hliMmibjlM!) 39002001926683 vg2 101 YALE UNIVERSnY LffiRARY THE PRIVATE JOURNAL |0unvcy ixmx go^t0u t0 §m ^ '% THE YEAE 1704. KEPT r.Y MADAM KNIGHT ALBANY: fra^tk: h. little. 1865. PREFACE. J.N the month of October, 1704, Madam Sarah Knight traveled on horseback from Boston to New Haven. She continued her journey to New York in the following December, aud after staying there two weeks returned to New Haven, and thence in March to Boston. Duting this time she kept a journal, which was fot many years preserved among her descendants, but now is believed to be lost. This journal was published in New York in 1825, and in the introduction to that edition it is stated that " the original or thography has been carefully preserved." The present edition is an exact reprint of the former, including the introduction, with the addition of a few notes. Madam Sarah Knight was born April 19, 166G. She Avas the daughter of Capt, Thomas IV PEEFACE. Keniblc, a merchant of Boston, and of Elizabeth Traiice, his wife.^ He was a native of Great Britain, and resided in Charlcstown as early as 1651, and for several years afterwards.^ For many years he was an attorney or agent of Mr. Robert Eich, a merchant of London.^ He had several children, one of whom, John, a cooper or carpenter, died in New York, and by a will made in 1695, gave his lands and houses to his wife for her life, then to Madam Knight for her life, and then to her daughter.-^ Before the birth of Sarah, Capt. Kemble had moved to Boston; and there in 1676 he built a large house on the easterly side of Moon street," corner of Moon street court, about half way from Sun Court street to Fleet street. The house was demolished in 1832, or soon after, and a tobacco warehouse erected, which has now been cou- 1 Savage's Ocnccdogical Dictionary, iii, 21, e< seci. 2 LittcH's Liunrj Aye, lvii, 9G4 ; a very full and interesting arti cle, by Mr. William R. Deaue, who has gathered nearly all the facts that are known about Madam Kniglit, and lias kindly per mitted their use. Much of this jirefacu is taken from that article, which is referred to, for convenience, by his initials. 3 W. R. B. PREFACE. v verted into the Catholic church.-' He lived iu this house until his death, January 29, 1688-9. His wife survived him until December 19, 1712. The grave stones of both are in the Copp's Hill burying ground. - Sarah Kemble was married to Eichard Knight of Boston, " a Captain of a London trader." ^ He died abroad, but in what year is not ascertained. Mr. Deane stiys that his wife supposed him to be living in 1706, when she signed as his attorney;* but the notice in the Historical Magazine, just referred to, states that her journey in 1 704 was to claim some of his property in New York. The fact that he is not mentioned in the jour nal seems to favor the latter of these views. He had had a former wife, Eemember Grafton, the daughter of Nathaniel Grafton, of Salem; ^ and he is said by one authority to have been " bred a carver." ^ Soon after her return from the Neiv York ^Historical Muyazine, ix, 93, et scq. nV. R. D. 3 Historical Magazine, ix, 93, et seq. « W. R. D., referring to INIiddlesex Reg. Deeds, iii, 403. » Savage's Genealogical Bictioncwy. VI PREFACE. journey Madam Knight opened a school for child ren. Dr. Franlvliu and Dr. Samuel Mather were among her scholars. As she was the onl}' surviving child of her parents she continued to keep school in the house built by her father until 1714. She then sold the estate to Peter Papillion ; and it became afterwards the property of Hannah, ^vife of Dr. Samuel Mather. In the year 1763 Dr. Mather had the house new glazed; and one pane of glass was preserved as a curi osity till it was lost when Charlestown was burnt in 1765. That pane bore the following lines written with a diamond: Through many toils and many frights I have returned, poor Sarah Knights Over great rocks and many stones God has preserved from fractured bones. It was as a schoolmistress that she acquired the title of Madam; and she is said to have been noted for teaching composition. -^ Elizabeth, the only child of Madam Knight, • Historical Magazine, as cited above. In liis autobiography Dr. Franklin does not mention Madam Kniglit; but be states that be was seut to the grammar scliool at eigbt years of age ; and this woidd correspond with the time when JMadam Knight gave up her school. PEEFACE. vn was born in Boston, May 8th, 1689, and was married there by Dr. Increase Mather to Colonel John Livingston of New London, Oct. 1st, 1713.^ She Avas his second wife. His first wife was met by Madam Knight and is mentioned in the journal. Mrs. Elizabeth Livingston survived her husband; but had no children. A table of freestone with this inscription perpetuates her memory : "Interdvnder this stone is thebody of Madam Elizabeth Livingston, relict of Col. John Living stone of New London, who departed this life March 17tli A. D. 1735-0 in the 48th year of her age." - It was undoubtedly the marriage of her daugh ter which induced Madam Knight to sell her house. About this time she removed to the neighborhood of Norwich and Ncav London, Ct., and there spent the remainder of an energetic and active life. nv. R. D. ^Miss Frances 31. Caulkins's Histoi'y of New London, SG5. Many of the subsequent details of iladam Knight's life, after she removed from Boston, are copied by permission from Miss Caulkins' ITis- toiy, and from a letter written by her to Mr. Deane in IS.'iS, and jirintcd in the article already mentioned. Vlll PREFACE. In 1717 a silver cup for the communion service was presented by her to the church in Norwich ; and the town by vote, August 12th, gave her liberty to " sit in the pew where she used to sit."i In 1718, March 26th, Madam Knight and six other persons were presented in one indictment " for selling strong drink to the In dians." They were fined twenty shillings and costs. It is added to the record, " Mrs. Knight accused her maid, Ann Clark, of the fact." Af ter this period Madam Knight appears as a land purchaser in the North Parish of New Lon don, generally as. a partner with Joseph Brad ford. Col. Livingston had purchased a great amount of land from the Mohegan Indians, which he had gradually parted "wdth. Madam Knight and Mr. Bradford repurchased much of tliis land. One deed conveyed to them more than two thousand acres for which they paid £1000; and another deed was for about half that extent. She was also a pew holder in the new church ' In those early days places were assigned, or, as the phrase was, " the meeting house was seated" by the authority of the town. The " chief seats in the synagogues" were matters of great interest and ambition and sometimes of much controversy. PREFACE. IX built in the North Parish of NeAV London about 1724, and was sometimes styled of Norwicli and sometimes of New London. She retained her dwelling house in Norwich; but her farms Avhere she spent a portion of her time, Av^ere Avithiii the bounds of NeAV London. On one of these, tlie Livingston farm, upon the Norwich road, she kept entertainment for travelers, and is called innkeeper. At this place she died, Sept. 25th, 1727, and Avas brought to NeAv London for interment. A gray headstone, of Avhich an exact Impression is given on a fol- loAving page, marks the place.^ The only child of Madam Knight, Elizabeth, relict of Col. John Livingston, survived her, and presented her inventory, AA'hich comprised tAvo farms in Mohegan Avith housing and mills, £1600, and estate in NorAA'ich, £210. The journal AAdiich is here reprinted, had been carefully preserved in manuscript in the Christophers family, to Avhom it came after the death of Mr. Livingston; Sarah, Avife of Christopher Christophers, Avho Avas a Prout, of 'Miss Caulkins's JIMory of New London, 3T2, rf,.scj. 2 X PREFACE. NcAV Ha\^en, and a relatiA'e, being appointed to administer on her estate. From a descendant of this Mrs. Christophers, viz : Mrs. Ichabod Wetmore, of Middletown, the manuscript Avas obtained for publication. It had been neatly copied into a small book.^ The original AA^as not returned to Mrs. Wetmore, and, Avith the exception of a single leaf, has unfortunately been destroyed.^ Madam Knight's business on this journey Avas, as she says, the distribution of an estate and one evidently in AA^hich she had a personal in terest. It may possibly have been that of her brother John, Avho had died in Ncav York a fcAv years previoiisl}-, or perhaps that of her huslmnd, as stated by Mrs. Hannah Mather Crocker.^ A suggestion has been made that it Avas the estate of Caleb TroAvlnidge ; but this is not probable, as her name appears in 1704 as a ^3Ii5S Caulkins's Ilistory of New London, 3T3. ^It apjiears from Mr. Deane's article that this leaf was then in possesion of Mr. Theodore Dwight of Kcw York, ^\ ho edited the journal. ^ llktoricfd Magazine, ix, 93, PREFACE. Xl Avitness to the papers by AA'hich that estate Avas settled.^ It is evident from her journal that Madain Knight Avas energetic and observing; that she had some imagination and a good perception of the ludicrous. She seems also to have been free from that strict and narroAV character Avhich is generally attributed to the Puritan of early New England. She rides a fcAv miles on Sun day, aud considers the prohibition of '^¦'innocent merriment among young people," to be "rigid." She makes jokes on Mr. Devil's name, Avhich, only a few years earlier, might have convicted her of Avitchcraft, if they had come to the ears of Cotton Mather. And although al)sent from home for five months, and a visitor with at least two or three clergymen, she giA'^es no account of any sermon Avhich she may have heard. Her silence in this j^articular may have been because there Avas more novelty in the matters Avhich she narrates. Wherever it is possible to make the test, her journal Avill be found accurate even in slight iW. R.D. Xll PREFACE. matters. It may therefore wiih good reason be relied upon in all its detiiils. In the introduction to the former edition it is said that OA^er the same journey which Madam Knight made, " Ave jDrocecd at our ease AAdthout exposure, and almost Avithout fatigue, in a day and a half." A i^enciled note made in 1849 to a copy of the edition adds : " noAv performed by rail road in ten hours." That time is iioav re duced to eight. One may A-enture to think that the speed of travel Avill never be carried to a much higher degree than it has noAV reached. Albany, 1865. HEI^E LyETH TE BODy OFlvI^SAI^AH KKIGHX WHO DIED SEP'' TIE 25* \J2J IN TIE 62°yi;AI\, OE HEH AGE THE PRIVATE JOUENAL ICEPT BY MADAM KNIGHT, ox A JOtKSET FROM BOSTON^ TO >sEW YOPJv, IN THE YEAR 1T04. feom; the op.igixal maxvscuipt. INTRODUCTION, rF'^ HIS is not a Avork of fiction, as the scarcity of old American manuscripts may induce some to imagine ; but it is a faithful copy from a diary in the author's OAvn hand-Avriting, compiled soon after her return home, as it appears, from notes recorded daily while on the road. She Avas a resident of Boston, and a lady of uncommon literary attainments, as Avell as of great taste and strength of mind. She Avas called Madam Knight, out of respect to her character, accord ing to a custom once common in Ncaa^ England; but Avhat Avas her family name the publishers have not been able to discover. The object proposed in printing this little Avork is not only to please those Avho liaA'e par- 16 INTRODUCTIOX. tially studied the progressive history of our country, but to direct the attention of others to subjects of that description, unfashionable as they still are ; and also to remind the public that documents, even as unpretending as the following, may possess a real A-alue, if they con tain facts Avhich Avill be hereafter sought for to illustrate interesting periods in our history. It is to be regretted that the breA'^ity of the ATork should have allowed the author so little room for the display of the cultivated mind and the brilliant fancy Avhich frequently betray themselA'CS in the course of the narrative ; and no one can rise from the perusal Avithout AA'ish- ing some happy chance might yet discover more full delineations of life and character from the same practiced hand. Subjects so closely con nected Avith ourseh'es ought to excite a degree of curiosity and interest, Avhile avc are generally so ready to open our minds and our libraries to the most minute details of foreign gOA^ernments, and the modes and men of distant countries, AA'ith Avhich Ave can haA'e only a collateral con nection. INTRODUCTIOX. 17 In copying the following Avork for the press, the original orthography has been carefully pre served, in some cases, it may be, so far as to retain the ei'rors of the pen, for fear of intro ducing any unwarrantable modernism. The punctuation Avas very hasty, and therefore has not been regarded. Two interruptions occur in the original near the commencement, Avhich could not be supplied ; and in a few instances it has been thought proper to make short omis sions, but none of them mateiially affect the narrative. The reader Avill find frequent occasion to com pare the state of things in the time of our author with that of the present period, particu larly Avith regard to the number of the inhab itants, and the fticilities and accommodations prepared for travelers. Over that tract of country Avhere she traveled about a fortnight on horse])ack, under the direction of a hired guide, Avith frequent risks of life and limb, and some times Avithout food or shelter for many miles, Ave proceed at our ease, Avithout exposure and almost Avithout fatigue, in a day and a half. 18 INTRODUCTION. through a Avell peopled land, supplied Avith good stage coaches and public houses, or the still greater luxuries of the elegant steam boats Avhich daily traverse our Avaters. THE JOURNAL OF MADAM KNIGHT. Monday, Octb'r. y'^ second, 1704. — About three o'clock afternoon, I begun my Journey from Boston to Ncav Haven ; being about tAvo Hundred Mile. My Kinsman, Capt. Robert Luist,^ Avaited on me as farr as Dedham, Avhere I Avas to meet y® Western post.^ 'Robert Luist, shopkeeper oi Charlestown, with others, signed a receipt for his share of Mrs. Livingston's estate. Miss Caulkins's letter, W. R. D. In Savage's Genealoyiral Dictionary this name is found under Lewis. 2 Letters patent, granting to Thomas Neale for twenty-one years the franchise of establishing a Post Office, were issued in 1091, and in 1G93 the General Court of Massachusetts, under the au thority of those letters, established a " General Letter Office." The western post was the post between Boston and New York. A few years later, during the " winter months," it set out once a 20 The Journal of I vissitted the Reverd. Mr. Belcher,'^ y^ Minis ter of y'= town, and tarried there till evening, in hopes y" post would come along. But he not coining, I resolved to go to Billingses Avhere he used to lodg, being 12 miles further. But being ignorant of the Avay, Mad'" Billings,- seing no persuasions of her good spouses or hers could prevail Avith me to Lodg there that night. Very kindly Avent Avjth me to y'' Tavern, Avherc I hoped to get my guide. And desired the Hostess to inquire of her guests Avhether any of them Avould go Avith mee. But thej^ being tyed by the Lipps to a pewter engine, scarcely alloAved themseh'es time to say Avliat clownish '•' * '•' '¦' \_Hej-e half « f>age of the MiS. is (/one.'] * =•= === Peices of eight, I told her no, I Avould not be accessary to such extortion. Then John shan't go, sais shee. No, indeed, shan't hee ; And held forth at that rate a long fortnight, going alternately to Saybrook and to Hartford, aud at those places exchanging mails with the New York rider. 3Iass. Hist. Col. 3d Series, xii, 48. 'The Rev. Joseph Belcher, who was graduated at Harvard in IGOO and ordained at Dedham Nov. 29, 1G93. ^Probably a misprint for "Madain Belcher." Madaai Knight. 21 time, that I began to fear I Avas got among the Quaking tribe, belecA'ing not a Limbertong'd sister among them could outdo Madm. Ilostes. Upon this, to my no small surprise, son John arrose, and graA^ely demanded Avhat I Avould giA^e him to go Avith me ? Give you, sais I, are you John? Yes, says he, for Avant of a Better, And behold 1 this John look't as old as my Host, and perhaps had bin a man in the last Century. Well, Mr. John, sais I, make your demands. Why, half a pss. of eight and a dram, sais John. I agreed, and gave him a Dram (now) in hand to bind the bargain. My hostess catechis'd John for going so cheep, saying his poor Avife Avould break her heart '¦' * \_Here another half page of the MS. is gone.] His shade on his Hors resembled a Globe on a Gate post. His habitt, Hors and furnitiire, its looks and goings Incomparably answered the rest. Thus Jogging on Avith an easy pace, my Guide telling mee it Avas dangero's to Ride hard in the Night, (avIi"'' his horse had the sence to avoid,) Hee entertained me Avith the Adventurs he htid passed by late Rideing, and eminent Dangers he 22 The Journal of had escaped, so that, Remembring the Hero's in Parismus^ and the Knight of the Oracle, I didn't knoAV but I had mctt w"' a Prince dis- guis'd. When Ave had Ridd about an how'r, Avee come into a thick SAvamp, avcIi. by Reason of a great fogg, A'eiy much startled mee, it being now A^ery Dark. But nothing dismay'd John : Hee had encountered a thousand and a thousand such Swamps, having a Universall KnoAvledge in the woods; and' retidily Answered all my inquiries well. Avere not a feAv. In about an how'r, or something more, after Ave left the Swamp, avc come to Billinges, Avhere I Avas to Lodg. My Guide dismounted and very Complasantly lielp't me down and shcAvd the door, signing to me av"' his hand to Go in ; av'^'' I Gladlj' did — But had not gone many steqDS into 'Parismus, the renowned prince of Bohemia, his most famous, delectable and pleasant history; containing his noble battails brought against the Persians, his love to Laurana, the King's daughter of Thcssaly, and his strange adventures in the desolate Island &e. London, T. Creede, 1598. Eighteen editions of it are recorded during tho next hundred years. Written by Edward Ford. Madam Knight. 23 the Room, ere "1 Avas Interogated by a young Lady I understood afterwards Avas the Eldest daughter of the family, Avith these, or Avords to this purpose, (viz.) LaAv for mee — Avhat in the Avorld brings You here at this time a night ? — I never see a Avoman on the Rode so Dreadfull late, in all the days of my A^ersall life. Who are You ? Where are You going? I'me scar'd out of my Avitts — Avith much noAv of the same Kind. I stood aghast. Prepareing to reply, Avhen in comes my Guide — to him Madam turn'd, Roreing out: LaAA'full heart, John, is it You? — Iioav de do! Where in the Avorld are you going Avith this Avoman? Who is she? John made no Ansr. but sat down in the corner, fumbled out his black Junk, and saluted that instead of Debb; she then turned agen to mee and fell ancAv into her silly questions, Avithout asking me to sitt doAvn. I told her she treated me A'ery Rudely, and I did not think it my duty to ansAver her unman nerly Questions. But to get ridd of them, I told her I come there to have the post's company Avitli me to-morroAV on iny Journey, &c. Miss 24 The Journal of star'd aAvhile, drcAV a chair, bid me sitt. And then run up stairs and putts on tAvo or three Rings, (or else I had not seen them before,) and returning, sett herself just before me, shoAving the Avay to Reding,^ that I might see her Orna ments, perhaps to gain the more respect. But her Granam's new Rung soav, had it appeared, Avould afiected me as much. I paid honest John ¦\ytii money and dram according to contract, and Dismist him, and pray'd Miss to sheAV me Avhere I must Lodg. Shee conducted me to a parlour in a little back Lento," av'''' Avas almost filled av*^ the bedsted, av* Avas so high I Avas forced to climb on a chair to gitt up to y*^ Avretched bed that lay on it; on av'^' having Stretcht my tired Limbs, and lay'd my head on a Sad-colourd' pilloAv, I began to think on the transactions of y" past day. Tuesday, October y'= third, about 8 in the ^Iii Notes and Queries, 2d Scries, vol. 0, p. 203, there is an inquiry as to the origin of this phrase, but it is unanswered. ^Lean to. ^Sombre, dark. "The colours are too sad." Beaumont and Fletcher, Lore's Cure, Act iir, Scene 2, Dyce's edition, vol. ix, p. 151. Madam Knight. 25 morning, I Avith the Post proceeded forAvard Avithout observing any thing remarkable; And about tAvo, afternoon, ArriA'ed at the Post's second stage, Avhere the Avestern Post mett^ him and exchanged Letters. Here, having called for something to eat, y" AVoman bro't iu a TAvisted thing like a cable, but something Avhiter; and laying it on the bord, tugg'd for life to bring it into a capacity to spread ; av'^^ having av"* great pains accomplished, shee serv'd in a dish of Pork and Cabage. I suppose the remains of Dinner. The sause Avas of a deep Purple, av^^ I tho't Avas boil'd in her dye Kettle; the bread Avas Indian, and every thing on the Table seiwice Agreeable to these. I, being hungry, gott a little doAvn; but my stomach Avas soon cloy'd, and Avhat cab bage I SAvallowed serv'd me for a Cudd tho whole day after. Having here discharged the Ordnary for self and Guide, (as I understood Avas tho custom,) 'The chief post oflico in Connecticut was New London, and this post was probably the rider from that place, who exchanged letters here and then returned to New London, ^ladani Ivnight went with him, and he thus became her " third guide." 4 26 The Journal of About Three afternoon Avcnt on Avith my Third Guide, Avho Rode very hard: and having crossed Providence Ferry, Ave come to a River av'^'' they Generally Ride thro'.^ But I dare not venture; so the Post got a Ladd and Cannoo to carry me to totlier side, and hee rid thro' and Led my hors. The Cannoo Avas very small and shalloAV, so that Avhen Ave Avere in she seem'd redy to take in Avater, Avhich greatly terrified nice, and caused me to be very circumspect, sitting Avith my hands fast on each side, my eyes stedy, not ^This must have been where the village of Pawtuxct now is. The route from Boston to New York through Rhode Island fol lowed the shore of the bay and sea very ncarlj-. From Providence it went through the present villages of Pawtuxct, Apponarg. East Greenwich, a little west of AVickford, then southerly through Tower Hill, AVaketield (^formerlj- known as JMcCoon's Mills), and then soutlierly and ¦westerly near the shore by Charlestown and westerly to Pawcatuc Bridge. It was long knoAvn as the Pequot path, road to Pequot aud afterwards as the King's or Queen's Highway and tlie old Post road, and is throughout of greater width than the average country roads. A new road through the present towns of North and South Kingsto'wu leading through the present village of Kingston was kiid out 1703. See Potter's History of Kii.rriigan.iet. (/'. /. Ilist. Soe. Coll, in, 233). i;. E. r. This note and the others with tliesc initials are from the pen of E. R. Potter, Esq. of Kingston, R. I. Madaai KXIGHT. 27 daring so much as to lodg my tongue a hair's breadth more on one side of mj' mouth then tother, nor so much as think on Lott's Avif'e, fur a Avry thought would liaA'o ovorsottour wherey ; But Avtis soon put out of this pain, by feeling the Cannoo on shore, av''"' I as soon almost saluted with my feet; and Rewarding ni}' sculler, tigain mounted and made the best of our way forwards. The Rode here was very even and y" da}' pleas ant, it being now near Sunsett. But the Post told mee Ave had iieer 14 miles to Ride to the next Stage, (where we Avere to Lodg.) I askt him of the rest of the Rode, foreseeing Avee must traA'ail in the nioht. Ilee told mee there Avas a O bad River we Avere to Ride thro', av'''' was so A'cry firce a hors could sometimes hardly stem it: But it Avas but narrow, and Avee should soon be over. I cannot express The concern of mind this rela tion sett me in : no thouci'hts but tlioso of the dang'ros River could entertain my Imagination, and they Avere as formidable as varies, still Tor menting me Avith blackest Ideas of my App rock ing fate — Sometimes seing myself drowning, otherwhiles drowned, and at the best like a holy 28 The Journal of Sister Just come out of a Spiritual Bath in drip ping Garments. Now was the Glorious Luminary, av*'' his SAvift Coursers arrived at his Stage. leaA'ing poor me Av"* the rest of this part of the loAver Avorld in darkness, Avith Avhich ifee AA^ere soon Surrounded . The only Glimering Ave now had Avas from the spangled Skies, Whose Imperfect Reflections rendered CA'ery Object formidable. Each lifeless Trunk, Avith its shatter'd Limbs, appear'd an Armed Enymie; and OA'ery little stump like a Ravenous devourer. Nor could I so much as discern mj' Guide, Avhen at any distance, Avhich added to the terror. Thus, absolutely lost in Thought, and dying Avith the A"ery thoughts of droAvning, I come up Av'^ the post, Avho I did not see till even Avith his Hors : he told mee he stopt for mee ; and Avee Rode on Very deliberatly a few paces, Avhen Ave entred a Thickett of Trees and Shrubbs, and I perceived by the Hors's going Ave Avere on the descent of a Hill, av'^'', as Avee come neerer the Ijottom, 'tAv.as totaly dark av"' the Trees that sur- Mauaai Knight. 20 rounded it. But I kncAV bv the Goino; of the Hors Avee had entred the Avater, av""'' my Guide told mee Avas the hazzardos River^ he had told me off"; and hee. Riding up close to my Side, Bid me not fear — Ave should be OA'er Imediatly. I noAV rtilyed all the Courage I Avas mistriss of, KnoAA'ing that I must either Venture my fate of drowning, or be left like y" Children in the Avood. So, as the Post bid me, I gave Reins to my Nagg ; and sitting as Stedy as Just before in the Cannoo, in a fcAV minutes got safe to the other side, Avhich hee told mee Avas the Narragansett country.^ 1 This is evidently Mascachuge river, a little south of East Green wich. The road now by taking from the top of the hill aud bridging filling up the hollow between the hills is veiy tolerable. But within the recollection of tho -ivritcr the hills were very steep and it was a place dreaded by travelers and teamsters. A little farther south is Hunt's river, but the description does not at all agree with this. E. It. r. = The Narragansett country, so called from the powerful tribe of that name who originally occupied it, lay between Narragan sett bay and Pawcatuck river. It had been cLiimed both by Con necticut and by Rhode Island, and these claims had been for many years a cause of strife between tliosc colonies. At one time it was formed into a nominally separate jurisdiction, under the name of The King's Province. 30 The Journal of Here AVe found gretit difficidty in Ti'tivailiiig. the Avtiy being very narrow, and on each side the Trees and bushes gaA'e us A'cry unpleasent Avelcome av*'' their Branches and bow's, av'^'' wee could not avoid, it being so exceeding dark. My Guide, as before so now, putt on harder than I, Av*'' my Aveary bones, could folloAv ; so left mee and the Avay beehind him. Noav Returned my distressed aprehensions of the place Avhere I Avas : the dolesome Avoods, my Company next to none. Going I kncAV not whither, and encom- pased AV*'* Terrifying darkness; The least of which Avas enough to startle a more Masculine courage. Added to Avhich the Reflections, as in the afternoon of y^ day that my Call was very Questionable, av'^^ till then I had not so Prudently as I ought considered. Noav, coming to y" foot of a hill, I found great difficulty in ascending ; But being got to the Top, Avas there amply recompenced Avlth the friendly Aj^pearance of the Kind Conductress of the night. Just then Advancing above the Horisontall Line. The Raptures av'^'' the Sight of that fiiir Phmett pro duced in mee, caus'd mee, for the Moment, to Madaai Knight. 31 forgett my present Avcaryness and past toils ; and Inspir'd me for most of the remaining Avay Avith A'cry divirting thot's, some of Avhich, Avith the other Occurances of the day, I reserved to note doAvn Avhen I should come to my Stage. My tho'ts ou the sight of the moon Avere to this purpose : Fair Cyntliia, all tlic Homage tliat I may Unto a Creature, unto tliee I pay; In Lonesome woods to meet so kind a f;-uide. To Mee's more worth than all the world beside. Some Joy I felt just now, when safe got or'e Yon Surly River to this Rugged shore, Deeming Rough welcomes from these clownish Trees, Better than Lodgings w ¦' Xereidees. Yet swelling fears surprise ; all dark appears — Nothing but Light can disipate those fears. Aly iaiuting vitals can't lend strength to say, But softly whisper, 0 I wish 'twere day. The muriuer hardly warin'd the Ambient air, E're thy Bright Aspect rescues fi'Om dispair : Alakes the old Ilagg her sable mantle loose. And a Bright Joy do's through my Soul diffuse. The ]3oistero's Trees now Lend a Passage Tree, And pleasent prospects thou giy'st light to see. From hence Avee kept on, Avith more ease y** 32 The Journal of before: the Avay being smooth and even, the night Avarm and serene, and the Tall and thick Trees at a distance, especially av" the moon glar'd light through the branches, fill'd my Imagination av*^ the pleasent delusion of a Sump- teous citty, fill'd av**" famous Buildings and churches, av*'' their spiring steeples. Balconies, Galleries and I knoAV not Avhat : Granduers w''' I had heard of, and av* the stories of foreign countries had giA'cn me the Idea of. Here stood a Lofty church — there is a steeple, And there the Grand Parado^O see the people ! That Famouse Castle there, were I but nigh, To see the mote and Bridg and walls so high — They'r very fine ! sais my deluded eye.. Being thus agreably entertain'd Avithout a thou't of any thing but thoughts themselves, I on a suden Avas Rous'd from these pleasing Imagi nations, by the Post's sounding his horn, AA'hich assured mee hee Avas arriA'ed at the Stage, Avhere Ave Avere to Lodg: and that musick Avas then most musickall and agreeable to mee. Being come to mr. Havens',-^ I Avas very ciAdlly ¦Havens' Tavern, says Mr. Updike iu his history of the Episco- Madaai Knight. .'53 Received, and courteously entertained, in a clean comfortable House; and the Good woman Avas very active in helping off' my Riding cloths, and then ask't Avhat I AA'Ould eat. I told her I had some Chocolett if shoe Avould prepare it ; Avhich AA'ith the help of some Milk, and a little clean brass Kettle, she soon effected to my satis faction. I then betook me to my Apartment, w'^'' Avas a little Room parted from the Kitchen by a single bord partition ; Avhere, after I had noted the Occurrances of the past day, I Avent to bed, Avhich, tho' pretty hard. Yet neet and handsome. But I could get no sleep, because of pal church in Narragansett, stood on the site of the house of the late WiUiam P. Alaxwell, Esq., in North Kingstown, a little south of the well known Devil's Foot rock. It seems rather remarkable that Airs. Knight does not mention this rock which is partly in the bighwaj- and was celebrated among the Indians. Its English name is a translation of the Indian name. (See Records of Nortli Kingston, it, iii), and there were strange traditions of the devil's doings connected with it. A short distance south of Havens' was the residence of Lodowick Updike, one of the oldest and best known settlements iu the coun- tiy, settled before tlie great Indian war of 1675; Mr. Updike was then (1704) the proprietor of an immense estate and well kno-svn all over the state. (Potter's A7(;';w.7f(;!.si"ff, 270,311, IGG). It may perhaps be accounted for by her mode of traveling. e. it. r. 34 The Journal op the Clamor of some of the Toavii topc-ers in next Room, Who Avere entred into a strong debate concerning y" Signifyctxtion of the name of their Country, (a'Iz.) Narraganset. One said it Avas named so by y*^ Indians, because there groAV a Brier there, of a prodigious Highth and bigness, the like hardly CA^er knoAvn, called by the Indians Narragansett; And quotes an Indian of so Bar- berous a name for his Author, that I could not Avrite it. His Antagonist Reply ed no — It Avas from a Spring it had its name, av*^^ hee aa'oII kncAV AA'here it Avas, AA'hich Avas extreem cold in sum mer, and as Hott as could be imagined in the Avinter, Avhich Avas much resorted too by the natives, and by them called Narragansett, (Hott and Cold,) and that Avas the originall of their places name — Avith a thousand Impertinances not Avorth notice, av*^'' He utter'd Avith such a Roreing voice and Thundering bloAvs Avith the fist of Avickedness ou the Table, that it peirced my very head. I heartily fretted, and AA'ish't 'urn tongue tyed; but av*'' as little succes as a freind of mine once, Avho Avas (as shee said) kept a Avhole night aAvake, on a Jorny, by a M.'VUAAi Knight. 35 coiuitry Left, and a Sergent, Insigue and a Dea con, contriving how to bring a tritingle into ti Square. They kept calling for tother Gill, av*"'' Avhile they Avcre s^\'allo^ving, Avas some Inter mission ; But presently, like Oyle to fire, eiicreased the flame. I set my Candle on a Chest by the bed side, and setting up, fell to my old Avay of composing my Resentments, in the fol- lowiii'"' manner: O [ a.-k thy Aid, 0 Potent Rum 1 'J'o C'iiarm these wrangling Topers Duni. 'I'linii hasD their (iiddy Brains possest — The man confounded w''' the Beast — And I, poor I, can get no rest. Iiito-xicate them with thy fumes : O still their Tongues till morning comes. And I knoAV not but my Avishes took effect; for the dispute soon ended av**' 'tother Dram; and so Good night ! Wedensday, OctoV 4th. About four in the morning, Ave set off for Kingston^ (for soAvasthe ToAvn called) Avith a french Doctor- in our com- 'I'riiperly Kingstown. It included the present towns of North King-tuw n, South Kingstown and Exeter. Tower Hill was one of the earliest settlements and the one probably meant. E. E; P. -A few miles west of tho Havens tavern was a settlement of 36 The Journal of pany. Ilee and y" Post put ou very furioirsly, so that I could not keep up Avith them, only as now and then they'd stop till the}' see mee. This Rode Avas poorly furnished av*'' accommodations for Travellers, so that Ave Avere forced to ride. 22 miles by the post's account, but neerer thirty by mine, before Avee could bait so much as our Horses, av*^"^ I exceedingly complained of. But the post encourag'd mee, b}' saying Avee should be Avell accommodated anon at mr. Devills,^ a few miles further. But I questioned Avhether French Huguenots. One of them, Ayrault, was ai^hysician and probably tho one mentioned by !Mrs. Knight. (See Potter's Narragansett, 105, 109. E. K. r. 'Davcll'sAIills, now Cross' Mills in Charlestown. Charlestown was formerly a part of the town of Westerly. (See Potter's Narra gansett, 111, 226). In going from Havens' to DavcU's, Mrs. Knight passed, but probably before daylight, within a few rods of the L'pdike house before mentioned. As she crossed To-\ver hill, she was near the site of Bull's garrison house burnt in the previous Indian war. She then came in view of the sea aud the famous Point Judith salt ponds. Near the present village of Ayakefield she passed by the head of these ponds and directly by the side of Sugar Loaf hill, a hill which was known by that name in the time of Roger Ayilliams. And farther on was a spring which before 1703 was known as Deadman's spring. A veiy short distiince from DavcU's, and near the road, stood an Indian fort well known Madam Knight. 37 Ave ought to go to the DeviP to be hel^it out of affliction. However, like the rest of Deluded souls that post to y^ Infernal deiin, Wee made all posible speed to this Devil's Habitation; Avhere alliting, in full assurance of good accommoda tion, Avce were going in. But meeting his two daughters, as I suposed tAvins, they so neerly resembled each other, both in features and habit, and look't as old as the Divel himselfe, and quite as Ugly, We desired entertainm't, but could hardly get n Avord out of 'um, till Avith our Im portunity, telling them our necesity, &c. they ciiU'd the old Sophister, Avho Avas as sparing of his Avords as his daughters had bin, and no, or none, Avas the reply's hee made us to our demands. Hee differed only in this from the old fellow in to'ther Country : hee let us depart. HowcA^er, I thought it proper to Avarii poor Travtiilers to endeavour to Avoid ftillinginto cir- in Indian history. Its remains are remarkable even at this day, and the place is called Fort Neck. These are not mentioned, probably because she was the only woman in the compauj- and her mind was intent on the perils of her journey. e. r. p. • This name of Davol or Davell was spelled Devil on old records of the time of Madam Knight. w. n. d. 38 The Journal of cumstances like ours, av*^'* at our next Stage I sat doAvn and did as folloAveth : May all that dread the cruel fcind of night Keep on, and not at this curs't Mansion light. 'Tis Hell; 'tis Hell ! and Devills here do dwell : Here dwells the Devil — surely this's Hell. Nothing but Wants : a drop to cool yo'r Tongue Cant bo procur'd these ci'uel Feinds among. Plenty of horrid Grins and looks sevear. Hunger and thirst, But pitty's bannish'd here — The Right hand keep, if Hell on Earth you fear! Thus leaving this habitation of cruelty, Ave Avent foTAvard; and arriving at an Ordinary^ about tAvo mile further, found tollerable accomo dation. But our Hostes, being a pretty full mouth'd old creature, entertain'd our fellow traA^ailer, y" french Doctor, av*"" Inumirable com plaints of her bodily infirmities ; and Avhisper'd to him so lou'd, that all y" House had as full a heai'ing as hee : Avhich Avas very diA'irting to y" company, (of Avhich there was a great many,) ilf tlie"jMr. DiveTs" was at Davell's 31111, as we think, this ordinary might have been at tho rosideuce of the Champlins. This fiimily settled there very early and were large proprietors ; aud in these daj-s almost every house along the road afforded entertainment for travelers. e.- e. p. Madam Knight. 39 as one might see by their sneering. But poor Aveary I slipt out to enter my mind in my Jornal, and left my Great Laiidly Avith her Talkative Guests to themselves. ^ From hence Ave proceeded (about ten fore noon) through the Naragansett country, pretty Leisurely; and about one afternoon come to Paukataug River,^ av* Avas about two hundred paces over, and noAV very high, and no Avay over to to'ther side but this. I darid not A'enture to Ride thro, my courage at best in such cases but small. And now at the Lowest Ebb, by reason of my Avetiry, Acry Aveary, hungry and uneasy Circuuistanccs. So takeing leaA'e of my company, tho' Av"'no little Reluctance, that I could not proceed av"' them t)n my Jorny, Stop at a little cottage Just \iy the River, to Avait tbe Waters fallim;', av*^** the old man that liA^ed there said Avould be in a little time, and he AVonld conduct Olr. Updike informs me that .Icsse ilaxou, for many 3-ears Town clerk of Westerly -who died a few years ago at an advanced age told him that the ancient riding over place at Westerly -was five or six rods above the jirescnt bridge known as Pawcatuc Bridge. It was called Shaw's riding over place. A dwelling house now stands whore the old way was. z. i:. i". 40 The Journal of me safe over. This little Ilutt Avas one of the wretchedest I ever saw a habitation for human creatures. It Avas suported with shores enclosed Avitli Clapbords, laid on LengtliAvays, and so much asunder, that the Light come throu' CA^ery Avhere ; the doore tyed on av*'' a cord in y° place of hinges; The floor the bear earth ; no Avindows but such as the thin covering afforded, nor any furniture but a Bedd av*'' a glass Bottle hanging at y° head on't ; an earthtin cupp, a small pcAvter Bason, A Bord av*'' sticks to stand on, instead of a table, and a block or two in y" corner instead of chairs. The family were the old man, his Avife and tAvo Children ; all and every part being the picture of poA'erty. Notwithstanding both the Ilutt and its Inhabitance were A^ery clean and tydee : to the crossing the Old Proverb, that bare Avails make giddy hoAvs-Avifes. I Blest myselfe that I Avas not one of this misserable crew; and the Impressions their wretchedness formed in me caused mee on y" very Spott to say : Tlio' 111 at ease, A stranger and alone, All my fatigu's shall not extort a grone. These Indigents have hunger with their case : Madam Knight. 41 Their best is wors bchalfc than my disease. Their Misirable hutt weh Heat and Cold Alternately without Repulse do hold; Their Lodgings thyn and hard, their Indian fare, Their mean Apparel which the wretches wear, And their ten thousand ills weh can't be told, Makes nature er'c 'tis midle age'd look old. AVhcn I reflect, my late fatigues do scorn Only a notion or forgotten Drcem. T had scarce done thinking, Avhen an Indian like Animal come to the door, on a creature A'cry much like himselfe, in mien and feature, as well as Ragged cloathing; and luiA'ing 'Utt, makes an Awkerd Scrtitch w"' his Indian shoo, ;ind a Xodd, sitts on y" block, fumbles out his black Junk, dlpps it iny'-" Ashes, and presents it piping hott to his muscheeto's, and fell to suck ing like a calf, Avithout speaking, for near a quar ter of an liOAVcr. At length the old man said ho\v do's Sarah do ? Avho I understood AA^as the AA'retches Avife and Daughter to y" old man : he Replj^ed — as Avell as can be expected, &c. So I remembred the old say, and suposed I knew Sarah's case. Butt hee being, as I understood, going over the River, as ugly as hee Avas, I Avas G 42 The Journal of~ glad to ask him to sIioav me y" Avay to Saxtons, at StoningtoAvn ; av'^'' he promising, I ventur'd over w*'' the old man's assistance ; avIiq having reAvarded to content, Avith my Tatterttiiled guide, I Ridd on very sloAvly thro' Stoningtown, Avherc the Rode Avas A^ery Stony and uneven.-* I asked the felloAV, as Ave went, diA^ers questions of the place and Avay, &c. I being arrived at my country Saxtons,^ at Stonington, Avas very Avell accommodated both as to A^ictuals and Lodging, the only Good of both I had found since my set^ ting out. Here I heard there Avas an old man and his Daughter to come that way, bound to N. London ; and being noAV destitute of a Guide, gladly Avaited for them, being in so good a har bour, and accordingly, Thirsday, Octob"' y** 5th, about 3 in the afternoon, I sat forward Avith 'After leaving Pawcatuck river. Madam Knight e^-idcntly took the old country road, leading over the hills through tho central part of Stonington to the head of Mystic river. — Letter of Miss Caulldns, June 1805. 'Capt. Joseph Saxton, who died in 1715, lived some two or three miles east of Mystic. He is described in one document as formerly of Boston. "My Country" undoubtedl}- means "my countryman" aud may indicate that they were both from Bos ton. — Ihid. Madam Knight. 43 neighbour Polly^ and Jemima, a Girl about 18 years old, Avho hee said he had been to fetch out of the Narragansetts, and said they had Rode thirty miles that day, on a sory lean jade, AV**' only a Bagg under her for a pillion, Avhich the poor Girl often complain'd Avas very uneasy. Wee made Good speed along w'^'' made poor Jemima make many a soAv'r face, the mare being a very hard trotter ; and after many a hearty and bitter Oh, she at length Low'd out : Lawful Heart father! this bare mare hurts mee Dingee- ly, I'me direfull sore I vow; Avith many Avords to that purpose : — poor Child sais Gaffer — she us't to serve your mother so. I don't care hoAV mother us't to do, quoth Jemima, in a passion ate tone, at Avhich the old man Laught, aud kik't his Jade o' the side, Avhich made her Jolt ten times harder. About seven that Evening, Ave come to Ncav London Ferry:" here, by reason of a very high 'This name appears in New London records. 'The ferry from Groton to New London had been leased to Carv Latham for fifty years from IMarch 2.'>th, 1G-5.5. The ferriage was 3d for a passenger, Cd for a horse or great beast and 3d for a calf or s^viue. In February 1701-3 the rent of the fei-ry, after 44 The Journal of Avind, AVC mett Avith great difficulty in getting OA'er — the Boat tos't exceedingly, and our Horses capper'd at a A'-cry surprizing Rate, and sett us all in a fright ; especially poor Jemima, avIio desired her father to say so jack to the Jade, to make her stand. But the careless parent, taking no notice of her repeated desires, She Rored out in a Passionate manner : Pray suth father. Are you deaf? Stiy so Jack to the Jade, I tell you. The Dutiful Parent obey's; saying so Jack, so Jack, as graA^ely as if hee'd bin to saying Cate chise after Young Miss, Avho Avith her fright look't of all coullers in y" Rain Boav. Being safelj^ arrived at the house of Mrs. the expiration of this lease, was appropriated perpetually to the support of a public grammar school. The Parade, as it was called, lay at the foot of Court or State street in New London ; aud from the eastom part of the Parade the coast originally turned to the west, aud was bordered by a strip of sand beach. At the head of this beach were the ferry stairs and the old town landing place, where in 1703 was built the town wharf The railroad ferry by which travelers from Boston, by the way of Stonington, now cross on their way to New Haven and Ne\\- A'ork, lies far ther south, even ou the New London side. Down to 1800 the ferry boat was a scow, propelled b}' sails and oars. A rough passage, such as Madam Knight describes, was nothing unusual. — :AIiss Caulkin>' lli^l'iry (f Xem London, sn. l:!l. bSO, 102. Madam Knight. 45 Prentices^ in N. London, I treated neighbour Polly and daughter for their divirting company, and bid them farcAA'ell; and between nine and ten at night Avaited on the Rev'' Mr. Gurdon Saltonstall,'- minister of the toAvn, Avho kindly Invited me to Stay that night at his house, Avhere I Avas A'-cry handsomely and plentifully treated and Lodg'd ; and made good the Great Character I had before heard concerning him : 'The old Prentis homestead was near the north end of Main street, where is now tlie old Deshon house. The first John Pren tis died ill IGllt ; and his relict, a third wife whom he had married late in life, survived him many years and kept a house of enter tainment. More than one reference can be found to the tavern of tlie widow Prentis. — Miss Caulkins' letter. -Gurdon Saltonstall, eldest son of Nathaniel Saltonstall of Ha\'erhill, Mass., was born Starch 27, lOOG; was graduated at Harvard where he was a distinguished scholar, and was ordained at New London in 1091. He became very celebrated as a preacher. On the death of Fitz John AVinthrop in 1707, he was chosen governor of Connecticut ; and he continued in that office till his death iu 1724. " Who did not admire Ids consummate wisdom, profound learning, his dexterity in business and indefatigable ap plication, his intimate acquaintance Avitli men and things and his superior genius.'' — {Funeral DUcourse by Rev. Eliphalet Adams.) Mr. Saltonstall's house was next to that of Jlrs. Prentis, so that Madam Knight had not far to go iu making her late evening vi-it. 46 The Journal of viz. that he Avas the most affable, courteous Genero's and best of men. Friday, Octo'' 6th. I got up A'ery early, in Order to hire somebody to go Avitli mee to Noav Haven, being in great parplexity at the thoughts of proceeding alone ; Avhicli my most hospitable entertainer observing, himself Aveut, and soon return'd av**' a young Gentleman of the toAvn, Avho he could confide in to Go Avith mee; and about eight this morning, av*'' Mr. Joshua Whee ler^ my new Guide, takeing leave of this Avorthy Gentleman, Wee adA'anced on toAvard Seabrook. The Rodes all along this Avay are very bad, In- cumbred av*'' Rocks and mountainos passages, Av'^'' Avere very disagreetible to my tired carcass ; but Ave went on Avitli a moderate pace av'^'' made y* Journey more pleasent. But after about eight miles Rideing, in going OA'er a Bridge^ under ' Belo-w the houses of jNIr. Saltonstall aud of Mrs. Prentis aud on the opposite side of the way stood the Ayiieelcr house. Mr. Saltonstall therefore soon returned. John Ayiieeler was one of the earl3' shipping merchants of New London. His son Joshua, bom in 1G81, was undoubtedly Madam Knight's guide. — lOid. 2 This river must be the Niantic. At the crossing, kno-ivn as Rope Ferry, there was no bridge until long after ]Madam Kni'dit's Madam Knight. 47 w* the RiA'er Run very SAvift, my hors stum bled, and A'ery narrowly 'scaped falling over into the Avater ; av'''' extreemly frightened mee. But through God's Goodness I met Avith no harm, and mounting agen, iir about half a miles Ride ing, come to an ordinary, Avere Avell entertained by a Avoman of about seventy and vantage, but of as Sound Intellectuals as one of scA^enteen. Slice entertain'd Mr. Wheeler av*'' some passages of a Wedding aAvhile ago at a place hard by, the Ihides-Groom being about her Age or some thing ;i1)0A'e, Saying his Children Avas dredfuUy against their fathers marrying av''' shee con demned them extreemly for. From hence Avee Avent pretty briskly forward, and arriA'''d at Saybrook ferry about tAvo of the day. She must therefore have crossed at tho bridge near " River head ;" which by tho present road, is less than six miles from New London. This road is an old route, but may not have been opened as early as 1704. It is probable that Sladam Knight went out on th* old road that leads by Miss Latimer's, fourmiles; then turned west into the Douglas road, which at the end of two miles would bring her to a narrow, rugged road, (originally an old In dian trail,) that goes directly to the head of the river. She would thus have had her full eight miles oi"tery bad liodcs Incurnlred teilh Hocks aud rnovntuinos passages." — Ibid. 48 The Journal of Clock afternoon ; and crossing it, Avee call'd at an Inn to Bait, (foreseeing Ave should not have such another Opportunity till avc come to Kil- lingSAVorth.) Landlady come in, Avith her hair about her ears, and hands at full -pay scratching. Shee told us shee had some mutton av""' shee Avould broil, av"*' I Avas glad to hear ; But I sup- ose forgot to Avash her scratchers; in a little time shee brot it in; but it being pickled, and my Guide said it smelt strong of head sause, Ave left it, and p'' sixpence a piece for our Dinners, Av"^ Avas only smell. So Avee putt forAvard Avith all speed, and about seven at night come to Killings worth, and Ave re tollenxbly Avell Avith Travillers fare, and Lodgd there that night. Saturday, Oct. 7th, Ave sett out early in the Morning, and being something unaquainted AV**' the Avay, having ask't it of some AA^ee mett, they told us Avee must Ride a mile or two and turne doAvn a Lane on the Right hand ; and by their Direction Avee Rode on, but not Yet come- ing to y"" turning, aa'C mett a Young felloAv and ask't him how farr it Avas to the Lane Avhich Mad.vm Knight. 49 turn'd down toAvards Guilford. Ilee said Avee must Ride a little further, and turn doAvn by the Corner of uncle Sams Lott. My Guide vented his Spleen at the Lubber; and Ave soon after came into the Rhode, and keeping still on, Avithout any thing further Remarkabell, about two a clock afternoon Ave arriA^ed at New Haven, Avhere I Avas received Avlth all Posible Res2:)ects and civility. Here I discharged Mr. Wheeler Avith a reward to his satisfaction, and took some time to rest after so long and toilsome a Journey; And luCorm'd invselle of the manners and cus toms of the place, ;ind tit the same time employed myselfe in the tifiiir I went there upon. They are GoA'crn'd by the same LaAvs as Avee in Boston, (or little differing.) thr'out this whole Colony of Connecticot,^ And much the same Avay of Church Government, and many of them good. Sociable people, and I hope Religious too : but a little too much Independant in their principalis," ^"The earliest code in Connecticut, related only to capital of fences. Adopted a year later than the Massachusetts Body of Liberties, it is in great part a verbal copy from that instrument." — Palfrej-'s New England, ii, 31. = "Thc habits of thought of this fi-aternity,'' (the settlers of 50 The Journal of and, as I have been told, Avere formerly in their Zeal A'ery Riggid in their Administrations to- wiirds such as their Lawes made Offenders, cAX'n to a harmless Kiss^or Innocent merriment among Young people. AYhipping' being a frcipicnt and counted an easy Punishment, about av"'' as other Crimes, the Judges Avere absolute" in their Sent- ances. They told mee a pleasant story about a pair of Justices in those parts, av"'' I may not omit the relation of. New Haven,) " led them to carry out to its last results the idea wliicli had fascinated so many thinking persons at that period, of finding in scripture a special rule for eveiy thing of the nature of civil as well as of eccleasiastlcal order and administration." — Pal frey's Neir Enghtnd, i, 538. 'The tradition of this strictness may have supplied a hint for one of the, so called, " Blue Laws :" " No woman shall kiss her child on the Sabbath or Fast day.'' And at least it is evident from this Journal that the stoiy of some New Haven legislation against kissing had existed long before 1781 w hen Samuel Peters published his history of Connecticut, in which, (as it is said,) the fiction of the " Blue Laws" first appeared. — Kuigsley's Historical m-irse, 84. " '• Defamation had in some instances been punished by fine, re peated scourgings and imprisonment."- — Trimibull's Ilistory of Connecticut, i, 177. ¦'This probably refers to the absence in earlier limes of the trial 113- .luiy and the want of any body of statutes; the Jlosaic Madam Knight. 51 A negro SlaA^e belonging to a niiin in y" Town, stole a hogs head from his master, and gave or sold it to an Indian, native of the place. The Indian sold it in the neighbourhood, and so the theft was found out. Thereupon the Heathen Avas Seized, and carried to the Justices House to be Examined. But his Avorship (it seems) Avas gone into the feild, Avith a Brother in office, to gather iu his Pompions. Whither the malefac tor is hurried, x\nd Complaint made, and satis faction iu the name of Justice demanded. Their ^\^)rships ctiuu't proceed in form Avithout tt Beueh: Avhereiipon they Order one to ]je Imedi- ateh' erected, which, for ^vaiit of litter materials, thcj' made with pompions — Avliich being finish ed, doAvn setts their AYorships, and the Malefac tor call'd, and by the Senior Justice Interrogated after the following manner. You Indian Avhy did You steal from this man? You sho'dn't do so — it's a Graiidy Avicked thing to steal. Hol't Hol't crycs Justice Jun"" Brother, You speak law being established as the rule to all courts, until it should be '¦branched out into pai'ticulars."' "Until this time puiii.shmenls in many instances had been uncertain and arbitrary. They had bi;en left whoUv to the discretion of the court." — Trumbull, i, 177. 52 The Journal op negro to him. I'le ask him. You sirrah, Avhy did You steal this man's Hoggshead ? Hoggshead, (replys the Indian,) me no stomany.^ No ? says his Avorship; and pulling off" his hatt. Patted his OAvn head Avith his hand, sais, Tatapa" — You, Tatapa — you; all one this. Hoggshead all one this. Hah ! says Nctop,^ iioav me stomany that. Whereupon the Company fell into a great fitt of- Laughter, even to Roreing. Silence is comand- ed, but to no effect : for they continued perfectly Shouting. Nay, sais his Avorship, in an angry tone, if it be so, talce mee off the Bench. Their DiA'ersions in this part of the Country are on Lecture days and Training da^'S mostly : on the former there is Riding from toAvn to toAvn. And on training dayes The Youth divert themselves by Shooting at the Target, as they call it, (but it very much resembles a pillory,) ^ Query : Corrui^tion of tinderstand. 2 Tatta pitcli is said to mean : I cannot tidl. — Roger Ayilliams Key, 2Iass. Historical Colleciions, 1st series, t, 89. 2" What cheer Netop, is the general salutation of all English to them. Netop is friend."— Roger Ayilliams Key, Mass. Historical Collections, 1st series, in, 207. Madaai Knight- 53 Avheit' hee that hitts ncerest the Avhitc has some jiirds of Red Ribl.>in presented him, av"'' being tied to his hattband, the two ends streeming doAvn his back, he is Led aAvay in Triumph, av**' great applause, as the winners of the Olympiack Games. They generally marry A'ery young : the males oftener as I am told under tAA'ontie than above; they generally make public Aved- ings, and haA^e a Avay something singular (as they say) in some of them, A'iz. Just before Joj'ning hands the Bridegroom quitts the place, Avho is soon folloAved by the Bridesmen, and as it Avere, dragg'd back to duty — being the reverse to y"' former practice among us, to steal m^ Pride. There are great plenty of Oysters all along by the sea side, as farr as I Rode in the Collony, and those very good. And they Generallj^ lived very Avell and comfortably in their famelies. But too Indulgent (especially y" farmers) to their slaves : sufering too great familiarity from them, permitting _\"' to sit at Table and eat Avith them, (as they say to save time,) and into tho dish goes the black hoof as freely as thcAAdiite hand. Thev told me that there Avas a farmer lived nere 54 The Journal of the Town Avhere I lodgd Avho had some differ ence av**' his slave, concerning something the master had promised him and did not punctualy perform; av"'' caused some hard Avords betAVCcn them ; But at length thej' put the matter to Arbitration and Bound themselves to stand to the award of such as they named — av"'' done, the Arbitrators Having heard the Allegations of both parties. Order the master to pay 40^ to black face, and acknoAvledge his fault. And so the matter ended : the poor master A^ery honest ly standing to the aAvard.^ There are CA^ery Avhere in the ToAvns as I passed, a Number of Indians the Natives of the Countiy, and are the most salvage of all the salvages of that kind that I had ever Seen : little or no care taken (as I heard upon enquiry) to make them otherwise. They have in some places Landes of theire OAvne, and Govern'd by LaAv's of their oavu making ; — they marry many AviA'es and at pleasure put them aAvay, and on the y" least dislike or fickle humor, on either 1 From this little incident it may be seen that, even at this early time, slavery, in Connecticut, was a very different thing from the systein which has existed in the southern part of our country. Madam Knight. 55 side, saying stand aicuy to one another is a sufficient Divorce. And indeed those uncomely Stand aicdifs are too much iiiYouguc among the English in this (Indulgent Colony) as their Records plentifully prove, and that on very tri vial matters, of Avhich some have been told me, but are not proper to be Related b^' a Female pen, tho some of that foolish sex have had too large a share in the story .^ If the natives coramitt any crime on their own precints among themselves, }'"" English ttiki's no Cognczens of. But if on the English ' Tliis facility for obtaining divorce ma}' have arisen from the degnidiitioii of marriage to a mere civil contract entered into be- fon^ a mairi-itrate. It W4S certainly in striking contrast with the strictne.-;s wliieli could lead a grand jury to present a yoiiu,g man aud wouLin '•forsitting together on the Lord's day under an apple tree." Unfortunatelj- the same facility has continued to the pre sent time in this " indulgent colony." Courts can divorce for a desertion of three years, for habitual drunkenness aud for such miironduct «.9 psmianenHy d'Mroys tlti li.pppin.c'iS of tlie other party and defeats the purposes of ihe marriage relation ! AVhile a standing committee of every legislature was until "recently at the service of such peroons as could not meet e^en the easj' reciuircments for judicial relief And these divorces were all a cincuto. The present governor of that state officially speaks of .these pr;ictices as: "a scandal upon our reputation and a reproach to our mor als and our reliaion." 56 The Journal of ground, they are punishable by our LaAvs. The}' mourn for their Dead by blacking their faces, and cutting their hair, after an Awkerd and frightfull manner; But can't bear You should mention the names of their dead Relations to them : they trade most for Rum, for w"'' they'^ hazzard their very lives; and the English fit them Genertilly as well, by seasoning it plenti fully Avitli Avater. They give the title of merchant to OA'ery trader; aa'Iio Rate their Goods according to the time and spetia they pay in : viz. Pa}', mony. Pay as mony, and trusting. Pay is Grain, Pork, Beef, &c. at the prices sett by the General Court that Year ;¦* mony is pieces of Eight, Ryalls, or Boston or Bay shillings (as they call them,) or Good hard monej', as sometimes silver coin is termed by them; also Wampom, Adz* Indian beads av"*' seiwes for change. Pay as mony is provisions, as afores'* one Third cheaper then ^ In laying taxes, or rates, the general court often provided that tliey might be paid in wheat or certain other agricultural products, at specified prices. For instances soe Ccnnecticut Puhlic Record.-, (l(.i5o-77) 300, 3-22. Madam Knight. 57 as the Assembly or Gene' Court setts it; and Trust as they and the merch' agree for time. Noav, Avhen the buyer comes to ask for a comodity, sometimes before the merchant an- SAvers that he has it, he sais, is Your pay redy ? Perhaps the Chap Reply's Yes : Avhat do You pay in ? say's the merchant. The buyer having ansAA'ered, then the price is set; as suppose he Avants a sixpenny knife, in pay it is 12d — in pay as money eight pence, and hard money its oavu price, viz. 6d. It seems a A'ery Intricate Avay of trade and Avhat Lex Mercatoria had not thought of Being at a merchants house, in comes a tall country fellow av*'' his alfogeos^ full of Tobacco ; for they seldom Loose their Cudd, but keep ChcAving and Spitting as long as they'r eyes are open — he advanc't to the midle of the Room, makes an AwkAvard Nodd, and spitting a Large deal of Aromatick Tincture, he gaA'e a scrape with his .shovel like shoo, leaving a small shoA'el 'This word is probably a corruption of the Spanish ulforja, saddlebag, portmanteau, or of the Portuguese alforges (plural), a wallet or bag, usually for provisions ; and it here seems to mean a tobacco pouch. 58 The Journal of full of dirt on the floor, made a full stop. Hugg ing his OAVU pretty Body Avith his hands under his arms. Stood staring rown'd him, like a Catt let out of a Baskett. At last, like the creature Balaam Rode on, he opened his mouth and said : have You any Ribinen for Hatbands to sell I pray ? The Questions and Answers about the pay being past, the Ribin is bro't and opened. Bumpkin Simpers, cryes its confounded Gay I voAv; and beckning to the door, in comes Jone TaAvdry, droj)ping about 50 curtsees, and stands by him : hee shoAvs her the Ribin. Laio You, sais shee, its right Gent, do You take it, tis dread- full pretty. Then she enquires, have You any hood, silk I pray ? av"'' being brought and bought. Have You any thred sill: to seta it nf' says shee, av"*' being accomodated av**' they Departed. They Generaly stand after they come in a great Avhile speachless, and sometimes dont stiy a Avord till they are askt Avhat they Avant, Avhich I Impute to the Aavc they stand in of the merchants, who they are constantly almost Indebted too; and must take what they bring Avithout Liberty to choose for themselves; but they serve them as Madam Knight. 59 Avell, making the merchants stay long enough for their pay. We may Observe here the great necessity and bennifitt both of Education and Conversation; for these people liaA'e as Large a portion of mother Avitt, and sometimes a Larger, than those Avho have bin brought up in Citties; But for Avant of emprovenients. Render themselves al most Ridiculos, as above.-* I should be glad if they Avould leave such follies, and am sure all that LoA'c Cletxn Houses (at least) Avould be glad on't too. The}' are generaly A'cry pliTin in their dress, throuout all y" Colony, as I saw, and follo^v one another in their modes ; that You may know Avhere they belong, especially the Avomen, meet them Avliere you Avill. Their Cheif Red Letter day is St. Election," Av"" is annualy Observed according to Charter, to choose their Goveii'' : a blessing they can 1 From the tone of this sentiment one might think that Aladam Knight had already commenced her school keeping. 2 "It was first the custom and afterwards the order that the ministers of the gospel should preach ;i sermon on the day ap pointed for tho choice of civil rulers." — Bancroft's Ui.-cd for the men ; avIio, Avhen the}' Avcre in Bed, com plained their leggs lay out of it by reason of its shortness — my poor bones complained bitterly not being u.^sed to such Lodgings, and so did the man Avho Avas Avith us ; and poor I made but one Grone, Avhich Avas from the time I Avent to bed to the time I Riss, Avliich Avas about three in the morning, Setting up by the Fire till Light, and having discharged our ordinary av"** Avas as dear as if we had had fir Better fare — we took our leave of Monsier and about seven in the morn come to Ncav Rochell a french toAvn, Avhere Ave had a good Breakfast. And in the strength of that about an how'r before sunsett got to York. Here I applj'd myself to Mr. Burroughs,^ a merchant to Avhom I Avas recommended by in}' Kinsman Capt. Prout, and received great Civil- 1 Probably Thomas Burroughs, a prominent Merchant. Valen tine's History of New Tor!.-, 210. In a census taken in 1703 his name appears as a resident of Doclv AVard. Bucumentnry Ilistory of N K, I, Gil. He was a vestryman of Trinity churcli. 64 The Journal of ities from him and his spouse, AA'ho were now both Deaf but very agreeable iu their Conversa tion, Diverting me Avith pleasant stories of their knoAvleclge in Brittan from Avhence they both come, one of Avhicli was aboA-e the rest A'ery pleastmt to me viz. my Lord Darcy had a A'ery extravagant Brother Avho had mortgaged what Estate hee could not sell, and in good time dyed leaving only one son. Him his Lordship (hav ing none of his oAvn) took and made him Heir of his Avhole Estate, Avhich he Avas to receive at the death of his Aunt. He and his Aunt in her AvidoAvhood held a right understanding and lived as become such Relations, shee being a discreat GentlcAvoman and he an Ingenios Young man. One day Hee fell into some Company though far his inferiors, very freely told him of the 111 cir cumstances his fathers Estate lay under, and the many Debts he left unpaid to the Avrong of poor people Avith Avhom he had dealt. The Young gentleman was put out of countenance — no way hee could think of to Redress himself — his AA'hole dependance being on the Lady his Aunt, and hoAv to speak to her he knew not — Hee Madam Knight. 65 Avent home, sat down to dinner and as usual sometimes Avith her Avhen the Chaplain Avas absent, she desired him to say Grace, av"'' he did after this mannei': Pray God in Jlerey take my Lady Darey Unto liis Heavenly Throne, That Little -John may live like a man, And pay every man his own. The prudent Ltidy took no present notice. But fini.'^hd dinner, after av"'' having s;it and talk't ;i while (as Customaiy) He Riss, took his Tlatt tmd Going out she desired him to give her leaA'e to .sjietik to him in her Clossett, Where being (•(line she desired to know Avhy hee prayed for her Death in the manner aforesaid, and Avhat part f)f her deportment toAvards him merritted such desires. Hee Reply'd, none at all. But he Avas under such disadvantages that nothing but that could do him service, and told her Iioav he had been affronted as aljove, and Avliat Impres sions it had made wpon him. The Lady made him a gentle reprimand that he had not inform ed her after another manner. Bid him see Avhat his father OAved and he should have moiicj" to 9 66 The Journal of pay it to a penny, And always to lett her knoAv his Avants and he should haA'e a redy supply. The Young Gentleman charm'd Avitli his Aunts -Discrete management, Beggd her pardon and accepted her kind offer and retricA'cd his fathers Estate, &c. and said Hee hoped his Aunt A\'ould never dye, for shee had done better by him than hee could have done for himself — Mr. Burroughs Avent Avith me to Vendue Avhere I bought about 100 Rheem of paper av"*' Avas retaken in a fly boat from Holland and sold very Reasonably here — some ten, some Eight shillings per Rheem by the Lott av"*' Avas ten Rheem in a Lott. And at the Vendue I made a great many acquaintances amongst the good Avomen of the town, Avho curteosly invited me to their houses and gener ously entertained mo. The Cittie of Ncav York is a pleasant Avell compacted place, situated on a Commodius River av"*' is a fine harbour for shipping. The Build ings Brick Generaly, A'ery stately and high, though not altogether like ours in Boston. The Bricks in some of the Houses are of divers Coul lers and laid in Checkers, being glazed look A'ery Madam Knight. 07 agreeable. The inside of them are neat to ad- miriition, the Avooden Avork, for only the Avails are plasterd, and the Sumers and Gist^ are plained and kept very Avhite scoAvr'd as so is all the partitions if made of Bords. The fire places have no Jambs (as ours have) But the Backs run flush Avith the Avails, and the Hearth is of Tyles and is as farr out into the Room at the Ends as before the fire, av"*' is Generally Five foot in the LoAv'r rooms, and the peice OA'er Avhere the mantle tree should be is made as ours Avith Joyners Avork, and tis I supose is fasten'd to iron rodds inside. The House Avhere the Vendue Avas. had Chimney Corners like purs, and they and the hearths were laid av**' the finest tile that I ever see, and the stair cases laid all Avith Avhite tile Avliich is ever clean,^ and so are 1 Summers and joist. The summer, a word not now in very common use, was a central beam supporting the joist; such as is now sometimes called the beariny-heani. ''The tiles were set into the wall; forming, as it were, a con tinuous border, or row, of the width of one tile (or perhaps some times of more), close to the upper line of the staircase. The Coeymaus house, standing on the bank of the Hudson, just north of the village of Coeymaus, still shows most of these peculiarities of building mentioned by Madam Knight: — the 68 The Journal of the Avails of the Kitchen w"*' had a Brick floor. They Avere making Great preparations to Re- ceiA'e their Govenor, Lord Cornbury from the Jersevs, and for that End raised the militia to Gard him on shore to the fort.^ They are Generalj' of the Church of England and have a Ncav England Gentlemtm '^ for their minister, and a very fine church set out Avith all Customary requsites. There are also a Dutch ^ and Divers Conventicles as they call them, viz. staircase laid with tiles ; no plaster exceiit on the walls ; and heavy floor-timbers, strengthened at the ends by solid knees, planed and '" kept very white scoured." •On the block between Bowling Green, AA'hitehall, Bridge aud Slate streets. — ^ Valentine's History of 2\'ew Tori:, 28. ^ AVilliam Vesey, previou.sly " a dissenting preacher on Long- Island. He had received his education in Harvard under that rigid Independent, Increase Slather, aud was sent from thence by him to confirm the minds of those who had removed for their convenience from New England to this Province. « « * But Col. Fletcher, who saw into his design, took off Mr. Vesey by an invitation to this Living ;¦»«¦*:- and 31r. Vesey returned from England in Priest's orders." — Documentary History of New Tork, iii, 438. ^Tlie Reformed Dutch Church built in 1G93 iu what is now Exchange Place. — Greenleaf's History of N. T. Churches. 11. ' Madam Knight. G9 Baptist,^ Quakers,^ &c. They are not strict in keeping the Sabbath as in Boston and other places Avhere I had bin. But seem to deal Avith great exactness as farr as I see or Deal I svith. They are sociable to one another and Curteos and Civili to strangers and fire Avell in their houses. The English go very fasheonable in their dress. Dut the Dutch, especially the mid dling sort, differ from our Avomen, in their habitt go loose, Avere French muches av"'' are like a, Capp and a head band in one, leaving their ears bare, Avhicli are sett out av*'' Jewells of a large size and many in number. And their fingers hooj)'t Avith Rings, some Avith hxrge stones in them of many Coullers as Avere their pendants in their ears, Avhich You should see A'ery old women Avear as Avell as Young. They have Vendues A'ery frequently and ' Greenleaf however gives 1799 as the first Baptist preaching ; that of AA'ickcuden, A petition of Nicholas Eyres states that in 171o his house was registered for an anabaptist meeting house. — Documentary History of New Tori, ui, 480. 2 Tlie first Friends' Meeting House, a small frame buildmg, standing on Little Green Street, is said to have been erected in 1G9G or lWi. — Grce7deaf, IIG. 70 The Journal of make their Earnings veryAvell by them, for they treat Avith good Liquor Liberally, and the Cust. omers Drink as Liberally and Generally pay for't as well, by paying for that Avhich they Bidd up Briskly for, after the sack has gone plenti fully about, tho' sometimes good penny Avorths are got there. Their DiA'crsions in the Winter is Ridina; Slevs about three or four Miles out of Town, where the}' have Houses of entertain ment at a place called the Bowery-,' and some go to friends Houses Avho handsomelv treat them. Mr. Burroughs carry 'd his spouse and Daughter and myself out to one Madame DoAves, aGentle- Avoman that lived at a farm House, Avho gave us a handsome Entertainment of five or six Dishes and choice Beer and metheglin. Cyder, &c. all Avliich she said Avas the produce of her farm. I believe Ave mett 50 or 60 slays that day — they fly with great swiftness and some are so furious that they'le turn out of the jpath '"A small tavei-n stood on the banks of the Harlem river. This tavern was the occasional point of e.xcursion for riding parties from the City aud was known as the ' AVedding Place.' One or Uvo small taverns were on the road bot-^veen the town and the Bowery." — A'alentine's History of New Tork, 09. Madam Knight. 71 for none except a Loaden Cart. Nor do they spare for any diversion the place affords, and so ciable to a degree, they'r Tables being as free to their Naybours as to themselves. Having here transacted the affair I Avent upon and some other that fell in the way, after about a fortnight's stay there I left Ncav York with no Little regrett, and Thursday, Dec. 21, set out for Ncav HaA'cn av**' my Kinsman TroAv- bridge, and the man that Availed on me about one afternoon, and about three come to half-way house about ten miles out of town, Avhere avc Baited and went forward, and about 5 come to Spiting Devil, Else Kings bridge, Avliere they pay three pence for passing over Avith a horse, Avhicli the man that keeps the Gate set up tit the end of the Bridge receives. We hoped to reach the french town and Lodg there that night, but unhapily lost our way about four miles short, and being overtaken by a great storm of wind and snow Avhich set full in our faces about dark, Ave Avere very uneasy. But meeting one Gardner Avho lived in a Cot tage therealiout, offered us his fire to set by. 72 The Journal of having but one poor Bedd, and his Avife not Avell, &c. or he Avould go to a House Avith us, Avhere he thought Ave might be better accommodated — thither Ave Avent, But a surly old shee Crea ture, not Avorthy the name of Avoman, Avho Avould hardly let us go into her Door, though the Aveather Avas so stormy none but shee Avould haA'e turnd out a Dogg. But her son AA'hose name Avas gallop, who liA'ed Just by Invited us to his house and shewed me two pair of stairs, \'iz. one uji the loft and tother up the Bedd, av"'' Avas as hard as it Avas high, and Avarmed it Avith a hott stone at the feet. I lay very uncomfort ably, insomuch that 1 Avas so very cold and sick I Avas forced to call them up to give me some thing to Avarm me. They had nothing but milk in the house, w"*' they Boild, and to malvc it bet ter SAveetened av*'' molasses, which I not know ing or thinking oft till it Avas clown and coming up agen av"*' it did in so plentifull a manner that my host was soon paid double for his portion, and that in specia. But I believe it did me service in Cleering my stomach. So after this sick and Aveary night at East Chester, (a very Madaai Knight. 73 miserable poor place, ) the Aveather being noAV fair, Friday the 22'^ Dec. avc set out for Noav Ro chell, Avhere being come Ave had good Entertain ment and Recruited ourselves very Avell. This is a A'ery pretty place avcII compact, and good handsome houses, Clean, good and passable Rodes, and situated on a Navigable RiA'er, abun dance of land Avell fined and Cleerd all alono; as wee passed, Avhich caused in me a Loa'C to the place, av"'' I could have been content to live in it. Here Avee Ridd over a Bridge made of one entire stone of such a Breadth that a cart might pass Avith safety, and to spare — it lay OA'er a passage cutt through a Rock to couA'ey Avater to a mill not farr off. Here are three fine Taverns Avitli- in call of each other, very good provision for Travailers. Thence Ave traA'ailed through Merrinak,^ a neet, though little place, av**' a navigable River before it, one of the pleasantest I ever see — Here Avere good Buildings, Especialy one, a very fine seat, av"'' they told me Avas Col. Ileth- • Mamaroneck. 10 74 The Journal of coats,-* Avho I had heard Avas a very fine Gentle man. From hence Ave come to Hors Ncck,^ Avhere Avee Baited, and they told me that one Church of England parson officiated in all these three toAviis once every Sunday in turns through out the Year ; and that they all could but poorly maintaine him, which they grudg'd to do, being a poor and quarelsome crcAV as I understand by our Host ; their Quarelling about their choice of Minister, they chose to have none — But caused the Government to send this Gentleman to them. Here Avee took leave of York Govern ment, and Descending the Mountainos passage that almost broke my heart in ascending before, Ave come to Stamford, a well compact Toavii, but miserable meeting house, av"*' Ave passed, and thro' many and great difficulties, as Bridges Avhich Avere exceeding high and very tottering and of vast Length, steep and Rocky Hills and precipices, ( Buggbears to a fearful fL'male trav- ailer.) About nine at night Ave come to Norr- 'Col. Caleb Ileathcotc, of Scarsdalo Manor. See Colonicd His tory of New Tork; passim. ''West Greenwich. Madam Knight. 75 Avalk, having crept over a timber of a Broken Bridge^ about thirty foot long, and perhaps fifty to y" water. I Avas exceeding tired and cold Avhen Ave come to our Inn, and could get noth ing there but poor entertainment, and the Im- pertinant Bable of one of the Avorst of men, among many others of Avhich our Host made one, who, had he bin one degree Impudenter, Avould have outdone his Grandfather. And this I think is the most perplexed night I have yet had. From hence, Saturday, Dec. 23, a very cold and Avindy dtiy, after an Intolerable night's Lodging, Avee hasted forAvard only observing in our Avay the Town to be situated on a Naviga ble river av"' indiferent Buildings and people more refind than in some of the Country toAvns Avee had passed, tho' vicibus enough, the Church and Tavern being next neighbours. Having Ridd thro a difficult River" Avee come to Fairfield 'A committee was appointed by the town of Norwalk Februa ry, 20, 1G94-5 to " take an exact view of the Bridge over Norwalk River aud to repairc the same, eyther Ijy erecting a new brittge, or by repairing the old." — Hall's Norwalk Itecords, 88. 2 Probably the Saugatuck. 76 The Journal of Avhere Avee Baited and were much refreshed as Avell Avith the Good things av"'' gratified our ap petites as the time took to rest our Avearied Limbs, av"*' Latter I employed in enquiring con cerning the ToAvn and manners of the jieople, &c. This is a considerable town, and filld as they sayAvith Avealthy people — have a spacious meeting hou.se and good Buildings. But the Inhabitants are Litigious, nor do they Avell agree Avith their minister, Avho ( they say ) is a very AVorthy Gentleman.^ They have aboundance of sheep, Avhose very Dung brings them great gain, with part of which they pay their Parsons salleiy. And they Grudg that, prefering their Dung before their minister. They Lett out their sheep at so much as they agree upon for a night ; the highest Bidder alwaj's. caries them. And they Avill sufficiently Dung a Large quantity of Land before morning. ' Joseph Webb, ordained at Fairfield in 1694. Even before his time the General Court appointed a committee " to improve there best abillities to settle an accomadation between the peoi:)le and minister of Fayrefeild, that so if it be the will of God Mr. Wake- man may continue in his worke there." — Conn. Public Records, 240. Madam Knight. 77 But AA-ere once Bitt by a sharper Avho had them a night and sheared them all before morning — From hence Ave Avent to Stratford, the next ToAvn, in Avhich I observed but few houses, and those not very good ones. But the people that I conversed Avith Avere ciA'ill and good natured. Here Ave staid till late at night, being to cross a Dangerous River ferry, the RiA'cr^ at that time full of Ice ; but after about four hours Avaiting Avith great difficulty Avee got over. My fears and fatigues prevented my liere talcing any par ticular observation. Being got to Milford, it being late in the night, I could go no further ; my felloAV travailer going forward, I Avas invited to Lodg at Mrs. , a A'ery kind and civili GentlcAvoman, by Avhom I Avas handsomely and kindly entertained till the next night. The jpeople here go very plain in their apparel (more plain than I had obserA'cd in the toAA'ns I had passed) and seem to be very graA'e and serious. They told me there Avas a singing Quaker^ lived 1 The Housatouic. 2 " One Case aud one Banks, two lewd men called singing Qua kers, coming through the Colonj-, singing aud dancing, accompa- 78 The Journal of there, or at least had a strong inclination to be so. His Spouse not at all affected that Avay. Some of the singing CrcAV come there one day to A'isit him, who being then abroad, they sat doAvn (to the Avoman's no small vexation) Hum ming and singing and groneing after their con juring Avay — Says the Avoman are you singing quakers? Yea says They — Then take my squalling Brat of a child here and sing to it says she for I have almost split my throat av**' singing to him and cant get the Rogue to sleep. They took this as a great Indignity, and medi ately departed. Shaking the dust from their Heels left the good AA^oman and her Child among the number of the Avicked. This is a Seaport place and accomodated Avith a Good Harbour, But I had not opportunity to make particular observations because it Avas Sabbath day — This Evening.^ nied with a number of women to assist them in their musical exercises and especially to proclaim how their lips dropped ¦with myrrli and honey." — Trumbull's Hist. Conn., ii, 3G, note. 'It was Saturday; and, according to the well known Connecti cut custom, the " Sabbath " commenced at " sundown " ou Sat urday. Madam Knigiit. 79 December 24.^ I set out Avith the Gentle- AA'omans son aa'Iio she very civilly offered to go Avith me Avhen she see no parswasions Avould cause me to stay Avhicli she pressingly desired, and crossing a ferry having but nine miles to Ncav Haven, in a short time arrived there and Avas Kindly received and Avell accommodated amongst my Friends and Relations. The Government of Connecticut Collony be gins Avestward towards York at Stanford^ (as I am told) and so runs EastAvard toAvards Boston (I metin in my range, because I dont intend to extend my description bej'ond my OAvn travails) and ends that Avay at Stonington — And has a great many Large toAvns lying more northerly. It is a plentiful Country for provisions of all sorts and its Generally Healthy. No one that can and Avill be dilligent in this place need fear poverty nor the Avant of food and Rayment. 'iladam Knight states that, arriving at Milford, she was enter tained till the next night. Probably therefore it was on Monday, the 25tli of December, that- she went on to New Haven, aud the date in the journal is erroneous. 2 See account of the arbitration in ICoO, as to the boundary line.— Palfrey's New England, ii, 311. 80 The Journal of January 6**'- Being noAv Avell Recruited and fitt for business I discoursed the persons I Avas concerned AA'itli, that avc might finnish in order to my return to Boston. They delay'* as they had hitherto done hoping to tire my Patience. But I Avas resolute to stay and see an End of the mat ter let it be never so much to my disadA'antage — So January 9th they come again and promise the Wednesday folloAving to go through Avith the distribution of the Estate Avhich they de layed till Thursday and then come Avith ncAV amusements. But at length by the mediation of that holy good Gentleman, the Rev. Mr. James Pierpont,-* the minister of Ncav Haven, and with the advice and assistance of other our Good friends Ave come to an accommodation and distribution, Avhicli having finished though not till February, the man that Avaited on me to 'Rev. James Pierpont was graduated at Harvard, and in IGSo was ordained at New Haven. lie died therein 1714. "In the pulpit Mr. Pierpont was distinguished among his cotemporaries. His personal appearance was altogether prepossessing. He was eminent iu the gift of prayer. His doctrine was sound and dis criminating and his style was clear, lively and impressive." — Baron's Historical Discourses. Madam Knight. 81 York taking the charge of me I sit out for Bos ton. We Avent from New Haven upon the ice (the ferry being not passable thereby) and the Rev. Mr. Pierpont av**' Madain Prout^ Cuzin Trowbridge and divers others Avere taking leave Avee Avent oiiAvard Avithout any thing Remarkabl till wee come to Ncav London and Lodged again at Mr. Saltonstalls — and here I dismist my Guide, and my Generos entertainer provided me Mr. Samuel Rogers" of that place to go home Avith me — I sttiyed a day here Longer than I intended by the Commtinds of the Hon*'*" Gove nor Winthrop to sttiy and take a supper Avith him Avhose Avonderful civility 1 may not omitt. 'John Prout of New Haven, son of Timothy Prout of Boston, married, August 23, 1G81, Mary, widow of Daniel Hall aud daugh ter of Henry Rutherford. Sarah, another daughter, was the wife of Thomas Trowbridge, ¦\\lio died in 1703, and who was the father of the Thomas Trowbridge mentioned by Madam Knight. Savage's Oeneal. Dictionary. It is possible therefore that ]\[adam Knight's relationship with the Prout and Trowbridge families was through the Rutherfords. - There were many of this family name at New London. One, possibly a brother of Madam Knight's companion, was the founder of a strange religious sect, of local notoriety ; the Rog- crenes. 11 82 The Journal of The next morning I Cros.sed y" Ferry to Groton, having had the Honor of the Company, of Mad am Livingston'* (avIio is the Govenors Daughter) and Mary Christophers^ and divers others to the boat — And that night Lodg'* at Stonington and had Rost Beef and pumpkin sause for supper. The next night at Haven's and had Rost fowle, and the next day Avee come to a river which by Reason of Y" Freshetts coining doAvn Avas swelV^ so high Avee fear'* it impassable and the rapid stream Avas very tenyfying — HoAVCA'er Ave must over and that in a small Canoo. Mr. Rogers assuring me of his good Conduct, I after a stay 'Mary, the only child of Fitz-John AA'intlirop, the Governor of Connecticut, was the wife of Lieut. Col. .John Livingston. She died at Uncasville a few miles north of New London, January 8th, 1713-13. She was not buried until the IGth, on account of the inclemency of the weather and the depth of the snow. A few months after her death, Col. Livingston married Elizabeth, the only child of Madam Knight, mentioned on a following page. Col. Livingston came from New York to Connecticut after the failure of the expedition to Canada in 1G90, sharing the blame which was thrown on Gen. AAlnthrop. He resided in New Lon don till 1718, and then went to England where he died. 2 Probably the daughter of Christopher Christophers. The • family of this name was large and influential in New London and was connected with Madam Knight by marriage. Madam Knight. 83 of near an hoAv'r on the shore for consultation Avent into the Canoo, and Mr. Rogers paddled about 100 yards up the Creek by the shore side, turned into the swift stream and dexterously steering her in a moment Avee come to the other side as SAviftly passing as an arroAV sliott out of the Boav by a strong arm. I staid on y'-' shore till Hee returned to fetch our horses, Avliich he caused to swim OA'er himself bringing the furni ture in the Cannoo. But it is past my skill to express the Exceeding fright all their transac tions formed in me. Wee Avere noAV in the colo- ,ny of the Massachusetts and taking Lodgings at the first Inn Ave come too had a pretty diffi cult passage the next day Avhich Avas the second of March by reason of the sloughy Avays then thaAved by the Sunn. Here I mett Capt. John Richards of Boston avIio was going home, So being very glad of his Company Ave Rode some thing harder than hitherto, and missing my Avay in going up a very steep Hill, my horse dropt down under me as Dead ; this ncAV surprize no little hurt me meeting it Just at the Entrance 84 The Journal of into Dedham from Avhence Ave intended to reach home that night. But Avas noAV obliged to gett another Hors there and leave my OAvn, resolv ing for Boston that night if possible. But in going over the CauscAvay at Dedham the Bridge being overfloAved by the high Avaters comming down I A'ery narrowly escaped falling over into the river Hors and all av"'' tAvas almost a miracle I did not — now it grew late in the afternoon and the people having very much discouraged us about the sloughy way av"*" they said Avee should find A'ery difficult and hazardous it so Avrought on mee being tired and dispirited and disapointed of my desires of going home that I agreed to Lodg there that night av"*' wee did at the house of one Draper, and the next day being March 3d Avee got safe home to Boston, AA'here I found my aged and tender mother and my Dear and only Child ^ in good health Avith open arms redy to receive me, and my Kind relations and friends flocking in to Avclcome mee and hear the 'Elizabeth, Madam Knight's only child, then about seventeen, has already been mentioned in the prefoce and in a note. In the inventory of her effects, taken after her death, appear the items ; Madam Knight. 85 stoiy of my transactions and travails I having this day bin five months from home and iioav I cannot fully express my Joy and Satisfaction. But desire sincearly to adore my Great Bene factor for thus graciously carying forth and re turning in safety his uiiAvorthy handmaid. a negro man and woman ; an Indian man ;'Silvcr plate £234, 13s ; several rings and other jewelry. Acc[uittances given to the ad ministratrix of her estate are signed by the following persons : Sarah Bass of Boston, widow Marj' Bassett of Boston, AVilliam Wj'er and Elinor, liis wife of Charlestown, Robert Luist, shop keeper, of Charlestown, James Flukor and his -wife Elizabeth of Charlestown, Thomas Choever and his wife Abigail of Chelsea. Miss Caulkins' History of New London, 3Go, and her letter to W. R.D. Note to Providence ferry, page 20. Judge Staples, author of the Annals of Procidence, is of opinion that the oldest ferry over the Seekonk river was at Narrow Pas sage, so called, near where the bridge now is. The riding-over place across Moshassack river was at the foot of Steeple Street. See further. Annals of Procidence, 196, 611. A glance at the map shows us that Madam Knight does not mention all the rivers or streams she must have passed through. E. v.. r. INDEX Adams, Eliphalet, his funeral discourse on Rev. Gurdon Salton stall, 45. Alfogeos, 57. Antiquarian subjects unfashionable, 16. Apponarg, 26 . Ayrault, a French Huguenot physician, 36, Baptist church in New Tork, G9. Bass, Sarah, 85. Bassett, IMary, 85. Belcher, Rev. Joseph, graduated and ordained, 20. Billings' tavern, where, 20, 23. Bowery the, 70. Bradford, Joseph, joint purchaser of land with Madam Knight, viii. Building, style of, in New York, 67. Bull's garrison house, 36. Burroughs, Thomas, a merchant of New York, 63, 70. Caulkins, Miss Frances R., her History of N. L., vii ; letter, 43, Champlin's tavern, 38. Changes since 1704, 17. Charlcstown, 2G, 36. Cheever, Thomas, 85. Christophers, Sarah, ix; Marj', 81. Clark, Ann, 3Iadam Knight's maid, vii. Coeymaus house mentioned, 67. Connecticut, boundaries and description of, 79. Cornbury, Lord, GO, 68, Crocker, ^Alrs Hannah blather, x. Cross' mills, formerly Davell's, 3G. Darcy, Lord, story, of, 64. 88 Index. Davell spelled Devil, 37. Davell's mills, now Cross' mills, 36, 38. Deadman's spring, 36. Deane, William R., his article on Madam Kuight, iv. Dedham, 19 ; causeway at, 84. Devifs Foot rock, celebrated among the Indians, 33. Divorce, freedom of in Connecticut among whites and Indians, 55. Douglas road near New Loudon, 47. Draper, , 184. East Greenwich, 20. Election day, 59. Exeter, 35. Fairfield, 61. Fare at inns, 25, 33, 43, 45, 48, 61, 62, 73, 75, 83. Fluker, .lames, 85. Flyboat, 66. Fort neck and Indian fort at that place, 37. Franklin, Dr., said to have been a scholar of SEadam Knight, vi. French physician, 35. Grafton, Remember, former wife of Richard Knight, v. Guilfoj-d, 49. Haven's tavern, where situated, 33. Heathcote, Col. Caleb, 74. Hunt's river, 29. Huguenots, settlement, 35. Immersion alluded to, 28. Indians near New Haven, condition and customs of, 54 ; crimes how punished, 55 ; mourning of, 56; eagerness for rum, ib. ; which the merchants water for them, ib. Introduction to fii'bt edition, 15. Kemble, John, his will, iv. Journal, when printed, iii; how preserved, ix ; destroyed, x. Kemble, Thomas, fatlier of Madam Knight, his residence and business, iv ; house iu Boston demolished, site how occupied, ib. ; his death and gravestone, v ; house .sold, vi. Killingsworth, 48. Kingston, new road through, 26, 35. Index. 89 Knight, Ehzabeth, only child of Aiadaui Knight, her Ijirtli, mar riage, death and gravestone, vii ; presents her mother's in ventory, X; inventory of her effects, 85. Knight, Madam, her birth, iii; parents, iv; marriage, v; school, vi; sold her house, inscription on a pane of glass, ib. ; her ti tle how acquiicd, (J. and 15; removal to Norwich aud New Loudon, vii; presents a cup to the church and pew voted to her, viii ; presented for selling strong drink, ilj. ; purchaser of land, rt.; pewholder in New London, ix ; kept an inn on the Norwich road, ib.; her death, and the inventory of her estate, ib. ; a witness to papers, x ; her character and accura cy, xi; her gravestone, xii ; why called Jiadam Knight, 15; sets out from Boston, 19; arrives at Dedham, ib. ; visits 3Ir. Belcher, 20; reaches Billings', 23; goes on to the post's sec ond stage, 25 ; proceeds with her third guide, crosses Provi dence ferry and comes to a river at Pawtuxct, 26 ; fords Mas cachuge river, 29 ; arrives at Haven's tavern, 33 ; sets out for Kingston, 35 ; reaches DeviU's, 37 ; Champliu's, 38 ; and Pawcatuc river, 39 ; stays at Saxton's, in Stonington, 42 ; ar rives at New London, 44 ; at 3L-s. Prentis' and at Rev. Gur don Saltonstall's, 45 ; arrives at Saybrook ferrj-, 47 ; Killings- worth, 48; Guilford, and New Haven, 49; observation upon New Haven, 49 to 59 ; sets out for New York, 61 ; arrives at Stratford ferry, Fairfield and Norwalk, 61 ; Rye, 63 ; New Rochelle and New York, 63; description of IN ew York, G6 to 70 ; goes from New York, 71; reaches Eastchcster, 73 ; New Rochelle, 73 ; Mamaroneck, ib. ; Horseneck, 74 ; Norwalk and Fairfield, 75 ; mode of paying parson's salary, 70 ; passes through Stratfiu'd aud stays at Jlilford, 77; and arrives at New Haven, 79; goes from Neiv Haven to New London, 81; crosses to Groton, 83 ; and goes to Stonington andto Havens', ib. ; arrives at Dedham aud at Boston, 84. Knight, Richard, husband of Madam Knight, his business, his for mer marriage, his death abroad, v. Knight of the Oracle, 22. Latimer's, Mi.=!s, road leading hy, 47. Lean to, 24. Lecture days, 53. 12 90 Index. Liveen will, the, GO. Livingston, Col. .lolin, married to Elizabeth Kuight, vii; purcha ser of land, viii; his farm, ix ; his former wife, 81; his resi dence and death, ib. Luist, Capt. Robert, accompanies Madain Kuight to Dedham, 19,85. McCoon's mills, 2G. jNIarriagcs at an carlj- age, 53; singular custom at, ib. Mascachuge river, hazardous crossing of, 29. Mather, Hannah, becaniethe owner of Madam Knight's house, vi. Siathcr, Increase, vii. ¦ jMather, Samuel, scholar of Madam Knight, vi. Maxou, .Jesse, town clerk of AVcsterly, 39. jMaxwell, AA'illiam P., his house, 83. Milford, 77. Mosaic law the rule for courts, 51. Jiuscheetoes, 41. Narragansett country, 29 : controversy as to the meaning of, 34. Neale, Thomas, received letters patent for establishing a post oftice, 19. New Haven, 49 ; la^^¦s and church government of, 49 ; character of the people, ib.; thestrictuess ofthelaAV3,50; amusements, 53; marriages, 53 ; 03'sters, ib.; indulgence to slaves, 54 ; Iudi;m customs, 55 ; mode of traflic, 56. New London ferry, arrival at, account of, 43. New York, description of, GO ; style of building, 67 ; fort, 68 ; ar rival of Lord Cornbury, 68 ; Churches in, ib.; character and dress of the people, 69; diversions, 70. Niantic river, crossing at, 46. Norwalk, the derivation of t'lc name, 01 ; liridge at, 75. Oysters, abmidanco of, 53. Papillion, Peter, purcliascr of iladaiu Knight's house, vi. Paper, price of, 60. Parade at New London, 44. Parismus, by Edward Forde, 22. Pawcatuc bridge, 2G; river, riding-over place at, 39. Pawtuxct, river at, 26. Pequot road, 26. Pieccsofeight, 20, 21,50. Index. 91 Pierpont, Rev. James, 80. Point Judilh salt ponds, 30. Polly, , and his daughter, 43. Post, the western, its route, 19 ; where met, 35. Post office established, 19 ; chief in Connecticut, 35. Potter, E. R., 2G. Poverty of a family, 40. Prentis, jMrs. John, her tavern, 45. Prout, Capt. John, 03; his marriage, 81, Providence ferry, 26, 85. Punctuation of the journal, 17. Quakers, 21 ; meeting house in New York, 69 ; singing, 77. Reding, showing the way to, 34. Richards, Capt. .lohn, 83. Riverhead of the Niantic, 47. Rogers, Samuel, 81. Rogerones, the, 81. Rope ferry over Niantic, 46. Route through Rliode Island, 26 ; through Stonington, 43 ; to Say brook, 47. Sad-colored, moaning of, 24. Saltonstall, Rev. Gurdon, Avhen born, ordained and chosen gover nor, 45 ; his death and character, ib. ; his house, ??'., 81. Saugatuck river, 75. Saxton, Capt. Josciili, formerly of Boston, his house, 43. Saybrook ferry, 47. Seats in the "meeting-house" how assigned, viii. Shaw's riding-over place, 39. Shooting at the target, 53. Slaves, anecdote about, 51; indulgence towards, 53; arbitration with, 54. Spelling, the original preserved, 17. Stonington, the route through, 43. Stratford ferry, 61, 77. Sugar loaf hill, 36. Taxes, paid in wheat, 56. Tiles, use of, in houses, 67. Trade, how carried on, 56. YALE UNIVERSITY _aJ9 00 2 001926B83