Two vols. of diaries kept by Rev. Peter Thacher from 2 Jan. 1679 - 28 Dec. 1681 and 1 Mar. 1682 - 27 Feb. 1699. The diaries document Thacher's preaching and other activities in Boston until his call to Barnstable on a trial basis. His service at Barnstable was somewhat troubled as there appears to have been dissension about offering him a permanent assignment there. He was debating whether to accept Barnstable's offer in 1680 when he was called to Milton, where he preached for the rest of his life. The remainder (and bulk) of the diary documents his ministerial duties there, preparation of sermons, visits to Boston and surrounding towns to attend lectures and meetings, his family's health, some involvement in trade, and the administration of home remedies. Portions of the diary are in cipher. The collection also contains the original diary for 1679-81 and notes on the cipher compiled by Edward P. Hamilton in 1958.
