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(seq. 6)
Last edit almost 2 years ago by Snowdrop430
(seq. 7)
No. 50. ------------------------------------------------- Brookline, 12 April, 1810.
Dear Sir,
Since my last, which expressed our joy ful emotions at Lucy's safe confinement, we have had to lament a new complaint, which sometimes happens to women in her situation; but which is very rare and very troublesome. Dr Band tells Adam Babcock, whose friendly solicitude for Lucy led him to consult so experienced a man, that there is nothing in their whole practice, for which they find it more difficult to assign the cause, or to prescribe a speedy remedy. Our Dr says the same. But the physicians say, that it is not so much a dangerous complaint, as a slow and tedious one. But Eliza has described it to you. I need not therefore enlarge. Never could any body be more useful, than Eliza has been, s ince her last visit to us. She is a great comfort to us all. Every moment of her time is employed in something, which improves her
(seq. 8)
own mind, or is beneficial to us and the children. When Lucy Pierce can bear it, she reads to her. Every day she has her regular hours for instructing the children, and superintending their work. In the evenings, when Polly has leisure to sit and work, she reads to her in the nursery. It is indeed one of the greatest comforts to Lucy Pierce in her confinement to have a sister here, who is so affectionate, attentive, and helpful. She often remarks, that there is not one girl in a thousand, who would so completely seclude herself from the world for the benefit of a sister's family. Lewis has been very solicitous to allure her into Boston, not only to see him more frequently, bu to ride with him in the circus. But she prefers doing good to following amusement, even when it would gratify a darling brother. The only relaxation, which she allows herself, is to go into Boston on Thursdays with me, and carry one of the children. Last thursday, or the thursday before last, we carried Abigail, and she walked from the sign of
[recto]
the Lion down to John's, and was very happy through the day. Yesterday Madam Partidge sent a message by her niece to have our two youngest children, meaning the two youngest but one, come and spend the day with her. We sent them; and they accordingly spent the whole day there very happily among entire strangers, though we sent Joshua once or twice to see how they behaved, who brought back word, that they were very contented.
I write, as you see, in great [haste]; for I have had much to do to prepare [the] records of the Bible Society, who [are to] meet this afternoon to organize, choose [?].
Elizabeth Pierce has doubtless informed you, that Lucy Pierce is in good spirits, trusting to Providence, and patiently waiting a happy issue from all her afflictions. We are sensible, that mother's services will be so much wanted with our good sister Rebecca, that we cannot indulge the hope of seeing her soon. But Lucy Pierce wishes to have her mother easy on that score, as she says, that Elizabeth Pierce has been more useful to her, than mother could have been. With love to mother, brothers & sisters, aunt & cousins, we remain ever your's
J&L Pierce.
