History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

1727.] JONATHAN EDWARDS AS COLLEAGUE PASTOR. 49
accounts form a part of tlie annual Imdget of town expenses,
and are witliout date, it is impossible to obtain a
clue to the reason of these journeys. Yet as they were
only to Boston and New Haven, it may be conjectured that
they were made for the purpose of attending commencement
exercises at Harvard and Yale colleges.
What may have been the duties of these
Duties of those who
Waited on Mr. Edwards.
persous is uowhere stated. Probably they
•i -j
went as companions or protectors, rather
than in the capacity of servants, though they may have
combined the duties of both. During the times of Indian
disturbances, it was not deemed safe to travel long distances
alone, and out of that consideration probably grew the custom,
though at this time peace prevailed. In a few years, as
soon as affairs became permanently settled, the practice
was discontinued. It is possible, however, that these men
had other duties to perform. In those days everybody traveled
on horseback, and undoubtedly one service rendered
was the care of the horses. Clergymen then, more than
at the present day, were the guests of their brother minis-
ters, and whatever assistance could be rendered by these
attendants, was grateful alike to host and guest. From
the payments allowed, the legitimate conclusion may be
reached that these waiters or companions made themselves
comfortable at the taverns. These journeys were slow and
tedious compared with the rapid and luxurious modes of
travel that now prevail. Seventeen days were consumed
in the visit to New Haven and return. But a small portion
of this time, however, could have been spent upon the road.
The journey to Hartford was usually made in one day, and
another day would have been ample in which to reach New
Haven. Of the seventeen days to New Haven, two weeks
at least, might have been passed in that city. This journey
was undoubtedly made in the year 1727, as the account was
allowed on the 3'' of January 172], and may have been on
the occasion of the marriage of Mr. Edwards, which occurred
in July of that year. The expenses for the attendant
and horse on this occasion were 48s., equal to $8, or
about 47 cents per day. The minister paid his own ex-
penses, except it may have been the keeping of his horse.