Friday, May 18, 2012

Securing the Blessings of Liberty...

One scoop at a time... [Read]

1 comment:

Ed said...

It is interesting to compare that farm activity to what John Adams and his wife Abigail discussed in letters, especially concerning their farm in Braintree and house (which was occupied by British troops and looted) in Boston. From Abigail on March 31, 1776, less than a year after the British attempt to seize military supplies owned by the local militias at Lexington and Concord and two weeks after the British evacuated from Boston to Novia Scotia:
http://www.familytales.org/Q/?qid=30

"I want to hear much oftener from you than I do. March 8th was the last date of any that I have yet had. You inquire of me whether I am making saltpetre. I have not yet attempted it, but after soap-making believe I shall make the experiment. I find as much as I can do to manufacture clothing for my family, which would else be naked. I know of but one person in this part of the town who has made any. That is Mr. Tertius Bass, as he is called, who has got very near a hundred-weight which has been found to be very good. I have heard of some others in the other parishes. Mr. Reed, of Weymouth, has been applied to, to go to Andover to the mills which are now at work, and he has gone.

I have lately seen a small manuscript describing the proportions of the various sorts of powder fit for cannon, small arms, and pistols. If it would be of any service your way I will get it transcribed and send it to you. Every one your friends sends regards, and all the little ones. Adieu."

Gotta love those Weymouth girls sending recipes from home.