult  about  the  place  of 
worship.  As  there  are  several  religious  societies  of  various  denom- 
inations in  the  Town,  &  the  Catholics  are  without  any  outward  dis- 
tinction, I  can  only  mention  such  are  within  my  acquaintance,  & 
probably  only  a  small  part,  as  the  Catholics  commonly  have  wor- 
shiped according  to  the  rites  &  ceremonies  of  the  English  Church. 
M.  Frank,  a  Corsican.  Emanuel  Chishull,  a  Portug: 

M.  Peter  Barrase,  an  Italian !  M""  Battam,  a  Frenchman.* 

Mad.  Rue  &  her  Sons  J°  &  Jer.  Longueray,  Canadians.! 
W™  Dwire,  lately  removed  to  Beverley,  an  Irishman. 
[190]    You  can  by  a  conversation  with  them  inform  yourself  of 
the  whole  number  in  the  place  &  vicinity.     Revd  Sir,  your  devoted 
Servant,  W.  B. 

A  Procession  this  afternoon  attending  the  burial  of  two  persons, 
a  M""  Ropes  &  his  Sister.  They  both  died  in  one  house,  have  been 
long  confined,  &  nearly  the  same  length  of  time.  The  first  M^as  a 
Deacon  with  the  Independants  under  Hopkins,  &  several  years  ago 
was  struck  with  the  Palsy  by  a  violent  shock.  This  evening  for 
the  first  time  appeared  M""  Curtis,  upon  whom  we  are  to  depend  for 
our  singing.     In  the  close  of  the  evening  he  conversed  upon  the 

•John  Batton,  born  on  the  Isle  of  Ol^ron,  married  the  widow  of  Jonathan  Lander. 
tThe  Rue  family  were  Acadians  and  doubtless  so  was  Jer.  Lougeway? 


1790]  REV.    WILLIAM   BBNTLEY  163 

subject  with  that  awkward  reserve,  &  irresolution,  which  is  charac- 
teristic of  the  yeomanry  of  New  England  &  has  deferred  his  explan- 
ation till  next  evening.  After  all  engagements  already  made,  it 
may  be  supposed  that  I  was  not  prepared  for  any  future  discussion, 
&  therefore  had  all  that  mortification  from  being  trifled  with,  which 
puts  us  too  often  in  the  power  of  the  weakest,  who  can  disturb  us. 
However,  singing  must  be  had,  or  the  preaching  renounced,  so 
strong  is  the  principle  of  association  in  this  particular  instance. 

[191]  24.  IsU  Curtis  visited  me  but  came  to  no  decisive  agree- 
ment. 

April  25,  Sunday.  Sam^  Eopes  &  Wife,  death  of  his  Father  &  for 
Brethren  at  Sea.  Seeth  Ropes,  death  of  Husband's  father,  Aunt,  & 
for  Husband  &  Brethren  at  Sea.  M''  Curtis  &  young  M""  Briggs  sat 
in  the  seat  together,  &  we  had  excellent  singing. 

2G.  The  Measles  which  have  long  been  in  this  part  of  the  country 
make  a  very  slow  progress.  They  have  spread  in  the  upper  part  of 
the  Town,  when  there  is  not  a  single  person  confined  by  them  in 
the  lower. 

27.  It  is  said  the  influenza  returns  this  spring  with  greater  fury. 
I  have  seen  no  examples,  tho'  I  credit  the  report. 

28.  This  Morning  a  very  violent  Snow  Storm  and  a  very  high  tide. 
The  rain  which  followed  has  carried  off  almost  all  the  snow.  A  M"^ 
Newman  has  appeared,  who  is  celebrated  for  his  success  in  Cancers. 
The  Physicians  allow  that  he  has  wrought  strange  effects  upon  a 
M'*  Sheheen,  &  he  has  undertaken  for  Capt  S.  Chever,  &  others. 
He  allows  merit  in  his  own  way  to  M""  Pope  of  Boston,  is  a  man  of 
years,  &  belongs  to  Rhodeisland.  The  Physicians  encourage  his 
experiments.  [192]  Yesterday  died  M'  Francis  Galley  Gray,  a 
Brother  of  M'  W™  Gray,  one  of  the  most  active  merchants  in  the 
Commonwealth.  The  young  man  deceased  was  much  esteemed  for 
his  abilities  as  a  merchant.  He  was  ready  at  accounts,  confined  in 
his  attention  to  his  business,  acquainted  with  all  its  branches,  able 
to  navigate  the  Vessels  in  the  Channel,  attend  to  their  construction, 
&  fitting  for  Sea,  &  of  very  sober,  &  temperate  life.  He  is  greatly 
lamented  by  people  of  all  ranks.     Aet.  27. 

29.  I  gave  Miss  Nancy  Wyatt  the  New  Worcester  Collection. 
She  is  one  of  the  best  girls  for  a  Singing  Seat.  She  has  been  con- 
stant in  her  attention  for  seven  years.  She  has  a  natural  genius 
for  music  &  with  a  good  ear  a  fine  voice.  In  her  pronunciation  of 
words  she  has  a  hoarse  &  thick  xitterance.  In  music  she  can  vary 
her  voice  to  any  modulation.  She  was  betrayed  by  a  yomig  fellow, 
&  left  to  suffer  for  her  confidence.  She  however  continues  to  de- 
serve well  in  other  respects,  &  all  her  deportment  agrees  with  due 
humility  &  a  most  circumspect  l)ehavior.  Amidst  all  our  changes 
in  conducting  the  Church-^Iusic,  she  has  been  steady,  &  is  now  the 
greatest  ornament  of  our  Seats.  Surely  she  deserves  more  than  a 
bare  book  for  her  labor,  &  for  her  fidelity. 


164  DIARY   OF  [1790 

[193]  30.  A  Letter  from  my  Father  representing  his  poverty. 
As  I  never  lived  a  day  with  him  in  my  life,  my  attachment  is  more 
from  duty,  than  feeling.  He  represents  the  disputes  he  had  with 
his  own  two  fathers,  by  whom  he  suffered.  They  both  declared  to 
me  that  they  had  done  him  the  greatest  justice.  He  has  charged 
me  £15  said  to  have  been  inserted  in  his  account  by  my  G.  Father 
in  their  dispute.  My  G.  Father  told  me  that  it  was  a  charge  entire- 
ly from  my  Father,  in  order  to  involve  me  in  the  dispute,  &  that 
when  the  balance  of  £20  was  in  my  G.  Father's  favor,  he  forgave 
it  that  my  father  might  make  no  charge  against  me,  &  forbid  me 
upon  the  AUTHORITY  OF  A  PARENT  ever  to  make  any  consider- 
ation on  that  account.  My  Father  has  done  me  every  injury  in 
his  power,  by  the  most  unkind  misrepresentations.  He  has  differed 
with  all  his  friends,  occasioned  the  unfortunate  proceedings  of  my 
G.  Father  in  his  will,  &  dispossessed  himself  &  Children,  &  now 
cries  for  relief. — What  can  I  do?  Capt  Chever  who  submitted  to 
the  Plaster  of  the  Cancer  Doctor  mentioned  p.  191.  was  by  the  vio- 
lent pains  of  a  second  experiment  lasting  20  minutes,  so  shocked 
that  he  has  since  been  speechless,  &  is  supposed,  paralytic.  As  his 
family  have  been  sufferers  in  the  same  way,  we  can  only  say,  his 
disorder  followed  this  operation. 

[194]  May  1.  M"*  Parson's  three  children  sick  with  the  measles. 
First  I  have  seen.  One  child  recovered  of  measles,  attended  with 
fever.  A  man  from  Danvers  applied  to  me  to  let  to  him  my  right 
in  a  Pasture  given  in  five  Shares,  two  shares  to  the  Ministers  of  first 
Church,  one  to  the  second  church  in  Salem,  &  one  to  each  of  the 
churches  in  Danvers,  under  present  pastoral  care  of  M""  Holt,  &  M' 
Wadsworth.  I  had  never  even  heard  of  such  legacy,  &  referred 
him  to  M'  Holt.  News  of  the  death  of  Rev**  M'  Geyer,  Baptist 
Minister  of  Boston,  in  the  house  formerly  of  M'  Bours.  M'  G.  was 
of  Boston,  early  converted,  &  by  immersion  baptised,  &  educated  at 
Providence  College.  At  19  set.  he  preached  and  was  settled  at  Med- 
field.  After  a  time  upon  a  difficulty  he  removed,  &  was  settled  at 
Boston,  upon  the  abdication  of  M'  Stillman.  He  died  April  27*", 
36  years.  Death  of  DR  FRANKLIN  at  Philadelphia.  There  is  a 
pompous  account  of  his  funeral  and  the  Americans  may  well  con- 
sider him  as  the  greatest  man  their  Country  has  produced.  Capt 
Gibaut  has  heard  of  his  Thief.  His  Tongs,  it  is  said,  have  been 
offered  for  sale  &  the  offender  is  confined  in  Boston  goal.  It  is 
feared  that  discoveries  may  be  made  prejudicial  to  some  of  our  neigh- 
bours. 

[195]  2.  Sunday.  Sam^  Chever  &  Wife  for  him  dangerously  sick. 
Lydia  Masury  for  her  delivery  &  Husband  at  Sea.  Persons  sick. 
Child  of  Gam :  Hodges.  Wife  of  Micah  Webb.  Consxnnption. 
Three  children  of  IVI*'*  Parsons.  Measles.  Wife  of  Capt  Boardman. 
Cold  &  Fever.  Sam^  Chever.  Paralytic.  A  very  pleasant  day.  M*" 
Prince  &  Hopkins  shut  up  by  influenza. 


1790]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  166 

3.  M''  Cooke  who  purchased  the  front  end  of  Searle's  House,  four 
doors  east  of  Hodges'  has  thoroughly  repaired  it,  &  tixed  a  shop  in 
front.  Capt.  Crowninshield  has  put  up  a  new  light  fence  with  stone 
posts,  raised  upon  plain  Columns  a  gallery  before  his  house,  enclosed 
with  Chinese  work.  Capt  John  Hodges  seized  with  sudden  fainting. 
The  number  of  complaining  persons  increases  very  fast.  The  influ- 
enza is  worse  in  this  stage  of  its  progress.  This  evening  I  sat  through 
the  night  with  Capt  Chever,  who  seems  upon  the  recovery.  A 
blister  on  the  throat  assists  him  to  articulate  better,  than  he  ever  has 
done.  The  measles  are  spread  through  the  upper  part  of  the  Town, 
but  not  yet  very  mortal.     It  is  7  years,  since  they  visited  the  Town. 

[196]  4.  The  Thief  who  broke  into  Capt  Gibaut's  on  19  ult. 
was  the  Son  of  the  present  Widow  Elkins.  His  father  a  man  of  gen- 
erous humor  died  in  the  infancy  of  this  his  elder  son,  who  was  of 
sulky,  &  dishonest  temper  from  his  youth.  He  has  been  detected 
often  in  little  frauds,  &  when  apprentice  to  a  Baker  lost  all  his 
credit  in  the  world.  The  other  two  sons,  &  two  daughters  are  in 
very  good  credit,  as  is  the  Widow  Mother.  The  Thief  after  taking 
little  things  from  the  family  absented  under  pretence  of  getting  a 
voiage  from  Newbury.  He  is  now  in  Boston  Prison.  The  distress 
of  the  parent  must  be  great.  Fine  weather  recruits  the  patients 
everywhere.  Examined  two  Spanish  Letters  for  General  Fiske. 
They  are  written  with  great  beauty  &  uniformity.  The  report  of 
young  Elkins  is  suspicion  but  upon  examination  fails  of  full  proof. 

5.  Last  evening  M^  Thayer  the  Convert  to  the  Catholic  Church 
visited  me  &  spent  the  day.  I  went  with  him  to  find  the  brethren 
of  his  communion,  but  we  found  but  one  able  to  maintain  the  Priest, 
&  he  had  rather  renounce  his  religion  than  incur  the  expence. 
The  support  therefore  fell  upon  me,  &  consequently  all  the  preju- 
dice which  can  arise  in  illiberal  minds  on  such  an  occasion.  How- 
ever candor  should  be  practiced  as  well  as  professed. 

[197]  6.  Day  passed  between  M'  Thayer  &  myself  in  that 
desultory  conversation  which  is  not  unusual  on  such  occasions. 

7.  Went  to  Beverley  to  see  Rev**  Oliver  with  Thayer  as  a  mere 
amusement,  &  I  did  not  fail  of  success.  The  bigotry  of  Oliver 
joined  to  an  honest  but  uninformed  mind  opposed  to  the  humor,  & 
insulting  triumph  of  a  catholic,  who  had  gained  no  humility  by  his 
conversion,  &  was  a  remarkable  stranger  to  it  before  in  his  whole 
character,  upon  a  new  meeting  could  not  fail  of  effects  entertaining 
to  one  of  their  old  acquaintance.  This  morning  Thayer  prepared 
to  say  Mass  as  on  the  preceeding  morning.  But  as  no  one  of  his 
devotees  appeared  he  called  on  me  to  take  the  i>lace  of  Re- 
sponser,  which  I  declined.  On  the  morning  of  Thursday,  an  Irish 
Stranger  came  &  assisted  him.  Thayer  came  prepared  with  his 
ornaments,  altar  stone,  &  Mass  books  &  has  left  several  hundred 
pamphlets  in  my  custody  to  be  committed  to  the  custody  of  some 
proper  person  for    sale.     Thayer  wants  that  quality  which   could 


166  DIABY  OF  [1790 

render  his  visits  tolerable,  the  least  sense  that  after  a  family  has 

entertained  him  a  week,  they  have  done  him  a  favor.     He  left   at 
two  clock, 

[198]     Books  &  other- Articles  left  with  me  by  M'^  Thayer. 

49  Copies  of  M''  Thayer's  Conversion,  1" 
47  Grounds  of  Catholic  Doctrine,  ly 
35  Papist  represented,  &c.,  1/ 
37  History  of  Protestantism,  1/ 
11  Catholic  Christian,  3/ 
15  Real  Principles  of  Catholics,  /4'* 

50  Ordinaries  of  the  Mass,  /6 
37  City  of  God,  1/ 
11  Grounds  of  the  Old  Religion,  2/6 
49  Douay  Catechisms,  /4 
49  Thayer's  Prayers,  /4 

2  Gother's  Prayers,  3  Vols,  each,  bound,  12/ 

4  Poor  Man's  Posey  of  Prayers,  bound,  2/ 

5  Manual  of  Prayers,  bound,  2/ 
5  Garden's  of  the  Soul,  bound,  2/6 
1  Bossuet's  Variations,  2  Vol.  8vo.  bound,  13/ 

27  Beads.  One  compleat  ornament  of  all  Colours,  vizt.  a  Chas- 
uble, stole,  maniple,  vail,  cincture,  burse  containing  a  Corporal, 
pall,  an  amice,  &  mundatory,  &  a  lavabo,  an  alb  &  detached  stole. 
Besides  an  Altar  stone,  a  pair  of  Altar  cards  &  a  missal.  The  list 
preserved  as  a  Curiosity  ! 

[199]  May  8.  News  of  the  death  of  the  Reverend  M""  Tappan 
of  Manchester.  He  has  long  been  pastor  of  this  Town.  He  was 
unanimated  in  the  Pulpit,  but  easy  in  his  manners,  &  exemplary  in 
his  conduct  out  of  it.  He  has  brought  up  a  large  family  in  a  very 
reputable  manner.  His  Son  at  Newbury  is  eminent.  He  died  yes- 
terday of  a  fever,  after  a  short  illness.  He  softened  the  minds,  en- 
gaged the  affections  &  greatly  improved  the  happiness  of  his  people. 

9,  Sunday.  Adam  Welman  returned  from  sea,  returned  thanks, 
ask'd  prayers  on  death  of  his  two  Brethren,  Elizabeth  Parsons, 
one  of  her  children  dang :  sick,  husband  &  brother  at  Sea.  Sarah 
Silver,  death  of  her  sister.  Bernard  &  Hopkins  shut  up.  I  was 
sent  for  to  Wid  :  Allen  formerly  Brown. 

10.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Rev*^  Benj*  Tappan  of  Manchester, 
set.  70.  The  Parish  defrayed  all  expences  at  the  house,  provided 
gloves,  &  gave  a  full  suit  of  Mourning  to  Widow.  The  procession  was 
from  the  house  1/4  of  mile  to  the  Meeting  House.  The  Children 
preceeded  the  corpse.  Then  the  Chiu'ch,  then  went  the  Corpse  sup- 
ported by  young  men. 

Pall  Holders. 

Rev**  Swain.  Rev**  Forbes. 
Treadwell.               Corpse.  Cutler. 

Prisbie.  Bentley. 


1790]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  167 

[200]  Then  followed  the  Mourners,  &  a  numerous  Train  of 
Parishioners,  &c.  M'  S^vain  made  the  prayer  in  the  Meeting  House, 
&  M'  Forbes  preached,  If  ye  loved  me  ye  would  rejoice,  because  I 
go  to  my  father.  The  Sermon  was  not  critically  just,  but  adapted 
to  sober  reflection  &  with  good  effect.  We  then  passed  to  the 
grave,  &  thence  home  with  relations.  I  returned  to  Tea  to  M''* 
Dane's,  Beverley,  &  home. 

11.  News  of  the  death  of  Revd  Hilliard  at  Cambridge  on  last 
Sunday  morning.  Our  Association  was  held  at  Rev**  Holt's.  I  at- 
tended, but  the  number  present  was  small.  The  quarter  part  being 
indisposed  by  the  disorder  of  the  season,  so  as  not  to  appear. 

12.  Strange  commotions  in  a  family  subject  to  such  evils, 
attended  with  great  alarms.  A  Proof  that  intoxication  will  bring  a 
man  to  make  the  greatest  sacrifice  of  his  peace,  domestic  enjoyment, 
&  reputation.  Capt.  Mason  contrasts  a  very  pleasing  deportment 
in  common  life  with  strange  excentricities.  His  daughter  was  sick, 
for  whom  he  is  soon  to  provide  in  life.  Concern  arising  from  sym- 
pathy itself  occasions  gloom,  brings  on  intoxication,  which  vents 
itself  in  rage,  &  horrid  execrations.  This  scene  is  attended  with 
horror  of  conscience,  stupid  silence,  tears,  grief,  excessive  good 
nature,  folly,  then  repentance,  of  even  repentance  &  periodical 
returns  of  this  delirium. 

[201]  13,  The  number  of  persons  sick  increases  but  few  deaths 
have  yet  ensued.  M'  Webster  imputes  the  influenza  to  the  open 
winter,  &  the  want  of  vigorous  vegetation,  observing  that  at  the 
time  of  vegetation  the  disorder  is  known  to  cease  its  rage. 

14.  Capt  Patterson  presented  me  a  volume  terribly  eaten  by  the 
Worms  which  he  had  brought  as  a  curiosity  with  some  french 
Gazettes.  The  Academy  at  Cape  Francois  might  well  offer  an  hand- 
some premium  for  the  discov[er]y  of  a  method  to  keep  Books  from 
worms.  At  the  head  of  the  binding  it  is  eaten  beyond  discription. 
No  other  part  is  injured  but  at  the  ends  of  the  binding  particularly, 
head. 

15.  M"  Allen  died  yesterday  &  preserved  her  hearing,  speech, 
&  freedom  of  mind  till  the  last  hours.  At  eleven  o'clock  at  night 
a  fire  broke  out  in  a  finished  Barn  belonging  to  Capt  Hill  in  Bever- 
ley. It  was  entirely  consumed  with  two  Cows  &  all  its  Contents. 
The  people  of  Salem  gave  their  ready  assistance,  &  received  the  polite 
thanks  of  M*"  George  Cabot,  which  gave  great  satisfaction.  It  is  a 
general  suspicion  that  it  was  set  on  fire  bj'  malicious  persons.  Not 
long  since  a  Barn  belonging  to  Capt  Lovitt  was  burnt,  &  brands  of 
fire  it  is  said  were  found  imder  the  shop  of  a  M""  Allen.  Capt  Hill 
has  been  lately  [202]  divorced  from  his  Wife,  which  occasions 
many  suspicions.  This  being  the  third  Barn  within  the  term  of  a 
year,  occasions  a  general  alarm  but  without  any  ])roof  whatsoever, 

[]\ray]  16.  Simday.  Exchanged  with  M""  Holt  of  Danvers,  &  had 
an  opportunity  of  seeing  uninformed  honesty  display  itself  without 


168  DIARY   OF  [1790 

disguise.     Notes.     Lydia  Beadle,  for  herself  sick.     Many  persons 
complaining,  but  no  particular  person  in  eminent  danger. 

17.  Paid  the  Compliments  at  noon  to  a  Brother  of  Capt.  N. 
West,  after  marriage.  M'  Jackon,  Marshall,  in  my  absence,  noti- 
fied me  that  Chief  Justice  Jay  was  in  Town,  &  that  he  should  be 
received  by  the  Clergy.  My  absence  gave  me  no  pain,  as  this  Gen- 
tleman is  active  in  Church  Affairs,  &  is  the  Guardian  of  Bp.  Provost. 
M'  Bowditch  informed  me  that  there  are  three  episcopal  societies 
in  N.  Hampshire  beside  Portsmouth.  At  Claremont,  Haverhill  & 
Holderness,  at  the  last  they  have  a  Clergyman  M'  Fowle  of  New- 
bury Port.  That  repairs  are  begun  upon  Christ  Church  in  Cam- 
bridge, that  Trinity  Church  in  Boston  supplied  40JS  towards  these 
repairs,  &  that  the  Vestry  have  applied  for  their  Bell  which  they 
had  lent  to  the  South  Church  in  Boston. 

[203]  18.  Dr  Franklin's  Epitaph  appears  agains  with  fresh 
applause. 

The  Body  of 

Benjamin  Franklin,  Printer, 

Like  the  Cover  of  an  old  Book, 

Its  contents  torn  out,  and 

Stripped  of  its  lettering  &  gilding, 

Lies  here,  food  for  worms : 

But  the  work  shall  not  be  lost: 

For  it  shall,  as  he  believed,  appear  once  more 

In  a  new  &  more  elegant  edition, 
Corrected  &  improved 
By  THE  AUTHOR, 
[born  Jany  6,  1706,  died  April  17,  1790.] 
In  his  will  it  appears  that  he  has  left  To  Bache  his  Son  in  Law, 
Temple  Franklin  his  G.  Son  &  Secretary,  B.  Franklin  Bache,  To  the 
City  of  Philadelphia,  Boston,  large  Legacies.     To  his  Son  from  500 
to  600i6  &  lands  in  Nova  Scotia,  to  P.  Washington  a   cane  with 
some  emblems  upon  it,  to  M'  and  M"^*  Bache  the  remainder,  &c.  &  to 
Judge  Hopkinson  his  P.  Apparatus.     His  Secretary  has  his  Manu- 
scripts &  Copy  right  of  his  Life,  his  G.  Son  B.  F.  Bache  his  Print- 
ing Materials,  &  Type  Foundery.     The  lands  he  has  given  to  his  Son 
in  Nova  Scotia,  are  in  the  country  to  whose  jurisdiction  he  chose  to 
be  subject.     The  life  of  the  Author  when  it  appears  will  probably 
be  interesting  to  an  American. 

[204]  Mention  made  in  Worcester  Gazette  of  great  success  in 
poor  Land  from  steeping  the  Corn  in  water  saturated  with  salt  petre. 
The  Corn  left  to  swell  in  the  brine. 

19.  Articles  of  Charge  against  the  man  of  Judgement.  He  has 
openly  abused  the  whole  order  of  religious  teachers,  without  any 
exceptions.  He  has  declared  their  present  support  unreasonably 
great.     He  has  publickly  discouraged  all  persons  desirious  to  pur- 


1790]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  169 

chase  pews  in  our  houses  by  which  the  public  worship  is  maintained. 
He  has  associated  with  men  of  most  licentious  opinions.  He  has 
permitted  men,  known  to  pay  the  greatest  regard  to  him,  &  to  be 
absolutely  dependent  upon  him,  to  vilify  the  ministers.  He  has 
openly  plead  in  tlieir  cause.  He  does  embrace  seasons  of  public 
worship  as  times  for  his  own  recreations.  He  has  openly  declared 
his  willingness  to  assist  a  party  in  opposition  to  Government  in 
removing  by  violence  goods  seized  for  breach  of  Trade.  He  openly 
censures  the  Government,  &  threatens  opposition  to  its  measures. 
He  has  openly  opposed  the  regulation  of  the  Militia,  &  encouraged 
open  disputes.  He  is  not  a  man  for  God,  or  for  Society,  &  his  pas- 
sions make  him  terrible  to  himself. 

[205]  20.  Palfrey  enclosing  the  laud  adjoining  to  his  house 
leading  to  Allen's  Wharf.  This  land  has  laid  long  unenclosed.  I 
have  repeatedly  detected  women  who  have  brought  me  unkind 
reports  &  suspicions  of  others  venting  the  same  of  myself.  Died 
Master  John  Nutting*  aged  96.  He  was  graduated  at  Cambridge 
in  1712  &  for  several  years  was  the  oldest  in  the  Catalogue.  He 
kept  the  Town  School  in  Salem  many  years.  Had  been  infirm 
through  age,  but  able  to  go  about,  &  converse  with  his  neighbours. 
He  has  left  one  daughter  who  has  two  daughters,  so  that  his  descen- 
dants are  not  numerous. 

21.  The  Measles  appeared  in  two  neighbouring  families.  The 
Sickness  which  had  been  general  from  the  influenza  is  going  off, 
&  the  symptoms  everywhere  were  most  favourable.  We  have  all 
taken  notice,  that  while  the  sick  were  in  every  house  &  the  patients 
seized  very  suddenly,  &  violently  there  have  been  few  deaths,  &  not 
one  yet  from  the  influenza  in  our  society,  and  as  yet  our  society 
have  been  less  violently  seized,  &  more  in  succession  than  other- 
wise. The  Physician  has  notified  our  more  favorable  state.  As  we 
lay  lower  we  might  imagine  that  our  health  would  be  less  secure. 
The  Rivers  however  are  nearer  to  us  on  both  sides. 

[206]  22.  A  doubt  in  Dabney's  mind  respecting  the  payment 
for  Worcester  collection  of  music.  I  had  entered  it  paid,  but  no 
credit  had  been  given  to  me  upon  M'  Dabney's  Books.  I  do  not 
recollect  the  Circumstances  of  payment  but  am  well  persuaded  of 
such  payment.  Danger  of  not  taking  receipt  &  not  seeing  credit 
given.     Let  me  be  cautious. 

[May]  23.  Sunday.  Notes.  Elizabeth  Parsons,  death  of  her  Son, 
for  youngest  child  dang  :  sick  &  Husband  at  Sea.  Margaret  Clark, 
death  of  her  G.  Son  &  Sons  at  Sea.  Sarah  Webb  for  her  delivery, 
Husband  at  Sea.  This  evening  was  the  funeral  procession  of  Master 
Nutting,  large  &  respectable.  On  the  same  evening  was  buried  at 
Marblehead,  Robert  Hooper,  Esq"",  set.  80.  He  had  long  the  most 
eminent  Merchant  in  the  place,  but  by  the  events  of  war,  became  a 

•See  Essex  Institute  Hist.  Colls.  toI.  xxxviii.,  p.  291. 


170  DIAKY  OP  [1790 

bankrupt.  He  was  entrusted  by  his  creditors  with  the  improvement 
of  his  real  estate,  during  his  natural  life,  &  was  called  King  Hooper 
by  the  people.  The  highest  affection  was  shewn  to  him  at  his  death 
&  hisjmemory  honored  by  his  numerous  former  dependants.  The 
Vessels  were  all  dressed  in  mourning,  the  Procession  exceeded  any- 
thing before  known  in  honor  of  a  merchant,  in  that  place. 

[207]  24.  Monday.  Planned  a  journey  to  Lancaster  a  Town  in 
Worcestershire,  in  company  with  Col.  Pickman's  Family.  I  made 
all  those  timorous  approaches  to  gain  the  company  of  the  eldest 
daughter  for  the  journey  which  distinguish  old  Bachelors,  &  are 
commonly  unsuccessful.  There  were  some  pleasing  circumstances 
about  it,  &  a  proof  that  a  man  may  approve  of  his  own  address, 
even  when  it  fails  of  the  end  he  professes.  Galatea  me  male  petit, 
&c. 

25.  Tuesday.  I  went  from  Salem  to  Cambridge  in  company  with 
Col.  Pickman  &  Lady  &  his  Eldest  Son  &  Lady,  formerly  Nancy 
Derby,  lately  married.  We  dined  together  at  Bradish,  in  company 
with  a  M'  Harris,  a  Bachelor  &  assistant  in  the  University  Library. 
He  favored  us  with  a  view  of  the  Library,  &  the  Catalogue  prepar- 
ing for  the  press.  This  useful  work  is  under  the  inspection  of  the 
Rev**  M""  Smith,  the  Librarian.  Students  are  now  permitted  to 
study  in  the  Library,  &  this  generous  permission  will  be  a  still 
greater  favor  when  a  General  Catalogue  is  printed.  The  Gentle- 
men of  the  University  are  absent  upon  an  Academy  meeting  in 
Boston. — They  originated  this  institution  and  are  therefore  gener- 
ally members.  After  dinner  we  rode  for  Concord,  stopped  on  the 
celebrated  spot  at  Lexington,  [208]  at  which  the  late  War  begun, 
&  visited  the  excellent  Parish  Minister,  M'  Clarke.  We  arrived  at 
Concord,  &  put  up  at  Richardson's  the  House  purchased  by  the 
County,  for  the  Keeper  of  the  Goal,  lately  built  in  that  Town. 

26.  Wednesday.  Visited  the  Goal,  after  having  paid  my  respects 
to  my  old  Landlord  M"^  Potter,  who  buried  his  Wife  last  fall,  &  is 
now  in  his  88"*  year.  The  Goal  is  built  by  the  County  of  Middle- 
sex, at  the  expence  of  4,000£.  The  House  is  65  by  32,  length  east 
&  west.  The  whole  is  of  Stone.  The  Entry  Door  under  the  Pedi- 
ment is  at  the  first  Story  up  a  flight  of  Stone  Steps.  These  Rooms 
are  contrived  for  the  confinement  of  Debtors  without  liberty  of  the 
yard,  &  less  notorious  offenders.  The  Corner  Rooms  have  two 
Windows.  The  height  of  the  Rooms  8  feet.  In  the  second  Story, 
there  is  a  long  Entry  for  walking  with  a  window  at  each  end,  &  on 
each  side  4  rooms.  Two  are  left  together  on  the  south  side,  for  a 
Work  house.  The  Pediment  furnishes  Room  for  two  Lofts,  with 
windows  opening  N.  &  S.  The  walls  are  below  4  feet  thick,  3  in 
the  1  story  &  2  in  the  upper.  To  go  in  below  are  two  doors  which 
are  well  secured,  &  the  inner  doors  of  wrought  &  plated  iron,  with 
large  bars,  two  large  bolts.  Great  Locks,  &  outer  padlocks.  The 
Stonework  below  in  the  foundation  is  8  feet  through,  &  the  filth 


1790]  REV.   "WILLIAM   BENTLEY  171 

passes  through  holes  worked  through  large  stones  in  the  foundation, 
&  discharges  itself  into  a  [209]  running  stream  below.  Marked 
built  in  1789.  The  lower  rooms  are  all  of  Solid  Stone  Arched,  & 
only  loose  plank  laid  on  the  foundation.  The  Dungeon  is  in  the 
Center  beyond  the  Room  called  the  Condemned  Room.  There 
were  three  Creoles  called  Bloods  in  one  room  with  a  distracted 
brother.  They  had  been  publicly  whipped,  &  five  men  of  the  fam- 
ily sent  to  the  Castle.  They  behaved  well,  were  comely,  &  excited 
pity.  The  Avhole  family  were  detected  in  the  long  practice  of 
stealing.  The  Vane  on  the  Court  House,  which  was  the  old  meet- 
ing house  has  these  Cyphers,  1673.  W  Potter  remembers  Rev**  East- 
erbrook,  Whiting,  Bliss,  &  Emerson,  before  the  present  W  Ripley. 
In  the  Grave  Yard,  the  following  Inscription  upon  a  Grave  Stone, 
executed  very  well.  "  Paternal  Coat  Armour "  round  the  Arms, 
M.  S.  An  Eagle  spread,  &c.  Lieut.  Daniel  Hoar.  ob.  Feb.  8, 1773, 
set  93.  By  honest  industry  &  prudent  economy  he  acquired  a  hand- 
some fortmie  for  a  man  in  private  character.  He  enjoyed  a  long 
life  &  uninterrupted  state  of  health,  blessings  that  ever  attend  Ex- 
ercise &  Temperance.  S.  Y.  Here's  the  last  end  of  mortal  Story! 
He's  dead ! 

27.  We  went  from  Concord  through  Stow  &  Bolton  to  Lancas- 
ter on  Wednesday.  At  Bolton  I  enquired  for  an  old  uncle  Town- 
send,  who  was  the  Brother  of  my  G.  Mother  Bentley.  Joshua 
Townsend  died  Jan^  20,  1790,  at  90,  if  he  had  lived  till  14  March 
following.  His  son  James  lives  on  his  [210]  homestead  with  a 
wife  &  9  children.  Joshua  the  eldest  son  lives  opposite  with  five 
children.  The  other  two  sons  have  removed  to  Putney.  At  Lan- 
caster I  visited  the  old  spot  upon  which  the  House  of  Rev^  M''  Row- 
landson  stood.  His  wife  was  taken  by  the  Indians,  &  is  celebrated 
for  her  Removes.  I  visited  also  George's  Hill  a  mile  from  the 
Town,  to  which  she  made  her  first  remove.  I  walked  round  the 
Great  Square,  above  3  miles.  About  one  mile  above  the  Meeting 
House  the  view  of  the  River  &  the  Bason  or  interval  is  obstructed 
by  a  Wood  of  Pine  on  the  west  side  of  the  Road.  The  Bason  is 
open  till  you  arrive  at  this  place,  &  is  romantic.  The  road  contin- 
ues on  to  Leominster.  You  then  turn  to  the  right  for  the  Square, 
&  after  above  1/4  of  a  mile  again  to  the  right,  leaving  the  Road  to 
Harvard  on  your  left  N.  by  E.  The  Cabans  or  inferior  buildings 
denote  the  soil.  On  the  other  line  returning  the  land  is  good  & 
there  is  an  elegant  Spot  for  a  House,  on  which  stands  an  old  House 
of  L.  Stearns,  &  a  noble  Barn  of  Farmer  Jones  below.  It  commands 
a  fine  view  of  the  North  River  &  the  Interval  on  your  left  returning. 
Fine  orchards  are  seen  upon  the  whole  road.  At  the  Corner  on  the 
left  is  a  handsome  house  belonging  to  a  M""  Waldo  of  ^Vorcester, 
commanding  a  near  view  of  the  River  &  the  late  String  of  bridges 
for  which  the  Lottery  was  granted.  These  bridges  lead  onto  Bos- 
ton Road  &  form  the  little  Square  of  about  2  miles.     The  front  of 


172  DIARY  OF  [1790 

this  house  is  wrong  for  the  enjoyment  of  the  prospect  being 
towards  the  Town.  [211]  The  great  freshets  to  which  this  River 
is  subject  have  thrown  up  large  banks  of  sand,  which  make  the  ap- 
proach to  the  River  bad,  &  the  prospect  barren  towards  the  Bridges, 
&  the  water  lodged  between  the  Banks,  &  Interval  land  becomes 
stagnant,  &  cannot  easily  be  discharged.  Here  is  the  Confluence  of 
the  Two  rivers,  one  of  which  flows  below  &  the  other  above  the 
Meeting  House.  M""  Torrey  from  Boston  has  purchased  the  other 
corner,  the  stile  of  his  Building  is  not  good,  &  its  ornaments  very 
bad.  His  windows  are  in  form  of  sharp  pediments,  &  his  Pilasters 
at  the  Door  are  fluted  one  third  of  their  length.  A  House  on  the 
other  angle  of  this  Square  possessed  by  a  M""  Greenleaf  is  the  most 
regular  Building  in  the  place,  the  Roof  has  lucerne  windows,  but 
the  Roof  is  uneven.  Returning  to  M''  Harrington's  is  M""  Sprague's 
a  decent  House,  before  you  reach  the  New  Bridge.  This  Bridge  of 
the  greatest  altitude,  is  supported  in  the  middle  by  5  posts  fixed  in 
a  Sill,  perpendicularly,  the  two  outer  posts  rising  two  feet  above  the 
floor  into  which  two  pieces  of  Timber  a  foot  square  fasten  for  the 
guards  on  the  passage  16  feet  wide.  Two  Posts  are  fixed  in  the  end 
of  the  Sill,  one  on  each  side  &  rise  obliquely  to  the  height  of  the 
floor,  &  are  fastened  into  the  outer  posts.  The  Height  of  the  Bridge 
at  the  Center  from  the  bed  of  the  river  is  20  feet,  about  50  feet  over. 
[212]  The  History  of  the  Town  of  Lancaster  I  obtained  from  a 
Century  Sermon  printed  1753.  Also  from  a  Sermon  before  the 
Sessions,  &  The  information  of  Rev'*  M'  Harrington.  In  1645  M"" 
King  of  Watertown  purchased  of  a  Sachem,  &  the  G.  Court  gave  a 
Grant.  In  1653  after  some  delays,  18  May,  9  families  were  incor- 
porated by  the  name  of  Lancaster.  In  1675  was  Philip's  War,  & 
the  distruction.  In  1654  M""  Rowlandson  preached,  &  it  is  supposed 
was  ordained  in  1658.  In  the  dispersion  1675  when  his  wife  was 
taken,  he  being  at  Boston  he  settled  &  died  soon  at  Weathersfield, 
Conn.  In  1690,  M'  Whiting  settled,  killed  by  the  Indians.  In 
1701,  Rev**  M''  Gardner,  not  ord  :  killed  in  the  fort  by  accident. 
The  Guard  taking  him  to  be  an  Indian,  as  he  was  going  into  the 
house.  In  1705  M'  Prentice  preached,  &  ord.  in  1708.  In  M'^  Pren- 
tice's Ministry  331  Communicants  &  1593  Baptisms.  Till  resettle- 
ment in  1748  38  Baptisms,  from  1705  till  Century  compleat  1753, 
adding  70  Conn.  &  183  Baptisms  the  whole  401  Communicants  & 
1814  Baptisms.  The  Records  being  lost  till  1708.  To  other  Towns 
they  have  seperated  part  of  their  Tract.  To  Harvard,  1735.  To 
Bolton,  1741.  To  Leomister,  1743.  To  Sterling,  1744,  the  Pre- 
cinct. The  old  vote  for  the  first  meeting  House  runs  Gaffer — to 
make  the  Hedge.  Goodman — to  make  clay,  straw  &  mortar,  & 
Goodman — to  make  the  Chimney. — [213]  The  present  Meeting 
House  under  repair  is  the  fourth.  The  first  inferior  Court  in  this 
County,  now  Worcestershire,  was  held  10  Aug.  1731,  &  M""  Prentice 
preached.     Their  present  Minister  was  settled  in  the  Ashuelot,  & 


1790]  BBV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  173 

driven  off  by  the  Indians.  The  upper  &  lower  Ashuelot  on  a  River 
of  that  name  was  granted  by  the  Gen  :  Court  Mass  :  1733.  After- 
wards set  off  to  Hamp,  Bacon  settled  there  in  1738  in  upper,  & 
Harrington  in  lower  in  1741,  since  Keene  &  Swanzey.  Carpenter 
of  Hull  ordained  there  in  1753.  The  following  Epitaph  respecting 
the  Ancestor  of  the  Physician  at  Lancaster,  was  given  me  from 
Plimouth  Colony. 

Here  lies  our  Captain  &  Major, 

Of  Suffolk  was  withal, 
A  Godly  Magistrate  was  he, 

And  Major  General. 
Two  troop  of  horse  came  here, 

Such  love  his  worth  did  crave, 
Ten  Companies  of  foot  also. 

Mourning  marched  to  his  Grave. 
Let  all  who  read  be  sure  to  keep 

The  faith  as  he  has  done, 
He  lives  now  crowned  with  Christ, 
His  name  was  Humphrey  Atherton. 

28.  After  dinner  at  B"^  Atherton's  the  Physician  of  the  place,  at 
whose  house  a  Son  of  Col.  Pickman  resided  for  the  recovery  of  his 
health,  we  set  out  upon  our  return  through  Sudbury,  &  lodged  at 
Flagg's  in  [214]    Weston,  which  is  a  very  pleasant  Town. 

29.  We  parted,  the  other  Company  going  to  Boston,  but  I  went 
to  Cambridge,  &  found  my  friend  Winthrop  appraising  the  Estate 
of  his  father,  the  whole  of  which  was  now  to  be  settled  upon  the 
decease  of  the  widow.  I  dined  at  Wait's  in  Maiden,  &  reached  Sa- 
lem before  Sundown,  &  found  my  friend  Hodges  returned  from  the 
Indies.     Expenses  of  the  Journey,  for  curiosity. 

Lynn,  Oats  /4'»  Bridge,  Maiden       /9"^ 

Cambridge  3/6  Darling  27 Old  Servant 

Concord  3/6  Lex.  /4d 

Potter's  Negro         2/4  Prisoners  1/2 

Stow  /4  Consid :  at  Lancaster  to  D.  of 

M"  Wilder,  who  would  receive  no  pay.  Had  two  dinners.  6'/ 
Tavern  1/6  For  shaving  gave  1/2 

To  Children  of  Uncle  Townsend's  family  3*/ 

Stow  /4''^  Weston  4'/ 

Cambridge  I7  Bridge,  Maiden       /9'* 

Wait's  Maiden         1/10  Four  hostlers        2*/ 

32/21 

[May]  30.  Sunday.  Xotes.  Widow  Towzer  for  her  Son  deprived  of 
Reason.  Widow  M.  Clarke  for  Son  dang :  with  Small  Pox.  The 
Small  Pox  came  by  Capt  Crowninshield's  vessel  from  Charlestown. 
Two  persons  beside  the  above  have  it  favorably  by  inocula- 
tion at  the  Hospital  attended  by  D''  Pain.     Preached  at  M^  Prince's 


174  DIARY  OF  [1790 

this  afternoon  &  in  the  morning  upon  "good news  from  a  far  coun- 
try." 

[215]  31.  My  good  friend  Capt  Hodges  presented  to  me  a  Pike  or 
Spear  of  Wood,  with  a  Bow  &  two  Arrows  brought  by  the  Ameri- 
can Ship  Columbia  from  Nootka  Sound  to  Canton,  &  Specimens  of 
Cloth  from  Sandwich  Islands.  News  by  the  arrival  of  the  Astrea 
at  Boston  of  the  death  of  Thomas  Bray,  se.  25.  His  Brother  in  law 
Webb  returned  in  this  Ship  from  Canton.  M""  Bray  died  on  Tues- 
day last,  after  a  sickness,  with  short  intervals,  through  the  Voiage. 
He  had  been  an  invalid  for  a  long  time.  He  is  said  to  have  intend- 
ed marriage  with  Polly,  D.  of  John  White  immediately  upon  his 
return.  Thi-ee  aged  persons  now  lie  dead  in  Town,  each  about  80 
years  of  age.  Madam  Lynde,  Widow  of  Judge  Lynde,  a  M"^  Eas- 
ties,  &  a  M"  Chapman.  Called  out  of  bed  to  visit  a  M"  Richard- 
son supposed  to  be  dying. 

[216]  June  1.  In  addition  to  my  former  presents  Capt  Hod- 
ges presented  me  with  a  large  Sandwich  Cloth,  a  Chinese  permit  to 
enter  &  trade  at  their  Port  of  Canton,  &  several  Coins.  One  Swed- 
ish, on  the  face.  Head  of  Gustavus  the  third,  with  inscript.  Gusta- 
vus.  III.  D.  G.  Rex.  Succiae.  On  the  Reverse  field  with  three 
Crowns,  &  crest  a  Crown  with  Wreath  of  flowers,  above  Fadernes- 
land  et,  on  the  sides  I.  opposite  R  :  below  on  sides  of  a  small  crown 
supported  by  a  Star  0.  L.  &  below  1788.  A  Coin  of  the  United 
States  of  Holland.  On  the  face  the  Arms,  with  inscription  Concor- 
dia fes  parvae  crescunt,  1761.  Opposite  The  horse  &  rider  with  lift- 
ed sword  in  full  speed.  Arms  quartered  below.  Foe  :  Belg  :  Prov  : 
Traj  :  mo:  no  :  arg  :  con  :  not  to  be  bribed.  Two  pieces  of  Tippo 
Saib,  with  fleur  de  lis  on  the  face,  &  confused  figures  on  the  re- 
verse. 

2.  I  went  in  company  with  Capt.  G.  Crowninshield  jun''  to  at- 
tend the  interment  of  M""  Stephen  Clark,  set.  25,  in  the  Hospital 
Ground.  He  took  the  Small-Pox  in  Charlestown,  South  Carolina, 
&  had  the  confluent  sort.  He  died  last  evening  at  7  o'clock.  His 
Mother  a  Widow  has  buried  her  four  sons  within  five  years,  & 
two  Daughters  in  law.  She  has  two  Daughters  living.  The  Mari- 
ners cut  S.  C.  on  the  stone. 

[217]  3.  The  Ship  Astrea  came  into  Port  from  Nantasket. 
Madam  Lynde  interred.     Four  Funerals  attended  this  afternoon. 

4.  Signed  the  Covenant  to  fulfil  all  obligations,  submit  to  all 
Laws,  &c.  of  Phil :  Library.  Went  in  a  Chaise  with  Alice,  Sister 
of  Capt  Josiah  Orne,  in  company  with  Capt  Orne  &  his  Wife  to 
spend  the  day  at  Nahant.  A  visit  to  the  Swallow  Rock,  to  the 
Head  to  observe  the  breakers,  and  some  sport  in  the  surf,  and  a  lit- 
tle fishing  in  the  ]-)Oat,  made  our  amusements.  Our  dinners,  & 
Coffee  at  Friend  Breed's  cost  us  only  6/4.  We  returned  by  Marble- 
head  Road  to  Salem. 

[218]     5.     Melancholy  Death  of  M"  Dighton.     She  was   d  :  of 


1790]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  175 

M'  Edmund  Whittemore,  of  very  agreeable  person,  &  pleasing 
prospects  upon  entering  life.  But  being  early  inclined  to  Intem- 
perance, her  family  was  soon  a  scene  of  feuds,  &  brawls.  She  in- 
herited part  of  the  house  near  the  Meeting  house,  but  had  aliena- 
ted it  &  now  in  the  absence  of  her  Husband  was  in  a  House  in 
Turners  lane  belonging  to  a  M''  Barker.  A  Married  Sister,  &  a 
Yalpy  Avere  in  bed  with  her  last  night,  but  were  so  intoxicated  that 
her  cries  heard  by  the  neighbours  were  unknown  to  them.  She 
was  found  dead  between  them  in  the  morning.  I  visited  the  house, 
&  had  every  reason  to  believe  that  they  had  long  been  in  the  habit 
of  intemperance,  &  had  sold  even  the  feathers  from  the  bed  to  gra- 
tify their  wicked  propensity. 

Capt  Hodges  presented  to  me  an  Image  of  a  Mandarin  exceeding 
two  feet  in  height,  richly  ornamented  in  the  habit  of  his  order. 
The  head  &  right  hand  move  but  not  gracefully.  But  inspiring 
the  idea  of  life,  they  have  left  the  idea  of  a  most  painful,  &  exten- 
sive infirmity.  Below  the  breast  reaching  to  the  knees  is  the  form 
of  an  apron,  red  with  a  dragon,  &  other  bright  figures.  The  Gown 
is  a  deep  &  fine  blue.  The  countenance  pleasant,  the  posture  in- 
clined, the  left  hand  holds  a  staff,  &c.  [219]  Capt  H.  Elkins  ar- 
rived in  Nichols  &  has  brought  a  variety  of  curiosities,  which  he 
has  delivered  to  me  this  evening. 

[June]  6.  Sunday.  Notes.  Wid.  Mary  Collins  for  herself  sick. 
Wid.  Mary  Browne,  death  of  her  Son.  Wid.  Marg  :  Clarke  &  chil- 
dren, death  of  her  son.  Eliz.  Parsons,  death  of  Brother  S.  Clarke,  & 
husband  at  Sea.  MicahAVebb  &  Wife  for  her  sick  dangerously. 
M"  Dighton  buried  this  evening. 

7.  Curiosities  delivered  to  me  by  Capt  H.  Elkins.  Specimens 
of  Cloth  from  the  Columbia.  Hooks  of  Bone  &  Mother  of  Pearl 
from  the  Natives  of  America,  with  Lines.  Specimen  of  Persee 
writing.  Specimen  of  Chinese  writing.  A  Chinese  permit  sealed. 
Four  dozen  Chinese  Csexas.  Two  Chinese  Candles,  of  four  inches 
wax  with  sticks  below  of  the  same  length.  Fovir  nuts.  Specimen 
of  Ambergris.  One  dutch  Coin.  face.  Hero  in  armour,  resting 
left  arm  &  support^  right  with  a  spear.  Inscrip  :  Hanc  Tuemus.  Hac 
Nitimur.  Reverse.  Arms.  Ins  :  Mo  :  Arg  :  Ord  :  Faed  :  Belg  : 
Westf  :  1786.  side  x  S'  French  Coin  two,  Isles  de  F.  &  Bourbon. 
3  Sol.  1770.  D«#cA,  bruised,  marked  6  s.  1777.  [220]  A  Fanam, 
three  fleurs  de  lis.  Pice,  two,  marked  Bom :  &c.  Silver  Coin, 
marked  ^I  ras.  Isulae.  Num.  1680.  3  French  West  Ind :  Copper 
Coin.  Col :  Franz,  &c.  1767.  Gold  Cobb[?]  figured,  third  of  Gold 
Rupee.  A  Chinese  pipe.  Reed  of  a  foot  length.  Preserved  in 
Spirits,  the  Silver  Fish,  A  water  Snake,  &c.  Two  Paint  Brushes 
of  different  Sizes. 

8.  The  Association  met  at  my  House.  Present  Mess"  Bernard, 
Holt,  Story,  Hubbard,  Prince,  Parsons,  MacKeen.  Mr  Story 
preached.     It  was  a  very  pleasant  day. 


176  DIARY   OF  [1790 

9.  The  noted  D''  Whitaker  in  Salem.  That  gracefulness  of 
person,  &  air  of  confidence  which  once  distinguished  him  are  lost. 
He  is  emaciated,  &  dressed  in  a  very  beggarly  manner.  He  says 
he  is  on  his  way  to  Boston.  The  bitter  execrations  of  the  people 
in  Maine  follow  him.  I  dined  at  Col.  Pickman's  with  Col.  Turner, 
the  dancing  master,  &  friend  of  the  present  Governor.  He  is 
chatty,  familiar,  and—  He  lives  at  Dorchester  on  Swan's  farm,  alias 
Hatch's.  He  has  come  to  this  Town  to  teach.  The  strange  impo- 
sitions in  this  respect  strongly  mark  the  improvements  which  the 
body  of  the  people  have  made  in  this  valued  accomplishment.  It 
were  to  be  wished  that  it  made  a  part  in  every  education  for  more 
reasons  than  one,  &  one  that  it  might  not  be  overated. 

[221]  10.  Saw  M""  Samuel  Blanchard  who  went  with  Capt  El- 
kins  to  the  East  Indies.  It  is  said  that  he  passes  high  encomium 
upon  the  Chinese.  He  has  promised  me  a  visit  very  soon.  M"^ 
Derby  has  presented  a  Ship,  which  has  long  lain  at  his  Wharf,  to 
his  three  Sons,  John  Derby,  B.  Pickman,  &  N.  West.  We  are  told 
M''  D.  has  expressed  great  dissatisfaction  from  the  results  of  his 
Voyages,  with  the  several  persons  employed  by  him.  Capt  West 
&  Boardman  have- disposed  of  their  Ship  to  a  Polger  of  Nantucket. 
Capt  Byrne  detained  at  Hispaniola  by  the  sales  of  his  Cargo,  to  a 
Bankrupt  Merchant.  Capt  Pratt  has  arrived  at  Boston  from  W. 
Indies.  A  Son  of  M""  Snelling,  having  broken  his  arm  in  my  late 
absence,  is  now  able  to  go  out  without  hazard.  He  is  apprentice  to 
a  Barber.  Capt  Jon*  Mason  sen.  has  had  a  touch  of  the  Palsy,  but 
probably  not  a  severe  shock.  The  measles  have  spread  very  much 
within  a  Week.  They  are  in  Capt  S.  Ingersoll's  family,  Capt  Al- 
len's, Collins's,  &c.,  &  have  as  yet  very  favorable  symptoms  among 
children.  Last  Monday  evening  the  youngest  daughter  of  Rev*^ 
Dimon  was  married  by  Rev**  Prince  to  a  M""  Green  of  Maiden.  The 
whole  family  including  the  oldest  daughter  Polly,  &  a  non  compos 
Son  Timothy  have  already  removed,  &  the  house  is  offered  for  a 
Tenant.  It  is  said  M.  Haraden,  the  other  Daughter,  was  reconciled 
before  the  others  removed. 

[222]  11.  The  New  Light  Minister  M""  Hc^kins  has  made  a 
second  attempt  to  intrude  his  services  upon  my  people  by  unchari- 
table insinuations.  He  made  his  first  attempt  upon  Lydia,  D.  of 
Gen.  Fiske,  but  was  repulsed  with  generous  disdain.  His  late  at- 
tempt was  upon  M"  Webb,  Wife  of  Micah  &  D.  of  Capt  Putnam. 
He  has  been  equally  unsuccessful.  His  concern  for  the  souls  of 
persons  not  belonging  to  his  Charge,  fearing  least  they  should  be 
left  to  ruin  is  his  pretence,  when  he  has  neither  abilities,  nor  in- 
formation, nor  antiquity  to  justify  him,  as  he  might  presume  if  he 
was  an  ecclesiastic  of  Rome.  However  it  shews  plainly  that  all 
ecclesiastics  are  the  same,  &  that  at  best  we  can  only  find  a  few  ex- 
ceptions. 


1790]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  177 

Last  Wednesday  was  an  ordination  in  the  North  Parish  of  Read- 
ing, 12  miles  from  Salem.  A  Parish  called  Wood  End.  They  had 
formerly  a  Minister  named  Haven,  of  distinguished  abilities,  can- 
dor, &  liberality.  They  have  been  vacant  many  years.  The  en- 
lightened few  having  struggled  long  against  the  many  who  at  last 
with  4/5""'  of  the  Congregation  have  ordained  a  Mr  Sanburne. 
The  objections  arise  from  his  opinions,  called  Hopkintonian,  by 
which  he  asserts  not  only  the  want  of  will,  but  the  total  incapacity 
of  any  morally  good  work  in  a  natural,  or  unregenerate  man.  The 
Council  consisted  of 

Delegates  from  Wilmington,  Mr  Morril  did  not  appear. 
[223]     Rev<»  M""  Stone,  Reading,  S.  Parish  &  Delegates. 

Rev"^  M''  Prentice,  Reading  &  Delegates. 

Rev<*  M''  Moty,  Lynnfield  &  Delegates. 

Rev**  M"'  Sergeant,  Woburn  &  Delegates. 
The  Three  chosen  &  added  by  the  Candidate. 

Rev*  jNI''  Judson,  of  Taunton  &  Delegates. 

Rev*  M^  Thayer,  of  King[s]ton,  N.  H.  &  Delegates. 

Rev*^  M''  Cleveland,  Stoneham  &  Delegates. 
To  these  was  added. 

Rev*  M''  Huntington,  Topslield  &  Delegates. 
Rev*  Stone  was  chosen  Moderator. 

After  opening  with  prayer,  a  remonstrance  was  offered  signed  by 
14  persons,  whose  interest  amounted  to  a  fifth  of  the  whole.  They 
declared  others,  who  would  not  act,  were  Avith  them.  They  debated 
from  11  A.  M.  till  5  P.  M.  &  then  Rev*  M"^  Stone,  &  M""  Prentice 
with  their  delegates  retired,  M'  Sergeant  hesitated,  but  tarried,  his 
delegates  however  retired,  the  delegates  from  Wilmington  retired, 
&  the  rest  concurred  in  the  Ordination.  M""  Thayer  preached, 
M'  Judson  gave  the  charge,  &  Cleveland  the  fellowship.  In  this 
manner  the  Clergy  of  this  character  are  taking  possession  of  our 
churches — Upon  the  plan  of  our  churches,  if  good  sense  ever  main- 
tains itself,  &  candor,  we  are  sure  it  must  be  when  the  majority  are 
wise  &  candid.  And  if  as  Christians  we  have  no  faith  in  such  a 
period,  we  need  have  no  faith  in  our  Churches,  or  our  religion.  At 
present  we  are  the  sport  of  the  ignorant,  &  many  of  the  most  en- 
lightened are  not  the  most  honest. 

[224]  12.  Capt  B.  Hodges  representing  to  me  that  Capt  J" 
White  wished  me  to  renew  my  visits  at  his  house  from  sentiments 
favorable  to  our  common  interest,  I  determined  to  go,  &  according- 
ly went  &  was  very  civily  received.  Divide  et  impera,  is  found  a 
salutary,  &  moral  truth,  as  well  as  a  political.  By  the  friendship 
or  favor  of  this  man,  I  weaken  the  ability  of  another  to  do  me  mis- 
chief. 

[June]  13.  Sunday.  Notes  for  S.  Smith  in  the  Workhouse 
omitted  last  Sunday.     John  Bray,  death  of  his  Son.     Benj  Webb, 


178  DIARY  OF  [1790 

&  AVife,  d.  of  Brother  Bray.  The  noted  D"-  Whitaker  attended 
public  worship  in  Our  Assembly  this  afternoon, 

14.  Letter  from  J°  Gibaut,  expressive  of  his  great  fears  of  the  suc- 
cess, which  will  attend  his  voyage.  This  is  a  letter  to  his  parents, 
&  shows  no  great  satisfaction  in  the  arrangements  of  his  friend  H. 
D.  jun"^.  Saw  a  Coin  of  Adolphus,  Fred  :  of  Sweden,  of  value  in 
Eustatia,  12  bits.  It  resembles  the  present  Coin  on  the  reverse, 
tho  not  in  the  inscriptions.  A.  F.  D.  G.  King  of  Sweden,  &  a  motto 
My  country's  Happiness  is  mine. — 

[225]  15.  Settled  with  Treasurer,  after  a  neglect  for  almost 
three  years.  The  receipts  did  not  easily  explain  themselves,  &  a 
little  greater  age  might  have  involved  them  in  endless  dispute,  aris- 
ing from  the  receipts  being  included  in  each  other,  &  not  specifying 
that  circumstance.     To  settle  once  in  every  three  months. 

16.  M'  Tappan,  S.  of  Revd  Tappan  of  Manchester  notified  me 
that  I  was  to  preach  next  Sunday  in  turn  as  Pallholder  to  his  father. 
I  went  to  Beverley,  &  M""  McKeen  lent  me  his  Horse  &  Carriage  to 
go  to  a  M'"  Quarles  in  Ipswich  Hamlet,  who  engaged  to  supply  my 
pulpit.  M"^  Quarles  was  in  the  dress  &  business  of  a  farmer,  very 
facetious,  &  too  much  addicted  to  fun,  for  his  comfort  among  his 
neighbours. 

[226]  17.  I  had  the  company  of  M'  W™  Mason  from  Charles- 
ton, S.  C.  in  a  vacancy  of  Smith's  Academy,  of  which  he  is  a  Pre- 
ceptor. This  day  uncommonly  warm,  &  the  first  very  warm  in  the 
season.  Vegetation  quick.  In  Corpus  Christi  M''  Rousselet,  at  the 
Catholic  Chapel  in  Boston  undertook  the  defence  of  the  Trinity,  in 
ten  Sermons.  He  is  the  French  Minister  with  M""  Thayer,  &  has 
considerable  reputation  among  the  Inhabitants. 

18.  News  that  last  night  Madam  Derby  died  at  Hingham.  She 
was  the  Widow  of  the  celebrated  D^  Hearsy,  who  gave  a  generous 
donation  of  one  thousand  pounds  to  the  College  at  Cambridge,  as  a 
foundation  for  a  professorship  in  Medicine,  &c.  His  widow  mar- 
ried Capt  Derby  of  this  Town  who  was  a  parishioner,  when  I  came 
to  Salem  but  died  soon  after.  The  widow  it  is  said  has  left  anoth- 
er 1000£  to  the  College,  several  benefactions  to  the  School  at  Hing- 
ham, &  numerous  Legacies,  but  it  cannot  be  known  at  present  what 
they  are,  as  she  was  continually  changing  her  disposition  of  affairs. 
She  was  short  of  stature,  naturally  ingenious,  but  above  instruction. 
The  specimens  of  her  needle  work,  &c.,  resemble  the  efforts  of  an 
uninstructed  native.  She  was  chearful,  capable  of  flattery,  but  not 
sudden  in  her  friendships.  Her  conversation  was  about  her  own 
affairs,  at  church  she  slept,  from  a  [227]  mental  inaptitude  for  re- 
flection. She  was  rigorous  in  her  demands.  Heady  to  employ  the 
poor,  but  not  to  give  without  their  labor.  She  talked  of  death  as 
she  would  have  done  of  a  removal,  only  without  much  fear  or  hope, 
another  state  having  insured  her  belief,  but  very  little  of  her  affec- 


1790]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  179 

tions.     Great  curiosity  is  excited  respecting  the  particulars  of  her 
last  will  &  Testament. 

19.  Copy  of  a  kind  Letter  given  to  me  by  Messieurs  West,  & 
Hodges. 

Salem,  June  18,  1790. 

Dear  Sir,  Our  friend  the  Eev**  M'  William  Bentley  of  this  Town 
wishing  to  settle  a  Correspondence  in  London,  for  the  convenience 
of  being  punctually  supplied  with  such  Books,  as  he  may  wish  to 
be  possessed  of,  we  introduce  him  to  you,  &  rest  assured  you  will 
execute  any  orders  he  may  forward  with  attention  &  dispatch,  &  be 
assured  your  remittance  shall  be  punctual.  Your  very  humble 
servants,  Xath*  West,  Benj*  Hodges. 

M'  John  Hardy,  London. 

M''  Ebenezer  Putnam  broke  his  leg  this  day,  by  accident  on  Mar- 
blehead  road.  ISI''  Browne  delivered  to  me  two  Coins,  one  of  Lewis 
XIII.,  &  the  other  of  Charles  I.  of  Great  Britain.  They  were  found 
upon  a  Spot,  which  the  first  settlers  occupied.  I  intend  to  survey 
the  ground,  inquire  the  *'  history,  &  search  the  "  records  and  then 
more  particularly  discribe  the  Coins  which  have  been  delivered  me. 

[228]  [June]  20.  Sunday.  Preached  at  Manchester.  M"-  Pran- 
cis  Quarles  officiated  for  me.  Kotes.  Wid.  Susannah  Babbidge, 
death  of  Sister  Collins,  for  Son  &  G.  Sons  at  Sea.  Sus  :  Dean,  death 
of  her  Mother,  prayers  of  her  eldest  Son  infirm,  &  for  husband  & 
Son  at  Sea.  Mary  Collins,  death  of  mother  in  law,  for  her  eldest 
son  long  absent,  &  for  friends  at  Sea. 

21.  Took  a  walk  this  morning  to  the  spot  at  which  the  Coin 
were  found  mentioned  on  Saturday.  The  point  (after  our  crossing 
the  run  of  water,  which  flows  from  the  Common  to  Neckgate)  was 
called  Virgin  Point,  said,  from  three  old  maidens  who  lived  near 
it,  the  place  being  now  to  be  seen.  After  we  pass  this  point  now 
in  possession  of  Capt  Boardman  &  Gamaliel  Hodges,  we  come  to 
the  Land  upon  which  Vincent's  Rope  walk  was  built.  There  was  a 
Road  into  this  land  to  SHALLOP  COVE  on  the  east  of  which 
was  a  4  Acre  lot  disposed  of  by  the  heirs  of  Hodges  to  Vincent,  It 
now  does  not  contain  one  third  of  that  quantity.  Mr  Vincent  & 
Brown  are  now  building  a  sea  Wall  to  this  lot,  to  secure  the 
remainder,  to  be  filled  up  level  with  the  top  of  this  wall.  [229] 
Beyond  is  SHALLOP  COVE.  It  entered  30  rods  beyond  the 
present  fence,  &  is  partly  filled  by  earth  carted  into  it,  &  by  means 
of  a  dyke  which  formerly,  till  within  a  few  years  run  across  the 
entrance.  The  sides  have  been  plowed  down,  «&  this  year  for  the 
first  time  the  adjacent  land  has  been  plowed  up,  by  which  plowing 
the  Coins  were  found.  There  was  a  Po'mt  running  out  on  the  south 
side.  It  had  trees  without  the  fence  as  it  now  runs  in  a  line  with 
the  sea  wall  in  the  memory  of  the  present  generation,  but  has  en- 
tirely disappeared.  Beyond  is  Planter's  Marsh  extending  a  consid- 
erable distance  from   the   Upland.     The   first   Settlers   chose  the 


180  DIARY  OF  [1790 

north  Shore,  by  Skerry's,  &  soon  improved  Shallop  Cove  for  their 
Fishing  Barks,  they  afterwards  settled  Point  of  Rocks,  and  made 
use  of  Cat  Cove  between  Point  of  Rocks  &  Winter  Island.  It  may 
be  remarked  that  there  were  4  houses  on  each  side  between  Turner's 
&  Becket's  Lane  upon  the  Great  Street  leading  to  the  Neck  Gate. 
One  of  them  Foot's  on  the  east  side  stood  in  from  the  Road.  There 
is  now  only  the  Houses  of  Capt  Pierce,*  &  Ingersoll  with  a  Build- 
ing belonging  to  the  heirs  of  Foot,  formed  into  a  Dwelling  House 
on  the  east  side,  &  by  a  group  of  Negro  Cabins  on  the  west  side. 

General  Putnam,  died  at  Brooklyn  in  Connecticut,  May  29,  in  73 
year  of  his  age.     Major  General  in  the  late  Continental  Army. 

[231]  22.  I  went  to  ride  with  Capt.  S.  Chever  into  Danvers. 
Saw  the  Garden  of  Mr.  E.  H.  Derby.  The  Dutch  Gardener  was 
very  attentive.  The  Principal  Garden  is  in  three  parts  divided  by 
an  open  slat  fence  painted  white,  &  the  fence  white  washed.  It 
includes  7/8  of  an  Acre.  We  ascend  from  the  house  two  steps  in 
each  division.  The  passages  have  no  gates,  only  a  naked  arch 
with  a  key  stone  frame,  of  wood  painted  white  above  10  feet  high. 
Going  into  the  Garden  they  look  better  than  in  returning,  in  the  lat- 
ter view  they  appear  from  the  unequal  surface  to  incline  towards 
the  Hill.  The  Strawberry  beds  are  in  the  upper  garden,  &  the 
whole  divisions  are  not  according  to  the  plants  they  contain.  The 
mmatural  opening  of  the  Branches  of  the  trees  is  attempted  with 
very  bad  effect.  Beyond  the  Garden  is  a  Spot  as  large  as  the  Gar- 
den which  would  form  an  admirable  orchard  now  improved  as  a 
Kitchen  garden,  &  has  not  an  ill  effect  in  its  present  state.  [232] 
The  Gardener  has  only  come  this  year,  &  is  not  accountable  for  the 
arrangement.  It  was  extremely  neat,  &  in  comparison  had  by  no 
means  an  ill  effect.  The  House  is  [lined?]  with  a  superb  fence,  but 
is  itself  a  mere  country  House,  one  story  higher  than  common  with 
a  rich  owner. 

23.  In  connection  with  my  design  p.  227,  I  searched  the  Records 
&  I  find  that  on  the  first  day  of  June  1657,  John  Willson  disposed 
of  to  Thomas  Rootes,  a  House  &  Land,  &c.,  lying  upon  Land  of 
William  Lord  upon  the  south,  &  Thomas  Rootes  upon  the  north, 
containing  two  acres  of  Land.  The  deed  is  upon  record  in  Salem, 
Book  first,  page  42.  On  14  November  1681  Thomas  Rootes  dis- 
poses of  this  Land  in  conjunction  with  his  own  estate  to  George 
Hodges,  being  about  four  acres,  "  bounded  by  the  Sea  or  salt  water 
easterly,  with  the  land  of  Mr  Henry  Bartholmew  in  part,  &  the  other 
part  with  the  Common  southerly,  &  the  common  westerly,  &  with  the 
land  of  Samuel  Gardner  jun''  partly,  &  the  other  part  by  the  salt 
water,  northerly.  On  the  Third  of  December  1722.  The  Town 
Granted  to  Gamaliel  Hodges  "  The  Town's  Land,  or  Lane,  leading 
through  at  the  Eastern  end  of  his  the  said  Hodges'  Land,  or  field, 
being  about  twenty  four  [233]  feet  in  breadth,  &  twenty  five  Poles 

♦Corner  of  Essex  and  Turner  streets. 


1790]  REV.   WILLIAM    BENTLEY  181 

in  length.  From  which  it  appears,  That  this  Land  of  Hodges  bound- 
ed on  Shallop  cove  northerly.  That  it  bounds  on  the  Salt  water 
easterly.  That  the  Road  was  to  Shallop  Cove,  &  probably  no  fur- 
ther, as  the  Town  dispose  of  it,  without  regard  to  any  inconvenience 
to  other  passages.  That  the  Houses  of  Wilson,  &  Rootes,  were 
upon  this  Land  in  the  last  of  which  Rootes  lived,  when  he  sold 
to  Hodges,  &  was  near  the  other  Virgin  Point,  as  in  Hodges  deed, 
being  south  of  Rootes  Land.  As  the  name  of  Wilson  does  not 
appear  in  the  Church  Books  &  there  was  a  Minister  of  the 
name  at  Boston,  it  is  not  improbable  that  M''  Willson  removed 
to  join  the  family,  when  he  sold  in  1657.  Abigail  Lord  joined 
the  Church  1636,  &  was  living  in  1660,  &  therefore  probably 
the  original  owner  her  husband  mentioned  in  the  old  deed  of 
1657.  To  determine  whether  living  or  dead  in  1660.  In  that 
year  the  Church  was  reestablished  &  M""  Higginson  copied  out  the 
Old  Book  marking  the  state  of  the  old  Church  Members.  As 
to  M""  Thomas  Rootes  who  received  the .  first  deed,  it  appears  that 
in  1629  Richard  Rootes  was  in  the  first  covenant,  but  dead  in  1660. 
Josiah  Rootes  joined  in  [234]  1648,  &  in  1651,  Catherine  Rootes, 
but  Thomas  was  living  by  the  second  deed  in  1681,  &  so  probably 
was  of  the  second  generation.  There  is  but  one  objection  which 
is  of  great  force,  that  as  he  signs  and  disposes  as  a  weaver,  he  must 
have  learnt  that  Trade  in  Europe,  it  not  making  a  distinct  profes- 
sion in  America.  It  can  only  be  said  that  he  might  have  come 
over  with  his  father,  &  80  set  is  not  an  uncommon  age  with  first 
settlers.  Henry  Bartholmew  upon  whom  Hodges'  deed,  southerly, 
was  admitted  to  Communion  in  1636,  &  he  was  living  in  1660.  His 
Son  Henry  was  about  25  at  the  execution  of  the  deed  in  1681.  The 
Samuel  Gardners  were  probaV)ly  of  the  third,  &  second  generation. 
Thomas  Gardner  in  1629  Covenant  was  living  in  1660,  &  had 
children  in  1654.  George  Gardner  was  admitted  1640,  &  had 
children,  his  son  George  in  1654.  In  1649  Hannah,  dead  in  1660. 
I  observed  no  Samuel  on  the  Records.  Hilliard  Veren  who  had  a 
Child  christened  in  1651,  &  Recorded  the  deed,  &  witnessed  it  was 
probably  related  to  Philip  Veren,  who  covenanted  in  1629,  with 
Dorcas  Veren,  &  to  Philip  Veren  1640,  all  of  whom  were  dead  in 
1660.  George  Hodges,  mariner  came  not  with  [235]  the  first  Set- 
tlers, but  was  probably  first  of  the  name  in  Salem,  being  G.  Father 
to  the  present  John  Hodges,  G.  G.  Father  to  the  present  generation. 
The  Magistrates  were  iSlajor  Hawthorne  &  W^™  Browne.  This 
period  is  very  obscure.  The  history  is  so  mutilated  that  little  can 
be  learnt.  Mr.  Peters  makes  the  complaint  of  fraudulent  designs 
against  Connecticut.  M""  Belnap  I  have  heard  to  say  the  same  re- 
S})ecting  New  Hampshire,  &  certainly  the  vacancy  in  the  Church 
Book,  &  records  of  Salem  shew  an  unfriendly  design.  It  is  reported 
that  the  BroAvne  family  entrusted  the  Lynde's  with  Books,  which 


182  DIARY  OF  [1790 

were  afterwards  destroyed,  by  which  the  State  of  property  might 
at  least  be  known. 

24.  In  conversation  this  evening  at  Gen.  Fiske  enquired  of  Rev** 
Bernard  whether  Presbyters  were  not  laymen,  in  the  sense  of  men 
appointed  by  religious  societies  to  superintend  their  affairs  while 
their  preachers  extended  their  labors  for  the  common  good.  Wheth- 
er Paul  does  not  remind  them  of  the  Jewish  Hacam,  when  he  asks 
whether  there  was  not  a  wise  man  among  them.  And  whether  the 
Bishops  were  not  such  appointed  ministers  by  joint  consent,  as 
superintended  the  worship  of  particular  places,  and  whether  each 
could  not  at  his  discretion  ordain  an  elected  minister  ?  &c. 

[236]  25.  Report  that  the  General  Court  have  refused  the 
usual  grants  to  the  College  &  that  IVP  Bacon,  formerly  a  minister  of 
Boston  stated  the  College  funds  at  such  amount,  as  left  200£  clear 
to  the  College.     Many  popular  arguments  were  used  on  the  occasion. 

26.  The  funeral  of  M"  Webb  was  the  best  formed  procession  in 
testimony  of  respect  to  a  private  character  which  I  have  seen  in 
Salem.  Major  Bufiington  assisted  our  singing  last  evening  with 
great  applause.  It  is  said  the  Dummer  Academy  at  Newbury  has 
been  offered  to  Rev*^  Mr.  Isaac  Smith,  the  present  Librarian  at 
Cambridge,  &  that  he  has  been  down  to  review  it.  The  present 
annual  rent  of  the  farm  is  £80.  Reports  respecting  Revd  D.  Oliver 
of  Beverley  respecting  freedoms  with  a  female  servant,  tho  false  per- 
haps, give  him  great  trouble. 

[237]  June  27.  Sunday.  Micah  Webb,  for  death  of  his  Wife, 
&  Brethren  at  Sea.  Aaron  Batten,  Wife's  delivery.  Samuel  Arch- 
er, Wifes  delivery  &  Brethren  at  Sea.  Died  this  day  M''  Daniel 
King,  Teacher  of  the  Mathematics,  aged  86. 

28.  An  interview  with  my  young  friend  M''  Mason  from  Charles- 
town  from  whom  I  learn  many  things  relating  to  the  Southern 
States. 

29.  M""  Thayer  the  Catholic  Preacher  arrived  with  full  deter- 
mination to  preach  in  the  to\vn,  &  diffuse  the  Catholic  doctrines. 

30.  I  spent  the  afternoon  with  M""  Dane  of  Beverley.  ^P 
Thayer  preached  at  6  o'clock  in  the  evening  in  the  Court  House. 
He  applied  to  the  Selectmen  who  licenced  him,  &  after  a  short 
prayer  began  a  vindication  of  his  Church,  against  the  'pretendecUy 
reformed.  His  subjects  were  "  auricular  confession,  reading  of  the 
Scriptures,"  &c.  The  effect  was  not  in  his  favor  on  this  first  occa- 
sion, &  beginning  at  the  wrong  end,  the  work  may  not  succeed  to 
his  wishes.  The  Gentlemen  attended  generally.  Rev**  M'' Oliver  of 
Marblehead  was  present,  &c. 

[238]  July  2.  Freedom  in  a  family  I  love,  has  exposed  me  to  those 
little  insults  which  at  once  expose  the  petulance  of  friends,  &  the 
weakness  of  our  own  minds,  in  being  disturbed  by  such  emotions. 
Quere  whether  souls  can  be  in  such  unison  as  to  act  freely,  &  act 
safely,  without  a  trial  of  the  chords  previously  made  ? 


1790]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  183 

3.  Renewed  my  visits  as  formerly  to  the  house  in  which  I  once 
had  pleasure.  The  reception  kind.  This  is  a  counterpart  to  the 
emotions  of  yesterday.  AVhy  might  a  history  of  the  mind  not  be 
as  profitable  as  of  the  weather? 

[239]  [J Illy]  4.  Sunday.  Notes.  Thomas  Ashby  returned  from 
Sea,  prayers  on  death  of  his  Wife  &  Mother.  Sarah  Knight  sick,  & 
for  Brethren  at  Sea.     Abraham  Watson,  dangerously  sick. 

5.  Close  of  Gen  Washington's  Answer  to  Address  of  the  Hebrew 
Congregation  at  Savannah.  May  the  same  wonderworking  Deity, 
who  long  since  delivering  the  Hebrews  from  their  Egyptian  oppres- 
sors, planted  them  in  the  promised  land — whose  providential  agency 
has  lately  been  conspicuous  in  establishing  these  United  States  as 
an  Independant  Nation,  still  continue  to  water  them  with  the  dews 
of  heaven,  &  to  make  the  inhabitants  of  every  denomination  par- 
ticipate in  the  temporal  &  spiritual  blessings  of  that  people,  ^whose 
God  is  Jehovah ! 

A  Folger  of  Nantucket  it  is  reported  has  projected  a  machine 
with  forty  wheels  &  pivots  to  represent  on  an  eight  day  clock  the 
phases  of  the  sun  &  moon,  as  they  actually  are  in  the  heavens.  He 
is  said  to  be  of  25  years  of  age.     Weather  very  warm  through  the  day. 

6.  Died,  Mr  A.  Watson,  the  oldest  member  of  our  church.  A 
native  of  Cambridge.  He  has  been  very  ministerial  through  a  long 
life,  of  very  sober  manners,  &  very  useful.  His  death  is  regretted 
universally.  [240]  A  M""  Lord  was  drowned  by  the  sinking  of  a 
Gondola  near  point  of  Rocks.  He  was  a  Native  of  Boston,  &  a 
Baker  by  Trade.  The  body  was  recovered  next  morning.  Quere, 
whether  a  cause  can  be  assigned  for  the  position  of  the  hands  ?  He 
was  set.  2G.     He  has  left  a  wife,  &  one  child  &  a  Mother. 

7.  Died,  a  M"  Susannah  Newell,  she  was  of  Lynnfield,  an  Upton. 
The  body  is  to  be  carried  among  her  friends  «&  to  be  deposited  in 
the  burying  Ground  in  Lynnfield.  The  deficiency  in  the  payments 
of  my  Salary,  threw  me  into  all  those  perplexities  which  often  ter- 
minate in  daring  adventures.  I  had  nearly  resolved  to  ask  a  dismis- 
sion, &  again  trust  myself  to  the  World.  ^My  resolution  was  at 
length  to  try  longer  from  the  pretended  imprudence  with  which  I 
might  be  charged,  &  by  which  I  might  injure  others.  God  grant 
me  sober  resolution  under  sufferings  so  trying  to  youthful  spirits. 

8.  A  general  maxim  respecting  education  that  forward  children 
are  often  like  plants  in  a  hot  bed  made  by  me  in  common  conversa- 
tion has  been  told  to  a  parent  with  a  personal  application  "soon  ripe, 
soon  rotten."     So  much  for  Cousin  George.     Cave  ne  doleas. 

[241]  9.  Spent  this  afternoon  with  a  large  party  in  the  northfields 
upon  a  plat  belonging  to  M""  Silsbee.  I  visited  M""  Hawthorne's  new 
Barn  on  the  ground  near  Peter's,  alias  Goodale's  Spring,  respecting 
which  the  Connecticut  history  has  so  severely  upbraided  the  ances- 
tors of  the  Hawthorne  family.  The  spring  is  now  inclosed  in  Orne's 
barns.     I  then  visited  Peter's  &  Orne's  point,  which  command  a 


184  DIARY  OF  [1790 

full  view  of  the  Bridge,  the  river  leading  to  New  mills,  the  Beverley 
inlet,  &  Town,  Ellingwood's  Head,  &  the  ferry  lane,  &  all  delight- 
fully shaded  by  Groves  of  Natural  Woods.  I  then  visited  the  Wharf 
called  Felt's  wharf,  the  Stone  wall  raised  by  Silsbee.  The  widow 
Orne  who  has  taken  her  thirds  in  the  Farm.  The  prospect  is  agre- 
able.     We  returned  across  the  River,  at  eight  in  the  evening. 

Mr  Lane  near  Beckets  is  raising  a  new  Store  for  his  convenience 
on  the  Street.  Mr  John  Becket  has  taken  down  the  old  Chimney 
of  the  Mansion  for  a  compleat  repair.  The  Old  Tavern,  alias  Col- 
lege, alias  Becket's  House  near  the  Meeting  House,  has  been  new 
Shingled.*  Brown's  Barn,  alias  the  Store  of  Capt  James  Chever, 
is  moved  back  to  widen  the  Street  near  Derby's  Wharf. 

[242]  10.  Upon  reading  Bp.  of  S*  David's  Charge  against 
Priestley  for  borrowing  from  Zuicker,  &  his  ingenious  refutation, 
&  the  ample  detection  of  D'  Joseph  White  in  his  Bampton 
Lectures  of  assistance  from  M''  Badcock,  the  publication  of  Maty's 
Sermon  with  some  belonging  to  A.  B.  Seeker  in  Maty's  name,  the 
conduct  of  our  own  Professor  upon  the  death  of  D'  Winthrop  from 
Leland,  I  could  not  question  that  borrowing  was  not  an  uncommon 
thing  in  our  Order,  &  particularly  in  the  present  age. 

[July]  11.  Sunday.  Widow  Watson,  d.  of  Husband.  John  Wat- 
son, Wife  &  family,  d.  of  Father.  Wid.  Gardiner,  death  of  B.  in 
law  Watson.  Wid.  H.  Mansfield  apprehending  approach^  death. 
Jon*  Newell,  &  children,  death  of  his  wife,  youngest  child  sick. 
Sarah  Knight,  continuance  of  prayers  for  her  sick,  &  brethren  at 
Sea.  The  Small  Pox  has  broken  out  in  three  places  occasioned  by 
a  Vessel  from  the  W.  Indies,  Capt.  Webb.  The  patients  were 
carried  this  day  to  the  Hospital.  The  Measles  continue  to  spread 
slowly  visiting  the  same  family  at  different  times  perhaps  ten  at  a 
time  in  the  whole  Parish. 

[243]  12.  Translated  a  Letter  from  M.  Damare  Governor  of  Mar- 
tinico  to  Baron  de  Cluny,  Governor  of  Guadeloupe,  17  June,  1790. 

It  is  with  the  greatest  sorrow  M.  that  I  inform  you  of  the  distur- 
bances on  the  third  of  this  month,  &  the  violences  committed  against 
the  Mulattoes,  &  three  of  their  Leaders.  The  Colony  is  alarmed  in 
an  extraordinary  manner,  &  armed  force  is  employed  to  keep  them 
in  their  duty.  This  place  has  been  long  troubled  by  a  party  of  mul- 
atoes,  whose  vile  intentions  have  come  to  the  public  knowledge.  I 
shall  use  my  utmost  care,  &  beg  you  to  prevent  any  communications 
between  the  disaffected  &  the  inhabitants  of  your  Island.     I  am  &c. 

13.  Anecdote  of  Franklin  altering  his  master's  types,  for  his  care- 
lessness. 

When  the  last  trumpet  soundeth 
We  shall  not  all  die 
But  we  shall  all  be  changed 
In  the  twinkling  of  an  eye. 

♦Corner  of  Essex  and  Hardy  streets. 


1790]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  185 

By  removing  the  letter  c  in  the  word,  he  convinced  his  master  of  the 
danger  of  his  neglect. 

[244]  Tis  said,  that  one  day,  when  Cupid  was  tired 
Of  his  sports,  &  amours,  to  a  bank  he  retired, 
Where  he  found  Caprice,  sullen,  stray'd  out  of  her  way 
Fixed  do\sTi  in  disgust  to  spend  the  whole  day. 
Tired  Cupid  began,  pray  let's  hear  the  tale 
Of  the  woes  which  have  brought  you  into  this  vale, 
Is  it  an  affront  you  have  received,  or  an  injury  done, 
Have  you  wounded  a  friend,  or  some  quarrel  begun. 
At  length  she  replies,  in  honest  confession 
I  felt  myself  vexed,  &  have  made  the  vexation 
As  the  Jaundice  gives  colour  to  all  things  I  see 
"When  vexed  with  others  the  cause  is  in  me. 
The  injury  done,  those  I  have  injured  I  hate. 
And  am  now  finding  reasons  the  tale  to  relate, 
So  that  blame  may  fall  heavy  on  him  I  have  offended, 
And  if  the  truth  suffer,  my  act  be  commended. 
Replied  Cupid  to  Caprice,  a  thought  I'll  instill, 
Return  to  your  friend  with  excess  of  good  will 
Make  presents,  &  favors  ne'er  thought  of  before 
The  grief  will  be  ended  &  thought  of  no  more. 
Such  extremes  will  well  suit  the  turn  of  your  mind 
But  if  ever  hereafter  to  affront,  you're  inclined, 
Remember  from  me,  all  love  will  be  lost, 
You'll  be  cursed  with  neglect,  &  die  with  remorse. 
This  was  written  upon  a  late  event,  but  never  examined,  being  a 
mere  effusion  in  a  solitary  moment,  &  never  intended  even  for  choice 
friends.     The   idea    may   be   improved  on  some    future    occasion. 
Shenstone  says,  men  very  often  suffer  their  thoughts  to  be  lost,  it  is 
best  to  preserve  them  if  it  is  only  in  the  unpolished  state.     [245] 
Visited  me  M""  W'°  Winthrop  by  whom  I  sent  to  my  friend  Win- 
throp,  the  two  Coins  found  at  Shallop  Cove.     Numerous  specimens 
of  Native  Cloth.     Two  Fish  Hooks  of  the  Nootka  sound  &  lines,  & 
A  Chinese  Pass. 

14.  Visited  by  My  Old  Chum  Herrick,  who  is  keeping  School  in 
Beverley.  Went  to  Nahant  with  Sally  Chever  whose  father  sup- 
plied me  with  an  horse.  We  found  a  party  from  Charlestown  at 
Breed's,  as  well  as  a  party  from  Salem.  We  visited  the  usual  places, 
felt  of  the  water,  &  returned  by  Marblehead  road  to  Salem,  after 
ten  in  the  evening.  We  were  detained  by  leaving  the  cross  roads  & 
coming  round  by  the  Parson  into  the  great  road,  on  account  of  the 
Hospital  tho'  there  was  not  real  danger. 

15.  On  Monday  evening  last,  we  were  visited  by  the  celebrated 
D'  James,  an  eminent  Methodist.  He  preached  in  the  Tabernacle, 
&  we  are  told  is  the  Forerunner  of  that  Sect  in  New  England,  which 
has  now  become  an  object  for  their  Missions.     D''  Price  in  his  late 


186  DIABY   OF  [1790 

devolution  sermon  after  correcting  some  asperities  against  them  in 
the  second  edition,  blaming  the  neglect  of  learned  &  rich  men  in 
regard  to  public  worship,  says,  of  the  lower  orders  of  the  people, 
"  many  of  whom,  while  their  superiors  give  up  all  religion,  are  sink- 
ing [246]  into  an  enthusiasm  in  religion  lately  revived.  They  have 
extended  themselves  surprisingly  in  the  States  southward  of  New 
York,  &  in  Nova  Scotia,  &  have  hopes  from  us.  I  cannot  foresee 
what  may  be  their  success. "  This  evening  I  was  invited  to  a  Mar- 
riage by  a  negro  Servant,  as  a  specimen  of  curious  attention  from  a 
singular  family. 

16.  The  Methodistic  preacher  appeared  again  this  evening  &  con- 
verted all  his  former  praise  into  censure  by  freely  opening  his  opin- 
ions on  his  terrible  subjects,  &c.  He  is  to  preach  tomorrow  morn- 
ing at  five  o'clock.  Severe  thunder  &  lightning  this  night.  Damage 
was  done  to  a  House  in  Lynniield,  but  no  lives  lost  of  which  we 
have  heard.  A  Humming  Bird  was  caught  by  flying  into  a  House, 
&  put  into  a  lanthern  of  glass.  It  roosted  all  night,  in  the  morning 
fed  itself  on  pinks,  larkspur,  &c.  put  in  with  it,  flew  against  the 
glass  striking  it  with  its  wings  &  bill.  It  faultered  before  noon,  & 
was  carried  into  a  Flower  Garden.  It  was  not  able  to  fly  in  the 
open  air,  &  soon  after  died.  While  confined  at  the  window  the  other 
humming  birds  came  &  sat  on  a  line  opposite  making  notes  of  com- 
plaint, to  which  it  answered,  &  upon  which  it  roused  itself,  tho' 
seemingly  at  rest,  after  they  disappeared.  One  neighbour  reports 
that  she  kept  one  tamed  for  a  full  month. 

[247]  17.  Our  Cherry,  Plum,  &  Pear  Trees  are  visited  by  an 
Insect  resembling  a  snail,  naked,  discharging  freely  a  slimy  sub- 
stance, &  emiting  an  odious  scent  especially  in  the  evening.  The 
leaves  are  entirely  withered  under  their  depredations.  Bomare 
nearly  describes  the  insect,  &  mentions  that  they  appear  in  wet 
seasons  of  which  kind  the  present  is  a  remarkable  one.  This  day 
the  Duck  Manufactory  began  their  first  piece  of  Duck.  They  have 
been  long  spinning,  but  a  full  supply  of  flax  is  not  to  be  obtained. 
Quere  whether  D""  Smith's  idea  will  not  be  found  to  be  just. 

[July]  18.  Sunday.  Notes.  Elizabeth  Andrew,  death  of  her 
father  Watson.  The  Methodist  preached  this  day  at  Marblehead, 
&  this  evening  at  the  Tabernacle.  He  has  preached  in  Boston,  & 
several  times  in  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  Newbury  Port.  I  am 
however  uncertain  from  various  reports  of  his  name.  Three  per- 
sons lie  dangerously  ill  of  Consumption.  A  Polly  Whittemore,  a 
M'^  Williams,  &  a  M''*  Nesbitt.  The  measles  proceed  slowly. 
They  have  been  fatal  to  many  in  Town,  tho'  not  in  my  own  Soci- 
ety.    Complaints  are  numerous.     The  Season  has  been  very  wet. 

[248]  19.  Visited  M'  Putnam,  confined  by  a  broken  leg,  a  Gen- 
tleman who  addresses  the  second  daughter  of  General  Fiske. 
Quere,  how  much  longer  our  present  Stone  Walls  will  last  than  the 


1790]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  187 

old  one  made  of  smaller  stones,  or  whether  they  have  not  stood 
firm  under  the  old  buildings,  &  ages  in  open  air  ?  Whether  blind- 
ers upon  the  outside  of  windows  are  not  more  troublesome  than 
within  ?  Questions  agitated  this  day  ?  The  old  walls  may  be 
crushed  not  canted.  Cellars  most  remarkable  for  caving  in.  Blasts 
of  air,  &  carelessness  of  Servants  render  the  latter  troublesome.  A 
new  method  of  making  them  small  so  as  to  rest  within  the  frame 
on  the  outside  of  the  windows,  a  tacit  acknowledgement. 

20.  Attended  the  Baptism  of  a  Mary  Whittemore.  Her  father 
has  absented  from  his  family,  &  has  become  wretched  by  his  vices. 
The  IVIother  lived  in  the  New  Fort,  &  then  removed  into  the  Upper 
part  of  the  Town.  She  has  since  returned  among  us  into  Uncle 
Diman's  House,  for  the  benefit  of  a  Son  in  the  Ropewalk.  The 
young  woman  is  in  a  declining  state, 

21.  Being  Commencement  I  went  to  Cambridge.  The  weather 
being  uncommonly  fine,  there  was  a  great  concourse  of  people. 
For  the  first  time  a  Stage  was  erected  in  the  body  of  the  Meeting 
House  for  the  [249]  exhibitions.  I  did  not  enter.  I  dined  with 
Mr  Winthrop,  attended  a  few  friends  from  Salem,  visited  the  scenes 
of  amusement,  lodged  in  Cambridge,  &  next  morning  went  to  Bos- 
ton. 

22.  I  went  to  the  Lecture  &  heard  Mr  Cummings  of  Bilerica. 
Visited  &  dined  with  Deacon  Ridgway,  waited  upon  D*"  Lathrop, 
engaged  an  Exchange  with  M'  Freeman,  &  returned  to  Salem, 
M''  Winthrop  favored  me  with  a  miniature  of  the  first  Governor 
Winthrop,  which  was  with  me  a  very  high  Compliment.  I  heard 
the  case  of  a  paralytic.  The  application  of  Blisters  being  thought 
upon  the  injured  side  to  increase  the  rigidity  of  the  fibres,  already 
suffering  in  that  state.  The  Patient  was  ordered  to  bathe  that  side 
in  warm  water,  &  to  lay  much  on  that  side.  The  recovery  was 
soon,  &  the  person  enabled  to  walk  without  sensible  inconvenience. 
This  from  jSI'"  Winthrop.  A  M""  Morse  of  Charlestown  has  begun  a 
course  of  Lectures  upon  the  Trinity  at  the  Thursday  Lecture.  The 
Clergy  fear  the  controversy  should  be  opened  &  yet  the  Orthodox 
will  be  meddling  with  it.  D''  Edwards  of  New  Haven  has  written 
against  Chauncy,  &  the  greatest  pains  are  taken  to  give  accurency  to 
his  work  by  his  adherents.  M""  Freeman  &  I  are  thought  to  be  the 
Editors  of  Emlyn's  Extracts.  M''  Freeman  denies  the  charge,  as  do  I. 

[250]  23.  A  very  warm  day,  &  many  jjarties  upon  the  water 
&  engaged  in  scenes  of  diversion, 

24.  A  Woman  was  discovered  to  have  the  small  Pox  near 
the  old  Alms  House,  &  was  conveyed  witli  her  child  to  the 
Hospital.  Great  expressions  of  desire  to  open  the  Hospital,  to 
which  the  Town  will  very  reluctantl}'  submit,  "\^'alked  down  to 
Derby's  Farm  on  the  Neck  &  spent  the  day,  on  account  of  the  heat. 
The  fishing  very  good  in  such  weather  with  a  small  breeze.  A  Miss 
Hale  at  Aunt  Gibauts',  who  has  been  a  subject  of  these  religious 


188  DIARY  OF  [1790 

experiences  which  are  so  much  sought  by  the  enthusiasts  of  New- 
England.  Her  good  sense  will  direct  her  passions  in  better  health. 
[251]  [July]  25.  Sunday.  Notes.  Mary  Whittemore  &  Mother 
for  daughter  sick.  W.  Sarah  Knight  &  children,  for  death  of 
Daughter.  The  Catholics  in  Boston  have  almost  rejected  Thayer, 
who  this  evening  preached  in  this  Town,  at  the  same  time  an  enthu- 
siast and  Anabaptist,  named  Crosman  among  the  Independants. 

26.  The  question  agitated  before  the  Selectmen,  whether  to  warn 
Strangers  out  of  Town,  in  order  to  save  the  Town  from  the  charges 
of  the  Poor.  It  is  found  in  fact  that  the  greater  part  of  the  whole 
property  is  in  the  hands  of  persons  not  Town  born,  &  in  the  best 
streets  even  a  majority  of  freeholders. 

27.  M""  Thayer  called  upon  me,  &  mentioned  his  purpose  to  open 
a  Mass  house  in  this  town.  M"^  Rousselet  having  an  appointment 
from  the  Bishop,  &  having  been  publicly  received  at  Boston.  He 
sinks  fast  in  the  public  esteem,  &  has  no  prospect  of  success.  A 
very  large  party  upon  the  water,  &  another  at  a  Turtle  at  Putnam's, 
Danvers.  The  Methodists  preach  upon  Boston  Common  &  are  em- 
ploying their  whole  force  upon  us.  The  Governor  has  had  a  Para- 
lytic shock.  Party  has  much  subsided  respecting  the  Supreme 
Officer  in  the  Commonwealth. 

28.  The  proportions  at  the  last  visitation  of  Schools  in  Salem 
seemed  to  be  nearly 

in  the  Grammar  School.  16. 

in  Northey's  Middle  School.  100. 

in  Hacker's  Western  School.  140. 

in  East  School,  Lang's.  180. 


in  all  Males.  436. 

All  the  Girls  unprovided  for,  as  upon  the  Boston  Establishment. 

Lane  is  building  a  new  Barn  or  Store  near  his  House  in  Becket's 
Lane.  Mr  John  Becket  is  thoroughly  repairing  his  House,  which 
by  neglect  has  long  appeared  in  a  ruinous  condition.  Chever  has 
carried  the  Barn  back  which  stood  upon  the  Road  near  Derby's 
Wharf  &  amply  repaired  it.  M""  Townsend  in  Becket's  Lane  is 
framing  a  Store  to  be  raised  near  his  House.  Fences  repairing  in 
several  places.     Phippen  between  his  House  &  White's. 

[253]  Capt  Chipman  returning  to  this  port  at  one  o'clock  last 
night  in  a  heavy  rain  got  upon  Abbott's  rock.  The  danger  of  losing 
the  vessel  was  judged  eminent,  but  she  was  gotten  off  at  noon  by 
lightening  her. 

This  afternoon  [  went  to  ride  with  Nancy  Townsend,  one  of  my 
singers.  We  passed  Pickman's  Farm  towards  Philips  Beach.  We 
turned  to  the  right  in  the  road  from  Lynn  to  Marblehead,  &  then 
in  a  few  roods  crossed  at  the  left.  There  are  several  valuable 
Farms  on  this  Spot.  We  arrived  in  a  bad  road  of  one  mile  &  1/2 
at  Philips  Beach  so  called  about  1/6  of  a  mile  long,  we  then  alighted 


1790]  REV.   WILLIAM  BENTLEY  189 

&  passed  bars  &  descended  upon  Blaney's  Beach,  which  was  of 
greater  length.  I  then  passed  alone  over  another  head  land  & 
crossed  King's  or  Needham's  Beach,  above  1/2  a  mile  long,  &  was 
upon  the  next  headland  within  1/4  of  a  mile  of  the  Gi-eat  Nahant 
Beach.  I  returned  then  &  received  my  Companion,  &  stopped  at 
Mr  Eeid's  on  Browne's  Farm,  now  in  the  possession  of  his  widow. 
He  conducted  me  to  a  Beach  at  the  bottom  of  his  Farm,,  extending 
above  1/2  mile,  &  exceeding  in  length  either  of  the  other  Beaches 
excepting  Nahant.  We  entered  through  land  cast  up  by  the  sea, 
about  midway  of  the  Beach  &  North  of  a  Pond  formed  by  the  beach 
cast  up  &  covering  about  nine  acres.  It  is  drained  of  the  greatest 
body  of  water,  which  is  cast  into  it  by  a  Storm,  through  a  ditch 
opened  every  time.  [254]  At  each  end  of  the  Beach  the  banks 
are  high,  &  steep  &  closed  with  large  rocks  particularly  at  the 
northern  end,  projecting  to  Ram  Island,  Pig  &  Sunken  rocks  are 
directly  off  this  Beach,  &  the  Light  House  of  Boston  on  the  south 
view.  The  Farm  consists  of  375  acres,  &  is  this  year  in  a  very 
flourishing  state,  &  is  cultivated  in  the  following  manner.  20  acres 
of  Indian  Corn.  20  acres  of  Barley,  &  Buck  Wheat.  Rye  blasts. 
3  acres  of  flax,  &  4  of  Potatoes.  50  Head  of  Cattle  is  the  principal 
Stock,  29  Cows  are  milked.  A  very  few  Sheep  are  on  the  Farm. 
The  Farmer  has  ten  children,  &  is  a  Native  of  Woburn.  We  re- 
turned, &  passed  off  to  the  right,  &  came  into  Lynn  Road  1/2  a 
mile  nearer  to  Marblehead.  We  then  turned  round  into  Salem 
Road,  &  came  by  Gardner's  mills  homewards.  There  are  many 
little  boats  laying  along  above  the  Beach.  These  are  the  property 
of  men  in  the  neighbouring  towns,  who  come  down  in  the  months 
of  April,  May  &  June,  &,  fish  for  cod,  haddock,  perch,  &c.  with  con- 
siderable siiccess.  They  will  accommodate  from  8  to  10  men  on  the 
seats,  &  much  resemble  whale  boats,  tho'  most  have  flat  bottoms. 
The  Shore  is  broken  from  Browne's  Beach  towards  Marblehead  neck, 
&  Tinker's  Island  which  were  in  full  view  on  the  head  north  of 
Browne's  Beach,  There  are  short  landing  places  between  the  pro- 
jecting naked  rocks.  I  suspect  that  little  com2)anyw\s\tst\i\&  place, 
from  the  readiness  to  serve  without  pay,  &  solicitations,  &c.  Barn 
96  by  36  feet. 

[255]  29.  My  friend  M''  Isaac  White  has  drawn  a  prize  of  500 
Dollars  in  the  State  Lottery.  Such  success  has  increased  the  dis- 
position for  adventuring,  &  this  is  the  Subject  of  general  conversa- 
tion. Schemes  are  every  day  projecting  in  warm  imaginations  for 
the  money  when  it  comes.  Repairs  are  making  upon  the  road  lead- 
ing into  the  Common,  called  Ives'  Lane,*  by  plowing  upon  the 
Common,  &  removing  the  earth  into  the  Lane. 

30.  The  subject  for  public  speculation  is  a  Preference  between 
M''  E.  H.  Derby  &  his  late  India  adventurers,  respecting  their  priv- 
ileges during  the  voiage.     The  Referees  are   Brown,  Thorndike  & 

•Pleasant  street. 


190  DIARY   OF  [1790 

Lee  of  Beverley.  Capt  Crowninshield  has  not  come  in,  but  waits 
the  event. 

31.  Some  disagreeable  intelligence  respecting  the  conduct  of 
some  of  my  friends  or  rather  parishioners  in  very  disingenuous  lib- 
erties taken  against  me.  Went  down  to  the  Fort  with  M"^  W™  Ma- 
son lately  from  Charlestown. 

August  1.  Sunday.  Thomas  Dean  &  Wife,  death  of  their 
child.  Andrew  English  &  Wife  for  her  sick.  Remembered  the 
death  of  the  M""  A.  Watson  at  Communion.  This  may  tend  to 
assist  the  Communicants,  &c. 

[256]  2.  A  Town  meeting  to  determine  whether  the  Hospital 
in  the  Great  Pasture  should  be  opened  for  Inoculation  by  the  Small 
Pox.  The  vote  passed  in  the  negative  59,  ag.  47.  A  M""  Jon*  Ropes 
&  Barr  were  chief  Speakers  against  the  proposal.  M"^  Richardson 
is  this  day  raising  the  frame  of  a  Barn  on  the  land  adjoining  to  his 
House  of  proportions  54  by  22  feet. 

3.  Endeavored  to  conciliate  matters  with  some  friends  of  ray 
acquaintance  by  approaches  which  I  deem  condescentions  of  Office, 
&  am  filled  with  serious  apprehensions  upon  what  future  determin- 
ations I  may  be  forced.     God  assist  me  with  fortitude. 

4.  Attended  the  Vendue  of  the  effects  belonging  to  the  Estate 
of  Josiah  Orne.  The  sales  were  high  in  almost  every  instance. 
Reports  of  the  assumption  of  the  State  debts  by  the  General  Govern- 
ment.   A  very  popular  measure  in  this  State,  among  men  of  property. 

5.  Received  of  Brother  Homer  a  Copy  of  his  Artillery  Election 
Sermon.  This  Gentleman  entered  with  me  upon  life,  we  belonged 
to  a  religious  society  at  College,  He  has  become  a  very  liberal 
man,  after  many  austerities,  &c. 

[257]  6.  Severe  storm  of  Thunder  &  Lightning.  It  struck  be- 
low us  upon  a  Work  Shop  on  Palfrey's  Land  belonging  to  M"^  Bab- 
bidge  &  C°.  It  entered  at  the  eves  descended  a  rafter  which  it 
split,  &  passed  upon  a  large  Saw  hanging  from  the  beam  into  which 
the  rafter  entered.  It  then  descended  upon  the  Stern  of  a  boat,  just 
pitched,  set  fire  to  the  pitch  &  burnt  the  whole  end  of  the  boat 
black  so  as  to  take  off  the  whole  pitch,  &  passed  off.  The  distance 
of  the  saw  from  the  boat  not  one  foot. 

7.  Went  for  Boston  in  company  with  D""  Walter,  formerly  of 
Boston,  &  had  a  pleasing  conversation. 

[Aug.]  8.  Sunday.  Preached  at  the  Chapel  Church  for  M""  Free- 
man, &  baptised  an  Adult. 

9.  Visited  the  Duck  Manufactory  in  which  there  were  not  many 
Spinners  at  the  time,  &  returned  to  Salem.  The  Ship  Columbia 
came  in  from  her  voyage  round  the  world.  The  first  adventurer 
from  America  &  it  is  hoped  with  pleasing  success. 

[258]  10.  Find  great  encomiums  upon  M""  Freeman,  &  a  unan- 
iniously  favorable  judgement.  His  ingenuous  declarations  entitle 
him  to  the  esteem  &  confidence  of  the  friends  of  Truth. 


1T90]  KEV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  191 

11.  Went  to  Nabant  &  spent  the  day.  I  had  Capt  Ingersolls' 
Chaise  &  Son.  We  succeeded  in  fishing,  &  caught  a  Lobster.  The 
weather  very  pleasant  upon  our  return.  Gen,  Fiske  with  me  in  the 
evening. 

12.  Weather  very  warm.  I  went  down  &  spent  the  afternoon 
upon  the  Neck.  Reports  of  a  Hurricane  at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope, 
which  has  given  us  some  anxiety  for  our  friends. 

13.  In  the  beginning  of  this  week  there  was  a  meeting  of  the 
Town,  called  by  the  Selectmen,  to  determine  whether  they  should 
not  coutroul  the  Surveyor  of  ways  in  the  expenditure  of  money,  or 
in  the  manner  of  repairs.  The  Town  dismissed  the  question  &  the 
result  has  been  great  dissatisfaction  in  the  Selectmen.  The  Small 
Pox  having  broken  out  again  in  a  large  family,  no  measures  have 
yet  been  taken  to  remove  the  infected.  Such  consequences  follow 
the  choice  of  men,  who  have  not  the  hearty  public  approbation. 
These  jealousies  &  parties  are  frequent. 

[259]  14.  The  weather  continued  hot.  Our  member  returned 
from  Congress.  I  crossed  the  River  to  Beverley  in  a  Canoe. 
]\r  Dane  sets  off  on  Tuesday  for  New  York,  on  Settlement 
business. 

[Aug.]  15.  Sunday.  Notes.  Nathaniel  Phippen  &  Wife,  for 
death  of  his  Brother,  &  for  Brethren  at  Sea.  Susannah  Dean  with 
her  Children  for  death  of  her  eldest  Son,  &  for  her  Husband  &  Son 
at  Sea.  Margaret  Strout  for  death  of  her  child  &  Husband  & 
Brethren  at  Sea.  Mary  Whittemore  in  apprehension  of  death. 
Jon*  Archer  &  Wife,  her  delivery. 

16.  Weather  continues  warm.  Letter  from  my  Brother,  assur- 
ing me  that  the  miniatures  sent  to  him  may  be  set  in  silver  for 
twenty  nine  shillings. 

17.  A  Squable  between  Vox  Populi  &  Decency  in  the  Gazette, 
in  which  one  part  is  attributed  to  me.  The  subject  is  some 
illiberal  charges  on  the  government.  I  am  verging  fast  into  the 
opposite  extreme  of  conduct.  My  freedom  has  been  condemned. 
I  am  now  almost  a  Monk  tho'  rather  in  a  Garret,  than  in  a  Cell. 

[260]  18.  Last  evening  Capt  Joseph  Lambert  departed  this 
life  very  suddenly.  He  drank  Tea  in  the  family,  &,  went  to  bed  as 
usual,  tho'  under  infirmities  of  long  continuance.  He  was 
heard  to  rise  from  bed,  but  upon  his  friends  entering  the  chamber 
he  laid  down  &  expired  at  1/2  past  nine  o'clock.  He  was  a  man  of 
great  virtues,  &  great  vices.  He  was  the  best  of  Sons,  the  most 
kind  of  fathers,  the  most  tender  relation,  &  charitable  to  all  who 
applied  in  their  distresses.  He  has  left  an  aged  Mother  about  80, 
aet.  A  widow,  his  second  wife.  One  Son,  &  five  daughters,  all 
married,  but  one.  He  has  many  Grandchildren.  He  has  left  five 
sisters  behind  him.  He  will  l^e  sincerely  regretted  by  a  numerous 
train  of  dependant  relations.  I  attended  the  funeral  of  Mary  "Whit- 
temore from  Deacon  Seccombe's  in  Danvers,  as  it  was  her  last  re- 


192  DIARY   OF  [1790 

quest  to  lay  in  the  old  ground  with  her  relations.     The   weather 
was  stormy,  but  the  procession  very  decent. 

19.  The  funeral  Procession  of  Captain  Lambert.  It  was  very 
respectable.  The  number  of  relations  is  uncommonly  great.  This 
day  had  several  free  conferences  on  my  own  affairs,  which  may  con- 
tribute much  to  my  usefulness  if  regarded.  The  subject  from 
which  they  arise  are  comparisons,  [261]  importance  of  several 
classes,  &  individual  parishioners,  &c. 

20.  Set  ovit  for  Benj"*  Kitteridge,  Physician  in  Tewkesbury, 
upon  a  complaint  of  one  in  the  family.  Capt  Elkins  &  his 
Sister  Sleuman,  &  Capt  Byrne  &  his  wife  made  the  company.  We- 
stopped  at  Upton's,  at  Rev*^  Stone's,  Reading,  at  Esq"^  Ford's,  M"^ 
Boardman's  before  we  reached  the  Dr's.  He  was  modest  in  his 
advice  &  charges  which  amounted  only  to  5*/  tho'  we  feasted  at  his 
house.  We  dined  at  Rogers,  returned,  &  visited  Esq""  Ford,  &  were 
well  received,  returned  as  fai'  as  Upton's  &  lodged  on  account  of 
the  indisposition  of  one  of  the  company. 

21.  Reached  home  at  eight  o'clock.  Expenses,  at  Upton's  /4**, 
at  Rogers  1/6,  at  Upton's  2/10. 

[Aug.]  22.  Sunday.  Mary  Lambert,  death  of  her  Son,  and  G. 
Children  at  Sea.  Mary  Lambert,  d.  of  her  Husband  &  p.  for  sons 
at  Sea.  Sarah  LTnderwood,  d.  of  her  Brother  &  p.  for  Sons  at  Sea. 
Margaret  White,  d.  of  her  Brother.  Elizabeth  Phillips,  d.  of  her 
Brother  &  p.  for  Son  at  Sea.  Andrew  Presson  &  wife,  d.  of  her 
Brother  &  for  a  Son  at  Sea.  Mary  Whittemore,  d.  of  her  daughter. 
Wid.  Mary  Lander,  d.  of  her  daughter.  Jon*  Richards,  d.  of  a  near 
friend.     He  addressed  Polly  Whittemore. 

[262]  23.  Had  the  pleasure  of  the  Company  of  Eev'^  J.  Eliot 
from  Boston.     Various  conversation  employed  the  day. 

24.  Capt  Mmphy  arrived  in  Town,  having  come  passenger  in 
Capt  Carpenter  from  E.  Indies,  &  having  sold  his  vessel.  Thayer 
the  noted  Convert,  made  forcible  entry  we  are  told,  into  the  Catholic 
Church.  M""  Rousselet  endeavoured  to  dispossess  him  by  a  civil 
OfiBcer,  but  was  unsuccessful.  Thayer  is  supported  by  the  Irish,  & 
Rousselet  by  the  french.     Thayer  at  length  dispossessed. 

25.  THE  CADET  COMPANY  paraded  &  dined  at  Danvers. 
M^^  Vans  dyed,  the  wife  of  W.  Vans  Esq'',  &  relation  by  marriage 
to  the  Crowninshields.  An  Andrews  fell  from  the  eves  of  an  house, 
&  probably  will  not  recover. 

26.  Attended  two  funerals  of  children.  One  was  of  M''  Rich- 
ardson's child  at  the  other  end  of  the  Town,  in  the  absence  of  the 
minister,  set.  13  months.  M""  R.  married  a  Townsend.  The  Dysen- 
tery has  threatened  but  I  have  but  one  subject,  &  not  dangerous. 
The  Measles  are  deemed  unkind,  they  leave  children  in  fevers,  &  are 
very  slow  in  their  progress.  Several  children  are  now  sick  with  the 
fever,  &  dangerously. 

[263]     27.     A  Writ  sent  into  the  Parish  by  M""  Diman  for  the 


1790]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  193 

delinquencies  in  payment  to  his  Father,  amounting  to  225£.  The 
principal  arguments  used  unjustly  in  favor  of  the  Delinquents,  are 
that  no  services  were  actually  performed  for  the  time,  &  that  a  con- 
siderable part  of  the  Parishioners  never  did  attend  worship  in  the 
East  House,  &  liave  since  moved,  &  removed,  into  &  from  said 
Parish.  This  Writ  was  lodged  with  General  Fiske,  &  by  him  de- 
livered to  Capt.  B.  Ward,  &  [by]  him  shewn  to  me. 

28.  A  very  fine  day  after  the  Rain.  The  public  find  little  news 
&  the  present  is  the  most  quiet  time  I  have  ever  known.  Private 
scandal  takes  place  usually  of  public  topics  of  conversation.  But  I 
am  upon  terms  of  intimacy  with  few. 

[Aug.]  29.  Sunday.  Joshua  Dodge  &  Wife  &  Children  for  her 
Mother's  death.  Edw :  Gibaut  &  Wife,  d.  of  Sister  Vans,  &  son  at 
Sea.     John  Gunnison  &  wife,  d.  of  youngest  Child. 

30.  Spent  this  evening  with  Hon  :  Goodhue,  our  member  of  Con- 
gress. The  interview  was  happy  &  pleasant,  Mr  Bernard,  &  M. 
Hiller  accompanied  me.  We  conversed  freely  upon  the  late  piece 
in  the  Gazette,  Vox  Populi, 

[264]  31.  Saw  the  end  of  a  little  child  of  John  Collins  which 
was  to  be  named  for  me,  &  the  Christian  name  only  would  I  accept. 

[265]  September  1.  Received  the  Jouimal  of  Governor  Win- 
throp,  whose  character  is  justly  dear  to  the  settlers  in  New  Eng- 
land.    Two  funerals  of  children  from  the  same  neighbourhood. 

2.  Went  to  JNIarblehead  side  in  company  with  Capt  Chever,  &c. 
Ranged  the  Hill  at  Nogg's  Head,*  &  drank  Tea  at  a  House  near  the 
Perry. 

3.  Purchased  [several  volumes]  at  Lan<js\  Vendue  held  at  Page's 
alias  Cabot's  Store.  Samuel  Smith  was  buried  this  afternoon.  He 
had  lived  till  near  80  with  his  Maiden  Sister,  who  removed  with 
him  to  the  Alms  house  after  they  were  advanced  in  life.  He  always 
shewed  a  very  compliant  temper,  which  made  their  agreement,  & 
mutual  confidence  remarkable. 

[266]  4.  On  this  day  was  a  meeting  of  the  Parish  at  two 
o'clock  to  consult  respecting  the  demand  made  by  the  heirs  of  Rev* 
James  Diman,  deceased.  Whatever  their  proceedings  I — did  not 
enquire  but  they  chose  a  Committee  consisting  of  Richard  Manning, 
Esq'',  Joseph  White  &  Robert  Stone.  The  choice  of  the  meeting 
shews  the  disposition.  God  only  knows  what  may  be  the  result. 
If  I  do  not  hear  more  of  the  reproaches  of  the  people  than  other 
ministers,  &  see  more  of  human  depravity,  then  I  hope  ministers 
are  endued  with  superior  fortitude  to  any  I  possess.  It  is  a  trying 
time  with  me. 

[Sept.]  5.  Sunday.  Notes.  Susannah  Babbidge,  d.  of  G. 
Child,  &  for  sons  at  Sea.  Mercy  Smith,  d.  of  her  Brother.  John 
CoUins,  d.  of  youngest  child.     Elizabeth  Cotton,  d.  of  only  child. 

•Now  known  as  "  Nangus  Head." 

tWilliam  Lang  (1750-1821),  a  well-known  auctioneer. 


194  DIARY   OF  [1790 

Husband  &  friends  at  Sea.  Lydia  Dean,  delivery,  Husband  and 
Brothers  at  Sea. 

6.  A  Son  of  M''  Ward  named  S.  Curwin  invited  Company  after 
the  publ :  of  the  Bands.*  A  very  large  number  of  Gentlemen  were 
present,  &  high  glee  on  the  occasion. 

[267]  7.  The  District  Court  sat  in  this  Town,  a  circumstance 
which  reminds  us  of  our  late  political  establishment. 

8.  The  Proprietor's  meeting  at  which  the  same  Committee  was 
chosen  again,  the  Treasurer  has  resigned  it  is  said  partly  in  conse- 
quence of  the  base  interposition  of  a  most  revengeful  animal  who 
appeared  at  the  meeting  to  make  disturbance. 

9.  This  morning  a  young  man  by  the  name  of  Proctor  j)ut  an 
end  to  his  life,  leaving  a  wife  &  child.  The  cause  is  not  even  con- 
jectured. He  was  in  easy  living.  The  jury  of  inquest  gave  a  ver- 
dict, insanity,  tho !  there  was  no  specific  instance,  but  proof  of  gen- 
eral melancholy  for  sometime.  The  Militia  both  Train  band  & 
Alarm  list  appeared  this  day  under  the  separate  command  of  their 
respective  Captains.  They  were  conducted  to  the  Hovises,  &  the 
Train  Bands  treated  by  the  Officers.  A  disagreable  firing  before 
&  after  the  Muster  shewed  that  they  were  not  under  the  best  com- 
mand. Some  opposition  was  aimed  against  the  appearance  of  the 
Alarm  list  by  the  man  of  judgement,  by  proposing  a  vote  against 
it  even  in  the  presence  of  the  Brigadier  General  at  the  Office. 

[268]  10.  At  t\\Q  funeral  of  the  Suicide,  the  minister  of  the 
Episcopal  Church  delivered  a  prayer  at  the  house  with  the  friends, 
excusing  the  omission  at  the  grave  because  the  person  was  unbap- 
tised.     A  Great  Concourse  at  the  funeral. 

11.  Went  to  Boston,  and  found  M''  Freeman  very  sick.  He  is 
the  just  object  of  the  kind  concern  of  all  good  men.  I  spent  the 
afternoon  with  him,  &  saw  at  his  house  M'  West,  &  M"^  Rousselet. 
M""  R.  informs  me  that  in  consequence  of  the  proceedings  mentioned 
p.  262,  Thayer  by  his  friends  obtained  a  lease  of  the  French  Meet- 
ing House  for  ttu"ee  years,  &  M"^  R.  has  removed  &  performs  divine 
service  in  his  own  House.  He  intends  to  dispute  the  title  to  the 
House.  Thayer  is  taken  off  in  the  Gazettes,  &  forsaken  by  his 
friend  Campbell. 

[Sept.]  12.  Sunday.  I  performed  at  M'  Eliots  in  the  morning, 
&  went  after  service  &  read  prayers  &  preached  for  M"^  Freeman, 
before  a  small  but  respectable  assembly,  &  in  the  afternoon  I 
preached  for  D'"  Lathrop  with  whom  I  had  exchanged.  The  first 
time  in  which  I  ever  performed  three  services.  I  was  blamed  at 
Lathrop  for  rapid  delivery.  Spent  the  evening  at  D"^  Rands  & 
heard  of  the  conviction  of  Edward  Vail  Brown  for  Burglary. 
[269]  He  lived  near  the  North  School  in  Boston,  while  I  kept  it, 
&  sustained  an  excellent  character  till  he  was  connected  with  bad 
company. 


1790]  EEV.   WILLIAM   BENTLET  195 

13.  Rose  at  3  in  the  morning  &  in  the  Portsmouth  stage  arrived 
at  ^  past  seven  at  Salem.  We  had  our  public  Training  or  Review 
of  the  Militia.  Col.  Abbot,  Lieu.  Col.  Page,  Major  Harthorne, 
Capt  Saunders  of  the  Cadets,  &  Buffington  of  the  Artillery.  The 
Captains  in  the  Regiment  are  B.  Brown,  J.  Becket,  Saunderson, 
Cushing,  and  others  unknown  to  me.  The  appearance  was  decent, 
and  reputable.  A  Cokl  Collation  was  on  the  Common  at  Two 
o'clock.  AVere  present  from  out  of  Town,  The  Adjutant  General 
Donaldson,  The  deputy  Adj.  G.  J.  Tracey,  and  the  Major  General 
Titcomb  «&  his  aid  Mv  Bradbury,  with  other  officers.  The  day 
ended  without  any  accident. 

14.  The  association  met  in  Town  at  M''  Princes,  &  we  had  a  ser- 
mon from  M"^  M'^Keen  of  Beverley.  The  militia  mustered  in  Mar- 
blehead  this  day,  &  appeared  with  greater  order  than  the  most  san- 
guine friends  expected.  We  had  free  conversation  in  the  evening 
on  theological  subjects,  but  the  consequences  are  to  be  feared  in 
narrow  minds. 

[270]  15.  I  went  to  Lynn  to  see  their  Regiment  reviewed,  in 
company  with  M"  Sleviman,  who  consented  to  go  in  consequence  of 
her  present  indisposition  from  a  weakness  in  the  knee,  forbidding 
her  usual  exercise.  We  found  excellent  preparations  at  Johnson's 
for  the  Company.  The  Regiment  appeared  under  the  command  of 
Col.  Breed,  &  behaved  with  great  propriety.  The  Dep :  Adj  :  Gen  : 
told  me  they  mustered  230  effective  men.  In  Marblehead  320,  & 
in  Salem  380.  In  each  town  the  number  had  increased  since  last 
year,  above  forty  in  Salem,  20  in  Marblehead,  &  six  in  Lynn.  I 
returned  in  the  evening  &  received  a  very  polite  Letter  from  gentle- 
men of  the  Chapel  Church,  certifying  that  a  subscription  had  been 
filled  for  my  sermon  last  Suiulay  &  desiring  a  copy  for  the  press. 
This  is  the  gratitude  for  my  unfeigned  regard  to  their  friend  M''  Free- 
man. This  Sermon  I  have  preached  in  very  many  pulpits,  &,  with 
kind  acceptance,  but  being  written  in  the  early  part  of  my  ministry 
must  be  deemed  a  youthful  composition.  My  friends  advise  me  to 
yield  to  the  very  polite  request,  which  will  only  oblige  me  to  study 
the  more. 

[271]  16.  The  Review  at  Danvers  near  Putnam's,  I  was  not 
present.  This  was  part  of  the  Regiment  conjointly  with  Beverley 
and  they  have  now  a  petition  at  Court  for  a  Separation. 

17.  In  the  morning  I  went  for  Cape  Ann  to  attend  their  Revieiv, 
&  arrived  at  noon.  The  Review  was  in  the  old  Parish  one  mile 
from  the  Harbour.  The  meeting  house  has  had  no  stated  worship 
since  the  death  of  ^NP  Rogers  above  seven  years,  &  is  much  out  of 
repair.  After  the  Harbour  was  settled  this  parish  being  divided 
the  adherents  to  the  old  Church  were  few,  &  much  lessened  in  num- 
bers by  the  war.  The  parade  was  a  triangular  spot  adjoining  to 
the  Meeting  House.  There  was  an  Artillery  Company  under  Major 
Pherson,  &  under  the  idea  of  independance  at   variance   with  the 


196  DIARY  OF  [1790 

regiment.  The  Artillery  dined  in  a  tent  in  the  Harbour,  the  Regi- 
mental Officers  &  General,  &c.  at  Col.  Pierce's  ^  a  mile  above  the 
Parade,  in  a  pleasant  situation.  After  the  firings,  a  few  bickerings 
happened  but  soon  subsided,  &  the  Regiment  marched  into  the  Har- 
bour Streets  &  dismissed.  There  was  a  very  genteel  assembly  of 
Ladies,  &c.  in  the  evening,  the  Boston  Band,  &c.  I  dined  with 
Col.  Pierce,  Tea  at  D.  Roger's,  supped  at  Epes  Sergeants,  &  Break- 
fasted at  Capt.  D.  Pierce's  on  Saturday  morning.     Reg.  330. 

[272]  18.  Returned  to  Salem,  &  arrived  at  noon.  I  have  ob- 
served whenever  Independant  Companies  have  been  established, 
they  have  ever  been  engaged  in  contentions  with  the  Militia.  The 
uniform  itself  being  partial  operates  to  the  discouragement  of  the 
poorer  citizens,  &  injuries  that  very  order  of  men  upon  which  a 
country  depends  for  its  defence. 

[Sept.]  19.  Sunday.  Notes  for  Susannah  Harthorne,  sick. 
The  child  of  B.  Piekman  christened  this  day  at  Bernard's  meeting 
house  by  Bernard. 

20.  Wrote  an  answer  to  B.  Freeman  on  the  subject  of  the  Ser- 
mon asked  for  the  press,  shewing  the  partiality  of  my  people  in 
turn  to  his  excellent  Sermon  on  Candor.  Entertainment  at  Os- 
good's after  publishing  the  bands  of  marriage. 

The  matter  of  the  Catholic  Church  in  Boston  is  debated  in  the 
Boston  Papers.  Thayer  appeared  in  the  Centinel  of  last  Saturday, 
&  bids  defiance  to  his  enemies,  &  refuses  to  give  any  satisfaction  in 
the  Gazette.  While  the  Catholics  are  divided,  their  adversaries 
have  nothing  to  boast.  The  protestant  episcopal  church  is  rent  by 
factions.  There  is  a  Convention  of  their  Churches  appointed  to 
meet  on  the  5^^  of  October  in  this  Town,  Their  purpose  is  to  main- 
tain the  doctrine  of  Lay  [273]  concurrence  in  the  Election  of  a 
Bishop  to  set  aside  the  former  proceedings  of  the  Clergy,  noticed 
in  the  General  Convention,  &  to  deliberate  on  the  most  happy 
method  of  their  establishment.     They  have  at  present  six  Priests. 

DD.  Samuel  Parker,  of  Trinity  C.  Boston. 

DD.  [Lynde]  Walter,  lately  received  at  Christ  C.  in  Boston. 

N.  Fisher,  of  S'  Peter's,  Salem. 

T.  F.  Oliver,  of  S'  Michael's,  Marblehead. 

DD.  [Edward]  Bass,  of  S*  Paul's,  Newbury  P. 

&  a  M""  Wheeler,  Itinerant  Preacher  in  the  Societies  of  Brantree, 
&c.  They  claim  fifteen  churches,  the  small  ones  are  Taunton, 
Marshfield,  Dedham,  Bridgewater,  Scituate,  Milton,  Cambridge, 
Portland,  &  Pownalborough.  D"^  Parker  &  Oliver  have  adopted  the 
sentiments  of  Bp.  Seabury,  that  the  Laity  are  not  concerned  in  the 
Election  of  a  Bp.  The  Hilt  of  the  Sword  of  the  opposite  party  is  at 
New  York.  Dal  ton  our  first  Senator  at  Newbury  is  active  here,  and 
the  Salem  minister  gratifying  some  of  his  implacable  resentments. 

The  Congregational  churches  are  infested  with  a  sett  of  men 
calledj  [274]   Hopkintonians,  &  who  create  contentions  wherever 


1790]  REV.   WILLIAM  BENTLEY  197 

they  come.  Several  in  our  neighbourhood  have  been  violently 
thrust  in,  &  are  about  to  be  thrust  out.  While  the  anabaptists 
•without  education  &  reputation  profit  by  the  dissentions.  Ogden 
of  Portsmouth  not  deficient  in  zeal  is  determined  to  influence  the 
Episcopal  interest  in  New  Hampshire,  to  keep  them  from  the  present 
Convention  in  the  Bay,  »&  support  his  growing  church.  Two  epis- 
copal churches  are  formed  in  Haverhill  &  Holderness.  Capt  T. 
Welraan  is  this  day  raising  a  Store  in  the  yard,  adjoining  to  his 
Mansion  house,  directly  in  a  line  with  my  window  from  the  water. 
M'  Very  is  placing  a  new  fence  between  his  house  &  Shop  on  the 
Street  below  Ives'  Lane,  after  long  need  of  it. 

21.  Convocation. 
Hark,  the  pulpit  drum  does  beat 
DoAvn  at  Salem  all  must  meet, 
To  pull  down  Samy  Parker, 

For  F —  now  he  doth  clearly  see, 
A  mighty  rival  there  may  be 
Found  in  our  Billy  Walter. 
[275]       October  fifth's  the  dreadful  day 

When  N.  Y.  engines  shall  display 

Their  vengeance  on  the  Bishop 

And  Clergy  too,  who  held  the  dish 

And  passing  by  the  Salem  fish, 

At  once  caught  honest  bass  up. 

Should  debates  grow  warm,  yet  fears  dispel 

The  fish  bit  hard,  but  lost  the  chapel. 

'Gainst  F — ra  a  protest  he  drew 

&  'Gainst  his  priests  to  P  .  .  .  t  flew 

With  sad,  &  high  complaining. 

Tis  all  his  strength,  to  make  ado 

He  can't  convince,  but  plague  you 

Let  floundering,  flouncing  tame  him. 

22.  At  1/2  past  6  in  the  morning  I  went  from  Salem  for  Haver- 
hill, to  attend  at  a  Review  of  the  Regiment,  &  to  visit  Capt  Elkins, 
who  is  superintending  the  building  of  a  Vessel.  I  arrived  at  M" 
Porter's  Topsfield  about  nine  miles  from  Salem,  &  made  my  first 
stage.  I  then  passed  the  meeting  house  on  my  left,  &  turned  at  the 
burpng  ground  1/4  mile  beyond,  keeping  the  most  direct  road, 
avoiding  the  road  leading  to  Ipswich  &  Newbury  on  the  right,  &  to 
Andover,  &c.  on  the  left.  I  passed  Topsfield  pond  on  my  right,  & 
went  off  from  it  at  the  upper  end.  This  pond  I  had  visited  before. 
Within  a  [276]  few  miles,  I  passed  a  beautiful  &  small  pond  nearly 
round  &  bold  banks  on  the  left,  &  afterwards  another  on  the  same 
side,  having  made  a  mistake  in  turning  to  the  left,  instead  of  keep- 
ing on,  about  7  miles  from  the  ferry.  I  soon  mounted  a  Hill, 
which  gave  me  a  sight  of  Haverhill  steeple  4  miles  before  I  reached 


198  DIARY  OF  [1790 

the  ferry,  &  this  part  of  the  road  was  worst,  mountanous,  but  under 
repair.  When  I  arrived  at  the  ferry,  I  found  that  the  Review  was 
to  be  on  Bradford  side,  &  left  my  carriage,  but  afterwards  by  send- 
ing for  it  I  was  involved  in  several  perplexities  from  receiving  a 
wrong  one.  I  carried  letters  to  a  M"  Carleton,  who  was  formerly  a 
Bowes.  &  of  the  Brown  family,  sister  of  M"^*  Homans.  I  found  Capt 
Elkins  at  Herod's  Tavern  below  the  Meeting  House.  The  Land- 
lord was  a  neighbour  in  Boston,  &  has  a  fine  family  of  9  children. 
I  put  up  at  this  house,  &  found  the  best  connections  in  the  place, 
&  very  kind  treatment.  I  visited  the  ship  yard.  I  found  only  the 
Vessel  of  Capt  Elkins  on  the  Stocks.  She  is  not  of  great  burden. 
The  Town  has  many  good  houses.  An  extensive  prospect,  being 
[277]  situate  upon  rising  ground,  descending  to  the  river ;  upon 
whose  bank  is  the  great  Street.  The  Street  extends  a  full  mile  but 
the  group  of  house  are  at  the  upper  end,  &  the  dwelling  Houses 
chiefly  above  the  Street.  At  the  lower  end,  is  an  elegant  Seat  of 
the  Saltonstals,  now  the  property  of  Mr  Watson  of  Plimouth.  It 
has  about  30  acres  of  land,  an  ancient  row  of  Elms,  &  Buttons,  & 
most  engaging  Prospect  of  the  River  and  adjacent  country.  At  the 
upper  end  of  the  Street  is  the  Baptist  Meeting  House,  the  only  re- 
spectable assembly  of  that  denomination  in  the  County,  &  that  is 
lessening.  It  was  found**  about  30  years  ago  during  the  ministry  of 
M""  Bernard,  by  a  M''  Hezekiah  Smith,  who  is  the  present  pastor. 
It  is  much  out  of  repair,  as  are  houses  in  general  of  that  denomina- 
tion. The  assembly  Room  is  in  an  unfinished  building.  Below  is 
a  Shop,  &  the  entrance  into  the  Room  is  by  a  flight  of  Stairs  behind 
the  Shop.  As  it  is  upon  the  Street,  it  opens  into  a  Gallery  with  a 
handsome  painted  balustrade.  Over  the  fire  place  at  the  opposite 
end  is  a  loft  for  the  band,  &  the  whole  Room  is  finely  arched,  & 
convenient.  [278]  The  drawing  Room  is  behind.  The  Congre- 
gational Church  has  a  most  excellent  site.  It  is  facing  you  as  you 
ascend  a  street  leading  from  the  main  street  into  the  Country.  The 
Houses  round  are  pleasant  &  in  a  good  style.  It  is  painted  white, 
has  a  steeple  &  small  bell,  which  rings  at  one  &  nine  in  the  evening. 
The  interior  part  of  the  Church  is  without  elegance,  or  any  distinc- 
tion. From  the  Street  we  are  conducted  a  few  rods  back  into  the 
Dtick  Manufactory  set  up,  &  carried  on  by  a  Mr  Blodget,  a  very  in- 
genious mechanic,  of  some  rank  formerly  in  N.  Hampshire.  His 
looms  are  constructed  so  as  every  part  by  pins,  &  wedges  may  be 
brought  to  any  convenient  form,  &  his  spinners  use  the  method 
which  has  in  substance  been  adopted  from  them  in  Salem.  The 
wheel  which  turns  all  the  spindles  may  be  assisted  by  the  feet  & 
hands  at  discretion,  &  is  turned  below.  By  a  small  weight  he  causes 
a  stand  for  a  lamp  or  candle  to  return,  &  it  is  conducted  out  by  a 
wire  fastened  to  the  Spinner,  at  a  convenient  distance.  He  has 
eight  looms  going,  &  room  for  eight  more.  He  has  many  good 
specimens  of  his  Duck,  which  by  a  small  anchor  he  lays  in  the  river 


1790]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  199 

[279]  for  necessary  soaking,  »S:c.  There  were  three  distilleries,  but 
one  of  them  is  changed  into  a  Brewery,  &  with  considerable  success. 
The  water  of  the  river  is  pronounced  very  fit  for  the  purpose.  In 
this  Town  resides  our  Chief  Justice  Sergeant.  Back  of  the  fleet- 
ing House  &  on  the  side  is  the  House  of  the  Rev'*  AF  Shaw.  The 
scene  was  engaging  while  I  was  present.  The  River  was  alive  with 
Boats.  The  op])Osite  Shore  crowded  with  Spectators  &  every  diver- 
sion was  pursued  which  rural  life  admits.  The  Regiment  consisted 
of  800  rank  &  file,  &  the  Company  of  Horse.  The  men  were  well 
dressed.  The  Col.  named  Brickett,  at  whose  house  was  an  entertain- 
ment for  the  Clergy,  the  Officers  dining  at  Bradford  on  the  opposite 
side  of  the  River.  He  is  by  profession  a  Physician.  There  was  a 
manly  freedom  in  the  higher  class  of  people,  but  a  strange  contrast 
to  the  manners  of  the  lower  people,  who  being  employed,  instead  of 
forming  upon  the  rivers  on  rafts,  &  lumbering,  have  very  much  the 
manners  of  the  people  in  the  province  of  Maine,  &  have  their  dis- 
tinguishing vices,  intemperance  &  want  of  punctuality  in  their  deal- 
ings. [280]  The  soil  on  the  Road  through  Boxford  was  light,  but 
better  in  Bradford.  At  Haverhill  the  river  is  one  1/8  of  a  mile 
wide,  &  the  tide  flows  commonly  about  4  feet.  We  are  carried  over 
in  Gondolas,  when  we  have  carriages.  I  saw  only  the  young  ladies 
of  the  place. 

23.  I  returned  as  far  as  Newbmy.  I  came  down  Haverhill  side 
with  an  intention  to  pass  at  Cottle's  ferry,  4  miles  below  the  Town. 
There  is  a  ferry  called  Russel's  3  miles,  entering  the  road  by  a  Brick 
house  on  the  right.  But  as  the  waterman  lives  on  the  other  side,  & 
Cottle  on  this,  they  establish  it  as  a  rule  to  pass  down  by  Cottle's 
&  return  by  Russel's  ferry.  After  passing  these  ferries  there  are 
two  roads,  one  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  &  the  other  through  the 
country,  the  latter  being  preferable  for  carriages  I  chose  it  but  lost 
the  beautiful  prospect  of  the  river,  with  which  I  had  hitherto  been 
entertained.  At  the  first  turning  out  I  was  soon  brought  into  the 
lower  road  again  &  found  I  had  passed  a  group  of  houses  on  the 
banks,  but  about  5  1/2  miles  from  Amesbury,  I  went  1/2  mile  di- 
rectly from  the  river,  &  lost  ev^ery  good  prospect  till  I  reached  the 
Town.  Upon  passing  on  both  sides  I  found  on  this  the  prospect 
most  extensive  but  the  roads  are  very  hilly  on  this  side.  [281]  I 
soon  entered  the  upper  parish  which  has  an  elegant  meeting  house, 
pediment  on  front,  &  lately  painted  of  a  light  colour.  I  passed 
this  on  my  left,  and  a  few  miles  below  passed  on  the  left  the  lower 
Meeting  House  much  out  of  repair.  This  House  was  formerly 
used  by  Mr  Hillert  a  Presbyterian,  who  has  withdrawn  with  his 
party,  &  built  a  House  a  little  back  from  this  spot,  &  has  lately 
been  rejected  for  intemperance.  They  settled  a  Bell,  a  most  extrav- 
agant preacher,  who  is  also  dismissed.  The  Country  is  not  the 
most  fertile,  it  is  much  more  productive  on  the  opposite  banks. 
They  plant  Indian  Corn  &  sow  flax,  I  saw  no  experiments  on  other 


200  DIARY   OF  [1790 

grain.  As  we  pass  we  see  at  a  mile's  distance  on  our  left  Salisbury 
meeting  House,  &  as  there  is  a  lock  of  the  river  bet  ween  Salisbury 
&  Amsbury,  on  the  banks  of  the  River  at  the  entrance  there  is  a 
convenient  draw  Bridge,  which  has  a  good  effect  as  seen  from  the 
river.  Several  vessels  of  considerable  burden  were  upon  the  Stocks, 
&  many  under  repairs  in  view  as  we  passed.  Having  passed  Ams- 
bury ferry  we  ascend  an  hill,  which  was  then  in  the  hands  of  the 
Surveyors,  &  at  2  ^  miles  distance  lies  Newburyport.  A  small 
Island  shews  itself  just  below  the  ferry,  &  so  another  at  a  short 
distance  below  Haverhill  tho'  the  latter  is  the  largest,  tho'  not  bold- 
est of  the  two.  From  the  ferry  the  road  becomes  more  pleasant  as 
you  approach  the  Town.  [282]  The  soil  at  first  is  barren  &  upon 
a  barren  plain  on  the  right  stands  a  deserted  Meeting  House  once 
improved  by  a  curious  M'  Noble,  Soon  we  pass  delightful  Houses, 
&  the  Seats  of  Messieurs  Jackson  &  Tracey  entering  the  Town. 
The  north  part  is  thinly  settled,  &  little  cultivated.  There  are 
some  noble  buildings  belonging  to  private  Gentlemen.  The  Church 
of  England  has  a  forbidding  appearance  &  the  Steeples  have  no  good 
effect.  The  best  view  of  the  Town  is  from  the  Powder  house  hill 
&  from  the  water,  but  in  no  place  does  it  group  well.  From  the 
Country  it  is  too  open,  &  from  the  water  the  best  buildings  are  hid. 
They  have  erected  lately  a  New  School  House  in  the  High  Street 
near  the  Pond,  which  has  a  Belfry  &  is  very  convenient  &  hand- 
some. The  benches  rise  from  the  centre.  No  forms  go  against  the 
sides  of  the  building.  The  rise  is  one  foot  on  each  side.  The  day 
was  appointed  for  the  Military  Review.  The  other  part  of  the 
Regiment  was  reviewed  on  Monday  at  Salisbury,  &  we  had  only  the 
town  companies.  Some  points  of  honor  induced  the  South  Company 
to  club  their  firelocks  &  retire  from  the  parade,  tho'  they  submit- 
ted to  an  inspection  in  the  afternoon.  Three  companies  with  the 
Artillery  paraded  in  high  street  in  the  afternoon.  I  drank  Tea 
with  Mr  Moses  Hoit,  &  supped  with  D'  Swett  in  company  with 
Esq''  Atkins.  I  visited  M""  Jackson,  and  my  more  intimate  friends. 
At  Mycall's  printing  office  I  saw  the  [283]  best  furnished  office  I 
had  ever  seen,  tho'  the  preference  is  decidedly  given  in  favor  of 
Thomas  of  Worcester  who  has  lately  made  very  rich  additions  to 
his  Types. 

24.  I  breakfasted  with  Esq""  Atkins  &  at  10  set  out  for  Salem.  I 
dined  at  Treadwell's  in  IpsAvich,  returned  through  Wenham,  con- 
versed with  Rev"^  Swain,  &  stopped  in  Beverley  at  the  Manufactory, 
&  soon  afterwards  was  joined  by  our  member  M"^  Goodhue,  &  two 
Gentlemen  from  Connecticut,  Judge  Ailsbury  of  the  Senate,  & 
Sherman  of  the  House.  Two  Jennies  were  at  work  below,  which 
carried  about  70  spindles  each.  Several  looms  were  at  work,  &  the 
remarkable  circumstance  to  us  was  the  moving  the  shuttle  by 
Springs,  which  gives  great  velocity,  &  allows  the  greatest  number  of 
strokes.     Above  all  the  carding  machine  was  most  curious  as  it 


1790]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  201 

was  different  from  all  our  observations.  Two  large  cylinders  of 
two  feet  diameter  move  in  contact,  &  upon  them  other  cylinders  of 
different  diameters,  &  these  are  covered  with  fine  cards.  These  con- 
vey the  wool  when  carded  to  a  knife  which  cuts  it  «&  to  a  smooth 
cylinder  whose  upper  service  is  made  to  assume  as  many  projections 
as  correspond  to  the  operations  of  the  knife,  &  bring  away  the  card- 
ed wool.  The  specimens  of  the  cloth  were  various  &  good.  The 
carding  machine  cards  fifteen  pounds  of  wool  in  a  day  easily,  said 
M''  John  Cabot,  who  waited  upon  us,  &  recommended  his  Manufac- 
tory to  the  patronage  of  Government.  [284]  I  reached  Salem  be- 
fore Sundown,  &  waited  upon  the  Gentlemen  to  see  M""  Symonds  set  99. 

There  was  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  last  week  at  Exeter  for  the 
Episcopal  (/rants  in  New  Hampshire.  The  Clergy  had  an  oppor- 
tunity to  discuss  the  merits  of  the  proposed  Convention,  which  it 
seems  is  not  relished  by  the  Clergy.  M""  A.  furnished  me  several 
anecdotes.  M''  Mycall  is  now  printing  the  last  volumes  of  the 
"  Children's  friend,"  a  valuable  work  in  Schools.  Expences  on  the 
Journey  passing  ferry  alone  a  copper,  carriage  at  Haverhill  /T**. 
Expences  at  Herod's  6'/.  At  Amsbury  ferry  /T**.  At  Ipswich  1/8. 
Beverley  Bridge  /9^.     Expense  of  Sulkey,  15*/. 

25.  A  letter  from  M''  Freeman  requesting  the  sermon  &  urging 
from  motives  of  the  good  cause  that  it  should  be  granted. 
M''  Parsons,  it  is  reported,  of  is  pursuing  another  act  of  Court 
in  order  to  force  the  payment  arrears  to  M""  Diman.  The  most 
unprincipled  opposition  is  made  to  such  settlement.  My  Treas- 
urer who  has  resigned  with  such  great  pretentions  of  the  diffi- 
culties, has  been  manuvring  to  get  in  again.  Such  are  men  who 
assume  the  most  upright  pretentions.  He  has  charged  29i6  for  his 
services  &  extended  his  5  p''  Cent  upon  all  pews  sold  by  the  Proprie- 
tors &  sat  &  run  out  his  own  pew  in  the  meantime,     see  p.  264. 

[285]  [Sept.]  26,  Sunday.  James  Archer,  Wife's  delivery, 
Brethren  at  Sea.  Benj*  Dean  returned  from  Sea  &  Son,  upon 
death  of  his  other  Son  at  home.  Eliza  Murray,  youngest  child  very 
sick.     Joshua  French  &  Wife,  death  of  her  Brother. 

27.  Last  Aveek  a  Merchant  employ^  a  crew  from  out  of  Town  to 
load  his  Vessel  had  the  lanyards  cut  away  by  some  disaffected 
persons.  The  same  in  kind  happened  to  a  Salem  Merchant  in  Bos- 
ton, attempting  to  remove  a  vessel  put  at  a  wharf  for  repairs,  if  not 
sold,  because  she  was  sold,  &  removed  before  the  repairs  took  place. 
Such  facts  shew  the  state  of  the  Mechanics.  Bed  ti  eking  is  said  to 
be  manufactured  at  Nantucket  with  great  success. 

28.  A  considerable  storm  of  rain  without  much  wind,  which  last- 
ed from  Monday  morning  till  Tuesday  evening.  Electioneering 
goes  on  with  greater  moderation  in  Essex,  than  in  any  other  Coun- 
ty. We  shall  soon  see  the  practices  of  England  in  this  Country. 
Preparations  are  making  to  determine  the  number  of  inhabitants  in 
Salem  by  the  Marshall  of  our  district.  The  number  in  Boston  ex- 
ceeds 18,000. 


202  DIARY  OP  [1790 

[286]  29.  Visited  for  the  first  time  the  Salem  Duck  Manufactory. 
It  has  now  at  work  about  12  spinners,  &  4  weavers.  They  intend 
to  add  to  this  number.  I  am  convinced  that  24  spindles  will  be  too 
much  for  one  band  &  wheel,  when  all  are  at  work,  from  the  trifling 
courses  which  move  &  then  set  at  rest  the  idle  spindles  in  the  pres- 
ent working  of  the  machine.  The  chamber  in  which  they  were 
Spinning  was  clean,  as  were  the  young  spinners  but  below  the 
weavers  had  not  a  very  promising  appearance.  The  master  is  an 
Englishman,  who  has  high  opinions  of  his  own  abilities,  &  is  ready 
to  censure  others.  Purchased  a  quire  of  paper  from  the  Paper 
Mills  at  Andover.  They  begin  to  manufacture  good  writing  paper 
tho'  not  of  the  first  qualities.  They  intend  however  to  be  rivals  to 
the  paper  manufactory  at  Milton. 

30.  Sent  on  my  Sermon  to  Boston  inclosed  to  M"^  Freeman.  T 
had  begun  to  correct,  till  I  feared  the  whole  would  be  lost.  The 
different  views  1  had  of  it  were  surprising.  At  once  with  disgust, 
then  with  a  little  more  favor,  at  last  sealed  it  up  &  sent  it.  Fire 
made  on  the  hearth  for  the  first  time. 

[287]  October  1.  News  from  Clifford  Crowninshield  of  the  loss 
of  his  Vessel  &  part  of  his  Cargo  at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  on  the 
12*^  of  April  last.  M''  W™  Gray  &  Dodge  were  his  Owners.  My 
little  pupil  John  is  at  Brooklyne  to  have  the  small  pox  by  in- 
occulation. 

2.  Delivered  Gushing,  Printer  some  remarks  upon  a  paper  published 
in  the  Gazette  of  last  week  entitled  "Sober  observations,"  &c.,  & 
signed  a  Correspondent,  containing  some  ungenerous  reflections  on 
the  Universal ists,  &c.  My  signature  is  Civis.  Went  down  to  the 
Junipers  for  bathing.     The  water  was  comfortable. 

[Oct.]  3.  Sunday.  Notes.  Sarah  Prince,  death  of  youngest 
child,  husband  &  Brethren  at  Sea.  Jon*  Millett  &  Wife,  death  of 
G.  Child,  &  Sons  at  Sea.  Eliza  MuiTay,  death  of  her  youngest 
child,  for  her  Sons  at  Sea.  Sam^  Odell  &  wife  for  him  dangerously 
sick.  Alden  Burril  &  wife,  for  her  delivery.  In  answer  to  Ed- 
wards quoted  in  Civis,  it  might  be  observed  that  instead  of  sin's  re- 
semblance to  an  infinite  line,  it  may  be  considered  as  an  excentric 
body  loosing  its  projectile  force  like  a  stone  thrown  from  a  weak 
hand,  whose  curve  soon  carries  it  to  the  ground,  or  a  bomb. 

[288]  4.  Visited  with  Capt  Hodges  at  the  great  Ship  of  M' 
Derby,  on  the  Stocks,  &  the  Astrea  under  repairs.  The  work  is 
highly  commended,  the  Ship  blamed  as  too  narrow.  M""  Kopes 
published  to  M"  S.  Putnam  last  Sunday  gave  us  a  collation  this 
day.  The  Election  of  our  Federal  Representative  was  nearly  unan- 
imous for  M""  Goodhue,  being  as  300,  to  3  or  4  single  votes. 

5.  Enquiries  respecting  the  subject  in  the  Gazette.  If  commun- 
ions, or  professed  Creeds  are  the  standards  of  the  true  faith,  then 
what  church  supports  its  authority?  If  sin  is  infinite  in  length 
may  it  not  imply  that  men  will  continue  sinners  after  punishment. 


1790]  KEV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  203 

But  does  the  parable  of  Lazarus  &  the  rich  man,  if  applied  to  this 
subject,  imply  the  want  of  conviction  ?  Can  the  Hopkintonians 
vindicate  their  doctrine  but  as  an  improvement  of  Calvinism  at 
least  in  expression,  &  do  not  the  orthodox  vindicate  the  unguarded 
language  of  the  fathers  before  the  Isicene  Council  upon  the  idea  of 
common  inaccuracy  in  the  language  upon  undisputed  subjects,  &c. 
The  Bridge  called  Essex  was  struck  off  this  year  for  150  dollars 
more  than  on  preceeding.  This  day  the  Episcopal  Convention 
met  in  this  Town.  Some  attention  will  be  required  to  so  curious  a 
subject.     Who  is  to  stand  Canonist  for  them? 

[289]  6.  The  Episcopal  Convention  opened,  prayers  were  read 
by  D'  Walter.  The  result  has  not  been  communicated  to  me  since 
m}'  return.  My  absence  was  occasioned  by  a  ceremony  of  respect. 
Proposals  were  made  long  since  to  carry  the  Clergy  upon  the  water. 
Upon  the  business  of  F.  it  was  postponed.  It  was  revived  and  the  day 
appointed  on  which  the  Convention  was  to  meet.  On  the  same  day 
it  was  postponed  in  regard  to  the  same  man,  &  no  notice  given  me 
at  noon  of  the  day  appointed,  but  by  the  accidental  information  of 
a  Gentleman,  who  visited  me  upon  a  recommendation,  when  I  gave 
him  an  invitation  to  be  of  the  party.  I  went  for  Xahant,  dined  at 
Rev**  Parsons  &  lodged  with  friend  Breed  at  the  Nahaut. 

In  the  afternoon  returned  to  Parsons's,  found  him  involved  in  a 
dispute,  which  was  communicated  to  me.  The  main  subject  is 
some  freedoms  in  Kissing  some  married  Ladies  six  years  ago.  He 
•was  dismissed  on  some  such  charges  from  Cape  Ann.  They  seem 
malicious  in  the  present  instance.  The  principal  of  the  opposition 
is  a  M''  Carnes,  once  [290]  a  preacher  &  has  been  repeatedly  dis- 
missed for  several  years  as  a  Member  from  Lynn  &  now  of  decayed 
influence,  &  sinking  from  the  interferences  in  his  capacity  as  Jus- 
tice of  the  peace.  He  was  the  tool  of  the  noted  party  at  Court 
against  Lawyers.  Carnes  has  promoted  a  subscription  to  several 
charges  among  the  Church,  &  I  advised  to  a  subscription  of  a  Re- 
monstrance from  his  friends,  &  made  a  draft. 

A  curious  affair  happened  at  Nahant  last  week.  A  Colt  was 
put  into  a  pasture  upon  Nahant  Head  to  wean  from  the  ISIare.  It 
broke  pasture  in  the  night,  &  was  gone.  Search  was  made  for 
miles,  &  the  colt  not  found.  At  last  a  person  from  Chelsea  in- 
formed the  owner  that  he  saw  &  knew  the  colt  at  Chelsea  farms. 
The  Colt  was  brought  home  to  the  owner,  &  must  have  swam  two 
miles  in  a  direct  line  in  a  very  dark  night,  as  it  is  twentj^  miles  by 
land.     This  was  given  by  friend  Breed  from  whom  the  Colt  escaped. 

8.  Discovered  upon  my  return  that  pains  had  been  taken  by 
my  Landlady  to  place  my  conduct  in  a  most  unfavorable  light, 
among  my  neighbours.  And  that  reports  had  been  handed  from 
the  family  of  little  family  concerns  in  an  odious  manner. 

[291]  9.  M""  Diman  has  pursued  his  Parish  matters  &  having 
recovered  judgement  in  one  of  our  Courts,  levied  an  execution  on  a 


204  DIARY   OF  [1790 

Brig  belonging  to  J°  White  &  Co.,  but  nothing  was  eventually  se- 
cured to  him.  The  principal  gentlemen  met  last  evening  at  Capt 
White's.  The  Projectors  of  the  plan  to  avoid  payment  seem  at 
present  in  doubt  of  their  success.  All  resentment,  however  just 
their  object  in  our  own  opinion,  involves  in  real  difficulties.  This 
may  be  designed  not  to  prevent  our  guard,  but  to  frequent  alarms 
knowing  the  pains  they  must  cost  us. 

Oct.  10.  Sunday.  Martha  Babbidge,  death  of  Mother  Emerton, 
Husband  &  Son  at  Sea.  Jonathan  Lander,  dangerously  sick.  James 
Cotton,  youngest  child  sick.  Had  an  opportunity  of  discovering 
the  virulence  of  female  resentments,  even  from  such  person  as 
seemed  endued  with  great  natural  lenity  of  temper.  The  fact  veri- 
fies the  prevailing  remarks  upon  that  sex.  "  Most  women  have  no 
character  at  all." 

[292]  11.  In  the  agitation  of  my  mind,  I  went  to  Danvers  and 
spent  an  hour  with  M"^  Holt.  I  returned  &  was  asked  into  Rob- 
ertson's to  drink  Tea  with  his  family  &  spent  an  agreable  evening. 
Had  information  that  affairs  at  Lynn  assumed  a  more  pleasing  ap- 
pearance. 

12.  The  association  at  Beverley  at  which  M'  Parson's  affair  was 
discussed,  no  new  matters  appeared,  a  letter  from  Esq"^  Carnes's  was 
read,  &  the  association  took  two  votes,  one  directing  the  Clerk  to 
serve  M"^  Parsons  with  a  Copy  of  Carnes's  letter  &  another  recom- 
mending a  mutual  council. 

13.  As  the  Regiment  had  appeared  yesterday,  this  day  was  as- 
signed for  the  public  parade.  The  Gentlemen  of  the  Town  with 
the  Officers  obtained  a  dinner  in  the  Court  House,  &  gave  generous 
invitations.  Nearly  200  dined  at  the  tables.  The  dinner  was 
hastily  brought,  but  excellent.  The  afternoon  was  spent  in  Sham 
fighting  &  it  well  bore  the  name.  No  accident  interrupted  the 
pleasure  of  a  great  crowd  of  Spectators.  Many  people  were  present 
from  neighbouring  towns  of  respectable  characters,  &  general  satis- 
faction appeared  through  the  day. 

[293]  14.  A  very  rainy  day.  Yesterday  afternoon  died  Jon* 
Lander,  a  very  corpulent  &  comely  man.  He  was  taken  in  the 
Spring  with  violent  bleeding  at  the  nose,  &  it  could  not  be  prevent- 
ed till  a  most  plentiful  evacuation.  As  soon  as  he  recovered  he 
went  in  his  Skiff  to  fish  in  the  Bay,  but  from  want  of  sufficient 
hands,  his  duty  was  laborious  &  his  rest  disturbed,  &  he  returned, 
&  soon  died.  In  the  war,  being  absent,  his  wife  tho'  with  a  numer- 
ous family  married  a  stranger,  &  upon  her  husband's  return  re- 
fused to  renew  her  former  connections,  &  moved  away  with  her 
new  husband  &  children  from  the  State.  Lander  since  married  a 
Country  girl,«&  has  one  child.  His  Mother  has  married  a  Battoun. 
A  child  of  M""  Burril  of  Boston  has  also  died  in  the  Parish  at  its  G. 
Mother  Wyatt's.  Wrote  to  M''  Prentice  of  Reading  for  the  age  of 
M"  Odell,  who  died  last  Sunday. 


1790]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  205 

15.  M''  Burrill's  Child's  Funeral  was  the  first  in  the  Boston 
fashion  of  four  wheel  carriages.  The  Corpse  was  carried  in  a  Char- 
iot, the  mourners  followed  in  a  Coach,  &  eight  chaises.  The  reason 
of  this  pomp  was  the  relations  were  all  concerned  in  the  hire  of 
horses,  &  had  the  stage  of  the  Town  in  their  hands.  We  wish  the 
practice  of  the  mourning  Coach  introduced  into  the  Town. 

[294]  Received  from  Boston  50  Copies  of  the  Sermon  preached 
at  the  Stone  Chapel,  Sept.  12,  1790,  by  the  Reverend  John  Eliot's 
hands. 

16.  A  most  daring  attempt  of  a  Thief  to  enter  D''  Stillman's 
house.  He  discharged  a  pistol  at  a  person  attempting  to  hold  him, 
but  without  execution,  &  as  he  descended  the  ladder,  by  which  he 
entered,  received  the  charge  from  a  gun  fired  from  the  window,  & 
left  his  blood  behind  from  the  wound,  but  escaped.  This  happened 
last  week. 

[Oct.]  17.  Notes.  John  Battoun  &  wife,  death  of  Son  Lander 
&  for  sons  at  Sea.  Sarah  Lander,  death  of  her  husband.  Sam^' 
Odell  &  wife  for  him  dangerously  sick,  &  on  death  of  his  mother, 
[295]  In  the  votes  for  federal  representative  of  Essex,  out  of 
1054,  W  Goodhue  had  905.     Great  expectation  of   a  Spanish  War. 

20.  M""  Carnes  has  written  again  to  Br.  Barnard  informing  him, 
that  the  aggrieved  proposed  a  compliance  with  the  proposal  of  the 
Association,  but  that  the  other  members  of  the  church  had  a  meet- 
ing seperately,  &  overruled  the  proposal.  The  effects  from  the 
communication  is  diverting  in  Salem.  The  Clergy  are  ready  for 
action,  &  upon  whomsoever  the  stone  shall  fall,  it  may  grind  him 
to  powder. 

21.  Capt  Waters  communicated  to  me  the  death  of  his  Brother 
Thomas  Dean  in  the  Carolinas.  From  the  letter  to  his  Father  from 
the  Merchant  by  C.  Henfield,  via  Boston,  Capt  Dean  was  sick  five 
days  of  a  nervous  fever  &  died  on  3**  October  instant  at  Wilming- 
ton, N.  Carolina.  Capt  Dean  was  short  &  small  in  his  person,  fond 
of  dress,  of  an  open  countenance,  well  informed  in  his  profession, 
but  for  sometime  past  neglected. 

[296]  22.  M''  Rhodes  &  Robertson  waited  upon  me  &  went 
to  M''  Barnard's  on  the  subject  of  M''  Parson's  affairs.  The  people 
are  reluctant  at  the  proposed  measure  of  a  mutual  council,  the 
church  is  small,  &  we  made  a  minute  of  the  following  measures. 
As  a  Parish  meeting  was  called  to  meet  on  Monday  next,  that  on 
the  next  Sunday  the  Church  should  be  notified  of  a  meeting  on  the 
same  day  in  some  house  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  meeting 
house.  That  the  Parish  should  decide  upon  the  measures  to  be 
pursued,  &  communicate  their  purposes  to  the  Church.  If  they 
concur  that  the  Parish  then  should  defer  all  further  consideration 
till  March  meeting.  The  design  of  this  measure  is  to  prevent  the 
painful  expedient  of  a  mutual  council. 

Oct.  23.     In  the  morning  at  Cap'  Robertson's  request,  I   wrote 


206  DIARY   OF  [1790 

the  following  memorand.  in  regard  to  our  conference  last  evening. 
When  the  parish  meeting  opens  do  not  proceed  hastily,  bnt  keep  to 
the  main  subject,  &c.  Question  for  the  church  is  whether  the 
church  propose  that  an  ecclesiastical  council  be  called,  or  rest  sat- 
isfied with  their  Pastor.  Ans  :  satisfied.  After  a  conference  of 
church  &  Parish  Let  the  Parish  declare.  It  is  the  sense  of  this  Par- 
ish in  regard  to  all  proceedings  respecting  our  Pastor,  that  the  wel- 
fare of  the  Parish  requires  that  they  should  utterly  cease. 

[297]  A  Letter  from  Hall,  Printer,  informing  me  that  the 
impression  of  my  Sermon  has  sold  &  that  a  new  impression  is  in 
view,  &c.  &c. 

24.  Sunday.  Strange  disorders  in  Manchester  last  Sunday.  A 
Bradford  of  E-owley  preached  all  day,  &  in  the  evening  discoursed 
upon  the  servant  of  Abraham  sent  to  bring  a  wife  for  his  Son.  He 
exclaimed  against  the  hardness  of  their  hearts.  Turned  to  the 
Women  &  asked  them  whether  they  did  not  want  a  husband  to  go 
home  married,  till  a  Crazy  Man  named  Lee  cried  out  all  for  a  hus- 
band, the  congregation  was  thrown  into  confusion.  The  women 
fell  into  fits.  Shrieks  were  heard,  the  neighbourhood  disturbed,  a 
woman  in  childbed  thrown  into  histerics  from  hearing  the  noise. 
The  schoolmaster  rose,  &  addressed  the  speaker,  &  upbraided  his 
irregular  conduct.  Several  persons  threatened  the  master  with 
a  prosecution  for  disturbing  public  worship,  while  an  honest  Tar 
standing  by  exclaimed  The  Devil  of  a  Weddiug,  Hollo,  Boys  Hollo  ! 

Thomas  Dean  &  Wife  &  Children  on  death  of  Son,  &  Son 
at  Sea.  Lydia  Dean  for  death  of  her  Husband  &  brethren  at  Sea. 
Nath :  West  &  Wife,  for  her  delivery  &  for  absent  brother. 
[298]  M""  James  the  Methodist  last  week  at  Newbury.  The  at- 
tention given  to  Night  Lectures  by  several  whimsical  men  of  prop- 
erty, under  pretence  of  curiosity,  gives  great  advantage  to  the 
friends  of  religious  disturbances. 

25.  Mr  Horton  has  been  subject  to  the  Phthisick  for  many  years. 
Complained  but  a  few  hours  before  he  died.  M''  Bead,  formerly  a 
Tutor  of  the  College  has  married  a  young  woman*  of  fortune  in  this, 
place,  &  this  day  offered  a  public  collation.  Private  conversation 
turns  upon  a  Spanish  War. 

26.  A  Vendue  of  Books  by  Pulsom  of  Boston,  at  Lang's  Office. 
The  gleanings  of  his  shop,  with  a  few  valuable  Books  to  render  them, 
saleable. 

[299]  27.  As  the  proceedings  of  the  Episcopal  Conven- 
tion at  Salem  are  printed  on  Sheets,  &  few  Copies  to  be  found,  I  have 
taken  the  great  trouble  for  future  use  to  transcribe  the  whole  sheet. 

At  a  Convention  of  Clergy  &  Lay  Deputies  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Churches  hereafter  named,  holden  at  Salem,  in  the  Coun- 
ty of  Essex,  &  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts,  October  the  fifth 
&  sixth,  1790,  vizt. 

*Nathan  Read,  afterwards  member  of  Congress,  married  Elisabeth,  daughter  of  William 
Jeffry. 


1790]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  207 

S'  Paul's  Church,  Newbury  Port. 

Christ's  Church,  Boston. 

S'  Thomas's  Church,  Taunton. 

S'  Andrew's  Church,  Scituate. 

Trinity  Church,  Marshfield. 

S'  Peter's  Church,  Salem. 

Trinity  Church,  Boston. 
S'  Michael's  Church,  Marblehead,  in  the  Commonwealth  of  Mass- 
chusetts,    and  Queen's  Chapel,  Portsmouth,  in  the  State  of  New 
Hampshire. 

A  Plan  of  an  Ecclesiastical  Constitution  was  read,  &  considered 
by  paragraphs  ,&  after  sundry  amendments,  was  unanimously  ap- 
proved, &  is  as  follows,  vizt.  An  Ecclesiastical  Constitution  for 
the  government  of  the  Episcopal  Churches  in  this  Commonwealth, 
&  such  other  Churches  as  may  be  admitted  &  accede  to  the  same. 

I.  A  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  churches  who  shall 
accede  to  this  Constitution,  to  consist  of  the  Clergymen  of  the  said 
churches,  &  one  or  more  Deputies,  not  exceeding  three,  being  Lay- 
men, to  he  chosen  by  each  [300]  Congregation,  shall  be  held  at 
Boston  on  the  Tuesday  preceeding  the  last  Wednesday  in  May,  an- 
nually. But  the  time  &  place  of  meeting  shall  be  subject  to  altera- 
tion by  the  Convention  :  and  special  meetings  may  be  called  at 
other  times  by  the  Bishop  for  the  time  being,  &  also  in  the  manner 
hereinafter  provided. 

II.  A  majority  of  the  Clergy  &  Lay  deputies  of  the  Congrega- 
tions adopting  this  Constitution,  shall  be  assembled  before  the  Con- 
vention shall  proceed  to  business  ;  except  that  the  members  present 
shall  have  power  to  adjourn  from  day  to  day,  not  exceeding  three 
days  in  the  whole ;  &  if  a  majority  shall  not  then  be  assembled, 
the  members  present  may  adjourn  without  day. 

III.  The  Clergy  &  Lay  deputies  in  Convention  shall  deliberate 
in  one  body,  but  shall  vote  as  two  distinct  orders  ;  &  the  concurrence 
of  both  orders  shall  be  necessary  to  give  validity  to  every  measure. 

IV.  Each  Congregation  represented  in  Convention  shall  have 
one  vote ;  &  no  deputy  shall  represent  more  than  one  Congre- 
gation. 

V.  In  Convention  a  person  shall  preside  with  the  title  of  Presi- 
dent :  and  when  a  Bishop  shall  be  properly  consecrated  &  settled  in 
this  church,  he  shall  be,  by  virtue  of  his  office,  a  member  of  the 
Convention,  &  when  present,  shall  preside  therein. 

VI.  A  Secretary  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Convention  removeable 
at  pleasure,  who  shall  keep  a  fair  record  of  the  Resolves  and  proceed- 
ings of  the  Convention,  &  have  the  same  in  his  custody,  so  long  as 
he  shall  continue  in  office. 

VII.  Standing  rules  for  the  orderly  conducting  of  business,  shall 
be  established  at  the  first  meeting  of  the  Convention. 


208  DIARY  OP  [1790 

VIII.  Every  Lay  deputy,  shall,  previously  to  his  admission  to 
a  seat  in  Convention,  produce  [301]  a  testimonial  of  his  appoint- 
ment, subscribed  by  one  or  both  of  the  Church  wardens,  or  by  the 
Clerk  of  the  Proprietors. 

IX.  The  Clergy  who  shall  minister  in  this  church  shall  consist 
of  the  three  orders  of  Bishops,  Priests,  &  Deacons. 

X.  No  Bishop  shall  ever  be  elected  for  this  church  but  at  the 
annual  meeting  of  the  Convention  ;  nor  without  three  months  pre- 
vious notice  being  given,  of  such  election  intended,  by  the  standing 
Committee ;  &  every  such  election  shall  be  by  Ballot. 

XI.  The  peculiar  office  of  a  Bishop  consisting  in  the  power  of 
Ordination  &  Confirmation,  &  of  superintending  the  Clergy  of  his 
Diocese,  &  of  precedence  in  Ecclesiastical  assemblies,  the  same  shall 
be  accordingly  so  exercised  in  this  church. 

XII.  No  public  censure  shall  be  inflicted  by  the  Bishop  upon 
any  clergyman  under  his  inspection,  other  than  shall  be  directed 
by  the  institutions  of  this  Church  hereafter  made  in  Convention. 

XIII.  No  Clergyman  shall  hereafter  be  settled  in  any  of  the 
Churches,  who  shall  accede  to  this  Constitution  until  he  shall  pro- 
duce sufficient  testimonials  of  his  having  been  regularly  ordained 
by  a  Bishop. 

XIV.  No  person  shall  be  admitted  to  holy  Orders,  until  he  shall 
produce  to  the  Bishop  satisfactory  testimonials  of  his  morals,  piety, 
&  prudent  conversation,  signed  by  three  Clergymen  at  least. 

XV.  No  person  shall  be  admitted  to  Priest's  orders,  until  he 
shall  have  attained  the  age  of  twenty  four  years,  unless  specially 
recommended  thereto  by  the  Convention ;  nor  to  Deacon's  orders, 
until  he  shall  have  attained  the  age  of  twenty  one  years. 

XVI.  No  Bishop  of  another  church  shall  exercise  his  Episcopal 
authority  in  this  church  unless  in  case  of  the  vacancy  thereof,  or  at 
the  request  [302]  of  the  Bishop  of  this  Church  ;  &  then,  only  to 
Ordain  &  Confirm  ;  the  former,  in  case  of  a  vacancy,  at  the  request 
of  tliree  Clergymen,  &  the  latter,  by  desire  of  the  Clergyman  & 
Members  of  a  particular  Church. 

XVII.  The  Standing  Committee  shall  consist  of  three  Clergy- 
men, &  three  Lay  deputies,  to  be  elected  by  the  Convention,  who 
shall  have  the  power  mentioned  in  the  tenth  article,  &  also  power 
to  call  special  meetings  of  the  Convention  as  they  may  think  neces- 
sary, &  to  provide  a  suitable  place  for  the  assembling  thereof :  And 
no  business  shall  be  transacted  at  any  special  meeting  of  the  Con- 
ventions other  than  such  as  shall  be  mentioned  in  the  notification 
of  such  meeting. 

XVIII.  The  Constitution  shall  not  be  subject  to  alteration  in 
any  article,  except  at  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Convention  ;  nor 
unless  such  alteration  shall  have  been  proposed,  at  least,  one  meet- 
ing previous  to  its  adoption. 

At  the  said  convention  it  was  unanimously  resolved,  that  copies 


1790]  REV.    WILLIAM    BKNTLEY  209 

of  the  said  plan  of  a  Constitution  be  transmitted  to  the  several 
protestaut  episcopal  churches  in  this  commonwealth,  &  in  the  states 
of  New  hampshire  &  Rhode  island,  &  that  it  be,  &  hereby  is, 
reciommended  to  the  clergy  of  those  churohes  to  attend,  &  to  the 
congregations  respectively,  to  elect  one  or  more  lay  deputies  to  as- 
semble in  convention,  to  be  holden  in  Boston  in  the  county  of  Suf- 
folk, on  the  last  Tuesday  of  January  next,  &  that  the  said  deputies 
be  authorised,  in  behalf  of  their  respective  congregations,  to  agree 
upon,  &  by  &  with  the  consent  of  the  said  clergy  who  shall  be  then 
convened,  to  establish  the  said  Constitution  for  the  future  Govern- 
ment of  the  said  churches.  Edward  Bass,  President.  Attest,  Dud- 
ley Atkins  Tyng,  Secretary.  Printed  by  J.  Mycall  in  Newbury  Port, 
ripere  os  dentes  populi  incrementa  futuri. 

[303]  28.  In  conversation  with  a  Gentleman  of  property 
upon  his  motives  for  a  removal  to  Boston,  he  observed  that  the  in- 
ternal police  of  the  town  was  in  such  hands  as  to  render  it  a  dis- 
grace &  an  injury  to  be  an  inhabitant.  Such  are  the  consequences 
of  promoting  men  to  serve  the  interest  of  parties  or  merely  local 
motives.  Last  evening  shared  in  the  disgust  arising  from  opposing 
the  conversation  current  among  the  people  of  undervaluing  all  the 
institutions  of  civil  society.  The  subject  was  the  Militia.  The 
Horse  Brig,  now  Ship,  Capt  Roche,  sailed  this  day  for  London. 
The  property  of  E,  H.  Derby  Esq''.  Supped  with  the  celebrated  E. 
Gerry,  the  Anti  Fed :  &  our  member,  &  other  Gent,  at  Gen.  Fiske. 

29.  Two  Saws  used  by  the  Poor  from  the  Alms  house  since 
planting  time  have  sawed  450  cords  of  Wood  for  fuel  at  1/6  p"^  cord, 
112  1/2  Doll.  Last  evening  the  Shop  of  Fenno,  Hatter  near  Gen. 
Fiske's  was  broken  open,  &  a  quantity  of  Beaver  carried  oif . 

30.  M""  Rhodes  from  Lynn  assured  me  that  after  all  a  majority 
of  the  Church  were  for  a  mutual  council,  &  proceeded  to  a  vote  be- 
fore the  Parish  met,  &  then  did  chuse  a  Committee  to  join  a  Parish 
Committee  who  eight  out  of  ten  declared  a  mutual  Council  unneces- 
sary. The  report  is  to  be  made  next  Monday  to  the  respective 
Bodies,  &  the  event  cannot  be  foreseen.  [304]  M""  Very  moved  a 
Woodhouse  on  the  east  corner  of  his  land,  next  to  Mr  Ward's 
bounding  on  the  Common,  yesterday.  M''  Jacob  Crown  in  shield, 
who  sailed  in  Nichols'  employ,  arrived  from  Portsmouth,  which 
port  he  entered  from  Ostend. 

[Oct.]  31.  Sunday.  By  accounts  from  G.  Fiske's  family,  Han- 
nah, now  M*"*  Lee  of  Manchester,  was  the  woman  who  suffered  so 
severely  upon  a  preceding  Sabbath.  Sarah  Horton,  on  death  of  her 
husband.  Francis  Grant  &  wife,  death  of  Son  in  Law  &  Son  in 
law  at  Sea.  Samuel  Odell  &  wife,  continuance  for  him  sick.  James 
Colton  &  wife,  for  child  sick.  Widow  Susannah  Becket  very  sick. 
Was  visited  this  day  by  a  curious  Scotchman  who  several  years  ago 
came  into  this  country  &  preached  at  Marblehead,  &  afterwards 
settled  in  the  province  of  Maine.     After  being  in  the  country  for 


210  DIARY   OF  [1790 

sometime  he  married.  Letters  were  sent  from  a  former  wife  in 
Scotland,  who  after  seven  years  absence  has  visited  him.  He  at- 
tempts to  justify  himself,  but  from  the  state  of  facts  is  obliged  to 
leave  the  eastern  shore  &  is  on  his  passage  to  Carolina.  He  is  illit- 
erate, of  bad  address,  &  assumes  much  gravity.  He  sailed  this 
day  in  a  Schooner  belonging  to  Cap'  MacMillon  (Hill,  Master),  his 
name,  Elcott.     Service  morning  to  begin  at  1/2  past  10. 

[305]  November  1.  In  answer  to  a  letter  from  my  Father  re- 
specting the  marriage  of  my  oldest  Sister  on  Sunday  next,  I  wrote 
that  on  Monday  Nov""  8  I  could  attend.  She  is  a  pretty  girl  &  with 
good  management  might  have  secured  a  very  handsome  situation  in 
life.  I  am  now  a  stranger  to  her  chance  in  a  distant  country,  tho' 
the  distance  itself  is  in  my  mind  no  objection.     I  shall  see. 

2,  Last  night  was  drowned  a  M""  Jonathan  Neal,  Labourer.  He 
was  employed  upon  the  wharf  alone  in  his  business,  <&  by  some  un- 
known accident  fell  into  the  water.  He  was  found  floating  upon 
the  water  this  morning.  It  is  reported  that  he  left  Mansfield's 
shop  after  ten  o'clock.  This  is  a  noted  retail  shop,  which  has  been 
presented  for  gaming,  &  licentiousness.  Upon  information  at  M"" 
Luscombe's  it  seems  Neale  was  addicted  to  intemperance  &  fell  over 
the  wharf.  He  had  strayed  in  the  mud  10  feet  from  the  wharf  & 
was  found  standing  in  the  mud  in  an  inclined  position.  He  was 
66  years  old,  a  noted  Carter. 

3.  This  night  after  several  days  of  warm  southerly  weather 
came  on  a  storm  of  S.  E.  ly  rain  &  wind,  with  heavy  thunder  & 
very  sharp  lightening.  The  storm  began  about  1.10  o'clock  and 
did  not  abate  until  3  o'clock.  Between  10  &  11  I  returned  from 
husking  from  Twises. 

[306]  4.  An  example  of  a  man  destitute  of  natural  aifection 
has  lately  occured.  A  M'  Joseph  Moses  who  lived  in  the  next 
house  when  I  first  came  to  Salem,  was  a  Sail  maker  &  by  the  events 
of  the  war  became  a  merchant.  He  married  &  had  a  large  family 
of  children.  Since  the  peace  he  has  been  less  successful,  &  natur- 
ally indolent  he  left  labour,  public  worship,  but  still  preserving 
appearances  of  possessing  property,  till  the  death  of  his  wife  in 
1789.  He  then  left  Salem  &  went  to  Boston,  leaving  his  family  at  Sa- 
lem not  under  the  most  happy  regulations.  He  at  Boston  addressed  a 
M"  Campbell,  &  married  her,  living  upon  her  relations,  till  this 
fall,  when  he  proposed  to  her  to  come  to  Salem  &  take  his  children 
home  to  Boston.  While  she  was  here,  he  collected  all  his  property 
&  has  absconded.  The  eldest  Son,  who  is  lame,  &  been  idle  in  hopes 
of  being  put  into  business  is  already  an  object  of  charity.  Applica- 
tion has  been  made  to  the  Overseers  for  the  whole  family,  &  they 
will  be  cast  upon  the  public  charity.  The  wife  is  delivered  of  a 
child  at  Boston.  This  man  was  a  remarkable  Glutton  &,  in  all  the 
conduct  of  life  devoid  of  sensibility.  By  indulging  this  brutal 
character  he  has  degenerated  in  the  manner  mentioned.     The  char- 


1790]  REV.    WILLIAM   BBNTLET  211 

acter  of  his  father  was  noticed  at  his  death  several  years  ago,  & 
this  example  shews  the  fatal  effects  of  example  in  eating  as  well  as 
in  drinking.     There  is  another  son  not  much  better. 

5.  Reports  that  the  above  mentioned  Moses  has  been  pursuaded 
by  his  friends,  who  found  him  at  Providence,  to  return  to  Boston. 
Silsbee  near  the  meeting  house  raised  a  frame  adjoining  to  his  Store 
&  Dwelling  House.  Odell's  funeral  from  the  Test  House  was  with- 
out a  single  man  in  the  procession  but  myself.  A  M""  Fraser  came 
from  England  with  Cap'  Sleuman,  &  spent  part  of  last  evening  with 
me.  Buffington  at  School. 

6.  Our  Beef  could  not  find  a  market  such  was  the  plenty  in  the 
north  of  Europe. 

[Nov.]  7.  Notes.  Joshua  Dodge  &  wife  on  death  of  youngest 
child.  Lydia  Odell  &  Children,  death  of  her  husband.  Lydia 
Townsend,  safe  delivery,  Husband  &  Brethren  at  Sea. 

8.  With  intention  to  attend  my  Sister  Bettey's  marriage  I  went 
in  the  stage  for  Boston,  and  dined  with  the  family.  In  the  even- 
ing we  were  together  &  Rev"*  M""  Eliot  married  my  eldest  sister  to  a 
M""  Dawes,  belonging  to  the  interior  part  of  the  Country.  The 
evening  was  spent  agreably,  &  at  ten  I  went  to  Deacon  Ridgeway's 
with  whom  I  lodged.  The  man  appears  modest,  &  capable  of  doing 
well,  &  I  wish  his  success. 

[308]  9.  I  arose  early  &  visited  the  Monument  lately  erected 
upon  Beacon  hill.  It  is  just  capped  &  by  the  stages  I  was  prevent- 
ed an  examination  of  the  inscriptions.  It  is  upon  a  square  base,  & 
rises  above  thirty  feet.  It  is  judged  too  small.  I  then  visited  the 
new  Schools,  the  one  in  School  Street,  on  the  spot  where  the  old 
House  stood  below  the  Stone  Chapel,  in  which  the  Master  formerly 
resided,  &  the  School  above  the  Hollis  street  Meeting  House.  There 
is  an  area  in  the  middle  open,  the  benches  gradually  rise  on  each 
side,  and  the  rooms  are  spacious.  Their  are  Chambers  to  each,  but 
1  know  not  how  appropriated.  I  had  an  agreeable  interview  with 
M^  Freeman,  Clarke,  Everet,  &  Lathrop.  In  the  afternoon  I  re- 
turned to  Salem. 

[309]  In  the  Gazette  of  this  day  at  Salem  the  following  is  in- 
serted, "  M"^  Bimsley  Stevens,  Assistant  to  the  Marshall  of  Massa- 
chusetts, district  in  taking  a  Census  of  the  Inhabitants,  has  favored 
us  with  the  following  account  of  his  division." 


212 

DIAR^ 

OF 

[1790 

Towns.          Houses. 

Families. 

Free  white 
males  of 

16  years  & 
upwards 
including 
heads  of 
families. 

Free  white 

males  under 

16  years  of 

age. 

Free  white 

females 

including 

beads  of 

families. 

All 

other 

free 

persons. 

Total 
Inhabi- 
tants. 

Salem, 

928 

1493 

1845 

1710 

4106 

260 

7921 

Marblehead, 

618 

1104 

1265 

1326 

2982 

87 

5660 

Beverly, 

422 

637 

748 

733 

1751 

58 

3290 

Danvers, 

372 

460 

626 

486 

1279 

34 

2425 

Lynn, 

300 

404 

625 

614 

1136 

20 

2295 

Manchester, 

142 

196 

234 

204 

518 

9 

965 

Middleton, 

102 

119 

164 

140 

362 

16 

682 

Wenham, 

74 

92 

114 

109 

269 

10 

602 

Lynnfield, 

66 

82 

119 

108 

261 

3 

491 

3024       4587       6740       5330       12664       497       24231 

[311]  10.  The  Supreme  Judicial  Court  is  now  sitting  in  Town. 
Nothing  remarkable  has  yet  been  mentioned.  His  Excellency  James 
Bowdoin  was  to  be  buried  this  day  in  Boston. 

11.  This  day  a  Mr  Baldwin,  an  illiterate  Preacher,  is  to  be  or- 
dained at  Boston  over  the  Society  formerly  called  Boun[d]'s,  the 
second  Baptist  Society.  On  the  Occasion  the  New  North  Meeting 
House  is  to  be  used,  as  usual.  There  is  no  dinner  provided,  to  keep 
a  fast,  but  after  dinner  a  Collation  is  provided. 

12.  The  Story  of  the  Thief  in  Boston,  which  is  mentioned  at  p. 
294,  is  much  ridiculed  in  Boston.  The  Doctor's  credulity,  &  the 
character  of  the  Heroic  Lad,  with  a  humorous  account  of  a  Negro's 
dog,  furnish  matter  for  the  wits.  How  far  party  is  concerned  in 
this  matter  I  do  not  know.  It  is  reported  that  Sinclair  has  returned 
from  a  Guinea  voyage  with  the  loss  of  all  his  crew.  Notwithstand- 
ing the  laws  of  the  Commonwealth,  there  is  not  one  man  of  spirit 
to  stand  forth  &  make  enquiry  into  these  detestable  practices.  I 
am  informed  that  the  daring  wretch,  who  has  made  me  so  much  mis- 
chief, is  engaging  in  such  a  voyage. 

[312]  13.  A  very  pleasant  day,  I  went  in  at  Juniper  head  to  bathe, 
&  find  my  health  much  assisted  by  such  resolutions.  The  Supreme 
Court  continue  sitting  here  but  no  criminal  actions  are  brought. 

[Nov.]  14.  Sunday.  Notes.  Alice  Cotton,  continuance  of  Prayers 
for  Child  sick,  &  husband  at  Sea.  Elizabeth  Chipman  for  safe  de- 
livery, Husband  &  brethren  at  Sea.  Proclamation  read  for  thanks- 
giving. Cannot  entirely  \)e  free  from  the  perturbation  arising  from 
preaching  before  distinguished  characters,  imputed  to  neglect  of 
more  intimate  acquaintance  with  the  different  classes  of  men. 

16.  Incommoda  quae  ex  rebus  privatis  orta  sunt  dum  segrotarem, 
et  rogarem,  ut  quae  ad  usum  pertinent,  allatura  sint  respondet, 
nurum  tuam  evoces  cum  ad  me  venit  amicus,  nee  cajna  nee  rectum 
paratum  est.     Cocta  simt  quae  in  domo  sunt,  si  spoliata.     Nihil  con- 


5    -SS 


1790]  REV.  WILLIAM  BENTLEY  213 

venit,  et  ad  vicinos  ire  me  oportet  ut  obtinerem  omnia  praeter  ob- 
sonia.  Nemo  intrat  sa^pissime,  nisi  prius  quam  inimioitas  mecum 
habet.  Timeo  petere  aliquid,  nisi  in  \isum  meuni  honitur,  ex  vol- 
iintate  tyranni.  [313]  Qui  ad  me  veniunt,  non  viva  voce  loquuntur. 
Semper  vitia  sua  quaenmtur,  et  narrantur  niihi  in  invidiam  illos 
proferre.  Apparet  voluntas,  non  pacem,  sed  iras  afferre.  Qui  copj- 
itat  hoe  modo  de  rebus  suii,  felix  ex  sesse  potuit.  Exopto  causam 
inquirere.  Unde  venit.  Exanimo  res  privatas  e  quirente  et  dum 
qua?rit,  omnia  celata  observat  a  curatissime. 

16.  All  the  votes  for  Essex  District  were  1182, 1027  for  Mr  Good- 
hue. The  Hops  from  the  Town  of  Wilmington  have  produced  12,000 
dollars,  says  the  Gazette. 

17.  This  afternoon  came  on  the  case  of  Moriarty,  an  Irishman, 
before  the  Supreme  Court.  This  man  has  lived  sometime  in  Salem, 
&  Danvers,  &  after  suffering  imprisonment  was  taken  in  by  his 
daughter  in  law,  cloathed  &  fed  for  three  years.  Since  the  death 
of  her  husband  she  has  boarded  him,  without  any  returns.  Upon 
some  present  proposals  of  marriage  Moriarty  objected,  &  took  some 
steps  at  Law  to  recover  some  property  out  of  her  hands  upon  which 
she  brings  an  action  of  debt  [314]  for  boarding,  lodging,  washing 
&  loans  of  money  since  July,  1787,  amounting  to  106JB.  Moriarty 
against  her  brought  an  account  of  209£  charging  69£  for  the  use 
of  a  Cow,  beside  the  keeping,  32£  p*"  annum  for  doing  the  business 
of  a  woman  keeping  shop  of  a  stock  of  60  dollars,  &  other  things  in 
like  proportion.  Being  admitted  to  his  oath  of  original  entries  in 
his  petite  debt  book,  the  Court  gave  it  as  their  opinion  that  the 
whole  was  drawn  out  but  three  months  before,  from  the  dates  of  the 
charges,  uniformity  of  ink,  same  elegant  leisurely  writing,  the  agree- 
ment of  the  paper  with  paper  given  at  this  time  by  Esq""  Osgood,  by 
testimony  of  Auctioneer  &  Wharfinger  that  he  came  &  took  from  their 
Books  accounts  for  the  time  specified.  There  were  other  circumstances 
in  the  book  such  as  the  insertion  of  only  a  few  trifling  accounts  in  the 
whole  time,  with  different  ink  in  void  spaces  left  in  writing,  to  l)e 
judged  from  the  want  of  agreement  of  the  inserted  dates  with  the 
subsequent  ones.  Judge  Paine  delivered  the  Case  to  the  Jury  with 
a  just  degree  of  spirit,  &  pertinent  observations.  This  Moriarty 
has  imposed  upon  the  vulgar,  being  a  good  accountant,  with  a  pre- 
tended knowledge  of  law,  is  an  intemperate  man,  &  litigious,  &  a 
just  object  of  the  highest  public  punishment. 

[315]  18.  The  jury's  verdict  ag  :  Moriarty  was  75£  to  the  daugh- 
ter, &  he  is  to  pay  cost  of  suit.  Wrote  the  last  paragraph  of  an 
answer  to  a  Correspondent  in  the  Salem  Gazette,  signed  Civis.  The 
Opponent  is  Cleveland  of  Chebacco.  This  man  is  remarkable  for 
having  originated  the  most  severe  reply  ever  written  in  the  Coun- 
try from  I)""  Mayhew.  He  has  been  an  injury  to  all  our  churches, 
has  had  a  controversy  with  Foster  an  Anaba})tist,  &  was  the  Adver- 
sary of  I)""  Whitaker  in  the  disputes  at  Salem.  He  is  a  vile  antag- 
onist, because  nothing  can  hurt  him,  &  he  will  hesitate  at  nothing. 


214  DIARY   OF  [1790 

19.  The  Weather  has  continued  stormy  with  rain  three  days. 
John  Nesboth,  commonly  known  by  t)ie  name  of  Uncle  John,  of 
whose  death  we  had  an  account  by  Capt  Babbidge,  was  a  Scotchman. 
He  was  known  to  me  by  living  in  the  same  house  with  me  at  Bev- 
erley, Baker's  near  the  Meeting  House,  in  1782.  From  the  best 
accounts  I  can  obtain  of  him,  and  my  regard  for  him  has  induced 
me  to  make  the  fullest  enquiries,  he  was  [316]  born  in  Scotland, 
probably  in  Aberdeen.  His  parents  died  when  he  was  very  young, 
&  he  was  educated  by  an  Uncle,  He  was  early  an  apprentice  to  a 
London  Captain,  &  afterwards  came  to  America.  He  sailed  out  of 
Providence  sevieral  voyages,  &  from  Providence,  R.  Island  he  went 
to  Quebec.  Sailing  from  Quebec  in  1780  he  was  taken  by  the  Bru- 
tus, Privateer,  &  was  brought  to  Salem.  Early  in  1788  he  married 
in  Salem,  &  died  at  Port  au  Prince,  Oct.  14,  of  the  West  India  Flux, 
with  which  he  had  long  been  afflicted,  pet  48.  He  was  a  reserved, 
but  a  very  good  tempered  man.  Very  obliging,  diligent,  &  honest. 
Every  body  seemed  to  love  Uncle  John,  &  every  body  was  willing 
to  trust  him.  He  died  in  debt  to  no  man,  &  censured  by  no  man. 
Every  man  thought  Uncle  did  as  well  as  he  could,  &  that  he  was  a 
very  good  Sailor. 

20.  A  Concert  of  music  is  proposed  in  S'  Peter's  Church  to  be  on 
the  evening  following  thanksgiving.  Tickets  for  the  body  of  the 
Church  at  1/6.  The  object  is  the  repair  of  the  Organ,  which  is  now 
in  the  hands  of  a  D""  Leavitt.  The  Band  is  to  attend  from  Boston. 
Tickets  are  sent  to  the  Clergy,  for  whom  the  Altar  is  reserved. 
After  the  advice  of  D""  Price  &  other  dissenters,  it  is  singular  that 
on  a  day  of  devotion  we  should  be  so  weak  as  to  be  betrayed  into  a 
justification  of  an  act  against  [317]  the  practice  of  dissenters,  not 
only  to  hear  organs  in  a  Church,  but  to  go  on  thanksgiving  day  to 
pay  for  the  repairs  of  one  for  the  service.  This  is  beyond  Catholic. 
If  it  is  beneath  the  Pope  to  hear  organs  in  the  church,  there  might 
be  some  respect  to  heaven. 

[Nov.]  21.  Sunday.  MT  Thaddfeus  Mason  Harris,  preached  with 
me  the  whole  day.  Notes.  Thomas  Diman  &  Wife,  death  of  his 
daughter.  Abigail  Nesboth,  death  of  her  husband,  &  for  herself 
dang  :  sick.  Elizabeth  Ksehou,  death  of  child,  herself  dang  :  sick. 
Husband  at  Sea.  Ruth  Briggs,  her  safe  delivery.  Husband  &  sons 
at  Sea. 

22.  A  Baloon  Driver,  Wire  dancer,  &  Legerdemain  Irishman  and 
wife  are  to  exhibit  this  day  at  1/6,  &  /9  for  children.  The  Baloon 
passed  overhead  at  three  o'clock  towards  the  Harbour  into  which 
it  dropped.  Had  an  opportunity  this  evening  of  viewing  a  Carpet, 
woven  after  the  manner  of  the  Scotch  Carpet,  with  admirable  exe- 
cution. The  Lady's  name  is  Roche,  who  executed  it  in  her  own 
private  family. 

[318]  23.  Anecdote.  A  certain  woman  lost  her  servant,  declaring 
it  was  because  the  parson  had  expressed  his  suspicions  of  loosing 


1790]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  216 

money.  When  that  Servant  came  to  die  she  shew  the  most  singular 
attention  to  the  parson,  after  having  attended  his  place  of  worship. 
Quere  then  whether  the  report  was  not  slander  on  the  part  of  the 
mistress. 

Arcus  venit  ad  domiim  meum,  inquirent  an  intus  fini.  Non,  re- 
spondit  Mater  familias.  Cur  ilium  quseras?  Neptis  mea  morient 
ilium  videre  exoptat.  Non  morbo  delirat?  Vero,  sed  ilium  cogitat. 
Itine  narrat  invida,  veranam  me  invitasse.  Dum  vero  ad  illam 
profectus  erara  ad  sepulturam  filioli,  et  cum  ilia  collocutus  familiari- 
ter,  antiquam  periculum  vitae  appropinquaret. 

The  Company  of  Beverley  Militia  turned  out  yesterday,  and  are 
to  have  their  principal  training,  as  it  is  called,  on  friday. 

[319]  24.  A  very  plentiful  market.  Raisins  /6  p'  lb.  Beef  /2i  to 
2^««  .  Veal  /S**.  Mutton  /2^*>.  Fowls  I7.  Geese  2^1.  Turkies 
/4*.     Flour  p'  B.  367.     Pork  /S''.     Butter   /9*.     Milk  p'   Q./2''. 

25.  Thanksgiving  through  the  State.  The  Contribution  exceeded 
£13,  0,  0.  The  concert  this  evening  proved  very  much  a  catch  penny 
affair.  A  Funeral  of  a  young  woman  this  evening  for  the  first  time 
in  my  life. 

26.  Was  the  general  training  at  Beverly.  The  affair  respecting  a 
division  of  the  Regiment  is  now  before  the  Council  of  State.  Bev- 
erly. Danvers,  Topsfield,  Middleton  made  a  regiment.  Cape  Ann  is 
established  independant  of  Manchester.  Beverly  &  Manchester 
join  in  a  petition  to  be  one  Regiment,  &  were  permitted  to  appear 
together  under  arms.  [320]  This  day  three  Companies  in  Beverly 
&  two  from  Manchester  appeared  on  the  parade,  comprehending 
rank  &  file  above  400  men.  They  were  reviewed  by  Col  Abbot,  & 
inspected.  Gen  Fiske  was  on  the  parade.  At  one  a  very  elegant 
dinner  was  prepared  in  a  Brick  House  opposite  the  Meeting  House, 
in  an  upper  unfinished  story,  now  belonging  to  the  Hon.  N.  Dane. 
IVIerriment  preceeded.  After  two  we  returned  to  the  parade,  &  had 
the  usual  evolutions,  firings,  &c.  The  day  closed  very  agreably. 
I  returned  before  night.  The  Standard  of  Manchester  was  new. 
White  silk,  with  the  arms  of  the  State  in  the  center  with  a  wreath. 
The  Beverly  Standard  was  red,  with  a  dark  brown  quarter  with 
stars,  ordinary.  The  day  was  very  cold,  yet  many  persons  of  both 
sexes  were  together.  The  toasts  were  drank  quick  after  each  other, 
which  prevented  intoxication,  &  had  the  fault  of  being  too  long. 
The  attendance  of  the  Gentlemen  was  general.  Above  100  persons 
dined  at  the  table  above  stairs.  Capt  Homans  &  Francis  of  Bever- 
ley were  known  to  me,  Capt  Francis  was  in  command  for  the  day. 
M*"  Gould  formerly  of  Salem  acted  as  Major.  The  Commissioned 
Officers  were  in  uniform,  the  Subalterns  not.  The  uniform  was  red. 
Their  firings  were  good,  &  the  men  in  excellent  order. 

[321]  27.  The  first  Snow  fell  this  afternoon,  &  continued  through 
the  night. 

[Nov.]  28.  Sunday.  Notes.  Sarah  Vanderford,  on  death  of  Sister 


216  DIARY  OF  [1790 

Kehou,  &  for  Brother  at  Sea.  Very  deep  snow,  &  thin  Assembly. 
Delivered  some  lessons  respecting  the  excuses  for  staying  from 
Church. 

29.  Had  a  visit  from  Rev**  Clarke.  Report  that  Cleveland  has 
sounded  an  alarm  respecting  Cocinianism.  In  this  case  it  is 
impossible  to  forget  the  Shoemaker  in  Friar  Gerundio. 

30.  In  M""  Cabot's  Garden  at  Wolfsboro,  in  a  Turnip  Yard,  of  less 
than  1/2  an  acre,  485  bushels  of  Turnips  were  produced  of  an  ex- 
cellent quality.  The  Pass  at  the  White  mountains  at  the  narrowest 
place  measm-es  but  22  feet  between  two  perpendicular  rocks. 

[322]  December  1.  Letter  of  consent  to  M''  Freeman  to  preach  on 
Christmas  day. 

2.  Last  night  the  Store  of  Capt  W""  Marston  was  broken  open,  & 
the  goods  taken  to  the  amount  of  several  pounds.  M''  Parsons  of 
Lynn  with  me  informing  me  that  a  mutual  council  was  chosen  by  the 
church,  non-concurred  by  the  Parish  &  was  to  set  on  Tuesday  next. 

3.  Rain  upon  our  Snow  to  distroy  sleding. 

[323]  4.  No  person  had  arrived  from  Boston  this  day  at  three 
o'clock.  De  Symphonia  sacra  in  Ecclesia  anglicana.  Homo  re- 
diens  ab  ecclesia,  iracunde  exclamavit,  deceptus  sum,  nil  valet, 
dicit  sub  minister,  dum  nos  obtinemus.  A  Brig  entering  this  Port 
in  the  late  Snow  storm  foimd  the  Londoner  Rock  within  the  length 
of  the  vessel,  &  escaped. 

[Dec]  5.  Sunday.  Very  Cold.  Alice  Cotton,  death  of  child, 
Husband  &  Brother  at  Sea.  Judith  Jeffry  for  safe  delivery,  death 
of  her  child,  &  husband  &  brethren  at  Sea.  This  day  sailed  another 
Guinea  man  commanded  by  one  Grafton,  a  man  of  contemptible 
character.  It  is  said  to  be  the  property  of  Jos.  White,  Stone,  Waters, 
&  the  former  master  one  Sinclair.  Capt  Marston  has  detected  one 
Ned  Dalton  with  the  effects  taken  from  his  store  last  Wednesday 
night,  &  he  is  in  custody.  This  is  an  intimate  of  Moriarty  &  one  of 
the  adherents  of  Thayer  in  his  late  visit  to  this  Town.  M"^  Curtis 
duned  me  for  the  Contribution  or  sum  to  be  paid  for  the  singing. 

[324]  6.  Very  cold  weather,  glasses  below  0  in  the  morning.  Sev- 
eral persons  have  broken  limbs  from  the  Ice  in  the  Streets  such  as 
one  Flood,  Liscombe,  &  one  woman  named  Peese. 

7.  I  went  for  Lynn  to  attend  the  Council  to  be  convened  in  that 
place  this  day.     The  members  were  from 

North  Parish  in  Reading,     Rev**  Stone,  Del.  Deac.  Eaton. 

Lynntield,  Rev''  Mottey,  Deacon  Bancroft. 

N.  C.  in  Salem,  Rev**  Bernard,  Col.  Pickman. 

Old  C.  in  Marblehead,  Rev^  Hubbard,  &  Col.  Orne. 

First  C.  in  Danvers,  Rev**  Wadsworth,  Judge  Holten. 

First  C.  in  Beverley,  Rev**  M^Kean. 

C.  in  Wenham,  not  represented. 

The  charges  were  produced,  &  defended  by  Esq"^  Carnes  in  a 
most  blundering  manner.     The  first  was  of 


1790]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  217 

I.  A  very  free  use  of  spirituous  Liquor.  This  was  put  off  in 
want  of  evidence.  The  evidence  in  behalf  of  the  accused,  was  very 
full. 

II.  Out  late  of  night,  &  very  late.  This  proof  laid  upon  the 
friends  of  the  accused  &  was  very  favorable  to  the  Accused. 

III.  Light  &  airy  company.  This  put  off  for  a  M"^  Johnson  to 
prove,  whose  indisposition  forbid  his  personal  attendance  upon  the 
council. 

IIII.    Neglect  of  sober  people ;  not  supported. 

V.  Neglect  of  study ,  sermons,  &c.  obviated  by  his  keeping  school, 
&c.,  &  excused  [325]  from  the  want  of  any  direct  proof. 

8.  VI.  The  only  charges  of  any  weight  were  those  from  indecent 
freedoms  with  women.  All  the  Accusers  had  given  written  declar- 
ations to  Esq*^  ('arnes,  the  knowledge  of  which  was  not  communica- 
ted to  the  Accused,  &  therefore  were  referred  to  the  discretion  of 
the  Council  unreservedly.  The  declaration  of  D.  Tarbox  was  set 
aside  by  her  own  attestation  to  the  innocence  in  her  belief  of  the 
accused,  of  ill  intention.  The  other  evidence  of  women  refusing  to 
appear  unless  before  the  Coimcil,  &  Committees.  I  was  excluded 
from  a  hearing,  but  am  told  by  the  parties  that  M"  Johnson  deposed 
the  Accused  did  forcibly  draw  her  into  his  lap  and  kiss  her.  A  M" 
Allen  that  he  kissed  her  also  in  a  very  free  manner,  &  a  M"  Atwell 
was  ready  to  attest  to  her  writing  at  her  own  house,  that  he  saluted 
her  &  in  a  very  few  days  afterwards  came  to  make  an  apology,  when 
she  enquired  of  him  what  had  given  him  suspicions  of  her  character. 
A  Patty  Hood  appeared  &  declared  that  in  his  visit  to  M"  Hannah 
Kneeland,  a  woman  of  declared  infarae,  that  he  embraced  her  in  a 
lustful  manner.  The  council  had  chosen  a  Committee  to  wait  upon 
[326]  IVP  B  Johnson,  who  is  a  principal  complainant  in  this  affair, 
&  iipon  this  resolution  I  retired  toward  home,  &  arrived  at  Thursday 
evening.  The  friends  of  the  accused  wished  to  have  a  Clergyman 
to  speak  in  their  behalf,  but  the  Council  declined  unless  more  im- 
mediate occasion  should  appear.  I  dined  at  Ballard's  &  Capt  Rob- 
ertson's &  lodged  with  M''  Hubbard  at  M''  Parson's.  Col  Orne  dis- 
tinguished himself  on  the  occasion  by  pertinent  observations,  & 
keep*  the  parties  to  the  points  debated,  &  all  scurrility  was  cautious- 
ly avoided  on  both  sides.  Points  agitated,  whether  confidential  con- 
versation could  be  in  proof  ?  Refused  because  it  precluded  all  hopes 
of  private  adjustments  in  Churches.  A  long  debate  about  deposi- 
tions, &  declarations.  Some  attempts  were  made  to  criminate  upon 
account  of  some  ridiculous  stories  told  in  jovial  (conversation,  but 
the  stories  being  traced  to  D*"  Appleton  of  Cambridge  and  lieing  rec- 
olected  by  the  Council,  the  repetition  of  them  was  forbidden.  D"" 
Holten  spake  clearly  on  the  subject  of  evidence,  &  the  young  people 
of  the  parish  were  waiting  with  great  anxiety  to  have  the  light  & 
airy  company  defined,  &  persons  pointed  out. 

[327]  9. 1  find  in  my  absence  that  the  Selectmen  &  Overseers 


218  DIARY   OF  [1790 

have  in  this  cold  season  made  a  full  examination  of  all  Grogshops, 
Negrohouses,  &  poor  &  suspicious  houses,  &  that  all  vagrants,  as 
well  as  unsupplied  poor  they  immediately  sent  to  the  Charity  House. 

10.  Air  very  moderate  like  rain.  The  glass  has  been  in  the 
morning  of  this  cold  time  below  0.  M""  Briggs  attended  the  singing 
this  evening  to  whom  we  told  the  disingenuous  conduct  of  M'"  Cur- 
tis &  which  he  in  appearance  reprobated,  denying  that  any  part  of 
it  originated  from  his  instigation.     Singing  Club  full. 

11.  Proposui,  me  iturum  cum  uxore  C.  S.  ad  medicum  apud  an  ut 
de  arte  medica  accipisent  ilia  remedicum  pro  clauditate.  Longo 
post  tempore,  mihi  dixit  ilia,  absente  marito,  se  me  cum  aliis  mulier- 
ibus,  suis  impensis  ad  an  portaturam,  redienteme,  illo  die,  quo  dis- 
ceda?mus.  Recusavi  pro  his  causis.  Multam  timorem  panice 
ostendisse  me  culpa  oriretur  propter  familiaritatem  cum  clero,  et 
quia  mihi  oportet  cum  f(Bmina  solvere  quae  itinere  debentur. 

[828]  M""  Ballard,  one  of  the  Parish  Committee  at  Lynn  came  to 
my  house  &  gave  me  the  following  account  of  the  result.  The  Comm. 
of  Council  waited  upon  M''  B.  Johnson  who  utterly  disowned  any 
personal  knowledge  of  the  affairs,  &  M''^  Atwell  refused  to  appear. 
M""  Parsons  plead  that  in  the  affair  of  M''"  Johnson  he  meant  only 
innocent  freedom,  &  Friend  Hussey  attested  that  she  had  said  to 
him,  that  she  thought  so.  Burrill's  evidence  that  M""  Parsons  had 
talked  lightly  of  preaching  for  a  maintainance  was  confronted  by 
two  Friends,  M''  &  M''*  Coleman,  and  upon  the  whole  the  Council 
unanimously  concluded  that  no  charges  were  supported,  excepting 
levities  with  the  women,  &  resulted  that  for  them  he  ought  to  ask 
pardon  of  the  Parish,  &  be  more  circumspect  for  the  future.  Errors 
in  the  above  Council.  Facta  non  exhibita  inter,  &c.  or  Charges  ad- 
mitted not  specified  in  the  Bill  of  Charges  by  the  aggrieved,  upon 
Apology,  by  consent  of  parties.  Errors  in  the  Bill,  only  General 
Charges,  want  of  witnesses,  &  fourteen  days  to  confront.  This  not 
blamed  by  Council.  Admission  of  Witnesses,  because  female,  to 
swear  only  in  presence  of  parties.  [329]  This  is  a  dangerous  prec- 
edent in  favor  of  bad  women,  &  may  have  serious  consequences,  & 
may  })revent  a  public  hearing.  The  Censure  being  formed  upon  a 
less  fault  than  was  charged,  without  a  declaration  that  the  charges 
were  not  proved,  &  the  aggrieved  reprehended.  These  are  great 
faults.  Less  errors  in  allowing  the  aggrieved  to  censure  characters 
not  named  even  in  hearsay  evidence,  such  as  light  characters. 

In  admitting  a  charge  of  intemperance  or  free  use  of  spirituous 
liquors,  as  an  extra  charge,  «fc  then  not  condemning  the  want  even 
of  a  specific  hearsay  charge  of  fact.  In  not  reproving  the  contradic- 
tion of  the  advocate  for  the  party,  having  been  a  Minister,  when  he 
asserted  upon  his  memory  the  repetition  of  sermons  in  public  deliv- 
ery, without  one  example  adduced. 

The  hesitation  upon  an  opinion  whether  secret  charges,  should 
have  an  hearing,  &  suffering  them  to  be  left  at  the  discretion  of 
the  Council,  when  private  conferences  were  excluded. 


1790]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  219 

A  Committee  of  Council  rather  than  a  Justice  of  the  peace  taking 
evidence  of  a  person  unable  to  attend,  being  a  precedent  giving  ad- 
vantage to  a  party  in  a  council  to  report,  as  well  as  examine  when 
not  impartial. 

[330]  Obliging  the  Minister  to  confess  an  imprudence,  which  fol- 
lowed a  rash  censure,  without  a  warning  against  defamation  &  so 
throwing  the  blame  of  party  upon  indiscreet  actions. 

Acting  upon  a  mistaken  prudence  in  putting  it  in  the  power  of 
an  offended  party  to  obtain  a  public  censure  upon  a  man,  if  any 
kind  of  charge  can  directly  or  indirectly  be  made  out  against  him 
in  the  course  of  an  examination  before  the  world. 

Acting  partially  by  making  the  charges  in  evidence  private,  &  the 
world  room  to  suspect,  &  making  defence  public. 

By  obliging  a  man  to  consent  to  any  premature  enquiry  to  avoid 
the  suspicion  of  fear  least  he  wished  to  shun  investigation. 

In  proposing  that  a  Minister  without  a  delegate  should  have  a 
full  vote  as  organised  to  represent  a  Church. 

In  not  taking  up  the  irregular  introduction  of  the  controversy,  by 
disturbing  public  worship,  by  a  public  censure. 

In  not  censuring  a  Church  Officer,  for  neglecting  his  place  in  the 
Church  without  consent  of  the  brethren. 

Many  such  errors  attended  this  Coimcil,  deserving  their  atten- 
tion. [331]  Vir,  qui  symphoniam  Ecclesiae  direxit,  conatur  pecu- 
niam  a  me  accipere  dando,  mandatum  alteri  in  negotio. 

Dec.  12.  Sunday.  Very  rainy  day.  A  Coaster  ashore  on  Fort 
Point.  Families  on  board  were  taken  ashore.  Notes.  Jonathan 
Mason  &  wife  &  children  for  him  dangerously  sick,  &  for  his  sons 
at  Sea,  &  a  Son  at  a  distance.  Contribution  duriug  M''  Curtis'  sett- 
ing in  the  seats  amounted  to  &6,  2,  2. 

13.  The  reviewers  English  remark  that  there  is  not  one  regular 
Book  store  north  of  New  York,  or  South  of  Philadelphia  «&  Balti- 
more. That  the  great  advance  upon  Books  in  the  Southern  states 
shews  that  the  progress  of  knowledge  cannot  be  distinguishing. 

14.  An  Instance  of  Burying  an  aged.  &  corpulent  person,  Old 
Capt.  Jones,  on  a  sled,  drawn  by  an  horse,  to  prevent  slipping  upon 
the  ice.  A  practice  usual  in  a  country  town.  W  Carnes,  who 
formerly  married  the  eldest  Daughter  of  Richard  Derby  Esq'  longo 
post  tempore,  in  portum  venitin  navigio,  Jon*  Ingersoll,  miserandus. 

[332]  15.  Received  from  Hon.  Goodhue  an  etching  of  Gen. 
Washington  with  a  very  polite  note,  desiring  my  acceptance.  I  re- 
plied that  1  hoped — it  would  maintain  the  remembrance  of  the 
integrity  &  merit  of  the  representative  of  Essex.  It  was  performed 
by  a  Son  of  the  celebrated  M'^  Wright,  remarkable  for  her  Wax- 
work. 

16.  Put  up  at  Robertson's  an  administration.  Papers  privately 
circulated  to  be  shewn  only  to  the  holders  of  the  State  &  other  Se- 
curities to  encourage  a  petition  for  the  recovery  of  full  interest, 


220  DIARY   OF  [1790 

against  the  present  adjustment.     It  has  the  appearance  of  faction 
and  may  terminate  in  great  evils. 

17.  Last  night  departed  from  life  Old  Grandame  Whitefoot, 
above,  one  hundred  years  old,  being  christened  in  1690,  among  other 
children  of  the  same  parents,  &  then  not  the  youngest.  She  was 
very  small  of  stature,  small  face,  quick  temper,  but  soon  reconciled. 
Always  singing  &  dancing,  not  modest  in  her  conversation,  &  aimed 
at  jocose  wit.  Her  whole  habit  was  thin,  &  nothing  made  a  deep 
impression  on  her  mind.  She  was  addicted  to  Smoaking  which 
easily  intoxicated  her,  »&  rendered  [333]  her  troublesome.  She 
went  abroad  till  nearly  the  time  of  her  death,  &  she  sunk  away  in 
insensibility.  She  was  a  woman  who  neglected  reading  altogether, 
&  for  many  years  public  worship,  but  never  professed  an  aversion, 
but  a  carelessness.  These  facts  have  come  within  my  own  knowl- 
edge. 

18.  Further  means  of  ascertaining  the  age  of  Mary  Whitefoot. 
Aunt  Bridget  her  sister  died  at  Kettle's,  near  Derby's  farm  above 
thirty  years  ago.  She  was  20  years  older  than  Mary.  aet.  92. 
Note.  Kettle  married  Aunt  Bridget's  daughter  afterward  the 
Wife's  mother  of  S.  Williams.  The  age  of  her  Daughter  Tozzer, 
who  is  above  60,  &  was  born  after  her  father's  Whitefoot's  death, 
who  lived  with  Mary  ten  years,  &  Mary  was  married  late  in  life, 
after  thirty.  Sister  Bridget  was  of  full  age  in  1692  &  went  to  see, 
&  converse  with  the  witches  &  was  present  at  their  execution. 
Mary  was  of  reputed  age  with  Aunt  Hodges,  who  was  eleven  years 
older  than  Aunt  Crowninshield,  &  the  last  born  in  1700.  Her  age 
even  to  herself  unknown. 

[334]  [Dec]  19.  Sunday.  Very  cold.  Elizabeth  Miller  for  her 
delivery.  Husband  &  Brethren  at  Sea  Capt.  Mason's  mother  died 
aged  92,  eight  years  since,  &  she  said  Mary  Webb,  alias  Whitefoot, 
was  older  than  her  sister  Tyler,  who  was  3  years  older  than  she  was. 

20.  Ivit.  M.  S.  ad  And.  comitata  cum  Matre,  et  Sorore  sua  in 
vehiculo  N.  Recusa  videre  salutem  amicis  in  vico  illo  viventibus, 
ne  faveam  illis,  qui  sua  voluutate  sperant  se  habere,  dum,  &c. 
Exaudivi  hodie,  tiliam  sororis  J.  W.*  quo  cum  iras  habui  de  col- 
loquiis  profanis,  &  factis  immodestis,  post  promissum  matrim  ;  re- 
jectam  esse  a  viro  pro  mitten te.  W.  se  habet  caute,  non  iracunde 
sicut  antequam  se  gessit.  Amici  puellae  iras  cuntur,  et  minantur 
valde.  Puella  dicetur  opportuni  stultitiam  esse  se  tradere  viro,  qui 
recusavit  fieminam  nihilo,  nisi  divitiis  egentem.  Et  semit  lacrima- 
biliter,  sed  glorise  fructus  habebit. 

[335]  21.  Rediit  Juvenis,  et  suam  culpam  confessus,  in  favorem 
restitutus  est.  Et  mulier  ad  domum  rediit  sub  nocte  ejusdem  diei. 
In  the  Gazette  is  a  printed  account  from  a  D""  Wilkins  of  the  re- 
covery of  a  drowned  person,  supposed  to  have  been  in  the  water,  at 
least  one  hour,  &  after  a  continued  experiment   of   an    hour   &   a 

*Betsy  Cooke,  daughter  of  a  siater  of  Mrs.  Joseph  White. 


1790]  REV.    WILLIAM    BENTLEY  221 

quai'ter,  after  the  dii-eetions  of  the  humane  Society,    i)ul)lished    by 
their  authority.     It  happened  at  Stratliani  in  New  Hampshire. 

22.  Further  account  of  Mary  Whitefoot.  Sarah  Manning  died 
aet.  92,  eleven  years  ago,  &she  always  said  of  the  two,  Auut  White- 
foot  was  oldest.  Et  ad  Finem  hujus  Tomi  advenio.  Mihi  interest 
maxima  cura  observare  quae  occnirrunt.  Nee  iu  pacem  couducit 
uUa  res,  quam  constanter  cousiteri  Deum,  et  in  sua  providentia  con- 
fidere.     Mihi  sola  tidelitas,  Deo  Actio. 

Ages  of  the  Family  in  which  I  first  lived  iu  Salem,  as  given  1814. 

Mary  Elkins,  73,  on  3  Oct.  181:3. 

Her  Sou  Henry,  53,  ou  4  July,  1813. 

Her  d.  Mary,  48,  ou  14  Ap.  1814. 

Her  d.  Mary,  married  J.  Winn   (Joseph)  who  was  62,   on  22 
Sept.,  1813. 

Mary's  children  by  A.  Sleuman. 

Andrew,  20,  27  Dec,  1814. 

Mary,  18,  17  July,  1814. 

Mr.  Winn's  children  by  former  wife. 

S.  daughter,  21,  4  July,  1814. 

E.  d.,  14,  30  June,  1814. 

Joseph,  18,  S***  Dec,  1813. 

John,  15,  7  Nov.,  1813. 
Mary  of  John  &  Anstis  Crown  in  shield,  was  baptised  Oct.   12, 

1740. 
Hannah  of  Samuel  &  Deborah  Carlton,   bapt.    28    July,    1734, 

with  whom  I  lived  in  1814. 


DIARY 

of 

EEV.  WILLIAM  BENTLEY 

December  23,  1790— May  13,  1792. 


[The  manuscript  is  numbered  Volume  XIX,  and  the  original 
pagination  is  here  shown  within  brackets.] 

[1]  A  Census  of  the  Town  of  Salem  being  taken  by  the  federal 
Government  in  1790,  as  it  was  by  the  State  in  1786,  I  obtained  the 
papers  of  report  to  ascertain  the  number  of  persons  supposed  to  be- 
long to  the  East  Meeting  House.  By  the  best  computation  from 
the  Census  of  1785,  the  number  of  persons  supposed  to  worship  in 
the  East  Meeting  House  was  1097,  by  the  Census,  in  and  belonging 
to  Families  worshipping  in  the  East  Meeting  House,  1277.  The 
Census  of  1785  was  taken  in  six  columns,  denoting  number  of  wid- 
ows &  ages  by  16,  30,  60,  70,  100  years.  The  Census  of  1790  was 
taken  in  five  columns,  properly  three,  because  the  fourth  called  free 
and  all  other  persons  included  only  negroes,  &  the  fifth  of  slaves 
must  be  empty.  The  first  Column  includes  all  males  above  16 
years.  The  second  includes  all  males  under  16  years.  The  third 
women  of  all  ages,  the  whole  sex.  These  numbers  for  convenience 
are  combined,  to  avoid  columns,  excepting  only  when  the  number 
amounts  to  ten,  &  then  marked  by  commas.  The  Letter  P.  denotes 
proprietors  in  the  House,  &  The  Letter  H.  holding  seats  under 
assessments.  The  Letter  F.  denotes  a  freehold.  House,  &c.  The 
Letter  C.  denotes  Commander  of  a  vessel.  The  Letter  M.  denotes 
Military  Command ;  letters  before  M.  initials  of  the  Commission. 
The  Letter  S.  denotes  Street  &  L.  Lanes,  such  as  cross  the  Town.* 

[2]  LIST  OF  FAMILIES,  &c. 

Archer,  John,  513.  H.  C.  Mariner. 

Archer,  Samuel,  222.  H.  Barber. 

B.  S.  Andrews,  Abigail,  002.  F.  Widow. 

Archer,  James,  212.  Shoemaker. 

B.  S.  Archer,  Jonathan,  seu"^  136.  F.  P.  Barber. 

B.  S.  Ashbey,  Thomas,  200.  F.  H.  C.  Mariner. 

B.  S.  Archer,  Jonathan  tert:  126.  F.  H.  Barber. 

D.  S.  Allen,  Edward,  344.  F.  P.  C.  Mariner. 

"See  page  227  for  names  of  streets  and  lanes. 

222 


1790] 


REV.    WILLIAM    BENTLEY 


223 


B.  S.  Andrew,  Mary,  012.  F.  P. 

Archer,  Haiinab,  002. 

M.  L.  Archer,  Jonathan  jun"',  236.  F.  P. 

tBurrell,  AkUn,  113.  U. 

Brown,  Benjamin  jun"",  201.  H. 

G.  Boardnian,  Francis,  137.  F.  P. 

B.  S.  Babbidge,  Susanna,  005.  F.  P. 

Babbidge,  Christopher,  213.  H. 

B.  S.  Bray,  John,  301.  F.  H. 

B.  S.  Burrell,  Mansfield,  306.  F.  P. 

W.  L.  Bowditeh,  Mary,  203.  F.  P. 

W.  L.  Briggs,  Johnson,  173.  F.  H. 

Burns,  Hannah,  024. 

M.  L.  Byrne,  Clifford,  221.  F.  H. 

B.  S.  Bates,  Mary,  113.  F. 

[3]  B.  W.  L.  Brown,  William,  116.  F.  P. 

Babbidge,  John,  111. 

B.  L.  Becket,  Mary,  512.  F. 

Becket,  James,  114.  H. 

E.  L.  Batoon,  John,  412.  F. 

B.  L.  Becket,  John,  235.  F.  P. 

M.  H.  L.  Brown,  James,  214.  F.  H. 

Bateman,  Michael,  112.  H. 

T.  L.  Beadle,  Lydia,  043.  F. 

Berry,  John  jun"",  112. 

Batten,  Aaron,  102.  H. 

Brown,  Joseph,  112.  H. 

D.  L.  Berry,  John  sen-",  111.  F.  P. 

D.  L.  Berry,  Abigail,  002.  F.  P. 

Brown,  Nancy,  104. 

Beane,  Ester,  001. 

Brown,  Jonathan,  112. 

Burchmore,  John,  111. 

Burrows,  iVIary,  023. 

T.  L.  Batten,  Mary,  001.  F.  P. 

[4]  t  Coombs,  Abigail,  213. 

C.  Chever,  Samuel,  213.  F.  H. 

C.  Chever,  Benjamin,  115.  F.  H. 

B.  S.  Crowninshield,  Benjamin,  116.  F.  P. 

fCotton,  William,  101.  H. 

Cloutman,  Hannah,  113. 

B.  S.  Collins,  John  sen"",  133.  F. 

tChipman,  Thomas,  122.  H. 

B.  W.  L.  Clarke,  Margaret,  014.  F. 

Cloutman,  Stephen,  142. 

Collins,  James  jun"",  122. 

D.  S.  Crowninshield,  George,  524.  F.  P. 


Widow. 

Widow. 

Philom  : 

Carpenter. 

C.  M.  Tanner. 

C.  Mariner. 

Widow. 

C.  Mariner. 

Shoemaker. 

Carpenter. 

Widow. 

C.  Mariner. 

Widow. 

C.  Mariner. 

Widow. 

Tanner. 

Boat  Builder. 

Widow. 

L.  M.  Ship  Builder. 

C.  Mariner. 

C.  M.  Boat  Builder. 

E.  M.  Trader. 

Mariner. 

Widow. 

Mariner. 

Mariner. 

C.  Mariner. 

C.  Mariner. 

Shopkeeper. 

Widow. 

Widow. 

Carpenter. 

C.  Mariner. 

Widow. 

Widow. 

Widow. 

C.  Mariner. 

Tanner. 

C.  Mariner. 

Mariner. 

Widow. 

Mariner. 

C.  Mariner. 

Widow. 

Ship  Carpenter. 

Shoemaker. 

C.  Mariner. 


224 


DIARY  OF 


[1790 


T.  L.  Collins,  John,  jun',  155.  F.  P. 

tM.  H.  L.  Collins,  John  tert.  122.  F. 

Crispin,  William,  106. 

Crookshanks,  Joseph,  132. 

B.  S.  Clearage,  James,  104.  F. 

Curtis,  Abigail,  002. 

Collins,  Mary,  001. 

B.  S.  Chever,  James,  107.  F.  H. 

B.  S.  Cooke,  William,  113.  F.  H. 

tCotton,  James,  111. 

Cloutman,  Daniel,  102. 

[5]  Creeley,  James,  113. 

Clarke,  Elizabeth,  013.  H. 

Carroll,  James,  115. 

N.  Cloutman,  Benjamin,  124.  F. 

D.  S.  Dodge,  Joshua,  226.  F.  H. 

M.  H.  L.  Dean,  Benjamin,  214.  F.  H. 

Dale,  John,  111. 

N.  Diman,  Thomas,  101.  F.  P. 

D.  S.  Dean,  Thomas,  315.  F.  H. 

Dean,  Polly,  002. 

B.  S.  Elkins,  Mary,  101.  F.  P. 

B.  S.  Elkins,  Henry,  113.  F.  P. 

tEdwards,  John,  202. 

B.  S.  English,  Philip,  213.  F. 

English,  Andrew,  102. 

Eulin,  Edward,  122. 

Foot,  Samuell,  113. 

Fairfield,  Rebecca,  025, 

Franks,  Joseph,  112. 

t  French,  Joshua,  223.  H. 

t Forbes,  John,  122. 

tW.  L.  Elkins,  Sarah,  111.  F.  P. 

[6]  D.  S.  Fiske,  John,  219.  F.  P. 

Foye,  William,  145. 

B.  L.  Fairfield,  John,  245.  F. 

tGreenwood,  Elizabeth,  004.  P. 

B.  Grant,  Francis,  111.  F. 

tGrant,  Francis  jun',  102. 

Gale,  Annee,  003. 

Gould,  Jonathan,  102. 

Gill,  Priscilla,  007.  F. 

B.  S.  Gibaut,  Edward,  203.  F.  P. 

Gunnison,  John,  122. 

Gaines,  Josiah,  102,  H. 

Gale,  Martha,  322. 

Gardiner,  Benjamin,  101.  H. 


C.  Mariner. 

Mariner. 

Labour  e. 

Mariner. 

Ship  Carpenter. 

Widow. 

Widow. 

C.  Mariner. 

Taylor. 

Mariner. 

Labourer. 

Mariner. 

Widow. 

Labourer. 

Carpenter. 

Merchant. 

C.  Mariner. 

Distiller. 

Fisherman. 

0.  Mariner. 

Widow. 

Widow. 

C.  Mariner. 

Mariner. 

Sexton. 

Labourer. 

Mariner. 

Mariner. 

Widow. 

Labourer. 

(Jarter. 

Mariner. 

Widow. 

Merchant.  General  M. 

Ropemaker. 

Carpenter. 

Shopkeeper. 

Fisherman. 

Mariner. 

Widow. 

Labourer. 

School  Mistress. 

C.  Mariner. 

Ship  Carpenter. 

Ropemaker. 

Widow. 

Ropemaker. 


1790] 


REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLBY 


225 


tHerrick,  Barnabas,  103.  F.  H. 

t  Hodges,  Joseph,  113.  F. 

0.  Hosiner,  Joseph,  101.  F.  P. 

tHill,  John,  132.  F.  H. 

B.  VV.  L.  Hodges,  George,  113.  F.  H. 

B.  S.  Hodges,  John,  101.  F.  P. 

B.  S.  Hodges,  Benjamin,  235.  F.  P. 

B.  S.  Hodges,  Gamaliel,  HI.  F.  P. 

[7]  T.  L.  Hutchinson,  Mary,  113.  F.  H. 

Hart,  Joseph,  123. 

Hodgedon,  Martha,  012. 

B.  L.  Hitchins,  Abijah,  123.  F. 

B.  S.  Harthorne,  Susannah,  102.  F.  P. 
T.  L.  Ingersoll,  Samuel,  124.  F.  P. 
Jeffrey,  James  jun"",  101. 

Jeffrey,  Walter,  102.  H. 
Joy,  Joseph,  112. 

C.  Knight,  Sarah,  013.  F.  H. 
tKing,  William,  214.  H. 
fKehou,  Samuel,  100. 
King,  Lydia,  201. 

Keen,  Thomas,  222. 

B.  L.  Knap,  Mary,  033.  P. 
Knight,  Benjamin,  101.  F. 

C.  Lambert,  Mary,  002.  F.  P. 
Leach,  Mary,  102. 

B.  S.  Lambert,  Joseph,  124.  F.  P. 
Lefaveur,  Amos,  112.  H. 
Lascell,  George,  312. 

Lander,  Mary,  002. 

D.  S.  Lane,  Nicholas,  308.  F.  H. 
[8]  C.  Mason,  Jonathan,  103.  F.  P. 

C.  Masm-y,  Deliverance,  102.  F. 
B.  S.  Masury,  John,  101.  F. 

B.  S.  Masury,  Mercy,  016.  F. 
Mason,  Jonathan  jun"",  123.  H. 
Manning,  Richard  jun^  446.  H. 
B.  S.  Millet,  Jonathan  sen^  313.  F.  H. 
B.  S.  Manning,  Richard  sen"",  204.  F.  P. 
H.  L.  Millet,  Elizabeth,  202.  F. 
Malcolm,  David,  314. 

D.  S.  Mascoll,  Hannah,  004.  F. 

M.  H.  L.  Millet,  Jonathan  jun%  101.  F.  H. 

Murray,  Elizabeth,  001. 

B.  S.  Murray,  Lydia,  001.  F. 

Murray,  Peter,  112. 

Masury,  James,  242. 


Carpenter. 

Mariner. 

C.  Mariner. 

Tobacconist. 

C  Mariner. 

C.  Mariner. 

C.  Mariner. 

C.  Mariner. 

Widow. 

Labourer. 

Widow. 

Ship  Carpenter. 

W^idow. 

C  Mariner. 

Mariner. 

Mariner 

Shoemaker. 

Widow. 

Turner. 

Mariner. 

Widow. 

Mai'iner. 

Widow. 

C.  Mariner. 

Widow. 

Widow. 

C.  Mariner. 

Taylor. 

Labourer. 

Widow. 

Sailmaker. 

C.  Mariner. 

Widow. 

Mariner. 

Widow. 

C.  Mariner. 

Blacksmith. 

Cooper. 

C.  Mariner. 

Widow. 

Mariner.. 

Widow. 

Mariner. 

Widow. 

Maiden. 

Cooper. 

Cooper. 


226 


DIARY   OF 


[1790 


Macgregory,  John,  102.  H. 

D.  L.  Macgrau,  Elizabeth,  002.  F. 

[9]  Masury,  Thomas,  111. 

Meservey,  Anne,  002. 

Murray,  Polly,  012. 

Masury,  Samuel,  123. 

Nourse,  Benjamin,  122. 

Nichols,  Richard,  102. 

Odell,  Samuel,  124. 

tOrne,  Josiah,  116.  H. 

Philips,  Elizabeth,  102.  H. 

tC  Prat,  Joseph,  332.  F.  H. 

Porter,  Abigail,  013. 

Parsons,  Thomas,  112. 

tB.  S.  Phelps,  Ebenezer,  102.  F. 

tPhippen,  Nath.,  133.  F. 

Phippen,  Ebenezer,  125.  H. 

M.  L.  Paterson,  William,  223.  F.  H. 

Prince,  Henry,  122.  H. 

Palfrey,  Walter,  301. 

M.  H.  L.  Phippen,  Joshua,  546.  F.  H. 

B.  L.  Peele,  William,  305.  F. 

[10]  Palfrey,  Jonathan,  102. 

B.  S.  Presson,  Andrew,  123.  F. 

C.  Richardson,  Nathaniel,  643.  F.  P. 
Rowell,  Thomas,  244.  H. 

Rogers,  Nathaniel,  133.  H. 

Ropes,  George,  111.  H. 

tRopes,  Samuel,  274.  F.  H. 

Rue,  Thomas,  235. 

Ravell,  John,  125. 

Richardson,  Robert,  112. 

B.  S.  Rantolph*.  022.  F.  P. 

B.  Smith,  Robert,  102.  F. 

B.  S.  Silver,  Sarah,  002.  F. 

Smith,  George,  112.  H. 

B.  S.  Sleumau,  Andrew,  112.  F.  H. 

Smith,  Samuel,  101. 

Strout,  Joseph,  122.  H. 

Stevens,  Mary,  013. 

T.  L.  Soward,§  Susannah,  001.  F. 

[11]  M.  H.  L.  Stone,  Robert,  127.  F.  P. 

tB.  S.  Silsbee,  Nathaniel,  223.  F.  P. 

D.  L.  Swasey,  Samuel,  215.  F. 
Sage,  William,  125. 

*Mary  Rantoul? 

{Perhaps  afterwards  Southward. 


C.  Mariner. 

Widow. 

Mariner. 

Widow. 

Tayloress. 

Mariner. 

Baker. 

Mariner. 

Mariner. 

C.  Mariner. 

Widow. 

C.  Mariner. 

Widow. 

C.  Mariner. 

Baker. 

C.  Mariner. 

Carpenter. 

C.  Mariner. 

Mariner. 

Mariner. 

Cooper. 

Cooper. 

Fisherman. 

C.  Mariner. 

Merchant. 

Boatbuilder. 

School  Master. 

Mariner. 

Cooper. 

Labourer. 

C.  Mariner. 

C.  Mariner. 

Widow. 

Farmer. 

Widow. 

C.  Mariner. 

C.  Mariner. 

Mariner. 

C.  Mariner. 

Widow. 

Widow. 

C.  Mariner. 

C.  Mariner. 

C.  Mariner. 

Carpenter. 


1790] 


REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY 


227 


D.  L.  Smith,  Rebecca,  003.  F. 

B.  S.  Silsbee,  Samuel,  10, 12.  F.  P. 
Sage,  Daniel,  112.  H. 

Silsbee,  Samuel  jun^  103.  H. 

Stoddard,  Ebenezer,  432. 

Shehane,  Daniel  jun'^,  101. 

Tozzer,  Abia,  103.  F. 

Thompson,  Anne,  001. 

T.  L.  Townsend,  Penn.,  202.  F.  P. 

D.  S.  To\\Ti8end,  Moses,  203.  F.  H. 

Thomas,  William,  133. 

Townsend,  Samuel,  111. 

N.  Twisse,  Jonathan,  101.  F. 

Waters,  Joseph,  106. 

C.  Vincent,  Joseph,  534.  F.  P. 

[12]  C.  W.  Webb,  Hannah,  202.  F.  P. 

Webb,  Benjamin  tert :  122.  H. 

B.  S.  Wyatt,  William,  103.  F. 

B.  S.  Ward,  Benjamin  jun%  102.  F.  P. 

^^^lite,  Isaac,  245.  H 

White,  Henry,  162.  H. 

tWaters,  Mary,  103.  F.  P. 

Webb,  Oliver,  122.  H. 

B.  S.  Watson,  John,  126.  F.  P. 

B.  S.  W^hite,  John,  101.  F.  P. 

D.  S.  W^hite,  Joseph,  205.  F.  P. 
N.  Webb,  Stephen,  112.  F.  P. 

D.  S.  Welman,  Mercy,  224.  F.  P. 

M.  H.  L.  Valpey,  Richard,  304.  F.  H. 

Ward,  Mary,  102. 

Valpey,  Richard  jun"",  132. 

Underwood,  Sarah,  Oil. 

Williams,  Thomas,  111. 

[13]  B.  L.  Woodkins,  Samuel,  103.  F.  P. 

Underwood,  John,  102. 

Whittemore,  Retire,  102.  H. 

tWest,  Nathaniel,  134.  H. 

Welcome,  Elizabeth,  114.  H. 

D.  S.  Welman,  Timothy,  124.  F.  P. 

Very,  James,  102.  H. 

D.  L.  Webb,  John,  321.  F. 

Webb,  Hannah,  022. 

N.  Whitford,  Mary,  024.  F. 

Whittemore,  Mary,  112. 

About  20  persons  attend  from  the  Charity 
sionally  from  the  Neck. 

Streets  two.     Bow  Street,  B.  Derby  Street, 


Shopkeeper. 

C'arpenter. 

Mariner. 

Carpenter. 

Shoemaker. 

Mariner. 

Widow. 

Widow. 

C.  Mariner. 

C.  Mariner. 

C.  Mariner. 

Mariner. 

Farmer. 

C.  Mariner. 

Rope  Maker. 

Widow. 

C.  Mariner. 

C.  Mariner. 

C.  M.  Carpenter. 

Tallow  Chandler. 

C.  Mariner. 

Widow. 

C.  Mariner. 

School  Master. 

C.  Mariner. 

Merchant. 

At  the  Fort. 

Widow. 

Fisherman. 

Widow. 

Fisherman. 

Widow. 

Mariner. 

Caulker. 

Mariner. 

C.  Mariner. 

Merchant. 

Widow. 

C.  Mariner. 

C.  Mariner. 

Shoemaker. 

Widow. 

Widow. 

Widow. 

House  &  some  occa- 

D. 


228  DIARY  OP  [1790 

Lanes,  Fiske's.  W,  Long  Wharf.  M,  Millet's.  BW,  Browne's.  H, 
Hodges'.  D,  Daniel's.  MH,  Meeting  House  Lane.  T,  Turner's.  B, 
Becket's.  E,  English's.  C,  Common.  B,  Road  to  Bridge.  N,  Neck. 

These  are  arbitrary.  fWithout  old  Parish  Lines.  Females  670. 

[14]  [Inscriptions  on  the  Doric  Column  in  Boston  erected  in 
1790,  appearing  in  the  original  are  here  omitted.] 

[16]  December  23,  1790.  Thursday.  Gloria  Deo.  Last  evening 
we  had  news  of  the  arrival  of  E.  H.  Derby,  jun'  in  the  West  Indies, 
with  whom  are  John  Gibaut  &  Capt  B.  Crowninshield,  from  Bengal, 
C.  Crowninshield,  &  M""  Games. 

24.  Went  for  Boston  &  visited  my  friends. 

25.  Preached  in  the  Chapel  &  assisted  in  the  Communion  and 
returned  with  M""  Harris  to  Salem  in  the  Stage. 

[Dec]  26.  Sunday.  Very  stormy.  Gibaut  has  arrived  with 
Orne.  Notes.  Widow  Abial  Tozzer  &  children,  death  of  her  mother 
M.  Whitefoot,  &  for  a  Son  at  Sea. 

27.  M''  Belnap  has  proposed  to  publish  two  Volumes  more  of 
his  History  of  New  Hampshire,  &  I  begged  M""  Harris  to  subscribe 
in  my  behalf. 

28.  Information  by  M""  Q.  that  a  certain  Botanical  Gentleman*, 
after  the  assignation  of  his  Pulpit  by  the  association,  wrote  to 
another  person  requesting  his  presence,  as  said  Preacher  would  be 
disagreeable  to  his  Parish,  to  whom  he  was  actiially  unknown. 

29.  Had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  for  the  first  time  a  native  of  the 
Indies  from  Madras.  He  is  of  very  dark  complection,  long  black 
hair,  soft  countenance,  tall,  &  well  proportioned.  He  is  said  to  be 
darker  than  Indians  in  general  of  his  own  cast,  being  much  darker 
than  any  native  Indians  of  America.  I  had  no  opportunity  to 
judge  of  his  abilities,  but  his  countenance  was  not  expressive.  He 
came  to  Salem  with  Capt.  J.  Gibaut,  and  has  been  in  Europe. 

[17]  30.  Last  evening  the  House  of  the  Widow  Neal,  on  Pick- 
ering's Hill,  was  broken  open,  &  effects  to  the  amount  of  two  liun- 
dred  dollars  taken  away.  The  thieves  went  into  every  part  of  the 
house. 

31.  Snow.  This  is  the  eighth  or  ninth  snow  storm  &  the 
weather  uncommonly  cold  for  a  month  past.  Capt.  E.  H.  Derby 
arrived  in  Town  from  his  Voyage  by  the  way  of  Martha's  Vineyard, 
by  land.  Mess"  Le  Favre,  Parker  &  Swan  attended  the  Singing 
this  evening  &  gave  encouragement  that  they  would  sit  in  the 
seatst  on  Sunday. 

Purposes  for  the  ensuing  year  in  my  profession.  To  expound  at 
the  Lecture  of  the  Scriptures.  To  catechise  the  children  once  a 
month  after  the  ('ommunion  from  April  to  November.  To  preserve 
the  expositions  in  a  separate  Volume.  To  revive  my  knowledge  of 
the  Hebrew  &  Oriental  Languages.     Critically  examine  the  Greek 

•Rev.  Manasseh  Cutler  of  Hamilton? 

t"  In  the  seats,"  i.  0.  In  the  singing  seats,  or  In  the  choir. 


1791]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  229 

Testament,  &c.  To  go  over  again  the  principal  Latin  &  Greek 
Classics.     In  morality,  to  obey  the  Gospel. 

[18]  January  1,  1791.  Saturday.  Violent  Snow  Storm.  Capt. 
Boardman  arrived  in  Boston  just  before  the  Storm.  An  uncommon 
quantity  of  Snow  upon  the  ground,  &  very  much  drifted. 

[Jan.]  2.  Sunday.  Samuel  Kehoe,  death  of  his  wife  in  his 
absence. 

3.  Wood  at  4  dollars  p""  cord  in  Boston.  Introduced  yesterday 
the  LECTURE  proposed,  in  explaining  the  scripture  at  the  usual 
time  of  reading  to  the  assembly.  The  Commentaries  are  to  be  en- 
tered in  a  volume  reserved  for  the  purpose ,  with  the  date,  to  shew 
when  delivered. 

4.  M"^  Belnap  sent  a  subscription  paper  for  the  two  last  Volumes 
of  his  History  of  N.  Hampshire.  M*"  Harris  is  to  leave  my  name 
for  ray  own  S.  Paper. 

5.  We  are  told  that  iX  Walter,  of  Nova  Scotia,  formerly  of 
Boston  has  accepted  Christ's  Church  at  Cambridge.  [20]  This 
Gentleman  was  a  Rector  of  Trinity  C.  Boston,  &  left  with  the  Brit- 
ish Troops.  He  has  since  visited  Salem  as  an  heir  to  Judge  Lynde, 
&  has  preached  in  the  several  Episcopal  Houses  in  the  State.  He 
was  invited  to  Christ's  Church  in  Boston  but  from  a  disvinion  in  the 
Vestry,  he  has  suspended  such  a  measure.  He  is  the  present  object 
of  the  Episcopate. 

6.  M""  W.  Gray  gave  notice  to  Messieurs  Gaines  &  Gardiner, 
who  occupy  the  Rope  Walk  upon  English's  Lane,  that  he  had  pur- 
chased it,  &  should  take  possession.  Its  length  is  107  fathoms  and 
it  has  land  on  each  side.  M""  Vincent's  Rope  Walk  is  in  length. 
M'  Briggs*  has  purchased  of  Capt.  R.  Stone,  the  land  in  fee  of  his 
wife  for  400  dollars,  &  has  engaged  a  Work  House  &  Walk  to  be 
built  for  120£  or  400  Dollars. 

7.  Day  before  yesterday,  a  Capt.  Lambert's  family  moved  into 
the  Eastern  end  of  Crowninshield's  house,  next  door.  Last  night 
the  Store  near  the  Mansion  House  of  Capt.  Thom  ;  Mason  was  brok- 
en open,  &  2  Barrels  of  Flour  &  one  of  Sugar  taken  away,  which 
were  lodged  there  on  the  day  before.  Capt.  Jon*^  Mason  jun""  is  re- 
ported to  have  made  a  great  Voyage.  He  has  been  into  New  Lon- 
don &  the  Vinyard  upon  his  return.  He  speaks  of  the  Bishop's 
Chapel  as  not  finished,  but  as  modest,  and  pleasing  to  the  eye,  & 
N.  London  flourishing. 

[21]  8.  A  List  of  several  persons  living  to  great  age  by  whose 
age  several  others  are  ascertained. 

Sarah  Manning,  Born  IS'''  Dec'  A.  D.  1691. 
Margaret  Lambert,  do  14  Jan'  "  1690. 
Preserved  Lambert,  do  30'"  April,  "  1692. 
These  were  given  to  me  from  family  records  by  Esq""  Manning. 

•ThomaB  BrIgRs  who  came  from  Little  Compton,  R.   I.,   married  Anna,  daughter  of 
Joseph  Vincent.    In  1804,  this  rope-walli  was  removed  to  Bridge  Btroet. 


230  DIARY  OF  [1791 

[Jan.]  9.  Sunday.  Notes.  Thomas  Rowell's  wife,  delivery. 
Last  evening  Capt.  Thomas  Mason  discovered  the  thief  of  last 
Thursday,  a  Negro,  connected  with  the  servants  of  his  family. 
And  the  event  affects  tenderly  the  reputation  of  a  man ,  who  keeps 
a  "  Beggar-maker's  Shop,"  a  Retailer,  &  Pawner. 

10.  M'  Carnes,  who  married  the  eldest  daughter  of  R.  Derby 
Esq*^,  having  been  absent  for  along  time,  &  for  various  moral  causes, 
was  present  this  day  at  the  Collation,  &  is  received  with  great 
cordiality.  The  idea  of  an  unworthy  match  has  been  pursued  after 
marriage. 

11.  Cleveland  has  pursued  his  controversy  in  the  Gazette,  &  rests 
the  cause  upon  the  old  Jesuitical  argument.  Where  was  your  relig- 
ion before  Luther,  &  upon  a  strange  jumble  of  scripture  with  the 
words  of  his  opponent.  This  man  has  been  sorely  chastised  by 
Mayhew,  Whitaker  &  Foster  &  now  again  defies  the  last. 

[22]  13.  Ex  agris  orientis  venit  amicus  ad  Salem,  ad  suos  con- 
socios  apud  quos  ad  inhabitavit.  Inter  alios  ad  domum  nostrum 
accedit,  cum  uxore  sua,  et  filiolo.  Uxor  est  formosa,  et  magna  esti- 
matione  habita.  In  habitationem  meam  introducta  est  familia,  ut 
conspicerent  curiosa,  in  custodia  mea  posita.  Introeunt,  et  exeunt 
familiariter,  et  diligissime  curavi  eis  omnibus  placere,  et  indulgere. 
Tempus  preterit  et  ad  theam  omnes  sunt  vocati.  Hospes  medicus 
manet,  mecum  ire  expectans.  Nil  dicitur.  Expecto.  Nil  audio. 
Me  ipsum  amico  excuso  ad  domum  proximi  discedo.  Res  finita  est. 
Haec  in  memoria  ponuntur,  quia  apud  faminas,  vesperi,  die  Solis, 
exquisitur,  cur  non  apud  nos  theam  bibisti,  dum  nos  apud  te  visi- 
tavimus.  Nos  omnes  admiravimus,  dum  rogitavimus  ubi  est  Pastor  ? 
Respondit  ilia,  nescio,  inter  suos  amicos  teor.  Cur  non  ilium  inter 
nos  se  habere,  rogasti.  Ssepissime  ab  est,  non.  Ex  indifferentia 
in  verbis,  et  colloquiis  ostentata,  nos  judicamus,  te  not  digne  ac- 
ceptum  esse  &  ex  coloco  removendum.  Aliter  ex  aliis  expectaturum 
te  contemptum,  et  quae  tuae  utilitatem  virtutis  impedunt,  cogitamus. 
Exemplum  recens  se  offert.  Ubique  colloquitur,  cur  in  illo  loco 
habitat  ?  Dicilli,  removendum  est.  [23]  Hinc  oriuntur  jurgia  do- 
mestica.  Ad  mensam  me  vertens  versus  matrem  familias,  dico,  mane 
jube  servam  apportare  cibi  portionem  in  cubiculam  factum  erit.  re- 
spondit. Quae  accepta  a  te  habeo,  da  pretio  mihi,  ut  solvam. 
Unde  petis,  est  ne  in  animo  ira?  qua  causa.  Repeto  quae  mihi. 
Ambo  erravimus  si  tibi  placeat,  discede.  Cur  non  exoptes.  Si  tu 
exoptes,  exopto, — et  alia. 

14.  News  of  Capt  Lambert,  who  has  long  been  missing.  He  had 
lost  his  Bowsprit,  &  foremast.  The  news  by  a  Southern  Gazette. 
Several  valuable  families  interested  in  his  fate. 

15.  A  perfect  calm,  every  man  asking  have  you  no  News? 
[Jan.]  16.  Sunday.  Notes.  Bethiah  Shehane,  safe  delivery.  Hus- 
band &  Brethren  at  Sea. 

17.  A  very  severe  Snow  Storm.  Several  vessels  broke  from  the 
wharf  &  suffered  damage. 


1791]  REV.    WILLIAM    BENTLEY  231 

[24]  19.  By  the  Gazette  it  appears  that  on  Sunday  last,  a  Ship 
arrived  at  Cape  Ann  from  a  Whaling  Voyage  with  1,600  Barrels 
of  Oil  on  board.  I  took  the  liberty  in  the  Gazette  of  Yesterday  to 
say  a  few  severe  things  to  the  infamous  (Ueveland  of  Ipswich,  who 
has  for  some  time  past  been  cahnnniating  the  Universalists.  I  re- 
minded him  of  ly  ^fayhew,  Whitaker,  &  M""  Foster,  &  the  scandal- 
ous fruit  of  his  own  disorderly  behavior.  A  more  hardened  wretch 
scarcely  ever  appeared. 

20.  Had  some  information  respecting  Coromandel  coast,  & 
Bengal  from  Capt  B.  Crowninshield,  &  Gibaut.  The  first  testifies 
that  he  saw  the  funeral  fire  of  an  hiisband,  in  which  the  wife  was 
consumed.  She  was  feeble,  led  round  the  pile  by  two  Bramins, 
appeared  wild,  &  was  suspected  of  taking  opium.  The  fire  was 
quickened  by  brimstone,  oil,  &c.  &  the  ashes  swept  into  the  River. 
She  was  very  young. 

21.  Bis  mane  raandavi  Nuro,  ut  diceret  Matrifamilias,  jentaculum 
parare  infra.  Petivi,  cur  non  ex  desiderio  meo  obsonium  meum  est 
parandum.  Respondit  nurus,  Obedivi,  nihil  aliud  ad  me  pertinet. 
Exfjuiritur,  cur  talia  parva  sint  notanda?  Quia  dicit  Proverbus 
difficilius  est  regere  spiritum,  quam  regnum.  Et  ha?c  parva  ut 
odontalgia  dolorem  sinceram  parturiunt.  Sed  quae  mala  ex  ira  pro- 
fluunt.  Amici  divites,  loquaces,  et  ad  iracundiam  parati.  Nunquam 
inter  se  felices,  semper  irati. 

[25]  This  day  the  Keel  of  M""  Derby's  intended  Brig,  was  laid  in 
the  yard  on  the  east  side  of  the  Wharf  near  the  Great  Ship. 

22.  Very  cold  again,  after  moderate  weather.  General  opinion 
that  the  whipping  of  C.  in  the  Gazette  is  too  severe.  I  am  not  a 
little  indebted  to  the  Clergy  for  the  opinion,  if  just.  The  Printer 
has  his  fears. 

[Jan.]  23.  Sunday.  Notes.  Nicholas  Lane  for  his  wife's  delivery. 
No  Singing  through  the  whole  day,  not  even  an  attempt.  M"'  Le- 
favre,  Siwan,  &  Parker  promised  their  assistance,  but  by  drawing  a 
prize  of  300  pounds  in  the  lottery,  they  have  been  detained  from 
public  worship. 

24.  Died,  a  Wife  of  Jon*  Ingersoll,  much  respected.  The  Clock 
weight  broke  down  yesterday.  The  rage  of  Lotteries  increases 
every  day.  State's  Annual  &  Monthly  Lottery,  Marblehead, 
Leicester,  &c.  are  now  out. 

27.  Was  buried  a  M''  Northey,  Writing  Schoolmaster,  in  the  Cen- 
ter School,  at  21  years  of  age.  He  was  promising  in  his  profession, 
&  has  left  some  happy  specimens  of  his  ingenuity. 

28.  At  seven  this  morning  M*"  D.  Shehane,  who  has  long  laboured 
of  the  Dysentery,  was  seized  with  violent  pains  in  the  bowels,  & 
after  continuing  without  cessasion  till  eight  in  the  evening  he  ex- 
pired.    He  went  to  the  Avharf  to  work  in  the  moining. 

29.  per.  B.  Ward.  Mater  familias  mihi  direxit  loca  quae  teneo  sub 
suo  tecto  post  mensem  secundam  se  signare.      Petivi  ab  ilia  me  re- 


232  DIARY  OP  [1791 

signaturum  censensu  siio.  Hoc  ssepissime  desideravi,  et  spero  omnia 
factura  sub  silentio.  Sed  quid  non  timeam  ?  Femina  iracunda, 
hostis  vigilans.     Amici  timidi.     Horresco  reus  ! 

[28]  [Jan.]  30.  Sunday.  Notes.  Joseph  Hodges  &  Wife,  death  of 
his  Sister.  Abigail  Nesboth,  thanks  for  her  delivery,  prayers  for 
herself  dang :  sick,  &  Brethren  at  Sea.  Samuel  Woodkins  &  Wife, 
youngest  child  sick. 

31.  Very  windy.  A  M*"  Frazer,  a  Scotish  man  has  appeared,  & 
opened  a  School  in  this  Town  this  month.  He  came  from  Liv- 
erpool in  Capt  Sleuman. 

February  1.  Tuesday.  On  10*''  instant  The  Light  House  on  Port- 
land head  was  lighted. 

[29]  2.  Capt  Orne  sailed  last  week  from  Boston,  but  having 
sprung  a  leak,  he  returned  the  next  day.  Corpus  weighed  by  M"" 
Gardner.  W*  203  lb.  Capt  Forrester  has  purchased  the  elegant 
but  unfinished  House  of  Capt  Jon*  IngersoU,  fronting  Derby  Street, 
with  the  Cobb  Wharf*  &  Store  &  flats,  at  about  £700.  M""  Amos 
Lefavre,  who  drew  the  1/3  of  the  prize  of  1,000  Dollars  has  pur- 
chased a  lot  of  land  in  Daniel's  Lane,  lately  belonging  to  M""  B. 
Browne,  at  12  dollars  p""  Pole.  M'  Rowell  has  purchased  a  lot  of 
Land  in  Turner's  Lane. 

[30]  4.  An  Anecdote  of  the  Appleton  family,  when  first  embark- 
ing with  the  original  settlers  of  America,  that  they  sold  their  Hop 
poles  for  500£  sterling.  Last  Wednesday  Capt.  S.  Chever  submit- 
ted to  an  amputation  on  account  of  a  cancerous  humour  which  had 
resisted  every  method  of  cure.  In  the  sumiuer  there  came  along 
from  Rhode  island  a  M"" ,  a  Quack  who  pretended  cures  of  Can- 
cers. He  applied  to  an  inveterate  Cancer  on  the  breast  of  M"""  She- 
hane,  wife  of  him  lately  deceased.  Beyond  all  expectation  he 
succeeded  and  at  present  the  patient  is  free  from  complaint.  Capt 
S.  Chever  being  long  indisposed,  on  various  accounts  applied  to  this 
Adventurer,  &  submitted  to  his  operations.  They  were  caustic,  & 
after  20  minutes  extreme  pains  they  occasioned  paralytic  affections 
very  violent,  &  of  which  the  patient  has  not  recovered.  But  as  he 
has  been  recruiting  the  Cancer  has  become  more  troublesome.  He 
consented  at  last  with  great  reluctance,  &  D''  Warren  of  Boston  per- 
formed the  amputation. 

IVf  Thayer  the  Catholic  Missionary,  has  bid  open  defiance  to  all 
the  Clergy  of  every  denomination  to  dispute  with  him,  &  advertised 
in  the  Gazette  a  proposed  conference  between  him  &  a  M'^  Leslie. 
But  his  antagonist  did  not  appear. 

[31]  5.  M'  Winthrop  of  Cambridge  called  upon  me,  &I  delivered 
to    him,  one  Spanish  Copper  Coin. 

II  One  Anglesey  penny,  &  1/2  penny, 

III  A  Nootka  sound  Spear,  eight  feet. 

IIII  A  Silver  fish,  water  snake.  Centipedes,  &c.  flying  fish. 

'Afterwards  known  as  "Central  wharf." 


1791]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  288 

V  Chinese  herb  for  smoakiog. 

VI  Specimen  of  Carolina  Soap  nut. 

VII  Calcutta  papers,  including  their  business,  &c. 

VIII  Persic  writing  on  Palm  leaf. 

IX  &  Catalogue,  &g.  Coin  of  West  frisia  silver,  &  piece  of  L.  XIV 
brass. 

[Feb.]  6.  Sunday.  Notes.  Sarah  Shehane,  death  of  Husband  & 
Children,  prayers  for  Sons  at  Sea.  James  Collins  &  wife,  death  of 
their  Brother  Shehane,  &  for  his  Brother  &  friends  at  Sea. 

7.  Rain  after  the  long  cold.  Went  round  the  Town  with  M'' 
Winthrop,  &c.  He  went  for  Cambridge  after  dinner.  Judge  Low- 
ell's Oration  on  the  death  of  Governor  Bowdoin  was  very  popular. 
The  Question,  whether  a  member,  holding  the  office  of  a  District 
Judge  was  entitled  to  his  Seat  in  the  House,  in  the  case  of  Judge 
Sewall,  was  determined  against  him,  &  the  noted  John  Gardiner 
remarked  that  it  was  the  Judge's  intention  to  legislate  in  that  house, 
in  regard  to  those  very  laws  which  he  would  afterwards  attempt  to 
explain. 

[32]  8.  The  Savages  are  very  troublesome  in  the  country  back 
of  our  Southern  States.  Some  of  our  Settlements  on  the  Ohio  have 
been  disturbed,  &  men  who  left  happy  accommodations  in  this 
State,  from  the  promised  glory  of  Muskingum,  have  combatted 
poverty,  &  fell  a  prey  to  the  persevering  cruelty  of  the  Savages. 

9.  An  uncommon  Snow  storm.  As  I  watched  last  night  with 
Capt,  Chever,  I  did  not  go  abroad  till  the  evening.  M'  Thompson, 
Tutor  at  Cambridge  was  with  me,  &  assured  me  of  the  long  peace 
they  had  had  within  a  few  months,  without  an  example  since  the 
political  convulsions,  &  the  resignation  of  D'  Langdon. 

10.  The  Storm  continued  till  noon.  In  the  afternoon  JMess'' 
Thompson,  Gibaut,  &  Dodge  drank  tea,  &  spent  the  afternoon  & 
part  of  the  evening.  Conversation  various.  M""  Winthrop  when 
with  me,  informed  me  that  in  company  with  ten  persons  he  was 
forming  a7i  historical  Society,  who  intended  a  series  of  occasional 
publications,  to  assist  the  History  of  this  Coimtry,  particularly 
State.  How  far  he  had  proceeded  I  did  not  learn.  M^  T.  assures 
me  M'  Bowdoin's  400£  legacy  is  for  premiums.  It  is  reported 
that  the  University  in  the  funds  realise  above  100,000  dollars,  but 
the  specific  character  I  do  not  learn. 

[33]  11.  M''  Dodge  &  some  other  Gentlemen  attended  our  Sing- 
ing School.  M""  Holyoke's  Music  lately  published  was  introduced. 
This  Gentleman  is  the  first  Son  of  Harvard  of  whom  I  have  heard, 
that  has  published  an  original  collection  of  Music  from  his  own 
compositions.  He  is  the  Son  of  a  Minister  in  Boxford,  Essex. 
The  name  given  him  was  the  American  Madan,  from  the  character 
of  the  Music. 

12.  Vir,  tam  raolestus  persuadere  conatus  est.  Virum  ingenuum 
apud  nos  prandientem  die  Jovis,  displacitum  esse  in  coUoquio  meo 


284  DIARY  OF  [1791 

de  Cleris.  Spero  in  hoc  s\iam  stultitiam  contemptui  ilium  daturam, 
&c.  &c.     The  weather  again  very  pleasant. 

[Feb.]  14.  Monday.  Made  a  contract  with  Hannah  Crownin- 
shield*  for  the  use  of  her  Chamber  for  my  separate  use,  &  board- 
ing, &  washing  to  be  done  under  her  care,  eighteen  shillings,  I 
having  the  privilege  of  every  usual  family  meal  whether  custom- 
arily asked  by  me  or  not,  &  liberty  to  accommodate  a  friend  occasion- 
ally by  night  &  by  day. 

[34]  15.  Capt.  Chipman  is  ashore  on  Cape  Cod.  This  is  the 
second  misfortune  of  this  kind  which  has  befel  this  worthy  young 
man. 

16.  A  Fray  upon  the  Bridge  between  Gentlemen  of  Salem,  & 
the  watchmen  last  night.  A  Project  on  foot  for  an  Historical  So- 
ciety, or  an  association  for  the  History  of  our  Country,  to  preserve 
&  publish.  M'  Belnap  is  concerned.  M''  Winthrop  with  his  penta- 
graph  is  preparing  Holland's  Map  for  the  continuation  of  his  history. 

17.  The  Council  of  Lynn  did  not  compose  difficulties.  A  meth- 
odist  has  entered,  &  enticed  the  greater  part  of  the  Parish.  The 
result  of  council  has  been  published  in  the  Gazette,  &  the  defection 
continuing,  consequences  are  to  be  feared. 

18.  A  Spell  of  cold  weather.  At  noon  yesterday  the  Thermom- 
eter Faren  :  stood  O**  at  noon,  2**  at  sunrise.  This  day  the  weather 
is  a  few  degrees  more  moderate.  This  weather  was  so  immediately 
preceeded  by  a  Thaw,  that  the  cold  was  distressing. 

19.  Last  evening  Lee  the  Methodist,  now  preaching  in  Lynn, 
preached  in  the  Independent  Meeting  House,  but  so  generally  dis- 
gusted a  large  audience  that  he  has  finished  his  work  in  this  Town. 
The  whole  Office  attended. 

[35]  [Feb.]  20.  Sunday.  Samuel  Woodkind  &  Wife,  death  of 
youngest  child.  Brother  &  friends  at  Sea, 

21.  Remarks  on  the  unusual  severity  of  the  Season:  we  are  said 
to  have  had  7  storms  of  Snow.  Few  losses  in  the  Bay  considering 
the  severity  of  the  Season. 

22.  Moderate  weather,  in  C'-n sequence  everybody  seems  in  mo- 
tion. M''  Derby  has  advertised  all  his  India  effects  for  a  public 
Vendue. 

23.  Snow  again.  But  cleared  off  warm,  &  cold  again  in  the 
evening.  Had  a  proof  how  feeble  instruments  of  superstition  can 
distract  minds,  otherwise  reasonable,  particularly  in  hours  of  dis- 
tress. 

25.  Application  being  made  from  Lynn  that  I  would  visit  M"" 
Parsons,  &  assist  his  friends  in  a  public  defence  against  the  ill 
effect  of  an  untimely  publication  of  tlie  result  of  (uiuncil,  I  wrote  a 
letter  inclosing  a  paper  recommended  for  his  examination,  &  use. 
I  begged  to  be  unknown,  but  promised  liiin  all  the  assistance  in  my 
power.     The  original  is  to  be  rettirned  &  a  copy  taken. 

•Widow  of  Capt.  Jacob  Crowninshield.  The  liouse  in  which  she  livod  is  yet  standing 
on  Essex  street  opposite  Union  street.     Dr.  Bentley  lived  here  until  bis  death  in  1819. 


1791]  REV.    WILLIAM    BENTLEV  235 

2C.  The  noted  John  Gardner  has  taken  Freeman,  the  Printer, 
for  defamation,  &  he  is  acquitted.  Gardner  has  been  taken  for 
blasphemy  to  the  no  small  gratification  of  the  Lawyers  &  Clergy. 
A  report. 

[36]  [Feb.]  27.  Sunday.  Notes.  Samuel  Smith  &  wife  for  her 
sick,  her  Sons  at  Sea.  Abigail  Nesboth  for  herself  near  unto  death. 
Mary  Lambert  for  death  of  lier  G.  Son  Tucker,  &  for  her  G.  Chil- 
dren at  Sea.  Wid.  Sarah  Underwood  for  death  of  Brother  Bate- 
man,*  &  for  two  sons  at  Sea.  James  Clearage  &  Wife  for  her  de- 
livery, &  for  her  Mother  dangerously  sick.  Elizabeth  Warner  for 
her  child  dangerously  sick,  &  her  husband  &  a  child  absent. 

28.  Preparing  to  remove  from  M"  Elkins',  with  whom  I  have 
boarded  ever  since  my  ordination ,  &  occasionally  from  the  May  pre- 
ceeding,  wanting  only  two  months  of  eight  years.  The  Separation 
was  by  mutual  consent,  as  the  house  became  rather  uncomfortable 
for  us.  To  live  happily  hereafter  1  must  not  be  too  familiar,  or 
too  inattentive  to  the  persons  with  whom  I  dwell.  I  must  depre- 
cate the  consequences  of  free  conversation,  which  will  be  enquired 
of  from  domestics  of  every  character.  I  must  never  speak  from 
passion  or  judge  at  the  moment.  I  must  remember  that  my  temper 
in  the  public  opinion  has  been  imprudent,  &  take  council  even  from 
my  enemies.  Sincerely  to  practice  the  duties  of  a  religion,  is  the 
best  way  to  become  respected  in  the  profession  of  it. 

[37]  March  1,  1791.  On  the  first  day  of  March,  I  removed  from 
Mary  Elkiu's  opposite  the  Meeting,  to  Hannah  Crowninshield  oppo- 
site Long  Wharf  Lane.  Agreably  to  the  contract  of  the  14''^  ult,  I 
am  to  he  entertained.  By  courtesy  I  have  the  western  upper 
Chamber  to  lodge  in.f  Lydia  Smith  who  died  yesterday  was 
named  Lydia  Dart,  &  married  successively  Brown,  Stileman,  & 
Smith.  Her  children  are  all  by  the  second  husband.  The  last, 
excepting  the  English  seaman's  evil,  which  lasts  about  one  month 
in  twelve,  is  an  excellent  seaman,  &  an  able  teacher  of  navigation, 
&  the  Mathematics.  During  the  war  he  was  absent,  &  belonged  to 
Greenwich  Hospital.     He  afterwards  returned  to  his  wife  in  Salem. 

2.  Died  this  day  Jon* :  Gardiner,  Esqr  :  iet.  62. t  A  most  use- 
ful Citizen,  of  amiable  temper,  inflexible  integrity,  and  a  sober 
friend  to  all  useful,  social  &  religious  institutions.  He  was  Presi- 
dent of  the  Marine  Society  &  has  served  the  Town  in  every  useful 
office.  A  better  man  is  not  left  behind.  He  has  left  an  only  son 
&  child  behind. 

The  Eliz:  Warner  mentioned  last  Sunday  is  a  woman  of  ill  fame, 
who  imposed  upon  me  a  note  to  obtain  pecuniary  aid.  M""  Parsons 
of  Lynn  with  me  upon  the  subject  of  a  paper  War.  Nothing 
agreed  upon. 

*Bootman,  now  Itutinan  ? 

tThe  eastern  chamber  waa  afterwards,  and  for  many  years,  occupied  by  Dr.  Bentley. 

{Lived  in  a  white  buuse  furiuerly  on  the  aite  of  the  Esaex  Institute  building. 


236  DIARY  OF  [1791 

[38]  3.  M''  Cutler  has  an  actual  survey  of  the  works  upon  the 
Ohio,  &  is  now  endeavoring  to  obtain  information  respecting  simi- 
lar works  upon  the  Mexican  Territory.  Had  an  opportunity  to  see 
the  effects  of  savage  life,  in  the  Strength  of  untutored  passions, 
even  when  the  heart  not  bad. 

4.  The  Heirs  of  M""  Dunan  have  sent  an  Officer  with  an  execu- 
tion, &  he  went  to  Esq""  Manning,  who  did  conceal  himself,  &  so  the 
matter  issued.  Tlie  majority  of  the  people  are  determined  upon  a 
suit  at  Law. 

6.  The  procession  at  M"^  Gardner's  funeral  was  led  by  children, 
who  preceeded  the  Corpse,  in  honor  of  his  conduct,  as  of  the  School 
Committee. 

[Mar.]  6.  Sunday.  Notes.  Mary  Lander,  death  of  Daughter 
Smith.  Samuel  Smith,  d.  of  wife,  &  for  friends  abroad.  Ruth 
Briggs  &  children,  d.  of  her  mother  Smith,  &  husband  &  Sons  at 
Sea.  Elizabeth  Thomas,  d.  of  her  mother  Smith,  husband  at  Sea. 
W.  Mary  Burroughs,  d.  of  her  mother  Smith,  &  Son  at  Sea.  Widow 
Mary  Andrew  &  Children,  d.  of  her  Brother  Gardiner,  Wid  :  Mary 
Gardiner,  d.  of  her  Son  in  Law  Gardiner.  Abigail  Nesboth,  dang : 
sick,  &  for  friends  at  Sea.  Violet  Grant,  an  African,  dang:  sick. 
Jon*  Archer,  for  wife's  delivery,  &  friends  abroad.  [39]  The 
Chimney  of  an  old  house  belonging  to  Knaps  family  fell  in,  this 
morning  &  broke  four  eggs  hatched  behind  it.  No  person  in  the 
house  suffered.  Several  petty  thefts  have  happened  in  the  Town 
about  this  time. 

7.  A  conversation  with  Hopkins  respecting  the  afternoon 
service,  who  alledges,  his  habits,  the  neglect  of  the  afternoon  ser- 
vice, &  the  impracticability  of  his  evening  Lecture  against  three 
o'clock.     Hypocrisy. 

8.  Notice  is  given  in  the  Gazette  that  DUMMER  ACADEMY 
will  be  opened  on  the  25""  of  April,  by  the  Rev**  Isaac  Smith,  ap- 
pointed Preceptor.  The  Government  has  granted  to  the  Beverley 
Manufacture  seven  hundred  tickets  in  the  Semi-annual  State  Lot- 
tery, 400  in  the  present,  &  300  in  the  next  class.  This  measure 
however  wise  is  not  a  popular  measm-e.  5,000  lb.  of  Hemp  raised 
on  Charlestown  Heights  by  Col.  Wood,  grew  on  6  acres  of  Land, 
excellent  in  quality,  &  produced  with  the  bounty  from  Government 
of  15JB  p""  Ton,  500  dollars.  Capt.  Burke  saw  a  Rock,  up  10  feet, 
Lat.  42,30.  Long.  W.  22,30. 

Census  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Massachiisetts  as  taken  by  the 
Marshall  of  that  District  [appearing  in  the  original  is  here  omitted.] 

[41]  10.  This  day  arrived  Capt.  J.  Lambert  who  had  been 
blown  off  the  coast,  &  lost  his  mast  &  Bowsprit. 

11.  Capt.  B.  Hodges  waited  upon  me,  informing  me  that  he  was 
one  of  a  Committee,  chosen  by  the  Members  of  the  former  Essex 
Lodge,  of  which  I  was  also  chosen  a  member,  to  consider  &  deter- 
mine upon  ways  &  means  of  restoring  said  Lodge,  recovering  its 


1791]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  287 

Charter,  &  maintaining  its  reputation.  It  is  agreed  to  meet  this 
evening.  A  number  of  old  meml)ers  met  on  Wednesday  evening  at 
Buffiugton's.  Col.  S.  Abbot,  (/apt.  B.  Crowninshield,  Capt.  B. 
Carpenter,  Capt.  B.  Hodges,  J"  Hiller  Esq"",  John  Jenkes,  Kob:  Fos- 
ter, James  King,  Edw.  Lang,  Abel  Lawrence,  Capt.  Jon*  Mason 
jun'',  ('ol.  J°  Page,  Capt.  J"  Vincent,  thirteen  persons.  They  chose 
a  committee  to  prepare  a  representation  to  tlie  Grand  Lodge,  &  a 
petition,  as  well  as  Bye  Laws.  The  Committee  consists  of  five 
persons,  Hiller,  Hodges,  King,  Bentley,  &  Jenks.  And  another 
committee  to  collect  the  furniture,  of  four  persons,  Foster,  Page, 
Lawrence  &  Vincent.  And  adjourned  till  Wednesday  next  IG'** 
instant,  7  o'clock  P.  M.  We  met  at  my  house  &  conversed  on  the 
subject  &  adjourned  till  Tuesday  evening. 

[42]  12.  A  vessel,  Brig,  drifted  ashore  from  her  anchors  a  few 
nights  since  near  Horton's  point.  The  Harbour  without  a  single 
Vessel  riding  at  Anchor. 

[Mar.]  18.  Sunday.  Notes.  Benj»  Ward,  D.  of  his  Father  &  for 
friends  at  Sea.  Penn  Townsend  &  Wife,  D.  of  Daughter  Ingersoll 
&  for  his  Son  at  Sea.  Joseph  Lambert,  returned  from  Sea,  d.  of 
his  Father  in  his  absence.  Widow  Mercy  Burke,  sick  of  a  Fever. 
Samuel  Silsbee  &  Wife  for  her  delivery  &  Brethren  at  Sea. 

14.  The  Annual  Town  meeting  for  the  Election  of  Officers.  It 
was  voted  for  the  first  time  to  add  the  Clergy  by  nomination,  to  the 
School  Committee,  a  practice  which  has  obtained  in  Boston  for 
several  years  past.  But  a  Town  Meeting  speaker  discommending 
the  measure  as  novel,  &  objecting,  I  declined  the  service.  All  the 
Clergy  were  chosen.  The  measure  has  long  been  talked  off,  & 
therefore  resentment  is  due  against  every  man  of  property,  &  office 
in  the  Town,  who  objects,  capriciously  tho'  he  retracts  hastily. 
The  Clergy  were  jumbled  together. 

[48]  15.  We  had  a  Committee  meeting  of  the  Brethren  of  the 
former  Essex  Lodge  at  James  King's,  when  a  copy  of  the  Bye 
Laws  &  a  representation  to  the  Grand  Lodge  was  laid  before  the 
Committee.  The  Salem,  Essex  Lodge  was  originally  chartered  in 
1779  and  dissolved  in  1786. 

16.  Found  that  the  Chimney  of  an  old  House  in  Daniel's  Lane 
had  fallen,  the  front  having  been  gone  for  some  time.  The  Breth- 
ren of  the  late  Essex  Lodge  &  others  met  &  accepted  their  Bye 
Laws,  &  agreed  upon  a  representation  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  &  a  re- 
quest for  a  Charter,  but  declined  any  relation  to  the  former  Lodge. 
The  Committee,  Kev''  W.  Bentley,  Edw:  Pulling  Esq'',  &  Joseph 
Hiller  Esq"",  to  wait  upon  the  Grand  Lodge.  Adjourning  to  the 
first  Wednesday  in  A])ril, 

17.  This  day  commences  the  drawing  of  the  Lottery  of  25,000 
tickets  at  5  dollars  each,  the  highest  prize,  10,000  dollars.  The 
largest  Lottery  ever  allowed  in  this  government.  The  sum  however 
has  been  beyond  the  reach  of  the  people.     The  smaller  lotteries  by 


238  DIARY  OP  [1791 

their  speedy  sale  of  tickets  left  the  rage  unbounded,  but  this  has 
measured  the  full  extent,  &  has  left  several  hundred  even  in  this 
town  unsold.  The  donation  to  Beverley  is  plead  as  an  excuse,  but 
the  true  cause  is  visible.  Not  a  ticket  scarcely  is  asked  for  at  this 
time  so  near  drawing,  so  thoroughly  are  the  people  glutted.  This 
is  called  the  Semi  annual  State  Lottery. 

[44]  18.  M''  Adams  of  Medway  with  me  to  collect  materials  for 
a  "  Dictionary  of  all  Religions  "  to  be  published  in  a  second  edition 
by  his  daughter.  He  is  an  old  acquaintance  in  the  Book  Way, 
having  spent  many  years  in  travelling  the  State  to  collect  &  to  cull 
old  Libraries. 

19.  Curious  proof  of  the  force  of  Superstition.  A  child,  edu- 
cated in  Superstition  was  left  to  keep  the  House  while  Capt.  Ashbey 
went  into  the  next  house,  to  pay  his  addresses  to  a  young  woman. 
He  tarried  later  than  usual,  in  which  time  the  child  fell  asleep. 
Recovering  herself,  &  finding  it  to  be  after  ten  o'clock  in  the  even- 
ing, she  determined  to  go  to  bed.  Lodging  in  the  room  in  which 
her  friend,  the  former  M"  Ashbey  died,  she  went  in  to  go  to  bed. 
She  suddenly  screamed  out  &  fell  down  senseless.  The  Captain  & 
others  heard  &  came  in,  &  found  her  senseless.  When  she  was  re- 
covered, she  said  that  M''^  Ashbey  appeared  to  her,  nor  could  she 
upon  any  consideration  be  induced  to  tarry  in  the  house.  The 
House  was  accordingly  evacuated,  till  this  imagination  is  in  some 
measure  forgotten.  Thus  superstition  injuries  property,  as  well  as 
the  enjoyment  of  life. 

[45]  [Mar.]  20.  Sunday.  Notes.  John  Battoun  &  Wife,  on 
death  of  daughter  Nezboth,  &  for  Sons  at  Sea.  Margaret  Strout, 
on  death  of  her  Sister  Nezboth  &  husband,  &  Friends  at  Sea.  Han- 
nah Pearson,  on  death  of  her  Sister  Nezboth  &  for  Brethren  & 
friends  at  Sea.  Mary  Eulen,  on  death  of  her  Sister  Nezboth  & 
Husband  &  Brethren  at  Sea. 

21.  The  Funeral  of  M"  Fairfield's  child,  which  died  very  sud- 
denly. The  examination  after  death  was  allowed,  &  an  obstruction 
was  in  the  wind  pipe,  says  report.  Was  with  Master  Rogers,  and 
found  the  effects  of  rivalships  are  the  same  even  among  Physicians , 
allowing  only  for  the  restraints  of  the  profession.  A  Physician, 
with  the  name  of  Surgeon  in  the  British  Army  has  taken  rank 
among  us.  A  profuse  liberality  to  the  poor  of  every  class  has  given 
him  great  success,  but  he  l\as  made  some  wretched  errors  in  his 
practice.  A  dislocated  jaw  was  a  Spasm,  a  shoulder  in  the  same 
state,  was  not  recovered  but  by  the  help  of  another  physician.  An 
incision  of  the  foot  bound  up,  without  taking  the  artery,  till  he  had 
help.  Such  facts  give  great  advantage  to  those,  who  think  his  suc- 
cess depending  upon  his  pretentions.  Report  that  Capt.  Roach  is 
seized  at  Bristol.  [46]  23.  Mercy  Burke's  child's  dead.  Her  G. 
Mother  &  Mother  lived  together  in  a  miserable  hovel,  with  4  others 
miserable  by  the  lowest  vices,  &  in  extreme  poverty.     M'  Oliver  of 


1791]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  239 

Marblehead  about  to  leave  S^  Michael's  Church.  It  is  agreed  on 
for  Easter  next.  Ostensible  reason  the  small  congregation.  Visit 
at  Capt  J*"  White's  upon  the  subject  of  late  marriage.  This  is  a 
house  from  which  I  have  been  deterred  by  the  controversy  respect- 
ing the  Girls,  Sc  other  less  visible  causes. 

[47]  24.  Last  evening  in  the  absence  of  the  Families  inhabiting 
a  House  of  M""  Bray  (whose  Tenants  are  Capt  Roach  &  Archer)  an 
Incendiary  broke  a  pane  in  a  window  back  of  the  House,  belonging 
to  a  Closet  in  Capt  Roach's  apartment,  &  threw  in  a  Mug  full  of 
Pine  coals.  Each  of  them  took  fire  upon  the  Shelves  &  floor,  as 
tliey  scattered,  but  went  out,  without  burning  the  House.  The 
mug  was  put  under  the  fence  near  the  house,  &  in  it  the  coals  ap- 
pear to  have  been  brought.  They  have  burnt  enough  to  discover 
the  most  vile  intentions.  The  window  appears  to  have  been  broken 
forcibly.  The  House  is  in  the  Lane  leading  from  the  Episcopal 
Church  to  Court  Street. 

In  conversation  with  Madam  Renew,  whose  family  name  was 
Abbot,  I  found  the  following  facts  respecting  Abbot's  Cove,  the  inlet 
formed  between  the  Island  &  the  mainland  towards  the  Sea,  closed 
by  the  Marsh  &  Causeway.  Her  G.  Father  bought  the  House, 
whose  Cellar  is  now  beneath  the  Headland  of  Juniper  Point,  to- 
wards the  Cove,  of  a  M""  Tapley.  It  had  only  a  small  spot  of  land 
adjoining.  He  afterwards  bought  a  small  house  near  the  Caiiseway, 
&  owned  them  both.  He  died  60  years  ago,  in  his  93*^  year.  He 
must  have  been  born  about  1640.  The  house  first  purchased  he 
kept  as  a  public  House.  There  is  no  evidence  in  what  year  the 
first  purchase  was  made,  or  that  Tapley  was  the  original  owner. 
Abbot  Avas,  she  says,  of  Connecticut  &  in  man's  estate  when  he  pur- 
chased. He  has  however  given  name  to  the  Rock,  Cove  &  Farm 
probably  from  the  public  House  he  kept.  [48]  The  only  recollec- 
tion she  has  of  the  original  or  former  state  of  the  Farm  is  that 
whfn  she  was  boru  her  parents  lived  in  the  old  House,  &  had  certain 
privileges  for  taking  care  of  the  pasture  as  the  Land  adjoining  was 
then  called,  &  that  it  was  owned  by  Old  Col.  Higginson,  &  by  him 
disposed  of  to  Capt  Ives,  &  by  his  heirs  disposed  of  to  Capt  R. 
Derby,  with  whose  heirs  it  now  remains.  It  would  be  a  proper  en- 
quiry whether  the  Land  came  to  the  Col.  Higginson  by  his  father 
&  G.  Father,  the  Ministers,  as  that  might  probably  ascertain  the 
original  English  Proprietors.  The  Informant  !M.  Renew,  the  G. 
Daughter,  is  now  85  years  old.  Abbot  sold  to  Ives,  &  the  whole 
property  afterwards  passed  into  the  same  hands. 

25.  The  Lottery  engages  the  conversation  of  the  many  in  this 
rainy  season.  Preparations  are  making  for  great  India  Sales  by 
M""  Derby.  M"'  Gardiner's  prosecution  of  the  Printer  has  made  the 
Gazette  writers  more  cautious,  &  any  personal  reflections  have  apol- 
ogies which  is  a  great  diminution  of  their  effect  upon  the  public 
who  forget  that  a  man  has  any  merit,  when  he  is  abused. 


240  DIAKY  OF  [1791 

[49]  26.  Discovered  from  the  Deputy  Adjutant  General  J® 
Tracey,  that  the  ofi&cers  of  Salem  Regiment  had  resigned.  It  may 
be  a  sacrifice  to  ambition.  It  is  pretended  that  the  Major  General 
Titcombe's  resignation  is  the  object.  The  Major  Harthorne,  &  one 
Captain,  M""  Holman  have  not  resigned.  The  Subalterns  it  is  said, 
have  the  purpose  of  following  the  example.  Great  complaints 
have  been  made  that  the  Militia  Law  does  not  in  such  way  provide 
for  the  election  of  Officers,  that  they  shall  necessarily  be  commis- 
sioned. Some  towns  have  their  full  duty,  while  others  evade  the 
Law  with  impunity. 

[Mar.]  27.  Sunday.  Notes.  Widow  Kebecca  Fairfield,  d.  of  her 
child,  &  son  at  Sea.  Mercy  White,  continuing  dangerously  sick. 
A  very  pleasant  day  to  open  the  spring,  &  full  house.  Very  good 
Singing  this  day.  Our  Tything  man,  M''  John  Gunnison  began  to 
act  &  with  Spirit. 

28.  The  man,  who  by  deserting  his  family,  &  by  being  guilty 
of  the  low  vices,  was  subject  of  remark  sometime  since,  is  now  up- 
on a  Visit,  living  in  the  same  family  with  myself.  My  former 
Landlady,  never  did  admit  such  an  intrusion  &  so  I  find  to  escape 
one  evil,  I  have  involved  myself  in  another.  So  early  a  disappoint- 
ment in  hopes  was  not  foreseen.  English,  the  Sexton,  was  invited 
by  General  Fiske  to  resume  his  old  station  at  the  head  of  the  Pul- 
pit Stairs,  but  he  declined,  as  was  expected. 

[50]  29.  A  Portsmouth  paper  says,  if  we  are  not  misinformed, 
5,000  dollars  have  been  paid  out  of  this  Town  in  the  Mass  :  Semi 
ann.  Lottery.  Great  alarm  respecting  the  counterfeit  Public  Se- 
curities. M""  Adams  returned  from  Newbury  &  lost  his  horse  at 
Ipswich.  I  provided  the  Stage  to  carry  him  on  to  Boston,  for  which 
he  is  to  refund  me  in  Books.  He  thinks  his  Horse  died  of  the  In- 
fluenza. 

30.  M'  Dodge  was  with  me  from  Danvers  respecting  the  Minis- 
ter's pasture.  I  took  no  money,  but  enabled  him  to  settle  with  the 
heirs  of  Silvester  Proctor  by  a  receipt.  I  have  left  my  two  Dollars 
for  1788  in  his  hands  towards  the  benefit  of  the  pasture.  He  says 
that  15/  is  due  to  ^M""  Diman  till  that  time.  I  have  told  him  to  de- 
tain the  money  in  Rev**  Holt's  hands,  till  I  have  satisfaction,  not 
having  been  informed  till  by  accident  last  year  of  the  existence  of 
such  a  Pasture.  Found  Bartlet  at  the  new  fort  removing  Loads  of 
the  wood  of  the  old  Wharf  upon  Winter  Island,  about  100  yards 
round  the  point,  &  within  the  wharf  built  by  Derby.  This  old 
wharf  was  approached  on  the  land  over  a  Ledge  of  Rocks  which 
reached  to  the  Flats,  &  gave  a  security  to  the  upper  part.  The  old 
Ship  yard  was  within  this  Wharf.  Hereafter  traces  of  this  string 
of  Wharf  may  not  be  found. 

31.  Fast  Day.  Contribution  30  dollars.  Violet  Grant,  an 
American,  was  a  fine  negro  Girl,  who  undt^r  the  idea  of  liberty,  & 
with  a  poor  husband,  became  licentious.     She  was  advertised  in 


1791]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  241 

print,  &  (lied  of  the  lues  venerea  in  its  most  unhappy  stages.  She 
was  delivered  in  this  condition.  Buried  this  day  from  the  Charity 
House. 

[53]  April  1.  Friday.  Set  out  for  Andover  by  the  way  of  Tops- 
tield  &  Boxford.  This  road  is  judged  the  best  for  a  Carriage,  the' 
the  distance  be  three  miles  greater  in  this  road,  than  through  Mid- 
dletou.  At  Topstield  we  passed  the  Meeting  house  on  our  left. 
The  Meeting  House  on  our  right  would  have  carried  us  through 
the  old  Parish,  Revd.  Holyoke's,  to  Andover  in  less  distance  but 
worse  road.  We  kept  the  left  hand  road,  as  the  most  direct,  pass- 
ing several  Pond's,  Pritchards  on  the  right  2  miles,  Wood's  on  the 
left  5  miles,  &c.  The  roads  which  go  out  on  the  right  turn  off 
much.  At  6  miles  distance  we  leave  the  right  hand  path  &  take 
left  at  an  Oak  tree  in  the  road,  the  right  leading  to  Haverhill. 
We  keep  the  left  6  miles  to  Andover  in  the  most  direct  path.  Four 
miles  from  Andover  we  see  the  north  Parish  Meeting  House  of 
Boxford  on  our  right,  at  1-2  mile's  distance.  Here  is  a  Farm,  & 
Dwelling  House  in  good  order,  possessed  by  Gideon  Tyler.  We 
come  out  1-2  mile  below  Andover  north  Meeting  House.  As  our 
visit  was  intended  for  D""  Kitteridge,  whom  my  companion  Capt. 
Becket  intended  to  consult,  we  passed  by  the  !)■■•  House,  &  went 
to  the  Public  House  1-4  mile  below  formerly  kept  by  Craig,  since 
by  Adams,  &  now  by  Bimsley  Stevens,  lately  Goal  Keeper,  &  Dep- 
uty Sheriff  in  Salem.  He  was  a  native  of  Andover.  The  road  was 
remarkably  good  for  the  season  of  the  year.  There  are  several 
Saw  Mills  on  the  road.  At  two  we  stopped,  to  which  roads  lead 
on  the  left,  going  to  Andover,  at  1-8  mile  distance.  The  Buildings 
are  decent,  the  land  not  the  best.  [52]  In  the  afternoon  we  visited 
Fry's  Hill,  nearly  south  of  the  Meeting  House  in  north  Andover, 
above  a  mile  in  the  road.  The  Hill  is  very  high,  &  steep  towards 
the  road.  Quite  round  for  its  height,  &  its  greatest  length  N.  &  S. 
It  overtops  the  adjacent  country.  It  being  a  fair  day  we  had  an 
extensive  prospect.  Milton  hills  lay  from  us  in  the  line  of  a  hill  2 
miles  off,  &  were  hidden.  On  every  other  quarter  the  eye  might 
range  without  obstruction.  N.  W.  bore  the  Wachusetof  Princeton, 
distant  60  miles  in  the  road,  &  N.  of  it  the  Great  Menadnock  near 
Dublin  in  N.  Hampshire.  On  the  N.  we  saw  Adrimeticus  in  the 
province  of  Maine,  &  on  the  E.  Pidgeon  Hill,  Cape  ann  &  the  Ocean 
from  which  we  were  distant  above  30  miles.  In  the  valley  we  saw 
on  the  north  the  Merimack  distant  at  the  nearest  point  3  miles,  & 
the  Shawshin  which  empties  into  it  about  1  mile  &  1-2  below  the 
N.  Meeting  House  of  Andover,  Methuen  meeting  house  &  houses 
were  seen  from  the  Public  House,  &  from  the  Hill,  &  lays  on  the 
other  side  of  the  river  Merimack.  N.  Parish  of  Haverhill  appeared 
in  full  view  joined  to  Methuen,  &  above  the  Houses  of  Dracut. 
The  Academy  on  the  S.  W.  appeared  at  2  miles  distance,  &  in  the 
vale  below  the  S.  Meeting  House  finished  with  a  Tower.     On  S.  E. 


242  DIARY   OF  [1791 

we  saw  Topsfield  Meeting  House  &  Spire,  &  the  Road,  through 
which  we  had  passed.  We  were  kindly  received  at  M"^  Fry's  by 
his  wife,  who  was  a  Mackey  of  Salem.  After  Tea  we  went  down 
to  the  River,  just  below  the  entrance  of  the  Shawshin  into  the  Mer- 
rimack. The  River  Shawshin  flows  through  Tewksbury  into  An- 
dover,  &  enters  above  a  mile  below  the  N.  Meeting  House  of 
Andover  into  the  Merrimack,  opposite  to  Methuen.  The  river  is 
40  rods  [53]  wide  &  where  it  is  entered  by  the  Shawshin  there  is 
a  ford  of  gravel  which  is  passed  in  the  summer  season  without 
hazard,  tho'  the  water  below  be  of  great  depth.  On  the  opposite 
side  of  the  Merrimack,  but  a  little  above,  enters  another  small  river 
of  considerable  course  from  N.  Hampshire.  The  Hon :  Judge 
Phillips,  Rev**  Symmes  &  D""  Kitteridge  visited  us  upon  our  return. 
Our  Landlord  attended  us  with  his  perspective  glass  in  our  excur- 
sions. We  visited  the  Training  field  on  the  N.  of  the  Doctor's 
House. 

2.  From  the  Doctor's  at  9  we  set  out  for  home.  The  Stones  from 
Andover  have  a  uniform  appearance  till  we  reach  Topsfield,  es- 
pecially those  used  in  the  walls  of  the  enclosures,  being  of  the  ap- 
pearance of  iron  mould  &  as  if  lately  dug  from  the  earth,  which 
upon  the  first  sight  of  them  we  imagined.  Going  &  coming  we  made 
our  Stages  at  Baker's,  Topsfield.  I  visited  M"  Porter,  a  sensible 
woman,  formerly  an  Allen.  I  saw  my  old  classmate  Wilds  upon  the 
road,  &  a  M'  Gould,  M.  A.  We  reached  Salem  at  Dinner.  At  Tops- 
field  Hill  may  be  seen  the  Spires  of  Marblehead.  We  saw  men  on 
their  Rafts  passing  down  Merrimack  River,  We  observed  the 
shifting  banks,  loosing  on  Methuen  side,  &  gaining  below  on  Andov- 
er side.  We  were  informed  that  there  were  now  at  the  Andover 
Academy  66  youth,  &  in  last  summer  73.  That  board  is  at  Judge 
Phillip's  97,  Rev'i  French's  87,  Esq-"  Abbots  77 6^  and  Tuition  not 
•exceeding  I7  p"^  week.  We  observed  the  jealousy  of  the  Parishes. 
The  north  Parish  complain  that  their  own  Grammar  School  is 
meglected.  [54]  The  Parson  observes  that  Academies  are  too  numer- 
ous, that  their  model  is  not  purely  republican,  &  that  an  antient 
institution  was  best  for  general  knowledge,  that  there  should  be 
provision  for  a  Grammar  School  in  every  Town.  The  G.  Father  of 
the  present  M''  Bernard  of  Salem,  was  Minister  in  N.  Andover, 
His  Uncle  at  Haverhill,  his  father  at  Newbury  &  afterwards  at  Salem. 
M"^  Phillips  was  Minister  of  S.  Andover, 

[Apr.]  3.  xSunday.  This  morning  the  air  was  remarkably  cleai  & 
the  wind  in  the  N,  We  had  a  most  distinct  view  of  an  Annular 
•eclipse  of  the  Sun.  It  continued  above  two  minutes  compleat.  It 
was  very  generally  observed,  &  was  unusually  plain,  as  was  said  by 
•common  observers.     Notes,  Primus  Grant,  Negro,  death  of  his  Wife, 

4.  In  last  Saturday's  Gazette  appeared  the  vindication  of  Rev" 
Parsons  of  Lynn,  against  a  malicious  publication  of  the  result  of 
Council.     It  had  several  insertions,  &  was  very  badly  printed,  Forma 


1791]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  243 

for  Fama  &c,  &  no  regard  paid  to  the  punctuation.  It  was  signed 
by  the  whole  Committee  of  the  Parish,  chosen  to  attend  the  Coun- 
cil. Not  without  success.  About  G  weeks  ago  we  had  an  exertion 
of  the  spirit  of  Militia.  For  some  disorderly  conduct  at  the  review 
in  Xewbuiy  Port  in  leaving  the  parade,  a  Court  martial  was  held  & 
the  Officers  disgraced.  Some  attempts  were  made  in  the  (Jazette 
to  ridicule  the  proceedings  but  the  Printer  retracted,  &  published 
the  spirited  proceedings,  with  applause.  The  militia  is  not  on  a 
respectable  footing  at  present.  [55]  M""  Robert  Hooper  get.  62,  at 
the  corner  of  Ferry  Lane,  told  me  that  the  wind  mill,  formerly 
standing  on  that  jtoint  was  brought  from  Boston  in  1733.  It  stood 
on  Cop's  Hill  in  the  north  part  of  that  Town,  &  was  struck  with 
Lightning.  M''  Clough  the  father  of  the  present  generation  came 
with  it,  who  was  by  trade  a  mason,  &  afterwards  a  Sexton  in  the 
East  Meeting  House.  ^P  Hooper  attended  it  in  person,  for  some- 
time. 

Certificate  given  to  Lydia  Maley. 

This  may  certify  that  our  Sister,  Lydia  Maley  is  a  member 
in  full  communion  with  our  Church  the  East  Congregational  Church 
in  Salem,  &  we  recommend  her  to  all  our  sister  Churches. 

signed  by  the  Wardens  &  Pastor. 

A  meeting  sometime  since  to  form  an  association  among  the  ad- 
herents to  Hopkins,  at  Woodend  in  Reading.  It  is  said  to  be  intend- 
ed upon  the  Connecticut  Plan.  In  the  consultation  were  present 
M^  Spring,  Hopkins,  Cleaveland,  Father  &  Son,  Parish,  Judson, 
Aiken,  &  Sanburne.  These  enthusiasts  wish  new  Plans  to  render 
themselves  important.  lieport  that  the  noisy  Bell  of  Amesbury  has 
dispossessed  Shuttlesworth's  friends  of  the  meeting  house  in  Wind- 
sor, N.  S.  Catachised  the  young  daughters  of  the  Flock  above  30 
in  number.  Remarked  that  when  Master  Nuttings  who  died  above 
a  year  ago,  took  his  degree  in  1712,  Consolation  Star  was  living  who 
took  his  degree  in  1647.  Thus  in  the  life  of  two  men  the  Cata- 
logue shews  us  the  History  of  Colleges  continued  till  our  own  times. 

[56]  5.  The  day  appointed  in  this  Town  for  the  great  India  Sales. 
Last  evening  the  cry  of  fire  for  the  first  time  in  the  year,  but  no 
damage  done.  Among  the  papers  offered  to  the  public  by  the  Sec- 
retary on  the  subject  of  the  Cod  Fishery,  are  the  following :  No.  1. 
An  historical  view  of  the  Cod  Fisheries  of  France,  Eng.  &  the 
United  States.  No.  2.  State  of  Cod  fishery  of  Massachusetts  from 
1765  to  1790.  [Tables  of  both  appearing  in  the  original  manuscript 
are  here  omitted.] 

[58]  Sent  by  Capt  J"  Loring  to  Gibraltar,  the  Worcester  &  Salem 
Gazettes  for  the  current  year,  till  this  day.  A  Committee  from  the 
Marine  Society  waited  upon  me  this  morning,  &  requested  a  copy  of 
my  Sermon  on  the  death  of  Capt  Gardiner  for  the  press.  At  (len- 
eral  Fiske's  had  the  Company  of  the  Governor  &  his  Lady,  who 
went  for  Marblehead  after  dinner      She  is  a  very  agreable  Lady. 


214  DIARY   OF  [1791 

Attended  the  Catachisiu  of  the  Boys  &  had  above  60,  hut  not  so  well 
clad,  or  instructed  as  the  Girls.  The  above  committee  on  Capt  Jon* 
Gardner's  funeral  Sermon,  being  Jon*  Mason  sen''  &  General  Fiske, 
waited  upon  the  Printer  &  for  20  dollars  contracted  for  300  copies 
to  be  stitched  in  blue.  I  have  asked  of  the  Printer  one  hundred 
besides.  The  Printer  being  young,  has  no  other  than  small  Gazette 
types,  the  work  must  have  no  benefit  from  the  execution  of  the 
prinitng.  His  Excellency  shew  me  his  buttons  of  wrought  silver, 
&  the  metal  found  within  the  United  States.  They  were  given  by 
Dickerson  the  Farmer.  The  device  is  the  Shepherd  shearing  his 
sheep,  with  a  motto  in  latin,  purporting,  that  he  profited  more  by 
his  life  than  his  death. 

[59]  6.  Last  ijight  after  one  o'clock  a  young  man,  named  John 
Pynchon,  forcibly  entered  the  House  of  Capt  B.  West  in  our  neigh- 
borhood, &  ran  into  the  upper  loft.  The  family  alarmed  by  the  noise, 
arose  &  followed  him,  &  found  in  an  excessive  fright  imagining  that 
he  was  pursued  by  soldiers.  He  had  been  in  the  water,  Sec.  This 
unfortunate  youth,  is  a  descendant  from  the  antient  &  original  Set- 
tler of  N.  England,  M''  Pynchon.  His  father  from  Springfield  was 
a  Lawyer  of  Salem,  a  Gentleman  of  accomplished  manners,  but  at- 
tached to  the  unpopular  interest  of  G.  Britain.  This  only  son* 
was  educated  with  great  delicacy,  his  mother  was  a  Sewall.  He 
was  offered  to  the  University,  while  I  was  in  office.  Excessive  in- 
dulgence at  last  allured  him  to  remove  before  he  could  receive  a  de- 
gree, &  for  several  j'ears  he  was  without  any  employment.  His 
agreable  manners  recommended  him  to  gay  company,  &  bad  exam- 
ples after  the  decease  of  his  father,  led  him  to  intemperance.  His 
father  endeavoured  to  introduce  him  to  the  practice  of  the  Law,  & 
he  became  a  sworn  attorney.  The  character  of  a  dissolute  youth 
prevented  his  successful  practice  in  Salem,  &  tho'  raised  to  be  Ad- 
jutant of  the  Regiment,  his  friends  could  not  overrule  the  public 
prejudice.  He  retired  to  Vermont,  but  soon  expended  his  interest, 
&  gained  no  employ,  &  he  is  now  among  his  friends,  reaping  the 
fruits  of  an  idle,  intemperate,  &  dissolute  life.  He  is  at  present  in 
the  condition  of  a  delirious  man,  &  purely  by  his  vices.  There  has 
occurred  a  similar  instance  about  the  same  time  in  a  famil}',  whose 
circumstances  are  not  very  different.  M""  Goodale,  since  removed 
to  Boston,  [60]  a  Gentleman  of  liberal  education,  &  pleasing  man- 
ners, by  a  like  indulgence  to  an  amiable  youth,  &  by  educating  him 
to  great  hopes,  &  gratifying  foolish  extravagancies,  led  his  oldest 
son  to  an  indolent  &  vitious  life.  His  health  has  been  a  plea  for 
many  liberties,  &  at  last  in  a  reduced  fortune,  he  had  been  obliged 
to  send  the  son  away  to  the  Carolinas,  after  having  been  the  occa- 
sion of  most  distressing  anxieties,  &  most  severe  public  censures. 
Most  affecting  examples  of  the  danger  of  indolence,  &  the  want  of 
resolution  in  the  Parents. 

*Dr.  Bentley  is  in  error.    There  was  an  older  brother,  William,  born  in  1759. 


1791]  KEV.    WILLIAM    BENTLEY  246 

This  evening  we  met  at  Buffingtons's,  the  Ship,  to  sign  the  By 
Laws  of  the  Masonic  Institution.  Few  present  with  us.  Curious 
facts.  Two  Brothers  about  8  years  ago,  by  the  name  of  Knowlton, 
came  from  Ipswich  to  work  at  their  trade  in  Salem.  They  were  by 
trade,  Cabinet  makers,  &  very  good  workmen.  They  did  not  punct- 
ually fulfil  their  contracts,  &  this  was  well  known,  but  they  always 
had  as  much  work  as  they  could  perform.  They  both  married  Sis- 
ters in  Law,  who  were  worthy  women.  The  oldest  lost  his  wife  in 
childbed,  tS:  then  addressed  a  wealthy  widow  with  children.  All  the 
solicitations  of  her  friends  could  not  prevent  her  engagement  to  him, 
but  he  died  of  a  consumption  in  extreme  poverty.  [61]  The  other 
had  children,  &  soon  after  the  death  of  the  Brother  his  wife  died  of 
a  consumption  most  miserably  provided  for,  while  a  woman  of  ill 
fame  in  the  house  was  with  child  by  him.  After  his  wife's  death, 
being  wretchedly  involved  in  debt,  he  went  away,  &  left  his  family 
of  children  without  a  single  precaution  in  their  behalf.  The  G.  Par- 
ents came  from  Ipswich  &  took  the  children,  &  the  Father  was 
heard  to  say,  that  it  was  an  easy  way  to  rid  himself  of  the  trouble. 
After  loosing  every  thing  he  returned,  &  was  published  to  the  wom- 
an, who  had  charged  her  pregnancy  upon  him,  but  not  married.  In 
the  last  fall  he  took  two  of  his  children  into  his  keeping  again. 
Through  a  severe  winter  he  confined  them  in  a  Shop  Chamber,  with- 
out fire  or  chimney,  without  cloathes  or  animal  food,  &  in  a  place 
without  windows,  &  \\'ith  open  cracks  in  every  direction.  This  day 
complaint  was  made  to  the  Overseers  of  the  poor,  who  have  visited 
this  abode  of  wretchedness,  &  seen  the  children,  who  have  not  had 
liberty  to  speak  to  any  person  or  be  heard  through  five  severe 
months,  wrapped  in  shavings  as  their  only  defence  against  the 
severe  weather.  Such  examples  shew  how  easy  it  is  by  a  vitious 
life  to  debase  the  social  nature  of  man,  &  how  far  the  neglect  of 
truth  will  lead  to  the  neglect  of  virtue.  The  Father  has  acquired 
the  rash  temper  of  a  savage,  &  that  suspicious  look  which  indi- 
cates his  apprehensions  from  every  man  he  can  meet.  The  man 
has  had  a  very  good  education  so  far  as  instruction  goes.  The  ex- 
ample cannot  be  so  easily  defended. 

[62]  Abstract  of  the  Produce  of  the  Fisheries  exported  from  the 
United  States  from  about  August  20,  1789,  to  September  ."^O,  1790 
[appearing  in  the  original  manuscript  is  here  omitted.] 

7.  Snow  which  ended  in  Rain.  The  sale  of  India  goods  closed 
this  day  at  noon.  The  strangers  retired  after  the  first  day  com- 
plaining that  they  did  not  expect  to  purchase  at  retail,  upon  accoimt 
of  the  Small  Lots.  The  second  day  had  few  wealthy  purchasers. 
The  third  day  was  of  sales  upon  the  wharf,  raisins.  Teas,  &c.  The 
Sales  of  Tea  were  few.  About  12  chests  of  Bohea.  The  fruit  sold 
at  a  moderate  advance.  The  usual  artifice  was  employed  of  a  Bid- 
der for  the  owner  which  must  leave  much  of  the  goods  uHsold. 
From  the  care  to  spread  the  advertisemetits,  it  was  expected  that  a 


246  DIARY    OF  [1791 

great  concourse  of  people,  &c.  Few  rich  merchants  appeai-ed,  & 
many  of  the  articles  were  not  valuable  from  the  ignorance  of  them, 
among  purchasers.  M^  Derby  senior,  was  confined  at  home  by  a 
leg  wounded  from  a  fall. 

[65]  8.  Saw  some  specimens  of  Paper  made  at  the  several 
mills  in  the  lower  parts  of  this  State.  The  mills  in  Suffolk  at  Mil- 
ton are  the  most  antient,  but  they  have  fallen  into  the  common 
error  of  our  Manufactories,  to  get  a  good  name,  &  not  to  labour  to 
keep  it,  turning  off  their  articles.  The  Watertown  Mills  in  Mid- 
dlesex send  out  the  best  writing  paper,  most  free  from  spots,  of 
purest  white,  &  most  equal.  The  Essex  Mills  in  Andover  have 
already  become  negligent  of  their  common  writing  paper,  tho'  they 
are  said  to  produce  good  printing  paper.  There  are  other  mills  in 
the  interior  Counties.  Went  over  to  Beverley  in  the  afternoon,  & 
walked  to  the  water  side  from  the  lane  entering  near  the  upper 
well  on  the  right. 

9.  Walked  this  morning  before  breakfast  to  wait  upon  Kev"^ 
Holt,*  who  had  called  upon  me  for  an  exchange.  Returned  by 
Northfields,  keeping  the  road  from  M'  Holts  by  the  Mills,  over  the 
dam,  then  taking  a  course  of  1-2  of  a  mile  to  the  left,  at  right  angles 
with  the  road,  which  brings  into  another  road,  leading  into  the  public 
road  at  Orne's  Farm,  passing  the  road  to  Fry's  Mills  on  the  right. 
As  the  ground  between  the  roads  is  used  for  plowing  as  well  as 
pasturing,  there  is  no  distinct  foot  path,  people  passing  above  or 
below  as  the  season  admits.  At  Beverly  was  introduced  at  Capt 
Gyles'  to  a  dying  servant,  who  by  being  exposed  in  severe  weather 
by  his  intemperance,  froze  &  lost  both  his  feet.  I  asked  him, 
whether  he  supposed  that  he  was  dying.  He  answered,  yes.  Does 
your  past  [66]  life  cause  you  no  pain  upon  reflection  ?  No.  Do 
you  expect  a  future  life  ?  Yes.  Do  you  think  it  will  be  happy  ? 
Not  immediately  so.  So  imperceptibly  do  current  opinions  that 
future  punishments  will  be  merciful,  slide  into  common  minds, 
&c.  Dined  with  Rev.  Holt,  Bernard,  &  Prince  at  Gen.  Fiske's. 
The  Subject  of  Lynn  Coiincil  was  considered  with  some  severity,  & 
the  member  present  condemned  the  publication  in  behalf  of  the 
Committee  as  a  false  representation,  while  the  little  mind  of  a 
younger  man,  pretended  that  it  deserved  contempt. 

April  10.  Sunday.  Exchanged  with  M""  Holt.  Notes.  Alice 
Orne,  Safe  delivery,  &  for  Husband  at  Sea.  Mercy  White,  contin  : 
of  prayers  for  her  sick.  A  M'  Needham  aged  83  dined  with  us. 
He  was  three  years  of  age,  when  the  Meeting  House  in  the  lower 
Parish  was  built.  They  have  had  only  two  Ministers.  M'  Pres- 
cott  was  first,  who  afterwards  asked  a  dismission,  &  died  about 
twenty  years  ago.  M""  Holt  has  been  settled  above  30  years.  M" 
Holt  entertained  us  with  the  antient  respect  paid  to  the  Clergy  in 
her  own  remembrance.     That  at  Andover  when  her  Uncle  Philips 

*Rev.  Natliau  Holt,  of  the  Middle  Precinct,  now  the  town  of  Peabody. 


1791]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  247 

visited,  the  children  never  dared  to  rise  from  their  seats  in  his  pres- 
ence, but  sat  without  work  if  he  found  them  in  that  condition. 
She  regrets  the  change  that  the  ministers  now  are  treated  just  as 
other  men,  &  make  as  many  bad  debts  as  their  neighbours. 

[67]  11.  Information  rather  favorable  from  Lynn.  The  fact  is 
that  some  men  had  rather  ruin  the  Parson,  than  not  verify  their 
predictions.  Such  may  be  Clergymen.  M''  Winthrop,  my  old 
friend,  is  upon  the  bench  in  the  inferior  Court  in  Middlesex.  I 
congratulated  the  Governor  on  the  election.  M''  Dana,  was  put  up 
as  a  Competitor  with  Gov.  Hancock  this  year  in  Boston,  by  a  small 
number.  The  town  of  Salem  acquiesced  in  the  present  state  of  that 
Office. 

12.  It  appears  that  the  Town  have  voted  to  enlarge  the  Charity 
House  on  the  Common,  &  to  exert  themselves  to  prevent  all  Street 
Beggars.  Names  for  the  Streets  are  proposed  as  a  Subject  for  Con- 
sideration. [68]  Application  made  to  me  by  a  M""*  Perkins  in  be- 
half of  a  child  of  14  years,  born  blind.  It  is  a  case  within  reach  of 
a  remedy  in  the  opinion  of  D""  Holyoke.  The  intended  Physician, 
is  a  Physician  from  France,  settled  at  Norton  in  the  County  of 
Bristol,  about  30  miles  from  Boston.  D'  H.  referred  to  a  case  in 
Cheselden  as  in  his  judgment  similar.  Passing  by  the  wharf  at 
the  bottom  of  Washington  Street,  I  found  Joshua  Ward  the  Pro- 
prietor, placing  great  Rocks  in  the  dock,  to  raise  a  barrier  to  ob- 
struct the  mud  carried  into  the  river  from  the  sluices  which  empty 
at  that  place.  Put  yesterday  M''  Frank's  Boy  to  the  Town  School. 
He  has  been  two  years  at  Madam  Babbidge's,  at  my  expence.  His 
father  is  an  honest  Corsican,  reduced  by  the  delirium  of  his  wife, 
to  labour  on  the  wharves  for  a  livelihood.  It  is  observed  that  the 
neglect  of  public  worship  is  generally  preceeded  by  some  acts  of 
intemperance  in  the  people  who  labour.  They  have  in  this  way 
one  day  to  themselves  indulged  in  indolence  at  home,  &  they  spend 
it  in  their  favorite  vice.  After  they  have  been  in  several  acts  ex- 
posed, they  then  indulge  in  sauntering  upon  the  wharves.  Mari- 
ners are  not  included  in  this  discription  but  Tradesmen  are.  And 
it  is  from  the  same  cause  that  Manufacturers  in  England  perhaps 
neglect  public  worship,  as  their  propensities  are  very  well  known. 

[69]  13.  An  Historical  View  of  the  Whale  Fishery  of  Holland, 
England,  &  the  United  States  [appearing  in  the  original  manu- 
script is  here  omitted.] 

[70]  14.  M'  Rhodes  waited  upon  me  from  Lynn  respecting  a 
Reply  of  Carnes  &  his  party.  It  is  too  mean  to  deserve  an  answer, 
but  a  mere  sketch  in  qiiestions  was  offered,  which  it  is  to  be  hoped 
they  will  not  print.  By  him  I  leain  that  at  the  last  parish  meeting 
Carnes'  jiarty  by  a  majority  of  6  persons  obtained  the  election  of 
the  Parish  Officers,  the  others  retired.  By  a  Clergyman  of  the 
Council  from  Marblehead,  I  find  the  Clergy  united  to  discredit 
every  attempt  to  raise  Parsons.     The  large  house,  formerly  belong- 


248  DIARY   OF  [1791 

iug  to  M""  English,  who  was  taken  from  it  in  1692,  under  pretence 
of  Witchcraft,  was  built  as  says  his  G.  daughter  in  1690.  It  was 
the  largest  in  Town,  &  he  was  a  merchant  having  24  sail  of  vessels. 
He  was  carried  to  the  Jail,  which  was  nearly  opposite  to  the  old,  or 
first  Meeting  House,  rather  eastward.  The  House,  built  by  Welch, 
on  Symond's  Lane  in  the  great  Street  opposite  Esq*^  Manning's,  & 
in  debate  for  several  years  between  Andrews  &  Dalton,  after  sever- 
al strippings,  was  pulled  down  last  night,  to  the  joy  of  the  neigh- 
bourhood. 

15.  Went  over  the  well  known  house  of  English  near  the  neck 
gate.  The  Cellars  are  compleatly  finished.  The  Stone  wall  is 
built  of  as  large  stones  as  are  now  in  use  which  contradicts  the 
opinion  that  they  generally  built  of  small  stones  of  choice,  at  that 
age.  There  is  an  hearth,  very  large  oven,  &  all  conveniences. 
The  Rooms  are  the  largest  in  Town.  The  floors  are  laid  in  plank, 
&  [71]  are  sound  at  this  day,  the  sweep  at  the  hearth  where  they 
are  worn  down  having  a  curious  appearance.  The  upper  part  of 
the  house  among  the  Peeks  have  curious  partitions  and  very  much 
Room.  Even  the  Cellars  are  plastered.*  The  head  of  the  Ship, 
Grand  Turk,  to  be  launched  next  month,  was  set  this  afternoon  by 
M''  Robertson,  of  Boston. 

16.  The  last  day  of  drawing  the  Lottery,  &  the  highest  prize 
yet  in.  The  balance  against  this  Town  will  probably  be  great.  A 
Question  whether  intemperance  more  common  now,  than  formerly. 
Facts  are  that  rude  insults  to  sign-posts,  poles,  &  houses  are  con- 
fessed to  be  less  frequent.  But  it  is  replied  that  the  absence  from 
Public  worship  gives  an  opportunity  of  practicing  more  securely, 
&  the  many  purchases  of  Rum  on  Sunday  attest  the  fact.  Besides 
the  labourers  are  more  addicted  to  daily  excess,  tho'  not  to  riots  as 
before.  The  Question  of  a  Market  now  under  consideration.  The 
present  object  is  a  Subscription.  A  proposal  to  put  it  behind  the 
houses  in  the  paved  street,  upon  Land  of  Barton,  to  have  an  en- 
trance by  Washington  Street,  by  Neal's  House  &c.  It  is  opposed 
but  not  with  much  ill  humour.  The  award  in  the  affair  of  Nichols 
&  Derby,  is  50£  in  favour  of  the  former,  who  was  a  master  for 
Derby  in  a  late  India  voyage.  The  jealousy  &  envy  which  pre- 
vails among  merchants,  especially  in  this  Town,  is  fully  equal  to 
that  supposed  to  exist  among  literary  men,  &  the  misrepresenta- 
tions are  as  frequent. 

[72]  [Apr.]  17.  Sunday.  Notes.  Benj''  Cloutman  &  Wife,  death 
of  her  mother.  Eliz  :  Mason,  safe  delivery,  Husband  at  Sea.  Isaac 
White  &  Wife,  her  safe  delivery.  Brethren  at  Sea.  With  us  Judge 
Cooper  from  St.  Crux,  a  Danish  Island  iu  the  West  Indies.  He 
has  had  a  paralytic  stroke,  &  is  with  us  for  his  health. 

18.  Last  Saturday  died  very  suddenly  Madam  Mansfield  a  very  aged 

♦Corner  of  Essex  and  English  streets.  It  was  taken  down  before  1840  and  was  then 
known  as  the  "  forty  peaked  house." 


O      E 


I  CL 


1791]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLET  249 

matrou,  who  for  many  years  has  beeu  a  School  Mistress.  She  was 
sick  through  the  whole  last  year,  but  seemed  recruited.  She  eat 
her  dinner  with  her  usual  chearf  ulness,  &  died  instantly  in  her  chair 
at  the  table.  Repairs  begun  upon  the  fence  of  the  House,  in  which 
I  live. 

19.  James  Winthrop  Esq""  appointed  Mathematician,  to  survey 
the  ground  for  Sandwich  Canal,  so  called. 

[73]  20.  The  Province  of  Maine  are  again  instigated  to  endeavour 
for  a  Seperation  from  the  Massachusetts.  Their  reasons  as  set 
forth  by  a  Committee  of  their  Members  while  at  ('ourt  in  Boston 
are,  as  published  in  a  Hand  Bill, 

1.  Congress  has  so  far  assumed  the  State  Debts,  that  they  have 
nothing  to  fear  from  objections  on  that  account. 

2.  Congress  has  actually  seperated  them  into  a  district. 

3.  New  Hampshire  intervenes  between  them  &  Massachusetts. 

4.  The  Specie  Taxes  bear  hard  upon  their  situation. 

5.  The  distance  of  the  Clerk's  Office  at  Boston. 

6.  The  distance  of  Travel  to  Court. 

7.  Their  numbers,  nearly  double  to  Rhode  Island,  or  Delaware, 
equal  in  whites  to  Georgia,  more  than  in  Vermont,  &  nearly  equal 
to  New  Hampshire. 

8.  Population  would  be  rapid,  could  poles  &  estates  be  exempt 
from  taxes  a  number  of  years. 

9.  This  a  proper  time  on  account  of  the  revision  of  Massachusetts 
Constitution  in  1795,  by  which  time  they  might  get  into  operation. 
A  Petition  proposed  by  inserting  in  the  warrants  of  each  Town, 
this  article,  &  thereby  empowering  the  Representatives  of  the  Dis- 
trict, to  apply  to  the  (ieneral  Court.  This  paper  is  conveyed  to  the 
public  in  a  Letter  from  John  Gardner,  Rep.  of  Pownalborough,  to 
Daniel  Davis,  Rep.  of  Portland.  This  John  Gardner  has  been  very 
active  in  all  disputes  which  have  engaged  our  Legislature. 

[74]  21.  Past  8  A.  M.  set  out  for  Newbury.  At  Beverley  saw 
Rev**  Oliver  who  told  me  Lee  the  INFethodist  was  preaching  in  his 
parish  with  some  disaffected  persons.  This  parson  is  much  preju- 
diced against  the  Arminians,  not  much  informed.  At  Wenham, 
Rev**  Swain  assured  me  that  M""  P.  of  Lynn  had  taken  freedoms 
with  women  in  Beverle}',  while  an  occasional  preacher  &  that  some 
charges  were  probably  just,  so  far  as  to  tarrying  late,  kissing,  &c. 
At  Ipswich,  Rev**  Cutler  was  moving  a  liarn  he  had  purchased, 
nearer  to  his  ^Mansion  House.  The  Parish  turned  out  with  their 
Teams  on  the  occasion.  I  visited  Mr.  Frisbie,  a  pious  &  useful  min- 
ister &  dined  at  Treadwell's.  Reached  Newbury  at  three  o'clock, 
&  drank  tea  with  M"  IVfale}',  formerly  a  Mason.  Hon.  I\[''  Jackson 
shewed  me  his  elegant  mansion  House.  It  is  situate  in  the  upper 
Street  above  the  Church  towards  Amsbury  ferry.  It  has  a 
spacious  lawn  behind  it  with  a  gradual  descent,  &  is  near  the  house 
of  John  Tracey.    The  banks  slope  from  the  House.     The  front  door 


250  DIARY   OF  [1791 

opens  into  the  hall,  &  the  flight  of  stairs  is  on  the  south  side. 
The  division  between  the  chambers,  is  formed  into  a  convenient 
apartment  of  the  whole  length  of  the  building  for  favorite  amuse- 
ments of  dancing,  &c.  On  the  north  side  is  a  wing  which  has  a 
granary,  chambers  communicating  with  the  nursery,  &c.  On  the 
other  side  a  piazza  was  intended  but  not  built.  The  Cellars  are  in 
excellent  order  for  all  domestic  uses,  suc;h  as  cooking,  brewing, 
washing.  There  is  a  bathing  room  under  the  apartments  of  the 
nursery,  &c.  He  intends  to  return  to  it  next  week.  Doors  without 
number,  [75]  and  conveniences  beyond  account  present  to  view  & 
we  find  it  one  of  the  best  finished  houses  of  wood  in  the  Country. 
In  the  evening  visited  Rev**  Murray,*  who  has  several  students  in 
Divinity  in  his  House.  Langdon  on  the  Revelation  of  John,  was 
our  Theological  Subject.  M''  Murray  is  engaged  in  correcting  the 
press  for  D''  Huntington  of  Connecticut,  upon  the  subject  of  the 
atonement.  M''  Murray  has  lately  published  his  discourses  on 
Original  sin,  which  with  those  on  the  Origin  of  Evil  &  on  Justifi 
cation,  make  a  large  volume.  His  health  is  impaired  by  the  immod- 
erate length  of  his  pulpit  addresses.     I  lodged  with  Capt  Noyes. 

22.  I  visited  Rev**  Cary,t  &  had  familiar  conversation  on  the  un- 
happy disunion  among  the  Clergy  of  the  Town.  They  utterly  re- 
fuse each  other  civilities,  at  least  a  M"^  Spring  will  not  support  a 
pall,  or  attend  a  funeral  at  which  M"^  Murray  joins  or  officiates. 
With  M''  J.  Tracey,  I  went  to  Chui'ch  it  being  Good  Friday.  D"" 
Bass,  the  Parson,  &  intended  Bishop  officiated.  His  countenance  is 
pleasing,  his  reading  good  &  his  Sermon  full  of  instruction.  He  is 
pleased  with  the  wit  of  Charles  the  2*,  &  has  the  variety,  but  Uot 
ill  nature  of  South.  He  entertained  us  with  the  character  of  Judas 
Iscariot.  He  observed  all  his  faults  with  satyre,  but  of  the  price 
of  his  villany  he  observed,  that  it  proved  him  a  mean  fellow,  for  as 
they  would  bid  high  for  his  friend,  he  ought  to  have  made  them  pay 
dear  for  him  at  least,  &  not  sell  him  in  an  hurry  for  30  shillings, 
at  a  price  below  a  horse,  or  even  a  dog.  I  dined  with  M"  Maley,  & 
spent  an  hour  with  my  Classmate  [76]  Kilham.J  This  Gentleman, 
possessed  with  good  abilities,  with  a  disposition  not  apt  to  conform 
to  the  world,  &  a  zealous  ante-federalist,  is  declining  in  his  business 
under  his  own  favorite  passion.  He  informed  me  that  our  Classmate 
Rholf  had  preached,  after  a  humble  retirement,  &  study  of  15 years. 
We  had  not  his  performances  from  Judges,  his  popularity  is  greater 
in  his  prayers,  than  in  his  Sermons.  He  is  gone  to  Preach  at  Cam- 
bridge. At  M""  Mycall's  the  printer,  I  find  orthodox  publications 
multiply.  Besides  the  works  of  M''  Murray,  &  D""  Huntington  above 
mentioned,  M""  Murray    is  printing  a  sermon  on  the  death  of  Blind 

•Rev.  John  Murray,  the  Presbyterian, popularly  called  "Damnation"  Murray  to  distin- 
gui^b  him  from  "Salvation"  Murray,  his  Universalist  contemporary. 

tRev.Thomas  Cary,  pastor  of  the  First  Church  at  Newburyport. 

JDr.  Daniel  Kilham,  bom  at  Wenham,  studied  medicine  with  Dr.  Holyoke  of  Salem, 
and  became  an  apothecary  at  Newburyport. 


1791]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  251 

Prince  a  Clergyman  who  died  at  Newbury,  &  is  buried  in  the  vault 
with  Whitefield.  His  most  remarkable  trait  is  blindness.  Hut 
while  our  best  eermons  commonly  rise  no  higher  than  400  at  an  im- 
pression, I  am  assured  1500  are  engaged.  A  M""  Lyon  of  Machias, 
at  the  extreme  part  of  Maine  &  a  composer  in  Music,  has  published 
the  first  number  of  his  daily  meditations,  including  one  month.  It 
has  M""  Murray's  recommendation.  A  INI''  Bradford  of  Rowley  has 
also  a  Sermon  in  the  press  upon  total  depravity.  These  events  of 
the  winter  may  enable  us  to  judge  the  state  of  religious  opinions  at 
least  in  this  part  of  the  County.  M""  Mycall  proposed  to  reprint  my 
Sermon  delivered  at  Boston,  from  this  circumstance  that  it  was 
preached  first  in  Newbury  Port,  &  was  deemed  not  to  be  Gospel. 

[77]  23.  At  8  o'clock  set  out  for  Salem,  &  arrived  at  12.  In  my 
absence  I  find  property  has  again  been  attached  by  M"^  Diman's  heirs, 
&  we  may  now  hope  for  an  issue  to  this  troublesome  &  disgraceful 
business.  Expences.  At  y^  Bridges,  2/6.  At  Treadwell's,  2/8. 
House  Keeping,  4/.  Acknowledgements,  3^-  10/2.  The  Roads 
extremely  dusty,  &  the  wind  high.  It  may  be  remarked  of  M'' 
Lyon's  book,  that  he  has  secured  to  himself  the  Copyright  by  the 
Prbiter''s  consent. 

[Apr.]  24.  Sunday.  Notes.  Wid  :  Mary  Foot,  death  of  Sister  Mans- 
field, &  thanks  for  her  own  recovery.  G.  Hodges  &  ^Yife,  death  of 
their  Son,  &  brother  at  Sea.  Amos  Lefavre  &  Wife  for  her  delivery. 
Four  christenings,  this  Sunday.     Two  in  Church. 

25.  Rev**  Story  of  ]\Iarblehead  informs  me  that  Hopkins  visited 
the  Rock  fleeting  last  Sunday  week,  tho'  the  party  be  only  two  fam- 
ilies. From  Lynn  I  learn  that  Carnes  has  put  up  a  notification  for 
a  parish  meeting  in  a  very  insolent  manner,  to  see  whether  any  sums 
of  money  may  be  offered  to  M''  Parsons  upon  condition  he  will  ask 
a  dismission  from  the  pastoral  office  in  that  place.  [78]  The  Epis- 
copal vSociety  has  dismissed  by  mutual  consent  Rev'*  Thomas  Fitch 
Oliver.  He  is  now  in  New  York.  They  find  their  contract  of  100£ 
sterl,  inadequate  to  his  support,  &  that  they  are  unable  to  pay  it,  if 
sufficient.  There  are  insinuations  to  his  disadvantage,  &  after  full 
payment  they  have  forgiven  his  debts  to  the  several  members,  & 
presented  100  dollars  for  his  assistance  in  procuring  a  new  settle- 
ment. It  may  sometimes  admit  of  a  question  whether  it  is  not  of 
importance  to  a  man's  virtues,  that  he  have  some  peculiarities  in  his 
ritual,  &  be  in  the  minority,  as  he  acts  more  steadily,  perseveringly, 
&i  faithfully,  imder  such  circumstances.  The  whole  body  of  Clergy 
&  Laity  incorporated  among  the  Congregationalists,  have  never  es- 
tablished a  fund,  or  attempted  any  parade,  &  the  greater  part  who 
are  interested,  are  ignorant  of  tne  institution.  This  is  not  the  fate 
in  Scotland,  but  may  not  the  late  revolution,  &  the  neighbourhood 
of  the  Church  of  England  help  them?  The  Church  of  England 
affords  but  one  good  living  in  the  Commonwealth,  &  yet  does  more 


252  DIARY  OF  [1791 

than  all  the  others  without  any  advantages  from  the  property,  or 
literary  abilities  of  Clergy  or  Laity. 

[79]  26.  Letter  from  W.  Mason*  of  Jan^  25.  A  proof  of  the  un- 
certain conveyance  of  our  posts.  The  little  packet  with  the  letter 
seperated  &  lost.  Information  my  Father  has  lost  his  post  as 
Surveyor  in  Boston.  The  occasion  of  the  neglect  I  do  not  know  at 
present.  M"^  Robinson,  the  head  builder  gave  me  the  information. 
Frequent  Inditements  &  Convictions  in  the  United  States  for  For- 
geries, &  Counterfeits  of  the  Paper  Public  Securities.  M''  IMason 
informs  me  that  they  make  a  pleasing  progress  in  Smith's  Academy, 
Charleston,  S.  C.  They  have  purchased  their  apparatus  for  exper- 
imental Philosophy,  very  handsome  for  a  beginning,  &  success 
attends  their  exhibitions,  &c.  M'  Dearborn  has  opened  an  Academy 
at  Portsmouth.  And  M""  Lane  is  encouraged  to  open  a  Sunday 
School  in  Boston.  From  the  first  it  has  been  feared  Grammar  Town 
Schools  would  be  neglected,  &  from  the  last  the  Instructions  of  all 
the  week  beside.  It  is  a  question  whether  we  improve  in  our  In- 
structions of  education,  at  least  in  regard  to  one  point,  the  preser- 
vation of  equal  UberUj.  Convulsions  arise  at  Cambridge,  tho'  the 
government  is  held  by  some  men  of  moderate  principles.  The  ex- 
amination which  makes  part  of  their  Regulations,  came  on  this 
month  for  the  first  Time.  An  emetic  was  put  into  the  breakfast  «fe 
even  a  stone  thrown  into  the  room,  in  which  the  Governor  &  other 
officers  of  State  &  of  College  were  convened.  One  was  expelled, 
another  rusticated,  &  another  suspended. 

[80]  27.  M''  Rholf  with  me  for  an  exchange  at  Cambridge.  By 
him  I  learn  the  state  of  the  Clergy  in  the  Eastern  Part  of  the  Coun- 
ty. When  M""  Andrews  was  to  be  oidained,  he  applied  to  M''  Tap- 
pan  (thought  of  as  a  Professor  in  Divinity  at  Cambridge)  to  admin- 
ister his  Communion.  He  consented,  but  afterwards  wrote  to  Par- 
son Cary,  that  his  own  peoj)le  could  not  be  content  with  "dry  mor- 
ality "  &  declined.  M^  Bernard  remonstrated  against  my  compli- 
ance with  the  request  of  M""  Parsons  to  preach  his  Lecture  on  Fri- 
day next,  upon  the  pretended  advice  of  some  competent  judges, 
whose  names  &  reasons  are  unknown.  I  advised  with  some  of  my 
own  parishioners  who  did  not  form  the  least  objection  to  a  compli- 
ance. 

28.  Bishop  Carroll,  has  determined  the  controversy  between  M"" 
Thayer  &  Rouselet,  Catholic  Priests  in  Boston,  by  investing  Thayer 
with  all  powers  to  preach  &  teach  in  Boston  &  its  vicinity.  The 
Town  of  Newbury  was  settled  after  the  Towns  of  Salem  &  Boston 
were  revolting  from  the  liberal  admission  of  children  to  Baptism,  & 
various  forms  of  Communion  to  the  principles  of  the  Cambridge 
Synod.  When  Williams  &  Wheelwright  were  driven  to  Providence 
&  New  Hampshire,  being  on  the  Massachusetts  line,  it  adhered  to 
the  liberal  plan  of  indulgence.     Allowed  by  the  first  settlers  &  the 

•Then  engaged  in  teaching  in  South  Carolina. 


1791]  KEV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  253 

Church  in  the  Port,  being  the  first  in  that  division  of  the  Township, 
still  adheres  to  the  old  form.  [81]  Its  principles  were  indulgent 
to  retain  settlers  at  the  mouth  of  the  River  Merrimack,  &  to  prevent 
their  passing  into  New  Hampshire.  The  greater  progress  of  society 
in  Boston  &  Salem  has  changed  the  scene.  The  latitude  of  religious 
freedom  has  made  religious  sects  mingle  freely  in  these  Towns, 
while  Newbury  Port  is  possessed  by  the  most  bitter  devotees  on  the 
Continent,  &  only  the  form  of  their  Communion  remains  in  one 
Church  to  notify  us  of  their  former  regard  to  the  means  of  rendering 
their  settlement  flourishing.  An  unequivocal  proof  of  the  effects 
of  political  situation  upon  the  religious  principle.  One  of  the  Cler- 
gymen in  Newbury  Port,  from  a  personal  aversion,  would  not  attend 
the  funeral  of  the  father  of  another  nor  of  his  child,  nor  in  his  com- 
pany at  the  funeral  of  a  clergyman  dying  upon  a  visit  to  the  place, 
or  the  wife  of  another.  The  fate  of  New  Hampshire  &  Rhode  island 
has  been  different.  They  both  were  settled  by  religious  prejudices, 
&  persecutions,  &  under  nearly  the  same  political  advantages.  But 
Rhode  island  &  Providence  plantations  being  friendly  to  a  sect, 
could  not  recover  the  force  of  a  religious  establishment,  &  hence  have 
preserved  an  example  of  the  most  free  toleration  in  the  United 
States.  New  Hampshire,  tho'  averse  from  the  discipline  of  Massachu- 
setts, had  no  characteristic  sects  &  hence  has  fallen  into  all  the 
rigours  which  have  prevailed  in  New  England,  possessing  no  liber- 
ality beyond  their  neighbours. 

[82]  Puerile  Sports  usual  in  these  parts  of  New  England.  To 
begin  with  the  Calendar  month  of  January.  The  youth  of  the 
male  sex  are  busy  on  their  Skates.  They  commonly  learn  upon  their 
Tru7)ks,  which  are  pieces  of  wood,  of  the  length  of  the  foot,  turn- 
ing up  at  the  heel  &  about  one  inch  square,  holes  made  at  the  heel, 
&  bridle  with  the  same  straps  as  the  Skate,  &  is  properly  the 
wooden  Skate.  The  Skate  is  of  three  kinds,  the  common  Skate, 
which  is  a  plain  iron  without  ornament.  The  Holland  Skate,  which 
swells  upon  its  centre,  &  descends  into  parallel  lines  on  the  surface 
with  the  edge  of  the  Skate,  &  is  nearly  a  right  line,  &  the  Curve 
Skate,  which  in  an  erect  posture  is  in  contact  with  the  ice  only  at 
the  heel.  The  straps  are  fixed  differently,  but  commonly  two 
Straps  one  at  the  heel,  &  the  other  at  the  head  are  drawn  through 
the  wood,  &  secured  so  that  the  ends  on  each  side  hang  out  2  inches, 
&  through  these  the  lines  pass  at  discretion.  The  trunks  are  going 
out  of  use,  as  the  Skate  becomes  more  cheap.  The  wood  is  shaped 
much  like  the  violin,  only  smaller  in  proportion  at  the  head,  &  the 
female  screws  which  fasten  the  heel  of  the  iron  to  the  wood,  plays 
on  top,  with  points  to  fix  the  heel  of  the  Shoes.  The  Sled,  suffi- 
cient for  one  or  two  Boys  is  supplied  with  skates  on  each  side  of 
the  whole  length.  When  these  are  not  to  be  had,  iron  hoops  are 
used,  worn  bright,  &  nailed  on.  The  single  sleds  are  used  to 
descend  upon  the  snow  &  ice  by  laying  upon  the  Sled,  &  guiding  it 


254  DIARY   OF  [1791 

by  the  feet  behind.  [83]  The  double  Sleds  are  guided  by  the 
person  who  sets  before.  After  jjotteriruj  time  is  over,  which  is  run- 
ning upon  the  broken  ice  without  falling  into  the  water  &  requires 
great  activity,  comes  on  Marble  time.  These  are  imported  from 
Europe,  are  perfectly  round,  &  commonly  of  a  clay  colour.  The 
other  colours,  especially  black  &  white  are  called  men,  &  are  of 
double  value,  the  spotted  are  called  gaydoes.  In  April  the  Top 
comes  into  play,  commonly  in  ring  Top.  They  are  smaller  than 
these  imported,  being  higher,  but  not  of  so  great  diameter.  They 
are  a  perfect  cone  on  the  lower  part  &  are  covered  with  a  spiral 
groove  for  the  cord.  The  core,  or  iron  inserted  in  the  bottom  upon 
which  the  top  moves  is  often  half  an  inch  in  length.  Then  comes 
the  Shuttlecock  &  lasts  through  May.  The  action  required  in  this 
diversion  is  continued  but  easy,  &  the  females  in  proper  apart- 
ments enjoy  it  as  well  as  the  males.  Afterwards  the  Bat  &  Ball 
and  the  Game  at  Rickets.  The  Ball  is  made  of  rags  covered  with 
leather  in  quarters  &  covered  with  double  twine,  sewed  in  Knots 
over  the  whole.  The  Bat  is  from  2  to  3  feet  long,  round  on  the 
back  side  but  flatted  considerably  on  the  face,  &  round  at  the  end, 
for  a  better  stroke.  The  Ricket  is  played  double,  &  is  full  of  vio- 
lent exercise  of  running.  In  the  autumn  comes  the  Kite,  of  all 
sizes,  which  is  round  at  top.  At  one  third  of  the  length  it  descends 
for  the  2/3'**  in  right  lines  to  a  point.  The  (Jords  which  fasten  it 
to  the  line  are  fixed  at  the  wings  which  are  commonly  ornamented, 
&  the  whole  is  balanced  by  a  Tail,  or  string,  with  rows  of  rags  or 
paper  at  proper  distances.  [84]  Before  winter  comes  on  the  Foot 
Ball,  which  is  ditfei*ently  pursued  in  different  places.  In  Marble- 
head,  even  heads  of  families  engage  in  it,  &  all  the  fishermen  while 
at  home  in  this  season.  The  brviising  of  shins  has  rendered  it 
rather  disgraceful  to  those  of  better  education,  who  use  a  hand  ball, 
thrown  up  against  an  house  or  fence  instead  of  the  Foot  Ball, 
which  is  unfriendly  to  clothes,  as  well  as  safety.  Such  is  the  usual 
succession  of  puerile  diversions.  They  do  not  last  for  the  same 
exact  periods.  The  Snow  &  ice  determine  the  use  of  Skates  & 
Sleds.  The  contractions  in  the  postures  of  playing  at  marbles  ren- 
ders this  uncomfortable  in  hot  &  dusty  seasons.  The  Top  has  no 
convenience  in  very  dry  weather.  The  exercise  of  the  Shuttlecock 
comes  on,  while  the  })athing  time  lasts.  The  Bat  &  Ball  as  the 
weather  Ijegins  to  be  cool,  &  the  Kite  in  the  fine  weather  of  our  au- 
tumn afternoons  before  sundown,  «St  while  time  enough  remains  after 
school  exercises.  Bathing  is  as  little  used  as  in  any  part  of  the 
world  perhaps.  The  children  after  May  are  tolerated  by  their 
parents  by  the  old  rule  of  once  a  day.  But  it  is  rare  to  see  any 
person  in  the  morning,  or  in  the  waters  which  flow  immediately 
from  the  Sea.  They  enter  at  the  nearest  place  however  great  its 
inconveniences.  The  children  follow  their  wishes,  &  bathe  at  high 
noon,  &  the  men  bathe  in  the  evening.     The  women  are  very  pri- 


1791]  REV.    WELLIAM    BENTLEY  255 

vate,  &  late  at  night  if  they  ever  venture,  &  house  baths  are  very- 
few  indeed.  A  few  years  ago  such  things  were  only  in  the  Phy- 
sician's hands.  Little  things  lead  to  great,  &  frequently  produce 
them. 

[85]  29.  According  to  agreement  witli  Rev''  Parsons,  I  went 
for  Lynn  to  preach  his  Lecture,  Upon  my  arrival  I  found  no  lec- 
ture appointed,  tho'  several  persons  had  been  invited  to  preach.  I 
told  my  intentions  &  a  lecture  was  notified  &  a  few  of  the  neigh- 
bours attended.  The  Methodist  has  the  majority,  has  brought 
them  to  sign  his  papers,  &  enter  his  classes  for  three  months. 
There  is  to  be  a  meeting  next  Monday  to  propose  110£  as  a  gift  to 
M""  Parsons,  provided  he  will  quit,  if  not,  to  recover  their  full  part 
of  the  Parisli  Property,  &  truely  to  take  such  steps  as  will  force 
him  away.     I  wish  to  have  no  more  to  do  in  the  matter. 

30.  To  the  puerile  sports  may  be  added  the  Bow  &  Arrow. 
This  is  confined  in  the  Spring  &  Fall  to  children  from  7  to  10 
years  of  age.  They  are  commonly  made  from  a  small  hoop,  &  the 
arrows  of  a  pine  shingle.  They  are  never  made  for  sale  &  only  the 
work  of  small  children.  The  spring  bow  is  sometimes  seen,  but 
never  in  general  use.  I  was  the  intended  object  of  a  paper  from 
Carnes  of  Lynn,  suppressed  by  his  Sons,  in  which  he  says  he 
discribed  me  as  a  young  buck  of  a  Clergyman,  not  remarkable  for 
his  orthodoxy.  The  Buckism,  I  am  told  would  not  have  been 
known.  M''  Bernard  has  written  a  letter  in  which  among  other 
things  he  tells  M''  Parsons,  the  honor  of  religion  will  not  let 
him  appear  at  his  lecture.  They  are  of  the  same  Association,  & 
both  of  regular  standing  I  !  ! 

[86]  May  1,  Sunday.  A  very  pleasant  Sunday,  &  season 
healthful.  The  Children  christened  this  day  were  begotten  by  sev- 
eral Fathers,  but  born  of  one  mother,  whose  continence  is  sur- 
prising, excepting  in  this  single  respect.  She  is  exemplary  for  her 
neatness,  prudence,  &  love  of  her  children.  She  is  a  proof  that 
there  may  be  a  constitutional  error,  &  that  this  propensity  may  not 
involve  the  low  Vices.  A  woman  found  dead  this  day,  of  ill  char- 
acter, &  with  all  the  reports  usual  upon  such  sudden  events.  Her 
name  was  Cordwell.  The  parties  married  this  evening  were  not  in 
the  most  respectable  condition,  but  were  entire  strangers  to  me. 

2.  The  overseers  examined  a  woman  named  Indian  Bet,  for  sup- 
plying with  N.  E.  Rum,  the  unhappy  woman  who  died  yesterday 
of  intemperance.  They  also  ordered  into  confinement  the  infamous 
family  named  Burke's,  alias  White's,  alias  Masury.  The  G.  G. 
Mother,  G.  Mother,  Mother  &  children,  who  long  near  the  Neckgate 
have  been  infamous  for  all  the  vices.  The  noted  Burroughs,  who 
has  been  employed  in  a  School  at  Charleston,  since  his  liberation 
from  the  castle  for  forgery,  has  received  sentenc*  for  insults  to  his 
female  pupils,  to  set  one  hour  upon  the  gallows,  stand  two  in  the 
pillory,  &  receive  90  stripes,  &c.     Judge  Dana  in  his  charge,  severe- 


256  DIARY   OF  [1791 

ly  repremanded  the  Town  for  employing  licentious,  or  infamous 
characters  in  such  important  duties  of  education. 

[87]  3.  We  had  a  Launching  in  the  new  method.  A  Brig  of 
considerable  burden  was  launched  sideways  from  M""  Derby's  wharf, 
by  M'  Enos  Briggs.  The  immovable  ways  were  i)laced  in  parrallel 
lines,  in  three  parts,  at  the  middle,  stern  &  head  of  the  vessel.  The 
ribbands  on  the  middle,  when  perhaps  the  ends  might  have  been 
better.  Instead  of  the  Cradle,  on  each  ways,  were  planks  upon 
which  were  shores  to  each  side  of  the  Vessel.  The  ways  went  sev- 
eral feet  over  the  wharf.  The  vessel  moved  upon  these  &  fell  upon 
her  side  nearly  into  the  water,  &  then  righted  immediately.  Her 
stern  moved  first,  then  her  head,  but  the  motion  of  the  head  ex- 
ceeded. It  was  too  soon  over  for  show  &  the  Vessel  did  not  move 
her  length.  The  concourse  was  very  great,  &  the  people  very 
patient.  It  is  said  to  have  been  the  first  launched  by  M''  Briggs  in 
this  manner,  [88]  An  Anecdote.  That  the  late  Thorndike  Proc- 
tor, who  was  guilty  of  suicide,  was  a  descendant  of  the  fourth  gen- 
eration from  a  Proctor  who  suffered  in  the  times  of  persecution  for 
Witchcraft,  &  that  his  Wife  was  a  descendant  of  the  same  genera- 
tion from  Major  Hathorne,  who  was  the  active  prosecutor.  This 
evening  the  Brethren  of  the  Lodge  had  their  last  consultation  be- 
fore the  application  to  the  G.  Lodge,  at  My  Chamber.  A  Com- 
mittee was  appointed  of  J.  King,  Jenks  &  Hodges,  to  enquire  for, 
&  assign  a  place  for  our  next  meeting. 

4.  Continued  difficulty  from  the  execution,  levying  upon  the 
Parish  for  M"^  Diman's  pastoral  arrears.  A  large  attachment  has 
now  been  made,  &  which  promises  at  least  a  different  arrangement 
of  affairs.  It  is  distressing  to  see  affairs  managed  without  judg- 
ment &  without  honesty,  but  it  is  a  sufficient  prevention  to  sudden 
action,  that  we  are  circumstanced  where  upon  the  loss  of  one  scene 
is  surely  to  be  succeeded  by  another.  It  is  imprudent  to  prolong 
misery.  It  is  best  to  strive  to  forget  the  evils  of  our  condition. 
Anecdote  of  human  wretchedness.  The  aged  G.  Parent  of  the 
Family  removed  this  week  to  the  work-house,  sent  a  little  gown,  in 
pawn  for  a  Jill  of  Rum.  The  Gown  was  a  gift  in  charity  to  the  g. 
daughter,  while  in  bed  with  her  illegitimate  offspring,  suffering  in 
extreme  poverty.  The  gown  being  examined,  was  found  to  be  in- 
fested with  lice,  &  refused  in  that  cojidition.  The  g.  child  who 
carried  it  to  the  Beggar-making  shop,  returned  [89]  and  reported 
the  reason  of  the  refusal.  Then  said  the  G.  M.  past  70  set.  bring 
the  scissors.  Rum  I  will  have.  Cut  off  my  hair,  that  will  sell, 
I'll  warrant.  The  aged  locks  were  cut  off',  &  procured  the  indul- 
gence she  desired. 

6.  There  is  a  meeting  appointed  next  Saturday  among  the  people 
of  the  Parish  to  deliberate  upon  the  affairs  of  M""  Diman's  arrears, 

6.  The  Sermon  upon  the  death  of  Capt.  Gardiner  comes  this  day 
from  the  press,  &  the  next  page  is  reserved  for  a  record  of  the  per- 


1791] 


REV.    WILLIAM    BENTLEY 


267 


sons,  to  whom  copies  presented,  that  no  friend  might  be  omitted. 
The  Sermon  was  written  on  Saturday,  before  it  was  delivered. 
That  is  no  excuse,  but  the  cause  of  its  errors.  Some  errors  of  gram- 
mar liave  escaped  from  tlie  copy  to  the  press.  The  Phin  of  the 
Sermon  is  imperfect.  The  parts  do  not  readily  How  into  each  other. 
The  leading  idea  intended,  that  social  institutions  begin  with  pri- 
vate virtue  &  particular  exertion,  is  rather  to  be  guessed  at,  than 
expressed.  The  persons  in  speaking  are  changed  unnecessarily,  & 
often  with  obscurity  especially  in  regard  to  the  paragra])h  of  per- 
sonal vices.  For  the  head  shews  us  that  we  are  to  consider  them 
in  others,  not  in  ourselves,  such  as  our  own  virtues  cannot  correct. 
The  sermon  was  never  copied  off,  which  was  wrong.  The  eye  of  a 
a  friend  never  passed  over  it,  to  detect  its  errors;  wrong.  The  first 
part  pleases  me  till  the  division.  The  section  on  education  does 
not  connect  itself  easily,  the  vices  are  blamed  as  above.  The  other 
remai'ks  are  left  to  be  pointed  out  by  my  enemies  at  their  dis- 
cretion, or  by  impartial  men. 

[90]     Copies  presented  to 

M""  Gaines.  Hosmer. 

Wid:  of  the  deceased.  S.  Chever. 


Mother  of  the  deceased  H.  Crowninshield. 


D""  Holyoke. 
Capt  B.  Hodges. 
Col.  Carleton. 
Capt  B.  Ward. 
Sister  Andrew. 
Master  Watson. 
ReV^  Bernard.  2. 
N.  Eichardson. 
Rev  J.  Freeman.  2. 
G.  R.  Minot. 
Prof.  Dexter. 
D^  Bullinch. 
Rev<^  J.  Clarke. 
D''  Lathrop. 
ReVi  J.  Eliot. 
ReV*  0.  Everet. 


C.  J.  Gibaut. 
Capt  Pratt. 
C.  S.  Ingersoll. 
Js.  White  sen. 
Js.  White  jun. 
T.  Dean. 
C.  J.  Becket. 
S.  Ropes. 
W.  Stivers. 
D^  Bass.  N.  P. 
D^  Swett.  N.  P. 
S.  Babbidge. 
R.  Manning  Esq' 
S.  Silsbee. 
Capt  Ashby. 
E.  Robertson. 


My  Father. 
Capt  J°  White. 
G.  John  Collins. 
Master  Rogers. 


Rev*^  J.  Homer.XewtonA.  Boardman. 


Preceptor  S.  Hunt. 
;My  Mother. 
Brother  Thomas. 
Brother  Dawes. 
Brother  Fowle. 
Deacon  Ridgway. 
Brother  John. 
M'  Rhust. 


M''  Symonds. 
W°>  Gray. 
C.  E.  H.  Derby,  j. 
C.  J.  Derby,  j. 
B.  Pickman.  j. 
J.  "Vincent. 
F.  Boardman. 
W.  Prescott.  Esq' 


M.  Townsend. 
J.  Dodge. 
My  Father.  4. 
C.  J.  Chever. 

C.  H.  White. 
Judge  Winthrop. 
W"  Winthrop  Esq' 
S.  Sewall. 

T.  M.  Harris. 
J°  Bowditch. 

D.  Rogers  Esq' 
Rev*'  E.  Forbes. 
C.  C.  Rogers. 

B.  Gardner. 
M.  Lang. 

I.  Tucker.  D.  D. 
M.  ^lary. 
T.  G.  Rogers. 

C.  Soaraes. 
Tucker. 
Sergeant. 
Beach. 
Col.  Pearce. 


258 


DIARY  OF 


[1791 


Hev^  Gary.  N.  P. 
Hon,  Jon*  Jackson. 
Daniel  Kilhani. 
Hon.  N.  Dane. 
Hon.  G.  Cabot. 
Capt  W.  Homans. 
D'  Flagg,  Lynn. 
Rev^  Parsons. 
Col.  Pickman. 
Mess"  Briggs. 
Sleuman. 
Arcliers. 

Hon.  B.  Goodhue. 
J.  Hiller  Esq-^ 


Preceptor  Bancroft. 
Capt  Jos :  Orne. 
M"  R.  Porter. 
W"  Browne. 
G.  Crowninshield. 
W.  Vans  Esq'" 
H.  Crowninshield. 
H.  Crowninshield. 
M""*  Carleton. 
J.  Richardson. 
Rev<»  W.  Balch.  B. 
Master  Reed. 
E.  Pulling  Esq' 
C.  J.  Briggs. 


Major  Pearson. 

Master  Harkin.* 

M'"  Pai-sons. 

C.  Strout. 

J.  Lambert. 

J.  Andrew. 

T.  Edwards. 

Rev^  Story. 

Rev'^  F.  Oliver. 

M-'s  Bowditch. 

M'"^  Welman. 

M'  Ballard. 

Capt  Clark. 

Rev"^  Wadsworth,   &c 


[91]  7.  Last  night  an  attempt  was  made  to  break  open  the 
Stores  of  M""  W.  Gray,  «&  E.  H.  Derby,  The  attempt  was  first 
made  on  the  former  without  success.  At  the  last,  entry  was  made 
by  the  western  door,  by  forcibly  breaking  the  bolt  from  the  lock. 
They  then  went  up  stairs,  &  had  taken  a  pane  of  glass  from  the 
counting  house  door, — when  the  light  they  had  was  espied  by  a 
guard,  placed  by  M""  Derby,  who  had  walked  to  the  lower  store  on 
the  head  of  the  wharf.  He  arrived  while  they  were  at  the  door,  & 
struck  one  of  them  cutting  the  band  &  rim  of  his  hat,  which  was 
left  behind.  They  both  escaped  without  detection.  This  is  an  in- 
stance of  a  guard  placed  with  success,  as  such  instances  are  sup- 
posed to  be  rare.  They  may  prevent,  but  it  is  said,  seldom  detect 
thieves  in  their  villainy.  Of  the  last  Semi  annual  Lottery  it  is 
said  that  Boston  lost  25,000  dollars,  &  Salem,  above  3,000.  The 
probability  is  that  the  thieft  was  intended  by  a  Hamilton,  who  has 
been  imprisoned  at  Salem,  &  who  had  appeared  yesterday  with 
different  names,  sent  on  a  woman  in  a  Chaise  to  Newell's  last  even- 
ing, &  went  from  Newell's,  Lynn,  on  this  morning  early.  The  hat 
was  supposed  by  the  persons  with  whom  he  tarried  to  belong  to  him, 

[May]  8,  Sunday.  Notes.  Jonathan  French  &  Wife,  death  of 
child.  Samuel  Ingersoll  &  Wife,  death  of  child.  Susannah  Har- 
thorne,  death  of  G.  child.     Mercy  Burke,  for  herself  very  sick. 

[92]  9.  At  ten  in  the  morning  catachised  the  boys  in  number 
exceeding  40  &  at  four  in  the  afternoon  the  girls  of  the  same  num- 
ber.    They  also  read  the  scriptures. 

10.  The  association  at  Wenham.  M""  Parson's  circumstances 
considered.  The  rejection  of  Carnes  from  the  Service  of  the  Town 
has  a  friendly  aspect.  It  was  proposed  that  the  Members  of  the 
Council  should  in  turn  exchange  with  him,  &  afterwards  the  Asso- 
ciation, M'  Mansfield  formerly  of  Exeter,  exhibited  the  plan  of 
an  Index  to  the  Scriptures,  to  be  printed  with  Thomas'  new  Bible. 


•Hacker? 


1791]  REV.    WILLIAM    BENTLEY  259 

11.  Went  in  company  with  M^*  Sleuman  to  Newbury.  Arrived 
at  noon.  I  dined  with  D'  Swet.*  This  gentleman  attached  him- 
self to  the  Presbyterian  Church,  the  most  numerous  assembly  in  the 
Place,  &  has  an  extensive  j^ractice.  He  furnished  me  witli  a  copy 
of  a  book  now  printing  at  Newbury,  by  D'  Huntington,  of  Coventry 
in  Connecticut,  already  known  by  his  Ijetters,  &  the  part  he  took 
in  the  controversy  about  marrying  in  the  Lord  at  Stockbridge. 
This  pamphlet  is  upon  the  atonement  principally  aimed  against  the 
Hopkintonians,  under  the  name  of  the  new  divinity.  There  is  also 
an  address  to  yo\ing  ministers  in  paragraphs  of  very  unequal  merit. 
I  visited  &  tarried  at  Tea  with  l)""  Bass,  the  Episcopalian  mission- 
ary, &  Bishop  elect.  I  found  him  full  of  useful  information,  ready 
with  wit  on  all  subjects,  stored  with  merry  tales,  &  very  agreable. 
[93]  I  visited  Rev**  Cary,  &c.  In  the  evening  was  with  Esq""  D. 
Atkins  at  D""  Swet's  in  free  theological  discussion,  &  trembling 
doubt.  The  Esq""  gave  his  opinion  that  the  Marriage  statute  does 
not  destroy  any  contract  before  witnesses,  only  provides  how 
Officers  of  the  peace  &  ministers  should  officiate.  Lodged  at 
D^  Swet's. 

12.  Breakfasted  at  M"  Maleys  &  then  in  company  we  set  off 
for  Haverhill,  15  miles.  M"  Elkins  &  Sleuman  in  one  shay,  &  the 
Misses  ]\Laleys  in  another.  I  accompanied  them  in  a  sulkey.  We 
continued  up  on  the  same  side  of  the  river  11  miles  to  Russel's 
ferry,  3  miles  below  Haverhill,  This  ferry  is  in  the  lower  parish 
of  Bradford.  We  observed  on  our  right  the  remains  of  the  old 
meeting  house,  just  before  we  reached  the  place  of  the  new  one  on 
our  left  below.  This  new  house  is  not  finished,  but  is  upon  a  much 
more  pleasing  plan  than  the  other.  The  Tower  is  covered  with  a 
cupola  which  gives  no  advantage  to  the  appearance.  We  reached 
Haverhill,  &  were  received  with  unusual  politeness  by  the  amiable 
family  of  ^M""  Herod,  at  the  Freemason's  Arms,  below  the  Meeting 
House  on  the  Hill.  AVe  returned  after  Tea,  &  crossed  the  River 
from  Haverhill  side  7  miles  below  the  Town  at  Swet's  ferry.  The 
river  was  wider  in  this  place,  &  the  wind  high,  which  occasioned  a 
detention.  We  reached  Newbury  at  nine  o'clock.  The  Toll  of  a 
Chaise  at  Russel's  was  /6,  at  Swet's  /8. 

[94]  13.  In  the  morning  came  on  rain,  the  wind  shifted  into 
the  east,  from  the  southern  points,  &  the  rain  continued  all  day. 
In  the  confinement  I  was  consoled  at  Capt  Noyes'  by  the  agreable 
company  of  ^Nf  ]Vturray,  who  talked  about  himself  very  acceptably, 
&  furnished  some  pleasing  anecdotes  of  characters  he  had  seen. 
This  gentleman  is  the  most  remarkable  for  the  length  of  his  service, 
of  all  men  upon  the  Continent,  nor  can  the  most  dangerous  asthma 
ic  complaints  deter  him. 

14.     Came  from  Newbury  Port  &  arrived  at  Salem  at  two  P.  M 

*Dr.  John  Barnard  Swett,  bom  in  Marblehead,  May  24,  1752. 


260  DIARY   OF  [1791 

Of  my  company  I  came  home  free,  &  my  pleasant  time  as  to  the 
object  of  my  journey,  if  it  was  heavenly,  it  was  like  Milton's  heaven 
when  the  fallen  angels  had  their  overthrow.  Expences.  Essex 
Bridge,  /18**.  Parker  Kiver  Bridge,  1/4.  Horse  one  night,  oats, 
&c.  2/1.  Horse  to  Haverhill  from  Newbury,  6/3.  Ferries,  3/7, 
acknowledgements,  &c. 

The  woman,  named  Burke,  alias  White,  alias  Masury,  that  has 
had  so  many  notes  at  the  meeting,  &  was  carried  last  Monday  week 
into  the  charity  house,  died  last  Tuesday  from  ulcers  in  the  Lungs. 
The  public  satisfaction  in  an  event  was  never  more  clearly  ex- 
pressed, from  the  abhorrence  of  her  vices.  This  single  death  sep- 
arates the  whole  family,  &  may  afford  room  for  the  timely  reforma- 
tion of  the  children. 

[95]  [May]  15.  Sunday.  Notes.  Widow  Marcy  Masury,  death  of 
daughter  White.  W"  Foy  &  wife,  death  of  her  Sister  White,  &  for 
her  Brother  &  friends  at  Sea.  Widow  Martha  Hodgdon,  d.  of 
Sister  White  &  for  a  Son  &  friends  at  Sea.  Hannah  Webb,  for  her 
delivery  &  for  her  husband  &  Friends  at  Sea.  Was  imposed  upon 
by  the  Stageman  yesterday,  who  brought  home  the  woman,  respect- 
ing whom  I  enquired.  A  mistake,  she  came  in  a  chaise.  I  have 
every  reason  to  regret  my  last  visit.  It  has  incumbered  me  with 
new  difficulties,  such  as  I  might  have  foreseen  &  escaped.  I  con- 
tinue to  renew  my  errors  after  most  painful  sufferings.  The  advice 
of  my  friends  was,  to  avoid  all  invitations  to  go  journies  with  female 
companions,  especially  such  as  I  had  no  reason  to  expect  much  from 
their  education.  I  christened  seven  persons,  this  day.  Last  even- 
ing died  at  Beverley,  M"^  Andrew  Cabot,  Merchant.  An  active  man 
in  his  business,  but  among  the  disappointed  many,  whom  the  close 
of  the  War  left  to  regret  the  false  hopes  they  had  entertained.  He 
has  left  a  wife  and  nine  children.  He  died  of  a  nervous  fever,  & 
his  wife  is  in  childbed.     Excellent  singing  this  day. 

[96]  16.  Great  preparations  for  launching.  In  digging  the  ship's 
dock,  4  feet  below  the  surface  was  found  the  body  of  a  Tree  of  red 
oak,  &  sound  excepting  the  sap.  It  was  cut  off  &  drawn  out  above 
12  feet  long  with  a  crotch  in  the  middle  &  two  limbs.  M"^  Becket 
at  point  of  rocks  found  irons,  &  bolts  which  discovered  a  building 
yard  on  the  low  part  towards  Cat  cove.  Sawdust  &  Chips  are  yet 
found  under  the  mud  from  the  point  off  Daniel's  lane.  Foot's  for- 
merly, &  afterwards  Elvin's  point. 

17.  Last  night,  38  m.  past  10,  was  felt  an  earthquake.  It  was  not 
violent,  but  sufficient  to  be  generally  observed.  The  noise  preceeded 
the  undulation  a  distinct  time.  The  conversation  engaged  by  the 
Ship  to  be  launched  on  Thursday.*  They  are  digging  a  canal  to 
deepen  the  water.     My  father  came  to  Town  this  evening. 

18.  Employed  the  day  in  waiting  upon  my  Father  &  visiting  the 
Ship  yard. 

•The  ship  "Grand  Turk,"  owned  by  Eliaa  Hasket  Derby. 


1791]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  261 

19.  An  attempt  was  made  to  launch  the  ship,  but  without  success. 
She  did  not  move  her  length,  to  the  great  mortification  of  a  numer- 
ous crowd  of  Spectators. 

20.  Last  night  the  Ship  was  moved  10  feet,  &  in  the  day  over  the 
wharf.  The  inhabitants  gave  most  generous  assistance,  &  without 
damage,  she  is  now  so  as  to  be  able  soon  to  float.  The  Persona 
present  at  the  first  view  exceeded  9,000  persons. 

[97]  21.  The  Launching  was  a  continued  scene  of  mortification. 
The  work  was  excellently  prepared,  &  tho'  the  ground  was  made,  not 
a  single  defect  appeared.  The  only  fault  was  in  the  descent  of  the 
ways,  &  M''  Derby  objected  to  a  greater  elevation  at  the  first  laying 
of  the  Keel.  Some  attempts  were  made  by  persons  on  the  Spot  to 
effect  a  reconciliation  without  success.  Invitations  were  sent  round, 
&  round.  The  Brothers  are  sworn  enemies.  There  was  a  very  hand- 
some collation  made  by  M''  Derby  for  the  workmen  in  the  great  un- 
finished House,  &  for  the  Gentlemen  in  the  Counting  House  &  Store. 
No  injuries  were  suffered  in  this  complicate  operation  of  heaving, 
removing  stages,  blocks,  &  ways.  The  numbers  onboard,  exceeding 
200,  did  not  shake  her.  Yesterday  the  Town  Crier  gave  notice  of 
the  Launching,  &  asked  assistance,  which  was  most  chearfully 
granted.  Last  night  she  was  drawn  her  length  from  the  ways.  It 
seems  to  be  the  prevailing  opinion  that  the  ill  success  arose  from  the 
■want  of  a  just  descent,  which  the  elevation  of  the  Ship  would  not 
admit.  Sent  a  present  preengaged,  with  its  intended  formalities 
tho'  a  dissentiou  had  intervened !  as  a  debt  of  honor.  If  the  usual 
compliments  were  denied,  it  would  be  an  insult,  rather  than  a 
present,  &  not  the  thing  promised.  I  have  not  learnt  how  it  was 
received. 

[98]  [May]  22.  Sunday.  Notes.  Mary  Boardman  &  children  for 
death  of  a  Son  &  Husband  at  Sea.  Joshua  Dodge  &  "Wife,  d.  of 
their  Brother  Cabot.  This  day  without  singing.  In  my  remarks 
to  the  Congregation  I  said,  "That  in  future  I  should  not  extend  my 
wishes  to  the  Ladies  in  the  seat.  It  would  be  my  utmost  desire  to 
hear  them  from  the  pews."  The  opinions  are  various  upon  this 
remark.  The  chief  singer  violated  her  chastity  in  a  very  imhappy 
manner.  Of  late  her  friends  have  shewn  a  reluctance  at  her  public 
services  in  the  Music,  &  have  openly  dissuaded  her.  She  is  reluc- 
tant on  their  account.  The  invectives  against  Singing  Schools  as 
corrupting  Morals  have  been  frequent,  &  tho  I  have  been  witness  to 
no  remarkable  effects,  as  the  youth  take  uncommon  liberties  on  our 
Streets  in  the  evening,  these  Schools  may  contribute  to  the  evil. 
It  is  true  they  have  required  great  care,  &  the  success  in  Singing 
has  never  been  adequate  to  the  labour.  We  have  formed  but  one, 
upon  whom  we  could  depend  out  of  an  hundred  in  eight  years. 
They  have  been  equally  unstable  in  all  the  societies  in  Town,  &  in 
Boston  they  are  detained  only  in  those  societies,  which  have  so  much 
o  f  the  popular  religion  as  can  command  the  least  instructed  of  the 


262  DIABY   OF  [1791 

sex.  It  is  hence  a  question,  whether  it  be  an  object  to  our  religious 
societies  to  solicit  them. 

[99]  23.  A  Proposition  to  be  made  to  the  Marine  Society  for  a 
Chaplain.  He  shall  have  the  title  of  Chaplain  of  the  Marine  Society. 
He  shall  not  be  a  member.  He  shall  not  do  any  religious  service 
in  any  family  of  a  member,  which  interferes  with  the  family  Priest, 
or  Minister.  He  shall  qualify  himself  to  converse  with  all  strangers 
of  every  rank,  who  are  brought  into  Port,  so  far  as  he  may  be  able, 
&  shall  assist  them  in  settling  their  affairs  in  case  of  sickness,  deten- 
tion, or  Shipwreck,  inform  them  of  the  Laws  of  the  Country,  trans- 
late their  papers,  &  assist  them  in  all  communications  with  the  Town. 
And  for  these  services,  or  any  immediately  in  his  profession,  he 
shall  receive  no  compensation,  or  promise  from  the  parties  so  obliged 
in  any  case  whatever.  But  in  case  of  expence,  excepting  of  time, 
&  labour",  he  may  report  to  the  Marine  Society,  &  shall  be  indemni- 
fied for  all  expences  fairly  proved  to  have  been  incurred  in  such 
charitable  service.  That  it  shall  be  the  object  of  such  an  appoint- 
ment, to  make  no  pecuniary  considerations  to  any  man,  but  to  accept 
the  voluntary  service  of  ministers  in  every  benevolent  design,  giving 
them  proper  encouragement  that  they  shall  not  make  disproportion- 
ed  sacrifices  of  their  interest. 

[100]  24.  The  melancholy  report  that  Capt  Elkins  lost  his  Brig 
in  the  Texel,  &  that  all  perished  but  the  Captain.*  We  have  not 
the  particulars,  but  by  this  event  I  loose  several  valuable  parish- 
ioners. Aaron  Batten,  who  leaves  a  Wife  &  child.  Sam^  Bowditch, 
who  leaves  a  Wife  &  child.  Sam'  Cotton,  who  leaves  a  Wife  & 
child.  William  Dean,  Shehane  &  Charles,  a  Swedish  Servant  to 
Capt  Elkins. 

25.  Went  to  Boston  to  attend  at  the  Election.  After  Sermon,  an 
entertainment  was  provided  in  Fanueil  Hall,  at  which  400  partook. 
The  number  of  clergy  was  great,  &  the  entertainment  was  at  the 
governor's  private  expence. 

26.  The  convention  of  ministers.  Thomas'  Bible  was  under  con- 
sideration. I  dined  in  company  with  several  clergy,  of  singular  zeal. 

27.  Was  introduced  by  M^  Clarke  to  D^  Carroll,  Bp.  of  the  Cath- 
olics in  America,  whom  I  found  to  be  an  intelligent  &  very  agreable 
man.  I  was  present  at  M''  Freeman's  at  dinner  time,  but  called  off 
by  the  Stage,  to  return  to  Salem.  The  scene  was  pleasant,  &  no  dis- 
gusting events  interrupted  the  enjoyment.  Was  in  company  with 
M"^  Wheeler.  [101]  Employed  my  mind  upon  the  anxious  Task 
of  providing  singers  for  public  worship.  No  assurances,  to  ease 
the  suspence. 

[May]  29.  Sunday.  Note.  L.  Odle  for  one  of  her  children  sick. 
An  invitation  from  M"'  Barrell  of  Boston  to  dine  on  Tuesday  next 
with  Bp.  Carroll. 

♦The  brig  Harriettc  was  lost  off  the  Texel,  HoUand,  on  Mar.  21,  1791. 


1791]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  263 

30.  The  weather  for  several  days  has  been  very  hot.  Made  con- 
cessions of  peace  to  the  singers. 

31.  A  meeting  to  make  the  last  preparations  for  the  Charter  of 
Essex  Lodge,  by  the  Choice  of  Officers.  Jose])h  Miller,  Esq"",  Mas- 
ter, E.  H.  Derby  jun"",  senior  Warden,  Rev*^  W.  Bentley,  Jun  :  War- 
den, &c.  The  arrangement  was  to  flatter  the  interest,  &c.  Judge 
Winthrop  has  gone  on  upon  the  subject  of  the  Canal  through  Cape 
Cod.  A  young  Frenchman  introduced  from  Mai'tinico  to  learn  the 
English  Language.  He  comes  with  Capt  Townsend,  &  has  Letters 
for  M""  Gray.     Named  S'  Marie  Sougue. 

[102]  June  1.  Attended  for  the  first  time  the  Company 
of  Proprietors  of  the  Philosophical  Library  at  their  Annual  Meeting, 
adjourned  from  yesterday.  Wrote  to  G,  M.  Hays  upon  the  subject 
of  the  Essex  Lodge,  inclosing  the  election  of  Officers  on  tlie  last 
evening,  &  a  copy  of  the  By-Laws  to  be  taken  by  J.  Jenks,  Secretary. 
Began  with  my  new  pupil,  this  morning. 

2.  An  awkward  effect  of  superstition.  A  Capt  J.  Ingersoll,  bred 
in  the  superstition  of  the  New  Lights,  upon  his  return  from  Sea, 
desired  to  see  his  wife,  who  had  been  buried  in  a  grave  some  time. 
He  went  with  men  to  assist  him  in  the  night,  &  opened  the  grave, 
&  found  the  body  alrea,dy  disfigured.  The  neighbours  were  alarmed 
by  observing  a  light,  &  men  digging,  &  finding  in  the  morning  the 
grave  disturbed,  entered  a  complaint  in  consequence  of  which  legal 
search  was  made  to  discover  whether  any  attempts  had  been  made 
by  practitioners  in  surgery,  &c.,  &  whether  they  had  taken  a  sub- 
ject from  the  burying  ground. 

3.  Received  a  letter  from  Hays,  G.  M.  informing  me  of  the  atten- 
tion paid  to  the  Salem  Petition,  &  of  my  assignation  to  an  address 
on  S*  John's  day,  the  24^^  instant.  Wrote  an  answer  of  thanks  & 
compliance.  Spent  the  evening  at  Rev*^  Bernard's  with  D''  Tucker 
of  Newbury.  Letter  from  Clarke,  respecting  an  exchange  on  the 
Second  Sunday. 

[103]  4.  Fine  ShoAvers.  Am  informed  that  Bp.  Carroll  preached 
last  Sunday  in  Boston,  &  that  he  is  to  preach  again  tomorrow,  & 
that  the  Governor,  &  other  gentlemen  intend  to  hear  him  at  the 
Catholic  Chapel. 

[June]  5.  Sunday.  Preached  in  the  afternoon  at  Bernard's.  We 
had  Judge  Cooper  with  us  from  Boston.    He  is  from  S^  Crux. 

6.  The  Governor  has  expressed  his  disapprobation  of  Lotteries 
in  a  very  concise  but  pertinent  manner. 

7.  We  had  news  of  Capt  Sam'  Derby  who  lost  his  vessel  &  Cargo 
upon  the  Plate  Rocks  upon  his  passage  to  the  West  Indies. 

8.  D''  Parker  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  Boston,  for  the  first 
time,  an  example  from  any  person  of  his  Communion,  officiated  at 
the  Artillery  Election.  The  people  would  not  consent  that  the 
service  should  be  in  his  own  Church,  but  at  the  usual  place.     He 


264  DIARY  OP  [1791 

read  a  prayer  composed  for  the  occasion,  introduced  with  the  pas- 
sages of  scripture  used  in  his  own  Liturgy. 

9.  Went  upon  the  Water,  &  spent  the  day  with  Messieurs 
Gaines,  Gardiner,  Collins,  Ward,  &  Becket.  All  veterans  in  the 
service. 

10.  Last  night  a  violent  Thunder  Storm.  The  air  was  full  of 
fog  for  several  hours  before.  We  have  had  so  little  heavy  thunder 
that  we  aggravate  the  discription. 

11.  Saturday.  Received  of  Capt  Patterson  the  [several]  Vol- 
umes in  French.  [164]  Went  for  Boston  &  upon  an  exchange 
with  Clarke. 

[June]  12.  Was  politely  received  at  dinner  by  M""  Barrell,  & 
family,  who  shewed  me  his  large  &  elegant  arrangements  for  amuse- 
ment, &  philosophic  experiments.  His  birds  played  in  a  globe  sur- 
rounded with  a  globe  of  water  in  which  the  fish  play.  He  has  an 
excellent  portrait  of  D^  Cooper  from  the  original  with  the  Governor. 
He  has  an  original  of  M""  Clarke.  He  has  a  variety  of  paintings, 
engravings,  &  representations  in  clay  from  China.  He  was  an  ad- 
venturer in  the  first  voyage  to  the  back  parts  of  America,  &  has 
several  great  curiosities.  [105]  His  apparatus  for  experimental 
Philosophy  is  good,  especially  for  electricity.  He  has  a  good  library. 
The  House  is  elegant  in  all  its  furniture.  His  Garden  is  beyond 
any  example  I  have  seen.  A  young  grove  is  growing  in  the  back 
ground,  in  the  middle  of  which  is  a  pond,  decorated  with  four  ships 
at  anchor,  &  a  marble  figure  in  the  centre.  The  Chinese  manner 
is  mixed  with  the  European  in  the  Summer  house  which 
fronts  the  House,  below  the  Flower  Garden.  Below  is  the 
Hot  House.  In  the  apartment  above  are  his  flowers  admit- 
ted more  freely  to  the  air,  &  above  a  Summer  House  Avith  every 
convenience.  The  Squares  are  decorated  with  Marble  figures  as 
large  as  life.  No  expence  is  spared  to  render  the  whole  amusing, 
instructive,  &  friendly.  I  preached  in  M"^  Clarke's  congregation. 
It  is  not  large,  but  veiy  liberal  in  opinions.  They  have  an  organ, 
the  first  introduced  into  dissenting  Meeting  Houses.  The  example 
is  seducing.  Not  merely  from  the  fondness  of  parade,  which  leads 
religion,  as  well  as  follows  easily  in  its  train,  but  from  the  great 
inconveniences,  &  real  difficulties  attending  the  support  of  vocal 
Music.  From  my  own  experience  I  can  say,  that  the  greatest  pains 
&  expence  cannot  always  ensure  success.  [106]  I  met  my  friend 
Winthrop  returning  from  his  Survey  of  the  intended  Sandwich 
Canal.  In  the  evening  I  had  an  opportunity  of  hearing  the  noted 
John  Richards,*  who  preaches  with  Murray  of  Cape  Ann,  &  occasion- 
ally at  Boston.  He  is  celebrated  as  a  Poet,  of  fine  imagination  & 
he  displayed  it  in  all  the  mysticism  which  connects  itself  with 
Relly's  doctrine  of  universal  Salvation.     Many  are  called,  but  few 

"Rev.  George  Richards,  afterwards  pastor  of  the  Universalist  church  at  Portsmouth 
N.  H.  ^ 


171*1]  KKV.    WILLIAM    BENTLEY  265 

chosen.  His  sense  that  the  many  are  all,  &  the  few,  the  Apostles, 
the  Kings  &  Priests  to  God,  &c,  was  confirmed  by  the  History  of 
the  Jews,  &  the  Law  of  the  first  Born,  &  the  dignified  in  heaven 
make  a  House  of  Lords,  not  unlike  some  thing  on  earth. 

13.  Was  directed  by  Professor  Dexter  to  AP  Lawton,  who  had 
executed  our  Masonic  Charter,  the  whole  expence  of  which  will 
amount  to  six  pounds.  Was  a  Spectator  of  the  remains  of  M" 
Wright's  Wax  Work,  which  are  in  the  hands  of  a  M""  liowen.  The 
principal  figures  were,  the  President  &  Lady,  the  King  of  G.  Brit- 
ain &  Queen,  Bishop  Provost,  &  ])""  Rogers,  several  fancy  female 
Forms.  A  representation  of  Baron  Trench  in  Chains,  l)""  Franklin, 
Darby  &  Joan,  the  Sailor,  &c.  It  is  said  they  have  great  advantage 
when  viewed  in  the  night.  The  Prince  of  Wales  &  some  private 
characters  are  in  the  exhibition.  [107]  The  weather  very  warm, 
lieturned  to  Salem.  At  Cambridge  I  found  the  Library  much  in- 
creased &  the  Museum  differently  arranged,  &  with  double  of  its 
usual  contents.  The  Kamschatcha  Voyage  has  done  much  towards 
its  enlargement.  Bishop  Caroll  preached  in  Boston,  but  as  the 
time  of  service  coincided  with  mine  I  had  not  the  pleasure  of  hear- 
ing him  on  this  occasion.  White  Sunday.  At  D''  Lathrop  I  found 
the  Library  of  Governor  Bowdoin,  presented  to  the  Academy.  It 
is  now  in  order,  &  contains  1400  volumes. 

14.  Went  to  Cape  Ann  to  attend  the  association.  Found  very 
few  members  present,  it  being  very  hot.  M*'Keen  of  Beverley  was 
ready  to  preach  on  the  occasion.  A  large  Choir  of  Singers  were 
collected  from  the  several  congi-egations.  The  Preacher  discoursed 
upon  the  doctrine  of  future  punishment,  the  Subject,  which  since 
1773  has  kept  the  Town  in  confusion.  He  handled  the  subject 
without  the  least  degree  of  ingenuity,  &  in  a  manner  suited  to 
affront  one  party,  &  not  gratify  the  other.  Upon  my  return  to  the 
house  I  l)lanied  the  introduction  of  the  tiubject,  &  the  inconsistent 
manner  in  which  it  was  located,  [sic-l  But  I  was  alone.  Any  concerted 
plan  was  denied  on  the  part  of  the  Incumbent.  The  history  however 
is  this,  as  from  his  own  lips.  [108]  In  conversation  in  favor  of  the 
doctrine  of  eternal  Punishment  he  mentioned  three  texts  as  decisive. 
That  in  John  to  ]\Iartha,  that  of  Jesus  in  the  25^"^  of  Matthew,  & 
that  in  Paul  to  the  Romans.  The  texts  were  reported  to  the  Univer- 
salist,  who  had  promised  to  preach  upon  them.  In  the  meanwhile 
the  last  is  discussed  by  our  Preacher.  And  this  is  pretended  by 
accident.  There  is  a  great  want  of  ingenuous  conduct  in  some  men. 
The  blame  w^ill  not  be  cast  on  me,  &  necessity  alone  will  induce 
me  to  risk  reputation  on  such  occasions.  After  dinner  we  were 
inti-oduced  to  drink  Tea  at  M""  Rogers',  the  first  merchant  in  the 
place,  who  has  a  numerous  family,  &  preserves  unusual  vivacity, 
■while  above  sixt}'  years  of  age.  In  the  evening  we  were  conducted 
to  a  M""  Sergeants'  at  whose  house  Music  was  prepared  for  the  even- 
ing.    There  was  a  considerable  number  of  gentleman  &  Ladies  & 


266  DIARY  OP  [1791 

very  handsome  entertainment.  The  instrumental  &  vocal  music  were 
well  performed.  We  have  nothing  like  it  in  Essex.  The  Conviv- 
iality is  remarkable.  The  pieces  were  of  different  classes.  At 
eleven  we  retired.  The  hospitality  of  Capt  Rogers  secured  me  at 
his  house,  and  the  expectation  of  a  chearful  day  to  succeed,  made 
a  succession  of  very  pleasurable  emotions.  He  has  a  line  wife,  & 
gay  children,  who  contributed  [109]  their  full  share  to  the  enter- 
tainment, &  the  pleasure. 

15.  This  morning  it  was  agreed  to  go  to  Eastern  Point,  which 
makes  the  entrance  to  the  Harbour,  above  a  mile  below  the  Town. 
The  harbour  is  formed  by  the  Fort  Hill,  a  little  peninsular  on  the 
west,  which  projects  boldl}'-  before  the  Town,  &  Rocky  Neck  which 
runs  westerly  from  the  eastern  point.  The  entrance  is  not  wide, 
but  of  sufficient  depth  of  water.  From  the  town  is  a  Ledge  called 
Duncan's  Ledge  which  runs  towards  Rocky  Neck  in  a  southerly  di- 
rection, within  which  is  the  Head  of  the  Harbour,  a  bason  not  much 
used,  but  which  opens  into  a  Cove  in  Rocky  Neck,  called  Smuggling 
Harbour  from  a  particular  use  made  of  it  before  the  War.  It  runs 
also  towards  Sandy  Bay  &  there  might  easily  in  a  valley  be  formed 
an  inlet,  through  a  communication  which  the  Sea  sometimes  has 
opened.  About  half  a  mile  without  the  Fort  Hill  is  "  Tenpound 
Island,"  not  containing  an  acre  of  ground,  &  between  which  & 
Eastern  point  there  is  a  communication  at  the  lowest  tides,  &many 
difficult  rocks.  Below  on  eastern  point  is  a  Ledge  called  Black  Bess, 
&  nearer  the  point  Dog  Rocks.  Without  the  Point  about  one  mile, 
eastward  is  Brace's  Cove.  It  has  a  Bluff  head  on  the  western  side, 
which  is  a  large  &  lofty  rock.  It  has  a  Ledge  on  the  eastern  side 
&  Rocks  without  it.  [HO]  It  has  of  ten  proved  fatal  to  mariners , 
&  the  Cove  been  mistaken  for  the  entrance  into  Cape  Ann  Harbour. 
The  Cove  is  clear  after  you  are  within  the  eastern  Ledge.  It  enters 
almost  half  a  mile,  »&  by  a  narrow  Beach  is  seperated  from  a  Pond, 
which  extends  almost  across  the  eastern  point,  which  is  joined  to 
the  main  by  this  Beach  formed  by  the  sea,  a  few  rods  Avide,  &  by 
the  road  not  much  wider  on  the  side  towards  Cape  Ann  Harbour. 
From  Brace's  Rock  the  lights  at  Thatcher's  Islands  areinfixll  view, 
above  a  league's  distance.  The  Farm  of  Eastern  point,  purchased 
last  year  by  Daniel  Rogers,  who  was  with  us,  is  very  rough.  There 
is  a  delightful  grove  of  Oaks,  &c.  within  the  point,  to  which  company 
resorts  and  enjoys  a  fine  air  in  the  warmest  weather.  The  Farm  is 
very  rough,  affords  pasture,  but  there  was  no  tillage  land  beyond  the 
Pond  towards  the  Point.  About  200  acres  lay  towards  the  point, 
&  the  rest,  amounting  to  300  acres  was  sold  together  for  320  pounds. 
The  tenant  pays  an  annual  rent  of  27£.  The  Plouse  is  on  the  road 
by  the  pond,  after  you  have  passed  it  going  to  eastern  Point,  not  a 
mile  from  the  Grove.  Opposite  to  eastern  Point  at  the  entrance  is 
a  Rocky  Shore  called  Norman's  Woe,  &  about  a  league  westerly  near 
the  shore  may  be  seen  Kettle  Island,  a  small  island,  &  a  mile  beyond 


1791]  KEV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  267 

on  the  same  shore  Egg  rock,  as  you  go  towards  Manchester.  [Ill] 
Our  party  consisted  of  above  GO  persons  of  both  sexes.  With  Col 
Pearce  in  a  skif  we  caught  several  dozen  of  perch,  &  after  two  we 
dined  in  a  friendly  manner.  Another  i)arty  in  a  Sloop  larger  than 
our  own  furnished  us  with  Cod  from  the  Bay,  &  after  dinner  till 
Tea  parties  were  engaged  in  Walking,  dancing,  singing,  &  Quoitiug, 
&  Swinging  &  every  amusement  we  could  imagine.  The  Poets  story 
of  Twandillo  was  realized.  There  was  but  one  instrument  of  Music 
with  us,  which  was  a  fiddle  brought  by  its  owner  to  pick  up  a  few 
coppers.  To  see  him  play  with  it  upon  his  head,  under  his  arm,  &c., 
furnished  a  pleasure  which  the  happiness  of  ignorance  may  inno- 
cently occasion. 

Hark, — his  tortured  catgut  squeals 
He  tickles  every  string,  to  every  note 
He  bends  his  pliant  neck. — 
The  fond  yielding  Maid 
Is  tweedled  into  Love. 

We  set  out  about  ten  in  the  morning,  and  arrived  before  nine  in 
the  evening  safe  at  the  same  wharf.  And  what  deserves  notice, 
not  a  single  accident,  not  an  angry  word,  occasioned  the  least  in- 
terruption to  so  large  a  party.  The  principal  Gentlemen  were  in 
this  party,  Daniel  Rogers,  Esq'',  his  two  sons  John  &  Charles, 
Capts  Soames,  Tucker,  Sergeant,  Beach,  Col.  Pearce,  Major  Pear- 
son, Master  Harkin,  M"^  Parsons,  &c.  I  went  to  Tea  at  Capt 
Beach's  elegant  House  near  the  [112]  meeting  House,  &  was  con- 
ducted into  the  several  apartments  to  observe  the  neatness  which 
prevailed  under  the  pretence  of  examining  an  excellent  collection 
of  pictiu-es.  On  the  day  before  I  had  visited  his  excellent  &  large 
Family  Garden,  &  Hope  walk.  I  lodged  at  Esq""  Rogers,  who  collect- 
ed his  family  &  finished  the  scene  by  an  act  of  devotion. 

16.  In  the  morning  I  arose  before  the  family,  &  set  off  for 
home,  &  breakfasted  at  Manchester,  &  reached  Salem  after  eleven. 
A  new  Axle  fixed  to  the  Bell  this  afternoon.  Delivered  the  Char- 
ter to  B.  Hodges  for  Essex  Lodge.  The  suspence  respecting  the 
fate  of  Elkins  still  continues.  While  we  were  on  eastern  point, 
another  party,  with  whom  was  the  Rev'*  M""  Murray  went  into  the 
Bay  after  Cod  &  continued  off  the  point  all  day.  The  religious  con- 
troversy is  not  so  far  settled  as  to  admit  a  coalition  between  the 
Clergymen,  tho'  it  is  greatly  promoted  among  the  people.  Passing 
a  farm  house  in  Manchester  I  observed  a  young  girl  of  14  years,  & 
asked  what  the  name  of  the  rock  was  directly  before  the  door,  about 
1/4  of  a  mile  from  the  shore.  She  answered  she  had  never  heard, 
&  seemed  to  wonder  at  the  question.  Was  this  ignorance,  in  her, 
or  impertinence  in  myself? 

[113]  17.  Fine  Showers  after  a  long  time  of  warm  weather. 
We  have  information  that  a  Methodist   Bishop  will  visit  us   next 


268  DIARY  OF  [1791 

Wednesday.  They  are  building  a  House  in  Lynn  «fe  M''  Lee  is  suc- 
ceeded by  a  M""  Smith.  The  advantages  taken  by  the  Methodists 
of  dissentions,  is  only  a  more  open  game,  which  better  informed 
men  are  playing  under  the  Table.  Their  funds  they  speak  much 
of.  It  is  a  question  whether  the  death  of  J.  Wesley  will  derange 
them.  They  are  determined  to  try  their  force  in  New  England. 
In  Salem,  the  Congregation  at  the  Tabernacle  have  finished  a  little 
house  of  prayer,  in  which  they  have  a  public  service  every  Sunday 
evening.  It  will  probably  prove  an  excellent  nursery  of  some  be- 
wildered sect,  &  enlarge  our  number  of  religious  Hawkers. 

18.  Went  down  to  the  Neck,  &  spent  the  day  alone  fishing,  &c. 
A  Disturbance  in  the  street  by  a  M""®  Bisby,  delirious,  applying 
for  the  ministers,  &c.  &c.  &c.  A  curious  trial  of  a  Constable,  who 
apprehended  an  apprentice  making  a  noise  last  Sunday  in  the 
Street.  The  case  was  given  in  favor  of  the  Officer  at  Esq''  Ward's 
&  against,  this  day,  at  Esq"^  Manning's.  The  Officers  of  the  peace 
have  unmanly  competitions. 

[June]  19.  Sunday.  Very  rainy,  &  congregation  accordingly. 
Present  from  Rev**  M''  Hazlitt  of  his  Sermons.  Last  Sunday,  M'' 
B.  Brown's  Note  for  his  wife's  delivery. 

21.  Saw  a  Medal  in  honor  of  John  Wesley.  On  the  face,  Wes- 
ley standing  in  a  devout  posture  elevated  countenance,  own  hair, 
band,  &cloke.  Inscription.  Rev:  John  Wesley.  Reverse.  Field 
Preaching.     Legend.     By  grace  are  ye  saved  through  faith.     1789. 

22.  This  day  Bishop  Seabury  of  Connecticut,  passed  through 
the  Town  on  his  way  to  Portsmouth.  I  introduced  myself  through 
the  Innkeeper,  &  offered  my  kindest  attentions.  He  is  a  man  of 
excellent  person,  good  address,  manly  confidence.  But  he  is 
rigorous  in  his  discipline,  &  a  true  Churchman.  M"^  Thayer  was  in 
Town  in  the  triumph  of  his  appointment  at  Boston,  &  victory 
over  his  rival,  Rousselet.  I  saw  a  dog  at  Ropes'  without  hair,  dark, 
&  spotted  white,  as  some  negroes.  His  head  &  front  is  covered 
with  hair,  &  here  &  there  a  tuft  adheres  to  his  body.  [115]  His 
tail  was  as  much  covered  as  is  usual,  &  he  cannot  be  said  to  belong 
to  a  distinct  species,  but  to  depend  upon  accidental  formation. 
These  Bomare  considers  as  coupled  from  one  with  &  one  without 
hair,  but  the  presumption  is  still  that  the  origin  is  from  an  acci- 
dental cause. 

23.  In  the  morning  I  went  for  Boston.  Spent  the  day  among 
my  relations,  &  made  my  home  at  Deacon  Ridgeway's. 

24.  Between  12  &  1  o'clock  the  Service  began  at  the  Chapel. 
M''  Freeman  read  several  select  prayers,  &  the  15,  112,  &  133 
psalms.  I  addressed  the  Masons,  &  went  in  the  procession  to  Con- 
cert Hall,  in  which  we  dined  elegantly.  After  the  Toasts  I 
retired. 

25.  I  went  through  several  parts  of  the  Town.  Found  D''  S. 
capable  of  misrepresenting  my  sentiments  on  the  Psalms,  &  sent 


1791]  KEV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  269 

him  a  challenge.  This  D''  spent  3  hours  in  the  Kitchen  of  a 
Clergyman  in  the  absence  of  the  Clergyman  out  of  Town,  whom  he 
never  visited  after  several  invitations.  The  Maid,  who  was  visited 
never  gave  an  invitation.  Such  are  Clerical  arts  to  advance  a  par- 
ty. The  maid  was  Freeman's  hut  an  hearer  of  Thatcher.  [116] 
Upon  my  return  I  found  the  Methodistic  Bishop,  M''  Asbury,  preach- 
ing in  Lynn,  in  a  miserable  Tavern  kept  by  a  Mr.  Slake,  called  the 
Queen  of  France.  His  hearers  were  few,  &  his  language  quite 
derogatory  of  his  assumed  character, 

[June]  26.  Sunday.  Notes.  Wid.  Sarah  Hodges,  death  of  her 
only  child,  &  Prayers  for  her  Brethren  at  Sea.  Hannah  Hosmer, 
thanks   for  delivery  &  prayer  for  her  Husband  &  Brother  at  Sea. 

27.  The  news  respecting  Elkins  rendered  certain  by  Letters 
from  him,  in  which  he  relates  the  loss  of  his  whole  Crew,  who  left 
the  wreck,  &  his  own  preservation  by  tarrying  upon  it.  Other 
losses  in  the  same  Storm. 

28.  Saw  M''^  Elkins'  Letter  from  her  Husband  in  which  he 
mentions  the  fate  of  his  own  Crew,  &  his  own  remarkable  preserva- 
tion. The  Letter  from  the  G.  Lodge  requesting  a  copy  of  my  ad- 
dress for  the  press,  signed  Hayes,  Morton,  Kevere,  Bartlett,  Dex- 
ter, urges  its  purpose,  while  M"^  Freeman  urges  to  decline  from  re- 
gard to  the  light  in  Avhich  the  best  of  such  compositions  are  viewed 
in  the  world.  But  is  not  this  a  motive.  For  as  something  useful 
may  be  provoked,  the  institution  may  be  reformed. 

[117]  29.  At  six  o'clock,  according  to  notice  in  a  Gazette, 
Bishop  Asbury,  of  the  Methodists,  preached  in  our  Court  House. 
Bishop  Seabury  has  been  busily  engaged  in  Confirmation  at  Ports- 
mouth. Thus  we  go  on,  while  the  Universalists  by  the  most 
stupid  distinctions  are  involving  Christianity  in  the  thick  darkness 
of  Mysticism.  Part  of  the  day  at  Capt  Patterson's  with  Capt  Le 
^Moine.  My  Frenchman  gives  his  name,  Jean  Francois  S'  Marie 
Sougue. 

30.  Delivered  to  Burrill  a  letter  to  Esq""  Hays  in  which  I  de- 
cline the  publication  of  the  Address  but  leave  it  still  with  them  to 
decide,  if  the  Lodge  importunate.  Settled  at  M"^  Brown's,  in 
presence  with  M''  Ward,  the  accounts  of  the  Church,  &  entered  a 
balance  in  our  favor  of  £12.  14.  7.  This  is  the  first  settlement  of 
this  kind,  since  my  ordination.  Nor  is  there  any  trace  of  a  Church 
Stock,  or  fund,  since  the  foundation  in  1718.  This  is  one  step  to 
improvement,  &  I  hope  a  pleasing  sign  of  reasonable  progress. 
Demands  have  before  my  coming  been  made  at  the  Communion  for 
more  money,  we  now  are  able  to  assist  our  own  poor,  &  provide  for 
the  table  the  elements  &  furniture.  A  Strainer  is  to  be  our  first 
easy  purchase. 

[118]  July  1,  1791.  News  of  the  Death  of  Capt  N. 
Silsbee.  He  entered  life  in  the  employment  of  E.  H.  Derby,  had 
a  good  reputation,    &    a  very  respectable  interest.     By  intemper- 


270  DIARY  OF  [1791 

auce  he  fell  from  the  public  esteem,  suffered  his  accounts  to  be  de- 
ranged &  had  recourse  to  very  indirect  means  with  his  creditors  & 
finally  sunk  out  of  notice.  He  had  been  to  the  southward  with  the 
interest  of  some  faithful  friends.  Died  at  Baltimore,  Capt  W™ 
Oarleton,  Brother  to  my  Land  Lady.  After  reports  say,  at  Barba- 
does,  upon  a  voyage  from  Baltimore.  The  last  is  received  as  the 
true  account,     aet  46.     See  Sept.  21. 

2.  Reports  respecting  some  dishonesties  in  marking  flour  by 
some  Merchants,  &  of  an  effigy  by  a  very  foolish  man,  over  a  sign 
ordered  by  Congress  respecting  distilled  spirits.  Invectives  are 
published  against  the  Vice  President  for  his  Aristocratic  principles, 
his  notes  on  Davila,  &  his  defence  of  Burke.  Went  to  see  the  Man- 
ufactory in  Beverley,  &  I  found  the  Methodist  Bishop  &  Train  had 
visited  the  parish,  &  preached  at  Browne's  Folly.  They  have 
preached  also  at  Manchester.  Large  additions  are  making  to  the 
Marine  Society,  &  they  view  the  Masons  as  tlieir  rivals.  It  would 
be  desirable  to  form  one  society,  if  the  Institutions  would  admit. 
[119]  Gen.  Fiske  informed  me  that  a  Beacon  was  designed  for 
Baker's  Island,  at  the  entrance  of  the  Harbour  of  Salem,  at  the  ex- 
pence  of  the  Marine  Society,  &  that  it  Avas  to  be  executed  by  agree- 
ment immediately,  &  done  in  the  most  effectual  manner.  The  ob- 
vious causes  for  extending  the  terms  of  admission  into  the  Marine 
Society,  so  as  to  comprehend  all  men  concerned  in  navigation,  is 
that  this  town,  neithe  rfrom  its  real  numbers,  or  the  spirit  of  its  as- 
sociations, can  admit  two  flourishing  societies.  It  is  said  that  the 
Humane  Society  in  Boston  has  united  with  the  Marine.  How  far 
this  is  true  I  know  not.  The  end  of  such  associations  however  is 
lost,  when  they  embrace  many  members,  &  the  design  is  not  very 
specific.  The  French  Academy  found  it  so,  when  they  divided 
from  the  Physics,  the  Belles  Letters.  They  feared  for  the  division 
of  their  strength,  but  the  comparison  between  them  &  England 
which  had  only  its  Royal  Society  under  patronage  will  shew  wheth- 
er the  French  missed  it.  It  deserves  to  be  remarked,  Masonry  has 
an  object  beyond  the  Marine  Society.  It  is  not  a  mere  promise  to 
distress,  but  a  design  to  urge  the  social  passions  by  the  most  famil- 
iar &  innocent  social  pleasures.  In  this  view  may  not  a  division  be 
maintained  ? 

[120]  [July]  3.  Sunday.  Notes.  Anna  Bowditch,  death  of 
her  Husband  &  pr.  for  her  Brethren  at  Sea.  Mary  Bowditch  & 
Children,  death  of  her  Son,  &  for  Sons  at  Sea,  &  on  death  of  her 
Brother  Carleton.  Wid.  Mary  Batten,  sudden  death  of  her  only 
Son,  &  for  Son  in  Law  at  Sea.  Sarah  Batten,  sudden  death  of  her 
husband,  &  pr.  for  brethren  at  Sea.  Elizabeth  Cotton,  d.  of  her 
Brother  &  pr.  for  her  Husband  &  Brother  at  Sea.  Elizateth 
Mason,  d.  of  youngest  Child,  &  pr.  for  husband  &  friends  at  Sea. 
William  Peele  &  Wife,  d.  of  Brother  Silsbee,  &  pr.  for  a  son  at  Sea. 
Mary  Bateman,  d.  of  her  Brother  Batten  &  pr.  for  husband  at  Sea. 


1791]  .  REV.    WILLIAM  BENTLEY  27l 

Preserved  Elkins  returns  thanks  for  the  remarkable  preservation  of 
her  husband,  asks  p.  for  his  safe  return,  p.  on  death  of  a  friend,  & 
for  absent  Brethren.  Alice  Cotton,  d.  of  her  husband  &  for  herself 
in  alow  condition.  [121]  Thomas  Dean&  Wife  for  repeated  stroke 
in  death  of  another  Son,  &  p.  for  his  only  Son  at  Sea.  Wid.  Sarah 
Shehane  and  children,  d.  of  one  of  her  sons,  p.  for  one  at  Sea,  & 
thanks  for  the  safe  return  of  a  Son  from  Sea.  Samuel  Hopes  & 
Wife  ,  her  delivery.  Hannah  Peele,  recovery  &  life  of  her  child, 
Husband  at  Sea.  The  Above  list  comprehends  but  a  small  part  of 
the  friends,  who  are  interested  in  the  late  melancholy  bereavement. 
4.  Went  at  4  o'clock  for  Boston ,  &  heard  the  Oration  delivered 
by  D""  Eustis  to  the  Cincinnati.  The  oration  was  modest  &  agre- 
able.  There  was  a  direct  interference  between  this  &  the  Town 
Oration,  from  the  jealousies  respecting  this  order.  Both  began  at 
twelve.  By  M''  May  my  soul  was  embittered  with  some  unkind  reports 
respecting  a  Sister  to  whom  a  dissolute  fellow  of  the  Town  paid 
great  attention.  M""  Freeman  assured  me  of  the  same  reports.  The 
youth  is  of  a  very  good  family,  but  infamous  as  to  his  moral  char- 
acter. I  waited  upon  my  Sister  &  remonstrated  [122]  against  the 
connection  in  the  most  explicit  terms.  I  found  She  was  unused 
to  restraint,  rather  inclined  to  bitterness  than  humility  &  a  very 
proper  subject  for  temptation.  My  Father  was  urgent  against  the 
association,  &  the  liberties  taken  in  visiting  the  House.  My  Mother 
was  deceived  by  the  hope  that  the  poor  have  good  chances  some- 
times. Success  is  really  doubtful  on  this  occasion.  The  Military 
parade  of  the  day  was  small.  Two  select  companies  under  the 
command  of  Captains  Laughton  &  Wallux*  were  upon  the  Common. 
Upon  my  return  I  found  Capt  H.  Elkins,  the  unfortunate  man  who 
had  been  shipwrecked  on  the  Texel,  just  returned  by  the  way  of 
Cape  Ann.  I  had  no  opportunity,  but  of  just  seeing  him.  This 
day  bears  to  the  same  family  the  news  of  the  death  of  Capt  Maley,t 
who  was  knocked  overboard  by  his  Boom,  a  few  days  before  the 
Vessel  arrived  at  Newbury  Fort.  A  Canal  is  digging  of  one  mile 
&  1/4  to  open  a  communication  between  Hampton  &  Newbury 
Port.  The  Universalists  have  sent  a  Circular  Letter,  dated  Phila- 
delphia, 25  May,  1791.  They  mention  their  success  &  hopes,  but 
neither  by  the  number  of  Churches,  or  proselytes,  or  situation,  give 
us  any  means  of  a  judgement.  They  evidently  qualify  their  fav- 
orite tenet  with  a  more  express  avowal  of  punishment  &  the  use  of 
good  morals.  It  is  only  rigid  Calvinism  in  doctrine,  in  the  vapours 
of  Charity. 

[123]  In  the  evening  we  had  our  meeting  to  receive  &  act  upon 
our  Charter  as  Free  Masons.  We  did  not  make  any  enquiries  into 
the  controversy  at  Boston,  between   S*-  Andrews  Lodge  &  the   G. 

•Wallack? 

fMrs.  Maley  and  Mrs.  Elkins  were  sisters. 


272  DIAEY   OF  [1791 

Lodge,  or  what  steps  had  been  taken  to  reconcile  the  several  Lod- 
ges upon  the  Continent,  or  in  this  State.  We  found  .the  G.  Lodge 
in  possession  of  their  authority,  &  chearfully  accepted  a  Lodge  from 
them  &  they  granted  our  request  upon  very  moderate  terms.  The 
Charter  was  accepted;  we  were  to  rank  from  our  date,  but  not  upon 
any  number.  This  may  leave  room  for  debate,  as  we  may  claim 
before  any  who  have  not  yet  acknowledged  the  authority  of  the  G. 
Lodge.  Our  Officers  were  chosen  as  before.  Joseph  Hiller  Esq"", 
Master  ;  E.  H.  Derby,  S.  Warden ;  W.  Bentley,  J.  W. ;  J.  King, 
Treasm-er ;  J.  Jenks,  Secretary ;  J.  Page,  S.  D. ;  E.  Lang,  J.  D. ; 
J.  Vincent  &  J.  Becket,  Stewards;  Simon  Lang,  Tyler.  The  dues 
for  the  Charter  were  discharged,  &  a  Committee  chosen  to  determine 
the  value  of  the  Jewels,  &  to  provide  such  other  furniture  as  would 
be  necessary.  The  expence  of  the  Room  is  to  be  between  40  &  50 
dollars,  &  a  reasonable  compensation  made  for  such  articles  as  we 
improve  belonging  to  a  former  Lodge. 

[124]  6.  The  enquiry  into  the  length  of  the  Lives  of  the  Con- 
gregational ministers  of  Salem,  afforded  the  following  result,  as  we 
afforded  the  subject  our  recollection  only.  Many  Ministers  did  not 
spend  their  whole  lives  in  Salem,  as  the  first,  M*^  Skelton,  &  Mr. 
Higginson  coming  from  Europe.  We  have  no  Church  record  of  the 
three  between  M'  Higginson  senior  &  M"^  Higginson  junior.  We 
conclude  they  acknowledged  three  only  in  this  interval  of  Church 
History,  which  extended  from  1636  to  1660,  24  years.  We  know 
from  Winthrop's  Journal  that  there  was  a  controversy  between 
parties  respecting  M''  Williams,  who  afterwards  left,  &  founded 
rhode  island  States  or  providence  plantations.  M"^  Belnap  mentions 
another  who  came  &  settled  at  Dover  from  Salem.  D"'  Mather 
mentions  two  labourers  in  his  own  way.  M""  Norris  certainly  was 
regularly  pastor,  &  died  in  office.  M*"  H.  Peters  spent  seven  years 
in  America  &  probably  the  greater  part  in  Salem,  &  it  appears  was 
acknowledged  Pastor,  when  requested  by  the  government  to  go  for 
England.  M"^  Higginson,  junior,  came  from  the  ministry  in  Connec- 
ticut &  spent  47  years  in  Salem,  out  of  72  of  his  ministry.  Query, 
whether  this  may  be  an  example  of  Longevity  increased  by  remov- 
al, as  was  the  case  at  Londonderry  ?  M""  Fiske  was  removed  from 
the  first  church,  &  afterwards  from  a  New  House  built  for  him,  by 
a  Controversy  with  the  people.  This  New  House  afterwards  be- 
came irregular,  &  then  by  Whitaker  was  converted  into  a  Presby- 
terian Church.  M''  Bernard  was  removed  from  Newbury  to  Salem, 
&  spent  only  the  latter  part  of  Life  in  the  Town  of  Salem.  M'  Dun- 
bar his  successor,  relinquished  on  account  of  his  health,  &  left  the 
ministry,  &  the  Society  divided,  &  another  irregular  Society  formed 
under  M""  Bernard  junior. 

From  this  account  of  the  First  Church  we  have  the  following  in- 
compleat  lives.     At  the  end  of  them.      Skelton,  ministry  3  years. 


1791]  REV.   WILLIAM  BENTLEY  273 

Higginson  sen.  7  years,  &  Higgiiison  jun.  47  years.  M"^  Bernard  s. 
20  years  .  At  the  beginniug.  M""  Fiske,  18  years.  Dunbar,  7  years. 
UNCERTAIN.  M  Williams,  Norris,  Peters,  &c.  By  uncertain, 
it  intends  from  the  Salem  Records,  &  further  enquiry  has  not  been 
duely  made.  For  Life  have  continued.  M''  Noyes,  43  years  minis- 
try.    Curwin,  colleague  3  years.     Sparhawk.  20  years. 

[126]  From  the  above  account  it  appears  the  first  church  has  had 
twelve  acknowledged  Pastors.  Three  of  whom  have  been  in  the 
ministry  of  Salem  through  life,  43-j-3-f-20  years.  Four  in  the  end 
of  life,  3-|-7+20-|-47.  Four  at  the  beginning,  18+7,  &c.  length 
uncertain  &  the  other  at  the  end  of  life,  but  length  uncertain.  One 
was  colleague  with  the  other. 

In  1718,  at  the  Settlement  of  M""  Fiske,  the  Second  irregular 
Church  was  formed.  Two  for  life,  M*"  Stanton,  9  years;  M'' 
Diman,  50  years.     One  dismissed,  M""  Jennison  after  9  years. 

The  irregular  society  which  was  formed  from  M''  Fiske  in  his 
favoui-,  have  had  in  succession  to  him,  M""  Leavitt,  M""  Huntington. 
As  a  Presbyterian  Church,  D'  Whitaker.  As  an  Independant,  Mr  S. 
From  Whitaker  another  formed. 


[127] 

Old  Church.        settled. 

died. 

ministry. 

I. 

Skelton, 

1629. 

3. 

II. 

Higginson,  set. 

43.                          1629. 

1636. 

7. 

III. 

Williams. 

IV. 

Peters. 

V. 

Norris. 

VI. 

Higginson, 

1660. 

1707. 

47. 

VII. 

Noyes,  set.  70. 

1683. 

1717. 

43. 

VIII. 

Curwin,  set.  35. 

1714. 

1717. 

3. 

IX. 

Fiske, 

1718. 

18. 

X. 

Sparhawk, 

1736. 

1756. 

20. 

XI. 

Bernard, 

1756. 

1778. 

20. 

XII. 

Dunbar, 

1772. 
Second  Church. 

7. 

I. 

Stanton, 

9. 

II. 

Jennison, 

9. 

III. 

Diman,  set.  80. 

1736. 

1788. 

50. 

From  the  foundation  of  first  church  till  the  resignation  of  M""  Dun- 
bar, 149  years.     From  1718  to  death  of  M'  Diman,  70  years. 

[128]  7.  Upon  an  arrival  from  the  West  Indies  we  are  alarmed 
in  fear  of  the  fate  of  Capt  Chipman,  who  had  not  arrived  at  his 
Port  in  60  days,  nor  had  we  any  news  of  him.  We  have  also  the 
melancholy  tidings  of  the  death  of  W.  Elkins,  a  promising  young 
man,  who  was  drowned  from  on  board  of  Capt  Loring.  Our  dis- 
tresses are  repeated. 


274  DIARY   OF  [1791 

8.  In  consequence  of  the  various  distresses,  wliicli  we  have 
suffered,  numerous  reports  are  spread  respecting  the  state  of  our 
absent  friends,  so  that  it  has  become  a  time  of  general  disquietude. 
All  are  expecting  ill  news  from  their  friends. 

9.  Some  of  our  fears  we  realize,  M""  Smith,  who  married  Lydia 
King,  has  arrived  from  the  East  Indies,  from  Bengal  in  Capt  Rich 
of  Boston,  &  brings  the  news  of  the  death  of  M'"  William  Cotton,  a 
most  worthy  young  man,  who  died  at  Batavia  in  Java,  on  the  26  of 
July  1790,  of  the  fever  of  that  place.  He  &  M-"  Smith  were  ad- 
venturers in  the  service  of  India  Merchants  upon  high  wages.  The 
one  has  paid  with  his  life,  &  the  other  gives  but  poor  recommenda- 
tion to  such  temporary  employment.  He  asserts  that  he  has  buried 
12  hands  of  his  Crew  &  that  he  was  sick  in  person  nearly  five 
months.  [129]  This  evening  visited  Capt  White's  &  found  him  & 
his  Wife  absent.  I  drank  Tea  with  the  Ladies  which  makes  up  the 
unhappy  affair  in  present  appearance.  After  Tea  we  walked  upon 
the  Shore,  to  the  no  small  inconvenience  of  our  stockings,  &  this 
may  probably  be  a  subject  for  speculation.  However,  our  conduct 
was  orderly,  discreet,  &  commendable,  if  wetting  the  feet  be  not  a 
crime,  which  if  a  crime,  it  was  committed  in  a  very  quiet  &  pleas- 
ant manner.  The  above  W.  Cotton  was  Brother  to  J.  Cotton  who 
perished  at  the  Texel  on  board  of  Elkins.  It  seems  he  was  left  at 
Batavia  on  account  of  his  sickness  &  did  not  accomplish  his  voyage. 
These  Adventurers  went  in  the  Salem  Ships  several  years  since. 

[July]  10.  Sunday.  Notes.  Sarah  Silsbee  &  her  children,  d.  of 
her  Husband,  &  for  eldest  Son  at  Sea.  Mary  Carleton,  d.  of  her 
Husband.  William  Carleton,  d.  of  his  Father.  James  Carroll  & 
Wife,  for  her  sick,  &  Brethren  at  Sea.  Jonathan  Mason  (Wife  at 
Newbury),  death,  sudden,  of  his  Son  in  Law  Maley,  &  for  his  Chil- 
dren &  Friends  at  Sea.  [130]  Henry  Elkins  &  Wife,  return  thanks 
to  God  for  his  remarkable  Preservation  &  p.  for  Brethren  & 
Friends  absent.  Martha  Babbidge,  d.  of  her  Brother  Silsbee,  pr. 
for  her  Husband  &  Son  at  Sea.  (Husband  Comm.  Son  with  Capt 
Pratt.)  Mansfield  Burril  &  Wife,  d.  of  her  Brother  Silsbee  &  her 
Brother  Babbidge  at  Sea.  Elizabeth  Mason,  d.  of  her  Brother  in 
Law  Maley,  &  for  her  Husband  &  Friends  absent.  Joanna  Silsbee, 
d.  of  her  Son  &  for  G.  Sons,  &c.  at  Sea. 

11.  The  day  very  hot,  &  the  weather  been  dry.  It  is  said  the 
Mercury  was  at  97.  Enquiries  are  now  making  into  the  practica- 
bility of  a  Communication  with  the  Connecticut,  &  the  Charles  by 
the  way  of  Springfield.  The  Subject  of  the  Militia  is  discussed  in 
the  public  prints,  in  regard  to  resignations  of  Regimental  Officers 
to  Major  Generals  without  mention  of  Brigadiers,  &c. 

[131]  12.  Weather  continues  hot.  Several  small  showers  in 
the  afternoon.  Parties  at  Nahant.  A  company  of  French  Gentle- 
men from  the  W.  Indies  were  with  me,  on  accomit  of  my  French- 
man.    Seven,  with  their  servant,  have  arrived  this  day  in  this  Port 


1791]  REV.    WILLIAM    BENTLEY  276 

A  Practice  vecoiumeiided  of  selling  cloathes,  which  need  some  re- 
pair at  a  Vendue,  or  from  a  Tailor's  Shop  &  three  suits  supplying 
a  new  one.  The  Bridge  over  the  Merrimack  still  in  projection,  &c. 
The  increase  of  Schoolmasters.  There  was  only  M''  Watson  who 
kept  a  stated  School  in  this  ]>art  of  the  Town,  when  I  came.  We 
have  now  the  following.  Public  School  on  the  Common,  Master  & 
Usher;  IMaster  Watson  in  the  Long  Wharf  Lane;  Master  Rogers* 
in  Liberty  Lane  ;  Master  Soutliwick  on  the  Common. 

14.  After  all  our  fears  Ca])t  Chi})man  arrived  this  day  from 
Trinidada,  to  our  no  small  pleasiire.  The  fears  respecting  Chip- 
man,  which  have  distressed  so  many  families,  were  excited  by  im- 
perfect accounts  from  a  Merchant  related  by  an  incautious  enquirer. 
This  example  ought  to  iirge  the  greatest  prudence  in  enquiries  re- 
specting absent  heads  of  families,  &c.  The  want  of  Philosophy  is 
discovered  as  much  in  a  disposition  to  know  the  opinions  you  can- 
not value,  as  in  the  torment,  when  they  are  unfriendly.  All  the 
opinions  which  will  guide  an  honest  man  will  be  known  by  a  free 
intercourse  with  the  world.  And  to  be  uneasy  is  to  confess  the 
errors  into  which  our  weakness  may  betray  us.  [133]  In  Methuen 
they  have  three  religious  congregations  formed  out  of  a  congrega- 
tional Society.  It  is  the  only  town  on  the  north  side  of  the  river 
in  Essex  above  Haverhill.  One  of  the  societies  is  Separatist,  the 
other  Baptist.  The  Baptists  are  formed  by  an  aversion  to  a  Tax, 
&  a  previous  inability  to  pay  them,  often  from  private  character. 
The  Separatists,  called  Hopkititonians,  are  Farmer  Metaphysicians, 
&  in  this  town  they  have  lately  hit  upon  a  singular  expedient  to 
answer  their  purpose.  They  have  settled  an  illiterate  preacher  for 
the  business.  The  (.'ongregationalists  composed  of  disjointed  ma- 
terials, foreigners,  idlers,  &  honest  yeomen,  &  vexed  with  the  feuds 
of  little  sects,  settled  a  man  four  years  since,  whom  they  now  dis- 
miss. The  Parsonage  began  the  quarrel.  The  Parson  with  a  pru- 
dence, often  the  result  of  despair,  after  a  lecture  accosted  the 
people,  who  rose  in  their  defence.  A  mutual  council  is  the  result 
&  a  dismission. 

15.  Examples  of  transient  deliriums  are  not  infrequent.  A 
Miss  Barton,  since  Derby,  was  the  first  example  &  recovered  with 
Kitteridge  at  Andover.  M''  J.  Pratt  recovered  at  the  same  place  in 
a  few  months.  A  M''  Tozzer  has  recovered  after  a  few  months.  A 
young  woman  Bisby,  is  now  at  Andover,  &  a  M""  J.  Chipman,  a 
worthy  merchant,  is  now  in  the  same  state.  There  is  also  a  M""  Phip- 
pen,  but  his  disorder  is  hereditary.  There  was  also  ayoung  Palfrey, 
[134]  whose  delirium  has  impaired  the  vigour  of  his  mind,  &  tho' 
not  productive  of  idiotism,  it  has  left  an  indolent  habit,  very 
different  from  his  former  manners.  There  was  a  M"  Safford,alias — , 
who  after  delivery  was  in  this  state,  &  it  was  mistaken  &  urged 

'Nathaniel  Rogers  who  came  from  Ipswich. 


276  DIABY  OF  [1791 

on  as  a  converaion,  but  the  disorder  being  cured,  she  recovered. 
There  was  a  young  Lawyer,  Pynchon,  but  it  was  accounted  for  by 
a  very  irregular  life,  which  he  has  at  present  reformed.  A 
M''^  Frank,*  so  called,  of  Jersey  Island,  has  been  in  a  continued  de- 
lirium for  several  years.  .  There  have  been  several  other  examples 
which  have  occured  in  the  Charity  House.  All  these  cases  hare 
followed  certain  disorders  of  body  &  commonly  fevers.  They  have 
been  attended  with  considerable  emaciation,  &  have  come  on  after 
long  complaints  of  weakness.  The  frequent  use  of  evacuations  & 
the  country  air  have  not  failed  to  restore  the  patients,  after  fair  ex- 
periments. They  only  remain  subject,  who  have  not  made  a  fair 
experiment  of  the  country  air,  such  as  poor  people.  I  went  to 
Nahant  with  M""  J,  F.  S*  Marie  Sougue,  &  we  found  a  M'  Pay  son, 
Minister  of  Fitchbourgh,  there  as  an  invalid,  &  disordered  in  mind, 
but  much  recovered,  &  M.  to  his  no  small  pleasure  found  a  french 
Peasant.     We  returned  in  the  afternoon. 

[135]  16.  The  earth  refreshed  with  several  delightful  showers, 
&  then  a  continued  rain.  Several  projections  made  respecting  the 
Society  to  decorate  the  Meeting- House,  provide  a  Dial  for  the 
Clock,  repair  the  vane,  &c.  These  freaks  Avhich  die  in  thinking, 
tend  to  recruit  the  spirits,  &  assist  the  insensible  but  sure  progress 
towards  an  unhappy  \_sic]  establishment.  Theydeserve  to  be  encour- 
aged for  their  distant,  if  not  immediate  effects.  Capt  Townsend 
who  sailed  from  this  port  on  the  8"*  instant  has  put  into  Portsmouth 
&  arrived  in  Town  this  day  having  lost  his  mast  by  a  stroke  of 
Lightening  upon  his  outward  bound  Passage. 

[July]  17.  Sunday.  Notes.  Susannah  Babbidge,  death  of  two 
G.  Children  &  for  Son  &  friends  at  Sea.  John  Babbidge  &  Wife, 
her  delivery,  death  of  Brother  Cotton  &  for  Brother  at  Sea.  Eliz- 
abeth Cotton,  d.  of  her  Husband  &  d.  of  one  of  his  Brethren  &  for 
Brethren  &  friends  at  Sea.  Elizabeth  Webber,  for  Husband  sick 
abroad  &  for  her  father  &  brethren  at  Sea.  [136]  Alice  Cotton, 
d.  of  her  Brother  Cotton  &  for  Brethren  at  Sea.  Sarah  El  kins,  d. 
of  her  Son  William  &  for  youngest  son  at  Sea.  My  Sermon  on  the 
last  Sunday  in  which  I  treated  of  the  progress  of  the  Parish,  &  pro- 
posed the  subject  of  dangers  at  Sea,  had  not  a  large  share  of  pop- 
ularity. One  did  not  go  to  meeting  for  arithmetic,  &  another  to 
learn  to  swim.  It  is  not  worth  the  pains,  to  labour  so  much  to  be 
pardoned  by  the  best  friends,  &  be  mistaken  by  the  ignorant. 
Whether  such  subjects  ought  not  to  be  introduced,  for  the  general 
usefulness  of  the  pulpit. 

18.  The  intention  of  the  Marine  Society  is  to  erect  a  beacon  on 
Baker's  Island,  obliging  the  expence  of  above  £60.  It  was  proposed 
to  Subscribe  £20  in  the  Society,  &  oifer  the  paper  abroad.  It  lay 
36  hours  in  the  Office,  &  from  a  variety  of  excuses  was  not  signed. 
One  objected  to  the  design,  another  would  not  sign  first,  one  would 

•Rachel,  wife  of  Joseph  Frank. 


1791]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  277 

not  let  them  have  the  credit,  another  disliked  some  particular  choice 
of  officers.  In  this  manner  the  Social  institutions  are  patronised 
among  us.  It  is  worth  the  pains  to  turn  to  the  conduct  of  the 
Marine   [137]  Society,  before  its  late  enlargements. 

19.  Went  in  the  morning  early  for  Boston  in  a  Chaise  with  M/^ 
Isaac  "White  jun''  &  arrived  at  Nine  o'clock.  Undertook  to  get  a  Will 
signed  by  the  Governor  for  M"  Cotton,  expences  12*/,  which  I 
charged  not.  I  then  applied  to  the  Dutch  Consul,  M.  LaTour,  who 
gave  his  testimony  to  the  authenticity  of  the  signatures  in  his  own 
Language.  I  then  invited  M"  Smith,  then  in  Boston,  to  take  a 
ride  with  me  to  Dorchester  neck,  &  it  was  very  pleasant.  Gover- 
nor's Island  bears  so  much  to  the  north  of  the  Castle  Island  as  to 
be  in  full  view,  &  not  double  the  distance.  Upon  our  return  we 
visited  the  new  invented  machine  for  Tallow  Chandlers  in  dipping 
candles.  The  machine  for  cutting  wicks  was  not  to  be  seen.  The 
wheel  upon  which  the  wicks  move  is  of  great  circumference,  &  will 
contain  very  many  parcels.  These  are  in  Squares  equal  to  the 
[138]  surface  of  the  Box  into  which  they  are  dipped,  &  move 
easily  upon  the  wheel.  The  Box  of  Tallow  is  fixed  upon  a  Power 
which  is  very  great,  &  renders  it  easy  to  lift  the  Box  up  to  the 
Wick  for  their  immersion.  This  may  be  done  with  so  much  care 
that  there  is  little  danger  of  their  sticking  together.  There  may  be 
danger  from  the  inequalities  of  the  Surfaces  of  the  candles.  Ex- 
pences of  a  Hackney  Coach  or  Post  Chaise,  12/.  I  returned  & 
dined  with  M"  Smith  at  a  M"  Dean's,  Corner  of  Wilson's  Lane.  In 
going  afterwards  to  the  North  end  in  the  same  Post  Chaise  the 
springs  broke,  but  without  further  accident. 

20.  Being  Commencement  at  Cambridge  I  set  out  for  Cambridge 
from  Deacon  Ridgeway's  &  in  a  chaise  went  to  Judge  Winthrops 
with  whom  I  spent  the  day.  In  the  morning  I  entertained  myself 
with  his  curious  Cabinet  of  Coins  &  Medals.  It  was  large,  &  not 
with  many  antiques,  but  it  had  a  great  variety  of  small  pieces,  & 
may  be  deemed  the  best  we  have  in  this  part  of  the  Country.  It  is 
improving  its  value  by  constant  additions,  but  it  requires  too  great 
an  interest  in  this  country,  to  have  its  full  success. 

In  the  afternoon  I  attended  to  a  noted  work  of  Judge  Winthrop 
in  Manuscript  upon  the  Apocalypsis  of  S'  John  in  which  he  has  by 
a  Glossary  given  all  the  terms  as  exegetical  of  historical  events,  & 
brought  [130]  the  fulfilment  of  the  whole  to  o\ir  own  times,  or 
nearly.  Kings  &  Priests  to  God  are  equal  liberty,  the  millenium 
a  quiet  state,  &c.  It  is  very  ingenious,  if  not  the  true  theory  of 
that  mystic  book.  I  had  the  pleasure  of  examining  the  remains  of 
the  Library  of  Judge  Wintlirop,  late  Professor,  &  his  large  collect- 
ion of  pamphlets.  Without  was  the  confusion  of  the  day  in  tenfold 
increase.  About  30  Batchelors,  &  not  so  many  Masters  graduated. 
The  Governor  was  escorted  by  a  Middlesex  Troop.     There  was  a 


278  DIARY  OF  [1791 

dispute  &  clashing  of  Swords  in  the  afternoon,  &  in  the  Meeting 
House  in  the  time  of  the  exercises  &  in  the  morning  one  woman 
broke  her  thigh  in  the  Crowd. 

21.  Was  the  day  for  visiting  the  Library,  »&:  the  morning  I  spent 
in  viewing  the  six  volumes  of  Herculanean  Curiosities,  which  were 
at  Cambridge.  The  Busts  were  not  numerous,  nor  the  antiquities 
so  rare  as  might  be  wished.  But  this  is  but  a  small  part  of  this 
splendid  work.  I  saw  in  this  collection  the  view  of  the  antient 
Shipping  of  which  Judge  Winthrop  gave  me  a  copy  by  his  penta- 
graph.  In  the  museum  there  were  large  additions,  Wedgewood  & 
Bentley's  imitations  of  the  antient  coins  in  their  own  ware,  with 
great  success.  Gardner's  present  of  the  Medals,  &c.  of  the  late 
reigns  &  the  old  donations  principally  of  small  [140]  &  much  in- 
jured pieces.  The  Kamschatsha  voyage  has  added  much  to  the  ap- 
pearance, still  it  is  a  very  imperfect  collection.  Several  fine  en- 
gravings are  in  the  Philosophy  Chamber,  &  that  of  the  Virgin  &  the 
Babe,  is  not  the  least  striking.  In  the  Library  there  is  an  excellent 
portrait  of  the  celebrated  Cardinal  Bentivoglio. 

22.  I  went  in  company  with  Judge  Winthrop  &  Esq""  Fox  croft, 
&  servants  to  Governor's  Island,  the  property  of  Judge  Winthrop, 
to  whose  ancestor,  the  first  Governor,  it  was  given  by  the  first  set- 
tlers, &  called  the  "Governor's  Garden."  In  the  course  of  the  day 
I  visited  the  Castle,  &  saw  the  90  convictsof  diiferent  ages  at  work 
in  the  Nail  Manufactory.  They  are  employed  by  a  Ruggles  &  C° 
of  Roxbury,  to  whom  they  are  farmed  by  the  State.  There  are  no 
improvements  on  the  Island.  The  Platforms  are  entirely  unfit  for 
use,  &  many  Guns  dismounted  in  want  of  carriages.  The  Pirate 
who  was  committed  from  Salem  distinguishes  himself  by  his  in- 
genuity in  making  &  rigging  small  ships  which  he  sells  at  the  ex- 
pense of  a  Strong  curiosity.  We  were  very  politely  received  by 
Major  Perkins,  the  Commander,  &  Capt  Treat.  Upon  Governor's 
Island  we  found  things  had  suffered  irom  the  drought,  but  great 
progressive  improvements.  The  sods  of  the  old  fortification  afford 
ed  excellent  manure  [141]  &  refreshing  showers,  while  we  were 
there,  ascertained  we  had  little  more  to  fear  from  the  heat.  It  was 
remarked  that  the  effluvia  from  the  human  body  by  fair  experiment 
did  render  cheese,  butter,  &c.  rancid,  &  that  the  custom  of  lodging 
in  chambers  with  cheese,  &c.  was  detrimental  to  the  cheese,  &c.  20 
head  of  cattle  were  on  the  Island  at  this  time.  We  passed  iinder 
Charles  river  Bridge,  &  near  Boston  side  on  account  of  the  current, 
which  is  more  directl}"^  through  these  piers,  &  less  violent, 

23.  From  Cambridge  I  visited  in  company  with  J.  Winthrop, 
the  garden  of  Boston,  Brookline.  This  little  town  of  50  families 
supplies  a  great  part  of  the  vegetation  for  that  celebrated  Market, 
&  is  in  high  cultivation.  We  found  not  Rev*^  Jackson  at  his  house. 
We  then  visited  M.  Bethune  at  Little  Cambridge.     This  farm  is  in 


1791]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  279 

excellent  order  &  the  family  has  sustained  a  well  deserved  reputa- 
tion. Madam's  true  politeness  made  us  happy,  M"""  Duncan's  ease 
made  us  wish  to  tarry  longer,  &  Nancy's  music  defrauded  us  of 
more  time  than  our  engagement  could  let  us  spare.  We  j)assed  to 
Watertown,  &  by  the  M.  Williams  were  introduced  to  the  several 
water  works  of  that  place.  The  paper  Mills  were  employed  in  the 
making  of  paper  for  the  Blocks  &  Stamps  used  for  Hangings,  &c. 
[142]  The  Cutting  of  the  Rags  was  performed  by  hand  upon  a 
block  by  a  common  Clever.  The  rags  were  dissolved  in  a  large  box 
supjilied  with  water  from  the  river,  in  which  moved  a  cylinder,  with 
iron  bars  at  proper  distances  on  its  surface,  three  &  three,  which 
could  come  in  contact  with  the  sheers,  or  in  case  of  washing  only 
be  seperated.  The  Sheers  were  thirteen  pieces  of  iron  of  the  length 
of  the  cylinder,  rivited  together,  &  a  little  open  at  top.  The  cylin- 
der was  carried  by  a  water  wheel  into  a  perpendicular  wheel  with 
rounds  which  went  into  the  cogs  of  the  wheels  fixed  to  the  cylinder. 
There  were  water  works  to  raise  the  water.  Above,  the  House  was 
open  with  large  frames  for  drying  the  paper.  In  the  Fulling  Mill 
the  frames  were  of  different  construction,  some  were  perpendicular, 
&  others  inclined  in  the  old  form.  There  was  a  rasping  Mill  which 
had  a  cylinder  filled  with  jaws,  &  the  Avood  was  forced  down  upon 
the  saws  by  a  weight  applied  to  a  press  at  the  upper  end  of  the 
short  logs  cut  for  rasping.  The  execution  was  good  &  it  is  an  arti- 
cle of  exportation.  For  five  hundred  pounds  we  found  men  en- 
gaged to  deepen  the  River  from  the  Bridge  down  to  the  distillery 
almost  a  quarter  of  a  mile.  They  were  to  dig  from  4  to  5  feet  & 
on  the  Watertown  side  is  to  be  a  landing  for  the  [143]  whole  length. 
It  is  nearly  compleated  at  the  expence  of  a  company  of  eleven  per- 
sons. There  are  other  mills  a  few  miles  above  at  the  Falls.  I 
found  at  Watertown  the  (-arduus  Fulonum,  or  Teesle,  planted  with 
great  success.  It  is  biennial  &  raises  the  most  excellent  nap  on 
Cloth.  I  brought  away  a  specimen  but  it  was  lost  before  I  arrived 
at  home.  I  retiu-ned  to  Cambridge  &  dined  with  W.  Winthrop 
Esq""  who  received  us  very  politely.  A  trifling  dispute  upon  the 
facts  of  the  Crucifixion  distroyed  the  enjoyment  of  this  Scene. 
The  farm  of  about  50  acres  is  in  the  highest  cultivation.  A  very 
exact  survey  adorned  the  side  of  the  Room  in  which  we  dined.  In 
the  afternoon  I  went  to  Boston. 

[July]  24.  Sunday.  I  preached  at  the  Chapel  for  M*"  Freeman. 
This  particular  situation  ceases  not  to  urge  curiosity.  In  the  even- 
ing I  visited  M''  J.  Barrel  &  was  received  with  his  usual  elegance. 
D''  Bulfinch  was  present,  &  an  agreable  circle  of  gentlemen  &  ladies. 
I  returned  at  an  hour  which  subjected  me  to  be  hailed  by  the  Town 
guard,  &  which  exercised  the  patience  of  my  hospitable  friend  Dea- 
con Ridgeway.  M'^  Barrel  has  the  animal  plant  which  I  did  not 
see  this  evening  tho'  in  the  Room.  Had  the  pleasure  of  several 
very  polite  invitations. 


280  DIARY   OF  [1791 

25.  Spent  the  day  in  attention  to  my  Parents  &  kin- 
dred, &  returned  in  the  Stage  to  Salem.  In  the  Stage  I  discovered 
all  the  painful  effects  of  affectation  from  some  S.  Carolina  gentry, 
bred  from  the  humble  families  of  New  England,  or  some  daring  ad- 
ventures. 

Expences.  To  Secretary  for  signing,  &c.  12'/ 

Eor  Post  Chaise  to  Dorchester,  &c.     12/ 
For  Chaise  Seat  to  Cambridge,  2/ 

To  T.  Reed,  for  unknown  debt,  &c.      6/ 
Consider  :  to  old  Servants,  6/ 

Occasional  expences,  6/  6/ 

Subscript,  to  Belnap's  History,  6/ 

To  Chadwick  for  dieting,  6/8 

To  My  Mother  given,  6/ 

To  Stage  one  passage,  6/ 

To  expences  on  return,  &c.  4/  &  lost,  £4.  4. 

On  Tuesday  evening  was  a  hearer  of  a  M^'  Green  in  the  Baptist 
Meeting  house,  with  little  entertainment.  The  Thunder  &  Light- 
ening which  followed  the  late  heat,  was  attended  with  damage  in 
many  places.  It  struck  above  50  times  in  Bridgewater,  &  in  differ- 
ent places  has  killed  Cattle,  Sheep,  burned  Barns,  &c.  M""  Win- 
throp  favoured  me  with  a  plan  of  his  proceedings  in  examining  the 
Sandwich  canal.  He  finds  the  [145]  distance  will  be  7  miles. 
The  entrance  from  Buzzard's  Bay  will  be  between  Wareham  great 
hill  &  Wenormuck  Neck,  at  two  miles  distance.  His  soundings 
were  from  Wenormuck  neck  to  Back  river,  12,  24,  19,  9,  7  1-2,  10, 
12  1-2,  13  feet.  Channel  between  Mashee  Island,  &  Tobey's  Island, 
18  feet,  &  then  13,  12,  11  1-2,  7,  8,  to  Back  river  at  low  water  three 
miles.  There  is  no  harbour  in  JBarnstable  Bay.  He  is  soon  to  ex- 
amine the  proposed  Barnstable  Canal  below,  crossing  from  the  Hy- 
anus  into  an  inlet  near  Yarmouth.  The  distance  is  not  five  miles. 
The  whole  appears  to  him  a  speculation  only. 

[146]  26.  In  coming  out  of  Cambridge  river  we  made  Channel 
way  by  steering  for  the  North  Church,  &  then  after  clearing  the 
point  to  bring  the  Old  south  Steeple  over  the  granary.  The  Pond 
at  Cambridge  has  become  a  common  resort,  &  the  house  near  it  is 
very  well  accommodated  to  receive  parties  of  pleasure.  The  Road 
between  Brooklyne  &  Little  Cambridge  is  greatly  repaired  since  my 
last  visit  to  it.  The  estates  have  shifted  owners  on  this  road,  &  in 
the  neighbourhood.  In  Lynn  they  have  raised  an  house  for  the 
Methodists,  &  the  issue  of  the  rupture  may  probably  be  very  unfa- 
vorable to  M"^  Parsons.  While  I  was  in  Boston  the  Methodistic 
method  of  conversion  was  attempted  in  the  second  Baptist  Church 
by  the  Pastor,  a  Whitefieldian  lately  arrived  &  a  person  unknown. 
They  were  preaching  together  in  the  isles  of  the  Church,  &  this  is 
the  first  example  within  my  memory.     I  do  not  find  upon  my  return 


1791]  REV,    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  281 

that  the  difficulty  of  an  exchange  encreases  with  either  party,  & 
hope  that  the  door  is  so  far  open,  as  to  admit  a  ready  entrance  to 
any  person.  Indeed  it  is  but  the  form  of  an  episcopal  church,  but 
it  is  the  form  at  which  tlie  world  looks  more  than  at  any  thing  else. 
[147]  27.  This  afternoon  I  took  a  ride  with  my  M.  S'  Marie,  & 
a  daughter  of  C,  J.  Mason  jun"  to  Brown's  Farm.  I  find  the  old 
Tenant  dispossessed,  whose  fault  seems  to  have  been  intemperance, 
&  he  has  removed  to  Marblehead,  I  suspect  not  to  correct  it.  A 
Williams  is  the  present  Tenant,  but  the  farm  did  not  look  better. 
The  beach  afforded  us  a  delightful  walk,  the  Orchard  is  old,  but 
formed  a  fine  shade.  The  brook  opposite  to  the  house  was  dry,  but 
the  hill  beyond,  just  at  sun  down  gave  a  distant  view  of  Salem  & 
Marblehead,  &  the  entrance  to  their  respective  harbours.  The  bay 
in  full  view  was  alive  with  small  craft.  The  Light  house  of  Boston 
displayed  its  white  Cone,  &  a  wood  on  the  west  bounded  our  pros- 
pect of  Lynn.  We  returned  by  Gardner's  Mills,  &  went  by  Pick- 
man's  farm.    As  we  returned  the  distance  exceeded  a  mile. 

28.  Saw  an  Alligator,  said  to  have  been  brought  from  Jamaica, 
&  shewn  for  a  penny  in  the  streets.  He  measures  8  feet  4  inches. 
That  in  the  museum  at  Cambridge  is  said  to  measure  4  f*  6  inches. 
He  is  3  feet  in  circumference  over  the  chest.  In  the  afternoon  ac- 
companied M""  Elbridge  Gerry,  Member  of  Congress  from  Middle- 
sex, with  his  wife's  sister,  Miss  Helena  Thompson,  &  M*""  Fiske  & 
Nany  round  the  Square.  After  Tea  at  Phippen's,  spent  a  pleasant 
evening  at  Capt  Allen's,  with  a  Cousin  of  his  wife  &  her  Husband 
with  some  enjoyment  in  the  excellent  watermellons  of  their  Carolina 
Climate.     The  Name,  Van  Norton. 

29.  Employed  myself  diligently  in  endeavouring  to  Muster  up 
my  little  knowledge  of  Italian,  to  read  the  several  authors  carefully, 
in  my  possession.  The  day  was  warm  &  the  little  parties  swarmed  at 
the  places  of  public  amusement.  Yesterday  the  intended  Beacon  at 
Baker's  Island  was  raised  by  a  large  &  jovial  party  of  our  Mariners. 
It  is  to  be  forty  feet  in  height.  Every  exertion  of  this  nature  is  to 
be  considered  as  favorable  to  the  public  happiness,  &  as  a  source  of 
our  good  hopes  for  the  improvement  of  our  navigation. 

30.  Entertained  by  a  curious  Captain  Patrick  Blake,  who  told 
the  story  of  his  Pilot  Nutting  falling  over  board  drunk  &  having 
hold  of  the  Tiller  rope  was,  by  bringing  to,  suddenly  thrown  into 
the  wake  of  the  Vessel,  &  while  they  were  anxiously  fearing  least 
he  should  be  sunk,  Avithout  saying  a  word,  he  was  climbing  up  the 
side  of  the  Vessel,  &  after  his  obtaining  the  deck  was  cursing  the 
loss  of  an  old  hat.  Such  an  example  of  intemperance  is  one  of  the 
many  proofs  of  its  effect  upon  the  understanding.     Capt.  Andrews. 

[149]  [July]  31.  Sunday.  Notes.  B.  Nourse,  death  of  his  Child. 
M""  B.  Manning  jun"",  death  of  his  Mother,  above  80,  in  Ipswich. 
These  notes  of  the  last  Sunday,  in  my  absence.  Notes  of  the  day. 
John  Gunnison  &  wife,  for  her  delivery  &  prayers  for  his  Mother 


282  DIARY    OF  [1791 

deprived  of  reason.  A  time  of  general  Health.  Last  Sunday 
D""  Stillman  preached  in  the  old  Church  at  Marblehead  with  great 
applause.  The  Clergy  count  their  preachers  to  allay  the  ferments, 
which  they  only  serve  to  increase.  M""  T.  F.  Oliver  has  returned 
from  his  excursion  into  the  interior  parts  of  New  York  State.  It 
was  observed  of  the  Bp.  of  New  York,  that  he  did  not  give  his 
blessing  with  the  dignity  of  the  Bp.  of  Connecticut.  That  he  gave 
it  as  if  he  was  ashamed  of  what  he  was  doing.  We  have  news  that 
Master  Belcher  Noyes,  who  removed  two  years  since  from  this 
Town,  died  at  Savannah.  He  was  deceived  in  his  prospects,  &  was 
very  reluctant  in  tarrying  at  Beaufort,  from  whence  he  removed  to 
return  to  New  England. 

[150]  August  1,  1791.  News  of  the  death  of  President  Man- 
ning, at  Providence.  He  has  long  been  the  President  of  their  Col- 
lege, Avas  the  Baptist  Preacher,  possessed  a  fine  person,  &  was 
entitled  to  the  public  esteem.  A  curious  disorder  has  attacked  sev- 
eral persons  near  Boston,  thus  represented  to  me.  A  M'  Munro  of 
Lexington  was  seized  by  a  sudden  swelling  of  the  head,  &  after  a 
few  days  died  without  pain.  A  person  at  Charlestown  was  seized 
in  the  same  manner,  &  died.  Upon  examination,  the  cellular  mem- 
brane was  affected,  &  the  disorder  passing  over  it,  terminated  in  a 
gangrene.     Another  example  has  occurred  we  are  told  at  Roxbury. 

2.  M''  Smith,  the  Preceptor  at  Dummer  Academy  was  with  me. 
I  find  an  Alexander  of  Mendon,  has  published  an  answer  to  Emlyn's 
Extracts,  which  have  before  been  published,  &  were  answered  by 
D""  Burr,  President  of  Yale  College.  The  Orthodox  boast  much  that 
this  piece  of  Burr  silenced,  &  some  pretend  convinced  Mayhew,  & 
they  doubt  not  that  it  will  have  the  same  present  effects.  Mayhew 
wrote  afterwards  in  a  manner,  which  shews  he  did  not  change  his 
opinions,  &  it  becomes  the  Unitarians  on  this  occasion  to  shew  that 
they  are  able  to  defend  themselves. 

[151]  3.  By  diverse  reports  I  hear  that  several  of  the  associa- 
tion, Payson,  &c.  will  not  attend  at  the  Rev**  Parsons'  at  Lynn,  nor 
concur  in  the  exchange,  &  that  the  Clerk  has  informed  M""  Parsons 
that  he  must  make  no  preparation.  It  is  said  also  that  a  letter  was 
sent  by  M.  Parsons  to  a  woman  directing  her  to  conceal  his  free- 
doms, of  which  letter  some  account  has  been  lately  obtained.  Ne 
crede  colori.  My  fondness  for  the  water  may  betray  me  into  indis- 
cretions if  I  am  not  very  well  guarded.  All  persons  do  not  view 
such  pleasures  in  the  same  favorable  light.  Attended  this  after- 
noon M"  Underwood,  a  woman  of  very  uncommon  size,  supposed 
to  be  dying.  While  in  her  disorder  her  mind  was  deranged.  I  found 
she  recalled  not  her  sleeping  thoughts,  but  her  awake  ones. 

4.  Impelled  by  curiosity  I  went  to  hear  a  visiting  Quaker,  or 
Eriend,  from  Philadelphia.  His  name  was  given  Scattergood. 
After  a  long  silence  he  began.  He  reached  his  subject  in  half  an 
hour,  &  recommended  silence.     It  was  to  the  soul  as  sleep  to  the 


1791]  REV.   WILLIAM    BKNTLEY  283 

body.  It  is  then  to  be  imagined  total  silence  is  profound  sleep 
without  thought,  &  without  use.  He  touched  upon  perfection  not 
in  the  Scriptures,  but  he  was,  to  use  his  own  phrase,  here  very 
muddy.  He  closed  however  with  a  nujst  charitable  sentiment  to- 
wards Christians  of  all  denominations. 

[152]  5.  Keceived  a  Subscription  Paper  for  Hazlitt's  Sermons 
w^hieh  I  signed.  They  are  to  be  in  two  volumes  unbound,  at  the 
expence  of  10/6  sterling.  Was  informed  by  Rev'^  Story  that 
Rev**  Parsons  of  Lynn  had  brought  his  affairs  to  a  solemn  crisis. 
It  seems  previously  to  the  council  he  had  sent  a  written  paper  to  a 
M*"^  Batchelor  from  whom  he  prayed  the  concealment  of  every  inter- 
course between  herself  &  him.  The  knowledge  of  this  paper  is 
now  public.  Dans  le  Commencement  a  Cambridge,  Fr^res  Bernard, 
Story,  &c.  enquireront,  a  la  verity  de  ce  report  dans  la  conversation 
avec  M.  Parsons.  II  d^nie  tout  comuie  une  conte  malicieuse.  II 
dirige  les  pretres  a  Hussy,  un  ami,  un  voisin,  de  la  secte  de  Quakers 
pour  information.  II  declare  que  il  ne  croira  pas.  Dans  la  con- 
ference ils  se  determinent  aller  a  la  f emme,  &  ouir  k  sa  bouche.  EUe 
declare  la  premic^re  report  ^tait  sans  foundation  dans  plusieurs 
choses.  lis  demandent  t^crive  t'il  une  lettere,  pour  celer  aucune 
chose.  Elle  r^ponde,  non  [pas]  mie  lettere,  mais  un  escrit  quarrd 
sign^,  non  ferm^.  A  qui  cette  lettere.  Une  autre  affaire  cela  ^tait 
ind^cente,  ou  licentieuse  ?  Cela  6tait.  Ami  Hussey  confesse  sa  sur- 
prise. II  ^crite  k  F.  B.  et  remande  [demand  ?]  sa  lettere.  Tout 
est  en  confusion.  La  Association  est  mand^e  convener  a  la  Maison 
de  M.  Parsons  dans  Lynne.  Tout  refusent  II  a  n^glig^,  &c.  I 
know  not  what  can  be  done.  The  methodists  have  already  divided 
the  parish,  &  their  agreement  is  not  to  be  expected. 

[153]  6.  Saturday.  Enquiries  respecting  the  colours  most 
proper  to  apply  to  a  Beacon  to  be  seen  at  the  greatest  distance. 
White  being  the  absence  of  colour,  &  so  a  contrast  to  all  other 
colours  has  been  generally  approved.  But  it  is  supposed  that  an  illu- 
mined horison  will  not  transmit  it  defined  so  well  with  white,  as  the 
darker  colours.  The  presumption  that  white  is  not  so  well  defined 
upon  a  Sky  Horizon  has  induced  the  persons  who  have  erected  the 
late  Beacon  to  chuse  a  deep  red  colour.  The  question  which  colour 
will  be  of  most  use  through  the  changes  of  the  sky,  seems  not  at- 
tended to.  The  argument  from  a  bright  horizon  is  more  attended 
to  than  an  approach  in  the  night  or  the  land  horizon,  in  which 
white  has  been  supposed  to  have  an  advantage.  I  have  observed 
no  facts. 

[Aug.]  7.  Sunday.  Notes.  Sarah  Underwood  for  herself  danger- 
ousl)'  sick,  &  her  two  sons  at  Sea.  We  had  no  singing  either  in  the 
morning  or  evening  services.  Two  men  singers  came,  &  several 
women,  but  they  would  not  undertake.  ^P  Ward  sung  at  the  com- 
munion, &  we  have  never  failed  in  this  part  of  our  services.     The 


284  DIARY  OF  [1791 

expence  has  been  great,  &  I  regret  that  I  shall  be  obliged  to  recant 
all  I  have  against  organs  from  mere  necessity. 

[154]  8.  Went  with  a  party  to  Baker's  Island,  to  bring  away 
the  tools,  materials,  &c.  which  remained  after  the  finishing  of  the 
Beacon.  We  were  in  a  deep  fog  on  our  passage  down,  but  we  hit 
the  island  most  exactly.  The  Beacon  is  57  feet  to  the  top  of  the 
Ball,  of  two  feet  diameter,  &  the  Ball  is  painted  black,  except  a 
part  on  the  top  which  was  neglected  &  remains  white.  The  Body 
is  conical  &  upon  a  diameter  of  nineteen  feet,  to  the  altitude  of  10 
feet  is  formed  a  convenient  room.  The  door  is  on  the  south,  nar- 
row, &  painted  red,  as  is  the  building,  but  the  battens  at  the  door, 
white,  that  it  might  more  easily  be  found.  The  window  with  a 
shutter  is  on  the  east,  a  foot  square,  &  there  is  no  other  provision 
made  for  ventilating  it.  Of  this  I  complained  but  we  attempted  in 
vain  to  get  into  the  dead  flat  projection  of  the  head,  of  one  foot, 
into  which  many  holes  ought  to  have  been  made.  The  projection 
of  the  head  was  to  have  been  round,  but  as  there  were  objections  to 
elapboarding,  it  was  shingled,  &  so  is  reduced  to  an  octagon  form 
like  the  Cone  of  the  Building,  &  each  length  of  shingling  into  so 
many  small  projections,  amounting  to  four.  It  has  an  awkward 
effect.  The  whole  is  a  generous  &  otherwise  well  executed  design. 
The  foundation  stones  are  very  miserably  laid.  Upon  the  island,  I 
traversed  the  whole,  there  are  a  few  miserable  remains  of  the 
House  which  was  in  good  order  since  I  can  well  remember.  [155] 
The  Barn  has  left  its  sills,  &  the  top  entire  stands  upon  the  naked 
posts.  From  the  house,  northeasterly  a  few  rods,  are  the  remains  of 
the  well,  &  along  the  stone  wall,  which  crosses  the  island,  near  the 
barn,  till  you  reach  the  eastern  shore  &  then  find  the  spring  of  ex- 
cellent water,  which  supplies  the  cattle.  Our  amusement  was  to 
form  a  raft  of  spars,  boards,  &c.  to  bring  off  the  shingles,  waste 
boards,  ropes,  &c.,  a  full  load  &  we  enjoyed  the  employment  tho'  a 
wet  one.  We  were  without  tinder,  &  to  remedy  the  defect  we 
rubbed  a  piece  of  pine  coal,  till  we  reached  the  part  not  entirely 
charred,  &  we  had  desirable  success.  A  plenty  of  fish  &  fine  appe- 
tites. We  observed  the  channel  between  Eagle  Island,  &  the  Goose- 
berries, entering  between  Baker's  Island  &  Hardy  Rocks.  Eagle 
Island  is  said  to  have  contained,  a  few  years  since,  4  acres  of  mow- 
ing land,  &  three  acres  are  said  to  be  upon  Nahant  Rock.  Coney 
Island  has  but  one  &  1/2,  of  little  use,  the  grass  being  very  coarse, 
&  the  soil  stoney.  The  Gooseberries  have  a  little  verdure  with  fine 
effect.  And  the  Bank  of  Eagle  Island  being  covered  with  verdure, 
&  of  a  sudden  slope,  has  a  very  good  effect.  We  returned  &  landed 
at  sun  down,  with  M""  Wards  boat,  at  his  Wharf.  Our  Commander 
was  Capt  B.  West,  &  Capt  W.  Patterson,  our  Crew,  Capts  Elkins  & 
Chipman,  with  the  Carpenters  &  Servants,  six  in  number.  We 
went  with  pleasure,  &  returned  pleased. 


^' 


~7"'   .    !  \    n  1  (- 1 1  •)  n ry  of  1  h e 

Rrv  (i  Nathan  Holt  AM^ 
X  pafior  of  rhe  i^^    church  in  '^  '   J 
'i    Dnnver.^    who  TeTt-ecJ^  from  "hlSv 

1  *!-  ^am^'  •2-.T79.2    •: ^^, 

th'- 6t^    j'^ar  of  his  pge.<V    VV- 

-^  j'-    ^-^r  hi-.    rmniOry,  .s^^v--  i-v^ 

^  t   Pi',  fy   hcrK-vclrnct   'ritet-nty^^  |>nii    -^t^ 

u:       -  ;  /l^'^^r^s^'^tTe  pToTniiieTit,f<^3VuTe<  m.  ■^"^ 

.  ■■*       ..  r   hih  cha r^cter^aj^  .-1  man  <\  a  ■miiufleT-.* 

j'V-'         !        '  ■  ' 


VA 


.-*!«i' 


"'^S.-' 


-f.<^>;w 


GRAVESTONE  OF   REV.    NATHAN    HOLT. 
In  the  Old  Burying  Ground,  Peabody. 


1791]  REV.   WILLIAM  BENTLEY  285 

[156]  9.  M"^  Ballard  from  Lynn  told  me  that  Parsons  reported 
directly  from  the  mouth  of  Forbes  of  Cape  Ann,  that  my  people  had 
deserted  me.  The  reputable  altogether,  &  only  a  few  inferior  i)eople 
still  adhered  to  me.  The  character  of  Forbes  forbids  me  to  inquire 
into  the  authority  of  such  an  infamous  report.  Such  are  the  orthodox 
means  of  removing,  or  injurying  heretics.  This  Forbes  wrote  re- 
marks on  my  sermon  to  circulate  among  his  own  people.  A  dis- 
honest, ignorant  fellow.  An  entire  silence  on  such  occasions  is  most 
prudent  for  the  sufferer,  great  circumspection,  &  contempt  of  such 
infamous  characters. 

10.  Took  a  walk  with  Rev**  Bernard  into  Danvers.  Found  out 
the  opinions  of  Forbes  &  others,  &  was  well  satisfied  with  my  discov- 
eries. Our  association  hangs  upon  a  very  slender  thi-ead.  At  present 
my  seperation  from  it  would  be  certain,  could  I  persuade  some  of 
my  friends  to  acquiesce  in  the  measure.  I  am  uncertain  whether 
to  engage  in  the  trinitarian  controversy.  I  have  few  friends  to  as- 
sist me,  powerful  opposers,  no  interest  to  support  the  expence,  & 
yet  am  afraid  &  ashamed  of  petty  pamphlets  from  England  reprinted. 

[157]  11.  I  imagine  the  foundation  of  the  report  of  Forbes. 
Sometime  since  in  the  heat  of  M*"  Diman's  controversy  for  his 
Father's  salary,  several  persons  gave  out  that  they  would  take  pews 
at  the  Episcopal  church  in  order  to  save  them  from  the  Taxes  re- 
covered by  M'  Diman.  Whether  they  ever  did ,  is  a  fact  to  me  un- 
known. Yesterday,  died  an  amiable  young  woman,  wife  of  Clerk 
Osgood,*  at  21  years  of  age.  I  feel  yet  little  of  the  Philosopher. 
Little  reports  ai'e  yet  sufficient  to  ruffle  me,  &  while  this  is  the  case 
I  can  promise  myself  little  from  firmness  in  the  hour  of  danger. 

12.  Find  some  confirmation  of  Franklin's  observation  upon  in- 
digestion being  the  principal  cause  of  taking  colds  or  the  obstruc- 
tions so  called.  For  several  nights  after  irregular  stools,  &  a  some- 
what costive  habit,  I  had  pain  in  the  head,  especially  on  a  heated 
pillow.  After  being  free  from  this  habit,  the  water  in  no  form  could 
produce  any  ill  effects  whatever.  D''  Franklin's  Theory  will  free 
me  from  many  doubts,  &  teach  me  on  what  part  to  apply  my  lessons. 
Temperance  is  the  best  physic.  Little  is  to  be  feared  from  the 
changes  of  the  air,  &c.  with  it.  [158]  The  first  printing  press  erec- 
ted in  America,  was  at  Cambridge,  Massachusetts,  by  M''  Samuel 
Green,  in  the  year  1638.  The  first  work  printed  was  the  Freeman's 
Oath —  the  next  an  almanack  made  for  New  England  by  M""  Pierce, 
Mariner,  &  then  the  Psalms,  newly  turned  into  metre.  Gazette  Wor. 
This  beginning  is  preferable  to  the  printing  in  Syria  mentioned  by 
Volney.  The  oath,  &  the  almanack  were  the  guide  of  life  &  business, 
&  the  psalms  an  honest  aim  at  an  independant  church  &  an  original 
version.  The  Volumes  of  Monkery  cannot  compare  with  this  exer- 
tion. Had  information  that  the  association  formed  in  &  about  New- 
bury, had  agreed  to  evangelize.     The  plan  is,  that  the  parish  of  the 

•Isaac  Osgood,  Clerk  of  the  Courts,  who  afterwards  removed  to  Andover. 


286  DIARY   OF  [1791 

evangelist  elect  should  be  supplied  during  his  absence,  without  any 
charge  to  him.  That  he  should  go  into  any  towns  or  settlements 
in  which  were  no  ordained  ministers  &  should  receive  no  pecuniary 
reward.  That  his  necessary  expences  should  be  paid  by  the  asso- 
ciation. We  are  told  that  the  Rev  David  Tappan  is  the  first  ap- 
pointed to  this  office.  It  is  a  designed  counterpart  to  Methodism, 
but  it  promises  not  better  consequences  in  proportion  as  the  specu- 
lations are  not  so  harmless,  &c.  [159]  The  funeral  of  M"  Osgood, 
very  respectably  attended.  The  Business  of  Singing  School  again 
absorbes  a  portion  of  time.  Some  unhappy  disputes  respecting  as- 
pertions  cast  upon  some  characters,  which  are  useful  characters. 
Mankind  sometimes  seem  as  if  they  were  disposed  not  to  be  obliged. 

13.  The  Funding  System  engages  the  public  attention,  &  the 
people  are  as  mad  at  Funding  as  in  Lotteries,  &  other  Schemes, 
which  have  lately  been  offered  to  their  consideration.  A  Brother 
Clergyman  upon  17  shares  in  the  Bank  has  cleared  above  3,000  dol- 
lars. The  Adventurers  are  full  of  joy,  the  disappointed  of  distraction. 
I  had  a  dispute  whether  the  Clergy  are  beneficial  from  their  poverty 
or  riches.  I  held  that  history  has  shewn  that  their  wealth  has  in 
all  forms  been  their  corruption.  That  they  do  not  grow  corrupt  with 
the  state,  but  as  they  grow  rich  with  it.  That  they  cannot  be  so 
useful  to  the  poor,  as  when  their  method  of  life  leads  them  among 
the  lowest  orders  of  men.  That  the  concurrence  of  wealth  ought  to 
be  from  the  sentiment  of  the  rich  &  not  the  actual  wealth  of  the 
Clergy.     That  the  mediocrity  should  be  theii  utmost  aim. 

[160]  [Aug.]  14.  Sunday.  Benjamin  Henderson,  sick.  Notes. 
A  very  pleasant  day.  At  the  wedding  I  observed  that  no  persons 
of  the  family  were  present,  but  they  who  attend  public  worship. 
The  others  were  offended  without  assigning  any  particular  reasons, 
&  conduct  in  their  domestic  concerns,  as  they  do  in  regard  to  the 
social  institutions  with  a  strange  caprice  &  perverseness. 

16.  Notre  Francois  rode  out  of  Town  last  Sunday.  I  reprehended 
him.  This  practice  has  now  attained  very  generally  to  ride  out  of 
Town.  I  know  not  the  resort  but  it  probably  may  have  great  effects 
on  manners.  New  England  has  been  remarkable  in  my  day  for  the 
most  careful  observance  of  Sunday.  It  is  not  easy  to  determine 
which  upon  the  whole  is  the  most  salutary  method,  but  it  is  com- 
monly observed  that  a  thoughtless  triumph  over  old  restraints  in- 
dicates an  injury  to  the  moral  principle.  Much  is  probably  owing 
to  association  in  our  feelings  on  such  subjects  &  yet  much  to  justice 
when  innovations  are  made  &  no  useful  end  proposed.  We  have  a 
Tything  man  with  his  staff,  the  only  one  thus  paraded  in  the  Town, 
but  his  office  is  to  preserve  good  order  in  times  of  service,  &  to  re- 
strain children  from  too  great  liberties  in  the  Street. 

[161]  16.  At  M"^  Prince's  saw  his  several  machines  for  viewing 
Landscapes  with  great  effect.     Bank  Stock  is  not  in  so  high  demand 


1791]  BEV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  287 

as  formerly.  From  240  &  above  it  has  been  down,  it  is  said  to  120,  &c. 
The  Corn  flourishing  but  rain  necessary  for  the  grass.  Several  pro- 
jections for  moving  into  the  Province  of  Maine  to  Portland,  Ma- 
chias,  &  the  lower  eastern  shore.  The  rapid  settlements  form  in- 
ducements to  enterprising  young  men,  H.  White,  H.  Elkins,  R. 
Derby.  A  Swede,  Johnson,  an  ingenious  Mechanic,  projects  a  plan 
of  settling  at  Whitefield  above  Lancaster  on  the  Connecticut  about 
4  miles  from  the  river.  Several  proprietors  in  this  Town.  130  miles 
from  Salem. 

17.  After  the  mention  of  the  Sandwich  &  Barnstable  Canal,  & 
the  carrying  of  the  Charles  into  a  communication  with  the  Con- 
necticut, in  the  province  of  Maine  it  is  mentioned  to  open  a  Canal 
from  Lake  Sebago  into  Presumpscot  River,  &  obtain  a  navigation 
of  50  miles  by  digging  20  rods.  Four  townships  are  said  to  be  on 
the  Lake,  «&;  immense  forests.  The  Lake  is  40  miles  from  Portland 
inland,  &  the  country  settling  fast. 

[162]  18.  After  dinner  with  Capt  Strout  &  others  in  M""  Derby's 
Boat  I  went  to  see  Cat  Island.  The  wind  was  not  very  favorable, 
&  we  had  the  more  time  for  observation.  Kettle  Bottom  was  said 
to  lay  off  Peach's  point  towards  Black  rock.  The  Endeavours, 
Rocks  always  under  water  with  4  feet  at  the  lowest  ebb,  are  found 
by  bring  [ing]  Black  Rock  in  the  wake  of  Cat  Island,  so  as  to  see 
the  Island  on  each  side  &  to  bring  a  House  on  Marblehead  between 
Peach's  Point  &  Xogg's  Head  in  a  Hollow,  over  a  rock  laying  at  the 
entrance  of  that  Hollow,  &  the  Endeavours  are  then  within  you. 
We  passed  on  the  eastern  side  of  Black  Bock  &  returned  on  the 
western.  It  is  about  half  way  between  Cat  Island  &  Peach's  Point, 
&  from  the  Island  to  the  Point  is  a  mile  &  1/2.  Black  rock  is  bold 
too,  except  on  the  inner  side  there  is  a  little  rock  under  water  at  full 
tide  a  few  feet  from  the  main  body.  We  arrived  at  5  o'clock  at  Cat 
Island,  &  not  venturing  near  the  shore  on  account  of  the  surf  we 
engaged  a  Marblehead  skiff  to  land  us  on  the  beach.  The  beach  is 
high,  not  of  so  large  stones  as  at  Baker's  Island  &  not  so  long,  & 
forms  a  point.  The  length  of  the  Island  is  about  N.  W.  &  S.  E. 
It  is  a  very  rocky  Shore,  but  contains  from  15  to  20  acres  of  good 
pasture  land,  of  easy  access,  &  not  much  mixed  with  rocks.  On  the 
N.  W.  end  is  the  place  of  the  Smoak  house,  when  this  Island  was  used 
for  a  Hospital  for  inoculation  of  the  Small  Pox  [163]  about  19 
years  since.  The  Hospital  is  towards  the  other  end  just  before  you 
arrive  at  the  Rocky  &  Lofty  Head.  The  Cellar  is  yet  whole  upon 
which  the  Hospital  was  built.  The  Cellar  was  only  under  the  N.  End. 
This  Building  fell  a  sacrifice  to  the  popular  fury  soon  after  it  was 
erected.  It  was  burnt  by  the  people  of  Marblehead  upon  some  sup- 
posed indiscretions.  There  is  a  well  open  of  considerable  depth, 
but  there  was  no  water.  There  is  a  spring  for  the  cattle  at  this 
part  &  about  10  head  now  upon  it.  From  the  top  of  the  Rocky  head 
we  had  a  very  extensive  prospect  of  the  south  Shore,  Nahant  Usad 


288  DIARY   OF  [1791 

&  Rocks,  Tinker's  Island,  Ram,  Island,  the  Rockof  Marhlehead,  which 
I  have  visited,  which  is  at  one  third  of  the  distance  from  Marble- 
head  Neck,  the  whole  above  one  mile's  distance.  The  Rock  called 
Satan  was  off  between  us  &  Half  Way  Rock.  The  Gooseberries  were 
well  distinguished.  Baker's  Island,  Dry  Breakers,  &  nearest  to  us 
Eagle  Island,  between  which  &  the  Gooseberries  is  the  Channel  into 
Marblehead,  from  the  entrance  between  Baker's  Island  &  the  Misery. 
I  had  not  time  for  a  particular  examination,  but  the  soil  of  this 
Island  appeared  better  than  that  of  any  of  the  Islands.  The  Rocks 
on  all  sides  are  above  it,  &  it  is  rendered  rich  by  this  situation.  I 
is  said  that  there  are  several  springs,  which  I  had  not  time  to  explore 
&  the  present  being  a  dry  season.  We  returned  at  low  ebb,  &  ran 
aground  &  hence  were  obliged  to  wade  ashore  upon  the  flats.  [164] 
Beyond  the  S.  E.  or  Rocky  Head,  &  in  the  line  of  the  Islands,  are 
two  other  heads  of  nearly  the  same  projection  &  trending  from  the 
Island  in  the  line  of  the  Island  itself,  &  form  a  curious  appearance. 
On  the  S.  side  about  the  middle  of  the  Island,  are  three  other  steep 
rocks  &  high,  tho'  not  in  any  proportion  to  the  former.  Two  of 
them  are  connected  with  the  body  of  the  island  by  the  necks,  which 
appear  upon  the  ebb.  The  other  stands  bold  up,  but  within  these 
two  &  south  of  them.  The  beach  is  upon  the  N.  W.  side  &  in  a  di- 
rect course  from  Peach's  point,  &  the  Black  Rock.  The  Black  Bock 
is  not  so  high  as  Marblehead  &  Nahant  rocks,  which  are  of  very  con- 
siderable elevation.  Black  Rock,  is  about  20  feet  above  high  water 
mark,  which  is  more  than  Satan.     Halfway  Rock  is  high. 

19.  John  Forbes,  who  went  with  Capt  Strout  from  this  port  in 
December  last,  as  a  mate,  was  by  orders  from  M''  Derby  dismissed 
in  Virginia  &  another  person  sent  out  to  take  his  place.  Whatever 
was  the  cause,  the  Captain  under  whom  he  served  had  no  complaint. 
But  the  effect  was  supposed  to  be  a  voluntary  death  as  he  was 
found  drowned  in  the  river,  without  the  knowledge  of  any  accidental 
cause  which  could  occasion  it.  He  has  left  a  wife,  lately  delivered. 
At  present  I  have  but  very  imperfect  knowledge  of  the  event,  &  its 
circumstances  &  must  enquire. 

[165]  20.  In  regard  to  J.  Forbes,  Capt  Strout  informed  me  that 
in  the  month  of  February  last,  he  stripped  himself  near  the  River, 
putting  his  cloathes  upon  a  bush  &  writing  upon  his  shoes,  bury  me, 
I  have  left  enough.  He  was  found  naked.  He  was  a  man,  a  for- 
eigner, &  addicted  to  intemperance,  upon  which  account  he  was 
probably  dismissed.  Two  men  confined  upon  suspicion,  according 
to  report,  were  to  have  been  sent  to  Boston.  The  report  drew  a 
concourse  towards  the  house  of  Confinement.  As  we  have  had  few 
public  days  we  observe  how  readily  people,  especially  children,  have 
their  curiosity  excited,  &  pursue  the  pleasure  of  chearful  &  indis- 
criminate association.  In  the  afternoon  I  attended  their  examina- 
tion &  found  that  under  various  names,  with  a  woman  of  ill  fame 
they  had  passed  through  the  Town.     They  were  conveyed  out  of 


1791]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  289 

Town  by  the  order  of  the  Selectmen  in  a  large  wooden  cage,  con- 
structed for  the  purpose  &  now  first  used.  It  is  wide  enough  for 
the  body  of  a  cart  about  10  feet  long,  «&  12  feet  high,  with  slats 
crossing  each  other,  &  seats  on  each  side.  The  children  had  high 
enjoyment  in  the  passing  of  the  cage  through  the  Town.  The  Vag- 
abonds were  put  down  at  the  Bell.  This  evening  I  was  informed 
that  Forbes  was  a  man  of  small  powers,  &  had  left  our  worship  for 
several  years  &  joined  the  new  lights.  It  was  no  small  consolation 
to  receive  such  information,  as  superstition  would  have  made  a 
cruel  application  to  a  Liberal  Society. 

[166]  [Aug.]  21.  Simday.  Notes.  Elizabeth  Parsons,  for  deliv- 
ery, death  of  her  twins,  &  for  her  Husband  at  Sea.  Capt  Hosmer 
assured  me  that  Warden,  an  English  Sailor,  who  has  acquired  an 
handsome  property,  but  was  enticed  by  an  infamous  House  called 
Newton's  &  was  in  a  delirium  taken  from  it,  was  sent  by  M''  Gray 
on  board  his  vessel,  as  a  foremast  hand,  &  that  a  few  nights  after 
his  departure  from  this  Port,  he  cut  his  throat,  but  being  alarmed 
ceased  time  enough  to  save  his  life.  He  reports  the  superstition  of 
his  crew,  &  their  fear  of  the  unhappy  man.  Hosmer  has  brought 
him  home  again  &  at  present  he  is  quiet.  The  man  pretends  to  be 
bewitched,  &c.  This  was  begun  in  the  base  house  above  mentioned. 
This  day  died  a  Physician  in  this  town,  named  Plummer,*  who  re- 
moved from  Cape  Ann,  in  which  place  his  Father  had  been  a  Physi- 
cian. He  was  a  bold  Experimentalist,  pronounced  a  good  Surgeon, 
read  in  the  Theory,  but  capricious  in  the  practice  of  physic.  In 
the  last  part  of  life  an  intemperate  man.  With  his  last  habits  he 
converted  from  a  Universalist  to  a  l)ei8t,  &  died  in  a  Consumption, 
aet.  35. 

[167]  22.  Gave  Capt  Richard  Derby  a  memorandum  to  purchase 
for  me  Baden's  Danish  &  Latin  Dictionary,  &  a  German  Review, 
first  part,  both  published  1788,  with  a  particular  discription  from 
Mem.  Book.  ^I''  Homer  with  me  from  Newton,  who  is  in  Town 
with  several  Ladies  travelling  towards  Portsmouth.  M'  B.  Chever 
was  bruised  by  a  fall  from  his  Horse  last  week.  M'  S.  Chever  ar- 
rived last  week  from  Maine. 

23.  Went  to  the  Beverley  Manufacture  with  M'  Homer,  Found 
more  hands  employed  than  ever,  &  the  machines  all  in  motion.  We 
spent  a  few  hours  with  Rev.  Oliver,  &  found  the  progress  of  the 
Methodists  in  this  quarter  alarming  to  the  good  parson.  We  re- 
turned before  noon.  This  evening  was  introduced  to  a  M'  Holmes, 
Son  in  Law  to  D''  Stiles,t  &  a  W  Osgood.  The  D'^'s  character  as  an 
Antiquarian  renders  the  Americans  solicitous  for  an  acquaintance 
on  that  account.  Capt  Allen  has  advertised  his  House,  Wharf,  Pew, 
&c.  I  have  never  heard  any  conversation  on  the  subject.  Such  was 
the  conduct  of  Derby  &  Fiske,  without  the  least  change  of  their 

•Dr.  Joshua  Plummer,  1756-1791. 

tDr.  Ezra  Stiles,  President  of  Tale  College. 


290  DIARY   OF  [1791 

life,  or  arrangements.  [168]  In  the  Gazette  was  a  Dialogue,  with- 
out wit,  &  without  truth  on  the  subject  of  the  Cage  of  last  Satur- 
day. This  enquiry  is  made  purposely  to  alarm  prejudices,  &  rep- 
resent the  measure  as  arbitrary.  But  the  Gentlemen  proceeded  on 
the  following  facts.  Repeated  complaints  that  these  persons  had 
entered  very  many  shops,  enquired  for  articles,  bought  some  of  very 
little  value,  asked  where  they  kept  their  money,  whether  they  could 
change  money,  &c.  Upon  an  attempt  to  enter  a  house,  two  men 
were  pursued  &  upon  a  light  being  seen  in  the  house,  in  which 
these  men  were  found,  the  pursuers  entered.  The  woman  in  their 
company  was  then  disfigured  by  the  blows  given  by  these  men,  for 
ligh[t]ing  the  candle.  The  woman  passed  as  a  wife  first,  &  then  de- 
nied it,  &  was  of  ill  fame,  pregnant,  &  confessed  herself  enticed  to 
come  with  these  men.  The  men  confessed  they  had  changed  their 
names  from  Parker  to  Wall,  to  Butler,  from  Bulkley,  &c.  Under 
examination  the  woman  came  with  her  hands  filled  with  blood  to 
complain  of  a  violent  blow  she  had  received  from  her  pretended 
husband,  &  with  her  nose  running  with  blood,  upon  a  second  cor- 
rection. If  such  facts  do  not  justify  the  proceedings  against  the 
company,  what  are  sufficient !  [169]  Noise  enough  has  been  made 
that  our  streets  were  full  of  beggars,  not  of  our  own  growth.  The 
streets  have  been  cleared,  &  to  keep  them  so,  the  Cage  has  been  in- 
vented. The  complaint  is  now  charged  against  the  Ofiicers  of  the 
Town  for  doing  their  duty. 

24.  Dans  le  Volume  26^°^^.  Je  ai  certaines  marques,  pour  ap- 
prendre  les  actions  de  la  charity  non  pour  la  gloire,  mais  pour  la 
certitude  de  la  nombre  selon  mes  affaires.  En  cette  place  par  la 
change  des  Letters.  Je  ai  il  rendu  difiicile  pour  distinguer  les  per- 
sonnes.  En  peu  de  temps  Je  crains  la  ostentation ,  &  cesser  faire 
les  marques.  Je  repent  ma  irresolution  et  determine  commencer 
a  ce  temps- ci.  Je  tenerai  les  marques  des  occasions,  mais  non  des 
noms.  Je  trouverai  a  ta  page  347.  M'  Osgood  came  &  dined  with 
me,  &  we  rode  to  the  Neck  &  fort  in  the  afternoon.  In  the  evening 
I  had  the  company  of  Madam  Poynton,*  &  Miss  Ives  at  M"^  B. 
Webb's.  We  visited  at  Sundown  the  new  walk  of  M''  Briggs'  & 
found  him  adding  300  feet  to  the  present  Building.  His  land  gives 
him  150  fathom  X  6  =  900  feet,  but  not  length  enough  for  his 
Cables.  Some  bustle  &  competition  will  probably  arise  about  the 
Schoolmasters  in  this  Parish.  The  exertions  of  a  Quaker  to  sup- 
plant are  not  without  support. 

[170]  25.  A  most  delightful  rain.  But  we  are  assured  that 
many  crops  have  suffered  in  the  eastern  country.  The  Ohio  adven- 
turers are  notified  of  a  meeting.  Speculations  in  their  lands  are 
not  so  popular  as  at  first.  Many  are  selling  out,  &  few  are  ready 
purchasers.  The  Lands  in  Vermont  &  Maine  rise  in  value  consid- 
erably. 

•Widow  of  Thomas  Poynton,  the  loyalist.    She  lived  in  "  the  Pineapple  House." 


™      3 
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1791]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  291 

26.  Upon  reading  Gilpin's  Passage  of  the  Herrings  wlio  are 
said  to  leave  the  north  of  Europe  in  winter,  &  be  within  40  degrees 
of  the  Sun,  Capt  Hodges  assured  me  that  the  Herring  Fishery  in 
Sweden,  ])articiilarly  Gotheburg,  was  in  the  ice,  &  winter.  Can 
this  be  the  grand  Fishery.  Delivered  the  Printer  some  remarks  on 
the  last  publication  in  regard  to  the  Gage,  with  an  intent  to  take 
off  the  force  of  prejudice  against  him  in  that  ])ublication.  The 
printer  came  &  introduced  the  subject,  &  asked  the  publication  as 
a  private  gratification.  A  Miss  Appleton,  a  daughter  of  John  Ap- 
pleton  Esq'',  of  this  Town  is  to  be  buried  this  afternoon.  The 
public  conversation  engaged  by  the  reports  that  the  King  of  France 
&  Family  had  attempted  to  leave  the  Kingdom,  that  the  National 
Assembly  sat  day  &  night  till  they  were  overtaken  &  brought  back. 

[171]  27.  Mecum  proposui  nunquam  inter  faeminas  me  collo- 
cuturnm  esse,  de  usu  aquarum  lavaudo,  &c.  Memento.  The  heat 
continued  &  for  three  days  has  been  great.  Our  Melons  &  Market 
Fruit  supplied  plentifull3\ 

[Aug.]  28.  Sunday.  Baptised  a  person,  being  no  other  witness, 
as  Philip  did  the  Eunuch.  ^NF  Hurd  of  Charlestown  was  with  us 
this  day.  Must  endeavour  to  form  such  distinguished  part,  as  will 
support  my  particular  opinions,  &  the  weaker  the  support  from 
without,  the  greater  exertions. 

29.  At  M""  W.  Gray's  request  I  undertook  to  convey  in  Newhall's 
Coach  three  young  Frenchmen  to  the  Dummer  Academy  under  the 
care  of  the  Reverend  Isaac  Smith.  Their  names  were  Barrett, 
Bonneville,  &  ^Morin,  all  of  Martinico,  &  addressed  to  M""  Gray. 
We  arrived  at  11  at  the  Academy.  Just  before  there  had  been  two 
french  youth  from  Newbury  Port,  but  the  disputes  became  so  high 
from  the  turbulent  temper  of  one  of  them,  as  to  throw  the  whole 
Academy  into  confusion.  The  youth  had  this  day  retired,  &  the 
alarm  was  yet  in  all  its  violence  from  the  bold  threatenings  of  the 
french  youth.  After  a  fair  representation  I  engaged  a  M''  Hale  to 
receive  them,  &  the  Preceptor  [172]  admitted  them  members  of  the 
Academy.  The  common  price  of  board  p''  week  is  6/,  of  Tuition 
one.  There  are  above  300  acres  of  lands  laying  within  the  Arms 
of  Parker  River,  which  constitutes  the  foundation  of  Governor 
Dummer,  &  forms  the  principal  support  of  the  Preceptor.  The 
Mansion  House  is  a  bold  object,  &  is  put  into  good  repair.  The 
rooms  are  divided  very  unequally,  but  from  their  height,  &  connec- 
tion with  a  large  entry,  do  not  fail  of  a  very  good  effect.  The  Acad- 
emy is  repaired,  &  the  whole  forms  a  good  object.  Tho'  the  Build- 
ing is  not  equal  to  Andover,  the  Group  is  as  pleasing.  I  dined 
with  the  Preceptor,  and  after  3  o'clock  set  out  on  my  return.  I 
found  at  Rowley  the  meeting  House  filled  with  people,  &  upon  en- 
quiry, I  learnt  that  a  M.  Milton,  a  pupil  of  Lady  Huntington,  was 
to  make  the  prayer  and  a  M^  James,  a  noted  travelling  Methodist, 
was  to  preach.     We  should  not  imagine  our  boasted  liberality  was 


292  DIARY  OF  [1791 

real,  if  we  should  see  the  country  upon  a  particular  scale.  On  our 
return  towards  Wenham,  we  saw  the  three  fine  boys  which  came  a 
few  years  since  at  a  birth,  sporting  together  on  the  side  of  the  road. 
We  did  not  know  this  circumstance  of  their  birth,  till  their  good 
manners  made  us  enquire  after  them  of  the  Coachman.  We  reached 
Salem  at  Sundown,  &  was  informed  on  the  road,  that  the  French 
youth  Duval  de  Monville,  who  had  lived  with  me,  had  died  not 
long  since.  The  information  is  said  to  be  by  a  Brother  at  Newbury. 
[173]  30.  This  day  we  were  entertained  with  the  first  public 
method  to  propagate  Methodism  in  our  vicinity.  It  was  in  the 
form  of  an  advertisement,  which  I  have  copied  from  the  Gazette. 
"  Just  received  &  to  be  sold  by  Benjamin  Johnson  of  Lynn,  a 
number  of  valuable  Books,  published  by  the  Methodists,  containing 
many  useful  pieces  on  practical  &  polemic  divinity,  as  well  as  the 
principles  &  form  of  church  government.  The  price  of  the  Books 
are  as  follows. 

The  Arminian  Magazine.  JS.  s.  9  c?.8 

Westley's  Notes  on  the  New  Testament  in  3  Vols.,  13  "  8 

The  Experiences  of  many  of  the  Methodist  Preachers,  4  "  6 

Forms  of  Discipline,  3  "  0 

Christian  Patterns,  1  "  8 

Hymn  Book,  3  "  0 

Westley's  Physic  Books,  2  •'  5 

The  first  Volume  of  the  most  excellent  works  of  that 

pious  &  judicious  divine  the  Rev**  Mr.  Fletcher,  4  "  6 

Also  a  few  Pamphlets  viz* 

The  History  of  the  Methodists,  1  "  0 

An  excellent  defence  of  Infant  Baptism,  0  "  8 

Instructions  for  children,  0  "  5 

Any  person  that  wishes  to  be   acquainted   with   the   Methodists 

may  apply  for  their  Books,  as  directed  above  :  And  those  who  wish 

to  hear  them  preach  may  attend  at  their  new  Church,  erected  in 

Lynn,  on  the  Lord's  day.     And  if  it  is  desired,  they  will  preach  in 

any  of  the  neighboring  Towns  on  other  days.     Lynn,  August  24, 

1791." 

[174]  M'  Thayer  in  his  answer  to  Leslie  in  the  gazette,  closes 
with  the  remark,  "  Knowing  that  the  works  of  the  Fathers,  especial- 
ly the  genuine  editions,  are  scarcely  to  be  found  in  these  states." 
I  wrote  several  queries  to  be  communicated  to  the  Printer  on  that 
passage.  Had  an  opportunity  in  visiting  Kate,  [wife]  of  Bob 
Freeman  to  see  the  force  of  superstition  upon  ignorance  &  affection. 
Prayers  without  ceasing,  whose  utmost  gratitude  was  for  speaking 
again,  when  she  had  never  been  deprived  of  speech,  tongue  rolled 
round  the  mouth,  vociferous,  refusing  to  answer,  as  tho'  too  much 
engaged  by  devotion  &  yet  break  off  suddenly  to  drink,  or  when  any 
advantage  was  taken  by  novelty,  to  change  her  thoughts.  Such  is 
this  contemptible  affection  to  heaven. 


6. 

M.  Babbidge. 

4. 

M""  Rowell. 

3. 

Jon*  Mason  jun' 

1. 

Patterson. 

2. 

Prince. 

2. 

S.  Ropes. 

3. 

J.  Collins. 

4. 

J"  Hodges. 

1791]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  293 

31.  I  had  information  that  my  eldest  sister  Dawes  was  deliv- 
ered, but  had  lost  her  child  of  an  hard  labour.  Have  hitherto 
observed  my  purpose  in  regard  to  silence  about  my  hobby-horse. 
Received  a  Letter  of  invitation  to  dine  with  the  Militia  Officers  on 
Tuesday  next.  They  had  sent  their  resignations,  but  the  Governor 
said  that  to  disband  a  whole  regiment  upon  mere  request  was  not 
his  duty  to  the  State,  he  therefore  begged  them  to  continue  their 
services  for  one  year  longer.  The  Officers  upon  presumption  of 
their  dismission  had  distroyed  their  uniforms  but  apply  again  more 
chearfully,  than  could  be  expected.  [1'<'5]  Disposal  of  tlie  third 
Impression  of  my  Catachism,  &  the  fifth  of  Select  Hymns.  Three 
Hymns  are  added  to  this  Impression. 

4.     N.  Richardson. 

2.     B.  Crowninshield. 

2.  G.  Smith. 

3.  J.  Pratt. 

3.  B.  Chever. 

4.  B.  Hodges. 
2.  C.  Babbidge. 
4.  Capt  Ford. 

[176]  September  1.  D'  Franklin  upon  Chimneys  observes, "  some 
are  as  much  afraid  of  fresh  air,  as  persons  in  the  hydrophobia  are 
of  fresh  water.  I  myself  had  formerly  this  prejudice,  this  aero- 
phobia, as  I  now  account  it,  and  dreading  the  supposed  dangerous 
effects  of  cool  air,  I  considered  it  as  an  enemy,  &  closed  with  ex- 
treme care  every  crevice  in  the  rooms  I  inhabited.  Experience  has 
convinced  me  of  my  error.  I  now  look  upon  fresh  air  as  a  friend. 
I  even  sleep  with  an  open  window.  I  am  persuaded  that  no  com- 
mon air  from  without,  is  so  unwholesome  as  the  air  within  a  close 
room  that  has  often  been  breathed  &  not  changed.  Moist  air  too, 
which  formerly  I  thought  pernicious,  gives  me  now  no  apprehen- 
sions. For  considering  that  no  dampness  of  air  applied  to  the 
outside  of  my  skin,  can  be  equal  to  what  is  applied  to,  &  touches  it 
within,  my  whole  body  being  full  of  moisture,  &  finding  that  I  can 
be  two  hours  in  a  bath  twice  a  week,  covered  with  water,  which 
certainly  is  much  damper  than  any  air  can  be,  &  this  for  years 
together,  without  catching  cold,  or  being  in  any  other  manner  dis- 
ordered by  it,  I  no  longer  dread  mere  moisture,  either  in  air,  or  in 
sheets,  or  shirts.  And  I  find  it  of  importance  to  the  happiness  of 
life,  the  being  freed  from  vain  terrors,  especially  of  objects  that  we 
are  every  day  exposed  inevitably  to  meet  with.  You  physicians 
have  of  late  happily  discovered,  after  a  contrary  opinion  had  pre- 
vailed some  ages,  that  fresh  &  cool  air  does  good  to  persons  in  the 
small  pox  &  other  fevers.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that  in  another  centu- 
ry or  two  we  may  all  find  out,  that  it  is  not  bad  even  for  people  in 
health.     [177]  And  as  to  moist  air,  here  I  am  at  this  present  writ- 


294  DIARY   OF  [1791 

ing  in  a  ship  with  above  forty  persons,  who  have  had  no  other  but 
moist  air  to  breathe  for  six  weeks  past ;  everything  we  touch  is 
damp  &  nothing  dry,  yet  we  are  all  as  healthy  as  we  should  be  on 
the  mountains  of  Switzerland,  where  inhabitants  are  not  more  so 
than  those  of  Bermuda  or  S*  Helena,  islands  on  whose  rocks  the 
waves  are  dashed  into  millions  of  particles,  which  fill  the  air  with 
damp,  but  produce  no  diseases,  the  moisture  being  pure,  unmixed 
with  poisonous  vapours  arising  from  putrid  marshes  &,  stagnant 
pools,  in  which  many  insects  die  &  corrupt  the  water.  These  places 
only  in  my  opinion  (which  I  however  submit  to  you,  Ingenhaust) 
afford  unwholesome  air,  &  that  it  is  not  the  mere  water  contained 
in  damp  air,  but  the  volatile  particles  of  corrupted  animal  matter 
mixed  with  that  water,  which  renders  such  air  pernicious  to  those 
who  breath  it.  And  I  imagine  it  a  cause  of  the  same  kind  that 
renders  the  air  in  close  rooms,  where  the  perspirable  matter  is 
breathed  over  &  over  again,  by  a  number  of  assembled  people,  so 
hurtful  to  health.  After  being  in  such  a  situation  many  find  them- 
selves affected  by  that  febricula,  which  the  English  alone  call  a 
cold,  &  perhaps  from  the  name,  imagine  that  they  caught  the  malar 
dy  by  goinff  out  of  the  room,  when  it  was  in  fact  by  being  in  it." 
Phil.  2  Vol.  p.  21,  &c. 

Received  an  account  from  the  printed  publication  of  the  Unita- 
rian Society,  of  their  rules,  members  &  purposes.  The  number  is 
larger  than  I  should  have  thought  would  have  embarked  so  early 
in  such  a  design.  The  old  Rope  walk  is  exposed  for  Sale,  but  it 
seems  the  general  wish  that  it  might  be  removed  for  the  convenience 
of  a  road  to  the  Neck,  &  extreme  parts  of  the  Town. 

[178]  2.  Master  Watson  was  kind  enough  to  favour  me  with  a 
number  of  the  New  Jerusalem  Magazine  by  the  Followers  of  Swe- 
denborg.  The  sight  was  enough  after  having  read  his  "  Heaven  & 
Hell,"  &  the  things  contained  therein.  D""  Rush  in  his  enquiry 
concerning  fevers  remarks,  "  The  rains  which  fall  in  Pennsylvania 
after  the  middle  of  September,  are  so  far  from  producing  fevers, 
that  they  generally  prevent  them.  The  rain  probably  acts  at  this 
season  by  diluting,  &  thus  destroying  the  febrile  miasmata  that 
were  produced  by  the  heat  &  moisture  of  the  preceding  summer." 
He  confirms  this  with  the  opinion  of  D*"  Franklin,  &  by  a  compari- 
son of  seasons  within  his  own  observation.  Most  wretched  fate 
attends  our  singing.  But  few  present  this  evening,  these  such  as 
dire  necessity  alone  could  lead  us  to  entertain,  I  mean  of  the  men. 
We  proposed  to  shut  the  school  entirely,  till  some  great  changes 
could  be  made.  This  is  hard,  expensive,  &  very  unprofitable  ser- 
vice as  it  has  been  succeeded.  The  history  of  singing  in  this  Town 
would  be  a  strange  history  of  enthusiasm,  &  sudden  neglect,  and  it 
would  be  a  sure  warning  against  promoting  psalmody,  but  at  least 
in  the  leading  men,  by  men  who  had  not  lost  all  sense  of  religion. 

[179]  3.     Went  to  take  fish  at  the  Neck  Farm,  &  have  them 


1791]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  296 

cooked  at  the  farm.  Chance  threw  in  my  way  a  Negro,  called 
Doctor,  known  for  his  enthusiasm  among  the  New  Lights,  &  in  his 
conversation  in  the  boat,  of  which  he  had  possession,  when  I  came 
to  the  farm,  he  told  me  that  he  often  came  down  to  Abbot's  Beach 
to  go  into  water  for  a  stoppage  of  blood  which  he  first  felt  on  the 
last  fast  day.  I  asked  no  questions  in  fear  of  the  impertinence,  & 
attended  to  my  Fishing.  M''  Derby  has  leased  the  Farm  till  April, 
1793,  to  the  Perkinses  Brethren,  &  has  removed  all  his  own  furni- 
ture from  the  house.  M"^  D.  went  last  week  to  Boston,  &  D^  Paine 
took  his  House. 

[Sept.]  4.  Sunday.  Notes.  Catherine  Freeman,  a  Negro,  for 
herself  sick,  &  Husband  at  Sea,  &  Son  at  a  distance.  Notified  that 
the  evening  Service  will  begin  at  2  o'clock  for  the  rest  of  the  year, 
chusing  the  second  Sunday  in  September,  the  second  in  November 
for  half  after  10  o'clock,  &  the  first  in  April  &  May  for  the  returns, 
&  so  avoiding  the  crowding  of  time  upon  Communion  Days.  The 
weather  lowry,  &  the  season  very  healthy.  I  now  begin  to  under- 
stand what  it  is  to  go  alone.  The  sums  received  are  sufficient  to 
put  out  of  debt,  &  have  a  pittance  in  my  pocket  to  be  called  my 
own. 

5.  This  &  the  next  day  were  assigned  for  our  Militia  Trainings. 
The  Captains  had  their  several  companies  out,  at  their  several 
places  of  parade  in  the  wards,  &  marched  through  their  respective 
streets.  It  was  a  wet  day,  &  hereby  the  greater  shew  was  prevent- 
ed. Every  thing  was  well  conducted,  except  a  fray  with  Capt. 
Brown  &  one  of  his  soldiers.  It  was  a  very  indiscreet  affair, 
marked  with  passionate  folly.  To  a  friend  I  delivered  the  follow- 
ing Toasts, 

I  The  President. 

II  The  Governor  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts. 

III  The  French  Revolution,  &  the  Progress  of  Political  economy. 
IlII     The  rising  State  of  Vermont,  &  the  Western  Settlements. 

V  Agriculture  with  industry  &  frugality. 

VI  Commerce  with  the  arts  &  sciences. 

VII  Success  to  the  Fishery. 

VIII  The  Salem  Militia. 

IX  The  Independent  Companies,  may  they  be  the  nurseries  of 
the  brave  &  ambitious. 

X  The  Salem  Member  of  the  Federal  Government. 

XI  The  Fathers  of  the  Town  &  the  Benefactors  of  the  Poor. 

XII  Encouragement  to  every  Servant  of  the  Public. 

XIII  The  Fair  Sex  enlightened  &  Beloved. 

XIV  The  Rights  of  Man. 

This  is  not  the  precise  order  in  which  the  copy  is  given,  but 
these  Toasts  are  intended  to  be  sufficiently  generous  &  sufficiently 
local.  We  often  fail  in  the  last,  &  render  them  too  long  for 
familiar  use. 


296  DIARY  OP  [1791 

[181]  6.  This  day  published  in  the  Gazette  the  following 
directions.  The  Beacon  lately  erected  by  the  Marine  Society  in 
Salem  on  the  North  end  of  Baker's  Island,  is  22  feet,  base,  &  55 
feet  high.  On  approaching  said  Island  the  following  directions 
from  accurate  surveys,  lately  taken,  may  be  observed. 

From  Eastern  Point  Cape  Ann  to  said  Beacon,  S.  74.  Deg,  W. 
distant,  7  miles  6/lOths. 

From  Gale's  Ledge,  S.  51.  Deg.  W.  distant,  1  mile  8/lOths. 

From  South  Breaker  of  said  Island,  N.  33  1-2  Deg.  W.,  distant, 
1  mile  5/10th8. 

From  Halfway  Kock  N.  3.  Deg.  W.  distant,  3  miles  3/10th3. 

From  Hardy's  Eock  "The  Body,"  S.  81.  Deg.  E.  distant, 
11/  20ths  of  a  mile. 

From  Tennapoo,  or  Bowditch's  Ledge,  S.  68.  Deg.  E.  distant,  1 
mile  &  1/3. 

These  are  all  the  places  noted,  but  it  would  not  have  been  amiss 
to  have  noted  all  the  Islands.  [182]  I  have  the  pleasing  informa- 
tion of  the  Life  of  my  friend  Duval  de  Monville  by  Capt.  Knight's. 
This  day  appointed  for  the  Review,  present,  Adjutant  Tracy,  &  the 
Honorable  Federal  District  Court,  who  this  day  meet  at  Salem.  We 
dined  with  the  Officers  of  the  Regiment,  Cadets  &  Artillery  in  the 
Court  House.  The  rain  was  continual,  &  prevented  exhibitions  of 
every  kind.  A  general  disappointment  was  visible.  Lodge  night 
on  which  Brother  Pullen  was  raised. 

7.  Having  some  money  in  pocket  &  having  checked  my  curios- 
ity for  the  purchase  of  books,  my  purse  continues  open  for  orna- 
ments, &  other  enjoyments  which  may  in  the  end  give  me  as  little 
satisfaction.  M"^  John  Tracy  &  M"^  Jackson  with  me  this  day.  Col. 
Bradford  promised  me  a  letter  on  the  subject  of  the  Gr,  Lodge, 
whose  quarterly  communications  we  had  forgotten.  The  woman 
whose  children  have  been  christened,  has  again  relapsed.  A  Letter 
from  my  sister  Sukey  reminding  me  of  my  promise  to  defray  her 
school  expences  through  the  season. 

[183]  8.     A  Copy  of  the  Bye  Laws  of  Essex  Lodge. 

Art.  I.  Sect.  1.  That  this  Lodge  assemble  every  month  on  the 
first  Wednesday,  early  in  the  evening,  &  such  Regular  Lodges  shall 
be  called  Lodge  Nights. 

Sect.  2.  On  special  occasions  the  Lodge  may  meet,  as  the  inter- 
est of  the  Lodge  may  require,  and  such  Lodges  shall  be  called 
Special  Lodges. 

Art.  II.  Sect.  1.  The  Election  of  Officers  shall  be  in  the  fol- 
lowing manner  :  each  member  shall  write  the  name  of  the  person 
to  be  chosen  Master,  &  the  person  who  has  the  highest  number 
shall  be  declared  Master. 

Sect.  2.  It  shall  be  the  business  of  the  Master  to  call  all 
Special  Lodges. 


1791]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  297 

Sect.  3.  The  Wardens,  Deacons,  &  all  other  Officers,  except 
the  Tyler,  shall  be  chosen  by  a  majority  of  written  votes. 

Sect.  4.     The  Tyler  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Master, 

Sect.  5.  The  Tyler  shall  receive  a  consideration  for  his  services 
from  the  Lodge  by  a  vote  for  the  purpose,  &  be  utterly  prevented 
any  demands,  [184]  upon  any  person  offering  himself  to  be  made 
a  mason,  becoming  a  member,  or  visiting  the  Lodge. 

Art.  III.  Every  member  shall  pay  at  each  monthly  meeting  the 
sum  of  two  shillings  towards  a  Fund,  into  the  hands  of  the  Treas- 
urer who  under  the  direction  of  the  Master  &  Wardens  shall  put 
the  principal,  never  to  be  expended,  at  interest  in  the  national  or 
other  public  Funds,  &  the  interest  shall  be  appropriated  for  such 
charitable  uses  as  the  Lodge  shall  determine. 

Art.  IV.  Sect.  1.  Every  person  desiring  to  be  made  a  Mason, 
shall  apply  to  the  Officers  of  the  Lodge,  who  shall  present  him  to 
the  Lodge,  if  they  judge  him  qualified,  on  the  next  Lodge  night,  & 
he  may  be  accepted  on  the  following  night,  &  be  made  on  the  third 
night. 

Sect.  2.  And  every  person  so  made  shall  pay  the  sum  of  fifteen 
dollars,  one  third  to  be  appropriated  immediately  to  the  Fund  &  the 
other  two  thirds  to  incidental  charges  in  which  the  expences  of  the 
evening  shall  never  be  included. 

[185]  Sect.  3.  Provided  that  in  special  cases,  such  as  a  speedy 
&  imexpected  departure  from  the  Country  for  long  absence,  the  Offi- 
cers of  the  Lodge  may  admit  a  more  summary  process,  but  shall 
lay  all  such  proceedings  for  making,  passing,  or  raising  a  Mason, 
under  every  possible  discouragement. 

Sect.  4.  Provided  also,  that  in  consideration  of  a  man's  pro- 
fessional abilities,  &  virtues,  his  inability  to  pay  such  sum  shall  be 
considered  &  the  Lodge  may  dispence  with  such  payment. 

Sect.  5.  If  any  person  proposed  to  be  made  in  this  Lodge  be 
negatived,  he  shall  not  be  proposed  again  within  the  Term  of  three 
months  nor  shall  he  ever  be  proposed  in  any  special  Lodge,  nor  shall 
he  be  accepted  in  a  Lodge  at  which  fewer  members  are  present,  than 
were  present  at  the  time  in  which  he  was  negatived. 

Art.  V.  Sect.  1.  Every  Brother  passed  to  a  Fellow  Craft,  shall 
pay  the  sum  of  six  shillings,  but  if  not  made  in  this  Lodge,  shall 
pay  the  sum  of  ten  dollars,  &  shall  be  a  resident  in  the  Town,  or 
nearer  to  this  Lodge,  than  any  other,  &  no  person  shall  be  made, 
passed  or  raised  in  this  Lodge,  who  lives  in  a  Town  in  which  any 
regular  Lodge  [186]  is  held,  however  he  may  be  recommended. 

Sect.  2.  Nor  shall  any  person  receive  two  degrees  in  one  night, 
nor  any  person  be  raised  to  the  Sublime  Degree  of  a  Master,  with- 
out the  payment  of  four  dollars,  towards  the  incidental  charges,  un- 
less he  was  made  &  passed  in  this  Lodge,  in  which  case  he  shall 
pay  only  two  dollars. 

Art.  VI.     Every  Brother  admitted  as  a  member  of  the  Lodge 


298  DIARY  OF  [1791 

shall  pay  the  sum  of  two  dollars  to  the  Fund,  &  shall  sign  the  Bye 
Laws. 

Art.  VII.  Sect.  1.  The  expence  of  every  Lodge  shall  be  paid  by 
the  Brethren  present,  &  at  the  time  of  incurring  the  expence.  And 
no  liquors  shall  be  used  in  the  Hall  in  which  the  Lodge  meets,  but 
upon  the  Festivals,  or  rare  &  special  occasions. 

Sect.  2.  Nor  shall  any  persons  renew  their  visits  at  discretion, 
who  can  conveniently  become  Members  of  a  Lodge,  &  decline  the 
relation. 

Sect.  3.  And  every  Visitor  after  his  first  visit,  shall  support 
his  equal  proportion  of  the  expence. 

[187]  Art.  VIII.  Any  member  who  shall  absent  himself  from 
the  Lodge  six  nights  successively,  &  not  of  his  own  accord  send,  or 
oifer  satisfactory  reasons,  shall  render  his  relation  void. 

Art.  IX.  That  every  consideration  made  for  services,  to  the 
Representatives  of  this  Lodge  in  the  Grand  Lodge,  or  to  the  Secre- 
tary, Tyler,  or  any  other  Servant  of  the  Lodge  shall  be  made  by 
Vote  from  the  sums  appropriated  to  incidental  charges. 

Art.  X.  That  every  amendment  of  the  Bye  Laws,  or  addition  re- 
quired by  future  contingencies  shall  be  notified  at  three  Lodge 
nights  successively,  be  reported  to  every  member,  &  be  accepted 
unanimously. 

First  Copy  signed. 

Joseph  Hiller.  Benja.  Carpenter. 

William  Bentley.  John  Page. 

Robert  Foster.  B.  Crowninshield. 

James  King.  J.  Vincent. 

Benja.  Hodges.  J.  Jenks. 

John  Becket.  T.  Hartshorne. 

Jona.  Mason.  E.  Lang. 

Abel  Lawrence.  Jo.  Eveleth. 

E.  H.  Derby  junr.  E.  Pulling. 

[188]  News  of  the  death  of  John  Andrew.  He  was  Son  to  a 
Deacon  of  our  Parish,  &  brought  up  to  the  Goldsmith's  Trade.  He 
came  into  possession  of  a  handsome  estate,  &  married  the  only 
daughter  of  M""  Watson,  a  wealthy  Mechanic.  M''  A.  never  loved 
work,  &  by  keeping  a  Shop  of  English  Goods  he  soon  reduced  his 
estate  to  an  humble  maintenance,  but  was  full  of  speculations  in 
various  ways,  &  having  a  large  family,  having  left  10  children,  he 
was  obliged  to  think  of  putting  his  visionary  schemes  into  execution, 
which  his  natural  inclinations  would  otherwise  have  suffered  to  die 
in  thought.  He  first  planned  a  Tan  yard,  now  improved  &  employed 
by  Gardner  &  Chever,  &  originally  the  property  of  his  Brother  An- 
drew. He  removed  his  Barn  on  the  spot,  &  planned  his  labour. 
The  work  was  left  to  hired  men,  &  he  commenced  another  scheme 
of  speculation  in  the  paper  Bills  of  credit.  To  answer  his  ends,  & 
his  first  great  success,  he  changed  all  his  old  habit,  from  the  plain 


1791]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  299 

man,  became  the  Geutleman.  For  the  first  time  began  to  powder  his 
hair,  drink  his  glass  of  wine  after  dinner,  receive  his  company,  ride 
the  country,  &  mix  with  the  best  company  on  change.  His  cards 
were  soon  distributed,  &  besides  the  common  conversation,  which 
was  very  free  on  the  subject,  his  cards  stuck  up  J.  A.  Broker,  were 
altered  J.  A.  Broke.  He  rejected  with  disdain  all  such  insinuations, 
but  in  about  10  months,  the  Town  Tax  in  his  hands  was  prudently 
taken  out  by  his  friends,  John  shut  his  [189]  doors,  left  his  whole 
estate,  &  lay  under  an  enormous  weight  of  debt.  Redeemed  at  last 
from  this  forlorn  condition  by  his  Wife's  Father  &  Brother,  he 
arose  to  entertain  some  new  projects.  In  his  prosperity  he  was  ev- 
idently giddy ;  in  his  adversity  he  experienced  an  almost  unexam- 
pled depression,  ct  from  this  time  was  subject  to  the  most  sudden 
&  extreme  emotions.  His  Wife's  Father  gave  him  his  portion  in  a 
Township  in  Cumberland,  12  miles  back  of  Portland,  &  furnished 
him  with  all  the  implements  of  a  Farmer.  He  was  soon  wild  in 
his  repairs  &  buildings.  The  Farm  was  abandoned  to  his  young  sons, 
while  he  was  sure  of  success  in  Trade  &  Business.  At  his  last  visit 
he  was  with  me  assuring  of  his  purposes  to  explore  a  road  to  Dart- 
mouth College,  from  his  own  town,  first  called  New  Marblehead, 
from  the  residence  of  the  principal  proprietors,  &  now  Windham. 
He  begged  me  to  come  down  &  go  with  him.  He  was  determined 
to  settle  &  trade  at  the  lower  part  of  Sebago  Pond,  about  12  miles 
above  him.  Upon  his  return  he  found  his  crop  had  failed.  That 
his  Cash  he  had  expended  on  useless  Looms,  &  Dairies,  without  any 
supplies  of  Stock,  &  that  an  hard  winter  was  approaching.  Blasted 
in  his  expectations,  his  old  benefactor  gone,  the  estate  reduced,  he 
gave  himself  up  to  the  most  distressing  apprehensions.  From  our 
friends  who  lately  visited  him  we  were  informed  of  his  gloomy 
habit.  His  Brother  had  generously  provided  20  bushels  of  grain 
for  his  family,  but  before  he  proceeded,  John  rushed  from  life. 
[190]  Beware  that  no  man  deceive  you  with  vain  words.  A  Letter 
pretendedly  from  Rome  that  the  Pope  mortified  at  the  conduct  in 
France,  consoled  himself  with  the  indulgence  granted  to  his  religion 
in  America.  Thayer  continues  his  publications,  &  is  now  attempting 
to  prove  that  we  have  retrenched  the  Scriptures,  by  seperating  the 
Books,  called  Apocryphal.  M''  J.  Tracy  tells  me  that  the  Episcopal 
Church  in  Marblehead  have  applied  to  jSP  Dalton  &  the  Wardens 
at  Xewbury  Port  for  a  recommendation  of  M"^  Harris,  their  Reader, 
to  Bp.  Provost  of  New  York,  for  holy  Orders.  M''  Oliver's  attach- 
ment to  Bp.  Seabury  is  well  known.  It  was  his  remark  on  Bp. 
Provost,  that  when  he  gave  his  Blessing,  it  was  with  an  air,  which 
betrayed  a  doubt  about  it. 

9.  Thomas  has  published  the  Laws  of  the  United  States.  Vol. 
1.  8  vo.  at  lO'/G.  There  are  proposals  for  a  register  of  the  Pro- 
ceedings of  the  House  of  Representatives  by  the  Editor  of  the 
Argus,  Boston,  at  two  dollars  p'^  Annum.    Rev**  Cummings  preached 


300  DIARY   OP  [1791 

the  Dudleian  lecture  this  year  upon  the  Subject  of  NATUKAL 
RELIGION,  &  we  are  informed  that  the  Commons  at  Cambridge 
are  at  the  moderate  price  of  6  shillings  &  eight  pence. 

[191]  10.  A  new  Ship  belonging  to  E.  H.  Derby,  jun'',  came  in- 
to our  harbour  this  morning.  A  very  long  spell  of  dark  weather. 
There  has  been  one  case  before  the  Federal  District  Court  this 
week  in  this  Town.  Judge  Lowell,  Attorney  Gore,  Marshall  Jack- 
son, &  Col :  Bradford  were  present.  It  is  said  Bp.  Seabury  when 
only  in  holy  Orders  always  wore  his  band.  He  is  singular  in  it  at 
this  day,  &  the  appearance  of  a  man  in  this  habit,  excites  as  much 
inquiry,  as  the  greatest  novelty.  It  is  said,  he  must  be  greater  than 
other  men,  or  else  he  is  crazy. 

[Sept.]  11.  Sunday.  Notes.  Richard  Valpey  &  Wife  for  her  deliv- 
ery, on  death  of  the  child,  &  friends  at  Sea.  Benjamin  Henderson 
for  himself  sick.  Catherine  Freeman  for  herself  sick.  Began  ser- 
vice at  2  o'clock.  We  are  left  in  quiet  at  this  time.  The  zeal  of 
the  Methodists  is  a  counterpoize  to  the  new  lights,  &  the  last  has 
so  equal  a  match  that  they  suffer  other  heresy  to  grow  up  unregard- 
ed. 

[192]  12.  Received  of  Judge  Winthrop  several  specimens  of 
the  Massachusetts  Paper  money  of  1722.  The  subject  renewed  of 
settlements  in  the  interior  country,  for  Sea  Captains  fatigued  with 
the  labours  of  the  Sea.  I  visited  the  Beacon  on  the  bar,  which 
forms  from  Salem  side,  &  covers  Beverley  harbour  making  a  Lock 
with  the  point  within.  The  point  upon  which  the  Beacon  stands 
is  bold  too,  the  sand  behind  it  shifts  oiit,  so  as  to  spread  a  consid- 
erable distance  &  leaves  almost  all  the  flatts  within  bare  at  common 
tides.  The  Head  is  of  Stones,  of  inconsiderable  size,  but  which 
seem  not  to  shift  or  detain  any  earth  upon  them,  the  shells  formed 
upon  them  resemble  honey  comb,  and  are  in  some  instances  an  inch 
in  length,  &  may  be  separate  at  pleasure.  The  passage  of  20  yards 
with  the  head  &  the  Bar,  commonly  under  water  is  a  muscle  bed,  & 
at  a  very  low  tide,  you  may  pass  on  the  inner  side  upon  a  hard 
stony  bottom,  dry,  &  this  seems  to  be  the  bottom  below  the  muscle 
bed.  The  Lobster  Rocks  are  nearly  dry  at  very  low  tide,  &  are  not 
quite,  but  from  shore,  half  the  length  of  the  bar.  The  land  from 
which  the  bar  forms  on  the  shore  is  high  and  rocky,  but  a  loose  sand 
is  collected  half  way  down. 

[193]  13.  I  went  for  Fuller's,  Gloucester,  in  company  with  M'' 
MacKeen.  We  passed  by  way  of  upper  Beverley  in  Monserat  quar- 
ter. The  road  for  three  miles  is  very  good,  upon  Taylor's  turning 
to  the  left  not  so  good,  till  we  come  to  Dodge's  Row,  on  Wenham 
Neck.  We  then  passed  to  the  right  over  a  bridge  through  the 
meadows,  covered  with  some  excellent  Willows.  We  then  left  a 
Road  to  Little  Comfort  on  the  right,  &  proceeded  to  Chabacco. 
Till  we  reached  the  Pond,  the  road  is  tolerable,  &  at  some  distance 
beyond.     Here  we  saw  a  rope-walk,  but  could  not  be  informed  by 


1791]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  301 

whom  employed,  &  in  what  manner.  It  was  a  curious  object  at  this 
distance  from  a  port,  tho'  it  might  be  of  special  use  in  the  small  cord- 
age of  the  Fishery  below.  After  entering  Chebacco,  the  road  is 
winding,  &  we  arrive  at  a  Bridge,  considerably  high,  tho'  small,  &  the 
descent  is  relieved  by  cross  pieces,  which  give  not  a  very  pleasing 
motion  to  a  carriage.  We  then  pass  a  causeway  over  the  marshes, 
nearly  lA  of  a  mile,  which  being  left  low  to  be  overflowed  by  the 
tide,  &  formed  with  cross  pieces,  many  of  whose  ends  now  rise  from 
the  ground,  &  the  stones  being  loose  on  the  top,  make  a  very  uneasy 
passage.  "We  turned  in  1-4  of  a  mile  to  the  left,  &  continued  in 
that  course  two  miles,  till  we  reached  the  foot  of  the  hill,  then  leav- 
ing the  road  to  the  left  our  course  was  over  the  hill.  But  for  a  year 
past  the  old  road,  has  beeu  cut  by  the  rain  [194]  which  in  tor- 
rents has  cut  it  out  between  the  rocks  several  feet,  &  a  road  is  made 
through  a  gate  on  the  right,  through  which  we  might  pass.  But 
separating  from  my  Companion,  I  took  a  little  boy  into  my  Sulkey 
as  a  guide,  who  leaving  me  at  the  foot  of  the  hill,  took  a  path  to 
to  the  left,  &  as  they  use  no  chaises,  directed  me  in  the  foot  path 
in  the  old  road.  I  endeavoured  to  mount  a  most  frightful  hill,  & 
soon  getting  out  of  my  Sulkey,  was  obliged  to  lead  the  trembling 
beast  up  to  the  summit,  with  no  other  injury  than  his  treading  up- 
on one  of  my  feet  which  gave  me  considerable  pain.  Below  the  hill 
was  the  place  of  our  destination.  We  found  the  Parson  with  a 
large  family  in  the  vale  of  Contentment,  &  a  most  frightful  coun- 
try. At  twelve  we  went  to  the  meeting.  I  performed  the  prayers, 
&  Brother  Prince  the  Sermon.  There  was  a  very  neat  congregation. 
The  music  was  very  good,  &  a  propriety  of  conduct  became  subject 
of  general  observation.  After  dinner,  &  some  familiar  conversation, 
the  terrors  of  the  road,  &  the  hurr[y]ing  night  came  into  our  minds. 
Three  only  of  the  company  had  resolution  to  set  out,  Brother  Hub- 
bard &  I  being  in  Sulkeys,  &  McKeen  on  Horseback,  were  directed 
from  the  top  of  the  Hill  to  the  left,  &  by  consulting  each  other  in 
a  mile's  distance  we  reached  Squam  road,  &  the  Road  to  the  Har- 
bour, entring  on  the  right  by  a  Mill,  &  were  directed  to  enquire  for 
Haskell's  the  Hatter,  if  we  ever  visited  the  place  again.  [195] 
Here  we  found  a  Hatter  shop  on  the  right,  &  on  the  left  a  decent 
House  of  entertainment,  with  a  sign  of  a  "  Bird  in  the  Hand  is 
worth  two  in  the  Bush."  We  continued  this  road  till  we  came  to 
the  place  at  which  we  turned  to  the  left  in  going  &  then  pursued 
our  former  rout,  home.  We  stopped  at  M'^Keen's  at  Tea,  &  there  I 
left  M'  Hubbard,  &  returned  home  alone  at  half  past  nine.  M'' 
M'^Keen  judges  his  Meeting  House  to  be  above  40  feet  elevation 
from  high  water  mark,  &  of  greater  elevation  than  the  Meeting 
House  of  the  upper  Parish.  We  remarked  the  deception  upon 
plains  of  distance,  &  the  account  of  the  Huntsmen,  that  a  fouling 
piece  requires  a  greater  elevation  in  the  meadows,  because  the  earth 
&  water  draws  down  the  bullet.     Bee's,  Coy's,  Round  &  Gravelly 


302  DIARY   OF  [1791 

Ponds  are  not  on  this  Road,  but  the  great  Chebacco  Pond  on  our 
right  going  to  Chebacco,  is  between  us  &  them.  I  wished  to  see 
them,  &  if  time  would  have  permitted  should  have  attempted  it. 
The  Methodists  have  given  a  very  serious  alarm  to  the  Orthodox. 
Cleveland  has  abused  them  in  the  Ipswich  Hamlet  pulpit,  upon  a 
lecture  to  which  he  was  invited  by  D""  Cutler.  At  Manchester  there 
was  a  curious  interview.  Some  of  the  Inhabitants,  wishing  to  hear 
the  Methodists,  proposed  in  the  To'wai  meeting,  that  upon  the  ap- 
plication of  two  freeholders  the  Committee  should  be  obliged  to 
open  the  meeting  House  to  any  Preachers,  they  should  chuse  to  in- 
troduce. It  was  not  thought  prudent  to  deny  this  request,  &  there- 
fore [196]  when  the  vote  was  passed  it  was  proposed  to  qualify  it 
with  the  clause,  provided  no  regularly  ordained  minister  of  the 
neighbourhood  should  be  in  Town.  It  was  accepted  in  this  form. 
Soon  after  Lee  &  Smith,  the  Methodists,  sent  word  that  they  should 
be  in  Town  &  preach  on  the  ensuing  Wednesday.  Notice  was 
given  to  Cleveland  &  Oliver  to  be  present  at  that  time,  &  they  were 
ready.  Cleveland  preached  first,  &  soon  at  a  very  short  intermis- 
sion M'  Oliver.  The  Methodists  in  the  intermission  learnt  the 
trick,  &  after  some  idle  debates  upon  inability,  election,  itinerancy 
&c.,  they  told  the  people  that  they  should  preach  in  the  School 
House,  &  accordingly  the  two  services  began  at  the  same  time,  but 
a  majority  attended  the  Methodists,  offering  this  reason  that  the 
other  preaching  was  out  of  spight.  The  Methodists  have  preached 
at  Ipswich,  in  the  several  parishes,  Newbury,  &c.  The  Orthodox 
who  have  proclaimed  a  work  of  God  going  on  in  the  Southern 
States,  having  now  found  out  that  it  was  promoted  by  the  Metho- 
dists, have  covered  in  silence  their  mistake,  having  confessed  that 
Satan  may  be  transformed  into  an  Angel  of  Light.  The  poor  ana- 
baptists are  now  left  in  silence,  &  will  probably  diminish  as  the 
sentiments  of  the  Methodists  so  happily  blend  a  liberality  on  the 
five  points,  with  as  much  experience  as  enthusiasm  can  beget.  The 
doctrine  of  Itinerancy  forms  a  dreadful  puzzle  with  the  orthodox, 
who  are  smarting  dreadfully  under  the  lash,  &  are  convinced  that 
they  set  the  example. 

[197]  14.  M''  E.  Giles  of  Marblehead,  a  few  days  ago  fell  in 
with  a  large  Turtle,  about  15  leagues  from  Cape  Ann.  It  differed 
a  little  from  the  common  turtle,  &  was  shewn  on  the  Common  on 
Tuesday,  last  week.     It  weighed  712  lb.     I  did  not  see  it. 

[198]  15.  Watson  in  the  fourth  Volume  of  his  Chymestry,  p. 
155.  12  mo.  3"*  Ed.  has  the  following,  "  It  is  reported  of  King 
James  II.,  that  he  melted  down  &  coined  all  the  brass  guns  in  Ire- 
land, &  afterwards  proceeded  to  coin  the  pewter  with  this  inscrip- 
tion, Melioris  lessera  fati.  The  Congress  in  America  had  recourse 
to  the  same  expedient ;  they  coined  several  pieces  of  about  an  inch 
&  half  in  diameter,  &  of  240  grains  in  weight ;  on  one  side  of  which 
was  inscribed  in  a  circular  ring  near  the  edge,  Continental  Currency. 


1791]  KEV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  303 

1776,  and  within  the  ring  a  rising  Sun  with  Fugio,  at  the  side  of 
it,  shining  upon  a  dial  under  which  was  Mind  your  business.  On 
the  reverse  were  thirteen  small  circles  joined  together  like  the  rings 
of  a  chain,  on  each  of  which  was  inscribed  the  name  of  some  one  of 
the  thirteen  states.  On  another  circular  ring,  within  these,  was  in- 
scribed American  Congress,  and  in  central  space,  We  are  one.  I 
have  been  particular  in  the  mention  of  this  piece  of  money,  because, 
like  the  leaden  money  which  was  struck  [199]  at  Vienna,  when 
that  city  was  besieged  in  1529,  it  will  soon  become  a  great  curiosity. 
I  estimated  the  weight  of  a  cubic  foot  of  this  continental  currency. 
It  was  equal  to  7440  ounces.  This  exceeds  the  weight  of  a  cubic 
foot  of  our  best  sort  of  pewter,  &  falls  short  of  that  of  our  worst. 
I  conjecture  that  the  metal  of  the  Continental  currency  consisted  of 
12  parts  of  tin,  &  of  1  of  lead."  A  Crew  of  19  persons  was  taken  off 
the  wreck  of  a  large  ship  in  the  Bay  &  brought  into  this  place  by 
Stephen  Webb.  She  was  bound  from  London  to  Philadelphia, 
with  English  Goods.     Some  of  the  cargo  was  saved. 

1(3.  On  Wednesday  night  last  a  Cape  Cod  Schooner  arrived  at 
^Marblehead,  with  a  dismasted  Ship  in  tow  which  had  suffered  in 
the  late  Blow  at  Sea.  The  Hull  I  saw  riding  in  Marblehead  Har- 
bour. She  was  bound  from  Bristol  to  New  York  with  fall  goods, 
&  is  owned  in  the  last  port.  Capt  Webb  arrived  at  Salem  with  the 
-Crew  from  his  wreck,  on  Tuesday,  when  I  was  absent.  This  day 
being  appointed  for  the  review  in  Marblehead,  I  went  in  company 
with  my  Frenchman  &  John  to  observe  the  conduct  of  the  day. 
We  arrived  at  ten  o'clock,  &  found  the  Companies  just  entering  the 
parade.  They  formed,  were  inspected  by  D.  A.  Tracey,  &  after- 
wards reviewed  by  B.  G.  Fiske.  [200]  As  Marblehead  is  a  Town 
composed  of  people  from  all  nations,  instructed  in  various  religious 
superstitions,  which  have  left  no  other  than  the  same  fears,  with- 
out any  light  to  enable  them  to  enter  into  controversies,  with 
their  instructions,  which  are  rather  their  fears  playing  upon  their 
credulity,  they  have  so  little  knowledge  of  moral  life,  that  they  are 
as  profane,  intemperate,  &  ungoverued  as  any  people  on  the  Conti- 
nent. From  this  general  character,  for  there  are  some  noble  excep- 
tions, every  person  expected  entertainment  from  the  folly  which  the 
day  would  exhibit.  But  the  disappointment  was  great.  The  regi- 
ment under  the  Command  of  Col  Orne  jun""  consisted  of  above  300 
privates  in  seven  companies,  with  officers  all  in  a  blue  uniform, 
with  a  white  standard,  bearing  in  the  quarter  the  blue  stripes.  The 
men  were  all  decently  clad.  The  firearms  were  rusty,  &  chiefly 
without  bayonets,  but  not  disgustful.  When  dismissed  there  was, 
some  firing  of  pieces,  but  not  such  as  might  be  expected  from  men 
who  had  been  accustomed  to  this  fault  in  an  alarming  excess.  We 
were  escorted  by  a  proper  guard  at  one  o'clock  to  the  Academy  to  a 
public  dinner,  at  which  110  persons  were  received,  &  sumptuously 
entertained.     Col  Lee,  whose  elegant  House  is  on  the  parade,  gave 


304  DIARY   OF  [1791 

US  a  Collation  at  4  o'clock  in  a  very  polite  &  generous  manner.  At 
dinner  every  propriety  was  observed.  After  dinner  the  Toasts  were 
drank.  The  Commander  of  the  day  [201]  condescended  in  the 
manner  of  the  place  to  give  us  a  song  in  turn,  while  Major  Swazey, 
M""  Sewall,  Capt  Orne  in  turn  assisted  in  the  same  entertainment. 
They  coi;ld  not  desist  from  liberties  usiially  taken  on  such  occa- 
sions to  flatter  national  prejudices  at  the  expence  of  other  nations, 
«&  as  I  had  a  Frenchman  with  me,  Col  Orne  asked  whether  a  Song 
upon  the  French  might  not  be  apologised  for  to  my  friend.  I  told 
him  that  my  friend  was  young,  of  a  good  family,  but  present  upon 
his  courtesy.  However,  M'  Sewall  was  betrayed  into  the  error  of 
singing  a  burlesque  song,  for  which  his  exquisite  feelings  gave  him 
adequate  punishment  upon  discovery  that  a  Frenchman  was  pres- 
ent &  he  made  most  humble  apologies.  Col  Orne  senior,  in  his 
own  manner  said,  tell  the  young  man  that  when  this  same  old  Eng- 
lish song  was  sung  before  a  General  Officer  in  public  company,  this 
generous  Frenchman,  with  a  laugh  replied,  '^  Dis  was  no  make  by 
de  Frenchman."  My  young  friend  all  this  while  knew  little  of  the 
matter.  It  is  however  a  warning  against  the  illiberality  of  ballads 
&  the  humble  prejudices  they  are  designed  to  support,  which  ought 
to  disappear  when  the  light  of  good  sense  &  friendly  society  ap- 
pear. A  Capt  Homans  entertained  us  with  a  most  exact  imitation 
of  low  life,  in  the  most  indelicate,  honest,  but  vile  language  of  low 
life,  for  which  he  deserved  the  shouts  in  the  execution,  but  a 
whipping  under  the  gallows  when  the  story  was  ended.  After  the 
toasts  at  three  o'clock,  we  returned  in  procession  to  the  [202]  pa- 
rade, &  the  afternoon  was  spent  in  evolutions.  First  with  Rev** 
Hubbard,  &  then  in  company  with  Col.  Orne,  I  visited  the  Fish 
Flakes  which  were  covered  with  this  staple  of  the  Town.  In  our 
view  from  one  point  were  79  vessels,  of  which  2  were  Brigs,  the 
rest  chiefly  fishing  Schooners,  &  only  4  of  them  at  the  wharves. 
The  ship  with  Jury  masts  was  riding  at  the  entrance  of  the  harbour. 
There  are  but  two  places  in  this  Town  convenient  for  wharves,  each 
of  them  I  visited.  They  are  about  an  eighth  of  a  mile  apart.  No 
wharves  have  piers  to  afford  two  berths  on  a  side,  or  room  for  two 
vessels  on  a  side.  The  lane  leadmg  to  the  principal  is  at  the  lower 
end  of  the  Town  House,  which  is  boarded  up  on  the  lower  story,  & 
much  shattered  above.  The  best  Cove  is  said  to  be  red  stone  cove 
at  the  upper  part  of  the  Town,  &  just  below  an  head,  which  I  vis- 
ited, &  whose  name  I  forgot.  The  cove  is  named  from  the  colour 
of  the  rock. 

The  success  of  the  Fishery  has  been  great  this  year,  but  greater 
in  Beverley  than  in  Marblehead  in  the  proportion  of  the  shipping. 
The  difference  is  imputed  to  the  effects  of  privateering  upon  the 
manners  in  Marblehead  &  not  to  the  care  in  fitting  vessels  for  the 
fishery.  Beverly  has  fitted  out  liO  Vessels,  and  the  last  fare  now  in, 
is  above  500  quintals  to  a  Vessel,  amounting  at  the  lowest  compu- 


1791]  KEV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  305 

tation  to  15,000  quintals.  Marblehead  has  fitted  out  80  Vessels, 
of  the  same  burden,  &  the  success  has  not  been  above  300  quintals 
to  a  Vessel  or  about  25,000  quintals,  the  whole  fare.  [L'O.'i]  15ev- 
erley  never  went  so  fully  into  the  fishery  before  the  war,  &  it  is 
believed  that  it  never  had  in  it  the  same  quantity  of  fish  at  the 
same  time.  The  proportion  of  Salem,  who  do  not  enter  largely  into 
this  business,  I  have  not  ascertained,  but  will  do  it  at  a  convenient 
oppertunity.  At  Sundown  I  was  introduced  into  the  family  of 
Col  Lee  at  Tea.  He  has  eight  children  &  a  very  obliging  wife. 
This  gentleman  has  a  very  excellent  person,  &  was  highly  esteemed 
in  the  Continental  Army,  &  particularly  by  our  illustrious  Com- 
mander in  chief.  His  want  of  promotion  in  the  Militia  dei)ends 
on  himself.  After  Tea,  tho'  solicited  to  tarry  at  a  public  Supjier,  I 
declined  in  apprehension,  from  the  manners  of  the  peoi)le.  I 
reached  Salem  at  seven  o'clock.  I  saw  at  a  distance  the  work  on 
the  neck,  which  forms  a  barrier  against  the  Sea,  but  had  not  time 
to  visit  it.  The  Lottery  has  left,  I  am  informed,  something  in 
stock,  for  future  repairs. 

An  anecdote  of  the  Rev:  Bernard  the  Bishop  of  the  place  is, 
that  on  public  trainings,  he  would  carry  his  pockets  loaded  with 
Coppers,  to  throw  to  the  Boys,  to  entertain  himself  with  their 
exertions  to  catch,  or  to  find  them.  This  was  the  ostentatious  vir- 
tue of  the  age,  in  which  he  lived,  &  passed  as  generosity,  not  diver- 
sion. It  is  said  there  is  an  admirable  likeness  of  this  eminent 
man  yet  remaining  in  his  JNIausion  house  which  I  had  not  time  to 
see.  I  went  into  the  cupola,  upon  the  elevated  seat  of  Col  Lee 
[204]  to  enjoy  the  extensive  view  he  has  from  that  convenient 
place,  but  the  air  was  not  sufficiently  clear  for  the  purpose.  I  could 
see  enough  to  believe  the  representation  just.  They  have  a  seven 
foot  Telescope  in  fine  order,  &  they  declare  that  they  see  the  people 
pass  to  church  in  the  Streets  of  Salem  on  Sunday,  such  a  command 
have  they  of  the  Town.  I  observed  that  the  Beacon  on  Baker's 
Island  looks  directly  up  their  Harbour. 

17.  The  Head  above  red  stone  cove  in  Marblehead  is  called 
Skinner's  Head,  from  the  owner,  &  the  head  below  not  of  so  bold 
projection  into  the  harbour,  &  not  so  dangerous  to  ^Mariners,  or  to 
vessels  driven  from  their  Anchors,  is  BarthoVs  Head,  which  is  of 
much  greater  elevation.  The  land  is  exceedingly  rough,  &  they 
use  no  wheels  in  these  flakes.  The  wharves  below  the  town  house 
are  called  the  New  Wharves  in  distinction  from  those  above.  ^Ve 
have  this  day  the  news  of  disturbances  in  England,  in  whicii  l)"" 
Priestley  has  lost  his  house,  Library,  papers,  &  Apparatus,  being 
burnt  by  the  royal  party.  I  have  not  seen  the  Gazettes,  &  so  can- 
not determine  what  further  mischief  ensued.*  I  visited  Old  M' 
Symonds  in  his  100"^  year,  apprehending  from  his  present  illness, 

* "  The  Birmingham  Riots,"  incited  by  an  anonymous  handbill  on  the  "Rights  of 
Man." 


306  DIARY  OF  [1791 

that  his  life  would  not  be  much  longer  continued.  On  the  Bridge 
had  an  interview  with  the  Beverley  Squire,  whose  chatter  is  as 
impertinent  as  it  is  endless. 

[205]  [Sept.]  18.  Sunday.  Notes.  Hannah  Webb,  for  delivery, 
child  dead,  &  for  Husband  &  Brethren  at  Sea.  A  very  pleasant 
day.  All  the  Clergy  out  of  Town,  or  supplied.  Last  week  a  Miss 
Gray  buried,  of  the  family  of  Deacon  Gray,  the  sixth  within  three 
years,  &  the  youngest  27  years  old,  &  all  in  consumptions. 

19.  Melancholy  reports  respecting  the  insurrection  of  the  slaves 
in  the  West  Indies,  particularly  Hispaniola.  The  account  of 
Priestley's  fate,  &  the  events  which  attended  it,  is  too  confused,  to 
lay  the  foundation  of  a  belief  of  the  particulars.  The  violence  of 
the  mob  was  great.  In  Salem  &  Marblehead,  several  toasts  have 
been  given  iu  honor  of  the  Vice  President,  John  Adams,  as  the 
protector  of  the  Fishery.  As  his  aristocratical  principles  have 
made  parties  for  &  against  him,  his  friends  have  triumphed  in 
these  public  Testimonies  of  affection.  D^  Priestley,  it  is  said,  in 
his  late  publications,  has  preferred  the  political  notions  of  J.Adams 
to  those  of  the  republican  Doctor  Franklin.  Parties  are  high  upon 
the  subject  of  the  Vice  President  considering  they  act  chiefly  on 
suspicions.  Some  remarks  on  Paine's  Rights  of  Man  are  attributed 
to  him,  or  at  least  to  his  influence,  &  the  notes  on  Davila. 

[206]  20.  Yesterday  a  Spanish  Snow  bound  from  Porto  Rico 
to  Cadiz,  out  50  days,  dismasted,  was  brought  into  this  Port  by  a 
Schooner.  There  is  another  Ship  in  the  same  condition  arrived  at 
Boston  from  Jamaica.  The  gale  was  on  the  23'*  of  Aug.  in  Lat.  35. 
Long.  54.  There  was  another  gale  on  the  6^^  of  September.  Pre- 
sented in  quarters  with  preserved  limes,  a  present  from  my  French- 
man to  M"  Crowninshield,  my  landlady,  M"  Gibaut,  M""^  H.  Hodges, 
&  M"  Sleuman.  This  afternoon  we  had  a  launching  from  the  Yard 
of  M''  Enos  Briggs,  the  Builder  of  M""  Derby's  great  Ship,  whose 
launching  was  attended  with  so  much  fatigue.  The  Vessel  launched 
this  day  was  about  90  Tons,  &  she  left  the  ways  with  an  agreable 
descent,  &  motion,  to  the  satisfaction  of  all  persons  present.  The 
Builder's  yard  is  on  the  Stage  point,  opposite  to  the  wharves  of 
Pierce  &  Ward.  We  had  a  full  view  of  the  Launch  from  the  Long 
wharf,  which  was  in  the  line  of  her  motion,  directly  before  her.  The 
Vessel  had  above  150  persons  on  board.  James  Keir,  who  was 
chairman  to  the  Company,  met  at  Birmingham,  on  whose  account 
the  mob  was  raised  by  the  Royalists,  testifies  that  the  hand-bill  did 
not  come  from  the  Company,  &  was  by  an  advertisement  immedi- 
ately disowned,  &  as  to  D''  Priestley,  the  paragraph  is,  [207]  "  The 
last  false  report  that  I  have  heard  relative  to  that  meeting  is  con- 
cerning D''  Priestley's  behaviour  there.  To  this  I  suppose  it  will 
be  sufficient  to  answer,  that  Dr.  Prlestleij  ivas  not  present."  A  Song 
published  in  the  Gazette  upon  the  subject  of  the  French  Revolution 
pleased  me  much. 


1791]  BEV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  307 

21.  The  news  respecting  the  death  of  C.  W.  Carlton  is  contra- 
dicted by  Capt  Lander,  upon  the  authority  of  the  owner  of  the 
Vessel,  &,  it  is  reported  Carlton  is  well,  &  in  a  West  India  Drogher. 
At  the  eastward  of  English's  Lane  near  the  water,  is  a  Store  en- 
larged, but  originally  built  above  an  hundred  years.  A  few  yards 
above  is  the  large  Cellar,  the  stones  of  which  were  sold  six  years 
since,  but  the  steps  remain,  over  which  stood  a  very  large  house 
with  peaks  as  English's  below  &  which  was  employed  as  a  Tavern 
by  the  name  of  the  BLUE  ANCHOR.  It  has  been  down  above  40 
years,  &  there  was  a  Store  put  over  the  Cellar,  which  witliin  a  few 
years  has  been  removed  into  North  Fields.  Beyond  on  the  shore 
is  to  be  seen  the  Cellar  of  a  House  possessed  by  Mary  Brown,  the 
Land  being  since  sold  to  C.  Richard  Derby.  On  the  west  side  of 
English's  lane,  o])posite  to  the  Tavern,  is  a  Cellar,  upon  which  stood 
a  ho\ise  within  the  memory  of  the  present  generation.  Beyond 
Brown's  House  &  Whitford's,  which  is  a  house  since  built,  about  20 
j-ears,  &  now  standing,  is  to  be  seen  the  Cellar  of  Webb's  house, 
the  land  being  yet  in  the  family.  There  were  [208]  three  other 
houses  before  we  came  to  the  group  upon  the  Point  of  rocks,  &  one 
cellar  is  now  to  be  seen  upon  the  plain  between  the  Block  house 
ruins  &  the  present  enclosure  upon  the  Point.  The  Blue  Anchor 
was  celebrated  for  j\rarblehead  Campai[g]ns.  Had  a  visit  from  the 
Spanish  Officers,  who  have  arrived  in  the  dismasted  Ship.  The  Ship 
Officers  were  left  below,  &  the  three  Military  officers  came  into  the 
chamber.  I  had  little  but  Physiognomy  to  guide  me,  as  the  supe- 
rior only  held  any  conversation.  He  had  not  a  strong  countenance, 
nor  a  well  informed  one.  He  left  me,  at  the  request  of  my  French- 
man, the  only  Book  he  had,  which  was  a  translation  from  the 
French  into  Spanish,  of  the  Character  of  Friendship,  and  which 
classes  among  common  useful  books.  The  junior  of  all  had  a  fine 
countenance  which  bespoke  a  good  heart,  the  middle  was  silent. 
The  Colonel,  so  called,  was  able  to  converse  in  French,  but  was  no 
reader,  or  man  of  letters  from  his  appearance  »S:  his  handling  books. 
However  the  interview  was,  tho'  short,  not  without  its  pleasures, 
from  the  acquaintance  with  national  manners,  &  the  loveliness  of 
hospitality.  M""  Johnson  was  with  me  from  Lynn.  He  has  aban- 
doned M""  Parsons,  as  have  all  the  Parish,  but  a  few.  They  are 
suspicious  that  he  intends  to  take  the  Parish  House  as  his  pay.  The 
Question  is  whether  such  conduct  does  not,  besides  the  division  in 
the  parish,  injure  the  public  opinion  in  regard  to  the  ministerial 
character  ? 

[209]  22.  I  have  been  repeatedly  startled  at  the  new  method  of 
spelling  in  the  public  school  by  a  joint  vociferation  of  the  syllables, 
&  have  the  following  objections.  I.  In  music  the  singing  by  rote 
with  a  company  will  never  assist  a  person  to  sing  gracefully  by 
rule,  when  a  solo.  Conversation  &  reading  are  solo  in  Music.  II. 
Vociferation  or  the  loud  spelling  of  children  has   no  regard  to  the 


308  DIARY  OF  [1791 

building,  the  auditors,  or  easy  pronunciation,  it  is  like  learning 
music  in  a  chorus  of  Bacchinalians  when  the  feet  &  hands  assist 
the  noise,  rather  than  music.  III.  It  is  incompatible  with  the 
accents  of  a  language  which  can  never  be  given  in  the  best  spelling, 
it  being  rather  in  the  best  language  at  present,  a  review  of  certain 
letters,  taught  by  practice  to  be  associated  with  sounds  which  are  not 
always  the  same,  than  a  strict  &  easy  analogy.  And  therefore  is 
most  discordant  in  a  bold  pronunciation  of  which  there  is  no  use 
but  to  the  learner,  &  it  is  doubtful  whether  always  to  him.  IIII. 
It  is  inseperable  from  a  rudeness,  &  levity,  which  are  always  incon- 
sistent with  a  proper  education.  The  abuse  is  inseperable  consid- 
ering the  minds  of  children,  and  it  no  more  emboldens  to  speak  in 
public,  than  joining  a  large  chorus  assists  a  person  to  sing.  [210] 
The  Spanish  Ship  brought  into  Salem  agreed  to  give  the  fisherman 
for  his  trouble  in  conducting  him,  100  dollars.  The  Bristol  Ship's 
Goods  saved  by  Webb,  owned  by  J.  Ward,  was  by  reference  to  pay 
a  Salvadge  of  30  p"^  Cent.  The  referees,  S.  Brown,  an  underwriter 
in  Boston,  the  British  Agent  in  Boston.  &  G.  Williams,  Merchant 
in  Salem,  E.  H.  Derby  jun''  &  G.  Fiske  have  promised  every 
assistance  to  the  Spaniards  in  fitting  their  Vessel  for  Sea  again.  I 
hope  the  Town  will  deserve  credit  for  such  attentions. 

23.  D''  Priestley's  unaifected  &  cool  answer  to  the  people  of 
Birmingham  has  arrived,  &  it  does  him  great  honour.  The  account 
from  the  royal  party  describes  the  provocation  in  the  hand  bill,  but 
represents  the  aggravated  mischiefs  of  the  vulgar  mob.  Lumber  at 
a  high  price  on  account  of  the  severity  of  last  winter,  which  pre- 
vented getting  out  the  Logs.  M"  Maccauley  Graham  much  offended 
that  the  Monthly  Review  spake  with  so  much  indifference  of  her 
metaphysical  abilities.  Great  attempts  to  exculpate  Andrews  from 
suicide.  The  breaking  the  britch  of  his  gun,  &c.,  but  the  public 
opinion  is  only  more  confirmed,  &  it  is  said  the  application  of  his 
head  to  the  muzzle  was  the  most  sure  way  to  break  it  by  the  resist- 
ance occasioned. 

[211]  24.  Eight  years  from  the  day  of  my  ordination.  Went  to 
the  Neck  &  in  the  Earmboat  caught  three  dozen  small  fish  in  an 
hour,  consisting  of  Polluck,  Place,  Tomcod,  &  Perch.  In  the  in- 
closure  belonging  to  the  Farm  &  laying  in  Abbot's  Cove,  but  being 
on  Winter  Island,  near  the  causeway  is  a  mound  of  earth,  round 
which  I  traced  stones  set  in  the  earth,  &  on  each  side  hollows,  that 
to  the  eastward  being  evidently  a  cellai-,  &  the  other  artificial  tho' 
'tis  smaller,  &  both  joining  in  a  line  the  mound,  which  is  now  near- 
ly two  feet  above  the  stones.  From  the  best  conjectures  I  can  at 
present  form,  it  was  a  block  house,  as  I  have  seen  the  foundations 
raised  in  this  manner.  That  at  Fort  Dummer  is  not  unlike  in  a 
line  of  it,  tho'  the  whole  Fort  was  an  enclosed  oblong  square,  with  a 
lookout  in  the  center,  &  a  Block  house  at  each  corner.  As  there 
was  a  Storm  of  rain  coming  up  I  deferred  digging  tiJl  another  opper- 


1791]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  809 

tuuity.  There  must  have  been  four  houses  on  the  Farm,  as  there 
are  the  remains  of  the  CeUar,  &  inclosure,  on  the  opposite  side  of 
the  Cove.  See  p.  213.  It  has  been  remarked  that  barns  very  fre- 
quently suffer  by  Lightning  &  it  has  been  conjectured  that  the 
cause  arises  from  the  state  of  the  air  within.  May  not  the  extreme 
heat  of  our  Necessary  houses,  shut  up  iu  hot  days,  easily  rendered 
almost  suffocating,  &  the  effect  from  the  excrements  below  account 
that  they  should  be  struck,  when  higher  buildings  are  around,  wit- 
ness Collins'  last  summer.  [212]  The  object  of  Marblehead  Lottery 
being  to  defend  the  Neck  it  is  said  that  Col :  Glover  was  employed 
on  that  business  on  account  of  his  great  success  in  clearing  some 
land  left  in  a  state  of  nature,  as  unworthy  the  expeuce.  He  seems 
not  to  have  given  in  the  public  opinion  so  clear  a  proof  of  his  econ- 
omy in  tliis  undertaking,  &  so  the  work  stops  far  short  of  the  origin- 
al projection,  &  much  exceeding  the  expenses  designed  for  it. 
Capt  J.  White  after  applying  to  the  Physicians  without  success  for 
a  violent  humour  on  his  legs,  has  found  great  present  relief  by  the 
use  of  a  bath  of  Sea  Water.  I  have  never  heard  the  case  discribed 
&  the  patient  is  near  70  years  of  age.  M'  Johnson,  the  Swede,  Car- 
penter, M''  Warrall,  the  unhappy  mariner  who  attempted  his  own 
life  in  Hosmer's  Brig,  &  a  IM""  Hollandgren,  set  out  a  fortnight  since 
for  their  land  in  the  upper  Colioss.  Seep.  161.  They  are  foreigners. 

11  est  la  disposition  de  I'lmprimande  de  Salem  faire  les  changes 
dans  les  penseurs,  les  paroles,  et  I'orthographie  des  pieces  Sorites 
pour  sa  Gazette.     Une  example  dans  les  "  Toasts." 

Dans  la  neuvieme,  il  lui-meme  lire,  L'Essex. 

Dans  la  septieme  il  omit  Succes  a  la. 

Sur  la  dixieme  il  ecrit  une  Commentaire  pour  preuver  la  senti- 
ment du  corps  militaire  sur  cette  sujet. 

[213]  [Sept.]  25.  Sunday.  No  Notes, — a  rainy  Sunday.  Ven- 
tured to  attempt  a  confutation  of  Church  l^ower,  feeling  great  ven- 
eration for  D""  Priestley,  &  offended  at  the  dishonoraV)le  instigation 
of  the  populace.  The  force  of  imitation  is  plainly  seen  on  rainy 
Sundays.  The  better  people  are  at  Church.  The  meaner  aping 
the  delicacy  of  better  life,  but  not  knowing  the  time,  are  absent 
from  the  weather,  but  thronging  the  Streets  after  dark. 

26.  This  day  I  pursued  my  inquiries  respecting  the  House  of 
last  Saturday,  and  instead  of  a  Block  House,  1  find  by  digging  that 
this  was  a  very  large  House,  &  that  the  heap,  which  lay  so  high 
above  the  antient  method  of  putting  foundations,  is  a  heap  of  earth 
&  stones,  with  the  old  bricks  »&  rubbish  of  which  a  large  stack  of 
chimneys  was  made.  Upon  enquiry  1  find  this  is  the  old  house  of 
Abbot,  &  not  the  one  on  the  other  side  of  the  Cove,  &  that  it  was 
a  Tavern.  I  traced  the  well  about  40  feet  north  of  the  House,  the 
inclosure  back  &  the  barn  to  the  eastward  of  the  House  standing 
back  from  the  road.  For  my  amusement  I  intend  to  pursue  my 
enquiries,  &  find,  if  possible,  the  time  when  last  inhabited.     Capt 


310  DIARY    OF  [1791 

ElkirivS  (John),  a  very  respectable  man  in  this  parish,  died  before  I 
came  to  this  Town.  The  friends  have  been  under  the  disagreable 
necessity  of  putting  his  eldest  Son,  about  set.  24,  into  the  workhouse, 
&  with  that  people  he  is  now  employed  in  the  most  servile  business. 
Obstinately  &  incorrigibly  vitious. 

[214]  27.  Had  a  visit  from  my  Brotlier  Thomas,  with  a  M"^ 
Sloane.  I  wish  I  had  better  symptoms  of  family  friendship  at 
Boston.  The  evening  I  spent  at  Major  Hiller's  with  his  agreable 
family.  We  had  excellent  music,  &  free  conversation.  My  M''  S^ 
Marie  was  in  our  company. 

[215]  28.  Capt  S.  Howard  of  Boston  &  several  Ladies  called 
upon  me.  Determined  seriously  to  learn  French,  so  as  to  render 
the  pronunciation  familiar.  I  find  it  will  be  of  great  use  or  at 
least  a  great  gratification  on  many  occasions.  I  think  of  a  plan  to 
appropriate  this  winter  to  speaking  French  &  reading  Spanish,  Ger- 
man &  Italian.  M'  Thayer  continues  his  publications  in  the  Gazette. 

29.  This  day  is  preparatory  to  the  Training  of  the  Militia  at  Bev- 
erley, &  the  Town  Companies  were  mustered  at  the  upper  Meeting 
House.  They  had  red  standards,  such  as  were  used  before  the  war, 
one  had  the  stripes  quartered,  the  other  had  the  old  S*  George,  & 
the  number,  in  8  round  white  spots,  of  the  Company.  We  found 
them  parading  when  we  arrived,  &  they  marched  round  the 
Square,  had  a  sham  fight,  a  truce,  &c.  for  the  exercise  of  the  men. 
They  do  not  march  so  well  as  at  Marblehead.  They  have  better 
arms,  &  have  some  very  well  proportioned  men.  While  I  was  on 
this  ground  I  wished  to  pass  1/4  of  a  mile  towards  the  upper  end 
of  Wenham  pond,  &  have  left  this  for  the  next  visit.  The  air  was 
too  cool  for  my  Frenchman.  A  new  Tollman,  Leach,  upon  the 
Bridge.  G.  Cabot  Esq"",  is  preparing  for  Philadelphia,  &  his  ser- 
vices in  the  fund.*     M""  Dane  is  at  Philadelphia.     Militia,  200  men. 

[216]  30.  A  very  pleasant  day.  News  of  Capt  Sleuman's  ar- 
rival at  Boston  with  a  freight  from  Liverpool.  E.  H.  Derby  jun' 
sets  off  for  Virginia.  Exhibitions  at  Cambridge  this  week,  in  which 
a  M'  Peelef  bears  a  distinguished  part.  This  young  gentleman  is 
of  great  hopes,  &  may  prove  an  honour  to  our  Town.  At  the  Com- 
mencement in  Providence,  D''  Manning  having  lately  deceased,  Hon  : 
D.  Howell  presided,  &  the  Rev*^  Jonathan  Maxcy,  lately  ordained 
Pastor  of  the  Baptist  Church  in  that  place  is  elected  Professor  in 
Divinity.  The  projection  is  serious  of  a  Co] lege  in  Maine,  &  M' 
Dean  of  Falmouth  is  about  with  subscriptions.  A  curious  Letter 
is  published  from  Rev.  Lothrop  of  Springfield  to  D""  Styles,  giving 
an  account  of  a  person  afflicted  with  fits,  whose  recollection  in  his 
lucid  intervals  was  confined  only  to  actions  in  that  state  &  so  in  the 
other  state,  having  as  it  is  expressed,  as  it  were  two  souls.     Upon 

•GeoFKe  Cabot,  at  that  time  U.  8.  Senator,  and  thought  by  his  contemporaries  second 
only  to  Hamilton  in  his  Itnowledfje  of  finance. 
tWillard  I'eele,  became  a  merchant,  and  died  in  1835. 


1791]  KEV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  311 

testimony  of  the  father  &  family.  The  Librarian,  M''  Harris  of 
Cambridge,  proposes  a  History  of  all  the  beasts  &  birds  in  the  Bible, 
which  he  means  as  a  School  Jiook.  This  is  descending  from  the 
dignity  with  which  that  office  has  been  sustained. 

[217]  October  1.  Saturday.  Patterson  went  round  to  Boston. 
At  Fiske's,  the  Sieur  de  la  Tombe,  &  several  French  Gentlemen  & 
I  excused  myself  from  dinner.  Went  on  the  neck,  &  as  it  was  a 
warm  day,  I  went  into  water.  This  year  fruitful  in  onions.  I 
bought  a  dozen  weighing  9  lb.  of  jSP  Tw'isse,  who  raised  2(i  Bushels 
upon  a  very  small  spot  adjoining  to  his  House.  Old  M''*  Archer 
lies  dead,  advanced  above  86  years.  She  has  preserved  her  senses 
tolerably  well,  but  has  been  very  helpless,  tho  not  bedridden.  She 
was  taken  vomiting,  &  in  24  hours  she  died.  Old  M'  Symonds,  at. 
100,  was  taken  with  an  insensibility  a  few  days  ago,  &  what  was 
unusual,  kept  his  bed  several  days.  He  has  no  fever,  receives  but 
very  little  food,  &  yet  has  so  far  recriiited  as  to  get  from  his  bed  to 
the  chair  by  the  help  of  his  cane.  Old  M"  Andrew,  set,  89,  has  had 
a  turn  similar,  but  has  recruited  again.  The  change  of  the  weather 
was  not  sensible  to  us.  The  heat  was  moderate.  Several  rains  have 
fallen.  And  it  is  a  time  of  general  health  to  the  people  at  large. 
E.  H.  Derby  has  sail'd  for  Virginia.  Conversation  yesterday  with 
a  M'  Dodge  of  Ipswich  respecting  our  Lodges.  They  hold  an  in- 
dependance  because  they  wish  to  unite  with  the  G.  Lodge  of  Scot- 
laud,  or  be  detached  regularly,  &  not  by  the  Ee volution. 

[218]  [Oct.]  2.  Sunday.  Notes.  Mingo  Freeman,  Negro,  death 
of  his  luother,  &  for  Father  at  Sea.  Margaret  Manuel,  death  of  her 
Cousin  Freeman.  Samuel  Archer  &  Wife,  delivery,  &  absent  Friends. 
Seeth  Kopes,  for  her  delivery,  Husband  &  Friends,  &  Brethren  at 
Sea.     M"  Archer's  Funeral  this  evening,  &  a  concourse  of  people. 

4.  Training  at  Beverly  but  wet  weather  so  that  I  did  not  renew 
my  visit.  D""  Whitaker  has  been  in  town,  in  the  past  week,  &  has 
added  to  the  vileness  of  his  actions,  the  sins  of  ingratitude,  having 
demanded  of  J.  Mason  the  amount  of  a  note,  which  he  delivei-ed  in 
compensation  for  a  sum  double  to  its  then  value,  its  present  value, 
tho'  it  has  been  negociated  many  years,  &  it  was  left  twelve  years 
ago,  being  a  state  order.  The  D"'  now  has  lost  the  last  friend  in  the 
place.  The  D"^  was  paid  &  discharged  for  ever.  A  report,  proved 
false,  see  p.  223,  224.  The  unfortunate  M"  Maley  has  arrived  at 
her  father's  &  taken  up  her  residence  in  his  family.  Capt  West 
preparing  to  remove  into  the  Town  to  his  House  purchased  of  Judge 
Oliver.  It  is  elegantly  finished.  Capt  Murphy  arrived  yesterday 
from  Rotterdam. 

[219]  4.  A  very  pleasant  day.  A  Thump  upon  the  Citizen  of 
last  month  under  the  signature  of  Civis.  I  wrote  to  the  Printer  to 
ask  whether  this  was  not  an  high  Church  Birmingham  Trick  in 
miniature.  I  confess  the  letter  of  the  Law  was  not  on  my  side,  tho' 
I  still  conceive  that  the  Officers  of  the  Town  did  right.     Our  Lodge 


312  DIARY    OF  [1791 

this  evening,  &  I  gave  an  invitation  to  Capt  Murphy  at  the  request 
of  the  Brethren.  Upon  the  Farm  on  the  Neck  commonly  called 
Derby's  &  upon  the  Cove  upon  the  inner  point  are  open  two  wells, 
the  stones  being  bare,  &  the  Hollows  of  two  Cellars,  one  near  Derby's 
Canal  leading  from  the  covered  way  at  the  bottom  of  the  Farm,  the 
other  just  above  upon  the  high  ground,  fronting  the  Causeway. 

5.  Preparations  for  review  of  tomorrow.  A  very  unpromising 
day  in  the  morning,  but  not  too  cold,  &  clear  in  the  afternoon.  The 
entertainment  to  be  made,  is  to  be  made  by  Osgood  &  not  Buffing- 
ton  upon  the  subject  of  some  disagreement.  A  Boy  dangerously 
wounded  in  the  Training  at  Beverley,  through  his  own  folly  in  wet- 
ting with  his  mouth  the  muzzle  of  a  Gun  to  increase  the  report.  It 
is  reported  that  the  Adjutant  General  Danielson  is  to  review  through 
the  state. 

[220]  6.  A  very  pleasant  day,  the  wind  in  the  West,  &  every 
advantage  for  a  fine  exhibition  of  our  Militia.  The  whole  were  on 
the  parade  by  ten  o'clock.  They  were  inspected  by  D.  A.  G.  Tracey, 
&  exceeded  600  in  number.  They  were  reviewed  by  Gen  :  Fiske, 
who  was  attended  by  the  Spanish  officers  now  in  Town  &  by  Col. 
Bradford  of  Boston.  Between  1  o'clock  &  2  there  was  a  procession 
from  the  Common  to  the  Court  House  for  dinner,  escorted  by  the 
Cadets,  consisting  of  the  several  officers  of  the  Corps,  officers  in 
Town  &  visiting  on  the  occasion,  gentlemen  of  the  Town,  &  the 
Clergy.  The  Spanish  Officers  were  particularly  attended  to  on  this 
occasion.  After  dinner  there  was  a  Sham  fight  on  the  Common,  & 
the  concourse  of  people  unusually  great,  &  the  company  at  dinner 
larger  than  I  have  ever  seen.  I  could  not  see  the  arrangement,  & 
only  heard  that  it  Avas  conducted  without  accident,  &  in  perfect 
good  humour.  After  this  exhibition  the  Troops  went  into  Court 
street,  the  militia  fired  twice  in  wings,  &  once  in  companies.  The 
Cadets  &  artillery  fired  with  their  small  arms,  in  platoons,  wings, 
&  companies,  &  performed  well,  &  without  admitting  a  disadvan- 
tageous preference  to  either  party.  The  Hall  was  lighted  for  the 
evening,  but  as  to  myself  the  scene  was  closed  with  the  dismission 
of  the  INIilitary.  There  are  several  reviews  in  our  neighbourhood, 
as  well  as  in  different  parts  of  the  state  about  this  time. 

[221]  7.  A  party  of  our  female  friends  left  our  harbour  on 
Frida}^  night  at  11  o'clock  for  Boston,  &  did  not  arrive  till  Monday 
8  o'clock  A.  M.  The  sickness  however  occasioned  by  the  voyage 
was  in  no  degree  prejudicial.  The  New  Hampshire  Convention  in 
September  last  have  reported  in  favour  of  the  Title,  Governour,  in 
revising  their  Constitution  to  choose  senators  from  13  districts, 
councellors  in  counties,  members  paid  from  the  Treasury,  no  officers 
of  the  United  States  to  be  members.  Allegiance  to  the  State.  In- 
ferior Court  abolished,  Y.  56.  N.  31.  Court  of  equity,  besides  su- 
preme Court,  &  Sessions.  It  was  moved  to  strike  out  "  Protestant 
Religion  "  in  the  qualifications  of  representatives,  Yeas.  33.    Nays 


1791]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  31B 

51.  And  can  anything  better  be  expected  while  D"^  Langdon  in  the 
heart  of  the  state  is  reviving  the  old  state  interpretations  of  the 
Apocalypsis,  respecting  the  Whore  of  Babylon,  &c.  &c.  Thomas's 
4to  English  Bible  is  now  ready  to  be  delivered.  In  the  course  of 
the  entertainment  yesterday  one  of  the  Cadets  fired  his  rammer 
from  his  fusil,  it  struck  a  bayonet  of  the  opposite  party  in  the  Street 
near  the  Lower  iNIeeting  House,  &  almost  cut  of  the  head  of  the 
rod,  bent  it  almost  double,  &  it  then  ])assed  to  the  hat  of  Wright 
the  Baker,  cut  open  the  rim  of  his  hat,  entered  the  croAVTi,  struck 
his  head  slightly,  &  fell  to  the  ground.  A  singular  escape,  evaded 
or  contradicted.  Capt  Josiah  Orne's  House  in  the  great  street  has 
been  sold  for  550£  for  5/(5  encumbered  with  the  Widow's  Dower. 

[222]  8.  The  whole  matter  of  the  Signature  cleared  up  to  my 
entire  satisfaction.  It  was  the  work  of  ray  imagination  altogether. 
There  is  a  paper  war  respecting  the  exhibitions  at  Cambridge.  A 
M''  Peale,  a  young  gentleman  of  great  hopes  belonging  to  this  town, 
who  pronounced  an  oration  is  the  principal  subject.  The  reflections 
began  in  the  Argus  of  l^oston,  are  retorted  with  severe  personal  re- 
flections in  the  Chronicle,  &  repeated  in  the  Centinel.  The  Gentle- 
man's Magazine  of  July,  1791,  handles  Priestley  without  decency. 

[Oct.]  9.  Sunday.  Notes.  eTonathan  Archer  &  wife,  death  of  his 
mother.  John  Archer  &  wife  &  children,  death  of  his  mother  &  for 
sons  at  Sea.  Elizabeth  Allen,  death  of  her  sister  Archer.  Benj* 
Knight  &  wife,  death  of  her  mother.  Lydia  ^Masury,  thanks  for 
her  delivery.  Husband  &  Brother  at  Sea.  Had  only  the  last  singing 
in  the  afternoon,  because  the  singers,  upon  whom  I  could  place  no 
dependance,  disliked  a  man  willing  to  sing  who  appeared.  Made  a  fire 
for  the  first  time  this  evening  in  my  chamber,  l)"".  Whitaker  at  the 
Meeting.  [223]  The  celebrated  S.  Hopkins  in  Town,  &  preaching. 
The  R.  T.  F.  Oliver,  an  Episcopalian  Clergyman,  preached  last  Sun- 
day at  Springfield  for  MT  Howard,  a  Congregational  Minister.  It 
was  not  expected  from  his  attachment  to  Bp.  Seabury.  A  M""  Good- 
ale,  driving  a  Cart  with  empty  barrels  into  town  from  jNIarblehead, 
near  Mill  hill,  Southfields,  stumbled  &  fell  under  one  of  the  wheels, 
which  passed  over  his  breast,  &  he  died  in  one  hour  after 

10.  Saw  a  curious  Letter,  of  INIurray  the  Universalist,  upon  the 
"  subject  of  the  Church."  It  is  strange  that  siich  a  man  should 
pretend  to  write.  I  saw  also  Murray  of  Xewburyport's  Sermon, 
the  death  of  blind  Prince,  &  was  surprised  to  find  high  encomiums 
upon  the  desultory  matter  of  his  sermons  followed  by  an  Appendix 
of  the  vilest  specimens  ever  offered  to  the  world  with  some  remark- 
able providences  which  have  an  air  of  burlesque  upon  the  face  of 
them.  A  mixture  of  oil,  ocre  &  pitch  is  said  to  keep  water  from 
passing  through  brick  walls.  Would  not  clapboarding  do  better? 
Spent  the  evening  at  yU  Lang's  for  the  society  of  F.  jNI.  and  very 
agreably,  &  with  much  information  on  the  subject.  Have  made 
another  appointment  for  this  week.     It  is  said  upon  the  authority 


314  DIARY   OF  [1791 

of  Rev.  D.  Hopkins  that  his  Brother  is  preparing  2,  4to  Volumes 
for  the  press,  to  add  to  the  present  stock  on  hand.  [224]  The  report 
so  unfriendly  to  D""  Whitaker  I  was  told  last  Thursday  by  one  of  the 
Referees,  was  on  his  part  fair  in  law,  that  it  was  one  of  the 
clearest  ever  submitted,  &  one  of  those  disappointments  which  the 
rapid  appreciation  of  State  security  must  occasion  to  long  creditors 
upon  paper  security.  Capt  Mason  has  discharged  the  debt,  &  the 
D''  behaved  with  great  candour  in  the  matter.  See  the  infamous  re- 
port, p.  218.  The  D""'*  Note  is  now  in  the  Loans  safe  &  it  has  ap- 
preciated, as  other  notes  in   Capt  Mason's  or  the  Creditor's  hands. 

11.  On  account  of  the  state  of  M''  Payson's  family  our  associa- 
tion was  held  at  Marblehead,  at  which  I  preached  on  the  subj  ect  of 
association,  No  450.  We  then  discussed  the  affair  of  M''  Parsons 
at  Lynn.  I  proposed  that  as  our  charges  had  become  personal,  that 
we  should  notify  him  that  we  no  longer  considered  him  as  Member 
of  the  association,  but  it  was  rejected,  &  it  was  unanimously  agreed 
that  on  the  next  association  he  should  be  cited  before  the  association 
to  vindicate  himself,  &  that  the  brethren  should  be  notified  of  this 
business  as  coming  before  the  next  meeting.  I  confess  I  see  not 
yet  the  right  of  these  proceedings,  which  are  formed  upon  very  high 
pretentions  to  candour,  but  usurp  one  right,  to  prevent  injury  to  an- 
other. Our  Vote  ought  to  go  no  further  than  a  seperation.  [225] 
At  Col  Orne's  I  saw  green  peas  in  the  open  air  in  high  perfection. 
He  mentions  the  great  crop  of  onions,  7  had  weighed  9  lb.  He  had 
a  melon  weighing  13  lb.  His  situation  below  the  lower  meeting, 
with  a  south  exposure,  on  the  side  of  an  high  [hill],  of  considerable 
elevation,  the  hill  rising  suddenly  beyond  it,  &  formed  into  terraces, 
with  bold  steps,  is  very  agreable.  He  is  one  of  our  Councellors,  of 
great  integrity,  violent  passions,  but  very  hospitable.  He  is  the 
leading  character  in  the  old  Meeting.  M"  Mansfield  dined  with  us 
at  M""  Hubbard's,  &  the  whole  association  drank  Tea  at  Col  Orne's. 
M""  Bernard  &  I  spent  a  merry  evening  at  M"^  Hubbard's,  &  arrived 
at  Salem  at  9  o'clock. 

12.  Pleasant  rain.  A  wanton  Cow  on  the  neck  was  shot  by  a 
M'  English  for  breaking  into  the  field,  which  he  cultivated.  The 
shot  entered  her  neck.  It  was  a  rash  &  foolish  act,  like  the  man. 
I  saw  the  cow  in  great  distress  &  was  drawn  to  the  spot  by  the  col- 
lection of  people.  The  provocation  has  been  great,  &  the  Cow  is 
even  said  to  go  boldly  upon  stairs  in  a  barn,  leap  fences,  &c.  with 
great  agility.  Much  conversation  upon  the  reluctance  with  which 
the  Boston  Troops  marched  under  the  command  of  Brigadier  Thayer 
to  Milton.  This  Gentleman  is  nominated  by  the  House  for  Major 
General,  &  Jackson  supported  in  Boston  by  the  Senate.  The  Gov- 
ernour  would  countermand  none  of  his  orders,  &  yesterday  they  set 
out. 

[226]  13.  By  accident  a  man  fell  from  a  darick  upon  the  deck 
of  a  Brig  in  the  Harbour.    He  was  brought  on  shore,  &  it  is  conjee- 


1791]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  315 

tured  had  not  broken  a  bone,  &  is  not  mortally  wounded,  particulars 
I  have  not  heard.  Saw  ]\F  Jack  who  has  arrived  with  Cap'  Sleu- 
man  from  Liverpool.  Spent  the  evening  with  W.  Lang  &  his  Broth- 
er in  the  ^Masonic  way.  Had  a  swelling  in  the  face,  preceeded  with 
several  acute  pains  from  a  tooth,  incurred  by  riding  in  the  even- 
ing, the  danger  from  which  is  that  I  am  not  used  to  it.     See  228. 

14.  Est  milii  in  animo,  in  tempore  futuro  scribere  omnia  quae 
in  hoc  libro  sunt  reserata,  in  Lingua  non  in  usu  communi.  Non  ex- 
pectatione,  me  elegantem  aut  semper  accuratani  dictionem  attentu- 
ram;  sed  spe  melius  descendi  verba  ex  aliis  linguis,  &  in  illis  esse 
optionem,  et  ex  oculis  omnium  abscondere  quae,  tantuni  mihi  ipsi 
attinent.  Hoc  in  modo  idiomata  facilius  sunt  ac(]uisita,  et  progres- 
sus  studiorum  observata.  H«c  regula  comprehendit  res  parvas  et 
chartas  in  ecclesia  pro  precibus  allatas.  Nee  in  una  sela  Lingua. 
Excepto  alternatim  Latina,  Germanica,  Italica,  Hispanica.  Gallica,&c. 
tempus  ante  janiculum,  ])randium,  Vespere,  mane  breve,  tamen  non 
inutile  sit.  Ad  Conversationem  semper  his  iu  linguis  paratus  essem. 
[227]  II  est  (^crit  dans  les  Livres  de  la  Eglise  avec  les  paroles  an- 
glois.  Psaumes  et  Hymnes  pour  la  stance  de  la  Minist^re,  en  la 
maison  de  la  Assembl^e  Religeuse  dans  la  partie  orientalede  Salem. 
Adjoutez  Livre  des,  et  pour  partie,  posez  la  quartier. 

15.  Hodierua  die  ad  sui  apud  Hispanos,  qui  dum  navem  suum 
pararent,  ad  patriam  suam  redire,  celebravere  religionis  suae  vitus, 
dans  la  ordinaire  de  la  masse.  Omnia  solemniter  perfuncta  sunt  a 
Clero  Thayer,  apud  quern  Hispaui  ad  Bostonienses  procedebant. 
Mihi  allata  sunt  multa  falsa  per  ]\L  S'  Marie,  ex  ore  M.  Thayer,  quae 
nee  ad  bona,  nee  ad  mala  tendunt.     Primus  est  Francisco  Borlasca. 

[Oct.]  16.  Sunday.  Scripta.  Susannah  Jeffrey,  prop:  partum 
gratius,  seu  gratias  propter  filiam  natam,  et  preces  prop  :  mar i turn 
abs  mari.  Deborah  Sage  grat :  propter  natum  filium,  prec.  propter 
maritum  abs.  mari  fratreque. 

Prandium  accepi  cum  Hispano,  navis  gubernatae  apud  G.  Gibaut. 
Invenio,  fratres  non  approbare  uUas  lectiones  cum  viro,  non  in 
favorem  suorum  ad  misso. 

[228]  17.  Mane  coUocutus  sum  cum  Preceptore  Lang,  de  opinione 
quorundam  fratrum,  de  lectionibus  apud  domum  suam  et  apud  fra- 
trem  habitis.  Iracunde  forsitan,  quia  in  animo  meo  dotor  est,  res 
amicitae  universalis  futuras  sub  auspiciis  inimicitarum  privatarum. 
Apud  domum  meam  dixi  hos  fratres  vesperi  hocce,  quia  optime  in- 
tellexerunt  artem  Masonicam.  Excusavi,  pro  per  dicta  mihi  die 
domini,  ne  amico.  Hodie  transivi  semitis  ex  media,  ad  primam 
viam.  Oppidi  ut  viderem  familias  rarissime  mihi  offerentes,  dum 
ambularem.  Exaudivi  hominem,  nomine  Belfrey,  qui  cadebat,  die 
decimo  tertio,  de  malo,  seu  darico,  Moi  tuum  esse.  Casu,  contusion- 
em  capitis,  esse,  fractus  cubitus,  et  iliarum,  cum  insanitate,  quae 
prohibebat  usum  artis  medic*.  ^I.  Simpkins,  filius  Diaconi  apud 
Bostonienses  est  ordinandus  ad  Officia  Pastoris  Ecclesiae  Congi-ega- 


316  DIARY    OF  [1791 

tionalis  Harwick  Comitate  Barnstable  liujus  Rei  publicse.  Die  Mer- 
cuiii. 

[229]  18.  Hodie  Domus  autiqua,  in  Via  Hardy  nominata,  contra 
White  &  Allen,  demolita  est.  Familia  "Webb  habet  terram,  post 
avos,  et  domus  ajdificata  est  plus  quam  annos  centum.  Coutinebat 
pauca  convenientia.  Yidi  Rev  :  Killog,  Portland,  ab  illo  dididi, 
dum  Eev  :  Murray,  Newbury  Port,  a^grotaret,  Juvenis  Milton,  alum- 
nus Huntingtonius,  ab  Nova  Scotia,  administrabat  et  plus  enthusi- 
asmo,  quam  veritate  favorem  afferebat.  Nunc  populus  desiderat 
ilium  conjungere  Murray  in  eodem  miuisterio,  et  Murray,  omni  sua 
auctoritate  vix,  ne  accidisse,  valet.  Ipse  ad  Presbyteriam  refert  an 
se  ipsum  propter  infirmitatem  suam  ab  ministerio  abstulisse.  lUi 
negant.  Milton  parat  redire  cum  sua  familia.  Murray,  quid  facere, 
nescit.  Ilium  CoUeagum  recusare  timet,  dicere  ilium  esse  indig- 
num  seu  indoctum  suam  auctoritatem  diminuet.  Tales  et  tot,  rexit 
plurimos  annos.  Hue  !  nee  acta  puterita,  vim  enthusias  mi  miuu- 
ant,  nee  Veritas.  Disce  contemnere  spes  a  viris,  quorum  animi  sunt 
acerbissimi,  sub  religionis  pretextu,  et  ne  desiderio  obtinere  favorem 
ignorantia,  et  violentia  prudentem.  The  Rev*^  Killog  reliquit  apud 
me  Chartas  ad  subscriptiones  promovendas,  operis  ab  D.  Hemmen- 
way,  de  Ecclesia.     Mihi  distribuendae  sunt. 

[230]  19.  Proxima  uocte  Fsemina  viginti  annorum,  amantissi- 
ma,  rediens  e  domo  sororis  super  gradus  cadebat,  et  super  apicem 
lapidis  collidebat.  Casu  contusiouem  infra  ilia  accipiebat,  et  nunc 
in  dubio  vita  est.  Nominata  Bowditch.  Colloquium  habui  cum 
Vidua  Renew,  filia  Abbot,  qui  vixit  super  the  Neck,  terram  jacen- 
tem  infra  Oppidum.  Ipsa  meminit  Domum  super  Insulam  Winter, 
sic  nominatam,  in  qua  habitavit  Yir  nomine  Crow*.  Dixit  mihi 
de  Watertown,  seu  de  tedificiis  super  The  point  of  Rocks.  Quinque 
Domus  illio  fluerunt  attinentia  ad  Waters,  Harbord,  Striker,  Pun- 
chard,  unius  nomen  non  in  memoriam  suam  servit.  Super  Watch 
House  point,  sedificium,  in  quo  posita  est  una  Cannon.  Duo  Block 
Houses  prope  Oppidum  ad  introitum  of  the  Neck.  Insula  habuit 
plurima  Fish  flakes. 

20.  Ex.  W.  Gray,  mercatore  accepi  "  Gazettes  avec  la  Constitu- 
tion de  la  France." 

[231]  21.  Corpus  Theologium  Doctoris  Hopkins,  offertur  sub- 
scriptionibus  in  Gazette  Worcester,  due  voluminibus  in  8vo.  et  illio 
describitur.  Imp  :  a  Thomas.  Vidi  filiam  Bowditch,  sine  spe  re- 
cuperandse  Vitae.  Ne  servi  opinioni.  Tuis  si  teneas,  negligis  alios 
plus  merentes.  Quaere  plus  merentes,  inspice  amicos  qui  te  apud 
favorem  habeant. 

22.  Hodie  pluvia,  tonitru,  et  vix  vicessim,  Vespere  mihi,  venit 
Nauta,  orans  me  iterum  media  nocte  ilium  matrimonio  adjungere. 
Notarius  recusavit  tradere  illi  chartas  secundum  leges  ante  tempus 
lege  constitutum.     Cum  familia  permansi  usque  ad  horam  undeci. 

•Crowell  was  sometimes  written  Crow. 


1791]  m:v.  william  bentley  317 

mam,  tunc  teiui>oris  transit  ad  donuini  sjjonsa'.  Illio  omnia  sunt 
parata.  Parentes  dolorem  gaudio  connnixtani  exhibent.  Kunc 
colloquitur  de  spe,  nunc  de  nueiore,  per  tenipus  stantes,  sedetes, 
ambulantes,  ountes  ad  iiliani,  exorans  illani  futurani  quietam  i)er 
decim,  per  quinque,  pauca,  nomenta,  cito.  citissinie,  inquit  pater, 
patientia,  chavissima,  inquit  mater.  Amici  introeunt,  et  ad  foeura 
silentes  adsistant.  Sponsus  venit.  Currit  vestitus  adhibere,  dis- 
suadet  mater,  factum  est.  Spousa  sedans,  sponsus  adstants,  manus 
adjungens.  Consentiunt,  nee  precibus,  nee  adhortationibus.  Sacra- 
mentum  solum,  parturit. 

[232]  [Oct.]  2o.  Solis.  Notes.  Lydia  IJeadle,  legrotam,  et  ad 
mortem,  et  pro  tilio  absente  mari.  Pauci  ad  ecclesias  propter  plu- 
viam,  ventum  et  nivem. 

24.  Iri  ad  domum  Assembly  vocatum,  cum  familia  Waters,  Viro, 
fsemina  et  tribus  filiabus,  ut  viderem  figuras  in  cera  exhibitas,  quos 
hoc  anno  vidi  apud  Bostonienses.  General  W.  inter  personas  alle- 
goricas  primum  locum  tenet.  Gub.  H.  sedet  ad  dextram,  introitu 
Franklin,  figuram  optimam  inter  omnes.  Plurimae  formse  foemininse 
quae  indicant  personas  diversis  in  locis  formosas.  Multi  aderaut, 
et  approbabant  propter  verias  res,  non  pauci  propter  viventes. 

25.  Vir,  qui  dirigit  omnia  dans  la  maison  de  la  Charity,  milii 
dixit  hesternadie,  se  optavisse  me  et  alios  predicaturos  apud  domum 
Charitatis.  Dixit  suum  prpedicatorem,  illo  rogante,  fuisse.  Propo- 
suit  vesperam  Martis,  seu  Veneris.  Respondi,  me  ad  omne  opus 
Religionis  paratum  esse,  sed  mihi  oportere  seniores  meos  antepon- 
ere,  et  rogavi  illimi  quaerere  ab  illis,  quae  sunt  facturae.  Ille  rem 
non  necessariam  judicavit,  et  attulit,  juniorem  simm  incipere,  et 
mihi  proximo  ordine,  et  loco  attinere.  Tum  dixi,  me  [233]  Ves- 
peri,  seu  nocte  propter  religiones  populos  collectos  not  exoptare,  et 
desiderare  seu  die  dominico,  seu  tempore  ante  solis  occasum.  Res- 
poudit,  plurimos  e  domo  exire  die  Solis  ad  Ecclesias  Oppidi,  tunc 
temporis  non  esse  necessarium,  seu  opportunum.  Diebus  laboris 
illos  ab  operibus  detenturos.  Paucos  admissuros,  et  omnia  pace 
factura  esse.  Dixi,  si  ad  ecclesias  prodire  possint,  instructiones 
habent  optissimas,  et  nihil  ultra  necesse  est.  Tamen  dixi  me  pre- 
sentem  futurum  vesperi  Veneris.  In  animo  habui  per  noctem,  et 
mane,  scripsi,  me  dubitare  omnino  de  ratione  concionandi  in  aliquo 
loco  post  solis  occasum,  et  oraro  ilium  ne  tempus  eligeret,  dum  ego 
consulere  possim  Curatores  Charitatis  et  permissione,  aut  regulis 
procedere  suis.  Verbis  respondit,  venturum  ilium,  et  mecum  de  his 
rebus  coUecuturum.  Ad  me  venit  hodie  Rev.  Murray,  ex  jS^ewbury 
Port,  et  mecum  prandiit.  Ambo  ad  videnda  cerea  ivimus,  et  post 
prandium  ad  Bostonienses  progressus  est.  Cum  illo  erant  Filius 
suus  senior,  et  Candidatus  mere.  Rev*^  M.  salute  recuperata,  et 
recuperavit  amorem,  et  voluptatem  amicorem.  II  est  re  tres  agreable. 
Post  prandium  cum  Francois  equo  vecti  sumus  ad  Danvers.  Poir 
voir  le  militare  de  cette  ville,  sur  la  plane  de  Putnam,  quatre  milles 


318  DIARY   OF  [1791 

de  la  Salem.     La   nombre  petite,  mais  avec  artillerie,  et  dans  la 
bonne  ordre. 

[234]  26.  Mane  Ibam  rus  cum  filia  sola  N.  Richardson  annis 
duodecim,  ad  solium  videndum,  ab  illo  possessum  et  ab  D.  Putnam 
cultivatum,  positum  est  partim  apud  Dan  vers  partem  apud  Middle - 
ton  prope  viam  per  ecclesiam  ulteriorem  Danvers,  et  ultra  mille,  et 
quin centos  passus.  Preterimus  ultra  domum  nitidum  Pastoris 
VYad[s]Avortli,  quindenos  passus,  et  ad  dextram  procedimus,  ultra, 
dvim  collem  conscendimus  ad  dextram  habemus  supra  collem,  per 
terras  inclusas,  ad  pedem  relinquimus  semitan  inclusam  ad  dextram, 
et  progredimus  ad  sinistram,  et  Domum  attingimus.  Omnes  absen- 
tes  esse,  dictum  est,  et  dum  foenum  equo  paratur  per  terram  Rich- 
ardsoni  perambulor.  Ab  Domo  preteriham  ad  septentri[o]nem  ad 
collem  surgentem  ad  elevationem  super  terras  adjacentes  parvam, 
Pauci  arbores  principue  Querci  adstant.  Colles  circumjacentes, 
supereminent,  et  ad  septentrionem,  et  occidentem  occludunt  sylvis. 
Ex  hac  parte  fluere  aquae  fluminis  Ipswich  plurima  celeritate,  pro- 
I'unditate  trium  pedum,  et  cursu  decem  pedum  lato.  Aquae  purissimae 
valle,  qua  visus  terminat,  minus  dum  per  prata  transeunt.  Sub 
oculis  flumen  est  quincentes  passus,  dum  appropinquamus  ad  Domum 
Agricolarum  :  cursus  ad  occidentem  vergit,  et  inter  Domum  et  flu- 
men  prata  visa  sunt.  Supra  spatium  hoc,  et  ab  rivo.  ad  Domum,  in- 
veniuntur,  pomaria,  et  sylvae  cum  pascuis.  Terrae  bonae  sunt. 
[235]  Reditu  tenemus  semitam  sinistram,  quam  preterimus  aditu, 
et  cito  advenimus  ad  domum  Parentum  Uxoris  Richardson,  Negli- 
gimus  Domum  alteram  super  terras  Richardsonas,  quae  ad  nullum 
usum  apposita  est,  et  pene  in  minis,  prope  illam  ad  quam  iteramus. 
Hac  in  semita  Arbores  incisae,  ceciderant,  etmultumnos  impediunt. 
Procedimus  per  terras  inclusas  sextentos  passuum,  et  introamus  Viam 
apertam,  set  adsistimus  ad  Diaconum  Putnam,  ubi  fueram  hesterno 
die,  Prandimus  plenis  poculis,  et  mensa  coronata  multis  ferculis. 
Filia  nos  recepit  hospitaliter,  et  ad  theam  rediraus  ad  Rev*^  Wads- 
worth,  et  cum  sua  familia  amabili  per  vesperam  manemus,  et  hora 
nona  domicilia  nostra  oppido  attingimus. 

27.  Ex  Gazetta  apparet,  navem  ex  hac  republica  apprehensam 
in  servitutem  Afros  redigentem,  esse  subjectam  mulctae  Lege  con- 
constitutae,  apud  Comitem  Bristol.  Hac  vesperi  cum  familia  vidi 
exhibitionem  ceream  in  hoc  oppidio. 

[236]  28.  Patres  Oppidi  publice  declarant  illos  in  auimos  habere, 
aedificia  omnia,  quae  sunt  receptacula  pauperibus  et  non  reparari 
possunt,  demolire.  Ne  fures,  mali,  &c.,  in  illis  habitarent.  Multum 
ad  bonum  tendit.  Pauperes  accipiunt  in  aedem  Cliaritatis.  Thayer, 
ad  ecclesiam  Romanam  ex  Protestantibus  conversus,  mandata  ex 
Episcopo  Carrol  accepit,  ad  labores  in  Etata  Meridienaux.  Nos 
dimittimus,  spe  ilium  nunquam  redire,  nisi  animo  mitiori,  et  dig- 
niori. 

29.     Naves  hodie  in  portum  veniunt  ab  India  occidentali.    Disci- 


1791]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  319 

mus  ab  illis  multa  sunt  timenda  ab  afris  incensis,  qui  toti  insulae 
Hispaniolae  incendia  et  fata  crudelia  minitantur.  Nee  ab  illis 
aceepinius  rorum  statuni  circumstantialiter  recitatum.  Multum  apud 
Bostonienses  agitatus  Res  de  Theatre  aedificando  in  suo  oppido. 
Tempore  preterito  eadem  res  quesita,  a  populis  recusata  est.  Iterum 
contenditur  apud  populos,  per  dies  duos  et  tandem  conceditur, 
eligere  cives  quosdaui  auctoritate  oppidi  quaerere  ex  auctoritate  rei 
publicae  Legem  Theatris  prohibentem  revocare.  Ex  parte  antithea- 
trica  primus  est  vice  gubernator  Adams,  qui  nusquam  ex  severitate 
Legura  sumptuarium  diseedat.  Apud  nos  Tontine,  sen  Pecunia  ex 
tempore  vitae  [237]  accepta,  et  ad  mortem  ad  consoeiatos  attinentia, 
habet  auimos  civium  divitioram.  Apud  Bostonienses  100,000  partes 
ab  16  ad  3.  Hispanas,  secundum  tempus  vitae,  subscriptae  sunt,  et 
divisio  post  GO  annos  facture  sit.  Apud  Salem,  10,000  partes,  et 
divisio  post  21  annos  approbatur.  Subscriptio  nunc  temporis  est 
ample.  Divisiones  ad  200  partes,  et  ultima  nocte  cives  sunt  electi, 
parrare  opus,  et  consulere  de  dispositione  pecuniae  ad  hoc  inceptum 
accipiendae. 

[Oct.]  30.  Solis.  Preces,  Lydia  Maley  propter  mortem  Matris 
Mariti  defuncti  et  pro  fratre  et  amicis  absentibus. 

31.  Hori  vesperi  e  vita  discessit  M.  John  Symonds  natus  in 
Salem,  in  agris  ad  septentrionem  jacentibus  anno  1692,  mense  Mali. 
In  bellis  Reginae  Anne  bis  in  captivitatem  vectus  est  inter  aborigi- 
nales,  captus  dum  pisceret  prope  Acadiam.  Cum  familiasua  domum 
habuit  prope  locum  transvectionis  ad  Beverly  ab  Salem,  et  paucum 
agrum  eoluit,  reliquo  tempore  laborans  ad  serram  principue.  Post 
80  annos  nimis  intirmus  ad  labores  severiores,  tamen  vim  relictam 
ad  mitiora  applicabit,  et  per  totam  vitam  potitus  est  animo  content©, 
et  ad  alios  benigno.  Insensim  facultates  suas  perdidit,  et  ad  mortem 
domum  quiete  attinxit. 

[238]  November  1.  Martis.  Dans  la  Societe  marine  de  la  Villa 
de  Salem  en  Assemble  annuelle  Jeudi  derniere  de  Octobre  Les 
Officiers  suivantes  etes  ^lus.  General  Fiske.  Maitre.  Capitaine 
West,  Sous  Maitre.  Capitaine  Gardiner,  Tresorier.  Capitaine 
Mason,  Secretaire.  Sept  membres  sont  61us  pour  faciliter  I'assist- 
ance,  a  tons  les  navires  sur  les  c6t(^s,  comme  un  Commits. 

2.  Dum  ad  sepulturam  senecis  S.  centum  annorum  adfui  et 
processum  funebrem  ordine  ponimus.  Col.  P.*  locum  tenet  proximum 
faeminis,  sans  ceremonie,  contra  regulam  hoc  in  oppido  obtinentem. 
Nee  colloeutus,  nee  [bersus?]  erga  Clerum,  ut  solet.  Misi  ante  me 
duos  Yiros  amantissimos,  majoris  honoris,  qui  locum  tenent  ante 
ilium,  et  dum  intramus  in  planum  commune  prope  oppidum,  exhor- 
tante  amico,  reliqui,  et  ad  aedem  amici  procedo.  Ille  Vir,  patriam 
relinquebat,  dum  bellum  gerebat  contra  anglos.  Redibat  favore,  et 
indulgentia.     Filius   est   Viri    huic    oppido   carissimi.     In   se  nee 

•Pickman. 


320  DIARY   OF  [1791 

habet  intelligentiam,  nee  mansuetudinem.  Ad  meos  amicos  attinet 
hanc  publicam  injuriam  observare,  dum  recusi  ilium  accipere  intra 
parietes  meos  in  tempore  futuro. 

[239]  3.  Nivis  Tempestas  per  totum  diem.  Plurimae  opiniones 
de  eventu  Diei  postremi  praeteriti. 

4.  Hodie  Hispani  parant  discedere  ad  Gades.  Nix,  inflata  vetis, 
super  terram  in  acervis  quinque  pedes  altis,  decumbit.  Venit  cito, 
et  plurimum.  Capt.  Sleuman,  qui  adfuit  apud  Liverpool  in  Anglia, 
dum  furor  populi  apud  Birmingham  contra  Priestley  ageret,  dixit 
mihi,  iratos,  maledicentes,  clamare,  omnes,  ad  Americam  discedat, 
locum  idoneura,  C.  Murphy  recusat  navigare  rate  Nancy  G.  Fiske 
attinente,  propter  prohibitionem  secum  habendi  uxorem.  General 
dixit,  non  usitatum  essa,  nee  ad  bonum  tendere.  Uxorem  aegrotem 
detinere  ratem,  et  curas  plurimas  inutiliter  oriri.  Exempla  inter 
nationes  Europas  rationibus  diversis  indulsa  fuisse. 

[240]  5.  Presses  Washington  ad  primates  venit,  et  cum  con- 
gratulationibus  usitatis.  Avec  les  Hollandois  amprunte  de  I'argent 
pour  les  ^tats.  [aSTov.]  6.  Solis.  Preces.  Johannis  Symonds  et 
Sororis  propter  mortem  sui  patris  centum  annorum.  Gratiae 
Thomae  Keene  propter  partum  uxoris.  Sepultura  tertiae  Filise 
Viduse  Hood,  vicinge.     Omnes  setati  juvenili  mortuae  sunt. 

7.  Hodie  celebratur  declaratio  secundum  Leges  matrimonii  inter 
Johannem  Derby,  et  faeminam  dandi.  Neckar  de  Religione  in  No- 
vanglia  imprimitur. 

8.  Hodie,  Cleri  associati  in  Salem  conventi,  de  rebus  Rev:  Par- 
sons apud  Lynn  faeiunt.  Literis  missis,  quae  ilium  citant,  et  Uteris 
neglectis  quo  ad  responsum  vel  literis  vel  persona,  &  nulla  facta  re, 
nisi  ab  amicis,  una  voce  concordatum  est,  iterum  scribere,  et  ab  illo 
una  mense  requirere,  auditum  rogitare,  seu  ipso  facto  ab  cleris  asso- 
ciatis,  rejiciendum  sit.  Multa  disputatione,  sine  dignitate  et  minima 
resolutione  factum  est. 

[241]  9.  Hodie  bis  adfui  in  Judieatura  Suprema  Hujus  Reipub- 
licae.  Nihil  disputandum  fuit,  quod  questiones  generales  involvit. 
Sedes  Judieis  Supremi  vacat.  Dana  solus  nominatur.  In  dubio 
est,  quis  illi  succedat.  Septimana  pluvialis  est. 

10.  Dieieur  maritum  filiae  D :  Stiles,  Rev.  M.  Holmes  esse  una 
voce  invitatum  ad  Curam  pastoralem  Congregationis  Cantabrigiae, 
post  tot  difficultates,  et  dissentiones.  Dicitur  Dr  Walter,  Ecclesiam 
Episcopalem,  noninatam  Christi,  Cantabrigiae  resignasse,  et  nunc 
esse  sub  D""  Parker  et  adjutore  sue  Gardiner,  qui  alternatim  adsunt. 
In  hoe  oppido.  Die  dominico  preterito,  Rev*^  Clarke,  filium  admodum 
reverendi  Petri  Clarke,  Villae  Salem.  Filius  iste,  quondam  episco- 
paliter  ordinatus  in  his  ecclesiis  offieium  habuit,  nunc  propter  audi- 
tus  defectum,  et  vocem  immodulatam  ab  officiis  clericis  abstinot, 
sed  sua  stipendia  ab  societate  pro  prop  :  evangelium  in  partibus 
transmarinis  aceipit.  Rev^  Harris  Septimana  pretorita  rediit  ab 
Eboracea  Nova  ordinatus  episcopaliter  ad  Ecclesiam  Marmoracien- 


1791]  r.EV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  321 

sera.  Proponitnr  ab  Congregatione  Brattle  Street,  Bostoniensi, 
aliis  Congregationibus,  oblationes,  temporibiis  gratias  publicae 
agendi,  offerre  die  dominica  precedente  diei  nominato  Thanksgiving, 
propter  panpares,  qui  hoc  modo  parautur  frui  charitatibus  die  festo. 
[242]  Huic  rei  mihi  in  animo  sunt  objectiones  quae  sequuntur. 

1.  Eatio  oiferendi  charitates  non  ad  festos  dies,  sed  ad  vitae 
necessitatem  pertinet.  Quae  donantur  ad  festos  dies  sunt  oblata 
privatim  ab  amicis,  et  cognatibus  pauperuni.  Quibus  tales  amici 
desiint,  et  ad  oppida  non  attinent,  Aedibus  publicis  Charitatis  acci- 
piuntur. 

2.  Ilic  matliodus  novus  ad  diminuendas  oharitates  tendit.  Hae 
occasiones  ad  charitates  excitandas  sunt  ordinatae.  Si  dandum  sit, 
antequam  dies  festi  adveniunt,  qiiae  incendunt  ad  beneficientiam 
ante  oculos  non  sunt.  Sed  eodem  tempore  quo  favores  ad  nostros, 
pauci  ad  alienos  offeruntur.  Sed  momento  horae,  quo  publice 
gratias  agimus,  et  fruimur,  eoduni  publice  invitamur  ad  actus  char- 
itatis. Haec  officia  facimus,  domi,  et  Congregatione.  Ambo  facta 
sunt  bene.  Yidiamus  diminutionem  comparatione  rerum  collatarum 
diebus  festis,  et  occasionibus  per  tres  menses.  Singular  Congrega^ 
tio  accepit,  quae  sunt  equalia  omnibus  occasionibus  alteris  collatis. 

3.  Habitus,  et  vestimenta  diei  festi,  sermo,  proces,  elegantia  et 
concursus,  omnia  charitatem  provocant.  Die  precedente,  curae, 
elymosynae  rerum  privatarum  impediunt,  et  congregationes  non 
iutrantiu'  tam  universaliter,  nee  talibus  affectionibus.  Diei  Institu- 
tionem  opponit  omnino. 

[243]  11.  V.  Actio  hodie  contra  Beverley  ab  Medico,  qui  pauper- 
ibus  aliquot  medicinas,  et  consilia  administravit  sine  nutu,  consen- 
suve  Patriun,  seu  Selectmen.  Sub  Judice  lis  est.  Judices  medicum 
culpant,  propter  administrationem  illicitam,  et  propter  pecunias  ab 
illo  quaesitas.  Apud  pares  est.  Figurae  cereae  sunt  apportandae 
ad  Newbury  Port,  et  Portsmouth.  Mr.  Bowen  tanta  premia  in  hoc 
Oppido  non  accepit,  quam  ex  approbatione  Metropolis  expectavit. 
Decim  diebus  amor  vivendi  cessit,  et  mihi  dixit,  decim  diebus  tan- 
tam  pecuniam,  quantam  viginti  acciperet.  Addidit  unam  figuram 
ceream,  nominatam,  Beauts  de  Salem.  Plurimi  has  figuras  videbant, 
sed  non  frequenter.  Ibant  curiositate  inducti,  et  se  ipsos  uno  visu 
satisfaciebant.  Alteri  pauci  saepe  venibant,  fere  cum  pueris,  et 
familiis.  Omnes  impensum  unius  noctis  sustinent,  secundi  culpant. 
Incolae  Oppidi  has  exhibitiones  comparant  ludis  puerilibus,  et  ex 
oppido  virum  has  apportantem  flagellis  expellere  multi  optant. 
Prima  nocte  multi  intrates  omnis  conditiones,  et  apparatu  optimo 
suo,  voluptatem  dant  ex  societate  sperantrum,  et  gaudentimn. 
Proxima  nocte,  omnes  intrant,  quam  ad  venditionem  publicam. 
Laudant,  condemnunt,  recusant,  clamitant.  Cito  visus  nil  novi 
habet.  Pauci  ambulant  silentio,  et  foris  exeunt.  Nos  caerea  opera 
vidimus. 


322  DIARY   OF  [1791 

[244]  12.  Nomina  Personarum  in  caereis,  ordine,  Rex  anglo, 
rum.  Franklin,  Bp.  Prevost,  Dr.  Rogers,  Sachem,  Mad.  Platt- 
quatuor  figurae  allegoricae  cum  Pres.  Washington.  Beauts  de  Phil- 
adelphie,  de  Rhode  isle,  de  Bostone,  &  de  Saleme.  Gov.  Hancock, 
Sec.  Hamilton,  Par.  Trenck,  Hermit.  Darby  et  Joan.  Nauta.  et  Miles 
et  Juvenis  imprudens  dans  la  galerie.  Madamoiselle  Pemberton,  La 
Beauts  dormi.  Praeter  cum  Nun.  Mad.  Washington.  Puella  Af- 
ricana.  Parva  Revd  Livingston.  Hodie  actio  Manning  contra 
Diman  ad  Judices  allata  est.  Parsons  pro  Diman  statutam  1783, 
de  rebus  ecclesiasticis  in  parte  oriente  Salem,  et  statutam  explana- 
toriam  1789.  Sullivan  et  Bradbury  pro  Manning,  disputantur  de 
dissolutione  Incorporationis,  et  de  modo  obtinendi  quae  sunt  debita. 
Subito  finitum  est.     Incorporatio  debet  264£. 

[Nov.]  13.  Solis.  Preces  ab  Vidua  Mary  Andrew  pr.  mortem 
uxoris  Fratris  Jonathan.  Gratiae  Stephen  Cloutman,  pr.  natum 
filiae  et  preces  pr.  Fratrem  mari.  Mecum  habui,  predicare  et  docere, 
M.  J.  Mansfield,  quondam  pastorem  in  Exeter,  N.  H.  per  quindecim 
annos  apud  eos  habitavit,  et  anno  preterito,  dismissionem  accepit, 
per  concilium  ecclesiasticum.  Nee  mores  ejus  accusant,  nee  doctri- 
nam,  prudentiam  vitae,  franqois  je  ne  scai  quoi  neglexis.  Post  dis- 
missionem ad  publicum  officium  predicandi  ilium  populus  invitavit, 
[245]  per  sex  menses,  tunc  aliquem  preceptorem  Oppidi,  ne  iracun- 
dia  seperaret.  Nunc  habitat  in  Marmoracea  apud  parentes,  et  pre- 
ceptor est  Scholae  Oppidanae,  et  ab  mense  Martis  praedicavit  apud 
societatem  Cape  Ann  vocatam,  veterem,  quondam  sub  cura  Rev. 
Rogers. 

14.  Fama  est,  dura  Bp.  Seabury  esset  Neo.  Hantonia,  ilium 
predicasse  apud  Portsmouth,  et  plurima  dixisse  nee  credita,  nee 
fauta  omnibus,  qui  auctoritatem  et  disciplinam  Ecclesiae  suae  Ang- 
licanae  denegunt.  Inter  alia,  dictum  erat.  Rev.  Macclintock  apud 
Greenland,  Episcopum  Blasphemiae  accussavisse.  Rev.  Ogden 
Clerus  Episcopum  vindicare  conatus  est,  et  modo  culpabili.  Nee 
veritatem  exquirens,  nee  reum  adveniens  publice  contra  Pastorem 
invexit.  Ad  aures  Pastoris  allatum  est,  et  pro  pace,  ad  clerum 
Pastor  scripsit.  Clamor  remanet,  et  literae,  sigillis  f  ractis  apertae 
ad  pastorem  sunt  redditae,  Clerus  recusavit  illas  legere  et  contemp- 
tum  scribentis  declaravit.  Pastor  ad  Fratres  associatos  venit,  et 
res  sub  suo  judieio  confidet.  Remonstrant.  Literae  historia  cum 
insolentiae,  et  calumniae  sunt  impressae.  Omnium  opinio  exacta 
est.  Pastor  vir  reverendus  laudatur,  culpatur  clerus,  propter  stul- 
titiam,  et  vanitatem,  et  propter  irreverentiam  viro  optimo.  Ponitet 
amicos  cleri  arrogantiae,  et  aperte  clerus  condemnatur. 

[246]  15.  William  Mason,  A.  M.,  ex  hoc  Oppido  est  Professor 
Linguae  Anglicanae,  et  Scientiarum,  vocatarum  franqois,  les  belles 
Lettres,  in  Academia  Smithiana  in  Charlestown,  S.  C.  Per  totam 
septimanam  tempus  fuit  placidum,  et  aestati  simile.  Ventus  flat 
per  noctem  e  meridiano,  cum  imbris.    Venduntur  omnia  pretio  vilo. 


1791]  REV.    WILLIAM    BENTLEY  323 

Nulla  nisi  quae  ad  forum  sunt  requisita,  inaj,Mio  pretio  sunt.  Dottle 
Medicus,  mecum  exoptans  arte  medica  uti  in  hoc  op])ido.  Nemo 
vivit  hae  ex  ])arte,  et  mihi  in  animo  est,  illuin  apiul  nos  habitare, 
et  nostros  sollicitare. 

16.  Societas,  quae  nominatur  Historica,  apud  Bostonienses, 
proponunt  octo  paginas  Rerum  ad  Historiam  nostram  pertinentum, 
in  Voluniine  Septiiuauo  impiesso  sub  nomine  ApoUonis,  typis  Bel- 
nap  et  Young.  Numerus  primus  imprimetur  primo  die  Veneris 
mense  Januarii,  1792.     Freeman  &  Winthroj)  sunt  Socii. 

17.  Gratiariun  Actio  publica  in  hac  Republica.  Propositum  est 
ab  aliquo,  ne  aliqiiid  in  publicum  affere,  sed  ex  sua  voluntate  omnem 
suis  manibus  pauperibus  daturum.  Non  acceptum  est,  quia  reso- 
lutio  omni  ])ublico  charitati,  et  pauperibus  sine  cognatibus  exponi- 
tiir.  Collectio  publice  accepta  in  nostra  Congregatione  valet  ad  ]  3£, 
legis  pecuniam. 

[247]  18.  Colloquia  hyemis,  ex  frigore  tam  cite  sequente  tem- 
pus  mite,  inita  sunt.  De  Cleris.  Predicator  Independens  stipen- 
dii  sui  derelicta  quaesitus.  Clerus  anglicanus,  rei  cogitat,  et  nun- 
quam  petit  vivere  modo  meliori  suis  amicis,  et  rogat  diminuere 
stipendia,  promissa  (tamen  non  nunquam  perfecta).  Primus  inter 
pares  confitetur,  se  accepturum  omnia  omni  genere,  quae  in  familia 
sua  usui  forent.  Enthusiasticus  ex  charitati  pendet.  Centies  ab 
divitibus  omnia  accepit,  sed  eget  semper.  Caelebo  nunc  temporis 
magis  habet,  sed  quam  in  dubio  est. 

19.  Res  parantur  qnae  debita  sunt  Pastori  defuncto  solvere,  se- 
cundum Leges,  ab  Judicibus  interpretatos.  Omnes  hoc  tempore 
volunt,  et  scripta  subsignanda  portantus  ab  viris  difflcillimis  ad 
populos. 

[248]  [Nov.]  20.  Solis.  Per  totum  diem  nemo  cecinetPsalmos 
Ecclesiae.  Ausus  sum  plurima  dicere,  ad  populos  exhortandos,  ne 
psalmorum  cantus,  et  symphoniam  negligerant.  Dedi  in  sermone 
Historiam  symphoniae  in  nostris  ecclesiis,  et  juveneshortatus  sum. 

21.  Vidi  Libros  Plummer  Medici  defuncti,  et  in  animo  habur 
emere.  Catalogus  habet  prsetia  vilis,  ima,  unde  Vidua  hortatui 
omnes  uno  tempore  publice  vendere  apud  Bostonienses.  Aliquot 
amici  illam  urgebant,  emere  plura  Volumina,  et  ex  optimis  colligere, 
et  off errere  Collectionem  Auctorum  medicorum  magnam,  et  optimam. 
Dixi,  inter  nos  non  succedunt.  Omes  expectant  paucos  libros  ex 
manibus  privatis.  Terris  antiquis,  et  urbibiis  maximis  undique  libri 
colliguntur.  Vidi  libros  apud  i3ostonienses  venditos,  et  non  in 
meliorem  partem  propter  numerum  illorum. 

22.  Conventus  parochialis  vocatur  per  ^Magistratum  de  rebus 
Pastoris  defuncti  deliberare,  et  debita  sua  solvere.  Exit  ante  id : 
decemb.  Incendium  in  domo  Hosmer  supra  focum  incipiebat,  dum 
familia  in  altera  parte  domi  abesset.  Quadam  ante  focum  pende- 
bant,  propter  infantuem,  et  igni  accensa  flammas  ad  lignum  perveh- 
ebant. 


324  DIARY  OF  [1791 

[249]     23.     In  diem  18,  12  Tons  of  Hops  in  hoc  oppidum  allata 

sunt  ad  exportationera.  Rev.  N.  Harris,  in  matrimonio  habet 
filiam  Rev:  Clarke,  Lexington,  et  Rector  St  Michaelisap.  Marmora- 
ceaenses  constitutus  est  ab  ordinatione  episcopali. 

24.  Societas  marina  quotidie  nomina  addita  habet.  Queritur, 
an  Sermo  ab  Cleris  pararetur,  ad  suas  charitates  promovendas  non 
consentitur.  Propositum  est  a  me,  constituere,  Clerum  ex  Ecclesiis 
ministrum  Societatis,  et  assignare  efficium  adeundi  omnes  nautos 
cujuscumque  nationis,  et  dandi  omnia  adjumenta  rerum  suarum, 
legibus  exponendis,  offerendis  versionibus  suarum  scriptarum,  et  eet. 

25.  Hodie  celebratus  ab  operatoribus,  qui  funes  faciunt,  in  novo 
edificio,  protalibus  operibus  facto,  Czarina  Catharina,  quae  in  favor- 
em  hos  viros  accepit.  Flags,  Pendants,  Jacks,  &c.  ab  navibus 
collecta,  ad  loca  ad  haec  opificia  accomodata,  usa  sunt,  et  caema 
paratura.  Briggs  Methodus  novus,  omnes  ad  opera  continentur,  et 
vesperi  fruuntur  quae  parantur.  [250]  Hodie,  et  nunquam  antea 
adivi  ad  rupes  adjacentes  prope  arenas  erga  Beverley  projectas, 
vocatae  B.  Bar,  Hac  rupes  nominatae  D'ecreisse,  Lobster,  proprie 
Rams  Horn,  jacent  200  pedes  ad  occidentem,  &  ab  illis  arenae  in- 
flectuntur  ad  orientem.  Attitudo  harum  est  decim  pedum  ab  fun- 
do.  Parvae  sunt  positae  ab  albissimis  erga  arenas  dimidium  distan- 
tiae.  Una  alta  super  alias  est  ad  orientem,  sed  plures  ad  occiden- 
tem. Tali  modo  mari  fluit,  ut  reliquet  omnes  siccas,  seu  potius, 
omnes  omnino  reliqueret.  Limus  pedibus  dat  locum,  et  supra  calicas 
submergimus.  Accessus  facillimus  ab  arenis  est  ab  inflectione  in 
lapides  quae  erga  arenas  adjectas  jacent. 

26.  Accepi  a  Portsmouth  libellum  literas  Doctoris  Macclintock, 
et  Ogden,  contiuentem.  Incipit  controversia  ab  visitatione  Sea- 
bury,  Episcopi,  qui  in  Carmine  suo  ad  ordinationem  Cleri  Fowle, 
conatus  est  in  lucem  afferre  disputationes  de  Ordinatione  Episco- 
pali et  Presbyteriana,  et  ausus  etiam  revocarein  dubiumnon  tantum 
ministerium  Congregationale,  sed  etiam  salvationem.  D''  M.  pres- 
ens  ad  concionem,  subsidebat,  et  destultitia  Episcopi  colloquebatur. 
Verba  sua,  irato  Clero  Ogden,  illata  sunt  ab  filia  juvenili,  Episco- 
pum  blasphemare.  Negat  D"".  M.  se  contempsisse  Episcopum 
propter  audaciam  confessus  est.  O.  omni  occurrenti  dicit  verba 
D""  M.  [251]  Omnia  ciu'a  D^.  M.  negare  perseverat,  &  testes  advocat. 
Faemina  dicitur.  Negatur.  Literae  missae  simt  ad  D''  M.  ab  Ogden 
propter  defamationeni  confessionem  requirens,  seu  silentium.  Re- 
spondet  Clerus  cum  asperitate,  et  allegatiouibus  contra  Ecclesias 
Congregationales.  Iterum  scripsit  D''  M.  et  suam  vindicationem 
amplissimam  profert.  Ridet,  contemnit,  alios  ad  contemptum  meri- 
tum  provocat.  Clerus  recusat  literas  legere  sed  frangit  sigilla. 
Literae  hoc  in  modo  sunt  reditae  Doctori.  Ad  amicos  afferuutur, 
imprimantur,  omnes  dicunt.  Doctor  adjecit  Questiones  de  Uteris 
cum  sigillis  fractis,  quae  stultitiam,  ignorantiam,  et  cet.  Pleri  expo- 
nun  t. 


1791]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  325 

[Nov.]  27.  Solis.  Grat:  Johu  Watson,  propter  natum  filii, 
Preces  pro  Th  :  Keene,  exeuiitem  in  mare,  et  filio  super  mare.  Fen- 
estrae  cougregatiouales  Ecclessiae  nostrae  lavabatur  septimana 
preterita,  et  hoc  commodissimum  est.  Hodie  nobiscum  apparuit 
M.  Groce,  qui  prae  est  symphoniae.  Sedes  ad  symphonistas  paratae, 
sunt  acceptae  pleno  choro,  et  haec  pars  tamdiu  neglecta  devotionis 
acceptabiliter  apparet.  Est  nobis  in  animis  per  stipendia  hujus 
Groce  in  nostra  symphouia  retinere.  Plurimum  valebit  ad  benefic- 
ia  associationis. 

[252]  28.  Rupes  prope  arenas  erga  Beverley  projectas  non  con- 
fundereutur  rupibus,  quae  jacent  supra,  et  proprie  sunt  Lobster. 
Rupes  ad  arenas  sunt  Ramshorn.  Subscriptionem  subsignavi  im- 
preniere  Opus  Septimanum  sub  nomine  Apollo,  quod  ab  societate 
historica  nuper  iustituta  editum  fuerit. 

29.  In  Instituta  Associatione  Fratrum  Masonum  conceditur,  per 
noctem  1  1-2  solidum  accepturum.  In  person  addi  Art.  IV,  Sect.  1, 
post  apply,  &c.  Hodie  in  Gazetta  directiones  sunt  publicata  de  Phar- 
os edificata  super  insulam  Tybee,  prope  Georgiam. 

30.  Proposui  esse  proprietor  in  Bibliotheca  Socia,  M.  Puelleno, 
qui  inter  primos  agit  hac  in  re.  Fania  est,  Capt  Loring  prope  Cape 
Ann  in  Oceanum  ex  oris  nostris  redire  coactus  est,  non  in  nave,  sed 
illis  quae  pertinent  ad  navem  navigandam  passus.  Plurimi  respousa 
daut  Scriptis  contra  revolutionem  Gallicani  ab  Burke,  et  dicitur, 
omnia  legi  merentur.  Animorum  avertio  ab  servitute  Afrorum 
quotidie  famam  malorum  de  absentibus  apud  Afros  fert,  attamen 
nemo  audet  legum  auxilium  invocare,  ne  cives  nostri  ad  oras  Afri- 
canas  transeant,  in  servitutem  Afros  redigere.  Nos  ad  Hyemem 
appropinquamus,  dum  labor,  et  voluptas  aperto  caslo  prosequuntur. 

[253]  Dec.  1.  Ex  Boston  audimus  de  morte  E.  Robinson,  Arti- 
ficis  navalis  qui  saepissime  laboravit  hoc  in  Oppido,  praecipue  in 
ornamentis  navalibus.  Ad  opera  sua  sedens  ad  puppim  navis  ab 
alia  nave  pretereunte  instanter  mortuus,  ab  subita  compressione. 
Fidelis  fuit,  et  benevolus. 

2.  Nil  de  Tontine  audimus.  Nee  Juris  consultus,  nee  Clerus,  nee 
Medicus  ex  incolis  Oppidi  invenitur.  Queerimus  unde  venit.  Divites 
sine  Uteris  de  genio,  scientia,  et  artibus  nisi  cum  labore  contemnunt. 
Pauci  diplomatici,  ex  scientia,  ad  officia  mercatoris,  seu  nautae  rere 
applicaverunt.  Dicitur,  minime  diplomatica  ad  negotia  conducent. 
Scribere  et  adnumerare  conantur,  dum  legere  docentur  ab  viris,  vita 
abductis,  arcta  superstitione  redactis.  De  his  rebus  colloquia  multa. 

[Dec]  4.  Solis.  Textus  concionis  ab  merito  Uxoris  defunctae, 
Jon*  Archer  jun""  cum  liberis  propter  Uxorem  defunctum.  Vidua 
H.  Browne  propter  mortem  sororis  Archer  et  prec.  pro  filiis  absenti- 
bus mari.  Andrew  Ward  cum  iilio,  et  sororis,  propter  mortem  frar 
tris,  qui  mortuus  insulis  Am.  et  pro  patre,  absenti  mari. 

[254]  5.  Fsemina  quae  in  matrimonium  inducta  est  viro  IVIc- 
Daniel,  timeat,  ne  batismo  nominatus  Mary,  in  injuriam  deferetur 


326  DIARY  OP  [1791 

illam  matrimonium  nomen  Polly  accepisse.  Dixi  nihil  ad  hanc  rem, 
&c.  Francus,  mihi  allatus,  ab  M.  Mario,  nomine  Grammond,  alias, 
&e.post  colloquium  horarum  paucarura  a  me  discessit,  et  vesperi  mihi 
literas  indixit,  declarans  se  de  me  omnia  expectasse,  &c.  Domi  iste 
genealogiam  honorabilam  factitabat,  et  de  se  et  suis  mira  dixit.  In 
suis  Uteris  totam  orthographiam  neglexit,  et  omnia,  quae  inter 
homines  literatum  communium  observantur.  Hoc  notatus  in  usum, 
ne  crede  colori. 

6.  Permissionem  dedi  C.  Byrne  alium  Creolum  in  M.  Domum 
nostrum  inducendum.  Mandata  sequentia  sunt  obedienda  :  primo, 
se  habere  benigne  erga  omnes,  et  domum  redire  ante  noctem,  secun- 
do,  nee  intrare  in  bibliothecam  ante  tertiam  horara,  nee  illic  manere 
post  horam  decimam,  tertio,  diebus  solis,  nee  ab  cultu  divino  abesse, 
nee  feris  ambulare  ullo  modo.  Presens  fui  inter  Masonas,  et  ves- 
titum  ab  Hodges  accepi.  Dans  la  Gazette  de  cette  Ville,  dit  elle, 
la  gouvernement  de  Halifax,  a  advertise  pour  une  mille  tonnage  de 
batiment,  pour  porter  les  Africains  a  la  Guinee. 

[255]  7.  Decessit  e  vita,  Eliza  Bowditch,  fsemine  qui,  19 
Oct.  ab  ostio  sororis  decidebat  in  lapidem.  Egregium  patien- 
tise  exemplura  exhibuit,  et  per  acutissimas  dolores,  sese  ad 
fata  resignavit  et  morte  acquievit.  Voluntas  est  multorum,  anato- 
mice  exquirere  injuriam,  an  consensus  amicorum  obtineri  possit? 
nescio  hoc  tempore.  Incolae  hujus  Oppidi  divisionis,  nominatae,  the 
Parish,  convenere,  et  ad  officia  elexere  tres  viros,  comitatus  et  tres, 
evaluationis  et  capitationis.  Potestates  ad  libitum  sunt  datie  prior- 
ibus,  unde  pauca  presagia  pacis.  Primo.  Manning,  Richardson, 
White.     Secundo.  Ward,  Archer,  Hodges. 

8.  Adfui  dum  medici  Holyoke  &  Paine  anatomice  exquirebant 
injuriam  seconomiae  animali  Puellse  defunctse.  Hepar  inventum  est 
sanum.  Et  per  totum  corpus,  nulla  injuria  apparuit,  nisi  in  reneni 
rectum.  Capsulare  membranum  hujus  renis  ad  pleuram  adhesit, 
impletum  fuit  ab  nigro,  et  putrido  liquore  et  ab  illo  pars  demissa 
renis  dissoluta  fuit.  Conjecturam  in  animo  habuit,  illam  currentem 
omni  vi,  contusione  arteriam  rupisse,  cum  fuit  primo  plurima  san- 
guis arteriosa,  dimissa. 

[256]  9.  Reduit  ad  Newbury  Port,  Milton,  Calvinistis,  qui 
nuper,  dum  Murray  segrotaret,  apud  Presbyterianos  fuit  minister, 
ad  se  plurimos  attraxit,  et  opinio  est,  divisionem  orituram.  Secum 
adduxit  Uxor  sua  ad  ilium  Oppidum.  Sepultura  B.  Bowditch, 
responsa  dedi  Clero.  Noote  ventus.  Die  tempus  serenum,  frigus 
moderate. 

10.  Beau  temps.  Apud  G.  Eiske  cum  meis  duobus  Creolis. 
Nemo  consentit  in  navem  accipere  M.  Grammond,  qui  nunc  apparet 
esse  sine  nummis,  et  sine  spe. 

[Dec]  11.  Solis.  Preces  propter  mortem  filise  amantissimse  ab 
patre  et  filiis  suis.  Gratias  propter  parturitionem  Uxoris  F.  Wil- 
liams, illo  in  mare  nunc  temporis.    Cum   Clerus  Ecclesise  anglican 


1791]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  327 

preces  legeret  die  sepultura:^,  nihil  excogitavi  de  aniicis  defunctse 
filia?,  et  taiiien  apud  nos  hodie  adfuerunt.  Concio  nihil  ad  hanc 
rem  attinuit,  et  multum  vexationis  niihi  oftidit,  et  aniicis  maeroris. 
Tuni  in  animo  habui,  intermissione  scribere,  et  paravi  concionem 
funebrem,  brevem  vero,  sed  de  defuncta  lilia  tractantein  oninino. 
Ad  has  cruras  adductus  sum,  propter  amantissimam  defunctam 
faeminam,  qnae  meritus  est  eulogio,  et  ilia  neglecta,  nunquam  ausus 
sim  alteram  laudare. 

[257]  13.  Hodie  versatus  sum  cum  Groce,  de  Psalmis  cantandis 
in  Ecclesia,  Proponitur  ilium  pretium  operis  rogitandum.  Negat, 
et  se  ipsum  multis  modis  excusat.  Dixit,  incertum  fuit,  an  place- 
ret,  vel  iis,  qui  suum  cantarent,  vel  congregationi.  Tandem  con- 
sentit  proponere  demidollar  per  diem  Solis.  Ex  animo  consensum 
dedi,  et  promissi  stipendia  ad  30  Dollaria  estiniandas,  et  sedere 
uxori  me  daturum  infra  in  aliquam  stellam.  Postquem  anxius  sum 
ne  ego  culparetur  propter  impulsum  anirai  potius  addere,  quam 
detrahere  stipendiis,  cognitus  genium  paucorum,  qui  omni  re  occa- 
sionem  petunt  ad  dissensiones.  In  dubio  sum,  an  redirem,  et  illi 
dicerem,  populum  daturum  26  Dollaris,  nie,  alia  sen  an  silentium 
exigirem.  Aliqui  presentes  tunc  ad  scientium  s\mt  injungendi.  Ex 
omnibus,  resolutio  venit,  ne  precipitanter  alia  facerem,  et  locum 
potius  beneficentise  relinquerem. 

[258]  14.  Audimur  ab  literis  G.  Hodges,  Grant,  Juvenem,  sub- 
magistrum  Navis  ad  Africam  navigantis,  mortuum  esse.  Mag: 
Sinclairo.  Timemus  ne  navis  sub  n(miine  mercatoris  Gray  perlisse 
sinu  Biscay.  Ab  est  navis  ad  Page  pertinens,  Mag  :  Martino.  Ab  est 
navis  sub  nomine  M.  Kichardson,  ambo  ab  Insulis  Indies  occiden- 
tal is.  Loring.  Navi  ad  Derbos  pertinenti,  approxicnavit  portum  et 
hunc  temporis  ab  est,  sed  fata  sua  non  timemus. 

15,  Dum  D''  Whitaker  apud  nos  fuit,  in  animo  suo  habuit  mihi 
retribuere  propter  risum  de  concione  Meroz,  quam  audivi  ab  illo. 
Iterum  risum  teneamus.  Beau  temps.  Hyems  appropinquat  cum 
favore. 

16.  De  libro  H.  Adams  de  omnibus  opinionibus  inter  Homines, 
cogito  totum  opus  posse  in  Methoduni  feliciorem  reduci,  inquirendis 
doctrinis,  quae  fundamentalia  dicuntur,  et  ex  quibus,  ut  fontibus, 
opiniones  fluunt.  Haec  sunt  pauca,  omnibus  hominibus,  et  fortasse 
principium  solum  plurimis.     Ut 

Calvinisti,  decretum  ex  parto  ante. 

Arminio  ex  parto  post. 

Sociniano  revelatio  per  hominem. 

Ariano  per  preexistentem. 

Semiariano  per  similem  Deo. 

Athanasio  per  verum  Deum,  &c. 

[259]  Inde  variae  inferiores  opiniones  sunt  deductae.  Methodus 
est  simplex,  et  hinc  apparabit  tot  homines,  tot  opiniones  et  denomi- 
natic  non  est  hominura  uUius  nominis,  sed  opinionis,  quae  plurime 


328  DIARY  OF  [1791 

valet  inter  Christianos,  et  quae  inde  nomen  particulare  obtinuit,  seu 
nomen  defensoris  retinet. 

17.  Hodie  exaudimus  milites  nuper  sub  armis  Stat,  foed  :  fuisse 
repulsos  aboriginalibus,  et  per  omnes  excises.  Plurimos  Juvenes 
ex  hac  republica,  farniliarum  nostrarum  desideratissimos,  occisos, 
et  terrore  maxima  omnes  agros  agricolarum  desertos.  Opinio  fre- 
qiientissima  est,  nos  provocasse  natives  Indios,  et  remotis  pace,  et 
terris  ab  illis,  nos  metipsos  bello  sanguineo,  et  longo,  paravisse. 

[Dec]  18.  Solis.  Richard  Manning,  jun"".  gratias  propter  fojm. 
puerperam.  Nath.  Silsbee,  preces,  ex  morte  patris.  Hie  est  primus 
dies  solis,  quo  Groce  ad  syraplioniam  stipendio  venit,  pretium  labo- 
ris  est  3*/  per  diem  et  per  annum  30d.  sunt  illi  habenda.  Culpan- 
dus  sum,  proper  contractum  tarn  festinanter  factum,  quia  timendum 
est,  an  non  injuriam  ferrem  contractui,  ad  Juvenes  docendos  in 
symphoniam.     Dies  pluvialis. 

[260]  19.  Capt  Byrne  ex  navibus  White  dismissus  est.  Tribulse. 
Buttons  manufactae  in  Connecticut,  nunc  Congressius  submissae, 
dicuntur  esse  ad  honorem  industrse.  Manufacturise  Statuum  foeder- 
atorum  multiplicant.  Literse  inter  Am  :  et  Franciam  missae,  pro- 
mittimt  novam  Commerciae  Treaty,  in  honorem  novse  Constitutionis, 
&c. 

20.  In  Gazetta  impressse  sunt  S*  Clari  Literse,  de  rebus  railitari- 
bus  terrse  interioris.  Est  nobis  timenda  cladem  maximam  nostro- 
rum  militum  ex  aboriginalibus  esse.  Fama  est  Gen  :  Lincoln  man- 
data  accepit,  ad  Philadelphiam  veuiret  citissime,  de  rebus  Indianis 
ad  consilium  illic  habendum. 

21.  Fama  est  Civitatem  Port  au  Prince  in  Hispaniola  fuisse  in- 
censam  ab  Servis  africanis,  efc  cives  cum  fseminiset  filliolis  ad  naves 
fugisse.  Nomen  meum  subscripsi,  accipere  Librum  cui  Titulus  est, 
Annual  Register,  ab  Brenn  in  Philadelphia  impressum.  impensis 
duorum  Doll  : 

22.  Hac  Septimuna,  Joh:  Derby  in  possessionem  venit  Domus 
lateralis,  quo  parentes  sui,  et  Frater  West,  habitabant,  non  desid- 
erio  aut  voluntate,  sed  ex  voluntate  parentum,  Edificia  millo  in  loco 
habentium. 

[261]  23.  Tempusquo  Sol  benigne  lucet,  etHyems  fugit.  Ibam 
ad  Juniper,  et  lavabam  pedes  meos,  aquis  prope  litorem,  nil  timens, 
nil  patiens.  D"^  Brown  ab  Halifax  est  apud  Bostonienses,  et  dic- 
itur  ilium  predicasse  magna  fama.  Hoc  exaudio  ab  Bernard,  et  ru- 
more. 

24.  Veni,  et  vidi  iEdificium  novum,  pour  distiller  les  eaux  for- 
tes, ad  Joshuam  Ward  attinens,  ad  locum  nominatum.  Ward's 
Wharf,  infra  la  rue  Washington,  prope  la  riviere.  Dans  I'Attelisr 
de  Pierce,  forgeron,  Je  vidi  opus  paratum  de  la  Cuivre,  et  vasee 
continentes  1070  Gallons,  factas  de  bois. 

[Dec]  25.  Solis.  Preces  propter  mortem  Fratris,  ab  Hannah 
Peele    et   pro   marito   absenti     mari.      Dies     vocatus    Christmas. 


1791]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  829 

Phires  in  Ecclesia  anglicana  colliguntur.  Navis  maxima  Derby 
hodie  in  aquas  profundas  Portus  navigat.  Incola^,  nauta?,  et  cives 
auxilium  dant,  parando. 

26,  Tempus  serenum,  et  set  mitis.  Homines  aperto  cselo  ad  la- 
bores  omnes  suas  accedunt.  Portus  nee  aquis  profundis,  nee  locis 
ad  terram  glacie  est  occluses.  Ex  Philadelphia  audimus,  naves  in 
povtu  discedere  non  possunt  propter  glaciem,  Aliter  nobis  est. 
Fama  est,  Gen  Scott  in  terram  interiorem  profectus  est. 

[262]  27.  The  season  has  been  very  remarkable.  We  had  a 
snow  storm  in  the  end  of  October,  &  much  snow  fell,  but  it  soon 
disappeared,  &  we  have  not  had  one  day  since  in  which  a  man  might 
not  comfortably  work  out  of  doors.  This  day  was  particularly 
pleasant.  The  Sun  shone  bright  all  day.  The  Streets  were  filled 
with  visitants  in  the  dress  of  summer,  &  there  was  nothing  to  des- 
ignate winter,  but  the  general  want  of  vegetation.  No  ice  has 
formed  even  in  scales  upon  the  wharves,  &  the  ponds  have  been 
broken  every  day  after  they  have  formed. 

28.  The  weather  continues  tine.  We  had  a  fog  this  morning, 
which  soon  cleared  off.  The  water  ran  in  the  streets.  We  could 
be  comfortable  without  lire,  or  without  any  inconvenience  in  the 
open  air.  The  Sun  was  bright,  &  without  clouds.  The  weather 
remarkable.  In  looking  over  the  papers  of  M''  John  Symonds  who 
died  aged  100  years,  I  find  the  following  history  of  his  G.  Grand- 
father, who  came  to  America.  Henry  Skerry  aet  83,  &  Nath  :  Felton, 
get  69  depose,  that  they  were  neighbours  of  John  Symonds,  Joiner, 
in  Great  Yarmouth,  in  Norfolk  in  England,  about  fifty  years  before, 
it  being  then  1685.  And  that  they  knew  his  Son  James  Symonds 
&  that  John  Symonds  died  at  Salem,  New  England  to  which  he  re- 
moved in  1670,  &  that  he  expected  Lands  would  fall  to  him  in  Nor- 
wich, Norfolk.  [263]  John  Symonds  married  Iluth  Fox  in  Yar- 
mouth. James  Symonds,  Son  of  John  married  1661.  He  had  six 
sons  &  six  daughters.  His  Son  John  was  born  1666.  Henry  Sker- 
ry's will  is  executed  1697.  John  Water's  will,  1706-7.  They  were 
the  neighbours  at  the  ferry.  John,  Son  of  John  Symonds,  was  born 
1692  and  died  1791.  Nathaniel  Silsbee  was  apprentice  to  James, 
&  deposed  that  he  possessed  land  in  North  Field  during  his  appren- 
ticeship, 1707.  The  estate  of  James  Symonds  is  settled  in  1715. 
The  estate  of  John  Symonds  is  settled  in  1738.  The  children  of 
James  Symonds  are  Mary,  1662.  Ruth,  1663.  John,  1666.  Eliz- 
abeth, 1668.  James,  1670,  died  1672.  Elizabeth,  1672-3.  James, 
1674.  Thomas,  1677.  Elizabeth,  1679.  Joseph,  1681-2.  l^enja- 
min,  1684.  Sarah,  1687-8.  Among  the  papers  we  find  many  re- 
lating to  the  Estate  of  Browning,  in  which  John  Symonds,  who  died 
1791  is  called  uncle,  from  which  we  suppose  what  the  relation  must 
be.  We  find  no  papers  which  will  inform  of  the  antient  history,  as 
the  claims  of  James  are  supported  by  depositions  that  he  had  pos- 
session from  his  ancestors. 


330  DIARY   OF  [1791 

[264]  29.  Tlie  uncommon  pleasant  weather  continues.  This 
season  was  introduced  by  early  &  plentiful  rains,  &  has  been  mild 
throughout,  but  in  December,  except  at  very  short  spells,  not  only 
comfortable  but  pleasant.  Ego  hoc  tempore  conatus  sum  parare 
sedes  symphonise  Ecclesiae,  magno  pretio,  et  Maxima  animi  ansore, 
quae  sunt  mutate,  sunt  non  necessaria,  altamen  abmagistro,  et  novo 
quodam  petita.  Xegant  se  futuros  sub  obligatione  ulla  illo  tem- 
pore. Sine  consensu  comitatus  in  privates  res  sui  limites  sunt  ex- 
tensi,  et  nullo  opitulatus  sum.  Difficile  est  uUos  ad  symphoniam 
provocare,  satisfacere  impossibile  est.  Neo  exopto  animum  meum 
in  chartas. 

30.  The  fine  weather  continues.  It  has  not  been  so  cold  through 
the  season  as  once  to  freeze  my  ink  in  the  large  chamber  I  occupy. 
Business  is  not  sensibly  retarded  upon  the  Wharves,  &  in  the  Har- 
bour. We  see  no  mittens  on  the  hands  of  the  workmen,  we  heard 
no  complaints  of  oppressive  poverty,  a  proof  how  much  the  article 
of  wood  adds  to  the  wants  of  the  poor,  who  are  not  provident  in 
summer,  &  who  yet  can  labour  for  the  other  part  of  their  support. 
Wood  on  the  wharves  20*/,  walnut  in  carts  22'/  pr.  cord.  M''* 
riske  &  Hodges  have  put  us  in  good  heart  about  our  curtains  for 
the  singing  seats. 

[265]  31.  Another  very  fine  day.  The  sun  shone  without  inter- 
ruption. The  air  was  pleasant  enough  for  amusement  &  labour,  & 
not  an  air  of  winter,  but  in  the  prevailing  sterility.  We  are  all 
comparing  notes.  Some  have  gathered  dandalions  on  Christmas, 
but  there  was  a  snow  storm  next  day.  This  month  has  been  mod- 
erate throughout.  Some  have  seen  little  frost  throughout  winter,  & 
bad  travelling.  The  travelling  at  present  is  the  most  perfect  imag- 
inable. There  has  been  a  frost  in  the  ground,  &  it  has  remained 
without  any  sensible  increase  or  decrease  through  the  month.  This 
day  not  a  sign  of  ice  was  to  be  seen  on  the  rocks  round  the  neck,  or 
in  any  place  within  the  islands.  Vessels  of  the  smallest  burden  are 
passing  and  repassing  as  in  the  most  pleasant  season.  We  are  told 
they  have  snow  enough  back  50  miles,  &  at  Portsmouth  snow  fell 
last  Sunday,  when  we  had  a  flight  continuing  about  an  hour.  All 
say,  never  the  like  in  some  respect  or  other,  &  we  may  say  it  if  we 
like,  a  great  many  times.  In  my  cursory  review  for  Sunday,  I 
found  62  incorporated  Towns  in  1692,  and  at  40  families  5  in  a 
family,  &  allowing  besides  for  great  towns  I  made  about  24,000  in- 
habitants, which  is  full  large  enough.  The  fishery  began  in  1715, 
of  which  we  have  any  regular  account  from  the  national  records, 
see  Secretary's  reports. 

[266]  Jan.  1, 1792.  Simday.  The  weather  changing  from  that  de- 
lightful season  we  have  had  into  damp,  &  at  length  snow.  This  day 
Buffington  sang  with  us  in  the  new  singing  seats.  They  are  16  by  9 
feet,  &  eight  high  on  the  sides  &  ten  in  back.  Four  plain  pillars 
support  the  curtains  in  front,  &  the  entrance  is  at  the  back,  &  a 


1792]  REV.    "WILLIAM    BENTLEY  331 

passage  through  the  middle,  the  ladies'  seats  on  the  right,  &  the 
men  on  the  loft.  The  singing  was  excellent.  Tlie  seats  were  not 
finished  entirely,  but  the  success  beyond  my  expectations.  Notes. 
Francis  Grant,  death  of  his  only  Son.  Samuel  Waters,  wife's  deliv- 
ery. A  good  maxim  for  the  year,  to  care  less  what  people  say,  & 
more  what  I  do. 

2.  The  Snow  soon  turned  to  rain,  while  it  continued  snowing  in 
the  Country  back  of  us.  The  weather  is  moderate,  raining  a  little 
at  times.  The  Snow  back  of  us  makes  us  begin  seriously  to  think  of 
winter.  The  streets  are  running  with  water,  &  the  earth  barely 
covered  with  the  snow  &  water.  We  are  informing  that  Congress 
are  about  to  provide  a  bounty  upon  the  fishery,  &  if  possible  to  ap- 
portion it  to  the  labours  of  individuals. 

[267]  3.  Rain  continued  till  this  morning,  &  then  the  sun 
broke  out,  &  we  had  most  pleasant  Aveather.  Lodge  night.  Paravi 
legere  pauca  de  institutione  Masonica  sed  cito  inveni,  fratres  me  ex 
hoc  ofiicio  excusaturos.  Fratus  primo,  nihil  dixi,  et  sapientiam  ac- 
cepi  considerando.  I,  iterum  ne  pecces.  Ogden  has  written  an 
answer  to  Macclentock,  refusing  him  all  his  titles,  &  styling  him- 
self, Presbyter,  &c.,  &c. 

4.  The  fine  weather  continued,  no  ice  formed  &  walking  abroad 
has  the  advantage  of  dry  paths,  as  well  as  a  clear  sky.  The  Snow 
is  round  us,  &  we  are  expecting  every  day  that  the  season  will  set 
in.  Xo  interruption  as  yet  to  business.  School  night,  &  school 
opened  for  the  first  time.  No  new  scholars,  offer.  Opus  manibus 
incertis  pronitur,  Novus  quidani  magestro  opitulans  semper  vajus. 
Quondam  senior  amicus  distans,  pro  causa  incognita,  &c.  Things 
wear  a  dark  appearance.  I  examined  the  parish  list  to  see  what 
young  children  could  be  provided,  encouraged,  &  taught.  It  is  my 
opinion  this  subject  has  cost  me  more  time,  money,  &  care  than  any 
other  in  my  ministry.  Perseverando  is  my  motto,  nil  exit  is  the 
explanation. 

[268]  5.  Great  Yarmouth  in  the  county  of  Norfolk  in  England, 
in  the  State  of  England,  for  1769  is  mentioned  as  an  antient  member 
of  the  Cinque  Ports  situated  on  the  Yare,  from  whence  its  name. 
The  Inhabitants  very  rich  from  the  Herring  Fishery,  &  more  strict 
in  the  observance  of  the  Christian  Sabbath  than  any  in  the  King- 
dom. All  scenes  of  gaiety,  such  as  theatrical  exhibitions,  &  gam- 
ing are  under  the  least  encouragement.  From  hence  the  Skerries, 
Symonds,  Feltons,  &c.  who  settled  in  Salem,  &  Skerries  who  settled 
on  the  shore  opposite  Beverly.  Camden  is  of  opinion  that  the  pres- 
ent Yarmouth  was  built  in  King  John's  time,  &  surrounded  with 
walls,  that  after  a  plague,  &  some  unfortunate  circumstances  "Jam 
inde  vero  animus  fractior  fuit,  nee  ita  ab  opibus  firmi  rei  mercato- 
rise,  et  hale  cum  captura?,  qua?  in  hac  ora  tortius  orbis  est  uber- 
rima, quanter  incumbunt,  longinquas  navigationes  suscipiunt,"  &c. 
They  were  then  fishermen,  perhaps  a  pestilence  which  carried  off  in 


332 


DIARY   OF 


[1792 


one  year,  1348,  7050  souls,  occasioned  the  rigour  of  their  manners 
&  the  decline  of  trade  obliged  them  to  longinquas  navigationes  from 
which  we  reap  the  benefit.  D'  Holyoke  furnished  to  me  the  follow- 
ing Table  containing  the  state  of  Fareinheit's  Thermometer  at  2  h. 
P.M.  during  the  pleasant  month  of  December  last,  the  most  remark- 
able in  my  remembrance,  &  said  by  the  old  people  to  resemble  the 
year  1745  in  which  Cape  Breton  was  taken  the  first  time. 


Days. 

Degrees. 

1 

44 

2 

48 

3 

38 

B 

40 

5 

40 

6 

33 

7 

31 

8 

28 

9 

28 

10 

30 

B 

43 

Days. 

Degrees, 

12 

38 

13 

33 

14 

28 

15 

36 

16 

35 

17 



B 

38 

19 

36 

20 

25 

21 

31 

22 

30 

)ay8. 

Degrees. 

23 

24 

24 

25 

25B 

21 

26 

39 

27 

49 

28 

43 

29 

32 

30 

34 

31 

41 

mean. 

34.7. 

[270]  Last  night  snow  &  rain  fell  which  rendered  the  walking 
disagreeable,  the  weather  begins  to  be  severe,  &  we  are  now  in  ex- 
pectation of  winter. 

7.  The  weather  has  become  cold,  the  harbour  is  however  free. 
The  glasses  been  below  0.  This  afternoon  for  the  first  time  I  was 
introduced  to  Judge  Oliver,  who  has  distinguished  himself  by  several 
philosophic  publications,  on  Comets,  Water-Spouts,  &c.  I  was 
much  gratified  by  the  reception.  He  has  been  long  confined  by  the 
gout,  &  other  disorders,  which  with  some  domestic  causes  have 
tended  much  to  lessen  the  vigour  of  his  mind.  I  found  him  chear- 
ful,  communicative,  unreserved,  &  was  enabled  to  spend  several 
hours  with  him  with  great  enjoyment.  He  has  removed  into  the 
house  of  Judge  Lynde,  his  Father  in  Law.  We  were  accompanied 
by  Madam,  &  her  Son  Peter. 

List  for  1792  [of  Members  of  the  Church.] 

Allen,  Edward,  CapS  Mariner,  Derby  Street. 
Andrew,  Abigail,  Maiden,  Daniel's  Lane. 
Andrew,  Mary,  Widow,  Bow  or  Great  Street. 
Archer,  Jon*  sen'',  Barber,  Great  Street,  Ives'  corner. 
Archer,  Jon*  jun"".  Tanner,  Derby's  Lane.* 
Archer,  Jon*  tert..  Barber,  Great  Street. 
Archer,  John,  C,  Mariner,  Common  Street. 
Archer,  Samuel,  Barber,  Great  Street  Common 
Archer,  James,  Shoemaker,  Great  Street. 

•Herbert  Street? 


1792]  KEY.    WILLIAM    BENTLEY  333 

Archer,  Hannah,  Widow,  Common  Street. 
Ashbey,  Thomas,  C,  Mariner,  Great  Street. 

Babbidge,  Susannah,  School  dame,  Great  Street. 

Babbidge,  Christopher,  C,  Mariner,  Great  Street. 

Babbidge,  John,  Boat  Builder,  Daniel's  Lane. 

Bateman,  Michael,  ISlariner,  Turner's  Lane. 

Bates,  Mary,  "Widow,  Great  Street. 

Batooii,  John,  jNlariner,  English's  Lane. 

Becket,  ^lary,  Widow,  Derby  Street. 

Beeket,  John,  Boat  Builder,  Cap',  Becket  Street. 

Becket,  James,  Lieut.,  Mast  Maker,  Derby  Street. 

Beadle,  Lydia,  Widow,  Turner's  Lane. 

Berry,  John  sen',  C,  Mariner,  in  the  Customs,  Daniel's  Lane. 

Berry,  John  jun"",  Mariner,  Great  Street. 

Berry,  Abigail,  INIaiden,  Shop  Keeper,  Daniel's  Lane. 

[272]  Beane,  Ester,  Widow,  Daniel's  Lane. 

Bickford,  John,  C,  Mariner,  Great  Street. 

Brooks,  Samuel,  Merchant. 

Bray,  John,  Shoemaker,  Great  Street. 

Boardman,  Francis,  C,  Mariner,  Common. 

Briggs,  Johnson,  C,  Mariner,  Long  Wharf  lane. 

Browne,  William,  Tanner,  Browne's  Lane. 

Browne,  Benjamin,  Tanner,  Common. 

Browne,  James,  Ensign,  Merchant,  Hardy's  Lane. 

Browne,  Nancy,  Widow,  Great  Street. 

Bowditch,  Mary,  Schooldame,  Long  Wharf  Lane. 

Bowditch,  Habaccuc,  C,  Mariner. 

Burrell,  jNIansfield,  Carpenter,  Great  Street. 

Burns,  Hannah,  Widow,  Long  Wharf  Lane. 

Byrne,  Clifford,  C,  Mariner,  Derby's  Lane. 

Browne,  Joseph,  C,  Mariner,  Great  Street. 

Browne,  Jonathan,  Carpenter,  Neck. 

Burchmore,  John,  C,  Mariner,  Daniel's  Lane. 

Batten,  Mary,  Widow,  Turner's  Lane. 

Burroughs,  Mary,  Widow,  Becket's  Lane. 

Cay  son,  Benjamin,  Mariner,  Derby  Street. 
Chever,  Samuel,  Tanner,  Common. 
Chever,  Benjamin,  Tanner,  Common. 
[273]  Chever,  James,  C,  Mariner,  Great  Street. 
Coombs,  Abigail  tilia,  keeping  house,  Common. 
CroAvninshield,  George,  C,  Mariner,  Derby  Street. 
Crowninshield,  Benjamin,  C,  Mariner,  Great  Street. 
Crowninshield,  Hannah,  Widow,  Great  Street. 
Cloutman,  Hannah,  AVidow,  Great  Street. 
Cloutman,  Benjamin,  Carpenter,  Neck. 


334  DIARY  OF  [1792 

Cloutman,  Stephen,  Caulker,  Hodges  Lane. 
Cloutman,  Daniel,  Labourer,  Daniel's  Lane. 
Collins,  John  sen"",  Fisherman,  Great  Street. 
Collins,  John  jun',  C,  Mariner,  Turner's  Lane. 
Collins,  James,  Shoemaker,  Hodges'  Lane. 
Collins,  Mary,  Widow. 

Chipman,  Thomas,  C,  Mariner,  Great  Street. 
Clarke,  Mary,  Widow,  Browne's  Lane. 
Crispin,  William,  Labourer. 
Crookshanks,  Joseph,  Mariner,  English's  Lane. 
Clearage,  Joseph,  Caulker,  Great  Street. 
Clarke,  Elizabeth,  Widow,  Browne's  Lane. 
Curtis,  Abigail,  Widow,  Daniel's  Lane. 
Cooke,  William,  Trader,  Great  Street. 
Creeley,  James,  Mariner,  Derby  Street. 
Carroll,  James,  Labourer,  Daniel's  Lane. 

[274]  Dean,  Benjamin,  C,  Mariner,  Hardy's  Lane 

Dean,  Thomas,  C,  Mariner,  Derby  Street. 

Dean,  George,  Mariner,  Hardy's  Lane. 

Dean,  Polly,  Maiden. 

Daniels,  Benjamin,  Mariner. 

Dodge,  Joshua,  Tanner,  Derby  Street. 

Dale,  John,  Distiller. 

Diman,  Thomas,  Fisherman,  On  the  Neck. 

Elkins,  Mary,  Widow,  Bow  Street. 

Elkins,  Sarah,  Widow,  Long  Wharf  Lane. 

Elkins,  Henry,  C,  Mariner,  Bow  Street. 

Edwards,  John,  Labourer,  Great  Street. 

English,  Philip,  Sexton,  Bow  Street. 

English,  Andrew,  Labourer. 

Eulin,  Edward,  Mariner. 

Fairfield,  John,  Carpenter,  Becket  Street. 

Fairfield,  Rebecca,  Widow,  Bow  Street. 

Foot,  Samuel,  Mariner. 

Franks,  Joseph,  Labourer,  On  the  Neck. 

French,  Joshua,  Carter. 

Fiske,  Gen'l  John,  Merchant,  Fiske's  Lane. 

Foye,  William,  Ropemaker,  Bow  Street. 

[275]  Gale,  Anne,  Widow,  Derby  Street. 
Gale,  Martha,  Widow,  Bow  Street. 
Gennis,  Peter,  Mariner. 
Greenwood,  Elizabeth,  Shopkeeper. 
•Grant,  Francis,  Fisherman,  At  the  Bridge. 

•Walnut  street. 


1792]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  335 

Gould,  Jonathan,  Labourer. 

Gill,  Priscilla,  Schooldarae. 

Gibaut,  Edward,  C,  Mariner,  Great  Street. 

Gunnison,  John,  Ship  Carpenter. 

Gaines,  Josiah,  Ropeinaker,  Bow  Street. 

Gardiner,  Benjamin,  Ropemaker,  Bow  Street. 

Herrick,  Barnabas,  Carpenter. 

Hodges,  John,  C,  Mariner,  Bow  Street. 

Hodges,  Benjamin,  C,  Mariner,  Bow  Street. 

Hodges,  Gamaliel,  C,  Mariner,  Bow  Street. 

Hodges,  George,  C.,  Mariner,  Brown's  Lane. 

Hodges,  Joseph,  Trader. 

Hosmer,  Joseph,  C,  Mariner,  On  the  Common. 

Hill,  John,  Tobacconist. 

Hiitchinson,  INIary,  Widow,  Turner's  Lane. 

Hutchinson,  Benjamin,  Blacksmith,  Turner's  Lane 

Hawkes,  Benjamin,  Boat  builder,  Derby  Street. 

Hovey,  Amos,  Merchant,  Turner's  Lane. 

Hart,  John,  IMariner. 

Hodgedon,  Mary,  Widow,  Becket's  Lane. 

[275]   Hitchins,  Abijah,  Carpenter,  Becket  Street. 

Harthorne,  Susannah,  Widow,  Bow  Street. 

Ingersoll,  Samuel,  C,  Mariner,  Turnei-'s  Lane. 

Jeffrey,  Walter,  Mariner. 

Jeffrey,  James,  Mariner,  Bow  Street. 

Jo}^  Joseph,  Shoemaker,  Derby  Street. 

Knight,  Sarah,  Schooldame,  Ives'  Lane. 
Knight,  Benjamin,  C,  Mariner,  Turner's  Lane 
King,  William,  Turner. 
King,  Lydia,  Widow,  Hodge's  Lane. 
Kehou,  Samuel,  Mariner. 

[276]     Keen,  Thomas,  Mariner,  Bow  Street 

Knap,  Mary,  Widow,  Becket  Lane. 

Lambert,  ^lary,  Widow. 

Lambert,  Joseph,  C,  Mariner. 

Leach,  Mary,  Widow. 

Lefavre,  Amos ,  Taylor. 

Lazell,  George,  Labourer. 

Lander,  Mary,  Widow. 

Lane,  Nicholas,  Sailmaker. 

Mason,  Jon*  sen"",  C,  Mariner. 


336  DIARY  OF  [1792 

Mason,  Jon*  jun"^,  C,  Mariner. 

[277]  Masury,  Deliverance.  "Widow. 

Masury,  John,  Mariner. 

Masury,  Mercy,  Widow. 

Masury,  James,  Cooper. 

Masury,  Thomas,  Mariner. 

Masury,  Samuel,  Mariner. 

Manning,  Richardson,*  Merchant,  Justice,  C,  Mariner. 

Manning,  Richardson  jun'',*  Blacksmith,  Horse  Letter. 

Millet,  Jona  sen',  C,  Mariner,  Cooper. 

Millet,  Jona  jun"",  Mariner. 

Millet,  William,  Mariner. 

Millet,  Elizabeth,Widow. 

Martin,  David,  Mariner. 

Malcolm,  David,  Mariner. 

Mascoll,  Hannah,  Schooldame. 

Murray,  Elizabeth,  Widow. 

Murry,  Lydia,  Widow. 

Murray,  Peter,  Cooper. 

Murray,  Polly,  Widow. 

Macgregory,  John,  C  ,  Mariner. 

Macgrau,  Elizabeth,  Widow. 

Meservey,  Ann,  Widow. 

[278]  Nourse,  Benjamin,  Labourer. 

Nichols,  Richard,  Mariner. 

Peele,  Robert,  Cooper. 

Peele,  William,  Mariner. 

Philips,  Elizabeth,  Widow. 

Porter,  Abigail,  Widow. 

Parsons,  Thomas,  C,  Mariner. 

Phippen,  Nathaniel,  C,  Mariner. 

Phippen,  Ebenezer,  Carpenter,  Surveyor. 

Phippen,  Joshua,  Cooper,  Culler. 

Patterson,  William,  C,  Mariner. 

Prince,  Henry,  Mariner. 

Palfrey,  William,  Fisherman. 

Presson,  Andrew,  C,  Mariner,  in  the  Customs. 

Richardson,  Nathaniel,  Tanner,  Merchant,  Selectman. 

Richardson,  Robert,  Fisherman. 

Rowell,  Thomas,  Boat  builder. 

Rogers,  Nathaniel,  Schoolmaster. 

Ropes,  Samuel,  Cooper,  Culler,  Weigher,  &  Gauger. 

•Incorrect,  should  be  Richard. 


1792]  BEV.   WILLIAM   BENTLET  837 

Rue,  Thomas,  Labourer, 
Ravell,*  John,  C,  IMariner. 
Rantolph,t  jMary,  Widow. 
Ropes,  George,  C.,  Mariner. 
Ropes,  William,  C,  jVIariner. 
[279]  Sjmonds,  John,  Tanner. 

Sloacum,  Ebenezer,  Mariner. 

Smith,  Rebecca,  Widow,  Shopkeeper. 

Smith,  Robert,  Farmer. 

Silver,  Sarah,  Widow. 

Smith,  George,  C,  Mariner. 

Sleuman,  Andrew,  C,  Mariner. 

Strout,  Joseph,  C,  Mariner. 

Stevens,  Mary,  "Widow. 

Seward,  Susannah,  Widow. 

Stone,  Robert,  Distiller,  Merchant. 

Swasey,  Samuel,  C,  Mariner,  coaster. 

Sage,  William,  Carpenter. 

Sage,  Daniel,  Mariner. 

Silsbee,  Samuel,  sen"".  Carp.  &  Farmer. 

Silsbee,  Samuel  jun',  Carpenter. 

Silsbee,  Sarah,  Widow. 

Stoddard,  Ebenezer,  Shoemaker. 

Shehane,  Daniel,  Mariner. 

Townsend,  Penn,  C,  Mariner. 
Townsend,  Moses,  C,  Mariner. 
Tozzer,  Abia,  Widow. 
Thompson,  Anne,  Widow. 
Thomas,  William,  C,  Mariner. 
[280]  Townsend,  Samuel,  Mariner. 
Twisse,  Jonathan,  Farmer. 

Vincent,  Joseph,  Ropemaker, 
Vincent,  Matthew,  Ropemaker. 
Very,  James,  C,  IMariner. 
Valprey,  Richard  sen..  Fisherman. 
Valprey,  Richard  jun"".  Mariner. 
Valprey,  Mariner. 

Underwood,  Sarah,  Widow. 
Underwood,  John,  Mariner. 

Webb,  Hannah,  Widow,  Shopkeeper. 

♦Rowell? 
tRantool. 


338  DIARY  OP  [1792 

Webb,  Hannah,  Widow. 

Webb,  Benjamin,  tert.,  C,  Mariner. 

Webb,  Oliver,  C,  Mariner. 

Webb,  Stephen,  At  the  Fort,  in  the  Customs. 

Webb,  John,  Shoemaker. 

Wyatt,  William,  Coaster. 

Ward,  Benjamin,  jun"".  Carpenter,  &c. 

Ward,  Mary,  Widow. 

White,  John,  C,  Mariner. 

White,  Joseph,  Merchant. 

White,  Henry,  C,  Mariner. 

White,  Isaac,  Tallow  Chandler. 

[281]  Waters,  Joseph,  C,  Mariner. 

Waters,  Mary,  Widow. 

Waters,  Samuel,  Mariner. 

Webb,  William,  Mariner. 

Watson,  John,  Schoolmaster. 

Welman,  Mercy,  Widow. 

Welman,  Timothy,  sen.,  C,  Manner. 

Welman,  Timothy,  jun"^,  C,  Mariner 

Williams,  Thomas,  Mariner. 

Woodkind,  Samuel,  Caulker,  &c. 

Whittemore,  Retire,  C,  Mariner. 

Whittemore,  James,  Bopemaker. 

Welcome,  Elizabeth,  Widow,  Shopkeeper. 

Whitford,  Mary,  Widow. 

Whittemore,  Mary,  Widow. 

[Jan.]  8.  Sunday.  Very  cold,  especially  in  the  morning.  The 
harbour  yet  free  from  the  ice.  The  congregation  generally  out. 
Notified  publickly  the  intention  to  open  a  new  Singing  school  on 
Wednesday  for  young  persons  from  12  years  &  upwards. 

9.  Went  about  to  induce  parents  to  send  their  young  children 
to  the  Singing  school.  There  was  a  plausible  reception,  which  at 
least  was  flattering.  The  weather  continues  cold.  Glasses  as  low 
as  0.     Was  induoed  to  persevere  in  the  plan  proposed. 

10.  Heard  for  the  first  time  a  small  shock  of  an  earthquake. 
As  I  never  before  was  ever  suspicious  that  I  had  heard  such  a  thing, 
the  unusual  effects  in  the  undulating  motions,  &  distant  sound  led 
me  to  the  conclusion.  I  dared  however  to  say  nothing  on  the  sub- 
ject till  I  heard  it  mentioned  abroad,  &  by  the  persons  lodging  in 
the  same  loft  with  myself.  I  persevered,  &  finished  my  list,  with 
the  same  apparent  success  as  yesterday.  I  hope  that  I  shall  not  be 
disappointed.  The  Affairs  of  the  Negroes  in  Hispaniola  are  less 
threatning,  &  our  accounts  from  the  Indians  lead  us  to  fear  a  sur- 
prise of  our  Army  as  well  as  a  defeat.  The  authority  of  Names  is 
found  to  be  great,  as  there  are  great  hopes  from  the  Apollo  of  the 


1792]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  339 

Historical  Society,  under  every  disappointment.  [283]  Bills  from 
Marblehead  Congregational  Societies,  dead,  131,  christened  183  in 
1791.  Casualties,  deaths  by,  on  land  5,  at  Sea,  8.  Newbury  Port, 
1791,  died  125,  christened  153.     Information  from  Gazette. 

11.  The  cold  continues,  &  we  have  a  new  sight,  while  we  are 
trembling  with  cold  in  all  its  severity,  &  the  harbour  is  frozen 
throughout,  we  are  almost  stifled  with  the  dust  in  the  streets,  which 
prevents  seeing  the  length  of  them  at  any  time.  This  evening  for 
the  first  time  our  new  Singing  School  was  opened.  40  youths  of 
both  sexes  appeared,  &  with  the  addition  of  some  old  scattered  sing- 
ers a  good  prospect  opens.  It  has  been  exceedingly  dark,  &  many 
circumstances  very  discouraging.  Ogden  has  written  an  answer  to 
the  spirited  piece  of  Macclintock,  in  his  usual  stile.  Much  rant, 
bold  invective.  Calling  on  the  dissenting  churches  in  Portsmouth 
to  restore  church  lands,  on  D''  Stiles,  President  of  Yale  College,  to 
disavow  the  partialities  of  their  plan  of  education,  &  on  Cambridge 
also.  Calling  on  the  people  to  guard  their  rights  from  attack  & 
their  churches  from  Arianism  &  censuring  Chauncy  as  the  enemy 
of  Chm"ches,  &c.  &g.  &c.  &c.  &g. 

[284]  12.  Weather  cold  in  the  morning,  but  thickening  &  in 
the  evening  a  fine  snow  falling.  We  had  our  singer's  meeting  at 
Capt  Becket's.  M""  Smith  with  me  from  the  Duuimer  Academy,  and 
he  has  great  success  with  his  french  lads.  He  preaches  in  the  Acad- 
emy every  Sunday  to  his  pupils  &  has  occasional  assistance  from 
his  visiting  clerical  brethren. 

13.  Snow  fell  last  night,  &  rain  in  the  morning  &  considerable 
wind.  Plentiful  rain  at  midday.  Two  vessels  arrived,  from  the 
Vineyard  last.  The  wind  freshened  up,  &  it  began  to  freeze  before 
sundown,  the  sleet  falling.  A  Singing  School  again  this  evening. 
Prospect  yet  good,  tho'  the  weather  very  unfavorable  to  the  meeting 
of  young  people. 

14.  The  weather  clear  &  moderate.  The  harbour  free  from  ice. 
The  traveling  rough.  A  vessel  chartered  by  M""  W.  Gray,  com- 
manded by  Capt  Shillaber,  ashore  upon  Plum  Island.  She  is  from 
Ireland,  by  the  way  of  Eustatia.  Has  on  board  Irish  Linens.  The 
first  day  on  which  sleds  or  slays  have  passed  freely  in  the  streets 
of  the  Town.  A  Sloop  carried  ashore  at  the  Fort  in  the  storm,  but 
without  damage.  Snow  crusted  about  3  inches  deep,  ground  not 
completely  covered.  By  the  Apollo  we  learn  that  the  Pope  has  dis- 
credited the  Freemasons  in  his  dominions. 

[285]  [Jan.]  15.  Sunday.  A  most  delightful  &  pleasant  day. 
The  Sun  clear,  houses  full,  singing  good.     No  notes. 

16.  Very  fine  weather.  Slaying  good.  Market  full.  Harbour 
free.  Thomas  the  Printer,  has  proposals  for  printing  Bacon's  Law 
Abridgement  in  5  folio  Volumes. 

17.  Very  pleasant  weather.  Accepi  hodie  ab  faemina,  mater 
familias,  objurgationes  acerbissimas  proper  neglectum  sibi  oblatum, 


340  DIARY  OF  [1792 

quia  ad  scholam  symphoniae  pueri  sui  non  sunt  invitati.  Cum  ces- 
sarem  esse  precepter,  hoec  mala  fugire  sperabam.  Maritus  ad  est, 
silet,  lacrimse  fluunt.  Dicit  ad  aures  meas.  Uxor  mea  aegrotat, 
plurima  oriuntur  ex  anirao  suo,  et  infirmitati  presenti  sunt  attribu- 
enda,  &c.     Ex  tantis,  et  tammaquis  vixis,  Domine  Deus,  melibera. 

18,  Weather  preparing  for  a  Storm.  After  dinner  I  went  in  a 
slay  with  M''  Rhust  to  Danvers,  &  it  began  to  snow.  The  Questions 
of  a  Theatre,  &  the  Incorporation  of  the  Town  as  well  as  a  New 
Bridge  from  the  Cambridge  Farms  agitate  the  Town  of  Boston. 
Some  points  will  be  carried  in  the  confusion.  It  is  said  the  Clergy 
have  agreed  to  give  their  influence  against  a  Theatre. 

[286]  19.  Last  evening  it  began  to  snow,  &  in  the  night  a  very 
violent  Storm  arose,  which  continued  with  unabating  fury  through 
the  night,  &  was  stifling  in  the  morning.  We  have  alarming  appre- 
hensions for  our  marine  friends.  The  Storm  had  not  sensibly 
abated  at  noon.  The  Snow  has  fallen  in  great  drifts,  is  very  fine, 
&  descends  fast,  as  well  as  with  violence.  I  ventured  round  the 
Society  at  noon,  but  found  few  disposed  to  venture  abroad,  fences  & 
gates  covered.  The  passing  more  tolerable  from  the  drifts  which 
left  spaces  on  the  side  of  the  street.  After  three  the  snow  began 
to  cease  from  falling,  but  the  wind  continued  high  &  shifting.  The 
night  was  cold.  In  the  afternoon  after  the  glin  appeared,  a  man, 
named  Gunnison,  with  two  boys,  apprentices,  went  off  to  a  fishing 
jigger  in  the  ice  with  an  anchor.  They  were  soon  surrounded  by  the 
ice,  &  the  weather  storming  they  were  out  of  sight.  A  Sloop  was 
sent  after  them,  reached  the  Jigger,  but  found  not  the  small  boat, 
&  men.     We  were  much  alarmed,  &  dispaired  of  finding  them. 

20.  Pleasant  morning.  Our  friends  away  in  the  boat  yesterday, 
returned  from  Marblehead.  They  drove  beyond  Nogg's  head,  & 
were  hear[d]  by  the  families  at  the  ferry,  &  relieved  by  forming  a 
bridge  on  the  slosh,  &  were  kindly  entertained  at  Marblehead  b}'- 
M'  Haskell.  Very  pleasant  day.  No  bad  news  yet  from  the  effects 
of  the  storm  in  our  neighbourhood.  No  damage  in  the  harbour. 
The  Snow  lays  in  vast  drifts  of  eight  to  ten  feet,  against  houses, 
fences,  &c.    Market  well  supplied. 

[287]  A  List  of  the  Young  Masters  &  Misses  at  the  Singing 
School  this  evening. 

Masters.  Misses. 

Joseph  Collins  Abigail  Browne 

Edw.  Allen  Catharine  Cooke 

John  Allen  Hannah  Carrol 

Alexander  Allen  Sarah  Chever 

Benj*  Browne  Elizabeth  Dean 

W"  Becket  Margaret  Ellison 

John  Becket  Sarah  Hitchins 

W™  Bickford  Mary  Hunt 


1792]  KEV.   WILLIAM    BENTLEY  341 

Masters.  Misses 

W  Luke  Brooks  Mary  Lane 

"W™  Cooke  Sarah  Lane 

John  Fiske  Mary  Manning 

M''  W""  Hutchinson  Elizabeth  Manning 

Joseph  Presson  Mary  Peale 

Benj*  Patterson  Elizabeth  Peele 

Eliphalet  Smith  Patterson  Sarah  Eue 

Rob'  Pease  Susannah  Smith 

Thomas  Rowell  Margaret  Swasey 

W™  Rowell  Sarah  Whittemore 

John  Rowell 
Thomas  Nourse 
Benj*  Nourse 
Robert  Rantolph 
M''  Seth  Ring 
John  Swasey 
Philip  Rue 
Tim.  Welman 
Joseph  White 

[288]  21.  On  the  9'^  instant  died  that  very  venerable  Minister, 
"W.  Balch  of  Bradford,  set.  87.  He  was  the  most  candid  man  of 
his  age,  &  the  most  enlightened.  He  has  been  long  unfit  for  public 
service,  but  to  the  last  has  preserved  an  unspotted  reputation. 
Attended  the  funeral  of  a  child  of  one  Bishop,  M""  Bernard  being 
absent.  Died  W  —  Ropes,*  a  very  aged  man,  set.  98.  He  was 
very  troublesome  in  his  old  age  &  died  unregretted.  He  was  a  use- 
ful man  in  active  life.  One  of  the  new  lights  has  endeavoured  to 
stir  up  the  controversies  respecting  Theatres  &  assemblies  by  most 
severe  invectives  last  Sunday  on  the  subject  of  the  Assemblies  in 
this  Town.  He  has  but  one  family  in  his  society  which  resists 
them,  &  that  is  sadly  offended. 

[Jan.]  22.  Sunday.  The  List  of  Baptisms  returned  from  the 
societies  in  Salem  in  the  last  Gazette,  were,  Bentley,  57 ;  should  be 
55  :  Bernard's,  35 ;  Fisher's,  25  ;  Spaulding's,  16  ;  Prince's,  11 ;  Hop- 
kin's,  6 ;  148.  The  disproportion  between  their  number  &  our 
own  arises  from  the  difference  of  religious  rules  in  the  institution. 
[289]  Notes.  Lydia  Hodges,  her  delivery,  Husband  &  Brethren 
at  Sea.  The  weather  as  cold  as  I  ever  felt  it  on  Sunday,  &  the 
services  in  consequence  very  short.  It  was  also  very  slippery. 
News  that  Captain  Russell  in  his  Coasting  Sloop  was  on  shore 
within  Winthrop's  Bar,  upon  Chelsea  Neck.  Capts.  Collins, 
Crowninshield,  Ingersoll,  went  this  day  to  see  his  situation,  as  they 
had  property  on  board.  Vessel  &  cargo  safe,  excepting  only  the 
deck  load. 

•John  Ropes,  son  of  William  and  Sarah. 


342  DIARY  OP  [1792 

Keport  of  the  Bill  of  Mortality  for  the  Town  of  Salem  in  the 
Gazette  was, 


Under  two  j'ears, 

40. 

In  January, 

9. 

between     2  &    5, 

22. 

February, 

6. 

5&10, 

6. 

March, 

19. 

10  &  20, 

5. 

April, 

10. 

20  &  30, 

20. 

May, 

14. 

30  &  40, 

13. 

June, 

11. 

40  &  50, 

14. 

July, 

8. 

50  &  60, 

2. 

August, 

13. 

60  &  70, 

5. 

September, 

23. 

70  &  80, 

4. 

October, 

11. 

80  &  90, 

5. 

November, 

10. 

99  years  &  5  months, 

1. 

December, 

15. 

still  born. 

12. 



148 

148 

14  Negroes  &  Indians  included. 

males       68, 

Females  80, 

[290]  23.  Extreme  cold  weather  a  most  affecting  contrast  to  the 
weather  of  December,  glass  this  morning  10  minus,  within  a  degree 
of  our  severest  cold,  as  reported  by  D"^  Holyoke.  At  noon  I  was 
compelled  to  return  home  without  prosecuting  my  walk.  It  is  re- 
ported that  the  glass  was  seen  in  the  morning  at  12  minus.  Not 
more  than  2-[-  all  day.  At  Portland  there  has  been  a  case  of  the 
Slave  Trade,  &  it  is  referred  to  the  Federal  Court,  because  the 
the  Party  was  an  alien.  A  M"  Gannett  applied  to  the  General  Court 
having  proved  that  she  served  3  years  in  the  army  as  a  soldier 
without  discovery. 

24.  Upon  M'  Ropes  death  it  is  observed  in  the  Gazette, — A 
person  in  this  town  had  the  curiosity  on  the  14*''  day  of  August, 
1765,  to  take  an  account  of  all  the  men  in  Salem,  more  than  70 
years  of  age  ;  the  whole  number  was  34 ;  M"^  Ropes  was  the  last  of 
those  aged  men ;  the  Town  at  that  time  contained  6,000  inhabitants. 
From  this  fact,  being  in  company  with  Benj*  Ward  senior,  nearly 
70,  &  well  acquainted  with  the  Town,  &  the  precise  ages  of  persons 
in  it,  he  readily  recollected  with  little  assistance  the  following  per- 
sons known  [291]  to  be  above  70  years  of  age,  besides  very  many 
nearly  upon  that  number  of  years.     Males  only. 


J.  Barrott 

81 

T.  Kimball 

76 

J.  Barr 

71 

J.  Masury 

76 

J.  Buffum 

70 

D.  Mackay 

71 

J.  Browne 

77 

B.  Nourse 

D.  Calumb 

B.  Osgood 

74 

J.  Chapman 

81 

N.  Osgood 

1792]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  343 


J.  Cloutraan 

79 

W.  L.  Palfrey 

74 

J.  Cutler 

76 

W.  K.  Palfrey 

73 

J.  Cooke 

70 

R.  Palmer 

78 

T.  Diraan 

72 

J.  Pitman 

77 

S.Daniels 

74 

J.  Phelps 

84 

R.  Downing 

74 

J.  Ropes 

73 

N.  Foster 

73 

W.  Reeves 

80 

C.  Foster 

76 

S.  Simonds 

79 

J.  Gaines 

71 

J.  Simonds 

77 

B.  Gardiner 

71 

J.  Webb 

77 

J.  Goodale 

83 

M.  Ward 

78 

D.  Hilliard 

76 

D.  Jacobs 

73 

W.  Hatliorne 

76 

see  page  323 

The  same  M'  B.  Ward  assured  me  that  from  his  personal  knowl- 
edge, there  were  utterly  lost  from  1746  to  1766  in  the  space  of 
twenty  years,  57  sail  of  Fishermen.  The  whole  number  averaging 
each  year  50,  &  from  50  to  60  Tons  burden,  eight  men  each.  JNP 
Prince  assured  me  that  his  glass  on  Monday  morning  was  11 J 
minus,  and  once  nearly  12  minus,  but  that  D''  Holyoke's  was  de- 
cisively 12  minus.  The  weather  continues  cold,  however  much 
more  moderate  than  on  Monday.  JSI""  Ropes  buried  this  day. 
Amidst  the  distractions  of  party  it  was  difficult  [to]  avoid  offence. 
In  the  Gazette  the  lock  [?]  of  the  Lord  has  appeared,  it  is  said,  to 
write  against  me,  but  as  the  whole  paper  is  not  published  it  is  im- 
possible as  yet  to  conclude.  It  is  upon  the  ceremonies  of  Christ- 
mas. 

[292]  25.  News  of  five  vessels  ashore  on  Cape  Cod,  &  the  South 
Shore,  two  belonging  to  M""  W.  Gray  &  Co.  No  particulars  but 
from  Capt,  E.  B.  Ward,  who  has  arrived  in  Town.  After  being 
shut  up  in  the  storm,  various  flying  reports  are  spread,  of  the 
further  success  of  the  Indians,  of  the  distruction  of  Cape  Francois, 
of  the  flight  of  the  King  of  France  into  Prussia,  &c. 

26.  The  whole  harbour  is  enclosed  with  ice  of  a  foot  thickness 
down  to  the  aquae  vitse  rocks  &  the  Haste,  After  dinner  with  my 
two  frenchmen  I  took  a  walk  from  Derby's  wharf  to  the  great  Ship, 
the  Grand  Turk,  just  within  the  ISTogg*  head,  &  from  thence  onto 
the  Marblehead  shore,  to  an  eminence  from  which  we  could  view 
the  top  of  the  Houses  in  the  Town  of  Marblehead.  We  found  many 
persons  on  the  ice,  &  on  board  the  ship,  &  met  ^M""  E.  H.  Derby 
with  his  two  daughters  riding  in  a  slay  upon  the  ice  to  the  Ship  & 
they  were  saluted  upon  their  arrival  by  the  hoisting  of  the  flag. 
The  eel  catchers  tS:  Skaiters  were  upon  the  harbour,  &  many  travel- 
ing from  jMarblehead.  The  weather  is  yet  at  13  plus,  no  melting, 
tho'  clear  sunshine,  &  our  houses  very  cold.  We  are  amply  paid 
for  our  most  delightful  December. 
•  [293]  27.     D'  Holyoke  in  person  assured  me  that  on  the  las 


344  DIARY  OF  [1792 

cold  Monday  the  thermometer  was  12  ^  minus  in  the  morning,  & 
only  1  plus  at  the  hottest  time  of  day  which  was  at  3  o'clock  P.  M. 
That  he  supposes  however,  tho'  he  did  not  make  observations  at 
the  time,  that  the  cold  Sunday  in  1772  was  severer,  &  it  might  be 
owing  to  the  state  of  the  air.  Last  Monday  was  a  clear  north- 
wester, but  the  Sunday  in  1772  was  without  clouds  but  the  air  filled 
with  a  thick  mist  which  froze  almost  instantly  the  extremities  of 
the  body.  There  were  no  examples  of  freezing  on  last  Monday,  tho' 
three  persons  were  exposed  in  an  open  boat. 

28.  Walked  down  to  the  fort,  &  saw  all  closed  with  ice  below 
the  Haste,  &  people  passing  in  every  direction. 

[294]  [Jan.]  29.  Sunday.  A  very  pleasant  day.  Sun  clear. 
A  little  Snow  fell  in  the  night  which  is  a  little  inconvenience. 
Notes.  John  Fairfield,  Wife  &  Children,  death  of  her  Mother  & 
Son  at  Sea.  Richard  Nichols  &  Wife,  death  of  her  Mother  Collins. 
Henry  Prince  &  Wife,  delivery,  Brethren  at  Sea. 

.30.  The  Tontine  is  again  committed  for  amendments.  Argu- 
ments used  against  the  Tontine  are,  that  the  Speculators  are  not 
generally  of  this  State.  That  the  wealth  is  nominal  only.  That 
it  will  not  encourage  industry.  That  men  will  be  more  deeply  in- 
terested in  each  other's  misfortunes,  as  we  see  in  heirships,  &c. 
The  principal  argument  in  favour  is  that  it  is  a  fund  of  insurance, 
&  that  the  government  cannot  benefit  by  refusing,  what  others  will 
cheerfully  accept.  On  these  various  subjects  parties  run  very  high 
[295]  Capt.  Kimball  our  neighbour  died  this  day,  past  70  years- 
An  honest  inoffensive  man. 

31.  Rain  this  morning,  which  stands  in  great  quantity  in  the 
Streets.  The  last  piece  of  the  Episcopalian  appeared  this  day  in 
the  Gazette  for  which  I  have  provided  a  merry  answer.  How  it 
will  take  with  the  public,  I  cannot  say,  &  whether  it  may  not  be  an 
occasion  for  a  very  serious  controversy.  That  church  is  stirring  in 
every  direction,  &  most  severe  in  its  censures. 

February  1.  Wednesday.  This  day  was  buried  a  woman,  set. 
72,  named  Lydia  Foster.  She  died  on  the  same  day  and  in  the 
same  house  with  Capt.  Kimball,  &  was  buried  from  Master  Watson's 
house,  as  she  had  at  several  times  been  his  Tenant  above  20  years. 
She  was  a  Mayfield  &  both  her  parents  were  remarkably  corpulent.* 
She  was  a  woman  of  singular  appearance,  very  short,  thick  &  clum- 
sy, her  head  was  sunk  between  her  shoulders.  She  hired  a  room 
in  the  back  part  of  the  house,  &  since  she  has  been  past  labour,  such 
as  living  in  a  family  for  her  board,  she  has  gulled  three  neighbour- 
ing families  of  her  food,  in  hopes  of  dividing  her  property,  &  she 
has  now  died  intestate.  She  went  to  bed  at  the  [296]  sun's  setting 
to  save  wood.  She  was  so  intolerably  lazy  that  she  never  swept 
her  house,  so  nasty  as  to  have  every  thing  filthy  about  her,  &  so 
little  feeling  as  to  eat  often  at  the  table  of  a  very  poor  family, 

•See  Essex  Institute  Hist.  Colls.  Vol.  VI.,  p.   100. 


1792]  IlEV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  845 

whom  she  fed  with  hopes.  At  her  death,  besides  her  rummage,  & 
cloaths,  she  left  notes  whose  principal  amounts  to  115  £  lawful 
money,  &  fifty-three  dollars  in  cash.  She  belonged  to  the  Taber- 
nacle, &  was  buried  after  prayers  by  M''  Spalding. 

2.  The  weather  become  good.  Major  Hiller  spent  the  evening  with 
me  very  agreably  on  my  part.  The  state  of  our  western  territories, 
the  west  india  island,  &  France  the  subjects  of  our  conversation,  & 
of  public  attention.  The  friends  to  a  change  in  the  police  of  Bos- 
ton make  great  threats  of  renewing  their  exertions,  &  have  adver- 
tised the  form  of  an  intended  protest  to  be  signed  against  the  Town 
proceedings.  Tontine  is  almost  in  dispair.  Long  Letters  telling 
what  hopes  they  have  in  other  states  appear.  Sachem  Gardner  is 
called  upon  to  publish  his  history  of  the  Theatre,  as  he  delivered  it 
in  the  General  Assembly.  Extravagant  compliments  to  party 
speeches,  while  Austin  supports  the  popular  side,  »S;his  speech  not 
inferior  to  the  others  so  much  commended,  occupies  a  humble 
place  in  Edes'  wretched  Monday  Gazette.  In  the  Chronicle  the 
threats  are  noticed,  &  the  alarming  consequences  intimated. 

[297]  3.  Very  fine  weather.  Capt.  Benjamin  Hodges  agreed 
yesterday  to  take  the  Command  of  the  Grand  Ship,  the  Grand  Turk, 
now  lying  in  the  Harbour,  belonging  to  Elias  Haskett  Derby. 

How  much  depends  on  the  animal  economy  ?  Who  is  not 
tempted  sometimes  to  confess  himself  a  materialist,  when  he  finds 
the  just  state  of  his  virtue.  D^  Beattie's  opinion  that  the  Theatre 
is  not  the  School  of  Divines  is  produced  with  much  severity  upon 
Gardiner,  who  wishes  to  correct  the  dullness  of  the  pulpit  by  the 
lessons  of  the  stage,  &  perhaps  enliven  it  by  the  applause  of  the 
Fit 

[298]  4.  The  ice  gone  from  the  Harbour  up  to  the  wharves. 
Many  men  have  been  employed  in  breaking  it.  A  Salem  Bank  is 
projected  for  15,000£,  and  125  Shares.  It  is  said  the  subscription 
was  filled  up  immediately,  &  that  the  petition  for  incorporation  is 
ready  to  be  sent  on. 

[Feb.]  5.  Sunday.  Notes.  Jonathan  Archer  jun',  death  of  his 
Father-in-Law.  A  very  pleasant  day,  but  slippery  on  the  sides  of 
the  street,  &  the  middle  full  of  water.  16  Vessels  arrived  at  Bos- 
ton this  day.     Ward's  Vessel  on  Cape  Cod  is  lost. 

6.  S'  Marie  mentioned  to  me  his  purpose  to  return  to  Martinico 
with  Captain  Ward.  Capt  Pratt  ready  to  depart  on  the  morrow  for 
Orford.  Several  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  place  I  saw  at  his  house. 
Capt.  W.  Orne  of  this  Town  broke  his  leg  by  a  fall  from  his  horse. 
He  has  suffered  already  from  a  similar  accident. 

[299]  7.  On  this  day  appeared  my  hasty  answer  to  the  Cock, 
who  displayed  the  poverty  of  his  eloquence  upon  the  Festivals  of 
the  Church.  So  far  as  the  address  to  the  writer,  I  like  my  paper 
well  enough.  A  part  of  it  was  misunderstood  by  the  printer,  & 
published  in  his  own  sense  of  it  with  great  black  spaces,  which 


346  DIABY  OF  [1792 

shew  a  vacuity  somewhere.  I  have  not  heard  a  single  opinion. 
Travelling  very  bad,  between  here  and  Boston,  much  bare  groimd, 
hills  of  snow,  &c. 

8.  This  day  for  the  first  time  the  CHURCH  BOOK  of  the  East 
Parish  in  Salem  was  put  into  my  hand  via  Capt.  B.  Hodges  with 
the  following  loose  papers  which  might  serve  as  examples  for  the 
good  old  Pastor  &  are  here  enumerated  that  they  might  be  known 
if  scattered  or  lost. 

Invitation  from  the  Church  at  Ord :  of  M*'  Bradstreet,  Marble- 
head,  &  Old  Parish,  Salem. 
A  Certificate  of  Beverly. 

Confessions  of  Thomas  Laskin,  Margaret  Tapley,  J.  &  M.  Wyatt, 
First  Church  Covenant  in  the  East  Parish. 
Dismission  of  the  First  Members  from  the  old  Church. 
List  of  the  First  Founders. 

M""  Diman's  Dismission  from  the  first  Church  in  Cambridge. 
Proceedings  at  the  choice  of  a  Deacon. 

A  minute  of  a  Church  debt  without  date,  &  papers  from  Proprie- 
tors respecting  my  Settlement. 

[300]  Copy  of  a  mem.  said  to  be  a  List  of  the  "  first  founders  of 
the  Church"  called  the  East  Church  in  Salem,  1718.  Deacon  Simon 
Willard,  Josiah  Willard,  Joseph  Andrew,  Richard  Prince,  Malachi 
Foot,  Benjamin  Ives,  Daniel  Rogers,  Jonathan  Webb,  Christopher 
Babbidge,  Joseph  Hardy,  John  Browne. 

Copy  of  the  list  of  Chiu-ch  members  voting  for  the  Settlement  of 
the  Rev"^  James  Diman,  1736. 

John  Browne,  x  Samuel  Foot,  xx 

Samuel  Carleton.  Nathaniel  Silsbee. 

Warwick  Palfrey,  xx  Robert  Stone. 

Benjamin  Gray.  Richard  Elvins.  xx 

John  Becket.  xx  [301]  Jonathan  Webb,  x 

John  Gerrish.  Richard  Prince,  x 

Paul  Kimball,  xx  Samuel  Manning. 

Miles  Ward.  Jonathan  Very. 

Benja.  Ives,  x  William  Curtis. 

Members  who  voted  in  1783  at  my  ordination. 
John  White.  John  Watson. 

Benjamin  Ward.  Thomas  Diman. 

William  Browne.  Edmond  Whittemore. 

Abraham  Watson.  Ebenezer  Phippen. 

Such  as  are  marked  at  the  beginning  x,  as  voting  for  M'  Diman, 
were  original  members.  Such  xx,  are  not  found  on  the  church 
records. 

[302]  9.  After  threatening  weather,  this  morning  it  began  to 
snow.  From  the  Church  Records  I  took  the  following  List  of  the 
Male  members  &  the  year  of  their  admission.  Under  Jennison  the 
records  were  kept  very  negligently  for  there  are  five  active  members 


1791] 


REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY 


347 


at  M"^  Diman's  Settlement  not  to  he  found  in  his  List  who  prohably 
lived  in  this  end  of  the  ToAni,  as  old  family  names,  &  were  admitted 
here,  as  we  judge  on  that  account,  &  their  voting  as  members  at  the 
Settlement. 


Under  Stanton. 

1723 

Jonathan  Very,  x 
Benjamin  Gray,  x 

1724 

David  Best. 

Under  Jennison. 

1728 

William  Curtis,  x 

[3031 

1732 

Samuel  Carleton. 

Samuel  jNIanning.  x 

1733 

Miles  Ward. 

1729 

Thomas  Masury. 
Thomas  Tufton. 
John  Leich. 

1734 

John  Gerrish. 
Nathaniel  Silsbee. 

Under  Diman. 

1737 

Abraham  Watson. 

[304] 

1758 

John  White. 

1738 

Jolm  Knap. 

1769 

James  Diman. 

Joseph  Mascoll. 

1770 

William  Browne. 

Paul  Mansfield. 

Thomas  Safford. 

1739 

Gamaliel  Hodges. 

1771 

John  Watson. 

Richard  Prince,  junr. 

1772 

Benjamin  Ward. 

Adoniram  Ctfliins. 

1774 

John  Becket. 

1740 

Nathaniel  Andrew. 

Nathaniel  Knight. 

1742 

Benjamin  INIasury. 
John  Wyatt. 

1775 

Joseph  Smith. 
Richard  Derby,] un*" 

1752 

David  Phippen. 

Hon: 

1754 

James  Chever. 
John  Mascoll. 

1777 

Ebenezer  Phippen. 
Peter  Chever. 

1756 

Edmond  Henfield. 

1779 

Thomas  Diman. 

Edmond  Whittemore. 

1784 

John  Emerton. 

According  to  the  Foregomg  accounts,  the  Church  in  forming  con- 
sisted of  eleven  members.  In  M"^  Stanton's  nine  years,  three  were 
added.  In  M""  Jennison's  seven  years,  nine  were  added.  In  M""  Di- 
man's fifty  years,  twenty-eight  were  added.  The  whole  fifty-one 
members.  In  voting  for  M''  Diman's  Settlement,  there  were  eight- 
een members,  five  of  which  are  not  entered,  &  four  of  the  original 
members.  [305]  There  are  great  vacancies  between  the  times  of 
admitting  male  members,  10  years  from  1742  to  1752  &  11  years 
from  1758  to  1769,  and  only  six  between  the  two  spaces.  In  a 
distinct  list  of  the  church  it  appears  that  Warwick  Palfrey,  &  John 
Becket,  &  Robert  Stone  &  Richard  Elvins  were  received  from  the 
first  church,  Paul  Kimball  admitted  in  1728,  &  Samuel  Foot  unac- 
counted for,  John  Carnes  an  Irishman  from  a  Church  in  Ireland, 
Titus  a  Servant  of  Col.  Turner,  Thomas  Barker  from  a  Church  in 
Hingham,  Hon.  Richard  Derby  Esq""  inserted  in  the  list  but  not 
reckoned. 

[306]  10.     News  that  the  Hull  of  a  Vessel,  owned  at  Saco,  but 


1763  baptised  26  j 

J 


348  DIARY  OF  [1792 

commanded  by  C.  Edw.  Smith  of  this  Town,  was  found  in  the  ice 

south  of  Cape  Cod.     The  Crew,  it  is  supposed,  took  to  their  boats 
&  have  not  yet  been  heard  of. 

The  number  of  Baptisms  in  the  East  Society  from  the  Kecords, 
according  to  the  years. 

1719  baptised  22  56  27 

1720  Stanton    17  57  30 

21     28  58  17 

22     23  59  38 

23    51  60 26 

24     21  61  24 

25     21  62  28 

26     25 

27    6+  64  18 

28  Jennison  36  65  37 

29     21  66  35 

30     29  67  16 

31     30  68  35 

32     28  69  25 

33     39  70  47 

34     41  71  41 

1735     33  72  43 

36     8-h  73  35 

37  Diman     18  74  34 

38    41  75  34 

39    24  76  24 

40     22  77  39 

1741  baptised    24  1778  baptised  33 

42     20  79  34 

43     32  80  45 

44     35  81  40 

45     30  82  41 

46     27  83  44 

47     24  Diman  &  Bentley 

48     24  84  38+1 

49     14  85  17  +  24 

50     23  86  Bentley  41 

61     14  87  60 

[307]       52     22  88  25 

53     13  89  49 

54     20  90  36 

65     26  91  56 

Above  30  Christened  one  year  with  another. 


1792]  KEY.  WILLIAM  BENTLEY  349 

[308]  Marriages  in  the  Book  begin  with  M""  Diman. 
1737 3 

38 4 

39 3 

40 4 

41 2 

42 4 

43 10 

44 14 

45 12 

1746 6 

47 6 

48 10 

49 4 

50 13 

51 11 

52 9 

53 13  [309] 

54 14 

1755 17 

56 15 

57 14 

58 14 

59 3 

60 9 

61^ 13 

62 18 

63 13 

04 11 

Marriages  in  the  above  terra  above  12  annually. 

[310]  11.  A  Libel  sometime  since  was  affixed  to  the  Store  door 
of  C.  J.  Mason,  reproaching  Merchant  Williams  with  undue  advan- 
tages of  his  infirmities.  Instead  of  the  effect  the  old  Gentleman 
views  it  a[s]  an  intent  to  break  up  a  friendship,  in  some  of  his  ex- 
pecting heirs,  as  he  has  no  children,  &  he  has  discovered  no  small 
resentment  on  the  occasion.  The  suspected  will  probably  suffer. 
A  very  cold  morning,  but  we  were  relieved  in  the  middle  of  the  day. 

Feb.  12.  Sunday.  M''  Prince  shut  up,  by  his  fall.  Notes. 
Gamaliel  Hodges'  wife's  delivery.  Husband  &  Brethren  at  Sea. 
The  Sermon  preached  to  my  people  was  from  a  moment's  recollec- 
tion, because  some  of  the  hearers  heard  my  sermon  at  M'  Prince's. 
In  connection  with  subject  of  analogy  of  Jewish  ceremonies;  the 
language  of  a  Gazette  writer,  leads  to  think  of  the  filioque  contro- 
versy. The  Candlemass,  connected  with  the  subject.  The  author- 
ity of  rites  &  ceremonies  in  the  english  articles.  The  masks  before 
Christmass  to  what  allusion.  Easter,  the  feast  from  which  to  reck- 
on.    White   Sunday    comes  then  not  on  the   Jewish  Pentecost. 


350  DIAKY  OF  [1792 

[311]  Whether  feast  of  Tabernacles  refer  to  condition  in  Egypt 
or  in  the  wilderness,  or  both,  &  how  celebrated  by  the  Jews.  Bas- 
nage,  p.  451,  says  in  remembrance  of  their  travel  in  the  desert. 
Whether  the  offerings  of  first  fruits  was  not  at  the  real  harvest  & 
the  day  convocation  independant  of  the  precise  act  or  offering. 

13.  Weather  cold,  &  the  ice  formed  over  the  harbour.  A  vindi- 
cation of  the  Indian  war  has  appeared  from  the  war  department, 
from  which  it  appears,  that  wliatever  other  causes  have  operated, 
treaties  have  been  formed  in  vain  to  guarantee  the  rights  of  the 
frontier  settlers.  Letters  from  the  West  Indies  give  us  no  reason 
to  suppose  the  ferment  over,  &  we  are  afraid  least  we  shall  hear  of 
seizures  of  some  American  Vessels  for  breaches  of  the  act  of  trade. 
Such  is  the  state  of  roads  from  the  drifts,  &  position  of  the  Snow 
that  almost  every  day  gives  an  account  of  some  Slay  which  is  turned 
over.  Several  such  accidents  have  happened,  &  M'  Prince  is  con- 
fined by  a  hm-t  received  in  being  thrown  out  of  a  Slay.  Several 
slays  during  the  thaw,  were  upset  into  deep  gullies  filled  with  water. 
M'®  Fiske  tells  me  of  a  compleat  cold  bath  she  had  upon  her  return 
from  Boston.  Some  hint  in  italics  that  the  character  of  the  reverend 
W.  Balch  was  not  relished  by  some  Gazette  readers. 

[312]  14.  A  hint  that  poor  Joseph  must  look  out  for  a  trim- 
ming, it  is  reported,  from  a  broken  winged  clergyman  in  the  Town 
who  is  infamous  fur  his  meaness  &  avarice.  It  is  a  question  wheth- 
er it  be  a  Clergyman,  or  a  drunken  Lawyer,  who  is  to  answer  Joseph. 

15.  No  reports.  Proposals  for  workmen  to  erect  the  Bridge  over 
the  Merrimack,  are  made  in  the  Gazette.  The  factory  for  Duck, 
&c.  stands  still  in  want  of  Flax  for  the  spinners.  The  Owners  are 
selling  out  their  shares.  A  great  body  of  snow  upon  the  earth  &  ice 
in  the  harbour. 

16.  Received  of  Capt  Joshua  Ward  by  Capt  B.  Hodges,  the  first 
Volume  of  Gibbon's  Roman  History  in  the  4to  edition,  and  as  I  de- 
clined to  accept  it  as  a  gift,  he  delivered  it  to  me  to  be  kept  till  he 
called  for  it.  Saw  carried  into  the  Burying  Yard  as  a  monumental 
Stone  to  support  the  monument  upon  the  Tomb  belonging  to  the 
Gray  family,  a  Stone  measuring,  5  feet  long,  3  high  &  1  broad.  It 
is  to  be  placed  lapon  the  arch,  &  a  marble  to  be  placed  upon  it. 

17.  The  Air  cloudy  for  several  days.  Travelling  bad.  The  suc- 
cess of  the  Bank  common  topic  of  conversation.  In  the  evening 
with  G.  Fiske,  Col.  Pickman,  Esq''  Tread  well,  Major  Hiller,  Esq"^ 
Pulling,  Cap'  W.  Pickman,  Messieurs  Appleton,  Waldo,  Jeffries, 
Stearns  [and]  I  supped  on  Venison  at  Major  Sprague's.  The  circle 
was  chearful,  the  entertainment  very  elegant,  &  we  retired  about 
eleven  well  pleased  with  the  scene. 

18.  This  morning  M''  S'  Marie  Sougue  took  leave  of  me.  We 
accompanied  him  to  the  boat,  &  with  a  fine  wind,  left  him  to  the 
conduct  of  providence,  wishing  him  a  safe  arrival  at  Martinico.  He 
has  behaved  very  discreetly,  &  made  a  pretty  progress.     The  turn 


1792]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  8&1 

for  Speculation  has  been  so  predominant  that  Government  is  deter- 
mined in  some  measure  to  suppress  it. 

[314]  [Feb.]  19.  Sunday.  No  Notes.  Clear  &  moderate 
weather.  Prince's  House  shut.  News  from  E.  Smith,  whose  vessel 
was  found,  that  he  was  on  the  Nantucket  Island. 

20.  An  old  paper,  whether  real  or  not,  I  cannot  say,  appeared 
in  Boston  Monday  Gazette,  purporting  the  reasoning  of  the  Town 
70  years  ago,  against  incorporation.  In  Paris  we  learn  that  the 
municipality  attended  worship  in  a  Protestant  House  on  the  14th 
of  October  last. 

21.  Remarks  on  Joseph  Scesciath  with  great  petulancy  but  not 
a  single  argument,  or  even  mention  of  the  subject.*  Began  this 
day  to  copy  into  my  new  Church  Book  the  Baptisms,  &c.  from  my 
Day  Book,  the  book  being  provided  by  the  Church, 

22.  Went  to  the  Eagle  Tavern,  Bacon's,  to  see  a  Buffalo.  It 
was  of  the  female  kind,  two  years  old,  &  larger  than  an  ox.  It 
agreed  well  with  the  discription  of  naturalists.  M''  Bernard  called 
&  dissuaded  me  from  pursuing  the  controversy  about  festivals  in 
the  Gazette.  I  had  written  &  entrusted  with  a  friend  the  following 
queries  to  be  inserted  in  the  Gazette. 

Quere,  whether  preaching  a  sermon  &  then  delivering  [315]  it  to 
be  read  as  pointed  against  a  man,  &  afterwards  suffering  an  extract 
to  be  printed  with  a  reflection  at  the  close  of  it,  be  not  a  challenge. 

Whether  shewing  a  member  of  any  communion  does  not  under- 
stand the  sense  of  his  communion,  be  a  just  affront  to  that  Com- 
munion. 

Whether  "  Joseph"  has  omitted  to  state  any  part  of  the  evidence 
to  be  obtained  on  the  point  debated.     A  fourth  Person. 

On  this  subject  the  following  among  other  memoranda. 

Whether  the  Courses  of  the  Jewish  Priests,  being  settled  by  their 
calender,  did  not  shift  with  their  intercalary  month. 

Whether  their  measure  of  time  in  the  Augustian  age  cannot  be 
ascertained  from  Philo,  &  Josephus. 

Whether  by  the  course  of  Abias  will  bring  Christmass  in  Septem- 
ber. 

Whether  Augustus,  knowing  the  discontents  of  the  Jews,  was  no 
more  a  Politician  than  to  make  a  census  in  the  several  towns  ac- 
cording to  the  history,  on  the  feast  of  Tabernacles ,  when  the  people 
were  ordered  up  to  Jerusalem. 

After  Joseph  had  appealed  to  the  Apostolic,  &  Laodicean  Canons, 
to  Gregory's  Testimony,  to  the  assertion  of  Hooker,  &  to  the  Lan- 
guage of  the  Homil}',  &  Liturgy,  might  he  not  have  appealed  to  the 
20'*^  Article  of  the  English  [316]  Church  which  declares  there  is 
authority  in  that  church  to  decree  rites  &  ceremonies. 

Quere,  whether  this  be  not  the  sense  of  every  established  church? 

The  filioq  :  controversy  is  fit  to  be  enquired  into  in  regard   to 

•See  Salem  Gazette,  Feb.  21,  1792. 


352  DIARY  OP  [1792 

White  Sunday  as  the  Liturgy  of  the  english  Church  does  not  interfere 
with  it  in  the  sense  of  the  creed  in  the  Collect  for  Whitesunday. 

Whether  the  feast  of  Tabernacles  refer  to  state  in  Egypt,  &c.  or 
in  the  Wilderness  or  both,  &  how  celebrated  at  different  periods. 

Whether  Basnage  speaks  inaccurately  when  he  refers  it  to  a  re- 
membrance of  their  travels  in  the  wilderness  only.     p.  451.  fol. 

Whether  Paxil  had  not  entered  into  the  controversy  as  it  now 
stands  when  he  opposed  Jewish  innovations,  by  calling  them  weak 
&  beggarly  elements.  And  whether  the  force  of  Jewish  prejudices 
had  not  been  lost  after  Constantine's  time,  &  then  whether  any 
Jewish  ceremonies  could  remain. 

The  Law  in  the  Theodosian  code  forbidding  the  pagans  the  use 
of  greens,  &c.,  how  far  it  gave  place  to  Christian  customs  &  ceremon- 
ies. For  this  purpose  enquiry  into  the  Character  of  Theodosius, 
the  end  of  the  law  &  Christian  precepts.  For  the  law  see  Jortin , 
3  Vol.,  p.  133.  [317]  nullus  accendat  lumina,  impenat  thura  Sorta 
suspendat.     Anno.  392. 

Whether  S*  Chrysostom's  Testimony  produced  by  Jortin,  Vol. 
Ill,  p.  192,  respecting  the  usages  of  Antioch,  where  on  the  first  day 
of  January  they  adorned  the  market  or  public  place  with  garlands, 
&  the  performance  of  the  same  rite  when  Theodosius  forgave  an  in- 
sult his  statue  received,  a  time  at  which  they  made  great  rejoicing, 
may  tend  to  throw  any  light  upon  the  introduction  of  the  rite  into 
the  christian  church  &  the  origin  of  the  Theodosian  Law. 

Kemarks  on  a  third  person.  To  be  free  from  a  Commentary,  he 
has  forgotten  the  Text.  From  the  metaphore  of  a  dancer  he  leaps 
into  the  allegory  of  a  negro  posture  master  on  commencement  day. 
He  repeats  uncharitableness,  only  because  he  felt  it,  as  the  writer 
has  guarded  against  it.  And  to  throw  Canon's  councils,  fathers, 
homilies,  &  Liturgy  aside  the  best,  or  ought  to  be,  defenders  of  his 
Church,  to  say  there  is  no  argument,  &  to  save  the  trouble  of  think- 
ing, he  mixes  them  delightfully  with  capuchin  relicts,  which  per- 
haps no  where  exist.  He  is  ashamed  to  say  plumply  there  is  no  ar- 
gument but  some  is  no  argument.  This  may  serve  as  the  foundation 
of  some  future  remarks,  should  there  be  just  occasion  for  them. 

[318]  23.  To  ascertain  historically  the  question  of  the  Pope's 
power,  &c.,  would  it  not  be  the  best  way  to  give  in  two  classes  the 
Ecclesiastical  declarations,  &  the  civil,  &  we  might  then  see  what 
the  popes  thought  in  one  view,  what  the  clergy  thought,  &  what  the 
civil  authority  thought,  &  also  what  private  men  thought  upon  this 
subject.  We  might  also  admit  these  four  divisions  in  chronological 
order  of  the  facts.  Has  it  been  done  ?  Saint  Gregory  is  Pope 
Gregory  the  Great.     Jortin,  3  V.  p.  403. 

24.  I  felt  a  strong  propensity,  upon  the  advise  of  several  gentle- 
men, to  explore  the  history  of  New  England,  &  enquire  into  the 
Witchcraft,  its  causes,  &c.  I  intend  to  take  the  subject  under  seri- 
ous consideration,  &  if  I  find  any  materials  not  yet  offered  to  the 


1792J  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  353 

world,  or  any  part  of  the  subject  not  treated  I  have  a  wish  to  un- 
dertake. This  day  I  dined  in  company  Avith  several  Gentlemen  at 
Gen :  Fiske's.  This  day  buried  from  the  Alms-house,  Michael  a 
negro,  freedman.  He  was  all  that  honesty  &  a  good  disposition 
could  make  him  in  his  condition,  &  with  his  abilities.  He  was  for- 
merly a  servant  to  AF  F.  Coombs,  the  Baker.  He  was  bred  in 
Martinico  &  born  in  Africa.  He  lived  long  with  Cap'  John 
White,  but  being  very  infirm,  was  wheeled  in  a  barrow  to  the  Alms- 
house, &,  in  six  days  ended  his  life.  He  appeared  very  old,  but 
perhaps  was  not  above  55  years. 

[319]  25.  Before  the  House  are  petitions  &  Bills  respect- 
ing Bridge  over  York  Eiver,  the  Bill  for  Merrimack  has  passed,  a 
Bill  for  a  communication  between  the  Connecticut  &  Charles,  for 
Barnstable  Canal,  &c.     Died  at  Beverly,  Capt  John  Lovett. 

[Feb.]  26.  Sunday.  Notes.  Samuel  Archer  &  Wife,  death  of 
his  brother  &  brother  at  Sea,  For  the  first  time  I  preached  twice 
upon  the  same  text  without  knowing  it,  tho'  the  first  was  a  real 
lift.     Several  arrivals  this  day. 

27.  Reports  of  success  against  the  Indians.  The  Bridge, 
built  in  opposition  to  Beverly  Bridge  at  the  New  Mills,  was  carried 
away  by  the  ice.* 

28.  A  Fourth  person  appeared,  unknown  to  me,  in  the  Gazette 
controversy,  who  with  the  public  acquiescence  has  carried  the  palm 
from  the  third  person,  &  the  same  persons  have  liked  both  papers. 
A  strange  proof  of  the  instability  of  vulgar  opinion. 

29.  Yesterday  I  attended  the  funeral  of  Capt  John  Lovett  S'*  at 
Beverly.  A  great  concourse  of  people.  This  day  died  Jonathan 
Webb,  Innholder,  aet.  77. 

[321]  [Mar.]  3.  Saturday.  The  weather  since  the  entrance  of 
^March  very  fine.  The  Spring  at  once  seems  opened  upon  us.  This 
day  was  buried  Capt  Jonathan  Webb,  set.  77,  for  a  long  time  an 
innholder  in  the  Town,  at  the  Sign  of  the  Ship,  near  the  New 
Court  House.  He  had  the  esteem  of  the  Town.  The  procession 
was  very  large,  considering  that  the  walking  was  very  bad.f 

[Mar.]  4.  Sunday.  John  Webb  &  Wife,  d.  of  his  Brother  & 
for  sons  at  sea.  Micah  Webb,  death  of  his  Father,  &  Brethren  at 
Sea.  Hannah  Webb,  d.  of  her  Brother,  &  Sons  at  Sea.  Rebecca 
Dwire,  d.  of  her  Brother,  &  son  at  Sea. 

5.  The  Universalists  afforded  a  company  amusement  for  one 
hour  by  a  four  upper  Catechism  they  have  published,  to  teach  read- 
ing, in  prose  &  poetry,  &  religion  at  the  same  time.  This  Sect  in 
Boston,  publish  the  time  of  their  Lectures  in  the  Gazette,  thank 
people  in  the  same  form  for  attendance,  &  forget  none  of  the  little 

•Rebuilt  and  for  many  years  known  as  the  "Spite  Bridge." 

tBefore  the  introduction  of  hearBes,  the  corpse  was  borne  to  the  burying  ground  upon 
a  bier  and  followed  by  the  family  and  friends  waUcinj  in  pairs,  a  custom  in  vogue  aa 
late  as  1815. 


364  DIART  OF  [1792 

arts  of  popularity.  While  the  populace  display  sometimes  their  ill 
humour  in  breaking  doors  &  windows. 

[322]  6.  In  the  Gazette  is  a  communication  by  M'  Freneau  in 
the  national  Gazette  from  a  manuscript  respecting  Nantucket 
Shoals.  M''  Dourville,  a  French  Officer  made  a  discovery  in  1787. 
to  the  following  purpose,  1.  "The  Shoals  are  of  a  conical  form,  & 
where  they  are  really  dangerous,  not  more  in  extent  than  twenty 
fathoms,  so  that  there  is  little  more  danger  of  a  vessel  running  ac- 
cidently  upon  them  than  there  is  of  her  running  foul  of  another 
vessel  in  the  common  route  between  France  &  America.  2.  With 
regard  to  the  souudings,  M'  D.  found  four  fathoms  a  league  distant 
from  the  point  of  breakers :  at  the  distance  of  two  Ships  lengths 
from  the  same  breakers  there  were  two  &  an  half  fathoms.  3.  By 
several  observations  of  the  latitude  of  this  shoal,  taken  with  the 
most  scrupulous  exactness,  at  different  times,  it  was  found  that  the 
breakers  lie  in  the  Latitude  40°  35 '  N.  &  bearing  about  south  East 
of  Nantucket  Island.  Signed  De  la  Motte,  Consul  for  U.  S.  at 
Havre  de  Grace. 

7.  Speculation  yet  alive  in  Boston  while  in  the  Town  of  Salem, 
I  have  not  heard  of  a  single  advantage  derived  to  any  man,  except 
from  Notes  accidentally  in  his  hands.  While  others  gain  1000  s. 
by  the  hour,  we  are  plying  the  oars  of  industry  &  gaining  by  the 
penny  &  the  pound.  Foreign  &  domestic  News  are  not  to  be  had. 
The  Enquiry  is,  Does  nobody  know  the  News  ? 

[323]  8.  After  the  List  of  persons  by  M'  Ward's  memory  of 
Male  persons  in  the  Town  above  70  years  was  given  me,  I  delivered 
it  to  Col  Pickman,  who  corrected  it  &  added  the  names  &  ages,  as 
at  p.  291,  striking  out  some  as  not  reaching  70,  &  since  dead,  & 
adding  others.  His  alterations  are  N.  Osgood,  &  D.  Jacobs,  now 
living  in  Danvers.  D.  Calumb  &  B.  Nourse,  not  arrived  at  70. 
Kimball,  just  dead.  He  adds  Caesar  Orne  Diman,  79,  &  Conueti- 
cut  Gov.  in  the  Alms  house,  80.  Besides,  Brown,  in  South  Fields, 
74.  John  Clarke,  72.  W"  Goodhue,  75.  Tho  Vining,  75.  Mas- 
coll  Williams,  73.  Preparation  made  for  the  Sailing  of  the  G. 
Turk,  550  Tons,  by  general  invitation,  but  the  weather  was  squally 
&  it  was  impracticable  to  get  to  Sea,  The  Parish  matter  is  so  far 
adjusted  I  am  told  that  certain  Subscribers  did  this  day  pay  to 
James  Diman,  the  balance  due,  which  is  to  be  raised  on  the  Parish. 
The  Debt  is  now  among  ourselves.  This  has  been  a  work  of  strange 
management,  the  assessment  is  yet  a  difficult  part  remaining. 

[325]  10.  Wednesday  last  began  a  spell  of  rainy,  squally 
weather  which  has  not  yet  cleared  off.  During  the  whole  evening 
we  had  Thunder,  &  sharp  flashes  of  Lightening. 

[Mar.]  11.  Sunday.  The  Ship,  Grand  Turk,  burdened  550 
Tons  sailed  this  day  for  India,  Capt  B.  Hodges.  The  previous  in- 
vitations given  to  the  principal  Gentlemen  of  the  Town,  &  the 
fame  of  a  Ship  built  in  the  Town,  &  furnished  with  Sails  from  our 


1792]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  865 

own  Manufactories  urged  a  curiosity  so  strong  that  few  people  were 
left  in  our  houses  of  worship.  Notes.  John  Saunders  &  Wife,  she 
dangerously  sick,  Brethren  at  Sea. 

12.  Annual  Town  Meeting.  The  Town  in  happy  agreement.  The 
first  choice  was  of  the  old  Officers,  l)""  Whitaker  visited  me,  being 
in  Town  upon  some  business.  He  gave  me  an  history  of  his  visit 
to  England,  drank  Tea  &  put  off.     He  has  purchased  at  Booth  Bay. 

13.  Xo  particular  news  from  any  quarter  of  the  Globe.  Our 
hopes  of  a  victory  over  the  Natives  are  lost. 

[326]  14.  The  Funeral  of  Madam  Sparhawk,  set.  72.  She  was 
the  Widow  of  the  Kev<*  M""  Sparhawk  of  the  first  church  who  set- 
tled in  1737,  &  died  in  1755.  Her  pall  was  supported  by  the  min- 
isters of  the  Town.  Rev"*  Hopkins,  Fisher,  Bernard,  Prince,  Bent- 
ley,  Spaulding.  She  sustained  a  fair  reputation,  &  was  followed 
by  a  reputable  Train  of  Mourners.  She  was  not  buried  with  her 
husband  at  the  point  but  on  the  hill,  the  Tomb  in  which  her  hus- 
band \2ijs  being  disj^osed  of  to  private  Gentlemen  by  Col.  Fickman. 
Last  Sunday  a  Ship  was  found  ashore  on  Duxbury  Beech  near  Pli- 
mouth,  bound  from  Bristol  in  England,  to  Portsmouth,  N.H., Captain 
Chauncy.  The  Captain  &  all  on  board  perished,  excepting  two  of 
the  Crew.  The  man  &  his  family,  who  has  occasioned  me  so  much 
trouble  &  ill  usage,  found  the  way  to  my  house  this  evening  in  my 
absence  upon  a  visit  to  the  family  with  which  I  board.  Having 
said  last  Sunday  to  the  innholder  in  our  usual  good  humour,  are 
you  going  to  see  the  Ship,  will  you  take  my  place,  I  wish  I  could 
go  with  you,  he  replied  what  place,  I  answered,  I  wonder  you  ask 
that,  at  this  time.  It  is  since  reported  by  a  person  who  heard, 
that  I  invited  him  to  preach,  &  abused  by  the  superstitious.  Such 
is  the  life  in  which  a  man  is  watched  by  superstition  &  whose  ease 
in  his  profession  depends  on  what  he  most  hates. 

[327]  15.  This  evening  for  the  first  time  after  several  years  I 
was  present  at  the  Thursday  night's  Club  at  Esq''  Pullen's  by  his 
invitation.  Considerable  encouragement  for  a  numerous  bass  to 
assist  our  musick.  They  meet  this  week  alternately  with  the  other 
singers. 

16.  W^e  had  the  painful  news  after  much  warning  of  the  death 
of  Capt  Francis  Boardraan  at  Port  An  Prince.  He  was  a  man  of 
great  ambition,  fond  of  shew,  &  of  great  public  spirit.  He  built  an 
elegant  house,  which  for  situation  is  the  best  in  Town.  Had  just 
corapleated  a  good  road  to  it,  finished  the  outbuildings,  filled  a 
pond  before  it,  when  he  was  snatched  out  of  life,  universally 
lamented.  With  this  news  comes  an  account  of  the  death  of 
George  Dean,  the  youngest  son  of  Capt  Thomas  Dean  &  this  is  the 
third  which  has  died  abroad  within  these  three  years,  &  includes 
all  his  children  male.  He  was  a  promising  young  man.  I  had  the 
painful  task  of  visiting  the  several  families  &  communicating  this 
information.     It  is  very  instructive  tho  very  painful.     I  remember 


356  DIARY  OF  [1792 

D""  Cooper  used  to  observe,  that  a  time  of  sickness  coming  soon 
after  his  entrance  into  the  ministry,  was  the  most  happy  event  for 
him  in  that  character,  which  could  have  happened. 

[328]  17.  A  fine  Topographical  sketch  of  the  County  of  Essex 
begun  in  the  last  Salem  Gazette  from  Thomas'  Magazine.  Reports 
of  sickness  among  the  Americans  at  Port  au  Prince.  Sent  me 
from  my  father  in  the  form  of  an  hand  bill,  an  original  paper,  so 
called,  on  the  Subject  of  the  Incorporation  of  the  Town  of  Boston. 
It  has  all  the  appearance  of  the  age  pretended,  but  the  author,  who 
is  said  to  have  written  it  70  years  ago,  is  not  mentioned,  »&  so  I  am 
a  stranger  to  its  history.  It  is  very  satisfactory  to  those  who  are 
opposed  to  the  Incorporation. 

[Mar.]  18.  Sunday.  Notes.  Thomas  Dean  &  Wife  &  children, 
on  the  death  of  his  only  Son,  the  third  dying  within  two  years 
abroad.  Mary  Boardman  &  Children,  death  of  her  husband. 
Sarah  Dean,  the  death  of  her  husband.  Joshua  Phippen  &  wife  & 
children,  d.  of  his  Son  in  Law,  Dean.  Benj*  Hutcheson  &  wife,  her 
delivery,  a  Brother  long  absent,  &  one  brother  at  Sea.  I  ventured 
to  preach  a  funeral  sermon  &  provide  a  note,  tho'  the  family  was 
not  at  meeting,  or  the  principal  relations.  Read  the  proclamation 
for  the  Fast  on  the  29"^  instant  &  cautioned  the  people  ag.  the  li- 
centiousness of  Servants  on  such  days. 

[329]  19.  Town  meeting  adjournment.  From  the  face  of 
affairs,  great  interruption  was  feared,  there  was  however  a  decent 
appearance,  &  great  unanimity.  Major  Harthorne  as  Selectman 
resigned,  &  Gen.  Fiske  as  Overseer,  &  of  the  School  committee. 
The  Town  has  agreed  to  give  a  thousand  dollars  this  year  in  addi- 
tion to  such  subscription  as  may  be  obtained  towards  the  pavement 
from  the  Corner  at  the  Old  Meeting  House  down  to  the  Corner 
leading  on  to  the  Comon,  *  &  as  much  further  as  the  Money  will 
allow  eastward.  The  Vote  obtained  unanimously,  &  the  stones  at 
the  back  of  the  Court  house  are  included  in  the  Town's  expences. 

20.  In  the  Gazette  we  have  notice  that  a  piece  signed,  "Cerdo" 
had  appeared,  but  in  deference  to  the  public,  it  might  lay  by  till 
next  Christmass.  An  aged  woman,  named  Andrewsf,  aet.  91,  was 
buried  from  our  neighborhood  this  evening.  A  Letter  from  Brother 
Freeman  purported  the  establishment  of  a  Unitarian  Society  in  the 
Town  of  Portland,  &  accompanied  with  a  subscription  for  the 
same.     I  gave  him  some  promises  on  the  Subject  last  year. 

[330]  21.  News  of  the  loss  of  a  ship  upon  Plymouth  Gurnet, 
belonging  to  E.  Parsons  of  Boston.  The  Crew  saved,  but  Cargo 
lost,  consisting  of  Sugars,  Molasses,  &c.  By  a  Century  Sermon 
printed  respecting  Newton,  formerly  Cambridge  Village,  it  appears 
there  is  now  living  in  that  town  59  persons  of  both  sexes  above 
seventy.  The  Census  1360  souls.  The  average  gives  a  chance  of  life 

•Essex  street  from  Wasbington  street  to  Wasbington  square, 
t Abigail,  widow  of  Natlianiel  Andrew. 


1792]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  357 

as  one  in  twenty- two.     Salem  of  8,000  gives  not  half  the  chance,  & 
has  not  half  the  number  above  seventy  of  males,  I  know  not  females. 

22.  Spent  the  evening  with  my  friend  Capt.  B.  Ward  at  Col. 
Pickman's. 

23.  The  weather  changeable  but  not  severe.  We  have  had  a  pleas- 
ant month  hitherto.  An  attempt  was  made  last  Monday  night  to  put 
fire  to  a  barn  belonging  to  Capt  John  White.  It  was  communicated 
to  the  edge  of  the  plank  floor  opposite  to  the  entrance  and 
covered  with  hay.  But  as  the  plank  was  wet  and  the  hay  not  very 
dry,  it  went  out  after  burning  the  edge  of  the  plank  a  few  inches. 
The  owner  has  had  a  quarrel  with  a  negro,  lately  in  his  service,  & 
has  always  rented  one  of  his  buildings  for  a  dwelling  house  to  the 
negroes.  The  Barn  has  been  out  of  use  for  many  months.  The 
Barn  was  contiguous  to  a  dwelling  house  in  the  Lane,  &  the  wind 
westerly.  Our  School  for  singing  goes  on,  the  bass,  &  the  young 
school  alternately. 

[331]  24.  In  the  Centinel  at  full  length  appeared  D"^  Walter's 
Address  to  the  Lodge  upon  the  union  of  the  Antient  &  Modern 
Lodges,  which  is  a  happy  event  in  that  Institution. 

[Mar.]  25.  Sunday.  Xo  Notes.  Saw  a  M"  Saunders,  d.  of 
Capt  Jon*  Mason,  depart  from  life.  The  proprietors  having  ordered 
the  pegs  on  which  hats  were  hung  over  the  gallery  to  be  shifted 
within  the  gallery,  that  the  people  below  might  not  be  incommoded 
by  water  from  the  hats,  an  obstinate  man  brought  a  peg  &  fixed  it 
in  the  place  from  which  the  former  one  had  been  taken.  The  boys 
observing  it  loosened  it  from  its  place,  which  he  observed,  took  his 
hat,  &  went  in  a  very  disorderly  manner  from  the  meeting  house. 
This  day  at  dinner  was  not  without  some  prudent  cautions,  of  what 
we  call  cheapening.  A  minister  who  does  what  is  not  essential  to 
virtue  in  familiarities,  cheapens.  Who  converses  often  with  men 
without  knowledge  &  yet  of  great  vanity,  cheapens.  A  minister 
who  tramples  on  one  religious  custom  not  distinguishing  opinion 
from  truth,  cheapens.  Who  is  intimate  with  volatile  tempers, 
cheapens.  Who  hearkens  to  reports,  cheapens.  Who  complains 
often,  cheapens. 

[332]  26.  Died,  a  M''  Ring  in  our  neighborhood.  Several  near 
death,  &  the  day  spent  principally  in  visiting  them.  '^V  Leslie*  has 
appeared,  &  is  prepared  to  answer  Thayer.  The  most  worthy  D*" 
Tucker  of  Newbury  is  dead.  A  Divine,  who  has  succeeded  against 
a  host  of  bitter  fanaticks,  &  has  left  a  most  excellent  private  as  well 
as  public  character. 

27.  The  Subject  of  chusing  a  Senator  from  this  Town  engages 
the  inhabitants  of  the  Town  &  County.  The  obstacle  is  the  dis- 
union in  the  Town,  &  the  violent  prejudices  of  Parties  against  the 
gentlemen  proposed.  The  Gazette  abounds  with  invectives  against 
Tontine,  Lotteries,  &c. 

'Pastor  of  a  charch  at  Washington,  N.  H.,  and  previoosly  pastor  at  Linebrook  Parisb 
Ipswich.  • 


358  DIARY  OP  [1792 

28.  Struggle  for  another  Bridge  over  Almsbury  Ferry,  a  mile 
above  the  other.  Such  is  the  spirit  of  Speculation.  A  E[s]q''  Manning 
of  Ipswich  has  an  action  against  a  E[s]q'  March  of  this  County  for 
defamation,  the  latter  having  declared  that  he  took  pay  at  the  G. 
Court  for  more  days  than  he  appeared.  M"^  W.  Gray  &  R.  Ward 
are  proposed  as  Senators.  The  first  entirely  declines,  the  latter 
perhaps  may  accept  if  chosen.  Hon.  Chief  Judge  Dana  proposed 
with  Governour  Hancock  for  the  Chair.  Merely  holding  him  up  to 
view.  Good  temper,  good  manners,  &  good  address,  with  a  common 
&  equal  share  of  common  sense,  give  the  greatest  value. 

[333]  29.  Fast  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts.  Two 
Funerals  from  this  end  of  the  Town.  A  Moses  Ring,  a  very  intem- 
perate man,  &  M"  Sanders.  Her  husband  goes  to  Church,  but  as 
she  was  interred  at  her  father's  expence  the  funeral  service  fell  to 
me.  The  Husband  has  been  a  very  unworthy  man.  An  uncommonly 
long  procession,  &  very  respectable  at  M"  Sanders'  interrment. 
Our  young  Singers  made  their  first  appearance  &  not  an  unpromising 
one.  Hope,  &  forget  not  to  Hope!  Capt.  Collins  went  for  Nova  Scotia. 

30.  The  Brig  belonging  to  Boston,  sunk  on  the  south  Shore  with 
200  Hogsheads  of  Molasses,  was  recovered  by  screws  &  vices,  & 
every  Hogshead  saved. 

31.  Reports  of  great  failures  &  serious  consequences.  One  man 
is  said  to  have  failed  for  4  millions  of  dollars  in  speculation.  Re- 
ports that  the  Ship  Washington  from  Providence,  owned  by  Brown, 
has  been  burnt  at  Calcutta  by  the  neglect  of  the  Crew,  as  says  com- 
mon report.  We  have  not  particulars  but  the  story  gains  credit  as 
to  the  loss.  At  the  funeral  of  M""  Phippen,  some  mistakes  as  to  the 
procession,  &  the  General's  Lady  left  out, 

[334]  April  1.  Sunday.  M"^  Phippen*  died  after  long  con- 
finement. Since  the  war  he  paid  little  attention  to  business,  tho  a 
Carpenter.  He  was  very  much  involved  in  his  affairs,  &  acting  for 
the  Church  there  was  an  entire  failure  of  his  property.  He  has 
since  disappeared  from  public  worship,  &  at  length  in  extreme  in- 
digence, depending  only  on  his  friends,  he  had  a  very  hard  death. 
He  has  left  a  wife,  very  deaf  &  seven  children,  wholly  unprovided 
for.  Proposal  made  at  the  next  Communion  to  contribute  for  the 
relief  of  his  Family.  Notes.  Capt.  Jon*  Mason  &  Wife,  death  of 
his  eldest  daughter  &  Children  abroad.  Elizabeth  Mason,  d.  of 
Sister  in  Law,  Husband  &  friends  absent.  Lydia  Maley,  d.  of  her 
sister  Saunders,  prayers  for  a  sick  child,  &  friends  abroad.  Pris- 
cilla  Elkins,  d.  of  her  Sister  Saunders,  husband  &  friends  abroad. 
Widow  Susannah  Babbidge,  d.  of  her  G.  Daughter,  &  Sons  &  G. 
-Sons  at  Sea.  Samuel  Chever  &  Wife,  d.  of  her  Brother  Ring. 
Elizabeth  Phippen  with  her  children,  d.  of  her  Husband  &  for 
friends  at  Sea.  Priscilla  Gill,  death  of  her  Brother  Phippen,  & 
Brother  at  Sea.     Queer  world.     One  of  the  persons  who  put  up  the 

*Mr.  Ebeneaer  Phippen,  aged  42  yean. 


1792]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  S59 

above  note,  P.  E.  &  a  communicant,  went  to  the  other  end  of  the 
Town  to  meeting  in  the  afternoon  to  wait  upon  a  friend  from  an- 
other Town. 

[335]  2.  One  of  the  most  pleasant  days.  By  eleven  all  the 
windows  were  open,  &  the  enjoyment  was  great  through  the  even- 
ing. Before  Sunset,  I  went  down  &  bathed  at  the  Juniper,  &  re- 
turned &  spent  the  evening,  as  tho'  summer  had  come,  without  the 
least  thought  of  fire.  37  Fishing  Vessels  licenced  according  to  Law 
last  month  in  this  Office. 

3.  M""  Mason  took  the  liberty  of  transcribing  a  paragraph  from 
my  letter  respecting  the  "  Apollo,"  &  inserting  it  in  the  Gazette. 
This  ought  to  be  a  caution  in  writing.  Much  contest  in  their 
Gazettes  in  latin  prose  &  poetry  about  their  abilities  to  teach  the 
Latin  Language. 

[336]  4.  It  being  the  day  appointed  for  the  ordination  of  M"" 
U.  Parish  at  Manchester,  upon  the  invitation  of  M^  Lee  I  went  for 
Manchester  in  company  with  my  french  pupil  M^  Jgout  about  nine 
o'clock.  We  arrived  between  ten  &  eleven,  &  after  twelve  the  Coun- 
cil appeared  for  the  services.  The  House  being  both  small  &  weak, 
&  the  day  uncommonly  warm  &  pleasant,  the  Services  were  per- 
formed in  front  of  the  Meeting  House  upon  a  scafford  raised  for 
the  purpose.  The  solemnities  were  introduced  by  a  prayer  from 
M'  Cleaveland  of  Stoneham.  His  Father  of  Ipswich  being  Modera- 
tor. The  Sermon  was  delivered  by  the  Brother  of  the  Pastor  elect, 
M''  E.  Parish  of  Byfield,  Newbury,  the  ordaining  prayer  by  M*" 
Cleveland  of  Ipswich,  the  Charge  after  ordination  by  M''  Forbes  of 
Cape  Ann.  The  prayer  after  the  Charge  by  M''  Dana  of  Ipswich, 
&  the  Right  Hand  of  Fellowship  was  given  by  M''  Mackeen.  The 
Services  were  performed  with  decency,  &  listened  to  by  the  people 
with  great  good  order.  After  dinner  to  accomodate  i\Iy  french- 
man I  went  to  Cape  Ann,  in  company  with  the  second  son  of  Col. 
Pierce,  who  had  been  in  France  &  conversed  with  ray  pupil.  We 
were  received  with  the  hospitality  of  the  place.  We  took  Tea  at 
Col.  Peavce's.  His  wife  is  a  plain  domestic  woman,  out  of  health. 
M"  Williams,  a  daughter  whose  husband  is  in  the  E.  Indies,  lives 
with  them  with  three  children.  M"  Beach,  another  daughter, 
whose  husband  is  in  England,  who  is  yet  in  the  vigour  of  life,  gave 
us  her  company,  &  rendered  herself  very  agreable.  After  supper  I 
went  to  Esq''  Rogers'  and  lodged  with  him. 

[337J  5.  Breakfasted  with  Col.  Pearce,  &  after  breakfast 
went  with  him  to  see  his  Spermaceti  works,  his  Distillery  and  the 
numerous  artisans  whom  he  employs.  That  morning  arrived  a 
shallop  from  the  Bay,  out  48  hours,  which  brought  in  several  hun- 
dred fish,  &  were  in  the  act  of  preparing  them  for  the  flakes.  We 
then  went  to  M"  Beach's.  They  are  preparing  their  garden  which 
is  rather  too  narrow,  but  of  considerable  length,  &  which  will  be 
excellent  when  finished.     In  the  middle  is  a  fine   fish  pond.     On 


360  DIARY  OP  [1792 

the  north  side  is  the  Rope  walk  in  fine  order  layed  in  a  bed  of  clay. 
In  the  mansion,  which  I  have  repeatedly  visited,  we  have  in  the 
great  entry  &  chambers  elegantly  in  frames  &  glass  all  the  repre- 
sentations &  cuts  of  Cooke's  Voyages,  besides  a  full  portrait  of 
Capt  Beach  upon  an  eminence,  with  a  painting  of  the  death  of 
Hector.  At  the  Father's  we  have  an  Italian  view  taken  from  a 
painting  in  the  Pamphili  palace  at  Rome,  richly  coloured.  M" 
Beach  afterwards  favoured  us  with  her  company  at  dinner.  She  is 
a  fine  woman.  I  visited  Charles  Rogers  &  saw  his  fine  wife.  At 
two  we  set  out  upon  our  return,  after  many  promises  of  another 
visit,  &  reached  Manchester.  There  we  heai'd  of  the  intentions  of 
]VP  Toppan  of  Newbury,  son  of  the  former  minister,  to  preach  a 
lecture  in  the  evening.  His  fame  being  great,  &  I  never  having 
heard  him,  I  consented  to  tarry,  &  was  obliged  to  offer  the  last 
prayer  of  the  service.  The  first  time  I  ever  spoke  in  a  Meeting 
House  by  Candle  light.  The  sermon  on  Abraham's  offering  up 
Isaac  was  meritorious.     We  lodged  at  M''*  Hannah  Lee's. 

[338]  6.  After  Breakfast  returned  to  Salem,  &  arrived  at  1/2 
past  8. 

7.  A  fine  rain,  &  then  pleasant  again.  The  weather  uncommon. 
Dandalions  everywhere.  An  Earthquake  at  Canada,  &  it  is  said 
they  have  come  periodically  every  25  years.  The  dates  are  in  the 
"  Centinel."     If  this  be  true  or  nearly  it  will  lead  to  a  new  Theory. 

[Apr.]  8.  Sunday.  Notes.  Joseph  Hosmer  &  Wife,  d.  of  his 
Sister,  &  his  safe  return  from  Sea.  Ruth  Briggs,  delivery,  Husband 
&  Sons  at  Sea. 

9.  How  uncertain  the  effects  of  familiarity  upon  minds  intoxi- 
cated with  prosperity,  whose  circumstances  are  above  their  educa- 
tion, &  yet  ape  better  things.  When  I  meet  with  proofs,  I  have  no 
other  resentment  than  this  record  of  it,  which  reminds  me,  cautions 
me,  and  does  not  anger  me. 

10.  Entered  for  the  Centinel,  Boston.  A  long  character  of  D"^ 
Tucker  in  the  Gazette.  Several  Arrivals  this  day,  but  Lambert  J"" 
missing  yet.  The  Votes  for  Governour  are  more  uncertain  in  this, 
than  in  any  preceeding  year.  We  were  almost  unanimous  in  this 
Town  &  Boston,  but  majorities  in  little  Town[s]  even  in  this  coun- 
ty have  been  obtained  for  different  persons.  Dana  &  Phillips  are 
the  principal. 

[339]  11.  Post  viginti  dies  primo  post  decim,  spero.  This  evening 
about  seven  o'clock  a  fire  broke  out  in  the  Bakehouse  of  M""  Bowler, 
in  the  fore  street,  Marblehead.  The  evening  being  dark  &  rainy,  the 
light  soon  spread  the  Alarm  in  this  Town,  the  engines  set  off,  & 
great  numbers  of  the  inhabitants.  Upon  the  alarm  I  set  off  on  foot 
with  Master  Lang,  who  was  then  at  my  house.  We  arrived  while 
the  fire  was  in  its  fury,  &  continued  our  exertions  during  the  whole 
time  of  the  fire,  till  after  eleven.  We  were  then  politely  invited  to 
supper,  &  to  lodgings  at  Marston  Watson  Esq"',  &  we  accepted. 


1792]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  361 

,^  12.  In  the  morning  we  carose  &  returned  to  Salem,  &  arrived  be- 
fore seven.  In  this  fire  were  burnt  Five  dwelling  Houses,  a  Store, 
barn,  three  Shops  &  a  Bakehouse.  The  greater  part  of  the  Move- 
ables were  saved,  &  no  lives  lost,  or  injurj-  of  Liuxbs  suffered.  The 
greatest  sufferer  was  W  Bowler  in  whose  territories  the  fire  began. 
"We  may  expect  the  particulars  in  the  next  Gazette.  The  people  of 
both  sexes  collected  on  the  occasion  were  many,  but  there  was  little 
subordination,  «&  little  exertion  of  the  firewards.  It  is  said,  that 
the  eldest  person  in  Marblehead  does  not  recollect  to  have  seen  a 
dwelling  house  burnt  to  the  ground,  &  much  is  to  be  attributed  to 
experience  in  the  management  of  fires.  They  were  poorly  supplied 
with  Buckets,  &  these  principally  of  wood,  made  for  domestic  & 
daily  use.  The  Town  itself  has  three  Fire  engines.  Three  belong- 
ing to  Salem  were  there,  beside  two  small  ones  from  Salem  belong- 
ing to  Private  families. 

[340]  13.  Much  of  the  Company  of  Jordy  entailed  upon  me  by 
Capt  Orne.  He  comes  by  a  recommendation  from  Hispaniola  & 
says  he  was  born  in  the  Rhinish  Circles.  He  proposes  to  teach 
French  &  I  intend  to  learn  German  from  him.  The  weather  foggy 
&  rainy  for  the  week  past.  No  Stage  has  gone  to  Boston  for  several 
days,  owing  to  the  entire  inaction  such  weather  occasions. 

[341]  14.  The  Humane  Society  distribute  their  small  sums  for 
the  encouragement  of  generous  actions.  They  have  given  10  dol- 
lars for  saving  lives  from  the  Columbia. 

[Apr.]  15.  Sunday.  Xotes.  Lydia  Maley,  death  of  her 
Brother  in  Law  Stickuey  &  for  friends  at  Sea.  The  case  of  this 
young  woman  is  singular.  She  lost  her  husband  on  his  voyage 
home,  knocked  overboard,  has  lately  buried  her  Sister,  her  child 
being  near  death,  &  now  has  lost  a  Brother  drowned  at  Sea. 

16.  Came  home  Capt.  E.  Allen  jun"",  who  long  addressed  the 
above  woman,  before  her  marriage  to  Capt  Maley.  Seventeen  Ar- 
rivals in  the  week  past.  Began  the  study  of  the  pronunciation  of 
the  German  from  M''  Jordy. 

17.  Proposals  from  the  General  Post  Office  for  a  Stage  from 
Salem  to  Cape  Ann,  from  Salem  to  Marblehead,  &  from  Salem  to 
Boston.  The  JMarblehead  inhabitants  have  returned  thanks  for  the 
assistance  from  Salem,  at  the  late  fire.  Some  squibs  at  a  certain 
Clergyman  for  not  dismounting,  &c.  Such  things  are  highly  dis- 
ingenious  when  the  purpose  was  so  amply  effected.  A  curious 
steam  Jack  notified  from  Hanover,  Massachusetts. 

[342]  18.  Reports  of  serious  consequences  from  the  failures  in 
N.  York  upon  business  in  general,  &  of  a  prevailing  jealousy. 
Charcoal  proposed  for  cleansing  foul  glasses,  teeth,  &  water,  5  lb.  to 
a  hogshead,  kept  sweet. 

19.  The  recollection  of  the  events  of  this  day  almost  lost.  Few 
were  observed  to  recall  it.  There  was  a  Sermon  at  Lexington  for 
several  years,  but  it  has  long  since  ceased. 


362  DIARY  OF  [1792 

20.  M"^  Jordy  dined  with  me  &  fully  explained  himself.  W« 
congratulate  ourselves  that  we  are  involved  in  no  speculation,  & 
that  while  the  alarm  is  general,  we  are  secure  in  our  innocence. 
Whether  our  virtue  is  the  cause  of  our  innocence  in  this  regard, 
may  be  a  question.  The  point  of  the  pavement  is  now  before  the 
Selectmen.  The  Gentlemen  Subscribers  made  no  objection  to  the 
application  of  their  money  to  the  purpose,  excluding  the  sides  of 
the  way.  They  have  now  shifted  their  ground.  It  is  one  lesson  in 
the  police  of  a  Town,  that  the  execution  of  its  Laws  in  the  hands 
of  its  proper  officers  should  never  be  connected  with  the  will  or  the 
property  of  individuals.  Let  them  help,  but  let  the  Town  not  de- 
pend upon  them. 

[343]  21.  Debates  whether  the  Face  of  the  President  should 
be  upon  our  coins.  Overruled  against  the  impression  of  the  Presi- 
dent. 

[Apr.]  22.  Sunday.  No  Notes.  At  the  wedding  something 
noisy,  &  not  in  the  best  order.  Such  things  often  depend  on  the 
character  of  parties. 

23.  Visited  this  evening,  &  was  kindly  received  but  felt  myself 
out  of  my  Line  on  several  accounts.  M"^  Jordy  in  a  letter  applies 
for  charitable  assistance  for  one  month.  Thus  my  friend  has  en- 
tailed upon  me  an  obligation  which  is  quite  beyond  my  finances. 

24.  An  Abraham  Solis,  advertised  mountebank  fashion  in  the 
Gazette,  the  Haerlaemer  Oil,  vulgarly  called  Hammer  Oil,  with 
dutch  explanations  of  its  use,  to  be  interpreted  to  any  person  who 
will  apply,  &  he  professes  to  interpret  all  the  common  Languages 
of  Europe,  &  it  is  said,  without  understanding  either  of  them. 

[344]  25.  Professor  Webber  with  me.  Gen.  Washington  &  S' 
Clair's  letters  merit  of  the  public,  &  will  have  a  tendency  to  stop 
the  scandal  circulated  in  the  Gazette.  They  do  honour  to  human 
nature.  Beside  S'  Clair's  denial  of  papers  in  the  Gazette  ascribed 
to  him.  Chief  Justice  Jay  has  used  the  same  expedient  to  undeceive 
the  public  in  regard  to  himself. 

26.  A  violent  Storm  of  rain,  but  several  arrivals.  The  rain 
poured  down  the  whole  day.  Information  of  the  resignation  of  M"" 
Everet  of  Boston  of  his  Pastoral  Charge  in  the  New  South  Meeting- 
House.  It  is  said  that  it  is  in  view  to  use  this  Society  with  Bel- 
nap's  or  the  Long  Lane  Society,  &  resign  up  that  building  to  D' 
Walter  for  a  church  of  England,  on  account  of  a  division  at  Christ 
Church  between  the  people  iipon  the  subject  of  Walter  &  Montague. 

27.  Belnap  has  published  &  advertised  the  third  Volume  of  his 
history  of  Newhampshire,  at  7/6  in  boards.  From  Boston  from 
1  Jan.  to  1  Apr.  1792,  exported  94,167  gallons  of  N.England  Kum. 

28.  Came  ashore  at  Marblehead,  parts  of  a  fishing  boat  belong- 
ing to  M"^  E.  H.  Derby,  from  which  we  conjecture  Messieurs  Hunt 
&  Parker  were  lost  upon  the  ledges  in  the  late  Storm.  No  discovery 
has  since  [345]  been  made.     Both  have  left  families  in  this  end 


1792]  RKV.   WILLIAM   BKNTLEY  868 

of  the  Town,  but  Parker's  young  &  dependant.     Hunt  was  a  teach- 
er of  navigation,  &  is  much  regretted  by  the  young  Seamen. 

[Apr.]  '2d.  Sunday.  The  Body  of  M''  Hunt  was  found  lashed 
to  the  foremast,  floating  in  the  water  &  brought  home  this  day. 
Notes.  Joshua  French,  Wife's  delivery.  Elizabeth  Chipman,  de- 
livery, Husband  &  Brother  at  Sea. 

30.  The  Anabaptists  upon  the  river  in  Beverley,  immersing  their 
disciples  in  water  &  ignorance.  The  indulgence  given  by  M''  Mac- 
keen  in  exchanges  with  enthusiasts  has  not  as  yet  any  promising 
appearances.     Here  ends  the  month  of  April. 

The  nature  of  this  work  is  so  various,  that  I  find  alterations 
proper  every  year.  In  the  Next  to  begin  the  Alphabet  at  the  last 
page  &  allow  no  vacant  pages,  but  continue  the  indexes  with  refer- 
ences till  they  meet  the  work.  To  insert  a  criticism  upon  every 
work  printed  in  America  within  my  knowledge,  &  as  much  of  its 
American  History  as  is  convenient.  To  insert  every  promotion 
particularly  in  this  state  which  gives  an  political  influence,  or  any 
convulsion  in  private  opinions. 

[356]  May  1, 1792.  Presented  to  the  office  petition  in  behalf 
of  blind  Perkins.  The  office  neglected  to  act  on  account  of  the 
Physician,  who  was  unknown  to  them.     How  cold  our  charity  &  zeal. 

2.  An  attempt  to  get  up  the  sunken  boat,  but  only  the  cable  re- 
covered. 

3.  Kain  continually.  The  worst  weather  for  good  neighbour 
hood  but  the  best  for  superstitious  zeal. 

4.  Visited  at  request  the  Widow  of  Henry  Parker  who  was 
drowned  last  Wednesday  week,  aet.  37.  He  was  of  Deptford  in 
England  &  has  a  mother  now  living  in  Woolwich.  He  has  left  four 
children,  one  male. 

5.  The  Law  of  last  March  respecting  the  observation  of  Sunday, 
published  in  the  Gazette.  Not  at  all  in  the  humour  of  the  present 
City  manners. 

May  6.  Sunday.  The  weather  has  for  a  long  time  been  disagre- 
able.  A  fog  &  mist  this  morning,  very  great.  Notes.  Walter 
Palfray,  death  of  his  Son  Hunt.  Susannah  Hunt,  d.  sudden,  of 
her  Husband,  two  sons  at  Sea.  Joseph  Moses,  dangerously  sick. 
D''  Price  was  born  1723,  married  1767,  died  1791.  Contrib  :  at 
Communion,  43/4. 

7.  The  general  attention  engaged  by  an  affair  between  a  Clergy- 
man now  on  the  civil  list,  &  a  Maiden,  whose  horse  the  C.  rode  to 
death.     Little  things  in  little  Towns  decide  a  man's  reputation. 

[357]  8.  Association.  Present  Rey^  Holt,  Storer,  Wadsworth, 
Bernard,  Prince,  M*^  Keen,  &  Parish,  Mansfield,  &  Quarles.  Gentle- 
men dined  with  us  G.  Fiske,  M.  Rogers,  D.  Little,  Monsieur  Jgout. 
Agreed  to  assist  M''  Swain  of  Wenham. 

9.  Rode  into  Danvers  to  observe  the  Herring  fishery  aud  exam- 
ined the  little  ponds,  streams,  etc. 


364  DIARY  OF  [1792 

•  11.  Eode  up  to  Danvers,  settled  for  Ministers  Pasture,  &  left 
my  right  iu  M'  Holt's  hand.  Viewed  the  Pasture  &  observed  the 
situation.  Thought  of  seperating  my  part.  Major  Epes  has  had 
the  improvement  by  taking  advantages. 

12.  Rode  to  Nahant,  &  on  my  return,  stopped  at  Browne's 
Farms,  the  Tenant  being  M''  Crane.  A.  very  pleasant  day,  glass  at 
80O. 

[May]  13.  Sunday.  Note.  Mary  Martin,  delivery,  Husband 
at  Sea.     This  finished  this  Volume. 

.^DEFICIA  ET  ALIA. 

Jan.  10.  [1791.]  "Welcome's  Estate  on  the  Lane  leading  to  the 
water  from  Daniel's  Lane,  except  the  Widow's  part,  sold  for  120£ 
at  publ  :  Vendue. 

Feb.  2.  Jon*  Ingersoll's  House  sold.  M'  Amos  Le  Favre  has 
purchased  a  Lot  of  land  in  Daniels  Lane.  M^  Rowell  has  pur- 
chased a  lot  in  Turner's  Lane. 

Mar.  17.  M''  Briggs  Raising  his  Rope  walk  near  the  Alms 
House,  on  the  Land  formerly  belonging  to  Stone  &  Vincent.* 

Mar.  18.  Knapp's  House  in  Becket  Street  taken  down.  It  was 
of  two  stories,  one  room  upon  a  floor.  Very  antient.  Capt.  For- 
rester, who  bought  Ingersoll's  House  in  Derby  Street,  has  also  pur- 
chased the  flatts  belonging  to  M"^  W™  Browne  adjoining. 

Mar.  29.  M''  Jon*  Archer  tert :  is  preparing  a  little  Barn  on  the 
front  of  his  Land  between  his  house  &  Murray's.  It  is  the  Eastern 
End  of  the  Old  Tavern  house  next  to  the  East  Meeting  House,  east- 
ward. 

Apr.  18.  Capt.  Crowningshield,  B.  begun  repairs  about  the  Man- 
sion House. 

Apr,  25.  Master  Watson,  a  new  fence  on  land  opposite  to  his 
house  at  the  head  of  Long  Wharf  Lane.  Capt.  Ashbey  has  taken 
down  the  fence  before  his  House  on  the  Lane  opposite  to  his  Fath- 
er White's  House. t 

June  1.  A  Tan  House  has  been  raised  upon  Turner's  Lane,  lead- 
ing to  the  water  on  the  East  side,  by  M'  Tinney  &  C°, 

June  2.  M"^  Le  Favre's  House  raised  on  the  West  side  of  Dan- 
iel's Lane. 

June  11.     M''  Rowell  is  digging  the  Cellar  of  his  House. 

June  17.  The  new  Eastern  end  to  the  Charity  House  upon  the 
Common  was  raising  this  morning. 

June  24.  Capt.  James  Chever's  House  painted.  Capt.  Tim. 
Welman's  House  painted. 

June  27.  Our  own  House,  Cap*  Crowninshield's,  new  shingled. 
M'  Rowell's  Frame  of  his  House  raised  last  week, 

*FIeasant  street  and  Briggs  street.  tEssex  street  and  Curtis  street. 


1792]  EEV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  365 

July  5.  Cap'  Patterson's  House  new  shingled  &  clapboarded. 
Cap'  Moses  Townsend's  House  new  shingled. 

Aug.  16.  Cap'  Patterson's  House  new  painted.  Cap'  Mason's 
House  on  the  Common  new  painted.  Perkins'  store  built  at  the 
Head  of  Long  wharf.  Boardman's  pavement  laid  from  his  boimds 
towards  Ives'  Lane  &  the  ditch  dug  below  the  cross  bridge  in  that 
road. 

Aug.  18.  M''  Richardson  adding  a  Building  to  the  Slaughter 
house  on  Virgin  Point.  A  M''  Brown  is  forming  a  Bake  house  near 
his  dwelling  on  the  East  side  of  the  Common. 

Aug.  22.     Boardman  painting  his  elegant  House. 

Aug.  25.     Allen  painting  his  House. 

Sept,     1.     M""  Bray  painting  his  House. 

Sept.     1.     Madam  Babbidge  Shingling. 

Sept.  12.     M''  Archer,  senior,  shingling. 

Sept.  18.  Cap'  J.  Collins  building  a  sea  wall,  in  the  place  of  the 
old  one  decayed. 

Sept.  29.  M'^  Richardson  adding  to  his  bark  House  on  the  line 
of  M"  Webb's  Garden  between  his  lime  pits  &  Bark  House. 

Oct.  18.  Webb's  House  in  Hardy's  Lane  taken  down,  very  old 
building. 

Oct.  28.  Palfrey's  House  in  Daniel's  Lane  taken  down,  very  old, 
&  infamous.  English's  Mansion  new  shingled  at  the  eastern  end.* 
Derby's  Land  in  English's  Lane  new  fenced,  in  good  order. 

Oct.  29.  M^  Cooke  raising  a  small  Barn  back  of  his  Dwelling 
House  in  the  main  Street  between  Daniel's  &  Hodge's  Lane. 

[1792]  Jan.  30.  Abijah  Hitchins  raising  a  Pent  house  and  out 
house  back  of  his  Dwelling  house,  Becket  Street.  Capt.  J.  Becket 
setting  up  a  Fishing  Schooner  in  his  yard,  burden  about  50  tons. 
Samuel  Ropes  forming  a  kitchen  back  of  his  house. 

Feb.  2.  A  Shop  taken  down  in  Long  wharf  Lane,t  built  64 
years  ago  by  M''  Archer  for  a  (hooper's  Shop,  improved  in  that  way 
till  1745,  &  then  converted  into  a  dwelling  house,  &  within  a  few 
years  inhabited  by  Negroes. 

Feb.  15.  Retire  Becket  setting  up  a  small  Coaster  for  General 
Fiske. 

Feb.  24.  M''  Derby  raised  a  small  House  upon  the  land  back  of 
Forrester  &  Manning,  for  some  superannuated  Domestics. 

Apr.  19.  Capt.  Waters  raising  an  addition  to  part  of  the  House 
removed  from  Osgood's  Corner  leading  to  the  Church,  upon  the 
land  of  his  Father  Dean,  Derby  Street,  corner  of  Turner's  Lane. 

Apr.  25.  Capt.  Chever  preparing  his  Buildings  for  a  Tan  yard 
near  his  house  on  the  CoBimon. 

May  1.  Clifford  Crowninshield  removed  his  store  from  Forester's 
Wharf,  which  is  on  the  corner  of  Ives'  Lane. 

•The  old  Philip  English  bouse,  known  as  the  "  Forty  Peaked  House." 
tUnion  street. 


DIARY 

OF 

REV.  WILLIAM  BENTLEY 
May  14,  1792— May  28,  1798. 


[The   manuscript  is  numbered   Volume  XXIII,  and   the  original 
pagination  is  here  shown  within  brackets.] 


[9]  May  14,  1792.  The  weather  pleasant.  The  meeting  for  the 
choice  of  Representatives  &  the  number  five  thought  upon,  on  ac- 
count of  the  valuation,  &c.,  intended  this  year.  The  Hospital  is 
proposed  to  be  opened,  to  prevent  the  expence  of  sending  to  Brook- 
lyne  to  D''  Aspinwall.  The  people  are  divided  upon  this  measure, 
some  opposed  by  their  age,  &  others  from  the  situation  of  their  in- 
terest near  the  Hospital.  The  Historical  Society  have  published 
their  Communications  which  do  not  tend  to  assist  a  much  more 
favorable  opinion  of  their  Collection.  Died  M'  Hilliard,  aged  76. 
in  English's  Lane. 

15.  Rode  with  Miss  N.  B.  into  Danvers,  where  we  spent  an 
agreable  day  with  a  pleasing  company  of  Country  Lasses.  We 
walked,  we  sung,  we  played,  &  time  never  hung  heavy  upon  our 
hands.  We  saw  the  good  Parson  planting  opposite  to  his  house. 
The  head  of  the  family  was  taken  in  distress,  &  adopted,  &  does 
not  know  his  parentage.  The  Children  are  of  three  sorts,  &  are 
intermarrying,  as  the  present  is  a  third  wife,  &  the  wives  had  chil- 
dren by  other  husbands.  A  M"  W.  was  with  us,  who  married  a 
young  Carpenter  by  occupation,  who  went  with  an  associate,  her 
present  husband,  to  Carolina,  &  made  an  agreement  that  should  he 
die  first,  the  other  should  take  his  widow.  After  his  death  his 
friend  sent  the  account  with  the  agreement,  &  he  is  now  married. 
He  entertained  us  with  some  sentimental  songs.  There  was  a  rais- 
ing in  the  neighborhood  this  afternoon,  which  prevented  us  from 
the  company  of  the  Parson.  The  river  running  from  Reading  to 
Ipswich  passes  near  this  house.  We  were  decently  mired  in  look- 
ing for  Cranberries.     We  reached  Salem  at  nine  in  the  evening. 

16.  The  matter  of  the  Hospital  before  the  town.     Whether  it 

(366) 


1792]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  867 

should  be  opened  for  patients  to  receive  the  smallpox  by  Inocula- 
tion was  overruled  from  the  inattention  of  the  inhabitants  to  the 
subject,  «Sc  from  the  entire  want  of  System.  The  Universalists 
under  IM'  John  ^lurray  who  have  hitherto  contented  themselves 
with  Kelly's  Hymns,  have  made  proposals  for  i)ublishing  a  new 
Collection,  which  is  to  have  more  gospel  than  any  hitherto  pub- 
lished. M''  Lane  &  Richards  have  published  the  terms  of  Subscrip- 
tion. &  will  be  the  Editors.  The  collection  of  Kelly  is  destitute  of 
poetic  fancy,  as  well  as  of  sober  judgment. 

17.  In  stating  the  arguments  with  the  Anabaptists  upon  the 
nature  of  Baptism  in  favor  of  Pajdo  baptism,  they  stand  thus. 
The  popish  notion  is  not  true  that  Baptism  regenerates.  The  ana- 
baptist pleads  that  Conversion  is  before  Baptism.  It  then  is  not 
the  cause  but  the  sign.  A  Sign  denotes  some  relation,  &  implies 
some  useful  end.  Education  is  the  most  important  in  the  Chris- 
tian world.  The  sign  applied  to  assist  education  is  then  most 
usefully  applied.  The  form  is  a  discretion,  because  the  end  is  the 
object.     The  Weather  rainy,  chill,  &  melancholy. 

18.  The  Marblehead  Academy,  under  the  care  of  the  Kev.  Harris, 
has  published,  "  A  collection  of  Lessons  &  Hymns  from  the  holy 
Scriptures  together  wdth  forms  of  Prayer,"  Salem,  1792.  There  has 
been  in  the  Mag.  Mass.  of  the  last  month  a  paper  in  favour  of 
written  prayers,  &  together  with  a  pamphlet,  signed  a  Blacksmith, 
a  sarcasm  upon  the  Presbyterian  prayers,  reprinted  in  Newbury 
Port.  This  subject  is  more  maturely  considered.  Calvin  composed 
a  Liturgy,  &  perhaps  the  utmost  that  can  be  done  with  discretion 
is  to  leave  each  society,  or  public  speaker,  as  in  his  sermon  to  his 
option.     Thus  we  go  on. 

"  Round  &  round,  in  the  self  same  ground." 
Some  Sermons  of  Fothergill,  the  Quaker,  Brother  to  the  Doctor, 
have  been  printed  in  Salem.  He  denies  that  he  is  an  Arian,  or  an 
unbeliever,  he  believes  in  the  important  consequences  of  the  death 
of  Christ,  but  when  he  explains  himself,  all  the  force  of  such  ex- 
pressions vanishes.  The  language  of  such  people  is  very  disgust- 
ful to  me,  while  I  venerate  their  piety,  &  rejoice  that  any  light 
whatever  is  opposed  to  Calvinism.  Such  publications  tend  to  shake 
the  abominable  doctrine  of  the  Trinity. 

[11]  May  20.  Sunday.  Preached  agreably  to  engagement  in 
the  Association  at  Wenham.  Found  various  causes  operating 
against  M''  Swain's  recovery  of  a  moral  nature.  Took  the  liberty 
to  offer  my  opinion  freely  to  the  people  in  regard  to  their  situation. 
Notes.     Hannah  Burn,*  dangerously  sick. 

21.     Large  importations  of  Books  of  Irish  Editions  into  Boston, 
&    sold   at   Vendues    at   great   advantage.      On    the    8**^    instant 
Congress  adjourned.     M''  Goodhue  arrived  last  Saturday  in    this 
Town. 
•Byrne. 


868  DIARY  OF  [1792 

22.  From  the  report  of  the  Committee  by  Col.  Duer,  the  noto- 
rious speculator,  the  Quarter  Master  department  was  shamefully 
neglected. 

24.  The  Gentlemen  receiving  into  the  Office  the  subscription  for 
the  blind  boy,  &  having  filled  it  up,  General  Fiske  gave  a  receipt 
for  the  money,  which  at  their  request,  &  in  the  receipt  is  to  be  de- 
posited in  my  hands.  £4,  6,  0.  I  delivered  to  the  father  but  soon 
discovered  my  error,  as  the  whole  sum  will  probably  be  lost  from 
the  intention  of  the  Subscribers.  I  never  was  so  much  embarassed 
by  a  charity,  &  I  have  chearfully  oifered  the  General  a  sum  equal 
to  the  Subscription  to  be  free  from  my  task. 

25.  A  Letter  to  D"^  Prelate  on  the  subject  of  the  boy,  praying 
his  terms  might  be  communicated  on  the  shortest  notice.  The  Man 
&  his  Wife  are  gone  on  with  the  Child,  &  T  had  not  firmness  enough 
to  make  the  prudent  objections  to  the  additional  expences.  Had 
the  pleasure  of  examining  the  second  part  of  Paine's  rights  of  man, 
especially  the  general  principles. 

[12]  26.     Several  Vendues  of  Books  in  Boston  in  the  next  week. 
May  27.     Sunday.     My  brother  Thomas  with  me  from  Boston. 
Notes.     Mary  Eopes,  her  delivery.  Husband  at  Sea. 

28.  The  Fisheries  this  spring  have,  as  they  did  last  year,  pro- 
duced much  more  in  favour  of  Beverly,  than  Marblehead.  Salem  is 
in  a  mean  between  both.  There  are  various  reasons  given.  The 
Fishermen  say  that  the  Marblehead  fishermen  accustomed  to  Grand 
banks  wait  there  for  fish,  while  the  Beverly  fishermen  take  advan- 
tage of  less  frequented  places.  The  true  reason  may  be  that  the 
Beverly  men  are  a  better  class  of  men,  Marblehead  have  depreciated 
much  since  the  war.  Whatever  may  be  the  cause  the  fact  is  un- 
questionable, that  the  Beverly  men  in  several  successive  fares  have 
taken  much  more  fish. 

29.  Some  pretended  Strictures  upon  the  Recommendation 
of  the  Convention  of  Congregational  ministers  in  May,  1790, 
appeared  in  the  Gazette,  in  which  the  measures  to  prevent  illiterate 
preachers  are  represented  as  an  attack  upon  the  Baptist  &  Episco- 
palian ministers,  &  such  affrontery  as  illiterate  preachers  vomit  out 
against  any  attempt  to  promote  useful  knowledge  in  the  order.  I 
confess  I  do  not  approve  of  associations  for  the  purpose  of  recom- 
mending. The  general  sense  of  the  clergy  will  preserve  the  merit 
of  the  order.  But  nothing  will  justify  abuse,  &  misrepresentation. 
A  late  seizure  furnishes  conversation  for  the  Town.  The  Beverly 
merchant  having  the  character  of  a  Shaver,  is  subject  to  a  little 
Gazette  wit.  Severe  exactions  from  the  Cooper  of  the  Vessel,  it  is 
said,  is  the  occasion  of  the  information. 

30.  Being  ELECTION  day,  instead  of  going  to  Boston,  the  usual 
rout  on  such  occasions,  I  planned  a  journey  into  the  country  but 
being  disappointed  of  my  horse,  &  some  other  mortifications  occur- 
ring, which  I  have  not  wisdom  to  prevent,  I  spent  the  day  in  Salem. 


1792]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  369 

I  went  down  to  the  Neck  Farm  &  dined  on  fish,  &  after  dinner 
left  the  concourse  of  boys,  men,  &  negroes,  &  went  upon  Juniper 
head,  where  I  took  a  soft  lodging  upon  a  stone,  &  relieved  myself 
by  an  hour's  na])  under  the  Jiinipers.  I  confess  still  a  pleasure  in 
seeing  the  busy  pleasures  of  children,  &  cannot  think  there  is  so 
great  dift'erence  in  the  great  world  &  little  one  as  I  have  been  taught 
to  imagine.  As  I  was  determined  to  remark  upon  the  Strictures  in 
the  Gazette,  after  I  sent  to  the  Printer,  I  recollected  that  it  would 
[13]  not  have  been  amiss  to  add  an  inquiry,  whether  men  without 
degrees  ought  not  in  modesty  to  ask  a  certificate,  &  whether  a  de- 
nomination without  a  presbytery,  would  accept  a  certificate  from 
one  if  they  meant  to  assert  exclusive  privileges. 

31.  Yesterday  we  learn  that  the  House  of  Representatives  & 
Senate,  &c.  dined  at  the  Governour's  expence,  at  his  Seat.  M"" 
Tappan  of  Newbury  preached.  Newspapers  in  the  ]\Iail  are  to  pay 
one  Cent  each  within  the  distance  of  one  hundred  miles,  &  one  & 
an  half  for  a  greater  distance. 

[14]  June  2.  The  Friend's  yearly  meeting  at  Salem  yesterday. 
Their  number  present  greater  than  usual,  &  the  number  of  Books 
printed  exceeds  that  of  any  former  period.  As  they  have  hitherto 
been  without  any  system,  &  yet  write  without  any,  in  the  next  gen- 
eration from  the  progress  of  knowledge  which  is  accelerated  they 
will  entirely  change  their  form.  A  Friend  from  Dover  tells  us  that 
in  his  neighbourhood  400  copies  of  Collins'  Bible,  4to,  are  subscribed 
for,  he  being  a  Friend  at  Trenton.  The  English  laugh  &  say,  the 
American  Bible  is  printed  by  a  Quaker,  &  the  press  inspected  by  a 
Lawyer,  alluding  to  Collins'  Bible. 

June  3.  Sunday.  Notes.  Joseph  Moses,  death  of  his  Sister, 
&  himself  dang.  sick.  Hannah  Byrne,  dang,  sick,  &  friends  at  sea. 
George  Smith  &  "Wife,  her  delivery  and  brethren  at  sea.  A  very 
pleasant  day  &  a  full  congregation. 

4.  We  were  amused  this  day  by  the  Launching  of  a  Vessel  of 
103  Tons  from  the  Shipyard  of  W  Enos  Briggs,  in  the  South 
Fields.  We  are  to  have  another  from  the  same  yard,  &  another 
in  North  Fields  in  the  course  of  this  week. 

5.  We  have  had  our  Library  Meeting  this  afternoon.  Shares 
are  at  12JB.  Five  volumes  of  the  Encyclopedie  are  purchased  & 
the  assessments  for  the  year  above  that  Work,  are  127-  The  Breth- 
ren received  a  Letter  from  the  G  :  Lodge  of  an  intended  visit,  but 
apologised  for  delay  on  account  of  the  absence  of  the  G.  Master  in 
the  proposed  visitation.     My  Mother  with  me  from  Boston. 

6.  Attended  with  the  Lodge  Committee,  Esq"  Hiller  &  Pulling, 
to  answer  the  G.  Lodge  about  the  time  of  visitation.  Our  only  ob- 
jection to  the  arrangement  was  from  the  absence  of  the  G.  Master, 
in  whose  stead  a  young  man  was  deputed.  The  Body  of  ]M''  Parker 
having  been  six  weeks  in  the  water,  was  taken  up,  &  in  a  wretched 
condition.     I  prevailed  on  the  wife  to  have  it  left  in  the  Store  of 


370  DIARY  OF  [1792 

E.  H.  Derby  till  the  next  morning  &  day  of  burial.  M''  Bernard 
&  Jackson  visited  me  this  evening,  M''  Jackson  is  a  man  of  dis- 
tinguished politeness  of  manners.  Paid  a  visit  at  Tea  to  Col.  Carle- 
ton.  He  was  an  Officer  in  the  Continental  army,  with  a  family 
weakness  quite  short  of  the  moral  sense,  &  an  unsystematic  free 
thinker.  He  possesses  a  fine  share  of  good  nature.  M""  Derby  has 
generously  defrayed  the  expences  of  the  funerals  of  the  unfortunate 
men  who  were  drowned  in  his  boat. 

[15]   7.     Was   buried,  M""   Henry   Parker   of  ,  England, 

fisherman.  He  was  drowned  in  April  with  Hunt,  in  a  boat  belong- 
ing to  M''  E.  H.  Derby.  He  was  found  within  the  Misery  Islands, 
floating.  The  whole  skull  was  laid  bare,  the  feet  gone  to  the  tibia, 
the  hands  with  only  the  bare  bones  of  the  palm,  &  his  thighs  eaten. 
A  very  few  persons  at  the  funeral.  The  arms  were  drawn  up  over  the 
breast,  &  had  not  left  that  position.  An  answer  from  the  Grand 
Lodge  to  our  Letter,  in  which  we  are  assured  that  the  G.  Master 
will  attend  in  person  on  the  morrow,  at  the  installation. 

8.  At  Twelve  the  Grand  Master  came  with  the  G.  Wardens,  G. 
Treasurer,  G.  Secretary,  vizt.  G.  M.  Cutler,  G.  W.  Dunn  &  Hoyt,  G. 
S.  Russel,  G.  F.  B.,  D.  G.  M.  Bartlet,  &c.  and  the  following  was  the 
order  of  the  day.  G.  Lodge  introduced  by  a  Committee  & 
opened.  The  Jewels  in  the  east.  The  Officers  of  Essex  Lodge  on 
the  right  of  the  respective  G.  Officers.  The  Charter  &  Bye  Laws 
of  E.  Lodge  read  by  the  Secretary.  A  prayer.  The  master  installed 
by  the  G.  Master,  &  an  address  from  G.  Master.  The  master  in- 
stalls the  Officers  of  his  own  Lodge.  The  Salute  from  the  G.  Lodge. 
Constitution  of  the  G.  Lodge  read  by  the  G.  Treasurer.  Public 
Toasts.  An  address  from  D.  G.  M.  Bartlet.  Grand  Lodge  closed, 
&  then  Essex  Lodge  closed,  &  as  private  at  the  Installation,  went 
to  the  Sun  to  an  elegant  dinner.  At  five  the  G.  Master  arose  &  re- 
tired, &  set  out  for  Boston.  After  notice  of  a  meeting  next  Monday 
night  all  retired.  The  Toasts  were  upon  the  occasion  of  the  day. — 
It  is  not  amiss  under  some  circumstances  to  see  everything  which 
is  innocently  done  under  the  sun. — My  mother  went  to  Boston. 

9.  News  of  the  death  of  my  Brother  Thomas'  Child.  Young 
Moses  died  last  night.  He  has  suffered  from  a  Sciatica  Scorb  :  & 
after  a  miserable  state,  &c.  He  was  employed  as  an  assistant  to 
the  East  Public  Writing  School,  &  was  supported  partly  by  the 
Town  &  partly  by  the  charity  of  his  friends  in  his  illness.  M" 
Mason  died  unexpectedly,  but  not  without  suspicion  of  having  in- 
dulged too  freely  in  spirituous  liquors  to  her  injury.  Moses  de- 
serves a  good  character,  &  was  a  young  man  of  understanding.  M" 
Mason  had  a  fine  person,  was  amiable,  neat,  &  had  a  most  piercing 
eye. 

[16]  June  10.  Sunday.  Sarah  Hodges,  apprehension  of 
death  &  for  death  of  her  Sister  Furber.  Sarah  Chever,  d.  of  her 
Sister  Furber,  &  Husband  at  Sea.     Alice  Ropes,  d.  of  her  Sister 


1792]  REV.   WILLIAM    BENTLBY  371 

Furber  &  Husband.  &  Brethren  at  Sea.     M""  Moses'  funeral  proces- 
sion consisted  of  200  couples  principally  young  people  &  children. 

11.  The  funeral  procession  was  large  this  evening,  exceeding  80 
couple.  The  Lodge  adjusted  their  expences  for  last  fridaycSt  in  the 
Hall  for  attendance,  &  for  the  dinner,  at  24  covers,  upon  16  per- 
sons amounted  to  14/6  each.  On  Friday  last  I  sat  over  a  large  fire 
in  a  large  company,  &  in  a  closed  room  with  comfort. 

12.  The  association  meeting  at  Rev'^  Holt,  Dauvers.  Forbes 
preached.  Elect  means  no  contrast  of  characters,  &  there  is  great 
sin  in  preaching  metaphysical,  but  uoue  in  scholastic  divinity.  Re- 
turned early. 

13.  Capt  Crowninshield  arrived  from  Cape  of  Good  Hope  after 
a  passage  of  85  days.  The  wind  has  been  to  the  eastward  for  ten 
days  &  the  fire  side  comfortable.  Vessels  windbound.  The  zeal  of 
the  New  Lights  ends  in  anabaptism  because  the  latter  screens  more 
easily  from  Taxes. 

[17]  14.  Buried  H.  B.*  formerly  a  V.  She  had  several  prom- 
ising children  by  her  husband,  who  was  respectable,  &  a  ^Master  of 
a  Vessel.  After  his  decease  she  was  relieved  by  her  G.  Mother  A. 
But  after  being  addicted  to  Intemperance,  she  proved  with  child  and 
the  father,  supposed  an  African,  was  never  known.  She  was  de- 
livered of  a  dead  child  at  her  Father's  &  languished  in  misery  till 
her  death.  She  was  a  very  handsome  woman  in  her  health,  &  since 
I  have  known  her. 

15.  A  man  working  on  Chever's  Tan  house,  &  belonging  to  Dan- 
vers,  fell  from  the  building  cS:  broke  his  leg.  It  was  a  compound 
fracture  at  the  ancle.  He  was  carried  home.  A  severe  satyre  has 
been  published  in  a  Gazette  upon  an  Essex  Clergyman  for  suffering 
himself  to  be  so  busy  in  the  Ohio  Company  affairs,  &  in  the  incor- 
poration of  his  Hamlet.t  Almost  2  hundred  per  Cent  upon  the 
prime  cost  of  East  India  Sugar,  it  is  said,  will  be  made  from  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope.  M''  Oliver  informs  me  that  Bp.  English  has 
had  a  visitation  of  his  Clergy  in  Canada,  &  that  but  few  appeared 
tho'  some  travelled  several  hundred  miles.  His  diocese  is  intended 
for  three,  Nova  Scotia,  New  Brunswick,  &  Canada,  when  they  have 
numbers  enough.  At  present  rather  the  Presbyterians  than  English 
Episcopalians  prevail.  He  says  the  new  Bishop  has  all  the  formal- 
ity of  his  office,  &  has  made  the  peculiar  alteration  of  begging  pray- 
ers before  his  Sermon,  an  antique  custom  of  part  of  their  Church. 
I  was  informed  that  G.  Fiske  had  obtained  a  vote  of  admission  for 
me  into  a  Fire  Club,  of  which  he  is  a  member.  I  have  not  yet  re- 
ceived the  invitation  in  form,  but  happily  shall  acquiesce  in  an  in- 
stitution so  truely  belonging  to  a  good  Citizen's  patronage. 

[18]  16.  The  Hull  of  the  Fishing  Boat,  from  which  Hunt  & 
Parker  were  drowned,  floated  and  rose,  &  is  towed  into  Abbot's  Cove 

•Probably  Hannah  Byrne. 

fRev.  Manaaseh  Cutler  of  Hamilton. 


372  DIARY  OF  [1792 

The  bows,  &  the  keel  are  gone,  &  bai'naeles  have  formed  on  every  part. 
The  late  swell  from  the  eastward  probably  disengaged  her  from  the 
pig  iron  ballast.  The  presumption  is  that  she  struck  the  rocks. 
Turnpike  roads  are  begun,  &  much  talked  of  in  N.  England. 

June  17.  Sunday.  Notes.  Hannah  Archer  &  G.  Children,  d. 
of  their  Mother  Burns*  and  one  Son  at  Sea.  Jonathan  Mason's 
wife,  d.  of  daughter  in  Law,  prayers  for  the  children  &  for  the  Hus- 
band absent  &  children  &  friends  abroad.  Hannah  Hodges,  d.  of 
her  sister,  husband  &  Brethi*en  at  Sea.  Lydia  Maley,  d.  of  her 
sister  in  law,  &  friends  absent.  Preserved  Elkins,  d.  of  her  sister 
in  law,  husband  &  brethren  absent.  William  King  &  Wife,  her 
delivery,  d.  of  his  Sister  Mason  &  Brethren  at  Sea.  Margaret  Valpy 
&  children,  d.  of  her  daughter  in  Law  &  their  Sister,  husband  & 
Sons  at  Sea.     Alice  Cotton  for  herself  in  a  weak  &  low  condition. 

18.  Saw  in  M^  Derby's  Store  for  the  first  time  the  Skins  of  the 
Zebra.  It  corresponded  to  Bomare's  account.  The  stripes  first 
struck  the  eye.  I  did  not  measure  the  proportions.  M''  Crownin- 
shield  gave  me  the  antennae  of  an  African  scseyabseus  not  large, 
dentated  on  the  interior  part,  two  prongs  at  the  end,  &  one  on  the 
middle  of  each  turned  upwards.  M'  Jordy  gave  me  the  Jaws  of  a 
small  shark  in  good  preservation.  Three  Vessels  are  missing  from 
this  port,  out  an  unusual  time.  The  pavement  in  the  Town  is  much 
retarded  by  the  scanty  supply  of  Stones.  The  price  is  said  to  be 
too  small.  They  ask  6*/  p''  Ton.  The  descent  from  Col.  Pickman's 
to  Andrews  corner  is  scarcely  four  feet. 

[19]  19.  An  invitation  to  dine  with  a  very  respectable  com- 
pany of  Gentlemen  of  the  Town,  on  Turtle,  at  the  Fort.  We  had  an 
agreable  day.  The  number  about  twenty.  Essex  Bank,  to  be  held 
in  part  of  the  Custom  House,  being  organized,  promise  to  begin  dis- 
counting next  Monday.  The  Officers  are  W.  Gray  jun"",  President, 
Capt.  G.  Dodge,  E.  Pulling  Esq"",  M''  John  Norris,  J.  Ashton  Esq'', 
Capt.  W.  Orne,  Capt.  J.  White,  Directors,  J.  King,  Cashier.  A  par- 
ticular Letter  of  invitation  from  the  G.  Lodge  to  dine  next  Monday. 
In  the  Newbury  marine  List  of  this  day,  fifteen  entries,  &  clearances, 
in  the  whole  number,  eighteen  Brigs  &  Snows. 

20.  A  whale  ashore  at  Hampton  with  an  iron  in  him,  advertised. 
Government  ordered  150  Ton  of  Copper  to  be  purchased  for  Coin- 
age, prohibiting  afterwards  the  present  currency.  The  celebrated 
Weathersfield  meeting  house  struck  by  lightening.  D.  Shays  the 
noted  head  of  the  Insurgents,  is  now  in  Worcester  Jail  for  debt.  A 
charity  is  solicited  for  him.  The  Cent  duty  upon  News  Papers  I 
was  notified  began  this  day. 

21.  Capt*  Ives,  T.  Ropes,  &  Elkins  missing  from  this  Port.  News 
of  Elkins  by  R.  Derby,  who  has  made  a  very  bad  voyage  by  a  spec- 
ulation upon  Danish  Herrings.  Rode  with  INliss  H.  Hodges  into 
Lynn  Farms.     The  weather  was  delightful.     The  Orchards  are  un- 

•Byme. 


1792]  REV.    WILLIAM    BENTLEY  373 

iujuriecl  the  grass  not  very  thick  set.  IJarley  &  Oats  flourishing. 
Corn  not  so  forward  as  in  this  Town.  Garden,  especially  peas,  for- 
ward. Plenty  of  Strawberries.  ^U  Crane  is  upon  Browne's  Farm. 
We  rode  to  Philips'.  I  there  saw  an  aged  woman,  who  finished  her 
hundredth  year  last  Christmass.  She  had  one  of  her  lucid  inter- 
vals. She  speaks  thick,  but  strong.  The  first  is  owing  to  the  want 
of  teeth.  She  was  a  Blaney,  &  married  a  Philips,  &  has  two  sons 
living,  one  with  whom  she  lives  is  77«t.,  another  in  Boston  75. 
The  oldest  was  at  his  daily  labour  in  the  held.  The  old  matron 
says  she  sprimg  from  the  same  family  with  the  Kings  in  Salem. 
Her  memory  not  remarkably  impaired.  She  complains  of  the  cold, 
&  does  not  sit  up  much.  Sleeps  much,  &  is  lost  upon  first  awaking. 
She  says  her  husband  was  17  years  older  than  herself  &  did  not 
remember  the  building  of  the  family  house  in  which  they  live. 
His  G.  Father  owned  it.  Allowing  him  to  have  been  born  in  1675, 
then  if  the  house  had  been  built  in  1635  which  is  as  early  as  it  may 
be  placed,  it  might  have  been  40  years  old  at  his  birth,  and  no  fam- 
ily record  kept  of  its  erection.  It  has  been  much  altered,  has  two 
stories  front,  &  a  linter  back,*  facing  south.  [20]  These  facts  lead 
me  to  record  the  following  inquiries.  How  happened  it  that  so 
many  Quakers  are  settled  on  this  spot?  Did  they  come  over 
Quakers?  Then  they  are  not  first  settlers  &  the  house  cannot  be  so 
old.  By  which  Town  was  this  land  possessed,  &  when  was  the 
divisional  line  run?  Did  it  not  belong  to  Salem?  Were  there 
Quakers  converted  in  the  Country?     Enter  my  34th  year. 

22.  [Extracts  "  From  the  Records  of  the  Town  of  Salem,"  ap- 
pearing in  the  original  are  here  omitted.]  [21]  By  information 
from  Col.  Pickman  I  learn  Forrest  river  is  that  river  which  empties 
at  Gardner's  mills  between  Salem  &  Marblehead,  over  which  there 
is  a  Bridge  near  his  Farm  now  called  Forest  river  Bridge.  [22] 
By  invitation  from  ]VP  Derby  the  Clergy  spent  this  afternoon  at 
the  Farm  in  Danvers.  We  were  regaled  at  our  arrival,  after  the 
best  liquors  at  the  house,  with  a  feast  in  his  Strawberry  beds. 
They  were  in  excellent  order,  &  great  abundance.  He  measured  a 
berry,  which  was  2  inches  1/2  in  circumference.  We  saw  whole 
nurseries  of  Trees,  such  as  Buttons,  fruit  trees,  &  the  Mulberry,  of 
the  last  we  had  from  him  the  following  account.  He  takes  the 
fruit  very  ripe,  dries  it,  then  pulverises  it,  &  sows  it  in  rows,  as 
other  small  seed,  &  it  grows  above  an  inch  the  first  year,  &  in  five 
years,  is  eight  &  ten  feet  high  by  transplanting.  This  garden  is 
much  improved  since  I  was  here  last.  We  saw  Potatoes  called 
early,  brought  from  the  Nova  Scotia,  &  upon  opening  the  hills, 
they  were  large  as  eggs  at  the  present  time.  The  slugs  & 
worms  do  injury  to  his  fruit.  Besides  the  garden  we  saw  a  great 
variety  of  animal  life.  The  Swan,  a  stranger  among  us,  from  Vir- 
ginia.    The  Cape  of  Good  Hope  Sheep  with  their  remarkable  tails, 

•Lean-to,  i.  e.,  one  story  in  the  rear. 


374  DIARY  OF  [1792 

■weighing  5  pounds,  &  used  by  the  inhabitants  as  butter,  but  of 
very  delicate  fat.  The  Garden  is  on  our  right  as  we  went  westerly 
from  the  house,  &  the  barns,  nursery,  &c.  on  the  left.  We  went 
down  to  the  New  farm,  where  we  saw  in  pleasing  contentment  some 
old  domestic  servants  enjoying  at  ease  the  remainder  of  their  days. 
As  our  company  was  mixt,  we  had  not  much  familiar  conversation. 
The  German  Gardner*  is  yet  upon  the  Farm.  At  Coffee  we  had 
excellent  radishes,  bread,  &  butter,  &  cheese  from  the  Farm.  The 
Cheese  equal  to  any  in  Europe.  A  pair  of  fine  Horses  carried  the 
waggon  to  the  Farm,  &  gave  an  unusual  stateliness  to  the  convey- 
ance. Return  at  Sundown.  M"^  Derby  received  us  with  all  that 
attention,  &  bounty,  which  gratify,  while  they  distroy  not  the  af- 
fections. We  envied  nothing  but  his  liberality  to  us,  because  we 
wished  to  do  the  same  things.  We  felt  no  other  emotions,  than  the 
innocence  of  rural  life,  the  happy  application  of  riches  to  facilitate 
agricultxire,  &  most  ardent  wishes  to  please  a  man,  who  had  at  once 
done  us  so  much  honour,  &  given  us  so  much  pleasure.  Hypocrisy, 
meanness,  envy  &  party,  tho'  evidently  associated,  agreed  to  hide 
themselves,  &  like  the  Owls  fly  the  light,  or  like  timid  enemies  with- 
draw from  the  sympathy  which  cheerful  nature,  &  indulgent  riches 
infused  into  us.  They  peeped  at  the  scene,  we  saw  the  eye  rowl  its 
intention  in  the  dark,  but  retired,  persuaded  that  we  had  escaped  every 
[23]  injury  &  had  lost  the  worst  in  the  finer  feelings  of  humanity. 

Let  narrow  souls  to  wealth  enslaved 

Anxious  to  keep,  but  never  have. 

Let  them  survey  their  secret  store. 

Conceal  their  heaps,  &  cry  for  more. 

Condemned  to  labour  as  the  slaves. 

Devoid  of  peace,  till  in  their  graves. 

But  happy  he,  whose  generous  mind 

Makes  great  abundance  ever  kind. 

The  poor  shower  blessings  on  his  head, 

And  love  him,  while  they  eat  his  bread. 

Let  virtue  act,  &  man  admires. 

Let  virtue  speak,  &  vice  retires. 

Riches  employ'd  to  bless  mankind, 

The  bliss  of  living  ever  find. 

Kind  friend  accept  my  grateful  wish  : 

May  wealth  enlarge  thy  happiness. 

May  living  green  thy  garden  bless. 

Thy  children's  children  see  thy  peace, 

And  every  heart  seek  thy  increase. 
-  When  death  commissioned  from  above 

Removes  thee  to  the  Courts  of  Love, 

Still  live  endeared  by  every  tie 

Of  gratitude  &  humanity. 

•George  Heassler? 


171>2]  REV.    WILLIAM    BENTLEY  375 

23.  Joseph  Green's  wit  upon  Masonic  Processions  appeared  last 
Friday  in  the  Apollo.  A  happy  specimen  of  retailing  but  no  bad 
sign  of  the  success  of  the  institution.  With  13'  Little  fishing  at 
the  Fort.  'My  Father  &  Sister  Sukey  from  Boston  with  me.  I  wish 
our  domestic  affairs  more  happy.  However  duty  in  mine,  &  all 
events  belong  to  God.  My  Friend  Fiske  is  chosen  Major  General 
of  the  2"*  division  of  Militia.  Sent  up  for  an  exchange  which  I  had 
before  declined  from  my  avertion  to  absence  in  tlie  afternoon.  I 
determined  in  my  own  mind  that  this  should  be  the  last  time  of 
such  a  compliance.  My  reason,  is,  to  be  found  at  home  at  certain 
times. 

[24]  June  24.  Sunday.  Notes.  William  Peale  &  Wife, 
death  of  his  Brother  &  Sister  &  Son  at  Sea.  Hetty  Valpy,  deliv- 
ery, Husband  at  Sea.  Having  preached  a  laboured  discourse  &  as 
I  thought  well  pursued,  &  again  preached  it  on  the  same  day  in 
another  society,  I  had  the  mortification  to  find  in  the  evening  that 
my  people  did  not  knoiv  what  I  ivas  after.  The  disappointment 
was  painful,  &  as  it  can  have  little  effect  but  to  discourage  exer- 
tion, I  hope  I  shall  be  cautious  not  to  be  too  inquisitive  of  persons 
who  are  not  judges,  &  just  pride  enough  to  preach  for  profit  to  the 
hearers  by  simplicity. 

25.  We  have  the  news  of  the  death  of  Capt  Th  :  West  by  a 
stroke  from  the  garf  on  board  his  Vessel,  and  also  that  John  Dean, 
son  of  Benjamin,  being  with  his  father  on  a  voyage,  was  lost  from 
a  yard.  By  Caesar  I  learn  that  the  Bell  in  the  East  ^Meeting 
House  was  put  up  in  October  1772,  &  the  Clock  on  the  22*^  May 
1773,  made  by  a  M'  Liscorabe,  belonging  to  the  Town.  Capt  El- 
kins,  about  whom  we  have  been  so  anxious,  has  arrived  in  Capt  S. 
Ingersoll,  contrary  to  out  expectation. 

26.  Went  to  Xew  Mills  to  see  the  unhappy  man  who  broke  his 
leg  at  Chever's.  He  has  most  alarming  symptoms  from  the  Lock 
Jaw.  Prayed  with  him.  Visited  M"^  Reed,*  who  was  formerly  a 
Tutor  in  Cambridge,  &  who  married  a  Jeffrey,  a  Lady  of  fortune,  & 
descendant  from  Esq"^  Bowditch.  He  has  purchased  a  part  of  the 
farm  formerly  belonging  to  Governor  Endicott,  above  30  acres.  It  is 
bounded  by  water  half  its  length,  &  is  a  portion  of  the  Estate  lying 
near  the  Great  Road.  The  whole  space  between  the  rivers  was  the 
Governors  Farm.  Major  Sprague  [25]  owns  one  part  &  John  En- 
dicott another.  It  is  yet  in  my  mind  uncertain  what  were  the  old 
names  of  the  branches  of  North  river,  or  in  other  words  how  to  ap- 
ply the  names  on  record.  One  is  by  vulgar  report  Crane  River,  & 
their  frost  fish  brook  running  in  Beverly.  The  situation  is  pleas- 
ant, but  the  whole  is  out  of  repair,  &  order.  Below,  towards  Town, 
I  was  received  by  M""  John  Gardner,  at  the  house  formerly  belong- 
ing to  Bradish,  Baker.  M''  G.  by  his  last  purchase  has  now  a  farm 
of  140  acres  divided  only  by  the  roads,  with   Barns  &   dwelling 

*Hon.  Nathan  Read. 


376  DIARY  OF  .  [1792 

Houses,  &  he  is  providing  various  conveniences.  M'  E.  H.  Derby 
visited  the  Farm  while  I  was  there,  &  walked  in  the  garden  oppo- 
site the  House.  The  Family  of  Derby  had  a  Taste  in  this  way,  & 
M^  Gardner  has  been  long  known.  A  curious  species  of  Cabbage 
was  found,  sowed  by  accident,  to  the  surface  of  the  leaves  stamina 
adhered,  &c.  &c. 

27.  Gardiner,  called  the  Sachem,  &  so  notorious  for  his  political 
interference,  at  one  time  with  the  populace,  &  then  with  flattery  to 
the  Great,  is  ridiculed  upon  the  Subject  of  his  speech  upon  the 
Theatre,  which  he  extravagantly  commends.  Proposals  for  running 
the  new  Bridge  to  be  built  from  Boston  from  the  point  in  Boston 
where  the  Copper  Works  stood,  near  the  Pest  House,  to  the  west- 
ern side  of  the  upland  of  Leechmore's  point,  &  continued  through 
Shed's  farm  to  Simpson's  Corner,  Cambridge.  After  bathing,  an 
enjoyment  in  the  water,  with  wet  feet  in  company  with  old  &  young 
of  both  sexes. 

28.  This  morning  died  the  unfortunate  M""  Fowler,  who  broke 
his  leg,  with  the  Lock  Jaw,  The  Accident  happened  on  the  15"* 
instant.  Referees  by  order  of  Court  dividing  Allen  &  IngersoU's 
wharf.  The  Eeferees  M'"  W.  Gray,  Jn°*'>  Mason,  &  N.  Pierce.  A 
Branch  of  the  Union  Bank  intended  for  Salem.  Capt.  R.  Derby 
has  returned  from  a  speculation  upon  Herrings  in  which  he  fol- 
lowed M'  W.  Gray,  but  with  very  ill  success,  almost  the  total  loss. 
The  regulations  of  the  trade,  as  well  as  misfortunes  of  the  fish  con- 
tributed to  the  disappointment.  Reports  of  vigorous  preparations 
for  War  in  France. 

[26]  29.  News  of  the  loss  of  a  Swedish  Boy  belonging  to  Capt. 
Byrne,  in  a  gale  of  wind.  Alarmed  with  the  apprehension  that  my 
good  friend  Hodges  would  lose  his  eldest  daughter.  Strout  came 
up  with  Fiske's  new  constructed  Brig  from  Maine.  The  Under- 
taker is  very  successful  in  his  draughts  but  is  said  to  be  no  Carpen- 
ter either  by  education  or  practice.  Currants  ripe  in  our  gardens  & 
plentiful.  Capt.  Jona.  Ingersoll  has  arrived  with  success  from  W. 
Indies.  Capt.  J.  Prat,  on  his  visit  from  Orford.  He  has  made  a 
very  unhappy  arrangement,  being  precisely  on  that  angle  most  dis- 
tant from  the  Sea,  &  any  communications  with  the  coast. 

30.  This  morning  heard  of  the  death  of  Father  Swain*,  the  eld- 
est minister  of  our  Association.  We  have  all  been  preaching  for 
him  in  turn,  during  his  illness.  As  I  have  known  him  only  in  the 
latter  part  of  life,  I  cannot  judge  of  the  former.  I  am  informed  in 
1759  he  went  into  the  Army,  &  whether  there  or  anywhere  else  he 
formed,  or  confirmed  an  habitual  inclination  to  intemperance  which 
finally  conquered  him,  &  distroyed  all  his  faculties.  He  married 
the  widow  relict  of  his  predecessor  in  the  ministry,  Warren,  &  was 
so  involved  in  his  affairs,  as  to  be  obliged  to  take  advantage  of  the 
Bankrupt  act,  &    the  indulgence  of  his  creditors.     Candour  may 

♦Rev.  Joseph  Swain,  of  Wenham. 


1792]  KEV.    WILLIAM    BENTLET  377 

cover  his  fault  by  the  distress  of  his  situation,  but  as  he  never  was 
a  man  of  exquisite  sensibility,  that  might  or  might  not  be  the  cause. 
In  his  last  wife  he  had  for  several  years  a  prudeut,  but  guardian 
friend,  &  he  revived  during  her  life,  but  relapsed  upon  her  decease 
almost  instantly.  He  had  several  daughters  of  fair  reputation. 
One  has  married  a  Phippen  in  this  town,  &  one  lives  with  lier  uncle 
Chipman,  single.  As  to  his  abilities  they  were  good.  He  had  very 
small  talents  in  conversation,  &  a  very  inexpressive  countenance. 
He  never  was  acquainted  with  theological  controversy,  or  with  any 
system  of  morals.  His  Sermons  were  never  brilliant,  or  happy  in 
expression,  &  yet  never  low  and  groveling.  He  was  a  very  (jvam- 
matical  writer,  and  tho'  his  thoughts  were  seldom  well  arranged, 
they  were  always  understood.  He  had  learnt  french,  but  had  never 
read  their  best  writers.  He  had  no  acquaintance  with  ecclesiastical 
writers,  but  he  had  read  the  principal  Latin  Classics.  He  was  un- 
acquainted with  Criticism  but  frequent  in  quoting  whole  lines  from 
the  Classics.  In  the  latter  part  of  life  was  led  by  D""  Cutler  of  Ips- 
wich Hamlet,  to  Botany,  but  his  success  could  not  be  great.  He 
died  to  the  world  before  he  died  animally.  His  very  uncouth  de- 
livery, &  his  awkward  manner  gave  not  the  populace  a  [27]  just 
sense  of  his  merit.  For  he  was  certainly  superior  to  the  Clergy  in 
general,  &  wrote  as  useful  sermons  as  any  member  of  our  associa- 
tion. 

July  1.  Sunday.  Notice  has  been  given  that  the  Funeral  of  the 
ReV*  J.  Swain  will  be  attended  this  day,  &  the  association  are  in- 
vited. Notes.  Wife  &  Children  of  Benj''  Dean,  d.  of  Son  &  hus- 
band at  Sea.  John  Hill  &  wife,  her  delivery.  Attended  M'" 
Swain's  funeral  at  Wenham.  The  Corpse  was  carried  to  the  door 
of  the  Meeting  House,  &  with  singing,  there  was  a  prayer  by  Rev  : 
M'  Forbes,  who  had  preached  that  day  at  Wenham.  The  usual 
Sermon  was  omitted.  The  whole  Association  was  present,  except- 
ing only  M''  Paysou.  The  six  eldest  were  Pall  holders,  &  there 
were  several  other  clergymen  present.  The  body  was  deposited  in 
a  brick  grave.  The  mourners  were  attended  homewards  by  the 
Clergy  &  the  Inhabitants,  &  a  handsome  collation  was  prepared. 
The  Association  agreed  to  continue  their  supply  after  the  Bearers, 
&  we  separated.  Arrived  home  at  9  o'clock.  The  day  was  very 
hot,  glass  above  90". 

2.  Catechised  the  children,  &  distributed  100  Catechisms  & 
Hymns  at  10  A.  M.  We  had  G9  Males.  At  4  P.  M.  93  females. 
There  was  great  good  order  among  the  children.  The  weather  hot 
&  windy,  &  the  season  now  very  dry.  But  it  is  a  time  of  general 
health,  excepting  a  few  consumptive  persons  &  then  quite  young. 
The  disorder  attacks  in  very  early  life,  &  the  victims  evidently  in- 
crease. 

[28]  3.  The  sense  of  :Mankind  is  warmly  expressed  against  the 
Slave  Trade.     A  Meeting- House  together  with  its  steeple  moved  in 


378  DIARY  OF  [1792 

Connecticut.  The  Gazette  tells  us  that  some  change  in  the  police 
is  talked  of,  particularly  the  division  of  the  Town  into  wards,  with 
their  respective  Selectmen  to  transact  all  business,  &c.  This  may- 
be an  experiment  to  flatter  the  propensities  of  the  Town  of  Boston, 
&  a  method  to  facilitate  their  arrangements.  The  greatest  error  in 
this  Town  is  not  the  government,  but  the  neglect  of  the  inhabitants 
to  attend  the  Town  meetings,  &  the  error  itself  arises  from  the  per- 
fect security  the  people  feel,  even  if  the  offices  go  into  unworthy 
hands.  The  Buoys  are  placed  in  the  Harbour,  the  last  this  day.  Two 
at  the  Aquae  Yitee.  One  at  the  Endeavours,  one  at  Abbott's  rock, 
one  at  Hardy's  rock,  another  at  Bowditch's  Ledge,  &  another  at 
Coney  Island  Ledge. 

4.  The  day  of  our  INDEPEXDANCE,  to  be  celebrated  in  every 
part  of  the  United  States.  Boston  has  given  notice  of  its  inten- 
tions, &  the  patriotic  Sons  of  Gloucester  have  published  the  same 
purpose.  For  ourselves  a  few  are  to  enjoy  a  Turtle  feast  at  the 
Fort,  &  the  rest  go  about  their  business.  As  I  wished  to  be  away 
from  home  to  day,  I  took  a  3'oung  Daughter  of  Capt.  J.  Chever,  & 
rode  to  Philips'  beach,  among  her  relations.  AVe  fished  with  great 
success,  &  dined  at  Philips'.  We  drank  coffee  on  our  return  with 
Crane  at  Browne's  Farm  &  reached  Salem  at  sundown.  A  very 
pleasant  day. 

[29]  5.  This  morning  application  was  made  to  me  by  a  M"" 
Parker  of  Andover  in  regard  to  the  Baptism  of  his  Children.  His 
history  is,  that  he  was  born  in  Andover,  purchased  a  farm  at  Dracut, 
&  there  had  his  two  first  children,  the  first  within  seven  months  after 
the  marriage.  That  upon  his  return  to  Andover,  &  after  having  two 
children  more,  he  asked  Baptism.  He  consented  to  comply  with 
the  old  form,  called  seriously  by  some,  &  ironically  by  others,  the 
"  Half  Way  Covenant."  It  was  to  stand  in  the  isle,  read  a  confes- 
sion, &  relation.  By  the  persuasion  of  the  Minister,  urged  by  the 
other  minister  of  the  Town,  this  old  custom  has  within  a  few  years 
been  abolished  as  it  ought  to  be,  but  more  restrictions  have  been 
put  in  its  place,  the  principal  one  is  that  Communion  of  one  of  the 
Parents  shall  be  required.  My  objections  to  this  are,  that  Infant 
Baptism  is  not  regeneration,  or  accompanied  by  any  supernatural 
effects,  but  operated  by  education,  it  is  encouraged  as  the  resolution 
of  parents  to  educate  their  children  in  a  Christian  manner.  That 
the  more  useful  the  obligation,  the  more  readily  it  should  be  incul- 
cated, &  as  early  education  is  commonly  from  young  parents  who 
may  be  reluctant  at  the  severer  obligations,  which  may  be  supposed 
to  follow  Communion  they  should  be  left  at  their  choice.  I  in- 
~ formed  the  man  I  would  consult  my  wardens,  &  upon  seeing  one  of 
them,  after  the  powers  of  clerical  persecution  justly  discussed,  we 
thought  it  best  to  convoke  the  Church,  &  lay  the  subject  before 
them,  whether  we  shall  baptise  all  who  apply  &  whether 
we     shall    not    dispence   with    the    method    to    propound    upon 


1792]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  379 

the  principle,  that  consent  was  ah-eady  obtained.  I  notified 
the  man  of  the  result,  &  he  has  consented  to  wait  for  our  pro- 
ceedings, that  nothing  might  be  done  but  in  open  day,  &  everything 
established  upon  written  N'ote.  The  introduction  of  this  method 
of  requiring  full  Communion  has  depended  ui)on  the  real  absurdity 
of  the  l>aptismal  Covenant  &  the  exaction  of  Full  Communion  is  as 
wrong,  from  the  nature  of  the  rite,  as  commonly  explained,  &  as 
not  a  proper  &  familiar  companion  of  Christian  worship.  Were 
whole  families  to  come,  as  they  do  to  the  worship,  custom  would 
make  the  one  as  familiar  as  the  other,  &  men  would  no  longer  aim  to 
designate  each  other  by  the  form  but  by  the  moral  virtue  they 
possess.  Baptism  of  infants  can  be  defended  on  this  ground  of  the 
patria  potestas,  but  upon  any  other  is  to  my  own  mind  a  mere  inan- 
ity. They  who  receive  it  upon  the  last,  will  not  probably  admit  my 
conclusions  from  the  first. 

[30]  6.  We  had  the  first  special  Lodge  this  evening,  &  a 
Charge  was  read  from  the  "  Freemason's  Pocket  Companion  "  of 
which  two  Copies  were  at  the  Lodge,  of  different  editions.  I  saw 
also  Head's  answer,  &c.  to  Masonry  the  way  to  Hell,  an  abusive 
publication  in  the  form  of  a  Sermon.  On  this  occasion  the  follow- 
ing form  of  prayer  was  used. 

0  universal  Creator,  on  the  pillars  of  w.  s.  &  b.  thy  works  stand 
fast.  In  feeble  imitation  we  raise  a  Temple  to  thy  praise.  It  is 
formed  of  those  rich  materials  with  which  heaven  is  built  &  upon 
which  it  must  stand  forever.  It  is  of  the  same  proportions  upon 
which  thy  world  was  fashioned,  &  they  are  inspired  by  thee  the 
master  builder.  Of  its  pillars  pure  Self  Love  is  the  Base,  w.  s.  &  b. 
are  the  columns.  But  Social  Happiness  are  its  Capitals.  It  rests 
on  the  foundation  of  thy  Throne,  &  stands  conspicuous  to  thy  hon- 
our. In  triumph  we  welcome  thy  children  to  its  glory.  With  the 
right  hand  of  honour  we  accept  this  Brother.  If  he  be  firm  we  will 
build  upon  him  a  palace.  If  he  be  faithful  we  will  make  him  a 
door  of  cedar.  We  will  spread  a  pavement  under  his  feet,  &  the 
canopy  of  heaven  shall  cover  him.  We  will  prepare  him  a  plain 
path.  Divine  wisdom  shall  instruct  him,  his  actions  shall  all  be 
right,  &  truth  shall  encircle  him.  The  sun  shall  give  him  light  by 
day,  &  the  moon  by  night,  &  the  eye  of  the  master  shall  be  upon 
him  for  council,  &  for  hope.  His  life  shall  be  in  pledge  for  his 
friend,  &  when  he  shall  stretch  out  his  hand,  it  shall  never  return 
empty.  On  his  right  hand  &  left  he  shall  find  friends  to  take  him 
by  the  hand,  &  his  feet  shall  never  slide.  His  eyes  shall  be  closed 
when  he  dies,  &  the  arm  of  friendship  shall  raise  him  to  the  help- 
ing hand  of  his  God  from  heaven. 

[31]  7.  Yesterday  the  Strolling  Actors  in  Town  to  act  comic, 
sing  sailor's  songs  &  dance  jigs  for  the  amusement  of  all  who  will 
give  three  shillings.  There  were  above  one  hundred  at  the  exhibi- 
tion &  generally  well  pleased.      This  is  intended  as  the  entering 


380  DIARY  OF  [1792 

wedge  of  theatrical  exhibitions,  in  favour  of  which  Gardiner  has 
published,  &  against  which  the  Clergy  of  Boston  in  general  have 
protested.  Yesterday  the  Beverly  merchants  erected  a  handsome 
Beacon  on  the  inmost  point  of  Lobster  Rocks  towards  their  Town, 
and  this  day  for  the  first  time  a  Beacon  was  erected  by  the  same 
people  upon  Kam's  Horn  rock,  laying  at  the  inward  angle  of  the 
spit  of  sand,  called  Beverly  Bar.  I  was  present  at  the  operation. 
The  men  worked  in  a  spirited  manner,  &  removed  the  highest  rock  in 
the  whole  Ledge  14  feet  westward  against  their  Beacon.  It  was 
put  down  &  finished  in  three  hours.  A  M""  Steuart,  a  subject  of  G. 
Britain,  has  been  on  western  discoveries  on  this  Continent,  particu- 
lars, authenticated,  I  have  not  seen. 

July  8.  Sunday.  No  Notes.  Time  of  general  health.  Had  a 
conversation  upon  plain  preaching.  The  kind  was  recommended 
which  attracted  the  multitude.  The  arguments  against  it  were 
there  used.  That  an  attempt  to  raise  the  understanding  was  laudi- 
ble.  Conformity  to  prejudice  injurious.  That  plain  preachers  so 
called  were  only  so  by  their  vulgarism,  but  dealt  most  in  mystery. 
That  the  attraction  was  chiefly  in  the  address  &  that  this  might  be 
made  to  favour  the  most  reasonable  as  well  as  illiterate  men.  That 
the  confidence  of  preachers  was  often  owing  to  their  ignorance,  & 
that  hence  was  their  advantage  with  the  undiscerning  multitude 
over  modest  men.  That  the  vulgar  plain  preaching  as  it  attracted 
the  vulgar,  disgusted  more  civil  people,  &  that  the  latter  by  being 
attached  to  social  institutions,  made  up  for  the  less  zeal  of  the  vul- 
gar by  their  example,  while  the  vulgar  alone  fell  into  superstition, 
&c. 

[32]  9.  The  young  woman  who  told  the  tale  of  her  fate,  &  her 
connection  with  two  friends,  &  was  so  charming  a  singer,  has 
another  unwelcome  tale  to  add  to  the  changes  of  her  life.  Her  last 
husband  returned  from  Charlestown,  S.  C.  &  wrote  of  his  arrival  at 
Boston  begging  her  Uncle  to  come  on  &  convey  him  home.  The 
Uncle  set  off.  Meanwhile  upon  some  complaint  the  returning  friend 
applied  to  a  physician,  an  emetic  was  prescribed,  &  it  finished  his 
life.  The  Uncle  arrived  &  found  him  in  his  Coffin.  The  Wife  in 
all  the  hopes  of  receiving  him  after  long  absence,  &  in  the  full  joy 
of  her  heart,  beheld  the  sad  image  of  death  in  all  its  most  distress- 
ing aggravations.  The  peculiar  combination  of  these  events  in  the 
life  of  individuals  flatter  the  romantic  woe,  which  so  often  forms 
the  pictures  of  bold  imagination. 

10.  Cayjt.  ]\I'"Pherson  represents  that  soaking  the  frame  of  a 
House  in  a  strong  brine  will  preserve  it  from  fire,  &  to  preserve  the 
shingles  after  long  rain  he  recommended  washing  them  with  brine. 
Saw  Col.  Pickering,  the  Post  Master  General,  who  is  at  present 
in  this  quarter  inspecting  his  department.  He  was  high  in  the  es- 
teem of  the  people  at  the  commencement  of  the  war,  was  disinheri- 
ted for  the  part  he  took,  tho'  restored  by  his  brother.     He  was  one 


1792'1  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  881 

of  the  secret  enemies  of  Washington,  was  censured  at  Concord  fight 
by  the  people,  &  iinsuccessful  as  Adjutant  General.  The  Sermon 
at  Manchester  Ordination  is  printed,,  but  all  the  extravagances  re- 
trenched in  the  several  parts. 

j\Iadam  Harthorne  repeating  the  Customs  of  New  England  above 
fifty  years  ago,  mentioned  that  of  asking  a  blessing  of  the  aged,  & 
requesting  prayers.  It  still  remains  in  the  best  families  of  the 
Settlers.  Also  a  visit  to  Goody  Smith  on  windmill  point,*  paid  by 
Madam  Bernard,  &  Gerrish,  when  she  was  young  tho'  present. 
After  the  usual  salutations,  &  conversation,  towards  evening,  a 
pewter  pot  containing  one  quart,  was  set  upon  the  coals,  filled  with 
water.  When  boiled,  it  was  poured  into  little  cups  with  handles  & 
mixed  in  the  cups  with  molasses,  it  was  handed  round  to  the  com- 
pany. I  understand  this  to  be  a  simple  substitute  for  Tea,  &  a  cus- 
tom in  imitation  of  it.  Several  lives  lost  at  New  York  by  a  squall 
on  a  late  Sunday.  The  disposition  for  Sunday  diversions  increases 
in  great  Towns  and  all  restraints  are  complained  of. 

[33]  12.  The  theatrical  mimics  have  exhibited  a  second  time  on 
Tuesday  evening,  &  had  their  company  increased  from  120  to  150. 
They  have  ordered  the  Town.  Crier  to  give  notice  that  they  have 
(perhaps  a  mistake)  assigned  this  evening,  &  as  the  Court  of  pleas 
is  in  the  Town  they  may  add  to  their  number.  The  Cryer  in  the 
street  at  sundown  is  not  a  good  sign.  The  best  people  have  at- 
tended on  these  occasions.  From  Andover  I  learn  that  the  Associ- 
ation instead  of  passing  from  the  half  way  covenant  to  require  full 
communion,  propose  to  give  Baptism  without  a  Covenant  upon  pro- 
pounding the  desire.  The  information  I  had  before  was  from  the 
man's  fears. 

13.  Capt.  Smith's  great  success  in  dyking  at  Winnisemet  has 
encouraged  great  attempts  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Boston. 

14.  Upon  invitation  from  General  Fiske  I  went  in  company 
with  several  other  Gentlemen  in  his  Sloop  Lydia  to  accompany  his 
Brig  Sally,  built  upon  the  Maine  for  fast  sailing  &  bound  on  her 
first  voyage  into  the  Mediterranean  for  fruit.  We  went  out  the 
southern  way,  passing  the  buoys,  &  with  a  light  wind.  We  had  no 
fair  experiments,  but  were  well  satisfied.  We  parted  after  two 
o'clock.  We  succeeded  in  taking  cod,  haddock,  halibut,  dog  fish,  & 
the  wolf  fish.  We  went  in  a  small  boat  &  landed  on  half  way  rock, 
so  called  from  its  distance  between  Boston  Light  House  &  Cape 
Ann  lights  on  Thatcher's  Island.  We  judged  its  hight  nearly  70 
feet,  perhaps  50.  It  is  like  marble,  &  incrusted  with  sea  salt.  We 
brought  away  several  specimens  for  examination.  We  fished  with 
success  near  it  for  perch,  but  were  deterred  from  a  long  trial  by  the 
breaking  of  the  Sea  round  it,  &  tho'  the  Ocean  was  calm  the  swell 
in  the  most  quiet  place  was  on  the  sides  of  the  rock  5  &  6  feet. 
We  returned  &  reached  the  wharf  after  a  pleasant  enjoyment  at 

•Foot  of  Northev  Street. 


382  DIARY  OF  [1792 

Sundown.  To  keep  out  this  way  from  Capt  Joseph.  White,  our  Or- 
acle &  a  man  of  sound  judgement,  &  good  information  in  these 
matters,  we  were  to  keep  Coney  &  Eagle  Island,  &  Baker's  Island 
well  open  till  we  passed  the  endeavours,  &  then  proceed  on  either 
side  of  black  rock,  Cat  Island,  Satan,  or  Half  way  rock. 

[35]  July  15.  Sunday.  Notes.  Richard  Manning  &  Wife, 
death  of  their  Brother.  Of  all  the  duties  incumbent  on  a  Clergy- 
man it  seems  to  be  very  important  for  his  ease,  that  he  rightly  di- 
rect his  familiarity  with  mankind.  Of  all  the  causes  of  my  suffer- 
ings this  has  been  most  fruitful.  Every  man  is  entitled  to  the  kind 
look,  the  familiar  reply,  &  the  most  pleasing  civilities,  but  while 
they  see  but  a  little  way,  the  unbosoming  may  on  many  accounts  be 
fatal  to  him  who  suffers  it. 

16.  The  Mackerel  very  plenty.  The  man  at  the  Xeck  Farm,  off 
Abbot's  cove,  in  his  small  boat  took  150  in  a  little  time.  The  Fish- 
ermen in  the  oflBng  have  not  been  less  successful.  In  Newbury  the 
disciple  of  Whitefield's  Nurse,  Lady  Huntington,  has  aggravated 
the  Presbyterian  Church  into  Parties.  The  patrons  of  the  boy* 
have  applied  for  the  Town  House  &  been  refused  by  the  Town. 
They  applied  to  the  Court  of  Sessions,  but  upon  the  report  of  one 
of  the  Selectmen  that  the  grant  would  excite  a  mob,  the  request  will 
not  have  an  answer  till  next  session.  M''  Derby  has  engaged 
Briggs  to  build  him  another  Vessel.  He  has  built  three  on  Stage 
point  since  the  great  Ship,  &  will  keep  the  same  yard.  The  old 
Ship  Light  Horse  to  be  condemned. 

17.  Preparing  for  Commencement  on  the  morrow.  Four  young 
Gentlemen  of  the  Town  are  to  receive  their  first  degrees.  Two  of 
them  provide  largely  for  their  friends.  The  mode  of  invitation  is 
to  be  on  the  spot  at  Cambridge.  Great  expectations  from  a  Willard 
Peele  of  this  Town. 

18.  Arose  at  3  in  the  morning,  &  with  M.  Rogers  &  his  french 
pupils  together  with  my  own  Egout,t  went  in  the  stage  for  Cam- 
bridge. Breakfasted  at  Newell's,  Lynn.  Upon  our  arrival  at  Cam- 
bridge visited  the  Government,  such  public  rooms  as  were  open,  & 
then  introduced  my  frenchman  into  the  Meeting  House,  «&  retired 
to  Judge  Winthrop's  where  I  spent  the  day.  A  Son  of  Capt  Jo. 
Cordyce  of  Charlestown,  reports  that  he  was  on  the  voyage  with 
Kendrick  upon  the  N.  E.  Shores  of  America  when  he  found  in  59''lat. 
an  inlet,  &  discovered  an  island,  which  he  named  Washington. 
That  he  proceeded  inland  400  miles,  the  current  setting  a  knot  to 
the  Eastward  inland,  &  toward  Hudson's  Bay,  &  that  he  had  no 
doubt  of  some  communication.  [36]  Beside  the  Theses  the  order 
of  the  day  was  published.  A  Scaffold  fronting  the  Desk  was  erect- 
ed for  the  government  &  the  speakers,  &  for  the  first  time  the 
Ladies  were  introduced  into  the  Galleries  of  the  House.     The  Con- 

*Rev.  Charles  W.  Milton. 
tPreviously  spelled  Jgout? 


1792J  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  383 

course  was  uncommonly  great.  The  Governor  was  escorted  by 
Fuller's  Horse  of  Middlesex.  'M^  Winthrop  is  increasing  his  Cabi- 
net. Left  Cambridge  at  Sundown,  &  went  to  Boston.  Lodged  & 
breakfasted  at  D''  Band's. 

19.  Attended  the  Thursday  Lecture,  dined  at  Master  Hunt's, 
loaded  myself  with  books  at  Brother  Freeman's,  &  returned  in  jolly 
sort  to  Salem. 

20.  M"  Sarah  Hodges  died  this  morning  after  a  long  sickness. 
She  was  educated  in  the  hardy  way,  but  after  changing  her  mode  of 
life  was  afflicted  with  the  King's  Evil,  &  determined  to  get  rid  of  its 
disagreable  appearance  was  forced  into  the  habit  which  finished 
her  days,  turning  the  disorder  upon  the  vital  parts.  A  worthy 
woman.  The  conduct  of  her  sister  Boardman  in  regard  to  her  has 
been  so  ingenuous,  as  to  attract  the  public  notice.  She  has  been 
the  Mother  &  the  unceasing  Benefactor. 

21.  A  Party  with  Capt.  Allen  gave  me  an  invitation  to  go  with, 
them  on  the  water,  but  the  usual  observance,  not  to  go  on  parties 
while  families  were  in  affliction,  prevented  my  acceptance. 

22.  Sunday.  Notes.  Mary  Boardman,  death  of  Sister  Hodges  & 
Brethren  at  Sea.  John  Hodges,  d.  of  his  daughter  &  Sons  at  Sea. 
James  Chever  &  Wife,  d.  of  his  sister  Hodges,  &  Brethren  at  Sea. 
Alice  Ropes,  d.  of  her  Sister  Hodges,  herself  sick  &  weak,  husband 
&  Brethren  at  Sea.  Mary  Bateman  for  her  delivery,  husband  at 
Sea.  I  was  not  at  all  pleased  with  my  afternoon  Sermon  &  other  per- 
sons perhaps  were  not  much  better  pleased  than  myself.  To  write 
in  haste,  &  to  supply  at  the  moment  is  inaccurate  &  sometimes  non- 
sensical. [37]  I  formed  a  resolution  for  the  future  to  have  at  least 
half  &  the  last  half  of  my  sermon  practical,  &  to  study  that  reason- 
able gratification  of  my  hearers,  which  should  coincide  with  a 
sacred  regard  to  my  own  scheme  of  doctrine. 

23.  The  Company  of  Bev'*  Clark  at  my  own  house  &  at  his  Fath- 
ers.    Evening  with  Col.  Pickering  &  the  family  connections. 

24.  Answer  to  Anti-Morgan  charging  him  with  an  ignorance  of  his 
own  Language,  &  directing  him  to  go  to  school  again.  A  short 
answer  returned,  comprehending  one  of  the  Canon  of  the  English 
Church,  &  some  criticisms  upon  his  criticisms. 

26.  Yesterday  his  Excellency  the  Governour,  L.  Governour,  &c. 
passed  through  this  Town  on  their  way  to  Portsmouth. 

27.  Spent  the  day  in  the  innocent  recreation  of  a  party  upon  the 
water.  Capts  Allen  &  Welman  with  their  friends  undertook  the 
preperations.  We  went  into  the  Bay,  caught  large  fish  &  passing 
without  half  way  Rock  we  landed  on  Baker's  Island  &  spent  the 
day.  One  of  the  Ladies  was  sick.  We  returned  in  the  evening,  & 
rowed  the  greater  part  of  the  distance.  As  we  came  into  the  har- 
bour we  had  a  breeze,  which  brought  us  to  the  lower  wharf  at  nine 
o'clock.  I  am  not  free  from  the  disagreable  beginnings  of  Sea 
Sickness.     Received  at  the  General's,   Judge    Burke    of  Carolina 


384  DIARY  OP  [1792 

south,  M""  Hazlehurst,  merchant,  Cap'  Sprie  of  the  British  Navy  & 

,  they  are  upon  a  Journey  Eastward.  They  were  disappointed  in 

the  appearance  of  Salem,  after  seeing  Marblehead. 

[38]  28.  A  gold  sleeve  button  found  near  Shallop  Cove,  where 
the  coins  were  found.  It  is  small,  but  thick,  round  with  a  rose 
upon  it,  &  the  workmanship  equal  to  any  work  at  present  sold  of 
the  kind.     The  inland  navigation  is  still  talked  of  in  this  State. 

July  29.  Sunday.  Notes.  James  Carroll  &  Wife,  her  deliv- 
ery, &  Brethren  at  Sea.  A  late  painful  bereavement,  by  which  the 
world  is  deprived  of  a  very  hopeful  youth,  may  owe  its  cause  to  the 
excessive  severity  of  parental  discipline,  &  an  over  hasty  temper. 
There  is  not  want  of  affection,  but  a  great  want  of  self  government. 
These  cases  are  recorded  that  I  may  be  furnished  from  my  own  ob- 
servations of  the  last  effects  of  moral  evils. 

30.  The  levity  of  youth  has  spread  a  report  of  the  death  of  C. 
Ingersoll,  which  has  gone  through  all  the  Gazettes  of  the  State. 
A  check  to  such  folly,  in  the  pain  it  must  create  among  his  numer- 
ous acquaintances.  M"^  Parker  was  with  me  this  day  from  Andover. 
Last  evening  I  consulted  my  Wardens,  the  other  member  tho'  in- 
vited not  present.  They  agreed  that  I  should  act  my  own  judgement 
about  propounding  or  Christening  any  persons  ivhatever.  A  liberty 
which  affords  me  great  pleasure.  M'"  Parker  has  now  permission 
to  bring  his  children  whenever  he  pleases.  The  churches  are  in 
some  agitation  upon  this  subject.  The  bigotted  who  have  obliged 
communions  are  not  so  fierce.  The  half  Covenanters  repent,  &  the 
middle  way,  propounding  will  probably  be  the  first  step  in  many 
places  to  improve  the  present  order  of  the  Churches. 

31.  Anti-Morgan  made  his  appearance  again.  There  is  much 
speculation  who  his  antagonist  may  be  as  it  is  yet  unknown  even 
to  himself.  He  has  taken  no  pains  to  satisfy  this  curiosity.  There 
is  a  pertinent  hint  to  Marblehead  Academy  about  spouting.  So 
much  talk  has  been  in  the  Country  about  Theatrical  entertainments 
that  they  have  become  the  pride  even  of  the  smallest  children  in 
our  schools.  The  fact  puts  in  mind  of  the  effect  from  the  Rope 
flyers,  who  visited  N.  England,  after  whose  feats  the  children  of 
seven  were  sliding  down  the  fences  &  wounding  themselves  in 
every  quarter. 

[39]  August  1.  Spent  the  afternoon  at  the  Fort  in  the  same 
company  which  formerly  cost  me  so  much  trouble,  &  very  agreably. 

2.  The  Slave  Trade  engages  the  public  attention.  Sinclair  re- 
turned into  this  port,  &  being  without  the  affections  of  the  people, 
was  a  fit  subject  for  the  Law.  S.  Cleveland,  of  the  G.  Jury,  with 
a  precept  &  Sheriff,  taking  such  assistance  as  they  pleased  went  to 
his  Vessel,  but  found  he  was  at  his  house,  to  which  they  went  direct- 
ly. He  was  in  the  room  below  &  received  them  but  soon  suspect- 
ing their  design  he  slipped  up  stairs,  &  fastened  the  door,  threat- 
ening death  to  any  person  who  should  approach  him.     The  officer 


1792]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  386 

burst  tlie  door,  Sinclair  threw  clown  his  arms,  &  jumped  out  of  the 
window,  &  was  apprehended  by  the  guard  below.  He  was  con- 
ducted to  close  prison,  his  property  attached,  &  that  of  Capt.  J. 
Waters  for  this  infamous  tratick.  News  this  morning  of  the  death 
of  the  Reverend  jNI""  Holt*  of  Danvers.  On  the  Sunday  before  last 
he  preached  at  ^M""  Bernard's  &  his  death  is  to  us  all  very  sudden. 
He  was  a  very  large  man,  tall,  &  corpulent,  large  boned,  strong, 
laborious,  cS:  healthy.  He  died  from  a  swelling  in  the  neck  which 
I  have  not  heard  discribed.  He  was  an  honest  man.  His  services 
were  faithful.  He  went  late  into  the  ministry  &  retained  his  rustic 
address  through  life  with  the  least  possible  alteration.  He  was  a 
man  of  no  information  but  much  respected  for  his  integrity,  hos- 
pitality, &  fidelity.  He  was  liable  to  suffer  from  being  duped,  but 
not  capable  of  being  persuaded  to  any  thing  which  was  not  to  him 
matter  of  conscience. 

3.  The  Funeral  of  M'  Holt  drew  together  a  great  concourse.  A 
prayer  on  the  occasion  by  Rev.  P.  Pay  son,  &  a  Sermon  by  Rev. 
Forbes  of  Cape  Ann.  The  Pall  was  supported  by  D''  Willard,  Pres- 
ident of  the  University,  Rev*^  Forbes,  Payson,  Fuller,  Bernard  & 
Storer.  After  the  Funeral  was  a  repast,  a  conference  with  the 
Church,  &  a  proposal  to  exchange  with  a  candidate,  or  supply  the 
desk  by  the  Association  for  the  benefit  of  the  widow.  Holt,  aet.  67. 
Sinclair's  examination  was  held  this  day,  in  which  the  worst  evi- 
dence which  could  be  produced  by  a  New  England  man  was  brought 
against  him.  That  he  cruelly  &  wantonly  corrected  his  men,  and 
was  the  occasion  of  their  death.  The  Public  seem  generally  agreed 
that  the  prosecution  was  reasonable,  but  differ  much  about  the  man- 
ner. Some  wish  to  see  the  injured  sailors  first,  some  the  whole 
humane  society,  &c.  But  while  some  villains  are  outrageous,  the 
many  are  convinced  that  the  whole  is  a  debt  due  to  humanity. 

[40]  4.  Mr  Parker's  children  were  brought  from  Andover  & 
were  christened.  They  appeared  to  be  a  lovely  family,  &  the  de- 
portment of  the  Parents  was  equally  engaging.  I  gave  a  certificate 
to  which  I  added,  "  agreably  to  the  practice  of  the  East  Church  in 
Salem."  As  this  is  the  first  attempt  of  this  kind  in  the  county,  it 
may  be  productive  of  some  useful  enquiries.  The  Slave  trade  now 
engages  the  public  attention.  The  Sous  of  Belial  are  oiatrageous, 
the  candid,  convinced  of  the  necessary  restraints,  do  still  regret  the 
sufferings  of  individuals.  It  is  pretended  that  the  property  is  hid- 
den, &  there  is  nothing  which  will  not  be  done  to  conceal  the  guilt, 
&  screen  the  offender. 

Aug.  5.  Sunday.  Notes.  W.  King  &  Wife,  d.  of  youngest 
child  &  Brethren  at  Sea.  Jn"  Collins  sen :  &  Wife,  her  delivery  & 
Son  at  Sea.  Edw  :  Allen  &  Wife,  her  delivery  &  Sons  at  sea.  This 
day  I  delivered  three  discourses,  attended  the  Communion,  chris- 

•Rev.  Nathan  Holt,  son  of  Nicholas,  of  Andover. 


386  DIARY  OF  [1792 

ened  three  children  in  three  different  houses,  &  had  a  wedding  in 
the  evening,  having  made  fourteen  prayers.     An  unusual  service. 

6.  Things  in  a  calm  again.  Capt  Barr  has  returned,  who  lost 
his  Vessel  on  the  Bahama  Keys.  A  young  man  much  bruised  by  a 
fall  from  Pierce's  House.  Several  families  which  removed  to  Bal- 
timore &  the  Southward  have  returned  again  to  their  native  New 
England.  From  fact  it  appears  that  such  removals  have  not  been 
successful  whether  because  the  families  were  decayed  before  their 
departure,  or  from  habits,  preferred  their  acquaintance,  when  pos- 
sessed of  slender  means  of  support. 

7.  We  have  a  character  of  Rev.  Holt  in  the  Gazette.  The 
Methodists  in  Lynn  held,  as  says  the  Gazette,  their  first  conference 
at  Lynn,  ever  held  in  this  State.  Three  were  ordained  Elders,  & 
one,  a  Deacon.  Jesse  Lee  chosen  unanimously  Minister  of  that 
Church  &  Congregation,  &  the  right  of  Fellowship  given  him  by 
the  Bishop,  four  Elders,  a  Deacon  &  Lay  Preacher.  Their  Sermons 
have  been  numerous. 

8.  The  beginning  to  ornament  Monuments  &  Tomb  Stones,  by 
Col.  Dawes,  has  produced  some  remarks  in  the  Gazettes,  to  char- 
acterise this  period  in  the  Arts,  &c.  of  America.  Hitherto  the  Town 
of  Boston  has  been  destitute  of  such  ornaments  excepting  only 
three  in  the  Chapel  Church, 

[41]  9.  Several  Accidents  by  falls  this  week,  but  none  of  them 
fatal  as  yet,  or  within  my  acquaintance.  Recalled  my  Isaac,  a 
piece  intended  for  the  Gazette  in  answer  to  the  several  signatures 
ag.  Anti-Morgan. 

10.  Several  mariners  sick  of  the  W.  India  Flux.  The  Slave 
Trade  affair  has  incensed  most  violently  a  certain  class  of  people 
against  the  Informer,  whose  life  has  been  threatened. 

11.  A  Fire  engine  has  been  finished  in  Boston  for  the  Town  of 
Gloucester. 

Aug.  12.  Sunday.  Notes.  Johnson  Briggs  &  Wife,  d.  of  eld- 
est son.  John  Moses,  d.  of  G.  Father,  Brother  &  Sister  in  his 
absence,  thanks  for  return  from  sea  &  for  Brother  at  Sea.  Ruth  Bab- 
bidge  for  her  delivery,  husband  at  Sea.  Nath.  Rogers  &  Wife,  her 
delivery.  My  idea  in  substance  is  this  upon  Examination  of  Can- 
didates, that  Testimonials  shall  be  produced  of  their  sound  morals 
&  their  literary  qualifications  that  upon  these  they  may  propose 
themselves,  that  the  people  shall  be  free  to  act  their  judgment,  & 
that  the  consequent  ordination  shall  have  no  examination  whatever, 
but  be  an  execution  of  the  will  of  the  people,  expressed  in  the 
usual  invitation. 

As  to  the  administration  of  Baptism,  as  I  view  it,  when  applied 
to  Children  as  designed  to  assist  education,  I  hold  it  free  to  all 
men.  That  no  man  can  justly  object  to  a  serious  request  for  its  ad- 
ministration, &  therefore  all  propoundings  are  unnecessary,  espec- 
ially as  objections  have  arisen  from  one  quarter  only,  that  is  births 


1792]  KEV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  387 

within  the  nine  months,  or  illegitimately.  That  the  public  admin- 
istration is  optional,  because  the  parents  are  the  sponsors,  &  cannot 
always  be  so  easily  present  in  public,  &  it  is  a  domestic  rite,  &  the 
service  may  more  easily  in  private  be  accomodated  to  circumstances. 
That  often  censure  may  fall  on  parents,  who  may  be  deterred  on 
this  accoiant  from  the  ceremony,  that  poverty  may  prevent  the 
usual  preparations,  &  that  no  real  advantages  in  the  influence  upon 
life  are  found  to  attend  the  requisition  of  public  baptism.  Its  mode 
then  should  be  discretionary. 

[42]  13.  Catechised  the  Children  &  had  above  90  of  each  sex. 
180.  They  Avere  in  much  better  order  than  ever  before.  Had 
another  female  drubbing  on  account  of  neglecting  in  the  funeral 
sermon  to  discuss  the  merit  of  her  son  as  it  deserved,  after  some 
odious  comparisons,  hearty  threatenings  &  a  sufficient  quantity  of 
base  reflection  we  parted.  I  was  happy  in  bearing  the  whole  with- 
out any  painful  reflection  on  the  part  of  suffering  which  I  took. 

14.  M''  Gray's  Brig,  Ward,  returned  after  having  shivered 
her  foremast  in  a  thunder  storm  in  the  bay.  She  was  bound 
to  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  The  exhibitions  of  the  Players  in 
this  Town  have  finished.  The  Players  thank  the  Town  for  their 
candour,  &  the  Gazette  tells  us  that  even  the  families  of  the  Clergy 
attended. 

15.  News  of  the  death  of  my  Aunt  Ridgway,  who  stood  me  in- 
stead of  a  Mother,  while  in  my  G.  Father's  family.  I  am  very 
much  indebted  to  her  for  her  attention  through  life.  This  day  I 
went  with  a  party  in  Derby's  open  boat  to  visit  the  islands  &  take 
fish.  After  the  rain  of  yesterday  the  weather  was  squally.  We 
could  not  land  at  the  ^Misery  Island,  &  was  obliged  to  put  in.  We 
reached  ]Marblehead  little  harbour,  &  landed  on  Orne's  Island.  We 
there  found  the  men  who  took  Capt  Becket,  the  head  of  our  party, 
from  the  waves,  when  the  whole  boat's  Crew  perished  beside  him- 
self &  boy,  in  a  like  squall,  1773.*  They  advised  us  to  tarry  & 
not  attempt  a  return.  In  the  evening  the  boat  was  brought  round, 
but  the  greater  part  of  us  returned  by  land  to  Salem. 

16.  Waited  upon  the  Hon.  ^F  Gibbes  &  Wife  of  Charlestown, 
&  M""*  Bradford  of  Philadelphia  to  see  our  Manufactories  at  Salem 
&  Beverley. 

17.  Went  to  Boston  to  attend  the  funeral  of  my  Aunt  Ridgway. 
Visited  the  Bell  Foundry,  &  saw  the  preparation  for  the  casting  of 
a  Bell  for  the  North  Brick  Meeting  House,  the  first  attempt  in  the 
Town  of  Boston. 

18.  Visited  the  Clergy  of  mj'  particular  acquaintance.  Found 
many  promising  candidates  in  the  Town,  &  great  expectations  in 
the  people  from  their  abilities.  Returned  to  Salem  in  the  Stage, 
after  having  paid  every  attention  to  my  friends,  &c. 

•  The  Salem  CuBtom  House  boat  was  oyerset  in  a  squall,  June  17, 1773,  and  ten  persons 
^verb  drowned. 


388  DIARY  or  [1792 

[43]  Aug.  19.  Sunday.  Mother  &  Widow  of  deceased  James 
Jeffry.  John  Webb  &  Wife,  d.  of  Son  in  Law,  &  son  at  Sea.  W"^ 
Webb  &  wife,  d.  of  B.  in  Law.  Wife  of  Benj^  Webb,  d.  of  B.  in 
Law,  Husband  at  Sea.  James  Archer  &  Wife,  her  delivery, 
Brother  at  Sea.  Preached  my  Tradition  Sermon  at  Bernard's, 
which  I  lately  preached  with  acceptance  at  Prince's. 

20.  Several  arrivals  this  day.  Some  Mulattoes  from  Hispaniola. 
The  prospects  of  peace  from  the  arrival  of  Troops  in  the  Island  in- 
creases daily. 

21.  Some  person  has  espoused  the  cause  of  Anti-Morgan  in  the 
Gazette.  Some  severe  remarks  on  the  neglects  of  the  Burying 
Ground.  Visited  Phillips  Beach  &  Browne's  Farm  with  Miss 
Treadwell,  &  fished  from  the  Eocks  below  the  House.  M^  Gibbs 
returned  from  his  Tour  eastward. 

22.  M"  Berry  who  died  yesterday  was  sometime  since  cut  for  a 
Cancer  in  the  breast,  which  seemed  in  a  favorable  way,  but  began 
to  be  troublesome,  &  she  ended  in  a  Consumption.  She  has  had  a 
daughter,  addicted  to  intemperance  &  very  zealous  in  religion.  One 
of  the  unhappy  examples  of  these  associations.  This  day  the 
Pavement  was  finished  at  the  Andrew's  Corner  as  continued  from 
the  Center  of  the  Town. 

23.  Delivered  another  Anti-]\rorgan  paper  to  the  Printer.  The 
drought  has  become  great,  &  for  some  time  the  ponds  on  the  com- 
mon have  been  entirely  dry. 

24.  The  Stones  brought  for  the  pavement,  said  from  Milk  Island, 
came  from  Norman's  Woe.  The  Length  of  the  Pavement  given  by 
the  Workman  from  the  old  to  Andrew's  Corner  is  3120  feet.  The 
Store  belonging  to  Capt.  B.  Crowninshield,  back  of  our  house 
raised  this  afternoon  without  accident. 

[44.]  August  26.  Sunday.  Notes.  John  Berry  &  children, 
d.  of  his  wife.  Sarah  Elkins,  d.  of  her  sister  Berry.  Abigail  Ber- 
ry, d.  of  her  Sister  in  Law. 

27.  The  Gutter  from  the  pavement  leading  on  to  the  Common 
being  156  feet  on  a  descent  of  18  feet  was  finished  this  day.  Last 
night  was  a  frost  very  visible  in  the  morning.  D'  Stillman  is  to 
preach  a  lecture  in  this  Town  tomorrow  evening  &  the  drummers 
have  been  round  to  notify  it  in  all  parts  of  the  Town, 

28.  This  evening  as  an  exception  to  a  general  rule  I  attended  the 
evening  Lecture  at  the  old  Assembly  Room  to  hear  the  celebrated 
Doctor  Stillman,  &  after  his  "cock  &  bull  story,"  pressed  through 
the  crowd  homewards,  laughing  at  my  folly.  He  is  to  preach  on 
the  morrow  at  Story's,  Marblehead. 

29.  In  consequence  of  an  invitation  from  the  Rev.  Hopkins  I 
went  this  evening  to  the  Tabernacle  to  hear  the  Chaplain  of  my 
Lady  Huntington,  just  arrived  from  England,  Johnson,  to  settle 
the  affairs  of  the  Orphan  House  in  Georgia,  &c.  We  had  the  same 
song  of  total  depravity  &  regeneration  with  very  singular  quotations 


1792]  REV.    WILLIAM    BENT  LEY  889 

&  expressions.  The  Doctor  rested  total  depravity  on  the  sin  in 
the  world,  express  Text,&  the  feelings  of  believers  all  of  which  are  in- 
adequate proof,  &  regeneration  upon  its  instant  effects,  for  nothing 
else  could  be  produced.  It  would  not  be  amiss  in  the  clerical  char- 
acter to  notice  these.  All  our  Clergy  received  invitations,  &  were 
present,  but  determined  to  be  there  no  more.  One  modest  question 
was  "Can  you  make  a  meal  of  death,  can  you  digest  damnation?" 
We  are  told  that  in  l^oston  they  have  agreed  upon  a  general  inocu- 
lation through  the  Town,  &  that  many  had  already  undergone  the 
operation.  It  is  said  that  Salem  never  admitted  Inoculation  into 
the  Town  but  in  pressing  necessity  opened  hospitals  in  the  vicinity. 
There  is  a  strong  jealousy  excited  respecting  the  part  Salem  & 
Newbury  Port  mean  to  take  in  the  present  situation  of  Boston.  But 
from  the  want  of  a  back  country  &  good  harbour  we  must  be  con- 
tent to  depend  on  our  industry.  ]My  Singers  made  some  new  ar- 
rangements, &  meet  at  Le  Fevre's  &  are  soon  to  meet  in  turn 
throughout  the  parish. 

[45].  30.  At  one  o'clock  a  fire  broke  out  in  a  Hatter's  Shop 
improved  by  Young,  directly  opposite  to  the  Sun  Tavern.  The 
workmen  had  gone  into  a  neighboring  house  to  dinner.  The  fire 
communicated  from  the  flue  to  some  shavings  carelessly  scattered 
in  bringing  from  an  adjoining  building.  The  fire  had  passed  to 
the  side  of  the  Shop  before  it  was  discovered.  The  want  of  order 
&  arrangement  after  the  alarm,  prevented  an  immediate  supply  of 
•water  from  the  river,  &  the  season  having  been  very  dry,  the  pumps 
soon  failed.  The  fire  in  the  delay  prevailed  so  as  to  distroy  a 
small  house  in  the  east,  &  to  oblige  the  pulling  down  of  one  to  the 
westward.  Both  of  these  buildings  might  have  been  saved  with 
prudence.  Soon  after  the  fire  a  strong  gust  of  wind  came  up 
which  lasted  half  an  hour,  succeeded  by  a  thimder  storm.  In 
such  a  gust  the  fire  might  have  done  unspeakable  dammage.  Two 
Widows  named  Beckford,  &  Manning  were  sufferers  in  the  Houses, 
the  last  more  particularly.  The  young  man  left  his  stock  in  the 
Shop.  The  public  House,  &  Buildings  caught  fire  repeatedly  but 
with  little  injury.  This  is  only  the  second  fire  since  1  have  been 
in  the  Town.  The  former  was  Gray's  Shop  &  Welch's  Buildings 
on  the  Street  adjoining  to  the  Common.  My  Services  were  up  to 
the  waist  in  the  Dock  mud  below  the  Sun  Tavern.  The  People 
shew  great  reluctance  in  going  to  so  uncomfortable  situation. 

31.  Sickness  begins,  two  young  misses  in  consumption,  two 
men  returned  from  the  West  Indies  with  fever  &  flux.  I  conclude 
to  appropriate  part  of  each  Sunday  minutes  for  a  similar  record,  to 
be  reduced  at  length  into  order  as  the  Bills  of  mortality.  The 
Conversation  turns  upon  the  Small  Pox,  which  has  the  permission 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  to  pass  through.  Some  propose  to  give  the 
same  liberty  here,  or  at  MarlMehead.  Some  are  removing  from  Bos- 
ton, &  others  are  calculating  the  advantages  to  be  derived  from  the 


390  DIARY   OF  [1792 

state  of  the  Capital.  At  the  fire  some  think  more  property  was 
lost  than  was  needful  for  safety.  Question,  why  should  not  the 
Town  restore  property  distroyed  for  the  public  service  by  Law? 
Because  it  would  not  in  all  cases  be  a  charity,  &  the  rich  would  de- 
mand it,  or  because  the  poor  would  assist  with  reluctance  to  remove 
property  they  must  restore.     It  is  best  to  leave  it  to  generosity. 

[46.]  September  1.  The  Boston  Gazette  tells  that  already  8,000 
persons  have  been  inoculated  in  that  Town,  &  that  Charlestown  has 
followed  their  example.     This  Town  are  to  have  a  Meeting. 

Sept.  2.  Sunday.  As  I  took  the  liberty  in  the  most  exception- 
able manner  to  deliver  my  sentiments  against  total  depravity, 
as  preached  at  a  late  lecture,  I  ventured  to  convert  to  my  use  two 
passages,  the  whole  from  Pitt  but  the  two  last  lines  from  Savage, 
thus  altered  in  the  delivery.     The  genuine  lines  in  no.  6. 

As  a  drunkard's  dream  together  brings 
A  court  of  coblers,  and  a  mob  of  Kings 
Such  is  a  sermon,  where  confusely  brought 
Are  words  from  Paul  &  DreUncourt. 
One  verse  from  Peter,  then  from  John 
And  then  conclude  divinely  with  their  own 
Like  oil  on  water  mounts  the  scripture  up 
Unmixed  'tis  always  sure  to  be  at  top. 
Thus  Coblers  when  on  tubs  they  teach 
Buffoon  the  gospel  that  they  mean  to  preach. 

Lydia  Beadle,  remaining  very  sick  &  Sons  at  Sea.  Bethiah 
Shehane  for  delivery.  Husband  at  Sea.  One  in  Consumption  long 
lingering,  in  middle  life.  Two very  weak,  in  youth.  One  la- 
bouring under  W.  I.  Flux,  after  several  months.  One  under  Con- 
sumption &  Asthma. 

3.  This  day  the  Town  met  upon  petition  of  Major  Harthorne  & 
others  to  consider  whether  the  Town  will  admit  a  general  Inocula- 
tion, or  an  inoculation  at  the  hospital,  &  other  buildings  &  whether 
they  will  take  any  precautions  on  the  matter.  Hon.  B.  Goodhue, 
Moderator,  after  prayers,  &  business  open,  the  Major  H.  begged 
leave  to  withdraw  his  petition  as  to  the  first  article  in  regard  to 
a  General  Inoculation.  It  was  overruled,  &  proposed  to  take  the 
sense  of  the  Town  which  was  unanimously  against  a  general  Inocu- 
lation at  this  time.  The  Arguments  were  that  no  person  was  infest- 
ed in  the  Town  or  its  vicinity,  that  the  majority  of  the  Town  had 
not  had  the  disorder,  especially  of  the  aged,  that  as  Boston  was 
shut  up,  we  ought  to  [47]  improve  our  political  advantages,  that  it 
never  had  been  through  the  Town  &  was  a  novelty  to  which  circum- 
stances did  not  lead  them  to  submit.  As  to  the  Hospital  the  mo- 
tion was  not  so  generally  rejected,  but  as  Trade  operated  on  most 
minds,  which  concurred  with  the  prejudice,  it  was  ordered  not  to  be 
opened.      The  Selectmen  were  order[ed]  to  take  the  proper  precau- 


JJo/-fe  J?el 


<=^Z.-a^u/^  f^^y/n^^^yi/^  .  ~l/y  £a>^S-t^ 


T^t^AlmaaSc 


From  theOmnium  Gatherum,  Boston,  June,   1810. 


1792]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  391 

tions,  &  the  meeting  closed  in  peace.  Several  have  gone  on  to 
Boston  &  its  vicinity  immediately  to  become  subjects  of  the  inocu- 
lation, which  is  tolerated  until  the  fifteenth  day  of  the  month. 

4.  The  district  Federal  Court  opened  this  day.  At  prayer  I  felt 
all  the  emotions  of  early  youth,  &  the  agitation  was  so  great  that 
I  could  not  by  the  most  diverting  scenes  of  the  Country  free  myself 
from  then  for  the  whole  day.  Went  to  Danvers  &  dined  &  then 
passed  over  to  Middleton  to  take  the  last  view  of  the  Rev*^  Smith, 
whose  cancer  has  spread  excessively,  &  whose  paralytic  shock  has 
rendered  him  incapable  of  distinguishing  his  friends.  Returned  at 
eight,  &  was  at  the  Lodge. 

5.  The  earth  continues  to  be  excessively  dry.  The  air  morning 
&  evening  is  cold,  &  the  whole  vegetative  kingdom  is  in  a  very  suf- 
fering condition  in  this  neighbourhood.  Not  a  drop  of  water  has 
been  found  in  any  common  pond  for  six  weeks,  &  the  earth  is  dry 
in  them  at  a  great  depth.  We  have  had  several  frosts.  Corpus 
wt.  207  lb.  an  increase  of  7  lb.  above  the  last. 

6.  The  laugh  of  the  public  is  turned  upon  Timothy  Dexter  of 
Newbury  Port,  who  by  speculation  had  amassed  a  large  sum  of  mon- 
ey &  not  content  wdth  his  own  sphere,  first  purchased  the  house  of 
Nath.  Tracy  &  there  awkwardly  exhibited  his  pranks,  then  put 
himself  in  a  ridicidous  situation  in  the  meeting-house,  &  finally 
married  his  only  daughter  at  18  years  of  age  to  a  Bishop,  alias  J. 
Martin,  schoolmaster,  actor,  excentric  writer,  traveller,  &  the  author 
of  Ogden's  answer  to  Macclentock,  &  disputer  with  Gardner, 
alias  the  Sachem.  After  publishing  &  not  publishing  the  bands, 
turning  out  of  doors,  &  inviting  in,  she  was  married  at  midnight, 
then  helped  himself  from  Timothy,  was  obliged  to  return  what  he  had 
taken,  &  with  100  dollars  has  gone  on  to  Connecticut,  &  Timothy's 
daughter  has  returned  to  her  boarding  School.  Timothy  has  now 
parted  from  his  wife  because  she  is  old,  upon  a  contract  paid  of 
2,000£  &  the  horse  &  chaise,  &  is  looking  out  for  a  young  wife. 
The  wife,  who  sold  a  pint  of  shot,  as  pound,  because  a  pint  is  a 
pound  the  world  over,  has  retired.  Timothy  went  in  mourning  for 
several  days,  &  is  now  parading  the  streets  with  all  the  pomp  of 
the  feather  &  the  fool.  He  has  published  in  the  Gazette  repeat- 
edl}^  &  most  ridiculously,  several  papers. 

8.  Spent  the  greater  part  of  this  hot  day  in  fishing.  Several 
have  gone  on  for  inoculation  in  Boston  &  its  vicinity.  This  is  the 
common  Subject  of  Discourse.  The  number  is  supposed  to  be  very 
great  in  Boston,  &  it  is  reported  that  several  Towns  have  permitted 
in  recluse  places  the  inoculation. 

Sept.  9.  Sunday.  Notwithstanding  what  was  noted  in  the  minute 
book,  I  ventvu-ed  this  morning  to  allow  the  difference  between  Paul 
&  Jesus,  &  to  impute  the  conduct  of  their  virtue  from  their  respec- 
tive situations,  the  one  in  a  dissolving  police,  &  the  other  in  the 
theatre  of  the  great  world.     In  the  evening  I  denied  morality  a  fair 


392  DIARY  OF  [1792 

internal  evidence  of  revelation.  It  may  show  the  effect  good,  but 
can  prove  nothing  supernatural.  The  evidence  is  from  the  nature 
of  morality,  the  progress,  &  the  judgement  of  men  upon  it  in  their 
own  age.  I  wish  to  put  these  ideas  more  fully  upon  paper  at  some 
favorite  moment. 

10.  After  repeated  attempts  to  establish  a  Market  in  the  Town,  it  is 
said  that  several  Gentlemen  have  purchased  the  spot  on  which  was 
the  late  fire,  opposite  to  the  Sun  Tavern.  The  first  proposal  was 
at  the  Old  Town  House,  but  this  could  not  obtain,  then  in  the 
Square  formed  at  the  bottom  of  Washington  Street  as  it  leads  east- 
ward &  southward,  then  on  the  Common  &  below  the  Court  House. 
We  are  told  the  Land  is  to  be  offered  to  the  Town,  or  appropriated 
by  the  proprietors  for  this  purpose,  upon  their  refusal. 

11.  Association  met  at  Dan  vers,  Wads  worth's.  The  Sermon  by 
M""  Bernard  was  on  the  subject  of  mortality  among  the  Clergy  of 
which  we  have  had  so  many  examples.  Cape  Ann,  Andover,  New- 
bury, &c.  have  concurred  with  this  Town  to  keep  the  Small  pox 
from  their  several  Towns  so  long  as  it  can  be  possible,  or  till  more 
immediate  danger.  The  Bridge  at  Providence  is  compleated,  it  be- 
ing 120  feet  long  &  50  wide.  The  Architect,  Whiting  of  Beverley. 
The  Providence  College  has  granted  a  Doctor's  Degree  to  M"^ 
Benj*  Foster,  now  of  New  York,  lately  Itinerant  Baptist  at  New 
Mills. 

[49]  12.  The  Singers  at  my  House  this  evening,  a  very  large 
company  to  which  I  added  the  french  Gentlemen  in  the  neighbour- 
hood. The  Ambassador  Hammond  from  England,  furnished  a  cu- 
rious anecdote  of  Timothy  Dexter  of  Newbury  Port,  to  whom,  as 
living  in  the  house  which  Jackson  occupied  formerly,  he  delivered 
the  letters  directed  to  the  latter.  He  was  told  upon  entry,  the 
money  he  had  made,  &c. 

13.  For  the  first  time  I  was  present  with  the  fire  club,  called 
Union.  The  principal  members  were  present.  The  evening  passed 
in  agreable  conversation,  &  on  subjects  adapted  to  the  meeting. 
Mention  was  made  of  the  Garret  pullies  in  case  of  fire,  the  visits  of 
the  members  to  all  the  avenues,  &c.  of  the  respective  houses,  upon 
the  convenience  of  Ladders,  with  which  we  are  unsupplied,  upon 
the  size  of  Buckets,  the  smaller  having  been  preferred  for  speed, 
easy  passing,  &  saving  the  water.  Upon  having  Axnien  with  each 
engine,  &  a  great  number  of  Buckets  provided  at  the  Town  charge. 
Upon  the  Fire  poles  &  hooks,  &  chains.  Whether  the  Society  in 
making  up  the  loss  of  Buckets  &  Bags  at  fires  do  not  relax  the  care, 
.  which  they  ought  to  strengthen,  &  whether  every  member  is  not  sup- 
posed voluntarily  to  make  the  sacrifice  at  his  own  expence.  Wheth- 
er the  taking  down  houses  if  many  are  near,  unless  actually  in  a 
blaze,  be  not  injurious,  by  giving  a  free  passage  &  airing  to  the 
fire?  How  far  the  providing  sails  24  feet  square,  as  is  proposed  by 
the  Town  officers,  with  poles,  &  clues,  will  supply  the  necessity  of 


1792]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  393 

this  waste  of  property.  Whether  the  taking  down,  or  moving  a 
house  in  flames,  especially  in  times  of  wind,  does  not  aggravate  the 
danger.  Whether  in  case  of  a  building  involved  in  flames  the 
Engines  should  not  be  directed  to  the  lower  part  of  the  Are,  as 
water  in  the  case  of  chimnies  on  fire  is  applied  below.  On  the 
most  proper  engine  carriages  in  order  to  convey  the  engines  to  the 
neighbouring  Towns  in  case  of  distress.  They  have  suffered  much, 
&  are  excessive  labour  to  transport  on  their  common  carriage 
wheels.  Some  propose  the  small  front  chai'iot  wheels,  others,  for 
the  greater  expedition,  the  largest  wheels'?  With  carriages  which 
depress  the  axletree  in  the  middle  &  receive  the  Engine  a  foot  from 
the  ground?  Why  could  not  wheels  &  axles  be  so  contrived  as  to  fit 
on  upon  occasion  at  each  end,  &  play  in  the  common  ruts?  Two 
screws  at  each  end  would  be  competent  for  their  confinement.  Let 
the  heads  of  the  screws  be  secured  by  plates. 

[50]  14.  This  evening  I  attended  the  Funeral  of  a  french  Gen- 
tleman by  name  Pickerdeau.  He  came  for  his  health  &  tarried  at 
Buffiugton's  at  the  Ship,  but  removed  about  a  fortnight  since  to 
Parson  Holt's  widow's  at  Danvers  &  there  died.  He  had  a  Mulatto 
with  him.  He  has  been  married  »&  his  wife  is  dead,  one  child  living, 
a  mother  &  brethren  &  sisters.  I  received  the  first  funeral  fee  in 
moue}^  this  evening.  The  whole  was  performed  very  decently.  Ke- 
spectable  men  supported  the  pall,  &  carried  the  body.  The  Gen- 
tlemen from  Martinico,  his  friends,  walked  with  the  Ladies  as 
mourners,  &  a  very  considerable  number  of  the  inhabitants  of  both 
sexes  followed.  Pickerdeau  was  from  the  neighbourhood  of  Port- 
royal  in  Martinico,  get  32.  Alias  Piquedeau.  An  alarm  of  fire  from 
a  Brig  in  the  upper  part  of  the  Harbour,  but  no  material  damage 
done. 

15.  Several  Merchants  from  Boston  have  proposed  to  take  stores 
in  the  Town  during  the  present  Situation  of  Boston.  The  effects 
expected  from  the  stagnation  at  Boston  have  not  been  very  strong- 
ly felt  here.  As  to  our  Market  for  flesh  it  is  more  dull  than  usual, 
as  may  be  plainly  seen.  The  number  of  300  persons  which  might 
have  been  inoculated  in  the  Town  if  merely  interest  is  considered, 
amounting  at  least  to  an  expence  of  1500£,  will  exceed  our  gains. 
Eegard  to  the  aged,  &c.  is  another  consideration.  Reports  from 
Boston  are  at  present  favourable,  but  as  all  Bells,  &  processions  at 
funerals  are  forbidden  in  Boston  during  the  Inoculation,  we  have 
no  means  at  present  to  judge  of  the  fatality.  The  presumption  is 
however  very  favourable. 

Sept.  16.  Sunday.  Delightful  rain  begun  this  afternoon.  Notes. 
Lydia  Beadle,  contin  :  of  prayers  for  her  sick  &  Son  at  Sea.  Re- 
ports are  that  very  young  children  suffer  most  from  inoculation. 
Three  consumptive  cases  the  only  known  sickness  of  the  week. 
The  present  arrangement  of  the  Singing  disagreable  to  me  on  the 
following  accounts.     The  Sums  to  be  appropriated  are  such  as  re- 


394  DIABY  OF  [1792 

main  after  my  salary  is  paid.  The  Salary  for  no  one  year  ever  was 
paid,  therefore  no  such  sums  remain.  The  Singing  then  is  out  of 
my  interest.  The  matter  is  referred  to  the  Committee  &  no  vote 
passed.  But  objections  have  been  made  reasonably  to  paying  for 
Singers  by  proprietors  money,  &  that  it  ought  to  be  done  by  Sub- 
scription. The  Committee  have  not  acted  [51]  on  the  matter,  &  I 
have  nothing  to  shew  for  my  expenditures.  The  Proprietors  voted 
me  the  loose  money  for  my  indemnification,  but  that  is  now  utterly 
stopped,  &  it  was  my  only  resource.  The  Treasurer  delivers  the 
the  money  to  me,  even  a  receipt  from  the  master,  &  take  not  the 
delay  of  payment  upon  the  Treasury  but  charges  it  as  ray  own  mon- 
ey.    More  Art  than  Honesty. 

17.  In  attempts  to  settle  with  Groce,  who  disingenuously  left 
us  without  notice,  I  find  that  his  first  school  Avas  opened  on  18  Dec'' 
ult.  &  his  Letter  resigning  the  School  Aug.  5.  The  Rain  which  be- 
gun yesterday  continued  all  night  &  the  whole  of  this  Day,  &  is  the 
first  soaking  rain  since  early  in  the  spring.  Madam  Jeffry  died 
yesterday  at  noon.  Said  the  Boy  to  his  mother,  there's  one  blunder 
in  the  Bible,  for  it  says  Old  Bottles  a'nt  as  good  as  new  !  True  my 
child,  says  the  matron,  but  these  bottles  were  made  of  Asses'  skins, 
which  soon  crack. 

18.  After  various  reports  respecting  the  spread  &  success  of  the 
Small  Pox  in  Boston  &  its  vicinity,  I  undertook  to  go,  &  see,  &  was 
supplied  with  horse  &  Chaise  by  G.  Fiske,  upon  condition  of  bring- 
ing his  niece  from  Hon.  Gerry's  at  Cambridge.  After  dinner  I  set 
out,  &  arrived  at  Cambridge  at  sunset.  A  universal  Silence  seemed 
everywhere.  At  the  Smoak  house  below  the  college,  no  representa- 
tions that  I  had  come  from  Salem  would  save  me  from  a  Sraoaking. 
I  went  to  Bradish's.  The  Colleges  were  in  vacation.  I  found  at 
last  the  librarian  &  went  with  him  to  M''  Gerrys  who  politely  re- 
ceived us.  We  returned  to  Bradish  &  spent  the  evening,  my  friend 
Winthrop  not  being  in  Town.  M""  Harris  paid  high  Compliments 
to  the  elegance  of  jVP  Gardner's  Compositions  at  Trinity  Church. 
Lodged  at  Bradish's. 

19.  Breakfasted,  &  then  went  for  Brooklyn  for  Aspinwall's 
Hospital.  Directly  opposite  to  the  cross  road  leading  from  Cam- 
bridge Road  into  Watertown  Road,  &  thence  upward  to  the  meeting 
house,  below  the  hill,  past  which  is  the  junction  of  the  Cambridge 
&  Watertown  road  leading  on  to  Boston,  is  the  entrance  to  the  Hos- 
pital. A  few  rods  after  entrance  on  your  left  is  a  plain  farm  house, 
called  the  Well-House  for  inoculation,  »&  the  return  of  the  patients. 

'On  the  right  just  above  is  the  house  of  the  Physician,  now  appar- 
ently old,  but  under  actual  repairs.  We  pass  directly  in,  then  incline 
to  the  right,  &  having  a  wood  on  the  right  &  a  Brickkiln  opposite 
the  Hospital,  in  less  than  half  a  mile  from  the  entrance  we  find  the 
proper  Hospital.  It  is  a  Square  Building,  surrounded  by  trees, 
called  the  Grove,  at  a  few  rods  distance,  of  a  good  elevation  with  a 


1792]  REV.    WILLIAM    BENTLEY  395 

crovm  Roof  [52]  and  containing  nearly  100  patients.  They  were 
well,  &  this  hospital  has  been  conducted  with  uncommon  success. 
The  last  experiments  are  not  the  best,  &  it  has  been  imputed  to  the 
less  care  in  the  choice  of  patients  from  the  impulse  of  danger,  & 
from  the  inability  to  cleanse  as  before  when  patients  were  crowding 
for  admission.  So  say  the  Patients.  Still  they  were  well,  in  a 
fair  way,  tho  the  eruptions  were  more  numerous.  Here  I  found 
M''  Hovey,  M'  Carleton,  Watson  &  Miss  Ruth  Briggs.  I  then  pro- 
ceeded on  for  Boston,  &  found  that  the  people  in  general  agreed 
that  it  had  gone  hardest  with  children,  from  a  fortnight  to  five  years 
old,  tho'  they  would  by  no  means  agree  in  the  number  of  sufferers, 
or  the  degrees.  Most  of  the  deaths  of  adults  were  palliated  by  cir- 
cumstances happily  adapted  to  relieve  the  minds  of  Survivors  un- 
der the  operation.  In  our  own  family  I  found  the  loss  of  one  child, 
&  several  now  under  the  operation  from  the  ill  success  of  the  inoc- 
ulation. A  cousin  after  the  Small  pox  confined  with  the  Nettlerash, 
so  called.  Among  my  parishioners  I  found  in  the  following  cases. 
A  Nephew  of  Joseph  White,  several  eruptions  in  the  face,  full,  do- 
ing well.  Four  children  of  J.  Briggs,  not  many  eruptions,  doing 
well.  Son  of  John  Collins,  Symptoms  high  &  threatening.  Son  & 
D.  of  S.  Ingersoll,  Boy  not  many,  well.  Daughter,  pale,  weak,  pock 
coming  out.  Son  of  N.  Richardson.  Pock  coming  out,  trembling, 
doing  well.  Three  child,  of  Js.  White,  doing  well,  one  very  weak. 
Returned  to  Cambridge,  took  my  charge,  &  with  a  dull  horse 
reached  Salem  at  nine  in  the  evening.  Rev*^  Forbes  lost  his  wife. 
I  observed  the  plaster  had  fallen  from  the  north  side  of  the  monu- 
ment on  Beacon  Hill.  Viewed  the  Canal  on  the  sides  of  the  new 
Road  for  the  new  Bridge  on  Inman's  Marsh,  Cambridge.  Barrell's 
House  advanced  to  the  second  story,  upon  Letchmore's  point  & 
Coble  hill.  A  new  hay  market  on  the  front  of  the  Common,  at 
Greenleafs  corner.  Korth  School  finishing  in  brick,  in  the  place 
where  the  other  two  Schools  stood.  The  foundation  laid  for  en- 
larging the  Universal  Meeting  House  on  Bennet  Street.  Heard 
the  new  Bell  in  the  North  Brick  Meeting  House,  the  same  which 
was  casting  in  Boston  on  my  last  visit.  The  sound  is  not  clear  & 
prolonged,  from  the  lips  to  the  crown  shrill.  Saw  upon  my  return 
the  celebrated  monied  man  of  Newbury  Port.  He  accosted  me 
without  knowing  me  at  the  public  House,  Lynn.  "  Sir,  you  are 
from  Salem  then.  My  name  is  Timothy  Dexter  who  wrote  the 
pieces  you  saw  in  the  Centinel,  &  I  am  in  again  today,  but  I  have 
learnt  better  this  week,  I  have  not  put  my  name,  I  have  put  New- 
burj'port  the  17***,  you  will  know  it,  I  a'nt  afraid  of  them,  they 
shall  see," — &  then  marched  out  of  the  room.  This  man  has  se- 
cured many  thousand  pounds  by  speculations  in  the  funds  &  paper 
money. 

[53]     20.     Children  of  Watson,  Stone,  Boardman,  Richardson, 
&c.  gone  on  for  inoculation.     This  evening  for  the  first  time  had 


396  DIARY  OF  [1792 

fire  in  the  Study.  IVP*  Very  died  of  a  complication  of  ills,  having 
been  from  early  life  subject  to  dropsical  complaints.  We  have 
news  from  the  East  Indies  from  the  Ship  Astrea,  Gibaut. 

21.  IsU  Igout*  went  on  board  Capt  Endicot  to  go  for  Martinico. 
The  question  has  been  much  agitated,  what  success  have  they  in 
Boston  for  Inoculation.  Say  some  upon  the  testimony  of  the  Se- 
lectmen, only  thirty  lost,  all  agree  it  falls  hardest  upon  children. 
Others  say  one  in  an  hundred,  twenty,  ten,  &c.  of  a  night.  Not 
even  an  alarm  in  this  quarter  yet.  Conversation  upon  the  Small 
pox. 

22.  Yesterday  one  of  our  Frenchmen  disposed  to  gallant  the 
Ladies,  but  unacquainted  with  a  gay  horse,  overturned  the  chaise 
&  broke  the  arm  of  a  Lady  who  was  with  him  in  the  Chaise.  Such 
an  event  may  overturn  the  little  plans  of  social  pleasures  which 
have  been  of  late  more  usual  in  this  Town,  than  ever.  A  Saturday 
funeral  very  large.     This  is  uncommon. 

Sept.  23.  Sunday.  Notes.  Mary  Crowninshield,  d.  of  Daughter 
Very,  &  Sons  at  Sea.  Martha  Gale,  d.  of  Sister  Very  &  friends  at 
Sea.  Anne  Foot,  d.  of  Sister  Very,  husband  &  brethren  at  Sea. 
Mansfield  Burrill,  d.  of  Sister,  &  p.  for  absent  friends.  Jude 
Jeffrey,  prayers  on  d.  of  G.  Mother  Jeffry,  &  brethren  at  Sea. 
Three  consumptive  cases,  two  young,  one  adult,  long  confined,  all 
females,  now  depending. 

24.  Went  for  Boston  in  the  Stage  and  arrived  at  noon.  Went 
to  White's  at  the  Franklin's  Head,  &  for  the  first  time  saw  his 
Book  Store  &  purchased  Haller's  Physiology  in  two  Volumes  for 
fifteen  shillings,  from  thence  to  Guild's,  &c.  Intending  to  take 
passage  in  the  Stage  for  Roxbury  &  Bi-ooklyne,  but  the  Stage  going 
at  noon,  I  came  by  wrong  information  an  hour  too  late  upon  the 
Stand.  I  after  several  trials  made  a  comfortable  walk  to  the 
Brooklyne  Hospital  to  see  my  friends,  &  from  thence  to  Cambridge. 
The  Causey  was  so  low,  &  the  Tide  full,  that  1  was  obliged  to  ford 
it.  I  dined  at  Baker's,  Brooklyne,  &  the  accomodations  by  no 
means  agreed  with  the  boast  of  the  Bostonians  of  their  enjoyment 
at  the  "  Punch  Bowl."  I  spent  the  evening  with  Judge  Winthrop 
&  we  had  the  company  of  Tutor  Bradford,  a  very  amiable  man. 
[54]  In  the  morning  I  visited  his  Study,  &  the  Library  of  the  old 
Professor. 

25.  After  breakfast,  where  I  drank  Tea,  at  the  Widow  Hilliard's 
where  Judge  Winthrop  diets,  we  went  into  the  University  Library, 
which  is  receiving  valuable  tho'  not  rapid  &  great  additions.  In 
M""  Ripley's  Sermon  at  Concord  this  year  upon  repairing  the  meet- 
ing house  he  asserts,  that  for  thirteen  years  past,  the  deaths  upon 
an  average  annually  do  not  exceed  17,  or  18,  &  that  there  are  now 
living  in  the  Town  seventy  five  persons  above  seventy  years  of  age. 
Number  of  inhabitants,  1590.     His  bap'tisms  are  in  fourteen  years. 

'Eleewbere  Egoat. 


1792]  REV.    WILLIAM    BENTLEY  397 

400,  aboiit  three  fourths  of  the  Births.  Returned  to  Boston,  & 
found  very  dangerously  ill  the  Son  of  Capt  John  Collins,  but  we 
were  not  without  hopes.  I  visited  all  my  ])arishioners  under  inoc- 
ulation, went  over  Beacon  hill,  visited  Austin's  Ro]>e  walk,  then 
Smith's,  Winthrop's  &  Jeffry's,  the  three  in  a  range,  came  over  the 
Mill  Causeway  which  is  in  fine  repair,  visited  the  Chocolate  mills, 
Grist  mills,  &  Saw  mills,  visited  my  relatives,  &  dined  with  M"^ 
Freeman.  Paid  to  him  the  sum  of  five  dollars  my  subscription 
towards  the  Unitarian  Society  in  Portland,  now  supplied  by  IVf  Ox- 
nard.  I  conferred  upon  my  return  with  ]\Iaster  Watson,  whether  I 
had  not  a  right  to  bestow  the  four  pounds  raised  by  the  brief,  as  T 
was  a  principal  Contributor,  iqion  this  Society,  as  it  was  solicited  by 
me,  &  trusted  in  my  hands,  &  no  other  Society  had  joined  in  the 
Contribution,  nor  do  I  know  in  the  County  anyone.  He  was  of 
opinion  that  under  these  circumstances  I  had  right  [55],  especially 
as  several  respectable  members  of  the  society  did  object  to  the  pro- 
posed form  of  the  Charity  in  the  Brief. 

26.  The  reports  respecting  the  number  of  persons  dying  by  In- 
oculation were  ascertained  by  me  in  the  following  manner.  The 
Selectmen  say  61  were  reproted,  name,  age,  street,  &c.  on  Saturday 
morning  last,  the  Sextons  being  obliged  to  report  all  persons  buried 
on  the  next  morning.  The  same  accounts  transmitted  to  the  Gov- 
ernor. The  Clergy  at  their  last  meeting  compared  the  several 
losses  they  had  respectively  sustained,  &  found  an  agreement. 
The  Sextons  questioned  abroad,  report  a  number  corresponding  to 
the  accounts  the  clergy  gave  from  their  own  observations  in  their 
pastoral  visits.  The  hospitals  occasionally  opened  in  Roxbury, 
Brooklyne,  Cambridge,  Newton,  &c.  give  a  yet  smaller  number  in 
proportion,  &  in  these  there  would  be  no  special  advantages  as  in 
the  long  established  Hospital  of  D""  Aspinwall  at  Brooklyne  in 
which  there  was  no  loss.  The  conclusion  then  is  safe  that  the 
whole  number  or  nearly  is  faithfully  ascertained.  The  danger  is 
not  principally  over  from  the  inoculation  alone.  The  question 
whether  it  was  more  severe  in  its  form  than  in  1777,  which  I  doubt. 
As  we  lost  two  out  of  seven  in  our  own  family  &  the  subjects  Avere 
as  full  of  eruptions  as  the  present  time,  from  my  own  distinct  rec- 
ollection. I  can  add  a  presumption  which  in  my  own  mind  con- 
firms the  above  report  of  the  number  of  sufferers.  That  from  my 
general  acquaintance  in  the  Toa\ti,  &  repeated  visits  to  every  part 
of  it,  I  cannot  obtain  the  names  of  four  persons  including  children, 
known  to  me,  who  have  died.  The  much  better  success  in  Hospi- 
tals, which  cannot  be  questioned,  than  in  Towns,  has  given  the 
balance  much  in  their  favour,  as  they  have  been  managed  on  this 
occasion.  As  all  the  Practising  Physicians  whether  eminent  or  not 
have  been  successful  in  the  Hospitals  near  Boston,  but  the  most  em- 
inent Physicians  being  equal  sufferers  in  their  patients  in  Boston, 
&  three  have  lost  of  their  own  children,  the  presumption  is,  much 


398  DIARY  OF  [1792 

depends  on  situation.  The  Brooklyne  Hospital  surrounded  by 
groves,  &  walks  has  lost  none.  But  the  air  tho  important  &  the 
exercise  are  not  the  only  circumstances.  They  are  out  of  the  way 
of  temptation  to  indulge  in  any  form.  The  design  of  their  situa- 
tion is  every  moment  pointed  out  to  them,  the  objects  which  form 
Temptations  are  removed,  &  the  comparison  throughout  is  happy. 

[56]  28.  Every  day  there  is  more  evidence  that  the  mortality 
has  not  been  very  great  in  Boston  from  the  Small  Pox.  One  Phy- 
sician from  the  Country  amidst  200  patients,  lost  none.  The  sub- 
jects continue  to  go  on  to  Brooklyne.  Several  Families  have  gone 
forward  this  day. 

29.  The  Town  of  Salem  has  been  severely  censured  on  all  hands 
for  the  freedom  with  which  it  has  avowed  its  political  reasons  for 
preventing  the  spread  of  the  small  pox  among  its  inhabitants,  es- 
pecially as  it  has  been  attended  with  none  of  the  consequences 
which  were  anticipated  with  an  unbecoming  eagerness. 

Sept.  30.  Sunday.  Notes.  Jon*  Mason  jun"",  returned,  death  of 
his  wife.  Lydia  Beadle,  continuing  very  low  &  sons  at  Sea.  Three 
consumptive  cases  near  a  termination,  all  females.  Case  of  a  third 
relapse  after  West  India  sickness.  Many  under  Inoculation  abroad, 
none  in  danger. 

October  1.  Conversation  in  regard  to  military  arrangements. 
The  Parish  has  a  suit  against  Capt  Forrester  for  refusal  to  pay  Di- 
man's  Taxes.  His  plea  is,  that  he  bought  a  house  belonging  to  an 
Episcopalian,  &  so  not  subject  to  Taxes.  It  is  carried  up  to  the 
Superior  Court.  The  Clerks  of  the  Market  have  fined  a  Baker,  for 
light  bread,  but  were  unprepared  with  evidence.  Again  in  the  Law 
the  Bakers  entered  a  petition  to  the  General  Court  in  Boston,  with- 
out Success. 

[58]  4.  Went  in  a  sulkey  for  Brooklyne  &  visited  the  Hospital, 
saw  several  persons  of  different  ages  inoculated.  The  success  has 
been  great.  Upon  my  return  I  visited  M''  Brattle's  Gardens,  &c. 
at  Cambridge.  We  first  saw  the  fountain  &  canal  opposite  to  his 
House,  &  the  walk  on  the  side  of  another  canal  in  the  road,  flow- 
ing under  an  arch  &  in  the  direction  of  the  outer  fence.  There  is 
another  canal  which  communicates  with  a  beautiful  pool  in  the  park 
&  place  for  his  wild  fowl.  The  garden  is  laid  out  upon  a  very  con- 
siderable descent  &  formed  with  terrace  walks,  abounding  with 
Trees,  fruits,  &  the  whole  luxury  of  vegetation,  &  is  unrivaled  by 
any  thing  I  have  seen  of  the  kind.  The  poultry  was  excellent  & 
numerous.  The  parterres  in  fine  order  in  the  Garden.  The  Rabbit 
house  had  above  fifty  in  it.  The  dairy  room  was  the  neatest  I 
ever  beheld.  It  was  in  stone  &  on  the  sides  surrounded  with  a 
beautiful  white  dutch  tile,  in  the  excess  of  neatness.  The  Reposi- 
tories for  the  several  fruits  were  in  fine  order,  the  barns,  yards,  & 
all  agreed  with  the  same  good  order,  &c.  We  visited  the  public 
rooms,  &  returned  to  Salem.     Arrived  at  nine  in  the  evening,  after 


1792J  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  399 

having  taken  four  Smoakings  in  Cambridge,  Brooklyne,  Medford, 
&  Salem. 

5.  The  excise  on  spirituous  Liquors  has  been  so  heavy,  that 
much  fraud  has  ensued,  &  for  the  first  time  we  see  the  President's 
PROCLAMATION  forbidding  all  such  fraudulent  attempts  upon 
the  rigour  of  Law. 

6.  There  are  high  encomiums  upon  the  American  Duck  Manu- 
factures by  persons  who  have  used  them  for  long  voyages.  There 
is  a  new  process  by  patent  for  making  Potash. 

Oct.  7.  Sunday.  Notes.  Philip  English  &  Children  for  death 
of  his  Son  Joseph.  Hannah  Keene  &  Children,  d.  of  her  youngest 
child  &  Husband  at  Sea.  Richard  Deighton  for  himself  dangerous- 
ly sick.  [59]  James  Collins  &  wife  for  her  delivery.  Abijah 
Hitchins  &  wife  for  her  delivery.  Lydia  Beadle,  near  unto  death. 
List,  one  adult  female  near  d.  in  Consumption ;  one  young  female 
near  d.  in  Consumption  ;  one  young  female  near  d.  in  Atrophy  & 
Consumption  ;  one  young  man  in  fourth  relapse  of  W.  India  Flux ; 
one  adult  near  d.  in  W.  India  flux ;  one  in  B.  Hospital,  female,  full 
with  Small  Pox. 

8.  After  preparing  an  hint  for  the  arrival  of  Columbus,  I  waited 
upon  the  several  Schools  at  the  invitation  of  the  School  Committee. 
In  the  East  we  found  about  fifty  Boys,  all  young.  In  the  Grammar 
School  three  english  readers  &  about  seven  Latin  Scholars.  In  the 
Center,  one  hundred  Boys,  in  decent  order.  In  the  West,  about 
eighty  Boys  from  the  several  ages.  Their  reading  was  about  the 
same,  nothing  remarkable.  Their  writing  was  incomparably  best 
in  the  West  School,  &  better  in  the  Center  than  in  the  East  School. 
Their  spelling  being  in  the  Scotch  Method,  ill  understood,  &  intro- 
duced by  mistake,  was  very  poor  indeed.  In  the  West  School  I 
purchased  of  one  of  the  youths  named  GEORGE  CLEVELAND  a 
writing  Book  partly  finished,  by  the  promise  of  a  blank  Book  of 
paper  of  the  same  quality.  We  finished  in  Two  Hours  our  Review. 
Dissatisfied  with  the  present  method  we  thought  best  to  propose 
subdivisions  in  the  committee,  assistance,  &  such  occasional  visits 
as  would  give  us  the  true  state  of  the  Schools,  &  enable  us  to  apply 
advice  as  the  cases  of  the  several  youth  might  require. 

9.  The  Gazette  furnished  to  the  electors  of  Essex  a  most  bitter 
invective  against  the  republican  party  &  an  exalted  encomium 
against  the  present  administration.  Parties  run  high.  Our  associ- 
ation met  at  M'  Prince's  this  day,  &  we  enjoyed  part  of  the  evening 
together.  The  Parson  at  Lynn  since  his  degradation  has  been  busy 
with  a  bound  servant  in  his  Father  in  Law's  family,  &  the  girl  haa 
confessed  her  condition  &  the  cause.  She  has  been  sent  to  Phila- 
delphia with  a  negro  man,  but  has  returned  to  Boston,  &  both  are 
in  the  charge  of  the  Overseers.  Reports  from  the  late  examination 
or  Census  at  Boston  are  that  9,200  were  inoculated,  &  that  after 
inoculation,  &  by  the  Smallpox,  died  193  persons,  chiefly  children. 


400  DIAKY  OF  [1792 

When  Boylstone  inoculated  first  in  America  in  the  hot  way  he  lost 
one  in  45. 

[60]  11.  Apprehensions  that  a  person  in  the  Parish  has  the 
Small  Pox.  Apprehensions  in  regard  to  another  of  our  female 
friends  under  inoculation.  An  advertisement  at  the  corners  of  the 
Street  from  the  Selectmen  offering  50  dollars  for  apprehending  the 
person  who  has  repeatedly  set  fire  to  the  most  Westerly  house  in 
Town  belonging  to  a  family  of  Pickering.  The  design  is  supposed 
to  be  revenge  for  a  late  partition  of  the  estate.  A  like  attempt  was 
made  some  time  since  upon  the  property  of  Capt  John  WTiite  in  the 
easterly  part  of  the  Town.  In  Pickering's  house  were  thirteen  per- 
sons, &  all  females  excepting  a  bedridden  man. 

12.  The  Town  met  this  day  to  consider  again  the  Subject  of  In- 
oculation. The  purpose  of  introducing  it  without  any  limits  into 
the  Town  was  rejected.  To  open  the  Hospital  was  the  object.  As 
the  building  was  in  dispute,  it  was  agreed  on  all  hands  that  this 
controversy  should  be  waved.  It  was  said  that  the  Town  had  every 
reason  to  fear  that  some  persons  would  be  seized  in  the  natural  way, 
that  there  was  no  place  to  which  such  persons  could  be  conveyed, 
that  the  expence  was  greatly  increased  in  regard  to  such  persons  as 
were  carried  at  a  distance,  &  their  return  in  no  degree  more  safe 
than  from  the  Hospital.  Without  any  arguments  against  the  pro- 
posal it  obtained  to  open  the  Hospital  under  such  regulations  as  the 
Selectmen,  with  a  Committee  appointed  for  the  purpose,  should  pro- 
pose, for  such  persons  as  would  defray  their  own  expences,  &  this 
not  but  by  the  permission  of  the  Town,  which  had  no  claims  upon 
the  Hospital.  The  Committee  of  five  persons,  such  as  Major  J** 
Saunders,  Major  Harthorne,  Capt  John  Derby,  Capt  J°  Buffington, 
&  Jon*  Hodges. 

13.  Last  night  was  a  plentiful  rain,  attended  with  a  heavy  wind. 
The  old  rope  walk  in  the  east  end  of  the  Town  was  blown  down. 
Part  of  the  old  house  of  Webb,  which  stands  on  the  point  below 
Daniel's  Lane,  &  part  of  an  old  house  belong^  to  the  Sleumaus  in 
Southfield.  The  wreck  of  a  Coaster  belonging  to  Marblehead  came 
ashore  on  West  Beach,  Eagle  Island,  &  all  perished.  Capt  S.  In- 
gersoll  of  Beverly  lost  Vessel  &  cargo  upon  Cape  Ann,  his  crew 
saved.  There  are  various  other  reports,  &  no  doubt  some  of  them 
are  true,  respecting  the  distruction  on  the  Coast. 

[62.]  This  day  it  was  ascertained  that  Cooke,  a  young  man, 
Becket,  a  widow  woman,  in  the  East  Parish  of  Salem,  had  taken 
the  Small  Pox.  I  visited  the  Hospital  &  found  that  new  injuries 
had  been  offered,  by  which  the  Windows  &  Doors  were  demolished. 
The  Glaaiers  were  upon  the  spot  hastening  repairs.  A  lad  named 
Upton  broke  out  in  Dan  vers,  &  another  in  Beverly.  Cooke  was  car- 
ried up  this  day. 

Oct.  14.  Sunday.  Preached  in  Danvers  for  the  Relict  of  Rev* 
Holt,  M''  Harris  in  forenoon.     Notes.     Hannah  Hodges,  d.  of   eld- 


1792]  BEV.  WILLIAM  BENTLET  401 

est  daughter,  Husband  &  Brethren  at  Sea.  Mathew  Vincent, 
thanks  for  delivery  of  AVife  in  critical  case  &  p.  from  d.  of  the 
child.  Mary  Knight,  apprehended  near  to  Death  &  Brother  at 
Sea. 

15.  To  shew  the  management  of  the  SMALL  POX  in  Salem, 
1773,  the  following  is  a  list  of  the  persons  received  at  the  Pest 
House.  The  names  of  the  persons  wlio  had  the  Small  Pox  at  the 
Salem  Pest  House.  A.  D.  1773.  This  is  given  in  the  handwriting  of 
Master  John  AVatson. 

They,  who  survived  the  disorder,  were  :  M""^  Welman,  Widow. 
M"  Palfrey,  Widow.  M"  Chipman.  M"  Thomas.  Anstis  Chee- 
ver.  Sarah  Brown.  jNIargaret  Swasey.  Samuel  Knap.  Jonathan 
Palfrey.  Gale,  a  Child  of  Benj=*.  Samuel  Townsend.  Swan,  a 
Child.  Townsend,  a  Child.  Titus,  a  negro  man.  Katty,  a  negro 
woman. 

They  who  died  were  :  M""  Jonathan  Lambert.  Samuel  Barton. 
William  Farefield.  William  King.  Lambert,  Wife  of  Joseph. 
Webb,  Wife  of  Stephen.  Townsend,  Wife  of  Moses.  Ramsdall, 
Wife  of  William.  Gale,  Wife  of  Benj*.  Welman,  Wife  of  Adam. 
Richard  Palfrey.  Clough,  Widow.  Margaret  Byrne.  Lambert, 
Wife  of  Jonathan.  Mary  Byrne,  Widow.  Hannah  Stone.  Han- 
nah Cooke,  Wife  of  Charles.  John  Ward.  Elizabeth  Fry.  Eliz- 
abeth Ward.     Louis,  a  Negro  man. 

By  this  list  the  whole  number  was  of  36  persons.  22  females, 
11  males,  &  3  children.  That  21  out  of  the  thirty-six  died.  That 
double  the  number  of  women  died,  as  double  was  in  the  list,  but  all 
the  children  survived  excepting  one,  Marg.  Byrne.  [63.]  On  that 
occasion  there  was  a  great  alarm.  The  removal  to  the  Pest  House 
was  next  to  death,  &  the  mortality,  raged  in  the  ratio  of  the  fears  of 
the  several  patients. 

16.  Yesterday  M"  Becket,  Cooke  &  Wife  &  two  children  grown, 
&  two  small  children  of  James  Chever  were  carried  to  the  Hospit- 
al for  inoculation.  I  was  present  afterwards.  Young  Cook  inocu- 
lated being  in  doubt  of  his  case,  M"  Becket's  case  the  only  one 
beyond  doubt  &  she  not  inoculated.  A  M""^  Southward  in  Union 
Lane  taken  with  S.  Pox  natural  way.  Great  exertions  at  the  Hos- 
pital to  prepare  for  Thursday. 

17.  The  following  is  the  List  of  persons  entering  the  Pest  House 
on  the  Neck  with  M"  Southward  for  inoculation  : 

Ann  Banks,  aged  33  years.  Abigail  Southward,      set.  32. 

Polly  Radix,  set.  18.  Rachel  Safford,  aet.  15. 

John  Smith,  set.  16.  George  Southward,       set.  14. 

Sally  Southward,    aet.  12.  Lydia  Southward,       set.  8. 

John  Southward,    set.  6.  William   Southward,    set.  4. 

William  Southward,  get.  3.  Jon*  R.  Southward,    10  months. 

Polly  Southward,  11  months.         Hannah  Southward,   W.  of  Wil- 
liam, by  natural  way. 


402  DIARY  OF  [1792 

18.  M'  Watsoa  informs  from  D.  Aspinwall  that  he  had  inocu- 
lated between  12  &  13  hundred  of  his  Hospital,  &  about  4  or  5 
hundred  at  other  places  since  20  July  1788.  Visited  the  Hospital 
at  noon,  at  the  time  of  admission  of  the  Class.*  Two  small  build- 
ings are  erecting  upon  the  square  of  the  Hospital  &  there  is  a  great 
concourse.  Many  refused,  &  disappointed.  Another  person  has 
broken  out  with  the  Small  Pox  near  the  east  meeting,  S.  Valpy,  a 
lad  of  ten  years.  Attempts  were  made  to  introduce  a  young  Lady 
from  Newbury  Port,  but  they  were  unsuccessful  at  the  Hospital. 
Eight  of  my  Society  were  in  before  the  class  with  patients  the  natu- 
ral way,  &  I  found  twenty  four  in  the  first  class  already. 

19.  This  morning  went  early  to  Perkins,  on  Derby's  Neck  Farm, 
to  secure  a  place  for  Capt.  B.  Hodges'  Children,  after  the  following 
difficulties  were  removed.  The  Landlord  had  consented,  the  whole 
family  had  consented  to  be  inoculated,  the  Town  had  voted  leave, 
&  the  number  encouraged  to  hope  would  admit  more  of  them.  Had 
a  Tovim  meeting  to  make  more  extensive  provision  for  the  Inocula- 
tion. M'  Webb  at  the  Fort  was  violent  against  the  assignation  of 
the  Fort.  M'  Perkins  at  Derby's  Farm  spake  that  nothing  but  com- 
pulsion should  oblige  him  to  it.  The  Town  voted  to  assist  the  bar- 
racks in  the  New  Fort,  &  chose  Capts.  Allen,  B.  Ward,  &  J.  Ma- 
son sen.  as  a  Committee  to  consult  with  Selectmen,  &  Determine 
on  regulations.  [64]  They  then  licenced  inoculation  at  Metcalf's 
in  the  G.  Pasture,  at  Castle  Hill,  &  Col.  Pickman's  &  chose  a  Com- 
mittee of  five  persons  in  the  same  manner  to  inspect,  &c.  vizt.,  John 
Norris,  J.  Teeadwell,  Deacon  Holman,  Deacon  Saunderson,  &  Nath: 
Ropes.  At  the  Hospital  it  was  an  order  of  the  day  to  admit  none 
but  for  special  reasons  within  the  walls,  &  as  I  had  no  special  call, 
I  took  the  hint  to  keep  away.  The  Barracks  in  the  new  fort  are 
almost  beyond  cleansing.  Eb.  Gay,  a  Preacher  &  late  Tutor  of  Yale 
College,  spent  the  night  with  me. 

20.  The  Committees  have  proceeded  with  success  in  designating 
homes  for  the  Small  Pox,  but  the  rage  is  either  gratified,  or  abated 
by  the  numerous  assignations.  Upon  the  breaking  out  of  a  single 
person  all  is  in  alarm,  then  it  subsides.  A  State  of  danger,  &  with- 
out a  remedy,  as  men  regard  the  means  of  safety  only  for  a  moment. 
Went  to  the  funeral  of  the  Rev^  E.  Smith  of  Middlet :  Had  an  en- 
counter de  colligendis  inpratis  corymbis  mense  pretento  apud.  Dan- 
versien:  The  procession  was  respectable.  The  Pall  holders  were 
Rev<^  Symmes,  Holyoke,  Stone,  French,  Prentiss,  &  Wads  worth. 
Symmes  prayed  &  Holyoke  preached.  The  two  famous  masters  of 
Music,  Kimball  &  Holyoke,  lead  the  choir  on  this  occasion.  On  my 
return  I  found  Gen.  Fiske  had  lost  his  daughter  Peggy.  Danvers 
voted  to  inocidate  at  the  discretion  of  the  Selectmen,  but  alarmed 
at  the  licence,  they  have  ordered  another  Town  meeting.  The  inoc- 
ulation has  beg^n  in  that  Town  &  Beverly. 

•Sm  Bsaez  lutitnte  Hist.  Colls.  Yol.  XXXV.  p.  304. 


1792]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLET  403 

Oct.  21.  Sunday.  Notes.  Lydia  Beadle  with  her  brethren  on 
death  of  their  Mother  &  a  brother  at  Sea.  Susannah  Beadle,  d.  of 
Sister  L.  Beadle.  Besides  the  persons  under  Small  Pox,  one  young 
•woman  in  Consiimption.  The  Congregation  thinner  than  ever  I 
knew  it.  Weather  rainy,  &  the  Small  Pox  interesting  every  person. 
Two  persons  have  the  Small  Pox  the  natural  way  in  the  western 
part  of  the  Town,  a  Goodell,  &  an  Ebones.  Hitherto  the  sufferers 
have  been  of  that  class  least  exposed,  excepting  young  Cooke. 

22.  This  morning  I  employed  in  making  preparations  for  the 
reception  of  a  kind  family  at  Derby's  Neck  farm-house.  For  which 
I  had  the  most  vile  treatment  from  a  poor  wretch,  who  was  disap- 
pointed in  all  his  measures  to  obtain  a  place,  endeavouring  to  in- 
trude strangers  into  Inoculation  Houses.  I  keep  the  minutes  of 
such  events,  as  they  serve  to  contrast  my  most  virtuous  conduct 
with  the  treatment  it  may  produce. 

[65]  23.  At  the  Town  meeting,  after  an  invective  in  the  Ga- 
zette against  the  General  Inoculation,  the  Town  with  a  few  against 
it,  only  three  hands  being  held  up,  rejected  the  proposal  for  an  In- 
oculation through  the  Town.  The  small  opposition  quieted  a  most 
sudden  rage  in  the  minds  of  the  people.  G.  Fiske's  daughter  Peggy 
buried  this  afternoon  with  every  mark  of  respect. 

24.  This  day  the  Inoculation  is  to  be  made  upon  the  Neck  at 
New  Fort,  Derby's  Farm,  &  the  Old  Fort,  and  on  board  a  Sloop  ly- 
ing at  Winter  Island  wharf,  besides  many  other  places  in  the  west- 
ern parts  of  the  Town. 

25.  The  number  of  persons  inoculated  yesterday  was  108  on  the 
Neck,  at  Derby  Farm  House  47,  Old  Fort  on  Winter  Island  27,  New 
Fort  on  Neck  Hill  30,  in  Wyatt's  Sloop  at  Winter  Island  Wharf  4. 
At  the  Great  Pasture  hospital,  251  patients.  Visited  Castle  hill, 
which  with  the  adjoining  house  receives  many  patients. 

26.  Visited  M"  Southward,  a  dangerous  patient  in  the  Pest 
House.  She  died,  &  her  child.  Two  out  of  five  in  the  natural  way 
within  the  limits  of  East  Parish.  Weather  moderate,  &  symptoms 
high  at  the  Great  Hospital.  Three  examples  of  Convulsions  in 
children. 

[66]  27.  A  black  boy  broke  out  with  the  Small  Pox  the  natu- 
ral way.  The  inoculation  has  a  favourable  appearance  everywhere. 
A  competition  between  the  Joseph  of  Boston  &  the  Sally  of  Salem 
as  fast  sailors,  being  fruit  Vessels  in  the  Straits. 

Oct.  28.  Sunday.  Notes.  Jn°  Fiske  &  family,  d.  of  daughter, 
&  friends  at  Sea.  Sarah  Knight,  d.  of  daughter,  &  two  sons  at  Sea. 
Elisha  Harrington,  death  of  the  above  M.  K.  an  intended  Wife,  & 
parents  in  the  Country.  No  critical  case  at  home,  many  under  In- 
oculation. Valpy,  a  boy  of  10  years,  died  with  S.  Pox  in  the  nat- 
ural way.  A  woman  named  Hare  broke  out  the  natural  way,  &  was 
carried  to  the  Great  Hospital. 

29.     The  mother  of  Valpy,  tho'  formerly  inoculated,  &  had  the 


404  DIABY  OF  [1792 

S.  Pox  very  full  upon  her,  is  broken  out  again,  with  a  full  pock  from 
frequent  contact  with  the  Spoon,  &  body.  Appearances  favourable 
in  general.  A  young  man  named  Bart.  Goodale  died  this  evening. 
His  case  was  a  costive  habit  &  the  impossibility  of  forcing  out  the 
Pock,  by  the  most  fiery  spirits  internally,  &  a  warm  bath  external- 
ly. There  is  a  critical  case  of  a  child  of  Capt.  Story  with  a  bad  arm. 

[68]  31.  State  of  Inoculation,  G.  Hospital  253,  Metcalf  30, 
Castle  Hill  59,  Pickman's  65.  On  the  Neck,  New  Fort,  see  Oct.  25. 
Visited  all  in  turn,  found  appearances  in  general  good,  &  was  pres- 
ent when  they  fired  their  evening  gun  at  Castle  Hill,  &  marched 
single  file  around  the  Hill.  They  saluted  us  with  three  cheers 
which  we  returned  in  due  form. 

November  1.  Died  at  the  Pest  House  the  Negro  mentioned  Oct. 
27,  set.  25-30.  Storer's  child,  aet.  6,  dead  from  mortification  in  the 
incision,  &c.  Mr  Melece  with  me,  &  brought  a  friend  from  Martiuico 
with  M'  Mackey  with  compliments  from  S'  Marie.  Melece  intends 
boarding  with  us. 

2.  Last  night,  Child  of  Capt  B.  Cox  under  Inoculation  in  G.  Hos- 
pital, aet.  11.  The  male  parent  is  not  living.  Rode  to  Beverley  & 
visited  Rev**  McKeen  under  inoculation,  eighth  day,  no  symptoms. 
Visited  also  Woodberry's  Point.  Eleven  Houses  appropriated  for 
inoculation.  Found  the  number  of  Patients  at  Woodberry's  Point 
exceeding  200,  at  Hovey's,  West  Beach,  near  the  forts  30,  at  Thorn- 
dike's  Farm  House,  upper  Parish,  40  &  at  Warren's  House,  1/2  mile 
from  the  upper  meeting  House,  30.  M'  M'^Keen  tells  me  that  from 
the  Point  on  West  Beach  below  Hovey's,  measured  on  the  ice,  M' 
Hovey  says  was  one  mile  to  the  Misery  Island.  That  by  observa- 
tion &  his  own  method  of  taking  the  distance,  it  is  2  miles  &  40 
roods  from  the  lower  redoubt  point,  the  upper  end  of  west  beach  to 
Baker's  Island  Beacon. 

3.  Our  Hospitals  in  a  very  fair  way,  &  in  good  spirits.  On  last 
evening  during  the  misty  weather  was  perceived  a  stench  like  high 
putrefaction.  It  rendered  the  houses  in  the  center  of  the  Town 
very  uncomfortable,  was  observed  at  the  Great  Office,  Robertson's 
&  Buffington's  Houses  of  entertainment  &  as  far  as  south  mill  bridge. 
The  flatts  were  not  covered  with  water  as  it  was  half  tide,  the  cause 
is  yet  unexplored,  probably  flats. 

Nov.  4.  Sunday.  Notes.  John  Watson  &  Wife,  d.  of  her 
father  &  absent  friends.  Rebecca  Brown,  d.  of  her  father,  &  for 
absent  friends.  Mary  Ashby,  d.  of  her  father  &  husband  absent. 
Benj*  Dean,  returned  from  Sea,  &  d.  of  eldest  son.  Polly  Gay  ton, 
d.  of  her  brother  Bart :  Goodale  by  inoculation  &  for  friends  at  Sea. 
Frank  Tolbert,  African,  and  wife,  d.  of  Son  by  S.  Pox  natural  way, 
&  Son  at  Sea. 

[69]  5.  The  Small  Pox  yet  engages  the  public  attention.  Bruce 
tells  us  that  it  first  made  its  appearance  at  the  siege  of  Mecca, 
about  365,  &  that  probably  the  Abyssinian  army  was  the  first  vie- 


1792]  REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY  406 

tim  to  it.  In  the  late  Storm  a  vessel  drove  ashore  upon  Strait's 
mouth  Island,  near  Thatchers  Island,  Cape  Ann.  It  seems  the 
crew  had  taken  to  the  boat,  as  nothing  was  left  in  the  Cabin  &  boat 
not  found.     A  Sloop  of  60  Tons  with  Cyder,  Hay,  &  Indian  Corn. 

6.  On  board  Capt  Patterson,  died  a  young  man,  aet.  27,  Richard 
Collins,  &  he  was  buried  from  the  Captain's  house  with  all  decency, 
&  accompanied  by  the  Captain  &  Family,  the  Owners,  &  neighbours 
of  both  sexes  &  carried  by  his  young  Companions.  Small  Fox  en- 
gages the  public  attention  so  that  we  could  collect  only  four  of  our 
members  at  the  Lodge.  The  Patients  are  cleansing  for  their  return. 

7.  Several  out  from  the  Great  Hospital,  in  all  60  persons  & 
more  to  be  dismissed  on  the  morrow.  Every  where  favourable  ap- 
pearances, except  in  a  Child  of  C.  B.  Hodges,  Polly,  aet.  5,  purple 
appearances  upon  &  beneath  the  foot.  She  has  had  a  good  arm, 
free  physic,  good  appetite,  no  complaint,  but  no  symptoms  or  erup- 
tions, excepting  three  below  the  incision  on  the  arm,  since  the  bath 
for  the  foot,  which  may  prove  the  small  Pox. 

8.  Our  friends  returning  from  the  Small  Pox.  Gave  advice  for 
the  calling  in  D'  Holyoke  for  Hodges'  child,  but  it  was  not  approved. 

9.  Capt.  Hosmer  has  arrived  from  Martinico.  A  violent  rain 
through  the  day. 

10.  Saturday.  D'  Parker,  overplied  by  the  duties  of  the  Hos- 
pital, died  last  Thursday  night  of  a  Fever.  He  was  deranged  be- 
fore he  renounced  his  employment.  He  was  after  me  two  years  in 
standing  at  Cambridge.  While  the  College  was  at  Concord  he 
lived  near  me.  He  was  a  pupil  in  his  professional  studies  with  D' 
Holyoke.  Made  slow  advances  in  Salem,  from  manners  which  did 
not  tend  to  enhance  the  public  value  of  his  abilities.  He  was  now 
exerting  successfully  his  abilities  for  the  public  favour,  &  was  the 
victim  of  his  ambition.  He  has  left  two  children  &  a  Wife,  just 
as  his  prospect  was  opening.     He  was  about  33  years  of  age. 

[70]  Nov.  11.  Sunday.  Notes.  Martha  Babbidge  &  Chil- 
dren, d.  of  her  Husband.  Susannah  Babbidge  &  Daughter,  d.  of 
her  only  Son.  Joanna  Silsbee,  d.  of  her  Son  in  Law  Babbidge. 
Christopher  Babbidge  &  wife,  d.  of  his  father.  Mansfield  Burrill 
&  Wife,  d.  of  his  brother  in  Law.  Sai-ah  Silsbee,  d.  of  her  Broth- 
er in  Law  Babbidge. 

12.  Last  Saturday  evening  in  preparing  the  Cistern  at  the  West- 
ern end  the  dirt  caved  in,  &  put  an  end  to  the  existence  of  a  man 
belonging  to  Northfields,  who  was  at  work  upon  the  Timber  below. 
The  first  time  a  written  invitation  to  a  Funeral,  as  a  Compliment. 

13.  Supreme  Court  Sitting  here.  The  Probate  adj ourned  on  ac- 
count of  the  Small  Pox.  Took  the  liberty  of  giving  an  hint  to  the 
Layman  for  the  inconclusive  reasoning  of  the  last  Gazette.  As  it 
is  supposed  to  be  a  nettlesome  fellow  we  may  have  a  spat.  D'' 
Parker's  funeral  this  evening.  This  day  the  first  patients  left  the 
neck,  &  amidst  all  the  variety  of  age  we  have  had   no  loss.     Fifty 


406  DIARY  OF  [1792 

come  up  this  day.  The  only  deduction  from  our  pleasures  is  on  ac- 
count of  several  whose  symptoms  have  come  on  in  a  natural  way. 
They  are  young,  &  nothing  alarming  yet  appears.  This  evening 
died  at  Castle  Hill,  Ruth  Chever,  daughter  of  Benjamin.  She  was 
by  a  former  wife.  Being  betrayed  by  a  young  man,  who  has  left 
her,  she  was  three  months  gone  in  child  bearing.  Under  these  cir- 
cumstances, which  are  greatly  aggravated  by  public  report,  the  fate 
was  long  anticipated,  with  all  the  passions  which  might  be  expect- 
ed from  a  death  so  melancholy  &  so  public.  The  most  ungener- 
ous imputations  on  the  mother  in  law,  the  most  severe  upon  yoimg 
Swan,  &  the  most  cruel  upon  the  girl,  are  reckoned  as  causes  in  the 
present  case.  We  may  however  abate  the  fury  of  resentment, 
when  we  consider  the  desperate,  &c.  of  young  women.  Nigra  petit, 
rubra  dat.  alba  recusat. 

14.  Was  launched,  a  Ship  at  Brigg's  Shipyard,  Southfields,  op- 
posite the  Wharves  at  Stage  point,  burden  160  Tons  with  Masts, 
topmasts  &  yards  in.  She  made  a  fine  appearance,  &  was  launched 
with  the  best  success.  Baker's  Island,  in  Salem  Harbour,  is  adver- 
tised for  sale,  said  to  contain  fifty-eight  acres  &  ninety  three  poles. 

[71]  15.  Applications  making  by  Capt  Becket  &  others  for  a 
new  class  upon  the  Neck  under  Little,  the  Physician.*  Various  re- 
ports about  France,  which  agitate  the  public  opinion. 

16.  Capt  White  of  Machias  has  sent  his  Vessel  for  sale,  freight, 
or  charter,  as  the  Lumber  voyages  of  that  port  do  not  support  her, 
so  many  British  apply  at  the  port,  «&  trade  to  the  greater  advantage 
of  the  inhabitants. 

The  Bridge  over  the  Merrimack,  above  Newbury  at Carr's  Island, 
is  to  be  opened  next  Week. 

17.  The  Small  Pox  in  its  present  course  has  in  general  been 
very  mild,  but  in  all  instances  in  which  a  good  arm  has  been  trust- 
ed it  has  been  deceitful.  Capt  Wyatt,  had  a  good  arm,  highly  in- 
flamed, &c.  from  the  time  of  the  incision  till  this  day  above  three 
weeks,  &  trusting  to  it  he  took  a  certificate  &  left  the  doctor,  but 
has  now  returned  with  the  Small  Pox.  Henry  Archer  in  the  same 
Sloop  &  condition  is  pronounced  to  have  the  Symptoms.  M'  French 
had  no  arm  inflamed,  &c.  no  postules,  but  till  the  third  inoculation. 
Yesterday  he  thought  he  had  eruptions,  but  they  disappear  this 
day.  The  Governer  has  desired  the  Court  to  take  some  measures 
to  regulate  Stage  Coaches  in  Boston  &  its  vicinity.  The  affrontery 
of  the  Drivers  has  rendered  it  necessary. 

[72]  Nov.  18.  Sunday.  Notes.  Margaret  Nourse  &  chil- 
dren for  Husband  deprived  of  his  reason.  Richard  Valpy  jim' 
thanks  for  return  from  his  Voyage  &  p.  on  d.  of  his  eldest  Son  by 
Small  Pox.  We  had  an  alarm  in  our  neighbourhood,  by  the  break- 
ing out  of  the  Small  Pox,  the  subject  being  an  active  young  wo- 
man, seven  months  gone  in  child  bearing.     The  family,  ten  in  num- 

•See  Essex  Institute  Hist.  Co  Us.  Vol.  IT.  p.  83 


1792] 


REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY 


407 


ber,  have  gone  to  the  Hospital.  Mrs.  Judith  Welnian.  The  Follow- 
ing is  a  List  of  such  persons  as  have  belonged  to  the  Society,  of 
which  I  am  Pastor,  with  such  facts  as  were  within  my  own  know- 
ledge. 

State  of  the  Inoculation  for  the  Small  Pox  in  regard  to  persons 
belonging  to  the  East  Religious  Society,  Salem,  in  the  Autumn  of 
1792.  [73]  Persons,  who  went  abroad  for  Inoculation  between 
September  3^  &  October  12. 


Name 
Johnson  Briggs, 
Briggs,  Jeremiah, 
Briggs,  Samuel 
Briggs,  John, 
Collins,  John, 
Ingersoll,  Eben: 
Ingersoll,  Susan: 
Manning,  W°i. 
Richardson,  Jesse, 
White,  Joseph, 
White,  Isaac, 
White,  Nath. 
White,  Deborah, 
Boardman,  Mary, 
Boardman,  Eliza, 
Boardman,  Francis, 
Boardman,  Sarah, 
Briggs,  Ruth, 
Carleton,  W°>. 
Dodge,  Eunice, 
Andrew,  Hannah, 
Hovey,  Amos, 
Perry,  Hezekiah, 
Richardson,  Eunice, 12-14  


Age      Physician 
16-18  Hart  of  Reading 

14-16  

12-16  

10-12  

10-12  

10-12  

8-10  

12-14 
14-16 
12-14 
10-12 
6-8 

8-10 
12-14 
10-12 

8-10 
6-8 
16-18 
20-23 
12-16 
10-12 
30-35 
20-24 


Warren 
Hart 

Warren 
Rand 


Aspinwall 


Richardson,  Israel,  10-12  

Richardson,  Wm.        8-10  

Stone,  Robert,           14-16  

Stone,  Sarah,             16-18  

Stone,  Anstis,            12-14  

Stone,  Benja               10-12  

Stone,  Betsey,               6-8  

Stone,  Hannah,             3-6  

Watson,  Abraham,    14-16  

Watson,  Abigail,      16-18  

Watson,  John,          10-12  

36  persons,  14  females,  21  males. 


Place  Success 

Boston  Moderately 

Few. 

Few. 

Few. 

very  severely,  danger. 

very  favourably. 

very  favourably. 

favourably. 

full. 

moderately. 

moderately. 

not  many,  debilitated. 

few. 

Brooklyne  moderately. 

mod. 

few. 

considerably  full. 

mod. 

very  few. 

few. 

few. 

full. 

favourably. 

V.   few  after  repeated 

inocul. 

few. 

few. 

— -  few. 

few. 

few. 

few. 

full. 

quite  full. 

considerably. 

full,  &  in  great  danger 

moderately. 


408 


DIARY  OF 


[1792 


[74]  Persons,  who  received  the  SMALL  POX  by  Inoculation  in 
the  Hospital,  Great  Pasture,  October  18,  1792.  Great  Hospital 
under  Osgood  &  Parker,  Physicians. 

Name 
Archer,  Samuel, 
Andrew,  Nath. 
Bowditch,  Nath. 
Browne,  Hannah, 
Browne,  Sally, 
Browne,  Eunice, 
Buxton,  Phoebe, 
Cooke,  William, 
Cooke,  Rebecca, 
Cooke,  Elizabeth, 
Cooke,  Catharine, 
Chever,  Sarah, 
Chever,  Ruth, 
Chever,  Samuel, 
Chever,  Sarah, 
Chever,  Margaret, 
Clarke,  Elizabeth, 
Burrill,  William, 
Herrick,  Lydia, 
Herrick,  Mary, 
Hodges,  Mary, 
Hodges,  Gamaliel, 
Maley,  Benjamin, 

Mason,  Jonathan, 
Mason,  Elizabeth, 
Mason,  Mary, 
Rantolph,  Robert, 
Rantolph,  Samuel, 
Rhodes,  Elizabeth, 
Ring,  Seth, 
Saunders,  Susannah, 
Webb,  Priscilla, 
Ward,  Andrew, 
33,  13  males,  20  females. 

[76]     Persons  who  received  the  Small  Pox  in  the  natural  way. 


Age 

Success 

Beturn 

24 

favourably.           ret. 

Nov.    7. 

14 

fav. 

Nov.    8. 

19 

full. 

Nov.  11. 

20 

favourable. 

Nov.    8. 

18 

few. 

Nov.    9. 

14 

few. 

Nov.    9. 

18 

favourable. 

Nov.   8. 

40 

fav. 

Nov.   9. 

45 

fav. 

Nov.    7. 

42 

fav. 

Nov.   7. 

15 

full. 

Nov.  11. 

13 

quite  full. 

Nov.   8. 

9 

moderately. 

Nov.  8. 

20 

full. 

Nov.   9. 

18 

moderately. 

Nov.   8. 

15 

very  few. 

Nov.  7. 

85 

few,  high  symptoms 

Nov.   7. 

25 

few. 

Nov.   7. 

22 

favourably. 

Nov.   8. 

19 

favourably. 

Nov.  8. 

9 

few. 

Nov.   7. 

6 

few. 

Nov.   7. 

U 

few,  symptoms  high 

, 

convulsions. 

Nov.   7. 

8 

few,  sick  with  fever 

Nov.  5. 

12 

few. 

Nov.  7. 

5 

few. 

Nov.   7. 

13 

full,  not  heavy. 

Nov.   9. 

11 

moderately. 

Nov.   9. 

27 

fav. 

Nov.   8. 

19 

full. 

Nov.   10. 

8 

few. 

Nov.   7. 

15 

very  few, 

Nov.  7. 

23 

full,  not  heavy. 

Nov.   7. 

Name 
Cooke,  Wm. 

Becket,  Mary 


Age  Physician  Time 

16    Osgood  &  Parker.   Hospital,  Oct.  14. 

30-40  *  Hospital,  Oct.  15. 


Success 

favourably, 
very,  Nov.  7. 
favourably, 
Nov.  7. 


1792] 


REV.    WILLIAM   BENTLEY 


409 


Valpy,  Samuel,         10  Paine. 

Beverley,  James,      20  Negro.  Paine. 


Pest  House,  Oct.  18.  heavy,  died 
Oct.  28. 

Pest  House,  Oct.  27.  heavy,  died 
Nov.  1. 


Inoculation  on  the  Neck,   Oct.  24,  1792.     At  Perkins',  Derby- 
Neck  Farm  House. 


Name 

Age 

Physician 

Place 

Success  <fe  return. 

Allen,  Lockart, 

10-12 

fav. 

ret.  Nov.  13. 

Allen,  Nancy, 

8-10 

few, 

ret.  Nov.  13. 

Allen,  Betsey, 

2-4 

favourable, 

ret.  Nov.  13. 

Allen,  Henry, 

1-2 

fav. 

ret.  Nov.  15. 

Allen,  Roger,  Negro, 

30 

fav.  full, 

ret.  Nov.  13. 

Archer,  Nath. 

14 

few. 

ret.  Nov.  13. 

Collins,  Mary, 

30-40 

Paine 

few,  high  symp. 

ret.  Nov.  15. 

Frank,  Hannah, 

17 

Little 

few,  detained, 

ret.  Nov.  14. 

Frank,  Joseph, 

6-8 

few,  living  in 

the  house. 

French,  Joshua, 

30-35 

Paine 

singular  case. 

French,  Joshua, 

6-8 

fav. 

French,  Joseph, 

4-6 

full,  in  the  face. 

Hodges,  Benja 

7 

Little 

few, 

det 

;.  till  Nov.  21. 

Hodges,  John, 

5 

few,     broken 

out  late  Nov.  21. 

Hodges,  Mary, 

3 

few,      sing.  cap.  1 

late,  Nov.  21. 

Hodges,  Margaret, 

U 

favourable. 

Nov.  21. 

Hodges,  Jack,  Negro, 

12 

few. 

ret.  Nov.  13. 

Pallrey,  Elizabeth, 

4-8 

Paine 

few. 

ret.  Nov.  13. 

Vincent,  Patty, 

16-20 

few, 

ret.  Nov.  13. 

Vincent,  Sarah, 

14-16 

few. 

ret.  Nov.  13. 

Ward,  Hannah, 

14 

Little 

very  few. 

det 

;.  till  Nov.  21. 

Wellman,  Margaret, 

6-8 

few,  entered  late. 

22.     P.     11  males. 

11  females. 

[76]     Persons  inoculated  in  the  Barracks  at  New  Fort,  on  the 
Neck,  24  Oct.  1792,  Little,  sole  Physician. 


Name 


Age 


Success 


Return 


Burrill,  Joanna, 

20 

Bickford,  Ester, 

23 

Berry,  John, 

10 

Favre,  le,  Elizabeth, 

20 

Coombs,  George, 

13 

Favre,  Elizabeth, 

8 

King,  Elizabeth, 

5 

King,  William, 

3 

Marsh,  Mary, 

20 

Murphy,  David, 

22 

few,  ret.  Nov.  13. 

few,  ret.  Nov.  13. 

few,  ret.  Nov.  13. 

few,  detained  by  child. 

fav.  ret.  Nov.  14. 

broke  out  late,  fav. 

few,  ret.  Nov.  13. 

few,  ret.  Nov.  13. 

few,  ret.  Nov.  13. 

very  full,  det.  till  Nov.  21. 


410 

Parker,  William, 
Perkins,  Thomas, 
Preston,  Joseph, 
Shehane,  Stephen, 
Swasey,  Mary, 
Swasey,  Hannah, 
Swasey,  John, 
Whittemore,  James, 
Eamsdall,  Sarah, 

19  P.     10  males.     9  females. 


Name 
Browne,  Elizabeth, 
Brown,  Jonathan, 
Cloutman,  Priscilla, 
Crowninshield,  Mary, 
Crowninshield,  Sarah, 
Dean,  Abigail, 
Dean,  Abigail, 
Elkins,  Harriet. 
[77]  Gale,  Martha, 
Gale,  Benja, 
Maley,  Eliza, 
Murray,  Mary, 
Murray,  Joseph, 
Rowell,  Wm 
Webb,  Stephen, 
Webb,  Deborah, 
Webb,  Joseph, 
Welcome,  Priscilla, 
Woodkind,  Lydia, 
19.  P.    6  males.    13  females. 


DIABT 

OF 

[1792 

23 

fav. 

ret.  Nov.  16. 

20 

few. 

ret.  Nov.  13, 

12 

few. 

ret.  Nov.  13, 

12 

fav. 

ret.  Nov.  14. 

23 

fav. 

ret.  Nov.  15. 

20 

fav. 

ret.  Nov.  15, 

12 

fav. 

ret.  Nov.  13. 

24 

fav.  detained,          ret.  Nov.  15, 

22 

few. 

ret.  Nov.  13. 

.,  at  Webb's,  Little, 

sole  Physician. 

Age 

/Success 

Return 

12 

few, 

det.  Nov.  19. 

4 

few, 

det.  Nov.  19. 

29 

few. 

ret.  Nov.  13. 

14 

few, 

ret.  Nov.  13. 

10 

few. 

ret.  Nov.  13. 

36 

few. 

ret.  Nov.  14. 

15 

few. 

ret.  Nov.  14, 

7 

few. 

ret.  Nov.  13! 

35 

few,  symptoms  high,  ret.  Nov.  13. 

6 

few, 

ret.  Nov.  13. 

24 

few. 

ret.  Nov.  13. 

12 

few. 

ret.  Nov.  13. 

12 

few, 

ret.  Nov.  14. 

12 

few. 

ret.  Nov.  13. 

68 

full,  fainting,  living  at  the  fort. 

24 

few. 

living  at  the  fort. 

20 

few. 

ret.  Nov.  13. 

16 

favor. 

living  at  the  fort. 

9 

few, 

ret.  Nov.  13. 

Wyatt's  Sloop,  at  Winter  Island  Wharf,  Little,  Physician. 


Name 
Wyatt,  Wm. 

Archer,  John, 
Archer,  James, 
Archer,  Henry, 
4  males. 

Symond's  Farm,  Danvers, 

Gill,  Anna, 
Gill,  Sarah, 
Phippen,  Abigail, 
3  females. 


Age  Success 


Return 


62  Sloop  sal'd  Nov.  13,  returned. 

Nov.  15.     see. 
58  few.  late,  ret.  from  Fort,  Nov.  17. 

29    favourably,      ret.  from  Fort,  Nov.  17. 
21  ret.  Nov.  13,  went  back  Nov.  17. 


Osgood,  Physician. 

17-19  few, 

15-17  few, 

10-12  good  arm. 


ret.  Nov.  8. 

ret.  Nov.  8. 
ret.  Nov.  8. 


1792]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  411 

At  Castle  Hill  Houses,  Paine,  Physician. 


Archer,  Sarah, 

18-22 

few, 

ret.  Nov.  14. 

Archer,  Lydia, 

16-18 

few, 

ret.  Nov.  14. 

Archer,  Hannah, 

30-35 

few. 

ret.  Nov.  14. 

Chever,  Benja, 

18-20 

few, 

ret.  Nov.  14. 

Chever,  Ruth, 

16-18 

full,  wi 

th  child, 

died  Nov.  13,  see 

Chever,  Mary, 

10-12 

few, 

ret.  Nov.  14. 

Patterson,  Benja, 

12-14 

few. 

ret.  Nov.  14. 

Patterson,  Eliphalet, 

10-12 

few. 

ret.  Nov.  14. 

5  females.    3  males. 

[78     At  Col : 

Pickman's 

Farm. 

Oct.  29. 

Hill,  Elizabeth, 

25-28 

Paine 

few. 

ret.  Nov.  19. 

Hill,  John, 

3-4 

few. 

ret.  Nov.  19. 

In  all  149,  75  females. 

74  males. 

D'  Paine  gave  me  a  list  of  all  his  Patients,  Dec'  31,  1792,  which 
Lad  the  Small  Pox  in  that  year,  amounting  to  186,  only  one  of 
which  died  of  Inociilation,  &  she  was  one  of  my  society,  of  whom 
the  D""  observes,  she  said.  She  wished  to  die,  her  heart  was  broken. 
"  A  severe  disease,"  says  Fielding,  "  tho'  not  mentioned  in  the 
bills  of  mortality."  D'  Little  gave  me  a  list  of  all  his  Patients  on 
the  Neck  of  the  second  &  last  Class,  amounting  to  58  persons. 

[81]     Facts  noticed  on  the  Neck  below  the  Town  of  Salem. 

Nov.  1.  First  eruptions  on  the  Neck,  inoculation  Oct.  24,  no  bad 
symptoms  at  noon,  nor  high,  all  complaining.  In  general  appear 
to  have  received  the  Inoculation. 

2.  Some  doubts  of  individuals,  whether  they  have  received  in- 
fection. M'  French,  &c.  reinoculated.  Symptoms  increasing,  some 
high,  generally  moderate,  one  fourth  complaining.  No  aged  persons, 
nor  Negroes.     As  many  male  as  female.     Men  most  broken  out. 

3.  Generally  complaining,  eruptions  gradual,  some  relieved  from 
violence  of  the  symptoms. 

4.  No  unfavourable  Symptoms  reported,  nor  on  the  fifth. 

6.  Breaking  out,  all  well,  a  few  not  out  yet. 

7.  All  well,  excepting  purple  spots  on  the  foot  of  a  child, 
above  the  Toes,  &  on  both  sides  of  the  foot.  The  physic  of  this 
child,  M.  Hodges,  has  worked  well,  it  has  had  no  symptoms  or 
eruptions,  the  appearance  changed  from  deep  purple  to  pale  red,  by 
baths  &  warm  bath  of  the  feet. 

8.  All  things  favourable,  the  same  on  the  ninth  &  tenth  days. 

11.  Friends  returned,  &  preparing. 

12.  All  of  this  Society  returned  from  G.  Hospital. 

13.  Leave  to  return  from  the  Neck.  Suspicions  that  two  of  M" 
Hodges  children  have  taken  it  natural  way.  One  of  French's 
•children  broke  out.  Father  &  another  child  suspect  symptoms. 
Le  Favre's  child  broke  out,  &  Miss  Welman. 


412  DIARY  OP  [1792 

14.  Another  of  French's  children  broken  out,  his  own  incision 
third  time  looks  favourable.  One  of  M"  Hodges  children  broken  out. 
The  daughter  mentioned  on  the  7"",  high  symptoms,  fever,  purple 
cheeks,  physic  kind. 

15.  Child,  Nov.  7.  broken  out,  symptoms  continue.  French's 
arm  drying  up,  but  swelling  under  the  arm. 

26.  Child,  Nov.  7.  Symptoms  continue.  French  thinks  he  has 
several  eruptions. 

Capt.  Wyatt  returned  with  his  Sloop,  having  left  on  the  IS**' 
from  a  good  arm  without  complaint  or  eruption,  &  is  now  under  the 
Small  pox  favourably.  Henry  Archer  from  the  Sloop  dismissed 
on  IS*''  returned  with  symptoms. 

[82]  General  facts.  C  Parker  was  early  taken  off  from  an  at- 
tendance at  the  G.  Hospital  by  a  fever,  &  D''  Bernard  supplied  his 
place  after  the  first  week.  Nurse  Shehane  by  a  colic  was  obliged 
to  withdraw  from  New  Fort.  Oct.  24.  B.  Goodale  died  in  the  G. 
Hospital  at  the  time  of  the  breaking  out.  State  of  the  patient  un- 
known to  me,  reported  pock  could  not  be  brought  out,  spirits,  wines,^ 
&c.  hot  baths  used  with  success.  Holyoke  consulted.  Storer's 
child  of  6  years,  a  mortification,  same  advice  &  process  at  G.  Hos- 
pital. M"  Southward  relieved  much  24  hours  before  death,  pock 
turning  at  the  Pest  house,  in  the  natural  way.  Her  young  child 
died  before  the  pock  was  fully  out,  natural  way.  Valpy,  aged  10 
years,  full,  comfortable  till  death,  gone  at  once.  Pest  house,  natur- 
al way.  Negro  James,  obstinate,  died  while  all  asleep  around  him. 
Pest  house,  natural  way.  Nov""  2.  Child  of  Cox,  set.  11,  in  G. 
Hospital,  pock  out,  from  Inoculation.  Nov^  13.  Ruth  Chever, 
under  inoculation,  6  months  with  child,  &c.  &c.  at  Castle  Hill.  Nov'" 
17.     jVI"""  Nichols,  natural  way,  blooded,  miscarried,  died 

Facts  recovery.  Wm.  Cooke,  set.  18,  not  confined  at  all,  natural 
way.  G.  Hospital.  M""*  Becket,  set.  S8,  comfortable,  natural  way. 
G.  Hospital.  M""*  Hare,  favourable,  with  child,  natural  way.  G. 
Hospital.  M""*  Goodale's  child,  favourable,  natural  way.  G.  Hos- 
pital.    M'^  Aborn,  favourable,  nat.  way.     Her  own  House. 

19.  Committee  of  G  :  Hospital  gave  notice  that  they  should  at- 
tend on  all  who  should  apply  to  enter  the  G.  Hospital  under  D""  Os- 
good, this  afternoon.  A  new  Class  enters  this  day  at  new  fort,  & 
one  room  was  inoculated  by  D""  Little.  Attempts  to  sell  Capt. 
Bates'  House  in  the  main  Street. 

20.  The  weather  cold,  blustering  &  rainy,  detained  several  at 
the  Forts.  In  the  evening  had  a  pleasant  interview  with  the  Gen- 
tlemen of  the  Court,  at  D""  Holyoke's. 

^  21.  D""  Little  inoculated  the  greater  part  of  his  Class  upon  the  neck 
this  afternoon.  There  are  many  children  &  females  at  Perkins.' 
Spent  part  of  the  day  going  &  coming  from  the  G.  Hospital  on  ac- 
count of  lA}^  Welman,  under  the  natural  S.  Pox,  providing  Nurse, 
&c.  &c.     lily  last  friends  are  from  the  Neck  this  day  from  the  first 


1792]  REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  413 

class.  Aboiit  37  in  the  G.  Hospital  this  week  under  Inoculation. 
[83]  22.  D^  Little  continues  to  add  to  his  Class,  &  several 
were  inoculated  this  day.  Dined  with  the  Court  in  company  with 
the  celebrated  M'  Parsons  of  Newbury  Port.  The  most  distin- 
guished lawyer  of  our  Times.  A  Toast  given  by  the  Chief  Judge 
was  "  Success  to  the  French  Revolution."  The  Supreme  Court  rise 
this  afternoon.  And  to  our  honor  no  criminal  case  whatever  has 
been  heard  at  the  Court  during  its  being  held  in  this  Town  this 
season. 

23.  Last  night  a  Brig  in  the  Offing  fired  guns  of  distress,  she 
was  safe  at  anchor  in  the  morning  having  only  lost  her  rudder  on 
Baker's  Island  breakers.  She  was  towed  above  the  Haste,  &  then 
before  the  wind  came  into  port.  She  was  commanded  by  Capt.  Green, 
from  the  Baltic,  &  belonging  to  W.  Orne  of  this  Town.  A  daugh- 
ter of  the  widow  Abigail  Porter  was  pronounced  by  D^  Holyoke  to 
have  taken  the  natural  S.  Pox,  living  in  Daniel's  Lane. 

24.  A  Heavy  snow  storm.  Rode  up  to  the  G.  Hospital  to  see 
my  good  friend  M''*  Judith  Welman  bid  adieu  to  life  under  the  nat- 
ural s.  pox.  She  behaved  with  uncommon  comi)osure,  &  slept  the 
last  sleep  with  out  a  complaint.  She  was  bred  in  the  school  of  ad- 
versity, always  chearful,  agreable  &  innocent  She  had  just  entered 
upon  married  life,  &  was  full  of  hopes.  A  worthy  domestic  woman. 
She  died  in  the  seventh  month  of  her  first  pregnancy. 

Nov.  25.  Sunday.  This  day  Susannah,  d.  of  Abigail  Porter, 
Widow,  was  removed  from  Daniel's  Lane  to  the  G.  Hospital.  Also 
the  Wife  of  Jonathan  Masury  in  the  other  part  of  the  Town.  Fine 
day  after  the  snow  Storm,  but  a  thin  Congregation. 

26.  We  learn  that  the  Negro  sent  to  the  Pest  House,  &  the  Boy 
from  Capt  ^lason's  house  had  not  the  natural  small  pox,  but  have 
still  received  the  S.  Pox  from  the  inoculation.  At  the  Town  meet- 
ing of  this  day  the  Town  granted  all  their  property  in  the  land  ad- 
joining the  Flats  below  the  Sun  Tavern  for  the  purpose  of  building 
a  Market,  the  fee  to  be  in  the  Proprietors,  now  forty  in  number. 
They  are  purchasing  of  other  persons  proprietors  around  them.  At 
this  meeting  also  the  regulations  of  the  Houses  on  the  Neck  for  in- 
oculation are  in  the  power  of  the  Selectmen. 

27.  Reports  of  damage  to  Vessels  by  the  late  Storm.  A  M'''  Orne 
has  broken  out  with  the  Small  Pox,  the  natural,  having  been  in  im- 
mediate danger  from  the  presumption  that  she  had  taken  it  before, 
^lerrimack  Bridge  is  open  to  passengers.  Marblehead  Academy  is 
incorporated. 

[84]  28.  A  brig  is  ashore  at  Lynn  Beach,  belonging  to  Boston 
&  two  coasters  in  the  outer  harbour  of  Boston. 

29.  GENERAL  THANKSGIVING  in  this  State.  A  note  was 
sent  to  me  inclosing  twenty  five  Dollars,  Bill  of  the  Essex  Bank, 
supposed  by  the  hand  writing  to  come  from  E.  H.  Derby  Esq',  in- 


414  DIARY  OF  [1792 

eluding  this  our  Contribution  amounted  to  £22,  10.     The  follow- 
ing persons  were  assisted  from  this  Contribution. 

Sus:  Beadle.  Wid.         Eulen  Wid  Mary  Masury.  Wid. 

Sus  :  Becket.  Wid.         Foot.  Wid.  John  Masury.  blind. 

Mary  Berry.  Wid.  Forbes.  Wid.       Ab.  Larkin.  Wid. 

Ab.  Curtis.  Wid.  Fairfield.  Wid.    Lander.  Wid. 

Cox.  Wid.  King.  Wid.         Ross.  Wid. 

Mary  Clarke.  Wid.         Klnap.  Wid.         Renew.  Wid. 

Curtis.  Wid.  Lambert.  Wid.   Rhue.  Wid. 

Cotton.  Wid.  Masury.  Wid.    Mary  Swasey.  Wid. 

Cloutman.  Wid.     Han.  Murray.  Wid.     Searle.  Wid. 

Th.*  Diman.  aged.     Ab.  Masury.  Wid.      Silver.  Wid. 

Shelden.  Wid.  Mary  Valpy.  Wid. 

Stevens.  Wid.  Webb.  Wid. 

Shehane.  Wid.  Underwood.  Wid. 

Abiel  Tozzer.  Wid.        White.  Wid. 

Eliz.  Thomas.  Wid.       Lyd.  Valpy.  Wid. 

Mary  Young.  Wid.        Wid.  Whitford  &  D. 

Preached  on  the  Neck. 

30.  At  the  Neck  all  in  apparently  fine  order.  Symptoms  not 
long,  or  excessively  high,  &  many  breaking  out  gradually.  It  is 
said  the  mother  of  D'  Parker  took  the  S.  Pox  upon  her  attendance 
at  his  funeral  in  this  Town. 

December  1.  Proposal  of  a  machine  to  water  Land.  It  raises  300 
Gallons  in  a  minute  by  a  single  wheel,  &  discharges  it  Ten  feet,  &c. 
The  Theatre  continues  to  be  the  subject  in  Boston. 

Dec.  2.  Sunday.  Cold  Day,  &  miserable  singing  in  the  Congre- 
gation. An  hired  man  of  Capt  Gardner  in  Northfields,  died  at  Sy- 
monds  last  week,  under  Inoculation,  pock  not  out,  by  any  means. 
No  dangerous  sickness  in  the  Town. 

3.  We  find  M'  Derby  shew  the  same  liberality  to  all  the  relig- 
ious societies  in  Town,  as  a  method  more  easy  to  himself,  &  family 
than  the  distribution  at  his  door,  which  could  not  easily  be  rendered 
happy  in  the  subjects  of  it.  A  Dispassionate  Committee  would  prob- 
ably make  the  best  use  of  the  money.  It  is  hoped  his  example  will 
be  followed.  We  hear  of  no  damage  done  to  any  vessels  belonging 
to  this  Port  in  the  late  Storms. 

[85]  4.  M"  Teil  has  died,  supposed  of  the  small  pox  by  the 
appearance  &  symptoms,  &  a  Nurse  has  been  carried  from  S.  Der- 
by's, Union  Street,  to  the  Hospital. 

5.  Last  night  at  the  Lodge  the  following  elections  were  made. 
I  was  not  present.  Hiller,  G.  M.  King  &  Lawrence,  W.  Page  & 
Langs,  D.  Pullings,  P.  Jenks,  S.  Resignations  of  W.  Derby  & 
Bentley,  Stw.  Hartshorne  &  Becket.     Res.  Vincent. 

6.  The  honorable  Thomas  Russel,  Esq',  has  subscribed  towards 
the  funds  of  the  AGRICULTURAL  Society,  one  thousand  dollars. 
It  is  hoped  that  his  liberality  will  be  imitated.    M'  Symonds,  aet.  70, 


1792]  KEV.   WILLIAM   BENTLEY  415 

died  this  afternoon.     It  is  said  the  old  gentleman  was  obstinate 
about  his  Physic,  &  died  with  a  dysentery,  aet.  70. 

7.  A  Sale  of  Books  proposed  in  Boston  next  Monday.  Such  no- 
tice is  seldom  given  above  two  or  three  times  in  a  year,&  then  com- 
monly about  Election  &  Commencement  seasons.  The  British  re- 
mark with  justice  that  there  is  not  a  proper  Bookstore  ou  this  side 
of  New  York.  Guild,  who  had  begun,  lately  died.  West,  Larkin, 
Thomas,  "White,  &c.  are  not  upon  a  large  scale. 

8.  The  Governour  ordered  the  High  Sheriff  to  obstruct  the  Thea- 
tres in  Boston,  as  a  direct  violation  of  the  Laws.  There  is  much 
writing  &  speculation  on  the  subject.  The  plea  is  that  bad  laws 
ought  to  be  repealed  not  violated. 

Dec.  9,  1792.  Sunday.  Eliz:  Phippen,  d.  of  her  youngest 
child.  Pleasant  day,  &  several  left  the  neck  recovered  from  S.  Pox 
by  inoculation. 

10.  Went  with  Burrill  for  Boston,  &  in  the  evening  at  Concert 
Hall  attended  for  the  first  time  the  Grand  Lodge,  at  the  Election 
of  Officers.  Applications  were  made  for  Charters  from  Hampshire, 
the  Old  Colony,  &  Maine,  which  were  granted.  Had  a  pleasant  in- 
terview &  retired  after  a  private  supper,  &c. 

11.  Returned  after  several  pleasant  visits  to  my  friends,  &  after 
examining  the  Bookstores  in  the  Town,  which  now  begin  to  have  a 
more  promising  appearance  than  at  any  former  period. 

12.  The  Courier  de  I'Univers,  a  second  french  &  english  paper 
appeared  in  Boston  this  week.  Its  duration  may  not  exceed  the 
other,  which  had  but  small  encouragement.  A  french  Printer  is 
wanted,  as  we  see  in  Books  printed  in  London,  &  so  of  english  books 
printed  in  Paris.  They  have  not  yet  learnt  to  conceal  themselves  by 
understanding  the  languages.  A  M'  Wade  was  present  with  our 
singers  at  M""  King's  this  evening. 

13.  The  whole  number  who  had  it  at  the  Fort,  &c.  on  the  Neck 
in  the  second  class,  aboiit  sixty.  The  number  inoculated  in  the  Sec- 
ond Class  at  the  Great  Hospital  between  50  &  60  persons.  Persons 
who  entered  afterwards  with  apprehensions  of  particular  danger 
about  thirty.  Castle  Hill,  Old  Fort,  Metcalf's,  Pickman's  Farm, 
shut  up.  Inocxilation  at  Symond's,  Danvers.  Aborn's  shut  up. 
At  Aborn's  inoculated  thirty  four  in  all.  Since  informed  at  Aborn 
43,  &  one  natural  way. 

[87]  Persons  inoculated  on  the  Neck  called  the  Second  Class,  en- 
tered November  21,  1792.  Little,  Physician.  At  the  new  Fort, 
belonging  to  East  Society. 


416 

DIARY 

OF 

[1792 

Namea 

Age 

Manner 

Beturn 

Byrne,  Symon 

17 

few 

Ret 

.  Dec.  11. 

Byrne,  Hannah 

15 

few 

Dec.  11. 

Archer,  Mehitable 

19 

few 

Dec.  9. 

Horton,  John 

12 

few 

Dec.  13. 

Horton,  Sally 

10 

few 

Dec.  13. 

Knap,  Anna 

17 

few 

Dec.  11. 

Knap,  William 

9 

few 

Dec.  11. 

Millet,  Benj* 

20 

few 

Dec.  11. 

LeFavre,  Amos 

27 

full  on 

face  &  back. 

Dec.  15. 

Parker,  Bradstreet 

22 

few 

Dec.  11. 

Underwood,  George 

18 

few 

Dec.  11. 

11.  females  4.  males  7. 


At  Perkins's  Derby  Farm,  Neck. 


Names 


Age 


Manner 


Beturn 


Becket,  W». 

17 

few 

Ret.  Dec.  11. 

Becket,  Sam^ 

17 

few 

Dec.  11. 

Becket,  John 

16 

few 

Dec.  11. 

Becket,  Eliz : 

10 

few 

Dec.  11. 

Becket,  Rebecca 

7 

few 

Dec.  11. 

Becket,  Mary 

3 

few 

Dec.  11. 

Becket,  David 

6 

mod: 

Dec.  11. 

Babbidge,  John 

26 

few 

Dec.  11. 

Babbidge,  John 

3 

few 

Dec.  11. 

[88]  Archer,  Daniel 

16 

few 

Dec.  11. 

Dean,  Thomas 

9 

few 

Dec.  11- 

Ellison,  Marg. 

17 

few 

Dec.  11. 

Frank,  Rachel 

15 

few 

living  there. 

Frank,  Martha 

11 

few 

living  there. 

Bray,  Benj. 

17 

few 

Dec.  11. 

Hawkes,  Mary 

30 

few 

Dec.  11. 

Peele,  Lydia 

22 

few,  sore 

throat.       Dec.  13. 

Peele,  W". 

19 

few 

Dec.  13. 

Ropes,  Samuel 

12 

few 

Dec.  11. 

Ropes,  Benj*. 

10 

few 

Dec.  11. 

Ropes,  William 

8 

few 

Dec.  11. 

Ropes,  Sarah 

6 

few 

Dec.  11. 

Waters,  Mary 

9 

few 

Dec.  11. 

Waters,  Ester 

7 

few 

Dec.  11. 

Waters,  Martha 

5 

few 

Dec.  11. 

JWelman,  Timothy 

15 

few,  symp 

.  high.       Dec.  11. 

26.  females  —  males  ■ 


1792] 


REV.   WILLIAM   BENTLET 


417 


At  the  Hospital. 

Nov.  18.     Mary  Bowditch,  set.  50.     full.  ret.  Dec.  13. 

[90]     List  of  persons  taking  SMALL  POX  in  the   natural  way. 
Salem. 


1792 

Names 

Age 

Manner 

Fate 

Oct. 

14 

William  Cooke, 

10, 

few  pock,      recovered,  on  the  opp, 

Oct. 

15 

Mary  Becket, 

30-40, 

few. 

see. 
recovered, 

Oct. 

16 

M"  Southward, 

25-30, 

full, 

died  Oct.  26, 

her  child 

3  months. 

full, 

died  Oct.  24, 

Oct. 

18 

Samuel  Valpy, 

aet.  13, 

full. 

died  Oct.  28, 

Oct. 

27 

Negro  James, 

22, 

full, 

died  Nov.l, 

Nov. 

5 

Mrs  Hare, 

30-40, 

moderately. 

recovered. 

Nov. 

6 

Goodale's  child. 

7, 

moderately, 

recovered, 

Nov. 

6 

Mrs  Aborn, 

30-40 

favourably, 

recovered, 

Nov. 

17 

W^  Nichols, 

30-40 

breaking  out, 

died  Nov.  18, 

Nov. 

18 

Mrs  Judith  Welman,22, 

full. 

died  Nov.  24, 

Nov. 

25 

M""**.  Masury, 

30-40, 

moderately. 

recovered. 

Nov. 

25 

Masury's  Child, 

3  months, 

full, 

died  Nov.  29 

Nov. 

25 

Miss  Sus:  Porter,  18, 

full, 

recovered. 

Nov. 

26 

Mrs  Oriie, 

25-30, 

pock  not  full, 

died  Dec.  8, 

Nov. 

30 

Nath.  Symonds, 

70, 

pock  turning, 

died  Dec.  6, 

Dec''. 

4 

Mrs  Tiel, 

30-40, 

breaking  out. 

died  Dec.  4, 

Dec. 

4 

Mrs  Burns, 

50-60, 

full, 

died  Dec.  9, 

Nov. 

17 

Joseph  To-wne, 

12, 

few, 

recovered. 

Dec. 

13 

Mercy  Marston, 

14, 

full, 

recovered. 

Dec. 

21 

Mary  Fuller, 

18, 

few. 

recovered, 

[92].  14.  Last  night  supped  with  the  Union  Fire  Club.*  The- 
supper  was  elegant,  but  the  indigesta  moles,  occasioned  bitter  re- 
pentance for  the  unseasonable  entertainment.  A  subject  of  enqui- 
ry was  whether  the  number  should  be  enlarged  beyond  thirty.  The 
conclusion  was  that  as  the  Committee  had  agreed  on  that  number 
&  the  increase  of  the  Clubs  in  number  was  of  public  utility,  &  as 
the  social  principle  acts  more  strongly  towards  a  well  defined  num- 
ber, it  was  best  to  adhere  to  our  present  number  &  advise  the  form- 
ing of  more  clubs  on  the  same  Institution. 

15.  Died  at  Danvers,  Symonds',  by  a  secondary  fever  after  inocu- 
lation, a  M""  Rea  of  this  Town,  leaving  a  wife  &  seven  children.  He 
was  bred  a  Blacksmith,  but  having  an  adventurous,  rather  than  an 
ingenious  turn  of  mind,  he  commenced  Jack,  clock,  &  watch  ma- 
ker. His  principal  business  was  cleansing  such  machines,  &  being 
intoxicated  with  his  success,  he  became  proverbially  a  conceited 
man.  In  regard  to  the  Small  Pox,  he  knew  every  thing  about  it, 
rejected  the  prescriptions  of  his  Physicians,  &  lived  as  he   pleased, 

•See  Ebbcx  Institute  Hist.  Coll.,  Vol.  XXXIX,  p.  7. 


418  DIARY  OF  [1792 

&  died  in  consequence  of  his  folly.  Cannon  discharged  from  the 
New  Fort  on  the  Neck  upon  the  return  of  the  last  patient  from  that 
successful  place.  It  is  apprehended  the  inoculation  there  will  cease. 

[93]  Dec.  16.  Sunday.  Thomas  Vincent  &  wife,  on  d.  of 
only  child.  A  cold  day,  but  decent  assembly  collected.  General 
Health  &  many  purposes  of  marriages.  Rev'^  David  Tappan  to  be 
inaugurated  Professor  of  Divinity  at  Cambridge  on  the  26  instant. 
He  was  Pastor  in  the  same  Parish  which  the  Rev.  T.  Bernard  left 
&  came  to  Salem  many  years  age.  They  have  demanded  the  return 
of  the  settlement,  &  betrayed  all  the  symptoms  of  deep  rooted  Su- 
perstition. Rev.  Clarke  of  Boston,  the  only  person  in  opposition, 
So  formidable  are  the  maxims  of  prudent  conformity  in  this  Coun- 
try even  at  the  present  day. 

17.  ESSEX  MERRIMAC  BRIDGE  between  the  Towns  of  New- 
bury &  Salisbury,  containing  upwards  of  six  thousand  Tons  of  Tim- 
ber, formed  of  arches  &  solid  pieces.  Whole  length  of  the  Bridge, 
1030  feet.  Height  of  the  Arch  between  Newbury  and  Deer  Island 
above  common  high  water  mark,  37  feet.  Height  of  abutments 
above  common  high  water  mark,  30  feet.  The  two  arches  were 
planned  by  Timothy  Palmer,  of  Newbury  Port.  The  expense  was 
double  of  what  was  first  imagined. 

[94]  20.  Spent  the  evening  with  J.  Hiller  esq'',  looking  over 
the  work  of  the  celebrated  Lavater  on  Physiognomy.  Curious 
enough.  The  examination  of  this  evening  will  lead  to  a  more  full 
enquiry  in  to  the  merit  of  this  occult  science. 

21.  The  third  time  this  week  M.  Placide  has  exhibited  on  the 
Rope  &  with  all  the  variety  of  his  Minuets,  songs,  &c.  There  was 
disturbance  last  Wednesday  within  from  the  licentious  behaviour 
of  some  bucks  of  the  Town.  From  100  to  200  persons  attend  on 
these  occasions.  His  company  consists  of  seven  persons,  two  fe- 
males included. 

Dec.  23.  Sunday.  An  uncommonly  pleasant  day  for  the  Season, 
&  good  singing.  Preparations  are  making  for  the  ordination  of 
one  Judson*  in  Wenham,  &  the  Professor  of  Divinity  at  Cambridge 
this  week. 

25.  For  the  first  time  in  this  place  the  Clarionet,  &  violin,  in- 
troduced into  Church  Music.  There  is  now  no  ground  of  complaint 
against  the  catholics.  The  Gazette  represents  the  unanimity  of 
Boston  in  regard  to  the  Theatre  to  have  arisen  from  the  predeter- 
mined absence  of  the  opposite  party,  resting  on  the  Law,  &  cautious 
of  debate,  &  confusion.  A  noble  example  of  prudence.  Some  steps 
have  been  taken  privately  to  induce  Salem  to  assist  the  petition  of 
Boston,  but  a  variety  of  causes  will  prevent  a  concurrence.  At 
Placide's  exhibition  at  Salem  two  clergymen  were  present. 

[95]     The  exhibitions  of  Placide  continue  in  Salem.     Very  ar- 

*ReT.  Adoniram  Judson,  whose  son  of  the  same  name  was  the  early  missionary  to 
India. 


PPlTi 


5    i  ?, 


-o  o 

•I   £ 


1792]  REV.    WILLIAM    BENTLEY  419 

rived  from  Europe,  having  been  out  a  long  time,  &  in  great  want 
of  provisions  he  was  relieved  by  a  Ship,  has  lost  one  of  his  hands, 
who  died  on  the  passage  homeward.  Several  of  our  vessels  have 
been  dismasted  in  their  passages  to  the  West  Indies.  This  day  is  to 
be  ordained  Judson,  lately  from  ]\Ialden.  His  council  are  Cleveland, 
Oliver,  &  Parish.  He  will  not  trust  an  enlightened  clergy  after 
the  trouble  they  gave  him  at  Maiden.  And  the  people  have  shown 
no  gratitude  for  the  services  of  the  association.  He  is  installed  at 
Wenham,  &  he  might  literally  be  so,  with  greater  ])ropriety,  than 
be  jdaced  in  his  present  situation. 

27.  Curious  proposals  as  there  are  now  fifteen  states  in  our 
Union  to  represent  then  by  Stars,  pyramidwise. 

Dec.  30.  Sunday.  Xotes.  Timothy  Welman,  return  from  sea, 
sudden  d.  of  his  Avife  &  Brother  at  Sea.  Mary  Bowditch  &  Child- 
ren, d.  of  her  d.  Welman  &  Son  at  Sea.  The  present  a  time  of  pre- 
vailing health,  no  person  being  even  suspected  of  dangerous  symp- 
toms. 

31.  The  last  day  of  the  year  remarkable  for  the  extremes  of  heat 
&  cold.  In  the  morning  the  streets  ran  with  water,  in  the  evening 
all  were  in  the  iron  bands  of  winter.  The  great  expences  of  the 
singing  school  in  the  last  year,  instead  of  any  recompence,  only  con- 
firmed against  me  the  heaA-y  charge  of  imprudence.  Rules  for  the 
next  year,  to  give  opinions  with  caution,  &  to  quote  authorities 
with  the  same,  to  have  as  little  confidence  in  the  world  as  possible 
&  as  much  benevolence. 


INDEX 


Abbot, ,  66,  68,  78,  117,  239, 

242,  295,  309,  316. 

Col.,  130,  131,195,215. 

Wid.  Margaret,  95. 

Col.  S.,  237. 
Abbot's  cove,  239,  382. 
Abbott's  rock,  378. 

Aborn, ,  412,  415,  417. 

Accidental  death,  48,   51,    101, 

109,  132,  139. 
Accidental  explosion,  25. 

Adams, ,  38,  44,  45,  46,  47, 

51,  52,  57,  78,  83,  121,  238, 
240,  241,  319,  327. 

Hannah,  8. 

John,  ZTiii,  xxi,  xxyiii,  306. 
Adwrie,  Rebecca,  55. 
Aged  persons,  342. 

Aiken,  Aitken, ,    141,  243. 

Ailsbury,  Judge,  200. 
Air,  Fresh,  293. 

Alexander, ,  282. 

Alleghany  College,  xxi,  xxv. 

Allen, ,  18,  25, 100,  122,  125, 

146,167,217,242,316,365,376. 

Capt.,  xxxiii,  22,  28,  37,  48, 
72,  85,  89,  101, 103,  109,  127, 
128,  176,  281,  289,  383,  402. 

Capt.,  jr.,  43,  48. 

Rev.,  116. 

Wid.,  166. 

Alexander,  2,  340. 

Alice,  82. 

Betsey,  409. 

E.,  17,  78,  102,  153. 

Capt.  E.,  jr.,  361. 

Edward,  2,  8,  27,  49,  62,  77, 
79,  222.  332,  340,  385. 

Elizabeth,  313. 

Col.  Ethan,  120. 

Henry,  409. 

John,  2,  340. 

Lockart,  409. 

Nancy,  409. 

Richard,  109. 

Roger  (negro),  409. 

Sally,  79. 

William,  109. 


Alligator,  281. 

American  Antiquarian  Society, 

xix,  xxi,  xxv. 
Amesbury,  199,  200. 
Amherst,  92. 

Andover,  117,120,  130,  202,  241, 
242,  246,  275. 

Andrew,  Andrews, ,  21,  50, 

51,  101,  116,  126,  192,    248, 
252,  257,  298,  308,  311,  388. 
Capt.,  281. 

Abigail,  95,  96,  222,  332,  356. 
Elizabeth,  95,  96,  186. 
Hannah,  407. 
J.,  258. 
John,  8,  27,  95,  96,  101,  102, 

121,  298,  299. 
Jonathan,  109,  322. 
Joseph,  xli,  346. 
Wid.  M.,  36. 
Wid.  Mary,  8, 50, 223,  236,  322, 

332. 
Nathaniel,  347,  356,  408. 

Angell, ,  xxxiv. 

Angier,  Rev.  John,  62. 
Ann,  Cape,  97,    107,    128,   215, 
231,  302,  361,  400. 

Appleton, ,  232,  291,  350. 

Dr.,  53,  91,  217. 
John,  291. 
Apthorp,  Grizzell,  84. 

James,  84. 
Aquae  Vitae  rocks,  378. 

Archer, ,  117,  127,  239,  258, 

311,  313,  325,  326,  365. 
Wid.  Abigail,  114. 
Benjamin,  70. 
Daniel,  3,  416. 
Hannah,  8,  16,  19,  22,  70,  223, 

333,  372,  411. 
Henry,  406,  410,  412. 
J.,  5,  6. 
James,  8,  126,  133,  136,  201, 

222,  232,  388,  410. 
John,  8,  222,  313,  3-32,  410. 
Jonathan,  8,  40,  100,  101,  126, 
128, 133,  146,  191,  236,  313, 
325. 

(421) 


422 


INDEX 


Archer,  Jonathan,  jr.,  8,  49,  60, 
79,  101,  223,  332,  345. 

Jonathan,  sr.,  49,  222,  332. 

Jonathan,  2d, 114. 

Jonathan,  3d,  8,  51,  133,  222, 
332,  364. 

Lydia,  411. 

Mary,  2. 

Mehitable,  4,  416. 

Nathaniel,  8,  70,  409. 

S.,  5,  6,  100. 

Sally,  5. 

Samuel,  8,  136,  182,  222,  311, 

332,  353,  408. 
Sarah,  411. 

Asbury, ,  269. 

Ash, ,  45. 

Ashby,  Ashbey,  ,  137,  138, 

140,  238. 

Capt.,  238,  257,  364. 

Mary,  404. 

Rebecca,  137. 

Thomas,  8,  183,  222,  333. 
Ashley,  J.,  92. 
Ashton,  Capt.,  148,  150. 

J.,  372. 
Ashuelot,  173. 
Aspinwall,  ,  394. 

Dr.,  366,  397,  407. 

D.,  402. 
Assembly  House,    Portsmouth 

(N.  H.),  63. 
Assembly  room,  Haverhill,  198. 
Atherton,  Dr.,  173. 

Humphrey,  173. 
Atkins, ,  200. 

D.,  259. 

Atwell, ,  217,  218. 

Auctions,  245. 
Austin, ,  345,  397. 

Babbidge,   ,  117,  190,    247, 

274,  365,  405. 
B.,  5,  6,  119. 
C,  293. 
Christopher,   8,   95,    96,    137, 

214,  223,  333,  346,  405. 
E.,  6. 
H.,  6. 
J.,  5,  6. 
John,  3,   136,    138,   223,    276, 

333,  416. 
John,  jr.,  3. 

Lydia,  8,  17,  50,  95,  96. 

M.,  293. 

Martha,  95,  96,  204,  274,  405. 

Mehitable,  95. 

Ruth,  386. 


Babbidge,  S.,  6,  257. 
Susannah,   95,    96,    125,    179, 
193,  223,  276,  333,  358,  405. 
Bache,  B.  F.,  168. 

B.  Franklin,  168. 

Bacon, ,  173,  182,  351. 

Baker, ,  214,  242,  396. 

Baker's   island,   270,    276,   281, 

284,  296. 
Balch,  Robert,  3. 

Rev.  W.,  116,  258,  341,  350. 

Baldwin, ,  212. 

Ballard, ,  25,  217,  218,  258, 

285. 
Balloons,  214. 
Baltimore  (Md.),  xxx. 

Bancroft, ,  216,  258. 

Bangs, ,  43. 

C,  6. 

Caleb,  28,  41,  43. 
Bank  in  Salem,  345. 
Banks,  Anna,  401. 
Baptism,  24,  43,  367,  378,   384, 

385,  386. 
Barker,  ,  175. 

Thomas,  95,  347. 
Barnard,  Rev.  Thomas,   s,  21, 

89,  103,  122,  161,  205. 
Barnard,  see  also  Bernard. 
Barnwell,  George,  148. 
Barr, ,  190. 

Capt.,  386. 

J.,  342. 
Barrase,  Peter,  162. 
Barrase,  see  also  Burrass. 

Barren,  Barrel,  ,  262,  264, 

395. 

J.,  76,  279. 

Barrett, ,  291. 

Barrott,  J.,  342. 
Bartholmew,  Henry,  180,  181." 

Bartlett,  Bartlet, ,  240,  269, 

370. 

John,  51. 

Robert,  9. 
Barton, ,  248,  275. 

Margaret,  146. 

Samuel,  401. 
Bass,  Rev.  Edward,  87,  125, 139, 

196,  209,  250,  257,  259. 
Batchelor, ,  283. 

Gideon,  154. 

Nathaniel,  102. 

Batelle,  ,  27. 

Bateman, ,  235. 

Mary,  8,  40,  50,  125,  223,  270, 
333,  383. 

Michael,  223,  333. 


INDEX 


423 


Bates,  Capt. ,  S,  412. 

Bathing,  32,  2r)4. 
Batoon,  Capt.  John,  223,  333. 
Batoon,    see  also   Batten,   Bat- 
toun. 

Battam, ,  1G2. 

Batten,  Batton,   ,   63,    133, 

270. 
Aaron,  182,  223,  262. 
John,  9,  162. 
Wid.  M.,  19. 

Wid.  Mary,  8,  50,  223,  270,  333. 
Sarah,  270. 

Battoun, ,  204. 

John,  205,  238. 
Battoun,  see  also  Batoon. 
Bay  State  Psalm  Book,  xiii. 

Beach, ,  257,  359,  360. 

Capt.,  267,  360. 
Beacon  hill,  211. 
Beacon  Hill  monument,  211. 
Beacon  on  Baker's  island,  276, 
281,  283,  284,  296. 

Beadle, ,  40,  57,  133. 

Wid..  98. 
Hannah,  0,  121. 
L.,  403. 

Lydia,  8,  26,  40,  168,  22-3,  317, 
333,  390,  393,  398,  399,  403. 
Wid.  Mary,  95. 
S.,  57. 

Susanna,  40,  98,  403,  414. 
Susey,  8. 
Beane,  Wid.  Ester,  223,  333. 
Beattie,  Dr.,  345. 
Beccaria,  Abbe,  56. 

Becket, ,  2, 17,  115, 126,  137, 

1.38,  184,  260,  264,  400,  401, 
412,  414. 
Capt.,  142,  155,  241,  339,  387, 

406. 
Benjamin,  95. 
Betsey,  4. 
C.  J.,  257. 
David,  3,  416. 
Elizabeth,  95,  96,  137,  416. 
Wid.  Hannah,  95. 
J.,  3,  119,  121,  127,195,  272,365. 
James,  8,  17,  49,  148,  157,  223, 

333 
John*  6,  8,  27,  43,  46,  49,  95, 
■  96,  121,,  124,    135-138,    184, 
188,  223,  298,  333,  340,  346, 
347,  416. 
John,  jr.,  3. 
Lydia,  5. 

Mary,  8,  50,  102,  223,  333, 408, 
416,  417. 


Becket,  Tolly,  4. 
R.,  119. 

Rebecca,  4,  416. 
Retire,  365. 
S.,  6,  57. 
Sally,  5,  6,  119. 
Samuel,  3,  416. 
Susannah,  95,  96,  98,  209,  414. 
W\,2. 
William,  3,  96,  340,  416. 

Beckford, ,  389. 

Belfrey, ,  315. 

Belknap,  Belnap, ,  181,  228, 

229,  234,  323,  362. 
Rev.,  125,  272. 
Jeremy,  xxxix. 

Bell, ,  4,  90,  199,  243. 

Bell  foundry,  387,  395. 
Bells,  36. 

Bennet, ,  135. 

Bentley,  Betsey.  132. 
Bettey,  211. 
Elizabeth,  ix,  134. 
John,  125,  137,  257. 
Joshua,  ix,  114,  257. 
Joshua,  Letter  to,  29,  114. 
Sukey,  296,  375. 
Thomas,  16,  19,  30,  257,  310, 
368,  370. 
Book  by,  153. 
Letter  to,  30. 
Rev.  William,  234,  237,  414. 
Anecdote  of  the  bull,  154. 
Author  and  newspaper  con- 
tributor, xviii. 
Bequest  of  books  and  man- 
uscripts, xxi. 
Bibliography   of   his   writ- 
ings, xxxvii. 
Birth  and  education,  ix. 
Changes     boarding    place, 

234,  235. 
Charity    and  consideration 
for   others,    xxvi,     xxxi, 
xxxiv. 
Death,  xxxvi. 
Death  of  grandfather  and 

trouble  over  will,  44,  51. 
Difficulties       with        Rev. 

James  Diman,  x,  22. 
Discussion  of  politics,  xiii, 

xxix. 
Dress      and      appearance, 

xxiv. 
Early  preaching,  91. 
Financial  difficulties,  183. 
Historical  writings,  352. 
Hymn  book  by,  xiii,  114. 


424 


INDEX 


Bentley,  Rev.  William,  Interest 
in     public     institutions, 
xvi. 
Lecture  introduced,  229. 
Liberal  in  doctrines,  xiv,98. 
Library  of,  58,  59. 
List  of  his  manuscripts  pre- 
served at  Worcester,  xix. 
Marriage  of  sister,  210,  211, 

271. 
Newspaper  writings,  xviii, 

202,213,  231,  345,  383. 
Noted  linguist,  xviii. 
Patriotism,  xxv. 
Poems  by,  82,  128,  155, 185, 

197,  374,  390. 
Printed    works,     195,   206, 

251,  256,  269,  293. 
Pulpit  exercises,  xii. 
Relations  with  his  father, 

164. 
Review  of  conduct,  134. 
Sermons,  xii,  77,  375,   380, 

383. 
Sermons  criticised,  276. 
Settlement  at  Salem,  ix,  1. 
Student  of  natural  history, 

xvii,  xxxii. 
Teacher     in     the      public 
schools,  xxiii. 
Bentley  Hall,   Alleghany    Col- 
lege, xxi. 

Bernard, ,  65,  135,  138,  139, 

161,  166,  175,  193,  196,  198, 
242,  246,  252,  314,  328,  341, 
351,  370. 
Rev.,  24,  33,  37,  42,   79,    152, 
182,  216,  255,  257,  263,  272, 
273,  283,  285,  305,  355,  363, 
385,  388,  392,  412. 
Rev.,  jr.,  272. 
Rev.,  sr.,  273. 
Rev.  Thomas,  75,  76,  418. 
Bernard,  see  also  Barnard. 

Berry, ,  388. 

Abigail,  8,  223,  333,  388. 

J.,  48. 

John,  8,  49,  95,  96,   99,    124, 

388,  409. 
John,  jr.,  223,  333. 
Capt.  John,  sr.,  223,  333. 
Mary,  9,  40,  95,  96,  414. 
Oliver,  95,  96. 
Berwick,  67. 
Best,  David,  347. 
Bet,  Indian,  255. 

Bethune, ,  71,  278. 

Beverley,  James  (negro),  409. 


Beverly,  76,  79,  80,  98,  100,  104, 
145,  148,  149,  154,  159,  160, 
167,  200,  204,  212,  215,  236, 
270,  289,  300,  304,  305,  310, 
363. 
Beverly  bar,  380. 
Beverly  bridge,  69,  79,  100,  102, 

104,  353. 
Beverly  bridge,  see  also  Essex 

bridge. 
Bibles,  141. 

Bickford, ,  33. 

Ester,  409. 
John,  87,  333. 
W.,  2. 

William,  340. 
Biddeford,  65. 
Birchmore,  Capt.  J.,  63. 
Bird  cage,  74. 

Bisby, ,  268,  275. 

Bishop, ,  341,  391. 

Dr.  B.,139. 

Blackmore, ,  32. 

Blake,  Capt.  Patrick,  281. 

Blampey, ,  19. 

Blanchard, ,  128. 

Samuel,  176. 

Blaney, ,  122,  373. 

Joseph,  39. 
Blind  child,  247,  368. 
Blinds  on  houses,  187. 
Bliss,  Rev.,  171. 

Blodget, ,  149,  198. 

Blythe, ,  90,  107. 

Boardman, ,  17,  25,  28,  39, 

49,  111,  115,  117,  145,  192, 
365,  395. 
Capt.,  33,   89,   119,   125,    127, 

131,  164,  176,  179,  229. 
Madam,  25. 
A.,  257. 
Eliza,  407. 

Francis,  1,  8,  17,   27,   40,    50, 
94-96,  107,  223,  257,  333, 355, 
407. 
Mary,  77,  95,  96,  261,  356,  383, 

407. 
Sarah,  407. 

Bond, ,  128. 

Bonneville,  ,  291. 

Books,  Loan  of,  82. 
Bookstores,  219. 
Bootman,  Mary,  125. 
Borlasca,  Francisco,  315. 
Boston,  ix,  XV,  38,   45,    .55,   59, 
60,  83,  84,  86,  87,  100,  133, 
136,  145,  147,  168,   194,  205, 
211,  212,  229,  237,  258,  262, 


TNDEX 


425 


Boston,  268,  271,  277,  280,  340, 
356,  361,  362,  368,  376,   389, 
391,  393,  394,  396. 
Botany  bay,  87. 

Bours, ,  161,  164. 

Bow  and  arrow,  255. 

Bowditch,    ,   89,  168,   258, 

316,  326,  375. 

Anna,  270. 

Betsey,  6,  121. 

Eliza,  326. 

Capt.  Habaccuce,  333. 

Jo.,  257. 

Wid.  M.,  18. 

Mary,  8,  20,  50,  223,  270,  333, 
417,  419. 

Nathaniel,  408. 

Polly,  6,  121. 

Samuel,  262. 
Bowditch's  ledge,  378. 
Bowdoin, ,  121,  233. 

Gov.,  233,  265. 

James,  212. 

Bowen, ,  265,  320. 

Bowes, ,  198. 

Bowler,  ,  360,  361. 

Bowman, ,  18. 

Capt.  Francis,  1. 
Box,  John,  84. 

Lydia,  84. 
Boxford,  233,  241. 
Boylstone, ,  400. 

Benjamin,  9. 

Bradbury, ,  195,  322. 

Bradford,  ,   161,    206,   251, 

387,  396. 

Col.,  296,  300,  312. 

Rev.,  108. 

Col.  Samuel,  150. 

William,  117. 
Bradford,  198,  259. 
Bradish, ,  375,  394. 

Isaac, 159. 
Bradstreet, ,  346. 

Gov.,  58. 
Braintree,  149. 

Brattle, ,  398. 

Brattleborough,  94. 
Bray, ,  178,  239,  365. 

B.,  28. 

Benjamin,  3,  416. 

Daniel,  14. 

Eunice,  96. 

John,  177,  223,  333. 

Robert,  6,  27. 

Thomas,  174. 
Breck, ,  63,  89,  90. 

Rev.,  76. 


Breck,  Rev.  Robert,  1. 
Breed, ,  174,  185,  203. 

Col.,  195. 

W.,  71. 

Brewster, ,  64,  65. 

Brickett,  Col.,  199. 
Bridge  at  Charlestown,  38. 
Bridge  at  Lancaster,  172. 
Bridge  to  Beverly,  69,  79,  100, 

102,  104. 
Bridgewater,  280. 

Briggs, ,  59,  152,    156,    163, 

218,  258,  290,  324,  364,  406. 

Capt.,  1,  16,  89. 

Enos,  256,  306,  369. 

J.,  258,  395. 

Jeremiah,  407. 

John,  407. 

Johnson,  27,  96,  114,  223, 333, 
386,  407. 

Capt.  Johnston,  8. 

Ruth,  26,  214,  236,  360,   395, 
407. 

Samuel,  407. 

Thomas,  1,  229. 
Brimmer,  Martin,  57. 
Brindley,  J.,  6. 

Brock, ,  100. 

Brookline,  278,  394,  396-398. 
Brooks,  Brookes,  Gen.,  106, 128. 

L.,3. 

Luke,  341. 

Samuel,  333. 

Brown, ,  18,  19,  21,  42,  66, 

90,  100,  106,  127,  128,  166, 
179,  184,  189,  198,  235,  269, 
281,  307,  354,  358,  365. 

Capt.,  295. 

Dr.,  328. 

Anna,  9 

B.,  2,  195,  268. 

Benjamin,  6,  19,  27,  28,  101. 

Benjamin,  jr.,  223. 

Mrs.  E.,  6. 

Edward  Vail,  194. 

Elizabeth,  95. 

H.,6. 

Hannah,  9,  19,  95.  96. 

James,  xxx,  39,  40,  63,  70,  78, 
109,  124,  223. 

John,  6,  16,  28,  33,  57,  60. 

John,  ST.,  16. 

Jonathan,  8,  20,  70,  223,   410. 

Joseph,  8,  61,  223. 

Katy,  22. 

Mary,  117,  307. 

Mercy,  96. 

N.,  6,  36. 


426 


INDEX 


Bro-vvn,  Wid.  Nancy,  223. 

Nathan,  9,  38,  73. 

Polly,  4. 

Rebecca,  28,  73,  404. 

S.,  6,  76,  308. 

Sarah,  9,  401. 

Capt.  T.,  103. 

William,  xiv,  21,  90,  109,  223. 

Browne,    ,    179,    181,     189, 

325,  364,  373,  378,  388,  404. 

Abigjail,  2,  340. 

B.,  153,  232. 

Benjamin,  127,  333,  340. 

Betsey,  3. 

Elizabeth,  410. 

Eunice,  408. 

Hannah,  408. 

J.,  342. 

James,  8,  24,  333. 

John,  8,  346. 

John,  sr.,  8. 

Jonathan,  333. 

Joseph,  21,  333. 

Wid.  Mary,  49,  175. 

Wid.  Nancy,  333. 

Sally,  408. 

Sarah,  24. 

William,  8,  49,  78,  95,  96,  118, 
125,  127,  140,  181,  258,  333, 
346,  347,  364. 

Browning, ,  329. 

Brown's  tolly,  149. 
Bruce,  Jonathan,  9,  20. 
Buckingham,  Joseph  T.,  xl. 

Buckminister, ,  64. 

Buffalo,  351. 

Buffington,    ,    28,   44,    195, 

211,  237,  245,  312,  330,  393, 
404. 

Maj  ,  5,  78,87,  182. 

Capt.  Jo.,  400. 
Buffum,  J.,  342. 
Buffum's  corner,  130. 
Bulfinch,  Dr.,  257,  279. 

C,  76. 

Dr.  Thomas,  81,  82. 

Bulkley,  ,290. 

Bullock,  Elizabeth,  133. 
Burbeck, ,  67. 

Col.,  57. 
Burchmore,  John,   8,   96,   223, 
333. 

Mary,  96. 
Burglary,  see  Theft. 
Burke, ,  255,  260,  325. 

Capt. ,  236. 

Judge,  383. 

M,,  57. 


Burke,  Mary,  98. 

Mercy,  237,  238,  258. 

Patty,  4. 

Burns,  Burn,  Burne,  ,  372, 

417. 

Hannah,  3,  223,  333,  367. 
Burns,  see  also  Byrne. 

Burnum,  ,  30. 

Burr,  Dr.,  282. 
Burrass,  My.,  98. 
Burrass,  see  also  Barrase. 

Burrill,    Burrell,    Burril,    , 

30,  41,   204,   205,   218,    269, 
415. 

Aid  en,  8,  202. 

Aldin,223. 

Ebenezer,  8. 

Joanna,  409. 

M.,  6. 

Mansfield,  8,  36,  49,  138,    223, 
274,  333,  396,  405. 

Polly,  3. 

William,  408. 
Burroughs,  Burrows, ,  255. 

M.,  57. 

Mary,  9,  28,  49,  223,  236,  333. 
Bushnel,  Hannah,  19. 

Rebeccah,  17. 

Butler,  ,  290. 

Butman, ,  235. 

Buttons,  244. 
Buxton,  Phoebe,  408. 
Byfield,  291. 
Byrne,  Byrn, ,  326. 

Capt.  44,    127,    176,  192,    328, 
376. 

Capt.  Clifford,  223,  333. 

Wid.  H.,  16. 

Hannah,  4,  9,  369,  371,  416. 

Margaret,  401. 

Wid.  Mary,  401. 

Simon,  3,  9. 

Symon,  416. 
Byrne,  see  also  Burns. 

Cabot, ,  39,  100,    193,    216, 

261. 

Andrew,  260. 

C,  17. 

F.,79. 

Francis,  36,  84,  104. 

G.,  32,  36,  158,  258. 

George,  27,   70,   79,   80,    102, 
167,  310. 

John,  201. 

Nancy,  104. 
Caen,  Hannah,  70. 
Caesar,  375. 


INDEX 


427 


Cage  for  offenders,  289,  290. 
Calais  (France),  17. 
Caluinb,  D.,  342,  354. 

Calvin,  ,  367. 

Cambridge,  100,   125,  141,    168, 
170,  205,  278,  280,  382. 

Campbell,  ,  194,  210. 

Canals,  280,  287. 
Canary  bird,  85. 
Cancers,  103,  164,  232,  388. 
Candles,  277. 
Cann,  Elizabeth,  95. 
Canvas  factory,  198,  202. 

Carleton,  Carlton, ,  90,  137. 

198,  258,  395. 

Col.,  16,  17,  18,  44,   82,   257, 
370. 

Lieut.,  92. 

C.  W.,  307. 

Deborah,  221. 

Eunice,  95,  97. 

Hannah,  221. 

Mary,  274. 

Samuel,  9,  50,  87,  95,  97,  221, 
346,  347. 

William,  50,  270,  274,  407. 

Carnes, ,  45,  203,  204,  205, 

210,  217,  219,  228,  230,  247, 
251,  255,  258. 

John,  347. 
Carpenter,  Capt.,  192. 

Rev.,  173. 

Capt.  B.,  237. 

Benjamin,  298. 

Carroll,   Carrol,  ,  252,  262, 

263,  2G5,  318. 

Dr.,  136,  262. 

H.,  2. 

Hannah,  340, 

James,  9,  10,  16,  40,  224,  274, 
334,  384. 

Mary,  24-26. 

Provided,  37. 
Carr's  island,  406. 

Carter, ,  116. 

Cary,  ,  61,  252. 

Rev.,  116,  258,  259. 

Rev.  Thomas,  250. 
Cat  island,  287. 
Catechism,  Priestley's,  68. 
Catholics,  Roman,  161,  162, 165, 
182,  188,  192,  194,  196,  232, 
2.52,  263. 
Cayson,  Benjamin,  .333. 
Census  of  Essex  County  towns, 

1790,  212. 
Census  of  Salem,  1785,  7. 
Census  of  Salem,  1790,  222. 


Centenarians,  220,  229,329,373. 

Chadwick, ,  280. 

Chandler,  ,  53. 

Rev.  122. 

J.,  28. 

John,  10,  27,  48. 

Joseph,  6. 
Chapman, ,  77,  174. 

J.,  342. 
Chapman's  Corner,  130. 
Charity,  xxxi. 
Charlestown,  39,  92,  157. 
Charlestown  Heights,  236. 
Chauncy, ,  187,  339. 

Capt.,  355. 

Dr.,  53. 
Chebacco,  300,  301. 
Cheever, ,  16,  83. 

Anstis,  401. 

Benjamin,  9. 

Capt.  James,  9. 

Chever, ,  17,  18,  36,  .57, 100, 

101,  103,  109,  128,  188,  298, 
371,  375. 

Capt.,  89,  164, 165,193,233,365. 

B.,  119,  289.  293. 

Benjamin,  223,  333,  406,  411. 

C.  J.,  257. 

Israel,  47. 

Capt.  J.,  124,  132,  378. 

James,  19,  27,   76,    132,    184, 
224,  333,  347,  364,  383,  401. 

Margaret,  408. 

Mary,  411. 

P.,  121. 

Peggy,  6,  120. 

Peter,  96,  347. 

Rebecca,  47,  57. 

Ruth,  406,  408,  411,  412. 

S.,  2,  119,  121,  163,  180,  232, 
257,  289. 

Sally,  5,  119,  185. 

Samuel,  6,  10,  119,  120,   161, 
164,  22.3,  333,  358,  408. 

Sarah,   53,  83,  114,  340,  370, 
408. 

William,  9,  47. 
Cheverus,  Bishop,  xxx. 

Chickering, ,  120,  121. 

Chimney  tire,  150. 
Chinese  coins,  91. 
Chipman, ,  377,  401. 

Capt.,  188,  234,  273,  275,  284. 

Eliza,  126. 

Elizabeth,  124,  131,212,  363. 

J.,  275. 

T.,  18. 

Thomas,  10,  223,  334. 


428 


rNDEX 


Chishull,  Emanuel,  162. 
Choshull,  Manual,  101. 
Christmas  service,  25. 
Clark, ,  33,  57,  66. 

Capt.,  49,  258. 

Rev.,  383. 

Eliza,  26. 

Capt.  Jacob,  9,  26. 

Wid.  Mar.,  9. 

Margaret,  26,  33,  56,  169. 

Stephen,  174. 

Clarke,   ,   67,  68,   146,  211, 

262,  263,  264. 

Capt.,  51. 

Rev.,  170,  216,  320,  324,  418. 

Elizabeth,  224,  334,  408. 

Rev.  J.,  257. 

John,  104,  354. 

Wid.  M.,  173. 

Margaret,  98,  175,  223. 

Wid.  Mary,  3.34,  414. 

Rev.  reter,  320. 

S.,  175. 

Sarah  (Pickering),  104. 
Clary,  Lydia,  96. 
Clearage,  James,   10,  111,  113, 
224,  235. 

Joseph,  334. 

Cleaveland, ,  243,  359 . 

Cleveland,   ,    34,    90,    123, 

161,  213,  216,  230,  231,  302, 
359,  419. 

Lt.,  161. 

Rev.,  76,  90,  108,  177. 

Rev.,  jr.,  108. 

George.  399. 

S.,  384. 
Clock    in   the    meeting-house, 

xii. 
Clocks,  183. 
Clough, ,  48,  95, 145,  243. 

Wid.,  401. 
Cloutman, ,  57. 

Wid.,  98,  414. 

Benjamin,  9,  22,  27,  156,^224, 
248,  333. 

Daniel,  39,  224,  334. 

H.,  57,  98,  124,  151,  156. 

Hannah,  26,  95,  97,  138,  153, 
223,  333. 

J.,  343. 

Joseph,  95,  97. 

Wid.  M.,  20. 

Wid.  Mary,  9,  33,  95,  109, 155, 
156. 

Priscilla,  410. 

S.,  27. 

Sarah,  24. 


Cloutman,  Stephen,  6,  9,  26-28, 

33,  83,  126,  223,  322,  334. 
Coble  hill,  395. 
Cod,  Cape,  343. 
Coins,  73,  75,  79,   91,   103,  174, 

175,  277,  302. 
Coit,  Capt.,  66. 
Colds,  285. 

Coleman, ,  218. 

Collins,  ,  17,  36,  100,    141, 

179,  264,  .S09,  344. 

Capt.,  78,  89,  127,  176,  341, 
358. 

A.,  132. 

Andoniram,  347. 

E.,  57. 

Elizabeth,  10,  96-98. 

Hannah,  26,  33,  95. 

J.,  18,  21,  102,  293,  365. 

James,  96,  233,  334,  399. 

James,  jr.,  9,  223. 

Jo.,  3. 

John,  1,  9,  10,  17,  27,  43,  50, 
96,97,  103,  107, 109,  120,  193, 
257,  385,  395,  397,  407. 

John,  jr.,  224,  334. 

John,  sr.,  223,  334. 

John,  3d,  224. 

Joseph,  340. 

Mary,  9,  41,  95-97,  101,  125, 
175,  179,  224,  334,  409. 

Richard,  405. 

William,  120. 
Colt,  Anecdote  of,  203. 
Colton,  James,  209. 
Columbia  (ship),  152,  174,  175, 

190. 
Commencement     at    Harvard, 

187,  277. 
Communion  table,  xlii. 
Concert  of  music,  214. 

Conclin, ,  92. 

Concord,  170,  396. 
Coney  island,  284. 
Coney  Island  ledge,  378. 
Connecticut,  139. 
Constitution,  Federal, Adoption 

of,  101. 
Constitution  (frigate),  xxiii. 
Conway,  93. 
Cook,  — -,  401. 

Betsey,  63. 

Charles,  63. 

Hannah  (Stone),  63. 

Cooke, ,  132,  165,  365,  400, 

401,  403. 

Betsey,  63,  71,  118,  220. 

C.,2. 


INDEX 


429 


Cooke,  Catharine,  340,  408. 

Charles,  401. 

Elizabeth,  408, 

Hannah,  401. 

J.,  343. 

Rebecca,  408. 

William,  3,  224,  334,  341,  408, 
412,  417. 
Cooley,  Abigail,  63. 

John,  Co. 
Coombs,  Abigail,  223,  333. 

F.,  353. 

George,  409. 

Isaac,  48. 
Coombs,  see  alao  Cumbs. 
Cooper,  Dr.,  x,  34,  52,  264,  356. 

Judge,  248,  263. 

Rev.  William,  52. 
Cordis,  Capt,40. 
Cordis,  see  also  Cordyce. 

Cordwell, ,  255. 

Cordyce,  Capt.  J.,  382. 
Cordyce,  see  also  Cordis. 

Cottle, ,  199. 

Cotton, ,  276,  277. 

Wid.,  414. 

Alice,  212,  216,  271,  276,  372. 

Elias,  10. 

Elizabeth,  123,  193,  270,  276. 

J.,  274. 

James,  204,  224. 

Samuel,  262. 

William,  223,  274. 
Cotton  manufactory,   200,  236, 

289. 
Cowley,  Wid.,  10. 

Cox,    ,     57,    100,  102,   115, 

412. 

Wid.,  98,  414. 

Capt.  B.,  404. 

Benjamin,  113. 
Crafts,  Ebenezer,  1. 

Craig, ,  241. 

Crane, ,  364,  .373,  378. 

Creeley,  James,  224,  334. 

Crier,  Town,  381. 

Crime,  133. 

Crispen,  Crispin,  William,    10, 

224,  ,334. 
Crookshanks,  Joseph,  9, 10,224, 

334. 
Crosman, ,  188. 

Abijah,  160. 

Crow, ,  60,  316. 

Crowell, ,  60,  316. 

Crowninshield,  Crowingshield, 
Crowinshield,  xxxvi,  28, 
132,  192,  220,  229,  306,  372. 


Crowninshield,  Capt.,    89,  120, 
165,  173,  190,  341,  364,  371. 

Wid.,  7,  127. 

Anstis,  221. 

B.,  18,  228,  231,  237,  293,  298, 
388. 

Capt.  Benjamin,  9,  27,  43,  72, 
223,  333. 

C     2*^8 

Clifford,  202,  365. 

G.  17,  55,  117,  258. 

Capt.  G.  jr.,  174. 

Capt.    George,    xxviii,    xxx, 
9,  50,  223,  333, 

11.,  257,  258. 

llannah,  xxxvi,  9,  28,  50,  95, 
97,  234,  235,  333. 

J.,  95,  97. 

Jacob,  9,  209,  234. 

John,  9,  16,  28,  117,  221. 

Mary,  9,  17,  40,  .50,  72,  97,  124, 
221,  396,  410. 

Mary  Ives,  95. 

Mary  R.,  xxxix. 

S.,  6. 

Sally,  5. 

Sarah,  18,  28,  410. 
Cumbs,  A.,  6,  17. 

Abigail,  5,  9. 
Cumbs,  see  also  Coombs. 
Cummings, ,  89,  187. 

Rev.,  25,  117,  299. 

Curtis, ,  162,  163,  216,  218, 

219. 

Capt.,  155,  156. 

Wid.,  414. 

A.,  57. 

Ab.,  98,  414. 

Wid.  Abigail,  9,  95,  96,   224, 
334. 

Daniel,  95. 

William,  346,  347. 

Curwen,  Curwin, ,  132,  136 

139. 

Rev.,  273. 

S.,  194. 

Cushing, ,  37, -38,  40,   122, 

195. 

Judge,  122. 

J.,  6. 

James,  28. 
Customs,  Old-time,  381. 
Cutler, ,  89,  166,  236,  370. 

Dr.,  302.  377. 

Rev.,  75,  76,  127,  249. 

J.,  343. 

Rev.  Manasseh,  228,  371. 
Cutter, ,  62. 


430 


INDEX 


Cutts, ,  67. 

Col.,  65,  66,  67. 

Dabney,  ,  4,  136,  169. 

Daland,  see  Deland. 
Dale,  John,  224,  334. 

John  Eliot,  126. 
Dalrymple,  Marguerite,  xxiii. 

Dalton,  ,  116,  139,  196,  248, 

299. 

Ned,  216. 
Dana, ,  89,  247,  359,  360. 

Judge,  255,  358. 

Rev.,  76,  108. 

Mary,  85. 

Samuel,  xxxviii. 
Dancing  school,  81,  122. 

Dane,  ,  158,  159,  167,   182, 

191,  310. 

Wid.,  10,  17. 

N.,  215,  258. 
Danforth,  Dr.,  1.53. 
Daniels,  Benjamin,  334. 

S.,  343. 
Danielson,  Adj.  Gen.,  312. 
Danvers,  132,  180,  212,  215,  366, 

373,  375,  385. 
Dart,  Lydia,  235. 
Dartmouth  College,  -34,  142. 

Davenport, ,  53. 

Davis, ,  42. 

Capt.,  33. 

Daniel,  249. 

Jacob,  1. 
Dawes, ,  211,  257,  293. 

Col.,  386. 
Dawson,  see  Dorson. 
Day,  Luke,  55. 
Deacons,  xiv. 
Dean, ,  277,  310,  356,  365. 

Capt.,  205. 

Abigail,  410. 

B.,  102. 

Benjamin,  6,  10,  41,  62,  101, 
121,  201,  224,  334,  375,  377, 
404. 

Betsey,  3. 

C.,6. 

Christiana,  5. 

E.,  2. 

Elizabeth,  340. 

G.,  6. 

George,  334,  355. 

Hannah,  101. 

John,  375. 

Lydia,  89,  104,  194,  206. 

Mary,  10. 

Polly,  224,  334. 


Dean,  Sarah,  356. 
Sukey,  6,  121. 

Susanna,  21,  101,  113, 179,  191. 
T.,  2.57. 

Thomas,  4,  10,  .50,    190,  205, 
206,  224,  271,  3-34,  355,  356, 
416. 
Thomas,  jr.,  10. 
William,  262. 

Dearborn, ,  252. 

Deblois,  Gilbert,  84. 

Lewis,  84. 
Deerfield,  92. 
Dehon,  Theodore,  84. 
Deighton,  Richard,  399. 
Deighton,    see    also    Dighton, 
Dyton. 

Deland, ,  162. 

Thomas,  96. 

Derby,  Derbey, ,  107,    126, 

127,  132,  133,  135,  142,  147, 
151,  1.55,  156,  159,  176,  178, 
187,  202,  231,  234,  239,  240, 
248,  256,  275,  287-289,  295, 
306,  312,  329,  365,  372,  373 
374,  376,  382,  387,  414. 

,  sr.,  246. 

Capt.,  25,  178. 

E.  H.,  31,  55,  9.5,  97,  107,  128, 

131,  151,  159,  180,   189,  209, 

228,  2.57,  258,  269,  272,  311, 

343,  362,  370,  376,  413. 

E.  H..  jr.,  228,  263,   298,   300, 

308,  310. 
Elias  Basket,  50,  77,  260,  261, 

345. 
Elizabeth,  95,  97. 
H.,  135,  149. 
J.,  76,  257. 
John,  100,  136,  176,  320,  328, 

400. 
Nancy,  170. 

R.,  132,  149,  230,  239,  287,  376. 
Richard,  17,  .50,  127,  131,  136, 

149,  219,  289,  307,  347. 
Richard,  jr.,  95,  347. 
Capt.  Samuel,  263. 

Dexter, ,  269. 

Prof.,  257,  265. 
Timothy,  391,  392,  395. 

Diamond, ,  50. 

Diamond,  see  also  Diman. 

Dickerson, ,  244. 

Castor,  72. 

Dighton, ,  53,  174,  175. 

Richard,  10,  38. 
Dighton,    see    also    Deighton, 
Dyton. 


INDEX 


431 


Diman,    Diraon,   ,   85,  115, 

122,  138,  141,  145,  155,   187, 

192,  201,  203,  2;J6,  240,  251, 
346-349,  398. 

Rev.,  xiii,  20,  26,  28,  49,  73, 
79,  100,  126,  135,  137,  176, 
256,  273,  285,  322. 

Caesar  Orne,  354. 

Rev.  James,  ix,  x,  xi,  xlii,  1, 
50,  75,  85,  95,  106,  107,  108, 

193,  346,  347,  354. 

Rev.  James,  Difficulties  with 
East  Parish,  22. 

James,  jr.,  95. 

Lois,  96. 

Mary,  95,  96. 

Polly,  176. 

T.,  343. 

Thomas,  10,  40,  50,  96,  97, 125, 
214,  224,  334,  346,  347,  414. 

Timothy,  176. 
Diman,  see  also  Diamond. 

Dodge,  ,  18,  157,  202,  233, 

240,  311. 

Capt.,  16,  39. 

Eunice,  407. 

Capt.  G.,  17,  372. 

George,  1,  10,  33,  50. 

Capt.  George,  jr.,  9. 

Israel,  32. 

J.,  2.57. 

Joshua,  193,  211,224,  261,  334. 

Malachi,  21. 
Dog,  Hairless,  268. 
Donaldson,  Adj.  Gen.,  195. 
Dorson,  John,  43. 

Dourville, ,  354. 

Dover  (Eng.),  17. 
Dover  (N.  U.),  67. 
Downing,  R.,  343. 
Drama,  137. 

D  rownings,   139,  210,  220,   271, 
362,  370. 

Duane, ,  139,  149. 

Duck  manufactory,  149,198,202. 
Duer,  Col.,  367. 
Dummer,  Gov.,  291. 
Duramer    Academy,    159,    182, 

236,  291,  339. 
Dunbar,  ,  141,  142. 

Rev.,  272,  273. 

Asa,  109. 
Duncan, ,  279. 

Jenny,  71. 

Nancy,  71,  279. 
Duncklee,    Dundee,    John,   5, 

119,  136. 
Dnnham, ,  127. 


Dunn, ,  370. 

Dutcli,  ,  116. 

Dwire,  ,  55. 

Aim,  24. 

Edm.,  24. 

Rebecca,  20,  353. 

William,  162. 
Dyton,  Richard,  19. 
Dyton,  see  also  Deighton,  Digh- 
ton. 

E., ,  105. 

Eagle  island,  133,  174,  284,  400' 
Earthquake,  338,  360. 
East  church,  x,  375. 
Difficulties  between  pastors,  X. 

Difficulties  with  heirs  of  Rev. 
James  Diman,  193,  201, 203, 
205,  236,  256. 

Funds,  269. 

Members,  7,  95,  222,  332. 

Pegs  for  hats,  357. 

Proprietors,  49. 

Records,  346. 

Singing  seats,  330. 

Vane,  126. 

Wardens,  41,  49. 
East  India  Marine  Society,  xvi. 
Easterbrook,  Rev.,  171. 
Easties, ,  174. 

Nathaniel,  10. 

Eaton,  ,  216. 

Ebeley,  Eb.,  6. 
Ebeling,  Prof.,  xix. 

Ebones, ,  403. 

Eckley, ,  146. 

Eclipse,  242. 

Edes, ,  345. 

Edwards,  Dr.,  93,  187. 

John,  10,  17,  22,  224,  834. 

Sally,  3. 

T.,  258. 
Eels,  146. 

Egout, ,  382,  396. 

Egout,  see  also  Igout,  Jgout. 

Elcott,  ,  210. 

Election  day,  .368. 
Electioneering,  201. 
Eliot, ,  47,  194. 

Dr.,  52,  116,  141. 

Rev.,  211. 

Rev.  Andrew,  140. 

Rev.  J.,  27,  44,  192,  257. 

Rev.  John,  205. 

Elkins,  ,  89,  100,  165,   2.59, 

267,  269. 

Capt.,  71,  91,    176,    192,    197, 
198,  262,  284,  372,  375. 


432 


INDEX 


Elkins,  Wid.,  18,  165. 

A.,  6. 

Capt.  E.,  84. 

Elizabeth,  95. 

H.,  42,  90,  100,  175,  271,  287. 

Harriet,  410. 

Henry,  10,  27,  43,  73,  221,  224, 
274,  334. 

John,  95,  97,  310. 

Mary,  10,  50,  84,  221,  224,  235, 
334. 

Preserved,  25,  271,  372. 

Priscilla,  358. 

Sarah,  10,  48,  50,  95,  97,  224, 
276,  334,  388. 

Thomas,  50,  84. 

W..  273,  274. 

William,  276. 
Ellis,  Mary  Pickering,  95. 
Ellison,  M.,  2,  3. 

Margaret,  340,  416. 

Peggy,  3,  4. 
Elm  tree,  43. 
Elson,  Wid.  Hepsibah,  95. 

Elvin, ,  260. 

Elvins,  Richard,  346,  347. 

Sarah,  95. 
Emerson, ,  65,  93. 

Rev.,  93,  171. 

Rev.  Joseph,  93. 
Emerton, ,  204. 

John,  347. 

Mary,  40. 

Polly,  6,  121. 
Endeavours  (ledge),  378. 
Endicott,  Endicot,  Capt.,  396. 

Gov.,  375. 

John,  375. 
England,  100,  147. 

English, ,  71,  100,  146,  240, 

248,  307,  314,  371. 

Andrew,  190,  224,  334. 

Joseph,  399. 

P.    22. 

Philip,  10,  22,  224,  334,   365, 
399. 
English  house,  248. 
Epes,  Maj.,  364. 
Episcopal  church,81,86,  90, 139. 

Liturgy,  41. 
Episcopalians,    140,    196,     197, 
203,  206,  229,  251,  263,  282, 
322,  324,  .371. 
Epitaphs,  173. 
Essex  bridge,  69,  79,  100,    102, 

104. 
Essex  bridge,  see  also  Beverly 
bridge. 


Essex  Lodge,  F.  &  A.  M.,  236, 
237,  245,  256,  263,  271,  296, 
369,  370. 
Essex  street,  388. 
Essex  street,  pavement,  372. 
Estes,  see  Easties. 
Eulin,  Eulen,  Wid.,  414. 

Edward,  224,  334. 

Mary,  238. 
Eustis,  Dr.,  271. 
Eveleth,  Jo.,  298. 

Everett,   Everet,  ,  19,  100, 

211,  362. 

Edward,  xsi. 

Rev.  O.,  257. 
Ewins,  Dr.,  34. 

Fairfield,  Farefield, ,  18,  66, 

68,  76,  115,  140,  238, 

Rev.,  66. 

Wid.,  126,  414. 

Elizabeth,  95,  97. 

Capt.  James,  xxxvi. 

John,  10,  28,  50,  95,  97,  224, 
334,  344. 

R.,  124. 

Rebecca,  87,  96,  97,  224,  240, 
334. 

W.,  22. 

William,  10,  17,  27,  37,  48,  97, 
104,  123,  124,  401. 

Fairweather, ,  149. 

Falmouth,  100. 

Farrington,  ,  3. 

Fast  day,  57. 

Faulkner, ,  158. 

Favre,  Elizabeth,  409. 
Favre,  see  also  Lefavour. 

Fearsen, ,  85, 

Felt, ,  39. 

John,  96. 

Mary,  96. 
Felton, ,  331. 

Nathaniel,  329. 
Fenno,  -— ,  209. 
Ferry  lane,  243. 

Fielding, ,  411. 

Fire  clubs,  371,  392,  417. 
Fire  engines,  361. 
Fire,  Prevention  of,  380. 
Fires,  Beverly,  149,  154,  167. 

Boston,  59. 

Marblehead,  28,  360. 

Salem,36, 150,239,357,389,  400. 
First  Church   (Salem)    records, 

181. 
Fisher, ,  140,  341. 

Rev.,  355. 


INDEX 


433 


Fisher,  N.,  196. 
Nathaniel,  87. 
Fisheries,  368,  376. 
Fishing,  15G,  189,  304,  381-383. 
Fiske, ,  37,  49,  145,  281,289, 

311,  330,  350,  376,  394. 
Brig.,  128. 

Capt.,  16,  19,  21,  22,  51. 

Col.,  117,  118,  122-124. 

Gen.,  131,  137,  151,  159,  165, 
176,  182,  186,  191,  193,  209, 
215,  240,  243,  244,  246,  270, 

312,  319,  326,  353,  356,  365, 
367,  381,  402,  403. 

Maj.  Gen.,  375. 

Kev.,  272,  273. 

B.  G.,  303. 

G.,  209,  308,  363,  371. 

J.,  18,  77. 

Jo.,  99. 

John,  xxxvii,  3,  10,  24,  50,  79, 
107,  146,  224,  334.  341,  403. 

Lydia,  22,  95,  176. 

Nancy  G.,  320. 

Peggy,  402,  403. 

Rev.  S.,  150. 
Flagg, ,  173. 

Dr.,  2.58. 
Flags,  Military,  215,  310. 
Flint,  Flynt, ,  26. 

Dr.,  xiii. 

Wid.  Susannah,  95. 

Flood, ,  216. 

Folger, ,  176,  183. 

Foot,  Foote, ,  19,  260. 

Wid.,  98,  414. 

Anna,  95,  97. 

Anne,  396. 

Malachi,  xli,  346. 

Mary,  49,  95,  251. 

P.,  57. 

Pasca,  101. 

Samuel,  10,  95,  97,  224,  334, 
346,  347. 
Football,  254. 

Forbes, ,  36,  113,  285,  359, 

371,  414. 

Rev.,  xi,  75,  76,  106,  166,  167, 
377,  385,  395. 

Dorothy,  84. 

Rev.  E.,  2.57. 

John,  11,  224,  288,  289. 
Ford,  ,  25,  117,  192. 

Capt.,  293. 
Forrest  river,  373. 
Forrester, ,  365. 

Capt.,  232,  364,  398. 
Fort  at  Brattleborough,  94. 


Foster, ,  21,  213,  230,  231. 

Col.,  148. 
Henjamin,  392. 
C,  343. 
Lydia,  344. 
N.,  343. 
Robert,  237,  298. 

Fothergill,  ,  367. 

Fourth  of  July  celebrations, .378. 

Fowle,  Fowles,  ,  133,  168, 

257,  324. 
Henry,  132. 
Sarah,  10,  16,  26,  95. 

Fowler, ,  119,  376. 

Fox,  Ruth,  329. 

Foxcroft, ,  278. 

Foy,  Foye,  Ebenezer,  4. 
William,    10,   11,  28,  57,  224, 
260,  334. 
Francis,  Capt.,  215. 
Lt.  Col.,  148. 

Francois, ,  286,  317. 

Joseph,  10. 

Franklin, ,  317,  322. 

Dr.,  142,  164,  168,  293,  306. 
Temple,  168. 
Franklin  stove,  150. 

Franks,   Frank,   ,    16,    162, 

247. 
Hannah,  409. 

Joseph,  10,  224,  276,  334,  409. 
Martha,  416. 
Patty,  4. 
Rachel,  4,  276,  416. 

Frazer,  Fraser, ,  211,  232. 

Freeman,  ,  34,  68,  133,  187, 

190,  194,  195,  201,  211,  235, 

268,  269,  311,  323,  356,  397. 

Rev.,  107,  111,  112,  216,  262, 

271,  279,  383. 
B.,  196. 
Bob,  292. 

Catherine,  295,  300. 
Rev.  J.,  80,  81,  257. 
James,  xiv,  xv,  xxxix,  81,  82, 

83,  84,  86,  87. 
Kate,  292. 
Mingo,  311. 
Freemasonry,   33,   43,  65,    114, 
236,  237,  245,  270,  296,  311, 
331   379. 

French,' ,  406,  411,  412. 

Rev.,  76,  242,  402. 
Jonathan,  2.58. 
Joseph,  409. 

Joshua,  10,  17,  201,  224,  334, 
363,  409. 
Frenchmen  in  Salem,  396. 


434 


INDEX 


Freneau, ,  354. 

Friend,  Patty,  109. 

Priscilla,  109. 

Frisbie,  Frisbee,  ,  89,  166, 

249. 

Rev.,  76. 
Frye,  Fry, ,  242. 

Elizabeth,  401. 

Mary,  95. 
Fry's  hill,  241. 
Fuller, ,  123,  300. 

Rev..  385. 

E.,  121. 

Mary,  417. 

Fulsom, ,  206. 

Funding  system,  286. 
Funeral  of  Mr.  Biman,  106. 
Funerals,  72,  150,  155,  166,  174, 
194,  205,  211,  215,  219,  236, 
353,  371,  377,  393,  405. 
Furber, ,  370,  371. 

E.,  47. 

Richard,  10. 

G.,  ,  105. 

Gaffer, ,  172. 

Gaines,   ,  17,  100,  111,  229, 

257,  264. 
J.,  343. 

Josiah,  11,  224,  335. 
Gall,  Wid.,  95. 
Wid.  Anna,  11,  16,  40,  97,224, 

334. 
Benjamin,  11,  18,  26,  33,  40, 

401,  410. 
Mrs.  L.,  6. 

Martha,  26,  40,  224,  234,  396, 
410. 

Gallatin, ,  37,  88. 

Albert,  xx. 
Games,  253. 

Gannett, ,  342. 

Gardens,  180,  373,  398. 

Gardiner,  ,  36,  58,  100,  126, 

146,  229,  236,  239,  257,  264, 
320,  376,  380. 
Capt.,  266,  319. 
Wid.,  184,257. 
B.,  343. 

Benjamin,  224,  335. 
Capt.  J.,  150. 
John,  146,  233. 
Jonathan,  146,  235,  243. 
Wid.  Mary,  236. 

Gardner,   ,  46,    55,  69,   70, 

101,  109,  232,  236,  278,  298, 
.345,  391,  394. 
Capt.,  414. 


Gardner,  Rev.,  172. 
Wid.,  95. 
B.,  257. 

Benjamin,  11,  20,  59,  126. 
George,  181. 

John,  147,  235,  249,  375,  376. 
Jonathan,  xxxvii,  244. 
Wid.  Mary,  97. 
Samuel,  181. 
Samuel,  jr.,  180. 
Thomas,  181. 
Gardner's  mills,  130,  281,  373. 

Gardoqui, ,  17. 

Gatchell, ,  160. 

Gay, ,  139,  149. 

Dr.,  57. 
Eb.,402. 
Gayton,  Polly,  404. 
Gennis,  Peter,  334. 
German  Tovrn,  149. 

Gerrish, ,  381. 

John,  346,  347. 

Gerry, ,  394. 

E.,  209. 
Elbridge,  281. 
Geyer,  Rev.,  164. 

Gibaut, ,  4,  40,  44,  100, 107, 

111,  118,  156,  187,  231,  283, 
306,  315,  396. 
Capt.,   20,  55,   71,    106,    161, 

164,  165. 
E.,  18. 
Edw.,  97. 
Capt.  Edward,  11,  31,  50,  95, 

193,  224,  335. 
Capt.  J.,  228,  257. 
John,  31,  36,  63,  111,  178. 
Sarah,  95,  97. 

Gibbs,  Gibbes, ,  387,  388. 

Giles,  Gyles,  Capt.,  160,  246. 

E.,  302. 
Gill,  Wid.,  17. 
Anna,  410. 
John,  97, 

Priscilla,  11,96,97,224,335,358. 
Sarah,  410. 
Gloucester,  123,  195,  265,  300. 
Glover,  Col.,  309. 

Sally,  37. 
Gluttony,  210. 

Godfrey,  ,  48. 

Goodale's  spring,  183. 
Goodell,      Goodale,      Goodall, 

,  245,  313,  403,  412,  417. 

B.,  412. 
Bart.,  404. 
J.,  343. 
Nathan,  160. 


INDEX 


435 


Goodhue,   ,    115,   200,   202, 

205,  213.  367. 

Hon.,  193,  219. 

B.,  131,  258,  390. 

Benjamin,  112, 148. 

William,  354. 

Goodman, ,  172. 

Gooseberries  (islands),  284. 
Gordon,  Dr.,  92. 

Margaret,  26. 
Gore,  ,  300. 

Christopher,  150. 
Gould, ,  215,  242. 

Jonathan,  224,  335. 

Grabe, ,  58. 

Gracie, ,  78. 

Grafton,  ,  77,  82,  216. 

Joshua,  77. 
Graham,  Maccauley,  808. 

Grammond, ,  326. 

Grand  Turk  (ship),261,  343,3.54. 
Grant, ,  327. 

Francis,  11,  209,  224,  331,  334. 

Francis,  jr.,  224. 

Mary,  22. 

Primus,  122,  242. 

Violet,  236,  240. 
Grave  opening,  263. 
Gravestones,  .386. 

Gray,  ,   36,    122,   140,    151, 

289,  306,  327,  350,  387,  389. 

Benjamin,  346,  347. 

Francis  Galley,  163. 

James,  66. 

W.,  229,   258,   291,   316,   339, 
343,  358,  376. 

W.   ir.   372. 

Wiilia'm,  113,   151,    163,   202, 
257. 

William,  jr.,  84. 
Great  Pasture  swamp,  161. 

Green, ,  102,  176,  280. 

■     Capt.,  413. 

Rev.  Aaron,  xi. 

James  D.,  xi. 

Joseph,  375. 

Samuel,  285. 
Greenfield,  93. 
Greenland,  67. 
Greenleaf, ,  115,  172,  395. 

Madam,  37. 

Dr.  John,  37. 
Greenwood,  Elizabeth,  224,  3.34. 

Miles,  7. 
Greigs,  H.,  103. 
Griffin,  Mary.  43. 
Griffith,  Dr.  David,  126. 
Grifford,  ,  16. 


Groce, ,  2,  325,327,  328,394. 

(irooves, ,  72. 

(juild,  ,  41.5. 

(iullager, ,  1.58. 

Gunnison,    Gunerson,  Gunner- 
son,  ,  5,  11,  18,  19,    29, 

32,  133,  340. 
Klislia,  2,  11,  18,  32,  39,  132. 
Hannah,  29,  40. 
John,  11,  20,  22,  40,   62,    122, 
132,  193,  224,  240,  281,  335. 
Mary,  1,  132,  135. 

H.,  Capt.,  87. 
Hacker, ,  188. 

Ebenezer,  21. 
Hadley,  55,  93. 

Hale, ,  ,37,  159,  187,  291. 

Hall, ,  30,  206. 

Capt.  S pence,  148,  157. 
Hallowell,  xv. 
Hamilton,  ,  258,  322. 

Alexander,  xxix. 
Hamilton,  249. 

Hammond, ,  392. 

Hampton  (N.  H.),  .372. 
Hampton  Falls  (X.  H.),  67. 
Hancock, ,  52,  121. 

Gov.,  247,  317,  322,  358. 
Haraden,  Harraden, ,  96. 

M.,  176. 
Harbor  frozen,  146. 

Harbort,    Harbord,    ,    101, 

102,  316. 
Harbort,  see  also  Herbert. 
Ilardwick,  94. 
Hardy, ,  44,  51,  147,  316. 

John,  179. 

Joseph,  346. 

Lydia,  95. 

Ruth,  95. 
Hardy's  rock,  378. 

Hare, ,  403,  412,  417. 

Hark  in, ,  2.58,  267. 

Harrington, ,  19,  172,  173. 

Rev.,  172. 

Elisha.  403. 

John  Allen,  11. 

Joseph  Allen,  1. 

Harris, ,  124,  132,  155,  170, 

228,  229,  299,  311,  394,  400. 

Rev.,  .320,  .367. 

Rev.  N.,  323. 

T.  M.,  257. 

Thaddaeus  Mason,  214. 
Harry  (negro),  1.39. 
Hart,  — ,  34. 

Dr.,  407. 


436 


INDEX 


Hart,  John,  335. 

Joseph,  225. 
Harthorne,  see  Hathorne. 
Hartshorne, ,  414. 

T.,  298. 
Harvard  College,    ix,    xi,    xix, 
xxi,  170,  187,  243,  252,  277, 
278,  382. 
Haskell,  Haskoll, ,  301,  340. 

Wid.,  20. 

Wid.  Hannah,  11,  50,  96. 
Haskins,  John,  84. 
Haslet,  Rev.,  17. 
Hatch, ,  176. 

C,  76. 
Hatfield,  93. 
Hathorne,  Hathorn,  Harthorne, 

Hawthorne,  ,  22,    132, 

183. 

Madam,  381. 

Maj.,  181,  195,  240,  256,  356, 
390,  400. 

Wid.,  147. 

Susannah,  1.32,  196,  225,  258, 
335. 

Wid.  Susey,  11. 

Maj.  John,  132. 

W.,  343. 
Hatteras,  Cape,  148. 
Haven, ,  177. 

Dr.,  64. 
Haverhill,  116,  149, 197,  199,259. 
Hawkes, ,  158. 

Benjamin,  335. 

Mary,  4,  416. 
Hawthorne,  see  Hathorne. 
Hay  scales,  125. 

Hayes,  Hays, ,  263,  269. 

Hazlehurst,  ,  384. 

Hazlitt,  Hazlet, ,  19,  20,21, 

33-35,  40,  43,  100. 

Rev.,  268. 

William,  xv,  21. 
Heard,  Luke,  5,  119,  121,  136. 
Hearsy,  Dr.,  178. 
Heat  and  cold,  142. 
Hemmenway, ,  65,  316. 

Dr.,  38. 
Henderson,  Benjamin,  123,  286, 

.300. 
Henfield,  C,  205. 

Edmund,  95,  150,  347. 

Lydia  Hardy,  95. 
Herbert,  Capt.  Benjamin,  101. 

Elizabeth,  95. 
Herbert,  see  also  Harbort. 

Herod, ,  259. 

Herrick, ,  28,  185. 


Herrick,  Barnabas,  11,  102,  225, 
335. 
Jacob,  103. 
Lydia,  5,  119,  408. 
Mary,  408. 
reter,  6. 
Polly,  5, 119. 
Heussler,  George,  374. 
Heyward,  — — ,  .57. 
Higgins,  Abijah,  22. 

Higginson, ,  181. 

Col.,  239. 
Rev.,  272. 
Rev.,  jr.,  272,  273. 
Rev.,  sr.,  272,  273. 
Stephen,  90. 

Hill, ,  146,  210. 

Capt.,  167. 

Benjamin,  11. 

Elizabeth,  411. 

John,   11,  100,  225,  335,   377, 

411. 
Mary,  126. 

Hiller, ,  17,  90,  369,  414. 

Maj.,  55,  310,  345,  350. 

J.,  2.58,418. 

Jo.,  237. 

Joseph,  xxxviii,  3-3,  43,  114, 

237,  263,  272,  298. 
M.,  193. 

Hillert, ,  199. 

Hilliard,  Hiliard,  ,    18,  19, 

141,  366,  396. 
Rev.,  167. 
D.,  343. 
David,  17,  19,  24,  95,  97,  141, 

145. 
John,  19. 
Lydia,  24. 
Mary,  95,  97. 
Hinchman,  Rev.,  142. 
Hinckley,  Capt.,  138. 

Hinds,  ,  57. 

Hiscomb,  Jude  Wilkie,  71. 

Hitchborn,  ,  47. 

Hitchins,    Abijah,    11,    20,   83, 
225,  335,  365,  399. 
Amos,  11. 
Nathaniel,  11. 
8.,  3. 

Sarah,  340. 
Hoar,  Lt.  Daniel,  171. 

Hobbes, ,  17. 

Wid.  Mary,  17. 
Sarah,  11,  96. 

Hodgdon,  Ilodgedon,  ,  .57. 

Wid.,  11,  20,  98,  260. 
Martha,  19,  225. 


INDEX 


437 


Hodgdon,  Wid.  Mary,  335, 

Hodges, ,  44,  70,  76,  81,  84, 

9G,   100,  103,  109,  145,    165, 

173,  179,  181,  220,  256,  320, 
327,  330,  376,  411,  412. 

Capt.,  51,  61,  62,  81,  88,  115, 

174,  175,  202,  289,  291. 

B.,  18,  106,  111,  118,  177,  236, 
237,  257,  267,  293,  346,  350, 
402,  405. 
Benjamin,  xxxviii,  11,  27,  42, 
43,  50,  51,  78,  97,  107,  125, 
127,  179,  225,  298,  335,  345, 
407. 
G.,  251. 

Gamaliel,    8,    128,    164,   179, 

180,  225,  335,  347,  349,  408. 

George,   11,  70,  180,  181,  225, 

335. 
H.,  306,  372. 
Hannah,  xxxviii,   22,  63,  95, 

97,  98,  123,  372,  400. 
Jack  (negro),  409. 
Jo.,  293. 

Capt.    John,    11,   22,    50,    76, 
107,  109,  165,  181,  225,   232, 
386,  409. 
Jonathan,  400. 
Capt.  Joseph,  11,  335. 
Lydia,  124,  341. 
M.,  411. 
Margaret,  409. 
Mary,  113,  408,  409. 
Polly,  405. 
R.,  42. 

Richard,  11,  37,  76,  79,  124. 
Sarah,  76,  269,  370,  383. 
Hoit,  see  Hoyt. 

Hollandgren, ,  309. 

HoUis, ,  52.' 

Holman,  Capt.,  240. 
Dea.,  402. 
Polly,  4. 

Holmes, ,  289. 

Rev.,  320. 

Holt,  .   164,    167,   175,    204, 

246,  364. 
Rev.,  18,  21,  30,  62,  75,  76,  85, 
167,  240,  363,  371,  393,  400. 
Rev.  Nathan,  246,  385,  386. 
Nicliolas,  385. 
Holten,  Dr.,  217. 
Judge,  216. 

Holyoke, ,  69,  70,  233,  402, 

412. 
Dr.,    59,    120,    148,  149,   247, 
250,  257,  326,  332,  342,  343, 
405,  412,  413. 


Holyoke,  Rev.,  241,  402. 

Betsey,  120. 

Homan,  Homans, ,  158,  198, 

215,  304. 

Capt.  W.,  258. 
Homer, ,  190,  289. 

Rev.  J.,  257. 
Hood,  ,  125,  320. 

Patty,  217. 
Hooper,  ,  48,  93,  104. 

Benjamin,  87. 

Robert,  169,  243. 

S.,  116. 
Hop  poles,  232. 

Hopkins, ,  21,  89,  161,  164, 

166,  176,  236,  24.3,  251,  .341. 

Rev.,  26,  76,  85,  147,  150,  316, 
355,  388. 

Rev.  D.,  314. 

S.,  313. 
Hopkinson,  Judge,  168. 
Hopkintonians,  104,  160,  196. 
Horton, ,  51,  206. 

John,  4,  416. 

Sally,  4,  416. 

Sarah,  209. 
Hosmer, ,  257,  323. 

Capt.,  405. 

Hannah,  269. 

Joseph,  225,  335,  360. 
Hour  glass,  xlii. 
Houses  and  buildings,  101,  109, 
122,  126,  132,   179,  184,  186, 
188,  190,  197,   307-309,  328, 
364,  373. 
Hovey, ,27, 157,  159,  395,404. 

A.,  6. 

Amos,  88,  335,  407. 
Howard,  Rev.,  313. 

Capt.  S.,  310. 

Howe,  How, ,  91,  92. 

Howell,  D.,  310. 

Hoyt,  Hoit,  ,  61,  370. 

Maj.,  48. 

Moses,  200. 

Hubbard, ,  89,  104,  108,  140, 

175,  217,  301,  314. 

Rev.,  137.  216,  304. 

Rev.  p:.,  146. 

Rev.  Ebenezer,  75. 

Hubon,  ,  115. 

Hummingbirds,  186. 
Hunscombs,  James,  11. 

Hunt,  ,  42,  91,  362,  363,  370, 

371,  383. 

M.,  3. 

Mary,  5,  340. 

Polly,  3. 


438 


INDEX 


Hunt,  S.,  257. 

Susannah,  363, 

Huntington,  ,  291,  316,  382, 

388. 

Dr.,  250,  259. 

Rev.,  177,  273. 

Hurd, ,  291. 

Hussey,  Hussy, ,  218,  283. 

Hutcheson, ,  41. 

B.,  121. 

Benjamin,  6,  121,  136,  356. 

Mary,  41. 

Thomas,  11. 
Hutchinson,  Hutchingson, 

Gov.,  146. 

Benjamin,  335. 

Wid.  Mary,  95,  97,  225,  335. 

Shrimpton,  82. 

Thomas,  95,  97. 

W.   3. 

William,  341. 

Ice  in  harbor,  146. 

Igout, ,  396. 

Igout,  see  also  Egout,  Jgout. 
Illegitimacy,  133, 138,  163. 
Incendiary,  239. 
India,  Native  of,  228. 
Indians,  37,  48,  233. 

Ingersoll,    Ingersol,    ,  122, 

125,  131,  180,  237,  364,  376. 

Capt.,  7,  27,  118, 191,  341,  384. 

Ebenezer,  407. 

Elizabeth,  137. 

Hannah,  96. 

Capt.  J.,  263. 

John,  26,  96. 

Jonathan,  77,   219,   231,  232, 
364,  .376. 

S.,  18,  127,  176,  257,  375,  395, 
400. 

Samuel,  11,  27,  50,  62,  96,  107, 
124,  137,  225,258,335. 

Susannah,  407. 
Insanity,  121,  244,  275. 
Intemperance,  167, 175,  217,218, 

244,  247,  248, 255,  2.56,  281,  371. 
Ipswich,  123. 

Ireland, ,  4. 

Ivers,  James,  84. 
Ives, ,  40,  97,  290. 

Capt.,  151,  239,  372. 
'    Wid.,  121. 

Benjamin,  9,  95,  346. 

Charlotte,  121. 

Wid.  Elizabeth,  95. 

Mary,  95,  97. 

Thomas,  40. 


Jack, ,  315. 

Jackson, ,  103,  106, 115,116, 

130,  168,  200,  249,  296,  300, 
314,  370,  392. 

Rev.,  278. 

Charles,  69. 

E.,  40. 

H.,  71. 

Jonathan,  80,  150,  258, 
Jacobs,  D.,  343,  354. 
Jail,  288. 

Jail  at  Concord,  170. 
James, ,  206,  291. 

Dr.,  185. 
James  (negro),  412,  417. 

Jarvis, ,  158. 

Jay, ,  168,  362. 

Jefferson,  President,  xx,  xxi. 

Jeffrey,    Jeffries,    Jeffry,  , 

350,  375,  394,  397. 

Dr.,  17. 

Elizabeth,  206. 

James,  jr.,  225,  335,  388. 

Jude,  396. 

Judith,  216. 

Susannah,  126,  315. 

Walter,  225,  335. 

William,  ^06. 
Jenks,  Jenkes, ,133,256,414. 

J.,  263,  272,  298. 

John,  237. 
Jennison,  ,  346,  347,  348. 

Rev.,  135,  273. 

Samuel,  135. 

Jgout,  ,  3.59,  363,  382. 

Jgout,  see  also  Egout,  Igout. 

Johnson, ,  58,  195,  218,  287, 

307,  309,  388. 

B.,  217,  218. 

Benjamin,  292. 

Capt.  Holden,  142. 
Johonnot,  Col.,  58. 
Jones, 117,  171. 

Capt.,  219. 

Judge,  94. 

Jordy, ,  361,  362,  372. 

Joy,  Joseph,  153,  225,  335. 

Judd, ,  xi. 

Judson,  Jutson, ,  161,  243, 

419. 

Rev.,  108,  177. 

Rev.  Adoniram,  418. 

K.,  M.,  403. 
Katty  (negro),  401. 

Keefe, ,  4. 

Keene,  ,  21,  27,  70,  173. 

Hannah,  399. 


[NDEX 


439 


Keene,  T.,16. 

Thomas,  12,  21,  26,  28,  71,  83, 
102,  225,  320,  325,  335. 
Kehou,  Kaehou,  Kehoe,  Eliza- 
beth, 214. 

Saniuol,  225,  229,  335. 
Keir,  James,  306. 

Kendrick, ,  382. 

Kennebunk,  66. 

Kennedy,  ,  89. 

Kenrick,  ,  152. 

Capt.,  76. 

Kent, ,  116. 

Kentuckey,  137. 

Kettle,  ,  220. 

Kilham, ,  116,  149,  150. 

Daniel,  250,  258. 
Killog,  Kev.,  316. 
Kimball, ,  58,  116,  354,  402. 

Capt.,  12,  17,  18,344. 

Wid.,  26. 

E.,  18. 

Edmund,  12,  122,  124. 

Emme,  102,  123. 

Paul,  346,  347. 

Wid.  Sarah,  12. 

T.,  342. 

King, ,  57,  96,  172,  373,  414, 

415. 

Dr.,  90. 

Wid.,  18,98,414. 

Daniel,  182. 

Elizabeth,  96,  409. 

Hannah,  96. 

J.,  256,  272,  372. 

James,  237,  298. 

Joseph,  12,  88-90. 

Lydia,  2,  12,  90,  225,  274,  335. 

Mary,  96. 

Rebecca,  97. 

Sarah,  90. 

W.,  385. 

William,    2,   6,   12,  26-28,  81, 
96,    97,    158,    225,  335,  372, 
401,  409. 
King's  chapel,  Boston,  xiv. 
Kippis,  Dr.,  51. 
Kite,  254. 
Kitteridge, ,  39,  275. 

Dr.,  120,  121,  241,  242. 

Dr.  Benjamin,  192. 

Sukey,  121. 
Kittery,  64. 
Knapp,  Knap,  ,  4,  236,  364. 

Wid.,  414. 

Anna,  4,  416. 

John,  12,  347. 

Mary,  12,  95,  225,  335. 


Knapp,  Samnel,  401. 

William,  4,  416. 
Kneeland,  Hannah,  217. 
Knight,  Knights,  ,  7,  16. 

Capt.,  16,  43,  139,  296. 

Wid.,  12. 

Capt.  Benjamin,  12,  27,  225, 
313,  335. 

Mary,  401. 

Nathaniel,  12,  95,  97,  347. 

Sarah,  79, 95,  97,  183, 184, 188, 
225,  .335,  403. 
Knowles,  N.,  6. 
Knowlton, ,  5,  157,  245. 

Ab.,  123. 

N.,  6,  114,  121. 

Nathaniel,  12,  77. 
Knox,  Gen.,  146. 

Lacey, ,  26. 

Saitord,  95. 

Wid.  Sarah,  95. 

Lambert,  ,  17,  21,  100,  111, 

119,  126. 

,  jr.,  19,  .360. 

Capt.,  66,  122,  192,  229,  230. 

Capt.,  jr.,  28. 

Wid.,  414. 

Abigail,  114,  122. 

J.,  236,  2.58. 

J.,  jr.,  22. 

J.,  sr.,  18. 

Jonathan,  401. 

Joseph,  63,  191,  225,  237,  335, 
401. 

Capt.  Joseph,  jr.,  12,  27,  50. 

Capt.  Joseph,  sr.,  12,  50. 

M.,  17. 

Margaret,  229. 

Mary,  12,  26,  40,  55,  88,  192, 
225,  235, 335. 

P.,  51. 

Preserved,  229. 

Priscilla,  63. 
Lancaster,  157,  170,  171,  172. 
Landaff,  Bishop  of,  53. 
Lander, ,  5,  57,  205. 

Capt.,  115,  307. 

Wid.,  98,  414. 

Jonathan,  162,  204. 

Joseph,  70. 

Mary,  192,  225,  236,  335. 

Sarah,  205. 
Lane, ,  153,  184,  252,  367. 

M.,  3. 

Mary,  341. 

Nicholas,  30,  87,  225,  231,335. 

Polly,  3,  5. 


440 


INDEX 


Lane,  S.,  3. 

Sally,  3,  5. 

Sarah,  341. 

Lang, ,  32,  37,  72,  88,  188, 

313,  315,  360,  414. 

E.,  272,  298. 

Edw.,  237. 

M.,  257. 

Simon,  272. 

W.,  315. 

William,  43,  193. 
Langdon, ,  21. 

Dr.,  63,  233. 
Languages,  Study  of,  43. 
Larkin, ,  38,  109,  415. 

Wid.  Ab.,  414. 
Lascell,  Lazell, ,  12,  20. 

George,  225,  335. 
Laskin,  A.,  57. 

Ab.,  98. 

Thomas,  346. 
Lathe, ,  30. 

Josh.,  6. 
Lathrop, ,  66,  211. 

Dr.,  41,  44,  45,  133,  187,  194, 
257,  265. 

Rev.,  ix. 
Lathrop,  see  also  Lothrop. 

Latour, ,  72,  277. 

Lauchlin,  Mary,  40. 

Laughlin, ,  12. 

Laughton,  see  Lawton. 
Launching,  256,261,306,369,406. 
Lawrence, ,  414. 

Abel,  2.37,  298. 
Lawton,  Laughton, ,  265. 

Capt.,  271. 
Lazell,  see  Lascell. 
Leach,  Leich, ,  310. 

E.,  24. 

Ebenezer,  6,  119. 

John,  347. 

Wid.  Mary,  225,  335. 

R.,  154. 

S.,  121. 

Samuel,  5,  119,  136. 
Leavitt,  Dr.,  214. 

Rev.,  273. 

Joshua,  27,  28,75. 

T.,  6. 

Le  Croix, ,  85. 

Leddel,  Henry,  84. 

Lee, ,  39,  190,  206,  234,  249, 

268,  302,  359. 

Col.,  303,  305. 

Maj.,  120. 

Hannah,  209,  360. 

Jesse,  386. 


Leechman,  Dr.,  29. 

Lefaveur,  LeFavre, ,  5,  136, 

228,  231,  364,  389,  411. 

Amos,  3,  4,  126,  225,  232,  251, 
335,  364,  416. 

Mrs.  Betsey,  5. 

Elizabeth,  409. 

Leibetter, ,  135. 

LeMoine,  Capt.,  269. 
Leonard,  Dr.  E.,  148. 

Leslie, ,  232,  357. 

Letchmore, ,  395. 

Lexington  (Ky.),  137. 

Libby, ,  65. 

Libel,  349. 

Libraries,  147,  151,  152. 

Curwen's  Library,  136. 

Philosophical    Library,     152, 
159. 

Social  Library,  151. 
Licentiousness,  240,  255,  256. 
Light-houses,  97. 
Lightening,  190,  280,  309. 
Lincoln, ,  121. 

Gen.,  55,  328. 

Levi,  xxxix. 

Lindsey, ,  33. 

Liscombe, ,  49,  216,  375. 

Little, ,  65,  406. 

Dr.,  375,  409-413,  415. 

D.,  363. 

Littlefield, ,  64,  65. 

Livingston,  Rev.,  322. 
Lloyd,  Henry,  84. 

James,  84. 
Lobster  rocks,  380. 
Londonderry  (N.  H.),  72. 

Long, ,  21. 

Long  wharf,  143,  146. 
Longeway,  Jeremiah,  162. 
Longueray,  Joseph,  162. 
Lord, ,  183. 

Abigail,  181. 

William,  180. 
Loring, ,  27,  327. 

Capt.,  273,  325. 

Capt.  Jo.,  243. 

Joseph,  6,  25,  28. 
Lothrop,  Dr.,  42. 

Rev.  310. 
Lothrop,  see  also  Lathrop. 
Lotteries,  157,  189,  231,  236,  237, 

258. 
Louis  (negro),  401. 
Lovett,  Lovitt,  Capt,  ,  167. 

Capt.  John,  353. 

Capt.  John,  3d,  353, 
Lowell,  Judge  ,  2-33,  300. 


INDEX 


441 


Lowell,  John,  1,  150. 
Lufkin,  Mary,  85. 
Lumbering  in  Maine,  65. 
Luscomb,  Lnscombe, ,  210. 

Samuel,  xlii. 
Lyman,  Rev.,  64. 
Lynde, ,  181. 

Judge,  174,  229,  332. 

Wid.,  174. 

Benjamin,  140. 
Lynn,  72,  195,  20.3,  209,  212,  216, 
218,  234,  242,  247,  249,  251, 
255,  280,  282,  283,  242,  314, 
399. 
Lynn  farms,  372. 
Lynnfield,  183,  212. 
Lyon,  ,  251. 

Mably,  Abbe  de,  xxxvii. 
Macclintock,  Macclentock, — — , 
67,  331,  339. 
Dr.,  324. 
Rev.,  322. 

McDaniel, ,  325. 

Mary,  325. 
McDemer,  Mrs.  P.,  6. 
MacDonald,  Mary,  2. 
McGrau,     Macgrau,     McGrew, 
Wid.  E.,  16. 
Wid.  Elisabeth,  11,  226,  336. 
Macgregory,  McGregore,  John, 
11,  16,  33,  100,  226,  336. 

Mackay,    Mackey,     ,     243, 

404. 
D.,  342. 
McKeen,    McKeene,    Mackeen, 

,  37,   72,    89,    175,    178, 

195,  265,  300,  301,  359,  363. 
Rev.,  21,  32,  75,   76,  85,  103, 

216,  363,  404. 
Joseph, 20. 
MacMillon,  Capt.,  210. 
McPherson,  Capt.,  380. 
JIadison,  Bishop,  xx. 

James,  xxi. 
Madras,  Native  of,  228. 
Magazines,  ^Massachusetts,  115. 
Maine,  Separation,  249. 
Malcolm,  David,  225,  336. 
Hannah,  138. 

Maley, ,  249,  250,  259,  274, 

311. 
Capt.,  271,  361. 
Benjamin,  408. 
Elizabeth,  410. 
Lydia,  243,  319,  .3.58,  .361,  372. 
Manchester,  166,  200,  209,  212, 
215,  .359. 


Manning,    ,   123,   229,  236, 

248,  268,  322,  326,  358,  365, 
389. 
Dr.,  310. 
Rev.,  282. 
B.,  jr.,  281. 
E.,  3. 

Elizabeth,  341. 
Jacob,  xli,  12. 
M.,  3. 
Mary,  341. 
R.,  119,  257. 
Richard,    12,    13,  .50,  84,  107, 

157,  193,  336,  382. 
Richard,  jr.,  38,  88,  135,  225, 

328,  336. 
Capt.  Richard,  sr.,  225. 
Samuel,  346,  347. 
Sarah,  221,  229. 
William,  407. 

MansHeld,  ,   210,  248,  251, 

258,  314,  322. 
Rev.,  363. 
Edey,  95. 
Ellis,  62. 
H.,  57,  184. 

Hannah,  13,  95,  97,  98. 
Margaret,  95. 
Mary,  95. 
Paul,  347. 
Susannah,  95. 
Manuel,  Margaret.  311. 
Marblehead,  28,  33,  48,  89,    90, 
108,  124,  130,  131,  1.37,   139, 
140,  145,  146,  148,  1.57,  161, 
188,  195,  212,  251,  281,  287, 
303-305,  314,  360,  361. 
Marblehead  Academy,  137,  367, 

384. 
Marbles,  254. 

March, ,  3-58. 

Mario, ,  326. 

Market  in  Salem,  392,  413. 
Market  prices,  136,  215. 
Marsh,  Elizabeth,  83,  84,  98. 
John,  12. 
Mary,  409. 

Marshall, ,  168. 

Marston,  Mercy,  417, 
Capt.  William,  216. 

Martin,  ,  38. 

David,  336. 
J.,  391. 
Knot,  108. 
Mary,  364. 
Mascoll,  Maskell,  Maskoll,  Han- 
nah, 5,  12,  20,  225,  330. 
John,  95,  .347. 


442 


INDEX 


MascoU,  Joseph,  347. 

Mason, ,  18,  81,  96, 100,  104, 

111,  121,  145,  182,    249,  359, 

370,  372. 

,  jr.,  100. 

Capt.,  89,  101,  167,    220,  314, 

319,  365,  413. 
Elizabeth,   97,  153,   248,  270, 

274,  358,  408. 
Eunice,  96. 
J.,  17,  311,  349. 
J.,  jr.,  18,  281. 
J.,  sr.,  18,  402. 
Jonathan,  28,  43,  75,  95,  97, 

104,  126,  134,  143,  144,  153, 

219,  225,  237,  274,  298,  357, 

358,  372,  376,  408. 
Jonathan,  jr.,  12,  26,  27,  153, 

225,  229,  293,  336,  398. 
Jonathan,  sr.,  12,50,  146,  176, 

244,  335. 
Jonathan,  2d,  97. 
L.,  6. 

Lydia,  60,  78. 
Mary,  408. 
Susannah,  95,  97. 
Thomas,  146,  229,  2-30. 
W.,  115,  252. 
William,  75,  113,  139, 178, 190, 

322. 
Masonry,  see  Freemasonry. 
Massachusetts  Historical  Soci- 
ety, 233. 
Masury,  ,   39,   40,   57,  255, 

260,  417. 
Wid.,  98,  414. 
Ab.,  57,  414. 
Abigail,  13,  63,  98. 
Benjamin,  95,  347. 
Deliverance,  13,  225,  336. 
E.,  38. 
J.,  342. 

James,  13,  225,  336. 
John,  12,  225,  336,  414. 
Jonathan,  413. 
Lydia,  164,  313. 
M.,  57. 

Wid.  Marcy,  260. 
Mary,  98,  414. 
Wid.  Mercy,  225,  336. 
Richard,  12,  50,  109. 
S.,  20. 

Samuel.  12,  25,  40,  226,  336. 
Sarah,  38,  39. 
T.,  20. 
Thomas,  226,  336,  347. 

Mather, ,  42,  93. 

Dr.,  44,  134,  272. 


Mattoon, ,  95. 

Mrs.  Elizabeth  (Meservy),  26. 

Hubartus,  26. 
Maxcy,  Rev.  Jonathan,  310. 
Levi,  2. 

May, ,  271. 

Mayfield,  Lydia,  344. 
Mayhew, ,  123,  282. 

Dr.,  52,  213,  230,  231. 
Medals,  72,  76,  89. 
Medfield,  164. 
Medford,  75,  128. 

Melece, ,  404. 

Mellen,  ,  40,  91. 

Merrimac  river,  199,  242,  350. 
Merrimack,  406. 
Meservey,  Maservey,  Meservy, 
Messervey, ,  49. 

Wid.,  12. 

Wid.  Anne,  226,  336. 

Elizabeth,  26,  95. 

Nanny,  5.3. 

Metcalf, ,  402,  404,  415. 

Meteor,  73. 

Meteorology,  xix. 

Methodists,  185,   234,  268,  280, 

292,  302. 
Methuen,  275. 
Michael  (negro),  353. 
Middleton,  120,  212,  215. 
Military  reviews,  106,  127,  1-30, 
195,  197,  200,  204,  215,  295, 
303,  310,  312. 
Militia,   148,  194,  195,  215,  240, 

243,  293,  303,  310,  312. 
Miller,  Wid.  E.,  18. 

Elizabeth,  220. 
Millett,  Millet, ,  17,  102. 

Benjamin,  4,  416. 

Wid.  E.,  12. 

Elizabeth,  13,  131,  225,  336. 

Jonathan,  12,  202. 

Jonathan,  jr.,  225,  336. 

Jonathan,  sr.,  225,  336. 

Polly,  3. 

Sarah,  2,  22. 

William,  336. 
Milton, ,  326. 

Rev.  Charles  W.,  382. 

M.,  291. 
Milton,  202,  246. 
Minot,  G.  R.,  257. 
Minyer,  Jean  Jacques,  35. 
Mitchell,  Samuel  L.,  xxxix. 
Molasses,  381. 
Molloy, ,  72. 

William,  124. 
Money,  Paper,  99. 


INDEX 


443 


Montague, ,  362. 

William,  87. 
Monville,  Duval  de,  35,  36,  292, 
296. 

Moody, ,  159. 

Moriarty, ,  213,  216. 

Morin,  ,  291. 

Morrill,  Morril, ,  177. 

Rev.,  76. 

Morse, ,  187. 

Morton, ,  269. 

Moses, ,  75,  101,  370,  371. 

Capt.,  28,  40,  75. 

John,  386. 

Joseph,  210,  211,  363,  369. 

Motley,  ,  91. 

Mottey,  Motte,  Moty, ,  354. 

Rev.,  216. 
Mulberry  trees,  373. 

Munro, ,  282. 

Murphy, ,  115,  320. 

Capt.,  192,  311,  312. 

David,  409. 

Murray,    ,  25,   60,   61,  102, 

116,  132,  251,  259,  313,  326, 
864. 

Rev.,  264,  267,  313,  316,  317. 

Wid.,  20,  98. 

Andrew,  110. 

Eliza,  201,  202. 

Wid.  Elizabeth,  102,  225,  336. 

H.,  57. 

Hannah,  12,  18,  95,  97,  98,  414. 

J.,  35,  36. 

John,   85,   87,    107,    111,    112, 
113,  250,  367. 

Jonathan,  95,  97. 

Joseph,  410. 

Lydia,  103,  225,  336. 

Mary,  410. 

Peter,  12,  18,  95,  97,  225,  336. 

Polly,  12,  226,  386. 

Samuel,  19,  78. 

Samuel,  jr.,  12. 
Music,  214,  233,  261,  283,  294. 
Music  in  churches,  418. 
Muskingum,  233. 

Mycall,  ,  61,  103,  200,   201, 

250,  251. 

J.,  209. 
Mystic,  75,  100. 

Nahant,  174,  203. 
Nahant  rock,  284. 
Nail  factory,  278. 
Nantucket  shoals,  354. 
Naugus  Head,  see  Nogg's  Head. 
Nayro,  Mathew,  84, 


Neal, 248. 

Wid.,  228. 

Jonathan,  210. 

Need  ham, ,  28,  246. 

Nesbitt,  ,  158,  186. 

Nesboth,  Nezboth, ,  238. 

Abigail,  214,  282,  235,  286. 

John,  214. 
New  Hampshire,  101. 
New  Holland,  87. 
New  Light  preachers,  160,  176. 
"New  Lights,"  51,  58,  89,   103, 

108,  160,  176. 
New  Mills,  353. 
New  South  Wales,  87. 
New  York  Marine  Society,  152. 
Newbury,  GO,  61,  103,  115,    182, 
253,  259,  285,  291,   382,  406, 
418. 
Newburyport,  60,  139,  200,  389, 

391. 
Newell,' ,  58,  258,  382. 

Jonathan,  184. 

Susannah,  183. 

Newhall, ,  5,  18,  19,  37,  40, 

291. 

D.,  17. 

David,  13.  19. 

Mary,  13,  19. 

Newman, ,  163. 

Nichols,  Nicoll,  ,  209,  248, 

412,  417. 

Rachel,  10. 

Richard,  226,  336,  344. 

Noble, ,  35,  116,  200. 

Nogg's  Head,  130,  193. 
Norris,  ,  61,  88. 

Rev.,  272,  273. 

J.,  139. 

John,  113,  146,  372,  402. 
North,  Maj.,  57. 
North  Carolina,  100. 
North  Reading,  177. 

Northey, ,  188,  231. 

Norton,  ,  61. 

Nourse, ,  83. 

B.,  3,  281,  342,  354. 

Benjamin,  44,  122,   226,   336, 
341. 

Margaret,  406. 

Mary,  95. 

Nathaniel,  96. 

T.,  3. 

Thomas,  341. 
Noyes,  21,  61,  75,  88,  151. 

Capt.,  43,  60,  103,  260,  269. 

Rev.,  273. 

Belcher,  282. 


444 


INDEX 


Nutting, ,  21,  243,  281. 

Dr.,  28. 

Elizabeth  (Picktnan),  21. 

John,  21,  169. 

Obeare, ,  114. 

Occam, ,  34. 

Odell,  Odle, ,  204,  211. 

L.,  262. 

Lydia,  211. 

Samuel,  202,  205,  209,  226. 

Ogden, ,  139,  197,  324,  331, 

339. 

Rev.,  322. 

John  C,  87. 
Ohio,  233,  236,  290. 

Oliver, ,  139,  140,   196,  238, 

299,  .302,  371,  419. 

Dr.   59. 

Judge,  311,  332. 

Rev.,   58,   76,   108,    165,    182, 
249,  289,  313. 

Benjamin  Lynde,  60. 

Rev.  D.,  154,  182. 

Rev.  F.,  258. 

Peter,  332. 

T.  F.,  119,  141,  196,  282. 
Onions,  311. 
Ordinations,  76,  111,    177,   359, 

386. 
Organ  in  church,  264. 

Orne,  ,  117,  125,  183,   413, 

417. 

Capt.,  43,  232,  304,  361. 

Col.,  216,  217,  304,  314. 

Col.,  jr.,  303. 

Col.,  sr,,  304. 

Wid.,  184. 

A.,  118. 

Alice,  62,  63,  174,  246. 

Azor,  160. 

B.,  21. 

Joseph,  27,  146,  152,  159,  258. 

Joshua,  160. 

Capt.  Josiah,  40,  62,  103,  109, 
174,  190,  226,  313. 

Capt.  Josiah,  sr.,  124. 

Lois  (Pickering),  xi. 

Mary,  xi,  146. 

Timothy,  xi,  119,  146. 

W.,  345,  372,  413. 

William,  147,  152,  159. 
Osborne,  Henry,  6,  28. 

Osgood,  ,  121,  196,213,  286, 

289,  290,  312. 

Dr.,  408,  410,  412. 

B.,  342. 

Isaac,  285. 


Osgood,  N.,  342,  354. 

Nathaniel,  13. 
Oxnard, ,  397. 

P., ,  105. 

Rev.,  249. 
Page,  - — ,  193,  327,  414. 

Capt.,  78. 

Lt.  Col.,  195. 

J .    272. 

Col.  Jo.,  237. 

John,  298. 

Samuel,  95. 
Paine,  Pain, ,  32,  306. 

Dr.,  102,  173,  295,   326,  409, 
411. 

Judge,  213. 

William,  ix. 
Death  of,  44. 

Palfrey,  Palfray, ,  4,  26,  33, 

95,  122,  125,  128,   137,   169, 
190,  275,  365. 

Wid.,  401. 

Elizabeth,  409. 

Capt.  Hunlock,  13,  126. 

Jonathan,  29,  226,  401. 

Richard,  401. 

Sarah,  95,  126. 

Thomas,  6,  119. 

W.  L.,  343. 

W.  R.,  343. 

Walter,  226,  363. 

Warwick,  346,  347. 

William,  336. 
Palmer,  Gen.,  42. 

R.,  343. 

Timothy,  418. 
Paper  mills,  202,  246,  279. 
Parbar,  xiii. 
Parish, ,  161,  243,  419. 

Rev.,  363. 

E.,  359. 

U.,  359. 

Parker, ,  34,   139,    140,  228, 

231,  290,  362,  363,  371,  378, 
384,  385. 

Dr.,  196,  263,   320,   405,   408, 
412,  414. 

Bradstreet,  416. 

Broadstreet,  4. 

Henry,  363,  369,  370. 

Samuel,  87,  126,  196. 

Samy,  197. 

William,  410. 
Parnell,  Betsey,  4. 

James,  4. 
Parrot,  Mary,  26,  49. 

Samuel,  14,  71. 


INDEX 


446 


Parsons, ,  61,   88,  89,    118, 

150,  164,  175,  201,   204,  205, 
217,  218,  234,  285.  247,  251, 
252,  258,  267,  307,  413. 
Rev.,  21,  22,  76,  203,  216,  242, 
255,  258,  280,  282,  283,  285, 
314,  820,  822,  399. 
E.,  356. 
Eli,  55. 
Elizabeth,  24,  26,  33,  85,  166, 

169,  175,  289. 
Josiah,  13. 
T.,  24. 

Thomas,  13,  16,   24,   56,    226, 
336. 

Patterson,    Paterson,   ,  36, 

103,  293,  311. 
Capt.,  89,  101,    102,  113,    127, 

167,  264,  269,  365,  405. 
B.,  3. 

Benjamin,  341,  411. 
E.  S.,  3. 
Eliphalet,  411. 
Eliphalet  Smith,  341. 
John,  13. 

Mehitable,  24,  95,  97. 
Capt.  W.,  284. 

Capt.  William,  13,  27,  36,  95, 
97,  226,  336. 
Paving    Essex  Street   (Salem), 
356,  388. 

Payson, ,  141,  276,  282,  314. 

Rev.,  377. 
Rev.  P.,  385. 
Peabody,  Maj.,  148. 

Peale, 4,  313. 

E.,  3. 
M.,  3. 
Mary,  341. 

William,  13,  17,  50,  375. 
Peale,  see  also  Peele. 

Pearce, ,  151. 

Col.,  257,  267. 
Pearce,  see  also  Pierce. 
Pearson,  Maj.,  258,  267. 
Prof.,  28. 
Hannah,  71,  238. 

Pease,  Peese, ,  216. 

B.,  3. 
Robert,  341. 

Peele, ,  5. 

Betsey,  3,  5. 
Elizabeth,  341. 
Hannah,  271,  328. 
Lydia,  4,  416. 
Polly,  3,  5. 
Robert,  336. 
Willard,  310,  382. 


Peele,  William,  4,  12  ,  138,  226, 

270.  336,  416. 
Peele,  see  also  Peale. 
Pelliam,  94. 

Pemberton, ,  322. 

E.,  117. 
Pepperellborough,  65. 

Perkins, ,  247,  295,  363,  365, 

402,  409,  412,  416. 

Maj.,  57,  278. 

Capt.  Joseph,  xxx. 

Thomas,  410. 

William,  117. 
Perry,  Hezekiah,  407. 
Peters, ,  181. 

H.,  272,  273. 

John,  48. 
Petersham,  55. 
Phelps, ,  127. 

Ebenezer,  6,  119,  226. 

J.,  343. 
Pherson,  Maj.,  195. 

C,  113. 
Philadelphia,  141. 

Phillips,  Philips,  ,  121,  242, 

246,  360.  373,  378. 

Judge,  242. 

Betsey,  5,  119. 

Elizabeth,  13,  192,  226,  336. 
Phillips  beach,  378,  388. 
Philpot,  Anne,  95,  97. 

Elizabeth,  13. 

Phippen,  ,  49,   50,   81,   128, 

135,  150,  188,  275,  281,  368, 
377. 

Abigail,  410. 

Anstis,  96,  97. 

Atwater,  22. 

David,  95,  347. 

E.,  150. 

Ebenezer,  13,  21,  95,  97,  226, 
336,  346,  347,  358. 

Elizabeth,  95,  97,  358,  415. 

H.,  6. 

Joshua,  13,  128,  226,  336,  356. 

Margaret,  96,  97. 

Nathaniel,  13,  19,  55,  85,  191, 
226,  336. 

P.,  6. 

Rebecca,  96. 

Robert,  13. 

Ruth,  22,  24,  95. 

S.,  121. 

Sally,  5,  119. 
Phipps,  Gov.,  25. 

Lt.  Gov.,  117. 
Physicians,  238. 
Pickerdeau, ,  393. 


446 


INDEX 


Pickering, ,  400. 

Col.,  380,  383. 

Louis,  xi. 

Mary,  95. 

Sarah,  104. 
Pickering  hill,  130,  135,  148. 

Pickman,   ,    157,    188,   281, 

404,  415. 

Col.,  38,  148,  149,  170,  173, 
17(5,  216,  258,  319,  350,  354, 
355,  357,  372,  373,  402,  411. 

Madam,  38. 

B.,  176,  196,  257. 

Col.  Benjamin,  146. 

Elizabeth,  21. 

Capt.  W.,  350. 
Pickworth,  Mary,  4. 
Picnic  at  Gloucester,  267. 

Pierce, ,  26,  36,  40,  44,  113, 

140,  285,  328,  386. 

Capt.,  37,  49,  51,  180. 

Col.,  196,  359. 

Capt.  D.,  196. 

E.,  18. 

Capt.  Ebenezer,  13,  27. 

Joseph,  4. 

Lydia,  40. 

N.,  376. 
Pierce,  see  also  Pearce. 

Pike, ,  61,  116. 

Pilot,  Salem,  xxx. 
Pinard,  J.  M.,  76. 

Pintard, ,  71. 

Piquedeau, ,  393. 

Pitman, ,  19. 

J.,  343. 

Joshua,  21. 
Placide,  M.,  418. 

Piatt, ,  322. 

Plumb  island,  97,  98. 
Pluramer, ,  323. 

Dr.  Joshua,  289. 
Poems,  Unpublished,  27. 
Police  of  Salem,  209. 
Poor,  147,  245. 
Poorhouse,  Salem,  247. 

Pope, ,  163. 

Porter, ,  125,  154,  197,  242. 

Wid.  Abigail,  41,  226,  336,  413. 

R.,  258. 

Ruth,  77,  78. 

Wid.  Sarah,  95. 

Susannah,  413,  417. 

Thomas,  77. 
Portland,  342. 
Portland  head,  232. 
Portsmouth  (N.  H.),  63,  64, 127. 
Poterie,  Abbe  de  la,  136. 


-,21,161, 


17. 

95,   97,    192, 


Potter, ,  170,  171. 

Poynton,  Wid.,  290. 
Thomas,  290. 

Pratt,  Prat, ,  120. 

Capt.,  17, 27,  44,  120,  124, 176, 

257,  274,  345. 
J.,  275,  293,  376. 
Joseph,  13,   22,   27,   28,    120, 

121,  226. 

Margaret,  120. 

Prelate,  Dr.,  368. 

Prentiss,  Prentice, 

172,  204. 

Rev.,  177,  402. 

Prescott, ,  246. 

W.,  257. 
Presson,  Capt.  A. 
Andrew,  13,  88 

226,  336. 
Joseph, 341. 
Mary,  95,  97. 
Samuel,  87. 
Preston,  Capt.  Andrew,  13. 
J.,  3. 

Joseph,  410. 
Price,  Dr.,  Ill,  185,  214,  363. 

Priestley,  Priestly, ,  313. 

Dr.,  XV,  34,  35,  305,  306,  308, 
309. 
Priestley's  catechism,  68. 

Prince, ,  132,  142,  164,  173, 

175,  195,  246,  251,  286,  293, 
301,341,  343,  351. 
Rev.,  21,  37,  40,  42,  60,  79, 152, 
160,  176,  349,  350,  355,  363, 
388   399 
Henry,  2,  13,  22,  75,  226,  336, 

344. 
Job,  149. 
Rev.  John,  x. 
Richard,  346. 
Richard,  jr.,  347. 
Sarah,  137,  202. 
Printing,  61,  285. 
Printing  office,  200. 

Proctor, ,  194. 

Silvester,  240. 
Thorndike,  6,  256. 
Providence  (R.  I.),  392. 

Provost, ,  168,  299. 

Bp.,  103,  139. 
Publications,  New,  367. 

Pullen,  Pulling,  ,  104,  296, 

350,  355,  369, 414. 
E.,  258,  298,  372. 
Edw.,  237. 
Edward,  84. 
Punchard, ,  316. 


INDEX 


447 


Purchase,  Abraham,  xli. 

Putnam, ,  5,  109,  180,  188, 

195,  318. 

Capt,,  17G. 

Gen.,  180. 

Capt.  B.,  77. 

Ebenezer,  103,  179. 

S.,  202. 
Pynchon, ,  90,  244,  276. 

John,  244. 

William,  119,  244. 

Q.  ,  228. 

Quakers,  282,  369,  373. 
Quarles, ,  178. 

Rev.,  363. 

Francis,  179. 

Radix,  Polly,  401. 
Ram's  Horn  rock,  380. 
Ramsdall,  Sarah,  410. 

William,  401. 
Rand,  Dr.,  194,  383,  407. 
Randolph,  R.,  3. 
Rantoul,  Rantall,  RantoU,  Ran- 
tolph,  Mary,  13,  18,  88,  226, 
337. 

Robert,  341,  408. 

Samuel,  408. 

Rea, ,  417. 

Read,  Reed,  Reid,  ,  75,  92, 

189,  206,  258. 

Capt.,  137. 

Nathan,  141,  206,  375. 

T.,  280. 
Reading,  158,  243. 
Rebeccah  (negro),  95. 
Reeves,  W.,  343. 
Religious  intolerance,  2.53. 
Renew, ,  .57,  239,  316. 

Wid.,  22,  98,  414. 

M.,  22. 

Martha,  22. 

Mary,  14. 

Peggy,  22. 
Renough,  S.  P.,  6. 
Revell,    Ravell,    Revelle,   Han- 
nah, 95,  97. 

John,  95,  97,  226,  336. 
Revere, ,  269. 

Paul,  xxxvii. 
Rhodes, ,  205,  209,  247. 

Elizabeth,  408. 

Rhust, ,  .37,  51,  52,  257,  340. 

Rice, ,  66. 

Rich,  Capt.,  274. 
Richards, ,  :307. 

Rev.  George,  264. 


Richards,  John,  264. 

Jonathan,  192. 

Richardson,  ,  143,  145,  170, 

174,  190,  192,  318,  326,  327, 
365,  395. 

Eunice,  95,  97,  407. 

Israel,  407. 

J.,  2.58. 

Jesse,  407. 

Joseph,  xxxviii. 

N.,  20,  115,  257,  293,  318,  395. 

Nathaniel,  13,  50,  85,  95,  97, 
111,  125,  226,  336. 

Robert,  13,  226,  336. 

S.,  6. 

William.  407. 
Rickets,  254. 

Ridgway,  Ridgeway,    ,    52, 

57,  133,  187,  21 i,   257,    268, 
277,  279,  387. 

Capt.,  30,  38,  41. 

S.,  44-47. 
Ring,  Moses,  357,  358. 

S.   3. 

Seth',  341,  408. 
Ripley, ,  171. 

Rev.,  396. 
Roach,  Roche, ,  214. 

Capt.,  209,  238,  239. 
Roads,  160. 
Robbins,  Rev.,  76. 

Robertson, ,  204,  219,    248, 

404. 

Capt.,  205,  217. 

E.,  2.57. 

Samuel,  146. 
Robinson, ,  252. 

Capt.,  32. 

Betsey,  4. 

E.,  325. 

Rogers, ,  39,  192,  195,  238, 

257,  275,  359,  382. 

Capt.,  26.5,  266. 

Dr.,. 322. 

Rev.,  .322. 

C.,2.57. 

Charles,  267,  360. 

D.,  196,  2.57. 

Daniel,  266,  267,  346. 

John,  267. 

M.,  .363. 

Nathaniel,  226,  275,  336,  386. 

T.  G.,  2.57. 
Rolfe,  Rholf, ,  2.50,  2.52. 

Fortune,  99. 
Roman  Catholics,  133,  161,   102, 

16.5,  182. 
Rootes, ,  181. 


^4^ 


INDEX 


Rootes,  Catherine,  181. 

Josiah,  181. 

Richard, 181. 

Thomas,  180. 
Rope-dancer,  418. 
Ropewalk,  229,  290,  294. 

Ropes, ,  132,  162,  202,  268, 

342,  343. 

Alice,  370,  383. 

Benjamin,  4,  95,  416. 

George,  226,  337. 

Hannah,  4. 

J.,  343. 

John,  341. 

Jonathan,  190. 

Mary,  96,  97,  368. 

N.,  79. 

Nathaniel,  402. 

Ruth  Hardy,  95. 

S.,  257,  293. 

Sally,  4. 

Samuel,  4,  14,  44,  47, 107,  113, 
163,  226,  271,  336,  365,  416. 

Sarah,  341,  416. 

Seeth,  100,  163,  311. 

Susannah,  95. 

Capt.  T.,  372. 

W.,  19. 

William,  4,  13,  63,  96,  97,  118, 
337,  341,  416. 
Ross, ,  14,  19. 

Gen.,  XXX. 

Wid.,  414. 

Hannah,  3. 

Rousselet,  Rouselet,  ,  178, 

188,  192,  194,  252,  268. 
Rowell,  ,  22,  232,  293,  364. 

Capt.,  18. 

B.,  3. 

Hannah,  57. 

J.,  3. 

John,  337,  341. 

Thomas,  14,  18,  101,  226,  230, 
336,  341. 

W.,  3. 

William,  341,  410. 
Rowlandson,  Fev.,  171. 
Rowley,  206,  2&1. 
Rue,  Khue, ,  7,  162, 

Wid.,  414. 

Martha,  14. 

P.   3. 

Philip,  341. 

S.,  3. 

Sally,  3. 

Sarah,  341. 

Thomas,  13,  40,  226,  336. 
Ruggles, ,  278. 


Rush,  Dr.,  294. 

Russell,  Russel,  ,  199,  259, 

370. 

Capt.,  341. 

Thomas,  414. 
Rust,  see  Rhust. 
Rutland,  55,  94. 

S.,  Dr.,  268. 
Saco,  63,  65. 
Safford, ,  26,  276. 

Elizabeth,  95. 

Rachel,  401. 

Thomas,  95,  .347. 
Sage,  Daniel,  227,  337. 

Deborah,  71,  132,  315. 

William,  14,  122,  226,  337. 

St.  Clair, ,  362. 

St.  Peter's  Church,  Salem,  214. 
Salem  Artillery,  59,  70. 

Cadets,  59,  70. 

Census,  222. 

Census  in  1785,  7. 

Census  in  1790,  212. 

Common,  125,  189. 

Duck  manufactory,  202. 

Harbor,  287. 

Harbor  frozen,  343. 

Marine  Society,  xvi,  144,  262, 
270,  276. 

Ministers,  272. 

Neck,  xvii,  xxviii,  xxxiii,  127. 
130,  132,  135,  180,  308,  309. 

Streets  and  lanes,  228. 
Salisbury,  200,  418. 

Saltonstals, ,  198, 

Salvages,  97. 

Sanburne, ,  65,  68,  177,  243. 

Sanders, ,  123. 

Sargent,  see  Sergeant. 
Sarvey, ,  49. 

Anna,  49. 
Saunders, ,  357,  358. 

Capt.,  147,  195. 

Maj.  Jo.,  400. 

John,  355. 

Susannah,  408. 
Saunderson, ,  195. 

Dea.,  402. 
Savage,  Judge,  66. 
Sayward,  Susanna,  14. 
Scales,  William,  146. 
Scammon,  Col.,  66. 

Scattergood,  ,  282. 

School  regulations,  32. 
Schoolmaster,  Letter  to  the,  31. 
Schools,  188,  242,  252,  275,  399. 
Schools,  Instructions  in,  307. 


INDEX 


449 


Scott,  Gen.,  329. 

Seabury, ,  99,  196,  299,  300. 

Bishop,  90,  140,  2GS,  2G9,  313, 
322,  324. 

Searles,  Searle,  Sarle, ,  14, 

57,  125,  127,  132,  1G5. 

Wid.,  98,  414. 

Joseph,  14,  17, 125. 
Sebago  lake,  287. 

Seccombe, ,  191. 

Sergeant, ,  199,  257,  265. 

Capt.,  2G7. 

Rev.,  177. 

Epes,  196. 
Servey,  see  Sarvey. 
Settlement  of  Salem,  179. 

Sewall,   Sewell,   ,  58,   119, 

155,  244,  304. 

Judge,  233. 

P.,  37. 

S.,  28,  257. 

Stephen,  9. 
Seward, ,  14,  19,  133. 

Wid.  Susannah,  337. 
Shallop  cove,  179. 
Shaw, ,  149. 

Rev.,  199. 

S.,  157. 
Shays,  D.,  372. 

Daniel,  55. 
Shay's  Rebellion,  54. 

Shehane,    Sheheen, ,    1G3, 

232,  233,  262,  412. 

Wid.,  414. 

Bethiah,  230,  390. 

D.,  231. 

Daniel,  337. 

Daniel,  jr.,  227. 

Sarah,  233,  271. 

Stephen,  410. 
Sheldon,  Shelden, ,  414. 

Wid.  Peggy,  106. 
Sheldon,  see  also  Skeldon. 
Sheppard,  Gen.,  55. 

Sherman, ,  200. 

Shillaber,  Capt.,  339. 
Ship-building,    202,    231,     260, 

382. 
Ships,  Masters  of  (1786),  27. 
Shipwrecks,  26,  33,  48,  133,  138, 
154,  157,  219,  262,   269,  303, 
339,  343,  347,  355,  356,   358, 
362,  371,  400,  413. 
Shipwreck  of  Capt.  Mason,  26. 
Shipyard,  240. 
Short,  Elizabeth,  95. 
Shropshire  (Eng.),  100. 
Shuttlesworth,  ,  243. 


Sickness,  169,  282,  389. 

Silsbee,  ,   5,    16,    115,    183, 

184,  211,270,274. 

Capt.,  51. 

Abigail,  95. 

Joanna,  95,  97,  274,  405. 

Jolianna,  14. 

Martha,  95,  97. 

N.,  18,  39,  100,  148,  269. 

Nath.,  1,  14,  50,  95,  97,  109. 

Nathaniel,  226,  328,  329,  346, 
347. 

S.,  6,  257. 

Samuel,  14,  50,    95,   97,    122, 
227,  237. 

Samuel,  jr.,  227,  337. 

Samuel,  sr.,  337. 

Sarah,  95,  97,    127,  274,  337, 
405. 
Silver, ,  57,  69. 

Wid.,  98,  414. 

Sarah,  14,  28,  166,  226,  337. 
Silver  cups,  xiv. 
Silver  plate,  147. 
Simonds,  Simons, ,  96,  160. 

J.,  343. 

S.,  343. 
Simons,  see  also  Symonds. 

Simpkins, ,  315. 

Sinclair, ,  212,  216,384,  385. 

Singing  at  the  East  church,  2, 

119. 
Singing   school,    261,  294,    338, 

340,  394. 
Skating,  253. 
Skeldon,  Skelden,  ,  95. 

Wid.  Peggy,  106. 
Skeldon,  see  also  Sheldon. 
Skelton,  Rev.,  272,  273. 
Skerry, ,  180,  831. 

Henry,  329. 

Skillman, ,  19. 

Skinner's  Head,  305. 

Slake, ,  269. 

Slave  trade,  104,  105,  123,    216, 

384-386. 
Slaves,  212. 
Sleds,  253. 

Sleuman, ,  85,  100,  192,  195, 

258,  259,  30G,  400. 

Capt.,  211,  232,  310,  315,  320. 

A.    221. 

Andrew,  14,  221,  226,  337. 

Mary,  221. 
Sloacum,  Ebenezer,  337. 

Sloane, ,  310. 

Small  pox,  187,  191,   389,   390, 
393,  394,  397,  400. 


450 


INDEX 


Smith, ,  21,  27,  28,  43,  57, 

136,  155,  236,  268,  274,  277, 
282,  302,  339,  397. 

Capt.,  381. 

Dr.,  186. 

Rev.,  51,  76,  121,  143,  170,391. 

Wid.,  158. 

C,  5. 

Charles,  6. 

E.,  351,  402. 

Capt.  Edw.,  348. 

G.,  293. 

George,2,  14,  24,226,  337,  369. 

Henry,  84. 

Hezekiah,  198. 

Hugh,  147. 

Rev.  Isaac,  182,  236, 291. 

John,  xxxix,  401. 

Jonathan,  6. 

Joseph,  14,  21,  95,  347. 

Lydia,  70,  235. 

Mercy,  95,  97,  193. 

Rebecca,  14,  227,  337. 

Robert,  14,  125,  226,  337. 

S.,  3,  177. 

Samuel,  49,  193,  226,  235,  236. 

Susannah,  341, 

Wid.  Susey,  14. 

Snelling,  ,   5,   6,   109,    122, 

124,  176. 

J.,  5,  6. 

Jonathan,  31. 

Joseph,  14,  20. 

P.,  6. 

Polly,  5. 

Snow, ,  160. 

Snow-storm,  340. 
Soames,  Capt.,  257,  267. 
Sohier,  Capt.,  44. 

Soley, ,  117. 

Solis,  Abraham,  362. 
Somersworth  (N.  H.),  67. 
Sougue,  Jean  Francois  St.  Ma- 
rie, 263,  269,  276,    281,    310, 
315,  345,  350. 
Sounding  board,  xlii. 

Southward, ,  20,   401,   403, 

412,  417. 

Abigail,  401. 

George,  401. 

Hannah,  401. 

John,  401. 

Jonathan,  14. 

Jonathan  R.,  401. 

Lydia,  401. 

Polly,  401. 

Sally,  401. 

Wid.  Susannah,  226. 


Southward,  William,  401, 

Southwick,  ,  275. 

Spanish  officers,  307. 
Sparhawk,  ,  355. 

Rev.,  273,  355. 
Spaulding, ,  89,  161,341,345, 

Rev.,  85,  355. 

Rev.  Joshua,  58. 
Speculation,  354. 
Spelling  in  schools,  307, 
Spinning,  149. 
Spofford,  Dr.,  38. 
Sports,  253. 
Sprague, ,  172. 

Maj.,  79,  350,  375. 
Sprie,  Capt.,  384. 
Spring, ,64,  89,  160,  243,250. 

Rev.,  108. 
Springfield,  55. 
Stagecoach,  361. 
Stanton, ,  347,  348, 

Rev.,  273. 
Stark,  Dr.,  142. 
Stearns, ,  350. 

Dr.,  40, 

L.,  171. 
Stepney  (Conn,),  73. 

Steuart, ,  380. 

Steuben,  Baron,  57. 
Stevens, ,  156. 

Wid.,  154,  414. 

Bimsley,  211,  241. 

Wid.  Eunice,  14,  18,  95,  97. 

G     2 

Mary,  156,  226,  337. 

Mercy,  95. 

Wid.  Sarah,  14. 

T.,  154. 

Thomas,  14. 

Steward, ,  118. 

Stewart,  see  Steuart. 

Stickney, ,  361, 

Stiles,  Styles, ,  320, 

Dr.,  339. 

Rev,,  310. 

Ezra,  1.35,  289. 

Stillman,    Stileman,   ,   164, 

235. 

Dr.,  205,  282,  388, 
Stivers,  Sarah,  14, 

W.,  257. 
Stocker, ,  138. 

Marshall,  14,  126. 

Martha,  138. 

Mary,  71. 
Stoddard,  Ebed,  14. 

Ebenezer,  227,  337. 

Solomon,  93. 


INDEX 


451 


Stone, ,  51,  81,  210,  301,  395. 

Capt,  10,  71. 

Rev.,  25,  177,  102,  21G,  402. 

Anstis,  05,  07,  407. 

Benjamin,  407. 

Betsey,  407. 

Elizabeth,  05. 

Hannali,  63,  401,  407. 

Nancy,  ti3. 

R.,  18,  220. 

Capt.  Robert,  14,  50,  55,  05, 
97,  103,  220,  337,  340,  347, 
407. 

Sally,  63. 

Sarah,  407. 
Stone  chapel,  Boston,  83. 
Stone  walls,  242. 

Storer, ,  85,  303,385,404,412. 

Storms,  33,  47,  100. 

Story, ,  58,  89, 104,  108,  140, 

175. 

Capt.,  404. 

Rev.,  58, 104,  251,  258,  283,388. 

Rev.  Isaac,  75. 
Stoves,  150. 

Straten, ,  04. 

Striker, ,  316. 

Strong, ,  01. 

Strout, ,  50,  376. 

Capt.,  151,  258,  287,  288. 

Capt.  Joseph,  14,  226,  337. 

Margaret,  101. 
Sudden  death,  191,  313,  380. 
Suicide,  87,  153,  194,  288. 

Sullivan, ,  54,  322. 

Summers,  Robert,  14. 
Sunday  observance,  286. 
Sunday  school,  xxxiii. 
Sunderland,  02. 
Superstition,  238,  263. 
Suttee,  231. 
Swain, ,  132,  167,  363,  367. 

Rev.,  xi,  21,  75,  70,  100,  132, 
106,  200,  240. 

Rev.  Joseph,  376,  377. 
Swallows,  154. 

Swan,  ,   02,    176,   228,   231, 

401,  406. 

Caleb,  4. 

Swanzey, ,  173. 

Swasey,  Swaysey,  Swazey,  Maj., 
304. 

Hannah,  6,  120,  410. 

J.,  3. 

John,  341,  410. 

M.,  3,  57. 

Wid.  Margaret,  05,07,341,401. 

Mary,  98,  410,  414. 


Swasey,  Nabby,  0,  110. 

Tolly,  5. 

Capt.  Samuel,  14,  220,  387. 

Sarah,  05. 
Swett,  Swet, ,  61,  259. 

Dr.,  110,  200,  257. 

Dr.  John  Barnard,  250. 
Symmes,  Kev.,  121,  242,  402. 

Symonds,   ,    201,    257,   305, 

311,  331,410,  414,  415,  417. 

Benjamin,  320. 

Elizabeth,  329. 

James,  320. 

John,  310,  320,  329,  337. 

Joseph,  329. 

Mary,  320. 

Nath.,  417. 

Ruth,  320. 

Sarah,  329. 

Thomas,  329. 
Symonds,  see  also  Simonds. 

Talbot, ,  21, 

Tapley, ,  239. 

Margaret,  346. 

Tappan,  Toppan, ,  104, 116, 

178,  252,  300,  309. 

Rev.,  100,  178. 

Rev.  Benjamin,  100. 

Rev.  David,  286,  418. 
Tarbox,  D.,  217. 

Tasker, ,  139. 

Tavern,  Blue  Anchor,  307. 

Sun,  101. 

Taylor,  Tayleur, ,  100,  300. 

Tea,  381. 
Teague,  Nath.,  3. 

Thomas,  3. 

Tell,  Tiel, ,  414,  417. 

Temperature,  142. 

Tennent, ,  53 . 

Tenney,  see  Tinney. 
Tewkesbury,  25,   117. 
Thanksgiving  day,  413. 
Thatcher,  Thacher, ,  34. 

Rev.,  269. 

George,  00. 

Thayer,  ,  135,  161,  162,  165, 

160,  182,  188,  102,  194,  196, 
216,  232,  252,  268,  292,  299, 
310,  357. 

Brig.,  314. 

Rev.,  177,  178,  315,  318. 

John,  135. 
Theatrical  entertainments,  379, 

381,  384,  418. 
Thieft,  xxxi,  118,  133,  161,  165, 
205,  212,216,228,230,258,290. 


452 


INDEX 


Thomas, ,  59,  115,  142,  200, 

299,  339,  401,  415. 

Capt.,  21,  29,  89. 

Elizabeth,  236,  414. 

Isaiah,  141. 

Capt.  William,  14,  227,  337. 
Thompson, ,  233. 

Wid.  Anne,  227,  337. 

Helena,  281. 
Thorndike, ,  189,  404. 

Col.,  149. 

Israel,  xix. 
Tinker's  island,  33. 

Tinney, ,  364. 

Titcombe,  Titcomb,  Gen.,  106, 
128. 

Maj.  Gen.,  195,  240. 
Titus,  347. 
Titus  (negro),  401. 
Tobacco,  220. 

Tolbert,  Frank  (negro),  404. 
Tong,  Capt.,  66. 
Tontine,  344. 

Toppelin, ,  36. 

Tops,  254. 

Topstield,  63,    76,   89,   90,    125, 
197,  215,  241,  242. 

Torrey, ,  172. 

Touzel,  Tousell,  Towsell,  , 

22. 

John,  22. 
Town-meeting,  151,  2.37. 
Towne,  Joseph,  417. 

Townsend, ,  25,  43,  171,  173, 

188,  192,  401. 

Capt.,  89,  263,  276. 

A.,  6. 

Anna,  5,  95. 

James,  171. 

Joshua,  171. 

Lydia,  85,  211. 

M.,  16,  51,  257. 

Capt.  Moses,  14,  27,  37,  42,60, 
227,  337,  365,  401. 

Nancy,  188. 

Penn,  14,  43,  50,  227,  237,  337. 

Samuel,  227,  337,  401. 

Tozzer,  Touzzer,  Towzer, , 

18,  21,  57,  220,  275. 

Wid.,  173. 

Ab.,  98. 

Wid.  Abia,  227,  337. 

Wid.  Abial,  228. 

Abiel,  14,  414. 

Sarah,  14,  17,  18. 
Tracy,  Tracey, ,116,200,312. 

Adj.,  296. 

D.  A.,  303. 


Tracy,  J.,  195,  250,  299. 

Adj.  Gen.  Jo.,  240. 

John,  249,  296. 

K,  115. 

Nathaniel,  391. 

Patrick,  116. 
Trainings,  see  Military  reviews. 
Trask, ,  41. 

John,  5,  119,  136. 

Treadwell, ,  65,  68,  75,  115, 

157,  166,  200,  249,  251,  350, 
388. 

Rev.,  85. 

J.,  402. 

Dr.  John,  141. 
Treat,  Capt.,  278. 

Lieut.,  57. 
Trecothick,  James,  84. 

Trenck, ,  322. 

Trenton,  141. 

Trevet, ,  48. 

Trisker, ,  139. 

Tucker, ,  235,  257. 

Capt.,  267. 

Dr.,  116,  263,  357,  360. 

Dr.  I.,  257. 
Tufton,  Thomas,  347. 
Turner, ,  127. 

Col.,  176,  347. 
Turtle,  302. 
Twisse, ,  311. 

Jonathan,  227,  337. 
Tyler, ,  220. 

Gideon,  241. 
Tyng,  Dudley  Atkins,  209. 
Tythingman,  240. 

Ulmer,  George,  125. 
Underwood, ,  282. 

Wid.,  414. 

George,  4,  416. 

John,  138,  227,  3-37. 

Sarah,  15,192,227,235,283,  337. 
Union  Fire  Club,  392,  417. 
Unitarianism,   Foundation    of, 

xiv. 
Unitarians,  294. 
Universalists,  271,  353,  367. 
University  of  Virginia,  xx. 
Upton, ,  192,  400. 

Wid.,  25. 

Susannah,  183. 

Valpy,   Valpey,  Valprey, , 

175,  337,  403,  412. 
Abraham,  4. 
Betsey,  4. 
Dorcas,  4. 


INDEX 


453 


Valpy,  Hetty,  375. 

Lydia,  15,  95,  97,  414. 

M.,  57. 

Margaret,  372. 

Mary,  15,  98,  156,  414. 

Richard,  15,  85,  227,  300. 

Richard,  jr.,  227,  337,  40G. 

Richard,  sr.,  15,  3.37. 

S.,  402. 

Samuel,  409,  417. 

Stephen,  4. 

Susannah,  22. 
Van  Diemen's  land,  87. 

Van  Norton, ,  281. 

Vandehook, ,  43. 

Vanderfoot,  Charles,  15. 
Vanderford,  Sarah,  215. 
Vane,  Weather,  126. 
Vans,  ,  09,  193. 

W.,  192,  258. 
Varnum,  Joseph  B.,  xxxix. 
Vassal,  William,  84. 

Vaughan, ,  47. 

Vera  islands,  124. 
Veren,  Dorcas,  181. 

Hilliard,  181. 

Philip,  181. 
Vermont,  75,  99. 

Vernon, ,  38,  81. 

Very, ,  127,  197,  209,  396. 

Capt.  James,  227,  337. 

Jonathan,  346,  347. 

Mary,  95. 

Vincent, ,  100,  122,179,  229, 

364. 

Amb.,  84. 

Anna,  1,  229. 

Mrs.  E.,  6. 

J.,  119,  257,  272,  298. 

Capt.  Jo.,  237. 

Joseph,  6,  15,  43,  50,  119,  227, 
229,  337. 

M.,  6. 

Mathew,  337,  401. 

Patty,  409. 

Sarah,  409. 

Thomas,  418. 
Vining,  Thomas,  .354. 
Virgin  Point,  Salem,  179. 
Virginia,  University  of,  xx, 

W.. ,  366. 

Capt.,  118. 

Gen.,  317. 

King,  126. 

T.,  101. 
Wade, ,  3,  415. 

Col.,  30. 


Wads  worth, ,  132,  164. 

Rev.,  20,  21,  72,  75,  76,  121, 
216,  258,  318,  363,  392,  402. 

Wait,  ,  173. 

Waldo, ,  171,  350. 

Walker, ,  20. 

John,  2,  15. 

Wall,  ,  290. 

Wallack,  Capt.,  271. 
Wallis, ,  30. 

Robert,  6, 

Wallux,  Capt.  ,  271. 

Walpolc,  II.,  153. 
Walter, ,  197,  362. 

Dr.,  190,203,229,  320,  357,  362. 

Dr.  Lynde,  190. 

Ward, ,  2,  27,  43,  49,  51,  100, 

107,132,133.136,140,151,  194, 
209,  264,  268,  269,  283,  284, 
326,  328,  354. 

Capt.  19,  49,  106,  345. 

Andover,  119. 

Andrew,  5,  119,  1.36,  325,  408. 

B.,  127,  193,  231,  257,  343,357, 
402. 

Benjamin,  15,  42.  50,  96,  97, 
113,  125,  120,  237,  346.  347. 

Benjamin,  jr.,  24,  78,  227,  338. 

Benjamin,  sr.,  342. 

E.,  21. 

Capt.  E.  B.,  343. 

Ebenezer,  96,  97,  111,  11.3. 

Elizabeth,  401. 

G.,  6. 

Hannah,  409. 

J..  132,  308. 

John,  15,  132,  401. 

Joseph,  152. 

Joshua,  77,  109,  123,  131,  247, 
328,  .350. 

M.,  .343. 

Wid.  Mary,  227,  .338. 

Miles,  127,  131,  346,  347. 

Molly,  132. 

R.,  132,  151,  358. 

Rachel,  15,  96,  97. 

Richard,  131. 

S.,  151. 

S.  C,  120. 

Samuel,  79,  80,  90. 

Warden, ,  289. 

Wardilloe,  ,  95. 

Warner,  Maj.  Gen.,  94. 

Elizabeth,  235. 

Warrall, ,  309. 

Warren, ,  .57,  404. 

Dr.,  232,  407. 

Gen.,  57. 


454 


INDEX 


Warren,  Prof.,  30. 
Wid.,  376. 
Benjamin,  4.3. 
Washington,  Madam,  .322. 
George,  xxix, 129-131, 143, 1.57, 
158,183,  219,  320,  322, 362, 
381. 
Etching  of,  219. 
Visit,  1789,  128. 
P.,  168. 
Washington  (D.  C),  xxx. 

Waters, ,  72,73,216,316,317. 

Capt.,  33,  43,  73,  94,  20.3,  36-5. 

Alice  G.,  xxxvii. 

Ester,  4,  416. 

George,  124. 

Capt.  J.,  18,  385. 

John,  329. 

Capt.  Joseph,  15,  21,27,96,98, 

227,  .3.38. 
Joseph  G.,  ix,  xli. 
Martha,  416. 
Mary,  15,  21,  50,  71,  114,  125, 

126,  227,  338,  416. 
Patty,  4. 
Polly,  4,  5. 

Samuel,  124,  331,  338. 
Watertown,  158,  246,  279. 
Watkins,  Lydia,  96. 
Samuel,  96. 

Watson, ,  19,  31,  50,186,198, 

257,  275,  294,  298,  302,  344, 
364,  395,  397,  402. 
Wid.,  184. 
A.,  127,  183,  190. 
Ab.,  18. 

Abigail,  96,  97,  407. 
Abraham,  15,  50,  95,  97,  107, 

124,  183,  346,  347,  407. 
Elizabeth,  96,  97. 
J.,  24. 

John,  15,  18,  24,  50,96,  97, 125, 
184,  227,  325,  338,  346,  347, 
401,  404,  407. 
Marston,  360. 
Waxworks,  265. 
Weather,  148. 
Weathercock,  126. 
Weather,  Mild  winter,  330,  332. 
Weaving,  143. 

Webb, ,  15,5.5,  57,81,96,100, 

101,  109,  122,  132,  174,  176, 
182,  194,  307,  308,  316,  365, 
400,  402,  410. 
Capt.,  20,  184,  308. 
Wid.,  8,5,  98,  414. 
B.,  290. 
Benjamin,  15,  177,  388. 


Webb,  Capt.Benjamin,  3d,  227, 
338. 

Deborah,  410. 

n.,  6. 

Hannah,  5, 15,  50, 97,  100, 118, 
132,  1.56,  227,  260,  306,  337, 
338,  353. 

J.,  343. 

John,  227,  338,  353,  388. 

Jonathan,  6,  119,  346,  353. 

Joseph,  410. 

Mary,  220. 

Micah,  109,  158,  164,  175,  176, 
182,  353. 

N.  C.,102. 

Oliver,  15,  102,  227,  3.38. 

P.,  121. 

Priscilla,  6,  85,  96,  120,  408. 

Sally,  85. 

Samuel,  27,  101,  169. 

Stephen,  15,  50,  227,  3.38,  401, 
410. 

Thomas,  4. 

William,  338,  388. 
Webber, ,  57,  125,  362. 

Elizabeth,  276. 

Webster,  ,  40,  167. 

Wedding,  286. 

Welch, Welsh, ,  36,  138,  248, 

389. 
Welcome, ,  27,  66,  122,  364. 

Wid.  Elizabeth,  227,  338. 

Priscilla,  410. 

T.,2d,  18. 

Thomas,  15,  24. 

Wells, ,  67. 

Wells,  64. 

Welman,  Wellman, ,  16,  36, 

53,113,  258,401,411,  412,419. 

Capt.,  89,  383. 

Wid.,  15,20. 

Capt.  Adam,  15,  27,  29,48,49, 
51,  166,  401. 

Judith,  407,  413,  417. 

Margaret,  409. 

Mary,  38,  49,  53. 

Mercy,  49,  50,  53,  97, 156,  227, 
338. 

S.,  154. 

Samuel,  53. 

Sarah,  85. 

Capt.  T.,  197. 

Timothy,  4,  15,  17,  27,  28,  50, 
72,  227,  341,  364,  416,  419. 

Capt.  Timothy,  jr.,  338. 

Capt.  Timothy,  sr.,  338. 
Wem  (England),  xv,  100. 
Wenham,  212,  301,  367,  376,  377 


INDEX 


455 


Wesley,  John,  268. 

West,   ,   38,   100,    111,  179, 

415. 
Capt.,  91,  149,  176,  311,  319. 
Kev.,  25. 

Capt.  «.,  244,  284. 
N.,  131,  108,  176. 
Nathaniel,  107,  109,  179,  206, 

227. 
Sukey,  73. 
Capt.  Tliomas,  375. 
Westminister  catechism,  xv. 
Wetmore,  AVilliam,  119. 
Wharves,  128,  131,  140, 143,  146. 
148,  151,  240. 

Wheat, ,  113. 

Wheeler, ,55,87,139,196,262. 

Adam,  55. 

Wheelwright,  Wheelright, , 

118,  252. 

Whitaker, ,  230,  231. 

Dr.,  34,  35,  176,  178,  213,  311, 

313,  314.  327,  355. 
Rev.,  272,  273. 

White, ,  111,  117,  188,  255, 

260,  316,  326,  328,  364,  396, 
415. 
Bishop,  125. 
Capt.,  19,  22,  48,  81,  204,  274, 

406. 
Wid.,  414. 
Deborah,  407. 
Elizabeth,  26. 
H.,  18,  59,  159,  257,  287. 
Capt.  Henry,  1,  15,  27,  62,  72, 

227,  338. 
Isaac,  15,  26,  80,  126,  133, 189, 

227,  248,  338,  407. 
Isaac,  jr.,  277. 
Isaac,  ST.,  133. 
J.,  309,  372,  395. 
Capt.  Jo.,  82,  123,  239. 
John,  15,  50,  51,  96,  97,    100, 
109,  118,  127,  138,  177,  204, 
227,  257,  338,  346,  347,  353, 
357,  400. 
Capt.  Joseph,  9,    15,    19,    50, 
51,  77,  79,  96,  100,  159,  193, 
216,  220,  227,  338,  341,  382, 
395,  407. 
Js.,  jr.,  257. 
Js.,  sr.,  257. 
Capt.  M.,  16. 
Margaret,  43,  96,  97,  192. 
Mercy,  15,  240,  246. 
Nathan,  407. 
Polly,  174. 
White  mountains,  216. 


Whitcfield,  Rev.  George,  53,61, 
251,  382. 

Whitefoot,    Whitfoot,  ,  18, 

19,  220. 
Bridget,  220. 
M.,  57,  228. 
Mary,  98,  220,  221. 

Whitford, ,  135,  307. 

Wid.,  15,  20,  414. 
John,  96. 

Mary,  19,  96,  97,  125,  126, 227, 
338. 

WJiiting, ,  172,  392. 

Rev.,  171. 

Whittemore, ,  38. 

Edmund,  15,   24,   25,   27,   29, 

96,  175,  346,  347. 
James,  338,  410. 
Mary,  187,  188,  191,  192,   227, 

3:58. 
Polly,  186,  192. 
Capt.  Retire,  227,  338. 
S.,  3. 
Sarah,  96,  341. 

Whitwell. ,  161. 

Wilder, ,  173. 

Wilds, ,  89,  242. 

Wilkins,  Dr  ,  220. 

Willard, ,  149. 

Dr.,  31,  141,  385. 
Josiah,  xli,  346. 
Simon,  346. 

Williams, ,  82,  92,  93,  186, 

252,  279,  281,  349,  359. 
Rev.,  272,  273. 
Charles,  84. 
F.,  326. 
G.,  308. 
George,  146. 
J.,  92. 
John,  96. 
Mary,  15,  96. 
Mascoll,  354. 
S.,  220. 

Thomas,  227,  338. 
Williamston,  157. 
Willis,  Nanny,  51. 
Wilmington,  205,  213. 

Wilson,  Willson, ,  181. 

John,  180. 
Windmill,  243. 
Windsor  (Vt.),  2. 
Wingate,  Rev.,  29. 
Winn,  P:.,  221. 
John,  221. 
Josepli,  221. 
Mary,  221. 
S.,  221. 


456 


INDEX 


"Winter  island,  127. 
Winter  Island  wharf,  240. 

Winthrop, ,  48,  71,   73,  79, 

99,  101,  12.5,    129,  155,    173, 
185,  187,  232,  233,  247,  323, 
383,  394,  396,  397. 
Dr.,  158,  184. 
Gov.,  187,  193. 
Judge,  xvii,  257,  263,277,278, 

300,  382. 
James,  xxxix,  31,  38,  249. 
John,  38. 
W.,  279. 

William,  185,  2.57. 
Wood,  Col.,  236. 
Wood  End,  North  Reading,  177. 
Woodberry's  Head,  159. 

Woodbridge, ,  77,  122,  127, 

151,  160. 
Woodkin,     Woodkind,     Wood- 
kins,  Lydia,  410. 
Samuel,  15,  28,  227,  232,  234, 
338. 
Woods, ,  24. 


Woods,  Abigail,  22. 
Worcester,  xxv,  40,  55. 

Wright,  ,  219,  265,  313. 

Wyatt,  Wiat,   Wiatt, ,  117, 

204,  410. 

Capt.,  406,412. 

Anna,  117. 

J.,  346. 

John,  96,  347. 

M.,  346. 

N.,  6. 

Nancy,  163. 

Capt.  William,  15,227,338,410. 

Yale  College,  127. 

Youlin, ,  98. 

Young, ,  137,  323,389. 

M.,  57. 

Wid.  Margaret,  97, 138. 

Wid.  Martha,  96. 

Mary,  98,  414. 

Zebra,  372. 


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