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diff --git a/42522-8.txt b/42522-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 40b8187..0000000 --- a/42522-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,12593 +0,0 @@ -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 - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Extracts from the Diary and Correspondence of the Late Amos Lawrence; with a brief account of some incidents of his life - -Author: Amos Lawrence - -Editor: William R. Lawrence - -Release Date: April 13, 2013 [EBook #42522] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF AMOS LAWRENCE *** - - - - -Produced by Peter Vachuska, Julia Neufeld and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - - -[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. 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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 THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF AMOS LAWRENCE *** - -***** This file should be named 42522-8.txt or 42522-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/2/5/2/42522/ - -Produced by Peter Vachuska, Julia Neufeld and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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