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To My Mother
PREFACE
It is greatly to be deplored that o«r forefathers did not foresee otjr desire to know how their Christmases were spent» Interesting would be the tales they could have told had they not been too busy with their festivities to think of recording them* But we must content ourselves with a few old diaries and meagre letters treas- ured in libraries and historical societies, or owned privately by the writer^s descendants. -^
The New England material consists very largely of Puritan protests against celebrations, which sometimes afford us tantalizing hints of the nature of the occasions* Virginia and the South are particularly bald of accounts* The few diaries from these sections
:m;^
that are extant are significantly silent when the holidays begin, and we can infer that the old cavaliers had time for pleasure only, daring that joyous period* And some of them, doubt- less, consumed more spiced wassail than was reconcilable with holding a pen*
The bitterness of Puritan hatred of Christmas celebration is difficult for us to conceive in this day* A lively picture of the Puritan point of view of the Christmas festivities of the olden time is afforded us by Stubbes in his **Anatomie of Abuses in England,*^ and by Prynne in his **Histrio- Mastix/' The merrymakings of that day were doubtless carried very much to excess* That this is Stubbes^s opinion is vouched for by his con- demnation of the participants as
"hell-hounds** in his bitter tirade against their **DeviIIe*s datince** of merriment* Prynne said that Christ- mas ought to be ** rather a day of mottrning than of rejoicing,** and not a time to be spent in ** amorotis mixt, voItiptttOttSt unchristian, that I say not pagan, dancing, to God*s, to Christ's dishonour, reIigion*s scandal, chastitie*s shipwracke and sinne*s ad- vantage.**
Such was the attitude of our Pil- grim Fathers toward holiday celebra- tion. The first Christmas at Plymouth was spent in huilding a house for the wanderers, and we are told that ** no man rested all that day/* But our hearts go out to the kindly master of the ship, who marked the occasion by causing them to **have some Beere/*
iii^
,*!^?!^:/?^
Btit time brings change, and even though the mifls of the Puritan Gods ground particularly slow, we find mention in the diary of William Pynchon of a dance in the holiday season of 1783 at Endicot's, in Salem, descendants of austere John Endicot who cut down the Maypole at Ma-re Mount. Picture the indignation of the stern old Puritan, could he have foreseen this radical departure from the old standards! And even at this late date the elders shake their heads with: **What are we coming to?'* The diarist himself seems to feel that they are becoming a bit reck- less in their dissipation, for he records a goodly array of dances with notice- able care; and is there not a trace of sly amusement in his remarking the dance at Brother Goodale's?
Contents
CHRISTMAS
The First Christmas Days at Plymouth, J620-2 J —Bradford and Mourt Christmas in Virginia with Captain John Smith .... Pastimes in Virginia in J609- JO — Henry Spelman Christmas Mentioned in Old New Amsterdam Records, J654 Christmas in Boston, 1685, J697 and 1722— Samuel Sewall Holiday Time in New York, J745 and J747— Elisha Parker Thanksgiving the Puritan Substitute for Christmas, J750— Capt. Francis
Goelet .......■•••
The Christmas Holidays of a Puritan Girl, J77J— Anna Green Winslow Christmas in New York in 1773 .......
A Notable Christmas with Washington, J776 ....
A Quiet Christmas with Washington in New York
A Christmas Eve Dinner with Washington in Philadelphia, 1795 — The
ophilus Bradbury .........
Christmas with Washington at Mt. Vernon, J799 — Mrs, Gushing The Christmas Season in Philadelphia, 1767-87 — Jacob Hiltzheimer Christmas in Salem, 1780-87 — William Pynchon Christmas at Valley Forge, 1777 — Dr. Albigence Waldo
PAGE i
2 3 4 5 8
9
10 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21
NEW YEARNS DAY
New Year's Day in Colonial Times — Marquis de Chastellux
New Year's Day, t790 — George Washington
New Year's Day in Boston, 1723— Samuel Sewall
New Year's Day in Philadelphia, J767 —Jacob Hiltzheimer .
23 25 26 27
xii CONTENTS
PAGE
A Festive New Year's in Salem, 1783 — William Pynchon ^ . . . 28
ST^ VALENTINE^S DAY
A Curious St. Valentine's Custom — The Connoissearf 1754 .... 29
Valentine's Day, 1772 — Anna Green Winslow 30
Madame Pepys' Valentine — Pepys* Diary, 1667 31
Valentine's Day in Philadelphia, 1667 — Jacob Hiltzheimer .... 32
EASTER
Easter, J 688 — Samuel Sewall 33
Easter in Boston, 1772 — Anna Green Winslow 33
ALL FOOLS* DAY
Verse From Poor Robin's Almanack, 1760 34
All Fools' Day in Boston, 1772 — Anna Green Winslow .... 34
MAY DAY
May Day Celebration at Ma-re Mount, 1628 — Gov. Bradford ... 35
May Day at Ma-re Mount, 1628 — Thomas Morton 36
An Amusing May-day Incident — Alice Morse Earle, in Stage Coach and
Tavern 'Days 39
INDEPENDENCE DAY
Independence Day with Washington, 1790 — Washington's Diary ... 40
Independence Day in Philadelphia, 1 78 1, J 783 and J 786 — Jacob Hiltzheimer 41
A Curious Ode to Independence Day 42
THE ROYAL BIRTHDAYS
A Celebration of the Queen's Birthday in Boston, 1714 — Samuel Sewall . 44
Celebration of Royal Birthdays in New York, 1734-6 45
CONTENTS xiii
PAGE The King's Birthday in Boston, 1750 — Capt. Francis Goelet ... 47
A ^'Turtle Frolick*' in Boston, 1750 — Capt. Francis Goelet .... 48
St. Andrew's Day in Virginia, 1737 — From the Virginia Gazette ... 49
Election Day, I8I7 51
THANKSGIVING DAY
The First Thanksgiving Held in North America, 1578 52
A Thanksgiving at Sagadahoc in 1607 ........ 53
Thanksgiving at Plymouth, 1 62 J — Gov. Bradford, Thomas Morton and
Edward Winslow ........... 54
The Fast and Thanksgiving of 1623 — Gov. Bradford and Edward Winslow . 57 A Thanksgiving with Anna Green "Winslow, 1 77 1 . . . . .59
A New England Thanksgiving Dinner, J 779 — Juliana Stnith ... 62
Thanksgiving at Valley Forge, 1778 — George "Washington .... 66
Thanksgiving in New York — George Washington ..... 68
A Thanksgiving at Scituate Church, 1636 ....... 69
The Thanksgiving Law, 1636 ......... 70
The First Thanksgiving Proclamation in Early New York Records, 1645 . 71
Thanksgiving in Boston in 1685 and 1688 — Samuel Sewall .... 72
L^
"i«^*"n«?«.r»»ea mxm an uicn Mjm a silver riiju.
^ms rep eleriaiii wid used ^ornamw^ onJv.Ldie 1*7 "^ dishe^ were pkaxl all an)uiKl,atKl ilicm wa5 an el- V >
».|j.iinsAavarH> (i Mine* ipunck - ,,
,^ atter ttve candlej v,-ere introducwJ. «
^ere were aixxii tvenj*- gue^b in all • •
! J5^ were MalW on fcrlouror »i? men Jervani^
i. ^ -^'
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Colonial Holidays
The First Christinas Days at Plymouth
Plymouth, 1620
**The 25th day began to erect the first howse for common tise to receive them and their goods*^ — Gov* Bradford. ** Monday, the 25th day, we went on shore, some to fell tymber, some to saw, some to rive, and some to carry; so no man rested all that day* * * * Mon- day the 25th being Christmas day, we began to drinke water aboord, hut at night the master caused vs to have some Beere'^ — c^ourt*
Plymouth, 1621
I shall remember one passage more, rather of mirth than of waight. One the day called Chrismasday, the Gov caled them out to worke, (as was used,) but the most of this new-company excused them selves and said it wente against their consciences to work on that day. So the Gov tould them that if they made it a mater of conscience, he would spare them till they were better informed. So he led-away the rest and left them; but when they came home at noone from their worke, he found them in the streete at play, openly; some pitching the barr and some at stoole-ball, and shuch like sports* So he went to them, and tooke away their implements, and tould them that was against his conscience, that they should play and others worke. If they made the keeping of it mater of devotion, let them kepe their houses, but ther should be no gameing or revelling in the streets. Since which time nothing hath been attempted that way, at least openly. Go1>. Bradford*
An Eeurly Account of a Virginia Christmas with an Expedition
of Capt. John Smith
"The extreamc winde, rayne, frost and snow caused as to keepe Giristmas among the salvages where we were never more merry, nor fed on more plenty of good Oysters, Fish, Flesh, Wilde fowl and good bread, nor never had better fires in England*
\ he extreame winde, rayne. frost ~ and snow ce^useq us to keepe
C
we were
(Sontempora
, *^^W| Ken they meet at feasi -.y^-r^wise ihey vse ^prorts
olonv at the k.^
ptainJohnJmitn y^^
trvas among Qie salvages where ^S>k\Mll _ ire never more merry, nor ted ^^»l^m on more plentypf good Oysters. 1 isk M^Bfi|^ lesh, Wilde fowl and good bread.^J^PSSK' nor never had better^ fires m England? )j|^^^^* ^ '^ " ^ ^ account "^'(mf^^S
sorottier- iffv^^^/vm;
_,. ._^ ^ much like ^^1 ;]V0
j ours heare in England as ther daunsir^e; JS^^^j^J?/ which is like our darbysher Hornepipe , a man first and uien a woman, and \so throuan them all, hanging all in a rouncl? ther is one which stand in the midost with a pipe and a rattell with which w^hen he heginns to make a noyes dl the rest Gigetts about wriihge ther neckes and itanipinge on >^ dround.^ "X- X^ / vse beside football ,plax. -,=««., s.ich wemen and young Boyes doe much play at.The menneuer. Ihey ^\ make iher Uooles as ours oiwire^ J^ ;neuer fight nor pull one another downa |i^ ■ he men play withalitle balle lettingeit J' fallout of ther hand and striketh it f^^>:;i^ with the tope of his foot, and he that can PNjIjrj^A'i strike the ball furthest winns what |d«f3|)B they play for? 'X enxx P^Cmanj€^(^)^^ml^^^^
^a^
Pastimes in Virginia in 1609-10
When they meet at feats or otherwise they vse sprots mach like o«rs heare in England as ther daansinge, which is like our darbysher Hornepipe a man first and then a woman, and so through them all, hanging all in a rottnd, ther is one which stand in the midest with a pipe and a rattell with which when he beginns to make a noyes all the rest Gigetts abottt wriinge ther neckes and stampinge on ye ground*
They vsc beside football play, which wemen and young boyes
doe much play at* The men netter. They make ther Gooles as
ottrs only they netier fight nor ptill one another downe* The men
play with a little balle lettinge it fall otit of ther hand and striketh
it with the tope of his foot, and he that can strike the ball farthest
winns what they play for*
Henry Spelmarif 1613* (?)
Old New Amsterdam Records
**Dec« t4f 1654. As the winter and the holidays are at hand, there shall be no more ordinary meetings of this board (the city corporation) between this date and three weeks after Christmas. The cotirt messenger is ordered not to summon any one in the meantime.*'
fsmmmmmmmammm
e^l^oloniaf^CCe.
Christmas in Boston, 1685, 1697, and 1722
(From the Diary of Samuel Sewall) Boston
Dec* 25, 1685. Carts come to town and shops open as usual* Some somehow observe the day, but are vexed. I believe that the Body of people profane it, and blessed be God no authority yet to compel them to keep it*
Dec. 28 — Cous. Fissenden here, Saith he came for Skins last Friday, and was less Christmas-keeping than last year, fewer Shops Shut up.
Seventh-day, Decemb"" 25 — J 697. Snowy day: Shops are open and sleds come to Town with Wood and Fagots as formerly, save what abatement may be allowed on account of the wether. This morning we read in course the J 4, 15, and 16*^ Psalms. From the 4*^ V. of the 16*^ Ps — I took occasion to dehort mine from Christmas- keeping, and charged them to forbear. * * Joseph tells me that though most of the Boys went to the Church yet he went not.
Dec*" 19 — 1722 — His Excellency took me aside to Southeast Window of the Council Chamber, to speak to me about adjourning the Gen I Court to Monday next because of Christmas. I told his Excellency I would consider of it.
Dec" 20 — I invited Dr. Mather to Dine with me, not knowing that he preach'd. After Diner I consulted with him about the Adjournment of the Court. We agreed, that 'twould be expedient to take a vote of the Council and Representatives for it.
Friday, Dec 21. P. M. The Gov took me to the window again looking Eastward, next Mrs. Phillips's and spake to me again about
6 COLONIAL HOLIDAYS
adjotjming the Court next Wednesday* I spake against it; and propounded that the Gov"^ wottid take a Vote for it; that he would hold the Balance even between the Church and us* His Excellency went to the Board again^ and said much for this adjourning; All kept Christmas but we; I suggested K* James the First to Mr* Dudley, how he boasted what a pure church he had; and they did not keep Yule nor Pasch* Mr* Dudley ask*d if the Scots kept Christmas. His Excellency protested he believed they did not* Gov said they adjourned for the Commencement and Artillery* But then tis by Agreement* CoL Taylor spake so loud and boisterously for Adjourn- ing, that 'twas hard for any to put in a word; Col* Townsend seconded me, and Col* Partridge; because this would prolong the Sessions* Mr* Davenport stood up and gave it as his opinion, that 'twould not be Convenient for the Gov"^ to be present in Court that day; and therefore was for Adjourning* But the Gov is often absent; and yet the Council and Representatives go on* Now the Gov has told us, that he would go away for a week; and then returned, and if he liked what we had done. He would Consent to it* Gov men- tioned how it would appear to have Votes passed on Dec 25* But his Excellency need not have been present nor signed any Bill that day* I said the Dissenters came a great way for their Liberties and now the Church had theirs, yet they could not be contented, except they might tread all others down. Gov said he was of the Church of England. I told Mr* Belcher of his Letter to me* He answered, He thought he had been a Dissenter then. Gov hinted that he must be free on Monday because of the Communion the next day.
Satterday Dec 22 — about a quarter of an hour before 12. the GoV^ adjourned the Court to Wednesday morn 10* a-clock, and sent Mr. Secretary into the House of Deputies to do it there.
N. .rY)rk.i745.^l7f.| ,:"^"^..ane to New York !
where 1 spent the
winter; lodged at ^^^^
Mns.Vkigelderjj; spent \ >
dfleWmy timeiit r i-*
t Alejcariderji in the dav
Flaw and business at ;)j»». ,
night; * at Ivlorrisania ^\ / ^ ^
, wm/mmmmBBrnm' ^^^^ aepmter; in ;||k
/ December myljfaiidmother dyed; in v^ , i|^,
' hoUdayi lie cocksTought;xoung as^mbly ;^«»«
/i in 5roadway;many entertainments by the ,^
I parents of the young ladies, dii^ same y
♦ the winter before. Mn. aker _%tosh. . •/ ^ , /
♦5 -reton o£ficer5,Harrison; weltth aKes ,^^ ^ ;
' some time Jiebeginmng of the winter. 17 r> J' — luchfrolickirigthis wintenatfirst not ^; [acquainted with any.ot thedticers. v^^ ' ivirt r loiinston intimate; introduced to ^
iiacauainieu wuii tjjijy.^i njv.^»njv» OavidcJohnston intimate; introduced to 'einigotintimatewith oband lyr- " ,Cards:di\eniom;Tnorx^f!iTK^sptuU .withLadies;fewhDUcksatthelr ' liomes;*our Jaunt toi ^n*^ ankinaslay; dined at < J. Bass's with L.adie!J: young ^ksscriibly: askidaLsiTto
hl^J:
■'V2
""^^'fessSff.'
'H^i.^1 «>>,»,
Twelfth - Cake
CHRISTMAS IN BOSTON, 1685, 1697, AND 1722 7
Ttics. Dec 25» I chose to stay at home and not go to the Roxbtiry Lecture^ Visited my old friend and Carpenter, Peter Weare, and found him gon to h — (eaven!). The Shops were open, and Carts came to Town with Wood, Hoop-poles, Hay &c» as at other Times: Being a pleasant day, the street was fifled with Carts and Horses*
Holiday Time in New York, 1745 and 1747
**Cainc to New York where I spent the winter; lodged at Mrs Vangelder's; spent chief of my time at Mr* Alexander's in the day; law and business at night; continued as we had done the winter before at mathematics with his son. At Morrisania with J. Depey- ster; in December my Grandmother dyed; in ye holidays the cock*s fottght* Young assembly in Broadway; many entertainments by the parents of the yoting ladies, I think same the winter before. Mrs Baker Mcintosh, C* Breton officers, Harrison; Twelfth Cakes some time the beginning of the winter* (J 745)
Much frolicking this winter; at first not acquainted with any of the officers; David Johnston intimate; introduced to *em; got intimate with Rob and Tyr * * Cards; diversions; more time spent with Ladies; few frolicks at their homes; * * frolick at Mrs John- stons; * * our jaunt to Morrisania in a slay; dined at J. Bass's with Ladies; young Assembly; asked also to the Old** {MAI)
Diary of Elisfia Parker*
Thanksgiving the Puritan Substitute for Christmas
Boston Novemb"^ Jst J 750* This Being a General Thanks-
givemg day, was Strictly Observed heere and more so by the Pres-
byterianSt its Call^ their ChristmaSt and is the Greatest Holyday
they have in the Year and is Observed more Strict than Stinday.
"Went to Meeting with Capt. Wendell and Family and where Dynd
with a Large Compv Gent" and Ladies and where very Merry had
a Good deal Chat and Spent the Evening at Mr. Jacob "Wendells
with a Large Company Stip'd Drank a Number Bumpers and Sung
Our Songs &c till morn^g*
Journal of Capt* Francis Goetet.
The Christmas Holidays of a Puritan Girl
(Being extracts from the diary of Anna Green "Winslow)
Boston, Dec. 14th, 1771.
The weather and walking have been very winter like since the above hotch-potch, pothooks & trammels* I went to Mrs, "Whitwells last wednessday, — yott tattght me to spell the 4 day of the week, but my attnt says that it should be spelt Wednesday, My atint also sayst that till I come otit of an agregiotis fit of latighterre that is apt to seize me & the violence of which I am at this present tmder, neither English sense, nor anything rational may be expected of me, I went to say, that, I went to Mrs Whitwells to see Mad'm Storer*s fttneral, the walking was very bad except on the sides of the street which was the reason I did not make a part of the pro- cession, I should have dined with Mrs Whitwell on thttrsday if a grand storm had not prevented. As she invited me, I saw Miss Caty Vans at lecture last evening.
Deer 24th — Elder Whitwell told my attnt, that this winter began as did the winter of 1740, How that was I don*t remember bttt this I know, that today is by far the coldest we have had since I have been in New England, (N, B, All rtin that are abroad)
Last sabbath being rainy I went to and from meeting in Mr,
Soley's chaise, I dined at tinkle Winslow's, the walking being so
bad I rode there & back to meeting. Every drop that fell froze,
so that from yesterday morning to this time the appearance has
been similar to the description I sent yoti last winter. The walking
is so slippery and the air so cold, that attnt chttses to have me for
10
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M.
lextrattrg
cf aj^urita
^N
' / ^
_. vaikiiwjnuw b*>i?rv \rp winter like .<»jikc „ \liC ohovr holi'h rMitch ^ t)othookj|trmnjnpb-.I
-« ^ task H«flm>Monv -f^<'^'
^' ' Ji 4 (Jt^y of dw' ur<_'k,Uilmy | ftur>t ,*«> » /Krtt ii slw^iH
I t^uni alto AHM ri"»i !>' ' l^conve oui of tin oi^rfiJ-
lili .
of ^♦'KiVhf am al ih\s preie.A ui^er,iit^ifhcr npl" »h sense.nor am^Hna rational nva>^ b.- i^vv'-rU .1 <.l nK>.
(iierji funeral • • 7"*^^ r^ ij r i *" i Tl
■Jsince I HavA;een iaie,ev^i(|land. (I. - Jl i ur > mt are atroadllKheKalkjii^^ josbptxp ruM il.< ..n so cold tl^ftl nwitf cl>use< tohavvin. !.r1.f-r 'r..i!.^rt«»-«' tHodi*>x€nd aitoniorn^ ij a tvJidas j^)ih<' [M*.- aw-i hi* rtf «ocial.-.* have ordain.id,ii.i> aunl ttiir>k> uoi Jy in.ulJcSe r5.sSnutK niih m-- ^Kis; v>hK . , >oiAw. y »l >. : ti l»nu' vf>n.nis«' J'riuMvll.il i* nr<'n»'<'.'r»"<r(L&5.«-i^.'» ^♦iHlh.r" nu-iUfot^ti thf ire. |rt uf «i...-Mf,n ..irt.i",,,-
Ivvv" bf..-.v iKiiueck vKaU kll.jou }»»' '^.-I^M 'J '•"•*»
<K«' is conifned b « cukU iIk >. r.jL. .- rtill io ..'>.-n- ii^JiJ^ fr
icorxsuh Willi her. otn,t}«ry}HH.lhaiv upjK. •«{",'*» u ^h^ libu- infltirr ^*WK .>t». «hv»ll know n. lU pkyt. iiow l|^
V-f.-fS-^t JV»
iH'ivr U is l)cttrr Attm ft bromer tarnfl; doril forvit deal' iiaj^; iittlf John fjenn- .«o pm> niiMamn.opr>t roitiake me » •• i
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. -^ If'itt-r. .nuiil iH-t li'ini h) H'rtH ' i ii to ino.H'hi'n Ik- conif t up,fiir i
Ifnj. •••J^y * , -^ . ' Iraav l«vv /tm' {Jt-aMin-of Im-m
/ "I r ^ i '* <■ - < I'"''*t uiuk-r«tarK] nis cftradi-
r- \ /^~ 4 Y ^ fef^»- ^ ouM-rn- tjjtvt ly l> mun^-
>'-»"^»>i*^ *• -^ iwi . . . -^ O ^ astevvniivf^alii
libit' tM>ir_tla> rf lis Kwk^MToi)' e\er>'«la|\mM'oiK'. t r^ ' wisTi n» i npn.CDtAn«,l)rortM'r iifuil^np (
fvriuiW at ,1*-
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di* aftemuon bi'irip" t.\ iMlitia}
iwmeriti ii\!§Kial>un' trw't. ^-»^ ^ -•- ^--^ . _, ^K iuas<{nPMedinn^jelk»-cooiu^ SaclL bib
^AiHpronjn> pompwon* muM.riw capiiw auntj; i»>rfr sumtiinie sii»ce un'5t'nb?<.l tue muiIuuc ribuyiis on it; t tv ■»i'-r»- l»nci»on\e Jokfi LnD*c5nape«rff»nftrt.»l>etfivwinp ibe past fjin n»> JrJ«r»'dTrapo pn'ser^ed tvf wAx ill tT>^ can, ' IhmumH "Ji^.njv jMMm>erlon' u"li»'"' CvjLc.Cbd llMltiirilw'HmiiiiioJu'v ml liked ri
ff nin n»> .
J teil^wij , __
j >^i7^n\iK4i.(Ii>'cliH»k^b«>i\iieJt arv rvalJy »err bam
ne>$ '
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>«nutv inone»' it ciMt. JsiJejnicel L.
ri» il Pv)rmcf jE»jt nii tunajiii)^ Ai'tfra or ^ * ■n^'**-^ -' i 4 ' *8ft. i
L5om»'baol need — , ^^ . .^
rooii^ not quite £4^">rtio ^unt»:julo- iaid.ibftt jW .(uppospj t Oxak i,j/«nuntr lyoukl be fri^iiited out uf ber %vit j al me
^ bftVf twt oae cov«'^riii(f Jay rfw ■ cost.ibat I
iilvt:
ivutb inKteltl!
jKadniv L. ' '>Cl5n>|l^on,n^iil,Nion'r j«ftict it "j^uiflit to be tmvd^ lesji. ^i*^*^ kit'miiil)' said it
' Ekd
— hot to be mftde tut tut. It ruokt'.* nj> . r \« '--«i
itch i.ad» Lbum like mvvtlHop" ffiftrama.lubii ,ko Vs^"'^'}*'^ 1 ftuiMuu roll is ivA rm»d»' wholly of an*dC!o»#'C«i/,^ -C''i— ^ ^*^i^
THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS OF A PURITAN GIRL U
her scoflcr these two days* And as tomorrow will be a holiday, so the pope and his associates have ordained, my attnt thinks not to trouble Mrs Smith with me this week. I began a shift at home yesterday for myself, it is pretty forward. I forgot whether I mentioned the recept of Nancy's present. I am obliged to her for it. The Dolphin is still whole. And like to remain so»
Deer 27th— This day, the extremity of the cold is somewhat abated. I keept Qiristmas at home this year, & did a very good day's work, aunt says so. How notable I have been this week I shall tell you by & by* I spent most of Tuesday evening with my favorite. Miss Soley, as she is confined by a cold, the weather still so severe that I cannot git farther, I am to visit her again before I sleep, & consult with her, (or rather she with me) upon a perticular matter wfiich you shall know in its place. How strangely indus-' trious I have been this week, I will inform you with my own hand — at present, I am so diligent that I am obliged to use the hand & pen of my old friend, who being near by is better than a brother far off. I don't forgit dear little John Henry so pray mamma, don't mistake me.
I am glad my brother made an essay for a Post Script to your Letter. I must get him to read it to me, when he comes up, for two reasons, the one is because I may have the pleasure of hearing his voice, the other because I don't understand his carachters. I observe that he is mamma's **Duckey Darling."
Dec*r 28th— Last evening a little after 5 oclock I finished my shift, I spent the evening at Mr. Soley's. I began my shift at t2 o'clock last Monday, have read my Bible every day this week and wrote every day save one.
\2 COLONIAL HOLIDAYS
tst. Jan»y 1772 — I wish my papa^ Mama, brother John Henry, & Cousin Avery & all the rest of my acquaintance at Cttmberland, Fortlattrence, Barrowsfield^ Greenland^ Amherst & €♦ a Happy New Year, I have bestowed no new year's gift, as yet* But have received one very handsome one, viz, the History of Joseph Andrews abbre- viated* In nice Guilt and flowers covers* This afternoon being a holiday I am going to pay my compliments in Sudbury Street*
Jan*y 4th J 772 — I was drssed in my yeflow coatt my black hih & apron, my pompedore shoes, the cap my aunt Storer sometime since presented me with — (blue ribbons on it) & a very handsome loket in the shape of a hart she gave me — the past pin my Hon'd Papa presented me with in my cap, my new cloak ^ bonnet on, my pompedore gloves &c, &c* And I would tell you that for the first time, they all liked my dress very much* My cloak and bonnett are really very handsome, & so they had need be* For they cost an amasing sight of money, not quite £45 tho* Aunt Suky said, that she supposed Aunt Deming would be frighted out of her wits at the money it cost* I have got one covering, by the cost, that is genteel & I like it much myself* * * * *. I had my HEDDUS roU on, aunt Storer said it ought to be made less. Aunt Deming said it ought not to be made at all* It makes my head itch & ach & burn like anything Mamma* This famous roll is not made wholly of a red Cow Tail but is a mixture of that & horsehair (very course) & a little human hair of yellow hue, that I suppose was taken out of the back part of an old wig* But D — made it (our head) all carded together and twisted up* When it first came home. Aunt put it on & my new cap on it, and she took up her apron and mesur'd me, & from the roots of my hair on my forehead to the top of my notions I measured above an inch longer than I did downwards from the
\
■■■?%(
THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS OF A PURITAN GIRL 13
roots of my hair to the end of my chin* Nothing renders a young
person more amiable than virtue & modesty without the help of
fals hair, red Cow Tail or D — (the barber.) Now all this mamma,
I have just been reading over to my Aunt* ***** She hopes a
little fals English will not spoil the whole with Mamma* Rome
was not hxiiLd in a day* ********* ]y[y grandmamma sent
Miss Deming, Miss Winslow & I one eight of a Dollar a piece for a
New Years gift.
I am Hon,d Papa & Mama
Yr. ever Dutiful Daughter,
Anne Green "Winslow
Contemporary Account, New York, 1773
"Last Monday the anniversary of St* Nicholas, otherwise called Santa Claas, was celebrated at Protestant Hall, at Mr* L* Waldron^s where a great number of the sons of that ancient saint celebrated the day with great joy and festivity*
14
Christmas , airy-tales
A Notable Christmats with Washington
(In camp above Trenton Falls, Dec. 23, 1776)
"Christmas day at nightt one hour before day, is the time fixed for oar attempt on Trenton^ For Heaven's sake keep this to yotirselft as the discovery of it may prove fatal to xxsJ* Washingfton to CoL Codwalader^ On Christmas night Washington crossed the Delaware^ surprising the Hessians in Trenton on the morning of the 26tht and capturing nearly a thousand prisoners with their arms* On Friday, Dec. 27 he sent the foflowing message to the President of Congress:
**1 have the pleasure of congratulating you upon the success of an enterprise, which I had formed against a detachment of the enemy lying in Trenton, and which was executed yesterday morning"
15
A Quiet Christmas with Washington in New York
Friday, Dec 25th — Christmas Day* Went to St* Patils Chapel
in the forenoon. The visitors to Mrs* Washingfton this afternoon
were not nttmerotis, btrt respectable*
Washington s Diaty*
i6
A Christmas Eve Dinner with George and Martha Washington
(Being a letter from Theophilus Bradbury to his daughter, Mrs. Hooper)
Philadelphia, Sat. Dec. 26 — 1795.
Last Thursday I had the honor of dining with the President in company with the Vice President, the Senators, the Delegates of Massachusetts, and some other members of Congress, about 20, in all*
In the middle of the table was placed a piece of table fttmittire about six feet long and two feet wide, rounded at the ends. It was either of wood gilded, or polished metal, raised about an inch with a silver rim round it like that round a tea board; in the centre was a pedestal of plaster of Paris with images upon it, and on each end figures, male and female, of the same* It was very elegant and used for ornament only* The dishes were placed all around, and there was an elegant variety of roast beef, veal, turkeys, ducks, fowls, hams, etc.; puddings, jellies, oranges, apples, nuts, aknonds, figs, raisins, and a variety of wines and punch.
We took our leave at six, more than an hour after the candles were introduced. No lady but Mrs. Washington dined with us. We were waited on by four or five men servants dressed in livery.
17
Christmeis with Wzishington at Mt Vernon
The wife of Judge Gushing writes in February, 1799: —
**We reached Mount Vernon the evening before ChristmaSt and if anything could have added to our enjoyment, it was the arrival of General and Mrs Pinckney the next day, while we were dining. You may be sure it was a joyful meeting, and at the very place my wishes had pointed out. To be in the company of so many esteemed friends, to hear our good General Washington converse upon political subjects without reserve, and to hear General and Mrs Pinckney relate what they saw and heard in France, was truly a feast to me. Thus the moments glided away for two days, when our reason pointed out the propriety of our departing and improving the good roads, as the snow and frost had made them better than they are in summer.
18
_____ _ udoJph'5 theiollou
ing 0entlemen.Samuel\ lilex Le\i Hollingivv'orth. Israel , . J y Mor r is. Joseph Jones,- went , - ' ^ to Lower TiniciuTi fox hunt ■ ina T here we were rnet hy Cnarle5, Richard andJames YVillirig. and after riding about the woods until two
, o'clock, without the sifirn of
diox,we returned to Joseph Kudol[3lii£dined jec.i3.i7§5-Mv5onTnomas caine home , _ 'to spend Christmzii with us. In ,the afternoon tooka ride < and stopped at I lios. Hiapkinson's to see his colts. '^^^^ pv^ Tjge c. 25. 175b -Qiristmas day clear and cold iMlForenoon went to church in Rac^ St.. ^v wife and I dined at GeneralIVTiftlin'5 with his f ainil>; and the Hon. Gerardp
\yiikDop.CaptN.Falkner and wife. M sonV \ illiarnJ)rought Capt. Falkner an. wife to the Genefali in a sleigh and tool them home.^^^ ^^^^ '"V. ^^^^ ^"^- V L c 25, \787- Christmas. \ v'e three went ^ to Reading bv invitation of Gen.D. rodhead and dined \vith him.^^%^ . here were nine at the table: Mr. C.Read. Mr.Dundass, MrU Clyrner, Mr. Moore, G en. Mifmn, Captain Faulk- ner and myself ^"%^ fjaco6^ ifizSlmer
'tgK..
"^SfjJ^:^;
^^^\
The Christmas Season in Philadelphia
Dec* 26 — J 767* — From Rudolph's the following gentlemeiit Samttel Miles, Levi HoUingsworth, Israel Morris, Joseph Jones * * went to Lower Tinicam fox htinting. There we were met by Charles, Richard, and James Willing, and after riding about the woods until two o'clock, without the sign of a fox, we returned to Joseph Rudolph's and dined.
Dec. 23 — J 785 — My son Thomas came home to spend Christmas with us. In the afternoon took a ride to William Standley's place at Point no Point, and stopped at Thomas Hopkinson's to see his colts.
Dec. 25 — 1786 — Christmas day, clear and cold. Forenoon went to church in Race Street. My wife and I dined at General Mifflins with his family, and the Hon. Gerardus Wynkoop, Capt. N. Falkner and wife. My son William brought Capt. Falkner and wife to the General's in a sleigh and took them home.
Dec. 25 — J 787 — Christmas. We three went to Reading by invitation of Gen. D. Brodhead and dined with him. There were nine at the table: Mr. C. Read, Mr. Dundass, Mr. D. Clymer, Mr. Moore, Gen. Mifflin, Captain Faulkner and myself.
Diary of Jacob Hiltzhetmer.
Member of State Assembly
19
Christinas in SsJem, 1780-87
Dec* 25 f J 780 — Christmas, and rainy* Dined at Mr* Wctmorc^s with Mr* Goodale and familyt John, and Patty* Mr* Barnard and Prince at church; the mttsic good and Dr* Steward's voice above all*
Dec* 25, J 782 — ^A very fine, clear day* The ch«rch very much crowded with well dressed people* Mr* Fisher movingly addressed the people of his chttrch and congregation in the close of his sermon, relating to their conduct, their morals and proffession as Christians, exhorting them to sobriety and decency of behaviotir on the solemn and joyftil occasion* In the evening at Mr* Wetmore's and sup there; a large company*
Dec* 25, J 783, — Christmas Day; very cold; some snow* Mrs P. and I dine at home and have a comfortable Christmas to our- selves, having sufficient elbowroom and a warm fireside* Jno* and Mrs Goodale's family dine at Mr* Wetmore*s*
Dec* 25, J 784 — Cold Christmas* Mrs* P« ill, and I confined by a cold, we dine by ourselves at a good warm fire* Mr* & Mrs Curwen spend the evening with us* * *
Dec* 25 J 787— Very cold* * * Mrs Pynchon, John & I dine at
"W* Cabots and had a most excellent and tasty dinner done by Miss
Gerrish.
Dtaiy of WiltUm Pynchon.
20
Christmas at Valley Forge
Dec* 2t — 1777 — ♦ Preparation made for htitts» Provision scarce* Mr* Ellis went homeward — sent a Letter to my Wife. Heartily wish myself at home — my Skin & eyes are almost spoiled with continual smoke*
A general cry thro' the Camp this Evening among the Soldiers — *No Meat! — No Meat!'" — the distant vales Ech'od back the melan- cholly sound — -^^No Meat! No Meat!** Immitating the noise of Crows & Owls, also, made a part of the confused Musick* What have you for our Dinners Boys? ** Nothing but Fire Cake & Water, Sir*** At night — ^* Gentlemen, the Supper is ready*** What is your Supper, Lads? **Fire Cake & Water, Sir***
Dec* 22d* — Lay excessive Cold & uncomfortable last Night — my eyes are started from their Orbits like a Rabbit's eyes, occationed by a great Cold — and Smoke*
What have you got for Breakfast, Lads? **Fire Cake & Water, Sir*** The Lord send that our Commissary of Purchase may live on Fire Cake & Water * * * *
Our Division are under Marching Orders this morning* I am ashamed to say it, but I am tempted to steal Fowls if I could find them — or even a whole Hog — for I feel as if I could eat one* But the Impoverish*d Country about us, affords but little matter to employ a Thief — or keep a Clever Fellow in good humour — But why do I talk of hunger & hard usage, when so many in the World have
not even fire Cake & Water to eat * * * *
21
22 COLONIAL HOLIDAYS
Dec. 23d — The Party that went otit last evening not Returned to Day. This evening an excellent Player on the Violin in that soft kind of Masick, which is so finely adapted to stirr up the tender Passions^ while he was playing in the next tent to mine, these kind of soft Airs — it immediately called up in remembrance all the endear- ing expressions — the Tender Sentiments — the sympathetic friendship and sensible pleasure to me from the first time I gained the heart & affections of the tenderest of the Fair * * *
Dec. 24th — Party of the 22d retttrned. Hutts go on Slowly — Cold & Smoke make us fret. Bttt mankind are always fretting, even if they have more than their proportion of the Blessings of Life. We are never Easy — always repining at the Providence of an AU-wise & Benevolent Being — Blaming Ottr Country — or faulting owr Friends. But I don*t know of anything that vexes a man's Soul more than hot smoke continually blowing into his Eyes — & when he attempts to avoid it, is met by a cold and piercing Wind * * *
Dec. 25thf Christmas. — ^We are still in Tents — ^when we ought
to be in huts — the poor Sick suffer much in Tents this cold Weather —
But we now treat them differently from what they used to be at
home, under the inspection of Old Women & Doct. Bolus Tinctus.
We give them Mutton & Grogg — and a Capital Medicine once in a
While — to start the Disease from its foundation at once. We avoid
— Piddling Pills, Powders, Bolus's Tinctus's — Cordials, and all such
insignificant matters whose powders are Only rendered important by
causing the Patient to vomit up his money instead of his disease.
But very few of the sick Men Die.
doctor Albigence Waldo.
Sargeon from Connecticut.
New Year's Day in Colonial Times
I had travelled far enotigh in the day to hope for a qttiet sleep, htitt at iour in the mornings I was awakened by a mwsqtiet fired close to my windows: I listened, hut heard not the smallest noise, or motion in the street, which made me imagine it was some mttsquet discharged of itself without causing any accident. I again attempted to go to sleep, but a quarter of a hour after a fresh musquet or pistol shot interrupted my repose; this was followed by several others; so that I had no longer any doubt that it was some rejoicir^t or feast, like our village christenings. The hour indeed struck me as rather unusual, but at length a number of voices mingled with musquettry, crying out, new year, reminded me that we were at the first of January and concluded that it was thus the Americans celebrate that event* Though this manner of proclaiming it was not, I must own, very pleasing to me, there was nothing for it but patience; but at the end of half an hour, I heard a confused noise of upwards of a hundred persons, chiefly children or young people, assembled under my windows, and I very soon had farther indica- tion of their proximity, for they fired several musquet shot, knocked rudely at the door, and threw stones against my windows. Cold and indolence still kept me in bed, but Mr. Lynch got up and came into my chamber to tell me that these people certainly meant to do me honour, and get some money from me. I desired him to step down and give them two Louis; he found them already masters of the house and drinking my IandIord*s rum. In a quarter of an hour,
they went off to visit other streets, and continued their noise till
23
24 COLONIAL HOLIDAYS
day-light* On risingt I learnt from my landlord^ that it was the custom of the country for the yotmg folks, the servants, and even the negroest to go from tavern to tavern, and to other hotises, to wish a good new year^ and ask for a drink, so that there was no particular compliment to me in this affair, and I found that, after the example of the Roman Emperors, I had made a largess to the people* In the morning, when I went to take leave of General Clinton I met nobody but drunken people in the streets, but what astonished me most was to see them not only walk, but run upon the ice without falling or making a false step, whilst it was with the utmost difficulty I kept upon my legs.
Marquis de Chastellux.
New Year's Day, 1790
"Friday 1st. — The Vice President, the Governort the Senators,
Members of the Hotjse of Representatives in town, foreign public
carachterst and all the respectable citizens, came between the ho«rs
of 12 and 3 o'clock, to pay the compliments of the season to me —
and in the afternoon a great number of gentlemen and ladies visited
Mrs* Washington on the same occasion.
Washington's Diaiy*
25
New Year*s Day in Boston
Jan. 1, 1723
New Year's day, before Sttn-rise being tip, I hear the Gtms of the Frigat, and Castle, U from the first, 21 from the Castle, which is the Signal of the Govemour's sailing*
Samuel S^alL
26
New Year's Day in Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Jan* it ^767 — ^Vcry, very cold* Delaware frozen over* Three sleighloads of us went to Darby to Joseph Rudolph's*
Diajy of Jacob Hiltzheimer*
27
A Festive New Year's in Salem
Jan* I J 783 Wednesday* Clear and very cold* A concert in the evening in the new Assembly Room; a dance for the yottng gentry at Mrs Pickman's* Da Sears in town^ called on me.
2* Thursday. A fine, pleasant morning. Mttsick at the Assem- bly Room: 2 fiddles, F., horn, and drum. These and the Assembly engross the conversation and attention of the young and gay; the elders shake their heads with. What are we coming to? * * A private dance preparatory to the assembly.
7. Tuesday. Cloudy and Cold * * Fine sledding; the street is so fifled with sleds, etc., of wood that there was scarce any passing. A dance at Bro. GoodaIe*s in the evening.
8. Wednesday. * * Grafton, Jno. and Co. go to a dance at Endicot's; return at 12.
9. Thursday. A dance at Grafton^s.
Diary of Willidm Pynchon,
28
mk
Y
WSiT^-
•■^r
ialem >nrist-
in
a!x;
^r
-.v:.
r
!^i
ler mov-
...^^ „ jsedmepeo
^^ . -^ pie of his church and r,2^<^| congregation • relating ^j^i to their coiiduct- exhorl ling them to sobriei^ L ^A decency of behaviour ^^^'"on the solemn and joy (3U5 occasiorUnthe evening at Mr Wet- mores and sup there. A large company. f|anai7S3«Aconcert inthe evening in the new ^Assembk^Room; a darjce forthe >pung gentry at McsPickmaiis. iThiu-sda^Musick at theAssembVRoom:2 fiddleiJT, horn k drum. These and the eisiembV ei^ross the conversation ajid attention of the oun-g and oav: the elders shake their eads withyvhat are we coming to^ ivate danceDTepaJ-atoiy tottie|Bsejnh!y uesaav^,7-Clouc^ and Cold • • * ■jFine sledding; the 5treet , is , -so ed with sleds, Cac, of wood that
m
A dance at. Fro. GoodaTe's in the evening. 8.V\/ednesday 'Oraftoa Jno. and Co. go to a dance atEiidi-
cqts; return at iz . ~
ifton:s,'>^ rncmn
^mPj^
V
St, Valentine's Day. — A Curious St. Valentine's Custom
**Last Friday was St. Valentine's Day, and the night before I got five bay leaves and pinned fottr on the corners of my pillow, and the fifth to the middle; and then if I dreamt of my sweetheart, Betty said we shotjid be married before the year was out* But to make it more stire I boiled an egg hard and took out the yolk and filled it with salt; and when I went to hed ate it shell and all, without speaking or drinking after it. We also wrote oar lovers' names upon bits of paper, and rolled them up in clay and put them into water; and the first that rose up was to be our Valentine. "Would you think it? Mr. Blossom was my man. I lay abed and shtft my eyes all the morning, till he came to our house, for I would not have seen another man before him for all the world."
The Connoisseur, of 1754,
29
I
Valentine's Day, 1772
My cousin Sally reeled off a 10 knot skane of yarn today* My
valentine was an old country plow joger. The yarn was of my
spinning* Atint says it will do for filling. Aunt also says niece is
a whimsical child.
c/inna Green Winslol^*
30
^^^Mitmti.
entines
Madame Pepys' Valentine
**This morning came up to my wife's bedside little Will Mercer
to be her valentine, and brought her name written upon blue paper
in gold letters, done by himself, very pretty; and we were both well
pleased with it* But I am also this year my wife's valentine; and
it will cost me five pounds; but that I must have laid out if we had
not been valentines."
"Pepys" Diary, t667.
3J
Valentine's Day
Philadelphia, Feb* 14^ J 767 — At noon went to William Jones's to drink punch, met several of my friends, and got decently drunk.
Jacob Hittzheimer*
32
Easter, 1688
Satterday Apr J4» Mr* West comes to Mr* Willard from the Governottr to speak to him to begin at 8* in the morn^ and says this shall be last time; they will btjild a house* Soe begin abotrt § hoar past 8* Yet the people come pretty roandly together* *Twas Easter-day, and the Lord^s Supper with us too*
Samuel SewalL
Boston
April J 7th J 772 — * * The bell is ringing for good friday*
(Anna. Green Winslo'W*
33
All Fool's Day
*The First of April, some do say. Is set apart for all Foofs Day; Bat why the people call it so Nor I, nor they themselves, do know*^
^oor Robins^ c/lltTmnack, 1760*
Boston, April I, 1772 — ^*WiII yotj be offended mamma, if I ask
yoa, if yot( remember the flock of wild Geese that papa calFd yoa
to see flying over the Blacksmith's shop this day three years? I
hope not; I only mean to divert yoti* The snow is near gone in the
street before as, & mttd supplies the place thereof; after a week's
absence, I this day attended Master Holbrook with some difficulty,
what was last week a pond is to-day a qtiag, thro' which I got safe
however, & if attnt had known it was so bad, she sais she would not
have sent me, but I neither wet my feet, nor drabled my clothes,
indeed I have but one garment that I could contrive to drabble*
R B* It is I April*
Anna Green Winstdti)*
34
Gov. Bradford's Account of the May Day Celebration at
Ma-re Mount
They allso set up a May-pole, drinking and dancing abotrte it many days together, inviting the Indean women, for their consorts, dancing and frisking together, (like so many faries, or furies rather) and worse practices* As they they had anew revived and celebrated the feasts of the Roman Goddes Flora, or the beasly practieses of the Madd Bacchinalians* Morton likewise, (to shew his poetrie) composed sundry rimes and verses, some tending to lasciviousnes, and others to the detraction and scandall of some persons, which he affixed to this idle or idoll May poUe* They chainged allso the name of their place, and in stead of calling it Mottnte WoUaston, they call it Meriemottnte, as if this joylity would have lasted ever. Bat this continued not long, for after Morton was sent for England (as follows to be declared) shortly after came over that worthy gentleman, Mr. John Indecott, who brought over a patent under the broad seall, for the govermente of the Massachusets, who visit- ing those parts caused that May-poUe to be cutte downe, and rebuked them for their profannes, and admonished them to looke ther should be better walking; so they now, or others, changed the name of their place againe, and called it Mounte-Dagon.
Willtam "Bradford, 1628,
35
May Day at Ma-re Mount, 1628
The Inhabitants of Pasonagessit (having translated the name of their habitation from that ancient Salvage name to Ma-re Motint; and being resolved to have the new name confirmed for a memorial to after ages) did devise amongst themselves to have it performed in a solemne manner with Revels, & merriment after the old English ctistome: prepared to sett up a Maypole upon the festall day of Philip and Jacob; & therefore brewed a barrell of excellent beare, & provided a case of bottles to be spent, with other good cheare, for all commers of that day* And because they wottid have it in a compleat forme, they had prepared a song fitting to the time and present occasion* And ttpon May Day they brought the May- pole to the place appointed, with drtimes, gtinnes, pistols, and other fitting instruments, for that purpose; and there erected it with the help of Salvages, that came thether of purpose to see the manner of our Revels* A goodly pine tree of 80* foote long, was reared up with a peare of buckshorns nayled one, somewhat neare unto the top of it: there it stood as a faire sea marke for directions; how to find out the way to mine Hoste of Ma-re Mount*
And because it should more fuUy appeare to what end it was
placed there, they had a poem in readines made, which was fixed to
the Maypole, to shew the new name confirmed upon that plantation,
which although it were made according to the occurrents of the
time, it being Enigmattically composed pusselled the Seperatists
most pittifuUy to expound it, * * *
The setting up of this Maypole was a lamentable spectacle to
36
,4^^
* -^ >>
^:*^*
•nil?
'\
^ueen of t£e ^^^l^^ay^
MAY DAY AT MA-RE MOUNT, 1628 37
the precise seperatists: that lived at new Plimmoiith, They termed it an IdoII; yea they called it the Calfe of Horeb: and stood at de- fiance with the place, naming it Mount Dagon; threatning to make it a woeftifl mottnt and not a merry mottnt * . * *
There was likewise a merry songe made, which (to make their Revels more fashionable) was sttng with a CortiSt every man bearing his part; which they performed in a dattnce, hand in hand abotrt the Maypole, whiles one of the Company sttng, and filled out the good liquor like gammedes and lupiter*
The Songe
Drinke and be merry, merry* merry boyes. Let all your delight be in Hymen^s ioyes, lo to Hymen now the day is come, Abotft the merry Maypole take a Roome^
Make greene garlons, bring bottles out; And fill sweet Nectar, freely about, Vncover thy head, and feare no harme. For hers good liquor to keepe it warme»
Then drinke and be merry, &c lo to Hymen, &c
Nectar is a thing assigned
By the Deities owne minde.
To cure the hart opprest with greife.
And of good liquors is the cheife.
Then drinke, &c»
38 COLONIAL HOLIDAYS
Give to the MellancoUy man, A cup or two of't now and than; This physick* will soone revive his bload, And make him be of a merrier moode*
Then drinke, &c
Give to the Nymphe thats free from scome. No Irish sttiff nor Scotch over worne. Lasses in beaver coats come away, Yee shall be welcome to us night and day*
To drinke and be merry &c»
This harmless mirth made by younge men (that lived in hope to have wives brought over to them, that wottid save them a laboure to make a voyage to fetch any over) was mtjch distasted, of the precise Seperatists; that keepe mtjch a doe, abotrt the tyth of Mttit and Cummin; troubling their braines more than reason would require about things that are different and from that time sought occasion against my honest Host of Ma*re Mount to overthrow his ondertakings, and to destroy his plantation quite and cleane** * *
Thomas cMorton.
An Amusing May Day Incident
Mrs* Alice Morse Earle in her excellent book. Stage Coach and Tavern Days, gives an account of a bit of rather tin-paritanical merry-making on the part of Jacob Mtirline and Sarah Ttittle in Hartford on May Day, J 660* In spite of a very stringent law prohibiting any love making without consent of parents, Jacob seized Sarah*s gloves and demanded a kiss as a forfeit* ** Whereupon they sat down together, his arm being about her, and her arm upon his shoulder or about his neck, so says the old Puritan chronicler, **and hee kissed her and shee kissed him, or they kissed one another, continuing in this posture about half an hour/' Sarah's father had Jacob dragged into court on a charge of **inveagling*' his daughter's affections, and things looked rather black for him, when Sarah changed the aspect of the case materially by informing the Court that Jacob did not inveigle her; she wanted to be kissed, and had enticed him* The Court then imposed a fine upon Sarah, which her father had to pay, and she was admonished as a **BouId Virgin" to watch her ways more carefully* She said **that she hoped God would help her to Carry it Better for time to come*"
39
Independence Day with Washington
Sunday, July 4th 1790.
**"Went to Trinity Church in the forenoon^ This day being the Anniversary of the declaration of Independence the celebration of it was put of ttntil to morrow,
Monday 5th.
The members of the Senate, House of Representatives, Public Officers, Foreign Characters &c.. The Members of the Cincinnati, Officers of the Militia &c,, came with the compliments of the day to me — about one o^cIock a sensible Oration was delivered in St. Paurs Chapel by Mr* Brockholst Levingston, on the occasion of the day — the tendency of which was to show the different situation we are now in, under an excellent government of our own choice, to what it would have been if we had not succeeded in our opposition to the attempts of Great Britain to enslave us; and how much we ought to cherish the blessings which are within our reach, & to culti- vate the seeds of harmony & unanimity in all our public Councils. — There were several other points touched upon in sensible manner.
**In the afternoon many Gentlemen & ladies visited Mrs. Washington.
**I was informed this day by General Irvine (who reed, the acct. from Pittsburg) that the Traitor Arnold was at Detroit & had viewed the Militia in the Neighbourhood of it twice. — This had occasioned much Speculation in those parts — and with many other circumstances — though trifling in themselves led strongly to a con- jecture that the British had some design on the Spanish settlements on the Missisipi and of course to surround these United States.^*
Washington's Diary,
40
Independence Day
Philadelphia
July 4 — 1 78 J — Fireworks at State House.
July 4 — 1783 — In the afternoon a triumphal car, prepared by Mr* Mason, attended by a number of boys and girls dressed in white, was paraded through the streets of the city, this being the memorable day independence was declared*
July 4 — 1786 — Forenoon went to church in Race Street to hear Major William Jackson's oration delivered to the Pennsylvania Society of the Cincinnati* Afternoon went to Governor Samuel Morris's fishing house on Isaac Warner's place, and there dined on fish and beefsteaks. * * * *
Jacob Hiltzheimer*
41
A Curious Ode to Independence Day
(Written about the year 1800 and first published in the Farmer's Museum in Massachusetts.)
Sq«cak the fife and beat the drum. Independence Day is come!! Let the roasting pig be bledt Qaick twist off the rooster's head, Qtiickly rtib the pewter platter. Heap the nut cakes fried in butter. Set the cups and beaker glass. The pumpkin and the apple sauce. Send the keg to shop for brandy; Maple sugar we have handy* Independent, staggering Dick, A noggin mix of swinging thick; Sal, put on your russel skirt, Jotham, get your boughten shirt. Today we dance to tiddle-tiddle — Here comes Sambo with his fiddle; Sambo, take a draw of whiskey. And play up Yankee Doodle frisky, Moll, come leave your witched tricks. And let us have a reel of six — Father and Mother shall make two; Sail, Moll, and I stand all a row. Sambo, play and dance polity;
Tfiis is the day of blest equality, —
42
A CURIOUS ODE TO INDEPENDENCE DAY 43
Father and Mother are but meiit
And Sambo is a citizen*
Come, foot itt Sal; MoU, figure in,
Andt mother t yott dance tip to him;
Now saw as fast as e'er yott can do,
Andt father, yott cross over to Sambo.
Thtts we dance and thus we play.
On gloriotjs Independence Day*
Rttb more rosin on yottr bow.
And let tjs have another go —
Zottnds! as stjre as eggs and bacon.
Here's Ensign Sneak and Uncle Deacon,
Atmt Thiah, and their Bet's behind her
On blundering mare, that beetle blinder —
And there's the Sqttire, too, with his lady —
Sal, hold the beast, I'll take the baby!
MoU, bring the Sqtiire out great arm-chair.
Good folks we're glad to see you here —
Jotham, get the great case bottle,
Yotjr teeth can draw the corn-cob stopple —
Ensign, Deacon, never mind;
Squire, drink until you're blind*
A Celebration of the Queen's Birthday in Boston, 1714
(From the Diary of Samuel Sewall.)
My neighbor Colson knocks at my door abotrt nine P» M., or
past, to tell of disorders at the ordinary at the Sotrth End, kept by
Mr. Wallace. He desired me that I wottid accompany Mr. Brom-
field and Constable Howell hither. It was 35 minutes past nine
before Mr. Bromfield came, then we went, took iEneas Salter with
txs. Fottnd mttch company. They refused to go away. Said was
there to drink the Queen's health and had many other healths to
drink. Called for more drink and drank to me: I took notice of
the affront, to them. Said they must and would stay upon that
solemn occasion. Mr. Netmaker drank the Queen's health to me.
I told him I drank none; on that he ceased. Mr. Brinley put on
his hat to affront me. I made him take it off. I threatened to
send some of them to prison. They said they could but pay their
fine, and doing that might stay. I told them if they had not a care
they would be guilty of a riot. Mr. Bromfield spake of raising a
number of men to quell them, and was in heat ready to run into
the street. But I did not like that. Not having pen and ink I
went to take their names with my pencil, and not knowing how to
spell their names they themselves of their own accord writ them.
At last I addressed myself to Mr. Banister. I told him he had been
longest an inhabitant and freeholder and I expected he would set
a good example by departing thence. Upon this he invited them
to his own house, and away they went. And we after them went
away.
44
In Grandmothers Gown
Celebration of Royal Birthdays in New York
His Majesty's Birthday, was observed here with the «s«al solemnity* Between the hoars of eleven and twelve in the forenoon, his Excellency, otir Governowr was attended at his hotise in Fort George by the Cotincil, Assembly, Merchants, and other Principal Gentlemen and Inhabitants of this and the adjacent Places* The Independent Companies posted here being tinder Arms and the Cannon rotmd the Ramparts firing while His Majesty, the Queen's^ the Prince's, the Royal Families, and their Royal Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Orange's Healths were drttnk; and thus followed the Healths of his Grace, the Dtike of New-Castle, of the Dttke of Grafton, of the Right Honorable Sir Robert Walpole, and many other Royal Healths* In the Evening the whole City was illuminated, his Excellency and Lady gave a splendid Ball and Sapper at the Fort, where was the most Nttmeroas and fine Appear- ance of Ladies and Gentlemen that had ever been known upon the Like occasion"
Original account of the King's Birthday, J 734,
**The Evening was concladed with all demonstrations of
Loyalty and Joy* There was a Ball and Entertainment at the
Fort at which the Appearance of Gentlemen and Ladies was
very splendid, many of them in New Cloaths and very rich in
Honor of the Day"
King^s Birthday, t735* 45 .
46 COLONIAL HOLIDAYS
The Prince of Wales's Birthday was celebrated at the Black
Horse in a most elegant and genteel Manner, There was a most
magnificent Appearance of Gentlemen and Ladies, The Ball began
with French Dances, and then the Company proceeded to Country
Dances, upon which Mrs Norris led tip two new Country Dances
made upon the Occasion; the first of which was called The Prince
of Wales, and the second The Princess of Saxe-Gotha, in Honour
of the Day. There was a most stimptttotjs entertainment afterward.
At the conclusion of which the Honourable Rip Van Dam, Esq.,
president of His Majesty's Council began the Royal Healths, which
were all drank in Bumpers. The whole was conducted with the
utmost Decency, Mirth and Cheerfulness*'.
{f736)
The King's Birthday
Boston
Oct. 30th — 1750 Went to the Ship, Wcatherheads and to
Changet from thence went and Dynd at Capt. Wendells. Being his
Majesties Birthday the Loyal healths were drank, we haveing an
Invitation from Mr. Thomas Pierson Spent the Evening with him
Singing Songs Drinking Loyal Toasts &c being Joynd by the Ladies,
who shewed their Loyalty by accompV tts Singing &c. I Omitted,
at noone went with Capt. Wendell to the Coancill Chamber in the
Towne House where drank the Loyall Toasts with the Lietttt Governr
Council &c^*
Journal of Capt* Francis Goelet*
47
A "Turtle Frolick" in 1750
Boston
October 2^ J 750* Had an Invitation to day to Go to a Ttirtle
Frolick with a Compy of Gent" and Ladies at M"" Richardson's in
Cambridge, ab* 6 miles from Towne* I accordingly waited on Miss
Betty Wendell with a Chaise, who was my Partner, the Companie
Consisted of abottt 20 Cotiple Gent" and Ladies of Jhe Best Fashion
in Boston, viz* the two Miss Phips, Lti* Govern"" Daughters, the Miss
Childs, Miss Qttincys, Miss Wendells &c^ Danced Several Mintiits
and Country Dances, and where very Merry about D«sk we all rode
Home, and See our Partners safe, and Spent the Evening at Capt»
Maglachlins &c»
Journal of Ca.pt* Francis Goelet,
43
Programme for a Celebration of St Andrew's Day in
Old Virginia
Williamsburg, Oct. 7, 1737
**Wc have Advice from Hanover Cotinty, That on St, Andrew's Day, being on the 30th of November next, there are to be Horse Races and several other Diversions, for the Entertainment of Gentle- men and Ladies, at the Old Field near Capt* John Bickerton's in that County, (if permitted by the Hon. William Byrd, Esq., Pro- prietor of the said Land) The Substance of which are to be as fol- lows, vizx
**It is proposed, that 20 Horses or Mares do run round a Three Mile Course, for a Prize of the Value of Five Pounds, according to the usual Rules of Racing; That every horse that runs shall be first entered with Mr. Joseph Fox, and that no Person have the Liberty of putting in a Horse, unless he is a Subscriber toward defraying the Expence of this Entertainment, and pay to Mr. Fox Half a Pistole of it at entring his Horse.
**That a Hat of the Value of 20s. be cudgelled for, and that after the first Challenge made, the Drums are to beat, once every Quarter of an Hour, for Three Challenges round the Ring; on no Answer made, the Person Challenging to be entitled to the Prize; and none to Play with their Left Hand.
**That a Violin be played for by 20 Fiddlers, and to be given to
him that shall be a,djudged to play the best: No Person to have the
Liberty of playing, unless he brings a Fiddle with him. After the
Prize is won, they are all to play together, and each a different
Tune: and to be treated by the Company.
49
50 COLONIAL HOLIDAYS
**That J 2 Boys of \2 years of Age do rttn 112 Yards for a Hat of the Value oi 12 Shillings*
**That a Flag be flying on the said Day 30 Feet high*
**That a handsome Entertainment be provided for the Sub- scribers and their Wives; and such of them who are not as happy as to have wives^ may treat any other Lady* And that convenient Bootfis be erected for that Purpose*
**That Drums, Trumpets, Haut boys, &c* will be provided, to play at the said Entertainment*
**That after. Dinner, The Royal Healths, his Honour the Gov- ernor's &c* are to be drank*
**That a Quire of Ballads be sung for, by a Number of Song- sters, The best Songster to have the Prize, and all of them to have Liquor sufficient to clear their Wind Pipes*
**That a Pair of Silver Buckles be Wrestled for, by a certain Number of brisk young Men*
**That a Pair of handsome Silk Stockings of One Pistole Value, be given to the handsomest young Country Maid that appears in the Field; With many other whimsical and Comical Diversions, too tedious to mention here*
**The Horse Race is to be run that day, fair or foul, but if foul, the other diversions are to be continued the next day*
**The Subscription Money to be paid on the said Day in the Field; and Notice will be there given, who is to receive it*
**And as this Mirth is designed to be purely innocent and void of Offence, all Persons resorting there are desired to behave them- selves with Decency and Sobriety; the Subscribers being resolved to discountenance all Immorality with the utmost Rigour*
Virginia Gajzette*
Election Day
**Who blew up the ship? Nigger, why for? 'Cause he couldn't go to 'lection An shake paw-paw"
In J8t7 a negro boy, William Read, blew tip a ship, the Canton Packet, in Boston Harbor because he was not allowed to partake of the festivities of ** Artillery Election/' The above verse resulted from the incident* Paw-Paw was a game of chance in which sea shells were ttsed as dice* Negroes were allowed on the Common only at ** Nigger 'Lection"
51
The First Thanksgiving Held in North America
The Frobisher Expedition on shores of Newfoundland, 1578
**In primus: — to banish swearing, dice and card playing, and filthy commtinicationt and to serve God twice a day, with the ordinary services of the Qittrch of England^. On Monday morning. May twenty-seventh, 1578, aboard the Ayde^ we received all, the communion by the minister of Gravesend, prepared as good Chris- tians toward God, and resolute men for all fortunes; and toward night we departed toward Tilbury Hope* Here we highly prayed God, and altogether, upon our knees, gave him due humble and hearty thanks, and Maister Wolfall, a learned man appointed by minister, made unto us a goodlye sermon, exhorting all especially to be thankful to God for His strange and marvelous deliverance in those dangerous places**.
52
A Thanksgiving at Sagadahoc in 1607
**Sundaye being the nineth of August ^ in the morninge, the
most part of o«r hole company of both ottr ships, landed on this
island, where the cross standeth, and thear we heard a sermon
delyvred unto us by o«r preacher, giving God thanks for o«r happy
meetinge and safe aryvall into this country; and so returned aboard
again*\
Old Record.
53
Thanksgiving at Plymouth, 1621
All sorts of grain which otjr own land doth yields Was hither brotightt and sown in every field: As wheat and rye, barley, oats, beans and pease Here all thrive and they profit from them raise. All sorts of roots and herbs in gardens grow, — Parsnips, carrotts, turnips or what yott'U sow. Onions, melons, cttctimbers, radishes, Skirets, beets, coleworts and fair cabbages.
Famine once we had — But other things God gave us in full store. As fish and ground ntrts, to supply our strait. That we might learn on providence to wait; And know, by bread man lives not in his need. But by each word that doth from God proceed.
Gov* Bradford*
54
The H€urvest
They beganc now to gather in the small harvest they had, and
to fitte tip their hottses and dwellings against winter, being all well
recovered in health and strength, and had all things in good plenty;
for as some were thus imployed in affairs abroad, others were excer-
sised in fishing, abottte codd, and bass, and other fish, of which they
tooke good store, of which every family had their portion. AH
the sommer ther was no wante. And now begane to come in store
of fottle, as winter approached, of which this place did abound when
they came first (b«t afterward decreased by degrees)* And besides
water fotile, ther was great store of wild Ttirkies, of which they
tooke many, besides venison, etc. Besids they had abotite a peck
of meale a weeke to a person, or now since harvest, Indian corne to
that proportion. Which made many afterwards write so largely of
their plenty hear to their freinds in England, which were not fained,
but true reports^ ^ ^ m rr t
GoK Bradford
Ttirkies there are, which divers times in great flocks have sallied
by otir doores; and then a gttnne (being commonly in redinesse)
salutes them with such a courtesie, as makes them take a turne in
the cooke room. They dance by the doore so well! Of these there
hath bin kifled, that have weighed forty-eight pound a piece * *
The Beare is a tyrant at a lobster, and at low water will downe to
the Rocks, and groape after them with great diligence. Hee will
runne away from a man like a little dogge. If a couple of Salvages
chance to espie him at his banquet, his running away will not serve
his turne, for they will coate him and chase him between them home
to their houses^ where they kill him, to save a laboure in carrying
himfarre.*' ^, __ ^
1 homos Morton* 55
The Festival
**Our harvests being gathered itif o«r governor sent foure men on fowling, so that we might after a more speciall manner re Joyce together, after we had gathered the frttit of out labors; they foure in one day killed as much fowie as with a little heipe beside, served the company almost a weeke, at which time amongst other recrea- tions, we exercised ottr Armes, many of the Indians coming amongst as, and amongst the rest their greatest King Massasoyt, with some ninetie men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went otit and killed five deere, which they brought to the Plantation and bestowed on our Governor, and upon the Captaine (Standish) and others. And although it be not always so plentifufl, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodnesse of God, we are so farre from want that we often wish you partakers of our plentie*
Edivard Wttisloiv*
56
The Fast and Thanksgiving of 1623
**1 may not here omite how, notwithstand all their great paines
and indttstriet and the great hops of a large croppt the Lord seemed
to blastt and take away the same^ and to threaten further and more
sore famine ttnto them, by a great drought which continued from
the 3 weeke in May, till about the midle of July, without any raine,
and with great heat (for the most parte), insomuch as the corne
begane to wither away, though it was set with fishe, the moysture
whereof helped it much. Yet at length it begane to languish sore,
and some of the drier grounds were parched like withered hay,
part whereof was never recovered*** TTr.<f- rr, tr *
Wtlham Bradford,
**The most courageous were now discouraged, because God, which hitherto had been their only shield and supporter, now seemed in his anger to arm himself against them* These and like considera- tions moved not only every good man privately to enter into exam- ination with his own estate between God and his conscience and so to humiliation before him, but also more solemnly to humble our- selves together before the Lord by fasting and prayer* To that end a day was appointed by public authority, and set apart from all other employments; hoping that the same God, which had stirred us up hereunto, would be moved hereby in mercy to look down upon us and grant the request of our dejected souls, if our continuance there might any way stand with his glory and our good* But O the
mercy of God! who was as ready to hear as we to ask; for though
57
58 COLONIAL HOLIDAYS
in the momingt when we assembled together^ the heavens were as clear^ and the drottth as like to contintte as ever it waSt yet (ottr exercise contintiing some eight or nine hours) before oar departure, the weather was overcast, the clouds gathered together on all sides, and on the next morning distilled such soft, sweet, and moderate showers of rain, continuing some fourteen days and mixed with such seasonable weather, as it was hard to say whether our withered com, or drooping affections, were most quickened or revived? such was the bounty and goodness of God. Of this the Indians, by means of Hobbamock, took notice, who being then in the town, and this exercise in the midst of the week, said, it was but three days since Sunday, and therefore demanded of a boy, what was the reason thereof, which when he knew, and saw the effects fol- lowed thereupon, he and all of them admired the goodness of our God towards us, that wrought so great a change in so short a time, showing the difference between their conjuration, and our invocation on the name of God for rain, theirs being mixed with such storms and tempests, as sometimes, instead of doing them good, it layeth the corn flat on the ground, to their prejudice, but ours is in so gentle and seasonable a manner as they never observed the like. Having these many signs of God's favor and acceptation, we thought it would be great ingratitude, if secretly we should smother up the same, or content ourselves with private thanksgiving for that which by private prayer could not be obtained. And therefore another solemn day was set apart and appointed for that end; wherein we returned glory, honor, and praise, with all thankfuhiess, to our Good God, which dealt so graciously with us; whose name for these and all other his Mercies towards his church and chosen ones, by them be blessed and praised, now and evermore. Amen.
Edward Winstow*
A Thanksgiving with Anna Green Winslow
Boston, Nov., 1771
I gtiess I shall have btit little time for journalizing till after thanksgivings My aunt Deming says I shall make one pye myself at least* I hope somebody beside myself will like to eat a bit of my Boston pye thoti* my papa and you did not (I remember) chase to partake of my Cumberland performance. I think I have been writing my own Praises this morning. Poor Job was forced to praise himself when no man would do him that justice. I am not as he was * * *
Nov. 27th — * * Last monday I went with my aunt to visit Mrs Beacon. I was exceedingly pleased with the visits & so I ought to bct my aunt says, for there was much notice taken of me, par- ticularly by Mr. Beacon. I think I like him better every time I see him. I suppose he takes the kinder notice of me, because last Thursday evening he was here, & when I was out of the room, aunt told him that I minded his preaching & could repeat what he said — I might have told you that notwithstanding the stir about the Proclamation, we had an agreable Thanksgiven. Mr. Hunt's text was Psa. XCVII. L The Lord reigneth, — let the earth rejoice. Mr. Beacon's text P. M. Psa. XXIV. J. The earth is the Lord's & the fuHness thereof. My unkle & aunt Winslow of Boston, their son & daughter, Master Daniel Mason, (Aunt Winslow's nephew from Newport, Rhode Island) & Miss Soley spent the evening with us. We young folk had a room with a fire in it to ourselves. Mr.
Beacon gave us his company for one hour*
59
60 COLONIAL HOLIDAYS
30th Nov — My company yesterday were
Miss Polly Deming
PoUy Glover Miss Peggy Draper Miss Nancy Glover Miss Bessie Winslow Miss Sally Winslow Miss Polly Atwood Miss Hanh Soley.
Miss Attwood as well as Miss Winslow are of this family. And Miss N* Glover did me honor by her presence, for she is older than cousin Sally and of her acquaintance* We made four couple at country dansing; danceing I mean* In the evening young Mr* Waters hearing of my assembly, put his flute in his pocket and played several minuets and other tunes to which we danced mighty cleverly. But Lucinda was our principal piper* Miss Church and Miss Chaloner would have been here if sickness, — and the Miss Sheafs, if the death of their father had not prevented* The black Hatt I gratefully receive as your present but if Captain Jarvise had arrived here with it about the time he sailed from this place for Cumberland, it would have been of more service to me, for I was obliged to borrow* * * * I hope aunt wont let me wear the black hatt with the red Dominie — for the people will ask me what I have got to sell as I go along the street if I do, or, how the folk at New guinie do? Dear mamma, you don^t know the fat ion here — I beg to look like other folk * * I must now close up this Journal*
With Duty, Love & Compliments, as due, perticularly to my
A THANKSGIVING WITH ANNA GREEN WINSLOW 6t
Dear little brother (I long to see him) & Mrs Law, I will write
her soon,
I am Hon*d Papa & Mama,
Y-f ever Dtitiftil Daughter,
Anne Green Winslow.
N» B, My attnt Deming dont approve of my English & has not the fear that you will think her concerned in the Diction*
A New England Thanksgiving Dinner in 1779
**Dear Cousin Betsey: — * *
When Thanksgiving Day was approaching our dear Grandmother Smith (nee Jerttsha Mathert great-granddattghter of the Rev* Richard Mather of Dorchester, Mass*,) who is sometimes a little desponding of Spirit as you well know, did her best to pttrsuade us that it would be better to make it a Day of Fasting and Prayer in view of the Wickedness of our Friends &c* the Vileness of our Enemies* I am sure you can hear Grandmother say that and see her shake her cap border* But indeed there was some occasion for her remarks, for our resistance to an unjust authority has cost our beautiful Coast Towns very dear the last year & all of us have had much to suffer* But my dear Father brought her to a more proper frame of Mind, so that by the time the Day came she was ready to enjoy it almost as well as Grandmother Worthington did, & she, you will remember, always sees the bright side* In the mean while we had all of us been working hard to get all things in readiness to do honor to the Day*
"This year it was Uncle Simeon*s turn to have the dinner at
his house, but of course we all helped them as they help us when it
is our turn, & there is always enough for us all to do* All the baking
of pies & cakes was done at our house & we had the hig oven heated
& filled twice each day for three days before it was all done, & ewetY-
thing was Good, though we did have to do without some things
that ought to be used* Neither Love nor Money could buy Raisins,
62
A NEW ENGLAND THANKSGIVING DINNER IN J779 63
b«t ottr good red cherries dried without the pits, did almost as well & happily Uncle Simeon still had some spices in store. The tables were set in the Dining Hall and even that big room had no space to spare when we were all seated. The Servants had enough ado to get arottnd the Tables & serve tts all withotrt over-setting things. There were our two Grandmothers side by side* They are always handsome old Ladies, bttt now, many thought, they were handsomer than ever, & happy they were to look around ttpon so many of their descendants. Uncle & Atmt Simeon preside at one Table, & Father & Mother at the other* Besides us five boys & girls there were two of the Gales & three Ehners, besides James Browne & Ephriam Cowles* We had them at our table because they could be best supervised there* Most of the students had gone to their own homes for the weeks, but Mr* Skiff and Mr* — were too far away from their homes* They sat at Uncle Simeon's table & so did Uncle Paul and his family, five of them in all, & Cousins Phin & Poll* Then there were six of the Livingston family next door* They had never seen a Thanksgiving Dinner before, having been used to keep Christmas Day instead, as is the wont in New York & Province* Then there were four Old Ladies who have no longer Homes or Children of their own & so came to us. They were invited by my Mother, but Uncle and Aunt Simeon wished it so*
**0f course we could have no Roast Beef* None of us have tasted Beef this three years back as it all must go to the Army, & too little they get, poor fellows. But, Mayquittymaw's Hunters were able to get us a fine red Deer, so that we had a good haunch of Venisson on each Table. These were balanced by huge Chines of Roast Pork at the other ends of the Tables* Then there was on one a big Roast Turkey & on the other a Goose, & two big Pigeon Pasties. Then there was an abundance of good Vegetables of all
64 COLONIAL HOLIDAYS
the old Sorts & one which I do not believe you have yet seen* Uncle Simeon had imported the Seede from England just before the War began & only this Year was there enough for Table use* It is called Sellery & you eat it without cooking. It is very good served with meats* Next year Uncle Simeon says he will be able to raise enough to give us all some* It has to be taken tipf roots & all & buried in earth in the cellar through the winter & only pulling up some when you want it to use.
** Our Mince Pies were good although we had to use dried Cherries as I told you, & the meat was shoulder of Venisson, instead of Beef. The Pumpkin Pies, Apple Tarts & big Indian Puddings lacked for nothing save Appetite by the time we had got around to them.
**0f course we had no Wine. Uncle Simeon has still a cask or two, but it must be all saved for the sick, & indeed, for those who are well, good Cider is a sufficient Substitute. There was no Plumb Pudding, but a boiled Suet Fuddingt stirred thick with dried Plumbs & Cherries, was called by the old name & answered the purpose. All the other spice had been used in the Mince Pies, so for this Pudding we used a jar of West India preserved Ginger which chanced to be left of the last shipment which Uncle Simeon had from there, we chopped the Ginger small and stirred it through with the Plumbs and Cherries. It was extroardinary goods. The Day was bitter cold & when we got home from Meeting, which Father did not keep over long by reason of the cold, we were glad eno* of the fire in Uncle^s Dining Hall, but by the time the dinner was one-half over those of us who were on the fire side of one Table was forced to get up & carry our plates v/ith us around to the far side of the other Table, while those who had sat there were glad to bring their plates around to the fire side to get warm. All but the Old Ladies who had a screen out behind their chairs.
A NEW ENGLAND THANKSGIVING DINNER IN 1779 65
** Uncle Simoen was in his best moodt and yoti know how good that is! He kept both Tables in a roar of lattghter with his droll stories of the days when he was studying medicine in Edinborottgh, & afterwards he & Father & Uncle Paul joined in singing Hymns & Ballads, Yott know how fine their voices go together. Then we all sang a Hymn and afterwards my dear Father led as in prayer, remembering all Absent Friends before the Throne of Grace, & mtich I wished that my dear Betsey was here as one of tts, as she has been of yore,
** We did not rise from the Table until it was quite dark, & when the dishes had been cleared away we all got arottnd the fire as close as we could, & cracked nuts, & sang songs, & told stories. At least some told, & others listened* You know nobody can exceed the two Grandmothers at telling tales of all the things they have seen themselves, & repeating those of the early years in New England, & even some in the Old England, which they had heard in their youth from their Elders* My Father says it is a goodly custom to hand down all worthy deeds & traditions from Father to Son, as the Israelites were commanded to do about the Passover & as the Indians here have always done, because the Word that is spoken is remembered longer than the one that is written* * * Brother Jack, who did not reach here until late on Wednesday though he left the College very early on Monday Morning & rode with all due diligence considering the snow, brought an orange to each of the Grand- mothers, but Alas! they were frozen in his saddle bags* We soaked the frost out in cold water, but I guess they wasnH as good as they
should have been * *
Juliana, Smith*
Thanksgiving Proclamation of Gen. Washington at Valley Forge,
May 6, 1778
**It having pleased the Almighty Rtder of the Universe to defend the cause of the United American States, and finally to raise tis up a powerftil friend among the princes of the earth, to establish ottr liberty and independency upon a lasting foundation, it becomes us to set apart a day for gratefully acknowledging the Divine Good- ness, and celebrating the important event which we owe to his Divine Interposition* The several brigades are to be assembled for this purpose at nine o'clock to-morrow morning, when their chap- lains will communicate the intelligence contained in the postscript of the Pennsylvania Gazette of the second instant, and offer up thanks- giving, and deliver a discourse suitable to the occasion*
**At half-past ten o'clock a cannon will be fired, which is to be a signal for the men to be under arms? the brigade inspectors will then inspect their dress and arms, and form the battalions accord- ing to the instructions given them, and announce to the commanding officers of the brigade that the battalions are formed*
**The commanders of brigades will then appoint field-officers to
the battalions, after which each battalion v/ill be ordered to hold
and ground their arms* At half-past eleven a second cannon will
be fired as a signal for the march, upon which the several brigades
will begin march by v/heeling to the right of platoons, and proceed
by the nearest way to the left of their ground by the new position;
this will be pointed out by the brigade inspectors.
**A third signal will then be given, on which there will be a
66
WASHINGTON'S THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION 67
discharge of thirteen cannon, after which a running fire of the infantry will begin on the right of Woodford^s, and will continue throttghout the front line; it will then be taken ttp on the left of the second line, and continue to the right* Upon a signal given, the whole army will h«2za:
"LONG LIVE THE KING OF ITRANCEr'
**The Artillery then begins, and fires thirteen rotinds; this will be sttcceeded by a second general discharge of the musketry in a running fire, and huzza i
**LONG LIVE THE FRIENDLY EUROPEAN POWERS!**
"The last discharge of thirteen pieces of artillery will be given, followed by a general running fire and h.uzza.i
"THE AMERICAN STATES!**
Geo, Washington*
Thanksgiving in New York
Thursday Nov. 26th — Being the day appointed for a Thanks- giving, I went to St. Patil's Qiapel, though it was most inclement
and stormy — hut few people at church*
Washington's Diaiy*
68
Record of a Thanksgiving at Scituate Church Dec. 22, 1636
**In ye Mcctinghoasct beginning some halfe an hotjr before nine & contintted wntil after twelve aclock, ye day beeing very cold, beginning wt a short prayer, then a psalme sang, then more large in prayer, after that an other Psalme, & then the Word taught, after that prayer — & then a psalme, — Then makeing merry to the creattires, the poorer sort beeing invited of the richer*'*
69
The Thanksgiving Law
**That it be in the power of the Governor & Assist^ to comand
solemn daies of hamiliacon by fasting &Ct and also for thankesgiving
as occasion shall be offered* \
Colonial Laws, 1636,
70
The First Thanksgiving Procleunation in Early New York Records, Aug. 31, 1645
** "Whereas it hath pleased Almighty God in his anbotinded clemency and mercy, in addition to many previous blessings, to suffer tis to reach a long wished for peace with the Indians^ There- fore, it is deemed necessary to proclaim the fact to all those of New Netherland, to the end that in all places within the aforesaid country where Dtrtch and English charches are established, God Ahnighty may be especially thanked, praised, and blessed on next Wednesday forenoon, being the 6th of September, the text to be appropriate and the sermon to be applicable thereto. Your Rev- erence will please announce this matter to the Congregation next Stfnday so that they may have notice. On which we rely.
M S* Council Minutes*
71
Thanksgiving in Boston in 1685 and 1688
Sabbath Day, Nov J5t 1685* In the afternoon Mary Smithy Widow, Mr* Wheelwright's Grandchild, was taken into the Church; then Mr* Willard mentioned what the Elders had done as to a Thanks- giving, and propounded to the Chtirch that we might have one on the first Thorsday in December: because had Fasted, and God had graciously answered our Prayers; so should meet Him in the same place to give Thanks for that, and any other Providence that hath passed before tts* Silence gave Consent, no one speaking*
Wednesday, Novf 18* Uncomfortable Court day by reason of cxtream sharp words between the Deputy Govemour and Mr* Stoughton, Dudley and Others* Some Essay to have put a Sanction upon the Apointment for a Thanksgiving; but it fell tfirough* I argued 'twas not fit upon meer Generals, as (the Mercies of the year) to Comand a Thanksgiving and of Particulars we could not agree* Governour would have had one Article for the Peace of England, according to His Majesty's Proclamation*
Friday Novt 20th * * Mr* Stoughton & Dudley not here today. **Twas Essayed again to have had a Sanction put on the Thanks- giving: but 'twas again pleaded, to do it without mentioning par- ticular causes would be to impose too much on those Comanded*
So feH*
Samuel Se^ualL
72
THANKSGIVING IN BOSTON IN J685 AND J688 73
April \Zf J 688 — * * This day an Order is made that next Sabbath-day senight be a Thanksgiving for the Qtjeen's being with Child
Apr* 22, t688 — Mr* Willard having rec*d no Order mentions not the Thanksgiving: though it seems one was sent to him at noon to mention it, but left no Order with him*
April 29 — Mr* Willard received an Order abotrt the Thanks- giving on Satterday night; yet read it not this day, but after the Notes said such an Occasion was by the Governottr recommended
to be given Thanks for*
Samuel Se^ivalU
Q^iMfieu! >
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