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.

N. No 25. Dated Sep. 12. 1805. Rec'd ---- 19. -----

{Reverend} John Pierce

Brookline

No. 25. Northampton. Sep 16 th. 1805.

My dear friend, I have just been informed of an opportunity to send a letter this morning, directly to Boston. I can write but a few lines, since friday, Sarah has been rather unwell, she has had a little of the dysentary. but this morning seems much better. I don't know what to say about returning. I long to be at home it would be impossible to carry Sarah till her cough is better. for she has not the least command ocer herself when she coughs. if we should conclude to return without Sarah, I should prefer going in a chaise by ourselves, but if we take both the children, I see no other way but to go in the stage, it would be very disagreeable taking Sarah at all as she now is, I cannot think of staying more than a fortnight longer. If you can stay a fortnight here, you will set out in a dew day. Charles is writing for this. I hardly know what I have written, you shall hear the next mail. Your L Pierce. I recieved your No. 26, and 24, Saturday, you can hardly imagine the pleasure they gave me. Elisabeth is troubled some with Nothing.

N. No. 26. Dated Sep. 16. 1805.

Rec'd ---19. ----

{Reverend} John Pierce

Brookline

No. 24. Tuesday afternoon Sep. 14. th 1805.

Dear Husband, I wrote a few lines yesterday - morning, in great haste, hust to let you know how we all did. I had intended being more particualar, but my father sent from the store, for my letter before it was begun, and I was obliged to be as concise as possible. Friday morning, after I sent my No. 25. Sarah was taken sick. she continues growing more so, till Sunday morning, when Mamma thought best, to have the advice of Dr. Hunt, she had a very high fever all Saturday night, and when he came she had been a sleep a few minutes, and was in a great [perfopiratiom?] she set by hex. till she awoke. when we found her fever reduced. very much, he ordered several ingestions and left some powerful medicine, tobe given in the evening it operates favorably, and she had a good night. this morning she took an emetick and is now about house, tho' very feeble. I felt very much alarmed about her, as several children have died in town, of the dysentary. Elisabeth has not been perfectly well since I came from home, or at least, since the night we spent in Brookfield.. Mamma thought I had better wean her. she was very little trouble, and for several days appeared better. but since then, she has had a slight fever every day. and is unwilling to be out of the arms a moment, except when asleep.

she has lost all her sprightliness, you would hardlt know her. you wonder I have not said more of the children, but I scarcely know what to write. till within a week, Sarahs cough has been very troublesome, it is now much better. Our good Mother has devoted herself to the children, she holds Elisabeth from morning, till night. she imputes her sickness to teething. I am of her opinion, as her gums are very much swoln. I pray it may be nothing else. Friday I was prevented going to Mr. Brecks, by Sarahs being indisposed. I was up most of the night with her. Saturday, and Sabbath day, at home with the children. The evening of the [Cattir?], our brothers, and sisters, here. Monday. Mrs D. Butler sent for me to visit her. Did not go, for Mamma had as much she could do, to take care of Elisabeth, she has held her so much, that she is unwilling to be with any one besides. The girls came again this evening. they are extrimely kind in doing all in their power, for me and the dear children. Saturday when I read your letter, I told Sarah you were a going to fetch her a present, and then she was unable to get up, she repeated a number of times. Papa will fetch something to please Sarah. She has been perfectly happy here. yet she speaks of you, almost every hour in the day. She dont forget to mention aunt Walley, often.

I consider a Providential circumstance. that our good Mother has the care of the children, now they are sick. I am sure I should not know what to do for them. I had just begun to write, when Nancy. E. came in. and a few minutes after Sally. they staid so long. I was obliged to defer writing until evening. it was late before the children went to sleep, and it is now past ten oclock. I have written as fast as possible, for I have to be up considerable, in the course of the night with Sarah, and Sarah you should hear, if she has a relapse, again this week. Our friends all think best, we should leave Sarah, as she will not be in a situation to return, until her cough is gone. Mamma says she will brign her down in the spring, Providence permitting. I hardly know what to think. If we should return with brother John, had you not better come up in the stage, and make a visit before he comes. If you should not think best to return with him, you will let me know your plan soon. Do give my love to Mrs. Halley. I long to hear from her. eill Eliza it is not in my power to answer her letter at present. I make my own [puns?], with a dull knife. and they are miserable. Adieu my dear friend, and Believe me affectionately Yours, L. Pierce.