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 64 Boston, 10 May, 1811.

Dear Sir, Having come into town on the very important business of dining, and hearing that Mr Whitney would probably start for Northampton, before I could come in again, I seize this opportunity for writing a few words. Since my last our children, Abigail + Feraline have been quite sick with Canker rash, or as physicians call it scarletina. But through the smiles of providence on the indefatigable attentions of Dr A. and good nursing, they are now convalescing, so as to be very cross and very hungry. The Dr for several days called thrice a day. Thanks to a preserving God, that their lives have been previous in his sight. We have been very healthy in Brookline for these several months. Not a death has occurred, since the commencement of the year. There are now however several children sick. One of our neighbour Murdock;s daughters, AEt: 10. is very dangerously ill with lung fever. I have lately recieved a letter from Jesse Fisher to attend his ordination at Windham (con.) and the 22d ins. Dr Latter of W. S. in to preach. M

cause of failure, he wishes me to perform the service, I think of attending the ordination. We have chose 3 delegates, Mr Hyslep, Deac. Robinson, + Esq. Sharp, so that they may agree among themselves, which one shall accompany me. We shall probably be absent about a week. Last week on friday, I attended a private Fast at Dorchester, kept by two societies of several families in each. These societies have been preserved from time immemorial without interruption. They have an annual Fast, seperate from the State Fast; on which occasion only, they invite their clergymen to attend. Mr Harris being absent, I was invited in his stead. It was one of the most solemn meetings which I ever attended. There were about 50 men + women present at Deac. Humphries', where it was holden. We began early in the morning; and we continued, with but a short intermission, to 3 1/2 [Ph?], when we adjourned to the meeting house, where I preached their sacramentat Lecture. This exercises of Fast consisted mostly of prayers, reading the scriptures, and sacred musick. They prayed by seniority, except that B'r Cadman closed the morning service, and I, the afternoon. Here were no flights of enthusiasm, no uncharitable insinuations, no thanking God, that they were not as other men are; but humility, devotion, and a holy fervour ran through the solemnities. My father is one of them, and made one of the prayers. I have had a great deal of parochial duty to perform for B'r Harris, since his absence in July last. I have preached one Lord's day, 2 lectures; and attended 7 funerals, besides visiting several sick persons. Give our love to Elisabeth, and tell her, [torn] talk about her every day. We hope, that she [covered] comfort to her grandparents and aunt, and [covered] she rejoiced to see some letters of her writing; but a present, I suppose, she is too young to write. We are much disappointed in not seeing some of you, this Spring. It is not improbable, that Lucy at least may go up in the course of the Summer. Lewis has offered to carry her. If he can go, I shall urge her accompanying him. We are pleased with the arrangement you have made respecting the boy. We shall hope for him positively by the 1 of June, as our Joshua will leave us at this time. Love to mother, Eliza, and all our other friends from J. Pierce.

64 10 May, 1811.

[in center] May 10th 1811 No 64

Mr Benjamin Tappan Mr Whitney. Northampton.

No. 65 Brookline, 15 July, 1811.

Dear Sir, Mr J. C. Amory has politely offered to take letters to Northampton. He in company with Mes'srs Sewall + Francis contemplates a journey to examine the works of the Hamp. Leath. [Manufac?]." Immediately after you left us, on the 20th ult. we went to Learned's pond, a mile from Wheeler's, and caught upwards of five dozen perch. John brought in three, which weighed more than a pound a piece. I caught the greatest number. We returned, and had a fine fry + chowder with a dinner in other respects highly luxurious. We had a very pleasant season of relaxation; and after Mr W. had made up a bill for the Rev. Mr Pierce + company, of $26, which John paid, we set our faces homewards, and arrived at Brookline, a little before sunset. Susan A. said, she never enjoyed herself so much in her life. Thanks to her intended family connexions. On the 25 June, I dined at J. C. Amory's in a large party, among others the Russian Consul. He is a fine scholar + very agreeable man. He was the son of a clergyman in the Ukraine, and received his education and obtained his wife in England. He is a true Englishman in his politicks, + doubts not, that there will soon be a rupture between his government + France.

Mr Higgiman Jun. has moved into his father's house. I have visited him repeatedly. It is yet doubtful, whether his father will return this season. On 29 June, started with Lucy, scn [?]. + junr, for Hingham. We arrived at Mr Colman's to dine. In the afternoon B'r C. + I went to Cohasset to call on the Rev. Mr Flint, my co. at College. We went a fishing from the rocks, a short distance from his house, and never did I see such sport, as there was in drawing up the conners, a little fish about the size of a perch. We soon procured an abudance, and then bathed in the sea, which, although I was formerly a good swimmer, I have not done for more than 15 years. The next day, I preached at Hingham. We returned on monday, + found all safe at home, at 1 o'clock. 3 July Dr. Marsh + dau. Abi. came out to breakfast. We could not detain them longer. He was cheerful + pleasant, as usual. On the same day B'r Porter + Harris dined; + the latter preached my Lecture. He appears in fine spirits; and he has gained considerable flesh by his tour to Europe. 4 July I spent at Dorchester with a party of about 150, fed's + demo's, all belonging to Dorchester. We had an address from brother Harris, + a dinner of clam chowder, fish, +c an the very hill, known from time immemorial by the name of Hd hill, where the great Indian Sachem, [Massacaict?] who had the command of the Indians throughout the State, formerly resided. The hill has been kept in a state of nature ever since. Everything was transacted with great harmony, + to mutual satisfaction. Had it not been in retirement and solemn meditation on our past + present dangers, + future direful prospects. The 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6 days were excessively hot. On the two last, the mercury would fall 2 inches, if you put the bulb in your mouth. This experiment was abundantly tried at Cambridge. On 9 July, I dined at Col. Perkins's with Hon. James Hillhouse, Con. + James Lloyd, [covered] Mr H. I admire. He is a plain, old fashioned, [covered]mer looking man. (I am afraid, Eliza will think from this description that he is lacking in refinement) But he is social, sensible, cheerful unaffected, Mark Anthony sort of man, after my own heart. Mr Lloyd makes handsomer dancing school bows, and uses more refined language; but he has not the sound good sense, nor the yankee principles of the former. The last week was unfavourable for hay; but it is furnished us with showers, especially on saturday, which have revived the force of nature, + made the little hills rejoice on every side. With affectionate remembrance to mother, Eliza, Elisabeth, Br's + Sr's Stodard + Edwards Vc. Vc. We are J. + L. Pierce.