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.

Northampton, 1 July 1818.

My Dear Husband, I have retired to large back chamber, and am now seated out Elizabeth's writing desk, and have taken the only pen I can see, (and a pretty poor one it is) just to let you know a little of our journey.

We came on rather slowly, till we reached Framingham, the heat was so great when we reached there, which was half past ten that we did not attempt to leave til after three. About dusk we got to Worcester, stopped at Slate's, a very good house, the one that Waldo family formerly lived in, by a good house, I mean to say, that we were well accommodated. At nine I retired to a large well aired chamber, and had the prospect of a fine nights rest on a new hair mattress, but how was I disappoint ed our dear little B.T. was so heated with his ride, that he did not rest a moment till after the clock struck one. I got quite alarmed about him, and then went to brother C's chamber to see if Ann had brought any kind of drops that could do to give him, she had old lavender, I gave him him half a teaspoon full, which he immediately threw up, and appeared a little relieved, I had very little sleep, heard every clock strike through the night, at four brother Charles came to my door, to say the carriage would be ready in a very short time, our dear little boy had just fallen asleep, I am sure I never got up with more reluctance. It was well we rode early, for with all the speed we could amke we did not reach Belchertown until just at sunset, the driver said the horses were unable to go any farther, so we put up for the night at Clap's, had an excellent supper + retired early.

I gave Benjamin an anodyine [?] and he had a fine ngiths rest. We started from B a four, and had a delightful ride to N___ We came quite unexpectedly, for our good parents thought it utterly impossible for us to ride such hot weather.

There has been a council below stairs, my dear brother to determine whether Lucy should leave the family circle to finish her letter and finding the vote was against it. I begged permission to be her substitute, that I might tell you how sorry we are that you are not of the party particularly as my husband is still here and would have been particularly gratified to have met you. He has been detained by the excessively hot weather and now I have persuaded him to defer his journey a few days that he may become better acquainted with my friends

We are truly rejoiced to see Lucy + her fine boy, but we fell unwilling to expose my little babe to the terrible disease he has and therefore keep them separate entirely. I hope Lucy will stay to meet Sister Edwards, and that after she returns to you. Polly will come to see me. Her P and myself are very desirous that Elizabeth should go on to N. by this Autumn and I hope Sarah will ake her place here for a few months at Cast as our dear excellent Mother is so feeble and infirm to be left without a daugh ter. She is much thinner than she was a year since. My little one is very fat, quient + healthy and I am not a a little proud of her, as you may suppose. My health is improving, and I trust a kind providence will grant me an entire restoration in this my native air__When I contrast my situation with that of my friend Julia strong my heart rised in grateful emotion_ She is now so low as to be thought very near the close of life. about to leave her aged, affectionate father and her feeble sister so known [?] a lots too great for language to express Her death [?] has been dreadfully sooped [?] and her sufferings are now very great from an ulcerated throught + lungs. I am not permitted to even sit by her but I must close without allowing myself to describe my feelings on this mournful subject

My best love to all including Polly Tell my Lucy that her Mamma will bring her Alexander's present

[*All send their love*]

Affectionate regards too to John + his family and B Lewis + Susan Yours truly {affectionate} sister C Phoenix

46. Northampton, Dated, 1 July 1818. {Received} 3 July, ~~~~~~~ at 2 o'clock, PM.

Rev. John Pierce Brookline Care of Mr John Souppan [?]

Northhampton, 3 July My Dear Husband, Brother Charles this moment informed me that Mr Whitney was below stairs. I have just given our dear boy an emetic [?], notwithstanding I shall only have a few moments to write. I must let you know how we get along. I am happy to say that Benjamins cough is so very much better. I was only awake four times last night. I long much to hear from you and the dear family. Eliza is very anxious I should stay a few weeks here with her, but I know feel as if I should return with C. I am greatly disappointed not meeting sister Rebecca. I stil hope she will come. The stage drove up to the door very early this morning. I confidently expected she was in it (not reflecting from whence it came) but who should it bring but Mrs Spencer, she that was cousin Aurelia Tappon, where we shall stow her, nights, I cannot tell, for we all chose the quarter out the old hive. she intends making a long visit. I believe is a little out of health. I did not se Mr Whitney when he called, was preparing to lay down the baby and run down when I see him going from the house, he said he should start in an hour. I took the first piece of paper I could find, shall not scarcely know what I write, some one constantly speaking to me. I have really been hurried since I hav. been here dividing my time between Eliza. her baby, and my own dear boy.

I have a thousand things, I long to tell you but nust desist or this will not go at all. Tell the dear children, Mother thinks much of them. love to all. I hope they help Polly as much as possible, my love to her. Sister Ann wishes you to say to Miss Fuller, to use the eggs as she directed. Yours affectionate L Pierce

47. Northampton, dated, 3 July, 1818 {received}, 6, Letter