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, 6 July 1818. My Dear Husband, It appears to me almost impossible that a week only has elapsed since I left my beloved friend at Brookline. I have in that time passed through a variety of scences, some pleasant, and some painful. I cannot find a still corner to write in, someone constanly speaking to me tho' they see I am writing. I shall send this by the mail tomorrow, as I know you will be anxious to learn how we get along. Sister Edwards arrived Saturday afternoon with her son William. he had business here. She is very thing, and quite out of health, she has no plan, but I hope she will not return to her family for some time.

Sister Eliza looks very pale and is feeble, her infant is a very delicate child, and requires a great deal of attention. mrs Spencer is another invalid. I can truly say, let me feel ever so unwell I cannot hear to complain. Our dear little boy was very restful last ngith and has some fever this morning. I do not know but it is in consquence of teething. he has one already through. He coughs seldom, yet when he does, it is very hard. I shall be anxious til I get him safe home.

We talk of going to Belchertown, thursday afternoon, and having the stage call for us the next morning, of course I shall be obliged to go to Boston. Mother has so many cares, that I intend to take Elizabeth Caroline to B with me. Monday afternoon. Farther and Mother have been proposing to me to say a few weeks and then return with one of our brothers from Boston, no they hope they will both visit them this season. I cannot agree to this, even if they could afford me a conveyace, which is uncertain. I rejoice to hear the children are all doing so well. Your letter afforded me more sincere delight, than any thing I have met with, since I left you. I am sure you would wonder how I could write at all, instead of beng suprised at the numerous mistakes I make, could you just peep in and see how I am situated

Our dear Elizabeth, has grown very thin, and appears to have but little strength. Sister E is very anxious to take her to New york when she returns. Mr P also seems solictous about it. He is still here, tho' he has been talking of going for a number of days. It is hard leaving wife and child.

Monday 6th, My dear Father, Mother was kept awake last night so long with little B. E. [?] that she has left me to add a little to her letter. On the morning of the 1st of July as I was preparing to go to school, I preceived a carriage coming up the street. I instantly ran down stairs to inform Grandma of uncle Charles arrival for we had expected him some time, but what was my suprise on going to the door to behold my dear mother seated in the carriage, with my dear little brother in her arms. We were rejoiced to see them and we all think that Master Benjamin Pappar [?] Pierce is an remarkably fine boy. Mr Williams called in the fervour + Mother took the opportunity to inform him that he visited Brookline very seldom.

Aunt Stoddard came here to tea and Grand-ma's three daughters fnd the pleasure dard [?] I spent the afternoon at Roberts Meadow. Cousin Cilliam took his brother John, Frances Greeenwood, and myself out plenty of them this year. Friday 3rd I was agreed that the fourth of July should be celebrated on this day but alas! how disappointing to their hopes it rained as to wet the ground and prevent their meeting in the lot. But they concluded to have the party in Mr Lyman's hall and uncle Charles, aunt Hera [?], little dear Maria, and Mrs Spewer went to it. She same fro all we have quite a house full. Mother did not wish stay out home with my dear little little Brother. Saturday 4th words [?]. She came in a [?] with cousin Wiliam, Aunt Stoddard invited us all to come out there to dinner and we shared the rest of their mail up here, we have so many here. All the rest of us returned before night.

Sunday 5th I staid at home all day Mother went to meeting Mr Asahel Pomeroy and his wife Mrs S Thomas Shelf Stoddard and uncle Charles, called in the evening Monday 6th Today the weather is quite worn, uncle P. [?] put set out as he expected because it looked so much like rain int he morning. We expect to visit Mrs Storrs this evening. I hope my brother and sisters have recover ed from the hooping cough. Poor little Benjamin suffers very much from it. Aunt Edwards left her children with it but she says they have it remark ably light there this year that the people try to have their children get it.

She says that cousin Henry and Ogda are much better I have had a fine nap, nothwithstanding constant talking in the room, and have taken the pen from Elizabeth to finish this and send it to the store that it may not fail to be sent. Tho' a poorly written letter I know it will be valued where I most wish to have it. Do remember me particularly to mrs Goddard Lousia Fr__ and other friends to inquire after me. My love to all the dear children. I feel thankful that Sarahs cough is better. What a fine time, and Mother will bring them a large piece of maple sugar. I hope to receive another letter before I leave this place yours truly affectionate LC Pierce

[*Love to all the dear children. also to Polly.*]

48. Northampton Dated, 6 July, 1818 {Recieved 8} ~~~~~~~~

Northampton ma July 7 12 1/h

{Reverend} John Pierce Care Mr. J. Sappan Boston Single