39

The danger appeared so great, that 32
the town watch was increased to 12 men, beside
some private watches.

In going with the Engines to the Fire
a very melancholly accident happened.
In passing by James Morses the Engine
took a wrong Shear, & approached a Post, &
caught William Dunham between the Engine
& the Post, & squeezed his body in such a manner
that he died in half an hour. He had a Wife
but no Children.

By the time the word was given forth
that fire was all out, a fresh sound of Fire
was heard, this was Jared Gardner's Chimney.
Again about the same time a new Cry
was vociferated, this was John Wikhofs
Chimney. By the record the watch gave
of the weather it grew colder during the
Night. at 5 o'clock in the morning the Thermr
stood at 1[degree symbol] below Zero. And the wind
was so strong that it penetrated remarkably
into the houses, to the almost suffering of
the Inhabitants.

31st. The cold slack up remarkably in the
evening, the wind was southerly & began to
Snow.

1st. 2mo. This morning the snow was several inches
deep on the ground, & it soon began to rain.
In the afternoon, the wind blew strong at South
& the rain fell in torrents, which melted
the Snow immediately. But the ground being
frozen deep, it did not thaw through.
The ice was not as far as the Bar.

3rd. 2mo. Unsettled weather. The harbour is nearly covered
with Ice. Small Northerly winds, & over east
frequent flights of Snow, & the ground froze
hard. Two Mails due from Hyannis.