![]() Tracing it out through Martha's diary and through parallel entries in Henry Sewall's gives us some insight into the religious complexities of the town, into Martha's own religious temper, and ultimately into her response to the trial for rape. Still, Isaac's story is a necessary prelude to Rebecca's. Her accusation is an ugly tear in local history, an unexplained rent in the social web. If anything, Joseph North had been a supporter and ally of her husband. It is tempting to superimpose the controversies that dominate Isaac's story - the theological argument between Calvinists and liberals, or the practical problem of sustaining a tax-supported church in a religiously divided town - on Rebecca's, but that approach does nothing to explain her troubles. "Mrs Foster has sworn a Rape on a number of men among whom is Judge North," Martha wrote on October 1, 1789, without further explanation. Except for a few cryptic documents in the records of the Supreme Judicial Court and a tantalizing set of entries in Martha's diary, her story is lost. They have had nothing at all to say about his wife, Rebecca. With Henry Sewall, and his eventual dismissal by the town. The town historians have had much to say about the Reverend Mr. ![]() This day is the Aneversary of the Ordination of the Reverend Isaac Foster over the Church & flock in this Town three years since. The Reverend Mr Isaac Foster removd to Varsalboro this day. Informs his famely are well & that Mrs Barton was delivrd of a son the 8th instant. Find her more Comfortable, then returnd home. Mr Hatch went from here.Ĭlear & very pleasant. Tarried all night.ġ0 7 At Mr Densmores & Trues. I tarried with her till 4 pm then Came to Mr Densmores. Mrs Daw was safe delivered at the 6th hour this morn of a fine son which weighd 11 lb. His wife is the 32d woman I have put to Bed since February 5th.Ĭlear forenoon. She remained ill through the night.ĩ 6 At ditoes. I tarried with Mrs Daw till Evn when shee had her women. The rigament & troop Convened there on Mr Shuball Hinkleys Land. I was Calld at the 8th hour morn to Mr Daws at the hook to his wife in travil. There was a muster of the troops & regimentĬlear & pleasant. Joshua Sinclare & Mr Richardson drank tea. It is 12 years since I left Oxford.Ĭlear. Mr Ballard went to Esquir Coneys & to Town meeting. I am informd there was a man Drownd in Jones Eddy who Came passage from Boston with Captain Howard.Ī very rainy day. Mr Savage returnd Jonathans hors which he rode to Green. I combd 7 lb of flax for myself & 4 for Cyrus. Receivd 1/2 Bushel of rie of Captain Hersey as reward for asisting his Lady.Ī rainy day. Josh Sinclear brot us a barril of herrin smokt. Mr Burtun & wife here.īirth John Goffs daughter. Mr Bullin from the westward informs me Colo Thomson of Bilrick has Buried his only Child. Find Mr Ballard returnd from his tower of surveying yesterday. Her marm, Mrs Bullin, Mrs Ney were my asistants. ![]() Goffs illness increast & shee was safe delivrd at 11 hour & 30 minute morn of a daughter. I tarried there this night.ģ 7 At Mr Goffs. Old Mrs Goff returned from Boston at 1 hour pm. I walkt to Daviss Store, crost the river & went by land on hors back. I was called at 4th hour morn to Mrs Goff who was in travil. *This last sentence begins in the right margin but spills over into the space below the regular entry and is separated from it by a line. Informs that Mrs Foster has sworn a Rape on a number of men among whom is Judge North. Mrs Hannah North, Mrs Chever & a Mrs Weston from Cohors. Colonel North interogated me Concerning what conversation Mrs Foster had with me Concerning his Conduct.*Ĭlear Except some showers. I was Called to Mr Fosters door & askt some questions. Had 6 lbs of sheeps wool of the old Lady which is to go towards what they owe Mr Ballard. I went to Captain Herseys, Mr Whites & Esquire Husseys. Chapter 3 A Midwife's Tale by Laurel Thatcher UlrichĬlear Except a lite shower afternoon.
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