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.

65 15 July, 1811.

[in center] No 65 Mr Benjamin Tappan, Northampton.

No 66. Brookline, 5 Sep. 1811. n

Dear Sir, When Brother John's family called [torn] their way to Northampton, I was on a water party [torn] of Dorchester friends. There were precisely 148. [torn] there a considerable proportion were my neare[torn] or more remote relatives. My father was ther[torn] with 5 of his children. I am fond of such parties, because it enabled me on one day to see friends, whom it would require several days, to visit. There were in the company 4 ministers and 4 deacons, among the latter Deac. Pierce AE L. 77. We had a fine commencement this year. It was my 27th. The English poem by Gilman was perhaps the finest, which has [torn] been delivered at Cambridge. Everett, the youn[torn] in the class, yet the best scholar, was much [torn] proved by the literacy part of the audience. He [torn] is son of the late Oliver Everett, formerly mini[torn] of New South. His son Alexander was the [torn] best scholar in 1806. Brother Garris informs m[torn] that there are 3 more sons, who afford every [torn]

[torn] reason to believe, that they will equal thier brethren. I dined at Mason + [Ais's?] tent. Lucy was invited, but did not go. There were probably between 4 + 500 who dined together. But in such a multitude, I have since heard of several friends present, who I did not even see. The day was fine; but it was frought with many melancholy reflections. In rain did I travel over the yard, when out of the meeting house, from morning to night, in search of classmates, or even of contemporaries. I found but few; only 3 of my class; and they persons, whom I viewed with the same indifference, I should the inhabitants of [Aaheite?]. Last sabbath Jesse Fisher of Windham preached for me. He did well. We received brother John's letter respecting Lucy's going to Northampton. She ruminated upon it one whole night, and often started from sleep, imagining the carriage had struck against a rock; but lo! it was a dream. She submitted to the disappointment with a good grace, as the days, in which she would have been on the road, were some of her [poor?] days. She is however, on the whole, as well as usual. She was invited to dine with me yesterday at Capt Babcock's, and to pass the evening at J. C. Amory's in a jamb. I was there, part of the evening, and should calculate, that there were as many as 80 or [go?]. I tarried a little while, and found, it was no place for me. So at about 8 I retired, without waiting for supper, and escaping much of the nonsense, in which it seems the principal object of such parties to [torn]lge. Lucy almost envies Sarah her p[torn] out visit at N. She hopes soon to see her, and hear the particulars of her visit Vc. Give our love to Elisabeth, and tell her, we talk of her every day. Tell her J. A. Lowell has enleved College, and spent last sabbath with us. When grandparents + Aunt Eliza can spare her, as hope to see her at home. If she does not come soon, we shall ride up to N. to see her. Grandpa will kiss her a great many times for pa + ma. With our best love to mother + suitables to all our friends we remain, as ever, J + L. Pierce

66 5 Sep. 1811.

[in center] N 66 Mr Benjamin Tappan

Northampton.

No 67. Brookline, 25 Sep. 1811.

Dear Sir, I wrote you a few hasty lines from Boston, last friday, after I had been to hear brother Lowell deliver a discourse before the Female Asylum. His text was Lam. of Jer. V. 3. "We are orphans + fatherless." He gave us a very impressive and well adapted discourse. The contribution was somewhat more than $400. The number of orphans was 40; and it was truly affecting to hear them sing their anniversary hymn, while the boxes were going round for thier relief. Since brother Benj. + wife left us, Lucy has been growing better. Yesterday she dined below, and will probably continue to eat her meals with us. We cannot find, that she was wounded in the body. Her bruises on the side of her leg are fast healing. Eliza makes no complaint, and was at meeting last Lord's day. Brother Chomning preached for me. Cousin Benj. preached in his pulpit. I therefore stand at home, and enjoyed the luxury of hearing B'r C.' all day. In the forenoon