. . . in the office Joseph said he had tea with his breakfast, his wife asked him if it was good. he said if it was a little stronger he should like it better, when Mother Granger remarked, "It is so strong, and good, I should think it would answer Both for drink, and food."
[The previous evening Richards had noted an atmospheric display that appeared
like a sword in the sky. This was not a rare sort of experience. Dale C. Allison Jr
enumerates several in his The Resurrection of Jesus: Apologetics, Polemics, History.]
The word of Joseph - while conversing about the sign in
the heavens last Evening. - As sure as there is a God who sits enthroned in the
heavens. & as sure as he ever spake by me. so sure there will be a speedy and
bloody war, and the broad sword seen last evening is a sure sign thereof -