USA > Vermont > Orange County > Newbury > History of Newbury, Vermont, from the discovery of the Coos country to present time > Part 43
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13 Day. Rain. Enoch Hall went from here.
14 Day, Sunday. I received Sixty five Dollars of Capt. Young of wages due to me. Let Robertson have one Dollar for washing; payed Moses Chamberlin Five Dollars for Note he Bought of me against Silas Chamberlin. I Bought one Quart of Rum, one Dollar.
15 Day. I embarked for Ticonderoga. I lodged five miles short of harbour.
16 Day. I arrived at said harbour. I bought one cake chocolate, one and six pence.
17 Day. I bought Pair of Shews ten and six Pence.
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HISTORY OF NEWBURY, VERMONT.
18 Day. I payed one Dollar for Vinegar and my Barber one and six pence. I settled with ye mess since I came to Crown Point to the 17th of this. I am indebted twenty two shillins.
19 Day. Col. Hazen had his trial.
20 Day. I bought Cow.
21 Day, Sunday. Luis Seaby confined.
22 Day. I Drank Bristor Beer. Luis Seaby whipped. Received letter from my wife.
23 Day. I Payed Major Wales five Dollars. Wrote letter to my wife.
24 Day. I am on Guard.
25. I was Relieved of main Guard.
26 Day. I went on Fatigue over ye Lake.
27 Day. I went over to ye mount to clear encampment.
28, Sunday. I removed over to ye Mount.
29. I went to the General. Mr. Weatherspoon came in.
30 Day. I received Letter from my wife Spent four shillings.
31 Day. I went over ye River. Sent Six Dollars to my wife by Weatherspoon.
August ye First, 1776. Hottest day has been. Lieut. White like to Bleed to Death. 20th Day of July my child died.
2 Day. I went on Fatigue. Split one mortar, one the day Before.
3 Day. Made a stop.
5 Day.
4 Day, Sunday. I wrote Letter to my wife. I brought my cow home. Settled with ye mess.
6 Day.
I went to Capt. Carliles court martial.
7 Day. Leut Whitcomb came home.
S Day. I wrote Letter to Joshua Bayley.
9 Day. Meigs died. Capt. Carlile came in. Wrote letter to my wife.
A part of Journal missing. August 9th to Jan. 2nd, '77, was then at home.
Feb. 19. I enlisted under Lieut. Taylor.
22 Day. An express came from Gen. Schuyler to take every Fifth man of ye militia.
24 Day. We drafted the men of this Town to go to Ticonderoga.
25. They passed muster.
26. They set out.
27. Capt. Taplin's company met at Robert Johnston's.
March 3. Capt. Taplin's Company met at ye State House. The old Officers gave up and chose new ones.
18 Day. The ground is almost bare.
April 19, 1790. Bill Seidgel began work for me and is to work six months for 18 Dollars.
April 22, 1790. John Smith came to work for me and is to work 8 months for 49 Dollars.
August 13, 1783. This Day payed Henry Lovewell hls wages in full for scouting while under me, together with his brother, Nehemiah, the whole being Four pound, 17 shillings and four pence.
April 17, 1783. This Day Rec'd of Capt. Frye Bayley in full from the State of Vermont for services done in his Company in ye year 1777 in Colo Peter Olcotts Regiment, together with Ephraim Martin, Benjamin Martin, Patrick Kennedy, Ichabod Collins and John Osmore. Received by me,
BENJ. DAVIS.
JOURNAL OF THOMAS JOHNSON WHILE A CAPTIVE IN CANADA, 1781.
This journal is contained in two small and much worn pocket- books now in the possession of Mrs. A. G. Johnson of Watertown, Conn. The spelling and use of capitals are modernized.
March 5, 1781. This morning early went over to Haverhill for my mill stones with my teams. Returned before dinner, shod my oxen, took dinner. Set out for Peacham at 2 o'clock, little thinking the length of my journey before I would see my family again. This night put up at Orrs in Ryegate.
Tuesday 6th. This day being thawy and bad going, was obliged to leave one of my mill stones within one mile of the place where we lodged. This night arrived at Peacham with the other mill stones. Lodged at Mr. Elkin's.
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Wed. 7th. This morning finding my oxen lame sent Mr. Josiah Page with 4 oxen home. Then hired Jonathan Elkins with his oxen and went back and took the other mill stone and returned to Peacham that night. Should have returned home that evening, but was a little unwell. Thought that I would go early next morning.
Thursday, Sth. This morning about 12 or 1 o'clock awakened out of my sleep- found the house beset with enemies-thought that I would slip on my stockings and jump out of the window and run, but before that, came in two men with their Guns pointed at me-challenged me for their prisoner, but did not find myself the least terrified. Soon found two of the men to be old acquaintances of mine. Soon found some motions for tying me, but I told them that I submitted myself a Prisoner, and would offer no abuse. Soon packed up and marched, but I never saw people so surprised as the family were. When wd came to Mr. Davis's I found the party to consist of eleven men, Capt. Prichare commanding them. Marched seven or eight miles. Daylight began to appear. I found that Moses Elkins looked very pale. I told the Capt. that he had better let him go back, for he was drowned when he was small, and that he would not live through the woods. He said that he would try him further, but on my pleading the pity that it was to lose such a youngter he sent him back. We halted soon for refreshment. To my great surprise I found John Gibson and Barlow in the party. Then marched about four miles-obtained leave to write a Jetter and leave on a tree. Then marched-I was most terribly tired and faint. Camped down on the River Lamoille this night.
Friday, 9th. This day marched down the River Lamoille about Twelve miles below the forks. One of the finest countries of land that ever I saw. Camped about Eleven o'clock at night.
Saturday, 10th. This day marched to the Lake. Underwent a great deal by being faint and tired. The Captain and men were very kind to us. Stormy and uncomfortable night.
Sunday, 11th. This morning went on to the Lake ten miles north of the River Lamoille. Marched fifteen miles on the Lake, and then crossed the Grand Isle, marched ten miles to the Point au Fer. Dinner being on the Table I dined with the Commandant of that Post and supped with him. Was well treated.
Monday, March 12th, 1781. This day marched to the Isle Aux Noix. Went into the Fort into a Barrack, got a cooking, but the Commandant ordered the Prisoners out of the Fort to a Block House but soon had sent me a good dinner and a bottle of Wine. Then Capt. Sherwood called on me to examine me. In the evening Captain Sherwood and Captain Prichard waited on me to Mr. Jones' where we drank a bottle of Wine. Capt. Prichard and I slept there.
Tuesday, 13. This day marched to St. Johns. Col. St. Leger took me to his house- gave me a shirt. Gave me refreshment which I much needed. Told me that I was to dine with him Major Rodgers and Esquire Marsh and others dined there. Then gave me my Parole, which I am told is the first instance of a Prisoner having his Parole in this Fort without some confinement. Went and lodged with Esq. Marsh.
Wednesday, 14th. This morning Esq. Marsh and I were invited to Capt. Sherwood's to breakfast. Then Capt. Sherwood took charge of me, and I lived with him. To my great satisfaction this evening came Mr. Spardain to see me who was a prisoner to me at Ticonderoga. He said on hearing that I was made Prisoner he went to the Commandant to inform him of the good he and others had from me while they were Prisoners to me. The Commandant sent him to my Quarters to inform of my good treatment to them much to my advantage.
Thursday, March 15, 1781. This morning not well. Dined with the commandant and other Gentlemen. Was carried home in the Carryall.
Friday, 11th. This day came Esq. Marsh and Major Rodgers to see me. Spent some time very agreeably.
Saturday, 17th. About this time a French church was burned with Lightning with Fifteen thousand Livres. Priests money.
Sunday, 10th. Low spirited.
Monday, 19th. This day dined with Col. St. Leger and a number of Officers. This day the River broke up here.
Tuesday, 20th. This day dined with Esq. Marsh and Major Rodgers and others at Mr. Holts.
Wednesday, 21st. This day nothing but time passing heavy.
25
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Thursday, 22nd. This day came Orders from the General for me to go to the Isle aux Noix and there to live with Esq. Marsh.
Friday, 23rd. This day the wind blew so strong from the South that we could not go to the Isle Aux Noix. This evening Col. Peters spent with me-appeared to be very friendly to me-offered to lend me money, but at the same time, flung out something against me that I know to be false, though appearing to be all in good nature. Lodged with me.
Saturday, 24th. This morning embarked for the Isle Aux Noix, the wind fair-Three hours in passage. Found a very decent house prepared with fires made to receive us. Good Lodgings. Invited to dine with Major Dundas, Commandant. Very handsomely entertained.
Sunday, 25th. This day heavy hearted. A cold day.
Monday, 26th. This day being stormy spent in reading Madame Pompadour and other good Histories.
Tuesday, 27th. This day the Lake was almost frozen over again. Clear and cold.
Wednesday, 28th. This day being stormy spent it in reading the Tattler.
Thursday, 29th. This day pleasant at this time. I had the reading of the Charters of the Provinces of America, as given by the King.
Friday, 30th. A very pleasant day but a very foul stomach.
Saturday, 31st. This day idleness and laziness. Nothing but mud and mire out doors. Codfish and Potatoes for dinner.
Sunday, April 1st, 1781. This day being pleasant Laziness was the most intimate acquaintance. Dined at the mess and as this day was Sunday one bottle of Wine would not do for each man.
Monday, 2nd. This being stormy and I being a Prisoner confined. This day I arrived to the years of Thirty nine.
Tuesday, 3rd. This day being stormy and Esq. Marsh being sick made a long and tedious day.
Wednesday, 4th. This day being pleasant. My eyes tired of Reading. Laziness got the chief seat.
Thursday, 5th. A pleasant day but nothing to do nor nothing to say.
Friday, 6th. This day spent in reading agriculture.
Saturday, 7th. This day spent and many more on the Adventures of Roderick Random.
Sunday, 8th. This day dined at the mess. One bottle of Wine to a man. The whole method of Bundling to be repeated. This I was obliged to make Sunday's work. Monday, 9th. This day spent in mending stockings and drinking some good Flip, and eating some of the worst of Canadian Beef.
Tuesday, 10th. This day Capt. Sherwood arrived here which gave me some pleasure as he procured better provisions and I got leave to go a gunning, which gave me a better taste for sleep. Esquire Marsh being unwell. This being an out Post, the season of the year being bad we lived something low for a few days. Mr. Marsh returned to St. Johns to procure new stores.
Wednesday, 11th. This day being stormy, time passes heavily.
Thursday, 12th. This day dined at the mess. One bottle of wine would not do to each man. The affair of Bundling comes over again.
Friday, 13th. This day nothing but a heavy heart and a distracted mind.
Saturday, 14. This is a cold snowy day. A large volume of Plays to read which helps roll off time.
Sunday, April 15. This day went over the River a gunning. Esq. Marsh returned to the Island again.
Monday, 16. This day Capt. Sherwood went to St. Johns again. Col. St. Leger and Major Dundas called on us to see how we did and how we fared.
Tuesday, 17. Dined with the mess. Most agreeable dinner. Last evening arrived Capt. Ancrum in three days from Carleton Island, which is two hundred and fifty miles.
Wednesday, 18. This is a pleasant day. Oh! the keen and cutting thoughts of my family and affairs at home.
Thursday, 19. This day went to see Mr. Jones. Had apples to eat. Had a most agreeable dish of coffee, and a very agreeable company.
Friday, 20th. This is a rainy day. Had the History of Alexander the Great to read. Spent several days.
Saturday, 21st. These longdays and tedious nights.
Sunday, 22nd. This day dined at the mess. Drinked one and a half bottle Wine
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each, then drank Tea at Capt. Ancrum's, then drank Hot Punch with Major Dundas and others till eleven o'clock. Drunk enough.
Monday, 23. Oh my head-my head which forced me to go to bed.
Tuesday, 24th. This day drank coffee at Mr. Jones. Many walks around the Island.
Wednesday, 25th. This day had Thunder and Sharp Lightening. This day the Bays and Creeks broke up and the Ice cleared out.
Thursday, 26th. This day as well as many others spent in reading the Tattler. Pleasant weather.
Friday, 27th. This day went a gunning. Spent the most of the day.
Saturday, 28th. This day the last Snow and Ice disappeared from the Island. Sorrow and grief give no relief.
Sunday, 29th. This day dined at the mess. A very strong south wind. About this time I expect that the Freshet is carrying the fences off in Coos. I think that the Freshet must be very high.
Monday 30th. This day we got Greens or Nettles for dinner. What is Time? O Time thou art the cruelest monster that ever man be sensible of. When I walked round this Island many a time I begrudged the poor Frogs their happiness.
Isle Aux Noix, Tuesday, May 1st, 1781. This day dined at Mr. Jones. Very agreeably entertained. Disagreeable news from the General.
Wednesday, 2nd. This day received the following answer to my request that I made to the General for my liberty to go home on my Parole-"I am sorry that the frequent breaches of faith on the part of our enemies of which the last expedition furnished a recent instance which prevents my granting your request of returning upon Parole at least for the present." This instance of the breach of faith that the General refers to is one Capt. John Chipman, who got his Parole last fall on the Lake. He got it by the recommendation of several of his old acquaintances recommending him to be a man of honor and fidelity. He took a canoe on shore and was to send Doct Smith back in exchange for him in the same Canoe but as I am informed as soon as he got his liberty he got Dr. Smith closely confined and escaped those who recommended him and got his liberty, much to their disadvantage. Paid no regard to his honor that he had pledged all in the most solemn manner. Here we may see how much distress one unfaithful scoundrel brings on a large number of Prisoners left behind who are honest.
Thursday. 3rd. This day nothing to say, nothing to do, only to reflect on my captive estate-a fine comfort indeed.
Friday, 4th. This day read the Tattler till it hath almost Tattled my brains out. Saturday, 5th. This day spent in Gunning and walking.
Sunday, 6th. This day a severe southwind. A bad headache.
Monday, 7th. This day Col. Allen came in with the flag from Vermont. This day Capt. Sherwood returned here. This evening orders were received that I must go to St. Johns tomorrow morning. But I had no liberty to speak to those of my acquaintance that came in with the Flag.
Tuesday, 8th. This day being rainy I did not return to St. Johns. This day three ships with their Tenders passed Island into the Lake. Oh the distress of my mind this day for my situation and the situation of my family.
Wednesday, 9th. This day returned to St. Johns. Col. St. Leger took me to his own house. Lived with him.
Thursday, 10th. This day had the History of the Conquest of Mexico and Peru and all that part of the world.
Friday, 11th. Col. St. Leger being lame he requested that Esquire Marsh should dine with us till he should recover.
Saturday, 12th. This day found another of my old Prisoners which was no damage to me.
Sunday, 13. This day had news that the shipping had arrived at Quebec. This day had news that there was to be an exchange of Prisoners this summer. God
grant it may be true.
Monday, 14th. Sorrow and grief is caused for want of a prospect of relief.
Tuesday, 15th. This day the first ship arrived from England at Montreal with Goods.
Wednesday, 16th. This dav dined with us Major Sumner, adjutant General from Quebec, a commissioner to treat with the Flag.
Thursday, 17th. This day had news that there was a number of Prisoners broke: out of Jail at Montreal.
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Friday, 18th. This day pleasant weather but O how tedious and long is timc. O thou Time that rollest away like the irremmovable mountain.
Saturday, 19th. O thou precious Time that I could once more enjoy thee under my own vine and under my own Fig Tree and with my dear family.
Sunday, 20th. This day wrote letters home to my family but what an agravating pleasure is this.
Monday, 21st. O Patience! God grant thee to be my friend and companion while in this captive state.
Tuesday, 22nd. He that made Time gave an impatient mind.
Wednesday, 23rd. O the discontented mind that never can be confined.
Thursday, 24th. This day came in or was brought in about Forty people out of the country. This day dined at Mr. Holt's with a large number of Officers.
Friday, 25th. This day came in Abraham Wing who was a Prisoner to me, who treated me with neglect, and seems to try to do me all the hurt he can, gave some false reports concerning my conduct although I showed him twice the favors I did the rest of the Prisoners, and got him freed and set at liberty and sent home. This day the Flag left the Isle Aux Noix.
Saturday, 26th. This day came in twenty Loyalists. This day I heard that I am to return to the Island again. This day entertained with a new History-one point supported that I never heard before.
Sunday, 27th. This day very well entertained with company and good living.
Monday, 28. This day Col. St. Leger did me the favor to carry me in his Calash to Chamblee to see brother Page.
Tuesday, 29th. This day to the Isle Aux Noix again.
Wednesday, 30th. This day mosquitoes by the bushel. You may fight and scratch and still you will have your match.
Thursday, 31st. A distressed heart and a tormented mind proves very unkind.
Friday, June 1st. Providence hath ordered my fate To fall into this troublesome state.
Saturday, 2nd. This day returned to St. Johns again with Capt. Sherwood.
Sunday, 3rd. This day was meant to hear and get good. But we must go starving without such food.
Monday, 1th. This being the King's Birthday made it a great day for firing cannon and carousing. This day returned to the Isle again.
Tuesday, 5th. O tedious Time that never will be out of mind.
Wednesday, 6th. This day Capt. Sherwood moved all his things from this place. Left us nothing to cook with nor books to read. Dined at the mess.
Thursday, 7th. This day there fell some rain which there has not been these five or six weeks. O tedious time and a despairing mind.
Friday, 8th. This evening there was a Boat sent from St. Johns to carry us to St. Johns.
Saturday, 9th. This day returned to St. Johns again. The General sent me a Parole to sign and for me to go to the Three Rivers.
Sunday, 10th. This day at Twelve O'clock left St. Johns. Lodged within nine miles of Sorel.
Monday, 11th. This day came to the Three Rivers. Eighteen Leagues. Mostly a fine country if there was anybody to till it.
Tuesday, 12th. This day dined with Dr. Bar and a number of Gentlemen. Could get no place to board.
Wednesday, 13. This day spent lonely. No company till evening. Dr. Morenton invited me to drink Tea with him.
Thursday, 14th. This day there was a Roman Catholic procession. Their carrying God Almighty about the streets is something new to me. Their walks, their shows very entertaining.
Friday, 15th. This day took my lodgings at Mr. Veyssears-Frenchman, but an English Priest. An English wife.
Saturday, 16th. At Three Rivers. This is a pleasant Town for prospect, the vessels sailing close by the town, but all strangers, which makes it very lonesome.
Sunday, 17. This day nothing but lonesome and melancholy scenes.
Monday, 18. This day Licutenant Tyler called on me, the first that I have seen that I knew since I came here.
Tuesday, 19. The night passed very sick. This day not able to keep about. A solitary day to me.
Wednesday, 20th. This day Capt. Sherwood and Capt. Prichard passed this town.
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Informed me that Mr. Wing had given some very false accounts of my conduct towards the Prisoners at Ticonderoga. This account was given at Quebec which gave me some uneasiness.
Thursday, 21st. This day was the Grand Roman Catholic procession which was very entertaining. This day dined with us two Dutch majors. Major Picket had his wife with him, who was Governor Skeens daughter.
Friday, 22nd. The weather is most exceedingly cold for the time of year. Finis.
The end of the first Journal kept by Thomas Johnson of Newbury, Coös while a captive in Canada, taken March 8, 1781.
SECOND JOURNAL.
THREE RIVERS, CANADA, JUNE 23, 1781.
Saturday, 23. This day 43 prisoners were brought back that broke jail three weeks ago. They had got almost to New England.
Sunday, 24. This day Major Rodgers and Capt. Brackenridge passed through the town which gave me some pastime.
Monday, 25th. Oh, how heavy is time to pass away. When I have nothing to do nor nothing to say.
Tuesday, 26th. This day went to the Grand Hospital with Doctor Morinton to see the sick and lame. There were seven men there who were taken at Royalton on White River. Their rooms, their bedding, their attendance, their provisions were all of the neatest and of the best kind.
Wednesday, 27th. This day felt the symptoms of Hell Torment,according to the Priests' account, that ever I was sensible of. This day I was in the King's Garden. Peas almost fit to pick. Beans full in the blow. They told me that they had cucumbers some days ago.
Thursday, 28th. This day is almost spent away. I am glad although it makes me mad that my time should be spent and to no better intent.
Friday, June 29th. At this time I had magazines in plenty to read which gave me some relief.
Saturday, 20th. This day hard work to keep my mind, my heart, my soul and my body all together.
July 1st. Sunday. Spent last evening very agreeably with Doctors Morinton and Cole only drank a little too much Chinny Toddy. This morning walked out on the Common. Saw two men coming, walking hand in hand. Soon stripped off their clothes and knocked on like hearty fellows. But a short battle.
Monday, 2nd. This day spent some considerable time in picking strawberries and walking.
Sunday, 3rd. This day very hot weather.
Wednesday, 4th. I think it is a curse to the land and a curse to their king to have such a miserable set of inhabitants as these Canadians.
Thursday, 5th. This day nothing but a perplexed mind.
Friday, 6th. O, the pleasant imaginations of the night visions. but the horrors of the despairing soul when awakened and capable of receiving the full torrent of the most miserable separation from Love's sweets, charms, happiness and enjoyments of the soul.
Saturday, 7th. About ten days since the worms began to be bad in this Province have increased till they have done great damage.
Sunday, 8th. This town is about three quarters of a mile each way and is settled thick. There is one large stone church, one stone nunnery about two hundred feet long and about thirty feet wide, three stories high. Another Stone Church or Nunnery, but now made a Hospital of about one hundred feet long and forty feet wide, and one large Stone Barrack. Colonel Jonincko has a large Stone House. He is the greatest man in this country among the French. He married an English captive for his wife. His family is large, very handsome and genteel. Monday, July 9th. This day had Lord George Gordon's trial to read. The Buildings in this town make a very bad appearance on the outside but much better in the inside. The women in this Town are much fairer and much more delicate than in any town that I have seen in this Province, They are very polite. There are six young Women in this town to one young man.
Tuesday, 10th. This day news from the Colonies that General Phillips had had a
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battle with the Rebels and that he had killed three hundred and taken fifteen hundred, and that Lord Corn Wallis had had a battle with General Greene and that General Greene prevailed the first of the Battle, but that Corn Wallis prevailed the last of the battle, and that General Greene retreated with his Cannon, with considerable loss on both sides.
Wednesday, 11th. These Canadians are the most Ignorant, Superstitious, Idle, Careless set of people that can be thought of, spending half their time in Holidays and going to Mass. The Women wear a Riding Hood the hottest weather.
July 12th, Thursday. Very impatient to hear from home. A rumor of an engagement that the Rebels had with the Indians above Detroit, and that a number of the Indians were killed.
Friday, 13th. This day Col. Peters called on me. Tells me that Benjamin Patterson was at Quebec. Gave me an account of many things that happened since I left Coos, and that my Wife was as well as she had been of late. This day had the Second part of Lord Gordon's trial to read.
Saturday, 14th. This day went through the fields. I find their manure carrying out and spreading to lay all summer on the top of the ground. Their Indian Corn planted within one foot and a half, so that they cannot make any hill if they had a mind to.
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