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.

David Hunts wife came at two o'clock, and we past a very social afternoon - retraceing the many happy hours we had spent together. Thursday I rceived your third letter, very far was I from accusing you of negligence, for I felt certain you had written, or was sick. I trusted in a kind Providence, and was not disappointed. How many mercies have I have been the subject of, teach me my friend justly to estimate them. Your letters are indeed a cordial to my drooping spirits, and a relief to my anxious mind. Brother Edwards call'd but a moment at the door, just to deliver your letter. I had many questions to ask, for he had been at B— and seen my friend: — — — — — by him, my father receiv'd a letter from brother John in it he mention refered to one he had previously written to me, offering to accompany me to the springs. I have not receiv'd the letter, but wish you to remember me affectionately to him. I thank him sincerely for his kind offer, but think a journey home, will be more beneficial, than one elsewhere. Unfortunately we did not any of us see Miss Salisbury. my father would have call'd on her, had he known she was in town, sooner. the weather was so extreme warm, warm. I could not have gone out in the heat of the day, tho' I should wish to pay her every possible attention, the letter to my father, sent by her, has not been receiv'd, yours was handed Lewis, by Eben Hunt. — — — — — — you will let Polly know when you intend coming, that she may have your linen prepared. I have been obliged to write in haste, owing to a mistake in the time of the stages leaving town. give my love to Eliza, and all friends. That your journey may be a prosperous one, and that you [?] reach N. in perfect health is the prayer of your, LP.

N. No. 20. June 27. 1803. Rec'd — 30.

Northampton June 27

12 1/2

{Reverend} John Pierce, Brookline. Mail. To the Care of Mr John Tappan of Boston.

No 21, Northampton, August 21. 1805.

My dear friend, After we left you, we proceeded rapidly till we came to Sudbury; where we stoped to breakfast, I didnot discover who my fellow travellers were, until we got out of the carriage. I then found one the ladies was sister to Mr Thurston of Boston, the other a Miss Haven, going to Shrewsbury to see a sick sister, the gentlemen a Mr Partidge of Hatfield, a young irishman, only five weeks since he landed in this country. he appeared very much of a gentleman, and when we left Sudbury insisted on my taking his place, on the back seat. We got to Worcester half past one, where to my great regret Mrs Johnson left us, she was extremely kind, in carrying Elisabeth, and assisting me all in her power. From Worcester we took three French men, they were very polite. We arrived in Brookfield before sunset, the children slept great part of the way, and when we got there, were so lively that is was ten oclock, before either of them went to sleep. we were not called till five the next morning. I had time to give Sarah something to take, before we set off. We left all our companions on the road, except Mr Partridge, who came all the way with us. I will write next week, and give you the particulars of our journey. I was extremely tired last night and have a violent headache this morning, but expect to feel bright in a few days. the Children are very well. Do give my love to Mrs Walley and Eliza. Adieu my dear friend, you are never absent from my mind. Lucy.

[?] My Father writes "Lucy was when she arrived somewhat fatigued, but appears to be [reencited?] this {morning} - The babes rested well - Sarah has a bad Cough - {Elisabeth} is is much better" In great hase sincerely yours J Tappan

Friday 2 PM

N. No 21. Dated Aug. 21. 1805 Rec'd --- 23. ----

{Reverend} John Pierce Brookline

No. 22. Northampton. Aug. 24, 1805.

My dear friend, you can hardly thank me for the very short letter I sent Wednesday. I was so much fatigued and Elisabeth so cross, that I was almost lightheaded. I am now very well, and should enjoy my visit, if you were here. One week has not yet elapsed, and the time has appeared long indeed: if Sarahs head gets well, I am sure I shall wish to return, before the time brother John set to come up. I could not have been induced to leave home without you, even to visit my parents, had I not felt it a duty, to do all in my power to restore our dear Sarah, her head looked better this morning, than it has for several weeks, I again feel encouraged it will soon be well. I asked her this morning, what I should write Papa, she answered directly, "Tell Papa I is a dood dal," and then added in a mournful tone, "I want to see Papa." I hope to receive a letter from you by to day's mail. I long to hear how you do, and what you do, don't fail to write at least once a week, in return. I will at the close of every day, write what occurs worth relating, and send the beginning, of the week following. Elisabeth has not been very well for several days. I think it is owing to her teeth. Becca's, little Alfred is almost twice as large as she, yet does not go alone. They all say she is a fine child, but that