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 60. Brookline, 19 Feb. 1811. Dear Sir, our excellent Gen. Gardner starts tomorrow for Gittsfield to preside over a court martial in that place. As you love us, and love good men, I hope you will prevail on him to spend some time with you, either going or returning. He is the man, of whom Eliza once said, if he were a widower, she should be more than half inclined to set her cap for him. He is not only a man of excellent social properties, but a practical christian. Without concerning himself about the 5 paints of the stern and unbending Calvin, he exhibits in his life and conversation the temper and the conduct of a follower of the Lamb. Since my last, on 26 Jan. I attended the funeral of Mrs Obadiah Curtis of Newton, mother of the Rev. Mrs Homer. She has been bedrid, most of the time, for 25 years. The husband, by reason of the infirmities of age, was unable to be present at the solemnities. On tuesday 29 Jan. Professors Hedge and McKean of Cambridge passed the day with us. They are delighted with the state of things at Cambridge, and give a very flattering account of the new President. The corporation are about erecting an additional building; and, I hope, will soon have additional advantages for improvement in studies.

30 January, at my Lecture, B'r Greenaugh preached a vrey serious sermon upon "proving our own work." After service, meeting Miss Elis. Heath at my house, he exclaimed in a pathetick tone, "Oh! how she is aftered!" Miss H. was much affected by this uncourtly speech, which she unexpectedly overheard; and said, she could compare it to nothing, but the exclaimations, which, in the very same words, are often nttered over the coffins of the dead. Were Chesterfield's graces essential to a christian, B'r G. would unurative expression of B'r Bradford respecting him. "B'r G." says he, "will doubtless be exalted to so high a sent in heaven, that it will be inpossible for ordinary christians to discern him, even with the best magnifying glass." 31 January, instead of thursday lecture, the house of worship in Hollis street was dedicated to the service of Almighty God. you have seen an account of the exercises; and have probably heard alarming accounts of Mr Halley's sermon. It is well, that the modern fashion of persecution is confined to the tongue and the press. In Calvin's days and country, I dare say, that the author of such a sermon would have shared the fate of the unhappy Serventus. The sermon, which was 78 minutes long, was principally occupied in showing, in what respects natural religion before the advent of Christ agreed, and in what respects it differed from the system delivered by Christ and his apostles. It evinced great reading and much thought on the subject. I cannot say, that all his positions produced conviction in my mind. But this I will say, that I believe it much easier to rail at the sermon and its author, than to refute the one and confound the other by sound argument. I am indeed suspicious, that B'r H. goes, and will continue to go on reigions grounds further, than most of his brethren in his Association will be disposed to follow, or even to defend him. I should not be surprised, if he should at length be in the same situation with respect to the present Boston ministers, in which Dr Mayhew stood with respect to the clergy of his day. 1 Feb. our snows commenced, and have continued with but little intermission to the present day. Our roads are in mant places filled. Between here and Spurr's, the snow is higher than the walls, and we pass by Mr Walley's on to the turnpike. 10 Feb. Jene Fisher preacher for me. has a call to Windhorn [(Gon.)?] which he preposes to accept. What does Eliza think of ministers now? 15 Feb. We dined at Mrs Walley's on a calf's head, dressed a-la-mode tortoise. Through the goodness of God, we are very well. [Jolman?] however is convalescing slowly from a fever, nearly resembling the spotted. We have seen Arthur's account of his voyage, and a few lines from Lewis to his partner - [Searle?]. We are impatient to hear further. Let us have a good packet by our General. We hope to hear, that mothers health remains confirmed, notwithstanding John's mean opinion of Dr Hewes's prescriptions for rheumatisms. With love to mother, Eliza, + our dear Elisabeth, we are, as ever, your's with great ffection, John+Lucy Pierce.

60 19 Feb. 1811.

[in center] No 60 Mr Benjamin Tappan, Merchant, By Gen. Gardner. Northampton.

No 61 Brookline, 14 March, 1811.

Dear Sir, We were greatly slighted with your letters and with the account, which Gen Gardner gave us of his journey, and particularly of his acception at Northamption. You may depend upon it, that the attentions, which he recieved, have made a deep impression on his heart. Ae are much obliged to you all for contributing so much to the happiness of so good a man. Gen. G. is a man, who carried his letter of reccomendation in his courtenance, and as far as price is an any case allowable, I can truly say, that I am proud of him, as my parishioner, and as a member of my church. He arrived home, Wednesday evening, and we spent the next evening at his house. 20 Feb., the day after I last wrote, we spent at my father in Dorchester with Abigail + Lucy. They were all well. 22 Feb. I went into Boston to dine

with a large party at Deac. Jam. H. Walley's. Lucy accompanied me to Boston, and we took tea at Unc. Hames's. They were in good health and spirits. 28 Feb. I dined at brother John's. He urged me to bring Lucy the next thursday! He added, that there was no prospect of Sarah's confinement. When [lo?]! The stageman, the next evening, was directed to come express to our house with the joyful tiding of a daughter! We rejoice with him, on this fulfilment of his anxious wishes. The roads have been so filled, this winter, that we have visited but very little; Lucy says, much less, than ever, since we have been married Our Brookline circle, who used to interchange visits nearly once a week, have not been together, since the beginning of December, and then at our house to amink out of our new china! I have spent many of my evenings in reading to Lucy. Sarag was very much pleased with Elisabeth's letter. We are rejoiced, that the deear girl is so contented; but we still hope, that Eliza will come down with her, and spend the summer with us in our Elysian fields. In respect of the boy, whom you mention, I see not, how we can do better, than to take him. If you knew of one 3 years younger, it would be more agreeable. But, if you do not, I will thank you to secure young Gere. I shall wish for him by the 1 June at the furthest. As to his expenses in coming down, I will do, what you shall agree, is propee. His work will be light. As I have only a small garden, and he will be expected to assist Colly on washign days, and at other times when we have company, he may by being industrians [ripped] time to go to school most of the year. Eight [ripped] of twelve months the school is [missing] near us. When he goes to trade, we sh[missing] him out, as boys are commonly prepared for such occasions. We shall be obliged to you to settle all preliminaries with his friends agreeably to what I have stated. We shall expect to be decently clothed, when he comes, as we are now preparing clothes for the departure of Joshua. Kiss Elisabeth for us a thousand times. Give our duty to mother, our love to Eliza and all our brothers + sisters, and accept the most affectionate regards of your J + L Pierce.