Nicholas Cresswell

The Journals of Nicholas Cresswell - Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the events as they unfolded during the American Revolution, every day.

[Nicholas Cresswell @CresswellBlog]

Wednesday, Oct. 30th, 1776 Dined at Mr. Thomson Mason’s, who advises me to petition the Congress for permission to go home. Promises to give me letter of recommendation to some members of Congress. https://t.co/oubxhx06yS

[Nicholas Cresswell @CresswellBlog]

Tuesday, Oct. 29th, 1776 At town. Dined with Captn. G. Johnston a violent Sleber. https://t.co/eOZzngIY4I

[Nicholas Cresswell @CresswellBlog]

Monday, October 28th, 1776 General Muster of the County Militia in town, about 600 men appeared under-armed, with Tobacco sticks in general. Much rioting and confusion… https://t.co/rSVl4SPLu8

[Nicholas Cresswell @CresswellBlog]

Sunday, Oct. 27th, 1776 Went to town to a Methodist meeting. https://t.co/BRCFGqf2dL

[Nicholas Cresswell @CresswellBlog]

Saturday, Oct. 26th, 1776 These three days I have spent most disagreeably—nothing to do and all alone. When I reflect on my present situation it makes me miserable. I am now in an enemy’s country, forbidden to depart… https://t.co/xyynIlvoxn

[Nicholas Cresswell @CresswellBlog]

Wednesday, Oct. 23rd, 1776 Got to The Cattail to dinner. Mr. Booker gone to Alexandria. I am housekeeper myself. https://t.co/mQCaAk4tum

[Nicholas Cresswell @CresswellBlog]

Cattail, Loudoun County, Virginia—Tuesday, October 22nd, 1776 Mrs. Hawkins promised to pay for my coat, but don’t believe her. Left Alexandria. Called at Goodwin’s Mill. Lodged at Mosses Ordinary. https://t.co/5SjvYiIJJ3

[Nicholas Cresswell @CresswellBlog]

Monday, October 21st, 1776 This morning I am told that the Committee of this town will not permit me to depart this Colony as they look upon me to be a Spy and that I must be obliged to give security or go to jail… https://t.co/a5e8Z65pRa

[Nicholas Cresswell @CresswellBlog]

Sunday, October 20th, 1776 No service at Church to-day. Religion is almost forgotten or most basely neglected. In short, the Parsons are not willing to expound the Gospel to people without being paid for it… Religion as well as Commerce is at a stand. https://t.co/R3l9TymJck

[Nicholas Cresswell @CresswellBlog]

Sat, Oct. 19th, 1776 …Dined at Mr. John Muir’s... This gentleman is looked on as the pattern of hospitality… but I am far from thinking him a good man…He has five children by a negro woman, slave to a Gentleman in town. They are all slaves for life…

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[Nicholas Cresswell @CresswellBlog]

Alexandria, Virginia—Friday, October 18th, 1776 Dined at Mosse’s Ordinary. Got to Alexandria in the evening. Lodged at Mrs. Hawkins’s. https://t.co/6X8B6fqloe

[Nicholas Cresswell @CresswellBlog]

Thursday, October 17th, 1776 At home this week. Intend to go to Alexandria to-morrow, as I am informed there is a Sloop bound for Bermudas. Will endeavour to get a passage in her. There is no other method of getting out of this hateful country. https://t.co/kpHIQ0cFt2

[Nicholas Cresswell @CresswellBlog]

Saturday, Oct. 12th, 1776 Mr. Kirk, Messrs. McCabe, Campbell, Dow, Dean and Cavan dined and spent the evening with me at The Cattail. Mathematical disquisition the chief subject of discourse, this afternoon. Far preferable to the cursed politics. https://t.co/kTV8ISvXQX

[Nicholas Cresswell @CresswellBlog]

Saturday, Oct. 12th, 1776 Spent part of the evening at Mr. McCrey’s in company with Messrs. Kirk, Booker, McCabe and Campbell. McCabe went with Kirk and me home where we entered into political disputes and McCabe and I quarrelled… https://t.co/kTV8ISvq1p

[Nicholas Cresswell @CresswellBlog]

Friday, Oct. 11th, 1776 Salt sells here at Forty shillings, Currency, per Bushel. This article usually sold for four shillings. If no Salt comes in there will be an insurrection in the Colony. https://t.co/Sc9KL7NfEB

[Nicholas Cresswell @CresswellBlog]

Thursday, October 10th, 1776 Went to town to assist Mr. Kirk. Mr. Cavan is sick. The 6th Regt. of Virginians1 are camped here on their way to the Northward. A set of dirty, ragged people, badly clothed, badly disciplined and badly armed.
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[Nicholas Cresswell @CresswellBlog]

Wednesday, October 9th, 1776 At home. No Newspapers the last week. I suppose the rascals have had bad luck of late and are afraid it should be known to the public. https://t.co/Cx5mXZHLaO

[Nicholas Cresswell @CresswellBlog]

Tuesday, Oct. 8th, 1776 Went to Kite’s Island on no good design. Lodged at Mr. Cartwright’s. Did not meet with success. The fruits of idleness are, intemperance and a numberless train of evils. https://t.co/65LyMG6aLR

[Nicholas Cresswell @CresswellBlog]

Monday, Oct. 7th, 1776 At Leesburg, returned in the evening. No news https://t.co/11FVlC3XEY

[Nicholas Cresswell @CresswellBlog]

Sunday, Oct. 6th, 1776 Mr. Booker and I went to the Quaker Meeting … Can’t conceive what service the people can receive by grunting and groaning for two or three hours without speaking a word. This is a stupid religion indeed. https://t.co/pbOXuKHmNr