Diary of John Adams, volume 1
1760-07-13
1760-07-20
The week before last Salome Pope appeared before Coll. Quincy, to confess herself with Child, by Jos. Ryford.
146Her Intention was to complain against Jos. Ryford and charge him before the Justice with being the father of the Bastard Child with which she is now pregnant. Now what Occasion for taking her Examination upon Oath?—By the Province Law.1
Here a line is drawn across the page in the MS and a short entry follows which has been scratched out with two different pens: “Ryford is not only suspected but has been charged to have begotten a Bastard Child; therefore Q. may