Manuscripts
Diary and memorandum book of a Boston merchant, probably Peter Verstille. The diarist sailed from Boston to London in October 1768, onboard the Amazon. The largest portion of the diary covers his stay in London from early December 1768 to late April 1769. Much of it is devoted to politics and political debates, especially John Wilkes and the Middlesex elections (the diary opens with an account of the Brentford riot on Dec. 8, 1768), and American policies of the cabinet. The author also recounts his visits to the relatives (one of whom asked him "whether people in America talk'd English"), sightseeing and social life -- coffeehouses, the Old Bailey, Parliament, St. Paul's cathedral, the Tower, etc (including admission fees). Included is a detailed account of a moderated debate at a "Temple Bar Disputing Club" on "whether or not it was to the honour of Britain to tax America." He frequently mentions "John Olds," probably John Olds (1725-1782) of Hartford and Thomas Bromfield (1734-1816), a Boston merchant who had settled in London in 1760. An intensely religious person, he attended services at various London churches, including George Whitefield's Tabernacle; the diary contains detailed records of sermons and preachers. This portion ends with a record of his voyage to Boston onboard the Paoli; he arrived to the city on June 19, 1769.
mssHM 175
