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diff --git a/42522-0.txt b/42522-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..365e9bc --- /dev/null +++ b/42522-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,12203 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 42522 *** + +[Illustration: Truly Yours Amos Lawrence + +R Andrews Print.] + + + + + EXTRACTS + + FROM THE + + DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE + + OF THE LATE + + AMOS LAWRENCE; + + WITH A + + +Brief Account of Some Incidents in his Life.+ + + EDITED BY HIS SON, + + WILLIAM R. LAWRENCE, M. D. + + BOSTON: + GOULD AND LINCOLN, + 59 WASHINGTON STREET. + + NEW YORK: SHELDON, LAMPORT & BLAKEMAN. + LONDON: TRUBNER & CO. + 1856. + + Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1855, by + + WILLIAM R. LAWRENCE, + + In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the + District of Massachusetts + + BOSTON: + + Stereotyped by + HOBART & ROBBINS, + New England Type and Stereotype Foundery. + + Press of George C. Rand & Avery. + + +To his+ + + ONLY SURVIVING BROTHER, + + A M O S A. L A W R E N C E, + + OF BOSTON, + + +This Volume is Affectionately Inscribed+, + + BY + + THE EDITOR. + + + + +PREFACE. + + +Among the papers of the late Amos Lawrence were found copies of a +large number of letters addressed to his children. + +With the hope that the good counsels there given, during a succession +of years, extending from their childhood to adult age, might still be +made profitable to their descendants, he had caused them to be +carefully preserved. + +These letters, as well as an irregular record of his daily experience, +were scattered through many volumes, and required arrangement before +they could be of use to those for whom they were intended. + +As no one else of the immediate family could conveniently undertake +the task, the editor considered it his duty to do that which could not +properly be committed to one less nearly connected with the deceased. + +The present volume, containing what was thought most interesting among +those letters and extracts, was accordingly prepared for private +circulation; and an edition of one hundred copies was printed and +distributed among the nearest relatives and friends. + +It has been thought by many that the record of such a life as is here +portrayed would be useful to other readers, and especially to young +men,--a class in whom Mr. Lawrence was deeply interested, and with +whom circumstances in his own life had given him a peculiar bond of +sympathy. + +Although many, among both friends and strangers, have urged the +publication of the present memorial, and some have even questioned the +moral right of withholding from the view of others the light of an +example so worthy of imitation, much hesitation has been felt in +submitting to the public the recital of such domestic incidents as are +treasured in the memory of every family; those incidents which cast a +sunbeam or a shadow across every fireside, and yet possess little or +no interest for the busy world without. + +At the solicitation of the "Boston Young Men's Christian Union," the +"Boston Young Men's Christian Association," and the students of +Williams College, through their respective committees, and at the +request of many esteemed citizens, the pages which were prepared for +the eye of kindred and friends alone are now submitted to the public. +Personal feeling is forgotten in the hope that the principles here +inculcated may tend to promote the ends for which the subject of this +memorial lived and labored. + +The interest manifested in his life, and the tributes rendered to his +memory, have been a source of sincere gratification to his family; and +they would here tender their acknowledgments to all those who have +expressed their interest and their wishes in regard to this +publication. + +The present volume is submitted with a few unimportant omissions, and +with the addition of some materials, received after the issue of the +first edition, which will throw light upon the character and +principles of Mr. Lawrence during his early business career. + +His course was that of a private citizen, who took but little part in +public measures or in public life. + +To the general reader, therefore, there may be but little to amuse in +a career so devoid of incident, and so little connected with the +stirring events of his times; but there cannot fail to be something to +interest those who can appreciate the spirit which, in this instance, +led to a rare fidelity in the fulfilment of important trusts, and the +consecration of a life to the highest duties. + +Mr. Lawrence was eminently a religious man, and a deep sense of +accountability may be discovered at the foundation of those acts of +beneficence, which, during his lifetime, might have been attributed to +a less worthy motive. + +It has been the object of the editor to allow the subject of this +memorial to tell his own story, and to add merely what is necessary to +preserve the thread of the narrative, or to throw light upon the +various matters touched upon in the correspondence. + +It is designed to furnish such materials as will afford a history of +Mr. Lawrence's charitable efforts, rather than give a detailed account +of what was otherwise an uneventful career. + +Such selections from his correspondence are made as seemed best +adapted to illustrate the character of the man; such as exhibit his +good and valuable traits, without attempting to conceal those +imperfections, an exemption from which would elevate him above the +common sphere of mortals. + +Most of his letters are of a strictly private nature, and involve the +record of many private details. His domestic tastes, and his affection +for his family, often led him to make mention of persons and events in +such a way that few letters could be wholly given without invading the +precincts of the family circle. + +The engraving at the commencement of the volume is from an original +portrait, by Harding, in the possession of the editor, a copy of which +hangs in the library of Williams College. + +It seems also fitting to include a portrait of the Hon. Abbott +Lawrence, who, for forty-three years, was so intimately associated +with the subject of this memorial in all the trials, as well as in the +triumphs, of business life, and who was still more closely connected +by the bonds of fraternal affection and sympathy. A few days only have +elapsed since he was removed from the scene of his earthly labors. + +The grave has rarely closed over one who to such energy of character +and strength of purpose united a disposition so gentle and forbearing. +Amidst the perplexities attending his extended business relations, and +in the excitement of the political struggles in which he was called to +take part, he was never tempted to overstep the bounds of courtesy, or +to regard his opponents otherwise than with feelings of kindness. + +His wealth was used freely for the benefit of others, and for the +advancement of all those good objects which tended to promote the +welfare of his fellow-men. + +That divine spark of charity, which burned with such ceaseless energy +in the bosom of his elder brother, was caught up by him, and exhibited +its fruits in those acts of munificence which will make him long +remembered as a benefactor of his race. + +BOSTON, _September_ 1st, 1855. + + + + +LETTERS, + +REQUESTING PUBLICATION. + + + _Rooms of the Boston Young Men's Christian Union, + 6 Bedford-street, Boston, June 22, 1855._ + +WILLIAM R. LAWRENCE, ESQ. + + DEAR SIR: The undersigned, members of the Government of the Boston +Young Men's Christian Union, some of whom have perused the excellent +memoir of your honored father, feel deeply impressed with the desire +that it should be published and circulated, knowing that its +publication and perusal would greatly benefit the young, the old, and +all classes of our busy mercantile community. + +Remembering with pleasure the friendship which your father expressed, +not only in kind words, but in substantial offerings to the treasury +and library of our Society, the Union would be most happy, should it +comport with your feelings, to be made the medium of the publication +and circulation of the memoir, which you have compiled with so much +ability and faithfulness. + +Hoping to receive a favorable response to our desire, + + We are most truly yours, + + THOMAS GAFFIELD, H. K. WHITE, + JOHN SWEETSER, J. F. AINSWORTH, + JOSEPH H. ALLEN, W. H. RICHARDSON, + CHAS. C. SMITH, FRANCIS S. RUSSELL, + C. J. BISHOP, FREDERIC H. HENSHAW, + F. H. PEABODY, CHARLES F. POTTER, + W. IRVING SMITH, THORNTON K. LOTHROP, + ARTHUR W. HOBART. GEO. S. HALE. + + * * * * * + + _Rooms of the Boston Young Men's Christian Association, + Tremont Temple, Boston, July 10, 1855._ + + DEAR SIR: + +The Committee on the Library of the Boston Young Men's Christian +Association beg leave, in its behalf, to tender you sincere thanks for +your donation of a copy of the "Diary and Correspondence of Amos +Lawrence." It will remain to the members of the Association a valued +memorial of one of its earliest benefactors. It will be yet more +prized for its record of his invaluable legacy,--the history of a long +life--a bright example. + +The Committee, uniting with the subscribers, managers of the +Association, are happy to improve this opportunity to express the hope +that you may be induced to give the book a more general circulation. +The kindly charities of your late lamented parent are still fresh in +impressions of gratitude upon their recipients. They require no herald +to give them publicity. The voice of fame would do violence to their +spirit. + +Yet, now that "the good man" can no more utter his words of sympathy +and counsel,--that his pen can no more subscribe its noble +benefactions, or indite its lessons of wisdom and experience,--the +press may silently perpetuate those which survive him. + +We must assure you of our pleasure in the knowledge that the liberal +interest in the Association, so constantly manifested by your revered +father, is actively maintained by yourself. + + We remain, in the fraternal bonds of Christian regard, + + Yours, truly, + + JACOB SLEEPER, FRANCIS D. STEDMAN, + J. S. WARREN, ELIJAH SWIFT, + SAMUEL GREGORY, B. C. CLARK, JR., + LUTHER L. TARBELL, JOSEPH P. ELLICOTT, + ALONZO C. TENNEY, GEO. N. NOYES, + MOSES W. POND, PEARL MARTIN, + STEPHEN G. DEBLOIS, W. H. JAMESON, + HENRY FURNAS, W. F. STORY. + + FRANKLIN W. SMITH, } + E. M. PUTNAM, } _Committee + CHAS. L. ANDREWS, } on + GEO. C. RAND, } Library and Rooms_ + H. C. GILBERT, } + + To + WILLIAM R. LAWRENCE, M.D. + + * * * * * + + _Williams College, June 30, 1855._ + + DEAR SIR: + +The students of Williams College having learned that you have +prepared, for private distribution, a volume illustrating the +character of the late Amos Lawrence, whose munificence to this +Institution they appreciate, and whose memory they honor; the +undersigned, a Committee appointed for the purpose, express to you +their earnest desire that you would allow it to be published. + + Very truly yours, + + SAMUEL B. FORBES, + E. C. SMITH, + FRED. W. BEECHER, + HENRY HOPKINS. + + To + W. R. LAWRENCE, M.D., _Boston_. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + + PAGE + + CHAPTER I. + + BIRTH.--ANCESTRY.--PARENTS, 15 + + CHAPTER II. + + EARLY YEARS.--SCHOOL DAYS.--APPRENTICESHIP, 20 + + CHAPTER III. + + ARRIVAL IN BOSTON.--CLERKSHIP.--COMMENCES BUSINESS.--HABITS, 28 + + CHAPTER IV. + + BUSINESS HABITS.--HIS FATHER'S MORTGAGE.--RESOLUTIONS.--ARRIVAL + OF BROTHERS IN BOSTON, 35 + + CHAPTER V. + + VISITS AT GROTON.--SICKNESS.--LETTER FROM DR. SHATTUCK.-- + ENGAGEMENT.--LETTER TO REV. DR. GANNETT.--MARRIAGE, 40 + + CHAPTER VI. + + BRAMBLE NEWS.--JUNIOR PARTNER GOES TO ENGLAND.--LETTERS TO + BROTHER, 47 + + CHAPTER VII. + + DEATH OF SISTER.--LETTERS, 54 + + CHAPTER VIII. + + DOMESTIC HABITS.--ILLNESS AND DEATH OF WIFE, 59 + + CHAPTER IX. + + JOURNEYS.--LETTERS.--JOURNEY TO NEW YORK, 68 + + CHAPTER X. + + MARRIAGE.--ELECTED TO LEGISLATURE.--ENGAGES IN MANUFACTURES.-- + REFLECTIONS, 77 + + CHAPTER XI. + + REFLECTIONS.--BUNKER HILL MONUMENT.--LETTERS, 82 + + CHAPTER XII. + + JOURNEY TO CANADA.--LETTERS.--DIARY.--CHARITIES, 89 + + CHAPTER XIII. + + CORRESPONDENCE WITH MR. WEBSTER.--LETTERS, 96 + + CHAPTER XIV. + + TESTIMONIAL TO MR. WEBSTER.--DANGEROUS ILLNESS.--LETTERS, 102 + + CHAPTER XV. + + JOURNEY TO NEW HAMPSHIRE.--LETTERS.--RESIGNS OFFICE OF TRUSTEE + AT HOSPITAL.--LETTERS, 109 + + CHAPTER XVI. + + DAILY EXERCISE.--REGIMEN.--IMPROVING HEALTH.--LETTERS, 122 + + CHAPTER XVII. + + REFLECTIONS.--VISIT TO WASHINGTON.--VISIT TO RAINSFORD + ISLAND.--REFLECTIONS.--VIEW OF DEATH.--REFLECTIONS, 137 + + CHAPTER XVIII. + + BROTHER'S DEATH.--LETTERS.--GIFTS.--LETTERS.--BIRTH-PLACE.-- + DIARY.--APPLICATIONS FOR AID.--REFLECTIONS.--LETTER FROM + REV. DR. STONE.--DIARY, 147 + + CHAPTER XIX. + + REFLECTIONS.--LETTERS.--ACCOUNT OF EFFORTS TO COMPLETE BUNKER + HILL MONUMENT, 165 + + CHAPTER XX. + + INTEREST IN MOUNT AUBURN.--REV. DR. SHARP.--LETTER FROM BISHOP + McILVAINE.--LETTER FROM JUDGE STORY, 175 + + CHAPTER XXI. + + ACQUAINTANCE WITH PRESIDENT HOPKINS.--LETTERS.--AFFECTION FOR + BRATTLE-STREET CHURCH.--DEATH OF MRS. APPLETON.-- + LETTERS.--AMESBURY CO., 182 + + CHAPTER XXII. + + DEATH OF HIS DAUGHTER.--LETTERS.--DONATION TO WILLIAMS + COLLEGE.--BENEFICENCE.--LETTERS, 193 + + CHAPTER XXIII. + + LETTER FROM DR. SHARP.--ILLNESS AND DEATH OF HIS SON.-- + LETTERS.--AFFLICTIONS, 203 + + CHAPTER XXIV. + + REFLECTIONS.--EXPENDITURES.--LETTERS.--DONATION FOR LIBRARY AT + WILLIAMS COLLEGE.--VIEWS ON STUDY OF ANATOMY, 212 + + CHAPTER XXV. + + DONATION TO LAWRENCE ACADEMY.--CORRESPONDENCE WITH R. G. + PARKER.--SLEIGH-RIDES.--AVERSION TO NOTORIETY.--CHILDREN'S + HOSPITAL, 221 + + CHAPTER XXVI. + + CAPTAIN A. S. MCKENZIE.--DIARY.--AID TO IRELAND.--MADAM + PRESCOTT.--SIR WILLIAM COLEBROOKE, 234 + + CHAPTER XXVII. + + MR. LAWRENCE AS AN APPLICANT.--LETTERS.--DIARY.--PRAYER AND + MEDITATIONS.--FAC-SIMILE OF HAND-WRITING.--LIBERALITY + TO A CREDITOR.--LETTERS, 242 + + CHAPTER XXVIII. + + REFLECTIONS.--VIEWS ON HOLDING OFFICE.--LETTERS.--CAPT. A. + SLIDELL McKENZIE.--DEATH OF BROTHER AND OF HON. J. MASON, 255 + + CHAPTER XXIX. + + SYSTEM IN ACCOUNTS.--LETTER FROM PROF. STUART--LETTERS.-- + DIARY.--DR. HAMILTON.--FATHER MATHEW, 264 + + CHAPTER XXX. + + CODICIL TO WILL.--ILLNESS--GEN. WHITING.--LETTERS.--DIARY, 271 + + CHAPTER XXXI. + + DIARY.--REFLECTIONS.--SICKNESS.--LETTER FROM DR. SHARP.-- + CORRESPONDENCE, 278 + + CHAPTER XXXII. + + AMIN BEY.--AMOUNT OF DONATIONS TO WILLIAMS COLLEGE, 285 + + CHAPTER XXXIII. + + LETTERS--LIKENESS OF ABBOTT LAWRENCE.--DIARY, 292 + + CHAPTER XXXIV. + + SIR T. F. BUXTON.--LETTER FROM LADY BUXTON.--ELLIOTT + CRESSON.--LETTERS, 298 + + CHAPTER XXXV. + + LETTERS.--REV. DR. SCORESBY.--WABASH COLLEGE, 304 + + CHAPTER XXXVI. + + DIARY.--AMOUNT OF CHARITIES.--LETTERS.--THOMAS TARBELL.-- + UNCLE TOBY.--REV. DR. LOWELL, 311 + + CHAPTER XXXVII. + + CORRESPONDENCE.--DIARY, 324 + + CHAPTER XXXVIII. + + MR. LAWRENCE SERVES AS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTOR.--GEN. FRANKLIN + PIERCE--SUDDEN DEATH.--FUNERAL, 334 + + CHAPTER XXXIX. + + SKETCH OF CHARACTER BY REV. DRS. LOTHROP AND HOPKINS, 343 + + CHAPTER XL. + + CONCLUSION, 352 + + INDEX, 361 + + + + +DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +BIRTH.--ANCESTRY.--PARENTS. + + +Amos Lawrence was born in Groton, Mass., on the 22d of April, 1786. +His ancestor, John Lawrence, was baptized, according to the records, +on the 8th of October, 1609, at Wisset, County of Suffolk, England, +where the family had resided for a long period, though originally from +the County of Lancaster. + +Butler, in his "History of Groton," has, among other details, the +following: + + "The first account of the ancestor of the numerous families of + this name in Groton and Pepperell, which can be relied upon as + certain, is, that he was an inhabitant of Watertown as early as + 1635. He probably came in the company which came with Governor + Winthrop, in 1630. His given name was John, and that of his wife + was Elizabeth. Whether they were married in England or not, has + not been ascertained. Their eldest child was born in Watertown, + January 14, 1635. He removed to Groton, with probably all his + family, at an early period of its settlement, as his name is + found in the records there in 1663. He was an original + proprietor, having a twenty-acre right." + +Of the parents of the subject of this memoir, the same author writes: + + "Samuel Lawrence, the son of Captain Amos Lawrence, sen., was an + officer in the continental army, in the former part of the + Revolutionary War. He was in the battle of Bunker Hill, where a + musket-ball passed through his beaver hat. He was also in the + battle in Rhode Island, where he served as adjutant under General + Sullivan. On the 22d day of July, 1777, being at home, on a + furlough, for the express purpose, he was married to Susanna + Parker. * * * * + + "Having faithfully served in the cause of his country during the + term of his engagement, he returned to his native town, to enjoy + the peace and quiet of domestic life on his farm. He was elected + by his townsmen to some of the highest offices in their gift; he + was a deacon of the church, and a justice of the peace _quorum + unus_. He took a deep interest in providing means for the + education of youth, particularly in establishing and supporting + the seminary in Groton, which now, in gratitude to him and his + sons, bears the family name. Of this institution he was a trustee + thirty-three years, and in its benefits and advantages he gave + ample opportunities for all his children to participate. Here + their minds undoubtedly received some of those early impressions, + the developments and consequences of which it will be the work of + their biographers hereafter to portray. No deduction, however, + should here be made from the importance of parental instruction, + to add to the merit of academical education. The correct lessons + given by the mother in the nursery are as necessary to give the + right inclination to the tender mind as are those of the tutor in + the highest seminary to prepare it for the business of life and + intellectual greatness. In the present case, all the duties + incumbent on a mother to teach her offspring to be good, and + consequently great, were discharged with fidelity and success. + Both parents lived to see, in the subject of their care, all that + they could reasonably hope or desire. He died November 8, 1827, + æt. seventy-three; and his venerable widow, May 2, 1845, æt. + eighty-nine." + +Mr. Lawrence writes, in 1849, to a friend: + + "My father belonged to a company of _minute-men_ in Groton, at + the commencement of the Revolution. On the morning of the 19th of + April, 1775, when the news reached town that the British troops + were on the road from Boston, General Prescott, who was a + neighbor, came towards the house on horseback, at rapid speed, + and cried out, 'Samuel, notify your men: _the British are + coming_.' My father mounted the general's horse, rode a distance + of seven miles, notified the men of his circuit, and was back + again at his father's house in forty minutes. In three hours the + company was ready to march, and on the next day (the 20th) + reached Cambridge. My father was in the battle of Bunker Hill; + received a bullet through his cap, which cut his hair from front + to rear; received a spent grape-shot upon his arm, without + breaking the bone; and lost a large number of men. His veteran + Captain Farwell was shot through the body, was taken up for dead, + and was so reported by the man who was directed to carry him off. + This report brought back the captain's voice, and he exclaimed, + with his utmost power, '_It an't true; don't let my poor wife + hear of this; I shall live to see my country free._' And so it + turned out. This good man, who had served at the capture of Cape + Breton in 1745, again in 1755, and now on Bunker Hill in 1775, is + connected with everything interesting in my early days. The + bullet was extracted, and remains, as a memento, with his + descendants. My father and mother were acquainted from their + childhood, and engaged to be married some time in 1775. They kept + up a correspondence through 1776, when he was at New York; but, + on a visit to her, in 1777 (his mother having advised them to be + married, as Susan had better be Sam's widow than his forlorn + damsel), they were married; but, while the ceremony was going + forward, the signal was given to call all soldiers to their + posts; and, within the hour, he left his wife, father, mother, + and friends, to join his regiment, then at Cambridge. This was on + the 22d day of July, 1777. In consideration of the circumstances, + his colonel allowed him to return to his wife, and to join the + army at Rhode Island in a brief time (two or three days). He did + so, and saw nothing more of home until the last day of that year. + The army being in winter quarters, he got a furlough for a short + period, and reached home in time to assist at the ordination of + the Rev. Daniel Chaplin, of whose church both my parents were + then members. His return was a season of great joy to all his + family. His stay was brief, and nothing more was seen of him + until the autumn of 1778, when he retired from the army, in time + to be with his wife at the birth of their first child. From that + time he was identified with everything connected with the good of + the town. As we children came forward, we were carefully looked + after, but were taught to use the talents intrusted to us; and + every nerve was strained to provide for us the academy which is + now doing so much there. We _sons_ are doing less for education + _for our means_ than our father for his means." + +Of his mother Mr. Lawrence always spoke in the strongest terms of +veneration and love, and in many of his letters are found messages of +affection, such as could have emanated only from a heart overflowing +with filial gratitude. Her form bending over their bed in silent +prayer, at the hour of twilight, when she was about leaving them for +the night, is still among the earliest recollections of her children. + +She was a woman well fitted to train a family for the troubled times +in which she lived. To the kindest affections and sympathies she +united energy and decision, and in her household enforced that strict +and unhesitating obedience, which she considered as the foundation of +all success in the education of children. Her hands were never idle, +as may be supposed, when it is remembered that in those days, +throughout New England, in addition to the cares of a farming +establishment, much of the material for clothing was manufactured by +the inmates of the family. Many hours each day she passed at the +hand-loom, and the hum of the almost obsolete spinning-wheel even now +comes across the memory like the remembrance of a pleasant but +half-forgotten melody. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +EARLY YEARS.--SCHOOL DAYS.--APPRENTICESHIP. + + +The first public instruction received by Mr. Lawrence was at the +district school kept at a short distance from his father's house. +Possessing a feeble constitution, he was often detained at home by +sickness, where he employed himself industriously with his books and +tools, in the use of which he acquired a good degree of skill, as may +be seen from a letter to his son, at Groton, in 1839: + + "Near the barn used to be an old fort, where the people went to + protect themselves from the Indians; and, long since my + remembrance, the old cellar was there, surrounded by elder-bushes + and the like. I made use of many a piece of the elder for + pop-guns and squirts, in the preparation of which I acquired a + strong taste for the use of the pen-knife and jack-knife. I like + the plan of boys acquiring the taste for tools, and of their + taking pains to learn their use; for they may be so situated as + to make a very slight acquaintance very valuable to them. And, + then, another advantage is that they may have exercise of body + and mind in some situations where they would suffer without. How + do you employ yourself? Learn as much as you can of farming; for + the work of your hands in this way may prove the best resource + in securing comfort to you. The beautiful images of early life + come up in these bright moonlight nights, the like of which I + used to enjoy in the fields below our old mansion, where I was + sent to watch the cattle. There I studied astronomy to more + account than ever afterwards; for the heavens were impressive + teachers of the goodness of that Father who is ever near to each + one of his children. May you never lose sight of this truth, and + so conduct yourself that at any moment you may be ready to answer + when He calls!" + +He did not allow himself to be idle, but, from his earliest years, +exhibited the same spirit of industry which led to success in after +life. With a natural quickness of apprehension, and a fondness for +books, he made commendable progress, in spite of his disadvantages. +His father's social disposition and hospitable feelings made the house +a favorite resort for both friends and strangers; and among the most +welcome were old messmates and fellow-soldiers, to whose marvellous +adventures and escapes the youthful listener lent a most attentive +ear. In after life he often alluded to the intense interest with which +he hung upon these accounts of revolutionary scenes, and times which +"tried men's souls." The schoolmaster was usually billeted upon the +family; and there are now living individuals high in political and +social life who served in that capacity, and who look back with +pleasure to the days passed under that hospitable roof. + +At a later period, he seems to have been transferred to another +school, in the adjoining district, as will be seen by the following +extract of a letter, written in 1844, to a youth at the Groton +Academy: + + "More than fifty years ago, your father and I were school + children together. I attended then at the old meeting-house, or + North Barn, as it was called, by way of derision, where I once + remember being in great tribulation at having lost my + spelling-book on the way. It was afterwards restored to me by + Captain Richardson, who found it under his pear-tree, where I had + been, without leave, on my way to school, and with the other + children helped myself to his fruit." + +From the district school, Mr. Lawrence entered the Groton Academy, of +which all his brothers and sisters were members at various times. As +his strength was not sufficient to make him useful upon the farm, in +the autumn of 1799 he was placed in a small store, in the neighboring +town of Dunstable. There he passed but a few months; and, on account, +perhaps, of greater facilities for acquiring a knowledge of business, +he was transferred to the establishment of James Brazer, Esq., of +Groton, an enterprising and thrifty country merchant, who transacted a +large business, for those times, with his own and surrounding towns. +The store was situated on the high road leading from Boston to New +Hampshire and Canada, and was, consequently, a place of much resort, +both for travellers and neighbors who took an interest in passing +events. Several clerks were employed; and, as Mr. Brazer did not take +a very active part in the management of the business, after a year or +two nearly the whole responsibility of the establishment rested upon +young Lawrence. The stock consisted of the usual variety kept in the +country stores of those days, when neighbors could not, as now, run +down to the city, thirty or forty miles distant, for any little matter +of fancy, and return before dinner-time. Puncheons of rum and brandy, +bales of cloth, kegs of tobacco, with hardware and hosiery, shared +attention in common with silks and thread, and all other articles for +female use. Among other duties, the young clerk was obliged to +dispense medicines, not only to customers, but to all the physicians +within twenty miles around, who depended on this establishment for +their supply. + +The confidence in his good judgment was such that he was often +consulted, in preference to the physician, by those who were suffering +from minor ails; and many were the extemporaneous doses which he +administered for the weal or woe of the patient. The same confidence +was extended to him in all other matters, no one doubted his +assertion; and the character for probity and fairness which +accompanied him through life was here established. + +The quantity of rum and brandy sold would surprise the temperance men +of modern days. At eleven o'clock, each forenoon, some stimulating +beverage, according to the taste of the clerk who compounded it, was +served out for the benefit of clerks and customers. Mr. Lawrence +partook with the others; but, soon finding that the desire became more +pressing at the approach of the hour for indulgence, he resolved to +discontinue the habit altogether: + + "His mind was soon made up. Understanding perfectly the ridicule + he should meet with, and which for a time he did meet with in its + fullest measure, he yet took at once the ground of _total + abstinence_. Such a stand, taken at such an age, in such + circumstances of temptation, before temperance societies had been + heard of, or the investigations had been commenced on which they + are based, was a practical instance of that judgment and decision + which characterized him through life."[1] + + [1] President Hopkins's Sermon in commemoration of Amos Lawrence + +In regard to this resolution, he writes, many years afterward, to a +young student in college: + + "In the first place, take this for your motto at the commencement + of your journey, that the difference of going _just right_, or a + _little wrong_, will be the difference of finding yourself in + good quarters, or in a miserable bog or slough, at the end of it. + Of the whole number educated in the Groton stores for some years + before and after myself, no one else, to my knowledge, escaped + the bog or slough; and my escape I trace to the simple fact of my + having put a restraint upon my appetite. We five boys were in the + habit, every forenoon, of making a drink compounded of rum, + raisins, sugar, nutmeg, &c., with biscuit,--all palatable to eat + and drink. After being in the store four weeks, I found myself + admonished by my appetite of the approach of the hour for + indulgence. Thinking the habit might make trouble if allowed to + grow stronger, without further apology to my seniors I declined + partaking with them. My first resolution was to abstain for a + week, and, when the week was out, for a month, and then for a + year. Finally, I resolved to abstain for the rest of my + apprenticeship, which was for five years longer. During that + whole period, I never drank a spoonful, though I mixed gallons + daily for my old master and his customers. I decided not to be a + slave to tobacco in any form, though I loved the odor of it then, + and even now have in my drawer a superior Havana cigar, given me, + not long since, by a friend, but only to smell of. I have never + in my life smoked a cigar; never chewed but one quid, and that + was before I was fifteen; and never took an ounce of snuff, + though the scented rappee of forty years ago had great charms for + me. Now, I say, to this simple fact of starting _just right_ am I + indebted, with God's blessing on my labors, for my present + position, as well as that of the numerous connections sprung up + around me. I have many details that now appear as plain to me as + the sun at noonday, by which events are connected together, and + which have led to results that call on me to bless the Lord for + all his benefits, and to use the opportunities thus permitted to + me in cheering on the generation of young men who have claims + upon my sympathies as relations, fellow-townsmen, or brethren on + a more enlarged scale." + +Of this period he writes elsewhere, as follows: + + "When I look back, I can trace the small events which happened at + your age as having an influence upon all the after things. My + academy lessons, little academy balls, and eight-cent expenses + for music and gingerbread, the agreeable partners in the hall, + and pleasant companions in the stroll, all helped to make me feel + that I had a character even then; and, after leaving school and + going into the store, there was not a month passed before I + became impressed with the opinion that restraint upon appetite + was necessary to prevent the slavery I saw destroying numbers + around me. Many and many of the farmers, mechanics, and + apprentices, of that day, have filled drunkards' graves, and have + left destitute families and friends. + + "The knowledge of every-day affairs which I acquired in my + business apprenticeship in Groton has been a source of pleasure + and profit even in my last ten years' discipline." + +The responsibility thrown upon the young clerk was very great; and he +seems cheerfully to have accepted it, and to have given himself up +entirely to the performance of his business duties. His time, from +early dawn till evening, was fully taken up; and, although living in +the family of his employer, and within a mile of his father's house, a +whole week would sometimes pass without his having leisure to pay even +a flying visit. + +But few details of his apprenticeship can now be gathered either from +his contemporaries or from any allusions in his own writings. He was +disabled for a time by an accident which came near being fatal. In +assisting an acquaintance to unload a gun, by some means the charge +exploded, and passed directly through the middle of his hand, making +a round hole like that of a bullet. Sixty-three shot were picked out +of the floor after the accident, and it seemed almost a miracle that +he ever again had the use of his hand. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +ARRIVAL IN BOSTON.--CLERKSHIP.--COMMENCES BUSINESS.--HABITS.--LETTERS. + + +On the 22d of April, 1807, Mr. Lawrence became of age; and his +apprenticeship, which had lasted seven years, was terminated. + +On the 29th of the same month, he took his father's horse and chaise, +and engaged a neighbor to drive him to Boston, with, as he says, many +years afterwards,-- + + "Twenty dollars in my pocket, but feeling richer than I had ever + felt before, or have felt since; so rich that I gave the man who + came with me two dollars to save him from any expense, and insure + him against loss by his spending two days on the journey here and + back (for which he was glad of an excuse)." + +His object was to make acquaintances, and to establish a credit which +would enable him to commence business in Groton on his own account, in +company with a fellow-apprentice. + +A few days after his arrival in Boston, he received the offer of a +clerkship from a respectable house; and, wishing to familiarize +himself with the modes of conducting mercantile affairs in the +metropolis, and with the desire of extending his acquaintance with +business men, he accepted the offer. His employers were so well +satisfied with the capacity of their new clerk, that, in the course of +a few months, they made a proposition to admit him into partnership. +Without any very definite knowledge of their affairs, he, much to +their surprise, declined the offer. He did not consider the principles +on which the business was conducted as the true ones. The result +showed his sagacity; for, in the course of a few months, the firm +became insolvent, and he was appointed by the creditors to settle +their affairs. This he did to their satisfaction; and, having no +further occupation, decided upon commencing business on his own +account. He accordingly hired a small store in what was then called +Cornhill, and furnished it by means of the credit which he had been +able to obtain through the confidence with which he had inspired those +whose acquaintance he had made during his brief sojourn in Boston. + +On the 17th of December, 1807, he commenced business, after having +engaged as his clerk Henry Whiting, in after years well and honorably +known as Brigadier-General Whiting, of the United States Army. + +Mr. Lawrence writes to General Whiting, in 1849, as follows: + + "I have just looked into my first sales-book, and there see the + entries made by you more than forty-one years ago. Ever since, + you have been going up from the cornet of dragoons to the present + station. Abbott, who took your place, is now the representative + of his country at the Court of St. James." + +In a memorandum in one of his account-books, he thus alludes to his +condition at that time: + + "I was then, in the matter of property, not worth a dollar. My + father was comfortably off as a farmer, somewhat in debt; with + perhaps four thousand dollars. My brother Luther was in the + practice of law, getting forward, but not worth two thousand + dollars; William had nothing; Abbott, a lad just fifteen years + old, at school; and Samuel, a child seven years old." + +Of the manner in which he occupied himself when not engaged about his +business, he writes to his son in 1832: + + "When I first came to this city, I took lodgings in the family of + a widow who had commenced keeping boarders for a living. I was + one of her first, and perhaps had been in the city two months + when I went to this place; and she, of course, while I remained, + was inclined to adopt any rules for the boarders that I + prescribed. The only one I ever made was, that, after supper, all + the boarders who remained in the public room should remain quiet + at least for one hour, to give those who chose to study or read + an opportunity of doing so without disturbance. The consequence + was, that we had the most quiet and improving set of young men in + the town. The few who did not wish to comply with the regulation + went abroad after tea, sometimes to the theatre, sometimes to + other places, but, to a man, became bankrupt in after life, not + only in fortune, but in reputation; while a majority of the other + class sustained good characters, and some are now living who are + ornaments to society, and fill important stations. The influence + of this small measure will perhaps be felt throughout + generations. It was not less favorable on myself than on others." + +Mr. Lawrence was remarkable through life for the most punctilious +exactness in all matters relating to business. Ever prompt himself in +all that he undertook, he submitted with little grace to the want of +the same good trait in others. He writes to a friend: + + "And now having delivered the message, having the power at the + present moment, and not having the assurance that I shall be able + to do it the next hour, I will state that I practised upon the + maxim, '_Business before friends_,' from the commencement of my + course. During the first seven years of my business in this city, + I never allowed a bill against me to stand unsettled over the + Sabbath. If the purchase of goods was made at auction on + Saturday, and delivered to me, I always examined and settled the + bill by note or by crediting it, and having it clear, so that, in + case I was not on duty on Monday, there would be no trouble for + my boys; thus keeping the business _before_ me, instead of + allowing it to _drive_ me." + +Absence from his home seemed only to strengthen the feelings of +attachment with which he regarded its inmates. + + "My interest in home, and my desire to have something to tell my + sisters to instruct and improve them, as well as to hear their + comments upon whatever I communicated, was a powerful motive for + me to spend a portion of each evening in my boarding-house, the + first year I came to Boston, in reading and study." + +During the same month in which he commenced his business, he opened a +correspondence with one of his sisters by the following letter: + + "BOSTON, December, 1807. + + "DEAR E.: Although the youngest, you are no less dear to me than + the other sisters. To you, therefore, I ought to be as liberal in + affording pleasure (if you can find any in reading my letters) as + to S. and M.; and, if there is any benefit resulting from them, + you have a claim to it as well as they. From these + considerations, and with the hope that you will write to me + whenever you can do so with convenience, I have begun a + correspondence which I hope will end only with life. To be able + to write a handsome letter is certainly a very great + accomplishment, and can best be attained by practice; and, if you + now begin, I have no hesitation in saying, that, by the time you + are sixteen, you will be mistress of a handsome style, and thrice + the quantity of ideas you would otherwise possess, by omitting + this part of education. At present, you can write about any + subject that will afford you an opportunity of putting together a + sentence, and I shall read it with pleasure. I mention this, that + you need not fear writing on subjects not particularly + interesting to me; the manner at present being of as much + consequence as the matter. + + "For our mutual pleasure and benefit, dear E., I hope you will + not fail to gratify your affectionate brother + + AMOS." + +To show the nature of the correspondence between the parties, extracts +are given below from a letter dated within a few days of the +preceding, and addressed to another sister: + + "From you, my dear sister, the injunction not to forget the + duties of religion comes with peculiar grace. You beg I will + pardon you for presuming to offer good advice. Does a good act + require pardon? Not having committed an offence, I can grant you + no pardon; but my thanks I can give, which you will accept, with + an injunction never to withhold any caution or advice which you + may think necessary or beneficial on account of fewer years + having passed over your head. * * * * + + "Many, when speaking of perfection, say it is not attainable, or + hitherto unattainable, and it is therefore vain to try or hope + for it. To such I would observe, that, from motives of duty to + our Creator, and ambition in ourselves, we ought to strive for + it, at least so far as not to be distanced by those who have + preceded us. Morality is strict justice between man and man; + therefore, a man being moral does not imply he is a Christian, + but being a Christian implies he is a moral man. * * * * + + "We ought to use our utmost endeavors to conquer our passions and + evil propensities, to conform our lives to the strict rules of + morality and the best practice of Christianity. I cannot go + further, without introducing the subject of evil speaking, which + you will perhaps think I have exhausted. * * * + + "I do not, my dear M., set myself up as a reformer of human + nature, or to find fault with it; but these observations (which + have occurred to me as I am writing) may serve to show how apt we + are to do things which afford us no pleasure, and which + oftentimes are attended with the most disagreeable consequences. + If you receive any improvement from the sentiments, or pleasure + from the perusal, of this letter, the time in writing will be + considered as well spent by your affectionate brother + + AMOS." + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +BUSINESS HABITS.--HIS FATHER'S MORTGAGE.--RESOLUTIONS.--ARRIVAL OF +BROTHERS IN BOSTON. + + +Mr. Lawrence had early formed, in the management of his affairs, +certain principles, to which he rigidly adhered till the close of +life. He writes: + + "I adopted the plan of keeping an accurate account of merchandise + bought and sold each day, with the profit as far as practicable. + This plan was pursued for a number of years; and I never found my + merchandise fall short in taking an account of stock, which I did + as often at least as once in each year. I was thus enabled to + form an opinion of my actual state as a business man. I adopted + also the rule always to have property, after my second year's + business, to represent forty per cent. at least more than I owed; + that is, never to be in debt more than two and a half times my + capital. This caution saved me from ever getting embarrassed. If + it were more generally adopted, we should see fewer failures in + business. Excessive credit is the rock on which so many business + men are broken. + + "When I commenced, the embargo had just been laid, and with such + restrictions on trade that many were induced to leave it. But I + felt great confidence, that, by industry, economy, and integrity, + I could get a living; and the experiment showed that I was right. + Most of the young men who commenced at that period failed by + spending too much money, and using credit too freely. + + "I made about fifteen hundred dollars the first year, and more + than four thousand the second. Probably, had I made four thousand + the first year, I should have failed the second or third year. I + practised a system of rigid economy, and never allowed myself to + spend a fourpence for unnecessary objects until I had acquired + it." + +It is known to many of Mr. Lawrence's friends that his father +mortgaged his farm, and loaned the proceeds to his son; thereby +enabling him, as some suppose, to do what he could not have done by +his own unaided efforts. To show how far this supposition is correct, +the following extract is given. It is copied from the back of the +original mortgage deed, now lying before the writer, and bearing date +of September 1, 1807. The extract is dated March, 1847: + + "The review of this transaction always calls up the deep feelings + of my heart. My honored father brought to me the one thousand + dollars, and asked me to give him my note for it. I told him he + did wrong to place himself in a situation to be made unhappy, if + I lost the money. He told me he _guessed I wouldn't lose it_, and + I gave him my note. The first thing I did was to take four per + cent. premium on my Boston bills (the difference then between + passable and Boston money), and send a thousand dollars in bills + of the Hillsborough Bank to Amherst, New Hampshire, by my father, + to my brother L. to carry to the bank and get specie, as he was + going there to attend court that week. My brother succeeded in + getting specie, principally in silver change, for the bills, and + returned it to me in a few days. In the mean time, or shortly + after, the bank had been sued, the bills discredited, and, in the + end, proved nearly worthless. I determined not to use the money, + except in the safest way; and therefore loaned it to Messrs. + Parkman, in whom I had entire confidence. After I had been in + business, and had made more than a thousand dollars, I felt that + I could repay the money, come what would of it; being insured + against fire, and trusting nobody for goods. I used it in my + business, but took care to pay off the mortgage as soon as it + would be received. The whole transaction is deeply interesting, + and calls forth humble and devout thanksgiving to that merciful + Father who has been to us better than our most sanguine hopes." + +In alluding to this transaction in another place, he says: + + "This incident shows how dangerous it is to the independence and + comfort of families, for parents to take pecuniary + responsibilities for their sons in trade, beyond their power of + meeting them without embarrassment. Had my Hillsborough Bank + notes not been paid as they were, nearly the whole amount would + have been lost, and myself and family might probably have been + ruined. The incident was so striking, that I have uniformly + discouraged young men who have applied to me for credit, offering + their fathers as bondsmen; and, by doing so, I have, I believe, + saved some respectable families from ruin. My advice, however, + has been sometimes rejected with anger. A young man who cannot + get along without such aid will not be likely to get along with + it. On the first day of January, 1808, I had been but a few days + in business; and the profits on all my sales to that day were one + hundred and seventy-five dollars and eighteen cents. The + expenses were to come out, and the balance was my capital. In + 1842, the sum had increased to such an amount as I thought would + be good for my descendants; and, from that time, I have been my + own executor. How shall I show my sense of responsibility? Surely + by active deeds more than by unmeaning words. God grant me to be + true and faithful in his work!" + +Having become fairly established in Boston, Mr. Lawrence concluded to +take his brother Abbott, then fifteen years of age, as an apprentice. +On the 8th of October, 1808, Abbott accordingly joined his brother, +who says of him: + + "In 1808, he came to me as my apprentice, bringing his bundle + under his arm, with less than three dollars in his pocket (and + this was his fortune); a first-rate business lad he was, but, + like other bright lads, needed the careful eye of a senior to + guard him from the pitfalls that he was exposed to." + +In his diary of February 10, 1847, he writes: + + "In the autumn of 1809, I boarded at Granger's Coffee House, + opposite Brattle-street Church; and, in the same house, Mr. + Charles White took up his quarters, to prepare his then new play, + called the 'Clergyman's Daughter.' He spent some months in + preparing it to secure a _run_ for the winter; and used to have + Tennett, Canfield, Robert Treat Paine, and a host of others, to + dine with him very often. I not unfrequently left the party at + the dinner-table, and found them there when I returned to tea. + Among the boarders was a fair proportion of respectable young + men, of different pursuits; and, having got somewhat interested + for White, we all agreed to go, and help bring out his + 'Clergyman's Daughter.' Mrs. Darley was the lady to personate + her, and a more beautiful creature could not be found. She and + her husband (who sung his songs better than any man I had ever + heard then) had all the spirit of parties in interest. We filled + the boxes, and encored, and all promised a great run. After three + nights, we found few beside the friends, and it was laid aside a + failure. In looking back, the picture comes fresh before me; and, + among all, I do not recollect one who was the better, and most + were ruined. The theatre is no better now." + +In 1849, he resumes: + + "About this time, my brother William made me a little visit to + recruit his health, which he had impaired by hard work on the + farm, and by a generous attention to the joyous meetings of the + young folks of both sexes, from six miles around, which meetings + he never allowed to break in upon his work. He continued his + visit through the winter, and became so much interested in my + business that I agreed to furnish the store next my own for his + benefit. Soon after that, I was taken sick; and he bought goods + for himself to start with, and pushed on without fear. From that + time, he was successful as a business man. He used his property + faithfully, and I trust acceptably to the Master, who has called + him to account for his talents. Our father's advice to us was, + + "'Do not fall out by the way, for a three-fold cord is not + quickly broken.'" + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +VISITS AT GROTON.--SICKNESS.--LETTER FROM DR. +SHATTUCK.--ENGAGEMENT.--LETTER TO REV. DR. GANNETT.--MARRIAGE. + + +During these years, Mr. Lawrence was in the habit of making occasional +visits to his parents in Groton, thirty-five miles distant. His custom +was to drive himself, leaving Boston at a late hour on Saturday +afternoon, and often, as he says, encroaching upon the Sabbath before +reaching home. After midnight, on Sunday, he would leave on his +return; and thus was enabled to reach Boston about daybreak on Monday +morning, without losing a moment's time in his business. + +In 1810, Mr. Lawrence was seized with an alarming illness, through +which he enjoyed the care and skill of his friend and physician, the +late Dr. G. C. Shattuck, who, shortly before his own death, +transmitted the following account of this illness to the editor of +these pages, who also had the privilege of enjoying a friendship so +much prized by his father: + + "Feb. 28, 1853. + + "More than forty years ago, New England was visited with a + pestilence. The people were stricken with panic. The first + victims were taken off unawares. In many towns in the interior + of the commonwealth, the people assembled in town meeting, and + voted to pay, from the town treasury, physicians to be in + readiness to attend on any one assailed with the premonitory + symptoms of disease. The distemper was variously named, cold + plague, spotted fever, and malignant remittent fever. After a day + of unusual exercise, your father was suddenly taken ill. The + worthy family in which he boarded were prompt in their sympathy. + A physician was called: neighbors and friends volunteered their + aid. Remedies were diligently employed. Prayers in the church + were offered up for the sick one. A pious father left his home, + on the banks of the Nashua, to be with his son. To the physician + in attendance he gave a convulsive grasp of the hand, and, with + eyes brimful of tears, and choked utterance, articulated, + 'Doctor, if Amos has not money enough, I have!' To the anxious + father his acres seemed like dust in the balance contrasted with + the life of his son. He was a sensible man, acting on the + principle that the stimulus of reward is a salutary adjunct to + the promptings of humanity. God rebuked the disorder, though the + convalescence was slow. A constitution with an originally + susceptible nervous temperament had received a shock which + rendered him a long time feeble. An apprentice, with a discretion + beyond his years, maintained a healthy activity in his mercantile + operations, to the quiet of his mind. He did not need great + strength; for sagacity and decision supplied every other lack. + Supply and demand were as familiar to him as the alphabet. He + knew the wants of the country, and sources of supply. + Accumulation followed his operations, and religious principle + regulated the distribution of the cumbrous surplus. A sensible + and pious father, aided by a prudent mother, had trained the + child to become the future man. You will excuse my now addressing + you, when you recur to the tradition that I had participated in + the joy of the house when you first opened your eyes to the + light. That God's promises to the seed of the righteous may + extend to you and yours, is the prayer of your _early_ + acquaintance, + + "GEORGE C. SHATTUCK." + +But few details of Mr. Lawrence's business from this date until 1815 +are now found. Suffice it to say, that, through the difficult and +troubled times in which the United States were engaged in the war with +England, his efforts were crowned with success. Dark clouds sometimes +arose in the horizon, and various causes of discouragement from time +to time cast a gloom over the mercantile world; but despondency formed +no part of his character, while cool sagacity and unceasing +watchfulness and perseverance enabled him to weather many a storm +which made shipwreck of others around him. + +Amidst the engrossing cares of business, however, Mr. Lawrence found +time to indulge in more genial pursuits, as will be seen from the +following lines, addressed to his sister: + + "BOSTON, March 17, 1811. + + "My not having written to you since your return, my dear M., has + proceeded from my having other numerous avocations, and partly + from a carelessness in such affairs reprehensible in me. You + will, perhaps, be surprised to learn the extent and importance of + my avocations; for, in addition to my usual routine of mercantile + affairs, I have lately been engaged in a negotiation of the + first importance, and which I have accomplished very much to my + own satisfaction. It is no other than having offered myself as a + husband to your very good friend Sarah Richards, which offer she + has agreed to accept. So, next fall, you must set your mind on a + wedding. Sarah I have long known and esteemed: there is such a + reciprocity of feelings, sentiments, and principles, that I have + long thought her the most suitable person I have seen for me to + be united with. Much of my time, as you may well suppose, is + spent in her society; and here I cannot but observe the infinite + advantage of good sense and good principles over the merely + elegant accomplishments of fashionable education. By the latter + we may be fascinated for a time; but they will afford no + satisfaction on retrospection. The former you are compelled to + respect and to love. Such qualities are possessed by Sarah; and, + were I to say anything further in her favor, it would be that she + is beloved by you. Adieu, my dear sister, + + A. L." + +As this volume is intended only for the perusal of the family and +friends of the late Amos Lawrence, no apology need be made for +introducing such incidents of his life, of a domestic nature, as may +be thought interesting, and which it might not seem advisable to +introduce under other circumstances. Of this nature are some details +connected with this engagement. The young lady here alluded to, whose +solid qualities he thus, at the age of twenty-five and in the first +flush of a successful courtship, so calmly discusses, in addition to +these, possessed personal charms sufficient to captivate the fancy of +even a more philosophical admirer than himself. Her father, Giles +Richards, was a man of great ingenuity, who resided in Boston at the +close of the Revolutionary War. He owned an establishment for the +manufactory of cards for preparing wool. A large number of men were +employed; and, at that time, it was considered one of the objects +worthy of notice by strangers. As such, it was visited by General +Washington on his northern tour; and may be found described, in the +early editions of Morse's Geography, among the industrial +establishments of Boston. As in the case of many more noted men of +inventive genius, his plans were more vast than the means of +accomplishment; and the result was, loss of a handsome competency, and +embarrassment in business, from which he retired with unsullied +reputation, and passed his latter years in the vicinity of Boston. +Here the evening of his life was cheered by the constant and watchful +care of his wife, whose cheerful and happy temperament shed a radiance +around his path, which, from a naturally desponding character, might +otherwise have terminated in gloom. She had been the constant +companion of her husband in all his journeyings and residences in +nearly every State in the Union, where his business had called him; +and, after forty years, returned to die in the house where she was +born,--the parsonage once occupied by her father, the Rev. Amos Adams, +of Roxbury, who, at the time of the Revolution, was minister of the +church now under the pastoral care of the Rev. Dr. Putnam. + +Sarah had been placed in the family of the Rev. Dr. Chaplin, minister +of the church at Groton, and was a member of the academy when Mr. +Lawrence first made her acquaintance. "The academy balls, the +agreeable partners in the hall, the pleasant companions in the +stroll," remembered with so much pleasure in after life, were not +improbably associated with this acquaintance, who had become a visitor +and friend to his own sisters. After a separation of four years, the +acquaintance was accidentally renewed in the year 1807. Sarah was on a +visit at Cambridge to the family of Caleb Gannett, Esq., then and for +many years afterwards Steward of Harvard University. In a letter to +Rev. Dr. Gannett, dated February 15, 1845, Mr. Lawrence thus alludes +to this interview: + + "My first interview with you, thirty-eight years ago, when you + were led by the hand into the store where I then was, in + Cornhill, by that friend (who was afterwards my wife), + unconscious of my being within thirty miles, after a four years' + separation, connects you in my thoughts with her, her children + and grandchildren, in a way that no one can appreciate who has + not had the experience." + +Enclosed in this letter was a faded paper, on which were written +several verses of poetry, with the following explanation: + + "Only think of your sainted mother writing this little scrap + thirty-eight years ago, when on her death-bed, for her young + friend, then on a visit to her, to teach to you, who could not + read; and this scrap, written upon a blank term-bill without + premeditation, being preserved by that friend while she lived, + and, after her death, by her daughter while she lived, and, after + her death, being restored to me as the rightful disposer of it; + and my happening, within four days after, to meet you under such + circumstances as made it proper to show it to you." + + MRS. GANNETT'S HYMN FOR HER LITTLE BOY IN 1807. + + How can a child forgetful prove + Of all that wakes the heart to love, + And from the path of duty stray, + To spend his time in sport and play; + Neglectful of the blessing given, + Which marks the path to peace and heaven? + + O! how can I, who daily share + A mother's kind, assiduous care, + Be idle, and ungrateful too; + Forsake the good, the bad pursue; + Neglectful of the blessings given, + Which mark the path to peace and heaven? + + O! how can I such folly show, + When faults indulged to vices grow,-- + Who know that idle days ne'er make + Men that are useful, good, or great? + Dear mother, still be thou my guide, + Nor suffer me my faults to hide; + And O may God his grace impart + To fix my feeble, foolish heart, + That I may wait the blessing given, + Which marks the path to peace and heaven! + + MEM.--Mrs. Gannett died soon after writing this on a blank + term-bill of Harvard College, in 1807.--A. L., 1847. + +The marriage of Mr. Lawrence took place in Boston, on the 6th of June, +1811, three months after announcing his engagement to his sister. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +BRAMBLE NEWS.--JUNIOR PARTNER GOES TO ENGLAND.--LETTERS TO BROTHER. + + +In 1849, Mr. Lawrence writes as follows: + + "On the 1st of January, 1814, I took my brother Abbott into + partnership on equal shares, putting fifty thousand dollars, that + I had then earned, into the concern. Three days afterwards, the + 'Bramble News' came, by which the excessive high price of goods + was knocked down. Our stock was then large, and had cost a high + price. He was in great anguish, considering himself a bankrupt + for at least five thousand dollars. I cheered him by offering to + cancel our copartnership indentures, give him up his note, and, + at the end of the year, pay him five thousand dollars. He + declined the offer, saying I should lose that, and more beside, + and, as he had enlisted, would do the best he could. This was in + character, and it was well for us both. He was called off to do + duty as a soldier, through most of the year. I took care of the + business, and prepared to retreat with my family into the country + whenever the town seemed liable to fall into the hands of the + British, who were very threatening in their demonstrations. We + still continue mercantile business under the first set of + indentures, and under the same firm, merely adding '& Co.,' as + new partners have been admitted." + +In March, 1815, the junior partner embarked on board the ship Milo, +the first vessel which sailed from Boston for England after the +proclamation of peace. On the eve of his departure, he received from +his brother and senior partner a letter containing many good counsels +for his future moral guidance, as well as instructions in relation to +the course of business to be pursued. From that letter, dated March +11th, the following extracts are taken: + + "MY DEAR BROTHER: I have thought best, before you go abroad, to + suggest a few hints for your benefit in your intercourse with the + people among whom you are going. As a first and leading + principle, let every transaction be of that pure and honest + character that you would not be ashamed to have appear before the + whole world as clearly as to yourself. In addition to the + advantages arising from an honest course of conduct with your + fellow-men, there is the satisfaction of reflecting within + yourself that you have endeavored to do your duty; and, however + greatly the best may fall short of doing all they ought, they + will be sure not to do more than their principles enjoin. + + "It is, therefore, of the highest consequence that you should not + only cultivate correct principles, but that you should place your + standard of action so high as to require great vigilance in + living up to it. + + "In regard to your business transactions, let everything be so + registered in your books, that any person, without difficulty, + can understand the whole of your concerns. You may be cut off in + the midst of your pursuits, and it is of no small consequence + that your temporal affairs should always be so arranged that you + may be in readiness. + + "If it is important that you should be well prepared in this + point of view, how much more important is it that you should be + prepared in that which relates to eternity! + + "You are young, and the course of life seems open, and pleasant + prospects greet your ardent hopes; but you must remember that the + race is not always to the swift, and that however flattering may + be your prospects, and however zealously you may seek pleasure, + you can never find it except by cherishing pure principles, and + practising right conduct. My heart is full on this subject, my + dear brother, and it is the only one on which I feel the least + anxiety. + + "While here, your conduct has been such as to meet my entire + approbation; but the scenes of another land may be more than your + principles will stand against. I say, _may be_, because young + men, of as fair promise as yourself, have been lost by giving a + small latitude (innocent in the first instance) to their + propensities. But I pray the Father of all mercies to have you in + his keeping, and preserve you amid temptations. + + * * * * * + + "I can only add my wish to have you write me frequently and + particularly, and that you will embrace every opportunity of + gaining information. + + Your affectionate brother, + "AMOS LAWRENCE. + "TO ABBOTT LAWRENCE." + +Again, on the 28th of the month, he writes to the same, after his +departure: + + "I hope you will have arrived in England early in April; and if + so, you will be awaiting with anxious solicitude the arrival of + the 'Galen,' by which vessel you will receive letters from + _home_, a word which brings more agreeable associations to the + mind and feelings of a young stranger in a foreign land than any + other in our language. I have had many fears that you have had a + rough passage, as the weather on the Friday following your + departure was very boisterous, and continued so for a number of + days, and much of the time since has been uncomfortable. I trust, + however, that the same good Hand which supplies our daily wants + has directed your course to the desired port. + + "With a just reliance on that Power, we need have no fear, though + winds and waves should threaten our destruction. The interval + between the time of bidding adieu and of actual departure called + into exercise those fine feelings which those only have who can + prize friends, and on that account I was happy to see so much + feeling in yourself. + + "Since your departure nothing of a public nature has transpired + of particular interest. All that there is of news or interest + among us you will gather from the papers forwarded. + + "Those affairs which relate particularly to ourselves will be of + as much interest as any; I shall therefore detail our business + operations. + + * * * * * + + "My next and constant direction will be to keep a particular + watch over yourself, that you do not fall into any habits of + vice; and, as a means of preserving yourself, I would most + strictly enjoin that your Sabbaths be not spent in noise and + riot, but that you attend the public worship of God. This you may + think an unnecessary direction to you, who have always been in + the habit of doing so. I hope it may be; at any rate, it will do + no harm. + + "That you may be blessed with health, and enjoy properly the + blessings of life, is the wish of your ever affectionate brother, + + "A. L. + "TO ABBOTT LAWRENCE." + + (TO ABBOTT LAWRENCE.) + + "BOSTON, April 15th, 1815. + + "MY DEAR BROTHER: By the favor of Heaven I trust ere this you + have landed upon the soil from which sprang our forefathers. In + the contemplation of that wonderful 'Isle' on your first arrival, + there must be a feeling bordering on devotion. The thousand new + objects, which make such constant demand on your attention, will + not, I hope, displace the transatlantic friends from the place + they should occupy in your remembrance. Already do I begin to + count the days when I may reasonably hear from you. + + "I pray you to let no opportunity pass without writing, as you + will be enabled to appreciate the pleasure your letters will give + by those which you receive from home. Since your departure, our + father has been dangerously ill; he seems fast recovering, but we + much fear a relapse, when he would, in all probability, be + immediately deprived of life, or his disease would so far weaken + him as to terminate his usefulness. Our mother continues as + comfortable as when you left us. Should you live to return, + probably one or both our parents may not be here to welcome you; + we have particular reason for thankfulness that they have both + been spared to us so long, and have been so useful in the + education of their children. + + "All others of our connection have been in health since your + departure, and a comfortable share of happiness seems to have + been enjoyed by all. + + * * * * * + + "Now for advice: you are placed in a particularly favorable + situation, my dear brother, for improving yourself in the + knowledge of such things as will hereafter be useful to you. Let + no opportunity pass without making the most of it. There are + necessarily many vacant hours in your business, which ought not + to pass unemployed. I pretend not to suggest particular objects + for your attention, but only the habit generally of active + employment, which, while making your time useful and agreeable to + yourself, will be the best safeguard to your virtue. The American + character, I trust, is somewhat respected in England at this + time, notwithstanding it was lately at so low an ebb; and I would + wish every American to endeavor to do something to improve it. + Especially do I wish you, my dear A., who visit that country + under circumstances so favorable, to do your part in establishing + a character for your country as well as for yourself. Thus prays + your affectionate brother, + + A. L." + +To his wife, at Groton, Mr. Lawrence writes, under date of June 4, +1815: + + "The Milo got in yesterday, and brought letters from Abbott, + dated 4th April. He was then in Manchester, and enjoyed the best + health. He wrote to our father, which letter, I hope, will arrive + at Groton by to-morrow's mail. I received from him merchandise, + which I hope to get out of the ship and sell this week. I suspect + there are few instances of a young man leaving this town, sending + out goods, and having them sold within ninety days from the time + of his departure. It is eighty-four days this morning since he + left home." + + (TO ABBOTT LAWRENCE.) + + "BOSTON, June 7, 1815. + + "DEAR BROTHER: By the arrival of the Milo last Saturday, and + packet on Monday, I received your several letters, giving an + account of your proceedings. You are as famous among your + acquaintances here for the rapidity of your movements as + Bonaparte. Mr. ---- thinks that you leave Bonaparte entirely in + the background. I really feel a little proud, my dear brother, + of your conduct. Few instances of like despatch are known. + + "The sensations you experienced in being greeted so heartily by + the citizens of Liverpool, were not unlike those you felt on + hearing the news of peace. I am happy to state to you that our + father has so far recovered from his illness as to be able to + attend to his farm. Our mother's health is much as when you left. + + "Your friends here feel a good deal of interest in your welfare, + and read with deep interest your letters to them. The opportunity + is peculiarly favorable for establishing a reputation as a close + observer of men and manners, and for those improvements which + travelling is reputed to give. + + "When writing to you sentences of advice, my heart feels all the + tender sympathies and affections which bind me to my own + children. This is my apology, if any be necessary, for so + frequently touching on subjects for your moral improvement. + + "In any condition I can subscribe myself no other than your ever + affectionate brother, + + A. L." + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +DEATH OF SISTER.--LETTERS. + + +On the 19th of August, 1815, Mr. Lawrence, in the following letter to +his brother, announced the sudden death of a sister, who to youth and +beauty united many valuable qualities of mind and character: + + "To you, who are at such a distance from home, and employed in + the busy pursuits of life, the description of domestic woe will + not come with such force as on us who were eye-witnesses to an + event which we and all our friends shall not cease to deplore. We + have attended this morning to the last sad office of affection to + our loved sister S. Although for ourselves we mourn the loss of + so much excellence, yet for her we rejoice that her race is so + soon run. We are permitted to hope that she is now a saint in + heaven, celebrating before the throne of her Father the praises + of the redeemed. She met death in the enjoyment of that hope + which is the peculiar consolation of the believer. This event, I + know, my dear brother, is calculated to awaken all the tender + recollections of home, and to call forth all your sympathy for + the anguish of friends; but it is also calculated to soften the + heart, and to guide you in your own preparation for that great + day of account. The admonition, I hope, may not be lost on any of + us, and happy will it be for us if we use it aright." + + + (TO THE SAME.) + + "BOSTON, October 19, 1815. + + "DEAR ABBOTT: By this vessel I have written to you, but am always + desirous of communicating the last intelligence from home, + therefore I write again. The situation of our town, our country, + our friends, and all the objects of endearment, continues the + same as heretofore. We are, to be sure, getting into a religious + controversy which does not promise to increase the stock of + charity among us, but good will undoubtedly arise from it. The + passions of some of our brethren are too much engaged, and it + would seem from present appearances that consequences unfavorable + to the cause of our Master may ensue; but the wrath of man is + frequently made subservient to the best purposes, and the good of + mankind may in this case be greatly promoted by what at present + seems a great evil. Men's passions are but poor guides to the + discovery of truth, but they may sometimes elicit light by which + others may get at the truth. + + "It does seem to me that a man need only use his common sense, + and feel a willingness to be instructed in the reading of the + Scriptures, and there is enough made plain to his understanding + to direct him in the way he should go. + + "Others, however, think differently; but that should not be a + reason with me for calling them hard names, especially if by + their lives they show that they are followers of the same + Master." + +On December 2d, he writes again: + + "I heard from you verbally on the 1st of October, in company with + a platoon of New England Guards; and hope the head of the corps + allowed Lord Wellington the honor of an introduction, and of + inspecting this choice corps, which once had the honor of + protecting the constitution and independence of the United + States, when menaced by the 'proud sons of Britain.' This is a + theme on which _you_ may be allowed to dwell with some delight, + although there are no recitals of hair-breadth escapes and + hard-fought actions, when numbers bit the dust. Yet to you, who + were active in performing duty, this should be a source of + comfortable feeling, as the amount of human misery has not been + increased by your means. Shakspeare's knight of sack thought 'the + better part of valor was discretion,' but I do not believe the + Guards would have confirmed this sentiment, had the opportunity + offered for a trial. I am really glad to hear of you in Paris, + and hope you will improve every moment of your time in acquiring + information that will be agreeable and interesting; and, more + particularly, I hope you will have gone over the ground where the + great events have happened that now allow Europe to repose in + peace. How much should I delight in a few hours' intercourse with + you; but that must be deferred to another period, perhaps to a + very distant period. + + "I feel very healthy and very happy; my wife and children all + enjoying health, and a good share of the bounties of Providence + in various ways. Well you may be contented, you will say. What + more is wanting? Such is not always the lot of man possessing + those blessings. There is often a voracious appetite for other + and greater blessings. The desire for more splendor, the + possession of more wealth, is coveted, without the disposition to + use it as an accountable creature; and too late the poor man + finds that all his toil for these earthly objects of his worship + fails in satisfying or giving a good degree of content. I, + therefore, have reason for thankfulness that I am blessed with a + disposition to appreciate tolerably the temporal blessings I + enjoy. To the Father of all mercies I am indebted for this and + every other good thing; even for the increased affection with + which I think of you. That he may bless and keep you, dear + Abbott, is the prayer of your brother, + + A. L." + +On June 6th, 1817, a few days after the birth of a daughter, he writes +to a friend: + + "I am the richest man, I suppose, that there is on this side of + the water, and the richest because I am the happiest. On the 23d + ult. I was blessed by the birth of a fine little daughter; this, + as you may well suppose, has filled our hearts with joy. S. is + very comfortable, and is not less gratified than I am. I wish you + were a married man, and then (if you had a good wife) you would + know how to appreciate the pleasures of a parent. I have lately + thought more than ever of the propriety of your settling soon. It + is extremely dangerous to defer making a connection until a late + period; for a man is in more and more danger of not forming one + the longer he puts it off; and any man who does not form this + connection grossly miscalculates in the use of the means which + God has given him to supply himself with pleasures in the + downhill journey of life. + + "He is also foolish to allow himself to be cheated in this + connection by the prospect of a few present advantages, to the + exclusion of the more permanent ones. Every man's best pleasures + should be at home; for there is the sphere for the exercise of + his best virtues; and he should be particularly careful, in the + selection of a partner, to get one who will jeopardize neither. + On this subject, you know, I am always eloquent. But, at this + time, there is reason for my being so, as it is the anniversary + of my wedding day. + + "S. has put her eye on a _rib_ for you. The said person, you + must know, is of a comely appearance (not beautiful), is rather + taller than ----, has a good constitution, is perfectly + acquainted with domestic economy, and has all the most desirable + of the fashionable accomplishments, such as music, painting &c.; + and my only objection to her is, as far as I have observed her, + that she has a few thousand dollars in cash. This, however, might + be remedied; for, after furnishing a house, the balance might be + given to her near connections, or to some public institution. I + will give no further description, but will only say that her + connections are such as you would find pleasure in. No more on + this subject. The subject of principal interest among us now is + the new tariff of duties." * * * * + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +DOMESTIC HABITS.--ILLNESS AND DEATH OF WIFE. + + +In searching for records of the business at this period, the first +copied letters are found in a volume commencing with the date of March +10, 1815; since which period the correspondence, contained in many +volumes, is complete. On the first page of this volume is a letter +from the senior partner somewhat characteristic. It relates to a bill +of exchange for two thousand rupees, which he knew was a doubtful one, +but which he had taken to relieve the pressing necessities of a young +Englishwoman from Calcutta, with a worthless husband. He writes to his +friends in that city: + + "We have been so particular as to send a clerk to her with the + money, that we might be sure of her receiving it. Previous to her + receiving the money from us, we were told her children were + ragged, barefooted, and hungry; afterwards we knew they were kept + comfortably clad." + +In tracing the course of business as revealed by the perusal of the +correspondence, it is evident that Mr. Lawrence's time and attention +must have been engrossed by the increasing importance and magnitude +of the mercantile operations of his firm. The cares and perplexities +of the day did not, however, unfit him for the quiet enjoyments of +domestic life; and, however great and urgent were the calls upon his +time and his thoughts from abroad, home, with its endearments, +occupied the first place in his affections. So much did its interests +transcend all others in his feelings, that he speaks in after life of +having "watched night and day without leaving, for a fortnight," a +sick child; and then being rewarded for his care by having it restored +to him after the diligent application of remedies, when the physician +and friends had given up all hope of recovery. + +With such affections and sources of happiness, connected with +prosperity in his affairs, it may well be supposed that the current of +life flowed smoothly on. His evenings were passed at home; and urgent +must have been the call which could draw him from his fireside, where +the social chat or friendly book banished the cares of the day. + +A gentleman, now a prominent merchant in New York, who was a clerk +with Mr. Lawrence at this time, says of him: + + "When the business season was over, he would sit down with me, + and converse freely and familiarly, and would have something + interesting and useful to say. I used to enjoy these sittings; + and, while I always feared to do anything, or leave anything + undone, which would displease him, I at the same time had a very + high regard, and I may say love, for him, such as I never felt + for any other man beside my own father. He had a remarkable + faculty of bringing the sterling money into our currency, with + any advance, by a calculation in his mind, and would give the + result with great accuracy in one quarter of the time which it + took me to do it by figures. I used to try hard to acquire this + faculty, but could not, and never saw any other person who + possessed it to the degree he did. His mind was remarkably + vigorous and accurate; and consequently his business was + transacted in a prompt and correct manner. Nothing was left + undone until to-morrow which could be done to-day. He was master + of and controlled his business, instead of allowing his business + to master and control him. When I took charge of the books, they + were kept by single entry; and Mr. Lawrence daily examined every + entry to detect errors. He was dissatisfied with this loose way + of keeping the books; and, at his request, I studied book-keeping + by double entry with Mr. Gershom Cobb, who had just introduced + the new and shorter method of double entry. I then transferred + the accounts into a new set of books on this plan, and well + remember his anxiety during the process, and his expression of + delight when the work was completed, and I had succeeded in + making the first trial-balance come out right. This was the first + set of books opened in Boston on the new system. While Mr. + Lawrence required all to fulfil their engagements fully and + promptly, so long as they were able to do so, he was lenient to + those who were unfortunate, and always ready to compromise + demands against such. No case occurred, while I was with him, + which I thought he dealt harshly with a debtor who had failed in + business." + +The year 1818 opened with cheering prospects; but a cloud was +gathering which was destined to cast a shadow over all these pleasant +hopes. During the spring, Mrs. Lawrence was troubled with a cough, +which became so obstinate at the beginning of the summer, that she was +persuaded to remain at Groton for a short period, in order to try the +benefit of country air. Mr. Lawrence writes to her, July 16: + + "I am forcibly reminded of the blessings of wife, children, and + friends, by the privation of wife and children; and, when at + home, I really feel homesick and lonesome. Here I am, in two + great rooms, almost alone; so you must prepare at a minute's + notice to follow your husband." + +She remained in the country for several weeks, and was summoned +suddenly home by the alarming illness of her husband; the result of +which, for a time, seemed very doubtful. After a season of intense +anxiety and unremitted watchings at his bedside, Mrs. Lawrence was +seized during the night with a hemorrhage from the lungs. This +symptom, which so much alarmed her friends, was hailed by herself with +joy, as she now had no wish to outlive her husband, whose life she had +despaired of. Mr. Lawrence's recovery was slow; and, as soon as it was +deemed prudent, he was sent to Groton to recruit his strength. He +writes, under date of November 5, 1818: + + "DEAREST SARAH: We have heard of the fire on Tuesday evening, and + hope the alarm has not impaired your health. I enjoy myself here + as much as it is possible for any one to do under like + circumstances: The idea of leaving the objects most dear to me, a + wife and child sick, is too great a drawback upon my happiness to + allow me as much quiet as is desirable. Yet I have great reason + for thankfulness that I am at this time able to enjoy the society + of friends, and that you are so comfortable as to give good + reason to hope that the next season will restore to you a + tolerable share of health." + +Mrs. Lawrence writes, in reply to his letter: + + "I have just received yours, and feel better to hear that you are + so well. I hope that you will leave no means unimproved to regain + health. Do not allow unreasonable fears on my account. I am as + well as I was the week past; but we are uneasy mortals, and I do + not improve as I could wish. You know me: therefore make all + allowances. It is a cloudy day." + +It soon became evident to all that the disease under which Mrs. +Lawrence labored was a settled consumption, and that there could be +little hope of recovery. To her mother Mr. Lawrence writes, Dec. 7: + + "Since I last wrote to you, there has been no material change in + Sarah's situation. She suffers less pain, and has more cheerful + spirits than when you were here. She is very well apprised of her + situation, and complains that those who are admitted to see her + look so sorrowful, that it has a painful effect upon her + feelings. She is desirous of being kept cheerful and happy; and, + as far as I am capable of making her so, I do it. Yet I am a poor + hand to attempt doing, with my feeble health, what is so foreign + to my feelings. Although she is much more comfortable than she + was, I cannot flatter myself that she is any better. She still + retains a faint hope that she may be so; yet it is but a faint + one. It takes much from my distress to see her so calm, and so + resigned to the will of the Almighty. Although her attachments to + life are as strong and as numerous as are the attachments of + most, I believe the principle of resignation is stronger. She is + a genuine disciple of Christ; and, if my children walk in her + steps, they will all be gathered among the blest, and sing the + song of the redeemed. Should it be the will of God that we be + separated for a season, there is an animation in the hope that we + shall meet again, purified from the grossness of the flesh, and + never to be parted. 'God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb.' I + shall have, therefore, no more put upon me than I am able to + bear; yet I know not how to bring my mind to part with so + excellent a friend, and so good a counsellor." + +On Jan. 13, 1819, he writes: + + "Sarah has continued to sink since you left, and is now + apparently very easy, and very near the termination of her + earthly career. She may continue two or three days; but the + prospect is, that she will not open her eyes upon another + morning. She suffers nothing, and it is, therefore, no trial to + our feelings, compared with what it would be did she suffer. Her + mind is a little clouded at times, but, in the main, quite clear. + We shall give you early information of the event which blasts our + dearest earthly hopes. _But God reigns: let us rejoice._" + +A few hours before her death, she called for a paper (now in +possession of the writer), and, with a pencil, traced, in a trembling +hand, some directions respecting small memorials to friends, and then +added: + + "Feeling that I must soon depart from this, I trust, to a better + world, I resign very dear friends to God, who has done so much + for me. I am in ecstacies of love. How can I praise him enough! + To my friends I give these tokens of remembrance." + +On the 14th of January, 1819, Mr. Lawrence closed the eyes of this +most beloved of all his earthly objects, and immediately relapsed into +a state of melancholy and gloom, which was, no doubt, greatly promoted +by the peculiar state of health and physical debility under which he +had labored since his last illness. + +A valued friend writes, a few days after the death of Mrs. L.: + + "It was my privilege to witness the closing scene; to behold + faith triumphing over sense, and raising the soul above this + world of shadows. It was a spectacle to convince the sceptic, and + to animate and confirm the Christian. About a week before her + death, her increasing weakness taught her the fallacy of all hope + of recovery. From this time, it was the business of every moment + to prepare herself and her friends for the change which awaited + her. Serene, and even cheerful, she could look forward without + apprehension into the dark valley, and beyond it she beheld those + bright regions where she should meet her Saviour, through whose + mediation she had the blessed assurance that her sins were + pardoned, and her inheritance secure. God permitted a cloud to + obscure the bright prospect; it was but for a moment, and the sun + broke forth with redoubled splendor. On the last night of her + life, she appeared to suffer extremely, though, when asked, she + constantly replied in the negative. She repeated, in a feeble + voice, detached portions of hymns of which she had been fond. + Towards morning, as she appeared nearly insensible, Mrs. R. was + persuaded to lie down and rest. Shortly after, Sarah roused + herself, and said to L., 'I am going; call my mother.' Mrs. R. + was at her bedside immediately, and asked her if she was sensible + that she was leaving the world. She answered 'Yes,' and expressed + her resignation. + + "Mrs. R. then repeated a few lines of Pope's Dying Christian, and + the expiring saint, in broken accents, followed her. On her + mother's saying 'the world recedes,' she added, 'It + disappears,--heaven opens.' These were the last words I heard her + utter. She then became insensible, and in about ten minutes + expired. Not a sound interrupted the sacred silence; the tear of + affection was shed, but no lamentation was heard. The eye of + affection dwelt on the faded form, but faith pointed to those + regions where the blessed spirit was admitted to those joys which + eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the + heart of man to conceive. Mr. L. is wonderfully supported. He + feels as a man and a Christian." + +Upon this letter Mr. Lawrence has endorsed the following memorandum: + + "I saw this letter to-day for the first time. My son-in-law + handed to me yesterday a number of memorials of my beloved + daughter, who was called home on the second day of December + last, when only a few months younger than her mother, whose death + is so beautifully described within. The description brought the + scene back to my mind with a force that unmanned me for a time, + and leads me to pray most earnestly and humbly that I may be + found worthy to join them through the beloved, when my summons + comes. + + A. L. + "February 5th, 1845." + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +JOURNEYS.--LETTERS.--JOURNEY TO NEW YORK. + + +The sense of loss and the state of depression under which Mr. Lawrence +labored were so great, that he was advised to try a change of scene; +and accordingly, after having placed his three children with kind +relatives in the country, he left Boston, on a tour, which lasted some +weeks, through the Middle States and Virginia. He wrote many letters +during this time, describing the scenes which he daily witnessed, and +particularly the pleasure which he experienced in Virginia from the +unbounded hospitality with which he was welcomed by those with whom he +had become acquainted. He also visited Washington, and listened to +some important debates on the admission of Missouri into the Union, +which produced a strong and lasting influence upon his mind respecting +the great questions then discussed. + +In a letter to his brother from the latter city, dated Feb. 25th, +after describing a visit to the tomb of Washington at Mount Vernon, he +writes: + + "Friend Webster has taken a stand here which no man can surpass; + very few are able to keep even with him. He has made a wonderful + argument for the United States Bank. If he does not stand + confessedly first among the advocates here, he does not stand + second. Tell brother L. of this; it will do him good." + +On March 30, he writes to his sister, after his return to Boston: + + "I am once more near the remains of her who was lately more dear + to me than any other earthly object, after an absence of two + months; my health much improved,--I may say restored; my heart + filled with gratitude to the Author of all good for so many and + rich blessings, so rapidly succeeding such severe privations and + trials." + +A few days later, he writes to his sister-in-law: + + "Sunday evening, April 4, 1819. + + "DEAR S.: It is proper that I should explain to you why my + feelings got so much the better of my reason at the celebration + of the sacrament this morning. The last time I attended that + service was with my beloved S., after an absence on her part of + fifteen months, during which period you well know what passed in + both our minds. On this occasion our minds and feelings were + elevated with devotion, and (as I trust) suitably affected with + gratitude to the Father of mercies for once more permitting her + to celebrate with her husband this memorial of our Saviour. Then, + indeed, were our hearts gladdened by the cheering prospect of her + returning health and continued life. The consideration that I had + since this period been almost within the purlieu of the grave, + that my beloved Sarah had fallen a sacrifice to her care and + anxiety for me, and that I was for the first time at the table + of the Lord without her, with a view to celebrate the most solemn + service of our religion, overwhelmed me as a torrent, and my + feelings were too powerful to be restrained; I was almost + suffocated in the attempt. + + "Comment is unnecessary. God grant us a suitable improvement of + the scene! + + "Your affectionate brother, + A. L." + +On April 6, he writes to a friend in England: + + "Since I last wrote, family misfortunes, of which you have from + time to time been apprised, have pressed heavily upon me. I am + now in tolerable health, and hope soon to see it entirely + confirmed." + +After a visit to his parents, at Groton, he says, on April 9: + + "I arrived at home last Saturday night, at eleven o'clock, after + rather an uncomfortable ride. However, I had the satisfaction on + Monday of exercising my right of suffrage, which, had I not done, + I should have felt unpleasantly. I wrote to M., on Tuesday, under + a depression of spirits altogether greater than I have before + felt. The effect of hope upon my feelings, before I saw the + little ones, was very animating; since that time (although I + found them all I could desire), the stimulus is gone, and I have + been very wretched. The principles I cherish will now have their + proper effect, although nature must first find its level. Do not + imagine I feel severely depressed all the time; although I + certainly have much less of animal spirits than I had before my + return, I do not feel positively unhappy. Under all the + circumstances it is thought best for me to journey. Hitherto, I + have experienced the kind protection of an almighty Friend; it + will not hereafter be withheld. Commending all dear friends and + myself to Him, I remain your truly affectionate brother, + + "A. L." + +To another sister he writes five days afterwards, before commencing a +second journey: + + "In a few moments I am off. I gladly seize the leisure they + furnish me, to tell you I feel well, and have no doubt of having + such a flow of spirits as will make my journey pleasant. At any + rate, I start with this determination. You know not, dear E., the + delight I feel in contemplating the situation of my little ones; + this (if no higher principle) should be sufficient to do away all + repining and vain regrets for the loss of an object so dear as + was their mother. In short, her own wishes should operate very + strongly against these regrets. I hope to be forgiven the + offence, if such it be; and to make such improvement of it as + will subserve the purposes of my heavenly Father, who doth not + willingly afflict the children of men, but for their improvement. + My prayer to God is, that the affliction may not be lost upon me; + but that it may have the effect of making me estimate more justly + the value of all temporal objects, and, by thus softening the + heart, open it to the kind influences of our holy religion, and + produce that love and charity well pleasing to our Father. I have + no object in view further south than Baltimore; from thence I + shall go across the Alleghanies, or journey through the interior + to the northern border of this country. At Baltimore I remain a + few days; my business there is as delegate from Brattle-street + Church, in the settlement of a minister, a young gentleman named + Sparks, from Connecticut." + + + (TO ABBOTT LAWRENCE.) + + "PHILADELPHIA, April 26, 1819. + + "DEAR BROTHER: When I see how people in other places are doing + business, I feel that we have reason to thank God that we are not + obliged to do as they do, but are following that regular and + profitably safe business that allows us to sleep well o' nights, + and eat the bread of industry and quietness. The more I see of + the changes produced by violent speculation, the more satisfied I + am that our maxims are the only true ones for a life together. + Different maxims may prove successful for a part of life, but + will frequently produce disastrous results just at the time we + stand most in need; that is, when life is on the wane, and a + family is growing around us. + + "Two young brokers in ---- have played a dashing game. They have + taken nearly one hundred thousand dollars from the bank, without + the consent of the directors. A clerk discounted for them. They + have lost it by United States Bank speculations. + + "Look after clerks well, if you wish to keep them honest. Too + good a reputation sometimes tempts men to sin, upon the strength + of their reputation. + + "As to business, it must be bad enough; that is nothing new; but + patience and perseverance will overcome all obstacles, and, + notwithstanding all things look so dark, I look for a good year's + work. + + "You must remember that I have done nothing yet, and I have never + failed of accomplishing more than my expectations; so I say + again, we will make a good year's work of it yet, by the blessing + of Heaven." + +From Lancaster, Penn., April 29, he writes to his sister: + + "My feelings are usually buoyant, except occasionally when + imagination wanders back to departed days; then comes over me a + shadow, which, by its frequency, I am now enabled to dispel + without violence, and even to dwell upon without injury." + + + (TO ABBOTT LAWRENCE.) + + "BALTIMORE, May 25, 1819. + + "DEAR BROTHER: I arrived in this city this morning, in the + steamboat, from Norfolk, and have found a number of letters from + you and brother W. From the present aspect of affairs in this + city, I fear that I shall make but a short stay. At no period has + the face of affairs been more trying to the feelings of the + citizens. Baltimore has never seen but two days which will + compare with last Friday: one of those was the mob day, the other + was the day of the attack by the British. + + "Nearly one half the city, embracing its most active and hitherto + wealthiest citizens, have stopped or must stop payment. + Confidence is prostrated, capital vanished. + + "I am rejoiced to hear of your easy situation, and hope it may + continue. Avoid responsibilities, and all is well with us. I am + in no wise avaricious, and of course care not whether we make + five thousand dollars more or less, if we risk twenty thousand to + do it. + + "I have a high eulogium to pay the Virginians, which I must + reserve for another letter; as also an account of my travels from + Petersburg." + +In a letter to a friend, dated at Baltimore, he says: + + "Since I have been here, I have been constantly occupied; and, + although the heavy cloud which overhangs this city is discharging + its contents upon their heads, they bear it well, resolving + that, if they are poor, they will not be unsocial, nor uncivil, + and on this principle they meet in little groups, without much + style or ceremony, and pass sensible and sociable evenings + together. + + "I have really become very much interested in some of the people + here. + + "And now my advice to you is, get married, and have no fear about + the expense being too great. If you have two children born unto + you within a twelve-month, you will be the richer man for it. + Nothing sharpens a man's wits, in earning property and using it, + better than to see a little flock growing up around him. So I say + again, man, fear not." + +On his return, it seems to have been his object to interest himself as +much as possible in business, and thus endeavor to divert his mind +from those painful associations, which, in spite of all his efforts, +would sometimes obtain the mastery. In the mean time, he had given up +his house, and resided in the family of his brother Abbott; where he +was welcomed as an inmate, and treated with so much sympathy and +considerate kindness, that his mind, after a time, recovered its tone: +his health was restored, and he was once more enabled to give his full +powers to the growing interests of his firm. For the few succeeding +years, he was engaged in the usual routine of mercantile affairs, and +has left but few memorials or letters, except those relating to his +business. In the winter of 1820, he made a visit to New York, which +he describes in his diary under date of February 15, 1846: + + "Yesterday was one of the most lovely winter days. To-day the + snow drives into all the cracks and corners, it being a + boisterous easterly snow-storm, which recalls to my mind a + similar one, which I shall never forget, in February, 1820. + + "I went to New York during that month, for the New England Bank, + with about one hundred thousand dollars in foreign gold, the + value of which by law at the mint was soon to be reduced from + eighty-seven to eighty-five cents per pennyweight, or about that. + I also had orders to buy bills with it, at the best rate I could. + Accordingly I invested it, and had to analyze the standing of + many who offered bills, as drawers or endorsers. + + "Some of the bills were protested for non-acceptance, and were + returned at once, and damages claimed. This was new law in New + York, and resisted; but the merchants were convinced by suits, + and paid the twenty per cent. damages. The law of damage was + altered soon after. + + "On my return, I took a packet for Providence, and came at the + rate of ten knots an hour for the first seven hours of the night. + I was alarmed by a crash, which seemed to me to be breaking in + the side of the ship, within a few inches of my head. I ran upon + deck, and it was a scene to be remembered. Beside the crew, on + board were the officers of a wrecked vessel from Portsmouth, N. + H., and some other old ship-masters, all at work, and giving + directions to a coaster, which had run foul of us, and had lost + its way. By favor and labor, we were saved from being wrecked; + but were obliged to land at some fifteen miles from Providence, + and get there as we could through the snow. I arrived there + almost dead with headache and sickness. Madam Dexter and her + daughter left the day before, and reached home in perfect safety + before the storm. Such are the scenes of human life! Here am I + enjoying my own fireside, while all who were then active with me + in the scenes thus recalled are called to their account, + excepting Philip Hone, M. Van Schaick, N. Goddard, Chancellor + Kent, and his son-in-law, Isaac Hone." + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +MARRIAGE.--ELECTED TO LEGISLATURE.--ENGAGES IN +MANUFACTURES.--REFLECTIONS. + + +In April, 1821, Mr. Lawrence was married to Mrs. Nancy Ellis, widow of +the late Judge Ellis, of Claremont, N. H., and daughter of Robert +Means, Esq., of Amherst, in the same State. His children, who had been +placed with his parents and sisters at Groton, were brought home; and +he was now permitted again to unite his family under his own roof, and +to enjoy once more those domestic comforts so congenial to his taste, +and which each revolving year seemed to increase until the close of +his life. + +Mr. Lawrence was elected a representative from Boston to the +Legislature for the session of 1821 and 22; and this was the only +occasion on which he ever served in a public legislative body. +Although deeply engaged in his own commercial pursuits, he was +constantly at his post in the House of Representatives; and attended +faithfully to the duties of his office, although with much sacrifice +to his own personal interests. Very little is found among his +memoranda relating to this new experience. As a member of a committee +of the Legislature having in charge the subject of the erection of +wooden buildings in Boston, he seems to have had a correspondence with +the late Hon. John Lowell, who took strong ground before the committee +against the multiplication of buildings of this material, and backed +his arguments with some very characteristic statements and +observations. On one of these letters Mr. Lawrence made a memorandum, +dated March, 1845, as follows: + + "The _Boston Rebel_ was a true man, such as we need more of in + these latter days. The open-mouthed lovers of the _dear people_ + are self-seekers in most instances. Beware of such." + +The following extract is taken from a letter, dated January 4th, 1822, +addressed by Mr. Lawrence to Hon. Frederic Wolcott, of Connecticut, +respecting a son who was about to be placed in his counting-room, and +who, in after years, became his partner in business: + + "H. will have much leisure in the evening, which, if he choose, + may be profitably devoted to study; and we hope he will lay out + such a course for himself, as to leave no portion of his time + unappropriated. It is on account of so much leisure, that so many + fine youths are ruined in this town. The habit of industry once + well fixed, the danger is over. + + "Will it not be well for him to furnish you, at stated periods, + an exact account of his expenditures? The habit of keeping such + an account will be serviceable, and, if he is prudent, the + satisfaction will be great, ten years hence, in looking back and + observing the process by which his character has been formed. If + he does as well as he is capable, we have no doubt of your + experiencing the reward of your care over him." + +For the several following years, Mr. Lawrence was deeply engaged in +business; and the firm of which he was the senior partner became +interested in domestic manufactures, which, with the aid of other +capitalists, afterwards grew into so much importance, until now it has +become one of the great interests of the country. Apart from all +selfish motives, he early became one of the strongest advocates for +the protection of American industry, believing that the first duty of +a government is to advance the interests of its own citizens, when it +can be accomplished with justice to others; and in opposition to the +system of free trade, which, however plausible in theory, he +considered prejudicial to the true interests of our own people. He was +conscientious in these opinions; and, in their support, corresponded +largely with some of the leading statesmen at Washington, as well as +with prominent opponents at the South, who combatted his opinions +while they respected the motives by which he was actuated. He tested +his sincerity, by embarking a large proportion of his property in +these enterprises; and, to the last, entertained the belief that the +climate, the soil, and the habits of the people, rendered domestic +manufactures one of the permanent and abiding interests of New +England. During seasons of high political excitement and sectional +strife, he wrote to various friends at the South, urging them to +discard all local prejudices, and to enter with the North into manly +competition in all those branches of domestic industry which would +tend, not only to enrich, but also to improve the moral and +intellectual character of their people. He watched, with increasing +interest, the progress of Lowell and other manufacturing districts, +and was ever ready to lend a helping hand to any scheme which tended +to advance their welfare. Churches, hospitals, libraries, in these +growing communities, had in him a warm and earnest advocate; and it +was always with honest pride that he pointed out to the intelligent +foreigner the moral condition of the operative here, when compared +with that of the same class in other countries. + +On the 1st of January, in each year, Mr. Lawrence was in the habit of +noting down, in a small memorandum-book, an accurate account of all +his property, in order that he might have a clear view of his own +affairs, and also as a guide to his executors in the settlement of his +estate, in case of his death. This annual statement commences in 1814, +and, with the exception of 1819, when he was in great affliction on +account of the death of his wife, is continued every year until that +of his own death, in 1852. In this little volume the following +memorandum occurs, dated January 1, 1826: + + "I have been extensively engaged in business during the last two + years, and have added much to my worldly possessions; but have + come to the same conclusions in regard to them that I did in + 1818. I feel distressed in mind that the resolutions then made + have not been more effectual in keeping me from this + _overengagedness_ in business. I now find myself so engrossed + with its cares, as to occupy my thoughts, waking or sleeping, to + a degree entirely disproportioned to its importance. The quiet + and comfort of home are broken in upon by the anxiety arising + from the losses and mischances of a business so extensive as + ours; and, above all, that communion which ought ever to be kept + free between man and his Maker is interrupted by the incessant + calls of the multifarious pursuits of our establishment." + +After noting down several rules for curtailing his affairs, he +continues: + + "Property acquired at such sacrifices as I have been obliged to + make the past year costs more than it's worth; and the anxiety in + protecting it is the extreme of folly." + + * * * * * + + _1st of January, 1827._--"The principles of business laid down a + year ago have been very nearly practised upon. Our + responsibilities and anxieties have greatly diminished, as also + have the accustomed profits of business; but there is sufficient + remaining for the reward of our labor to impose on us increased + responsibilities and duties, as agents who must at last render an + account. God grant that mine be found correct!" + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +REFLECTIONS.--BUNKER HILL MONUMENT.--LETTERS. + + +_1st of January, 1828._--After an account of his affairs, he remarks: + + "The amount of property is great for a young man under forty-two + years of age, who came to this town when he was twenty-one years + old with no other possessions than a common country education, a + sincere love for his own family, and habits of industry, economy, + and sobriety. Under God, it is these same self-denying habits, + and a desire I always had to please, so far as I could without + sinful compliance, that I can now look back upon and see as the + true ground of my success. I have many things to reproach myself + with; but among them is not idling away my time, or spending + money for such things as are improper. My property imposes upon + me many duties, which can only be known to my Maker. May a sense + of these duties be constantly impressed upon my mind; and, by a + constant discharge of them, God grant me the happiness at last of + hearing the joyful sound, 'Well done, good and faithful servant, + enter thou into the joy of thy Lord!' Amen. Amen." + +Previous to this date, but few private letters written by Mr. Lawrence +were preserved. From that time, however, many volumes have been +collected, a greater part of them addressed to his children. Out of a +very large correspondence with them and with friends, such selections +will be made as are thought most interesting, and most worthy to be +preserved by his family and their descendants. The nature of this +correspondence is such, involving many personal matters of transient +interest that often scraps of letters only can be given; and, although +it will be the aim of the editor to give an outline of the life of the +author of these letters, it will be his object to allow him to speak +for himself, and to reveal his own sentiments and character, rather +than to follow out, from year to year, the details of his personal +history. This correspondence commences with a series of letters +extending through several years, and addressed to his eldest son, who +was, during that time, at school in France and Spain. + + "BOSTON, November 11, 1828. + + "I trust that you will have had favoring gales and a pleasant + passage, and will be safely landed at Havre within twenty days + after sailing. You will see things so different from what you + have been accustomed to, that you may think the French are far + before or behind us in the arts of life, and formation of + society. But you must remember that what is best for one people + may be the worst for another; and that it is true wisdom to study + the character of the people among whom you are, before adopting + their manners, habits, or feelings, and carrying them to another + people. I wish to see you, as long as you live, a well-bred, + upright _Yankee_. Brother Jonathan should never forget his + self-respect, nor should he be impertinent in claiming more for + his country or himself than is due; but on no account should he + speak ungraciously of his country or its friends abroad, whatever + may be said by others. Lafayette in France is not what he is + here; and, whatever may be said of him there, he is an ardent + friend of the United States; and I will venture to say, if you + introduce yourself to him as a grandson of one of his old Yankee + officers, he will treat you with the kindness of a father. You + must visit La Grange, and G. will go with you. He will not + recollect your grandfather, or any of us. But tell him that your + father and three uncles were introduced to him here in the State + House; that they are much engaged in forwarding the Bunker Hill + Monument; and, if ever he return to this country, it will be the + pride of your father to lead him to the top of it." + +Among Mr. Lawrence's papers, this is the first allusion to the Bunker +Hill Monument, in the erection of which he afterwards took so +prominent a part, and to which he most liberally contributed both time +and money. From early associations, perhaps from the accounts received +from his father, who was present during the battle, his mind became +strongly interested in the project of erecting a monument, and +particularly in that of reserving the whole battle-ground for the use +of the public forever. He had been chosen one of the Building +Committee of the Board of Directors in October, 1825, in company with +Dr. John C. Warren, General H. A. S. Dearborn, George Blake, and +William Sullivan. From this time until the completion of the monument, +the object occupied a prominent place in his thoughts; and allusion to +his efforts in its behalf during the succeeding years will, from time +to time, be introduced. + +On December 13, 1828, he thus alludes to the death of an invalid +daughter six years of age: + + "She was taken with lung fever on the 4th, and died, after much + suffering and distress, on the 8th. Nothing seemed to relieve her + at all; and I was thankful when the dear child ceased to suffer, + and was taken to the bosom of her Saviour, where sickness and + suffering will no more reach her, and the imperfections of her + earthly tenement will be corrected, and her mind and spirit will + be allowed to expand and grow to their full stature in Christ. In + his hands I most joyfully leave her, hoping that I may rejoin her + with the other children whom it has pleased God to give me." + + + (TO HIS SON.) + + "December 29. + + "My thoughts are often led to contemplate the condition of my + children in every variety of situation, more especially in + sickness, since the death of dear M. Although I do not allow + myself to indulge in melancholy or fearful forebodings, I cannot + but feel the deepest solicitude that their minds and principles + should be so strengthened and stayed upon their God and Saviour + as to give them all needed support in a time of such trial and + suffering. You are so situated as perhaps not to recall so + frequently to your mind as may be necessary the principles in + which you have been educated. But let me, in the absence of these + objects, remind you that God is ever present, and sees the inmost + thoughts; and, while he allows every one to act freely, he gives + to such as earnestly and honestly desire to do right all needed + strength and encouragement to do it. Therefore, my dear son, do + not cheat yourself by doing what you suspect _may_ be wrong. You + are as much accountable to your Maker for an enlightened exercise + of your conscience, as you would be to me to use due diligence in + taking care of a bag of money which I might send by you to Mr. W. + If you were to throw it upon deck, or into the bottom of the + coach, you would certainly be culpable; but, if you packed it + carefully in your trunk, and placed the trunk in the usual + situation, it would be using common care. So in the exercise of + your conscience: if you refuse to examine whether an action is + right or wrong, you voluntarily defraud yourself of the guide + provided by the Almighty. If you do wrong, you have no better + excuse than he who had done so willingly and wilfully. It is the + sincere desire that will be accepted." + +To his second son, then at school in Andover, he writes: + + "I received your note yesterday, and was prepared to hear your + cash fell short, as a dollar-bill was found in your chamber on + the morning you left home. You now see the benefit of keeping + accounts, as you would not have been sure about this loss without + having added up your account. Get the habit firmly fixed of + putting down every cent you receive and every cent you expend. In + this way you will acquire some knowledge of the relative value of + things, and a habit of judging and of care which will be of use + to you during all your life. Among the numerous people who have + failed in business within my knowledge, a prominent cause has + been a want of system in their affairs, by which to know when + their expenses and losses exceeded their profits. This habit is + as necessary for professional men as for a merchant; because, in + their business, there are numerous ways to make little savings, + if they find their income too small, which they would not adopt + without looking at the detail of all their expenses. It is the + habit of consideration I wish you to acquire; and the habit of + being accurate will have an influence upon your whole character + in life." + + + (TO HIS SON IN FRANCE.) + + "April 28, 1829. + + "I beseech you to consider well the advantages you enjoy, and to + avail yourself of your opportunities to give your manners a + little more ease and polish; for, you may depend upon it, manners + are highly important in your intercourse with the world. Good + principles, good temper, and good manners, will carry a man + through the world much better than he can get along with the + absence of either. The most important is good principles. Without + these, the best manners, although, for a time, very acceptable, + cannot sustain a person in trying situations. + + "If you live to attain the age of thirty, the interim will appear + but a span; and yet at that time you will be in the full force of + manhood. To look forward to that period, it seems very long; and + it is long enough to make great improvement. Do not omit the + opportunity to acquire a character and habits that will continue + to improve during the remainder of life. At its close, the + reflection that you have thus done will be a support and stay + worth more than any sacrifice you may ever feel called on to make + in acquiring these habits." + + + (TO THE SAME.) + + "June 7, 1829. + + "I was forcibly reminded, on entering our tomb last evening, of + the inroads which death has made in our family since 1811, at the + period when I purchased it. How soon any of us who survive may + mingle our dust with theirs, is only known to Omniscience; but, + at longest, it can be in his view but a moment, a mere point of + time. How important, then, to us who can use this mere point for + our everlasting good, that we should do it, and not squander it + as a thing without value! Think upon this, my son; and do not + merely admit the thought into your mind and drive it out by vain + imaginations, but give it an abiding and practical use. To set a + just value upon time, and to make a just use of it, deprives no + one of any rational pleasure: on the contrary, it encourages + temperance in the enjoyment of all the good things which a good + Providence has placed within our reach, and thankfulness for all + opportunities of bestowing happiness on our fellow-beings. Thus + you have an opportunity of making me and your other friends + happy, by diligence in your studies, temperance, truth, + integrity, and purity of life and conversation. I may not write + to you again for a number of weeks, as I shall commence a journey + to Canada in a few days. You will get an account of the journey + from some of the party." + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +JOURNEY TO CANADA.--LETTERS.--DIARY.--CHARITIES. + + +Mr. Lawrence, with a large party, left Boston on the 13th of June, and +passed through Vermont, across the Green Mountains, to Montreal and +Quebec. Compared with these days of railroad facilities, the journey +was slow. It was performed very leisurely in hired private vehicles, +and seems to have been much enjoyed. He gives a glowing account of the +beauty of the country through which he passed, as well as his +impressions of the condition of the population. + +From Quebec the party proceeded to Niagara Falls, and returned through +the State of New York to Boston, "greatly improved in health and +spirits." This, with one other visit to Canada several years before, +was the only occasion on which Mr. Lawrence ever left the territory of +the United States; for, though sometimes tempted, in after years, to +visit the Old World, his occupations and long-continued feeble health +prevented his doing so. + + + (TO HIS SON.) + + "July 27. + + "If, in an endeavor to do right, we fall short, we shall still be + in the way of duty; and that is first to be looked at. We must + keep in mind that we are to render an account of the use of those + talents which are committed to us; and we are to be judged by + unerring Wisdom, which can distinguish all the motives of action, + as well as weigh the actions. As our stewardship has been + faithful or otherwise, will be the sentence pronounced upon us. + Give this your best thoughts, for it is a consideration of vast + importance." + + + "August 27. + + "Bring home no foreign fancies which are inapplicable to our + state of society. It is very common for our young men to come + home and appear quite ridiculous in attempting to introduce their + foreign fashions. It should be always kept in mind that the state + of society is widely different here from that in Europe; and our + comfort and character require it should long remain so. Those who + strive to introduce many of the European habits and fashions, by + displacing our own, do a serious injury to the republic, and + deserve censure. An idle person, with good powers of mind, + becomes torpid and inactive after a few years of indulgence, and + is incapable of making any high effort; highly important it is, + then, to avoid this enemy of mental and moral improvement. I have + no wish that you pursue trade. I would rather see you on a farm, + or studying any profession." + + + "October 16. + + "It should always be your aim so to conduct yourself that those + whom you value most in the world would approve your conduct, if + all your actions were laid bare to their inspection; and thus you + will be pretty sure that He who sees the motive of all our + actions will accept the good designed, though it fall short in + its accomplishment. You are young, and are placed in a situation + of great peril, and are perhaps sometimes tempted to do things + which you would not do if you knew yourself under the eye of your + guardian. The blandishments of a beautiful city may lead you to + forget that you are always surrounded, supported, and seen, by + that best Guardian." + + + "December 27. + + "I suppose Christmas is observed with great pomp in France. It is + a day which our Puritan forefathers, in their separation from the + Church of England, endeavored to blot out from the days of + religious festivals; and this because it was observed with so + much pomp by the Romish Church. In this, as well as in many other + things, they were as unreasonable as though they had said they + would not eat bread because the Roman Catholics do. I hope and + trust the time is not far distant when Christmas will be observed + by the descendants of the Puritans with all suitable respect, as + the first and highest holiday of Christians; combining all the + feelings and views of New England Thanksgiving with all the other + feelings appropriate to it." + + + "January 31, 1830. + + "You have seen, perhaps, that the Directors of the Bunker Hill + Monument Association have applied to the Legislature for a + lottery. I am extremely sorry for it. I opposed the measure in + all its stages, and feel mortified that they have done so. They + cannot get it, and I desire that General Lafayette may understand + this; and, if he will write us a few lines during the coming + year, it will help us in getting forward a subscription. When our + citizens shall have had one year of successful business, they + will be ready to give the means to finish the monument. My + feelings are deeply interested in it, believing it highly + valuable as a nucleus for the affections of the people in after + time; and, if my life be spared and my success continue, I will + never cease my efforts until it be completed." + +Further details will be given in this volume to show now nobly Mr. +Lawrence persevered in the resolution thus deliberately formed; and, +though he was destined to witness many fruitless efforts, he had the +satisfaction at last of seeing the completion of the monument, and +from its summit of pointing out the details of the battle to the son +of one of the British generals in command[2] on that eventful day. + + [2] Lord Prudhoe, now Duke of Northumberland. + +On the same page with the estimate of his property for the year 1830, +he writes: + + "With a view to know the amount of my expenditures for objects + other than the support of my family, I have, for the year 1829, + kept a particular account of such other expenses as come under + the denomination of charities, and appropriations for the benefit + of others not of my own household, for many of whom I feel under + the same obligation as for my own family." + +This memorandum was commenced on the 1st of January, 1829, and is +continued until December 30, 1852, the last day of his life. It +contains a complete statement of his charities during that whole +period, including not only what he contributed in money, but also all +other donations, in the shape of clothing materials, books, +provisions, &c. His custom was to note down at cost the value of the +donation, after it had been despatched; whether in the shape of a +book, a turkey, or one of his immense bundles of varieties to some +poor country minister's family, as large, as he says in addressing +one, "as a small haycock." Two rooms in his house, and sometimes +three, were used principally for the reception of useful articles for +distribution. There, when stormy weather or ill health prevented him +from taking his usual drive, he was in the habit of passing hours in +selecting and packing up articles which he considered suitable to the +wants of those whom he wished to aid. On such days, his coachman's +services were put in requisition to pack and tie up "the small +haycocks;" and many an illness was the result of over-exertion and +fatigue in supplying the wants of his poorer brethren. These packages +were selected according to the wants of the recipients, and a +memorandum made of the contents. In one case, he notifies Professor +----, of ---- College, that he has sent by railroad "a barrel and a +bundle of books, with broadcloth and pantaloon stuffs, with odds and +ends for poor students when they go out to keep school in the winter." +Another, for the president of a college at the West, one piece of silk +and worsted, for three dresses; one piece of plaid, for "M. and +mamma;" a lot of pretty books; a piece of lignum-vitæ from the Navy +Yard, as a text for the support of the navy; and various items for +the children: value, twenty-five dollars. + +To a professor in a college in a remote region he sends a package +containing "dressing-gown, vest, hat, slippers, jack-knife, scissors, +pins, neck-handkerchiefs, pantaloons, cloth for coat, 'History of +Groton,' lot of pamphlets," &c. + +Most of the packages forwarded contained substantial articles for +domestic use, and were often accompanied by a note containing from +five to fifty dollars in money. + +The distribution of books was another mode of usefulness to which Mr. +Lawrence attached much importance. + +In his daily drives, his carriage was well stored with useful volumes, +which he scattered among persons of all classes and ages as he had +opportunity. + +These books were generally of a religious character, while others of a +miscellaneous nature were purchased in large numbers, and sent to +institutions, or individuals in remote parts of the country. + +He purchased largely the very useful as well as tasteful volumes of +the American Tract Society and the Sunday-School Union. An agent of +the latter society writes: "I had almost felt intimately acquainted +with him, as nearly every pleasant day he visited the depository to +fill the front seat of his coach with books for distribution." + +Old and young, rich and poor, shared equally in these distributions; +and he rarely allowed an occasion to pass unimproved when he thought +an influence could be exerted by the gift of an appropriate volume. + +While waiting one day in his carriage with a friend, in one of the +principal thoroughfares of the city, he beckoned to a genteelly-dressed +young man who was passing, and handed him a book. Upon being asked +whether the young man was an acquaintance, he replied: + +"No, he is not; but you remember where it is written, 'Cast thy bread +upon the waters, for thou shalt find it after many days.'" + +"A barrel of books" is no uncommon item found in his record of +articles almost daily forwarded to one and another of his distant +beneficiaries. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +CORRESPONDENCE WITH MR. WEBSTER.--LETTERS. + + + (TO HIS SON.) + + "February 5, 1830. + + "Be sure and visit La Grange before you return; say to General + Lafayette that the Bunker Hill Monument will _certainly be + finished_, and that the foolish project of a lottery has been + abandoned. If, in the course of Providence, I should be taken + away, I hope my children will feel it a duty to continue the + efforts that are made in this work, which I have had so much at + heart, and have labored so much for." + +To his son, then at school at Versailles, he writes on Feb. 26, 1830: + + "After hearing from you again, I can judge better what to advise + respecting your going into Spain. At all events, let no hope of + going, or seeing, or doing anything else, prevent your using the + present time for improving yourself in whatever you find to do. + My greatest fear is, that you may form a wrong judgment of what + constitutes your true respectability, happiness, and usefulness. + To a youth just entering on the scenes of life, the roses on the + wayside appear without thorns; but, in the eagerness to snatch + them, many find, to their sorrow, that all which appears so fair + is not in possession what it was in prospect, and that beneath + the rose there is a thorn that sometimes wounds like a serpent's + bite. Let not appearances deceive you; for, when once you have + strayed, the second temptation is more likely to be fallen into + than the first." + + + "March 6, 1830. + + "We are all in New England deeply interested by Mr. Webster's + late grand speech in the Senate, vindicating New England men and + New England measures from reproach heaped upon them by the South; + it was his most powerful effort, and you will see the American + papers are full of it. You should read the whole debate between + him and Mr. Hayne of South Carolina; you will find much to + instruct and interest you, and much of what you ought to know. + Mr. Webster never stood so high in this country as, at this + moment; and I doubt if there be any man, either in Europe or + America, his superior. The doctrines upon the Constitution in + this speech should be read as a text-book by all our youth." + +After reading the great speech of Mr. Webster, Mr. Lawrence addressed +to that gentleman a letter, expressing his admiration of the manner in +which New England had been vindicated, and also his own personal +feelings of gratitude for the proud stand thus taken. + +Mr. Webster replied as follows: + + "WASHINGTON, March 8, 1830. + + "DEAR SIR: I thank you very sincerely for your very kind and + friendly letter. The sacrifices made in being here, and the + mortifications sometimes experienced, are amply compensated by + the consciousness that my friends at home feel that I have done + some little service to our New England. I pray you to remember me + with very true regard to Mrs. Lawrence, and believe me + + "Very faithfully and gratefully yours, + "DANIEL WEBSTER. + "TO AMOS LAWRENCE, Esq." + + + EXTRACTS OF LETTERS TO HIS SON. + + "April 13, 1830. + + "You may feel very sure that any study which keeps your mind + engaged will be likely to strengthen it; and that, if you leave + your mind inactive, it will run to waste. Your arm is + strengthened by wielding a broadsword, or even a foil. Your legs + by various gymnastic exercises, and the organs of sight and + hearing by careful and systematic use, are greatly improved; even + the finger is trained, by the absence of sight, to perform almost + the service of the eye. All this shows how natural it is for all + the powers to grow stronger by use. You needed not these examples + to convince you; but my desire to have you estimate your + advantages properly induces me to write upon them very often. + Every American youth owes his country his best talents and + services, and should devote them to the country's welfare. In + doing that, you will promote not only your own welfare, but your + highest enjoyment. + + "The duty of an American citizen, at this period of the world, is + that of a responsible agent; and he should endeavor to transmit + to the next age the institutions of our country uninjured and + improved. We hope, in your next letter, to hear something more of + General Lafayette. The old gentleman is most warm in his + affection for Americans. May he live long to encourage and bless + by his example the good of all countries! In contemplating a life + like his, who can say that compensation even here is not fully + made for all the anguish and suffering he has formerly endured? + Long life does not consist in many years; but in the period being + filled with good services to our fellow-beings. He whose life + ends at thirty may have done much, while he who has reached the + age of one hundred may have done little. With the Almighty, a + thousand years are a moment; and he will therefore give no credit + to any talents not used to his glory; which use is the same thing + as promoting, by all means in our power, the welfare and + happiness of the beings among whom we are placed." + + + "May 7, 1830. + + "I have been pretty steady at my business, without working hard, + or having anxious feelings about it. It is well to have an + agreeable pursuit to employ the mind and body. I think that I can + work for the next six years with as good a relish as ever I did; + but I make labor a pleasure. I have just passed into my + forty-fifth year, you know. At my age, I hope you will feel as + vigorous and youthful as I now do. A temperate use of the good + things of life, and a freedom from anxious cares, tend, as much + as anything, to keep off old age." + + + "June 17, 1830. + + "To-day completes fifty-five years since the glorious battle of + Bunker Hill, and five years since the nation's guest assisted at + the laying of the corner-stone of the monument which is to + commemorate to all future times the events which followed that + battle. If it should please God to remove me before this + structure is completed, I hope to remember it in my will, and + that my sons will live to see it finished. But what I deem of + more consequence is to retain for posterity the battle-field, now + in the possession of the Bunker Hill Monument Association. The + Association is in debt, and a part of the land may pass out of + its possession; but I hope, if it do, there will be spirit + enough among individuals to purchase it and restore it again; + for I would rather the whole work should not be resumed for + twenty years, than resume it by parting with the land. I name + this to you now, that you may have a distinct intimation of my + wishes to keep the land open for our children's children to the + end of time." + + + "July 17, 1830. + + "Temptation, if successfully resisted, strengthens the character; + but it should always be avoided. 'Lead us not into temptation' + are words of deep meaning, and should always carry with them + corresponding desires of obedience. At a large meeting of + merchants and others held ten days ago, it was resolved to make + an effort to prevent the licensing of such numbers of soda-shops, + retailers of spirits and the like, which have, in my opinion, + done more than anything else to debase and ruin the youth of our + city. It is a gross perversion of our privileges to waste and + destroy ourselves in this way. God has given us a good land and + many blessings. We misuse them, and make them minister to our + vices. We shall be called to a strict account. Every good citizen + owes it to his God and his country to stop, as far as he can, + this moral desolation. Let me see you, on your return, an + advocate of good order and good morals. * * * + + "Our old neighbor the sea-serpent was more than usually + accommodating the day after we left Portsmouth. He exhibited + himself to a great number of people who were at Hampton Beach + last Saturday. They had a full view of his snakeship from the + shore. He was so civil as to raise his head about four feet, and + look into a boat, where were three men, who thought it the wisest + way to retreat to their cabin. His length is supposed to be about + one hundred feet, his head the size of a ten-gallon cask, and his + body, in the largest part, about the size of a barrel. I have + never had any more doubt respecting the existence of this animal, + since he was seen here eleven years ago, than I have had of the + existence of Bonaparte. The evidence was as strong to my mind of + the one as of the other. I had never seen either; but I was as + well satisfied of the existence of both, as I should have been + had I seen both. And yet the idea of the sea-serpent's existence + has been scouted and ridiculed." + + + "September 25. + + "The events of the late French Revolution have reached us up to + the 17th August. The consideration of them is animating, and + speaks in almost more than human language. We are poor, frail, + and mortal beings; but there is something elevating in the + thought of a whole people acting as with the mind and the aim of + one man, a part which allies man to a higher order of beings. I + confess it makes me feel a sort of veneration for them; and trust + that no extravagance will occur to mar the glory and the dignity + of this enterprise. Our beloved old hero, too, acting as the + guiding and presiding genius of this wonderful event! May God + prosper them, and make it to the French people what it is capable + of being, if they make a right use of it! I hope that you have + been careful to see and learn everything, and that you will + preserve the information you obtain in such a form as to recall + the events to your mind a long time hence. We are all very well + and very busy, and in fine spirits, here in the old town of + Boston. Those who fell behind last year have some of them placed + themselves in the rear rank, and are again on duty. Others are + laid up, unfit for duty; and the places of all are supplied with + fresh troops. We now present as happy and as busy a community as + you would desire to see." + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +TESTIMONIAL TO MR. WEBSTER.--DANGEROUS ILLNESS.--LETTERS. + + +During the autumn of 1830, in order to testify in a more marked manner +his appreciation of Mr. Webster's distinguished services in the Senate +of the United States, Mr. Lawrence presented to that gentleman a +service of silver plate, accompanied by the following note: + + "BOSTON, October 23, 1830. + + "HON. DANIEL WEBSTER. + + "DEAR SIR: Permit me to request your acceptance of the + accompanying small service of plate, as a testimony of my + gratitude for your services to the country in your late efforts + in the Senate; especially for your vindication of the character + of Massachusetts and of New England. + + "From your friend and fellow-citizen, + + "AMOS LAWRENCE. + + "P. S.--If by any emblem or inscription on any piece of this + service, referring to the circumstances of which this is a + memorial, the whole will be made more acceptable, I shall be glad + to have you designate what it shall be, and permit me the + opportunity of adding it." + +To which Mr. Webster replied, on the same evening, as follows: + + "SUMMER-STREET, October 23, 1830. + + "MY DEAR SIR: I cannot well express my sense of your kindness, + manifested in the present of plate, which I have received this + evening. I know that, from you, this token of respect is sincere; + and I shall ever value it, and be happy in leaving it to my + children, as a most gratifying evidence of your friendship. The + only thing that can add to its value is your permission that it + may be made to bear an inscription expressive of the donation. + + "I am, dear sir, with unfeigned esteem, + "Your friend and obedient servant, + + "DANIEL WEBSTER. + "AMOS LAWRENCE, Esq." + + + (TO HIS SON.) + + "BOSTON, January 16, 1831. + + "Our local affairs are very delightful in this state and city. We + have no violent political animosities; and the prosperity of the + people is very great. In our city, in particular, the people have + not had greater prosperity for twenty years. There is a general + industry and talent in our population, that is calculated to + produce striking results upon their character. In your + reflections upon your course, you may settle it as a principle, + that no man can attain any valuable influence or character among + us, who does not labor with whatever talents he has to increase + the sum of human improvement and happiness. An idler, who feels + that he has no responsibilities, but is contriving to get rid of + time without being useful to any one, whatever be his fortune, + can find no comfort in staying here. We have not enough such to + make up a society. We are literally all working-men; and the + attempt to get up a 'Working-men's party' is a libel upon the + whole population, as it implies that there are among us large + numbers who are not working-men. He is a working-man whose mind + is employed, whether in making researches into the meaning of + hieroglyphics or in demonstrating any invention in the arts, just + as much as he who cuts down the forests, or holds the plough, or + swings the sledge-hammer. Therefore let it be the sentiment of + your heart to use all the talents and powers you may possess in + the advancement of the moral and political influence of New + England. New England, I say; for here is to be the stronghold of + liberty, and the seat of influence to the vast multitude of + millions who are to people this republic." + +At the period when the preceding letter was written, the manufacturing +interests had become of vast importance in this community; and the +house of which Mr. Lawrence was the senior partner had identified +itself with many of the great manufacturing corporations already +created, or then in progress. With such pecuniary interests at stake, +and with a sense of responsibility for the success of these +enterprises, which had been projected on a scale and plan hitherto +unknown, it may be supposed that his mind and energies were fully +taxed, and that he could be fairly ranked among the working-men +alluded to. While in the full tide of active life, and, as it were, at +the crowning point of a successful career, the hand of Providence was +laid upon him to remove him, for the rest of his days, from this +sphere of honor and activity to the chamber of the invalid, and the +comparatively tame and obscure walks of domestic life. Ever after +this, his life hung upon a thread; and its very uncertainty, far from +causing him to despond and rest from future effort, seemed only to +excite the desire to work while the day lasted. The discipline thus +acquired, instead of consigning him to the inglorious obscurity of a +sick chamber, was the means of his entering upon that career of active +philanthropy which is now the great source of whatever distinction +there may be attached to his memory. His business life was ended; and, +though he was enabled to advise with others, and give sometimes a +direction to the course of affairs, he assumed no responsibility, and +had virtually retired from the field. + +On the 1st of June, 1831, the weather being very warm, Mr. Lawrence, +while engaged in the business of his counting-room, drank moderately +of cold water, and, soon after, was seized with a violent and alarming +illness. The functions of the stomach seemed to have been destroyed; +and, for many days, there remained but small hope of his recovery. +Much sympathy was expressed by his friends and the public, and in such +a manner as to afford gratification to his family, as well as surprise +to himself when sufficiently recovered to be informed of it. He had +not yet learned the place which he had earned, in the estimation of +those around him, as a merchant and a citizen; and it was, not +improbably, a stimulus to merit, by his future course, the high +encomiums which were then lavished upon him. + +Mr. Lawrence announced his sickness to his son, then in Spain, in the +following letter, dated + + "BOSTON, June 27, 1831. + + "I desire to bless God for being again permitted to address you + in this way. On the 1st day of this month, I was seized with a + violent illness, which caused both myself and my friends almost + to despair of my life. But, by the blessing of God, the remedies + proved efficacious; and I am still in the land of the living, + with a comfortable prospect of acquiring my usual health, + although, thus far, not allowed to leave my chamber. In that + dread hour when I thought that the next perhaps would be my last + on earth,--my thoughts resting upon my God and Saviour, then upon + the past scenes of my life, then upon my dear children,--the + belief that their minds are well directed, and that they will + prove blessings to society, and fulfil, in some good degree, the + design of Providence in placing them here, was a balm to my + spirits that proved more favorable to my recovery than any of the + other remedies. May you never forget that every man is + individually responsible for his actions, and must be held + accountable for his opportunities! Thus he who has ten talents + will receive a proportionate reward, if he makes a right use of + them; and he who receives one will be punished, if he hides it in + a napkin." + + + "June 29, 1831. + + "MY DEAR AND EVER-HONORED MOTHER: Through the divine goodness, I + am once more enabled to address you by letter, after having + passed through a sickness alarming to my friends, although to + myself a comparatively quiet one. I cannot in words express my + grateful sense of God's goodness in thus carrying me, as it + were, in his hand, and lighting the way by the brightness of his + countenance. During that period in which I considered my recovery + as hardly probable, my mind was calm; and, while in review of the + past I found many things to lament, and in contemplation of the + future much to fear, but more to hope, I could find no other + words in which to express my thoughts than the words of the + publican, 'God be merciful to me a sinner!' All the small + distinctions of sects and forms dwindled into air, thin air, and + seemed to me even more worthless than ever. The cares and + anxieties of the world did not disturb me, believing it to be of + small moment whether I should be taken now or spared a few years + longer. With returning health and strength, different prospects + open, and different feelings take the place of those which were + then so appropriate; and the social feelings and sympathies have + their full share in their hold upon me. * * * * + + "From your ever-loving and dutiful son, + A. L." + + + (TO HIS SON.) + + "July 14. + + "I have been constantly gaining since my last to you, and with + constant care, hope to acquire my usual health. I am, however, + admonished, by the two attacks I have experienced within a month, + that the continuance of my life for any considerable period will + be very likely to depend upon a rigid prudence in my labor and + living. The recovery from this last sickness is almost like being + restored to life; and I hope the span that may be allowed me may + be employed in better service than any period of my past life. We + are placed here to be disciplined for another and higher state; + and whatever happens to us makes a part of this discipline. In + this view, we ought never to murmur, but to consider, when ills + befall us, how we can make them subserve our highest good. What I + am more desirous than anything else for you is, that you may feel + that you are accountable for all your talents, and that you may + so use them as to have an approving conscience, and the final + recompense of a faithful servant at last. The period of trial is + short; but the consequences are never-ending. How important to + each individual, then,--to you and to me,--that we use aright the + period assigned us!" + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +JOURNEY TO NEW HAMPSHIRE.--LETTERS.--RESIGNS OFFICE OF TRUSTEE AT +HOSPITAL.--LETTERS. + + +A few days after the date of the preceding letter, a change was +thought desirable for the improvement of Mr. Lawrence's health; and he +accordingly, with Mrs. L., went to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and +remained a week with his friend and brother-in-law, the late Hon. +Jeremiah Mason. From thence he proceeded to visit friends in Amherst, +New Hampshire, where he was attacked by a severe rheumatic fever, +which confined him for several weeks; and it was with great difficulty +that he succeeded in reaching home about the 20th of September, after +an absence of nearly two months. On the 27th of September, he writes +to his son: + + "It is only within a few days that I have been able to be removed + to my own house. I am now able to walk my chamber, and sit up + half the day; and, by the best care in the world, I have a fair + hope of again enjoying so much health as to feel that I may yet + be of some use in the world. My bodily sufferings have been great + during this last sickness; but my mind in general has been + quiet. I seem to want nothing which this world can give to make + me an enviably happy man, but your presence and a return of my + health; but these last are wisely withheld. We are apt, in the + abundance of the gift, to lose the recollection whence it came, + and feel that by our own power we can go forward. Happy for us + that we are thus made to feel that all we have is from God; this + recurrence to the Source of all our blessings makes us better + men. I do not expect to be able to leave the house before the + next spring; and, in the mean time, must be subject to the + casualties incident to a person in my situation." + +On October 29, Mr. Lawrence, in a letter to the same son, expresses +his gratitude for the enjoyment of life, "even in a sick chamber, as +mine must be termed." + + "I receive my friends here, and once only have walked abroad for + a few minutes. I drive in a carriage every pleasant day, and I + can truly say that my days pass in the full enjoyment of more + than the average of comfort. 'My mind is as easy as it ever is, + and as active as is safe for the body. I employed myself + yesterday in looking over your letters since you left home three + years ago, and was reminded by them that the fourth year of your + absence has just commenced. Although a brief space since it is + passed, an equal time, if we look forward, appears to be far + distant. The question you will naturally ask yourself is, How has + the time been spent? and from the answer you may gather much + instruction for the future. If you have made the best use of this + period, happy is it for you, as the habit of the useful + application of your time will make its continuance more natural + and easy. If you have misused and abused your opportunities, + there is not a moment to be lost in retracing your steps, and + making good, by future effort, what has been lost by want of it. + In short, we can none of us know that a future will be allowed us + to amend and to correct our previous misdoings and omissions; and + it is not less the part of wisdom than of duty to be always up + and doing, that whenever our Master comes we may be ready. I + never was made so sensible before of the power of the mind over + the body. It is a matter of surprise to some of my friends, who + have known my constant habits of business for a quarter of a + century, that I can find so much comfort and quiet in the + confinement of my house, when I feel so well, and there are so + many calls for my labors abroad. I hope to pursue such a discreet + course as shall allow me to come forth in the spring with my poor + frame so far renovated and restored as to enable me to take my + place among the active laborers of the day, and do what little I + may for the advancement and well-being of my generation. If, + however, I should, by any accident or exposure, be again brought + to a bed of pain and suffering, may God grant me a patient and + submissive temper to bear whatever may be put upon me, with a + full conviction that such chastisements will tend to my good, if + I make a right use of them!" + +The first of January, 1832, found Mr. Lawrence confined to his sick +room, and unable, from bodily weakness, to drive out in the open air, +as he had hitherto done. He writes to his son: + + "I am reminded, by the new year, that another portion of time has + passed, by which we are accustomed to measure in prospect the + space that is allotted us here; and the reflections at the close + of the old and the commencement of the new year are calculated, + if we do not cheat ourselves, to make us better than we otherwise + should be. I am enjoying myself highly under the close + confinement of two parlor chambers, from which I have only + travelled into the entry since November. I have lived pretty much + as other prisoners of a different character live, as regards + food; namely, on bread and water, or bread and coffee or cocoa. I + have come to the conclusion that the man who lives on bread and + water, if he have enough, is the genuine epicure, according to + the original and true meaning. I am favored with the visits of + more pretty and interesting ladies than any _layman_ in the city, + I believe. My rooms are quite a resort; and, old fellow as I am, + I have the vanity to suppose I render myself quite agreeable to + them." + +On the same day, in a letter of sympathy to his sister-in-law, whose +invalid son was about to leave for a long voyage, he writes: + + "While my family are all absent at church, I am sitting alone, my + mind going back to the beginning of the year just ended and + forward through that just commenced; and, in view of both + periods, I can see nothing but the unbounded goodness of our + heavenly Father and best friend, in all that has been taken from + me, as well as in all that is left to me. I can say, with + sincerity, that I never have had so much to call forth my warmest + and deepest gratitude for favors bestowed as at the present time. + Among my sources of happiness is a settled conviction that, in + chastening his children, God desires their good; and if his + chastisements are thus viewed, we cannot receive them in any + other light than as manifestations of his fatherly care and + kindness. Although, at times, 'clouds and darkness are round + about him,' we do certainly know, by the words of inspiration, + 'that justice and judgment are the habitation of his throne,' and + goodness and mercy the attributes of his character; and if it + should please him further to try me with disease during the + period of my probation, my prayer to him is that my mind and + heart may remain stayed on him, and that I may practically + illustrate those words of our blessed Saviour, 'Not my will, but + thine be done.' It is quite possible that there may still be a + few years of probation for me; but it is more probable that I may + not remain here to the close of the present; but whether I remain + longer or shorter is of little consequence, compared with the + preparation or the dress in which I may be found when called + away. It has seemed to me that the habit of mind we cultivate + here will be that which will abide with us hereafter; and that + heaven is as truly begun here as that the affections which make + us love our friends grow stronger by use, and improve by + cultivation. We are here in our infancy; the feelings cherished + at this period grow with our growth, and, in the progress of + time, will fit us for the highest enjoyments of the most distant + future. I say, then, what sources of happiness are open to us, + not only for the present, but for all future time! These hasty + remarks are elicited on occasion of the separation so soon to + take place from your son. I know full well the anxieties of a + parent on such an occasion. + + "His health cannot, of course, be certainly predicted; but you + will have the comfort of knowing that you have done everything + that the fondest parents could do in this particular, whatever + effect the absence may have upon him. + + "---- should feel that his obligations are increased, with his + means and opportunities for improvement. If by travel he acquire + a better education, and can make himself more useful on his + return, he can no more divest himself of his increased duties, + than he can divest himself of his duty to be honest. The account + is to be rendered for the use of the talents, whether they be + ten, or five, or one. If I have opportunity, I shall write a few + lines to ---- before he leaves. If I should not, I desire him to + feel that I have great affection for him, and deep interest in + his progress, and an ardent hope that his health, improvement, + and knowledge, may be commensurate with the rare advantages he + will enjoy for the acquisition of all. + + "I know the tender feelings of your husband on all things + touching his family or friends; and perhaps I may find + opportunity to speak a word of comfort to him. But I know not + what more to say than to reiterate the sentiment here expressed. + Nature will have its way for a time, but I hope reason will be + sufficient to make that time very short. Whatever time it may be, + of this I feel confident, that, after the feelings have once + subsided, ---- will have all the sunshine and joy which the event + is calculated to produce. He cannot know until he has realized + the pleasure of hearing the absent ones speak, as it were, in his + ear, from a distance of three thousand miles. + + "May the best blessings of the Almighty rest on you and yours! + From your ever affectionate + + A. L." + + + (TO HIS SON.) + + "Sunday morning, Feb. 5, 1832. + + "I have seated myself at my writing-desk, notwithstanding it is + holy time, in the hope and belief that I am in the way of duty. + This consecration of one day in seven to the duties of + religion,--comprising, as these do, every duty,--and if they be + well performed, to self-examination, is a glorious renovation of + the world. Who that has witnessed the effects of this rest upon + the moral and physical condition of a people, can doubt the + wisdom of the appointment? Wherever we turn our eyes or our + thoughts, if we only will be as honest and candid, in our + estimate of the value of the provision made for us, as we + ordinarily are in our estimate of the character and conduct of + our fellow-men, we must be struck with admiration and gratitude + to that merciful Father who has seen our wants, and provided for + our comfort to an extent to which the care and provision of the + best earthly parents for their children hardly gives the name of + resemblance." + +In speaking of some application for aid which he had received from a +charitable institution, he writes to his son: + + "Our people are liberally disposed, and contribute to most + objects which present a fair claim to their aid. I think you will + find great advantage in doing this part of your duty upon a + system which you can adopt; thus, for instance, divide your + expenses into ten parts, nine of which may be termed for what is + considered necessary, making a liberal calculation for such as + your situation would render proper, and one part applied for the + promotion of objects not directly or legally claiming your + support, but such as every good citizen would desire to have + succeed. This, I think, you will find the most agreeable part of + your expense; and, if you should be favored with an abundance of + means later in life, you may enlarge your appropriations of this + sort, so as to be equal to one tenth of your income. Neither + yourself nor those who depend upon you will ever feel the poorer. + I assume that you have plenty, in thus fixing the proportion. I + believe the rule might be profitably adopted by many who have + small means; for they would save more by method than they would + be required to pay. + + "To-morrow completes a hundred years since the birth of + Washington. The day will be celebrated, from one end of the + country to the other, with suitable demonstrations of respect, by + processions, orations, and religious ceremonies, according to the + feelings of the people who join in it. I think the spectacle will + be a grand one, of a whole people brought together to commemorate + the birth of one of their fellow-mortals, who by his virtues and + his talents has made his memory immortal, and whose precepts and + example are calculated to secure happiness to the countless + millions of his fellow-beings who are to people this vast empire + through all future time. It is permitted to few to have open to + them such a field as Washington had; but no one since the + Christian era has filled his sphere so gloriously. We are jogging + along, in political, theological and commercial affairs, very + much as usual." + +During the month of January, Mr. Lawrence, on account of ill health, +resigned his seat in the Board of Trustees of the Massachusetts +General Hospital, in which he had served for several years. This duty +had always been one of unmingled pleasure to him; and, by means of his +visits there, and at the McLean Asylum for the Insane, under the +management of the same board, he became conversant with a class of +sufferers who had excited a great interest in his mind, and whom he +often visited during the remainder of his life, to cheer them in their +sadness, and to convey to them such little tokens of kindness as +assured them of his interest and sympathy. + +In a letter to his second son, at Andover, he writes, April 21: + + "You will be glad to hear I have got along very well through the + wet, cold weather of the week, and am looking forward with + cheerful hope to the sunny days to come. If it were not for my + faculty of turning present disappointments to future pleasures in + prospect, I should run down in spirits. I have always indulged + myself in castle-building; but have generally taken care so to + build as to be in no danger of their falling on my head, so that + when I have gone as far with one as is safe, if it does not + promise well, I transfer my labor to another, and thus am always + supplied with objects. The last one finished was commenced last + May, and it is one I delight to think of. It was then I + determined to get your Uncle Mason[3] here. N. thought it a + castle without foundation, but the result shows otherwise. + + "I send some of W.'s late letters, by which you perceive he is + not idle; the thought of the dear fellow makes the tears start. + God in mercy grant him a safe return, fully impressed with his + obligations as a man and a Christian! That I am now living in the + enjoyment of so much health, surrounded by so many blessings, is + overpowering to my feelings. What shall I render unto God for all + these benefits? I feel my unworthiness, and devoutly pray him + that I may never lose sight of the great end of my being; and + that, whenever it shall please him to call me hence, I may be + found in the company of the redeemed through the merits and + mediation of the Son of his love. If there is any one thing I + would impress on your mind more strongly than another, it is to + give good heed to the religious impressions with which you may + be imbued; and, at a future day, these may prove a foundation + that will support you when all other supports would fail. The + youthful imagination frequently magnifies objects at a distance; + experience is an able teacher, and detects, too late, perhaps, + the fraud upon youth. Be wise in time, and avoid this fraud." + + [3] Hon. Jeremiah Mason, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, who passed the + rest of his life in Boston. + +A few days later, he writes to the same son, on the subject of +systematic charity: + + "It is one of my privileges, not less than one of my duties, to + be able thus to administer to the comfort of a circle of very + dear friends. I hope you will one day have the delightful + consciousness of using a portion of your means in a way to give + you as much pleasure as I now experience. Your wants may be + brought within a very moderate compass; and I hope you will never + feel yourself at liberty to waste on yourself such means, as, by + system and right principles, may be beneficially applied to the + good of those around you. Providence has given us unerring + principles to guide us in our duties of this sort. Our first duty + is to those of our own household, then extending to kindred, + friends, neighbors (and the term 'neighbor' may, in its broadest + sense, take in the whole human family), citizens of our state, + then of our country, then of the other countries of the world." + +In another letter, written soon after the preceding, he speaks of +certain principles of business which governed him in early life, and +adds: + + "The secret of the whole matter was, that we had formed the habit + of promptly acting, thus taking the _top of the tide_; while the + habit of some others was to delay until about _half-tide_, thus + getting on the flats; while we were all the time prepared for + action, and ready to put into any port that promised well. I + wish, by all these remarks, to impress upon you the necessity of + qualifying yourself to support yourself. The best education that + I can secure shall be yours, and such facilities for usefulness + as may be in my power shall be rendered; but no food to pamper + idleness or wickedness will I ever supply willingly to any + connection, however near. I trust I have none who will ever + misuse so basely anything that may come to them as a blessing. + This letter, you may think, has an undue proportion of advice. + 'Line upon line, precept upon precept,' is recommended by one + wiser than I am." + + + (TO HIS DAUGHTER.) + + "Sunday morn. + + "MY DEAR DAUGHTER: In the quiet of this morning, my mind + naturally rests on those objects nearest and dearest to me; and + you, my child, are among the first. + + "The family are all at church, but the weather is not such as to + permit my going; and the season by them employed in the service + of the sanctuary will by me be employed in communicating with + you. + + "You have now arrived at an age when the mind and heart are most + susceptible of impressions for weal or woe; and the direction + which may be given to them is what no parent can view with + indifference, or pass over without incurring the guilt of being + unfaithful in his duties. My earnest desire for you is, that you + may fully appreciate your opportunities and responsibilities, and + so use them that you may acquire a reasonable hope that you may + secure the object for which we are placed here. The probation is + short, but long enough to do all that is required of us, if + faithfully used; the consequences are never-ending. + + "These simple views are such as any child of your age can + comprehend, and should be made as familiar to your mind as the + every-day duties of life. If the mind, from early days, be thus + accustomed to look upon life as a school of preparation for + higher services, then the changes and adversities to which we are + all liable can only be viewed as necessary discipline to fit us + for those higher services, and as such be considered as applied + for our good, however painful they may seem at first. There is no + truth better settled than this: that all the discipline of our + heavenly Parent, if rightly used, will eventuate in our good. + How, then, can we murmur and repine at his dealings with us? This + conduct only shows our weakness and folly, and illustrates the + better care of us than we should take of ourselves. + + "We are in the condition of the sick man, who sometimes craves + that which, if given him by his friend, would cause his certain + death; but he is not aware at the time that it is withheld for + his good. The importance, then, of cultivating a right + understanding of the things of which our duties and our happiness + are composed, is second to no object which can employ the mind; + for, with this knowledge, we must suppose that no one can be so + lost to his own interest as not to feel that in the performance + of these duties is to result the possession of those riches which + are promised to the faithful by our Father in heaven, through the + Son of his love. In the preparation which awaits you, do not stop + at the things which are seen, but look to those which are unseen. + These views, perhaps, may be profitably pondered long after I + have been gathered to my fathers. + + "The tenure of my life seems very frail; still it may continue + longer than the lives of my children; but, whenever it shall + please God to call me hence, I hope to feel resigned to his will, + and to leave behind me such an influence as shall help forward + the timid and faint-hearted in the path of duty; and particularly + on you, my child, do I urge these views. They debar you from no + real or reasonable pleasure; they speak to you, in strong + language, to enjoy all those blessings which a bountiful Parent + has scattered in your path with unsparing plenty, and admonish + you that to enjoy is not to abuse them; when abused, they cease + to be enjoyed." + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +DAILY EXERCISE.--REGIMEN.--IMPROVING HEALTH.--LETTERS. + + +During the summer and autumn of 1832, Mr. Lawrence's health and +strength were so much improved, that he was enabled to take exercise +on horseback; and almost daily he took long rides, sometimes alone, +sometimes with a friend, about the environs of the city. This habit he +was enabled to continue, with some intermissions, for two or three +years, through summer and winter. The effect of the exercise amidst +the beautiful scenery of the environs of Boston, of which he was an +enthusiastic admirer, was most beneficial to his health, and, it is +believed, was a great means of prolonging his life. Whenever he could +do so, he secured the company of a friend, and kept a horse expressly +for the purpose. As the ride was taken in the morning, when his +business acquaintances were occupied, his most usual companion was +some one of the city clergy, whom he secured for the occasion, or one +of his sons. No denominational distinctions seemed to regulate his +choice on these occasions. His own beloved pastor and friend, the Rev. +Dr. Lothrop, Rev. Drs. Stone and Greenwood, and Father Taylor, the +seamen's chaplain, were often his companions. Occasionally a stray +merchant or lawyer was engaged; and, as was sometimes the case where +they had not been much accustomed to the exercise, a long trot of many +miles in the sun, or in the face of a keen winter north-wester, would +severely tax their own strength, while they wondered how so frail a +figure as that of Mr. Lawrence could possess so much endurance. With +all this apparent energy and strength, he was extremely liable to +illness, which would come when least expected, and confine him for +days to his house. An item of bad news, some annoying incident, a +little anxiety, or a slight cold, would, as it were, paralyze his +digestive functions, and reduce his strength to the lowest point. It +was this extreme sensitiveness which unfitted him to engage in the +general current of business, and which compelled him to keep aloof +from participation in commercial affairs, and to adopt that peculiar +system in diet and living which he adhered to for the remainder of his +life. This system limited him to the use of certain kinds of food, +which, from time to time, was slightly modified, as was thought +expedient. This food was of the most simple kind, and was taken in +small quantities, after being weighed in a balance, which always stood +before him upon his writing-table. To secure perfect quiet during his +meals, and also that he might not be tempted to overstep the bounds +of prudence, a certain amount was sent to him in his chamber, from +which he took what was allowed. The amount of liquid was also weighed; +and so rigid was he in this system of diet, that, for the last sixteen +years of his life, he sat down at no meal with his family. The amount +of food taken varied, of course, with his strength and condition. In a +letter to his friend, President Hopkins, of Williams College, he says: + + "If your young folks want to know the meaning of epicureanism, + tell them to take some, bits of coarse bread (one ounce and a + little more), soak them in three gills of coarse-meal gruel, and + make their dinner of them and nothing else; beginning very + hungry, and leaving off more hungry. The food is delicious, and + such as no modern epicureanism can equal." + +For a considerable period, he kept a regular diet-table, in which he +noted down the quantity of solid and liquid food taken during the +twenty-four hours. One of his memorandum-books, labelled "Record of +Diet and Discipline for 1839 and 1840," contains accurate records of +this sort. + +In October, 1832, in writing to his son in the country, he alludes to +this improvement in his health and strength: + + "We are all doing as well as usual here, myself among them doing + better than usual. My little 'Doctor'[4] does wonders for me. I + ride so much, and so advantageously, that I do not know but I + shall be bold enough, by and by, to ride to B---- and back in a + day, but shall hardly dare do so until I have practised a little + more in this neighborhood. + + "I want you to analyze more closely the tendency of principles, + associations, and conduct, and strive to adopt such as will make + it easier for you to go right than go wrong. The moral taste, + like the natural, is vitiated by abuse. Gluttony, tobacco, and + intoxicating drink, are not less dangerous to the latter, than + loose principles, bad associations, and profligate conduct, are + to the former. Look well to all these things." + + [4] The name of his horse. + +The year 1833 opened with bright and cheering prospects; for, with Mr. +Lawrence's increasing strength and improved health, there seemed a +strong ground of hope that he might yet recover all his powers, and +once more take his place among his former business associates. + +He writes at this time to his son at Andover: + + "I am as light as a feather this morning, and feel as if I could + mount upon a zephyr, and ride upon its back to A----; but I am + admonished to be careful when my spirits are thus buoyant, lest I + come down to the torpor of the insect, which is shut up by the + frost. Extremes are apt to follow, unless I take great care. Last + Sabbath, I kept my bed, most of the day, with a poor turn. + Brother A. said, on Saturday, he knew I was going to have one, + for I talked _right on_." + +In March, he writes: + + "The season is coming forward now so as to allow me the use of + the roads around Roxbury and Dorchester. My 'Doctor' looks so + altered by a two hours' canter, that his own mother would hardly + know him at first sight. We continue excellent friends; and I + think he has never used me better than during the last few days. + We both 'feel our oats' and our youth. I feel like sweet + twenty-five; and he, I judge, like vigorous seven." + +On April 28, he writes to a young friend: + + "When you get married, do not expect a higher degree of + perfection than is consistent with mortality in your wife. If you + do, you will be disappointed. Be careful, and do not choose upon + a theory either. I dislike much of the nonsense and quackery that + is dignified with the name of intellectual among people. + Old-fashioned common sense is a deal better. * * * * + + "There was a part of Boston which used to be visited by young men + out of curiosity when I first came here, into which I never set + foot for the whole time I remained a single man. I avoided it, + because I not only wished to keep clear of the temptations common + in that part, but to avoid the appearance of evil. I never + regretted it; and I would advise all young men to strengthen + their good resolutions by reflection, and to plant deep and + strong the principles of right, and to avoid temptation, as time + gives them strength to stand against it." + +On December 23, he writes to his wife, who had been summoned to the +bedside of a dying relative: + + "Your absence makes a great blank in the family; and I feel that + I must be very careful lest any little accident should make me + feel of a _deep blue_ while you are away. Confidence is a great + matter, not only in curing, but in preventing disease, whether of + the body or the mind; and I have somehow got the notion that I am + more safe when you[5] are looking after me than when you are not, + and that any trouble is sooner cured when you are present than + when you are not. This is, I suppose, the true charm which some + people have faith in to keep off their ills. I have been forcibly + reminded of the passage of time, by reviewing the scenes of the + last three years, and am deeply sensible of the mercies that have + been extended to me. What little I do is a poor return: may a + better spirit prompt and guide my future services! What few I + have rendered are estimated by my brethren beyond their value, + and of course tend to flatter my self-love. This should not be; + and I ought to see myself as I am seen by that eye that never + sleeps. The situation I occupy is one that I would not exchange, + if I had the power, with any man living: it is full of agreeable + incidents, and free from the toils and anxieties frequently + attendant on a high state of prosperity; and is, beside, free + from that jealousy, or from any other cause of uneasiness, so + common among the ardent and successful in this world's race." + +[5] The editor, in justice to his own feelings, will here remark, that +he believes the continuation of Mr. Lawrence's life, after he became a +confirmed invalid, was, under Providence, in a great measure due to +the care and faithful attentions of his wife. For more than twenty +years, and during his frequent seasons of languor and sickness, she +submitted to many sacrifices, and bestowed a degree of care and +watchfulness such as affection alone could have enabled her to render. + +To his daughter, who was on a visit at Washington, he writes: + + "BOSTON, May 18th, 1834. Sunday evening. + + "MY DEAR CHILD: The contrast in the weather to-day with what it + has been most of the time since you left home, is as great as is + usual between a bleak November day and the soft air of June. + To-day it is beautiful, but on Wednesday it snowed, hailed, and + rained, and I am told, indeed, that a few miles beyond Amherst + the snow fell four inches in depth. You have reason to be + thankful that you have been in a milder climate, and, at the same + time, are seeing all the wonders that open upon you in the new + world on which you have entered. + + "I shall be expecting a letter from you within a day or two; + there can be no want of materials where so many new objects are + constantly presenting themselves, and there is a pleasure in + receiving them just as they appear to you; so you need not be + afraid to place before me the first sketches, precisely as you + catch them. + + "To-day I suppose you are in Philadelphia, and, if so, I hope you + have attended a Friends' meeting. The manner of worship and the + appearance of the people are different from anything you have + seen; and the influence of this sect upon the taste and manners + of the people is very striking, particularly in the matter of + their dress. It is said that you can judge something of the + character of a lady from her dress. Without deeming it an + essential, I think it of some consequence. This strikes the eye + only, and may deceive; how much more important that the dress of + the heart and mind and affections be right, and that no deception + be found there! I do most earnestly pray God that every + opportunity may be improved by you, my dear S., to adorn yourself + with all those graces that shall not only charm the eye, but also + with those that shall win the affections of those whose affection + you would prize, and more especially that you will secure the + approval of our best Friend. + + * * * * * + + "_Monday afternoon, May 19._--I have received your charming + letter, dated on Thursday last. It is just the thing, a simple + narrative of facts; and you will find plenty of materials of this + sort, as I stated to you before. I have been in the saddle to-day + nearly five hours with your Uncle W. and Father Taylor, and am + very tired, but shall get refreshed by a night's rest. + + "The day is beautiful, finer than any we have had since you left + home. We went to Mount Auburn, and it appears very lovely; how + much better than the dreary resting-places for the dead so common + in New England, overgrown with thistles, and the graves hardly + designated by a rude stone! Our Puritan forefathers mistook very + much, I think, in making the place of deposit for our mortal + remains so forbidding in appearance to the living. A better taste + is growing among us. It may become a matter of ostentation (we + are so apt to go to extremes), to build sepulchres and monuments + to hold our bodies, that will speak to our shame when we are no + longer subjects of trial; when, in short, we shall have gone to + our account. If these monuments could speak to their living + owners, and induce them to labor to merit, while they may, a good + word from the future lookers on, then they would be valuable + indeed. As it is, I have no fault to find; it is decidedly better + than the old fashion of making these tenements look as dreary as + anything in this world can look." + +To the same he writes, a few days later: + + "Tell ---- that I saw little ---- this morning. She is the + sweetest little creature that ever lived, and I find myself + smiling whenever I think of the dear child in health. Sympathy is + a powerful agent in illustrating through the countenance the + feelings within. I believe my face is as arrant a tell-tale as + ever was worn; and whenever I think of those I love, under happy + circumstances, I am happy, too. So you may judge how much I + enjoy in the belief that you are enjoying so much, and doing so + well, in this journey." + +On February 8, 1835, he writes to a young friend: + + "Take care that fancy does not beguile you of your understanding + in making your choice: a mere picture is not all that is needful + in the up and down hills of life. The arrangements of the + household and the sick room have more in them to fasten upon the + heart than all the beauties and honors of the mere gala days, + however successfully shown off. Be careful, when you pick, to get + a heart, a soul, and a body; not a show of a body that has mere + vitality. All this comes in _by the ears_; but it is in,--I will + not blot it out." + +March 16, he writes to his sister. + + "I have had so much call for my sympathy, assistance, and advice, + among my brethren in trade, that I have little inclination or + spirit to write social or family letters since my last; but, in + all this turmoil and trouble (and it really is as disastrous as a + siege or a famine to the country), I have kept up a good heart, + and have been able to view the work of destruction with as much + composure as the nature of the case will allow. Whatever effects + it shall produce on my property, I shall submit to, as the + inevitable destruction that comes without any fault of my own, of + course without any self-reproaches; but for the authors I feel a + just indignation. As regards the pecuniary distress among us, it + is subsiding: there have been fewer failures than were + anticipated; but there have been numbers on the brink, who have + been saved by the help of friends. A few persons have done great + service in helping those who could not help themselves; and the + consequences will be felt here for years to come in the credit + and standing of many worthy people, who must otherwise have been + broken down. Brother A. has had a load of care and responsibility + much too severe for him, and has now agreed to throw off a part + of the business as soon as the present pressure is past." + +April 29, he writes: + + "I am busy these days, but have no very important duties, except + riding with the ministers and the young ladies." + +Again, a few days later: + + "I am completely on one side, while I appear to be quite busy in + putting in an oar now and then." + +To his daughter, on her eighteenth birth-day, he writes: + + "BOSTON, May 23, 1835. + + "MY DEAR S.: You have been much in my mind to-day, and now that I + am sitting alone this evening, I place myself at your + writing-desk to communicate with you, and thus impart some + portion of those feelings of interest and affection which a + return of this day brings more strongly into play. Eighteen years + of your life are now passed, and the events of this period have + been deeply interesting to me, and have made such impressions on + you, and have left such marks of progress, I hope, in the divine + life, as will insure your onward and upward course, until you + shall join that dear one whose home has been in heaven for nearly + the whole period of your life. When I look upon you, or think of + your appearance, the image of your mother is before me, and then + I feel that deep solicitude that your mind and heart may be + imbued with those heavenly influences that gave a grace and charm + to all she did. + + "There is no substitute for those traits, and you may feel entire + confidence that a practical use of them in prosperity will prove + the best security against the changes which adversity brings + about. If I were to select for you the richest portion which a + fond father could choose, it would be that you might have a mind + and a heart to perform all those duties which your station and + condition in life require, upon the true Christian principle of + using your one or more talents, and thus, at the day of account, + receive the cheering sound of the Master's voice. + + "What treasure will compare with this? The charms of life are + captivating to the imagination, but there are none more + calculated to add to our joys here than elevated Christian + principles, however they may be branded by the mere worldling as + 'cold, unsocial,' and the like. You see how important it is to + form a just estimate of the value of these different objects. + When a mistake is made here, the consequences may be + never-ending. Our danger is in cheating ourselves, by leaving + undone those things our conscience tells us we ought to do, and + doing others that it tells us we ought not to do. + + "I have thought, for some time past, my dear child, that your + mind was laboring under the influence of religious truth, and I + have been made most comfortable in this belief. "Cultivate those + feelings, and study to make your example good to others, as well + as safe for yourself. Our time here is short, but it is long + enough to accomplish the work we are sent to perform, and the + consequences will be on our own heads if we omit or neglect to do + it." + + + (TO THE SAME.) + + "GROTON, August 9, 1835. + + "DEAR S.: I have been talking with your grandmother, for the last + hour, upon the events of her early days, and I feel (as I always + do when I contrast our present condition with the past) that we, + as a whole people, and as individuals, have more reasons for + gratitude and obedience to our heavenly Father than have ever + before been placed before any people; and it seems to me we are + more likely to disregard them than any other people I have any + knowledge of. The fact is, we are so prosperous that we seem to + forget the source of our prosperity, and take it as a matter of + course that the character and conduct of a people cannot + influence their condition. We are ready to say of an individual + when he has been reckless and extravagant, that he has brought + destruction on himself. Why, then, may not a whole people be + judged by the same standard? Our great danger arises from false + principles. We never act above the standard we adopt; and if our + standard be so low as to authorize the gratification of the + basest passions, how natural that our tastes become conformed to + this standard! + + "These reflections arose in my mind by hearing from my mother the + stories of the 'times that tried men's souls;' how she was + separated from her husband immediately after her marriage, when + he joined the army in Rhode Island; how, after a battle, his + mother said to her 'she did not know but Sam was killed;' how she + fell instantly upon the floor, and how, within a day or two, + after a separation of eight months, she was rejoiced to see her + husband safe and sound (although at the time alluded to he had + been in great peril, having been saved from captivity by the + desperate efforts of a company of blacks, and by the fleetness + and force of his fine charger); and how, by confidence in the + justness of the cause and the aid of the Almighty, they trusted + they should get through the contest, and be permitted to enjoy + the fruits of their own labor in their own way. And now, what + proportion of the people do you suppose refer to the aid of the + Almighty, or to his justice or judgment as a motive to their + actions, or how far does his fear or his love influence their + conduct? These questions are more easily asked than answered; but + they fill the mind with mournful forebodings of the necessary + consequences to any people of forgetting God and departing from + his love. You and I, and every individual, have it in our power + to keep off in some degree this fatal consummation. Let us, + therefore, examine well ourselves, and strive to be numbered + among those faithful stewards who, at their Master's coming, + shall be placed among the happy company who enter the joy of + their Lord. + + "This morning is one of those delightful quiet Sabbaths that seem + to be like the rest of the saints above. We are all soon to be on + our way to public worship. * * * * + + + (TO HIS MOTHER.) + + "Aug. 16, 1835. + + "MY DEAR AND HONORED MOTHER: My mind turns back to you almost as + frequently as its powers are brought into separate action, and + always with an interest that animates and quickens my pulse; for, + under God, it is by your good influence and teachings that I am + prepared to enjoy those blessings which he has so richly + scattered in my path in all my onward progress in life. How could + it be otherwise than that your image should be with me, unless I + should prove wholly unworthy of you? Your journey is so much of + it performed, that those objects which interested you greatly in + its early stages have lost their charms; and well it is that they + have; for they now would prove _clogs_ in the way and it is to + your children, to your Saviour, and your God, that your mind and + heart now turn as the natural sources of pleasure. Each of these, + I trust, in their proper place and degree, supply all your wants. + The cheering promise that has encouraged you when your powers + were the highest, will not fail you when the weight of years and + infirmities have made it more necessary to your comfort to get + over the few remaining spans of the journey. To God I commend + you; and pray him to make the path light, and your way confiding + and joyful, until you shall reach that home prepared for the + faithful." + +In a letter to his sister, dated Oct. 25, he further alludes to his +mother, as follows + + "My thoughts this morning have been much engaged with my early + home. I conclude it best to embody them in part, and send them + forward to add (if they may) a token of gratitude and + thankfulness to that dear one who is left to us, for her care of + our early days, and her Christian instruction and example to her + children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; each generation + of whom, I trust, will be made better in some of its members by + her. It is more natural, when in our weakness and want, to turn + our thoughts to those whom they have been accustomed to look to + for assistance; and thus to me the impression of the blessing I + enjoy in having such a home as mine is, and the blessing I early + enjoyed of having such a home as mine was under my father's roof, + say to my heart: 'All these increase thy responsibilities, and + for their use thou must account.' I have had one of my slight ill + turns within the last two days, that has brought back all these + feelings with increased force; and I look upon these as gentle + monitors, calculated to make me estimate more fully my blessings + and my duties. Frequently as I am admonished of the frail tenure + by which I hold my life, I am negligent and careless in the + performance of those high and every-day duties which I should + never lose sight of for an hour. I have also such buoyancy of + spirits, that life seems to me a very, very great blessing, and I + do at times strive to make it useful to those around me." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +REFLECTIONS.--VISIT TO WASHINGTON.--VISIT TO RAINSFORD ISLAND.--VIEWS +OF DEATH.--REFLECTIONS. + + +From memorandum-book of property, December 31, 1835: + + "My expenses have been ---- thousand dollars this year; of which + about one half went for persons and objects that make me feel + that it has been well expended, and is better used than to remain + in my possession. God grant that I may have the disposition to + use these talents in such manner as to receive at last the joyful + sound of 'Well done!'" + +On March 29, 1836, Mr. Lawrence writes: + + "My anxiety for a day or two about little things kept me from the + enjoyment of those bright scenes that are so common to me when + not oppressed by any of these _may_ be events. My nerves are in + such a shattered state, that I am quite unfit to encounter the + responsibilities incident to my station, and I am ashamed of + myself thus to expose my weakness." + +During the spring, Mr. Lawrence's health was so feeble, and his +nervous system so shattered, that a journey was recommended; and, in +the month of May, in company with his friend and pastor, the Rev. Dr. +Lothrop, he paid a visit to his brother Abbott, at Washington, then +the representative in Congress for Boston. During this journey, he +experienced a severe illness, and was shortly joined by Mrs. Lawrence. +The visit to Washington extended through several weeks: and, although +his health remained feeble and the weather unfavorable, he seems to +have been alive to objects around him, and interested in what was +going forward in the halls of Congress as well as in the society of +the capital. He speaks of visits to the houses of Congress, and +pleasant rides on horseback, "with hosts of agreeable companions ready +to sally forth when the weather shall permit." He also takes a survey +of the general state of society in Washington, with an occasional +allusion to some particular personage. He writes: + + "It used to be said that Washington and the Springs were the + places for matrimonial speculations. I feel a natural dislike to + a lady being brought out as an extraordinary affair, having all + perfections, and having refused _forty-nine_ offers, and still + being on the carpet. It shows that she is either very silly + herself, or has very silly friends, or both. Good strong common + sense is worth more than forty-nine offers, with any quantity of + slaves, or bank-notes, or lands, without it. * * * * * + + "I have passed two hours in the Representatives' Hall and Senate + Chamber to-day. I heard the usual sparring, and confess myself + greatly interested in it. I could learn nothing of the merits of + any of the questions; but I had a preference, such as one feels + in seeing two dogs fight, that one should beat. It was very + agreeable to me to see and hear those various distinguished + characters, and goes to demonstrate the common saying, that some + objects appear smaller by our getting nearer to them." + +During this absence, one of his family remaining at home had +experienced a light attack of varioloid; and, according to the law +then in force, was obliged to be transported to the Quarantine +Hospital, situated in Boston Harbor. Soon after Mr. Lawrence's return +from the South, he paid a visit to Rainsford Island, on the invitation +of Dr. J. V. C. Smith, then Quarantine Physician, and there passed +some weeks very pleasantly, riding about the island on his horse, and +watching, from the shores, the sea-views, which, with the passing +ships, here afford an endless variety. + +In August, he returned to his own house in Boston; and, on the 21st, +writes to his sister as follows: + + "The scenery in front, side, and rear, and all within, is + unrivalled, except by the charms of the dear old home of my + mother and sister; in short, it seems to me that no two spots + combine so many charms as my early and present homes; and they + impress me more fully now by my being so well as to enjoy not + only natural scenery, but the social intercourse with loved ones, + that more than compensate for anything I may have lost by + sickness and suffering. I yesterday was on horseback nearly three + hours, but did not ride more than ten miles; and, in that + distance, I went over some scenes that I felt unwilling to leave, + especially some of the old works on and near Dorchester Heights, + for they appeared more interesting than ever before, from the + circumstance of your showing me that mass of original letters + from Washington, Hancock, Samuel Adams, and various other + revolutionary characters, to General Ward; some of them touching + the occupation of these heights sixty years ago, and some of them + alluding to scenes which have scarcely been noticed in the + published histories of those days. All go to show, however, the + whole souls of those men to have been engaged in their work; and, + further, how vain it is for us of this day, who are ambitious of + distinction, to found it on any other basis than uprightness of + character, purity of life, and the active performance of all + those duties included in 'the doing justly, loving mercy, and + walking humbly.' How few of us remember this! I hardly know when + I have been more forcibly impressed with a plain truth than I was + yesterday, while sitting alone on horseback, on the top of the + redoubt on Dorchester Heights, and the considerations of the + past, the present, and the future, were the subject of my + thoughts, connecting the men of those days with the present, and + the men of these days with the future. The evidence is + irresistible, that there is a downhill tendency in the character + of the people, which, in sixty years more, will make us more + corrupt than any other enlightened nation so young as ours, + unless we are checked by adversity and suffering. But this is not + what I intended to write about, so I will go to something else. + The old revolutionary documents, memorials of our father, never + appeared to me so interesting as now; and those I now return to + you will be carefully preserved, and such others as you may find, + added to them. I would give a great sum of money, if by it I + could get all the documents I used to see when I was a child, and + which we thought of so little value that we did not preserve them + with that care which should have been used in a family which + cherishes such deep feelings of respect and affection for + parents." + +The year 1837 will be remembered as one of great pecuniary +embarrassment and distress in the commercial world. Mr. Lawrence +alludes to it as follows, on May 13 + + "The violent pecuniary revulsion that has been anticipated for + more than a year has at length overtaken this country, and is + more severe than our worst fears. In addition to the failure of + people to pay their debts, in all sections of the country, for + the last two months, the banks, from Baltimore to Boston, and + probably throughout the Union, as fast as the intelligence + spreads, have suspended specie payment, and will not probably + resume again very soon." + +On December 17 of the same year, he writes to his mother as follows + + "This day completes thirty years since my commencing business, + with the hope of acquiring no very definite amount of property, + or having in my mind any anticipation of ever enjoying a tithe of + that consideration my friends and the public are disposed to + award me at this time. In looking back to that period, and + reviewing the events as they come along, I can see the good hand + of God in all my experience; and acknowledge, with deep + humiliation, my want of gratitude and proper return for all his + mercies. May each day I live impress me more deeply with a sense + of duty, and find me better prepared to answer his call, and + account for my stewardship! The changes in our family have been + perhaps no greater than usual in other families in that period, + excepting in the matter of the eminent success that has attended + our efforts of a worldly nature. This worldly success is the + great cause of our danger in its uses, and may prove a snare, + unless we strive to keep constantly in mind, that to whom much is + given, of him will much be required. I feel my own deficiencies, + and lament them; but am encouraged and rewarded by the enjoyment, + in a high degree, of all my well-meant efforts for the good of + those around me. In short, I feel as though I can still do a + little to advance the cause of human happiness while I remain + here. My maxim is, that I ought to 'work while the day lasts; for + the night of death will soon overtake me, when I can no more + work.' I continue to mend in strength, and feel at times the + buoyancy of early days. It is now raining in torrents, keeping us + all within doors. I have been at work with gimblet, saw, + fore-plane, and hammer, thus securing a good share of exercise + without leaving my chamber." + + * * * * * + + "_January 1, 1838._--Bless the Lord, O my soul! and forget not + all his benefits; for he has restored my life twice during the + past year, when I was apparently dead, and has permitted me to + live, and see and enjoy much, and has surrounded me with + blessings that call for thankfulness. The possession of my mind, + the intercourse with beloved friends, the opportunity of + performing some labor as his steward (although imperfectly done), + all call upon me for thanksgiving and praise. The violent + revulsion in the business of the country during the past year has + been ruinous to many; but, so far as my own interests are + concerned, has been less than I anticipated. My property remains + much as it was a year ago. Something beyond my income has been + disposed of; and I have no debts against me, either as a partner + in the firm or individually. Everything is in a better form for + settlement than at any former period, and I hope to feel ready + to depart whenever called." + +The following is copied from an account-book, presented at the +commencement of the year to his youngest son, then twelve years of +age: + + "MY DEAR SON: I give you this little book, that you may write in + it how much money you receive, and how you use it. It is of much + importance, in forming your early character, to have correct + habits, and a strict regard to truth in all you do. For this + purpose, I advise you never to cheat yourself by making a false + entry in this book. If you spend money for an object you would + not willingly have known, you will be more likely to avoid doing + the same thing again if you call it by its right name here, + remembering always that there is _One_ who cannot be deceived, + and that _He_ requires his children to render an account of all + their doings at last. I pray God so to guide and direct you that, + when your stewardship here is ended, he may say to you that the + talents intrusted to your care have been faithfully employed. + + "Your affectionate father, + + A. L." + +In transmitting to his sister a letter received from Baltimore, from a +mutual friend, he writes, on March 12, in a postscript: + + "This morning seems almost like a foretaste of heaven. The sun + shines bright, the air is soft; I am comfortable, and expect a + pleasant drive in the neighborhood. It is indeed brilliant, + beautiful, and interesting to me, beyond any former experience of + my life. I am the happiest man alive, and yet would willingly + exchange worlds this day, if it be the good pleasure of our best + Friend and Father in heaven." + +The extract quoted above will give an idea of that state of mind in +which Mr. Lawrence was often found by his friends, and which he +unceasingly strove to cultivate. He could not always exult in the same +buoyant and almost rapturous feelings here expressed; for, with his +feeble frame and extreme susceptibility to outward influences, to +believe such was the case would be to suppose him more than mortal. +The willingness to exchange worlds was, however, a constant frame of +mind; and the daily probability of such an event he always kept in +view. The work of each day was performed with the feeling that it +might be his last; and there is, throughout his correspondence and +diary, frequent allusion to the uncertain tenure by which he held +life, and his determination to work while the day lasted. If a matter +was to be attended to, of great or little importance, whether the +founding a professorship, signing a will, or paying a household bill, +all was done at the earliest moment, with the habitual remark, "I may +not be here to-morrow to do it." + +In the same cheerful spirit, he writes to his son a few days after his +marriage, and then on a journey to Virginia: + + "The whole scene here on Thursday last was so delightful that I + hardly knew whether I was on the earth, or floating between earth + and heaven. I have been exalted ever since, and the group of + happy friends will be a sunny spot in your no less than in their + remembrance." + +To his sister he writes, Dec. 22: + + "It is thirty-one years this week since I commenced business on + my own account, and the prospects were as gloomy at that period + for its successful pursuit as at any time since; but I never had + any doubt or misgiving as to my success, for I then had no more + wants than my means would justify. The habits then formed, and + since confirmed and strengthened by use, have been the foundation + of my good name, good fortune, and present happy condition. At + that time (when you know I used to visit you as often as I could, + by riding in the night until I sometimes encroached upon the + earliest hour of the Sabbath before reaching my beloved home, to + be at my business at the dawn of day on Monday morning), my gains + were more than my expenses; thus strengthening and encouraging me + in the steady pursuit of those objects I had in view as a + beginner. From that time to this, I am not aware of ever desiring + or acquiring any great amount by a single operation, or of taking + any part of the property of any other man and mingling it with my + own, where I had the legal right to do so. I have had such + uniform success as to make my fidelity a matter of deep concern + to myself; and my prayer to God is, that I may be found to have + acted a uniform part, and receive the joyful 'Well done,' which + is substantial wealth, that no man can take away. If my + experience could be made available by my successors, I sometimes + feel that it would be a guaranty that they would keep in the best + path; but, as they are to be fitted by discipline for the + journey, it is perhaps a vain thing for me to allow any doubts + to rest upon my mind that _that_ discipline is not for their + highest good. The pleasures of memory have never been more highly + enjoyed than during the period of my last sickness. They have + solaced my pains, and supported me through numerous fainting + fits, growing out of the surgical treatment I have endured. I + would ask you, my dear sister, if a merciful Parent has not + stretched forth his hand almost visibly to support me through + this trying scene, by scattering in my path these flowers and + fruits so freely as almost to make me forget bodily pains; and + bless him for what is past, and trust that what is future will be + the means of making me a better man." + + * * * * * + + "_December 31, 1838._--The business of the year now brought to a + close has been unexpectedly productive, and the prospects of + continued success are very flattering. At the commencement of the + year, my life seemed a flickering light, with small hope of its + continuance through the winter; but a merciful Providence has + permitted a brighter view, and my happiness through the year has + been superior to that of any year of my life." + +After enumerating some domestic events which had contributed to this +result, he adds: + + "My own health is so far restored as to allow me the enjoyment of + everything around me in perfection. May God in mercy keep me + mindful of my duties, and prepared to surrender my account at any + moment he may call me hence!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +BROTHER'S DEATH.--LETTERS.--GIFTS.--LETTERS.--DIARY.--APPLICANTS FOR +AID.--REFLECTIONS.--LETTER FROM REV. DR. STONE.--DIARY. + + +If, at the close of the last year, Mr. Lawrence could say that "his +happiness had been superior to that of any year of his life," it could +not be said that its successor was one of unmingled brightness. The +unbroken band of brothers who had marched thus far hand in hand, +united by a common bond of sympathy and affection, sustaining each +other in all trials, and rejoicing together in their common +prosperity, was about to be sundered. Since their earliest days, they +had had but one interest, and, residing near each other after leaving +their early home, had been in the habit of most constant and intimate +intercourse. Many of their friends will well remember seeing four, and +sometimes five, of them, on Sunday evening, after service, walking +together abreast, arm in arm; and have been tempted to exclaim, +"Behold how good and pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwell +together in unity." They had more than obeyed their father's +injunction "not to fall out by the way, for a three-fold cord is not +quickly broken." With them, it had been a five-fold cord; and, amidst +all the perplexities of business, the management of important +interests, and the various vicissitudes of domestic life, no strand +had been broken until severed by the ruthless hand of death. The +eldest brother, Luther, had been educated at Harvard College; had +studied law with the Hon. Timothy Bigelow, then of Groton, afterwards +of Medford, whose sister he subsequently married; and had commenced +the practice of his profession in his native town. There he met with +good success, and, for many years, represented the town in the House +of Representatives, of which he was chosen Speaker for the session of +1821 and 1822. He was induced by his brothers, who had become largely +interested in the new town of Lowell, to remove thither; and he +accordingly took up his residence there in 1831, having accepted the +presidency of the bank which had been lately established. In 1838, he +had been elected Mayor of the city, and had given himself up to the +pressing duties incident to the office in a new and growing community. +While holding this office, he, on the 17th of April, 1839, accompanied +an old friend and connection, who was on a visit at Lowell, to inspect +the works of the Middlesex Manufacturing Company, recently erected by +his brothers. In passing rapidly through one of the rooms, he made a +misstep, and was precipitated many feet into a wheel-pit, causing +almost instant death. This sad event was deeply felt by Mr. Lawrence, +as well as by all who knew and appreciated the character of the +deceased. In a letter to his sisters, dated April 22, he says: + + "I should have addressed a word of comfort to you before this. + That he should be taken, and I left, is beyond my _ken_, and is a + mystery which will be cleared up hereafter. I do, however, know + _now_ that all is right, and better ordered than we could have + done it. We _must_ submit, and _should_ be resigned. Brother L.'s + death may, perhaps, be more efficient in instructing us in the + path of duty than would have been his life; and the whole + community around is admonished by this event in a way that I have + rarely seen so marked. The homage to his character is a legacy to + his children of more value than all the gold of the mint. Shall + we, then, repine at his separation from us? Surely not. He has + fulfilled his mission, and is taken home, with all his powers + fresh and perfect, and with the character of having used these + powers for the best and highest good of all around him. We shall + all soon be called away, and should make his departure the signal + to be also ready. This is the anniversary of my birth, and has + been marked by many circumstances of peculiar interest." + +On the same date, he writes to a connection, who was about to take +possession of his house on that day for the first time after his +marriage: + + "I intended speaking a word in your ear before your leaving us + for your own fireside and home, but have concluded to take this + mode of doing it; and it is to say, that you possess a jewel in + your wife, above price, which should be worn in such an + atmosphere as will increase its purity and value the longer you + possess it; and that is around the family altar. That you intend + to establish it, I have no doubt; but, as to the precise time, + you may not be fixed. What time so good as the present time, when + the first evening of possession of this paradise on earth (a + house and home of your own with such a wife), to make that + offering to the Father of mercies which ascends to his throne as + sweet incense from his children? It is the nutriment and + efficient producing power of the best principles and the best + fruits of our nature. Be wise in time, and strive to secure + these, that you may go on from one degree to another, until you + shall have reached our Father's house, and shall hear the + cheering 'Well done!' promised to such as have used their talents + without abusing them. My blessing attend you!" + + + (TO HIS DAUGHTER.) + + "Monday evening. + + "DEAR S.: The admonition of the last week comes home to me in a + way not to be neglected, and I hope to keep in mind that, in my + best days, I am as likely to be called off, as in these days of + anxious care, when pressed down with pain and weakness, and + surrounded by those dear ones who look upon every emotion with + deep solicitude. On comparing myself now with myself a year ago, + I have much to animate and cheer in the increased strength of + body and renewed powers, by which I can enjoy life; but I have + also much to speak to the heart, and to tell me to be constantly + ready to be called off without previous note of preparation. May + I never lose sight, for a single hour, of the tenure by which I + hold the privilege of seeing the dear ones settled so happily! It + is more than I had reason to anticipate. + + "May you, dear child, never lose sight of the end for which your + privileges are made so ample, nor forego the happiness of doing + the best in your power at every stage of your journey, so that + whenever you may be called hence, you may feel that you are + ready, and that your work is done. It will not do for me to rely + upon my every-day firmness to secure me against attacks of the + kind last experienced. I do most fervently desire to be kept in + mind of my exposure, and never for an hour forget that it may be + my last." + +[Illustration: BIRTH PLACE AT GROTON.] + +Several passages in Mr. Lawrence's letters will show the attachment +which he felt towards the place of his birth, connected as it was with +so many associations and memories of the past. The old house, with the +great elm in front and its welcome shade; the green meadow, stretching +for a mile along a gentle declivity to the river; the range of +mountains in the west, just distant enough to afford that tinge of +blue which adds an indescribable charm to every landscape; the +graceful undulations of the hills on the east, with the quiet village +sleeping at their base, all seemed in his mind so associated with the +loved inmates of his early home, that he ever contemplated the picture +with delight. + +On June 4, in a letter to his sisters, he writes: + + "R. leaves us this morning, on his way to the old homestead, + which, to my mind's eye, has all the charms of the most lovely + associations of early days, with all the real beauty of those + splendid descriptions given by the prophets of the holy city. I + would earnestly impress all my children with a deep sense of the + beauty and benefit of cherishing and cultivating a respect and + affection for this dear spot, and for those more dear objects + that have served to make it what it really is to all us + children." + +In a letter to his son, whose visit is alluded to above, he says: + + "The beautiful scenery from Gibbet Hill, in Groton, and from the + road from our old mansion south for a mile, towards the Wachusett + and the Monadnock Mountains, comes next, in point of beauty, to + my taste, to these views around the Boston Common. Be careful to + do all things as you will wish you had done, that you may look + back upon this visit with pleasure, and forward to another visit + with increased relish. Remember that in the best performance of + all your duties lies the highest enjoyment of all your pleasures. + Those pleasures that flow from plans and doings that your + conscience condemns are to be shunned as the net of the wicked + one. When once entangled, the desire and effort to be released + grow weaker, till, at length, conscience is put asleep, and the + sleep of death comes over the soul. Be careful, therefore, to + avoid evil, and not only so, but to avoid all appearance of evil. + In this way, you will grow up with principles and fixed habits + that will secure you against the ills of life, and supply a + foretaste of the enjoyments of a better life to come." + +During a visit which he made to his early home a few months subsequent +to the date of the preceding extract, he writes to his daughter: + + "I was very tired on arriving here last evening, but a quiet + sleep has brought me into my best state. + + "This morning has allowed me to ride for two hours, and I have + enjoyed everything and everybody here to the utmost. Groton is + beautiful beyond any other place I have ever seen; but perhaps I + am in the situation of old Mr. ----, whose opinion of his wife's + beauty, when questioned of its accuracy, was justified by the + declaration that the person must have his eyes to look through. + + "The whole country is full of charms; nothing seems wanting to + impress upon the heart the goodness of that Parent who seeks by + all means to bring us nearer to himself. + + "This visit has been full of interest, and it is a source of + unfeigned thanksgiving that it has been permitted to me." + +Mr. Lawrence always took great delight in sending to friends and +relatives, little and great, mementoes of his affection; and a great +deal of time was spent in penning and reading the letters and notes +which such transactions called forth. He had a rare faculty of +adapting his gift to the peculiar necessities or tastes of the +recipient; and, whether the matter treated of was a check for +thousands or a bouquet of flowers, equal pleasure seemed to be given +and received. In sending a gift of the former description, he notices +the commencement of the year 1840 as follows: + + "January 1. + + "DEAR S.: W. will prize the enclosed more highly from your hand; + for he will have proof that a good wife brings many blessings, + that he never would know the value of but for you. May you + experience many returns of the 'new year,' and each more happy + than the past!" + +In a letter to his second son, then on a visit to Europe, he writes, +under date of March 5, 1840: + + "We are all curious to know what impressions your visit to France + and Italy produces, and still more what impressions a careful + overlooking of our fatherland makes upon you. There is much food + for reflection, and abundant material for the exercise of your + powers of observation, in every league of the '_fast_-anchored + isle,' especially in the scenes so beautifully portrayed in many + of the books we have access to. In fact, I have an extensive + collection of materials to renew your travels and observations, + and shall value them more highly when you point out this or that + seat or castle or abbey, which has arrested your notice. But the + best scenes will be those in which the living souls of the + present day are engaged. The habits and tastes of the people of + England have doubtless much changed since the _Spectator_ days; + but, in many important particulars, I should hope they had not. + Some thirty years ago, I had a good specimen of the feelings and + principles of a great variety of people, embracing almost all + classes, from the year 1774 to 1776, in a multitude of letters + that had accumulated in the post-office in this town, under + Tuthill Hubbart. After his death, his house was pulled down; and, + among the strange things found in it, were bushels of letters, of + which I was permitted to take what I pleased. These letters + showed a deeper religious feeling in the writers of those days, + from England, Ireland, and Scotland, than I have seen in any + miscellaneous collections of a later date. If that deep-toned + piety which pervaded them has not been extinguished by the + Jacobinism and freethinking of later days, happy for the people + and the government! But I fear it has, in some great measure, + been blotted out or obscured, as there seems to be a spirit of + reckless adventure in politics and religion not contemplated + seventy years ago. How far our experience in self-government in + this country is going to advance the cause of good government, + and the ultimate happiness of man, is yet a problem. Our + principles are of the most elevating character; our practices + under them, of the most debasing; and, if we continue in this way + another generation, there will not be virtue enough in active use + to save the forms of our government. We may hope that a better + heart may be given us." + +In a letter to his son-in-law, the Rev. Charles Mason, who was at that +time in company with his own son on a visit to England, he writes on +June 28th, 1840: + + "I intended to defer writing until to-morrow morning; but the + beauty of the western scenery and sunset is so striking, that I + am strongly impelled to tell you that, much as you see, and + highly as you enjoy the scenes of old England, there is nothing + there more beautiful and sublime than this very scene from my + chamber windows. It seems as though nature never was so + beautifully dressed at this time of the year as at present. The + season has been unusually favorable for the foliage, fruits, and + flowers; and all around bears evidence of that goodness that + never rests, and in my own person I feel that I am enjoying in a + month what ought to content me for a year." + +The foregoing extract is selected from among many others of a similar +nature, as an illustration of Mr. Lawrence's appreciation of the +beauties of natural scenery. + +Towards the close of the day, his favorite seat was at a window, from +which he could witness the glories of the setting sun, and, still +later, the fading beauties of the twilight. Nature to him was no +sealed volume; and with her, in all her phases, he loved to commune. + +The gorgeous hues of the western sky, the changing tints of the +autumnal foliage, and the smiling features of the landscape, were in +his mind typical of the more resplendent beauties of the future world. +He writes: + + "To-day is one of those holy spring days which make us feel that, + with right principles and conduct, we may enjoy a foretaste of + that beautiful home we all long for. I have been over the Roxbury + and Dorchester hills, which are a transcript of the beautiful + scenery around Jerusalem. Mount Zion seemed before me, and by + stretching my arms, I could almost fly upon its sides." + +He loved to think that the spirits of the departed may be permitted to +hover around, and minister to those whom they have once loved on +earth; and sometimes, as he viewed nature in her softer moods, he +would imagine himself as holding communion with former cherished +objects of affection. He writes to a friend: + + "Dear S. and R. speak in words without sounds, through every + breeze and in every flower, and in the fragrance of every perfume + from the field or the trees." + +And again: + + "Is there anything in Scripture to discourage the belief that the + spirits of departed friends are still ministering spirits to such + as are left here, and that a recognition and reünion will follow + when we are called off? I believe fully in this happy reünion; + and it is, next to the example of the beloved, the most animating + feeling that prompts me through this wearisome journey." + +To a friend who had invited him to pay her a visit at her residence in +the country, he writes: + + "N---- says I am like a child in the matter of the visit, and + would be as much disappointed if it should not be accomplished; + and I must admit that I am guilty of this weakness. There are so + many loved ones on the old spot, so many lessons to be reviewed, + and so many friends 'passed on,' whose spirits surround and fill + the place with the peculiar halo and charm of the good angels + (those ministering spirits in whose company we may ever find + comfort, if we will think so). I say, with all these things, can + I be blamed for being a child in this matter? You will all say + No, and will love me the better for it." + +On the anniversary of his commencing his business, Dec. 17, Mr. +Lawrence, as usual, reviews his past life and mercies, and adds: + + "My daily aspirations are for wisdom and integrity to do what is + required of me; but the excuses for omissions, and the hidden + promptings of pride or selfishness in the sins of commission, + take away all confidence that all is done as it should be. I am + in the enjoyment of as much as belongs to our condition here. + Wife, children, and friends, those three little blessings that + were spared to us after the fall, impart enjoyment that makes my + home as near a heaven on earth as is allowed to mortals. + + "_Dec. 23._--This morning has been clear and beautiful, and I + have enjoyed it highly. Have been sleigh-riding with Chancellor + Kent. Went over to Bunker Hill Monument, and around by the + river-side to Charlestown Neck, and had a regular old-fashioned + talk with him. He gave me an account of the scenes which occurred + where he was studying, in Connecticut, when the news came of the + Lexington fight. As we parted, he promised to come again in the + spring, take another ride, and resume the conversation. He leaves + for New York at three o'clock, and is as bright and lively as a + boy, though seventy-eight years old. The old gentleman attends to + all his own affairs, had walked around the city this morning some + miles, been to the Providence Railroad Dépôt for his ticket, + overlooked divers bookstores, and so forth. He is very + interesting, and has all the simplicity of a child." + +About this time, also, Mr. Lawrence seems to have had pleasant +intercourse with the Chevalier Hulsemann, the Austrian Minister, so +well known by his correspondence with Mr. Webster when the latter was +Secretary of State. The minister was on a visit to Boston, and, from +the correspondence which ensued, seems to have conceived a high regard +for Mr. Lawrence, expressed in very kind and courteous terms; and this +regard seems to have been fully reciprocated. + + "_April 1, 1841._--S. N., of T., an apprentice on board the + United States ship 'Columbus,' in this harbor, thirteen years + old, whom I picked up intoxicated in Beacon-street a month ago, + and to whom I gave some books, with request to call and see me + when on shore, came to-day, and appears very well. Gave him a + Testament and some good counsel. + + "_June 6._--G. M. called to sell a lot of sermons called the + ----, which he said he caused to be published to do good; he + repeated it so often that I doubted him. He seems to me a _wooden + nutmeg_ fellow, although he has the Rev. Mr. ----'s certificate." + +The preceding entry is given here merely as a sample of many such +which are found in Mr. Lawrence's diary. Few who have not had the like +experience can estimate the annoyance to which his reputation for +benevolence and well-doing subjected him, in the shape of applications +for aid in every imaginable form. His perceptions were naturally +acute; and a long experience and intercourse with men enabled him to +form, at a single glance, a pretty fair estimate of the merits of the +applicant. He may sometimes have judged precipitately, and perhaps +harshly; but, when he discovered that he had done so, no one could +have been more ready to confess his fault and make reparation. A few +years after this time, the annoyance became so serious, from the +number and character of the applicants, that he felt obliged, on +account of ill-health, to deny himself to all, unless personally known +to him, or accredited by some one in whose statement he had +confidence. Further than this, he was confirmed in his decision by +actual abuse which had occasionally been administered to him by +disappointed candidates for charitable aid. He kept upon his table a +small memorandum-book, in which he recorded the names of those who +sought aid, with their business, and often their age, the age and +number of their children, sometimes facts in their past history, and +any other information which could enable him to form an opinion of +their claim upon him for assistance. He sometimes indulges also in +somewhat quaint remarks respecting those who apply, or the manner in +which they have presented their application. + +To the Rev. Robert Turnbull, a Baptist clergyman then settled in +Boston, and who had sent to Mr. Lawrence a copy of his work entitled +"Claims of Jesus," he writes under date of Nov. 2: + + "REV. AND DEAR SIR: I thank you for the little volume so kindly + presented, and deem it the duty of all the friends of the Saviour + to do what they can to stop the flood of infidelity and atheism + that threatens such waste and devastation among us. However we + may seem to be, I trust many may be found, in the ranks of my + Unitarian friends, who admit the 'claims of Jesus' in their most + elevated character, and who repudiate the doctrine of those who + sink him to the level of a mere human teacher, as subversive of + his authority and as nullifying his teachings. We take the + record, and what is clearly declared; we do not go behind, even + though we do not clearly comprehend it. It gives me pleasure to + learn you are so well recovered from the injury you received from + the overturn of your carriage near my house. + + "With great respect, believe me truly yours, + A. L." + + "_January, 1842._--This year opens with renewed calls upon me to + bless God for his mercies throughout its course. My family circle + has not been broken by the death of any one of our whole number, + and my own health has been better for the last half-year than for + five years before. I have not had occasion to call a physician + through the year. My brothers A. and W. have been dangerously + sick, but are happily recovered; and both feel, I believe, that + their hold on life is not as firm as they have felt it to be in + former years. My dear children are growing up around me to bless + and comfort me; and all I need is a right understanding of my + duties, and a sincere purpose to fulfil them. I hope to have the + will to continue them in as faithful a manner as heretofore, to + say the least." + +Among the traits in Mr. Lawrence's character was that enlarged spirit +of Christian feeling which enabled him to appreciate goodness in +others, without reference to sect or denomination. This spirit of +universal brotherhood was not in him a matter of mere theory, but was +carried out in the practice of daily life, and was the means of +cementing many and lasting friendships, especially among the clergy of +various denominations around him. It may not be uninteresting in +future years, for those now in childhood, for whom this volume has +been prepared, to be reminded of the strong feeling of sympathy and +affection which their grandfather entertained for the Rev. John S. +Stone, D.D., once the Rector of St. Paul's Church, in Boston, and now +the Rector of St. Paul's, in Brookline, Mass. The following is an +extract from a letter written by that gentleman from Brooklyn, N. Y., +daring the year 1842, with a memorandum endorsed by Mr. Lawrence, +dated October, 1847, in which he says: + + "This letter was very interesting to me when received. I kept it + in my pocket-book with one from Judge Story, which he had + requested me to keep for my children. While son ---- was in + Europe, I did not expect to live but a short time, and sent him + the two letters, as the proper person to keep them for the use of + his children." + +The letter commences by strong expressions of affection and regard, +over which Mr. Lawrence's modesty had induced him to paste a slip of +paper, endorsed as follows: "Personal matters between the writer and +myself, covered up here, and not to be read by any of the friends to +whom I may show this letter." The letter continues as follows: + + "Shall I ever forget the happy moments, hours, days, I may say + weeks, which I have spent in riding with you, and chatting, as we + rode, of all things as we passed them, till I seemed to myself to + be living in the by-gone days of Boston and its neighborhood; and + all its old families, houses, names, and anecdotes, became as + familiar to my mind as the stories of my boyhood? Can I forget it + all? I trow not. These things are all blended in with the + beautiful scenery through which we used to ride, and associated + with those graver lessons and reflections which you used to give + me; insomuch that the picture which my memory retains of nature, + society, history, and feeling, truth, friendship, and religion, + and in which Boston and the living friends there are + comprehended, has become imperishable. It never can fade out of + my mind. It is a picture in which man has done much, friendship + more, religion most, and God all; for religion is his, and + friendship is from him, and man is his creature, and the green + earth and glorious heavens are his home. There are many, very + many, objects in this picture, which I contemplate with special + delight; and few which give me pain, or which I would not have + had there, had the whole ordering of its composition been left to + me. Indeed, had this whole ordering been left to me, it may well + be doubted whether, as a whole, it would have contained half of + the beautiful and blessed things which it now contains. Taking it + as it is, therefore, I am well content to receive it, hang it up + in the choicest apartment of my memory, and keep it clean and in + good order for use." * * * + +As an illustration of the pleasant intercourse alluded to above, among +Mr. Lawrence's papers is found another most friendly letter from the +Rev. Henry Ware, jun., dated a few days afterwards, with the following +endorsement: + + "I went on Friday to Mr. Ware's house, and had a free, full, and + deeply-interesting conversation upon the appointment of his + successor; and was delighted to find him with the same views I + have upon the necessity of removing the theological department + from Cambridge." + +Dec. 2, Mr. Lawrence alludes to the probability of his own death +taking place in the manner in which it actually occurred ten years +afterwards, as follows: + + "Yesterday I was very well, and have been so for some time past. + Experienced a severe ill turn this morning at five o'clock, more + so than for years. This check brings me back to the reflection + that, when I feel the best, I am most likely to experience one of + my ill turns; some one of which will probably end my journey in + this life. God grant me due preparation for the next!" + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + +REFLECTIONS.--LETTERS.--ACCOUNT OF EFFORTS TO COMPLETE BUNKER HILL +MONUMENT. + + +In the memorandum-book of property for 1843 is found the usual +estimate and list of expenditures; after which Mr. Lawrence writes as +follows: + + "My outlay for other objects than my own family, for the last + fourteen years, has been ---- dollars, which sum I esteem better + invested than if in bond and mortgage in the city; and I have + reason to believe many have been comforted and assisted by it, + and its influence will be good on those who follow me. God grant + me grace to be faithful to my trust!" + +To Hon. R. C. Winthrop, Member of Congress, at Washington, enclosing a +letter from a young colored man: + + "BOSTON, Feb. 15, 1843. + + "DEAR SIR: This young man, as you will observe by his style, is + well educated; and the circumstances he states, I have no doubt, + are true. He applied to me, about two years since, for employment + in writing or other business, to obtain means for further + education; and I interested myself to secure to him what was + required. A few months since, he started from here to go to + Jamaica, to commence the practice of law, and was supplied by + those who had taken an interest in him with a library suited to + his wants. He received his early education in Indiana; and his + parents were once slaves. He is a handsome colored fellow, + better-mannered, better-looking, and more to be respected, than + many young gentlemen who move in the higher walks of life, either + in Carolina or Massachusetts. Now, I should like to know, if he + should be admitted as an attorney to practice in our courts, and + should take passage for Jamaica, and put into Charleston, would + he be imprisoned, as is now the practice in regard to our black + sailors? I feel a much stronger desire to see your report upon + this subject of imprisoning our colored people, after the unfair + course taken by the majority of your house to smother it; and I + hope still to see it in print before the adjournment. I would + further remark, that N. T. is a member of Grace Church in this + city, I believe, under the care of Rev. T. M. Clark; and would, + doubtless, bear affliction, if it should ever be his fortune to + be afflicted by being imprisoned because his skin is dark, with a + spirit becoming his profession. With great respect and esteem, + believe me very truly yours, + + AMOS LAWRENCE." + + + (TO HIS SISTER.) + + "BOSTON, April 19, 1843. + + "DEAR SISTER M.: When I heard a gun this morning, I was + immediately transported back in imagination to the 19th of April, + 1775, when our grandmother retreated from her house on the + roadside in Concord, with her family, to keep out of the way of + the 'regulars;' and that day and its scenes, as described, came + back upon me with a force which kept me awake in considering + whether the gun was fired to recall the facts to the people of + this day; and, if recalled, whether we can profit by the events + which followed. I found, however, on receiving my newspapers, + that the gun was not for commemoration of Lexington and Concord, + but to announce the arrival of the British steamer from + Liverpool. The news by this steamer is of no more than common + interest; and the intercourse is now so easy and rapid, that the + interest felt to learn what is passing in Europe is not much + greater than we used to feel on Call's stage-coach arriving at + Groton from Boston once a week, fifty years ago. The changes + within my own recollection are such as almost to make me distrust + my own senses; and many of the changes are at the cost of much + good. The downhill tendency in the standard of character is a bad + sign, and threatens the prostration of our political fabric. + Built as it is on the virtue and intelligence of the people, + every waste of these endangers the stability of the whole + structure." + + "_April 24._--I resume, though not in the same train of thought, + which is slept off. My birth-day has passed since then; and I am + now in my fifty-eighth year. This is the birth-day of our father, + who would have been eighty-nine if living; and this week on + Saturday will also complete thirty-six years since I left home to + spend a few months in this city, preparatory to my commencing + business in Groton. Here I have continued; and the consequences + to our family seem to have stamped upon us such marks as make us + objects of influence, for good or evil, to a much greater extent + than if I had returned to commence my business career in my + native town. I view in this a hand pointing upward,--'Seek me and + ye shall find,'--and a caution to us to use without abusing the + good things intrusted to us. How hard it is for those in + prosperity to bring home to their feelings their dependence, + their abuse of their privileges, their desires for objects wholly + disproportionate to their value, their anxiety about trifles, + while they are so utterly careless and indifferent about those of + the highest moment! How we strive unceasingly to secure objects + that can, at best, give us but a slight reward, and, in many + cases, if attained to the full extent of our hopes, only serve + to sharpen our appetite for more; thus demonstrating the + benevolence of our heavenly Father in removing these obstacles to + our progress in the ways and works of godliness! How important, + then, for us to see a Father's hand in the disappointments, not + less than in the success, of our plans! I now speak practically + of those anxieties which I feel and condemn myself for, in + looking forward to the condition of my family. This is all wrong; + and I pray God to pardon me the want of faith this feeling + implies. + + "I have thought much of your account of Mrs. N. going out, on the + Sabbath after her husband's death, with her nine children. I + remember her, and many others of my youthful schoolmates, with + interest and regard. Please say so to her. And now, dear M., as + the clouds seem thinner, I may hope to secure a little run, and + shall take the post-office in my way; so must bid you adieu." + + + (TO GENERAL ----.) + + "May 5, 1843. + + "MY DEAR OLD GENERAL: Our anticipated drive to-day is not to be: + the weather settles it that I must keep house; and, to indemnify + myself for the disappointment, will you allow me to feel that I + have not gone too far in requesting you to receive the enclosed + check? I am spared here for some object, and do not feel that to + hoard money is that object. While I am in the receipt of an + income so ample, I find it sometimes troublesome to invest + exactly to my mind. In the present case, the hope that you may, + by using this, add something to your enjoyment, makes me feel + that it is one of my best investments; and for the reason that + your proverbial good-will cannot refuse me such a boon, I have + made this request. My heart yearns strongly toward the + old-fashioned John Jay school in politics and morals; and, when + I have an opportunity to minister in any way to one of the early + members, it is a pleasure that sweetens my days as they pass." + +On the letter written in reply to the above, Mr. Lawrence has +endorsed: + + "This letter from old General ----, now eighty-eight years old, + and blind, is an acknowledgment of some little kindnesses I was + enabled to render through the hand of Judge Story. It has + afforded me more pleasure than it could have done either the + Judge or the General. I am sure the good old man's feelings were + gratified; and I am thankful that I could comfort him." + +On the 17th of June, 1843, took place the celebration in honor of the +completion of the Bunker Hill Monument; an event which was regarded +with no ordinary emotions by Mr. Lawrence, after so many years of +effort and expectation. His only regret was that the whole +battle-field could not have been preserved, and have remained, to use +his own words, "a field-preacher for posterity." Eleven years before +this, he had written to his son in Europe: + + "If we be true to ourselves, our city is destined to be the + Athens of America, and the hallowed spots in our neighborhood to + be the objects of interest throughout all future time. In this + view, I would never permit a foot of the battle-field of Bunker + Hill to be alienated; but keep it for your + great-great-grandchildren, as a legacy of patriotism worth more + than their portion of it, if covered with gold by measure. Until + you are older, I do not expect you to feel as I do on this + subject." + +This would seem to be the proper place to mention a few facts in +regard to Mr. Lawrence's agency in securing the completion of the +monument. It has already been mentioned that he was one of the +earliest friends of the project to erect a monument, and, in 1825, had +been placed upon the Standing Committee of Directors, with full powers +to manage the affairs of the Association. In September, 1831, in a +letter to his friend, Dr. J. C. Warren, who himself had been one of +the warmest and most efficient advocates of the measure, he proposed +to subscribe five thousand dollars, on condition that fifty thousand +dollars should be raised within one year. The following passage occurs +in that letter: + + "I think it inexpedient to allude to the sale of the land on + Bunker Hill, as a resource for paying the debt, except in case of + extreme necessity; and, at this time, I should personally sooner + vote to sell ten acres of the Common, in front of my house, to + pay the city debt (of Boston), than vote to sell the ten acres on + Bunker Hill, until it shall appear that our citizens will not + contribute the means of saving it." + +The proposition thus made was not responded to by the public.[6] As +early as December, 1830, he had made provision by his will, in case of +his own death, to secure the battle-field, liquidate the debts of the +corporation, and complete the monument. These provisions were +superseded by another will, executed April 1, 1833, after his health +had failed, so as to forbid active participation in affairs. An +extract from this document will show the views of the testator: + + "I am of opinion that the land owned by the Bunker Hill Monument + Association, in Charlestown, will be of great value to posterity, + if left as public ground. The spot is the most interesting in the + country; and it seems to me it is calculated to impress the + feelings of those who come after us with gratitude to the people + of this generation, if we preserve it to them. The whole field + contains about fifteen acres; and, in the hope of preserving it + entire, either as the property of the State, of this city, or of + any other competent body, and with the further view of insuring + the completion of the monument, which now stands as a reproach to + us, I have set apart a larger share of my property than would be + necessary, had not the subject been presented to the public in + such a manner as to discourage future attempts at raising the + necessary funds by voluntary contribution." + + [6] For a history of the Bunker Hill Monument, see an article in + collections of "Maine Historical Society," vol. iii., by Professor + Packard, of Bowdoin College. + +The amount thus devised for the monument, in case that amount should +not be raised in other ways, was fifty thousand dollars. In June, +1832, before the annual meeting of the Bunker Hill Monument +Association, the same offer of five thousand dollars, as first named, +was renewed, with an urgent appeal for the preservation of the land, +and completion of the monument. A movement followed this appeal, but +was not successful. In April, 1833, Mr. Lawrence proposed to the +Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association to attempt the raising +of fifty thousand dollars, to be secured within three months, for +completing the monument and preserving the field; accompanying the +proposition was an offer of five thousand dollars, or ten per cent. on +any less sum that might be raised, as a donation to the Association. A +public meeting was held in Faneuil Hall in response to this +proposition, at which Hon. Edward Everett made a most powerful appeal, +which produced so great an effect upon his auditors that the object +was considered as accomplished. The effort was again unsuccessful. +Early in 1839, Mr. Lawrence addressed a letter to George Darracott, +Esq., President of the Mechanic Association, in which, after +expressing regret that his feeble and precarious health would not +permit him to make personal application to the citizens of Boston, he +adds: + + "The next best thing I can do is to give money. The Monument + Association owes a debt. To discharge the debt, finish the + monument, surround it with a handsome iron fence, and otherwise + ornament the ground as it deserves, will require forty thousand + dollars more than it now has. If the Association will collect + thirty thousand dollars the present year, and pay off the debt, I + will give to the Charitable Mechanic Association ten thousand + dollars to enable it to complete the work in a manner which our + fathers would have done, had they been here to direct it." + +A further donation of ten thousand dollars was made by Judah Touro, +Esq., of New Orleans; five thousand dollars were received from other +sources; and this, with thirty thousand dollars received at the great +fair held in Quincy Hall, September, 1840, afforded the means of +completing the monument according to the original design. Thus was +consummated a work which had been very near to Mr. Lawrence's heart, +and which had cost him many a sleepless night, as well as days of toil +and perplexity. To his associates in this work too much credit cannot +be awarded, discouraged, as they often were, by indifference, and even +censure. Their names will be handed down for centuries, in connection +with a monument, which, while it commemorates a nation's freedom, +teaches also a practical lesson of the perseverance and energy of man. + +The following is an extract from a newspaper published about the time +the monument was completed, giving an account of a festival held in +commemoration of the event: + + "The president remarked, that, among the benefactors to whom the + Association had been particularly indebted for the means of + completing the monument, two, whose names were written on a + scroll at the other end of the hall, were Amos Lawrence and Judah + Touro, each of whom had made a donation of ten thousand dollars. + He thought it proper they should be remembered at the festive + board, and gave the following: + + "Amos and Judah! venerated names! + Patriarch and prophet press their equal claims; + Like generous coursers, running neck and neck, + Each aids the work by giving it a check. + Christian and Jew, they carry out a plan; + For, though of different faith, each is in heart a man." + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + +INTEREST IN MOUNT AUBURN.--REV. DR. SHARP.--LETTER FROM BISHOP +McILVAINE.--LETTER FROM JUDGE STORY. + + +After the establishment of the cemetery at Mount Auburn, Mr. Lawrence +had taken a deep interest in its progress, as well as in every plan +for its gradual improvement and embellishment. In connection with his +brothers, he had purchased a large space, which had been enclosed by a +permanent granite wall and iron railing. To this spot he habitually +resorted, containing, as it did, the remains of some of the dearest +earthly objects of his affection, and destined, as it was, to be the +final resting-place of not only himself, but of the various branches +of his family. When this enclosure had been finished, it became an +object with him to gather around him in death those whom he had loved +and honored in life. In this way, he had been instrumental in causing +to be removed to a burial-lot adjoining his own the remains of the +Rev. J. S. Buckminster, the former minister of Brattle-street Church; +and had also presented another lot to his friend and pastor, the Rev. +Dr. Lothrop. Another friend, whose grave he wished to have near his +own, was the Rev. Daniel Sharp, D.D., minister of the Charles-street +Baptist Church, in Boston. There were few in Boston who were not +familiar with the appearance of this venerable clergyman, as he daily +appeared in the streets; and fewer still who had not learned to +appreciate the truly catholic and Christian spirit which animated him +in his intercourse with men of all sects and parties. Mr. Lawrence had +early entertained a great esteem for his character; and this esteem +had become mutual, and had ripened into the closest intimacy and +friendship. On receiving a deed of a lot at Mount Auburn, Dr. Sharp +writes as follows: + + "BOSTON, August 23, 1843. + + "MY DEAR SIR: I cannot find words with which to express my sense + of your unexpected and considerate kindness, in providing so + beautiful a resting-place in Mount Auburn for me and my loved + ones. It is soothing to me to anticipate that my grave will be so + near your own. May the Almighty, in his infinite mercy, grant, + that, when the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall awake, we + may both rise together, to be forever with the Lord! If the + proximity of my last place of repose to ministers of another + denomination shall teach candor, charity, and peace, I enjoy the + sweet consciousness that this will be in harmony with the object + of my life. + + Yours, gratefully, + "DANIEL SHARP. + "AMOS LAWRENCE, Esq." + +The enlarged Christian spirit which formed so prominent a trait in Mr. +Lawrence's character, and which enabled him to appreciate goodness +wherever it could be found, without reference to nation, sect, or +color, may be further illustrated by the following note of +acknowledgment, received about the same time with the preceding, from +Bishop McIlvaine, of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Ohio, who was +then on a visit to Boston to procure funds in aid of Kenyon College: + + + "Wednesday evening. + + "MY DEAR SIR: I have just received your very kind and grateful + letter, with its cheering enclosure of a hundred dollars towards + an object which engrosses me much just now. Thank you, dear sir, + most truly, for your kindness, and the _first fruits_ of Boston, + for I came only to-day. I trust the ingathering will not + dispossess the first ripe sheaf. Coming from one not of my own + church, it is the more kind and grateful. O, sir! if God shall so + bless my present effort as to send me home with the sum I seek, I + shall know a freedom of mind from care and anxiety such as I have + not experienced for many years, during which our present crisis + has been anticipated. I shall have great pleasure in riding with + you, according to your note to Mr. R. To-morrow will probably be + a day of more leisure to me than any other while I shall be in + Boston. + + "Yours, very truly and respectfully, + "CHARLES P. MCILVAINE." + + + (TO ONE OF HIS PARTNERS.) + + "December 18, 1843. + + "DEAR MR. PARKER: I am _puffed up_ (with ague), but not in a + manner to gratify my pride, as I am housed, and denied the sight + of most of those who call, but not the privilege of reading + their papers, and spending money. In short, I have more use for + money when in the house than when able to be abroad. If you will + tell Brother Sharp[7] his beautiful bills find an exceedingly + ready use, I shall be glad of one hundred in ones and twos, two + hundred in fives, and three hundred in tens and twenties; say six + hundred dollars, just to keep me along till the end of the month. + The calls are frequent and striking. 'Do with thy might what thy + hand findeth to do; for the night cometh, when no man can work.' + God grant me the blessing of being ready to answer the call, + whether it be at noon or at midnight!" + + [7] For more than forty years Teller in Massachusetts Bank. + +Twelve days after, he writes to the same gentleman for another supply; +the sum already received not having been sufficient apparently to +carry him through the year: + + "December 30, 1843. + + "'The good there is in riches lieth altogether in their use, like + the woman's box of ointment; if it be not broken and the contents + poured out for the refreshment of Jesus Christ, in his distressed + members, they lose their worth; the covetous man may therefore + truly write upon his rusting heaps, "These are good for nothing." + He is not rich who lays up much, but he who lays out much; for it + is all one not to have, as not to use. I will therefore be the + richer by charitable laying out, while the worldling will be + poorer by his covetous hoarding up.' + + "Here is the embodiment of a volume, and whoever wrote it + deserves the thanks of good men. I would fain be rich, according + as he defines riches; but _possession, possession, is the devil_, + as the old Frenchman at ---- said to George Cabot. This devil I + would try to cast out; you will therefore please send me twelve + hundred dollars, which may do something for the comfort of those + who have seen better days. + + Your friend, + A. L. + "TO C. H. PARKER, Esq." + +The following letter from Judge Story was received at about the time +the preceding letter was written; but no memorandum is found by which +to ascertain the occasion which called it forth. It may be that he had +been made the channel, as was the case a few months before, of some +donation to a third person; a mode which Mr. Lawrence often adopted +when he felt a delicacy in proffering direct aid to some one whose +sensitiveness might be wounded in receiving assistance from a +comparative stranger: + + "CAMBRIDGE, Saturday noon. + + "MY DEAR SIR: I have this moment finished reading your letter and + its enclosures, which did not reach me until this noon, and I can + scarcely describe to you how deeply I have been affected by them. + I almost feel that you are too much oppressed by the constant + calls for charitable purposes, and that your liberal and + conscientious spirit is tasked to its utmost extent. 'The poor + have ye always with you' is a Christian truth; and I know not, in + the whole circle of my friends, any one who realizes it so fully, + and acts upon it so nobly, as yourself. God, my dear sir, will + reward you for all your goodness; man never can. And yet the + gratitude of the many whom you relieve, their prayers for your + happiness, their consciousness of your expanded benevolence, is + of itself a treasure of inestimable value. It is a source of + consolation, which you would not exchange for any earthly boon + of equal value. Wealth is to you an enlightened trust, for the + benefit of your race. You administer it so gracefully, as well as + so justly, that I can only regret that your means are not ten + times as great. Gracious Heavens! What a contrast is your life to + that of some wealthy men, who have lived many years, and have yet + to learn how to give, or, as you beautifully expressed it the + other day, who have yet to learn to be their own executors! My + heart is so full of you, and of the whole matter, that I would + fain pour out my thoughts at large to you; for you understand + _me_, and I can sympathize with _you_. But just now I am full of + all sorts of business, and without a moment to spare, having many + judicial opinions to prepare in the few remaining days before I + go to Washington; and, withal, having Mrs. S. very ill, in + respect to whom I feel a deep anxiety. But, wherever I am, I pray + you to believe that you are always in my thoughts, with the + warmest affection and dearest remembrance. And, if this hasty + scrawl is not too slight for such a matter, pray preserve it + among your papers, that your children may know what I thought of + their father, when you and I shall be both in our graves. + + "I am most truly and faithfully your obliged friend, + "JOSEPH STORY. + "AMOS LAWRENCE, Esq. + + "P. S.--I have sent the letter and its accompaniments to Mr. + ----. Think of ----. Think of those rich men in ----, who have + never dreamed of the duties of charity. Cast a view to their own + posterity. How striking a memento is the very case of ----, + presented in his own letters, of the instability of human + fortune!" + +Mr. Lawrence closes the year 1843 by a review of his temporal affairs, +and by fresh resolutions of fidelity to his trusts. He then gives an +estimate of his income and expenditures, showing a somewhat large +excess of the latter, though, as he says, from the state of the times, +not to the detriment of his property. + + + (TO THE MECHANIC APPRENTICES' LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.) + + "MY YOUNG FRIENDS: It cheers and comforts me to learn of your + well-doing, and encourages me to offer a word of counsel, as + prosperity is often more dangerous in its time than adversity. + Now is your seed-time. See to it that it is good; for 'whatsoever + a man soweth, that shall he also reap.' The integrity, + intelligence, and elevated bearing, of the Boston mechanics, have + been and are a property for each citizen of great value; inasmuch + as the good name of our beloved city is a common property, that + every citizen has an interest in, and should help to preserve. At + your time of life, habits are formed that grow with your years. + Avoid rum and tobacco, in all forms, unless prescribed as a + medicine; and I will promise you better contracts, heavier + purses, happier families, and a more youthful and vigorous old + age, by thus avoiding the beginning of evil. God speed you, my + young friends, in all your good works! With the enclosed, I pray + you to accept the felicitations of the season. + + "AMOS LAWRENCE." + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + +ACQUAINTANCE WITH PRESIDENT HOPKINS.--LETTERS.--AFFECTION FOR +BRATTLE-STREET CHURCH.--DEATH OF MRS. APPLETON.--LETTERS.--AMESBURY +CO. + + +At the commencement of the year 1844, President Hopkins, of Williams +College, delivered a course of lectures on the "Evidences of +Christianity," before the Lowell Institute, in Boston. Mr. Lawrence +had previously seen him, and had thought that he detected, in some +features of his face, a resemblance to the family of his first wife. +In allusion to this acquaintance, he writes to his son about this +period: + + "President H. has the family look of your mother enough to belong + to them; and it was in consequence of that resemblance, when I + was first introduced to him many years ago, that I inquired his + origin, and found him to be of the same stock." + +The acquaintance was renewed, and an intimacy ensued, which was not +only the cause of much happiness to Mr. Lawrence through the remainder +of his life, but was also the means of directing his attention to the +wants of Williams College, of which he eventually became the greatest +benefactor. An active and constant correspondence followed this +acquaintance, and was so much prized by Mr. Lawrence that he had most +of the letters copied, thereby filling several volumes, from which +extracts will from time to time be made. In one of his first letters +to that gentleman, dated May 11, he says: + + "If, by the consecration of my earthly possessions to some + extent, I can make the Christian character practically more + lovely, and illustrate, in my own case, that the higher + enjoyments here are promoted by the free use of the good things + intrusted to me, what so good use can I make of them? I feel that + my stewardship is a very imperfect one, and that the use of these + good things might be extended profitably to myself; and, since I + have known how much good the little donation did your college, I + feel ashamed of myself it had not been larger,--at any rate, + sufficient to have cleared the debt." + +To the same gentleman, who had informed Mr. Lawrence that an accident +had befallen a plaster bust of himself, he writes, under date of May +16: + + "DEAR PRESIDENT: You know the phrase 'Such a man's head is full + of notions' has a meaning that we all understand to be not to his + credit for discretion, whatever else may be said of him. As I + propose throwing in a caveat against this general meaning, I + proceed to state my case. And, firstly, President H. is made + debtor to the Western Railroad Corporation for the transportation + of a barrel to Pittsfield. The bill is receipted, so that you can + have the barrel to-morrow by sending for it; which barrel + contains neither biscuit nor flour, but the clay image of your + friend. In the head are divers notions that my hand fell upon as + I was preparing it for the jaunt; and, when the head was filled + with things new and old, I was careful to secure the region under + the shoulders, especially on the _left side_, and near the heart, + by placing there that part of a lady's dress which designates a + government that we men are unwilling openly to acknowledge, but + is, withal, very conservative. Within its folds I wrapped up very + securely 'Pilgrim's Progress,' and stuffed the empty space + between my shoulders, and near my heart, _brim full_, I hope my + young friend will find a motive and a moral in the image and in + the book, to cheer him on in his pilgrimage of life." + + * * * * * + + "_July 22, 1844._--Sixty-seven years ago this day, my mother, now + living, was married; and, while standing up for the ceremony, the + alarm-bell rang, calling all soldiers to their posts. My father + left her within the hour, and repaired to Cambridge; but the + colonel, in consideration of the circumstances, allowed him to + return to Groton to his wife, and to join his regiment within + three days at Rhode Island. This he did, spending but a few hours + with his wife; and she saw nothing more of him until the last day + of the year, when he made her a visit. I have ordered a thousand + dollars paid to the Massachusetts General Hospital, to aid in + enlarging its wings, and to commemorate this event. The girls of + this day know nothing of the privations and trials of their + grandmothers." + +On the same day with the above entry in his diary occurs another, in +which he alludes to assistance afforded to some young persons in +Brattle-street Church,--"sons of Brattle-street, and, as such, +assisted by me." Mr. Lawrence's early religious associations were +connected with this church, where, it is believed, he attended from +the first Sunday after his coming to Boston. With such associations, +and connected as they were with the most endeared recollections of +those who had worshipped there with him in early days, all that +pertained to this venerable church possessed a strong and abiding +interest. In this connection is quoted the beautiful testimony of his +pastor, the Rev. Dr. Lothrop, furnished in the funeral sermon +delivered by him, where he speaks of Mr. Lawrence's love for the +church, as well as of his religious character: + + "The prominent feature in Mr. Lawrence's life and character, its + inspiration and its guide, was religion,--religious faith, + affection, and hope. He loved God, and therefore he loved all + God's creatures. He believed in Christ as the Messiah and Saviour + of the world, and therefore found peace and strength in his soul, + amid all the perils, duties, and sorrows of life. His religious + opinions lay distinct and clear in his own mind. They were the + result of careful reading and of serious reflection, and were + marked by a profound reverence for the Sacred Scriptures, and the + divine authority of Jesus Christ. A constant worshipper here + during the forty-six years of his residence in this city, for + more than forty years of this period a communicant, and for more + than ten a deacon of this church,--resigning the office, at + length, because of his invalid state of health,--he had strong + attachments to this house of God. 'Our venerable church,' he says + in one of his notes to me, 'has in it deeply impressive, + improving, instructive, and interesting associations, going back + to the early days of my worshipping there; and the prayers of my + friends and fellow-worshippers of three generations, in part now + belonging there, come in aid of my weakness in time of need; and + no other spot, but that home where I was first taught my prayers, + and this my domestic fireside, where my children have been taught + theirs, has the same interest as our own old Brattle-square + Church.'" + +To an old business friend and acquaintance, Joshua Aubin, Esq., the +agent of the Amesbury Company, who had from the beginning been +associated with him in this first and favorite manufacturing +enterprise in which he had engaged, he writes on September 18, after +receiving a quantity of manufactured articles for distribution among +the poor: + + "You are brought very near to me on such a day as this (when I am + shut up in the house), by your work as well as by your words. + + "Now, as to your last consignment, I have derived, and expect to + derive, as much comfort and enjoyment from it as I ordinarily + should from a cash dividend on my shares. In truth, I am able to + employ these _odds and ends_ to such uses and for such persons as + will make me feel as though I were spared here for some use. + + "For instance, I had a call from a most respectable friend + (president of one of the best colleges in the West) last week, + who agreed to come again this week to do some shopping as soon as + he got some money for preaching on Sunday, and look over my stock + of goods. + + "I intend making him up a good parcel of your work, and, depend + on it, it is good seed, and will take root at the West. He says + that they have no money, but plenty of corn, and beef, and pork. + Corn pays for growing at ten cents a bushel, and will not bring + that in cash; and ten bushels will not pay for a calico gown, or + a flannel petticoat. + + "With his large family of children, don't you think these _odds + and ends_ will come as a blessing? Besides, he is an + old-fashioned Massachusetts Whig; loves the old Bay State as well + as ever the Jews loved their State, and is, through his college + exercising an influence in ---- that no body of men in that State + can do; and will, in the end, bring them into regular line, as to + education and elevation of character. Send me some of your + flannels to give to Madam ---- for her family of one or two + hundred children in the Children's Friend Society. + + "---- will give them over to these poor little destitute, unclad + creatures. They are taken and saved by this interesting society. + + "A rainy day like this is the very time for me to work among my + household goods. Many a poor minister and his family, and many a + needy student at school or college, fare the better for your + spinning and weaving. + + "I am living in my chamber, and on very close allowance. Every + day to me is a day of glorious anticipations, if I am free from + bodily suffering, and if my mind is free." + +On another occasion he writes to the same gentleman: + + "I have your letter and package; the cold of this morning will + make the articles doubly acceptable to the shivering and sick + poor among us. J. C.'s case is one for sympathy and relief. + Engage to supply him a hundred dollars, which I will hand to you + when you visit me; and tell the poor fellow to keep in good + heart, for our merciful Father afflicts in love, and thus I trust + that this will prove a stepping-stone to the mansions of bliss. + I shall never cease to remember with interest the veterans of + the A. F. Co. How are my friends B. and others of early days? + Also, how is old father F.? Does he need my warm outside coat, + when I get supplied with a better? + + "After your call upon me a few weeks since, I went back in memory + to scenes of olden times, which had an interest that you can + sympathize in, and which I intended to express to you before + this; but I have had one of those admonitory ill turns since, + that kept me under the eye of the doctor for a number of days. + + "In reviewing my beginnings in manufacturing, under your + recommendation and care, almost a quarter of a century ago, I can + see the men, the machines, the wheel-pit, and the speed-gauge, + and especially I can see our old friend W. lying on the bottom of + the pit, lamp in hand, with his best coat on, eying the wheels + and cogs as an astronomer makes observations in an observatory. + All these scenes are as fresh in my memory as though seen but + yesterday. + + "Do you remember C. B., the brother of J. and G. B.? All three of + whom were business men here at the time you were, and all were + unfortunate. C. tried his; hand in ----, and did not succeed + there; returned to this country, and settled on a tract of land + in ----, where he has been hard at work for ten years, and has + maintained his family. His wife died a few months since. One + after another of his family sickened, and he became somewhat + straitened, and knew not what to do. He wrote to an old business + friend, who was his debtor, and who had failed, had paid a part + only, and was discharged thirty years ago, and who has since been + prosperous. He stated his case, and asked me to say a good word + for him. That person sent one half, and I sent the other half, + the day before Thanksgiving. It will reach him on Monday next, + and will make his eyes glisten with joy. + + "Remember me to Capt. ---- and J. C, and B., and any other of the + veterans." + +Sept. 23, Mr. Lawrence receives from an old debtor, once a clerk in +his establishment, a check for five hundred dollars, which a sense of +justice had induced him to send, though the debt of some thousands had +been long since legally discharged. On receiving it, he writes, in a +memorandum at the bottom of the letter received, to his brother and +partner: + + "DEAR ABBOTT: I have the money. J. D. was always a person of + truth. I take the statement as true; but I had no recollection of + the thing till recalled by his statement. What say you to putting + this money into the life office, in trust for his sister? + + Your affectionate brother, + AMOS." + + "MEMORANDUM. _November 23._--Done, and policy sent to the + sister." + +There are but few men, distinguished in public or private life, who +are burdened with an undue amount of praise from their contemporaries; +and yet this was the case with Mr. Lawrence, who was often chagrined, +after some deed of charity, or some written expression of sympathy, to +see it emblazoned, with superadded colors, in the public prints. Some +one had enclosed to him a newspaper from another city, which contained +a most labored and flattering notice of the kind referred to, to which +he writes the following reply: + + "September, 1844. + + "DEAR ----: I received the paper last evening, and have read and + re-read it with deep interest and attention. However true it may + he, it is not calculated to promote the ultimate good of any of + us; for we are all inclined to think full well enough of + ourselves; and such puffs should be left for our obituaries. + Truth is not always to be pushed forward; and its advocates may + sometimes retard it by injudicious urging. Such is the danger in + the present case. The writer appears to be a young man who has + received favors, and is laboring to repay them or secure more. He + has told the truth; but, as I before said, neither you nor I, nor + any one of our families, are improved or benefited in any degree + by it. God grant us to be humble, diligent, and faithful to the + end of our journey, that we may then receive his approval, and be + placed among the good of all nations and times!" + +On the 29th. of October, Mrs. Appleton, his sister-in-law, and widow +of the Rev. Jesse Appleton, D.D., formerly President of Bowdoin +College, died at his house, after a lingering illness. In a letter to +his son, after describing her character and peaceful death, he says: + + "With such a life and such hopes, who can view the change as any + other than putting away the fugitive and restless pleasures of an + hour for the quiet and fixed enjoyments of eternity? Let us, + then, my dear children, not look upon the separation of a few + short years as a calamity to be dreaded, should we not meet here + again in any other way than as we now meet. While I am here, + every joy and enjoyment you experience, and give us an account + of, is not less so to us than if we were with you to partake, as + we have done of all such heretofore; and, in this source of + enjoyment, few people have such ample stores. Three families of + children and grandchildren within my daily walk,--is not this + enough for any man? And here I would impress upon my grandsons + the importance of looking carefully to their steps. The + difference between going just right and a little wrong in the + commencement of the journey of life, is the difference between + their finding a happy home or a miserable slough at the end of + the journey. Teach them to avoid tobacco and intoxicating drink, + and all temptations that can lead them into evil, as it is easier + to prevent than to remedy a fault. 'An ounce of prevention is + worth a pound of cure.' I was going on to say that, according to + my estimate of men and things, I would not change conditions with + Louis Philippe if I could by a wish, rich as he is in the matter + of good children. I have a great liking for him, and a sincere + respect for his family, as they are reported to me; but I trust + that mine will not be tried by the temptations of great worldly + grandeur, but that they will be found faithful stewards of the + talents intrusted to them. Bring up your boys to do their work + first, and enjoy their play afterwards. Begin early to teach them + habits of order, a proper economy, and exact accountability in + their affairs. This simple rule of making a child, after he is + twelve years old, keep an exact account of all that he wears, + uses, or expends, in any and every way, would save more suffering + to families than can fairly be estimated by those who have not + observed its operation. + + "And now, to change the subject," he writes Nov. 15, "we have got + through the elections, and are humbled as Americans. The + questions affecting our local labor, produce, and pecuniary + interests, are of small moment, compared with that of annexing + Texas to this Union. I wrote a brief note yesterday to our friend + Chapman, late Mayor of the city, and a member of the Whig + Committee, which speaks the language of my heart. It was as + follows: + + "'MY DEAR SIR: The result of the election in Massachusetts is + matter of devout and grateful feelings to every good citizen, + and, so far as pride is allowable, is a subject of pride to every + citizen, whatever his politics; for, wherever he goes, and + carries the evidence of belonging to the old Bay State, he may be + sure of the respect of all parties. This glorious result has not + been wrought "without works;" and for it we, the people, are + greatly indebted to your committee. So far as may be needed, I + trust you will find no backwardness on our part in putting + matters right. I bless God for sparing my life to this time; and + I humbly beseech him to crown your labors with success in future. + If Texas can be kept off, there will be hope for our government. + All other questions are insignificant in comparison with this. + The damning sin of adding it to this nation to extend slavery + will be as certain to destroy us as death is to overtake us. The + false step, once taken, cannot be retraced, and will be to the + people who occupy what rum is to the toper. It eats up and + uproots the very foundation on which Christian nations are based, + and will make us the scorn of all Christendom. Let us work, then, + in a Christian spirit, as we would for our individual salvation, + to prevent this sad calamity befalling us.'" + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + +DEATH OF HIS DAUGHTER.--LETTERS.--DONATION TO WILLIAMS +COLLEGE.--BENEFICENCE.--LETTERS. + + +On the 29th of November, Mr. Lawrence addressed to his son a most +joyous letter, announcing the birth of twin-grand daughters, and the +comfortable health of his daughter, the wife of the Rev. Charles +Mason, Rector of St. Peter's Church, at Salem, Massachusetts. The +letter is filled with the most devout expressions of gratitude at the +event, and cheering anticipations for the future, and yet with some +feelings of uneasiness lest the strength of his daughter should not be +sufficient to sustain her in these trying circumstances. He adds: + + "Why, then, should I worry myself, about what I cannot help, and + practically distrust that goodness that sustains and cheers and + enlivens my days?" + +The fears expressed were too soon and sadly realized; the powers of +her constitution had been too severely taxed, nature gave way, and, +four days afterwards, she ceased to live. Mr. Lawrence announced the +death of this cherished and only daughter in the following letter: + + "BOSTON, December 14, 1844. + + "MY DEAR SON: The joyous event I mentioned of S.'s twins has in + it sad memorials of the uncertainty of all joys, excepting those + arising from the happiness of friends whose journey is ended, and + whose joys are commencing. Long life does not consist in many + years, but in the use of the years allowed us; so that many a man + who has seen his four-score has, for all the purposes of life, + not lived at all. And, again, others, who have impressed distinct + marks, and have been called away before twenty-eight years have + passed over them, may have lived long lives, and have been + objects of grateful interest to multitudes who hardly spoke to + them while living. Such has been the case with our hearts' love + and desire, Susan Mason. The giving birth to those two babes, + either of whom would have been her pride and delight, was more + than she could recruit from. The exhaustion and faintness at the + time were great, but not alarming; and the joy of our hearts for + a season seemed unmixed. After three days, the alarm for her + safety had taken stronger hold of her other friends than of + myself; and, at the time I wrote you last, I felt strong + confidence in her recovery. On Sunday evening, at seven o'clock, + a great change came over her, that precluded all hope, and she + was told by C. how it was. She seemed prepared for it, was clear + in her mind, and, with what little strength she had, sent + messages of love. 'Give love to my father, and tell him I hope we + shall meet in heaven,' was her graphic and characteristic + message; and then she desired C. to lead and guide her thoughts + in prayer, which he continued to do for as many as six times, + until within the last half-hour of her life. At three o'clock on + Monday morning, the 2d instant, her pure spirit passed out of its + earthly tenement to its heavenly home, where our Father has + called her to be secured from the trials and pains and exposures + to which she was here liable. It is a merciful Father, who knows + better than we do what is for our good. What is now mysterious + will be made plain at the right time; for 'He doeth all things + well.' Shall we, then, my dear children, doubt him in this? + Surely not. S. was ripe for heaven, and, as a good scholar, has + passed on in advance of her beloved ones; but beckons us on, to + be reünited, and become joint heirs with her of those treasures + provided for those who are found worthy. We are now to think of + her as on the other side of Jordan, before the same altar that we + worship at, without any of the alloy that mixes in ours; she + praising, and we praying, and all hoping an interest in the + Beloved that shall make all things seem less than nothing in + comparison with this. We have had the sympathy of friends; and + the circumstances have brought to light new friends, that make us + feel our work here is not done. I feel called two ways at once: + S. beckoning me to come up; the little ones appealing to the + inmost recesses of my heart to stay, and lead them, with an old + grandfather's fondest, strongest, tenderest emotions, as the + embodiment of my child. Her remains are placed at the head of her + mother's; and those two young mothers, thus placed, will speak to + their kindred with an eloquence that words cannot. I try to say, + in these renewed tokens of a Father's discipline, 'Thy will be + done,' and to look more carefully after my tendency to have some + idol growing upon me that is inconsistent with that first place + _he_ requires; and I further try to keep in mind, that, if I + loved S. much, _he_ loved her more, and has provided against the + changes she was exposed to under the best care I could render. + Let us praise God for her long life in a few years, and profit by + the example she has left. The people of her own church are deeply + afflicted, and not until her death were any of us aware of the + strong hold she had upon them. Some touching incidents have + occurred, which are a better monument to her memory than any + marble that can be reared. * * * * + + "This morning opens most splendidly, and beautifully illustrates, + in the appearance of the sky, that glorious eternity so much + cherished in the mind of the believer. + + "With sincerest affection, your father, + A. L." + + + "TREMONT-STREET, Tuesday morning. + + "DEAR PARTNERS: The weather is such as to keep me housed to-day, + and it is important to me to have something to think of beside + myself. The sense of loss will press upon me more than I desire + it, without the other side of the account. All is ordered in + wisdom and in mercy; and we pay a poor tribute to our Father and + best Friend in distrusting him. I do most sincerely hope that I + may say, from the heart, 'Thy will be done.' Please send me a + thousand dollars by G., in small bills, thus enabling me to fill + up the time to some practical purpose. It is a painful thought to + me that I shall see my beloved daughter no more on earth; but it + is a happy one to think of joining her in heaven. + + Yours, ever, + A. L. + "A. & A. LAWRENCE & CO." + +On the last day of 1844, a date now to be remembered by his friends as +that on which his own departure took place, eight years later, he +writes to his children in France: + + "This last day of the year seems to have in it such tokens and + emblems as are calculated to comfort and encourage the youthful + pilgrim, just in his vigor, not less than the old one, near the + end of his journey; for the sun in the heavens, the hills in the + west, and the ocean on the east, all speak, in tones not to be + mistaken, 'Be of good courage,' 'Work while it is day,' and + receive, without murmuring, the discipline a Father applies; for + he knows what is best for his children. Whether he plants thorns + in the path, or afflicts them in any way, he does all for their + good. Thus, my dear children, are we to view the removal of our + beloved S. This year had been one of unusual prosperity and + enjoyment, from the first day to the present month; and all + seemed so lovely here that there was danger of our feeling too + much reliance on these temporals. The gem in the centre has been + removed, to show us the tenure by which we held the others." + +At the opening of the year 1845, Mr. Lawrence, after noting in his +property-book the usual annual details, makes the following +reflections: + + "The business of the past year has been eminently successful, and + the increased value of many of the investments large. In view of + these trusts, how shall we appear when the Master calls? I would + earnestly strive to keep constantly in mind the fact that he + _will_ call, and that speedily, upon each and all of us; and + that, when he calls, the question will be, How have you used + these? not How much have you hoarded?" + +With the new year, he set himself at work with renewed zeal to carry +into effect his good resolutions. One of the first results was a +donation of ten thousand dollars to Williams College, which he enters +upon his book with the following memorandum: + + "I am so well satisfied with the appropriations heretofore made + for the advancement and improvement of Williams College that I + desire to make further investment in the same, to the amount of + ten thousand dollars. In case any new professorship is + established in the college, I should be gratified to have it + called the Hopkins Professorship, entertaining, as I do, the most + entire confidence and respect for its distinguished President." + +Nearly every day, at this period, bears some record of his charities; +and among others was a considerable donation to a Baptist college, in +another State, enclosed to a Baptist clergyman in Boston, with a check +of fifty dollars for himself, to enable him to take a journey for +recruiting his health and strength, of which he was much in need. Soon +after Mr. Lawrence's death, an article appeared in an influential +religious publication giving an estimate of the amount of his +charities, and also stating that his pocket-book had written upon it a +text of Scripture, calculated to remind him of his duties in the +distribution of his wealth. The text was said to be, "What shall it +profit a man if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" + +After making diligent search, the editor of this volume, rather to +correct the statement in regard to the amount of his charities than +for any other object, contradicted the assertion, and also expressed +the opinion that Mr. Lawrence needed no such memorial as this to +remind him of his duties; for the law of charity was too deeply graven +on his heart to require the insertion of the text in the manner +described. Some time afterward, an old pocket-book was found, which +had not probably been in use for many years, but which contained the +text alluded to, inscribed in ink, though faded from the lapse of time +and constant use. It may have been useful to him in early years, +before he engaged systematically in the work of charity; but, during +the latter years of his life, if we can judge from his writings, as +well as from his daily actions, his sense of accountability was +extreme, if there can be an extreme in the zealous performance of +one's duty in this respect. + +If the class of politicians alluded to in the following extract could +have foreseen the course of events with the same sagacity, it might +have saved them from much uncertainty, and have been of service in +their career: + + "We are in a poor way, politically, in this country. This + practice of taking up demagogues for high office is no way to + perpetuate liberty. The new party of Native Americans is likely + to go forward, and will break up the Whig party, and where it + will stop is to be learned." + + "_March 1._--Spring opens upon us this morning with a frowning + face; the whole heaven is veiled, and the horizon dark and + lowering." + + "_May 7._--My venerated mother finished her earthly course last + Friday, with the setting sun, which was emblematic of her end. + She was such a woman as I am thankful to have descended from. + Many interesting circumstances connected with her life, before + and after her marriage (in July, 1777), are worth recording. She + was in her ninetieth year." + + + (TO HIS SON.) + + "April 30 + + "I began a record yesterday morning, referring to my position and + duties thirty-eight years ago, when I left my father's house (one + week after I was free), with less than twenty dollars in my + possession. I came an unknown and unfriended young man, but + feeling richer the morning after I came than I have ever felt + since; so that I gave the man who came with me, in my father's + chaise, a couple of dollars to save him from any expense, and + insure him against loss, by his spending two days on the journey, + for which he was glad of an excuse. Had he been as industrious + and temperate and frugal, he would have left his wife and + children independent, instead of leaving them poor and dependent. + These contrasts, and the duties they impose, have pressed heavily + upon my strength for a few days past; and, in endeavoring to + place in a clear view my hopes and wishes, I became pressed down, + and, since yesterday, have been upon my abstinence remedy. My + wish has been to do a good work for our Athenæum and our + Institution for Savings, by making it the interest of the Savings + Institution to sell their building to the Athenæum, so that a + handsome and convenient building may be erected while we are + about it. To this end, I have offered to supply the beautiful + temple built for the Washington Bank, rent free, for one year, or + a longer period to the end of time, while used as a Savings Bank; + intending, by this, to express to those who deposit their money + there that I feel deeply interested in their welfare, and would + earnestly impress upon them the importance of saving, and, when + they become rich, of spending for the good of their + fellow-mortals the surplus which a bountiful Father in heaven + allows them to acquire. This surplus with me, at the present + time, will be sufficient to allow me to speak with earnestness, + sincerity, and power, to the tens of thousands of industrious + _Thomases_ and _Marthas_,[8] as well as to the young mechanics, + or the youngsters who have had little sums deposited for their + education. All these characters appreciate a kind act as fully as + those who move in a different sphere in the world. + + "7 P. M.--I have just learned that there is some difficulty not + easily overcome in this removal of the Bank; and, after all, + nothing may come out of my offer. If not, I shall have more spare + means for something else." + + [8] Names of two faithful domestics. + +The value of the building thus offered was about twenty thousand +dollars. Owing to the difficulties alluded to in the preceding letter, +the offer was declined, though the motive for the act was fully +appreciated. + + + (TO A FRIEND.) + + "MY DEAR FRIEND: I have this moment learned the death of your + dear boy J. L., and am with you in spirit in this trying scene. + Our Father adapts his discipline to our needs; and in this + (although to our weak perception it may seem harsh discipline) he + has a Father's love and care of and for you; and the time will + come when all will be made clear to you. In this trust and + confidence, I hope both your dear wife and self will be able to + say from the heart, 'Thy will be done.' Our business in this + world is to prepare for another; and, if we act wisely, we shall + view aright the calls upon us to make this world our great + object, by attaining its honors, its houses, its lands, its + praises for generosity, disinterestedness, and divers other + things that pass well among men. Where we hope to be welcomed, + temptations are not needed. We pray, therefore, to be accepted, + through the Beloved, and so make all things work together to help + us safely through our course. + + Yours ever, + A. L." + +To the agent of a manufactory in which he was largely interested he +writes: + + "We must make a good thing out of this establishment, unless you + ruin us by working on Sundays. Nothing but works of necessity + should be done in holy time; and I am a firm believer in the + doctrine that a blessing will more surely follow those exertions + which are made with reference to our religious obligations, than + upon those made without such reference. The more you can impress + your people with a sense of religious obligation, the better they + will serve you." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII. + +LETTER FROM DR. SHARP.--ILLNESS AND DEATH OF +SON.--LETTERS.--AFFLICTIONS. + + +The Rev. Dr. Sharp, of the Baptist denomination, who has been +previously alluded to as a valued friend of Mr. Lawrence, had made a +visit to England, the land of his birth, after an absence of forty +years, and thus addresses him from Leeds, July 1: + + "I esteem it one of the happy events of my life that I have been + made personally acquainted with you. Not certainly because of + your kind benefactions to me and mine, but because I have enjoyed + your conversation, and have been delighted with those + manifestations of principle and conduct, which, let them grow + under what Christian culture they may, I know how to honor, to + knowledge, and to love." + +The same gentleman writes, shortly afterwards: + + "I thank you for the kind manner in which you express yourself in + regard to my occasional sermons. I never had any taste for + controversy, nor for theological speculation; although, as a + Christian watchman, I have kept myself informed of the religious + opinions that have been, and that are. I thank you, as does my + dear wife, for your thoughtful concern of the sacred spot so + dear both to my recollections and hopes. There, when life's + journey is ended, I hope to rest by the side of those whose + company and unfailing affection have gladdened so many of my + years; and it has given me a subdued pleasure, when I have + thought that my own bed of death would be so near that of the + kind and gentle-hearted friend who provided me with mine. May all + who shall repose near that interesting spot be imbued with a pure + and loving Christian spirit, that, when the trumpet shall sound, + and the dead shall arise, we may all rise together in glorious + forms, to be forever with the Lord!" + + + (TO ONE OF HIS PARTNERS.) + + "Tremont-street, September 30, 1845. + + "DEAR MR. PARKER: I am buoyant and afloat again, and able to + enjoy the good things you are so liberal in providing. The + widow's box of ointment was broken before its value was learned. + The sermon is significant and practical. I would be thankful to + improve under its teaching. Will you send me two thousand dollars + this morning in Mr. Sharp's clean money? thus allowing me the + opportunity of expressing my gratitude to a merciful Father + above, that he still permits me to administer the good things he + has intrusted to me. Dear R. had a quiet night, although he did + not sleep much during the first part. This experience is, indeed, + the most trying; but I hope to be able to say truly, 'Thy will be + done.' + + Your friend, + "A. L. + "C. H. PARKER, Esq." + +The trying experience alluded to was the serious illness of his +youngest son, Robert, then a member of Harvard College. He had for +some time been troubled by a cough, which had now become alarming, +and excited the worst apprehensions of his friends. In relation to +this sickness, he writes several letters to his son, from which the +following extracts are made: + + "October 15 + + "We are in great anguish of spirit on account of dear R. We are + getting reconciled to parting with the dear child, and to feel + that he has done for us what any parents might feel thankful for, + by living a good life, and in nineteen years giving us no cause + to wish any one of them blotted out. If now called away, he will + have lived a long life in a few years, and will be spared the + trials and sufferings that flesh is heir to, and will be gathered + like early fruit, before the blight or frost or mildew has marked + it." + + + "October 29. + + "R. remains gradually failing with consumption, but without much + suffering, and perfectly aware of his situation. He never + appeared so lovely as he has on his sick bed; so that his happy + spirit and resignation, without a complaint or a wish that + anything had been done differently, keep us as happy as we can be + under such a weight of apprehension that we may so soon part with + him. He asked me yesterday what I should write to you about him. + I told him I should say that he was very sick, and might never be + any better; but that he might also be better if the great + Physician saw best, as it is only for him to speak, and the + disease would be cured. If he were taken before me, I told him, + it would be, I hoped, to welcome me to the company of the loved + ones of our kindred and friends who have gone before, and to the + society of angels and just men made perfect, who compose the + great congregation that are gathered there from all the world, + that God's love, through Christ, has redeemed. God so loved the + world that he gave his only-begotten Son to redeem it from sin; + and his teachings should not be lost on us, while we have power + to profit by them. In this spirit, we talked of the good men + whose writings have an influence in helping on this good work; + and especially we talked of Dr. Doddridge, and his 'Rise and + Progress.' + + "P. M.--I have been with M. to Brookline since writing the above. + The falling leaves teach a beautiful lesson. The green leaf, the + rose, the cypress, now enclosed to you, and all from your + grounds, are instructive. These were cut within the last two + hours." + + + "November 1. + + "Dear R. had a trying day yesterday, and we thought might not + continue through the night. He is still alive, and may continue + some time; was conscious and clear in his mind after he revived + yesterday; feels ready and willing and hoping to be with his + Saviour." + + + "November 14. + + "We toil for treasure through our years of active labor, and, + when acquired, are anxious to have it well secured against the + time when we or our children may have need of it; and we feel + entire confidence in this security. We allow the common flurries + of the world to pass by without disturbing our quiet or comfort + essentially. What treasure of a temporal character is comparable + with a child who is everything a Christian parent could desire, + and who is just coming into mature life universally respected and + beloved, and who is taken before any cloud or spot has touched + him, and who has left bright and clear marks upon those who have + come within his sphere of influence? Such was R. The green earth + of Mount Auburn covers his mortal remains; the heavens above + have his immortal; he was a ripe child of God, and I therefore + feel that blessed assurance of entire security which adds another + charm to that blessed company to which I hope, through mercy, to + be admitted in our Father's own good time. This early death of + our beloved youngest comes upon us as an additional lesson, + necessary, without doubt, to prepare us for our last summons; and + the reasons which now seem mysterious will be fully understood, + and will show us that our good required this safe keeping of this + treasure, so liable to be made our idol. R. had passed the + dangerous period of his college life without blemish, and was + only absent from prayers three times (which were for good cause), + and had a settled purpose, from the beginning of his college + life, so to conduct in all respects as to give his parents no + cause for anxiety; and, for the last year, I have felt perfectly + easy in regard to him. We have visited his grave to-day. The + teachings there are such as speak to the heart with an eloquence + that language cannot. Dear S. and R.! She the only daughter, he + the only son of his mother! and both placed there since you + left!" + + + "November 22. + + "President H., in a letter a few days before I wrote to you, had + this sentiment: 'The old oak, shorn of its green branches, is + more liable to decay.' Applying this to the old oak fronting the + graves of those loved ones who have passed on, the outspread + branches of which make the spot more lovely, I was more deeply + impressed than mere words could have impressed me. A few months + after the death of S., a violent storm tore off a main limb of + the old oak about midway between the ground and the top, in such + way as to mar its beauty, and endanger its life. The limb fell + upon the graves, but avoided the injury to the monuments which + might have been expected. Since then, I noticed that some of the + lower limbs cast a sort of blight or mildew upon the pure white + of your mother's monument, and they required dressing. I desired + the 'master' to do this, and also to come and heal the wound + occasioned by the loss of this main limb on that side of the + tree. The trimming out was done at once; the other was left + undone until the request was renewed. On my visit there last + week, I discovered, for the first time, that the wound had been + healed, and the body of the tree appeared smooth, and of its + natural color, and its health such as to give good hope that its + other branches will spread out their shade more copiously than + before. What a lesson was here! The appeal was to the heart; and, + in my whole life, I remember none more eloquent. To-day I have + been to Mount Auburn again; and the spot seems to be none other + than the gate of heaven.'" + + + "December 22. + + "Twenty-five years ago this morning, I came home from Plymouth, + where I had spent the night previous, and heard Webster's great + address. He has never done anything to surpass it; and it now is + a model and a text for the youth of our country. The people who + then were present are principally taken hence; and the + consideration of how the time allowed has been spent, and how it + now fares with us, is of deep interest. God in mercy grant us to + act our part so as to meet his approval, when called to answer + for the trust in our hands! I have thought of the emblem of the + 'old oak,' till it has assumed a beauty almost beyond anything in + nature; and, if I live to see the fresh leaves of spring + spreading their covering over the head of the stranger or the + friend who may stop under its shade, I will have a sketch of the + spot painted, if the right person can be found. There is in the + spot and scene a touching eloquence that language can scarcely + communicate. The dear child's expressive look, and motion of his + finger, when he said 'I am going up,' will abide with me while I + live. The dealings of a Father with me have been marked, but + ofttimes mysterious for a season. Now many things are clear; and + all others will be, I trust, when I am fitted to know them." + + + (TO HIS GRANDSON.) + + "BOSTON, December 30, 1845. + + "MY DEAR F.: Your charming letter of 28th November reached me by + last steamer, and showed, in a practical way, how important the + lessons of childhood are to the proper performance of the duties + of manhood. It carried me back to the time when my own mother + taught me, and, from that period, forward through the early + lessons inculcated upon your father, and especially to the time + when he began to write me letters, which I always encouraged him + in, and thus formed a habit which has been the best security for + our home affections that can be devised when separated from those + most dear to us. If the prayers and labors of your ancestors are + answered by your good progress and good conduct in the use of the + privileges you enjoy, you will come forth a better and more + useful man than any of the generations preceding; for you enjoy + advantages that none of us have enjoyed. My heart beats quicker + and stronger whenever I think of you; and my prayers ascend for + you at all hours, and through every scene connecting us. Last + Saturday, I had the first sleigh-ride of the season. The day was + beautiful; and there was just snow enough to make the sleigh run + smoothly. I visited Mount Auburn; and the day and place, the 'old + oak' standing in front of our graves leafless and apparently + almost lifeless, spoke to me a language as intelligible as if + utterance had been given in sounds. I thought of you, dear F., as + my eldest grandson, and in a manner the representative of the + family to future times, and asked myself whether I was doing all + I ought to make you feel the force of your trusts. There lie the + mortal parts of your dear aunt and uncle, both placed there since + you left home; and the spirits of both, I trust, are now + rejoicing with the multitude of the beloved ones, whose work here + is well done, and whom the Saviour has bid to 'come unto him,' + and through whom they hoped to be accepted. Dear R. seems to call + to us to 'come up;' and, whether I ever see you again or not, I + pray you never to forget that he was such an uncle as you might + well feel anxious to copy in your conduct to your parents; for he + had a settled principle to do nothing to cause his parents + anxiety. So, if you see your young companions indulging in any + evil practices which may lead to bad habits, avoid them; for + prevention is better than remedy. When you stand near the 'old + oak,' whether its branches are green with shady leaves, or dry + from natural decay, let it speak to your conscience, 'Come up,' + and receive the reward promised to the faithful. + + "Ever your affectionate grandfather, + A. L." + +The year 1845 closed with many sad recollections; and nearly every +letter written at this period dwells upon the mournful events which +had marked its course. In one letter, he says, "Death has cut right +and left in my family." In a little more than twelve months, ten of +his own immediate family and near connections were removed, and most +of them when least expected. Although bowed down, and penetrated with +grief at each successive blow, there was a deep-seated principle in +Mr. Lawrence's heart, which made him rise above them all, and receive +each call in that spirit of submission which the Christian faith alone +can give. His own sorrows seemed only to augment his sympathy for the +woes of others, and to excite him to renewed efforts in the great +cause of charity and truth, to which he had consecrated every talent +he possessed. In this spirit he makes an entry in his memorandum-book +on the first day of the opening year. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV. + +EXPENDITURES.--LETTERS.--DONATION FOR LIBRARY AT WILLIAMS +COLLEGE.--VIEWS ON STUDY OF ANATOMY. + + + "_January 1, 1846._--The business of the past year has been very + prosperous in our country; and my own duties seem more clearly + pointed out than ever before. What am I left here for, and the + young branches taken home? Is it not to teach me the danger of + being unfaithful to my trusts? Dear R. taken! the delight of my + eyes, a treasure secured! which explains better than in any other + way what my Father sees me in need of. I hope to be faithful in + applying some of my trusts to the uses God manifestly explains to + me by his dealings. I repeat, 'Thy will be done.'" + +That his trusts, so far as the use of his property was concerned, were +faithfully performed, may be inferred from the fact that, in July, or +at the termination of the half-year, in making up his estimate of +income and expenditures, he remarks that the latter are nearly twenty +thousand dollars in advance of the former. + +Mr. Lawrence was often much disturbed by the publicity which attended +his benevolent operations. There are, perhaps, thousands of the +recipients of his favors now living, who alone are cognizant of his +bounty towards themselves; but when a public institution became the +subject of his liberality, the name of the donor could not so easily +be concealed. The following letter will illustrate the mode which he +sometimes was obliged to adopt to avoid that publicity; and it was his +custom not unfrequently to contribute liberally to objects of charity +through some person on whom he wished the credit of the donation to +fall. + + + (TO PRESIDENT HOPKINS.) + + "BOSTON, Jan. 26, 1846. + + "MY DEAR FRIEND: Since Saturday, I have thought much of the best + mode of helping your college to a library building without + getting into the newspapers, and have concluded that you had + better assume the responsibility of building it; and, if anybody + objects that you can't afford it, you may say you have friends + whom you hope to have aid from; and I will be responsible to you + for the cost to an amount not exceeding five thousand dollars; so + that you may feel at liberty to prepare such a building as you + will be satisfied with, and which will do credit to your taste + and judgment fifty years hence. If I am taken before this is + finished, which must be this year, my estate will be answerable, + as I have made an entry in my book, stating the case. I had + written a longer story, after you left me, on Saturday evening, + but have laid it aside to hand you this, with best wishes, and + that all may be done 'decently and in order.' I will pay a + thousand or two dollars whenever it is wanted for the work. + + "Your friend, + A. L." + +Mr. Lawrence had read in the newspapers the memorial to Congress of +Mrs. Martha Gray, widow of Captain Robert Gray, the well-known +navigator, who discovered, first entered, and gave its present name to +the Columbia River. Captain Gray had been in the naval service of his +country; and his widow, who had survived him for forty years, amidst +many difficulties and struggles for support, petitioned for a pension, +in consideration of the important discovery, and for the services +rendered by her husband. Mr. Lawrence sent to Mrs. Gray a memorial of +his regard, with the following note: + + "As a token of respect to the widow of one whose name and fame + make a part of the property of every American who has a true + heart, will Mrs. Gray accept the accompanying trifle from one, + who, though personally unknown, felt her memorial to Congress + through every nerve, and will hope to be allowed the pleasure of + paying his respects in person when his health permits." + +About the same date, he says to President Hopkins: + + "I am happily employed, these days, in administering upon my own + earnings, and have hope of hearing soon from you and your good + work. I am still on my good behavior, but have been able to chat + a little with Mr. D., and administer to His Excellency Governor + Briggs, who has had a severe trial of fever and ague. On Saturday + he rode an hour with me, and returned with his face shortened + considerably. I can only say to you that I believe I am left here + to do something more to improve and help on the brethren and + sons who have more mind and less money than I have; but the + precise way to do it is not so clear to me as it may be by and + by." + +After receiving the proposed plan of the library which he had +authorized to be built at Williams College, Mr. Lawrence writes to the +same, on May 15: + + "I left off, after a brief note to you, three hours since, + furnishing you a text on epicureanism to preach from, which I + trust will find favor and use. + + "What think you? Why, that I am interfering in your business. + When I awoke this morning, thinks I to myself, My friend won't + have elbow-room in the centre of his octagon; and, as there is + plenty of land to build upon, he may as well make his outside to + outside fifty feet as forty-four feet, and thus give himself more + space in the centre. The alcoves appear to me to be very nice; + and, in the matter of expense, my young friend A. L. H. will see + to that, to the tune of one or two thousand dollars. So you may + feel yourself his representative in acting in this matter." + + * * * * * + + "_April 22._--My birth-day! Three-score years old! My life, + hanging by a thread for years, and apparently, at times, within a + few hours of its close, still continued, while so many around in + the prime of life and vigor have been called away!" + + + (TO A FRIEND.) + + "Tremont-street, April, 1846. + + "MY FRIEND ----: I have arisen after my siesta, and, as the + Quakers say, am moved by the spirit to speak. So you will give + what I have to say the value you consider it worth. And, in the + first place, I will say, that this period of the year is so full + of deeply-interesting memories of the past, that I hardly know + where to begin. From my earliest days, the story of the + intelligence reaching Groton at ten o'clock on the 19th April, + 1775, that the British were coming, was a most interesting one. + My father mounted Gen. Prescott's horse, and rode, at a speed + which young men even of the present day would think rapid, to the + south end of the town, by Sandy Pond, and notified the minute-men + to assemble at the centre of the town forthwith. He made a range + of seven miles, calling on all the men, and was back at his + father's house in forty minutes. At one o'clock, P. M., the + company was in readiness to march, and under way to Concord to + meet the British. They kept on until they reached Cambridge; but, + before that, they had seen and heard all that had been done by + the troops sent out to Concord. The plough was left in the field; + and my grandfather, with his horse and wagon, brought provisions + to his neighbors and his son shortly after. My grandmother on my + mother's side, then living in Concord, has described to me over + and over again the appearance of the British, as she first saw + them coming over the bill from Lincoln, about two miles from the + centre of Concord; the sun just rising; and the red coats, + glittering muskets, and fearful array, so captivating to us in + peace-times, appearing to her as the angel of destruction, to be + loathed and hated. She therefore left her house with her children + (the house was standing within the last thirty years, and may be + now, near the turn to go through Bedford, half a mile or more + this side of Concord meeting-house), and went through the fields, + and over the hills, to a safe place of retreat. The British, you + are aware, on their retreat, had a hard time of it. They were + shot down like wild game, and left by the wayside to die or be + taken up as it might happen. Three thus left within gun-shot of + my grandmother's house were taken up, and died in the course of a + very few hours. But what I am coming to is this: Lord Percy, you + know, was sent out from Boston with a strong body of troops to + protect those first sent out; and, but for this, the whole would + have been destroyed or made prisoners. About three years ago, + Lord Prudhoe, second son of Lord Percy, was here; and I had + considerable delightful intercourse with him. He, as you may well + suppose, was deeply interested in all that related to his father; + and I met him in the library at Cambridge, where he was very + observant of the order and arrangement, and especially of the + curious old documents and books, so nicely arranged, touching the + early history of the province. After leaving Cambridge, he went + to Mr. Cushing's and Mr. Pratt's, at Watertown, and was much + interested in all that we in this city are proud of. I had not + strength to be devoted to him more than an hour or two at a time, + having then some other strangers under my care, belonging to Gov. + Colebrooke's family, Lady Colebrooke being a niece of Major + André; so that I had only some half-dozen interviews with him, + all of which were instructive and interesting." + +The dissection of human bodies by medical students has always been a +subject of deep-rooted prejudice in New England; and, even to this +day, it exists in so great a degree that the facilities for this +important and absolutely essential branch of instruction are not +nearly as great as they should be, nor such as are afforded in the +schools of other countries. When these difficulties shall be removed, +and the prejudice allayed against the acquisition of a kind of +knowledge which it is of the utmost interest to every one that the +surgeon and physician shall receive, many young men will remain at +home, and acquire that education which, with few exceptions, might be +attained here as well as by a resort to foreign schools. In this +prejudice Mr. Lawrence could not sympathize, as will be seen in the +following extract of a letter to a friend + + * * * * * + "Many years ago, there was a great stir, on account of graves + being robbed for subjects for dissection, and some laws were + passed: the want became so pressing, that subjects were brought + from a long distance, and in a very bad state. Dr. Warren was + attending me, and said he had invited the Legislature, then in + session, to attend a lecture in the Medical College. He told me + he intended to explain the necessity of having fit subjects, he + having been poisoned in his lecture to his students a few days + before, and was then suffering from it. He invited me also to + attend, which I did, and took with me my precious boy R. While + lecturing, the doctor had a man's hand, which he had just taken + off at the hospital, brought in, nicely wrapped up in a wet + cloth, by his son J. M. W., then a youngster. There were present + about two hundred representatives; and, as soon as they saw the + real hand, two or three fainted nearly away, and a half-dozen or + more made their escape from the room. The scene was so striking, + that I told Dr. Warren it was a pity that such a prejudice should + exist; and, as I was desirous to be of use as far as in my power, + and probably should be a good subject for him, I would gladly + have him use me in the way to instruct the young men; but to take + care of my remains, and have them consumed or buried, unless my + bones were kept. I also told him that I desired very much to have + this false feeling corrected, and perhaps my example might do + something toward it. Some time afterwards, I spoke to ---- upon + the subject; but I found it gave pain, and the plan was given up. + * * * + + A. L." + + "Outward gains are ordinarily attended with inward losses. He + indeed is rich in grace whose graces are not hindered by his + riches." + +In a letter, dated June 3, Mr. Lawrence bears testimony to the +character and services of the late Louis Dwight, so long and favorably +known as the zealous Secretary of the Massachusetts Prison Discipline +Society: + + "I have this moment had an interview with Louis Dwight, who + leaves for Europe in two days. My labors and experience with him + for nearly a quarter of a century enable me to testify to his + ability, and unceasing efforts in the cause." + + "_May 27, 1846._--The following commentary[9] on the Lectures of + the Rev. Dr. ---- accompanied their return to me from one to whom + I had loaned the volume. I have now no recollection who the + person is; but the words are full, and to the point: + + "'This sucking the marrow all out of our Bible, and leaving it as + dry as a husk, pray what good to man, or honor to God, does that + do? If we are going to fling away the old book from which ten + thousand thousand men have drawn and are still drawing the life + of their souls, then let us stand boldly up, and fling it away, + cover and all; unless, indeed, a better way would be to save the + boards and gilding, and make a family checker-board of it.'" + + [9] Supposed to be by Hon. Jeremiah Mason. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV. + +DONATION TO LAWRENCE ACADEMY.--CORRESPONDENCE WITH R. G. +PARKER.--SLEIGH-RIDES.--LETTERS.--AVERSION TO NOTORIETY.--CHILDREN'S +HOSPITAL. + + +Mr. Lawrence had always taken a deep interest in the academy at +Groton, of which he, with all his brothers and sisters, had been +members. The residence of his former master, James Brazer, Esq., with +whom he lived when an apprentice, bordered on the academy grounds. It +was a large, square, old-fashioned house, and easily convertible to +some useful purpose, whenever the growing prosperity of the +institution should require it. He accordingly purchased the estate; +and, in July, 1846, presented it to the Board of Trustees by a deed, +with the following preamble: + + "To all persons to whom these presents shall come, I, Amos + Lawrence, of the City of Boston, in the County of Suffolk, and + Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Esquire, send greeting: + + "Born and educated in Groton, in the County of Middlesex, in said + Commonwealth, and deeply interested in the welfare of that town, + and especially of the Lawrence Academy, established in it by my + honored father, Samuel Lawrence, and his worthy associates, and + grateful for the benefits which his and their descendants have + derived from that institution, I am desirous to promote its + future prosperity; trusting that those charged with the care and + superintendence of it will ever strive zealously and faithfully + to maintain it as a nursery of piety and sound learning." + +This had been preceded by a donation of two thousand dollars, with +smaller gifts, at various dates, of valuable books, a telescope, etc., +besides the foundation of several free scholarships. The present +prosperity of the academy is, however, mainly due to his brother, +William Lawrence, who has been by far its greatest benefactor; having, +in 1844, made a donation of ten thousand dollars, followed by another, +in 1846, of five thousand, and, finally, by will, bequeathed to it the +sum of twenty thousand. The following memoranda are copied from Mr. +Lawrence's donation-book: + + "_August 20, 1847._--I have felt a deep interest in Groton + Academy for a long time; and while brother L. was living, and its + president, he had it in charge to do what should be best to + secure its greatest usefulness, and, while perfecting these + plans, he was suddenly taken from this world. Since then, I have + kept on doing for it; which makes my outlay for the school about + twenty thousand dollars. I had prepared ten thousand dollars + more, which brother William has assumed, and has taken the school + upon himself, to give it such facilities as will make it a very + desirable place for young men to enter to get a good preparation + for business or college life." + +In an address[10] delivered at the jubilee celebration of the +Lawrence Academy, held in Groton, July 12, 1854, the Rev. James Means, +a former preceptor of the Institution, thus speaks of the benefactions +of the two brothers: + + "It was my good fortune, after becoming the preceptor, in 1845, + to have frequent intercourse with them in this particular + regard,--the interests of the school. I shall never forget the + impression made upon my mind by the depth of their feeling, and + the strength of their attachment. They were both of them men of + business; had been trained to business habits, and would not + foolishly throw away the funds which God had intrusted to them as + stewards. But it seemed to me then, as the event has proved, that + they were willing to go as far as they could see their way clear + before them to establish this school on a foundation that never + should be shaken. + + "There was a singular difference in the character of these two + brothers, and there is a similar difference in the results of + their benefactions. I have reason personally to know that they + conferred frequently and earnestly respecting the parts which + they should severally perform in upbuilding this school. There + was an emulation; but there was no selfishness, there was no + difference of opinion. Both loved the academy, both wished to + bless it and make it a blessing; each desired to accommodate the + feelings of the other, each was unwilling to interfere with the + other, each was ready to do what the other declined. Out of more + than forty-five thousand dollars provided for the academy by Mr. + William Lawrence, forty thousand still remain in the hands of the + trustees for purposes of instruction. Of the library Mr. Amos + Lawrence says, in one of his letters: 'I trust it will be second + to no other in the country except that of Cambridge, and that the + place will become a favorite resort of students of all ages + before another fifty years have passed away. When he presented a + cabinet of medals, he writes, 'I present them to the Institution + in the name of my grandsons, F. W. and A. L., in the hope and + expectation of implanting among their early objects of regard + this school, so dear to us brothers of the old race, and which + was more dear to our honored father, who labored with his hands, + and gave from his scanty means, in the beginning, much more in + proportion than we are required to do, if we place it at the head + of this class of institutions, by furnishing all it can want.'" + + [10] See account of Jubilee of Lawrence Academy. + +At the same celebration, the Hon. John P. Bigelow, president of the +day, in his opening address, said: + + "Charles Sprague, so loved and so honored as a man and a poet, + was an intimate friend of the lamented William and Amos Lawrence. + I invited him hither to-day. He cannot come, but sends a + minstrel's tribute to their memory, from a harp, which, till now, + has been silent for many years. + + 'These, these no marble columns need: + Their monument is in the deed; + A moral pyramid, to stand + As long as wisdom lights the land. + The granite pillar shall decay, + The chisel's beauty pass away; + But this shall last, in strength sublime, + Unshaken through the storms of time.'" + +On July 15, Mr. Lawrence made a considerable donation of books to the +Johnson School for girls, accompanied by a note to R. G. Parker, Esq., +the Principal, from which the following extract is taken: + + "The sleigh-ride comes to me as though daguerreotyped, and I can + hardly realize that I am here to enjoy still further the comfort + that I then enjoyed. If the pupils of your school at that time + were gratified, I was more than satisfied, and feel myself a + debtor to your school of this day; and, in asking you to accept, + for the use of the five hundred dear girls who attend upon your + instruction, such of the books accompanying as you think proper + for them, I only pay a debt which I feel to be justly due. The + Johnson School is in my own district; and many a time, as I have + passed it in my rides, have I enjoyed the appropriate animation + and glee they have manifested in their gambols and sports during + their intermission, and have felt as though I would gladly be + among them to encourage them. Say to them, although personally + unknown, I have looked on, and felt as though I wanted to put my + hand upon their heads, and give them a word of counsel, + encouragement, and my blessing. This is what I am left here for; + and, when the Master calls, if I am only well enough prepared to + pass examination, and receive the 'Well done' promised to such as + are faithful, then I may feel that all things here are less than + nothing in comparison to the riches of the future." + +The allusion to the sleigh-ride was called forth by a note received +from Mr. Parker a day or two before, in which that gentleman writes: + + "As you have not the credit of a very good memory, so far as your + own good actions are concerned, it will be proper that I should + remind you that the occasion to which I refer was the time that + the pupils of the Franklin School were about enjoying a + sleigh-ride, from which pleasure a large number were excluded. On + that occasion, as you were riding by, you were induced to + inquire the reason of the exclusion of so many sad little faces; + and, on learning that their inability to contribute to the + expense of the excursion would cause them to be left behind, you + very generously directed that all should be furnished with seats, + and a draft made upon you for the additional expense." + +To a fondness for children, there seemed to be united in Mr. Lawrence +a constant desire to exert an influence upon the youthful mind; and +rarely was the opportunity passed over, when, by a word of advice or +encouragement, or the gift of an appropriate book, he thought he could +effect his object. His person was well known to the boys and girls who +passed him in the streets; and, in the winter season, his large, open +sleigh might often be seen filled with his youthful friends, whom he +had allowed to crowd in to the utmost capacity of his vehicle. + +The acquaintances thus made would often, by his invitation, call to +see him at his residence, and there would receive a kind notice, +joined with such words of encouragement and advice as could not +sometimes fail to have a lasting and beneficial influence. + + "_August 2._--'Give an account of thy stewardship, for thou + mayest be no longer steward.'--Luke 16:2. + + "How ought this to be sounded in our ears! and how ought we to be + influenced by the words! Surely there can be no double meaning + here. The words are emphatic, clear, and of vast concern to every + man. Let us profit by them while it is day, lest the night + overtake us, when we can no longer do the work of the day." + +On the 22d of August, Mr. Lawrence sent a cane to Governor Briggs, at +Pittsfield, with the following inscription graven upon it: + + FROM THE "OLD OAK" OF MOUNT AUBURN: + + +A Memento of Loved Ones gone before+. + + AMOS LAWRENCE TO GEORGE N. BRIGGS. + + 1846. + +The cane was accompanied by the following note: + + "MY DEAR FRIEND: Your letter of Monday last came, as all your + letters do, just right as a comforter through a feeble week; for + I have been confined to the house, and unable to speak above a + whisper, most of the time, and am still not allowed to talk or + work much. The corresponding week of the last year, when our + precious R. was your guest, comes over my mind and heart, at all + hours of the night and the day, in a manner I need not attempt to + describe to _you_; and it is only distressing when I see the + suffering of his dear mother. But we feel that he is now the + guest of the Supreme Governor, whose care and kindness takes from + him all that can interrupt his perfect happiness through all + time; and this surely ought to satisfy us. The good opinion of + good men you know how to value, and can therefore judge how much + I prize yours. Acting upon the public mind for good as you do, + the memorial from the old oak will not be without its use in your + instruction and advice to the young, whose special improvement + and safety you have so much at heart. The cane is a part of the + same branch as that sent to President H., and came to me since + noon to-day. Accept it with assurances of continued and increased + affection and respect. + + Most sincerely yours, + "A. L." + + + "_August 28._--Called at ---- shop, Washington-street, and there + saw a nice-looking boy seventeen or eighteen years old, named T. + S., to whom I gave a word of good counsel and encouragement. + Shall look after him a little, as I like his manners." + + "_August 29._--A woman writes a figuring letter, calling herself + S. M.; says she is sixty years old; has lost her sons, and wants + help; came from New Hampshire. Also, N. T. wants aid to study, or + something else. Also, a Mr. F., with a great share of hair on his + face, gold ring, and chains, wants to travel for his health; has + a wife and child. Those three cases within twenty-four hours are + very forbidding." + +In a letter of advice to a young gentleman who was a stranger to him, +but who through a mutual friend had asked his opinion on a matter of +business, he writes, on Sept. 19th: + + "Your letter of the 17th is a flattering token of confidence and + respect, that I wish were better merited. Such as I am, I am at + your service; _but there is nothing of me_. I have been stricken + down within a few days, and am hardly able to stand up. A kind + Father keeps me vigilant by striking without notice, and when + least expected; and on some one of these occasions I am to close + the account of my stewardship, and no matter when, if the + accounts are right. I cannot advise you except in one particular: + Do with your might what your hands find to do; spend no man's + money but your own, and look carefully after little items that + tempt you." + +The notoriety attendant upon acts of beneficence which Mr. Lawrence +instinctively shrunk from, and which so often deters the sensitive +from the good acts which, without this penalty, they would gladly +perform, was, as has before been stated, a subject of serious +annoyance. This is illustrated by the following note, written to Mr. +Parker, the Principal of the Johnson School for girls: + + "October 2, 1846. + + "I hope to send a few volumes to help forward the young guides of + the mind and heart of the sons of New England, wherever they may + be; for it is the mothers who act upon their sons more than all + others. I hope to be felt as long as I am able, to work, and am + quite as vain as I ought to be of my name and fame, but am really + afraid I shall wear out my welcome if my little paragraphs are + printed so frequently in the newspapers. I gave some books last + Monday, and saw them acknowledged yesterday in the newspaper, and + since have received the letter from the children. Now, my dear + sir, I merely want to say, that I hope you will not put me in the + newspaper at present; and, when my work is done here, if you have + anything to say about me that will not hurt my children and + grandchildren, _say on_." + +A few days afterwards, Mr. Lawrence received a letter from the parties +to whom the books above alluded to had been sent, inquiring if he +could suggest the name of some benevolent individual, to whom +application might be made for aid in furthering the objects of the +Association. He writes: + + "In reply to yours of to-day, I know of no one, but must request + that my name be not thrust forward, as though I was to be a + byword for my vanity. I want to do good, but am sorry to be + published, as in the recent case." + +During the autumn of this year, Mr. Lawrence purchased the large +building in Mason-street, which had, for many years, been used as the +Medical School of Harvard College, with the intention of founding a +charitable hospital for children. He had heard of the manner in which +such institutions were conducted in France, and believed that a great +benefit would be conferred on the poorer classes by caring for their +sick children when their own poverty or occupations prevented their +giving them that attention which could be secured in an institution of +this kind. The great object was to secure the confidence of that +class, and to overcome their repugnance to giving up their children to +the care of others. The plan had not been tried in this country; +though in France, where there exists a much larger and more needy +population, the system was completely successful. Although but an +experiment, Mr. Lawrence considered the results which might be +obtained of sufficient magnitude to warrant the large outlays +required. He viewed it not only as a mode of relieving sickness and +suffering, but as a means of exercising a humanizing effect upon those +who should come directly under its influence, as well as upon that +class of persons generally for whose benefit it was designed. His +heart was ever open to the cry of suffering; and he was equally ready +to relieve it, whether it came from native or foreigner, bond or free. +The building which had been purchased for the object, from its +internal arrangement, and from its too confined position, was found +less suitable than another, in the southerly part of the city, where +an open view and ample grounds were more appropriate for the purpose; +while there was no cause for that prejudice which, it was found, +existed toward the project in the situation first thought of. With +characteristic liberality, Mr. Lawrence offered the Medical College, +now not required, to the Boston Society of Natural History at the +cost, with a subscription from himself of five thousand dollars. The +offer was accepted. An effort was made by the Society to raise by +subscription the necessary funds; and the result was their possession +of the beautiful building since occupied by their various collections +in the different departments of natural history. The large house on +Washington-street was soon put in complete repair, suitably furnished, +provided with physicians and nurses, and opened as the Children's +Infirmary, with accommodations for thirty patients. The following +spring was marked by a great degree of mortality and suffering among +the emigrant passengers, and consequently the beds were soon occupied +by whole families of children, who arrived in the greatest state of +destitution and misery. Many cases of ship-fever were admitted; so +that several of the attendants were attacked by it, and the service +became one of considerable danger. Many now living in comfort +attribute the preservation of their life to the timely succor then +furnished; and, had no other benefits followed, the good bestowed +during the few weeks of spring would have compensated for the labor +and cost. This institution continued in operation for about eighteen +months, during which time some hundreds of patients were provided for. +The prejudices of parents, which had been foreseen, were found to +exist, but disappeared with the benefits received; and the whole +experiment proved conclusively that such an institution may be +sustained in this community with vast benefit to a large class of the +suffering; and it is hoped that it may one day lead to an +establishment of the kind on a larger scale, and with a more extensive +organization and means of usefulness. In this experiment, it was +found, from the limited number of beds, that the cost of each patient +was much greater than if four times the number had been provided for, +and so large that Mr. Lawrence decided that the same amount of money +could be made to afford relief to much larger numbers of the same +class of sufferers applied in some other way. He was a constant +visitor at the Infirmary, and took a deep interest in many of the +patients, whose varied history had been recited to him; and in after +years, as he passed through the streets, many an eye would brighten +as it caught a glimpse of the kind friend who had whispered words of +consolation and hope in the lonely hours of sickness. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI. + +CAPTAIN A. S. McKENZIE.--DIARY.--AID TO IRELAND.--MADAM PRESCOTT.--SIR +WILLIAM COLEBROOKE. + + + (TO CAPT. ALEXANDER SLIDELL MCKENZIE, U. S. N.) + + "November 2, 1846. + + "MY DEAR SIR: I was exceedingly gratified by your kind + remembrance of me, a few days since, in sending me a copy of your + 'Life of Decatur,' which to its merits as a biography adds the + charm of bringing before me my old friend Bainbridge, and the + writer, whom I have felt a strong interest in ever since reading + his 'Year in Spain;' for my son resided in the same family soon + after you left, and made me acquainted with you before I had seen + you. I am a 'minute-man' in life, but, while I remain here, shall + always be glad to take you by the hand when you visit us. Whether + we meet here is of less importance than that our work be done, + and be said by the Master to be well done, when called off. + + Respectfully and faithfully yours, + "A. L." + + + "_December 17._--Thirty-nine years have passed since my first + entry in this book; and, in reviewing this period, I have + abundant reason to bless God for his great mercies, and + especially for continuing us four brothers, engaged as we have + been in business, an unbroken band to this day, and for the + success attending our labors. We have been blessed more than most + men, and have the power, by our right use of these blessings, of + benefiting our fellow-men. God grant that the spirits of our + parents may be cheered in their heavenly home by our doing the + work here that we ought to do! To my descendants I commend this + memorial, with the prayer that they may each of them be better + than I am." * * * + + "Fifteen years hence, and the chief interest in us will be found + in our Mount Auburn enclosure; and we ought to look well to the + comment." + +As an expression of the feeling here referred to, he purchased a gold +box of beautiful workmanship, and forwarded it to his youngest +brother, then a resident of Lowell, with the following inscription +engraven upon it: + + "BEHOLD, HOW GOOD AND HOW PLEASANT IT IS FOR BRETHREN TO DWELL + TOGETHER IN UNITY!" + + TO SAMUEL LAWRENCE, + + FROM + + HIS BROTHER AMOS. + + "_December 19._--Rode to-day to the Asylum for the Blind with + Major Arthur Lawrence, of the Rifle Brigade, British Army, and + had a very interesting visit. Dr. Howe very attentive; and Laura + Bridgman and Oliver Caswell both appeared well." + + "_December 27._--Rev. Mr. Rogers said to-day, 'Gold is not the + coin of heaven: if it had been, Christ would have been rich; but + he was a poor man.'" + + "_January 1, 1847._--In July last, I had spent the advance of my + income, but am thankful now to be able to state the case + differently, being in the receipt of ample means to be a comfort + to the needy." + +From the various entries quoted in his Diary, it will be inferred that +Mr. Lawrence's means for charitable distribution varied considerably +in amount from year to year. To explain this difference, it may not be +amiss to state here, that he had, from the first efforts to establish +home manufactures in New England, taken a deep interest in their +success, and had consequently invested a large proportion of his +property in the various manufacturing corporations which had been +built up in Lowell and other towns in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. +The great fluctuations in this department of industry are known to +every one; for, while the returns of one year would be ample, those of +the next year would, from embarrassments in the commercial world, or +from some other cause, be little or nothing. + + "_January 8._--T. R. and S. J., two Englishmen in the employ of + J. C., mended our pump to-day. I gave them some books and a word + of counsel, and hope to observe their progress." + + "_February 15._--T. J. called, and is to embark to-morrow, on his + way to the war in Mexico. He asked me to give him money to buy a + pistol, which I declined, as I could not wish them success in + Mexico; but gave him some books, a Bible, and good counsel." + +During the month of February, an appeal was made to the citizens of +Boston in behalf of the famished population of Ireland, and resulted +in the sending to that country a large quantity of food and clothing. +Mr. Lawrence contributed himself towards the object, and, as was +often the case, endeavored to interest others equally with himself. On +the 24th of that month, he addressed a note to J. A. Stearns, Esq., +Principal of the Mather School, at South Boston, for the pupils of his +school composing the Lawrence Association. This Association, +comprising a large number of boys and girls, had been formed for moral +and intellectual improvement, and had been named in honor of Mr. +Lawrence, who had, from its commencement, taken a deep interest in its +success, and had often contributed books and money when needed. + + "Wednesday, March 2. + + "MY FRIENDS: The value of the offering to suffering Ireland from + our city will be enhanced by the numbers contributing, as the + offering will do more good as an expression of sympathy than as a + matter of relief. The spirit of dear R. seems to speak through + your 'Oak Leaf,'[11] and to say, 'Let all who will of the + Association subscribe a half-dollar each, and all others a + quarter each, for their suffering brethren, and children of a + common Father.' + + A. L. + + "P. S.--The purses were presents to me, and must be returned. One + of them from the lady of Sir John Strachan, herself a descendant + of one of our Boston girls; the two open-work ones from ladies in + this city. Take from them what is required, and return the + balance, if any be left. If more is required, let me know, as I + do not know the amount in the purses. + + "A. L." + + [11] A little newspaper published by the Association. + +One hundred and two members of the Association, and four hundred and +thirty-eight other members of the school, in all five hundred and +forty, availed themselves of the privilege thus offered them, and +contributed the sum of one hundred and sixty dollars towards the +object. + +At the church in Brattle-street, a collection was taken in aid of the +same object; and, among other contributions, was a twenty-dollar +bank-note, with the following attached to it, probably by Mr. +Lawrence: + + "A ship of war to carry bread to the hungry and suffering, + instead of powder and ball to inflict more suffering on our + brethren,--children of the same Father,--is as it should be; and + this is in aid of the plan." + +Among the most respected and valued friends of Mr. Lawrence was the +venerable Madam Prescott, widow of the late Judge William Prescott, +and mother of the distinguished historian of "Ferdinand and Isabella." +Years seemed rather to quicken her naturally warm sympathies for the +distresses of others; and, at the age of more than four-score, she was +to be daily seen on foot in the streets, actively engaged upon her +errands of mercy. Mr. Lawrence had, the year before, found a small +volume, entitled the "Comforts of Old Age," by Sir Thomas Bernard; and +had sent it to several of his friends, principally those in advanced +age, asking for some record of their experience. His note to Madam +Prescott on this subject was as follows. + + "March 8, 1847. + + "DEAR MADAM PRESCOTT: I have been a long time anxious to receive + a favor from you, and have felt diffident in asking it; but am + now at the required state of resolution. The book I send you is + so much in character with your own life, that my grandchildren, + who love you, will read to their grandchildren your words, + written by your own hand in this book, if you will but place them + there. I must beg you, my excellent friend, to believe that I am + desirous of securing for my descendants some of your precious + encouragements in the discipline of life. + + "Your friend, + "AMOS LAWRENCE." + +The volume was returned with the following record: + + "BOSTON, March 10, 1847. + + "MY DEAR SIR: You ask me what are the comforts of old age. I + answer, the retrospection of a well-spent life. The man who + devotes himself to the cause of humanity, who clothes the naked, + feeds the hungry, soothes the sorrows of the afflicted, and + comforts the mourner,--whom each rising sun finds in the + contemplation of some good deed, and each night closes with the + assurance that it has been performed,--surely such a life must be + the comfort of an old age. But where shall we find such a man? + May I not be permitted to apply the character to my highly valued + and respected friend, whose charities are boundless, and who + daily dispenses blessings to all around him? May the enduring oak + be emblematical of the continuance of your life! I depend much + upon accompanying you to Mount Auburn, and to visit the spot + which contains the precious relics of him whose life it is sweet + to contemplate, and whose death has taught us how a Christian + should die. The perusal of this little volume has increased my + veneration and friendship for its owner. + + "Respectfully and affectionately, + "C. G. PRESCOTT." + + "MEM. _by A. L., May 20, 1850._--Madam P., now much passed + four-score years of age (born August 1, 1767), is as bright and + active in body and mind as most ladies of fifty." + + * * * * * + + "_April 10._--Mrs. T. called to ask aid for a poor widow, which I + declined, by telling her I did not hear or read people's stories + from necessity, and I could not inquire this evening. She claims + to be acquainted with Rev. Mr. ---- and Rev. Mr. ----. She gave + me a severe lecture, and berated me soundly." + + "_April 19._--Mrs. C., of Lowell, asks me to loan her three + hundred dollars to furnish a boarding-house for twelve young + ladies at S., which I declined by mail this morning." + +In reply to Sir William Colebrooke, Governor of New Brunswick, who +requested Mr. Lawrence to notify certain poor people in the +neighborhood of Boston that their deposits in the Frederickstown +Savings' Bank, which had been previously withheld, would be paid by +means of an appropriation for the purpose recently made by the +Provincial Assembly, he writes: + + "BOSTON, April 26, 1847. + + "MY DEAR SIR WILLIAM: Your kind letter of the 8th instant reached + me on the 13th, and is most welcome and grateful, in making me + the medium of so much solid comfort to the numerous people whose + earnings are thus restored to them through your unceasing and + faithful labors. May God reward you, and enable you to enjoy + through life the elevated satisfaction that follows such good + works to those who can give you nothing but their prayers! It is + alike creditable to your Provincial Government and those true + principles which are the best riches of all free governments; and + I hope may exercise some good influence upon our State + Governments, which have done injustice to many poor persons who + have given credit to their promises. I have caused your notice to + be scattered broadcast, and trust that all who have any interest + in the Frederickstown Savings' Bank will know that their money + and interest are ready for them. Pray present me most + affectionately to Lady Colebrooke and your daughters; and assure + her we shall take more comfort than ever in showing her over our + beautiful hills, that have health and joy in every breeze. My own + health continues as good as when you were last here; and my + family (who have not been taken hence) seem devoted to my + comfort. What reason have we for devout thanksgiving, that our + two countries are not at swords' points, and that the true + feeling of our common ancestry is now sweeping over our land! We + are in deep disgrace on account of this wicked Mexican business. + What the end is to be can only be known to Infinite Wisdom; but + one thing is certain,--no good can come to us from it. + + "Again I pray you to be assured of my highest respect and regard, + and am very faithfully yours, + + "AMOS LAWRENCE." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII. + +MR. LAWRENCE AS AN APPLICANT.--LETTERS.--DIARY.--PRAYER AND +MEDITATIONS.--LIBERALITY TO A CREDITOR.--LETTERS. + + +It was not uncommon for Mr. Lawrence, when a good work was in +progress, to give not only his own means, but to lend a helping hand +by soliciting contributions from others. The following note, addressed +to a wealthy bachelor, is a specimen: + + "BOSTON, June 11, 1847. + + "MY DEAR SIR: You will be surprised at this letter, coming as it + does as a first; but I know, from my experience of your skill and + talents as a business man, how pleasant it is to you to make good + bargains and safe investments; and, although you are a bachelor, + the early business habits you acquired are marked, and are to be + carried forward till the footing up of the account, and the + trial-balance presented to the Master at his coming. As I said + before, you like safe investments, that shall be returned + four-fold, if such can be made. Now, I am free to say to you, I + know of such an one; and the promisor is a more secure one than + A. & A. L. & Co., Uncle Sam, the Old Bay State, or bonds and + mortgages in your own neighborhood. You ask, Then why not take it + yourself? I answer, Because I have invested in advance in the + same sort of stock in other quarters, but am willing to give my + guaranty that you shall be satisfied that it is all I represent + when you make your final settlement. It is this: Amherst College + you know all about; and that is now in especial need of new + instructors, and increased funds for their support. Twenty + thousand dollars from you will place it on high ground, give a + name to a professorship, make you feel happier and richer than + you ever did in your life. What say you?--will you do it? The + respect of good men will be of more value to you through your + remaining days than any amount of increase, even if as vast as + Girard's or Astor's. As I am a mere looker-on, you will take + this, as I design it, as an expression of good-will to the + college, no less than to you." + + "MEM. by A. L.--Received an answer on the 16th, very good and + kind, from Mr. ----." + +In addition to the "very good answer," Mr. Lawrence had soon after the +gratification of knowing that the application had been successful, and +that the necessary sum had been contributed by his correspondent. + +About the same date, he writes to his friend, Professor Packard, of +Bowdoin College, as follows: + + "Your visit to us the last week has opened new views and visions, + that are better described in the last chapter of Revelations than + in any account I can give. Bowdoin College is connected with all + that is near and dear to President Appleton,--not only those on + the stage of action with him, but all who came after, embracing + in this latter class your own loved ones, who may continue to + exercise an important agency in making the college what the good + man, in his lifetime, strove to make it. The love, veneration, + and respect, my dear wife had for him, makes her feel a peculiar + pleasure in doing what would have cheered and comforted him so + much had he lived till this time. The thousand dollars handed to + you is a first payment of six thousand that she will give to the + college in aid of the fund now in progress of collection; and she + directs that the Lawrence Academy, at Groton, may be allowed to + send one scholar each year to Bowdoin College, to be carried + through the four years without charge for instruction; and that, + whenever the trustees of the academy do not supply a pupil, the + college may fill the place. I will hold myself responsible to + make good Mrs. L.'s intentions, should she be deprived in any way + of this privilege before the work is done." + +Early in the summer of this year, the Hon. Abbott Lawrence made his +munificent donation of fifty thousand dollars to Harvard College, for +the purpose of founding what was afterwards called, in honor of the +donor, the Lawrence Scientific School. After reading the letter +accompanying this donation, Mr. Lawrence addressed to his brother the +following: + + "Wednesday morning, June 9, 1847. + + "DEAR BROTHER ABBOTT: I hardly dare trust myself to speak what I + feel, and therefore write a word to say that I thank God I am + spared to this day to see accomplished by one so near and dear to + me this last best work ever done by one of our name, which will + prove a better title to true nobility than any from the + potentates of the world. It is more honorable, and more to be + coveted, than the highest political station in our country, + purchased as these stations often are by time-serving. It is to + impress on unborn millions the great truth that our talents are + trusts committed to us for use, and to be accounted for when the + Master calls. This magnificent plan is the great thing that you + will see carried out, if your life is spared; and you may well + cherish it as the thing nearest your heart. It enriches your + descendants in a way that mere money never can do, and is a + better investment than any one you have ever made. + + "Your affectionate brother, + AMOS. + "TO ABBOTT LAWRENCE." + +To a friend he writes, soon after: + + "This noble plan is worthy of him; and I can say truly to you, + that I feel enlarged by his doing it. Instead of our sons going + to France and other foreign lands for instruction, here will be a + place, second to no other on earth, for such teaching as our + country stands now in absolute need of. Here, at this moment, it + is not in the power of the great railroad companies to secure a + competent engineer to carry forward their work, so much are the + services of such men in demand." + + * * * * * + + "BOSTON, June 18, 1847. + + "DEAR PARTNERS: Please pass to the credit of my friend, the Rev. + Mark Hopkins, two thousand dollars, to pay for four scholarships + at Williams College, to be used through all time by the Trustees + of Lawrence Academy, in Groton. The said trustees, or their + representatives, may send and keep in college four pupils from + the academy, without any charge for tuition; and, whenever they + omit or decline keeping up their full number, the government or + the proper authorities of the college are authorized to fill the + vacancy or vacancies from their own college pupils. Charge the + same to my account. + + A. L." + "To A. & A. L. & Co." + +During the last twenty years of his life, Mr. Lawrence was unable to +attend more than the morning services of the church on Sunday, on +account of the state of his health. + +He was a most devout and constant worshipper, and many of those who +have conducted the religious services of the church which he attended +will well remember the upturned countenance, the earnest attention, +and the significant motions of his head, as he listened with an +expression of approval to the faithful declarations of the speaker. He +loved to listen to those who "did not shun to declare all the counsel +of God," and would sometimes express disappointment when the preacher +failed to declare what he considered the important truths of the +Gospel. + +In writing to a friend, after listening to a discourse of the latter +description from a stranger, he compares it, in its adaptation to the +spiritual wants of the hearers, to the nourishment which a +wood-chopper would receive by placing him in the top of a flowering +tree, and allowing him to feed only on the odor of its blossoms. His +feelings on this subject are expressed in a letter to an esteemed +clergyman, who had solicited his aid in behalf of a church in a +distant city. + + "BOSTON, June 11, 1847. + + "MY FRIEND: I have your letter of yesterday; and, in reply, I + offer it as my opinion that the Unitarianism growing up among us + the few years past has so much philosophy as to endanger the + Christian character of our denomination, and to make us mere + rationalists of the German school, which I dread more than + anything in the way of religious progress. The church at ---- may + be of use in spreading Christianity; but it may also be a + reproval to it. I do not feel sufficient confidence in it to give + money to keep life in it until I see evidence of some of the + conservative influences that my own beloved and honored pastor is + calling back among us. + + Your well-wisher and friend, + "A. L. + + "P. S.--I fully agree in the opinion that ---- is an important + point for the dissemination of truth; and, before giving aid, I + must know the man before I help support the minister, having + small confidence in the teachings of many who enjoy considerable + reputation as teachers of righteousness. I may have expressed + doubts and fears that may not seem well founded; but I feel + them." + +The following entry in his diary will give some idea of Mr. Lawrence's +exactness in his daily business: + + "_Saturday, July 24, 1847._--Enclosed in a note to the Rev. ---- + ----, of ----, a fifty-dollar bank-note, of the Atlantic Bank, + No. 93, dated Jan. 1, 1846, payable to George William Dodd; + letter A at each end of the bill, and A. P. P. in blue ink, in my + writing, at the top. Sent the letter to the post-office by + coachman, and paid the postage; he keeping a memorandum of his + having delivered it, and paid for it. + + A. L." + + "_Sept. 14._--Professor ----, of the Baptist College in ----, has + called, to whom I shall give a parcel of books for the use of + the college, and also a good word, which I hope will make him + remember in whose service he is engaged." + + "_Sept. 15._--Delivered him about two hundred and fifty volumes, + various; all of value to him and his college, he said. He is a + young man (under thirty years) and a minister." + + "_September 16, 1847, Sabbath-day._[12]--'O most blessed Lord and + Saviour; thou who didst, by thy precious death and burial, take + away the sting of death and the darkness of the grave! grant unto + me the precious fruit of this holy triumph of thine, and be my + guide both in life and in death. In thy name will I lay me down + in peace and rest; for thou, O Lord, makest me to dwell in + safety! Enlighten, O Lord, the eyes of my understanding, that I + may not sleep the sleep of death! Into thy hands I commend my + spirit; for thou hast redeemed me, O thou covenant-keeping God! + Bless and preserve me, therefore, both now and forever! Amen!' + + "These are suitable thoughts and aspirations, such as every + Christian may profitably indulge on retiring each night. His bed + should remind him of his grave; and, as the day past brings him + so much nearer to it, the appearance, when summoned hence, should + be the point most distinctly before him. If he pass on with the + 'Well done,' no time can be amiss when called up. O God! grant me + to be ever ready; and, by thy blessing and thy mercy, grant me to + be allowed to join company with those loved and precious ones + whom I feel entirely assured are at thy right hand, then to be no + more separated! + + AMOS LAWRENCE." + + [12] The opposite page is a fac-simile of the original manuscript + found in Mr. Lawrence's pocket-book after his death. It may serve as a + fair specimen of his chirography during his latter years. + +[Illustration: Fac-Simile of Mr Lawrence's Hand-writing in 1847.] + +The following note and memorandum by Mr. Lawrence will show how he +dealt with an old debtor: + + (TO MR. G.) + + "MY DEAR SIR: If you have any mode by which I can have the + pleasure of receiving your note and interest, amounting to + twenty-three hundred dollars, to be vested by me for the benefit + of your wife, I shall be pleased to do it, having long since + determined to appropriate this money, whenever received, in this + way + + "Yours, truly, + A. L. + "For himself and brother A." + + "MEM.--Mr. ---- was an invalid, and confined to his house at that + period, and sent for me to call and see him. I did so, and he + seemed much affected at my offer; but told me he was in better + circumstances than I had supposed him, and declined the proffered + aid. The information thus given me in this last interview was + most welcome: from that time, I never mentioned his debt. After + his decease, it was paid by his sons; and the family has been + prosperous since. I spent the money for others in need, and am + rejoiced that all his are so comfortable." + +Many of our readers who can look back a few years will recall to +memory the manly form, and fine, open countenance, of William L. +Green, who was so suddenly cut off at the very threshold of what +promised to be an honorable and useful career. He had come to Boston +from his native town of Groton; and, after serving an apprenticeship, +had entered upon a successful business. He had endeared himself to a +large circle of friends, and possessed such qualities of mind and +heart as had made him the stay and hope of his parents in their +declining years. + +Upon hearing of the death of this nephew, Mr. Lawrence addressed to +his parents the following letter of sympathy: + + "BOSTON, October 22, 1847. + + "DEAR BROTHER AND SISTER: God speaks to us through the rustling + of the leaves no less distinctly than in the voice of the + whirlwind and the storm; and it is now our business and our + privilege to look at him and to him for the lesson of yesterday. + Dear W., as he parted from me the Sabbath noon before the last, + looked the embodiment of health, long life, and happiness. Now, + that noble figure, face, expression, and loved spirit, which + lightened his path, is no longer among us, to be in danger of + injury from our yielding him that which belongs to God only. Were + we not liable, dear brother and sister, to interrupt those + communings which God calls us to with himself? He is our merciful + Father, and does for us what he sees is best; and, if we receive + his teachings, however dark they may appear to us at present, all + will be made clear at the right time. Your precious treasure is + secured, I trust, and will prove an increased attraction to you + to follow; and it seems to me that our children are uniting in + their joyful meeting in heaven. May we see in this event, more + clearly than ever, where we are to look for direction, + instruction, and support! May we be ready when called! So prays + your affectionate and afflicted brother, + + A. L." + +To a friend he writes, Dec. 27: + + "In our domestic relations, we are all as we could desire, save + the individual case of my brother William, who is barely + remaining this side Jordan, and in a happy state, I trust, to + pass over. For a number of days, we have supposed each might be + the last but he may continue for some days, or possibly weeks. + Death strikes right and left, and takes from our midst the + long-honored and beloved, in their maturity. Dr. Codman and Judge + Hubbard are both to be buried to-day; two men whose places will + not soon be filled, I fear. Only last Tuesday, in my ride with + good Dr. Sharp, we agreed to call and pay our respects to Dr. C. + on Thursday; but, on that morning, learned that he was dead. On + Thursday, Judge Hubbard rode out, and transacted legal business + as a magistrate; in the evening went to bed as usual; in the + night-time was turned over in bed, as he requested to be, and + ceased to breathe. How could a good man pass over Jordan more + triumphantly and gloriously?" + +The reader will not fail to note the coïncidence, that, almost exactly +five years later, Mr. Lawrence was summoned to "pass over" in the same +manner, which, from the expression used, seems to have been to him so +desirable; though his own departure was still more sudden and +striking. + + (TO A PHYSICIAN.) + + "Sabbath evening, seven o'clock. + + "DEAR W.: I have been reading to ---- the last hour, beginning at + the second chapter of Matthew, and so on in course. Please look + at the fourth chapter, and the latter part of the twenty-third + verse, and I think you will need no apology for doing what you + do, with such instruction. Christ's example, no less than his + precepts, is designed to be practically useful to the whole + family of man; and I feel humbled and grieved that I have not + followed him better, and preached better by all the motives he + has thus spread out. I say, then, to you and yours, God bless you + in your good work, and make you a worthy follower of the Beloved! + + A. L." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII. + +REFLECTIONS.--VIEWS ON HOLDING OFFICE.--LETTERS.--CAPTAIN A. SLIDELL +McKENZIE.--DEATH OF BROTHER, AND OF HON. J. MASON. + + + "_Jan. 1, 1848._--In reviewing the scenes and the business of the + past year, I have continued evidence of that mercy which a Father + bestows on his children, and a louder call to yield more fully + than I ever yet have done to the teachings he designs. Many + things that seem dark, of which the reasons are not understood, + will be made clear at the right time. It is manifest that my + stewardship is not so far well done as to permit me to fold my + arms and feel easy. No: my life is spared for more work. May its + every day be marked by some token that shall meet Thine approval, + when the final call shall come!" + + (TO PRESIDENT HOPKINS.) + + "BOSTON, March 9. + + "This religious awakening among your college students is among + the blessings that our Father vouchsafes to his servants who + labor faithfully in their work; and I can see his hand as plainly + in it as though it were thrust before my face as I write this + sentence. Let us, then, bless his holy name, and thank him, as + disciples and followers of Christ the Beloved; and urge upon + these young men to come forward, as doves to their windows. If my + life and my trusteeship have been in any manner instrumental in + this good work in your college, it will be matter of grateful + thanksgiving while I live. Mrs. L. and myself both felt our + hearts drawn out to you as we read your letter; and we commend + you, and the good work of guiding these interesting young + Christians in the ways and the works that lead to that blessed + home to which our loved ones have been called, and to which we + hope to be welcomed. To his grace and guidance we commend all + things touching this onward and upward movement. I have been + under the smarting-rod a few days within the past fortnight. + Severe pain took all my courage and light-heartedness out of me, + and made me a sorry companion; and my friends, seeing me in my + every-day dress, would hardly know me in this sombre garb. Again, + dear friend, I bid you God-speed in the good work; and, at last, + may you receive the 'Well done' promised to the faithful!" + +In the presidential campaign of 1848, the Hon. Abbott Lawrence was +made a prominent candidate of the Whig party for the Vice-Presidency; +and, in the convention which assembled at Philadelphia in June, was +voted for, and received but one vote short of that which would have +secured the nomination. Mr. Fillmore, it will be recollected, was the +successful candidate. During the canvass, a gentleman, editing a +newspaper which strongly advocated the nomination of Taylor and +Lawrence, addressed a very courteous letter to Mr. Amos Lawrence, +asking for aid in supporting this movement, which he supposed he would +of course be deeply interested in. The reply is given here, as an +illustration of his views in regard to holding high political office: + + "DEAR SIR: In reply to yours, this moment handed me, I state that + my income is so reduced, thus far, this year, that I am compelled + to use prudence in the expenditure of money, and must therefore + decline making the loan. If my vote would make my brother + Vice-President, I would not give it, as I think it lowering his + good name to accept office of any sort, by employing such means + as are now needful to get votes. I hope 'Old Zack' will be + President. + + "Respectfully yours, + A. L." + +To President Hopkins he writes, April 15: + + "What should we do, if the Bible[13] were not the foundation of + our system of self-government? and what will become of us, when + we wilfully and wickedly cast it behind us? We have all more than + common reason to pray, in the depths of our sins, God be merciful + to us sinners. The efforts made to lessen respect for it, and + confidence in it, will bring to its rescue multitudes who + otherwise would not have learned how much they owe it. The 'Age + of Reason,' fifty years ago, told, on the whole, in advancing + truth, by bringing to its support the best minds of Christendom. + I hope it may be so now. This is a theme for your head and heart + and pen. No man in New England can make a deeper mark. What say + ye? The Bible is our great charter, and does more than all + others, written or unwritten." + + "W. C. writes from N., asking me to loan him three thousand + dollars to buy a farm, and to improve his health and mind; + stating that he is a cripple, but wants to do something for the + world." + + "That man may last, but never lives, + Who much receives, but nothing gives, + Whom none can love, whom none can thank, + Creation's blot, creation's blank." + + [13] In looking over the list of Life Directors of the American Bible + Society, made such by the payment of one hundred and fifty dollars + each, there are found at least ten who are known to have been + constituted by Mr. Lawrence. + + (TO PRESIDENT HOPKINS.) + + "BOSTON, June 12, 1848 + + "MY DEAR FRIEND: Only think what changes a few weeks have + produced in Europe, and the probable effects upon this country. + It seems now certain that vast numbers will emigrate here, rich + and poor, from the continent and from England. The question for + us is, How shall we treat them? It is certain that foreigners + will come here. We have land enough for them, but have not the + needful discipline to make them safe associates in maintaining + our system of government. Virtue and intelligence are our + platform; but the base passions of our country have been + ministered to so abundantly by unscrupulous politicians, that our + moral sense has been blunted; and these poor, ignorant foreigners + are brought into use for selfish purposes, and the prospects for + the future are appalling. Yet a ray of light has just broken in + upon us by the nomination of General Taylor for President; and my + belief is, he is the best man for the place who can be named, + with any prospect of success. He is not a politician, but a + plain, straight-forward, honest man, anxious to do his duty in + all his relations. As to my brother's nomination for + Vice-President, I am thankful they did not make it in convention: + he is in a higher position before the country than he would be if + chosen Vice-President. His course has been elevated and + magnanimous in this matter; for he might, by his personal + influence and efforts, have received the nomination. + + "ADDITIONAL.--It is now almost two, P. M., and I have but just + returned from Mount Auburn. The visit has been deeply + interesting, on many accounts, and has almost unfitted me to + finish this letter. However, there is nothing in the visit but + what ought to make me thankful that my treasures, though removed, + are secured; and, if my poor efforts can bring me again into + their society through the blessed Saviour, I ought not allow this + gush of feeling to unman me." + +A few days later, he writes to the same friend: + + "I have not as yet heard of the examination of yesterday at the + Lawrence Academy, which son. A. A. attended, but hope for a good + report. In truth, I feel as if that school and your college are + to go hand in hand in making whole men for generations to come. + There is a pleasant vision which opens to me when I look forward + to the characters that the academy and the college are to send + forth for the next hundred years. I bless God for my old home, + and the great elm in front, which has a teaching and a + significance that I shall endeavor to make use of in training my + grandchildren and dear ones of my family connection. How + important, then, that our places of education be sustained, as + supplying the pure and living streams that shall irrigate every + hill and valley of this vast empire, and train men to know and do + their duty! I will not quarrel with a man's Presbyterian, + Episcopal, or Baptist creed, so be he will act the part of a good + soldier of Christ; for I verily believe great multitudes, of all + creeds, desire to serve him faithfully." + + "_Aug. 23._--T. G. sent me a paper this morning, having many + names on it, with a polite note. The paper I returned without + reading; telling him I did not read such, or hear stories, and + must be excused. He took the answer in high dudgeon, and sent + another note, saying he had mistaken me, and desired that his + first note should be returned. I wrote upon it that I lived by + the day and hour, an invalid, and, for two years, had adopted + this course, and had treated bishops, clergymen, and laymen, with + the fewest words; that I intended no disrespect, and begged his + pardon if I had done anything wrong. I also told him this course + was urged upon me by my medical adviser; but, with all my care, + there is now an average of six applications a day through the + year." + +Mr. Lawrence had, many years previous to this date, formed an +acquaintance with Captain Slidell McKenzie, of the United States Navy, +which had been continued, and was a source of mutual pleasure. Among +other relics in the possession of the writer, is a cane of palm-wood, +presented by Capt. McKenzie, on his return from Mexico as commander of +the United States Steamship "Mississippi," to Mr. Lawrence, who had +caused to be engraven upon it, on a silver plate, the following +inscription: + + ALEXANDER SLIDELL McKENZIE TO AMOS LAWRENCE. + + 1845. + + PALM-WOOD FROM THE BANKS OF THE TOBASCO RIVER. + + FROM THE UNITED STATES NAVAL COMMANDER WHO WAS NOT AFRAID + TO DO HIS DUTY WHEN LIFE WAS REQUIRED AT THE YARD-ARM. + +The latter part of the inscription is in allusion to the course which +Capt. McKenzie felt obliged to adopt in the mutiny on board the United +States Brig "Somers," in 184--. + +On Sept. 15, he thus notices the death of that officer in his diary: + + "This, morning's newspapers give the intelligence that the + excellent and accomplished Capt. McKenzie died at Sing Sing, N. + Y., two days ago. He fell from his horse by an affection of the + heart; and died almost instantly. Thus has departed a man whom I + esteemed as among the best and purest I am acquainted with, and + whose character should be a treasure for his family and the + nation. I think him a model officer and a good Christian." + + * * * * * + + "_Oct. 11._-- + + CANADIAN BOAT-SONG. + + 'Faintly as tolls the evening chime, + Our voices keep tune, and our oars keep time; + Soon as the woods on shore look dim, + We'll sing at St. Ann's our parting hymn. + Row, brothers, row: the stream runs fast, + The rapids are near, and daylight's past.' + + I first heard this song sung and played on the piano by ----, + afterwards Mrs. ----, at her house in ---- street, in 1809. The + song rang in my ears sweetly for weeks, as I was taken down with + fever the next morning. I never think of it but with delight." + + "_Oct. 15._--My brother William died on Saturday, Oct. 14, at + three, P. M., in the sixty-sixth year of his age; and my brother + Mason died only five hours afterwards, in his eighty-first + year,--within three doors of each other. Both were very dear to + me in life, and both are very dear to me in death; and, in God's + good time, I trust that I shall meet them again, not subject to + the ills and changes of my present abode." + +In a letter of the same date to a friend, he says: + + "My letter of last Tuesday will have prepared you for the sad + intelligence in this. Brother William continued without much + suffering or consciousness till two o'clock yesterday, and then + ceased breathing, without a groan. Yesterday morning, the hand of + death was manifestly upon Brother Mason, who was conscious to + objects around, and requested C. to pray with him; and, when + asked if he understood what was said, answered, 'Yes,' and + expressed by words and signs his wants and feelings. He continued + in a quiet, humble, and hopeful frame, we judge, until just eight + o'clock, when, with a single gasp and a slight noise, his mighty + spirit passed out of its immense citadel of clay, to join the + throng of the loved ones gone before. Brother W. was in his + sixty-sixth year, Brother M. in his eighty-first; and both were + such men as we need, true as steel in all good works and words. + Mr. M. was never sick a day to disable him from attending to his + professional and public duties in fifty years, and, until within + a short time, never confined a day to his house by illness. On + the last Sunday evening, I passed a most refreshing half-hour + with him. He appeared as well as he had done for a year; inquired + very particularly into Brother W.'s state; expressed the opinion + that his own time was near at hand, and a hope that he might be + taken without losing his mental and bodily powers. He remarked + that protracted old age, after the loss of power to give and + receive comfort, was not to be desired. He has often expressed + to me the hope that he should be taken just as he has been. Have + we not reason to praise and bless God in taking, no less than in + sparing, these honored and loved ones?" + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX. + +SYSTEM IN ACCOUNTS.--LETTER FROM PROF. STUART.--LETTERS.--DIARY.--DR. +HAMILTON.--FATHER MATTHEW. + + + "_January 1, 1849._--THE habit of keeping an account of my + expenditures for objects other than for my family, and for + strictly legal calls, I have found exceedingly convenient and + satisfactory; as I have been sometimes encouraged, by looking + back to some entry of aid to a needy institution or individual, + to do twice as much for some other needy institution or + individual. I can truly say, that I deem these outlays my best, + and would not, if I could by a wish, have any of them back again. + I adopted the practice, ten years ago, of spending my income. The + more I give, the more I have; and do most devoutly and heartily + pray God that I may be faithful in the use of the good things + intrusted to me." + + "_January 2._--Yesterday, Peter C. Brooks died, aged eighty-two; + a man who has minded his own business through life, and from a + poor boy became the richest man in the city. I honor him as an + honest man." + + (FROM PROF. STUART, OF ANDOVER.) + + "ANDOVER, January 23, 1849. + + "MY DEAR SIR: Soon after my daughter's return from Boston, I + received a garment exceedingly appropriate to the severe cold to + which I am daily exposed in my rides. Many, many hearty thanks + for your kindness! To me the article in question is of peculiar + value. The cold can hardly penetrate beneath such a garment. God + has blessed you with wealth; but he has given you a richer + blessing still; that is, a heart overflowing with kindness to + your fellow-beings, and a willingness to do good to all as you + have opportunity. I accept, with warm emotions of gratitude and + thankfulness, the kindness you have done to me. I would not + exchange your gift for a large lump of the California gold. Be + assured you have my fervent prayer and wishes, that you may at + last receive a thousand-fold for all the kindness that you have + shown to your fellow-men. You and I are near our final account. + May I not hope that this will also be entering on our final + reward? I do hope this; I must hope it. What else is there in + life that can make us patiently and submissively and calmly + endure its ills? God Almighty bless and sustain and guide and + comfort you until death; and then may you pass through the dark + valley without a fear, cheerfully looking to what lies beyond it! + + "I am, my dear sir, with sincere gratitude, your friend and + obedient servant, + + MOSES STUART." + +To President Hopkins he writes, Jan. 3: + + "Your letters always bring light to our path, and joy to our + hearts, in one way or another. The two last seemed to come at the + very time to do both, in a way to impress our senses and + feelings, as the clear heavens, and brilliant sky, and + exhilarating atmosphere, of this charming cold day, do mine, in + contrast with a beautiful bouquet of flowers on my table as a + love-token from some of my young sleigh-riding friends, and which + makes me feel a boy with these boys, and an old man with such + wise ones as you. + + "In the scenes of the past year, much that will mark its + character stands out in bold relief; and, if we of this country + are true to our principles, the great brotherhood of man will be + elevated; for there have been overturns and overturns which will + act until He whose right it is shall reign. If we live up to our + political professions, our Protestant religion will elevate the + millions who will be brought under our levelling process. 'Level + up,' but not down, was Judge Story's maxim of democratic + levelling, as he began his political career. In the business of + levelling up, the Lawrence Academy, I trust, may do something. + The late notices of it have been somewhat various by the + newspaper editors to whom the preceptor sent catalogues." + + * * * * * + + "_February 25._--Attended Brattle-street Church this morning, and + heard a consolatory sermon; and, at the closing prayer, the + giving of thanks to our Father in heaven, through Jesus Christ, + who lived to serve us, and died to save us." + +On the 28th, he writes to his brother Abbott, who had had tendered to +him, by General Taylor, the office of Secretary of the Navy: + + "DEAR BROTHER: I have heard since noon that you have the + invitation of General Taylor to take a seat in his cabinet, and + that you will proceed to Washington forthwith to answer for + yourself. I am not less gratified by the offer than you can be; + but I should feel deep anguish, if I thought you could be induced + to accept it, even for a brief period. Your name and fame as a + private citizen is a better inheritance for your children than + any distinction you may attain from official station; and the + influence you can exercise for your country and friends, as you + are, is higher and better than any you can exercise as an + official of the government." + +On March 3, he writes to his brother at Washington: + + "I awoke this morning very early, and, after a while, fixed my + mind in prayer to God, that your duty may be clearly seen, and + that you may perform it in the spirit of a true disciple." + +And again on March 5, after hearing that his brother had declined the +proffered seat in the cabinet, he writes to him: + + "The morning papers confirm my convictions of what you would do; + and I do most heartily rejoice, and say that I never felt as + proud before." + + * * * * * + + "_April 11._--A subscription paper, with an introductory letter + from ----, was handed me, on which were seven or eight names for + a hundred dollars each, to aid the family of ----, lately + deceased. Not having any acquaintance with him or family, I did + not subscribe. Applications come in from all quarters, for all + objects. The reputation of giving freely is a very bad + reputation, so far as my personal comfort is concerned." + +April 21, he writes to a friend: + + "The matters of deepest interest in my last were ----, the + religious movement, ----'s ill-health, and ----'s accident. All + these matters are presenting a sunny show now. Our dead + Unitarianism of ten or fifteen years ago is stirred up, and the + deep feelings of sin, and salvation through the Beloved, are + awakened, where there seemed to be nothing but indifference and + coldness; my hope and belief are that great good will follow. In + the matter of the enjoyment of life, you judge me rightly; few + men have so many and rich blessings to be thankful for; and, + while I am spared with sufficient understanding to comprehend + these, I pray that I may have the honesty to use them in the way + that the Master will approve. Of what use will it be to have my + thoughts directed to the increase of my property, at the cost of + my hopes of heaven? There, a Lazarus is better off than a score + of Dives. Pray without ceasing, that I may be faithful." + +The following extract of a letter is taken from a work entitled "A +Romance of the Sea-Serpent, or the Ichthyosaurus," and will show Mr. +Lawrence's views respecting the much contested subject of which it +treats: + + "BOSTON, April 26, 1849. + + "I have never had any doubt of the existence of the _Sea-Serpent_ + since the morning he was seen off Nahant by Martial Prince, + through his famous mast-head spy-glass. For, within the next two + hours, I conversed with Mr. Samuel Cabot, and Mr. Daniel P. + Parker, I think, and one or more persons beside, who had spent a + part of that morning in witnessing his movements. In addition, + Colonel Harris, the commander at Fort Independence, told me that + the creature had been seen by a number of his soldiers while + standing sentry in the early dawn, some time before this show at + Nahant; and Colonel Harris believed it as firmly as though the + creature were drawn up before us in State-street, where we then + were. + + "I again say, I have never, from that day to this, had a doubt of + the _Sea-Serpent's existence_. The revival of the stories will + bring out many facts that will place the matter before our people + in such a light as will make them _as much ashamed_ to doubt, as + _they formerly_ were to believe in its existence. + + "Yours truly, + AMOS LAWRENCE." + +To a friend he writes, July 18: + + "Brother A. has received the place of Minister to the Court of + St. James; the most flattering testimony of his worth and + character that is within the gift of the present administration, + and the only office that I would not advise against his + accepting." + +About this time, Mr. Lawrence read a small work, entitled "Life in +Earnest," by the Rev. James Hamilton, D.D., Minister of the Scotch +Church, Regent's Square, London. The sentiments of this little volume +were so much akin to his own, and were withal so forcibly exemplified, +that he commenced a correspondence with the author, which became a +most interesting one, and continued until the close of his life. + + "BOSTON, July 18, 1849. + + "TO REV. J. HAMILTON, D.D. + + "SIR: The few lines on the other side of this sheet are addressed + to me by our excellent governor, whose good word may be grateful + to you, coming as it does from a Christian brother across the + Atlantic. If it should ever happen to you to visit this country, + I need not say how great would be my pleasure to see you. I am a + minute-man, living by the day and by the ounce; but am + compensated for all privations, by reading such tracts as 'Life + in Earnest,' in such a way that few are allowed. I have cleared + out the Sunday-school depository three times in the last four + weeks, and have scattered the work broadcast, and intend to + continue to do so if my health allows. Among those to whom I have + given one is my younger brother, who is soon to be with you in + England, as Minister to your Court. I recommend him to your + prayers and your confidence. + + "With great respect for your character, I am yours, + + "AMOS LAWRENCE." + + "_July 23._--We are to have Father Matthew here to-morrow: he is + a lion, but I probably shall only see him at a distance. The + influence he is said to have upon his Irish people may result in + making many of them industrious citizens, who would, without him, + be criminals, and a pest to honest people. The evil of such + masses being thrown upon us we must bear, and study how to + relieve ourselves in any practicable way. I see none but to + educate the children, and circulate the Bible and good books + among them, which shall encourage them to do the best they can + for themselves. + + "The Christian banner may have many local influences and + teachings; but its broad folds, I trust, will cover many true + followers, however exact its worldly interpreters may be of what + constitutes a true follower. I saw, in the _New York Observer_ (I + think it was), a statement of a district in the South-west, where + were forty-one Christian denominations, and no two of whose + ministers could exchange pulpit labors. Do not these people need + a Christian teacher?" + + "_August 3_.--Father Matthew is doing a good work here; and the + result of his power is in his benevolent and sincere expression, + and charming head and face. He has called to see me twice, and I + intend to call and see him to-morrow. His ease and eloquence + could not do for him what his heavenly expression does." + + + + +CHAPTER XXX. + +CODICIL TO WILL.--ILLNESS.--GEN. WHITING.--LETTERS.--DIARY. + + +In August, 1849, Mr. Lawrence reviewed his will and added to it the +following codicil: + + "Through the mercy of God, my life has been prolonged to this + time, and my mental and bodily powers continued to me to an + extent that has enabled me to see to the application of those + trusts that have been confided to me; and, should my stewardship + end now or next year, and the 'Well done' of the Master be + pronounced upon my labors, all things here will seem nothing, and + less than nothing, in comparison. + + "In short, my life, cheerful and happy as it is made by the three + blessings conferred upon man after his fall (wife, children, and + friends), is in the keeping of a merciful Father, who, by thus + continuing it, allows me a foretaste of that future home I hope + for whenever he calls. + + "In reviewing my will, above written, executed on the 21st day of + February, A. D. 1846, I see nothing to alter, and everything to + confirm. And I do hereby declare it still my will, and this + codicil is to be taken as a confirmation of it; and I do + earnestly hope all in interest will see clearly the meaning of + every clause, and carry out my meaning without any quibbling, + question, or controversy. I have been my own executor, for many + years, of the surplus property I have received, and intend to be + while my powers of mind will allow it. Many near and dear friends + to whom I looked for counsel and direction, at the time my will + was executed, have been taken hence, which makes me more desirous + of giving a renewed expression at this time." + +In this connection was the following note to his sons, found in his +pocket-book after his decease: + + "DEAR W. AND A.: In my will, I have made no bequests as tokens of + remembrance, and have endeavored to do for all (whom I am + interested in out of my own family connections) what is needful + and proper and best; yet I wish some expression of kindness to M. + and F., if in the family when I am taken." * * * * + +Here follow donations to domestics who had been for many years in his +family. + +About the 20th of September, Mr. Lawrence experienced a severe attack +of cholera morbus, which was then a sort of epidemic in the community. +Of this attack, he writes to President Hopkins as follows: + + "I hardly know how to address you, since I find myself once more + spared to lay open my heart to you; for I do indeed feel all the + force of the words, What shall I render unto God for all his + unspeakable goodness? I have been upon the brink of Jordan, and, + with my outstretched hand, seized hold of our merciful Father's + hand, that was held out towards me, and was supported by his + grasp as plainly as I could have been by your own hand. I was + waiting, and praying to him to conduct me to the other side and + permit me to join the company of loved ones _passed on_, and + felt almost sure I should never see the sunlight of this world + again, when, to my amazement, I found my pains subsiding, and + that I had not finished the work he had assigned. When you were + here, I gave you some little outline of my plan of work for ----. + On the 18th of September, I completed that work, and felt + stronger on that day than on any day for a month. Under the + excitement of the scene and a sudden change of weather, I took + cold, and had a terrible attack of cholera, which, by the + immediate administration of remedies, was in a degree quieted. + Thus my poor old worn-out machine was still kept from parting, as + the sole of the shoe is sometimes kept on by freezing snow and + water upon it." + +In the beginning of this volume, mention is made of the first clerk +whom Mr. Lawrence employed after entering business in the year 1807. +To that gentleman, now Brigadier-General Whiting, was addressed the +following letter, which was the recommencement of a correspondence +which had ceased for many years: + + "BOSTON, November, 1849. + + "MY DEAR GENERAL: I have been deeply interested in overlooking + your volume of revolutionary orders of Washington, selected from + your father's manuscripts, as it brought back scenes and memories + of forty years and more ago, when I used to visit at your house + in Lancaster, and to read those papers with a relish that might + well be coveted by the youth of the present day. I thank you for + this token of auld lang syne, and shall feel the more thankful if + you will come and see me. I would certainly go to you, if I had + the strength, and could do it safely; but shall never go so far + from home, being at any moment liable to be called off. My + earnest desire is to be 'in line,' and to be able to answer, + promptly, 'here.' I hope to hear from you and your wife and wee + things: all have a hold upon me, and you will give them an old + man's love. I have taken the opportunity to send you some little + reminiscences of old times. Butler's 'History of Groton' (which + connects Lancaster in early days) is a model for its exact + truthfulness: he was the preceptor of the academy until long + after you entered the army. Then I have sent a catalogue of the + school, from its beginning for fifty years or more; 'History of + Lowell as it Was, and Lowell as it Is,' well written and true; + 'Boston Notions,' put together by old Mr. Dearborn, the printer, + whom you knew; and some other little matters, which will serve to + freshen old things, as your 'Evolutionary Orders of Washington' + have done with me. I have just looked into my first sales-book, + and there see the entries made by you more than forty years ago. + Ever since, you have been going up, from the cornet of dragoons + to the present station. + + "Farewell. Your old friend, + AMOS LAWRENCE. + "GEN. HENRY WHITING, Fort Hamilton, N. Y." + + + (TO ROBERT BARNWELL RHETT, ESQ., OF SOUTH CAROLINA.) + + "BOSTON, Dec. 12, 1849. + + "MY DEAR SIR: Your letter of November 30 reached me in due + course, and gave me unfeigned pleasure in seeing my hopes + confirmed, that the practical common sense of South Carolina was + returning, and that the use of their head and hands was getting + to be felt among the citizens, as necessary to their salvation as + common brethren in the great family of States. Without the use of + those trusts placed in their hands by our common Father, the + State will not be worth the parchment on which to draw the deeds + fifty years hence; and I most earnestly pray God to guide, + guard, and save the State from their childishness in their fears + that our northern agitators can harm them. I spent the winter of + 1819 in Washington, and heard the whole of the debate upon + admitting Alabama and Missouri into the Union. Alabama was + admitted, Missouri rejected; and I made up my mind then that I + would never interfere until requested by my brethren of the + Slave-holding States; which resolution I have carried out from + that day to this; and I still hold to it. But I would not have + admitted Alabama then or Missouri on the terms they were + admitted. We of the North have windy, frothy politicians, who + hope to make capital out of their ultraism; but, in the + aggregate, they soon find their level. Now, of the point to which + I desire to come, I do earnestly desire your State to carry out + your prophecy, that, in ten years, you will spin all your own + crop of cotton; for we of Massachusetts will gladly surrender to + you the manufacture of coarse fabrics, and turn our industry to + making fine articles. In short, we could now, if you are ready, + give up to you the coarse fabrics, and turn one half of our + machinery into spinning and weaving cotton hose; and nothing will + help us all so much as specific duties. The whole kingdom of + Saxony is employed at this moment in making cotton hose for the + United States from yarns purchased in England, and made of your + cotton. How much better would it be for you and for us to save + these treble profits and transport, by making up the cotton at + home! Think of these matters, and look at them without the + prejudice that prevails so extensively in your State. A few years + ago, I asked our kinsman, Gen. ----, of your State, how the + forty-bale theory was esteemed at that time. His answer was, 'We + all thought it true when it was started, and it had its effect; + but nobody is of that mind now.' Still, I believe, when an error + gets strong hold of the popular mind, it is much more difficult + to eradicate it than it is to supply the truth in its place. If I + know myself, I would not mete to you any different measure from + what I would ask of you; and I must say to you, that your State + and people have placed themselves in a false position, which will + be as apparent to them in a few years as the sun is at noonday. + My own family and friends are in usual health; and no man this + side heaven enjoys earth better than I do. I do pray you to come + and see us. I hope to see your son at Cambridge this week. + + Most respectfully yours, + + "AMOS LAWRENCE." + + * * * * * + + "BOSTON, December 11, 1849. + + "To Gen. HENRY WHITING, U. S. A., Fort Hamilton, N. Y. + + "MY EARLY FRIEND: Forty years and more ago, we used to talk over + together the dismemberment of Poland and the scenes that + followed, and to pour out together our feelings for those martyrs + of liberty. At the present moment, my feelings are deeply moved + by taking by the hand Colonel P. and Major F., just landed here, + and driven from their country, martyrs to the same cause. I need + only say to you that they are strangers among us, and any + attentions from you will be grateful to them, and duly felt by + your old friend, + + A. L." + + * * * * * + + "_December 24, 1849._--I have been daily employed, of late, in + accompanying visitors to our public institutions; among these, + Mr. Charles Carroll, of Maryland, to the Mather School and the + Perkins Asylum for the Blind. The effect of kindness upon the + character of children is more strikingly illustrated in the + Mather School than in any other I know of. Three fifths of the + pupils are children of foreigners,--English, Irish, Scotch, + German, Swiss, and the like,--mostly very poor. Two fifths are + American; and these foreign children, after a few months, are + ambitious to look as well and do as well as the best. The little + Irish creatures are as anxious to have their faces clean, their + hair smooth, their clothes mended, and to learn to read, write, + and explain their lessons, as the upper children. These upper + children, to the number of about one hundred, belong to the + Lawrence Association." + + "_December 25, Christmas afternoon._--The following beautiful + little note, accompanied by a silver cup, almost unmanned me. + Forty-three girls signed the note; two others engaged in it are + sick; and one died, and was buried at Mount Auburn by her + particular request,--making forty-six of these children, who, of + their own motion, got up this token. Their note is dated to-day, + and runs thus: + + "'RESPECTED SIR: The misses of the Lawrence Association, anxious + to testify their gratitude for the kind interest which you have + ever manifested towards them, would most respectfully request + your acceptance of this small token of their gratitude.'" (Signed + by forty-three girls.) + +"_26._--We had great times with the children last evening at Sister +M.'s. It really seemed to me that the entertainment gave me as much +pleasure as any child among them; beside which, I went to the house of +my old friend Dr. Bowditch (where I used to visit twenty-five years +ago on like occasions), for a few minutes, and there found seventeen +of his grandchildren enjoying the fruits of the Christmas-tree in the +best manner possible." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI. + +DIARY.--REFLECTIONS.--SICKNESS.--LETTER PROM REV. DR. +SHARP.--CORRESPONDENCE. + + +On the first of January, 1850, Mr. Lawrence, as usual, reviews, in his +property-book, the state of his affairs during the preceding year, +with an estimate of his expenditures. The entry for the present year +is as follows: + + "The amount of my expenditures for all objects (taxes included) + is about one hundred and twenty thousand dollars. I consider the + money well spent, and pray God constantly that I may be watchful + in the use of the blessings he bestows, so that at last he may + admit me among the faithful that surround his throne." + +The above entry will give some idea of the fidelity with which his +trusts had been fulfilled, so far as regarded his worldly possessions. +Each year, as it rolled by, as well as each successive attack of +illness, seemed only to stimulate him in his efforts to accomplish +what he could while the day lasted. No anxious fears disturbed him as +he looked forward to the near approach of "that night when no man can +work." That night to him was but a prelude of rest from bodily +weakness and suffering, and the forerunner of a brighter day, of +which, even in this world, he was sometimes permitted to obtain a +glimpse. He says: + + "My own health and strength seem renewed. That cholera attack has + changed the whole man; and it is only now and then I am brought + to a pause that quickens me in my work when again started. A week + since, I ventured on two ounces of solid food for my dinner, + differing from what I have taken for many years. Nine hours + after, in my sleep, I fainted, and was brought to life by dear N. + standing over me, giving ammonia, rubbing, and the like. Fasting + the day following brought me back to the usual vigor and + enjoyments. Do you not see in this the sentence, 'Do with thy + might what thy hand findeth to do,' stereotyped in large letters + before me. This it is that brings me to the work at this hour in + the morning." + + * * * * * + + "_March 24._--Received a letter from Rev. Mr. Hallock, Secretary + of the American Tract Society, saying that the Society will + publish Dr. Hamilton's lecture on the literary attractions of the + Bible, which I had sent them a few weeks since; and will supply + me with two thousand copies, as I requested. + + "Received also, this morning, another tract of Dr. H. from sister + K., in London; called the 'Happy Home,' which finished that + series to the working people. After reading this number, I feel a + strong desire to see the preceding nine numbers." + + (TO THE REV. JAMES HAMILTON, D.D.) + + "BOSTON, March 24, 1850. + + "REV. AND DEAR SIR: I need not repeat to you how deeply + interesting all your writings which I have seen have been to me; + but you may not feel indifferent to the fact that the lecture you + delivered four months ago, on the literary attractions of the + Bible (which I received from my sister, Mrs. Abbott Lawrence, a + few weeks since), is now in process of republication by the + American Tract Society, agreeably to my request. I hope to assist + in scattering it broadcast over our broad land; and thus you will + be speaking from your own desk, with the speed of light, to an + audience from Passamaquoddy to Oregon. Will you do me the favor + to give me a copy of 'Happy Home,' from which I may teach my + children and grandchildren. + + "Respectfully your friend, and brother in Christ, + + "AMOS LAWRENCE." + + + (TO A COUNTRY CLERGYMAN (ORTHODOX CONGREGATIONAL).) + + "BOSTON, May 16, 1850. + + "REV. AND DEAR SIR: I make no apology in asking your acceptance + of the above, as I am quite sure it cannot come amiss to a poor + clergyman, situated as you are. I pray that you will feel, in + using it, you cheer my labors, and make me more happy while I am + able to enjoy life, in thus sending an occasional remembrancer to + one for whom I have always felt the highest respect and esteem. + + Your friend, + + "AMOS LAWRENCE." + +The above letter contained a draft for one hundred dollars, of which +Mr. Lawrence makes the following memorandum, dated on the 18th: + + "Mr. ---- acknowledges the above letter in very grateful terms, + being what his pressing wants require." + +In a letter to President Hopkins, dated June 22, Mr. Lawrence says: + + "If I cannot visit you bodily, as I had vainly hoped to do, I can + convince you that the life and hope of younger days are still in + me. Your parting word touched me to the quick, and I cannot + repeat or read it without a sympathetic tear filling my own eye. + I am not able to stand up; but am cheered by the hope that, + before many weeks, I may be able to stand alone. Our good friend + Governor Briggs called to see me this week, and was quite + horrified to see me trundled about on a hospital chair; however, + after a good talk, he concluded that what was cut off from the + lower works was added to the upper, and the account in my favor. + It has always been so with me; the dark places have been made + clear at the right time; so I am no object of pity." + +The lameness here mentioned was caused by a slight sprain of the +ankle, but was followed by great prostration of the bodily strength, +and a feeble state of all the functions, resulting in that vitiated +state of the blood called by physicians "purpura." Violent hemorrhages +from the nose succeeded; and these, with the intense heat of the +weather, so reduced his strength, that the only hope of recovery +seemed to be in removing him from the city to the bracing air of the +sea-shore. Towards the end of July, he was accordingly removed upon a +mattress to the house of his son, at Nahant; and, from the moment he +came within the influence of the fresh sea-breeze, he began to recover +his spirits and his strength. A day or two after reaching Nahant, he +received from his friend, the Rev. Dr. Sharp, the following letter, +which is so characteristic, and reminds one so forcibly of the calm +and staid manner of that venerable man, that it is given entire: + + + "BOSTON, July 30, 1850. + + "MY VERY DEAR FRIEND: It was with deep regret I learned, on + Friday last, that you were quite unwell, and at Nahant. It was in + my mind yesterday morning to visit you; nothing prevented me but + an apprehension that it might be deemed inexpedient to admit any + one to your sick room, except your own family. But, although I + have not seen you in person since your last sickness, yet I have + been with you in spirit. I have felt exceedingly sad at the + probability of your earthly departure. Seldom as we have seen + each other, your friendship has been precious to me; and, to say + nothing of your dear family, your continuance in life is of great + importance to that large family of humanity, the poor, who have + so often participated in your bounty. Indeed, as we cannot well + spare you, I rather cherish the hope that, in his good + providence, God will continue you to us a little longer. But, + whatever may be the issue of your present illness, I trust that + you, with all your friends, will be enabled to say, 'The will of + the Lord be done.' If he 'lives the longest who answers life's + great end,' your life, compared with most, has not been short. + Not that any of us have done more than our duty. Nay, we have all + come short, and may say, with all modesty and truthfulness, we + are unprofitable servants; although, in some respects, and to our + fellow-beings, we may have been profitable. I trust, my dear + friend, you are looking for the mercy of God, through our Lord + Jesus Christ, unto eternal life. Death is not an eternal sleep; + no, it is the gate to life. It opens up a blessed immortality to + all who, in this world, have feared God and wrought + righteousness. This world is a probationary state; if we have + been faithful, in some humble degree, to our convictions of duty; + if we have regretted our follies and sins; if we have sought to + do the will of our heavenly Father, and sought forgiveness + through the mediation of his Son,--God will receive us to his + heavenly glory. I believe, in his own good time, he will receive + you, my very dear friend; although my prayer is, with submission, + that he will restore you to comfortable health, and allow you to + remain with us a little longer. May God be with you, and bless + you, in life, in death, and forevermore! With most respectful + regard to Mrs. L., and sympathy with you in your afflictions, in + which my dear wife joins, + + I am truly yours, + + DANIEL SHARP." + +From Little Nahant, Mr. Lawrence writes to a friend, under date of +Aug. 16: + + "I have just arisen from bed, and am full of the matter to tell + you how much good your letter has done. I came here as the last + remedy for a sinking man; and, blessed be God, it promises me + renewed life and enjoyment. What is it for, that I am thus saved + in life, as by a miracle? Surely it must be in mercy, to finish + out my work begun (in your college and other places), yet + unfinished. Pray, give us what time you can when you visit + Andover. If I continue to improve as I have done for ten days, I + hope to return home next week; but may have some drawback that + will alter the whole aspect of affairs. This beautiful Little + Nahant seems to have been purchased, built up, and provided, by + the good influence of our merciful Father in heaven upon the + heart of ----, that he might save me from death, when it was made + certain I could not hold out many days longer. Surely I am called + on by angel voices to render praise to God." + +The five weeks' residence upon the sea-shore was greatly enjoyed by +Mr. Lawrence. As the weather was generally fine, much of his time was +passed in the open air, in watching the ever-varying sea-views, in +reading, or in receiving the visits of his friends. Near the end of +August, his health and strength had become so far restored as to +warrant his return to the city, and, as his memoranda show, to +increased efforts in the field of charity. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXII. + +AMIN BEY.--AMOUNT OF DONATIONS TO WILLIAMS COLLEGE. + + +In November, 1850, Amin Bey, Envoy from the Sultan of Turkey to the +United States, visited Boston. Among other attentions, Mr. Lawrence +accompanied him on a visit to the Female Orphan Asylum, then +containing about one hundred inmates; and the pleasant intercourse was +continued by a visit of the minister at Mr. Lawrence's house. + +The following note accompanied a number of volumes relating to Boston +and its vicinity: + + (TO HIS EXCELLENCY AMIN BEY.) + + "MY BROTHER: The manifest pleasure you felt in visiting our + Female Orphan Asylum yesterday has left a sunbeam on my path, + that will illumine my journey to our Father's house. When we meet + there, may the joy of that reünion you hope for with the loved + ones in your own country be yours and mine, and all the good of + all the world be our companions for all time! With the highest + respect, believe me your friend, + + A. L." + + + (TO PRESIDENT HOPKINS.) + + "BOSTON, November 11, 1850. + + "MY DEAR FRIEND: My brief letter of introduction by my young + friend S., and your answer to it, which I mislaid or lost soon + after it came, has made me feel a wish to write every day since + the first week after I received yours. S. made me out better than + I was when he saw me. I could walk across the rooms, get down and + up stairs without much aid, and bear my weight on each foot; + having strength in my ankle-bones that enabled me to enter the + temple walking, not leaping, but praising God. If ever I am able + to walk so far as around the Common, what gratitude to God should + I feel to take your arm as my support! I am frequently admonished + by faint turns that I am merely a 'minute-man,' liable to be + called for at any moment. Only a few days since, I had a charming + call from Amin Bey and suite, whom I received in my parlors + below, where were some friends to meet him. All seemed + interested, and Amin as much so as a Turk ever does. When he left + us, I went with him to the door, saw him out and in his carriage, + turned to open the inner entry-door, became faint just as M. was + leaving the party, and leaned on her to get into the parlor. I + was laid on the sofa, insensible for a short time, but, by labor, + abstinence, and great care, for two or three days, have got upon + my high horse again, and rode with N. to make calls upon the good + people of Cambridge. After dinner, when I awoke, I tried to go + about my work, but was called off again, and, from that time to + this, have been up a little, and then down a little; thus asking + me, with angels' voices, Why are you left here? The answer is + plain: You have more work to do. Pray, my dear friend, for me to + be faithful while my powers are left with me. The reports of and + from your college make me feel that my labors in helping it to + get on its legs have been repaid four-fold. I am its debtor, and + will allow the money out of the next year's income to be used for + a telescope, if you deem it best. I have made no further inquiry + for the one in progress here, but will ask W. to look and see + what progress is making. When I leave off writing, I shall ride + to the office in Court-square, and deposit my Whig vote for + Governor Briggs and the others. We are so mixed up here as hardly + to know who are supporters of the regular ticket, and who not. + This fugitive-slave business will keep our people excited till + the law is blotted out. In some of our best circles the law is + pronounced unconstitutional; and my belief is that Franklin + Dexter's argument on that point will settle the question by + starting it, our great men to the contrary notwithstanding." + +In the above letter Mr. Lawrence speaks of the gratification which he +had derived from the results of his efforts in behalf of Williams +College; and, as there may be no more fitting place to give an account +of these efforts, the following record is here introduced, from the +pen of President Hopkins. It is found in his sermon commemorative of +the donor, delivered at the request of the students, on February 21, +1853. + + "In October, 1841, the building known as the East College was + burned. Needy as the institution was before, this rendered + necessary an application to the Legislature for funds; and, when + this failed, to the public at large. Owing to a panic in the + money market, this application was but slightly responded to, + except in this town. In Boston the sum raised was less than two + thousand dollars; and the largest sum given by any individual was + one hundred dollars. This sum was given by Mr. Lawrence, who was + applied to by a friend of the college; and this, it is believed, + was the only application ever made to him on our behalf. This + directed his attention to the wants of the college; but nothing + more was heard from him till January, 1844. At that time, I was + delivering a course of the Lowell Lectures, in Boston, when his + son, Mr. Amos A. Lawrence, called and informed me that his father + had five thousand dollars which he wished to place at the + disposal of the college. As I was previously but slightly + acquainted with Mr. Lawrence, and had had no conversation with + him on the subject, this was to me an entire surprise; and, + embarrassed as the institution then was by its debt for the new + buildings, the relief and encouragement which it brought to my + own mind, and to the minds of others, friends of the college, can + hardly be expressed. Still, this did not wholly remove the debt. + On hearing this casually mentioned, he said, if he had known how + we were situated, he thought he should have given us more; and + the following July, without another word on the subject, he sent + me a check for five thousand dollars. This put the college out of + debt, and added two or three thousand dollars to its available + funds. In January, 1846, he wrote, saying he wished to see me; + and, on meeting him, he said his object was to consult me about + the disposition of ten thousand dollars, which he proposed to + give the college. He wished to know how I thought it would do the + most good. I replied, at once, By being placed at the disposal of + the trustees, to be used at their discretion. He said, 'Very + well;' and that was all that passed on that point. So I thought; + and, knowing his simplicity of character, and singleness of + purpose, I felt no embarrassment in making that reply. Here was a + beautiful exemplification of the precept of the apostle, 'He that + giveth, let him do it with simplicity.' Such a man had a right to + have, for one of his mottoes, 'Deeds, not words.' This was just + what was needed; but it gave us some breadth and enlargement, and + was a beginning in what it had long been felt must, sooner or + later, be undertaken,--the securing of an available fund + suitable as a basis for such an institution. His next large gift + was the library. This came from his asking me, as I was riding + with him the following winter, if we wanted anything. Nothing + occurred to me at the time, and I replied in the negative; but, + the next day, I remembered that the trustees had voted to build a + library, provided the treasurer should find it could be done for + twenty-five hundred dollars. This I mentioned to him. He inquired + what I supposed it would cost. I replied, 'Five thousand + dollars.' He said, at once, 'I will give it.' With his + approbation, the plan of a building was subsequently adopted that + would cost seven thousand dollars; and he paid that sum. A year + or two subsequently, he inquired of me the price of tuition here, + saying he should like to connect Groton Academy with Williams + College; and he paid two thousand dollars to establish four + scholarships for any one who might come from that institution. + His next gift was the telescope, which cost about fifteen hundred + dollars. The history of this would involve some details which I + have not now time to give. In 1851, accompanied by Mrs. Lawrence, + he made a visit here. This was the first time either of them had + seen the place. In walking over the grounds, he said they had + great capabilities, but that we needed more land; and authorized + the purchase of an adjoining piece of four acres. This purchase + was made for one thousand dollars; and, if the college can have + the means of laying it out, and adorning it suitably, it will, + besides furnishing scope for exercise, be a fit addition of the + charms of culture to great beauty of natural scenery. In addition + to these gifts, he has, at different times, enriched the library + with costly books, of the expense of which I know nothing. Almost + everything we have in the form of art was given by him. In + December, 1845, I received a letter from him, dated the 22d, or + 'Forefathers' Day,' which enclosed one hundred dollars, to be + used for the aid of needy students in those emergencies which + often arise. This was entirely at his own suggestion; and nothing + could have been more timely or appropriate in an institution like + this, where so many young men are struggling to make their own + way. Since that time, he has furnished me with at least one + hundred dollars annually for that purpose; and he regarded the + expenditure with much interest. Thus, in different ways, Mr. + Lawrence had given to the college between thirty and forty + thousand dollars; and he had expressed the purpose, if he should + live, of aiding it still further. Understanding as he did the + position and wants of this college, he sympathized fully with the + trustees in their purpose to raise the sum of fifty thousand + dollars, and, at the time of his death, was exerting a most + warm-hearted and powerful influence for its accomplishment. In + reference to this great effort, we feel that a strong helper is + taken away. The aid which Mr. Lawrence thus gave to the college + was great and indispensable; and probably no memorial of him will + be more enduring than what he has done here. By this, being dead, + he yet speaks, and will continue to speak in all coming time. + From him will flow down enjoyment and instruction to those who + shall walk these grounds, and look at the heavens through this + telescope, and read the books gathered in this library, and hear + instruction from teachers sustained, wholly or in part, by his + bounty. Probably he could not have spent this money more + usefully; and there is reason to believe that he could have spent + it in no way to bring to himself more enjoyment. The prosperity + of the college was a source of great gratification to him; and he + said, more than once, that he had been many times repaid for what + he had done here. That he should have thus done what he did + unsolicited, and that he--and, I may add, his family--should have + continued to find in it so much of satisfaction, is most grateful + to my own feelings, and must be so to every friend of the + college. In doing it, he seemed to place himself in the relation, + not so much of a patron of the college, as of a sympathizer and + helper in a great and good work." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIII. + +LETTERS.--DIARY. + + +At the beginning of the year 1851, Mr. Lawrence writes to President +Hopkins: + + "The closing of the old year was like our western horizon after + sunset, bright and beautiful; the opening of the new, radiant + with life, light, and hope, and crowned with such a costume of + love as few old fathers, grandfathers, and uncles, can muster; in + short, my old sleigh is the pet of the season, and rarely appears + without being well filled, outside and inside. It is a teacher to + the school-children, no less than to my grandchildren; for they + all understand that, if they are well-behaved, they can ride with + me when I make the signal; and I have a strong persuasion that + this attention to them, with a present of a book and a kind word + now and then, makes the little fellows think more of their + conduct and behavior. At any rate, it does me good to hear them + call out, 'How do you do, Mr. Lawrence?' as I am driving along + the streets and by-ways of the city." * * * + +To an aged clergyman in the country, who was blind and in indigent +circumstances, he writes: + + "Jan. 14. + + "Your letter of last week reached me on Saturday, and was indeed + a sunbeam, which quickened me to do what I had intended for a + 'happy new-year,' before receiving yours. I trust you will have + received a parcel sent by railroad, on Monday, directed to you, + and containing such things as I deemed to be useful in your + family; and I shall be more than paid, if they add one tint to + the 'purple light' you speak of, that opens upon your further + hopes of visiting us the coming season. For many months I was + unable to walk; but my feet and ankle-bones have now received + strength. I feel that the prayers of friends have been answered + by my renewed power to do more work. How, then, can I enjoy life + better than by distributing the good things intrusted to me among + those who are comforted by receiving them? So you need not feel, + my friend, that you are any more obliged than I am. The enclosed + bank-bills may serve to fit up the materials for use; at any + rate, will not be out of place in your pocket. I trust to see you + again in this world, which has to me so many interesting + connecting links between the first and only time I have ever seen + you (thirty-five or more years ago, in Dr. Huntington's pulpit, + Old South Church) and the present." + + + (FROM REV. JAMES HAMILTON, D.D.) + + "42 GOWER-STREET, LONDON, Feb. 15, 1851. + + "MY DEAR SIR: No letter which authorship has brought to me ever + gave me such pleasure as I received from yours of July, 1849, + enclosing one which Governor Briggs had written to you. That + strangers so distinguished should take such interest in my + writings, and should express yourselves so kindly towards myself, + overwhelmed me with a pleasing surprise, and with thankfulness to + God who had given me such favor. I confess, too, it helped to + make me love more the country which has always been to me the + dearest next to my own. In conjunction with some much-prized + friendships which I have formed among your ministers, it would + almost tempt me to cross the Atlantic. But I am so bad a sailor + that I fear I must postpone personal intercourse with those + American friends who do not come to England, until we reach the + land where there is no more sea. However feebly expressed, please + accept my heartfelt thanks for all the cost and trouble you have + incurred in circulating my publications. It is pleasant to me to + think that your motive in distributing them, in the first + instance, could not be friendship for the author; and to both of + us it will be the most welcome result, if they promote the cause + of practical Christianity. Owing to weakness in the throat and + chest, I cannot preach so much as many of my neighbors, and + therefore I feel the more anxious that my tracts should do + something for the honor of the Saviour and the welfare of + mankind. You were kind enough to reprint my last lecture to young + men. I could scarcely wish the same distinction bestowed on its + successor, because it is a fragment. I have some thoughts of + extending it into a short exposition of Ecclesiastes, which is a + book well suited to the times, and but little understood. * * * + + "Yours, most truly, + + JAMES HAMILTON." + +[Illustration: ABBOTT LAWRENCE + +Print. by R. Andrews.] + +In reply to the above letter, Mr. Lawrence writes, April 8: + + "I will not attempt to express to you in words my pleasure in + receiving your letter of Feb. 15, with its accompaniments. The + lecture delivered to the young men on the 4th of February, + although designated by you as a fragment, I sent to my friend, + with a copy of your letter, asking him whether he would advise + its publication, and whether he would scatter it with its + predecessor; and, if so, I would pay the expense. His answer you + have here, and I have the pleasure of saying that the 'Fragment' + will be ready to circulate by thousands the present week; and, + when you shall have added your further comments upon Solomon and + his works, our American Tract Society will be ready to publish + the whole by hundreds of thousands, I trust, thus enabling you to + preach through our whole country. The Memoir of Lady Colquhon is + a precious jewel, which I shall keep among my treasures to leave + my descendants. I had previously purchased a number of copies of + the American edition, and scattered them among my friends, so + that there is great interest to see your copy sent me. The part + of your letter which touched my heart most was that in which you + speak of my brother Abbott, and say of him that 'no foreign + minister is such a favorite with the British public.' It brought + him before me like a daguerreotype likeness, through every period + of his life for fifty years. First, as the guiding spirit of the + boys of our neighborhood, in breaking through the deep + snow-drifts which often blocked up the roads in winter; then as + my apprentice in the city; and, in a few years, as the young + military champion, to watch night and day, under arms, on the + point of Bunker Hill nearest the ocean, the movements of a + British fleet lying within four or five miles of him, and + threatening the storming of Boston; then, soon after, as + embarking in the very first ship for England, after the close of + the war, to purchase goods, which were received here in + eighty-three days after he sailed. Since that time, our firm has + never been changed, except by adding '& Co.,' when other partners + were admitted. He has been making his way to the people's respect + and affection from that time to this, and now fills the only + public station I would not have protested against his accepting, + feeling that _place_ cannot impart _grace_. My prayers ascend + continually for him, that he may do his work under the full + impression that he must give an account to Him whose eye is + constantly upon him, and whose 'Well done' will be infinitely + better than all things else. I believe he is awakening an + interest to learn more about this country; and the people will be + amazed to see what opportunities are here enjoyed for happiness + for the great mass. What we most fear is _that_ ignorance which + will bring everything down to its own level, instead of that true + knowledge, which shall level up the lowest places, now inundated + with foreign emigrants. Our duty is plain; and, if we do not + educate and elevate this class of our people they will change our + system of government within fifty years. Virtue and intelligence + are the basis of this government; and the duty of all good men is + to keep it pure. * * * + + "And now, my friend, what can I say that will influence you to + come here, and enjoy with me the beautiful scenes upon and around + our Mount Zion? + + "With the highest respect and affection, I am most truly yours, + + "AMOS LAWRENCE. + + "P. S.--Mrs. L. desires me to present to you and your lady her + most respectful regard, with the assurance that your writings are + very precious to her. She is a granddaughter to a clergyman of + your 'Kirk,' and enjoys much its best writings." + +To the same gentleman he writes soon after: + + "And now let me speak about the 'Royal Preacher.'[14] I expected + much, but not so much as I found in it. We, on this side the + Atlantic, thank you; and the pictures of some of our own great + men are drawn to the life, although their history and character + could not have been in your eye. Truth is the same now as in + Solomon's time; and it is surprising that the mass of men do not + see and acknowledge that 'the saint is greater than the sage, + and discipleship to Jesus the pinnacle of human dignity.' I have + had, this morning, two calls, from different sections of our + Union, for your 'Life in Earnest,' 'Literary Attractions of the + Bible,' 'Solomon,' 'Redeemed in Glory,' &c., which I responded to + with hearty good-will. Some of the books will go out of the + country many thousand miles, and will do good. I must shake hands + with you across the Atlantic, if you can't 'screw up' your + courage to come here, and bid you God-speed in all your broad + plans for the good of your fellow-men. + + "I have a great respect for deep religious feelings, even when I + cannot see as my friends do; and therefore pray God to clear + away, in his good time, all that is now dark and veiled. + + "It is time for me to say farewell." + + [14] A tract by Dr. Hamilton. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIV. + +SIR T. F. BUXTON.--LETTER FROM LADY BUXTON.--ELLIOTT +CRESSON.--LETTERS. + + +After the death of Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, Mr. Lawrence had read +what had been published respecting his life and character, and had +formed an exalted opinion of his labors in behalf of the African race. +A small volume had been issued, entitled "A Study for Young Men, or a +Sketch of Sir T. F. Buxton," by Rev. T. Binney, of London. Mr. +Lawrence had purchased and circulated large numbers of this work, +which recorded the deeds of one upon whom he considered the mantle of +Wilberforce to have fallen; and, through a mutual friend, he had been +made known to Lady Buxton, who writes to him as follows: + + "Very, very grateful am I for your love for him, and, through + him, to me and my children. I desire that you may be enriched by + all spiritual blessings; and that, through languor and illness + and infirmity, the Lord may bless and prosper you and the work of + your hands. I beg your acceptance of the third edition, in the + large octavo, of the memoir of Sir Fowell." + +Those who have read the memoir referred to will remember the writer, +before her marriage, as Miss Hannah Gurney, a member of that +distinguished family of Friends of which Mrs. Fry was the elder +sister. During the remaining short period of Mr. Lawrence's life, a +pleasant correspondence was kept up, from which a few extracts will +hereafter be given. + +To Elliott Cresson, of Philadelphia, the enthusiastic and veteran +champion of the colonization cause, Mr. Lawrence writes, June 12, +1851: + + "MY DEAR OLD FRIEND CRESSON: I have just re-read your kind letter + of June 2, and have been feasting upon the treasure you sent me + in the interesting volume entitled 'Africa Redeemed.' I will set + your heart at rest at once by assuring you that I feel just as + you do towards that land. Do you remember visiting me, a dozen or + more years ago, to get me to lead off with a thousand-dollar + subscription for colonization, and my refusing by assuring you + that I would not interfere with the burden of slavery, then + pressing on our own Slave States, until requested by them? * * * + * Liberia, in the mean time, has gone on, and now promises to be + to the black man what New England has been to the Pilgrims, and + Pennsylvania to the Friends. I say, with all my heart, to Gov. + Roberts and his associates, God speed you, and carry onward and + upward the glorious work of redeeming Africa! I had a charming + message from a young missionary in Africa a few days since,--the + Rev. Mr. Hoffman, of the Episcopal Mission; and you will be glad + to hear that the good work of education for Liberia progresses + surely and steadily here. My son A. is one of the trustees and + directors (Prof. Greenleaf is president), and has given a + thousand dollars from 'a young merchant;' and I bid him give + another thousand from 'an old merchant,' which he will do as soon + as he returns from our old home with his family. Now I say to + you, my friend, I can sympathize and work with you while I am + spared. God be praised! we are greatly favored in many things. No + period of my life has been more joyous. + + "With constant affection, I am yours, + + "AMOS LAWRENCE." + +Among other memoranda of the present month is found a cancelled note +of five hundred dollars, which had been given by a clergyman in +another State to a corporation, which, by reason of various +misfortunes, he had not been able to pay. Mr. Lawrence had heard of +the circumstance, and, without the knowledge of the clergyman, had +sent the required sum to the treasurer of the corporation, with +directions to cancel the obligation. + + (TO LADY BUXTON.) + + "BOSTON, July 8, 1851. + + "DEAR LADY BUXTON: Your letter, and the beautiful copy of the + memoir of your revered and world-wide honored husband, reached me + on the 26th of June. I have read and re-read your heart-touching + note with an interest you can understand better than I can + describe. I can say that I thank you, and leave you to imagine + the rest. Sir Fowell was born the same year, and in the same + month, that I was; and his character and his labors I have been + well acquainted with since he came into public life; and no man + of his time stood higher in my confidence and respect. Although I + have never been in public life, I have been much interested in + public men; and have sometimes had my confidence abused, but + have generally given it to men who said what they meant, and did + what they said. I feel no respect for the demagogue, however + successful he may be; but am able to say, with the dear and + honored friend whose mantle fell upon Sir Fowell, 'What shadows + we are, and what shadows we pursue!' I feel pity for the man who + sacrifices his hopes of heaven for such vain objects as end in + the mere gaze of this world. The 'Study for Young Men,' + republished here a short time since, is doing such work among us + as must cheer the spirit of your husband in his heavenly home. + + "I enclose you a note from Laura Bridgman, a deaf, dumb, and + blind girl, who has been educated at our asylum for the last + twelve years or more (now about twenty-two years old), which may + interest you from the fact of her extraordinary situation. + + "With great respect, I remain most truly yours, + + "AMOS LAWRENCE." + + + (TO A LADY IN PHILADELPHIA.) + + "DEAR L.: Your call on me to 'pay up' makes me feel that I had + forgotten, and therefore neglected, my promise. I begin without + preface. When a child, and all the way up to fifty years of age, + the incidents of revolutionary history were so often talked over + by the old soldiers who made our house their rendezvous whenever + they came near it, that I feel as if I had been an actor in the + scenes described. Among these, the Battle of Bunker Hill was more + strongly impressed upon my mind than any other event. My father, + then twenty-one years old, was in Captain Farwell's company, a + subaltern, full of the right spirit, as you may know, having some + sparks left when you used to ride on his sled and in his wagon, + and eat his 'rattle apples,' which were coveted by all the + children. He was in the breastwork; and his captain was shot + through the body just before or just after Pitcairn was shot. My + father did not know Major Pitcairn personally, but understood it + was he who mounted the breastwork, calling to his soldiers to + follow, when he pitched into the slight trench outside, riddled + and dead, as my father always thought as long as he lived. But it + turned out otherwise. He was brought from the field, and lodged + in a house in Prince-street, now standing (the third from + Charlestown Bridge); and the intelligence was immediately + communicated to the Governor, then in the Royal House, now called + the Province House. He sent Dr. Kast and an officer, accompanied + by young Bowdoin as an amateur, to see to the major, and report. + On entering the chamber, the doctor wished to examine the wound; + but Pitcairn declined allowing him, saying it was of no use, as + he should soon die. When pressed by the argument that his + excellency desired it, he allowed Dr. Kast to open his vest, and + the blood, which had been stanched, spirted out upon the floor; + so that the room carried the mark, and was called 'Pitcairn's + Chamber' until long after the peace. The doctor returned + immediately to the Governor to report; and, before he could get + back, life had fled. He was laid out in his regimentals, and was + deposited in the vault of St. George's Church, now the Stone + Chapel, and there remained until 1788, when Dr. Winship, of + Roxbury, then on a visit to London, had occasion to call on Dr. + C. Letsom, and informed him that he had in his possession the key + of the vault; that he had examined the body, which was in so good + a state of preservation, that he recognized the features; and + that he had counted at least thirty marks of musket-balls in + various parts of the body. An arrangement was made, through Dr. + Winship, for the removal of the body to England. Dr. William + Pitcairn built a vault in the Burying-ground of St. Bartholomew, + near the hospital, for its reception. Capt. James Scott, the + commander of a trading vessel between Boston and London at that + period, undertook the service of removal, although he foresaw + difficulty in undertaking the business, on account of the strong + prejudice of sailors to having a corpse on board. With a view to + concealment, the coffin was enclosed in a square deal case, + containing the church-organ, which was to be sent to England for + repairs. This case, with 'Organ' inscribed upon it, was placed, + as it was said, for better security, in a part of the ship near + the sailors' berths, and in that situation was used occasionally + during the passage for their seat or table. On arrival of the + ship in the river, an order was obtained for the landing of the + case; and, as it was necessary to describe its contents, the + order expressed permission to land a corpse. This revealed the + stratagem of Capt. Scott, and raised such a feeling among the + sailors as to show that they would not have been quiet had they + known the truth respecting their fellow-lodger. Major Pitcairn + was the only British officer particularly regarded by our + citizens, as ready to listen to their complaints, and, as far as + in his power, to relieve them, when not impeded by his military + duties. Our excellent old friend B. will be interested in the + 'Stone Chapel' part of this story, and probably can add + particulars that I may have omitted. + + "Your affectionate + + AMOS LAWRENCE." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXV. + +LETTERS--REV. DR. SCORESBY.--WABASH COLLEGE. + + +After receiving a note from a relative of Lady Colebrooke, announcing +her death, at Dunscombe, in the island of Barbadoes, Mr. Lawrence +wrote the following note of sympathy to her husband, Sir William +Colebrooke, then Governor of that island. She will be remembered as +the lady who had formerly visited Boston, and who was alluded to in +one of his letters, as a niece of Major André: + + "DEAR SIR WILLIAM: I lose no time in expressing to you the + feelings of my heart, on reading the brief notice of the last + hours of dear Lady Colebrooke. All my recollections and + associations of her are of the most interesting character; and + for yourself I feel more than a common regard. We may never meet + again in this world; but it matters little, if, when we are + called off, we are found 'in line,' and ready to receive the + cheering 'Well done' when we reach that better world we hope for. + I trust that you, and all your dear ones, have been in the hollow + of our Father's hand, through the shadings of his face from you; + and that, in his own good time, all will be cleared away. + + "Faithfully and respectfully yours, + + AMOS LAWRENCE. + "BOSTON, Aug. 8, 1851." + + + (TO THE HON. CHARLES B. HADDOCK, MINISTER OF THE UNITED STATES + TO PORTUGAL.) + + "BOSTON, Aug. 19, 1851. + + "DEAR AND KIND-HEARTED FRIEND: Your letters to me before leaving + the country, and after reaching England, awakened many tender + remembrances of times past, and agreeable hopes of times to come. + In that, I felt as though I had you by the hand, with that + encouraging 'Go forward' in the fear of God, and confidence in + his fatherly care and guidance. I know your views have always put + this trust at the head of practical duties, and that you will go + forward in your present duties, and do better service to the + country than any man who could be sent. Portugal is a sealed + book, in a great degree, to us. Who so able to unlock and lay + open its history as yourself? Now, then, what leisure you have + may be most profitably applied to the spreading out the treasures + before us; and, my word for it, your reputation as a writer and a + thinker will make whatever you may publish of this sort desirable + to be read by the great mass of our reading population. + + * * * * * + + "I hold that God has given us our highest enjoyments, in every + period, from childhood to old age, in the exercise of our talents + and our feelings with reference to his presence and oversight; + and that, at any moment, he may call us off, and that we may thus + be left to be among the children of light or of darkness, + according to his word and our preparation. These enjoyments of + childhood, of middle age, of mature life, and of old age, are all + greatly increased by a constant reference to the source from + whence they come; and the danger of great success in life is more + to be feared, in our closing account, than anything else. A brief + space will find us in the earth, and of no further consequence + than as we shall have marked for good the generation of men + growing up to take our places. The title of an honest man, who + feared God, is worth more than all the honors and distinction of + the world. Pray, let me hear from you, and the dear lady, whom I + hope to escort once more over the sides of our Mount Zion, and + introduce to some of my children and grandchildren settled upon + the borders; and, if any stranger coming this way from you will + accept such facilities as I can give to our institutions, I shall + gladly render them. It is now many years since I have sat at + table with my family, and I am now better than I have been at any + time during that period; in short, I am light-hearted as a child, + and enjoy the children's society with all the zest of early days. + I must say, 'God speed you, my friend,' and have you constantly + in the hollow of his hand! In all kind remembrances, Mrs. L. + joins me, to your lady and yourself. + + "Faithfully and respectfully your friend, + + "AMOS LAWRENCE." + +On the same day that the preceding letter was penned, Mr. Lawrence, in +acknowledgment of some work sent to him by the Rev. Dr. Scoresby, of +Bradford, England, wrote the following letter. That gentleman had +visited this country twice, and had made many friends in Boston. Once +an Arctic traveller, and a man of great scientific acquirement, he has +now become an eminent and active clergyman in the Church of England, +and has devoted all his energies to the task of elevating the lower +orders of the population where his field of labor has been cast. + + "BOSTON, Aug. 19, 1851. + + "MY DEAR FRIEND: Your letter from Torquay, of ninth July, reached + me on the sixth of this month. It brought to memory our agreeable + intercourse of former years, and cheered me with the hope that I + might again see you in this world, and again shake your hand in + that cordial, social way that goes direct to the heart. I had + been much interested in the account brought by ----, and in your + kind messages by him. Your memorials of your father interest me + exceedingly, and I thank you most sincerely for the volume and + the sermon you sent. This sermon I sent to a friend of mine, and + also a friend of yours, who became such after hearing you preach + in Liverpool. Professor ----, of ---- College, is a most + talented, efficient, and popular teacher; and his present + position he has attained by his industry and his merit. He was a + poor youth, in Liverpool, who followed you in your preaching; + came here, and went as an apprentice to a mechanical business; + was noticed as a bright fellow; was educated by persons assisting + him, and graduated at ---- College. He became a tutor, and is now + a professor, and is an honor to the college and his nation. We + are all at work in New England, and now feel a twinge from too + fast driving in some branches of business; but, in the aggregate, + our country is rapidly advancing in wealth, power, and strength, + notwithstanding the discontent of our Southern brethren. We have + allowed the 'black spot' to be too far spread over our land; it + should have been restrained more than thirty years ago, and then + our old Slave States would have had no just cause of complaint. I + am called off, and must bid you farewell, with kind regards of + Mrs. L., and my own most faithful and affectionate remembrance. + + AMOS LAWRENCE. + "REV. WILLIAM SCORESBY, D.D., Torquay, Devonshire, Eng." + + (TO PRESIDENT HOPKINS.) + + "BOSTON, Nov. 15, 1851. + + "MY DEAR FRIEND: This is a rainy day, which keeps me housed; and, + to improve it in 'pursuit,' I have a bundle made up, of the size + of a small 'haycock,' and directed to you by railroad, with a few + lines enclosed for the amusement of the children. I have told A. + and L. that they couldn't jump over it; but H. could, by having a + clear course of two rods. Louis Dwight has spent a half-hour with + me this morning, exhibiting and explaining his plan for the new + Lunatic Asylum of the State, which I think is the best model I + have ever seen, and is a decided improvement on all our old ones. + The committee, of which Governor Briggs is chairman, will give it + a careful consideration and comparison with Dr. Bell's, and + perhaps Dr. Butler's and others; and, with such an amount of + talent and experience, the new asylum will be the best, I trust, + that there is on this side of the Atlantic. Louis Dwight is in + fine spirits, and in full employ in his peculiar line. The new + institution in New York for vagrant children will very likely be + built on his plan. He is really doing his work most successfully, + in classing and separating these young sinners, so that they may + be reclaimed, and trained to become useful citizens; in that + light, he is a public benefactor. * * * + + "Faithfully and affectionately yours, + + "AMOS LAWRENCE." + +In a letter to a friend, written on Sunday, and within a few days of +the preceding, Mr. Lawrence says, after describing one of his severe +attacks: + + "I am not doing wrong, I think, in consecrating a part of the day + to you, being kept within doors by one of those kindly + admonitions which speaks through the body, and tells me that my + home here is no shelter from the storm. I had been unusually well + for some weeks past, and it seemed to me that my days passed with + a rapidity and joyousness that nothing short of the intercourse + with the loved ones around me could have caused. What can be more + emphatic, until my final summons? If my work is done, and well + done, I should not dread the summons; pray that it may be, and + that we may meet again after a brief separation. I am hoping to + be safely housed by and by where cold and heat, splendid + furniture, luxurious living, and handsome houses, and attendants, + will all be thought of as they really merit." + +Mr. Lawrence had, for a considerable time, been interested in the +Wabash College, at Crawfordsville, Indiana; and, on the 24th of +November, announced to the Trustees a donation from Mrs. L. of twelve +hundred dollars, to found four free scholarships for the use of the +academy at Groton. He adds: + + "I would recommend that candidates for the scholarships who + abstain from the use of intoxicating drinks and tobacco always + have a preference. This is not to be taken as a prohibition, but + only as a condition to give a preference." + +Mr. Lawrence speaks of his interest in Wabash College, growing out of +his affection and respect for its President, the Rev. Charles White, +D.D., who went from New England, and with whom he had become +acquainted during a visit which that gentleman had made to his native +State. Eight days after this donation to Wabash College, Mr. Lawrence +enclosed to Rev. Dr. Pond, of the Theological School at Bangor, Maine, +the sum of five hundred dollars; which he says, with other sums +already subscribed by others for new professorships, would "prove a +great blessing to all who resort to the institution through all +time." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVI. + +DIARY.--AMOUNT OF CHARITIES.--LETTERS.--THOMAS TARBELL.--UNCLE +TOBY.--REV. DR. LOWELL. + + + "_January 1, 1852._--The value of my property is somewhat more + than it was a year ago, and I pray God that I may be faithful in + its use. My life seems now more likely to be spared for a longer + season than for many years past; and I never enjoyed myself more + highly. Praise the Lord, O my soul! + + "P. S.--The outgoes for all objects since January 1, 1842 (ten + years), have been six hundred and four thousand dollars more than + five sixths of which have been applied in making other people + happy; and it is no trouble to find objects for all I have to + spare." + +This sum, in addition to the subscriptions and donations for the year +1852, makes the amount of his expenditures for charitable purposes, +during the last eleven years of his life, to be about five hundred and +twenty-five thousand dollars. From 1829 to 1842, the sum expended for +like appropriations was, according to his memoranda, one hundred and +fourteen thousand dollars; making, for the last twenty-three years of +his life the sum of six hundred and thirty-nine thousand dollars +expended in charity. Taking the amount of his property at various +times, as noted by himself, from the year 1807 to 1829, a period of +twenty-two years, with his known liberality and habits of systematic +charity, it would be safe to assert that during his life he expended +seven hundred thousand dollars for the benefit of his fellow-men. Many +persons have done more; but few perhaps have done as much in +proportion to the means which they had to bestow. + +In a letter to President Hopkins, dated March 31, Mr. Lawrence writes: + + "I am interested in everything you write about in your last + letter; but among the items of deepest interest is the fact of + the religious feeling manifested by the young men; and I pray God + it may take deep root, and grow, and become the controlling power + in forming their character for immortality. I trust they will + count the cost, and act consistently. May God speed them in this + holy work!" + +A few days later, he writes on the same subject: + + "And now let us turn to matters of more importance; the awakening + of the young men of your college to their highest interest,--the + salvation of their souls. I have been moved to tears in reading + the simple statement of the case, and I pray God to perfect the + good work thus begun. I have much to think of to-day, this being + my sixty-sixth birth-day. The question comes home to me, What I + am rendering to the Lord for all his benefits; and the answer of + conscience is, Imperfect service. If accepted, it will be + through mercy; and, with this feeling of hope, I keep about, + endeavoring to scatter good seed as I go forth in my daily + ministrations." + +The following correspondence was not received in time to be placed in +the order of its date, but is now given as an illustration of Mr. +Lawrence's views on some important points, and also as an instance of +his self-control. In the autumn of 1847, he became acquainted with the +Rev. Dr. ----, a Scotch Presbyterian clergyman, then on a visit to +some friends in Boston. During a drive in the environs, with this +gentleman and the Rev. Dr. Blagden, Mr. Lawrence made a remark of a +practical nature upon some religious topic, which did not coincide +with the views of his Scotch friend; and a debate ensued, which was +characterized by somewhat more of warmth than was warranted by the +nature of the subject. Mutual explanations and apologies followed, and +the correspondence, which was continued after the return of Dr. ---- +to Scotland, shows that the discussion on the occasion referred to had +caused no diminution of their mutual regard or good-will. + +The Rev. Dr. Blagden, in a note to the editor, dated Boston, April 18, +1855, writes as follows: + + "As the result of our incidental conversation on Monday last, let + me say, that the facts of which we spoke occurred during a drive + which the Rev. Dr. ----, of Scotland, and I were enjoying with + your father, in his carriage, at his kind invitation, in October, + 1847. + + "Without being able to recall the precise connection in which the + remarks were made, I only now remember that Mr. Lawrence was led + to speak with some degree of warmth, but with entire kindness, on + the great error of relying on any idea of justification before + God by faith, without corresponding works; so that, to one not + familiar with the religious events in the history of this + community, which, by operating on Mr. Lawrence's habits of + thought, might well lead him to be jealous of any view of faith + which did not directly express the necessity of good works, his + remarks might very readily have seemed like a direct attack on + that great truth of justification by faith, which Luther affirmed + to be, as it was held or rejected, the test of a falling or + rising church. + + "Immediately, that which the late Edward Irving, in one of his + sermons, under the name of 'Orations,' calls the 'ingenium + perfervidum Scotorum,' burst from the Rev. Dr. ----, with + something of that zeal for the doctrines of Knox and Calvin for + which I understand he has been somewhat remarkable in his own + country. He vehemently declared his abhorrence of any such denial + of the first and fundamental truth of the Gospel, evidently + taking it somewhat in the light of an insult to us as the + preachers of that truth. He ended by saying, with much force and + warmth, that the apostle Paul sometimes condensed the whole of + the Gospel into a single phrase; and one of these phrases, as + expressed in the Epistle to the Philippians, he commended to the + notice of Mr. Lawrence, namely, 'We are the circumcision which + worship God in the spirit; and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have + no confidence in the flesh.' + + "Mr. Lawrence met this strong, and apparently indignant and truly + honest expression of feeling, with entire courtesy and + self-command, but with evident and deep emotion; and, repressing + all expression of displeasure, he gradually led the conversation + to less unwelcome subjects, so that our ride ended pleasantly, + though the embarrassment created by this event continued, in a + lessening degree, to its close. + + "It will probably add to the interest of the whole transaction, + in your own mind, if I state, not only what you seemed aware of + on Monday, that your father sent me, a day or two after, 'Barr's + Help' (I believe is the name of the volume), with a very kind and + polite note, alluding to what had passed, and a paper containing + some development of his own religious belief; but Rev. Dr. ----, + also, soon after, in alluding to the circumstances in a note to + me, on another subject, and which is now before me, wrote: + + "'I regret the warmth with which I did so. Alas! it is my + infirmity; but it was only a momentary flash, for I was enabled, + through a silent act of prayer, to get my mind purged of all + heat, before I ventured to resume the conversation on the vital + topic which our good and kind friend himself was led to + introduce.' + + "I suspect this will reach you at an hour too late entirely for + the use which you thought might possibly be made of it. It may, + however, have some little interest, as a further development of + the excellent character of your father; and it refers to a scene + of which I have never been in the habit of speaking to others, + but which I shall always remember with great interest, as one + among many pleasing and profitable recollections of him." + +The following extracts are taken from the paper referred to in the +preceding communication: + "BOSTON, November 4, 1847. + + "To Rev. G. W. BLAGDEN, D.D. + + "REV. AND DEAR SIR: Our interesting ride last Thursday has + peculiar claims upon me as a teacher and a preacher for a better + world. To one who knows me well, my unceremonious manner to our + friend would not seem so strange; but it was none the less unkind + in me to treat him thus. + + "My first impressions are generally the right ones, and govern + the actions of daily and hourly experience here; and these + impressions were entirely favorable to our friend; and my + treatment, up to the moment that you 'poured your oil upon the + waters,' had been such as I am now well pleased with. But the + conversation then commenced; and the lecture, illustrations, + arguments, and consequences, were all stereotyped in my mind, + having been placed there twenty-seven years ago by a learned and + pious Scotchman, whose character came back to my memory like a + flash of light. It is enough to say that a multitude of matters + wholly adverse to my first impressions left me no command of my + courtesies; and I stopped the conversation. * * * + + "I believe that our Saviour came among men to do them good, and, + having performed his mission, has returned to his Father and to + our Father, to his God and our God; and if, by any means, he will + receive me as a poor and needy sinner with the 'Well done' into + the society of those whom he shall have accepted, I care not what + sort of _ism_ I am ranked under here. + + "There is much, I think, that may be safely laid aside among + Christians who are honest, earnest, and self-denying. Again I + say, I have no hope in _isms_, but have strong hope in the cross + of Christ. + + "The little book[15] I send is a fuller exposition of the Kirk's + doctrine than our friend's. I have reviewed it, and see no reason + to alter a prayer or an expression. Return it at your leisure, + with the two notes of our friend to me since our drive. Soon + after I left you, I came home, sat down at my table to write a + note as an apology to him for my rudeness in stopping his + discourse, fainted, went to bed; next day, ate three ounces of + crusts, rode out, and went to bed sick with a cold in my face. + For the following forty-eight hours, I did not take an ounce of + food; the slightest amount of liquid sustained me; and yesterday + was the first day of my being a man. To-day, I called to see and + apologize to you." * * * * * + + [15] "Help to Professing Christians. By Rev. John Barr. Published by + Perkins and Marvin. Boston, 1831." + + + (TO A FRIEND IN SOUTH CAROLINA.) + + "BOSTON, June 12, 1852. + + "MY DEAR FRIEND: The announcement of the death of your beloved + wife, and the queries and suggestions you made, touched me in a + tender place. You and your dear wife are separated, it is true; + but she is in the upper room, you in the lower. She is with + Jesus, where, with his disciples, he keeps the feast; and, not + long hence, he will say to you, 'Come up hither.' Your spirit and + hers meet daily at the same throne,--hers to praise, yours to + pray; and, when you next join her in person, it will be to part + no more. Is not the prospect such as to gild the way with all + those charms, which, in our childhood, used to make our hours + pass too slowly? * * * * * + + "My connection with the people of your State, growing out of my + marriage, has brought me into personal intercourse, for more than + thirty years past, with a great family connection, embracing in + its circle many of your distinguished characters. All the M. + family, of whom your present Governor is one, came from the same + stock; and the various ramifications of that family at the South + include, I suppose, a great many thousand souls. I, therefore + take a lively interest in everything interesting to your people. + We have hot heads, and so have you; but I think your people + misjudge, when they think of setting up an independent + government. The peculiar institution which is so dear to them + will never be interfered with by sober, honest men; but will + never be allowed to be carried where it is not now, under the + Federal government. Politicians, like horse-jockeys, strive to + cover up wind-broken constitutions, as though in full health; but + hard driving reveals the defect, and, within thirty years, the + old Slave States will feel compelled to send their chattels away + to save themselves from bankruptcy and starvation. I have never + countenanced these abolition movements at the North; and have + lately lent a hand to the cause of Colonization, which is + destined to make a greater change in the condition of the blacks + than any event since the Christian era. * * * + + "You need no new assurance of my interest in, and respect for, + yourself, and the loved ones around you. I enjoy life as few old + men do, I believe; for my family seem to live around and for me. + My nephew by marriage, Franklin Pierce, seems to be a prominent + candidate for the 'White House' for the next four years. He is + the soul of honor, and an old-fashioned Democrat, born and bred, + and to be depended on as such; but, as I am an old-fashioned + George Washington, John Jay Federalist, from my earliest days, + and hope to continue to be, I shall prefer one of this stamp to + him. * * * + + "With a heart overflowing, I hardly know where to stop. We shall + meet in the presence of the Saviour, if we hold fast to the hem + of his garment; and I hope may be of the number of those whose + sins are forgiven. + + "Ever yours, + + AMOS LAWRENCE." + +During the summer, a small volume appeared, entitled "Uncle Toby's +Stories on Tobacco." Mr. Lawrence read it; and the views there +inculcated so nearly coincided with his own, so often expressed during +his whole life, that he caused two editions, of some thousands of +copies, to be published and circulated, principally by the boys of the +Mather School. On this subject, he writes to President Hopkins, under +date of Aug. 5: + + "My two last scraps told their own stories to the children, and + to-day you will receive a package by express that may require + explanation. Uncle Toby has hit the nail on the head in telling + his tobacco stories to American lads; and I think your students + will do good service in carrying them among their friends + wherever they are, to show them how much better it is to prevent + an evil than to remedy it; and, taking school-boys as they are, + these stories will do more good than any that have been + published. I met the author yesterday accidentally at the + American Sabbath School Union Depository, where I had just paid + for the fifty copies sent to you, and he was very earnest to have + me write a few lines for him to publish in his book; but I + referred him to the three hundred boys of the Mather School, who + are full of the matter to help other school-boys to do as they + are doing. However, I may say to him, that, as a school-boy, I + was anxious to be _manly_, like the larger boys; and, by the + advice of one, I took a quid, and kept it till I was very sick, + but did not tell my parents what the matter was; and, from that + time to this, have never chewed, smoked, or snuffed. To this + abstinence from its use (and from spirit) I owe, under God, my + present position in society. Further, I have always given the + preference to such persons as I have employed, for more than + forty years past, who have avoided rum and tobacco; and my + experience has been such as to confirm me that it is true wisdom + to have done so. The evil is growing in a fearfully rapid ratio + among us; and requires the steady course of respected and honored + men to prevent its spread, by influencing the school-children of + our land against becoming its slaves. You will please use the + fifty copies in the way you think best. If my life is spared, the + Mather School boys will be allowed to tell their own experience + to the boys of all the other public schools in this city and + neighborhood. In short, I look to these boys influencing three + millions of boys within the next thirty or forty years. Is not + this work worth looking after?" + +The following well-merited tribute to the character of a respected +citizen, who devoted his life to the promotion of every good object, +is extracted from a note written by Mr. Lawrence to the Hon. Benjamin +Seaver, then Mayor of the city, and dated Aug. 23: + + "MY FRIEND SEAVER: I have desired, for some weeks past, to + inquire of you some further particulars of the disposition our + friend Tarbell[16] made of his property. You mentioned that + something would be paid over to A. & A. Lawrence, and something + to the Old Ladies' Home, which institution he helped forward by + his labors and his influence, in an important stage of its + existence; and he was called off just as he was beginning to + enjoy the fruits of his labor, in making a multitude of old + ladies happy in thus supplying them a home for the remainder of + their days on earth. Our friend has passed on; but I doubt not + that his labors have prepared him to enter that world where + there is no weariness or want, and all sufferings are at an end. + I have journeyed side by side, for more than three-score years, + with our friend; and can say, with truth, that I never knew him + guilty of a dishonest or dishonorable act, and that his life was + a practical exponent of his Christian principles. I pray to our + Father to make me more faithful in doing the work our friend had + so much at heart, while I can do it. My share of the money,[17] + coming from his estate, I shall wish paid over to the Old Ladies' + Home, and I doubt not brother A. will wish the same done with his + share. This appropriation will increase our friend's happiness, + even in his heavenly home; for the voice from Heaven proclaims, + 'Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; that + they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow + them.'" + + [16] The late Thomas Tarbell, originally from Groton, Mass. + + [17] This was a debt contracted by Mr. T., in 1826, amounting, at that + time, to about fifteen hundred dollars, when he failed in business. + The amount of the debt was soon after transferred to the "Old Ladies' + Home." + +The editor feels some delicacy in inserting the following, from a +gentleman still living, and in our own vicinity; but the tribute to +Mr. Lawrence, coming, as it does, from a divine so distinguished in +all those qualities which adorn his own profession, as well as for +every Christian virtue, is too flattering to be omitted: + + "ELMWOOD, Sept. 3. + + "MY DEAR FRIEND: I take such paper as happens to be near me, in + my sick chamber, to thank you for the books and pamphlets, which + I have read as much as my dim sight and weak nerves will allow me + at present to read. I wish, when you write to your friend Dr. + Hamilton, you would thank him for me for his eloquent and + evangelical appeals for Christian truth and duty. Tell him I am a + Congregational Minister of Boston, but no sectarian; that I was + matriculated at the University of Edinburgh, fifty years ago, and + studied divinity there under Drs. Hunter, Micklejohn, Moodie, + &c., and moral philosophy, under Dugald Stewart;--that my + particular friends were David Dickson, since Minister of St. + Cuthbert's, Edinburgh; David Wilkie, since Minister of Old Gray + Friar's Church, Edinburgh; Patrick McFarlane, since Minister in + Glasgow and Greenock; Thomas Brown, since Professor of Moral + Philosophy at Edinburgh; David Brewster, since Sir David, &c.: + most of whom he probably knows. Tell him I should be glad of his + correspondence, as I have that of his friend, Principal Lee, of + the University of Edinburgh; and that we should be glad to see + him in Boston. I was happy to see your name appended to a + petition on the subject of the liquor law, though I always expect + to find it among the advocates of every benevolent enterprise + within your reach. Your visit did me much good. I have much + valued your friendship, and your manifestations of respect and + regard for me. Heaven bless you and yours, and make you more and + more a blessing! Come and see me when you can, my dear friend. + With much affection and respect, + + "Your old friend, + + CHARLES LOWELL. + + "P. S.--I write with a feeble hand, dim sight, and nervous + temperament." + +In enclosing the preceding note to the Rev. Dr. Hamilton, Mr. Lawrence +writes, Sept. 4: + + "The writer of the foregoing is the Rev. Dr. Lowell, of this + city, who is broken down in health, but not at all in his + confidence and hope and joy in the beloved Jesus. Of all men I + have ever known, Dr. Lowell is one of the brightest exemplars of + the character and teachings of the Master; for all denominations + respect him, and confide in him. For more than forty years I have + known him; and, in all the relations of a good pastor to his + people, I have never known a better. I have met him in the sick + chamber, with the dying, and in the house of prayer. In the + character of a teacher, and a leader of the people heavenward, no + one among us has been more valued. Although I have not been a + member of his church, he has, in times of great urgency, supplied + our pulpit, and has always been ready to attend my family and + friends when asked. I sent him such of your writings as I had in + store for circulation, 'The Royal Preacher' among them; and I + must say to you that I think no living man is preaching to + greater multitudes than you are at this day. I have circulated + tens of thousands of your tracts and volumes, and, if I am + spared, hope to continue the good work. Millions of souls will be + influenced by your labors." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVII. + +CORRESPONDENCE.--DIARY. + + + (FROM LADY BUXTON.) + + "NORTHRUPP'S HILL, Sept. 8, 1852. + + "MY DEAR FRIEND: Again I have to thank you for your kind + remembrance of me in your note and little book on the abuse of + tobacco, and your sympathy with me in my late deep anxiety, + ending in the removal of my most tenderly beloved and valued + daughter Priscilla. It pleased God to take her to himself on June + 18, to the inexpressible loss and grief of myself, and her + husband and children. We surely sorrow with hope; for she had + loved and followed the Lord Jesus from her childhood, and had + known and obeyed the Holy Scriptures, which did make her, under + the influence of the blessed Spirit, wise unto salvation. To her, + to live was Christ, and therefore to die, gain; and we are + thankful, and rejoice for her. Her spirit is with the Lord, + beholding and sharing his glory, and reünited to her dearest + father, brothers, and sisters, and many beloved on earth, in joy + unspeakable. Still, we do and are permitted to mourn. * * + + "Priscilla traced the foundation of her illness to the great + exertion she used in revising and altering her father's work on + the remedy for the slave-trade. The stress upon her feelings and + mind was too great for her susceptible nature. I believe it might + be traced further back to her very great efforts to assist her + father in his public business; so that I may say, I have had to + part with the two most beloved, and gifted nearly, I have ever + known, for the cause of God. But the comfort is intense that they + cannot lose the abundant recompense of reward given through mercy + and favor, not for any merits of their own, to those who love and + serve the Lord. I must thank you most warmly again for the + valuable gift of 'Uncle Tom's Cabin.' When it arrived, it was + unknown in this country; now it is universally read, but sold at + such a cheap rate, in such poor print, that this very beautiful + copy is quite sought after. How wonderfully successful a work it + has proved! I hope your little book upon tobacco may be of use + here. I shall send it to my grandsons at Rugby. I fear you have + been suffering much from bodily illness and infirmity, my dear + friend. I trust your interesting circle about you are all well + and prospering, and enjoying the blessing and presence of the + Saviour. With kindest regards and affection, I am yours very + sincerely, + + H. BUXTON." + + "_September 23, 1852._--By a singular coincidence, at the same + time I received Lady Buxton's letter, I received one from 'Mrs. + Sunny Side,'[18] from her sick chamber, asking the loan of some + of Miss Edgeworth's works; also a note from Mrs. Stowe, giving me + some information respecting the publication of 'Uncle Tom's + Cabin' in England and Germany; also a letter from our minister in + Portugal; and, three or four hours later, 'Uncle Toby' called, + having spent the day in the Mather School, lecturing on tobacco." + + [18] Mrs. Phelps, wife of Professor Phelps, of Andover, and daughter + of Professor Stuart, the authoress of "Sunny Side," "Peep at Number + Five," and other popular works. + +From a letter written about this time, an extract is made, which is +interesting as showing his system of diet. + + "My own wants are next to nothing, as I live on the most simple + food,--crusts and coffee for breakfast; crusts and champagne for + dinner, with never more than three ounces of chicken, or two + ounces of tender beef, without any vegetable, together eight + ounces; coarse wheat-meal crusts, and two or three ounces of + meat, in the twenty-four hours,--beginning hungry, and leaving + off more hungry. I have not sat at table with my family for + fifteen years, nor eaten a full meal during that time, and am now + more hale and hearty than during that whole period." + + + (TO A LADY IN FLORIDA.) + + "BOSTON, Oct. 14, 1852. + + "DEAR MRS. ----: Your deeply interesting note reached me within + the last half-hour; and I feel that no time should be lost in my + reply. My life has been protracted beyond all my friends' + expectations, and almost beyond my own hopes; yet I enjoy the + days with all the zest of early youth, and feel myself a spare + hand to do such work as the Master lays out before me. This of + aiding you is one of the things for which I am spared; and I + therefore forward one hundred dollars, which, if you are not + willing to accept, you may use for the benefit of some other + person or persons, at your discretion. Your precious brother has + passed on; and, in God's good time, I hope to see him face to + face, and to receive, through the Beloved, the 'Well done' + promised to such as have used their Lord's trusts as he approves. + I enclose you Lieut. ----'s letter on his return from sea. * * * + * + + "I had a charming ride yesterday with my nephew Frank Pierce, and + told him I thought he must occupy the White House the next term, + but that I should go for Scott. Pierce is a fine, spirited + fellow, and will do his duty wherever placed; but Scott will be + my choice for President of the United States. God bless you, my + child, and have you in the hollow of his hand, in these days of + trial. + + Your friend, + + A. L." + + (TO THE HON. JONATHAN PHILLIPS.) + + "BOSTON, Oct. 25, 1852. + + "TO MY RESPECTED AND HONORED FRIEND: The changing scenes of life + sometimes recall with peculiar freshness the events and feelings + of years long past; and such is the case with me, growing out of + the death of our great New England statesman, who has, for a long + period of years, been looked up to as preaching and teaching the + highest duties of American citizens with a power rarely equalled, + never surpassed. He is now suddenly called to the bar of that + Judge who sees not as man sees, and where mercy, not merit, will + render the cheering 'Well done' to all who have used their trusts + as faithful stewards of their Lord,--the richest prize to be + thought of. Our great man had great virtues, and, doubtless, some + defects; and I pray God that the former may be written in the + hearts of his countrymen, the latter in the sea. Here I begin the + story that comes over my thoughts. + + "About forty years ago, walking past your father's house, with my + wife and some of our family friends, on a bright, moonlight + night, we were led to discuss the character of the owner (your + honored father); some of the party wishing they might possess a + small part of the property which would make them happy, others + something else, when my own wish was expressed. It was, that I + might use whatever Providence might allow me to possess as + faithfully as your father used his possessions, and that I should + esteem such a reputation as his a better inheritance for my + children than the highest political honors the country could + bestow. A few years later, I was visiting Stafford Springs with + my wife, and there met you and Mrs. P., and first made your + acquaintance. Still a few years later, I became personally + acquainted with your father by being chosen a Director of the + Massachusetts Bank, he being President. Still later, I became + more intimate with yourself by being a member of the Legislature + with you, when the seceders from Williams College petitioned to + be chartered as Amherst College, which you opposed by the best + speech that was made; and we voted against the separation, and, I + believe, acted together on all the subjects brought up during + that session. Since then, which is about thirty years, I have + been a successful business man, although, for the last twenty + years, I have been a broken machine, that, by all common + experience, should have been cast aside. But I am still moving; + and no period of my life has had more to charm, or has had more + flowers by the wayside, than my every-day life, with all my + privations. The great secret of the enjoyment is, that I am able + to do some further work, as your father's example taught me, when + the question was discussed near forty years ago. Can you wonder, + then, my friend, that I wish our names associated in one of the + best literary institutions in this country; viz., Williams + College? My interest in it seemed to be accidental, but must have + been providential; for we cannot tell, till we reach a better + world, what influence your speech had in directing my especial + attention to the noble head of the college, when I first met him + in a private circle in this city; and, since then, my respect for + his character, my love for him as a man and a brother, has caused + me to feel an interest in his college that I never should have + felt without this personal intercourse. The two hundred young men + there need more teachers; and the college, in view of its wants + has appealed to the public for fifty thousand dollars, to place + it upon an independent footing. * * * * * + + "There is money enough for all these good objects; and, if our + worthy citizens can only be made to see that it will be returned + to them four-fold, in the enjoyment of life in the way that never + clogs, it will not be thought presumptuous in me to advise to + such investments. From long observation, I am satisfied that we + do better by being our own executors, than by hoarding large sums + for our descendants. Pardon me for thus writing to you; but + knowing, as I do, that the college has commenced its appeal for + aid, I am sure you will excuse me, whether you contribute to its + aid or not. With great respect, I am, as I have always been, + + "Your friend, + + AMOS LAWRENCE. + + "P. S.--If you wish to talk with me, I shall be rejoiced to say + what I know about the college." + +In his diary of the same date, Mr. Lawrence writes: + + "6 P. M.--My good old friend has called to see and talk with me, + and a most agreeable conversation we have had. He expressed good + wishes for the college, and will subscribe a thousand dollars at + once, which is a cheering beginning in this city. The interest in + the college will grow here, when people know more about it." + + "BOSTON, _Saturday morning, Nov. 13, 1852_.--The circumstances + which have brought me the following letter from my valued friend, + 'Honest John Davis,' are these: Many years ago, I learned, from + undoubted sources, that his pecuniary losses, through the agency + of others, had so straitened him as to decide him to take his two + sons from Williams College, which seemed to me a pity; and I + therefore enclosed to him five hundred dollars, with a request + that he would keep his boys in college, and, when his affairs + became right again, that he might pay the same to the college for + some future needy pupils. Two or three years afterwards, he said + he was intending to hand over to the college the five hundred + dollars, which I advised not to do until it was perfectly + convenient for him. The circumstances which now call him out are + very interesting; and, to me, the money seems worth ten times the + amount received in the common business of life. Within ten + minutes after Mr. Davis's letter was read to me, Dr. Peters, the + agent of the college to collect funds for its necessities, called + in to report progress in his work. I immediately handed over the + five hundred dollars from John Davis, with a request that he + would acknowledge its reception to my friend at once." + + + "WORCESTER, Nov. 12, 1852. + + "MY DEAR SIR: I have been in Boston but once since my return from + Washington, and then failed to see you. Nevertheless, you are + seldom absent from our thoughts; you do so much which reminds us + of the duties of life, and fixes in our minds sentiments of + cherished regard and unalterable affection. No one can desire a + more enviable distinction, a more emphatic name, than he whom all + tongues proclaim to be the good man; the man who comprehends his + mission, and, with unvarying steadiness of purpose, fulfils it. + There is such a thing as mental superiority, as elevated station, + as commanding influence, as glory, as honor; and these are + sometimes all centered in the same individual; but, if that + individual has no heart; if humanity is not mixed in his nature; + if he has no ear for the infirmities, the weaknesses, and + sufferings of his fellow-beings,--he is like the massive, coarse + walls of a lofty fortress, having strength, greatness, and power; + but, as a man, he is unfinished. He may have much to excite + surprise or to overawe, but nothing to awaken the finer + sensibilities of our nature, or to win our love. The divine + efflatus has never softened the soul of such a man. The heavenly + attributes of mercy, brotherly love, and charity, have never + touched his heart with sympathy for his race. He forgets that a + fellow-being, however humble, is the work of the same God who + made him, and that the work of the Almighty has a purpose. He + forgets the great command to love our neighbor. He forgets that + all who are stricken down with disease, poverty, affliction, or + suffering, are our neighbors; and that he who ministers to such, + be he Jew or Samaritan, is, in the lofty, scriptural sense, a + neighbor. Neither the hereditary descent of the Levite, nor the + purple of the priest, makes a neighbor; but it is he who binds up + the bleeding wound. This is the act upon which Heaven places its + seal of approval, as pleasing in the sight of him that is + perfect. Where there is an absence of purity of heart or generous + sympathy, the man lacks the most ornate embellishment of + character, that lustrous brightness which is the type of heaven. + To minister to the necessities of the humble and lowly is the + work of God's angels; and the man who follows their example + cannot be far from his Maker. You have the means of doing good; + but have what is greater, and a more marked distinction, the + disposition to do it when and where it is needed. Your heart is + always alive, and your hand untiring. * * * * * + + "Some years ago, you did that for me and mine which will command + my gratitude while I live. I needed aid to educate my children; + and you, in a spirit of marked generosity, came unasked to my + relief. I need not say how deeply, how sincerely thankful I was, + that one, upon whom I had no claim, should manifest so generous a + spirit. After a while, times changed somewhat for the better; + and, feeling that I was able to do it, I asked permission to + restore the sum advanced, that you, to whom it belonged, might + have the disposition of it, since it had performed with me the + good that was intended. You kindly gave me leave to hand it over + to the college, but advised me to take my own time, and suit my + convenience. That time has now come; and, as you are again + extending to the college your sustaining arm, and may wish to + take this matter into the account, I herewith enclose a check for + five hundred dollars, with the renewed thanks of myself and my + wife for the great and generous service which you have done us. + We shall, in all respects, have profited greatly by it; and have + no wish to cancel our obligations by this act, but to recognize + them in their fullest extent. I am, most truly and faithfully, + + "Your friend and obedient servant, + + "JOHN DAVIS." + +Some inquiries having been made of Mr. Lawrence respecting the early +history of the Bunker Hill Monument, he writes, on the 12th of +November, in a short note: + + DEAR SON: You may be glad to copy the twelfth section of my will, + executed in 1833. This information is not before the world, but + may be interesting to your children. I could have finished the + monument, sick as I was, at any time before Edmund Dwight's + death, by enlisting with him, who made me the offer, to join a + small number of friends (three Appletons, Robert G. Shaw, and us + three Lawrences), without saying, 'by your leave,' to the + public." + + * * * * * + + "Surety-ship is a dangerous craft to embark in. Avoid it as you + would a sail-boat with no other fastenings than mere wooden pegs + and cobweb sails." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVIII. + +MR. LAWRENCE SERVES AS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTOR.--GEN. FRANKLIN +PIERCE.--SUDDEN DEATH.--FUNERAL. + + +In November, Robert G. Shaw, Esq., and Mr. Lawrence, were chosen +Presidential Electors for the district in which they resided. Both, at +that time, were in the enjoyment of their usual health, and yet both +were removed within a few months by death. The Electoral College was +convened in the State House at Boston, in December; and Mr. Lawrence +has noticed the event by a memorandum, endorsed upon his commission of +Elector, as follows: + + "_December 1._--I have attended to the duty, and have given my + vote to Winfield Scott for President, and William A. Graham for + Vice-President." + +He did not add, that, before leaving the State House, he gave the +customary fee paid in such cases towards freeing the family of a negro +from slavery. + +But little is found in the handwriting of Mr. Lawrence for the month +of December, except his usual record of donations to charitable +objects. He seems to have written but few letters, which may in part +be accounted for by having had his time much occupied by a most +agreeable intercourse with Gen. Franklin Pierce, who, with his family, +were his guests during a part of the month. That gentleman had for +many years been on terms of intimate friendship with Mr. Lawrence, and +had kept up a familiar correspondence from Washington and elsewhere, +which no political differences had abated. He had always been a +favorite; and now, having been elected to the Presidential chair, and +engaged in plans for his future administration, it may be imagined +what interest this intercourse excited in Mr. Lawrence, deeply +concerned as he was in every movement that tended to promote the +political and moral welfare of the country. Many excursions were made +to the interesting spots and charitable institutions of Boston and its +vicinity, during this visit, which has a melancholy interest from the +events which immediately followed it. On the twenty-sixth, General and +Mrs. Pierce left Boston for their home at Concord, N. H., with the +intention of spending a few days with their friends at Andover. They +were accompanied by their only child Benjamin, a bright and promising +boy, twelve years of age, whose melancholy death, but a few days +afterwards, will give an interest to the following note, which he +wrote to Mr. Lawrence in acknowledgment of a little token of +remembrance: + + "ANDOVER, Dec. 27, 1852. + + "DEAR UNCLE LAWRENCE: I admire the beautiful pencil you sent me, + and I think I shall find it very useful. I shall keep it very + carefully for your sake, and I hope that I may learn to write all + the better with it. It was kind in you to write such a good + little note, too; and I see that being industrious while you were + young enables you to be kind and benevolent now that you are old. + I think that you have given me very good advice, and I hope I + shall profit by it. So, dear uncle, with much love to aunt, I am + + "Your affectionate nephew, + + "B. PIERCE." + +The brief history of this promising boy, who exhibited a maturity and +thoughtfulness far beyond his years, is soon told. Nine days +afterwards, in company with his father and mother, he left Andover on +his return home. A few minutes after starting, the cars were +precipitated down a steep bank, among the rocks, causing the instant +death of Benjamin, and bruising the father and many other passengers +severely. The accident sent a thrill of sympathy throughout the Union, +and cast a withering blight upon the prospects of the bereaved +parents, which, amidst all earthly distinctions, can never be +forgotten, and which has perhaps rendered more irksome the great and +unceasing responsibilities of high official station. + + "_Dec. 28._--I sent a large bundle of clothing materials, books, + and other items, with sixty dollars, by steamer for Bangor, to + Professor Pond, of Bangor Theological Seminary, for the students. + Also gave a parcel, costing twenty-five dollars, to Mrs. ----, + who is a Groton girl, and now having twins, making twenty + children: is very poor. + + "_Dec. 30._--To Professor ----, by dear S., one hundred dollars. + Books and items to-day, five dollars." + +These were his last entries. + +On the afternoon of the above date, the writer, in his usual walk, +passed Mr. Lawrence's door with the intention of calling on his +return, but, after proceeding a few steps, decided, from some +unaccountable motive, to give up the accustomed exercise, and pass the +time with his father. Mr. Lawrence appeared in excellent health and +spirits; and nearly an hour was agreeably spent in discussing the +topics of the day. He seemed more than usually communicative; and, +although always kind and affectionate, there was, on this occasion, an +unusual softness of manner, and tenderness of expression, which cannot +be forgotten. The last topic touched upon was the character of a +prominent statesman, just deceased, and the evidence which he had +given of preparation for an exchange of worlds. He spoke somewhat +fully upon the nature of such preparation, and expressed a strong +hope, that, in the present instance, the exchange had been a happy +one. + +In the latter part of the evening, Mr. Lawrence addressed to his +friend, Prof. Packard, of Bowdoin College, the following note, in +reply to some questions asked by that gentleman in regard to the +Bunker Hill Monument, of which he was preparing a history for +publication among the records of the Maine Historical Society: + + "BOSTON, December 30, 1852, evening. + + "MY DEAR FRIEND: Your letter of Tuesday reached me just before my + morning excursion to Longwood to see our loved one there. In + reply to your first query, I answer, that Mr. E. Everett + presented a design of Bunker Hill Monument, which was very + classic, and was supported by Col. Perkins and Gen. Dearborn, I + believe, and perhaps one or two more. Young Greenough (Horatio), + then a student of Harvard College, sent in a plan with an essay, + that manifested extraordinary talents, and was substantially + adopted, although the column was amended by the talents, taste, + and influence of Loammi Baldwin, one of our directors. The + discussion of the model was very interesting; and, among the + whole mass of plans, this of Mr. Everett and Mr. Baldwin, or, as + I before said, a modification of Greenough's, were the only ones + that were thought of. Mr. Everett, and those who favored his + classic plan, were very cordial in their support of the plan of + the monument as it is, very soon after its adoption. Mr. Ticknor + was very active in support of the plan as adopted; and I have a + strong impression that young Greenough's arguments were wholly + just, and, abating some assertions which seemed a little strong + for a mere college-lad, were true and unexceptionable. I write + from memory, and not from overlooking the plans carefully since + the time they were considered. Young Greenough I felt a deep + interest in, and advanced money to his father to allow him to go + abroad to study, which has been repaid since his father's death. + Here I have an interesting story to tell you of this debt, which + I wished to cancel, that the widow might receive the amount. Mr. + Greenough was near his end, and deeply affected, but fully + persuaded that, by the provisions of his will, his widow would + soon have an ample income, and declined the offer. It has turned + out better than he ever anticipated. The books shall go forward, + as you requested. All our family, 'kith and kin,' are pretty + well. The President elect has, I think, the hardest time, being + over-worked; and, as we are now without any one, we shall be + rejoiced to see you here. Pray, come. I shall write again when I + send the 'red book' you request. + + "With love to all, N. and I join; and I bid you adieu. + + "From your friend, + + "AMOS LAWRENCE. + "To Prof. PACKARD, Brunswick, Me." + +The above letter was folded, directed, and left upon his table, and +doubtless contained the last words he ever wrote. + +After the usual family devotions, he retired at about ten o'clock, +and, before his attendant left the room, asked a few questions +relating to the situation of a poor family which he had relieved a day +or two before. Mrs. Lawrence had been in an adjoining room, and, on +returning, found him lying quietly, and apparently engaged in silent +prayer. She did not, therefore, disturb him, but retired for the night +without speaking. In less than two hours, she was awakened by one of +his usual attacks. Remedies were applied; but, no rallying symptoms +appearing, the physician and family were summoned. All that medical +skill could do was in vain; and, at a quarter past twelve, on the last +day of the year, he quietly breathed his last, without having +awakened to consciousness after his first sleep. + +All his temporal affairs seemed to have been arranged in view of this +event. The partnership with his brother, which had existed for nearly +forty years, was dissolved in that way which he had resolved in former +years should alone terminate it. From various prudential reasons, +however, he had changed his opinion, and had decided to withdraw from +all business relations, and accordingly furnished the advertisement, +which was to appear on the next day in the public prints, announcing +his withdrawal. Four days previous, he had executed a codicil to his +will; and thus seemed to have settled his concerns with the closing +year. The summons did not find him unprepared; for it was such as he +had long expected, and had alluded to many times in his conversation, +as well as in his letters to friends. The plans of each day were made +with reference to such a call. Nor can we doubt that he was, in the +highest sense, prepared to exchange what he sometimes was permitted to +call "the heaven on earth" for that higher heaven where so many of his +most cherished objects of earthly affection had preceded him. On the +morning of his death, the editor found upon his table the following +lines, which had been copied by him a few days previous, and which are +the more interesting from being a part of the same hymn containing the +lines repeated by his wife upon her death-bed, thirty-three years +before: + + "Vital spark of heavenly flame, + Quit, O, quit this mortal frame! + Trembling, hoping, lingering, flying,-- + O, the pain, the bliss, of dying! + Cease, fond nature,--cease the strife, + And let me languish into life. + Hark!--------" + +It would almost seem that a vision of the angel-messenger had been +afforded, and that the sound of his distant footsteps had fallen upon +his ear; for, with the unfinished line, the pen thus abruptly stops. + +The funeral ceremonies were performed on Tuesday, the 4th of January. +A prayer was first offered before the body was taken from the house, +in the presence of the family and friends of the deceased, by the Rev. +A. H. Vinton, D.D., Rector of St. Paul's Church. Public exercises in +Brattle-street Church were then performed, in the presence of a +crowded congregation, composed of the numerous friends and former +associates of the deceased, clergymen of all denominations, and large +numbers representing the various professions and trades of the +community. + +The religious services were conducted by three of Mr. Lawrence's most +intimate and valued friends, representing three different +denominations. These were the Rev. Dr. Lothrop, pastor of +Brattle-street Church; the Rev. Dr. Hopkins, President of Williams +College; and the Rev. Dr. Sharp, pastor of the Baptist Society in +Charles-street. A beautiful and appropriate hymn was sung by the +members of the Lawrence Association, from the Mather School, who +surrounded the coffin, and, at the conclusion of the hymn, covered it +with flowers. The body, followed by a large procession of mourning +friends, was then conveyed to Mount Auburn, and deposited by the side +of the loved ones who had preceded him, and under the shade of the +"Old Oak," where may it rest until summoned to the presence of that +Saviour whose example and precepts he so much loved on earth, and +through whom alone he looked for happiness in heaven! + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIX. + +SKETCH OF CHARACTER BY REV. DRS. LOTHROP AND HOPKINS. + + +The correspondence in the preceding pages will, perhaps, give a +clearer view of the character of Mr. Lawrence than anything which can +be adduced by others. It may not be amiss, however, to quote what has +been written by two of his most intimate friends, who had the most +ample means of forming a just estimate of the man, and of the motives +by which he was actuated. Dr. Lothrop, in his sermon preached on the +Sunday after the funeral, says: + + "I have intimated that Mr. Lawrence was intellectually great. I + think he was so. By this, I do not mean he was a scholar or + learned man, with a mind developed and disciplined by severe + training, and enlarged and enriched by varied culture in the + various departments of human thought and study. This, we know, he + was not; although he was a man of considerable reading, who loved + and appreciated the best books in English literature. But I mean + that he was a man of great native vigor of intellect, whose mind + was clear, strong, comprehensive in its grasp, penetrating, + far-reaching in its observation, discerning and discriminating in + its judgments, sagacious in its conclusions; a mind, which, if + enriched by the requisite culture, and directed to such objects, + would have made him eminent in any of the walks of literary or + professional life, as, without that culture, it did make him + eminent in those walks of practical, commercial life to which he + did direct it. I mention this, not to dwell upon it, but simply + because some who have known him little, and that only since + disease had somewhat sapped his strength, may not do him justice + in this respect. Those who remember his early manhood; who saw + the strong, bold, and vigorous tread with which he walked forward + to his rightful place among the merchants of the city; those who + remember the sagacity of his enterprises, his quick and accurate + discernment of character, and the commanding influence he + exercised over others; the ease and rapidity with which he + managed the concerns of a large commercial establishment, and + decided and despatched the most important commercial + negotiation,--these will be ready to admit that he was + intellectually a strong man. To the last this vigor of intellect + showed itself; if not always in his conversation, yet always in + his letters, many of which will be found to have a force of + thought, a fulness of wisdom and sound judgment, a terse, + epigrammatic comprehensiveness of expression, of which no man, + however distinguished by his learning and scholarship, would have + need to be ashamed. The merchants of this city have ever been + distinguished, I believe, for their integrity and benevolence. + Nowhere is wealth acquired by a more honest and healthy activity; + nowhere is a larger portion of it devoted to all the objects + which a wise philanthropy, an extended patriotism, and a tender + Christian sympathy, would foster and promote. Mr. Lawrence was + conspicuous for these qualities. His integrity, I may venture to + say, stands absolutely unimpeached, without spot or blemish. His + history, as a merchant, from first to last, will bear the + strictest scrutiny. Its minutest incidents, which have faded from + the memory of those concerned; its most secret acts, those of + which no human eye could take knowledge,--might all be brought + into the light before us; and like those, I trust, of many of his + fraternity, they would seem only to illustrate the purity and + integrity of his principles, the conscientious regard to truth + and right and justice with which he conducted all the + negotiations of business, and all the affairs of his life. He + seemed ever to me to have a reverence for right, unalloyed, + unfaltering, supreme; a moral perception and a moral sensibility, + which kept him from deviating a hair's breadth from what he saw + and felt to be his duty. It was this that constituted the + strength of his character, and was one of the great secrets of + his success. It was this that secured him, when a young man, the + entire confidence, and an almost unlimited use of capital, of + some of the wealthiest and best men of that day. * * * * * + + "The prominent feature in Mr. Lawrence's life and character, its + inspiration and its guide, was religion; religious faith, + affection, and hope. He loved God, and therefore he loved all + God's creatures. He believed in Christ, as the promised Messiah + and Saviour of the world; and therefore found peace and strength + to his soul, amid all the perils, duties, and sorrows of life. * + * * * * + + "There was nothing narrow or sectarian about Mr. Lawrence's + religious opinions or feelings. He had a large, catholic spirit, + which embraced within the arms of its love, and of its pecuniary + bounty also when needed, all denominations of Christians; and it + is to be hoped that the influence of his example and character + has done something, and will continue to do more, to rebuke that + bigotry which 'makes its own light the measure of another's + illumination.' He took no pleasure in religious disputes or + discussions. The practical in Christianity was what interested + him. His great aim was to illustrate his faith by his daily + walk, and authenticate his creed by a life of practical + usefulness, constant benevolence, and cheerful piety. This aim he + successfully accomplished, to the conviction of persons of all + creeds and of every name. These will all give him a name in the + church universal; will all admit that he was a noble specimen of + a true Christian,--a loving and believing disciple, who had the + very spirit of his Master. That spirit pervaded his daily life, + and formed the moral atmosphere in which he lived and breathed. + It quickened in him all holy, devout, and pious affections; gave + him a profound reverence, a cheerful submission, a bright and + glorious hope,--a hope that crowned every hour with gladness, + robbed death of all terrors, and, in _his_ soul, brought heaven + down to earth." + +The following extracts are taken from the sermon, by President +Hopkins, before the students of Williams College,--a sermon from which +extracts have been already made: + + "Having thus spoken of the use of his property by Mr. Lawrence, I + observe that it was distinguished by the three characteristics + which seem to me essential to the most perfect accomplishment of + the ends of benevolence, and that in two of these he was + preëminent. + + "The first of these is, that he gave the money in his life-time. + No man, I presume, has lived on this continent who has + approximated him in the amount thus given; and in this course + there are principles involved which deserve the careful attention + of those who would act conscientiously, and with the highest + wisdom. There may doubtless be good reasons why property destined + for benevolent uses should be retained till death, and he is + justly honored who then gives it a wise direction; but giving + thus cannot furnish either the same test or discipline of + character, or the same enjoyment, nor can it always accomplish + the same ends. By his course, Mr. Lawrence put his money to its + true work long before it could have done anything on the + principle of accumulation; and to a work, too, to which it never + could have been put in any other way. He made it sure, also, that + that work should be done; and had the pleasure of seeing its + results, and of knowing that through it he became the object of + gratitude and affection. So doing, he showed that he stood + completely above that tendency to accumulate which seems to form + the chief end of most successful business men; and which, unless + strongly counteracted, narrows itself into avarice, as old age + comes on, almost with the certainty of a natural law. He did + stand completely above this. No one could know him, without + perceiving, that, in his giving, there was no remnant of grudging + or reluctance; that he gave, not only freely, but with gladness, + as if it were the appropriate action of a vital energy. And in so + doing, and in witnessing the results, and in the atmosphere of + sympathy and love thus created, there was a test and a discipline + and an enjoyment, as well as a benefit to others, that could have + been reached in no other way. + + "The second peculiarity in the bounty of Mr. Lawrence, and in + which he was preëminent, was the personal attention and sympathy + which he bestowed with it. He had in his house a room where he + kept stores of useful articles for distribution. _He_ made up the + bundle; _he_ directed the package. No detail was overlooked. He + remembered the children, and designated for each the toy, the + book, the elegant gift. He thought of every want, and was + ingenious and happy in devising appropriate gifts. In this + attention to the minutest token of regard, while, at the same + time, he could give away thousands like a prince, I have known no + one like him. And, if the gift was appropriate, the manner of + giving was not less so. There was in this the nicest appreciation + of the feelings of others, and an intuitive perception of + delicacy and propriety. These were the characteristics that gave + him a hold upon the hearts of many, and made his death really + felt as that of few other men in Boston could have been. In this, + we find not a little of the utility, and much of the beauty, of + charity. Even in his human life, man does not live by bread + alone, but by sympathy and the play of reciprocal affection, and + is often more touched by the kindness than by the relief. Only + this sympathy it is that can establish the right relation between + the rich and the poor; and the necessity for this can be + superseded by no legal provision. This only can neutralize the + repellent and aggressive tendencies of individuals and of + classes, and make society a brotherhood, where the various + inequalities shall work out moral good, and where acts of mutual + kindness and helpfulness may pass and repass, as upon a golden + chain, during a brief pilgrimage and scene of probation. It is a + great and a good thing for a rich man to set the stream of + charity in motion, to employ an agent, to send a check, to found + an asylum, to endow a professorship, to open a fountain that + shall flow for ages; but it is as different from sympathy with + present suffering, and the relief of immediate want, as the + building of a dam to turn a factory by one great sluiceway is + from the irrigation of the fields. By Mr. Lawrence both were + done. + + "The third characteristic referred to of the bounty of Mr. + Lawrence was, that he gave as a Christian man,--from a sense of + religious obligation. Not that all his gifts had a religious + aspect: he gave gifts of friendship and of affection. There was a + large enclosure, where the affections walked foremost, and where, + though they asked leave of Duty, they yet received no prompting + from her. Whether he always drew this line rightly; whether, in + the measure and direction of his charities, he was always right; + whether so much of diffusion and individuality was wise,--it is + not for me to say. Certain it is, that this form of charity holds + a place in the church now less prominent relatively than it did + in the early ages; and it may be that the proportions of + Christian character, in portions of the church, need to be + remodelled and recast in this respect. These are questions for + each individual. It is sufficient to know that Mr. Lawrence + looked the great doctrine of stewardship full in the face, and + prayed earnestly over it, and responded to it practically, as few + have done. * * * * + + "Undoubtedly, he was a man of great original powers. On this + point, I have had but one opinion since knowing him. His mind was + not speculative, discursive, metaphysical: but, in the high moral + qualities; in decision and energy; in intuitive perception, and + sound, practical judgment; in the sensibility and affections, and + in the imagination,--he was great. Like all remarkable men who + are not one-sided, he had large faculties, which found their + harmony in their conflict, or rather in their balance. He was + quick and tender in his feelings, yet firm; ardent in his + affections, yet judicious; large in his gifts, yet + discriminating; he was a keen observer, yet kind in his feelings; + he had a fertile and shaping imagination: he built air-castles, + and they vanished, and then he built others; but, when he decided + to build anything on the ground, it was well-planned and promptly + finished. His tastes were natural and simple, his habits plain, + and his feelings always fresh, genuine, and youthful. Not even + the smell of the fire of prosperity had passed on him. He shunned + notoriety. He had a strong repugnance to all affectation and + pretence and misplaced finery. A young man with rings on his + fingers had small chance of favor or employment from him. He was + impatient of talk when action was called for, and of all + attempts to substitute talk for action. His command over the + English language, especially in writing, indicated his power. + Style is no mechanical product, that can be formed by rules, but + is the outgrowth and image of the mind; and his had often great + felicity and strength. When he wrote under the impulse of his + feelings, he seemed to impregnate the very paper, and make it + redolent of them. He loved nature; and, instead of becoming + insensible to it as years came on, it seemed rather to open upon + him like a new revelation. It was full of life and of teaching, + and the charms of natural beauty were heightened by those + associations which his quick imagination connected with its + objects and scenes. After the death of two of his children, he + says: 'Dear S. and R. speak in words without sound through every + breeze, and in every flower, and in the fragrance of every + perfume from the fields or the trees.' Years ago, after a long + confinement, with little hope of recovery, he visited, when first + able to get out, the Panorama of Jerusalem, then on exhibition in + Boston, and remained there till the scene took full possession of + his mind. Shortly after, on a fine day, he rode out to Brookline; + and, as returning health threw over those hills a mantle of + beauty that he had never seen before, they were immediately + associated in his mind with the Panorama of Jerusalem, and then + with the glories of the Jerusalem above. This association was + indissoluble, and he would take his friends out to see his 'Mount + Zion.' In 1850, he says, 'It really seems to me like the sides of + Mount Zion, and that I can cling to them as I view them.' * * * * + * + + "He was a deeply religious man. His trust in God, and his hope of + salvation through Christ, were the basis of his character. He + believed in the providence of God as concerned in all events, and + as discriminating and retributive in this world. He felt that he + could trust God in his providence, where he could not see. 'The + events of my life,' he writes, 'have been so far ordered in a way + to make me feel that I know nothing at the time, except that a + Father rules; and his discipline, however severe, is never more + so than is required.' He believed in the Bible, and saw rightly + its relation to all our blessings. 'What,' he writes again, + 'should we do, if the Bible were not the foundation of our + self-government? and what will become of us, when we wilfully and + wickedly past it behind us?' He read the Bible morning and + evening in his family, and prayed with them; and it may aid those + who are acquainted with the prayers of Thornton, in forming a + conception of his religious character, to know that he used them. + Family religion he esteemed as above all price; and, when he + first learned that a beloved relative had established family + worship, he wept for joy. He distributed religious books very + extensively, chiefly those of the American Tract Society, and of + the American Sunday School Union. * * * * Of creeds held in the + understanding, but not influencing the life, he thought little; + and the tendency of his mind was to practical rather than + doctrinal views. He believed in our Lord Jesus Christ as a + Saviour, and trusted in him for salvation. He was a man of + habitual prayer. The last time I visited him, he said to me, that + he had been restless during the night, and that the only way in + which he could 'get quieted was by getting near to God,' and that + he went to sleep repeating a prayer. During the same visit, he + spoke strongly of his readiness, and even of his desire, to + depart. He viewed death with tranquillity and hope and + preparation, for it was habitual with him. What need I say more? + At midnight the summons came, and his work was done." + + + + +CHAPTER XL. + +CONCLUSION. + + +Mr. Lawrence was of about the medium height, and, until reduced by +sickness, was erect in person, and active and vigorous in his +movements. The expression of his countenance was mild and cheerful, +partaking of that benevolent cast which one would have been led to +expect from the tenor of his daily life. His affections were warm, and +his feelings quick and ardent. His temperament was of a nervous +character, thereby inclining him to impatience. With this defect he +had to struggle much in early life. It is related of him, that he +once, by some hasty reply, wounded the sensitive feelings of a +cherished sister, who afterwards died; and so much did he regret his +impatience, that he made a resolution to persevere in his efforts +until he had conquered the fault. A great change was soon remarked in +him in this respect; so much so, that a relative, who passed several +months under his roof during his early married life, was surprised at +not seeing the least evidence of this tendency. During his latter +years, when weakened by disease, and when his nervous system had been +shattered by his violent and peculiar attacks of illness, he had more +difficulty in controlling his feelings and expressions. On the second, +sober thought, however, no one could have been more ready to confess +the fault, and to make such reparation as the case demanded. + +His daily actions were guided by the most exalted sense of right and +wrong; and in his strict sense of justice, Aristides himself could not +surpass him. He was a living example of a successful merchant, who +had, from the earliest period of his business career, risen above all +artifice, and had never been willing to turn to his own advantage the +ignorance or misfortune of others. He demonstrated in his own case the +possibility of success, while practising the highest standard of moral +obligation. He had ever commanded the confidence of those around him. +When an apprentice in his native town, many of his customers relied +upon his judgment rather than their own. He never deceived them, and +early adopted as his rule of life, to do to others as he would have +them do to him. Thus he stood high in the confidence, as well as in +the estimation, of his neighbors. What "Amos" said was right, and no +one could gainsay. + +If any one thing was, more than another, the means of promoting his +success in life, we should say it was this faculty of commanding the +confidence of others. To this can be traced the prosperity of his +earliest business years; and, as his sphere enlarged, and his +financial operations were extended, the same feeling of confidence +gave him the unlimited command of the means of some of the wealthiest +capitalists in New England, who, through the most critical seasons in +the mercantile world, placed implicit confidence in the house of which +he was the senior partner. + +Mr. Lawrence had no fluency in conversation. His mind was ever active; +but the volume of thought found no corresponding channel of utterance. +The very number of ideas seemed to impede the power of expression. + +Had his talents been devoted to literary or scientific pursuits, he +would have earned distinction by his pen. His mind was not of that +logical cast, which, from patient reasoning, can deduce effects from a +succession of causes; but arrived at its conclusions by a kind of +intuition, somewhat like those rare instances of mathematicians who +solve a difficult problem, and yet can give no account of the mental +process by which the solution has been reached. + +As a husband and father, he was ever kind and affectionate. He was +domestic in his tastes, and found his greatest enjoyment in his home. +Here he was eminently favored, and ever found the warmest sympathy, +and that considerate care and kindness so necessary in latter years to +his feeble health. No one who has read the preceding correspondence +can have failed to see the interest which he ever took in all that +concerned the welfare of those whom Providence had committed to his +keeping. His letters to his children would fill many volumes, and are +in themselves an enduring testimony to his fidelity and watchful care +during a long series of years. His motto was, "Line upon line, precept +upon precept;" and thus his constant aim was to impress upon their +minds the great principles of religion and morality. No parent could +be more indulgent when such indulgence was consistent with the true +welfare of his children, or more resolute in denying what was hurtful. +Their present happiness was a great object; but his desire for their +ultimate good was still greater. + +As a friend, he was most faithful and sympathizing; and many now +living can testify to the value of his friendship. Few, perhaps, have +had more friends. Their affection for him was not founded so much upon +gratitude for his constantly recurring favors, as upon the warm +sympathy and affection with which his heart, was filled toward them +and theirs. + +As a citizen, his views were comprehensive, and were bounded by no +lines of sectional or party feeling. He was most deeply interested in +all that concerned the honor and prosperity of his country, and keenly +sensitive to the injury inflicted by such measures as tended to +depreciate her standing in the estimation of other nations, or of good +men among her own citizens. He was a true patriot, and had adopted the +views and aims of the best men of the republic in former days, while +he viewed with distrust many of the popular movements of more modern +times. From his father he had inherited the most profound veneration +for Gen. Washington, and faith in his public policy; while the +political principles of Alexander Hamilton and John Jay were those +alone by which he thought the permanent happiness and prosperity of +the country could be secured. + +As a Christian, he endeavored to walk in the footsteps of his Master. +He had no taste for the discussion of those minor points of doctrine +upon which good men so often differ, but embraced with all his heart +the revealed truths of the Gospel, which the great body of Christians +can unite in upholding. He sought those fields of labor where all can +meet, rather than those which are hedged in by the dividing lines of +sect and party. + +He reverenced the Bible, and, from the first chapter of the Old +Testament to the last chapter of the New, received it as the inspired +Word of God. This was his sheet-anchor; and to doubt was, in his view, +to leave a safe and peaceful haven, to embark upon an unknown ocean of +danger and uncertainty. + +Religion was for him a practical thing for every-day use, consisting +not so much in frames and emotions as in the steady and persevering +performance of the daily duties of life. His view of duty did not +limit him to the common obligations of morality, but included the +highest sense of duty towards God; or, as he has expressed it in one +of his early letters, "to be a moral man merely, is not to be a +Christian." He was an active helper in all that tended to promote the +cause of Christianity among nations, as well as to promote spiritual +progress among individuals. The Christian banner, in his view, covered +many denominations; and, with this belief, his charities were directed +to the building up of institutions under the influence of the various +sects differing from that under which he himself was classed. + +What has been said of John Thornton might be applied to him: + + "He was a merchant renowned in his generation for a munificence + more than princely. He was one of those rare men in whom the + desire to relieve distress assumes the form of a master-passion. + Conscious of no aims but such as may invite the scrutiny of God + and man, he pursued them after his own fearless fashion, yielding + to every honest impulse, choosing his associates in scorn of mere + worldly precepts, and worshipping with any fellow-Christian whose + heart beat in unison with his own, however inharmonious might be + some of the articles of their respective creeds. His benevolence + was as unsectarian as his general habits; and he stood ready to + assist a beneficent design in every party, but would be the + creature of none. He not only gave largely, but he gave wisely. + He kept a regular account (not for ostentation, or the + gratification of vanity, but for method) of every pound he gave. + With him, his givings were made a matter of business, as Cowper + says, in an 'Elegy' he wrote upon him,-- + + 'Thou hadst an industry in doing good, + Restless as his who toils and sweats for food'" + +Those who were not acquainted with Mr. Lawrence might suppose that his +long continued ill-health, extending through a period of twenty-one +years, permitted the formation of a character which few could attain +who should not be called upon to pass through a similar discipline. + +That the isolation from the business-world, and freedom from the cares +and struggles of active life, to which most men are subjected, tended +to give him a more just and dispassionate view of his relations to +God, as well as to his fellow-men, cannot be doubted. + +The peculiar elevation and spirituality of mind which he acquired must +not, however, be looked upon as the hot-bed growth of the invalid's +chamber; but rather as the gradual development of a character whose +germ was planted far back in the years of childhood. The principles of +religion and truth which were inculcated by a faithful and sensible +mother upon the heart of the child, shone forth in all the events +which marked the life of the future man. + +Of Mr. Lawrence's religious opinions respecting those doctrinal points +upon which Christians are divided, the writer will not speak; though, +from repeated conversations with his father on the subject, in the +hours of health as well as of sickness, he might consistently do so. +Rather than make assertions which might lead to discussion, it is more +grateful to his feelings to leave the subject to the unbiassed +judgment of those who shall read the preceding correspondence. + +Let it rather be the aim of those who loved and honored him in life to +imitate his example, now that he is dead. They may rejoice that they +were permitted to claim as a relative, and to have daily intercourse +with, one who has exhibited, in such an abundant degree, those fruits +which are the truest and best evidence of a genuine faith. + +In completing this volume, the editor feels that he has fulfilled a +sacred trust; and his great regret is, that the work could not have +been undertaken by some one more fitted, by his qualifications and +past experience, to do justice to the subject. For reasons given in +the Preface, this could not be; and it is, therefore, with great +diffidence that these pages are submitted as a memorial of one whose +life and character deserve more than a passing record. + +If, however, what has been done shall be the means of directing the +attention of those for whom the volume has been prepared to the +consideration of the precepts here recorded; and, above all, if those +precepts shall be the means of influencing them for good in their +future course in life,--the effort will not have been in vain. + + + + +INDEX. + + + Abstinence; total, from tobacco and intoxicating drinks, by + Mr. Lawrence, 25 + + Accounts, benefit of keeping, illustrated, 86 + + Adams, Amos, 44 + + Adams, Samuel, 140 + + Advice, letters of, to Abbott Lawrence, 48-53 + + Amherst College, effort of Mr. Lawrence in behalf of, 243 + + Amin Bey, letter to, from Mr. Lawrence, 285 + + Anatomy, views of Mr. Lawrence respecting the dissection of human + bodies, 218 + + André, Major, 217 + + Appleton, Jesse, 190 + + Appleton, Mrs., death of, 190 + + Athenæum, in Boston, Mr. Lawrence's plans for benefit of, 200 + + + Baldwin, Loammi, 338 + + Baltimore, derangement of business in, 73 + + Bangor Theological Seminary, donation by Mr. Lawrence to, 310 + donation for students in, 337 + + Banks, suspension of in 1837, 141 + + Bible, Mr. Lawrence's estimate of the, 257 + + Birth-place, attachment to expressed by Mr. Lawrence, 151 + of Mr. Lawrence, engraving of, 151 + + Blagden, George W., note from, respecting Rev. Dr. ----, of + Scotland, 313 + letter from Mr. Lawrence to, 316 + + Blake, George, 84 + + Bondsmen, advice respecting fathers becoming, 37 + + Book-keeping by double entry, adopted by Mr. Lawrence, 61 + + Boston, religious controversy in, 65 + Mr. Lawrence elected representative of, 77 + wooden buildings in, 78 + post-office, dead letters from, 154 + + Bowdoin College, donation by Mrs. Lawrence to, 244 + + Brattle-street Church, Mr. Lawrence's connection with, 184 + + Brazer, James, 22, 221 + his store described, 23 + + Bridgman, Laura, 235 + + Briggs, George N., 214, 281 + presentation of a cane to, by Mr. Lawrence, 227 + + Brooks, Peter C., death and character of, 263 + + Buckminster, J. S., remains of removed to Mount Auburn by Mr. + Lawrence, 175 + + Bunker Hill, desire of Mr. Lawrence to retain for posterity the + battlefield, 99 + + Bunker Hill Monument, Mr. Lawrence's interest in, 84 + objection to a lottery for, 91 + completion of, 169 + Mr. Lawrence's agency in securing the completion of, 170-174 + note from Mr. Lawrence respecting early history of, 332 + history of the plan of, 338 + + Burial-places, Mr. Lawrence's views respecting, 129 + + Business, secret of Mr. Lawrence's success in, 145 + + Buxton, Lady, letter from, to Mr. Lawrence, 298 + letter from, to Mr. Lawrence, 324 + + Buxton, Sir Thomas Fowell, 298 + + + Cabot, Samuel, 268 + + Cambridge Theological School, views respecting, 163 + + Canada, journey of Mr. Lawrence to, 89 + + Canadian Boat-song, 261 + + Canfield, Mr., 38 + + Carroll, Charles, 276 + + Caswell, Oliver, 235 + + Chaplin, Daniel, 18 + + Chapman, Jonathan, 192 + + Charities, memorandum of, 92-95 + proportion of, in 1835, 137 + money for, 178 + "odds and ends" for, 186-187 + correction of a public statement respecting Mr. Lawrence's, 198 + amount expended during ten years in, 311 + total amount expended in, 312 + + Charity, systematic, inculcated by Mr. Lawrence, 118 + + Children, fondness of Mr. Lawrence for, 225-226 + hospital for, founded by Mr. Lawrence, 230-233 + + Christ, object of his death, 266 + + Christmas, Mr. Lawrence's view of, 91 + + Cobb, Gershom, introduces book-keeping by double entry, 61 + + Codman, Dr., 253 + + Colebrooke, Lady, 217 + death of, 304 + + Colebrooke, Sir William, letter to, from Mr. Lawrence, 240 + letter from Mr. Lawrence to, 304 + + Colonization of Africa, aided by Mr. Lawrence, 299, 318 + + Concord, Mr. Lawrence's account of the fight in 1775 at, 215-217 + + Controversy, religious, in Boston, 55 + + Copartnership, offer of Amos Lawrence to dissolve,--declined by + Abbott Lawrence, 47 + + Copartnership of A. & A. Lawrence dissolved by death, 340 + + Cornhill-street, store of Mr. Lawrence in, 29 + + Credit system, Mr. Lawrence's view of, 35 + + Cresson, Elliott, letter to, from Mr. Lawrence, 299 + + + Darley, Mrs., 39 + + Darracott, George, 172 + + Davis, John, loan of $500 by Mr. Lawrence to, 330 + letter from, to Mr. Lawrence, 330 + + Dearborn, H. A. S., 84, 338 + + Debts, Mr. Lawrence's promptness in paying, 31 + + Dexter, Franklin, estimate of his argument on the fugitive + slave law, 287 + + Dexter, Madam, 75 + + Diet of Mr. Lawrence, 123, 326 + table of, kept by Mr. Lawrence, 124 + + Dorchester Heights, reflections on, 140 + + Drinking habits in Mr. Lawrence's early days, 23 + + Dwight, Edmund, 332 + + Dwight, Louis, 308 + testimony of Mr. Lawrence respecting, 219 + + + Ellis, Judge, 77 + + Ellis, Mrs. Nancy, marriage of Mr. Lawrence to, 77 + + Epicureanism, Mr. Lawrence's notion of, 124 + + European fashions, introduction of discountenanced, 90 + + Everett, Edward, 172, 338 + + Expenditures, by Mr. Lawrence, in 1849, 278 + from 1842 to 1852, 311 + + + Fac-simile of Mr. Lawrence's hand-writing, 248 + + Family worship, Mr. Lawrence's remarks on, 150 + + Farwell, Captain, 17, 301 + + Fillmore, Millard, 256 + + Foreign gold, exchange of negotiated, 75 + + Fraternal affection, example of, 147 + + French Revolution of 1830, Mr. Lawrence's sympathy with, 101 + + Fugitive slave law, Mr. Lawrence's opinion of the, 287 + + Funeral ceremonies at the death of Amos Lawrence, 341, 342 + + + Gannett, Ezra S., letter to, 45 + + Gannett, Caleb, 45 + + Gannett, Mrs., hymn for her little boy by, 46 + + Goddard, N., 76 + + Granger's Coffee House, 38 + + Gray, Mrs. Martha, present from Mr. Lawrence to, 214 + + Gray, Robert, 214 + + Green, Wm. L., death of, 251 + + Greenough, Horatio, 338 + + Greenwood, Rev. Dr., 123 + + Groton, scenery in, 152, 153 + + Groton Academy, donations of Mr. Lawrence to, preamble of the + deed, 221 + amount of donations to, by Mr. Lawrence, 222 + donations of $45,000 by William Lawrence to, 222 + extract from address at jubilee of, 223 + + Gurney, Hannah (see Buxton, Lady), 299 + + + Haddock, Charles B., letter from Mr. Lawrence to, 305 + + Hallock, Rev. Mr., 279 + + Hamilton, James, letters from Mr. Lawrence to, 269, 279, 322 + letter from, to Mr. Lawrence, 293 + + Hancock, John, 140 + + Harris, Colonel, 268 + + Harvard College, donation of $50,000 by Abbott Lawrence to, 244 + + Heaven, reunion of friends in, 157 + + Hillsborough Bank, Mr. Lawrence's draft on for specie, 36, 37 + + Hone, Isaac, 76 + + Hone, Philip, 76 + + Hopkins, Mark, President of Williams College, 341 + letters to, from Mr. Lawrence, 124, 183, 213, 214, 255, 257, + 258, 259, 265, 272, 280, 285, 292 + lectures in Boston, 182 + + Hopkins, Mark, extract from his sermon on death of Mr. Lawrence, 287 + peculiarities of Mr. Lawrence's bounty sketched by, 346-360 + + Howe, Dr., 235 + + Hubbard, Judge, 253 + + Hubbart, Tuthill, 154 + + Hulsemann, Chevalier, interview of Mr. Lawrence with, 158 + + + Immigration from Europe, Mr. Lawrence's view of, 258, 270 + + Income, net, of Mr. Lawrence in the first two years, 36 + practice of spending it, adopted by Mr. Lawrence, 263 + + Intoxicating liquors, total abstinence from, by Mr. Lawrence, 25 + + Ireland, Mr. Lawrence's contributions to the famished in, 236, 238 + + + Johnson School, donation to, by Mr. Lawrence, 224 + + + Kast, Dr., 302 + + Kent, Chancellor, 76 + ride with--character of, 158 + + Kenyon College, aid to by Mr. Lawrence, 177 + + + Lafayette, General, Mr. Lawrence's opinion of, 84 + message to, 96 + + Lothrop, Samuel K., 122, 138, 175, 342 + extract from his sermon on the death of Mr. Lawrence, 185 + sketch of character of Mr. Lawrence by, 343-346 + + Lawrence, Abbott, 30, 131, 138 + letters to, 48, 49, 51, 52, 55, 56, 72, 73, 189, 244, 266, 267 + becomes partner with Amos, 38 + character as an apprentice, 38 + declines offer to dissolve copartnership, 47 + sails for Europe, 48 + his dispatch of business, 52 + his military service in the last war with Great Britain, 56, 295 + donation of $50,000 to Harvard College, 244 + candidate for the Vice-Presidency, 256 + tendered the office of Secretary of the Navy, 266 + appointed Minister to the Court of St. James, 269 + his popularity in Great Britain, 295 + likeness of, 295 + + Lawrence, Mrs. Abbott, 280 + + Lawrence, Amos, when and where born, 15 + ancestry of, 15 + early instruction of, 20 + his mechanical skill in boyhood, 20 + anecdote of his school-days, 22 + enters Groton Academy, 22 + becomes a merchant's clerk, 22 + adopts the principle and practice of total abstinence, 24 + wounded by a gun-shot, 26 + apprenticeship terminated, 28 + accepts a clerkship in Boston, 29 + commences business in Boston, 29 + his boarding-house rule, 30 + his promptness in paying bills, 31 + motive for daily study, 32 + his remarks on letter-writing, 32 + his distinction between morality and religion, 34 + his mercantile principles, 35 + view of the credit system, 35 + net income of first two years, 36 + advice against parents becoming bondsmen for their sons, 37 + his opinion of the theatre, 39 + assists to establish his brother William in business, 39 + flying visits to Groton, 40 + alarming illness, 40 + engagement of marriage, 43 + marriage, 46 + offer to dissolve copartnership declined, 47 + letter on the death of his sister, 54 + letter on the birth of his daughter, 57 + recommends marriage, 57 + domestic attachments, 60 + adoption of book-keeping by double entry, 61 + leniency to unfortunate debtors, 61 + second alarming illness, 62 + resignation in prospect of his wife's death, 64 + tour through the Middle States, 68 + appreciation of the right of suffrage, 70 + delegate to assist in settlement of Jared Sparks, 71 + becomes an inmate of his brother's family, 74 + negotiates an exchange of foreign gold, 75 + narrow escape from shipwreck, 75 + second marriage of, 77 + resumes housekeeping, 77 + representative in the Legislature, 77 + letter to Mr. Wolcott respecting his son, 78 + becomes a manufacturer, 79 + curtailment of his business, 81 + extent of his correspondence, 83 + opinion of Lafayette, 84 + interest in Bunker Hill Monument, 84 + journey to Canada, 89 + objection to European fashions, 90 + objection to a lottery for Bunker Hill Monument, 91 + presentation of plate to Daniel Webster, 102, 103 + dangerous illness of, 105 + feelings in sickness, 106, 107, 111 + visit to New Hampshire, 109 + his life in a sick chamber, 112 + his submission under divine chastisements, 112-114 + inculcates systematic charity, 118 + secret of his success, 118 + exercise on horseback, 122 + his diet, 123 + improvement of health, 125 + avoids the appearance of evil,126 + his views of burial-places, 129 + advice about selecting a wife, 130 + advice to his daughter, 131, 132 + gratitude towards his mother, 135 + visit to Washington, 138 + aversion to matrimonial speculations, 138 + estimate of Congressional debates, 139 + visit to Rainsford Island, 139 + reflections on completing thirty years of business, 141 + pecuniary condition, January 1st, 1838, 142 + habits of promptness, 144 + prospects on December 31st, 1838, 146 + reflections on the death of his brother, 149 + advocates family worship, 150 + engraving of his birth-place, 151 + character in the bestowal of gifts, 153 + enjoyment of natural scenery, 155, 156 + belief in reunion of friends hereafter, 157 + annoyances arising from his reputation for benevolence, 159 + his religious belief, 160 + interest in a young colored lawyer, 165-6 + reflections on his fifty-eighth birth-day, 167 + his agency in securing completion of Bunker Hill Monument, 170-174 + poetical toast to, 174 + renders aid to Kenyon College, 177 + acquaintance with Pres. Hopkins, 182 + presents sent to President Hopkins, 183-4 + his aversion to public commendation of himself, 189, 229 + advice respecting his grandchildren, 191 + opposes annexation of Texas, 192 + joy at birth of twin granddaughters, 193 + letter on death of his daughter, 194-196 + sentiments in view of his prosperity, 197 + his view of keeping the Sabbath, 202 + offer of his remains for the dissecting-room, 218 + his interest in the Johnson School, 224 + fondness for children, 226 + provides a hospital for sick children, 230 + his gratitude for prosperity, 234 + contributes to the famished in Ireland, 236 + his application in behalf of Amherst College, 242 + congratulates Abbott Lawrence on his donation to Harvard College, 244 + his attendance at church, 246 + his exactness in business, 247 + kindness to an old debtor, 248 + fac-simile of his hand-writing, 248 + sentiments respecting a religious awakening in college, 255, 312 + objects to his brother's taking political office, 256-257, 258, 266 + estimate of the Bible, 257 + prefers Gen. Taylor for President, 258 + treatment of an applicant for aid, 260 + joy at a revival of religion among Unitarians, 267 + interview with Father Mathew, 270 + adds a codicil to his will, 271 + illness, 272 + desire for death, 272 + keeps Christmas with children, 277 + circulates Dr. Hamilton's works, 279, 291, 292, 294 + lameness, 281 + attentions to children, 292 + circulates Buxton's Life, 298 + cancels a note for $500 against a clergyman, 300 + interest in Wabash College, 309 + controversy with a Scotch clergyman, 313-315 + his ground of religious hope, 316 + circulates Uncle Toby's Stories on Tobacco, 319 + his diet, 326 + prefers Scott for President, 327 + solicits aid for Williams College, from Jonathan Phillips, 328 + relieves the straitened circumstances of Gov. Davis, 330 + chosen presidential elector, 333 + votes for Scott and Graham, 334 + intercourse with Franklin Pierce, 335 + his last writing, 339 + death of, 340 + funeral ceremonies, 341, 342 + sketches of his character, 343 + personal appearance, 352 + character of John Thornton applied to, 357 + general character, 352-359 + + Lawrence, Amos A., 288 + + Lawrence, Arthur, 235 + + Lawrence, John, 15 + + Lawrence, Luther, value of his property, 30 + Speaker of House of Representatives, 148 + Mayor of Lowell, 148 + death of, 148, 149 + + Lawrence, Robert, illness of, 205 + letters of Mr. Lawrence respecting, 206-210 + + Lawrence, Samuel, Sen., 30 + account of, 16 + sketch of his military career, 17, 18 + + Lawrence, Samuel, presentation of a gold box to, by Mr. Lawrence, 235 + + Lawrence, Mrs. Sarah, illness of, 62 + letter to her husband, 63 + her condition described by Mr. Lawrence, 64 + death of, 65 + her death-bed scene described, 65-6 + + Lawrence, Mrs. Susanna, character of, 19 + death of, 199 + + Lawrence, William, 30, 252 + commences business in Boston, 39 + donations of $45,000 to Groton Academy by, 222 + death and character of, 261, 262 + + Lawrence Association, in the Mather School, note to, 237 + contributions for Ireland by, 238 + presentation of a silver cup to Mr. Lawrence by, 277 + hymn sung at funeral of Mr. Lawrence by, 342 + + Letsom, Dr. C., 302 + + Letters from Amos Lawrence, 47 + to a friend, 17, 57, 70, 73, 126, 130, 157, 186, 187, 190, 201, + 215, 245, 246, 252, 262, 267, 283 + to his son, 20, 30, 85, 99, 100, 101, 112, 114, 115, 124, 152, + 190, 194, 200, 205, 206, 207, 332 + to a college student, 24, 25 + to Gen. Henry Whiting, 30, 273, 276 + to a sister, 32, 33, 42, 68, 71, 73, 130, 166, 145 + to Dr. Gannett, 45 + to Abbott Lawrence, 48, 49, 51, 52, 55, 56, 72, 73, 189, 244, + 266, 267 + to his wife, 52, 63, 126 + to a brother, 54, 68 + to his mother-in-law, 63 + to his sister-in-law, 69, 112 + to Frederic Wolcott, 78 + to his eldest son, abroad, 83, 87, 90, 91, 96, 98, 103, 106 + to his second son, at Andover, 86, 117, 118, 125 + to Daniel Webster, 97, 102 + to his mother, 106, 107, 109, 110, 134, 141 + to his daughter, 119, 127, 129, 131, 133, 150, 152 + to his youngest son, 143 + to his sisters, 149, 151 + to a connection, 149 + to his second son, in Europe, 154 + to Rev. Charles Mason, 155 + to Rev. Robert Turnbull, D.D., 160 + to Hon. Robert C. Winthrop, 165 + to General ----, 168 + to Mr. Parker (a partner), 177, 204 + to the Mechanic Apprentices' Library Association, 181 + to President Hopkins, 183, 213, 214, 255, 257, 258, 259, 265, + 272, 280, 285, 292 + to his partners, 196, 245 + to his children in France, 196 + to his grandson, 209 + to R. G. Parker, 224, 229 + to Gov. Briggs, 227 + to Alexander S. McKenzie, 234 + to J. A. Stearns, for Lawrence Association, 237 + to Madam Prescott, 239 + to Sir Wm. Colebrooke, 240, 304 + to a wealthy bachelor, 242 + to Prof. Packard, 243, 338 + to Mr. G----, 251 + to Mr. and Mrs. Green, 252 + to a physician, 253 + to a newspaper editor, 257 + to Rev. James Hamilton, D.D., 269, 279, 294, 296, 322 + to his sons, 272 + to Robert Barnwell Rhett, 274 + to a country clergyman, 280 + to an aged clergyman, 292 + to Elliott Cresson, 299 + to Lady Buxton, 300 + to a lady in Philadelphia, 301 + to Charles B. Haddock, 305 + to Rev. Dr. Scoresby, 307 + to. Rev. Geo. W. Blagden, D.D., 316 + to a friend in South Carolina, 317 + to Benjamin Seaver, 320 + to a lady in Florida, 326 + to Jonathan Phillips, 327 + + Levelling, Judge Story's maxim of, 266 + + Loan of money to Mr. Lawrence by his father, 36 + + Lowell, Charles, letter to Mr. Lawrence from, 321 + + Lowell, John, 78 + + Lunatic Asylum, plan for the new, 308 + + + Manufactures, engagement of Mr. Lawrence in, 79 + largeness of his interest in, 104 + fluctuations in, 236 + views of Mr. Lawrence respecting coarse and fine, 275 + + Marriage of Amos Lawrence, 46 + + Mason, Charles, 193 letter from Mr. Lawrence to, 155 + + Mason, Jeremiah, 109, 117 + remarks of, on Rev, Dr. ----'s lectures, 219, 220 + death and character of, 261, 262 + + Mason, Mrs. Susan, Mr. Lawrence's letter on the death of, 194-196 + + Massachusetts General Hospital, place of Trustee resigned by Mr. + Lawrence, 116 + + Mather School, character of, 276 + + Mathew, Father, 270 + + Matrimonial speculations, aversion of Mr. Lawrence to, 138 + + Maxims of business--speculation condemned, 72 + + McIlvaine, Charles P., letter from, to Mr. Lawrence, 177 + + McKenzie, Alexander S., letter to, + from Mr. Lawrence, 234 + present of a cane to Mr. Lawrence from, 260 + death of, 261 + + Means, James, extract from address at jubilee of Groton Academy, + by, 223 + + Means, Robert, 77 + + Mercantile principles adopted by Mr. Lawrence, 35 + + "Milo," arrival of ship, 52 + + Money, advice about spending, 143 + + Morality and religion, Mr. Lawrence's distinction between, 34 + + Mortgage of his father's farm, 36 + + Mount Auburn, interest taken in, by Mr. Lawrence, 175 + + + National character, reflections upon, 133, 134 + + Native Americans, Mr. Lawrence's view of, 199 + + Natural History Society, donation to, by Mr. Lawrence, 231 + + + Old Ladies' Home, donation to, by Mr. Lawrence, 321 + + "Old Oak," in Mount Auburn, 207, 208 + + + Paine, Robert Treat, 38 + + Parker, C. H., letter to, 177 + + Parker, Daniel P., 268 + + Parker, R. G., letter from to Mr. Lawrence, 225 + + Parker, Susanna, 16 + + Parkman, Messrs., 37 + + Percy, Lord, 217 + + Perkins, Thomas H., 338 + + Pestilence, Dr. Shattuck's account of the, 40-42 + + Phelps, Mrs., 325 + + Phillips, Jonathan, letter from Mr. Lawrence to, respecting aid + to Williams College, 327 + donation from, to Williams College, 229 + + Pierce, Benjamin, son of President Pierce, note from, to Mr. + Lawrence, 336 + sudden death of, 336 + + Pierce, Franklin, character of, 318, 326 + his intercourse with Mr. Lawrence, 335 + + Pitcairn, Major, account of his death, 302 + removal of his remains to England, 303 + + Pitcairn, William, 302 + + Pond, Rev. Dr., 310 + + Prayer adopted by Mr. Lawrence, 248 + + Prescott, General, 17 + Madam, note from Mr. Lawrence to, 239 + her views on the comforts of old age, 239 + + Presidential Elector, Mr. Lawrence chosen in 1852, 334 + + Prince, Martial, 268 + + Property, memorandum-book of Mr. Lawrence respecting his, 80 + + Prudhoe, Lord, 217 + + + Rainsford Island, visit to, and description of scenery, 139 + + Religion. (See Morality.) + its cultivation urged upon his daughter, 119-121 + + Representative, Mr. Lawrence elected, 77 + + Richards, Giles, his card manufactory, 44 + + Richards, Sarah, Mr. Lawrence's engagement of marriage with, 43 + + Richardson, Captain, 22 + + + Sabbath, Mr. Lawrence's view of keeping the, 202 + + Savings Institution. (See Athenæum.) + + Scenery, Mr. Lawrence's enjoyment of, 155, 156 + + Scoresby, Wm., letter from Mr. Lawrence to, 307 + + Sea-serpent seen at Hampton Beach in 1830, Mr. Lawrence's belief + in the, 100 + Mr. Lawrence's belief in the existence of the, 268 + + Sectarianism, Mr. Lawrence's freedom from, 161 + + Sharp, Daniel, 253, 342 + letters from, to Mr. Lawrence, 176, 203, 282 + + Shattuck, George C, his account of the New England pestilence, 40-42 + + Shaw, Robert G., 333, 334 + + Shipwreck, narrow escape of Mr. Lawrence from, 75 + + Slavery, views of Mr. Lawrence on questions of, 275 + view of its tendencies, 318 + contribution for freeing a negro from, 334 + + South Carolina, manufactures in, encouraged by Mr. Lawrence, 275 + + Sparks, Jared, Mr. Lawrence a delegate to assist in the + settlement of, 71 + + Story, Joseph, 169 + letter from, to Mr. Lawrence, 179, 180 + his maxim of "levelling," 266 + + Stone, John S., 123 + letter from to Mr. Lawrence, 162 + + Stowe, Harriet Beecher, 325 + + Strachan, Lady, 237 + + Stuart, Moses, letter of thanks from, 263 + + Sullivan, William, 84 + + + Tarbell, Thomas, tribute to the memory of, 320 + + Taylor, Father, 123 + Zachary, preferred for President by Mr. Lawrence, 258 + + Tennett, Mr., 38 + + Texas, letter of Mr. Lawrence to Mayor Chapman, on the annexation + of, 192 + + Ticknor, George, 338 + + Tobacco, total abstinence from, by Mr. Lawrence, 25 + book against, circulated by Mr. Lawrence, 319 + letter respecting use of, 319 + + Touro, Judah, his donation for Bunker Hill Monument, 173 + + Turnbull, Robert, letter from Mr. Lawrence to, 160 + + + Uncle Tom's Cabin, Lady Buxton's testimony respecting, 325 + + Unitarianism, Mr. Lawrence's opinion of, 246, 247 + + + Van Schaick, M., 76 + + Vinton, Alexander H., 341 + + + Wabash College, donation from Mrs. Lawrence to, 309 + + Ward, General, 140 + + Ware, Henry, Jr., 163 + + Warren, John C., 84, 170, 218 + + Washington, General, 44 + celebration of his birth-day, 116 + + Webster, Daniel, letter from Mr. Lawrence respecting, 68, 69 + Mr. Lawrence's view of his speech in reply to Hayne, 97 + letter to Mr. Lawrence from, 97 + letter to, from Mr. Lawrence, accompanying a presentation of + plate, 102 + letter from to Mr. Lawrence, 103 + remarks on his address at Plymouth, 208 + view of his character by Mr. Lawrence, 327 + of his preparation for death, 337 + + White, Charles, account of his play, the "Clergyman's Daughter," + 38, 39 + + White, Charles, President of Wabash College, 309 + + Whiting, Henry, clerk to Mr. Lawrence, 29 + + Will of Amos Lawrence, codicil to, 271 + + Williams College, Mr. Lawrence's interest in, 182 + donation of $10,000 to, by Mr. Lawrence, 197 + donation of $5,000 by Mr. Lawrence, for a library building at, 213 + enlargement of library building proposed, 215 + scholarships established in, by Mr. Lawrence, 245 + account of Mr. Lawrence's benefactions to, 287-291 + donation to, by Jonathan Phillips, 329 + + Winship, Dr., 302 + + Wolcott, Frederic, letter to, from Mr. Lawrence, 78 + + * * * * * + + + IMPORTANT + + LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC WORKS, + + PUBLISHED BY + + GOULD AND LINCOLN, + + 59 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON. + + +ANNUAL OF SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY; + +Or, Year Book of Facts in Science and Art. By DAVID A. WELLS, A. M. +12mo, cloth, $1.25. + + This work, commenced in the year 1850, and issued in the month of + January, annually, embraces an enumeration and description of + every important Invention, Discovery, or Scientific Theory, + reported during the year. Each volume is distinct in itself, and + contains ENTIRELY NEW MATTER, with a fine portrait of some person + distinguished for his attainments in science and art. + + +LAKE SUPERIOR; + +Its Physical Character, Vegetation, and Animals. By L. AGASSIZ, and +others. One volume, octavo, elegantly Illustrated. Cloth, $3.50. + + +THE PLURALITY OF WORLDS. + +New Edition. With a SUPPLEMENTARY DIALOGUE, in which the author's +reviewers are reviewed. 12mo, cloth, $1.00. + + This masterly production, which has excited so much interest in + this country and in Europe, will now have increased attraction in + the SUPPLEMENT, in which the author's reviewers are triumphantly + reviewed. + + +COMPARATIVE ANATOMY OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. + +By Prof. C. TH. VON SIEBOLD and H. STANNIUS. Translated, with Notes, +Additions, &c., By WALDO J. BURNETT, M. D. One vol., octavo, cloth, +$3.00. + + This is unquestionably the best and most complete work of its + class ever yet published. + + +WORKS BY HUGH MILLER. + +THE FOOTPRINTS of the CREATOR; or, The Asterolepis of Stromness. With +Illustrations. Memoir of the Author by LOUIS AGASSIZ. 12mo, cloth, +$1.00. + +MY SCHOOLS and SCHOOLMASTERS; or, The Story of my Education. 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With elegant Illustrations. 12mo, +cloth, $1.25. + + It is a book of learning, and full of interest, and may be + regarded as among the comparatively few real contributions to + science.--[Christian Witness. + + +THESAURUS OF ENGLISH WORDS AND PHRASES. + +So classified and arranged as to facilitate the expression of ideas, +and assist in literary composition. By PETER MARK ROGET. Revised and +Edited, with a List of Foreign Words Defined in English, and other +additions, by BARNAS SEARS, D.D., President of Brown University. A New +American, from the late stereotype London edition, with ADDITIONS AND +IMPROVEMENTS. 12mo, cloth, $1.50. + + This edition contains important additions of words and phrases + NOT IN THE ENGLISH EDITION, making it in all respects MORE FULL + AND PERFECT THAN THE AUTHOR'S EDITION. The work has already + become one of standard authority, both in this country and in + Great Britain. + + +THE ELEMENTS OF GEOLOGY. + +Adapted to Schools and Colleges. With numerous Illustrations. By J. R. +LOOMIS, Lewisburg University, Pa. 12mo, cloth, 75 cts. + + It is surpassed by no work before the American public. We hope + that every teacher among our readers will examine the work and + put the justness of our remarks to the test of his judgment and + experience.--M. B. ANDERSON, LL. D.--[Pres. of Rochester + University, N. Y. + + This is just such a work as is needed for all our schools. It + should take its place as a text-book in all the schools of the + land.--[N. Y. Observer. + + +THE EARTH AND MAN. + +By Prof. ARNOLD GUYOT. With Illustrations. 12mo, cloth, $1.25. + + +INFLUENCE OF THE HISTORY OF SCIENCE UPON INTELLECTUAL EDUCATION. + +By WILLIAM WHEWELL, D. D. 16mo, cloth, 25 cents. + + +PRINCIPLES OF ZOÖLOGY. + +With Illustrations. By LOUIS AGASSIZ and AUGUSTUS A. 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It contains THREE THOUSAND AND FORTY ANECDOTES, and + more than ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY ILLUSTRATIONS. It is admirably + adapted to literary and scientific men, to artists, mechanics, + and others, as a DICTIONARY FOR REFERENCE, in relation to facts + on the numberless subjects and characters introduced. + + +KITTO'S POPULAR CYCLOPÆDIA OF BIBLICAL LITERATURE. + +Condensed from the larger work, by the author, JOHN KITTO, D. D. +Assisted by JAMES TAYLOR, D. D. With _over 500 Illustrations_. Octavo, +812 pp., cloth, $3.00. + + This work answers the purpose of a commentary, while at the same + time it furnishes a complete DICTIONARY OF THE BIBLE, embodying + the products of the best and most recent researches in biblical + literature, in which the scholars of Europe and America have been + engaged. 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Third edition. 12mo, cloth, 85 + cts. + +Their breadth of view, strength of logic, and stirring eloquence place +them among the very best homilitical efforts of the age. Every page is +full of suggestions as well as eloquence.--[Ch. Parlor Mag. + + MISCELLANIES. New improved edition. _Price reduced_. 12mo, $1.25. + + +THE CRUISE OE THE NORTH STAR; + + A Narrative of the Excursion of Mr. Vanderbilt's Party, in her + Voyage to England, Russia, Denmark, France, Spain, Italy, Malta, + Turkey, Madeira, etc. By Rev. JOHN OVERTON CHOULES, D. D. With + elegant Illustrations, etc. 12mo, cloth, gilt back and sides, + $1.50. + + +VISITS TO EUROPEAN CELEBRITIES. + +By the Rev. WILLIAM B. SPRAGUE, D. D. 12mo, cloth, $1.00. + +A series of graphic and life-like Personal Sketches of many of the +most distinguished men and women of Europe, with whom the author +became acquainted in the course of several European tours, where he +saw them in their own homes and under the most advantageous +circumstances. "It was my uniform custom, after every such interview, +to take copious memoranda of the conversation, including an account of +the individual's appearance and manners; in short, defining, as well +as I could, the whole impression which his physical, intellectual, and +moral man had made upon me." From the memoranda thus made, the +material for the present instructive and exceedingly interesting +volume is derived. Besides these "pen and ink" sketches, the work +contains the novel attraction of a FAC SIMILE OF THE SIGNATURE of each +of the persons introduced. + + +PILGRIMAGE TO EGYPT; EXPLORATIONS OF THE NILE. + + With Observations, illustrative of the Manners, Customs, etc. By + Hon. 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Two volumes in one, 700 pages. + 12mo, cloth, $1.25. + +In simplicity of language, in majesty of conception, in the eloquence +of that conciseness which conveys in a short sentence more meaning +than the mind dares at once admit,--his writings are unmatched.--[North +British Review. + + +GUIDO AND JULIUS. + + The Doctrine of Sin and the Propitiator; or, the True + Consecration of the Doubter. Exhibited in the Correspondence of + two Friends. By FREDERICK AUGUSTUS O. THOLUCH, D. D. Translated + by JONATHAN EDWARDS RYLAND. With an Introduction by JOHN PYE + SMITH, D. D. 16mo, cloth, 60 cents. + + +NEW AND COMPLETE CONDENSED CONCORDANCE + + To the Holy Scriptures. By ALEXANDER CRUDEN. Revised and + re-edited by Rev. DAVID KING, L.L. D. Octavo, cloth backs, $1.25; + sheep, $1.50. + + * * * * * + +Transcriber's note: + +On the Fronstispiece: +"Truly Yours +Amos Lawrence" +is hand written. + +In the Table of Contents the page number for Chapter XXIX +has been changed from 262 to 264. + +Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). + +Text enclosed by +so+ is in blackletter font. + +Small capital text has been replaced with all capitals. + +++- refers to a right pointing finger symbol. + +On the Frontispiece: Handwritten note is unclear, but may read +"Truly Yours Amos Lawrence". + +Page 294: Abbott Lawrence's signature is handwritten below his picture. + +Variations in spelling, punctuation and hyphenation have been retained +except in obvious cases of typographical error. + +The cover for the eBook version of this book was created by the +transcriber and is placed in the public domain. + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Extracts from the Diary and +Correspondence of the Late Amos Lawrence; with a brief account of some incidents of his life, by Amos Lawrence + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 42522 *** |