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“Imprisoned some time past”
In 2007-08, I transcribed the diary of selectman Timothy Newell during the siege of Boston, but somehow I managed to miss this entry:14th [July 1775]. Last night was awoke by the discharge of cannon on the lines—Master James Lovell, Master [John] Leach, John—Hunt, have been imprisoned some time past—all they know why it is so is they are charged with free speaking on the public measures.
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“Alarming Apprehensions” and the Mysterious Dr. Gilson
Boston selectman Timothy Newell must have been nervous when he started his last diary entry for February 1776 with “Thursday 25th.” As the person who transcribed this document for the Massachusetts Historical Society’s Collect... Read Post
“Carpenter was sentenced to be hanged this day”
On 18 July 1775, the Dublin-born barber Richard Carpenter swam from Boston, held by the British military, to Dorchester, under the control of provincial troops.On the night of 19 July, he swam back.Boston selectman Timothy Newell re... Read Post
Timothy Newell’s Diary on the Block
A Boston 1775 reader alerted me that the Bonhams auction house is about to sell Timothy Newell’s diary of the siege of Boston.Newell was one of Boston’s selectmen that year, as well as a deacon of the Brattle Street Meetinghouse. He... Read Post