Poor Family Papers, 1791-1921. John and Lucy (Tappan) Pierce. John Pierce to Benjamin Tappan, 1810-1814. A-132, folder 9, Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

No. 51. ---------------------------------------------------- Brookline, 16 May, 1810. Dear Sir, On monday, the 14th I was at Boston, and received your No 46, of the 10th instant. It was really refreshing to me after so long silence. Dr Stebbins called on us last evening with Mr Barry, and mentioned, that he should return tomorrow or next day. By him I seize the opportunity of writing a few lines. Lucy Pierce seems to be, on the whole, advancing but by such slow degrees, that we have to compare distant periods to percieve much alteration. She rides almost everyday; sometimes, twice a day. During the night, her swelling for the most part subsides; but by the close of the day, it increases so as to be considerably troublesome. She is still so lame, that it is with great difficulty she walks across the chamber. She cannot go up and down stairs but with extreme difficulty, so that I generally carry her in my arms, when she moves from one story to another. Her health is in other respects pretty good. She nurses her large child with less difficulty than she has always found in such cases. The Dr continues to administer to her; but he seems to place the greatest dependence on fre-

quently rubbing her swoln limb. Her spirits remain good. But when she will be abl to walk about the house with tolerable ease, it is impossible to form any rational conjecture. We esteem it as a very great favour, that Elizabeth Pierce has been able and disposed to continue with her sister so much, and afford her so great assistance. Since the nurse went away, we have had a Hannah Prentiss; but she was unable to stay more than a fortnight. So I carried her to Boston on Monday, and brought out Elizabeth Pierce. We hope, she will tarry with us as long, as she can consent to be absent from home, and you can possibly spare her. I think, it is injurious on some days to Lucy Pierce to see so much company. Besides two of our Midway friends, who spend the last night, we have had no fewer than 15, who called this afternoon and evening. We are very sorry to have your expected visit to us delayed so long; but we acquiesce in it, as the will of providence. We hope, that all obstacles will be soon happily removed, and that our dead sister E. will experience renewed tokens of the divine favour. I was happy to learn, that your people remember their good minister in these difficult times. ------------------ The additional compensation must be highly gratifying to him, when considered as an almost unanimous expression of the people's good will. on the 26 Ap. our neighbour [Tolman?] lost his only son. This makes 3 children they have lost of the cholera morbus within 10 months. it is a most afflictive providence. But I must say that they endure it, as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. The wife of Wife of Mr Holden, the wheel wright is judged in a consumption and near her end. Capt Corey has a complication of disorders, and, it is supposed, will not continue long. Otherwise it is a very general time of health with us. This morning, Miss Stebbins [illegible - began?] school in the new building erected for the [illegible] pose by Mr Walley. She limites her number to 17 of whom Sarah is one. Elizabeth Pierce would also have gone were it not, that her aunt depends on carrying her to N. when she returns. Lucy Pierce joins me in affectionate remembrance to our mother & all our dead friends. The same day, on which I received you last, I had a letter from Arthur of the 6th ins. He writes like one who is deeply impressed with a snese of religion, and who mourns his privation of religious instruction more, than any other inconvenience of his present situation. With affection and respect I remain your's vc John Pierce.

51 16 May, 1810. [Center] Mr Benjamin Tappan, Merchant, Dr Stebbins. Northampton.

No. 58 Brookline, 28, Aug. 1810. Day before commencement. Dear father, mother, and Elizabeth Pierce. We were rejoiced to hear, by your last letter, that our dear Elisabeth was better. We hope, that by this time she is restored to her usual health and [sprightliness?]. The children speak of her every day. When I last wrote, 3 Aug. I was about going to Dorchester to preach a lecture for Mr. Harris's people. He has been from Dorchester about a month, and sailed 3 weeks ago for England to transact same family business. He will probably return to his pastoral charge, in the Spring. Lucy Pierce accompanied me to [L?]. and we took tea at Sister Ford's. Saturday, 4 Aug. Dr Porter and wife, riding out, called and took tea with us. Lewis spent the night. Lords day, 5 Aug. I preached at home. Monday, 6 Aug. I was with the Association at Brother Bradford's. Tuesday, 7 Aug. I dined at J. C. Amory's in a large company of the first respectability. Among others there were a Dr Kirkland and brother Brickminster. Wednesday, 8 Aug. Met the American Academy at Cambridge. I dined with a member of the at Professor Willard's. Dr Holyoke of Salem was among the guests; and you may judge somewhat of his age, when informed, that it is now 64 yearas, since he was graduated.

Thursday, 9 Aug. heard brother Tuckerman at Thursday Lecture on the love of enemies. Returned to dine, and catechised 60 childre. Out usual party took tea at Mr Ackers's. Friday, 10 Aug. "peaceful and alone." Saturday, 11 Aug. I dined at Capt. Babcock's with Gov. Gore and Lady and other persobs of distinction. Lord's day, 12 Aug. Exchanged with brother Bradford. Lewis spent the day and night. Monday, 12 Aug. I went with our Dorchester party to the member of 110 to Deer island. Lucy did not go, on account of her child; and well she did not; for though we had a fine day, there was little or no wind in the evening. This made the company very late home. Some of them could not return, till 3 in the morning. I employed a man, as we were passing the Castle, to vet me on shore at Dorchester point, formerly so called. I then had to walk 4 miles to my horse, and ride 5 miles to yet home. I arrived at Brookline at 11 in the evening. Tuesday, 14, Aug. No engagement. Wednesday, 15 Aug. As I went an the water party without Lucy, she, this day, went to Nahant without me. Mrs Walley carried her in Spurr's carriage with her whole family. I resolved not to go, as I had devoted one day, this week, to amusement. Thursday, 16 Aug. brother Fiske of West. Cambridge preached for brother Brickminster on sanctifying "the Lord God in our hearts" &c. Friday, 17 Aug. We took tea at brother Porter's with some of out Brookline friends and other company. Saturday, 18, Aug. we dined at Gen. Gardner's upon roast pig. Lord's day, 19 Aug. I preached at home. At noon, Lewis came out and spent the night, not however till he had spent one of the most rainy evenings I ever knew with "the lass of Richmond hill." Tuesday, 21 Aug. I spent the day at Milton with the Trustees of that Academy. Wednesday, 22 Aug. at 4 o'clock PM, Lucy, Feroline, and myself started with brother John, his wife, and son John for Providence. We spent the night at Colley's in Walpole, 20 miles from Boston. We had a disturbed night by reason of the early stage, + company. Thursday, 23 Aug. a charming day. were passing Pawtucket falls, we went into cotton factory, and were highly entertained. At noon we arrived at Ammidan's in Providence; and our friends found, that the packet was then waiting for them. Immediately after dinner they went aboard, Sarah discovering considerable emotions, as she had never stepped from Terra firma before. We had a very tumultuous night. The house was crowded with Spaniards, gentleman and ladies from the southward with their children and slaves, besides the usual company. Friday, 24 Aug. we rode 5 miles, and took a peaceable breakfast at Rehoboth, and at sunset we arrived home after a very delightful excersion. Sat. 25 Aug. I dined at J. C. A's. Lord's day, 26 Aug. exchanged with b'r Buckminster to the very great satisfaction of our gentry &c. Monday, 27 Aug. Pres. Sanders + [son?], from Vermont dined. PM I attended a fun. in Dorchester; & we took tea at wid. Craft's, Roxbury. Bishop Wright of Medway, {the} night. Farewell.