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.

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.

56 14 Nov. 1810.

[in center] No 56 Mr Benjamin Tappan, Merchant, Northampton. Mr Henshaw

No 59 Brookline, 21 Jan. 1811. Dear Sir, Devoutly do we reaprocate the good wishes, which you have expressed for our welfare at the beginning of another year. Your's of the 14th ins. I recieved on the 19th safely; accompanied with a fine cheese, for which we desire to express our grateful acknowledgments. The garment for Joshua is also received with gratitude. On the day I last wrote, the Rev. Elijah Braineed of Pelham called upon us, having spent the night at Mr Acker's. I was thankful to see him, as I had not enjoyed an opportunity of sending him the charities, which had been collected. He appeared overwhelmed with gratitude, and went to Boston with me to procure necessaries and convieniences for his family. Never, I think, did I enjoy higher luxury, than to be conscious, that I was the instrument, under God, of procuring him and his destitute family so many comforts.

I think, I forgot to mention to Eliza, that Mrs Archbald is at her sister Goddard's, and has been confined there more than 7 weeks with rheumatism, Louisa is with her; and Miss Ann Goddard, thier deformed niece, from St. Stephen's in the British dominions is also at their house; so that, in [neglect?] of children, they have an abundant supply from other quarters. This Miss Ann is a methodist of the Westleyan communion, but she communes with us, and makes no difficulty. Perhaps my strong lungs render my delivery more like her favourite preachers, than most ministers of my denomination. Last friday, the 18th. sister Polly Pope's daughter Sally came to tarry with us a week. She is a little past 13. Nancy Winchester is also with us plying at the needle. Yesterday I exchanged with Dr Carter, which is only the second exchange snce last October. He dined at Daward's, and appeared much please with their little boy. To day I expect to meet the Asssociation at brother Brickminster's. Dr. Eckley has lately been very sick in consequence of a cold taken at the late fire in his neighborhood. (N. B. He has moved into his new house.) Mr Emerson appears to be verging toward a decline. He has not preached for 2 or 3 sabbaths. It is the opinion of some of his friends, that he will not live 6 months. We rejoice to hear, that you are again advancing toward a new meeting house. We sincerely hope, that no unpropitian event will hinder its commencement , or obstruct its progress. I know of no place, where, I think, a new house a greater effect on the comfort, the good order, and the religion of the in[illegiable]ants. You will excuse this miserable scrawl, which has been the product of just 21 minutes, and believe us, as ever, your grateful and affectionate children, John + Lucy Pierce. P. S. Love to Elizabeth, and tell her, Sarah was much pleased with her letter, and sends her the Bible she mentions, as a new year's present.

59 21 Jan. 1811.

[in center] N 59 Mr Benjamin Tappan Northampton.