v^. Waller Tittl Colonial Holidays COLONIAL HOLIDAYS 3eing a Collection of Qontenwom^oc(xinJts of HpLO\iCd.ebra tions \x\Cotoniaf Climes Compiled, Illustrated and Illuminated by Walter Tittle New York Page'SlCo. <=ays 39 INDEPENDENCE DAY Independence Day with Washington, 1790 Washington's Diary ... 40 Independence Day in Philadelphia, J78J, J783 and J786 Jacob Hiltzheimer 41 A Curious Ode to Independence Day 42 THE ROYAL BIRTHDAYS A Celebration of the Queen's Birthday in Boston, J714 Samuel Sewall . 44 Celebration of Royal Birthdays in New York, J734-4 45 CONTENTS xiii PAGE The King's Birthday in Boston, 1750 Capt. Francis Goelet . . .47 A "Turtle Frolick" in Boston, 1750 Capt. Francis Goelet .... 48 St. Andrew's Day in Virginia, J737 From the Virginia Gazette ... 49 Election Day, J8J7 51 THANKSGIVING DAY The First Thanksgiving Held in North America, J578 52 A Thanksgiving at Sagadahoc in 1607 53 Thanksgiving at Plymouth, J62J Gov. Bradford, Thomas Morton and Edward Winslow 54 The Fast and Thanksgiving of 1623 Gov. Bradford and Edward Winslow . 57 A Thanksgiving with Anna Green Winslow, J77J 59 A New England Thanksgiving Dinner, J779 Juliana Smith ... 62 Thanksgiving at Valley Forge, J778 George Washington .... 66 Thanksgiving in New York George Washington 68 A Thanksgiving at Scituate Church, J636 69 The Thanksgiving Law, 1636 ......... 70 The First Thanksgiving Proclamation in Early New York Records, J645 . 71 Thanksgiving in Boston in J685 and J688 Samuel Sewall .... 72 ffk Christmas dinner at Mouitf\%rnon dndton gives his favorite toas XT C/C" ! *^ 7 ar friends ^%^ ~^~> , V,;:: : :: .bdruJ pails cvcni up before ,pa,andiFftn>ili r We added to our eiwgv- ^ f ^ & eibjeinedirfend<.tiom>ar ou i COHHIW; upon political j ntiM'naddle (4 il- table was placed ajMtH-i* or iawe '' /M^ ti '^* lurraiiiit alW six feet lontfond two M Hide,nnJi> ^ Vj" ^**; dedot^eiwl$.|i>a$cUl>erot''mx>dpiUc'd.raaLoui an iiiLTiMiint* silver ritii V^ ^> round riiikenmi rotindftieaDoanJ-.in me centnuwaf * * -^f '^^ I j i p i i /'T^ ./! 'It * t^^^'*" "%fr- I ft pedestal < i.orrtrK>M.iipplrs.nui\itl(iHxi(i 1 i ] ft ^/ _ "N^ />> sr~"> ours heare in England as therdaunsinge, which is like our darbysher Hornepipe a man first and then a woman, and so through them all, hanging all in a roundT ther is one which stand in the midest with a pipe and a ratteli with which when he Leginns to make a noyes all the rest Gigetts about wrii'nge ther neckes and slajjipinge on y* drouiidL'SiL ""V ^. ^1 /jhejk vse beside football play* IxM which wemenand young boyes doe much play at. The menneuer.They tnake ther Gooles as ours onlymey neuer fight nor pull one another downe :T he men play with a litlc balle lettingie it v g\^^ Ifyi out of ther hand and striketh it j with the tope of his foot,and he that can strike the ball furthest winns what they play for'.' Pastimes in Virginia in 1609-10 When they meet at feats or otherwise they vse sprots much like ours heare in England as ther daunsinge, which is like oar darbysher Hornepipe a man first and then a woman, and so through them all, hanging all in a round, ther is one which stand in the midest with a pipe and a rattell with which when he beginns to make a noyes all the rest Gigetts about wriinge ther neckes and stampinge on ye ground* They vse beside football play, which wemen and young boyes doe much play at* The men neuer. They make ther Gooles as ours only they neuer fight nor pull one another downe* The men play with a little balle lettinge it fall out of ther hand and striketh it with the tope of his foot, and he that can strike the ball furthest winns what they play for* Henry Spelman, 1613. (?) Old New Amsterdam Records "Dec, J4, J654. As the winter and the holidays are at hand, there shall be no more ordinary meetings of this board (the city corporation) between this date and three weeks after Christmas. The court messenger is ordered not to summon any one in the meantime/' Christmas in Boston, 1685, 1697, and 1722 (From the Diary of Samuel Sewalt) Boston Dec* 25, 1685. Carts come to town and shops open as usual* Some somehow observe the day, but are vexed. I believe that the Body of people profane it, and blessed be God no authority yet to compel them to keep it* Dec. 28 Cous. Fissenden here, Saith he came for Skins last Friday, and was less Christmas-keeping than last year, fewer Shops Shut up* Seventh-day, Decemb r 25 J697* Snowy day: Shops are open and sleds come to Town with Wood and Fagots as formerly, save what abatement may be allowed on account of the wether. This morning we read in coarse the J4, J5, and 16 th Psalms. From the 4 th V. of the J6 th Ps I took occasion to dehort mine from Christmas- keeping, and charged them to forbear. * * Joseph tells me that though most of the Boys went to the Church yet he went not. Dec r 19 J722 His Excellency took me aside to Southeast Window of the Council Chamber, to speak to me about adjourning the Gen 1 Court to Monday next because of Christmas. I told his Excellency I would consider of it. Dec r 20 I invited Dr. Mather to Dine with me, not knowing that he preach'd. After Diner I consulted with him about the Adjournment of the Court. We agreed, that 'twould be expedient to take a vote of the Council and Representatives for it* Friday, Dec r 21* P. M. The Gov r took me to the window again looking Eastward, next Mrs* Phillips's and spake to me again about 5 6 COLONIAL HOLIDAYS adjourning the Court next Wednesday* I spake against it; and propounded that the Gov r would take a Vote for it; that he would hold the Balance even between the Church and us. His Excellency went to the Board again, and said much for this adjourning; All kept Christmas but we; I suggested K* James the First to Mr* Dudley, how he boasted what a pure church he had; and they did not keep Yule nor Pasch* Mr* Dudley ask'd if the Scots kept Christmas, His Excellency protested he believ'd they did not, Gov r said they adjourned for the Commencement and Artillery. But then tis by Agreement. Col. Taylor spake so loud and boisterously for Adjourn- ing, that 'twas hard for any to put in a word; Col* Townsend seconded me, and Col. Partridge; because this would prolong the Sessions. Mr* Davenport stood up and gave it as his opinion, that 'twould not be Convenient for the Gov r to be present in Court that day; and therefore was for Adjourning* But the Gov r is often absent; and yet the Council and Representatives go on* Now the Gov r has told us, that he would go away for a week; and then return'd, and if he liked what we had done, He would Consent to it* Gov r men- tioned how it would appear to have Votes passed on Dec r 25* But his Excellency need not have been present nor sign'd any Bill that day, I said the Dissenters came a great way for their Liberties and now the Church had theirs, yet they could not be contented, except they might tread all others down* Gov r said he was of the Church of England* I told Mr* Belcher of his "Letter to me* He answer'd, He thought he had been a Dissenter then. Gov r hinted that he must be free on Monday because of the Communion the next day* Satterday Dec f 22 about a quarter of an hour before 12. the Gov r adjourned the Court to Wednesday morn JO. a-clock, and sent Mr* Secretary into the House of Deputies to do it there.. tme at s in the day usiness at Morrisana December my(Jranclmother dyed; in y* holiday* the cocks fought; you ng assembly mDroadway;man> entertainments by (he parents of the young ladies, I think same the winter before. Mrs. Baker VFIntosruG "reton officeryriarrbon;1welfth Cakes ~me time the bepiruiing of the winter (1745) uchfrolicking this winter; at first not ^acquainted with any of the officers; avid Johnston intimate; introduced to 'era; got intimate withRob and Tyr >ards; diversions; more lime withLadies; few frolicks mmes; *our jaunt aniainaslay; dined J. Bass's with L^dic youncrA t! tit Twelfth - Cake CHRISTMAS IN BOSTON, J685, 1697, AND 1722 7 Tues, Dec r 25, I chose to stay at home and not go to the Roxbttry Lecture, Visited my old friend and Carpenter, Peter "Weare, and found him gon to h (eaven!)* The Shops were open, and Carts came to Town with Wood, Hoop-poles, Hay &c, as at other Times: Being a pleasant day, the street was filled with Carts and Horses. Holiday Time in New York, 1745 and 1747 "Came to New York where I spent the winter; lodged at Mrs Vangelder's; spent chief of my time at Mr, Alexander's in the day; law and business at night; continued as we had done the winter before at mathematics with his son* At Morrisania with J, Depey- ster; in December my Grandmother dyed; in ye holidays the cock's fought* Young assembly in Broadway; many entertainments by the parents of the young ladies, I think same the winter before* Mrs Baker Mclntosh, C* Breton officers, Harrison; Twelfth Cakes some time the beginning of the winter* (1745) Much frolicking this winter; at first not acquainted with any of the officers; David Johnston intimate; introduced to *em; got intimate with Rob and Tyr * * Cards; diversions; more time spent with Ladies; few frolicks at their homes; * * frolick at Mrs John- stons; * * our jaunt to Morrisania in a slay; dined at J Bass's with Ladies; young Assembly; asked also to the Old" (1747) Diary of Elisha Parker. Thanksgiving the Puritan Substitute for Christmas Boston Novemb r 1st J750. This Being a General Thanks- giveing day, was Strictly Observed heere and more so by the Pres- byterians, its Call d their Christmas, and is the Greatest Holyday they have in the Year and is Observed more Strict than Sunday. Went to Meeting with Capt. Wendell and Family and where Dynd with a Large Compv Gent n and Ladies and where very Merry had a Good deal Chat and Spent the Evening at Mr* Jacob Wendells with a Large Company Sup'd Drank a Number Bumpers and Sung Our Songs &c till morn'g. Journal of Capt. Francis Goelet. The Christinas Holidays of a Puritan Girl (Being extracts from the diary of Anna Green Winsiow) Boston, Dec. 14th, 1771. The weather and walking have been very winter like since the above hotch-potch, pothooks & trammels* I went to Mrs* Whitwelis last wednessday, you taught me to spell the 4 day of the week, but my atmt says that it should be spelt Wednesday* My aunt also says, that till I come out of an agregious fit of laughterre that is apt to seize me & the violence of which I am at this present under, neither English sense, nor anything rational may be expected of me. I went to say, that, I went to Mrs Whitwells to see Mad'm Storer's funeral, the walking was very bad except on the sides of the street which was the reason I did not make a part of the pro- cession* I should have dined with Mrs Whitwell on thursday if a grand storm had not prevented* As she invited me. I saw Miss Caty Vans at lecture last evening* Dec*r 24th Elder Whitwell told my aunt, that this winter began as did the winter of 1740* How that was I don't remember but this I know, that today is by far the coldest we have had since I have been in New England. (N. B. All run that are abroad) Last sabbath being rainy I went to and from meeting in Mr. Soley's chaise* I dined at unkle Winslow's, the walking being so bad I rode there & back to meeting* Every drop that fell froze, so that from yesterday morning to this time the appearance has been similar to the description I sent you last winter* The walking is so slippery and the air so cold, that aunt chuses to have me for JO rfc above pot hook t day o/'fire urrh.uul my mini nmthpt it iliou be.fpeR H'fdi aunl eJ>o MV Icome out o . aujj'hterre thai it apt ko /ieze m> & ilu; \i ^om - dt mi5 present under,! :nse,nor anyiKmrf rational mm- br . ;i in-< -i- u in HR-. A it to .raKfhattweni to tffr.Wlihwdlk ^fo j funeral ?*. ?-^ %>i^ ?^. ^^ \\wvc. Kfvn mcel have been ial?ewnrtand. (M,flll run abroad) the wal so eow liW mint c}iuse to have me c'orticr seoDerJirji two da>;r.flnd ai toniorr<>*- is a holiday .sxj ltc ,. hi* ajr.o^nl-|Kftye ordaind,ru> tvunl tbinkj i\ol i<> trouble jflPlr.f.|Srnitli jvirti m<- lljh Vcck. .lir^mi > >l til' twrn pixtti d^ ^rk.ivurii vavf (O. been lhi< neck vluvJl tt-|| rou b . ke ij confined b- cohu. ll*i- Henllirr.ytiD so jn->i- cannut ^it ltrthrr,Ioau lo vjvil her ttifain oeaxe eonMiD witb her. or teAf ffle w illi ie upot) H |KTlk . uW matter which .>mi b-All kniw inhiplm-i- J} strnrujfcb/ iiidustrioiis Iv.vu- li< > iMkil^i'.v > t;kX>*illiiiJ jou H itFi ruy own hand at n?^ent amu so dilit'iii * tun oUiottl to us* riw- Kaiul L pe.n qfmvold tnencLvvno near b Ls better fhan n brother far off', dont ortfit majunia.uoril roistsc rne pjacl mjjromer made an letter. Imust flpi biin in read | ttiome.whenTie come * two reasoncme one is because c Imay have /he peMlBe rf S iref Fas voice, Hie i *l ItKHitundeniand hi : ters. lofeverve ^si l^e u marn.- r< ^r eranj?alit heevenjiu)" at ni IV. tVloJ'k last (Hoi kda>, ha>e liWe ewa^dw tliisM'eekd.HToie eveiy oq; , n v : \- 177* ^vvisFv ny apa.(HRina,hrOT<'ri << mt rest of uw_ acqiiainiiutce alburn: vficlti. "ree.nktnd;..' jnlwrrt Lt. wme ope Ai,me i nkfSuih Lr k done>crrnam.i jabbpeviattl.Ii afternoon beintfa oalkW 1 1 u pjoiiitf to ptgr my com- injBudhuir 5iree. r Xwai w pompeaoiv .nwei.me eapiw aunij _____ snce, prwentecl n>e Himllxuc ribbons on it C v OU. aunt jfrorer jj unt B)emin|f said . Il roak^ to Fir made i < M hoi to be mfvoe at L etch L burn like t ttiiu HI .< roll i < not made THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS OF A PURITAN GIRL \\ her scoflcr these two days. And as tomorrow will be a holiday, so the pope and his associates have ordained, my atmt thinks not to trouble Mrs Smith with me this week. I began a shift at home yesterday for myself, it is pretty forward. I forgot whether I mentioned the recept of Nancy's present. I am obliged to her for it* The Dolphin is still whole. And like to remain so* Dec.r 27th This day, the extremity of the cold is somewhat abated. I keept Christmas at home this year, & did a very good day's work, aunt says so. How notable I have been this week I shall tell you by & by. I spent most of Tuesday evening with my favorite, Miss Soley, as she is confined by a cold, the weather still so severe thai I cannot git farther, I am to visit her again before I sleep, & consult with her, (or rather she with me) upon a perticular matter which you shall know in its place* How strangely indus- trious I have been this week, I will inform you with my own hand at present, I am so diligent that I am obliged to use the hand & pen of my old friend, who being near by is better than a brother far off. I don't forgit dear little John Henry so pray mamma, don't mistake me. I am glad my brother made an essay for a Post Script to your "Letter. I must get him to read it to me, when he comes up, for two reasons, the one is because I may have the pleasure of hearing his voice, the other because I don't understand his carachters* I observe that he is mamma's "Duckey Darling." Dec'r 28th Last evening a little after 5 oclock I finished my shift, I spent the evening at Mr. Soley's. I began my shift at 12 o'clock last Monday, have read my Bible every day this week and wrote every day save one. \2 COLONIAL HOLIDAYS fst, Jan.y 1772 I wish my papa. Mama, brother John Henry, & Cousin Avery & all the rest of my acquaintance at Cumberland, Fortlaurence, Barrowsfield, Greenland, Amherst & c, a Happy New Year, I have bestow'd no new year's gift, as yet. But have received one very handsome one, viz, the History of Joseph Andrews abbre- viated* In nice Guilt and flowers covers. This afternoon being a holiday I am going to pay my compliments in Sudbury Street, Jan,y 4th J772 I was drssed in my yellow coat, my black bib & apron, my pompedore shoes, the cap my aunt Storer sometime since presented me with (blue ribbons on it) & a very handsome loket in the shape of a hart she gave me the past pin my Hon'd Papa presented me with in my cap, my new cloak & bonnet on, my pompedore gloves &c, &c. And I would tell you that for the first time, they all liked my dress very much. My cloak and bonnett are really very handsome, & so they had need be. For they cost an amasing sight of money, not quite 45 tho f Aunt Suky said, that she supposed Aunt Deming would be frighted out of her wits at the money it cost, I have got one covering, by the cost, that is genteel & I like it much myself, * * * *, I had my HEDDUS roll on, aunt Storer said it ought to be made less, Aunt Deming said it ought not to be made at all. It makes my head itch & ach & burn like anything Mamma, This famous rofl is not made wholly of a red Cow Tail but is a mixture of that & horsehair (very course) & a little human hair of yellow hue, that I suppose was taken out of the back part of an old wig. But D made it (our head) all carded together and twisted up. When it first came home, Aunt put it on & my new cap on it, and she took up her apron and mesur'd me, & from the roots of my hair on my forehead to the top of my notions I measured above an inch longer than I did downwards from the THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS OF A PURITAN GIRL 13 roots of my hair to the end of my chin* Nothing renders a young person more amiable than virtue & modesty without the help of fals hair, red Cow Tail or D (the barber.) Now all this mamma, I have just been reading over to my Aunt. ***** She hopes a little fals English will not spoil the whole with Mamma* Rome was not build in a day* ********* My grandmamma sent Miss Deming, Miss Winslow & I one eight of a Dollar a piece for a New Years gift. I am Hon,d Papa & Mama Yr. ever Dutiful Daughter, Anne Green Winslow Contemporary Account, New York, 1773 "Last Monday the anniversary of St. Nicholas, otherwise called Santa Glaus, was celebrated at Protestant Hall, at Mr* L, Waldron's where a great number of the sons of that ancient saint celebrated the day with great joy and festivity. Christmas Fairy-tales A Notable Christmas with Washington (In camp above Trenton Falls, Dec* 23, (776) "Christmas day at night, one hour before day, is the time fixed for oar attempt on Trenton* For Heaven's sake keep this to yourself , as the discovery of it may prove fatal to us/' Washington to CoL Codwalader* On Christmas night Washington crossed the Delaware, surprising the Hessians in Trenton on the morning of the 26th, and capturing nearly a thousand prisoners with their arms* On Friday, Dec* 27 he sent the following message to the President of Congress: "I have the pleasure of congratulating you upon the success of an enterprise, which I had formed against a detachment of the enemy lying in Trenton, and which was executed yesterday morning" J5 A Quiet Christmas with Washington in New York Friday, Dec 25th Christmas Day, Went to St, Pauls Chapel in the forenoon. The visitors to Mrs, Washington this afternoon were not numerous, but respectable. - Washington's Diary. A Christmas Eve Dinner with George and Martha Washington (Being a. letter from Theophilus Bradbury to his daughter, Mrs. Hooper) Philadelphia, Sat. Dec. 26 1795. Last Thursday I had the honor of dining with the President in company with the Vice President, the Senators, the Delegates of Massachusetts, and some other members of Congress, about 20, in all. In the middle of the table was placed a piece of table furniture about six feet long and two feet wide, rounded at the ends* It was either of wood gilded, or polished metal, raised about an inch with a silver rim round it like that round a tea board; in the centre was a pedestal of plaster of Paris with images upon it, and on each end figures, male and female, of the same* It was very elegant and used for ornament only. The dishes were placed all around, and there was an elegant variety of roast beef, veal, turkeys, ducks, fowls, hams, etc.; puddings, jellies, oranges, apples, nuts, almonds, figs, raisins, and a variety of wines and punch. We took our leave at six, more than an hour after the candles were introduced. No lady but Mrs. Washington dined with us. We were waited on by four or five men servants dressed in livery. 17 Christmas with Washington at Mt. Vernon The wife of Judge Gushing writes in February, J799: "We reached Mount Vernon the evening before Christmas, and if anything could have added to our enjoyment, it was the arrival of General and Mrs Pinckney the next day, while we were dining* You may be sure it was a joyful meeting, and at the very place my wishes had pointed out* To be in the company of so many esteemed friends, to hear our good General Washington converse upon political subjects without reserve, and to hear General and Mrs Pinckney relate what they saw and heard in France, was truly a feast to me. Thus the moments glided away for two days, when our reason pointed out the propriety of our departing and improving the good roads, as the snow and frost had made them better than they are in summer. ihri **M^. jdlR. THta hilaaclphi a. LJec&itf vudolpks the follow ing 0"entlemen.$amuel MileA Lev! Ho lingsworth, Israel Morr is, Joseph Jones,- went i to Lower! micum fox hunt ' inaThere we were met by uj Charles, Richard and James i /VVilling and after riding 1 about the woods until two o'clock.without the sign or atoxAve returned to Joseph Rudolphs &> dined. ec.wjyS} - My son Tnomas came liome I,,, I, i i f n spend Christmas with us. In the afternoon took a ride and stopped atTnos. r ~^kinsons to see his colts. ' ^^ ~^ 5ec.25.i786-Christmas day clear and cold JiForenoon went to church iri Race jt.. * P 1 * 1 f ^ 1 TV >f fi^l lywite and i dined at General Mitt I m's with his family; and the Hon. Gerardus I VVyrm>op,CaptN.Falkner and wife. My I sorAA^illiam brought Capt. Falkner and . wife to the Generab in a sleigh and took i , i i .* ^_ < iec. 25,178?- Cnristmas. Vye three went I to Reading by invitation of Gen.D. prodhead and dined with him.~^ There were nine at the table: Mr. C.Read. Mr.Dundass. Mr.D. Clymer, Mr.Moore, Gen. Miff lin, Captain Faulk- ner and myself. '^. ffacoo njid^imer 'A f ~is( The Christmas Season in Philadelphia Dec. 26 J767* From Rudolph's the following gentlemen, Samuel Miles, Levi Hoflingsworth, Israel Morris, Joseph Jones * * went to Lower Tinicum fox hunting. There we were met by Charles, Richard, and James Willing, and after riding about the woods until two o'clock, without the sign of a fox, we returned to Joseph Rudolph's and dined. Dec. 23 f 785 My son Thomas came home to spend Christmas with us. In the afternoon took a ride to William Standley's place at Point no Point, and stopped at Thomas Hopkinson's to see his colts* Dec. 25 J786 Christmas day, clear and cold. Forenoon went to church in Race Street. My wife and I dined at General Mifflins with his family, and the Hon. Gerardus Wynkoop, Capt. N. Falkner and wife. My son William brought Capt. Falkner and wife to the General's in a sleigh and took them home. Dec. 25 1787 Christmas. We three went to Reading by invitation of Gen. D. Brodhead and dined with him. There were nine at the table: Mr. C. Read, Mr. Dundass, Mr. D. Clymer, Mr* Moore, Gen. Mifflin, Captain Faulkner and myself. Diary of Jacob Hiltzheimer. Member of State Assembly J9 Christmas in Salem, 1780-87 Dec. 25, f 780 Christmas, and rainy* Dined at Mr. Wetmore's with Mr* Goodale and family, John, and Patty. Mr. Barnard and Prince at church; the music good and Dr. Steward's voice above all. Dec* 25. f 782 A very fine, clear day. The church very much crowded with well dressed people. Mr. Fisher movingly addressed the people of his church and congregation in the close of his sermon, relating to their conduct, their morals and proffession as Christians, exhorting them to sobriety and decency of behaviour on the solemn and joyful occasion* In the evening at Mr. Wetmore's and sup there; a large company. Dec. 25, J783, Christmas Day; very cold; some snow. Mrs P. and I dine at home and have a comfortable Christmas to our- selves, having sufficient elbowroom and a warm fireside. Jno* and Mrs Goodale's family dine at Mr* Wetmore's* Dec* 25, J784 Cold Christmas* Mrs* P* ill, and I confined by a cold, we dine by ourselves at a good warm fire. Mr* & Mrs Curwen spend the evening with us* * * Dec. 25 1787 Very cold* * * Mrs Pynchon, John & I dine at W Cabots and had a most excellent and tasty dinner done by Miss Gerrish. Diary of William Pynchon. 20 Christmas at Valley Forge Dec. 2f Mil . Preparation made for htrtts. Provision scarce* Mr. ETTrs went homeward sent a Letter to my Wife* Heartily wish myself at home my Skin & eyes are almost spoiTd with continual smoke* A general cry thro' the Camp this Evening among the Soldiers 'No Meat! No Meat!" the distant vales Ech'od back the melan- cholly sotmd -"No Meat! No Meat!" Immitating the noise of Crows & Owls, also, made a part of the confused Musick. What have you for our Dinners Boys? " Nothing but Fire Cake & Water, Sir." At night -"Gentlemen* the Supper is ready." What is your Supper, Lads? "Fire Cake & Water, Sir", Dec* 22d* Lay excessive Cold & uncomfortable last Night my eyes are started from their Orbits like a Rabbit's eyes, occationed by a great Cold and Smoke* What have you got for Breakfast, Lads? "Fire Cake & Water, Sir"* The Lord send that our Commissary of Purchase may live on Fire Cake & Water * * * * Our Division are under Marching Orders this morning. I am ashamed to say it, but I am tempted to steal Fowls if I could find them or even a whole Hog for I feel as if I could eat one. But the Impoverish'd Country about us, affords but little matter to employ a Thief or keep a Clever Fellow in good humour But why do I talk of hunger & hard usage, when so many in the World have not even fire Cake & Water to eat * * * * 21 22 COLONIAL HOLIDAYS Dec* 23d The Party that went out last evening not Return'd to Day* This evening an excellent Player on the Violin in that soft kind of Mustek, which is so finely adapted to stirr up the tender Passions, while he was playing in the next tent to mine* these kind of soft Airs it immediately called up in remembrance all the endear- ing expressions the Tender Sentiments the sympathetic friendship and sensible pleasure to me from the first time I gained the heart & affections of the tenderest of the Fair * * * Dec* 24th Party of the 22d returned* Hutts go on Slowly Cold & Smoke make as fret* But mankind are always fretting, even if they have more than their proportion of the Blessings of Life* We are never Easy always repining at the Providence of an All-wise & Benevolent Being Blaming Our Country or faulting our Friends. But I don't know of anything that vexes a man's Soul more than hot smoke continually blowing into his Eyes & when he attempts to avoid it* is met by a cold and piercing Wind * * * Dec* 25th, Christmas. We are still in Tents when we ought to be in huts the poor Sick suffer much in Tents this cold Weather But we now treat them differently from what they used to be at home, under the inspection of Old Women & Doct. Bolus Tinctus. We give them Mutton & Grogg and a Capital Medicine once in a While to start the Disease from its foundation at once* We avoid Piddling Pills* Powders, Bolus's Tinctus's Cordials, and all such insignificant matters whose powders are Only render'd important by causing the Patient to vomit up his money instead of his disease* But very few of the sick Men Die* doctor Albigence Waldo. Surgeon from Connecticut. New Year's Day in Colonial Times I had travelled far enough in the day to hope for a quiet sleep, t at four in the morning, I was awakened by a musquet fired close to my windows: I listened, btrt heard not the smallest noise, or motion in the street, which made me imagine it was some musquet discharged of itself without causing any accident* I again attempted to go to sleep, but a quarter of a hour after a fresh musquet or pistol shot interrupted my repose; this was followed by several others; so that I had no longer any doubt that it was some rejoicing, or feast, like our village christenings* The hour indeed struck me as rather unusual, but at length a number of voices mingled with musquettry, crying out, new year, reminded me that we were at the first of January and concluded that it was thus the Americans celebrate that event* Though this manner of proclaiming it was not, I must own, very pleasing to me, there was nothing for it but patience; but at the end of half an hour, I heard a confused noise of upwards of a hundred persons, chiefly children or young people, assembled under my windows, and I very soon had farther indica- tion of their proximity, for they fired several musquet shot, knocked rudely at the door, and threw stones against my windows* Cold and indolence still kept me in bed, but Mr* Lynch got up and came into my chamber to tell me that these people certainly meant to do me honour, and get some money from me* I desired him to step down and give them two Louis; he found them already masters of the house and drinking my landlord's rum* In a quarter of an hour, they went off to visit other streets, and continued their noise till 23 24 COLONIAL HOLIDAYS day-light* On rising, I learnt from my landlord, that it was the custom of the country for the yotmg folks, the servants, and even the negroes, to go from tavern to tavern, and to other houses, to wish a good new year, and ask for a drink, so that there was no particular compliment to me in this affair, and I found that, after the example of the Roman Emperors, I had made a largess to the people. In the morning, when I went to take leave of General Clinton I met nobody but drunken people in the streets, but what astonished me most was to see them not only walk, but run upon the ice without falling or making a false step, whilst it was with the utmost difficulty I kept upon my legs* Marquis de Chastellux. New Year's Day, 1790 "Friday 1st, The Vice President , the Governor, the Senators, Members of the House of Representatives in town, foreign public carachters, and all the respectable citizens, came between the hours of 12 and 3 o'clock, to pay the compliments of the season to me and in the afternoon a great number of gentlemen and ladies visited Mrs* Washington on the same occasion* Washington's Diary. 25 New Year's Day in Boston Jan* 1, 1723 New Year's day, before Son-rise being tip, I hear the Guns of the Frigat, and Castle, H from the first, 21 from the Castle, which is the Signal of the Governor's sailing* Samuel Stftoall. 26 New Year's Day in Philadelphia Philadelphia, Jan. J. 1767 Very, very cold* Delaware frozen over. Three steighloads of as went to Darby to Joseph Rudolph's* Diary of Jacob Hiltzheimer. 27 A Festive New Year's in Salem Jan. J J783 Wednesday* Clear and very cold* A concert in the evening in the new Assembly Room; a dance for the young gentry at Mrs Pickman's* Da Sears in town, called on me* 2* Thursday* A fine, pleasant morning* Musick at the Assem- bly Room: 2 fiddles, F*, horn, and drum* These and the Assembly engross the conversation and attention of the yotmg and gay; the elders shake their heads with, What are we coming to? * * A private dance preparatory to the assembly* 7* Tuesday* Cloudy and Cold * * Fine sledding; the street is so filled with sleds, etc., of wood that there was scarce any passing* A dance at Bro* Goodale's in the evening, 8* Wednesday* * * Grafton, Jno* and Co* go to a dance at Endicot's; return at J2* 9* Thursday* A dance at Graf ton's* Diaty of Wtlliam Pynchon. 28 asion. Christ- mov- ie peo and I congregation relating to their conduct- exhor? ing them to sobriety L decency of behaviour Ion the solemn and joy evening atMr.Wet- jores and sup mere. A large company. irui783Aconcert in the evening in the new i Assemble Room; a dance for (he young itry at McsPie kmaris. iThuraiav.wliuieK T"l / 1 i T^* 1 ! at the Assembly Koom: 2 iiddlesJ' .. horn & I drum. These and the assembly engross i the conversation and attention oF the | young and gay: the elders shake their j "heads withyv hat are we coming Aprivate dancepreparatory tothf uesdav.T-CTouoy and Col_ L^lFine sledding; the .street is jo I Med with sleds, ^c^ of wood that | there was scarce any oassing. "^%- I A dance at Bro. Gooaale*s in the I ! eveninp;. S.Wednesday 'Graftoai I Jno. and Co. go to a dance atEndi- I ! cot's; return at 11 .^^. r ~ > ^ ">^ '*^. I i ^.Thursday: A dance atGrj^ftortsr^^ I I ""^ F rom the B iary of ^WmtPggcaort | 1 St. Valentine's Day. A Curious St. Valentine's Custom "Last Friday was St. Valentine's Day, and the night before I got five bay leaves and pinned four on the corners of my pillow, and the fifth to the middle; and then if I dreamt of my sweetheart, Betty said we should be married before the year was out. But to make it more sure I boiled an egg hard and took out the yolk and filled it with salt; and when I went to bed ate it shell and all, without speaking or drinking after it. We also wrote our lovers' names upon bits of paper, and rolled them up in clay and put them into water; and the first that rose up was to be our Valentine. Would you think it? Mr. Blossom was my man. I lay abed and shut my eyes all the morning, till he came to our house, for I would not have seen another man before him for all the world." The Connoisseur, of 1754. 29 Valentine's Day, 1772 My cousin Sally reeled of f a JO knot skane of yarn today* My 'valentine was an old country plow joger* The yarn was of my spinning* Aunt says it will do for filling* Aunt also says niece is a whimsical child* cAnna Green Winsl(fto. 30 Madame Pepys' Valentine "This morning came up to my wife's bedside little Will Mercer to be her valentine, and brought her name written upon blue paper in gold letters, done by himself, very pretty; and we were both well pleased with it* But I am also this year my wife's valentine; and it will cost me five pounds; but that I must have laid out if we had not been valentines/'