Page:American History Told by Contemporaries, v2.djvu/484

456 country, to submit to their arbitrary and tyrannical measures. Much blood has been shed — towns destroyed. I do humbly pray that God would humble and reform us, and heal our backslidings, and yet regard us in our low estate, and relieve us in this calamity, and grant that real religion may yet revive and flourish, and that we may know God and turn to Him and accept the punishment of our sins, and answer the ends of it. 5 — By post we have the king's speech to Parliament and observe that he seems resolutely set to bring the Americans under. O Lord, be pleased to restrain the wrath of man and cause it to praise thee. — 12 — Report that the great mortar and some cannon are brought through the woods from Ticonderoga. What the design is I do not know. The Lord mercifully regard and help ; otherwise all these schemes and pains and labors and expenses will be to no purpose.

March 28 — This day our military company was called together and chose their officers. I prayed with them at the meeting house.

April 9 — I hear of tumults and disorderly practices, stupidity, hardness of heart, atheism, and unbelief prevail. The British ministry breathe out cruelty against the colonies still. Things look darker and darker. 21 — Sabbath, and a quiet Sabbath. No alarm or tumult, praised be God.

May 1. — A report of 20,000 troops at Halifax from England, not yet confirmed. July 24. — A number of people gathered together, some dressed like Indians with blankets, and manifested uneasiness with those that trade in rum, molasses, sugar, etc. I understand that a number went to Merchant Colton's and have again taken away his goods. I don't see the justice or equity of it. Many don't approve of it, but have not resolution enough to interpose and endeavour redress. I am fearful of special troubles in this place, not only on account of Samuel Colton's goods, but also because several of our people are going into service in Connecticut, and so our quota will be deficient, and possibly men may be drafted.

August 11. — This day I read publickly, being required thereto by the Provincial Council, the Declaration of the Continental Congress for Independency. 21. — Joseph Bumstead (a trusty man servant of the family) and grandson Stephen set out for Roxbury to join the army.

14 — Sabbath. This day a number of soldiers came from town on their march to the southward and breakfasted eastward of Dea. Ely's. Not so much interruption as we feared. The men behaved with moderation. They are under the conduct of Gen. Lee, who is gone down the other side.