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.

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61. 14 March, 1811.

[in center] N 61 Mr Benjamin Tappan, Northampton.

No 63. Brookline, 30 April, 1811.

Dear Sir, Four days after my last, I went to the funeral of my uncle Howe in Dorchester. He married my mother's sister, who died about a year ago. On the 21 March, Lucy and I attended the wedding of Mary Woodward, AEt. 19. Sister of Mrs Hyslop. She married Capt. Glover, a sea captain in the London trade. They were married by Mr Emerson; and I am greatly suspicious, that it was one of the last acts of his ministry. He is very ill. His disorder is pronouced by a conclave of physicians to ce an assification of the biliary duct. They reccomended a voyage to the southward, commonly the last resort, when no aid can be obtained in these quarters. He, last week, sailed, for experiment, to Portland; but returned so weak, that no further attempts will probably be made to send him to sea. His strength fast fails him; and last saturday he began to be troubled with hiccoughs. I was yesterday with the Assocation at Dr Eliot's. I was there informed, that Dr Eckley is dangerously sick of a pleurisy fever. He has not been well, since his sickness at New York. As a fine near

his new house, last December, he took a most violent cold, which brought on a fever. From that period, he has been very feeble. That two of our number should be so severely threatened together has produced in their associated brethren the most melancholy feelings. Last evening I returned, from the Association with a heavy heart. In my estimation, Dr Eckley is, at this time, the most useful minister among us. He stands, as it were, in the gap between the violent of both parties. At this period, when such organized, such indefatigable, such acrimonious attempts are making to root out all freedom of inquiry in matters of religion, Dr E. is one of the foremost in exhorting us to "stand fast in the liberty, wherewith Christ has made us free, and not to be again entangled in the yoke of bondage." Bigots of all parties disliked him; but he has secured the warm affections of most of his brethren in this vicinity. By them, and by the most valuable portion of his flock, it will be indeed considered a great frown of Providence to lose him, especially at this critical season. But he, who has commissioned the Dr to act so important a part in his church, can never want instuments to effect his gracious purposes.

Sabbath before last, I preached for the Rev. Abiel Abbot of Beverly. He was returning from a journey to Connecticut so fatigued, that I was induced to

go on, and supply his place. I think, I never w[torn] large a congregation. I had 18 notes, most of them [torn] to sailors bound to sea. There was not a person w[torn] congregation, except one or two of Mr Abbot's childr[torn] I had ever seen before.

This past winter I have preached a la[torn] proportion of the time, at home. Eight days since[torn] I did not once exchange. Now my birds of pass[torn] returning, I must endeavour to furnish then wi[torn] variety of food, which shall make them at least con[torn]

We have been very happy in welcoming [torn] return. He appears in fine health and spirits, and [torn] faithful to his "black ey'd Susan," as the ne[torn] the pole. Since last wednesday morning, he has [torn]ed [torn] three times. Perhaps he will be there again, be[torn] [torn] completion of the week. I must think, he [torn] conscious of correspondent affections in her, or he could not be so ardent.

Day before yesterday, our Abigail was attacked with the canker rash. Dr A. has seen her twice, and given her calomel. She has had two restless nights. Lucy was the better able to take care of her, as she has weaned Jeraline. We see no unpromising symptoms, and devoutly pray, that her complaints may be soon removed.

I send this by Mrs Lucas's son, who will inform you of the late dangerous sickness of Mr L. who is now convalescing. With love to mother, Eliza, our dear Elisabeth, & all our family connexions, we remain your's &c. J & L Pierce

63 30 April, 1811

[in center] No 63 Apr 1811 Mr Benjamin Tappan, Merchant Mr Dawes. Northampton.