Miss Polly Deming,[8]
Miss Polly Glover,[9]
Miss Peggy Draper,
Miss Bessy Winslow,[10]
Miss Nancy Glover,[11]
Miss Sally Winslow[12]
Miss Polly Atwood,
Miss Han^h 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[13] 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[14] was our
principal piper. Miss Church and Miss Chaloner would have been here if
sickness,--and the Miss Sheafs,[15] 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 sail'd from
this place for Cumberland it would have been of more service to me, for
I have been oblig'd to borrow. I wore Miss Griswold's[16] Bonnet on my
journey to Portsmouth, & my cousin Sallys Hatt ever since I came home, &
now I am to leave off my black ribbins tomorrow, & am to put on my red
cloak & black hatt--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 street if I do, or, how the folk at New guinie do? Dear mamma, you
dont know the fation here--I beg to look like other folk. You dont know
what a stir would be made in sudbury street, were I to make my
appearance there in my red Dominie & black Hatt. But the old cloak &
bonnett together will make me a decent bonnett for common ocation
(I like that) aunt says, its a pitty some of the ribbins you sent wont
do for the Bonnet.--I must now close up this Journal. With Duty, Love,
& Compliments as due, perticularly to my Dear little brother (I long to
see him) & Mrs. Law, I will write to her soon.
I am Hon^d Papa & mama,
Yr ever Dutiful Daughter
ANNE GREEN WINSLOW.
N.B. My aunt Deming dont approve of my English & has not the fear that
you will think her concernd in the Diction.
Dec^br. 6th.--Yesterday I was prevented dining at unkle Joshua's[17] by
a snow storm which lasted till 12 o'clock today, I spent some part of
yesterday afternoon and evening at Mr. Glovers. When I came home, the
snow being so deep I was bro't home in arms. My aunt got Mr. Soley's
Charlstown to fetch me. The snow is up to the peoples wast in some
places in the street.
Dec 14th.--The weather and walking have been very winter like since the
above hotch-potch, pothooks & trammels. I went to Mrs. Whitwell's last
wednessday--you taught me to spell the 4 day of the week, but my aunt
says that it should be spelt wednesday. My aunt also says, that till I
come out of an egregious fit of laughterre that is apt to sieze me & the
violence of which I am at this present under, neither English sense, nor
anything rational may be expected of me. I ment to say, that, I went to
Mrs. Whitwell's to see Mad^m Storers[18] funeral, the walking was very
bad except on the sides of the street which was the reason I did not
make a part of the procession. I should have dined with Mrs. Whitwell on
thursday if a grand storm had not prevented, As she invited me. I saw
Miss Caty Vans[19] at lecture last evening. I had a visit this morning
from Mrs Dixon of Horton & Miss Polly Huston. Mrs Dixon is dissipointed
at not finding her sister here.
Dec^r 24th.--Elder Whitwell told my aunt, that this winter began as did
the Winter of 1740. How that was I dont remember but this I know, that
to-day is by far the coldest we have had since I have been in New
England. (N.B. All run that are abroad.) Last sabbath being rainy I went
to & from meeting in Mr. Soley's chaise. I dined at unkle 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 discription I sent you last winter. The walking
is so slippery & the air so cold, that aunt chuses to have me for her
scoller these two days. And as tomorrow will be a holiday, so the pope
and his associates have ordained,[20] my aunt thinks not to trouble Mrs
Smith with me this week. I began a shift at home yesterday for myself,
it is pretty forward. Last Saturday was seven-night my aunt Suky[21] was
delivered of a pretty little son, who was baptiz'd by Dr. Cooper[22] the
next day by the name of Charles. I knew nothing of it till noonday, when
I went there a visiting. Last Thursday I din'd & spent the afternoon at
unkle Joshua's I should have gone to lecture with my aunt & heard our Mr
Hunt preach, but she would not wait till I came from writing school.
Miss Atwood, the last of our boarders, went off the same day. Miss
Griswold & Miss Meriam, having departed some time agone, I forget
whether I mention'd the recept of Nancy's present. I am oblig'd to her
for it. The Dolphin is still whole. And like to remain so.
Dec^r 27th.--This day, the extremity of the cold is somewhat abated.
I keept Christmas 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 the most part 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, which you shall know
in its place. How _strangely industrious_ I have been this week, I will
inform you with my own hand--at present, I am so dilligent, that I am
oblig'd to use the hand & pen of my old friend, who being _near by_ is
better than a brother _far off_. I dont forgit dear little John Henry so
pray mamma, dont mistake me.
Dec^r 28th.--Last evening a little after 5 o'clock I finished my shift.
I spent the evening at Mr. Soley's. I began my shift at 12 o'clock last
monday, have read my bible every day this week & wrote every day save
one.
Dec^r 30th.--I return'd to my sewing school after a weeks absence,
I have also paid my compliments to Master Holbrook.[23] Yesterday
between meetings my aunt was call'd to Mrs. Water's[13] & about 8 in the
evening Dr. Lloyd[24] brought little master to town (N.B. As a
memorandum for myself. My aunt stuck a white sattan pincushin[25] for
Mrs Waters.[13] On one side, is a planthorn with flowers, on the
reverse, just under the border are, on one side stuck these words,
Josiah Waters, then follows on the end, Dec^r 1771, on the next side &
end are the words, Welcome little Stranger.) Unkle has just come in &
bro't one from me. I mean, unkle is just come in with a letter from Papa
in his hand (& none for me) by way of Newbury. I am glad to hear that
all was well the 26 Nov^r ult. I am told my Papa has not mention'd me in
this Letter. Out of sight, out of mind. My aunt gives her love to papa,
& says that she will make the necessary enquieries for my brother and
send you via. Halifax what directions and wormseed she can collect.
1st Jan^y 1772.--I wish my Papa, Mama, brother John Henry, & cousin
Avery & all the rest of my acquaintance at Cumberland, Fortlaurence,
Barronsfield, Greenland, Amherst &c. a Happy New Year, I have bestow'd
no new year's gift,[26] as yet. But have received one very handsome one,
viz. the History of Joseph Andrews abreviated. In nice Guilt and flowers
covers. This afternoon being a holiday I am going to pay my compliments
in Sudbury Street.
Jan^y 4th 1772--I was dress'd in my yellow coat, my black bib & apron,
my pompedore[27] shoes, the cap my aunt Storer[28] sometime since
presented me with (blue ribbins 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 lik'd my dress
very much_. My cloak & bonnett are really very handsome, & so they had
need be. For they cost an amasing sight of money, not quite £45[29] tho'
Aunt Suky said, that she suppos'd 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. On thursday I attended my aunt
to Lecture & heard Dr Chauncey[30] preach a third sermon from Acts ii.
42. They continued stedfastly--in breaking of bread. I din'd & spent the
afternoon at Mr. Whitwell's. Miss Caty Vans was one of our company. Dr.
Pemberton[31] & Dr Cooper had on gowns, In the form of the Episcopal
cassock we hear, the Doct^s design to distinguish themselves from the
inferior clergy by these strange habits [at a time too when the good
people of N.E. are threaten'd with & dreading the comeing of an
episcopal bishop][32] N.B. I dont know whether one sleeve would make a
full trimm'd negligee[33] as the fashion is at present, tho' I cant say
but it might make one of the frugal sort, with but scant triming. Unkle
says, they all have popes in their bellys. Contrary to I. Peter v. 2. 3.
Aunt says, when she saw Dr P. roll up the pulpit stairs, the figure of
Parson Trulliber, recorded by Mr Fielding occur'd to her mind & she was
really sorry a congregational divine, should, by any instance whatever,
give her so unpleasing an idea.
Jan^y 11th.--I have attended my schools every day this week except
wednesday afternoon. When I made a setting up visit to aunt Suky, & was
dress'd just as I was to go to the ball. It cost me a pistoreen[34] to
nurse Eaton for tow cakes, which I took care to eat before I paid for
them.[35] I heard Mr Thacher preach our Lecture last evening Heb. 11. 3.
I remember a great deal of the sermon, but a'nt time to put it down.
It is one year last Sep^r since he was ordain'd & he will be 20 years of
age next May if he lives so long. I forgot that the weather want fit for
me to go to school last thursday. I work'd at home.
Jan^y 17th.--I told you the 27th Ult that I was going to a constitation
with miss Soley. I have now the pleasure to give you the result, viz.
a very genteel well regulated assembly which we had at Mr Soley's last
evening, miss Soley being mistress of the ceremony. Mrs Soley desired me
to assist Miss Hannah in making out a list of guests which I did some
time since, I wrote all the invitation cards. There was a large company
assembled in a handsome, large, upper room in the new end of the house.
We had two fiddles, & I had the honor to open the diversion of the
evening in a minuet with miss Soley.--Here follows a list of the company
as we form'd for country dancing.
Miss Soley & Miss Anna Greene Winslow
Miss Calif Miss Scott
Miss Williams Miss McCarthy
Miss Codman Miss Winslow
Miss Ives Miss Coffin
Miss Scolley[36] Miss Bella Coffin[37]
Miss Waldow Miss Quinsy[38]
Miss Glover Miss Draper
Miss Hubbard
Miss Cregur (usually pronounced Kicker) & two Miss Sheafs were invited
but were sick or sorry & beg'd to be excus'd. There was a little Miss
Russell & the little ones of the family present who could not dance. As
spectators, there were Mr & Mrs Deming, Mr. & Mrs Sweetser Mr & Mrs
Soley, Mr & Miss Cary, Mrs Draper, Miss Oriac, Miss Hannah--our treat
was nuts, rasins, Cakes, Wine, punch,[39] hot & cold, all in great
plenty. We had a very agreeable evening from 5 to 10 o'clock. For
variety we woo'd a widow, hunted the whistle, threaded the needle, &
while the company was collecting, we diverted ourselves with playing of
pawns, no rudeness Mamma I assure you. Aunt Deming desires you would
_perticulary observe_, that the elderly part of the company were
_spectators only_, they mix'd not in either of the above describ'd
scenes.
I was dress'd in my yellow coat, black bib & apron, black feathers on my
head, my past comb, & all my past[40] garnet marquesett[41] & jet pins,
together with my silver plume--my loket, rings, black collar round my
neck, black mitts & 2 or 3 yards of blue ribbin, (black & blue is high
tast) striped tucker and ruffels (not my best) & my silk shoes
compleated my dress.
Jan^y 18th.--Yesterday I had an invitation to celebrate Miss Caty's
birth-day with her. She gave it me the night before. Miss is 10 years
old. The best dancer in Mr Turners[42] school, she has been his scoller
these 3 years. My aunt thought it proper (as our family had a
invitation) that I should attend a neighbor's funeral yesterday
P.M. I went directly from it to Miss Caty's Rout & arriv'd ex . .
. . . .
BOSTON January 25 1772.
Hon^'d Mamma, My Hon^'d Papa has never signified to me his approbation
of my journals, from whence I infer, that he either never reads them,
or does not give himself the trouble to remember any of their contents,
tho' some part has been address'd to him, so, for the future, I shall
trouble only you with this part of my scribble--Last thursday I din'd at
Unkle Storer's & spent the afternoon in that neighborhood. I met with
some adventures in my way viz. As I was going, I was overtaken by a lady
who was quite a stranger to me. She accosted me with "how do you do
miss?" I answer'd her, but told her I had not the pleasure of knowing
her. She then ask'd "what is your name miss? I believe you think 'tis a
very strange questian to ask, but have a mind to know." Nanny Green--She
interrupted me with "not Mrs. Winslow of Cumberland's daughter." Yes
madam I am. When did you hear from your Mamma? how do's she do? When
shall you write to her? When you do, tell her that you was overtaken in
the street by her old friend Mrs Login, give my love to her & tell her
she must come up soon & live on Jamaca plain. we have got a nice
meeting-house, & a charming minister, & all so cleaver. She told me she
had ask'd Unkle Harry to bring me to see her, & he said he would. Her
minister is Mr Gordon. I have heard him preach several times at the
O. South. In the course of my peregrination, as aunt calls it,
I happen'd in to a house where D---- was attending the Lady of the
family. How long she was at his opperation, I know not. I saw him twist
& tug & pick & cut off whole locks of grey hair at a slice (the lady
telling him she would have no hair to dress next time) for the space of
a hour & a half, when I left them, he seeming not to be near done. This
lady is not a grandmother tho' she is both old enough & grey enough to
be one.
Jan^y 31--I spent yesterday with Aunt Storer, except a little while I
was at Aunt Sukey's with Mrs Barrett dress'd in a white brocade, &
cousin Betsey dress'd in a red lutestring, both adorn'd with past, perls
marquesett &c. They were after tea escorted by Mr. Newton & Mr Barrett
to ye assembly at Concert Hall. This is a snowy day, & I am prevented
going to school.
[Illustration: WEDDING PARTY IN BOSTON IN 1756]
Feb. 9th.--My honored Mamma will be so good as to excuse my useing the
pen of my old friend just here, because I am disabled by a whitloe on my
fourth finger & something like one on my middle finger, from using my
own pen; but altho' my right hand is in bondage, my left is free; & my
aunt says, it will be a nice oppertunity if I do but improve it, to
perfect myself in learning to spin flax. I am pleased with the proposal
& am at this present, exerting myself for this purpose. I hope, when
two, or at most three months are past, to give you occular demonstration
of my proficiency in _this art_, as well as several others. My fingers
are not the only part of me that has suffer'd with sores within this
fortnight, for I have had an ugly great boil upon my right hip & about a
dozen small ones--I am at present swath'd hip & thigh, as Samson smote
the Philistines, but my soreness is near over. My aunt thought it highly
proper to give me some cooling physick, so last tuesday I took 1-2 oz
Globe Salt (a disagreeable potion) & kept chamber. Since which, there
has been no new erruption, & a great alteration for the better in those
I had before.
I have read my bible to my aunt this morning (as is the daily custom) &
sometimes I read other books to her. So you may perceive, I _have the
use of my tongue_ & I tell her it is a good thing to have the use of my
tongue. Unkle Ned[43] called here just now--all well--by the way he is
come to live in Boston again, & till he can be better accomodated, is at
housekeeping where Mad^m Storer lately lived, he is looking for a less
house. I tell my Aunt I feel a disposician to be a good girl, & she
pleases herself that she shall have much comfort of me to-day, which as
cousin Sally is ironing we expect to have to ourselves.
Feb. 10th.--This day I paid my respects to Master Holbrook, after a
week's absence, my finger is still in limbo as you may see by the
writeing. I have not paid my compliments to Madam Smith,[44] for, altho'
I can drive the goos quill a bit, I cannot so well manage the needle.
So I will lay my hand to the distaff, as the virtuous woman did of
old--Yesterday was very bad weather, neither aunt, nor niece at publick
worship.
Feb. 12th.--Yesterday afternoon I spent at unkle Joshuas. Aunt Green
gave me a plaister for my fingure that has near cur'd it, but I have a
new boil, which is under poultice, & tomorrow I am to undergo another
seasoning with globe Salt. The following lines Aunt Deming found in
grandmama Sargent's[45] pocket-book & gives me leave to copy 'em here.--
Dim eyes, deaf ears, cold stomach shew,
My dissolution is in view
The shuttle's thrown, my race is run,
My sun is set, my work is done;
My span is out, my tale is told,
My flower's decay'd, & stock grows old,
The dream is past, the shadows fled,
My soul now longs for Christ my head,
I've lived to seventy six or nigh,
GOD calls at last, & now I'll die.[46]
My honor'd Grandma departed this vale of tears 1-4 before 4 o'clock
wednesday morning August 21, 1771. Aged 74 years, 2 months & ten days.
Feb. 13th.--Everybody says that this is a bitter cold day, but I know
nothing about it but hearsay for I am in aunt's chamber (which is very
warm always) with a nice fire, a stove, sitting in Aunt's easy chair,
with a tall three leav'd screen at my back, & I am very comfortable.
I took my second (& I hope last) potion of Globe salts this morning.
I went to see Aunt Storer yesterday afternoon, & by the way Unkle Storer
is so ill that he keeps chamber. As I went down I call'd at Mrs
Whitwell's & must tell you Mr & Mrs Whitwell are both ill. Mrs. Whitwell
with the rheumatism. I saw Mad^m Harris, Mrs Mason and Miss Polly
Vans[47] there, they all give their love to you--Last evening I went to
catechizing with Aunt. Our ministers have agreed during the long
evenings to discourse upon the questions or some of 'em in the
assembly's shorter catechism, taking 'em in their order at the house of
Mrs Rogers in School Street, every wednesday evening. Mr. Hunt began
with the first question and shew'd what it is to glorify GOD. Mr Bacon
then took the second, what rule &c. which he has spent three evenings
upon, & now finished. Mr Hunt having taken his turn to show what the
Scriptures principly teach, & what is GOD. I remember he said that there
was nothing properly done without a rule, & he said that the rule God
had given us to glorify him by was the bible. How miraculously (said he)
has God preserv'd this blessed book. It was once in the reign of a
heathen emperor condemn'd to be burnt, at which time it was death to
have a bible & conceal it, but God's providence was wonderful in
preserving it when so much human policy had been exerted to bury it in
Oblivion--but for all that, here we have it as pure & uncorrupted as
ever--many books of human composure have had much pains taken to
preserve 'em, notwithstanding they are buried in Oblivion. He considered
who was the author of the bible, he prov'd that GOD was the author, for
no _good_ man could be the author, because such a one would not be
guilty of imposition, & an evil man could not unless we suppose a house
divided against itself. he said a great deal more to prove the bible is
certainly the word of God from the matter it contains &c, but the best
evidence of the truth of divine revelation, every true believer has in
his own heart. This he said, the natural man had no idea of. I did not
understand all he said about the external and internal evidence, but
this I can say, that I understand him better than any body else that
I hear preach. Aunt has been down stairs all the time I have been
recolecting & writeing this. Therefore, all this of own head, of
consequence.
Valentine day.[48]--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. Aunt says it will do for filling. Aunt also says niece is a
whimsical child.
Feb. 17.--Since Wednesday evening, I have not been abroad since
yesterday afternoon. I went to meeting & back in Mr. Soley's chaise. Mr.
Hunt preached. He said that human nature is as opposite to God as
darkness to light. That our sin is only bounded by the narrowness of our
capacity. His text was Isa. xli. 14. 18. The mountains &c. He said were
unbelief, pride, covetousness, enmity, &c. &c. &c. This morning I took a
walk for Aunt as far as Mr. Soley's. I called at Mrs Whitwell's & found
the good man & lady both better than when I saw them last. On my return
I found Mr. Hunt on a visit to aunt. After the usual salutations & when
did you hear from your papa &c. I ask'd him if the blessing pronounced
by the minister before the congregation is dismissed, is not a part of
the publick worship? "Yes."
"Why then, do you Sir, say, let us conclude the publick worship by
singing?" "Because singing is the last act in which the whole
congregation is unanimously to join. The minister in Gods name blesses
his i.e. Gods people agreeable to the practice of the apostles, who
generally close the epistles with a benediction in the name of the
Trinity, to which, Amen is subjoined, which, tho' pronounc'd by the
minister, is, or ought to be the sentiment & prayer of the whole
assembly, the meaning whereof is, So be it."
Feb. 18th.--Another ten knot skane of my yarn was reel'd off today.
Aunt says it is very good. My boils & whitloes are growing well apace,
so that I can knit a little in the evening.
Transcribed from the Boston Evening Post:
Sep. 18, 1771. Under the head of London news, you may find that last
Thursday was married at Worcester the Widow Biddle of Wellsburn in the
county of Warwick, to her grandson John Biddle of the same place, aged
twenty three years. It is very remarkable. the widdow had one son & one
daughter; 18 grandchildren & 5 great grandchildren; her present husband
has one daughter, who was her great granddaughter but is now become her
daughter; her other great grandchildren are become her cousins; her
grandchildren her brothers & sisters; her son & daughter her father
& mother. I think! tis the most extraordinary account I ever read in
a News-Paper. It will serve to puzzel Harry Dering with.
[Transcriber's Note:
"I think! tis" may be a typographical error for "I think 'tis".]
Monday Feb. 18th--Bitter cold. I am just come from writing school. Last
Wednesday P.M. while I was at school Aunt Storer called in to see Aunt
Deming in her way to Mr Inches's. She walk'd all that long way. Thursday
last I din'd & spent the afternoon with Aunt Sukey. I attended both my
schools in the morning of that day. I cal'd at unkle Joshua's as I went
along, as I generally do, when I go in town, it being all in my way.
Saterday I din'd at Unkle Storer's, drank tea at Cousin Barrel's, was
entertain'd in the afternoon with scating. Unkle Henry was there.
Yesterday by the help of neighbor Soley's Chaise, I was at meeting all
day, tho' it snow'd in the afternoon. I might have say'd I was at Unkle
Winslow's last Thursday Eve^g & when I inform you that my needle work at
school, & knitting at home, went on _as usual_, I think I have laid
before you a pretty full account of the last week. You see how I improve
in my writing, but I drive on as fast as I can.
Feb. 21, Thursday.--This day Jack Frost bites very hard, so hard aunt
won't let me go to any school. I have this morning made part of a coppy
with the very pen I have now in my hand, writting this with. Yesterday
was so cold there was a very thick vapor upon the water, but I attended
my schools all day. My unkle says yesterday was 10 degrees colder than
any day we have had before this winter. And my aunt says she believes
this day is 10 degrees colder than it was yesterday; & moreover, that
she would not put a dog out of doors. The sun gives forth his rays
through a vapor like that which was upon the water yesterday. But Aunt
bids me give her love to pappa & all the family & tell them that she
should be glad of their company in her warm parlour, indeed there is not
one room in this house but is very warm when there is a good fire in
them. As there is in this at present. Yesterday I got leave (by my
aunt's desire) to go from school at 4 o'clock to see my unkle Ned who
has had the misfortune to break his leg. I call'd in to warm myself at
unkle Joshua's. Aunt Hannah told me I had better not go any further for
she could tell me all about him, so I say'd as it is so cold I believe
aunt won't be angry so I will stay, I therefore took off my things, aunt
gave me leave to call at Unkle Joshua's & was very glad I went no
further. Aunt Hannah told me he was as well as could be expected for one
that has a broken bone. He was coming from Watertown in a chaise the
horse fell down on the Hill, this side Mr Brindley's. he was
afraid if he fell out, the wheel would run over him, he therefore gave a
start & fell out & broke his leg, the horse strugled to get up, but
could not. unkle Ned was affraid if he did get up the chaise
wheels would run over him, so he went on his two hands and his other
foot drawing his lame leg after him & got behind the chaise, (so he was
safe) & there lay in the snow for some time, nobody being near. at last
2 genteelmen came, they tho't the horse was dead when they first saw him
at a distance, but hearing somebody hollow, went up to it. By this time
there was a countraman come along, the person that hollow'd was unkle
Ned. They got a slay and put him in it with some hay and a blanket,
wrapt him up well as they could & brought him to Deacon Smith's in town.
Now Papa & Mamma, this hill is in Brookline. And now again, I have been
better inform'd for the hill is in Roxbury & poor Unkle Ned was alone in
the chaise. Both bones of his leg are broke, but they did not come thro'
the skin, which is a happy circumstance. It is his right leg that is
broke. My Grandmamma sent Miss Deming, Miss Winslow & I one eight^th of
a Dollar a piece for a New Years gift. My Aunt Deming & Miss Deming had
letters from Grandmamma. She was pretty well, she wrote aunt that Mrs
Marting was brought to bed with a son Joshua about a month since, & is
with her son very well. Grandmamma was very well last week. I have made
the purchase I told you of a few pages agone, that is, last Thursday I
purchas'd with my aunt Deming's leave, a very beautiful white feather
hat, that is, the out side, which is a bit of white hollond with the
feathers sew'd on in a most curious manner white & unsullyed as the
falling snow, this hat I have long been saving my money to procure for
which I have let your kind allowance, Papa, lay in my aunt's hands till
this hat which I spoke for was brought home. As I am (as we say) a
daughter of liberty[49] I chuse to wear as much of our own manufactory
as pocible. But my aunt says, I have wrote this account very badly.
I will go on to save my money for a chip & a lineing &c.
Papa I rec'd your letter dated Jan. 11, for which I thank you, Sir, &
thank you greatly for the money I received therewith. I am very glad to
hear that Brother John papa & mamma & cousin are well. I'll answer your
letter papa and yours mamma and cousin Harry's too. I am very glad mamma
your eyes are better. I hope by the time I have the pleasure of hearing
from Cumberland again your eyes will be so well that you will favor me
with one from you.
Feb. 22d.--Since about the middle of December, ult. we have had
till this week, a series of cold and stormy weather--every snow storm
(of which we have had abundance) except the first, ended with rain, by
which means the snow was so hardened that strong gales at NW soon turned
it, & all above ground to ice, which this day seven-night was from one
to three, four & they say, in some places, five feet thick, in the
streets of this town. Last saturday morning we had a snow storm come on,
which continued till four o'clock P.M. when it turned to rain, since
which we have had a warm air, with many showers of rain, one this
morning a little before day attended with thunder. The streets have been
very wet, the water running like rivers all this week, so that I could
not possibly go to school, neither have I yet got the bandage off my
fingure. Since I have been writing now, the wind suddenly sprung up at
NW and blew with violence so that we may get to meeting to-morrow,
perhaps on dry ground. Unkle Ned was here just now & has fairly or
unfairly carried off aunt's cut paper pictures,[50] tho' she told him
she had given them to papa some years ago. It has been a very sickly
time here, not one person that I know of but has been under heavy
colds--(all laid up at unkle Storer's) in general got abroad again. Aunt
Suky had not been down stairs since her lying in, when I last saw her,
but I hear she is got down. She has had a broken breast. I have spun 30
knots of linning yarn, and (partly) new footed a pair of stockings for
Lucinda, read a part of the pilgrim's progress, coppied part of my text
journal (that if I live a few years longer, I may be able to understand
it, for aunt sais, that to her, the contents as I first mark'd them,
were an impenetrable secret) play'd some, tuck'd a great deal (Aunt
Deming says it is very true) laugh'd enough, & I tell aunt it is all
human _nature_, if not human reason. And now, I wish my honored mamma a
very good night.
Saturday noon Feb. 23d--Dear Pappa, do's the winter continue as
pleasant at Cumberland as when you wrote to me last? We had but very
little winter here, till February came in, but we have little else
since. The cold still continues tho' not so extreme as it was last
Thursday. I have attended my schools all this week except one day, and
am going as soon as I have din'd to see how Unkle Ned does. I was
thinking, Sir, to lay up a piece of money you sent me, but as you sent
it to me to lay out I have a mind to buy a chip & linning for my feather
hatt. But my aunt says she will think of it. My aunt says if I behave
myself very well indeed, not else, she will give me a garland of flowers
to orniment it, tho' she has layd aside the biziness of flower
making.[51]
[Illustration: GENERAL JOSHUA WINSLOW]
Feb. 25th.--This is a very stormy day of snow, hail & rain, so that I
cannot get to Master Holbrook's, therefore I will here copy something I
lately transcribed on a loose paper from Dr. Owen's sermon on Hab. iii,
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. "I have heard that a full wind behind the
ship drives her not so fast forward, as a side wind, that seems almost
as much against her as with her; & the reason they say is, because a
full wind fills but some of her sails.
Wednesday.--Very cold, but this morning I was at sewing and writing
school, this afternoon all sewing, for Master Holbrook does not in the
winter keep school of afternoons. Unkle Henrys feet are so much better
that he wears shoos now.
Monday noon Feb. 25th. I have been to writing school this morning and
Sewing. The day being very pleasant, very little wind stirring. Jemima
called to see me last evening. She lives at Master Jimmy Lovel's.[52]
Dear mamma, I suppose that you would be glad to hear that Betty Smith
who has given you so much trouble, is well & behaves herself well & I
should be glad if I could write you so. But the truth is, no sooner was
the 29th Regiment encamp'd upon the common but miss Betty took herself
among them (as the Irish say) & there she stay'd with Bill Pinchion &
awhile. The next news of her was, that she was got into gaol for
stealing: from whence she was taken to the publick whipping post.[53]
The next adventure was to the Castle, after the soldier's were remov'd
there, for the murder of the 5th March last.[54] When they turn'd her
away from there, she came up to town again, and soon got into the
workhouse for new misdemeanours, she soon ran away from there and sit up
her old trade of pilfering again, for which she was put a second time
into gaol, there she still remains. About two months agone (as well as I
can remember) she & a number of her wretched companions set the gaol on
fire, in order to get out, but the fire was timely discovered &
extinguished, & there, as I said she still remains till this day, in
order to be tried for her crimes. I heard somebody say that as she has
some connections with the army no doubt but she would be cleared, and
perhaps, have a pension into the bargain. Mr. Henry says the way of sin
is down hill, when persons get into that way they are not easily
stopped.
Feb. 27.--This day being too stormy for me to go to any school, and
nothing as yet having happen'd that is worth your notice, my aunt gives
me leave to communicate to you something that much pleas'd her when she
heard of it, & which I hope will please you my Papa and Mamma. I believe
I may have inform'd you that since I have been in Boston, Dr. Byles[55]
has pretty frequently preached & sometimes administer'd the sacrament,
when our Candidates have preached to the O.S. Church, because they are
not tho't qualified to administer Gospel Ordinance, till they be settled
Pastours. About two months ago a brother of the church sent Dr Byles a
Card which contain'd after the usual introduction, the following words,
Mr W---- dont set up for an Expositor of Scripture, yet ventures to send
Dr. Byles a short comment on 1 Cor. ix. 11. which he thinks agreeable to
the genuine import of the text, & hopes the Dr will not disapprove it.
The comment was a dozen pounds of Chocolate &c.--To which the D^r
return'd the following very pretty answer. D^r Byles returns respects to
Mr W & most heartily thanks him for his judicious practical Familie
Expositor, which is in Tast. My aunt Deming gives her love to you mamma,
and bids me tell you, as a matter you will be very glad to know, that
D^r Byles & his lady & family, have enjoy'd a good share of health &
perfect harmony for several years past.
Mr Beacon is come home. My unkle Neddy is very comfortable, has very
little pain, & know fever with his broken bone. My Unkle Harry[56] was
here yesterday & is very well. Poor Mrs Inches is dangerously ill of a
fever. We have not heard how she does today.
March 4th.--Poor Mrs Inches is dead. Gone from a world of trouble, as
she has left this to her poor mother. Aunt says she heartyly pities Mrs
Jackson. Mr Nat. Bethune died this morning, Mrs Inches last night.
We had the greatest fall of snow yesterday we have had this winter. Yet
cousin Sally, miss Polly, & I rode to & from meeting in Mr Soley's
chaise both forenoon & afternoon, & with a stove[57] was very
comfortable there. If brother John is as well and hearty as cousin
Frank, he is a clever boy. Unkle Neddy continues very comfortable. I saw
him last saturday. I have just now been writing four lines in my Book
almost as well as the copy. But all the intreaties in the world will not
prevail upon me to do always as well as I can, which is not the least
trouble to me, tho' its a great grief to aunt Deming. And she says by
writing so frightfully above.
March 6.--I think the appearance this morning is as winterish as any I
can remember, earth, houses, trees, all covered with snow, which began
to fall yesterday morning & continued falling all last night. The Sun
now shines very bright, the N.W. wind blows very fresh. Mr Gannett din'd
here yesterday, from him, my unkle, aunt & cousin Sally, I had an
account of yesterday's publick performances,[58] & exhibitions, but aunt
says I need not write about 'em because, no doubt there will be printed
accounts. I should have been glad if I could have seen & heard for
myselfe. My face is better, but I have got a heavy cold yet.
March 9th.--After being confined a week, I rode yesterday afternoon to
& from meeting in Mr Soley's chaise. I got no cold and am pretty well
today. This has been a very snowy day today. Any body that sees this may
see that I have wrote nonsense but Aunt says, I have been a very good
girl to day about my work however--I think this day's work may be called
a piece meal for in the first place I sew'd on the bosom of unkle's
shirt, mended two pair of gloves, mended for the wash two handkerchiefs,
(one cambrick) sewed on half a border of a lawn apron of aunts, read
part of the xxi^st chapter of Exodous, & a story in the Mother's gift.
Now, Hon^d Mamma, I must tell you of something that happened to me
to-day, that has not happen'd before this great while, viz My Unkle &
Aunt both told me, I was a very good girl. Mr Gannett gave us the favour
of his company a little while this morning (our head). I have been
writing all the above gibberish while aunt has been looking after her
family--now she is out of the room--now she is in--& takes up my pen in
_my_ absence to observe, I am a little simpleton for informing my mamma,
that it is _a great while_ since I was prais'd because she will conclude
that it is _a great while_ since I deserv'd to be prais'd. I will
henceforth try to observe their praise & yours too. I mean deserve. It's
now tea time--as soon as that is over, I shall spend the rest of the
evening in reading to my aunt. It is near candle lighting.
March 10, 5 o'clock P.M.--I have finish'd my stent of sewing work for
this day & wrote a billet to Miss Caty Vans, a copy of which I shall
write on the next page. To-morrow if the weather is fit I am to visit.
I have again been told I was a good girl. My Billet to Miss Vans was in
the following words. Miss Green gives her compliments to Miss Vans, and
informs her that her aunt Deming quite misunderstood the matter about
the queen's night-Cap.[59] Mrs. Deming thou't that it was a black skull
cap linn'd with red that Miss Vans ment which she thou't would not be
becoming to Miss Green's light complexion. Miss Green now takes the
liberty to send the materials for the Cap Miss Vans was so kind as to
say she would make for her, which, when done, she engages to take
special care of for Miss Vans' sake. Mrs. Deming joins her compliments
with Miss Green's--they both wish for the pleasure of a visit from Miss
Vans. Miss Soley is just come in to visit me & 'tis near dark.
March 11.--Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a
day may bring forth. Thus king Solomon, inspired by the Holy Ghost,
cautions, Pro. xxvii. 1. My aunt says, this is a most necessary lesson
to be learn'd & laid up in the heart. I am quite of her mind. I have met
with a disappointment to day, & aunt says, I may look for them every
day--we live in a changing world--in scripture call'd a vale of tears.
Uncle said yesterday that there had not been so much snow on the ground
this winter as there was then--it has been vastly added to since then,
& is now 7 feet deep in some places round this house; it is above the
fence in the coart & thick snow began to fall and condtinu'd till about
5 o'clock P.M. (it is about 1-4 past 8 o'clock) since which there has
been a steady rain--so no visiting as I hoped this day, & this is the
disappointment I mentioned on t'other page. Last saturday I sent my
cousin Betsy Storer a Billet of which the following is a copy. Miss
Green gives her love to Miss Storer & informs her that she is very
_sensible_ of the effects of a bad cold, not only in the pain she has
had in her throat, neck and face, which have been much swell'd & which
she is not quite clear of, but that she has also been by the same
depriv'd of the pleasure of seeing Miss Storer & her other friends in
Sudbury Street. She begs, her Duty, Love & Compliments, may be presented
as due & that she may be inform'd if they be in health. To this I have
receiv'd no answer. I suppose she don't think I am worth an answer. But
I have finished my stent, and wrote all under this date, & now I have
just daylight eno' to add, my love and duty to dear friends at
_Cumberland_.
[Illustration: EBENEZER STORER]
March 14.--Mr. Stephen March, at whose house I was treated so kindly
last fall, departed this life last week, after languishing several
months under a complication of disorders--we have not had perticulars,
therefore cannot inform you, whether he engag'd the King of terrors with
Christian fortitude, or otherwise.
"Stoop down my Thoughts, that use to rise,
Converse a while with Death;
Think how a gasping Mortal lies,
And pants away his Breath."
Last Thursday I din'd with unkle Storer, & family at aunt Sukey's--all
well except Charles Storer who was not so ill but what, _that_ I mean,
he din'd with us. Aunt Suky's Charles is a pretty little boy & grows
nicely. We were diverted in the afternoon with an account of a queer
Feast that had been made that day in a certain Court of this town for
the Entertainment of a number of Tories--perhaps seventeen. One
contain'd three calves heads (skin off) with their appurtinencies
anciently call'd pluck--Their other dish (for they had but two)
contain'd a number of roast fowls--half a dozen, we suppose,[A] & all
roosters at this season no doubt. Yesterday, soon after I came from
writing school we had another snow storm begun, which continued till
after I went to bed. This morning the sun shines clear (so it did
yesterday morning till 10 o'clock.) It is now bitter cold, & such a
quantity of snow upon the ground, as the Old people don't remember ever
to have seen before at this time of the year. My aunt Deming says, when
she first look'd abroad this morning she felt anxious for her brother, &
his family at Cumberland, fearing lest they were covered up in snow. It
is now 1-2 after 12 o'clock noon. The sun has been shineing in his full
strength for full 6 hours, & the snow not melted enough anywhere in
sight of this house, to cause one drop of water.
[Footnote A: There was six as I have since heard.]
March 17.--Yesterday, I went to see aunt Polly, & finding her going out,
I spent the afternoon with aunt Hannah. While I was out, a snow storm
overtook me. This being a fine sun shine (tho' cold) day I have been to
writing school, & wrote two pieces, one I presented to aunt Deming, and
the other I design for my Honor'd Papa, I hope he will approve of it.
I sent a piece of my writing to you Hon'd Mamma last fall, which I hope
you receiv'd. When my aunt Deming was a little girl my Grandmamma
Sargent told her the following story viz. One Mr. Calf who had three
times enjoy'd the Mayorality of the city of London, had after his
decease, a monoment erected to his memory with the following inscription
on it.
Here lies buried the body of
Sir Richard Calf,
Thrice Lord Mayor of London.
Honor, Honor, Honor.
A drol gentleman passing by with a bit of chalk in his hand underwrote
thus--
O cruel death! more subtle than a Fox
That would not let this Calf become an Ox,
That he might browze among the briers & thorns
And with his brethren wear,
Horns. Horns. Horns.
My aunt told me the foregoing some time since & today I ask'd her leave
to insert it in my journal. My aunt gives her love to you & directs me
to tell you that she tho't my piece of linnin would have made me a dozen
of shifts but she could cut no more than ten out of it. There is some
left, but not enough for another. Nine of them are finish'd wash'd &
iron'd; & the other would have been long since done if my fingers had
not been sore. My cousin Sally made three of them for me, but then I
made two shirts & part of another for unkle to help her. I believe
unless something remarkable should happen, such as a _warm day_, my
mamma will consent that I dedicate a few of my next essays to papa.
I think the second thing I said to aunt this morning was, that I
intended to be _very good all day_. To make this out,
"Next unto _God_, dear Parents I address
Myself to you in humble Thankfulness,
For all your Care & Charge on me bestow'd;
The means of Learning unto me allow'd,
Go on I pray, & let me still pursue
Those Golden ARTS the Vulgar never knew."