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.

No 24. Northampton Sep 2. 1805. Monday evening.

It is now a fortnight,. My dear friend, since we parted. I hope before the end of another, our dear Sarah will be so far recovered, that we can form some plan for my returning. I sometimes almost regret I came. It is a happiness indeed to enjoy the society of our dear parents, but when I think of your solitary situation, and the many dull hours you must have, I long to be with you. You cannot imagine the trouble. of journeying with disordered children. I can assure you it is more of an undertaking than I expected. Sally and Becca, are here as often as possible, for it is out of the question, to carry Sarah abroad, and Mamma does not choose to leave her, to the care of any one. Miss Jane Welsh, and Miss {Match?] called this afternoon to see me. The Miss's Pomeroys took tea here, with our brothers and sisters. Tuesday. I find it impossible to adhere to the resolution I made before I came from home. I have repeated invitations to visit every day. This afternoon I spent at Mr. William Butlers in compa ny with brother and sister S. brother and sister E. and Nancy. we had a very pleasant time. I called at the Governor's before I went. they were polite enough to send for me this morning. but I was previously engaged. Miss [Hinckley?] called and spent an hour. She is quite an accomplished young lady.

This paper is very bad, I can scarcely make my writing legible. Wednesday, 4. Miss Fowl called in the forenoon to see me. After dinner Sally went with me to the burying place. it afforded me many useful reflections. I could hardly realize the departure of so many acquaintances I found there interred. Thursday morning. I was prevented writing any more last night by Elisabeths waking, she is very well, and improves in talking. Every thing with her is pretty -- pretty - - which she pronounces very distinctly. Sarahs head is very much better, you would be surprised to see it, it is open in three places, but neither of them, [is] so large as a ninepence. I had just taken my pen to finish this letter, when Sally came in to spend the forenoon. Mr. Stoddard has gone to Hartford on business, and will not return until monday. I had intended writing a long letter, but have only time to add a few lines. Charles informed me, in Brookline thie afternoon, or early to morrow. He is going down with a new chaise, for Mr Lucas, if he is there long enough, do let me hear by him. I shall enclose a few lines for Mrs Walley, and would thank you to seal it. I long to hear how our good friend Mrs Prescott, gets along. I hope Mrs Walley is fortunate enough, to keep Mrs Dana yet. you must not expect me to write, for next mondays mail. I am going to sisters Edwards this evening, and shall stay several days. I shall leave Sarah with Mamma.

I shall certainly have a letter from you, on saturday, if not before. it is now a week since I have received one, and I feel very anxious to hear. Give my love to Eliza, tell her Nancy is daily expecting a letter from her. And why has she not written to me. I am sure, she cannot complain for want of time. Our friends here, are all well, and anticipate a visit from you. They will hardly be reconciled to a short one.

Do let me hear from you as often as once a week, at least. And believe me

Your affectionate wife,

L Pierce.

N. No 24. Dated Sep. 5. 1805. Rec'd --- 9. ----

{Reverend} John Pierce

Brookline.

No. 25. Northampton, Sept 12. th,. 1805.

My Dear Friend,

When I wrote last I was going to brother Edwards. I accordingly went before sunset. After I got there Rebecca proposed walking down beside the river, beyond the yard, a place I had never been. We went as far as the upper mills, and I had a most delightful walk. I could not but think, how much you would have enjoyed it with us. As we returned, we went to the tanyard and were weighed. My weight was only 98 lb. Nancy's was the same. sister E.'s 137 lb. It reminded me of the time you were there with us. Friday, Rebecca rode round the town with me, in the forenoon. after dinner Mamma went with Sally, they took Sarah with them, they returned and took tea with us. Sarah was very willing to leave me, and return with Mamma at night, she has become extremely fond of her, & Papa. They wish very much I should leave her, but I do not feel willing. Sarah is a dear child and I should be sorry to lose her affection by absence. Miss Strong, and Miss - Chandler called to see me. Saturday in the forenoon, Nancy went with me to Judge [Henshaws?], after a short call, Martha walked with us, as far as Mrs. Hunts. Miss [Hatch?] boards with her. At one oclock Charles brought me your No.25. I greatly rejoice to hear you all continue well. and that you had so pleasant a commencement. I presume, Eliza was highly gratified.

I should like to have heard Mr. Kellogg. I shall never forget the impression his preaching made on my mind, thirteen years since. Sabbath, I went to meeting all day, heard a Mr. Chapin, he is a Tutor from Middlebury College. Clarissa and Sally Strong came and spent the evening with me. Monday, Polly Pomeroy called, and apologized for not inviting me there before, as the Court had been setting, the past fortnight. she requested me to spend tomorrow with her. Tuesday, I went to Mr. Pomeroy at one o'clock. When I had been there several hours, one of the girls came into the room, and said that Mr. Morris, and Lady, from Dorchester, had just left there, for the springs, in company with Dr. Dix and wife. I found on inquiry, they had been in the house some hours. I passed a very pleasant day. David [Hunts?] wife spent the afternoon with us. I left the children with our good mother, by her advise. I am weaning Elisabeth, at least, she is for me. Wednesday, Nancy came down early in the morning, to spend several days, the girls were here in the afternoon with all their children, you may be sure we did not want for noise. Several ladies from Hadley, called to see me, just before night. Thursday, Nancy called with me, at Mr. Williams, he was gone from home. We found a Mr. Robbins and wife, there from Northborough a clergyman. They were journeying up the river. We went from there, to sister Goddards and spent the day. A Mr. Williams from Heathersfield dined there, he is a Cousin of brother S. and has gone on to Dearfield to preach four sabbaths, and then is going on to Boston. he is quite a young

man, he has been supplying at Springfield, some [Acme?]. We hear they would have kept him longer, but he chose to be a rover for the present. He is the man, that married Miss Webb, that was engaged, to a brother of Mrs. Dr. Morse, you have heard me speak of them. Mr John Breck and lady, spent the evening with us, we are all engaged to visit there tomorrow. Papa informed me, late this evening, of an opportunity to send to Boston in the morning. I knew I should not be able to write then, on account of the children. Since Mamma has been weaning Elisabeth, I have Sarah to sleep with me, she coughs frequently, and [?] considerable attention. I have not found time to write at all, evenings as before. I could not begin this till after then, when she was composed for the night. I believe it is now past twelve, and quite time for me to finish. Sarahs head, heals very slowly, yet is constantly getting better. I really hope before lony it will be entirely well. I long to have the time come, when I shall return. I hope to receive a letter by the next mail. I feel much for Mrs. Halley, do give my love to her, also to Eliza. Sarah mentions you, every day, a good many times, I am sure if she was well, I could not consent to stay at such a distance from my best friend. From your L Pierce.

By Mammas desire, Elisabeth slept soundly. and this morning eat her bread and milk without appearing to wish for any thing besides, Friday morning.