Poor Family Papers, 1791-1921. John and Lucy (Tappan) Pierce. Lucy (Tappan) Pierce to her husband John Pierce, 1803-1818. A-132, folder 4, Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

few moments, and inquiring if I had heard from you, and when I expected to, he drew a letter from his pocket and said he believed he had the pleasure of being the bearer of a letter from you. I immediately recognized the handwriting of brother John, and on breaking the seal, found it enclosed a letter from Eliza giving an account of your arrival, and departure. I was greatly disappointed, that it was not from you, for I had expected one that night, but as {Hervey?} had taken so long a walk didnot think best to send. Thursday 10. Mrs Goddard came and spent the afternoon, he came after tea and passed the evening. He thought much, and spoke often of you, when I said I wished you were here, Mrs G------ said oh! no, you do not wish he was here "for you wished him to go" I shall however wish the time away till you return. I have been very busy since you went away preparing the childrens winter garments, and have scarcely looked into the street, untill last friday afternoon, when I took Sarah with me and went down the street, first called to see the widow. Marshall, found her busy packing her things to move the next monday. we then called at both Mr. Whites Mr Clap - where the Miss's Sherburn's board, was there the day before, and said that the friends of Mr. Codman were likely to purchase the meeting house, and he thought they had now a prospect of peace, he also said that Mr Parker, the one who went in his carriage for Mr Pierce, had called to see Mr Codman and informed him that he had been to see his father. Mr Bates was present, he turned to him and said, at least the lion and the lamb are going to lie down together. I cannot tell why- but I make mistakes almost every line. Perhaps it is writing in such haste.

After staying a short time at each of the above places, I went to Mr Marshalls. They appeared so very urgent that I should stay to tea that I consented. Mrs Barry was there. Mr M--l had a very distressed week, but was that day a little better. Mrs [Holden?] came in she said that Mr Dana was much worse, had -several convulsion fits since the day before. I saw his son was here at meeting, and I heard that he intended to stay while his father lived. While I was at Mr Marshalls Mr Barry brought your welcome letter. I rejoiced that you got to Albany so well, but was tempted to regret, you should be disappointed going in the steamboat. I shall be impatient to hear how you got to New york, which I hope you have seen before this. {General} Gardner set off from Boston the friday after you left there, and hoped to meet you the following [monday?] [His?] wife has not heard from him yet. I hope you will [see?] Friday 12 I sent to Mr. [Hyslope?], found he had been to [?] Dr Porter called to hear from you. Brother Charles came out in the evening stage, he has been reading, by me, while I write this, will go to Boston in the morning, I shall send by him. Sabbath 13, Mr Abbot got here before ten. He preached two excellent sermons, to quite a full house for us, he dines with Mr [Hyslope?] while he was there Dr A. sent a polite invitation for him to take tea at their house, he went. Mrs Pierce declines very fast indeed; he told me to day, that she had some of the last symptoms of the complaint. They had a note up. Mr. Abbot prayed very feelingly for her. Mr Dana is very low, it is said he cannot live many days. Your friends all seem to miss you very much, and send a thousand good wishes after you. Miss [?] is spending the Sabbath and desires to be remembered. Poor Sarah will grieve to find I have not left room for her postscript. The dear children long to see you. How we shall live three weeks longer I do not know. Dull enough surely.

You will not fail to write wherever you stop long enough. My love to Lewis. Perhaps he would rather have such a scrawl as this, than not have a letter. Your affectionate L Pierce.

No 31 was lost on its pass. to {ye} Southward. No. 32. Dated 13 Dec. 1812. Brookline. Rec'd 21 --- '----

20

{Reverend} John Pierce of Brookline, {Massachusetts} now in Washington.

No. 3. Brookline, Dec 21. 1812.

My dear husband, After anxiously waiting more than a week, every day expecting a letter, & then being disappointed last saturday you No 2. was brought by Mr Frothingham, he staid three days longer in New york than he expected, when he saw you. Monday 14 Dec. about three in the afternoon Mrs D Pierce died. Mr Harris came over the saturday previous, with her mother. Tuesday 15. I took Sarah, Abby, & Lucy and went to Boston to spend the day. I felt very anxious to hear from you, and hoped this day would not pass without a letter for me. After spending my time very pleasantly with sister Sarah. I set off for home about sunset with my little charge, called on our way, at your Uncle Blakes, and invited the young ladies to come and pass a few days in Brookline. Wednesday 16. In the forenoon Mr Heath call'd to say he would send his chaise for me to attend the funeral, which was to be at two in the afternoon. I thought he was very polite, and as it looked likely to rain I gladly accepted his offer. Your sister Clap was there, and informed me, our friends in D. were all well. I followed the procession as far as our door. Mrs. Heath insisted on my returning there, to take tea, with our cousins who came out this afternoon. She expected her sister Williams. You can hardly imagine, how very much you are missed, as for myself, in imagination, I hear your footsteps approaching a thousand times, before I stop to think, how many miles separate us. Thursday 17. we took tea with Mrs Gardner. Mrs Goddard sent word in the morning, and came in their chaise for me, the young ladies all walked, it was a delightful afternoon. Mrs Gardner complained very much, that her husband had not written, and I thought, appeared rather glad, I had not received a letter from you for so long a time.

Friday 18. as our Cousins had seen but little of the beauties of Brookline, I went soon after dinner, round by {Captain} Babcocks. Returning we called at Mr Ingersolls, found her parents there. They appeared in tolerable health, and desired to be affectionately remembered to you, when I wrote. Mrs Ingersoll urged very much our staying to tea, I told her we were going to Mr Goddards, she said if we were not positively engaged, she should not excuse us, as we were, she invited us for saturday. I had asked a number of young people to spend that afternoon with us, as the ladies expected to be sent for on monday. Saturday 19 Dec. We had quite a roomfull of young friends, they all appeared very happy. After tea, which I had very early as it was saturday, They sung a number of psalm tunes. Nancy Winchester took the lead. Charles Heath's sweet voice, was really delightful. My tears flowed, in spite every effort to suppress them. I thought how you would enjoyed it. Lordsday 20 Dec. Dr Ware came soon after the first bell ranf. He left his wife with Mrs Lucas. It was a very windy, cold day, but as the sun shone, we had a good number out. Mr Dana had a note up. Dr Ware dined with Mrs L- I didnot see his lady, they returned soon after meeting. I shall give you an account of the Dr's excellent sermons when you return. Mr Sewall preached for Mr Thatcher as he was sick. When Dr. Ware came, our dear little John, immediately run up to him, holding up his little hands to be taken up, and he really for some time appeared to think it was you. Dear creature! he mourns for your carresses. The children all, are constantly inquiring "why Papa does not come home." Sarah has been the last week to Miss Stebbins. We had remarkable fine weather, the last week it was more like Autumn than winter. Mr. Frothingham called and spent an hour. Monday 21. Eliza Allen called as she was going to school, wished us to take tea with the old lady. The Miss Blakes had a desire to see her "of whom they had heard so much" and we engaged to go, but between three and four their brother came for them. I really partted with them with much regret. They are very interesting girls. The oldest Mary, is quite serious. The children enjoyed their visit very much.

I felt very sorry I had engaged to visit Mrs Partridge, as it was on the girls account I was going. She was quite put out they did not come, and I found it very difficult to explain why they had to return. I came home before dark, that I might write, to send by the stage in the morning. How great was my joy, to fidn the letter you sent by Mr Goddard. I hope you have received both of my letters before this time. I should have written Lordsday eve, if it had been possible. I rejoice exceedingly that your journey thus far, has been prosperous. I pray it may continue so, and that you may return in safety to your family again. I began to write Last evening, but it was so very cold. I could scarcely guide my pen. Indeed the ink stiffened in my hand. John has been quite unwell, all the forenoon, so that I was under the necessity putting by my writing, tho' I made several attempts to finish this, with him in my lap. [Mr. Hyslop?] regrets he didnot request you to get him a [Catelogue?] [?] [?]. {Deacon} Clark informed me, that Mr Dana died [monday?] [?] in the morning. His funeral is to be thursday afternoon Mr Marshall was more comfortable last week. The widow Marshall has moved, and Mr Dudley now occupies the house she left. Your friends are frequently inquiring after you, and appear to take a feeling interest in your welfare. I think they all wish your return. It appears to be impossible that you have only been gone three week. I am sure they have been the longest I have ever passed. However lonesome I feel, I hope I shall not wish you to return, before you have seen everything, worth your attention. you certainly needed not, this absence to endear your family. I have not finished this, while John has slept. Dear boy he is cutting his double teeth, no doubt in a few days will be quite well again. I spoke with Mrs Gardner, she with her family were all well. My love to Lewis. I have not spoken with any of the hill family since I wrote last. The old, as well as young gentlemen have called. I was out. The children all send love. From your affectionate wife L Pierce.

No. 33. Dated 21 Dec. 1812. Brookline. Rec'd ----------

20 {Reverend} John Pierce of Brookline {Massachusetts} now [at?] Baltimore.

Care of Mr Moses Poor. who will please forward it if Mr P has not [?] to Baltimore from Washington