(seq. 21)

You have at length heard of Lewis's engagement with "black eyed Susan." Poor fellow! he has had a hard chase of it. Never did I know one more completely in love, than he. I have often told Lucy, that I could not have persisted, as he has. Had I met his discouragements, I should have considered them plain indications of Providence, that we were not to be united. But he has now plenary evidence, that she is all he could wish. He was to have smiled, on Sunday. But the easterly winds, hich have prevailed to the present time, have enabled him to prolong and multiply his visits to the dear objects of his affections. If I am not wholly decived, he has obtained a prize, that is fully worth, what she has cost.
What will you say, when I inform you, that Mrs Hyslop was, on the 27th ult. safely delivered of a fine son, weighing 10#? This has caused great rejoicing with the father, grandfather +c to say nothing of the Sumner family. On the 4th ins. he brought his child to Church, and, instead of exciting smiles in the audience, such was the propriety of his conduct, that a general solemnity reigned through the assembly. It was called David. So that David Hyslop Ripley, David Hyslop Ackers vc. may look elsewhere for a fortune.
I have just returned from one of the most interesting occasions, where I ever attended. This is no less, than the inauguration of the Rev. John Y. Kirkland, as President of Harvard University. You will see account of the exercises in the Papers. Suffice it therefore to say, that the inaugural discourse of the President, the Latin oration of Saml. C. Thacher, and the poem of young Frothingham were all excellent in their kind, and above all praise. The house was crwded. It appeared more like Commencement, than any common occasion. After exercises, those, who usually dine together on commencement days were invited to a sumptuous dinner in the hall, where every thing was conducted with great propriety. Immediately after dinner, a junior mounted on the bench, and delivered a Latin poem, which he had composed for the occasion. [I.?] this succeeded a Greek ode by a senior, written by himself.
All our birds of passage, except Mr [illegiable]. Perkin's family, having flown into winter quarters. She has been quite indisposed of late. We were there, this evening. They will leave us this week. Mrs O. has presented Lucy an elegant Pelise; and Capt [Jingersall?] , lately returned from China, has sent her elegant tea set of China, which could not be purchased in Boston under $50. So you see, our friends have not forgotten us. Were it necessary: we could give more proofs to the same effect. give ou love to Elisabeth. Tell her, we, every day, think of her, and hope, she is a good child. We wish also to be affectionately remembered to mother, Eliza, and all our dear friends.
John + Lucy Pierce.