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diff --git a/77854-0.txt b/77854-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ee8a070 --- /dev/null +++ b/77854-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,26713 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77854 *** + + + + + CHRONICLES OF A PIONEER + SCHOOL + + +[Illustration: 19th-century portrait of an elderly woman in a dark dress +with a white ruffled collar and lace bonnet, seated and facing slightly +toward the viewer. Signature "S. Pierce" below.] + + + + + CHRONICLES OF A PIONEER SCHOOL + FROM 1792 TO 1833 + BEING + THE HISTORY OF MISS SARAH PIERCE AND HER LITCHFIELD SCHOOL + + + COMPILED BY + + EMILY NOYES VANDERPOEL + VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE LITCHFIELD HISTORICAL SOCIETY + AUTHOR OF “COLOR PROBLEMS” + + EDITED BY + + ELIZABETH C. BARNEY BUEL, A.B. + + + PRINTED BY THE UNIVERSITY PRESS + =Cambridge, Mass.= + 1903 + + + _Copyright, 1903_ + BY EMILY NOYES VANDERPOEL + + + + + TO + + JANE LORING + + WIFE OF PROFESSOR ASA GRAY + + AND + + GREAT NIECE OF SARAH PIERCE + + THIS TRIBUTE TO HER AUNT + + IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED + + + + + CONTENTS. + + + PAGE + ANCESTRY OF MISS PIERCE 1 + + + 1792–1793. + + Contemporary Notices of Miss Pierce and her School—History of + Litchfield, Woodruff—History of Connecticut, + Hollister—Centennial Address, Church—Centennial Poem, + Pierpont—Letter from Mrs. Cutler 6 + + + 1796. + + Charlotte Sheldon—Her Diary 10 + + + 1797. + + Julia Cowles—Her Diary 17 + + + 1798. + + Subscription List for Building First Academy 19 + + + 1801–1868. + + Litchfield at the Beginning of the Nineteenth Century—Lucy + Sheldon—Her Diary—Her Letter to her Mother—Reply—Extracts from + her Commonplace Book—Letter to her Brother—Article written by + her 20 + + + 1802. + + Mary Ann Bacon—Her Diary—Her Compositions—Extracts from her + Commonplace Book 66 + + + 1805. + + Susan Masters’ School Bill 80 + + + 1811–1820. + + Miss Pierce’s Histories—Letter from Mrs. Stowe—Names of Prize + Books—Report of Judges for Prize of Merit—Plays by Miss + Pierce—Mrs. Stowe’s Reminiscences of a Play 80 + + + 1814. + + School Rules copied by Eliza Ann Mulford 146 + + + 1815–1820. + + Catherine Cebra Webb—Her Diary—Caroline Chester—Her Diary—Extracts + from her Commonplace Book—Eliza A. Ogden—Her Journal to 1818 148 + + + 1818. + + Address of Miss Pierce at the Close of School in + October—Connection of the Rev. Lyman Beecher and Family with the + School—Poem by Miss Catherine Beecher 176 + + + 1819. + + Annie Chester—Her School Bill—Mary Chester—Her Letters 188 + + + 1820. + + George Younglove Cutler—Extracts from his Journal—Writings of Miss + Pierce—Address at Close of Summer Term—A Fragment—Dialogue + between Miss Trusty and her Pupils—Fragments—Verses—The Misses + Lewis:—Diary—Extracts from their Commonplace Books—Alterations + from Copy of Rules of Julia Seymour 192 + + + 1821. + + Sarah Kingsbury’s Copy of Rules 231 + + + 1822. + + Mary L. Wilbor (Mrs. Stone)—Extracts from her Diary 234 + + + 1825. + + Mary W. Peck (Mrs. Edward D. Mansfield)—Extracts from her + Album—Miss Pierce’s Rules—Custom of exchanging Children—Extract + from Paper by Mr. Julius Gay 241 + + + 1826. + + Terms of Tuition 259 + + + 1827–1856. + + Notes from the Records of the Litchfield Female Academy, with + Subscription List to Second Academy Building 260 + + + 1828. + + Extract from Letter of Miss B. C. Robertson to Miss Pierce—Letter + from Mrs. Fanny Smith Skinner to Miss Mary Pierce—Notice of + Semi-Annual Exhibition 268 + + + 1829. + + Newspaper Advertisements of Academy—School Bill—John P. Brace—His + Indian Ballad—Miss Pierce:—Her Article on Temperance—Her + Poetical Letter written to a Pupil at School 279 + + + 1830–1897. + + Reminiscences—Mrs. Kilbourne—Mrs. Seelye—Mrs. Curtis—Mrs. + Hunt—Miss Fanny Lord—Mrs. Richards—Miss Spencer—Mrs. Knight—Dr. + Josiah G. Beckwith—Miss Gardiner—Mrs. Farnam—Miss Thompson—Mr. + Perkins 286 + + + 1831–1833. + + School Bill—Letter of Anna P. Rogers to Miss Pierce—Letter of + Cornelia Tallmadge to Mrs. Henry Tallmadge—John P. + Brace—Addresses on leaving Litchfield Female Academy and on + Assuming Charge at Hartford—Letter of Rose Terry + Cooke—Advertisement of School from Litchfield “Enquirer” of + April 25, 1833 300 + + + 1802–1842. + + Letters of Miss Sarah Pierce 311 + + + 1852–1901. + + Two Obituaries of Miss Pierce—Sketches and Notes of the Misses + Pierce and of Mrs. Croswell (their Sister), by Mrs. Asa + Gray—Letter of Miss Mary Pierce—Memories of + Litchfield—“Litchfield Hill,” from “Harper’s Magazine” 320 + + + APPENDICES. + + APPENDIX A.—Colonel John Pierce (Miss Pierce’s Brother)—His + Letters—His Almanach 339 + + APPENDIX B.—Dr. Timothy Pierce (Miss Pierce’s Half-Brother)—His + Letters 361 + + APPENDIX C.—Population of Connecticut Towns, 1820 394 + + APPENDIX D.—Lists of Pupils and Subscribers to History 395 + + APPENDIX E.—Genealogy 448 + + INDEX 451 + + + + + LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS + + + PLATE + I. Miss Sarah Pierce _Frontispiece_ + II. John Pierce Brace _Facing page_ 6 + III. Embroidery by Charlotte Sheldon „ 10 + IV. View of Litchfield „ 14 + V. Miss Pierce’s House „ 28 + VI. Facsimile of Invitation to a Ball „ 34 + VII. Fashions of 1807 „ 36 + VIII. Fashion Plate from England, 1799 „ 38 + IX. Lucy Sheldon „ 42 + X. Water-Color by Lucy Sheldon „ 44 + XI. Water-Color by Lucy Sheldon „ 46 + XII. Mary Ann Bacon „ 66 + XIII. Mary Ann Bacon’s Watch and Jewelry „ 72 + XIV. Susan Masters „ 78 + XV. Facsimile of Susan Masters’ School Bill „ 80 + XVI. Lucretia Deming „ 88 + XVII. Elizabeth Huntington Wolcott „ 92 + XVIII. Maria Tallmadge „ 96 + XIX. Embroidery by Zerviah Miner „ 100 + XX. Chart of the History of the World by Mary Ann + Lewis „ 104 + XXI. First Known Diploma „ 108 + XXII. Mrs. Punderson „ 114 + XXIII. Embroidery by Mrs. Punderson „ 120 + XXIV. “The Rose of Sharon” „ 128 + XXV. Lace made by “The Rose of Sharon” „ 134 + XXVI. Julia Chittenden „ 140 + XXVII. Embroidery by Julia Chittenden „ 146 + XXVIII. Caroline Chester „ 150 + XXIX. Chart of English History by Eliza Ogden „ 160 + XXX. Church where Lyman Beecher preached „ 178 + XXXI. Pen Drawing by George Y. Cutler „ 194 + XXXII. Pen Drawing by George Y. Cutler „ 196 + XXXIII. Hector and Andromache, George Y. Cutler „ 200 + XXXIV. Jane R. Lewis „ 220 + XXXV. Bead Bag made by Jane R. Lewis „ 222 + XXXVI. Mary Ann Lewis „ 224 + XXXVII. Sampler of Mary Ann Lewis „ 226 + XXXVIII. Louisa C. Lewis „ 228 + XXXIX. Embroidery by Louisa C. Lewis „ 230 + XL. Water-Color by Amelia Lewis „ 234 + XLI. Painting by Amelia Lewis „ 236 + XLII. Map of the World by Amelia Lewis „ 238 + XLIII. Lace Veil worked by Mary Peck „ 240 + XLIV. Bantam Lake „ 242 + XLV. Prospect Hill „ 246 + XLVI. Love Grove „ 248 + XLVII. Love carrying the World, George Catlin „ 252 + XLVIII. Love’s Fall, George Catlin „ 254 + XLIX. Costume of 1825 „ 258 + L. Costume of 1825 „ 262 + LI. Facsimile of Stock Certificate „ 264 + LII. The Litchfield Academy „ 268 + LIII. Terms for Tuition „ 284 + LIV. Mary A. Hunt „ 288 + LV. Facsimile of Letter of Mary A. Hunt „ 288 + LVI. Litchfield Academy „ 292 + LVII. Costume of 1827 „ 296 + LVIII. Maria Adams „ 300 + LIX. Silhouette of a Litchfield Girl „ 306 + LX. Last School Diploma „ 310 + LXI. Pathway in front of the School „ 316 + LXII. Silhouette of Miss Pierce „ 320 + LXIII. Mary Pierce „ 324 + LXIV. Ruth Pierce „ 326 + LXV. Timothy Pierce „ 360 + + + + + CHRONICLES OF A PIONEER SCHOOL. + + + + + ANCESTRY OF MISS PIERCE. + + +Whenever we meet with a person who rises above the level of his or her +contemporaries and is noted for larger qualities of mind or heart, we +become curious to know how far these qualities may be inherited from +equally distinguished ancestors. In connection with the rare woman whose +life-work is depicted in these pages we are struck with an interesting +coincidence. + +Col. John Pierce was her brother and a prominent figure in the +Revolution, a friend of General Washington, and paymaster of the army at +Ticonderoga. John Pierce, of Litchfield, Connecticut, was her father. +Again, his father was John Pierce, of Wethersfield, Connecticut. Now, +Wethersfield was settled from Watertown, Massachusetts, by men who had +become dissatisfied with the conduct of the Massachusetts Bay Company, +and here again we find a line of John Pierces starting in Watertown and +bringing up in Wethersfield. The first one, John Pierce, or _Pers_, was +made freeman of Watertown in 1638, is spoken of as “a man of good estate +who projected the settlements of Sudbury and Lancaster.” Just before +this we find in England another John Pierce, to whom a patent was +granted by the Crown, February 20, 1620, which is the patent upon which +the Plymouth Company settled after finding that they had landed and were +forced to settle further north than the tract to which their patent from +the South Virginia Company entitled them. + +Now, although unable exactly to connect all these different John +Pierces, namely,— + + John Pierce, England, patentee, 1620. + + John Pierce,[1] Watertown, freeman, 1638. + + John Pierce, his son, lived in Boston, Woburn, Mass., and + Wethersfield. Last mention in Woburn, 1649. + + John Pierce, his son, born 1644, moved to Wethersfield, then to + Southbury, d. 1731. + + John Pierce, his son, b. 1683, moved to South Britain, Conn. + + John Pierce, of Wethersfield, there from 1742 to 1764, will proved + 1774. + + John Pierce, of Litchfield, his son, born 1733. + + Col. John Pierce, brother of Sarah Pierce,— + +the names being identical even to the spelling, it does not need a vivid +imagination to suppose that their blood may have flowed in the veins of +Sarah Pierce, our heroine, or that she drew her inspiration from, and +shared the qualities of the family of whom Gen. E. W. Pierce wrote: +“Indomitable perseverance is also a trait that marks their character in +every department of life and has generally crowned their efforts with +ultimate success, though attained after repeated and mortifying +failures.” And again, among the armorial bearings of the family is a +dove with an olive branch and the motto, “Dixit et fecit,” “He said and +he did.” + +The history of the family in this country fills numerous volumes, +including the variations of the name, such as Pierce, Peirce, Pearce, +Pearse, etc. + +Returning to John Pierce, of London, we find he must have been a man of +position and influence which is shown in the first place by his being +able to acquire a patent. Then he is spoken of as a “citizen and +clothworker of London,” and “that renowned clothworker.” He must also +have been a man of daring and adventure as he set sail for America in +the winter, in the month of December, 1821, in the “Paragon,” a vessel +which he had equipped for the purpose and in which he had gathered a +goodly company of passengers and a quantity of freight for Plymouth. + +Owing to inclement weather they returned to London in fourteen days with +the vessel badly damaged. Unwisely they ventured out again, in the +following month, one of the worst in the year for mariners, with added +passengers and freight. This sailing was no better than the first, as +they soon met a severe storm which injured both vessel and cargo to such +an extent they had to go back to London. It would seem this loss was +both discouraging and irremediable, as we do not learn that the leader +of the expedition ever tried again to cross the Atlantic, but that he +sold out to pay for his losses and assigned his patent to the Plymouth +Company. At that time so little was known of the Plymouth Pilgrims that +they were known as “Mr. Pierce’s Company.” + +We read elsewhere, however, that John Pierce’s enthusiasm for adventure +and colonization must have been shared by his brothers, for Captain +William and Captain Michael came over later. They are the ancestors of +many of the name in this country. That they were men of substance and +education is shown by facts connected with them. Captain William is +stated to be “mariner” and captain of the vessels “Anne,” “Lion,” and +“Mayflower.” In 1623 he brought a noteworthy company to Plymouth. In +1624 he brought the “Winslow” and the first cattle in the “Charity.” In +1625 he was at Plymouth again, in the “Jacob,” bringing “Winslow” and +more cattle. In 1629 he commanded the famous “Mayflower” and conveyed a +company from Holland as far as the Bay on their way to Plymouth. He came +many times in other vessels. In 1636 the first vessel built in this +country and called “Pierce’s Desire” was launched for him at Marblehead, +Massachusetts, and in 1639 he sailed her from Boston to the Thames in +twenty-three days, which would even now be a credit to such a craft and +captain. To him also belongs the credit of bringing to New England from +the West Indies the first cotton, in 1633, and in 1636 the first sweet +potatoes from the same place. He was born in England about 1590 and died +in the Bahamas, July 13, 1641. + +Captain Michael Pierce came over in 1645 and fell fighting with the +Indians in 1676. He was one “who never knew fear.” + +The first attempt in this country at printing anything in book form was +in 1639, when Pierce’s almanac made its appearance. + + +On the other side, from her mother, Mary Paterson, Sarah Pierce +inherited both ability and energy. + +The Patersons originated in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, where they were of +a substantial character. One of their members, William Paterson, became +prominent in London among trading and financial circles. He was born in +1658 and died in 1719. He was much interested in the treaty between his +own country and England and wrote an able pamphlet entitled “The Union +of England and Scotland.” He is called “the chief projector” of the plan +for founding the Bank of England and conducted many of the negotiations +between the government and the merchants. Later he came to America, +passing some time in the Bahamas, and then conceived a plan for aiding +the commerce of Scotland, called the “Darien Scheme.” Darien was to be +colonized as a trading post, but the plan failed, although Baimester +says that the revival of the scheme in these later days proves +Paterson’s great foresight. + +James Paterson, born in Scotland in 1664, was one of the first settlers +of Wethersfield, Connecticut, and there in 1704 he married Mary Talcott. +He, or some of his family, are said to have introduced the use of tin +into this country. He died in 1750, leaving a son, John, born in 1707. +John married Ruth Bird, was active in the army for the King, and rose to +the office of major. He died in 1762. He was the father of Mary +Paterson, who married John Pierce, and also of Major General Paterson, +of whom an able life has been written by Dr. Thomas Egleston, one of his +descendants, and to whom a fine monument has been erected at Lenox, +Massachusetts, where he lived after his Revolutionary career. This Mary +Paterson married John Pierce, and they may have lived with her father, +Major Paterson, at Farmington, Connecticut, after their marriage, as +their oldest child, Col. John Pierce, was born there in 1750. They +probably settled in Litchfield the following year, for it is recorded in +the land records of that place that “John Pierce, of Litchfield,” May +15, 1753, “Bought of Zebulon Bissell ‘my home lot’ 10 acres of land, +barn, and orchard, for £1300.” His father, “John Pierce, of +Wethersfield,” having bought, probably for him, of John Catling, the +previous March, nine acres of land for £305. + +“John Pierce, of Litchfield,” appears frequently afterwards in the land +records, but otherwise we know little of him. Besides farming his land +he had the trade of a potter. He is said to have had fifteen children. +Of these we know that Mary Paterson had seven: John, the colonel, who +married Ann Bard; Mary, who married a Strong; Betsey, Anne, or Nancy; +Susan, who married James Brace; Ruth, who married Thomas O. H. Croswell; +and Sarah. After the death of his first wife John Pierce married Mary +Goodman, and three of their children lived to grow up: Timothy, the +doctor, who died unmarried; James, who was in a bank in New York; and +Mary, who outlived all her brothers and sisters. + +John Pierce died a few years after the birth of his last child, which +threw the responsibility of the family on the oldest son, and perhaps +accounts for our knowing so little about him. That Colonel Pierce +assumed the responsibility bravely and cheerfully, is evident from his +own letters. He was the head of the family, and advised his brothers and +sisters, particularly Sarah, when she was in New York preparing for the +task which perhaps he had picked out as particularly suited to her +strong character. We are told he sent her and Nancy there, while the +tuition of one of them was paid for by a cousin, Mr. Landon. + +Writing of Miss Pierce’s work and influence is needless. The work can +speak for itself and for her, who in her quiet, dignified way became +such a power among her scholars and the community where she lived and +taught, that it extended even to the gay young pupils of the +contemporary law school. + +To this end, diaries and compositions, letters, plays, and rules follow, +chronologically arranged, together with the names of as many of the +three thousand pupils that came from north, south, east, and west as +could be gathered. With them are also the names of some of the men they +married. Many of these marriages resulted from the attendance of the +young men and women upon these two contemporary and prominent schools. +The fame, even the knowledge, of these schools have almost died out in +the north, amid the rush and whirl of the active, commercial, and +industrial life; but in the south, from which John C. Calhoun and many +other afterwards prominent men came to study in Litchfield, their +memories and traditions are still alive. + +As to her preparation by education and surroundings for the task that +grew in extent and magnitude so far beyond her expectation, we know that +she and her sister Nancy were sent to school in New York with the +express purpose in view of their opening a school in Litchfield; but of +the school they attended, or of what the teaching consisted, we can +learn nothing. + +The influence of her stepmother, Mary Goodman, must have been an +inspiration. She appreciated learning so highly that she was one of a +committee of women who appealed to the school board to extend to girls +the same privileges in studies as were enjoyed by the boys. We know also +that about the time the school was started, the year 1792, and for many +years afterwards, the society in Litchfield was such as to be a constant +education to a woman with the receptive mind of Miss Pierce, and it must +have been largely due to that influence that the school studies and +methods developed as they did in the course of years. The adding of many +branches not heretofore attempted by women must have been the result of +an unconscious but phenomenal growth on the part of the teacher. In +later years her efforts were supplemented by those of her nephew, the +son of her sister Susan, Mr. John Pierce Brace, also a born educator, +whom she educated at Williamstown college that he might become her +assistant. From the autographs in the album of Mary Peck, pupil and +teacher in the school, who married Edward D. Mansfield, a pupil in the +law school, the mental quality of the Litchfield society of that day can +be gauged as well as what might be its effect upon the mind of any +bright girl who was thrown constantly in contact with it. The Litchfield +Female Academy, which was begun with two or three pupils in the +dining-room of a young girl teacher, attained, under the guidance of +this remarkable woman, a vigorous life of forty-one years, and proved +itself to be a pioneer on this continent of the higher education of +women. + + + + + 1792–1793. + CONTEMPORARY NOTICES OF MISS PIERCE AND HER SCHOOL. + + +We know very little about the early stages of the school, and therefore +the following extracts from contemporary writers give us all that can be +learned about its origin and the reasons for its establishment. +Tradition says it was begun with one pupil in Miss Pierce’s dining-room +in 1792. + +[Illustration: + + PL. II.—JOHN PIERCE BRACE +] + + + [_From the History of the Town of Litchfield, by the Hon. George C. + Woodruff._] + + “Miss Sarah Pierce opened a School in this town for the instruction of + Females, in the year 1792, which has very justly merited and acquired + a distinguished reputation.”[2] The school continued under her + superintendence for nearly forty years, and its reputation has since + been well sustained by her successors. It was incorporated in the year + 1827, by the name of “The Litchfield Female Academy.” + + [_From Hollister’s History of Connecticut._] + + To this pleasant little village among the hills came the very flower + and nobility of American genius. Here might be seen Calhoun, Clayton, + Mason, Loring, Woodbury, Hall, Ashley, Phelps, and a host of others, + who were preparing themselves for the high places of the cabinet, the + senate and the bench. + + The influence of these sages upon the laws of the country was almost + rivalled by the efforts of Miss Sarah Pierce, in another department of + learning. This lady opened a school for the instruction of females in + the year 1792, while the law school was in successful operation, and + continued it under her own superintendence for nearly forty years. + During this time she educated between fifteen hundred and two thousand + young ladies.[3] This school was for a long period the most celebrated + in the United States, and brought together a large number of the most + gifted and beautiful women of the continent. They were certain to be + methodically taught and tenderly cared for, and under her mild rule + they could hardly fail to learn whatever was most necessary to fit + them for the quiet but elevated spheres which so many of them have + since adorned. Miss Pierce lived to the advanced age of 83. She was + small in person, of a cheerful, lively temperament, a bright eye, and + a face expressive of the most active benevolence. She was in the habit + of practicing herself all the theories that she taught to her pupils, + and, until physical infirmities confined her to her room, would take + her accustomed walk in the face of the roughest March wind that ever + blew across our hills. The intelligence of her death cast a shade of + sadness, over many a domestic circle, and caused many a silent tear to + fall. + + While these two schools were in full and active life, Litchfield was + famed for an intellectual and social position, which is believed to + have been at that time unrivalled in any other village or town of + equal size in the United States. + + + [_From an Address by the Hon. Samuel Church, Chief Justice of + Connecticut, at the Centennial Celebration of Litchfield, Aug. 13, + 1851._] + + A new tone to female education was given by the establishment of a + Female Seminary, for the instruction of females in this village, by + Miss Sarah Pierce, in 1792. This was an untried experiment. Hitherto + the education of young ladies, with few exceptions, had been + neglected. The district school had limited their course of studies. + Miss Pierce saw and regretted this, and devoted herself and all of her + active life to the mental and moral culture of her sex. The experiment + succeeded entirely. This Academy soon became the resort of young + ladies from all portions of the country—from the cities and the towns. + Then the country was preferred, as most suitable for female + improvement, away from the frivolities and dissipation of fashionable + life. Now, a different, not a better practice, prevails. Many of the + grandmothers and mothers of the present generation were educated as + well for genteel as for useful life, in this school, and its influence + upon female character and accomplishments was great and extensive. It + continued for more than forty years, and its venerable Principal and + her sister assistant now live among us, the honored and honorable of + their sex. + +John Pierpont in his Centennial Poem (1851), says: + + Still, for her shrewdness, must the “Nutmeg State” + As Number One, among her sisters rate; + And which, of all her counties, will compare, + For size or strength, for water, soil or air, + With our good mother county?—which has sown + Her children, broad-cast, o’er a wider zone, + Around the Globe? And has she not, by far, + Out-done the rest, in giving, to the bar, + And to the bench,—for half of all her years— + The brightest names of half the hemispheres? + Nor have “Creation’s lords” engrossed her care; + Creation’s ladies have received their share:— + For, when to Reeve and Gould the former came, + To Pierce the latter:—Pierce, an honored name! + Yea, thrice and four times honored, when it stands + Beside his name, who comes, with bloody hands, + From fields of battle; though the applauding shout + From myriad mouths—and muskets—call it out; + Though by him, armies were to victory led, + And groves of laurel grow upon his head! + Bloodless the honors that to Pierce are paid: + Bloodless the garlands on her temples laid. + To them, reproachful, no poor widow turns; + No sister’s heart bleeds, and no mother mourns + To see them flourish. Ne’er shall they be torn + From off her honored brows. Long be they worn, + To show the world how a good Teacher’s name + Out-weighs, in real worth, the proudest warrior’s fame!— + +One of the earliest mentions of Miss Sarah Pierce occurs in a letter +dated September 3, 1793, from Mrs. Dothee Cutler to her sister, Mrs. +Huldah Sheldon, first wife of Dr. Daniel Sheldon, one of the most +prominent physicians of the State. Her little daughter Nancy (aged +eight) had died at Miss Pierce’s school. After writing of her grief at +her loss she says:— + + “The amiable Miss Pierce is going home. I fear I Shall be Still more + lonely, but I will try to be cheerful. I esteem Sally for her goodness + of heart. She is a good Girl and I think I Shall not forget her + kindness to me or the attention She paid that much loved child.” + + + [_Litchfield Eagle, June 23, 1823_.] + + The Law School in this place has not for a number of years been as + full and as flourishing as at this time. The names of the Students + will be published as heretofore, at the end of the term, and we + believe the same remarks as to its healthy and flourishing state may + be also applied to the Female Academy. + + The reputation of each of these schools stands extremely high.—The + number of either we do not know, but it is believed they have not for + many years been better filled. It will be recollected that each of + these schools have always depended solely on individual effort and + talent, for their success. They have, with the aid of these alone + continued to flourish while others of similar object have dwindled, + remained stationary, or ceased to exist with all the Legislative aid, + or College endowments they could obtain. + + + + + 1796. + CHARLOTTE SHELDON—HER DIARY. + + +Charlotte Sheldon was a pupil in Miss Pierce’s school in the early days +of its existence. She was the daughter of Dr. Daniel Sheldon, of +Litchfield, and his first wife, a Miss Judson, of Washington, +Connecticut, who died in 1784 leaving two children, Charlotte and +Daniel, who was afterward Secretary of Legation with Albert Gallatin at +the court of France. Charlotte was born in 1780, and was a “monster in +learning,” as her French teacher quaintly expressed it. When about +seventeen years of age she became an invalid and died in Hartford about +1840. From a little diary of hers kept in the summer of 1796 when she +was just sixteen, the following extracts are taken which show that the +school was still in a formative condition:— + + _Tuesday May 10th, 1796_ the weather was so rainy this morning that I + did not expect to set out for Hartford, so I sat down to my knitting + and learnt a very good song called “The Mill Clapper,” of Philo + Roberts. It cleared off this afternoon so we sat off we had some rain + but at night it cleared off beautifully. The air was finely perfumed + with the shad and appletree blossoms. I arrived at Farmington just at + dark and stopt at Mr. Wadsworth’s tavern Mrs. Beardsley was over there + and invited us to Dr. Tods there we directed our march. Tho. I had + much rather have staid at Mr. Wadsworths for I was very little + acquainted with Mrs. Beardsley and was muddied from top to toe. Very + soon after I got there I went to bed. + + _Wednesday 11th_ arose rather late staid till about 10 and then sat + out for Hartford. found the riding very bad over the clay hills got to + Hartford about noon dined at uncle Sheldons unpacked my things, went + up to Aunt Hopkins went a shopping. Hardly knew what to do with myself + amid so much noise and confusion. returned to uncle Sheldons. + + _Thursday 12th_ election day was ushered in with rain. I ironed out my + gown and some such little matters. dressed myself dined at uncle + Sheldons. then went in his carriage up to Uncle Hopkins. Tho I spent + part of the forenoon in seeing people go by, I found Wealthy Morgan at + my aunts I think her much improved since I saw her last. spent the + evening in singing, etc., with Becca and Nancy. + +[Illustration: + + PL. III.—EMBROIDERED ON SATIN BY CHARLOTTE SHELDON +] + + _Friday 13th_ read in Moral Tales, tho’ I think them rather immoral. + dressed and went to uncle Sheldons intended to have taken a ride but + aunt Hopkins sent word to us that a Miss Mather was there Polly Bull, + and Sally Trumbull. spent the forenoon and evening Harriet Butler + Betsey Woodbridge and Miss Fanning called. There was a swing up garret + and behold we went to swinging Daniel and Mr. Talcott spent the + evening. I like Sally Trumbull. I think her a very pretty girl. + + _Saturday 14th._ Today Becca and I took our long wished for ride, we + went as far as Wethersfield Folly we went down to Aunt Woodbridge’s in + the afternoon and drank tea there, we went to the new Court house, it + is the most elegant building I ever saw the portico is very pleasant + read partly thro “Nanine” one of Voltaires plays. + + _Sunday 15th_ Finished “Nanine.” went to church in the afternoon it is + a very handsome building we heard a flute and bass viol which Becca + and I mistook for an organ quite a laughable mistake dressed took a + walk down to Uncle Sheldons. + + _Monday 16th._ Washed and ironed almost all day went a shopping. read + in Buffon’s Natural History. It has a great number of cuts in it and + is very entertaining. I should like to read the whole of it sung etc., + etc. + + _Tuesday 17th_, Ironed almost all the forenoon mended some stockings, + dressed, went with Becca down to uncle Sheldons, Aunt was gone down to + Mr. Joe Sheldons thither we directed our march and took a very + pleasant walk with her to the point where the great and little rivers + meet returned and drank tea at Uncle Sheldons staid all night. + + _Wednesday 18th_ It rained so that we couldn’t return to Aunt Hopkins. + made cousin Mary a baby, she is a sweet little girl. read there an + abridgement of Sir Charles Grandison + + _Thursday 19th_, Becca and I waded up to Aunts thro’ the mud drew a + picture for Nancy & painted it in the afternoon Mrs. Fish, Emily + Stilman & Julia Root spent at Aunts Emily staid in the evening I am + very much pleased with her. + + _Friday 20th_ Sat out for home, found the roading very bad. Rode as + far as Mr. Lewis’s at Farmington dined there & staid two hours. Mrs. + Beardsley sent Stella over for us, Daniel & I went over, & we + concluded to stay all night. Heard Mrs. Beardsley & Miss Polly Tod + play on the Forte Piano, read in Helen Maria Williams letters, read in + Lavater & looked at the Heads, took a walk with Miss Sally Beardsley + over to the Lewis’s, returned to Dr. Tods played button & went to bed + very early. + + _Saturday 21st_ Sat out again for home found the roading better than I + expected, got home about four o’clock went to Miss Sally’s (Pierce) to + carry a letter my face was so burned, I was ashamed to make my + appearance any where felt tired & lazy. + + _Sunday 22nd_, Went in the forenoon to meeting. read in the American + magazine & in the European magazine Miss Pierce’s girls spent the + evening at our house & Sally[4] & Julia Tracy. + + _Monday 23rd_, Helped about the house all the forenoon went a shopping + with the girls & read history at school got tea & washed the cups knit + the rest of the evening. + + _Tuesday 24th_, Read & wrote to the 30th page of the history knit + sewed one of the tags of the fringe onto my cloak + + _Wednesday 25th_, Went to school & did what I commonly do there got + above 4 in spelling ironed some vandykes,[5] etc., etc. + + _Thursday 26th_, Studied geography at school felt very indolent, + laughed & gaped the greatest part of the time, knit, finished my short + gown. + + _Friday 27th_, Began to alter my muslin into a robe which is the most + fashionable dress in Hartford read history took a run up to Miss + Pierces & Mrs. Tracy’s, etc. + + _Saturday 28th_, Sewed on my gown all day, wrote all the evening. + + _Sunday 29th_, Attended meeting all day, heard two very indifferent + sermons, read in the American Magazine found many good things in it & + among the rest an extract from Mrs. Yearsley’s poem on the slave + trade, took a walk down to the brook it was too cool to be very + agreeable walking finished my gown in the evening.[6] + + _Monday 30th_, Washed almost all the forenoon, sewed, began to work + the edges of some ruffles + + _Tuesday 31st_, Starched my gown and hung it to dry, sewed, Persuer of + these pages, know that I, the author of them, am not very well versed + in polite literature, thou must expect to find, a dry, uninteresting, + inaccurate, parcel of sentences, jumbled together in a hand hardly + intelligible—this is no news perchance thou wilt say— + + _Wednesday, June 1st_, We are once more blessed with a prospect of + good weather, ironed almost all the forenoon, sat some ruffles on to + my gown, went a shopping, bought me a comb, mended some of my cloaths + went to school, & did what I usually do there. All Mrs Tracy’s[7] + family spent the afternoon here Mrs. Tracy is a charming woman, she + has a family of the loveliest children I ever saw, Mr. Gould & Miss + Mira Canfield spent the afternoon & evening I liked Mr. Gould very + much. + + _Thursday 2nd_, Cleaned my chamber, sewed, read in the American + Magazine, wrote a letter to Fanny Smith tho I shall not send it to + her, was inattentive & got to the foot in spelling, took a walk with + the girls, & got wintergreen & honeysuckle, had a very agreeable walk, + came home & dressed my hat with honeysuckle & ground pine. + + _Friday 3rd_, Sewed almost all the morning, studied a geography + lesson, & recited it, dressed & went to Holmes where I spent the + afternoon very agreeably spent the afternoon & evening at Dr. Smiths + there was a very large circle there. + + _Saturday 4th_, Went to school, wrote a curious epistle to Sally + Tracy, wrote a letter to Fanny Smith & copied it, read in Goldsmiths + animated Nature went to the stores 3 times, sewed on my short gown. + + _Sunday 5th_ Attended meeting all day, read in Goldsmiths Animated + Nature, I like it very much, many parts of it are quite interesting + took a run in the garden sewed all the evening. + + _Monday 6th_ Assisted about house all the forenoon went to school, + hemmed my shawl all round thought some of going to Mr. Bowles in the + evening, but concluded not to go. + + _Tuesday 7th_, Bought a skein of silk & wound it hemmed across two + sides of my shawl. button hole stitch, studied spelling, sewed all the + evening. + + _Wednesday 8th_, Worked on my shawl, read partly thro’ the Dangers of + the world aloud to Sally Tracy read in Coxes travels, I will give a + short abridgement from his history of the Poles, [The first era of the + History like that of all other European nations is involved in + obscurity. The government was formerly almost an absolute monarchy; + but the king continued to grant privileges to the nobles, untill they + became almost independent, for the king had no other power left, + except the triffling one of confering titles, the kingdom was very + much divided by religious factions. The Dissidents & Papists + maintained warm quarrels], got tea, helped clear away the table, had + the pleasure of seeing Aunt Hopkins, Becca, & Nancy, Miss Sally & + Polly Pierce spent the evening at our house. + + _Thursday 9th_, Aunt & family departed for Watertown this morning, + drew some patterns, worked on my shawl, studied a lesson in Guthrie we + got partly through France it is bounded on the North.... Finished + reading the Dangers of the world read in Coxes travels. [The Russians + & other foreign nations fomented the quarrels that existed in + Poland....] Assisted mammy, went up to Miss Pierce’s & borrowed the + Robbers, read partly through it. it is an excellent tragedy. The + character of Amelia is rather inconsistent in my opinion. + + _Friday 9th_, Finished the Robbers, the scene in which Charles de + Moore discovers his father in a ruined tower is perfect in my opinion. + Worked on my shawl, read in Coxes travels, Read partly thro the Truly + wise man. Read in Goldsmiths Animated Nature. + + _Saturday 10th_, Worked on my shawl, Read the English merchant, a very + good comedy. Read in the World. Went down to the store. Helped get + tea. + + _Sunday 11th_, It is quite cold and unpleasant today; attended meeting + all day, Spent the evening at Miss Pierces. + + _Monday 12th_, Washed a little. Worked on my shawl. Went down to the + store with the girls. Dressed the flower pots. We had company in the + afternoon & evening, several gentlemen were at our house in the + evening. + + _Tuesday 13th_, Wrote a letter, Read in Coxes travels; worked on my + shawl, sewed all the evening. + + _Wednesday 14th_, Learned a grammer lesson. Read the story of the + Highlander & partly thro Sophron & Tigranes. Went down in the lot & + got wintergreen, got supper. + + _Thursday 15th_, Worked on my shawl. Studied a grammer lesson, parsed, + Read in the World, knit, Read partly thro Macbeth one of Shakespeare’s + best tragedies. + + _Friday 16th_, Sewed. Went to school. Read in Cox. parsed. Went down + to get wintergreen. Worked on my shawl. Went to strawberrying. Heard + some very good music a flute & violin. It is a most beautiful evening, + took a walk as far as the corner. + + _Saturday 17th_, Sewed. Parsed. Began to read the Recess, a very good + novel. It is founded on the idea that Mary Queen of Scots was + privately married to the Duke of Norfolk & had two daughters Ellinor & + Matilda who are the heroines of the novel, they were educated in the + Recess which was several rooms in an Abbey unknown but to three + persons. Matilda was married to the Duke of Leicester who took shelter + in the Recess from assassins. Took a walk. Read again in the Recess. + + _Sunday 6th_ Read again in the Recess. I have finished the first + volume. Attended meeting all day, wasn’t very much edified. Took a + walk with Sally Tracy & Mr. Gould went almost to the mill, had a very + agreeable one. Heard some very good music after I got home. Mr. Tod, + Mr. Holmes & Miss Polly Collins besides several others spent the + evening here, it is a very pleasant evening. + +[Illustration: + + PL. IV.—VIEW OF LITCHFIELD TAKEN ABOUT 1860 +] + + _Monday 19th_, Helped about house, knit. Parsed. Read in Coxes + travels, read in the Recess to Sally Tracy & mammy After school + dressed me and went to Mrs. Lords where I spent the afternoon & + evening + + _Tuesday 6th_, Washed, Cleaned my chamber, finished my shawl, washed + and ironed it. The colors don’t fade. Helped get supper. Stewed some + currants. Learn’t one or two verses in a song, spent the evening at + Captains Catlins. + + _Wednesday 21st_, Went to the Braces & helped clean the room to dance + in, Which took almost all the forenoon Went down in the lot after + bushes & fixed up the room Dressed & danced in the evening, had a + pretty agreeable ball. + + _Thursday 22nd_, Parsed, Sewed. Went to strawberrying with Fanny + Pierpont, found a good many. + + _Friday 23rd_, Put my closet to rights. Had an invitation to the ball, + spent the rest of the day in fixing my things. Went to the ball, had a + very agreeable one. Came home in the morning. + + _Saturday 24th_ Felt pretty dull, Read the second volume in the + Recess, the language was pretty good, I like this volume better than + the first, Tho I think it is not possible, that any person could + suffer as many misfortunes as Ellinor & Matilda, I like the character + of Ellinor better than that of Matilda. there is something very + interesting in her character, I wanted to have it end happily. Went a + strawberrying with Susan Bird. + + _Sunday 25th_, Read all the forenoon, Attended meeting in the + afternoon, heard a very poor sermon. Read in the history of Spain, I + think it a very good one, I do not know the name of the author. Picked + a large basket of roseleaves. + + _Monday 26th_, Washed a little etc., Made a half handkerchief, took a + walk up to Captain Stantons. Read in the history of Spain translated + to the 15th page in Rousseau’s Emelias. Drew a rose, Read in the + history of Spain in the evening. + + _Tuesday 27th_, Parsed. Sewed. Studied spelling. Spent the afternoon + at Mrs. Demings. Walked up as far as Captain Catlins. + + _Wednesday 28th_, Fixed up my hat. knit. Drew a landscape. Parsed. + Read in the world. Went after straw berries. + + _Thursday 29th_, Knit. Parsed. Studied spelling. + + _Friday July 1st_, Sewed. Studied a parsing lesson. Parsed. Went twice + down to Mr. Shetaters, to buy pendals. Had my ears bored, not a very + agreeable operation. knit Read in Coxes travels. got tea, stewed some + currants. Took a walk as far as Mrs Lords. + + _Saturday 2nd_, Read in the World. Sewed. + + _Sunday 3rd_, Attended meeting in the forenoon & read in the Recess & + in the World in the afternoon Took a run up to Miss Pierces. + + _Monday 4th_, Felt doubtful about going to the ball. Went over to Mrs. + Holmes of an errand. Studied a parsing lesson. Parsed. knit, concluded + to go to the ball, fixed my things to go. Went down to the Store + Dressed & went to the ball, had a very good one. + + _Tuesday 5th_, Felt rather sleepy, Knit, Washed out the bottom of my + gown. Parsed. borrowed the Transition of a Moment. I like it pretty + well, tho it is not equal to the Recess. read in it till about 10 + o’clock. + + _Wednesday 6th_, Finished reading the “Transition of a Moment.” Heard + the news of Polly Buel’s death. sewed at school. Parsed. Fixed my + things to wear to the funeral. Dressed & went. There was quite a large + concourse of people. felt rather tired. + + _Friday 8th_, Riped my gown which I am going to have altered. Picked + some green peas. Parsed. Took a ride. a very agreeable one. Drank tea + at Mrs. Phelps on Chestnut Hill, got home at sun down. + + _Saturday 9th_, Read in the Citizen of the World. picked currants, sat + the table for tea. Read in the Herald. Went up to Miss Pierces of an + errand. + + _Sunday 10th_, Attended meeting all day. felt quite sorry to see all + Mr. Buel’s people, racked & tortured, by a cruel sermon & prayer, were + a great many people at meeting. Miss Naby Lewis came to our house + after meeting. + + _Monday 11th_, Sewed. Read partly thro Romeo & Juliet. Read in + Othello. + + _Tuesday 12th_, Took a walk in the garden, Wrote a scrumptious letter + to Sally Tracy. Parsed. Wrote copy hand. read in Coxes travels. + + _Wednesday 7th_, Washed all the forenoon. Went down to the store, & + over to Mr. Smiths, ironed out some calico. swept the school room, + Picked currants & gooseberrys for tea. + + _Thursday 8th_, Ironed my gown, cleaned my chamber, Studied a parsing + lesson. Partly learned the words to a song. Picked currants. Wrote + copy hand. Parsed. Read in Coxes travels, Partly learned a tune. + + _Friday 9th_, Sewed. Parsed. Went over to Dr. Smiths tried on my gown, + stayed part of the afternoon, Read in Coxes travels, chose sides, Mrs. + Lord drank tea at our house, Went up to Miss Pierces of an errand. + + _Saturday 16th_ Went over to Dr. Smiths & tried on my gown Heard Miss + Nabby read in Julia de Roubigne. Ironed about two hours. Went over to + Dr. Smiths + + _Sunday 17th_ Attended meeting all day. Heard two excellent sermons + preached by Rev. Mr. Hooker Read in the Female Spectator. Took a walk. + + _Monday 18th_, Washed a little. & helped about house Parsed. Read in + Coxes travels. Got tea. Picked currants. Went over to Dr. Smiths. + Spent the evening at Miss Pierces. Heard some very good music after I + got home. + + _Tuesday 19th_ Went up to Miss Pierces of an errand Doubled some yarn, + Studied grammar, Read in Coxes travels. I think this a better + opportunity than commonly occurs, to find out the manners of a people. + + _Wednesday 20th_, Sewed. Read in the Mirror, The Story of La Roche is + excellent. He makes an excellent prayer on the loss of his daughter. + The description of his situation is beautiful. Read in Coxes travels. + Studied grammar. Drew. Heard some very good music. + + _Thursday 22nd_ Read in the Mirror. Had a pair of gloves cut out, + began to make them. Marked a pair of pillow bears. Read in Coxes + travel Spent the afternoon very agreeably at Mrs. Tracys Walked down + as far as Mr. Ozias Lewis’s & back again. + + _Friday 23rd_ Sewed on my gloves, Studied grammar. We had company at + our house this afternoon, Spent the evening at Miss Pierces. + + _Saturday 24th_ Read in Knox’s essays, I like them very well. Sewed on + my gloves, worked the back of another pair + + + + + 1797. + JULIA COWLES—HER DIARY.[8] + + + In the eleventh year of her age. To thee I will relate the events of + my youth. I will endeavor to excel in learning & correct my faults so + that I may be enabled to look backward with pleasure and forward with + hope. + + + VOLUME 1ST JUNE 26. 1797. + + _June 26th, 1797. Monday._ This day I began my diary in which I shall + be sincere in recording my faults, studies & employments. Miss Sally + did not keep. I went to St. Johns. + + _Tuesday 27th._ We read in History. The cabal entered into an alliance + with France. The king who had been an enemy with Ormond.... + + _Friday, June 29th._ I cannot recollect any of the History read this + day. I have sewed, read in History & painted some. + + _Saturday, June 30th._ 1797. Went to school, told History, sewed some. + Miss Sally says that I have been a pretty good girl this week. I have + not been offended this week. I have helped Aunt Lewis almost every day + this week. + + _Sunday, June 31st._ Went to meeting all day. Mr. Griffin preached. I + do not recollect any of the afternoon sermon to write. + + _Monday, 4th Independence._ We read in History. Prince Orange ascended + the throne but was liked by the people as much as before. Miss Sally + did not like this History & exchanged it for Rollin’s History. + + _Tuesday 5th._ The first country (as I recollect) that we read of was + Egypt.... + + _Thursday 6th._ I do not recollect any History that we read to day + only that there was one Punic war.... + + _Saturday 8th._ Attended school read in the Economy of Human Life. + Sewed some. + + _Sunday 9th 1797._ Afternoon attended meeting. P. M. staid at home + because it rained. I do not recollect the text. + + _Monday 10th. 1797._ Attended school told History, sewed some. P. M. + spent the afternoon to Miss Pierces. + + _Tuesday 11th._ Miss Sally did not keep school. I helped Aunt Lewis + almost every day this week back. + + _Wednesday 12th._ Attended school, wrote my Journal. We now began the + second punic war. + + _Thursday 13th._ I do not recollect any of the History read to day + only that Hanibal died. + + _Friday 14th._ Attended school. We did’nt read History to day, + expected to dance this evening but was disappointed in my + expectations. + + _Saturday 15th._ Attended school, read in History, but I dont know + anything what we read. I dont know as I ever shall again. + + _Sunday 16th._ Attended meeting all day but do not recollect the text. + read in the Children’s Friend. + + _Monday 17th._ In the forenoon told History. P. M. Read History. The + Carthagenians now preparing for war. the women cut off their hair to + make ropes of.... + + _Tuesday 18th._ Attended school, read History.... + + _Wednesday 19th 1797._ Attended school. read History. We have finished + 1 volume of Rollin’s History.... + + _Thursday 29._ Attended school, going to dance this evening but dont + know but I shall be disappointed.... + + _Friday 21st._ Attended school, read History. Danced last evening, + enjoyed the intended pleasure.... + + _Saturday 22._ Attended school. we did’nt tell History to day. I have + helped Aunt Lewis almost every day this week. Miss Sally says I have + been a pretty good girl this week. + + _Sunday 23._ Attended meeting. Mr. Hooker preached. I dont know where + the text was. + + _Monday 23._ Attended school, told History, sewed on my shawl. + + _Tuesday 24._ Did’nt attend school to day. I helped Aunt Lewis all + day. + + _Wednesday 25th._ Aunt Lewis has gone to Farmington to day. Attended + school, read History. We read the death of Cyrus. His son Cambyses + succeeded him. + + _Thursday 26._ Attended school forenoon painted. I dont know a word of + the History. P. M. I stayed at home. + + _Friday 27._ Attended school, read History.... + + _Saturday 28th._ Aunt Lewis is expected home to day. Attended school + worked on my shawl. Miss Sally says I have been a pretty good girl + this week. + + _End of the 1st Volume._ + + + + + 1798. + SUBSCRIPTION LIST FOR BUILDING FIRST ACADEMY.[9] + + +By 1798 the school had become of enough importance to interest the +prominent men of the town who got up the following subscription for the +purpose of erecting a suitable building for its use. It was then +dignified by the name of the Female Academy. + + We the subscribers do agree to pay the Several Sums annexed to our + names for the purpose of Building an House for a Female Academy to be + placed upon the land of Miss Sally Pierce said Sums to be paid by the + first Day August Next to such person as shall be appointed agent for + the Purpose by the Majority of the Subscribers March 10th 1798. + + Dolls + Tapping Reeve 40— + Elijah Wadsworth 20— + Daniel Sheldon 20— + Uriah Holmes 20— + Frederick Wolcott 20— + John R. Landon 10— + Elijah Adams 15— + Aron Smith 20— + Moses Seymour 15— + Roger Skinner 15— + Solomon Marsh 10— + Asa Morgan 10— + Julius Deming 20— + Sam^l. Seymour 10— + Isaac Baldwin Jr. 15— + Daniel Starr 10— + Moses Seymour Jr. 10— + Timothy Peck 10— + Thomas Colliar 10— + Daniel W. Lewis 15— + Uriah Tracy 20— + Amos Galpin 10— + Reuben Smith 10— + John Allen 20— + James Morris 5— + John Welch 5— + ———— + Total 385 Dolls + + + + + 1801–1868. + LITCHFIELD AT THE BEGINNING OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. + + +Many a summer visitor, after toiling laboriously up the circuitous +little branch of the Consolidated Railroad and arriving at Litchfield +for the first time, wonders why, though perched on such a distant +hilltop, it still wears such an air of old established dignity. The +results of the changed conditions of travel are not easily recognized. +Instead of being at the end of a small branch road as it is now, a +hundred years ago Litchfield was on the high road, traversed by more +than one of the main lines of Post Coaches, then the only means of +public travel. + +The first of these stage lines were “The Litchfield and New Milford +Turnpike Company, incorporated in October, 1797; The Litchfield and +Harwinton Company in October, 1798; The Litchfield and Canaan Company in +May, 1799. Then followed Strait’s Turnpike from Litchfield to New Haven, +the Litchfield and Cornwall, the Litchfield and Torrington and the +Litchfield and Plymouth Turnpikes.”[10]... “Daily lines of mail stages +were established between this village and Hartford, New Haven, Norwalk, +Poughkeepsie and Albany.”[10]... + +“Litchfield was on the great inland route from Boston to New York as +well as from Hartford to West Point so that the amount of travel through +the town was very great.”[10] + +This continued until about the year 1840, when the building of railroads +broke up the stage routes and left the town stranded by itself, the +nearest railroad four miles away. Then naturally many of the inhabitants +moved away to new and growing centres of commerce and influence. + +When the census[11] of 1820 was taken Litchfield ranked fourth in +population in the State, New Haven, Hartford, and Middletown only taking +precedence. Great red, four-horse coaches with whips cracking and horns +blowing came and went at a great pace[12] all day long through the +town,—from New York to Albany by way of Danbury and Poughkeepsie, from +New York to Boston via Danbury and Hartford, and in many other +directions. A driver and later owner, of one of these stages, Hiram +Barnes by name, was a resident of North Street and so noted a character +in the community that Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe immortalized him in her +“Poganuc People” under the name of “Hiel Jones.” He is therein portrayed +by her graphic pen along with other prominent people of the town, as she +drew largely upon her youthful memories of Litchfield in writing that +volume. So, too, Henry Ward Beecher recalls Hiram Barnes in the passage +from his life quoted later on in this chapter. + +Some of the advertisements of these stage routes read as follows: + + For Poughkeepsie, New York and Albany. + Daily through in 20 Hours + + Stage leaves Litchfield every morning at 5 o’clock (Sundays excepted) + and arrives at Poughkeepsie at 5 P. M. + + Steam Boats leave Poughkeepsie every evening at 5 o’clock and arrive + in New York or Albany next morning at 1 o’clock. + + This line passes through Cornwall, Sharon, Amenia, Washington and + Pleasant Valley to Poughkeepsie. + + This arrangement to continue until further notice. + + For seats apply at PHILO C. BUSH, + Deming’s Tavern, WILLIAM STEVENS, + Litchfield, April 1829. _Proprietors_. + +In the following one it is interesting to observe the emphasis laid upon +“_no night travelling_” as a special inducement to travellers to take +that line. One doubts its advantages on reading further that the stage +leaves at 3 A. M.! + + New Arrangement. + Litchfield, New Milford, Danbury and Norwalk Mail Stage. + + This stage leaves Josiah Park’s Hotel, Litchfield, on Tuesdays, + Thursdays and Saturdays at 3 in the morning, passing thro’ New + Preston, New Milford and Brookfield and arrives at Danbury to lodge: + leaves Danbury next morning for Norwalk and arrives in time for + passengers to take the steam boat for N. York. _No Night Travelling._ + + Fare through to New York 3.25 + Returning + + Takes the Norwalk passengers at Danbury on Monday, Wednesday and + Friday morning, and arrives in Litchfield the same day. + + For seats apply at the Bar at + Park’s Hotel, Litchfield, + H. BARNES, _Proprietor_, + + Nov. 10, 1829. + +Mrs. H. B. Carr[13] of New Milford writes: “I do not recall any incident +of her school life at Litchfield of which my mother told me, except that +the stage for New Milford left in the morning before daylight, and that, +from fear of being left when going home for vacation, she and her cousin +dressed for the journey—over night!” + +To still farther advertise the stage routes the owner of the weekly +paper was called upon to furnish a notice in rhyme with the following +result. It is copied from an issue of 1833: + + PEOPLE’S LINE. + + This line leaves Sharon Mondays and Fridays weekly, + Arrives at Litchfield, at four o’clock precisely. + Leaves Litchfield, Tuesdays and Saturdays at 6 A. M. + Will arrive in Sharon at 8 P. M. + Returning; will pass thro’ Wolcottville and Goshen, + And through the pleasant villages of Cornwall and East Sharon, + And o’er those bleak and hoary hills in safety it will bound, + And the fleet horses often shed their shoes upon the ground. + Passengers who wish to pass those hills of gloomy shade, + Can know they will not be upset, or in the gutter laid, + With safety they will take their seats, in safety they’ll arrive, + On the fair hills of Sharon, where grow lilies and thrive. + Our steeds are of the finest blood, both young and gay and keen. + No spavins or great ring-bones upon their hoofs are seen, + And passengers will not be disturbed by horses with the heaves; + Which is unpleasant to all passengers but murderers and thieves; + Our coach will be most splendid; the seats are also fine, + The glossy wheels in sunny morn most brilliantly do shine + The driver is most careful and trusty with the lines, + And lazy horses will find the thong around their ears entwined. + Our driver is most honest, and those who trust to him + To do for them small errands, he’ll do them all in time + And those who would send money by him to any docket, + May rest assured he’ll not reserve more than half for his own pocket. + From Litchfield to Sharon our fare is very low + And money will be refunded if we don’t carry you through. + One dollar twenty-five cents will be our regular sum, + It will hardly keep our horses well, and our drivers in good rum. + The owner of this line will always be at his stand + And applicants can always find the gentleman on hand; + He wishes to be patronized by all who wish to go + O’er those hills and valleys of frozen ice and snow. + G. W. HAMLIN, + Proprietor Litchfield Enquirer, 1833. + +Not only was Litchfield on the main lines of travel, but it was a +commercial and industrial centre. The “Gazetteer of the States of +Connecticut and Rhode Island” for 1810 says: “The most important +manufactures in the town is that of iron of which there are 4 forges, 1 +slitting mill and one nail factory. There are 1 cotton factory, 1 oil +mill, 1 paper mill, 2 cording machines, 6 fulling mills, 5 grain mills, +18 saw mills, 5 large tanneries, besides several on a small scale. 2 +comb factories, 2 hatters shops, 2 carriage makers, 1 cabinet furniture +maker, 3 saddlers and a number of house carpenters, joiners and smiths +and other mechanics.” The population then was 4,639. There were 4 +companies of militia and “16 mercantile stores.” + +The writer mentions a mineral spring of chalybeate and sulphureous water +within one half mile of the Court House—which had been found very +efficacious in curing disease. An iron foundry was situated on the east +side of the upper end of North Street, about where the house of the +Misses Van Winkle now stands. It was owned and run by Morse and[14] +Carrington. A very superior quality of ore from Salisbury or Kent was +here made into anchors, the first and best in the country. + +To the north of this were grist and fulling mills which used the water +of the little river to turn their wheels. Wool was “fulled,” as the term +is, for hats that were made and sold on South Street by Ozias and Major +Moses Seymour. This hat factory was afterward moved to the west of the +town and owned by Messrs. Braman and Kilbourne. The first leather +pocketbooks in this country were made by Erastus Lord in Baltimore. He +moved to Litchfield and continued to make them at his house on the south +side of Prospect Street, where Mr. MacMartin now lives. A piece of fine +workmanship in the way of a jewel casket made by him is still in the +possession of his descendants. + +There was a cotton mill near the present bridge at the foot of South +Street. Its owner built the house now occupied by Mr. Crandall. Not far +off was a papier maché factory. Excellent brass goods were made +somewhere in the town, as specimens of andirons, latches, etc., are now +in evidence. They are advertised with other goods in the current +newspapers. There were also extensive dye works for yarns and cloths of +different kinds. Coaches were made at a factory on Chestnut Hill. + +Furniture was made by a number of persons. Among them were Silas E. +Cheney, David Bulkley, and George Dewey, who was noted for his fine +carving. He often added his name. There was a well known goldsmith who +must have been a man of genial nature, as he went by the name of “Uncle +Billy” Ward. It is not long since a silver spoon was dug up in the north +part of the village which bore his name. There was a jeweller by the +name of Merriman. There were a number of publishers, Thomas Collier +being a prominent one. He established an early newspaper, the Monitor, +in 1784, and continued to publish it for many years. + +North Street was the main business street. Here the friends, Mr. Julius +Deming and Colonel Tallmadge had their dwelling houses opposite each +other, and their shops in smaller wooden buildings south of their +houses. They imported goods from Europe, and with them came the large +wooden panels used in the interior of Mr. Deming’s house. With the +addition of Oliver Wolcott, they bought the ship “Trident” and opened +trade with China under the name of the “Litchfield China Trading Co.” +They also imported two hundred horses to improve the stock in this +country. Mr. Deming started a paper mill in Bantam. + +To the north of the Tallmadge house was a small unpretending frame +building, the second home of the first law school in the United States. +Pupils from north, south, east, and west gathered here to attend the +lectures of Judge James Gould. To the honor of his predecessor, Judge +Reeve, be it said that he inaugurated this school, which was held in a +similar simple building adjoining his house on South Street. Judge Reeve +took the initiative in this country with regard to the legal standing of +women, and was the first to advocate their having equal rights with men. + +A little further north, on the middle of the land now occupied by the +Underwood house stood Miss Pierce’s little schoolhouse. It was situated +between her own house shown in Plate V, and a small red building on the +site of the present parsonage, where lived her brother, Mr. Brace and +family, including her nephew, Mr. John Pierce Brace, who later became +her assistant. Owing to the density of the alder bushes, which were not +cleared away from this part of the street, it is reported that Miss Mary +Pierce, being sent on an errand to a neighbor’s when a little child, was +lost! A little below here there were not only fences to the houses, but +on the outside of the path were a row of posts with wooden rails +extending from one to another, probably for the purpose of tying horses. +The young men in the law school may have had some of the same feeling +towards this fence that the students in New Haven have toward the one +that formerly surrounded the Yale Campus, as an eye witness tells of +seeing a group of them perched on it and amusing themselves by stopping +and teasing Miss Mary Brace when a pretty little girl of twelve or +thirteen years of age. + +Not far off was a government depot for military stores under the charge +at first of Commissary William Richards and later of Governor Wolcott. +This was erected near the site of Doctor Buel’s house. Another was added +to it about where the Court House now stands. A military guard was +stationed here night and day. At the time of the Revolution, Litchfield +was thought to be so far from the fighting line as to be safe from +attack by the British. The leaden statue of King George the Third which +was pulled down from the pedestal on which it stood on the Bowling Green +of New York City was carried up there in pieces for the same reason. +Some of the young people of the village had a frolic in the orchard back +of Governor Wolcott’s house melting it and running it into bullets to be +fired back again at the supporters of the King. An authentic account of +the affair is given in the following letter of Henry Guy Gould, son of +Judge Gould: + + An Equestrian statue of Geo-3 stood in the Bowling Green, N. York—It + stood till 1776 when twas thrown down. No part of the horse or rider + was ever seen after its overthrow. An American gentleman in Russia + speaks of it thus. I saw a flaming engraving of it in a black wooden + frame. The ringleader was a negro, straining with all his might at a + rope, one end of which was fastened to the head of the statue, and the + other end tied around the negro’s waist—how this picture got to Russia + is a mystery—A Mrs. Marvin and the Wolcotts melted this statue into + bullets—running the lead into moulds—besides this the Wolcott ladies + made 42,000 cartridges—the statue was lead gilded. + + In Mr. Wolcott’s orchard was a shed, where he chopped up the statue + with an axe—& his sisters & daughters had the fun of moulding the lead + into bullets—& making them into cartridges—This is all the record that + I can find—but it is a most amusing account of the fact—Could king + George have heard the conversation during the melting & moulding of + the lead he might have said— + + “Let not the heavens hear these telltale women rail at the Lord’s + anointed.” + + The “_lead_” was a true satire on the dull heavy old king + George—Indeed, I wonder that the proud English nation should + condescend to make a statue of their honored king of lead. These + bullets were used by our army to shoot at the English. + + I hope you will not criticise the penmanship, as my hand is rather + weak—and I am 71 years old. + + HENRY GUY GOULD— + + Litchf’d—Conn^t Oct. 20. 1872— + +In Kilbourne’s History of Litchfield we also find a detailed account of +this frolic and learn that by actual count 42,088 bullets were made. + +That the town was a patriotic centre can be learned from the part it +took in the Revolution, but it was also public-spirited and particularly +advanced in movements for education. Not only did the first law school +in America have its beginnings in this little town, and the first school +for the higher education of women, but in the Monitor for 1798 we read +of a public library as having been in existence for some time. The +bookstores not only advertised themselves in the weekly papers, but also +the new books as they came to their shelves. There was a “Litchfield +Lyceum” with its lectures, debates, and weekly meetings, and still +farther, in 1831, we find a notice which proves that even at that early +date the movement toward manual training was taking shape in the thought +of these broad-minded men. A society was incorporated October 27, 1831, +and a notice was published to the subscribers for stock in the “Manual +Labor High School of Litchfield County. Committee: Frederick Wolcott, +Lot Norton, Orange Merwin, Tertius D. Potter and Solomon Rockwell.” + +Preparations were to be made for the choice of location, necessary +buildings, etc. Also about this time we find advertised a select school +for business students, mathematics, and the languages, kept by M. R. +Deming. In 1789, long before the temperance movement in which the Rev. +Lyman Beecher became so prominent, a temperance pledge was drafted and +signed by many people. The original pledge was republished, with other +articles bearing upon the same subject, in the Litchfield Enquirer of +September 26, 1833. + +A few of Miss Pierce’s scholars boarded in her own house, built in 1803, +but there was no boarding school in the modern acceptation of the term. +The rest of the pupils boarded with different families throughout the +town, as did also those of the law school. There were some years as many +as one hundred or more belonging to each school. + +Imagine these now quiet streets with red coaches rattling through them, +with signs of importer, publisher, goldsmith, hatter, etc., hanging on +the shops, with young men arriving on horseback to attend the law school +and divide their attention between their studies of the law and studies +of the pretty pupils of the “female academy.” Then there were some gay +bloods from the south so much at home in the town that they disported +themselves in pink gingham frock coats! So said an eye witness.[15] + +To complete the picture, there was the daily procession of school girls +taking their exercise to the sound of flute and flageolet, and surely it +was a lively scene. + +Henry Ward Beecher was born in Litchfield in June, 1813, on the upper +part of this very North Street, and was prepared for college by Miss +Pierce. He gives such a graphic and interesting picture of it in his +“Life” that it is well to let our readers see the locality as he saw it: + +[Illustration: + + PL. V.—MISS PIERCE’S HOUSE, BUILT IN 1802 +] + + “Equally marked was Litchfield at that day for its social and moral as + for its natural advantages. Its early settlers, mostly from the + excellent stock from which the colonies of Hartford and Windsor were + formed, were men of broad and liberal mould, and began their work upon + this hilltop in a characteristic fashion. They laid out their streets + and staked off the village common, with such generous breadth that + they remained the delight of residents, and the admiration of + strangers to this day. They made such liberal provision for education + and religion that the settlement soon became noted for the excellency + of its schools and the commanding influence of its pulpit. + + “The law school of Judges Reeve and Gould, and the young ladies’ + school of the Misses Pierce, made it an educational center scarcely + second in the breadth of its influence to any in the land, and + attracted a class of residents of high social position. + + “Its courts gathered from time to time some of the leading members of + the bar from the whole country, not for a few hours, as now with our + railroad facilities, but for days and weeks together. All these things + help to create a very high order of public spirit—that force which + often wholly unregarded, is yet so powerful in moulding the character + and giving direction to the life.” + +One other element in this commercial influence must not be omitted—“Its +intense patriotism.” + +“Litchfield” revisited, written in 1856 by Henry Ward Beecher: + + “The morning after our arrival in Litchfield we sallied forth alone. + The day was high and wide, full of stillness and serenely radiant. As + we carried our present life up the North Street, we met at every step + our boyhood life coming down. There were the old trees, but looking + not so large as to our young eyes. The stately road had, however, been + bereaved of the buttonball trees, which had been crippled by disease. + But the old elms retained a habit peculiar to Litchfield. There seemed + to be a current of wind which at times passes high up in the air over + the town, and which moves the tops of the trees, while on the ground + there is no movement of wind. How vividly did that sound from above + bring back early days, when for hours we lay upon the windless grass + and watched the top leaves flutter, and marked how still were the + under leaves of the same tree! + + “One by one came the old houses. On the corner stood and stands the + jail—awful building to young sinners! We never passed its grated + windows without a salutary chill. The old store, and same old name, + Buell; the bank, and its long lean legs spindling up to hold the shelf + up under the roof! The Colonel Tallmadge house, that used to seem so + grand, that it was cold, but whose cherry trees in the front yard + seemed warm enough and attractive to our longing lips and watery + mouths. How well do we remember the stately gait of the venerable + colonel of Revolution memory! We don’t recollect that he ever spoke to + us or greeted us,—not because he was austere or unkind, but from a + kind of military reserve. We thought him good and polite, but should + as soon have thought of climbing the church steeple as of speaking to + one living so high and venerable above all boys! + + “Then came Judge Gould’s! Did we not remember that, and the faces that + used to illuminate it? The polished and polite Judge, the sons and + daughters in that little office in the yard, the successive classes of + law students that received that teaching which has so often honored + both bar and bench. Here, too, we stop to retrace the very place + where, being set on by a fiery young Southern blood, without any cause + that we knew of then or can remember now, we undertook to whip one of + Judge Gould’s sons, and did not do it. We were never satisfied with + the result, and think if the thing could be reviewed now it might turn + out differently. + + “There, too, stood Dr. Catlin’s house, looking as if the rubs of time + had polished it instead of injuring it. Next there seemed to our + puzzled memory a vacancy. Ought there not to be about there a Holmes’ + house to which we used to go and get baskets of Virgaloo pears, and + were inwardly filled, as a satisfying method, of keeping us honest + toward the pears in the basket? + + “But Dr. Sheldon’s house is all right. Dear old Dr. Sheldon! We began + to get well as soon as he came into the house; or if the evil spirit + delayed a little, ‘Cream-o’-tartar’ with hot water poured upon it and + sweetened, finished the work. He had learned long before the days of + homeopathy, that a doctor’s chief business is to keep parents from + giving their children medicine, so that nature may have a fair chance + at the disease without having its attention divided or diverted. + + “But now we stop before Miss Pierce’s—a name known in thousands of + families, where gray headed mothers remember the soft and quiet days + of Litchfield schooling. The fine residence is well preserved, and + time has been gentle within likewise. But the school house is gone, + and the throng that have crossed its threshold brood the whole globe + with offices of maternal love. The Litchfield Law School in the days + of Judge Tapping Reeve and Judge Gould and Miss Pierce’s Female + School, were in their day two very memorable institutions, and, though + since supplied by others on a larger scale, there are few that will + have performed so much, if we take into account the earliness of the + times and the fact that they were pioneers and parents of those that + have supplanted them. But they are gone, the buildings moved off, and + the grounds smoothed and soft to the foot with green grass. No more + shall the setting sun see Litchfield streets thronged with young + gentlemen and ladies, and filling the golden air with laughter or low + converse which unlaughing then, made life musical forever after! + + “But where is the Brace house? An old red house—red once, but picked + by the winds and washed by rains till the color was neutral, thanks to + the elements. The old elm trees guard the spot,—a brotherhood as noble + as these eyes have ever seen, lifted high up, and in the part nearest + heaven locking their arms together and casting back upon their + separate trunks an undivided shade. So are many, separate in root and + trunk, united far up by their heaven touching thoughts and affections. + + “Mrs. Lord’s house is the only one now before we reach our own native + spot. This, too, holds its own and is fertile in memories. Across the + way lived Sheriff Landon, famous for dry wit and strong politics. + + “But south of him lived the greatest man in town, Mr. Parker who owned + the stages; and the wittiest man in town, with us boys, was Hiram + Barnes, that drove stage for him! To be sure, neither of them was + eminent for learning or civil influence, but, in that temple which + boys’ imaginations make, a stage proprietor and a stage driver stands + forth as grand as Minerva in the Parthenon.” + +Henry Ward Beecher’s sister, Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe, also writes of +Litchfield: + + “Poganuc (Litchfield) in its summer dress was a beautiful place. Its + main street had a row of dignified white houses, with deep dooryards + and large side gardens, where the great scarlet peony flamed forth, + where were generous tufts of white lilies, with tall spires of saintly + blossoms, and yellow lilies with their faint sweet perfume, and all + the good old orthodox flowers of stately family and valid pretensions. + In all the dooryards and along the grassy streets on either side were + over-shadowing, long-branching trees, forming a roof of verdure, a + green upper world from whose recesses birds dropped down their songs + in languages unknown to us mortals. Who shall interpret what is meant + by the sweet jargon of robin and oriole and bobolink, with their + endless reiterations? Something wiser, perhaps, than we dream in our + lower life here.”[16] + +That there were amusements of some kind follows as a matter of course +when there were so many young people in a place whose time was not all +spent in study and whose high spirits must overflow now and then. + +In summer there were gay walks to Prospect Hill, where there was then, +as later, an Echo Rock, and to Love’s Altar, a shady nook by the stream +below the hill back of Governor Wolcott’s house. Both of these resorts +were immortalized in color by Miss Mary Peck in her album.[17] + +Mr. Lord had built a bowling alley on the west side of the Prospect Hill +road for the benefit of the pupils of both schools, so we can picture +these walks combined with lively bowling matches, much like those of +later days that were held in the old bowling alley, back of the United +States Hotel. Then another set of young men and women met in bright +summer days and passed many a merry hour minding no more a rise in the +thermometer than ardent golfers do now. + +Then there were even gayer sleigh rides on crisp winter evenings, for +Miss Pierce specifies in her rules for the school in 1825: “No young +lady is allowed to attend any public ball or sleigh party till they are +more than 16 years old.” + +A fine pine grove of which some of the trees still remain to mark the +site, and which received the name of Pine Island, lay a mile or two +directly south, and was a favorite picnic ground for the girls. +Candy-making and candy-pulling by a big wood fire were great occasions, +for does not Mr. Cutler draw with his pen a lively picture of such a +party he attended? + +The scarcity of sugar in those days probably added great interest to the +spring crop of maple sugar, and with snow still on the ground we can +think of the frolics there must have been sometimes over big kettles of +sap, which was taken out and cooled with snow to make a delicious candy. +Possibly there may sometimes have been invitations to apple bees and +corn husking just outside of the town. + +Then there were excursions to the Lake, for we read in the Litchfield +Monitor for August, 1795: + + + POND LILY. + + This subscriber informs the public, and particularly those who either + for health or pleasure are disposed to enjoy the water, that he has + thoroughly repaired that commodious, prime sailing Pleasure Boat, the + Pond Lily; and that she will ply from the northern to the southern + shore every day in the week, (wind and weather permitting.) She has + good accommodations for Passengers; and Ladies and Gentlemen, wishing + to indulge in a few hours of healthy and agreeable pastime, will be + cheerfully waited upon. Select Companis from the town and country, are + solicited to afford themselves this pleasant relaxation from business; + and on seasonable notice to the Skipper of the Boat, every required + attention is promised them, by their devoted, humble servant. + + JAMES LEE. + + Litchfield, August 24, 1795. + + N. B.—There is a new wharf erected on the east end of the Pond; which + makes it much more convenient for the Passengers than formerly. + +A much later advertisement reads: + + The new and elegant Horse boat, Bantam, having been recently built for + the express purpose of accommodating pleasure parties on the Bantam + Lake is now completely prepared to accommodate ladies and gentlemen + who may wish to take advantage of this safe and neat (!) mode of + taking a trip upon our pleasant waters. Parties wishing to engage the + boat for a trip, must give two days notice to the subscriber residing + at the north end of the Lake. + + HARMON STONE. + + Litchfield, June 27, 1826. + + + BANTAM LAKE. (GREAT POND, SO CALLED) + + Being a plan of much resort the subscriber has fitted up a small + establishment, located on the shore of the northeast extreme of said + Lake, in neat order, for the accommodation of those gentlemen and + ladies who may wish to spend a few hours on and about this beautiful + sheet of water. + + FREDERICK A. MARSH. + + May 28, 1829. + +In 1827 the following notice was posted. This must have caused great +excitement with its unusual novelty. + + + THE AERIAL PHAETON.[18] + + LITCHFIELD, CONN. + + The subscriber intends erecting on Litchfield Hill by the first day of + September next an Aerial Phaeton. The design of the machine is to + afford an agreeable pastime to ladies and gentlemen. It consists of + Four Carriages each supported by Two Arms, which are attached to an + Axletree in the centre. They are turned by a Propelling Machine, and + will carry eight persons at once, two in each carriage, who will in + regular succession be raised to the distance of Fifty Feet in the air, + at a rate of velocity equal to ten miles a minute, or slower, as suits + the wishes of those occupying the carriages, and all with perfect ease + and safety. This method of recreation and amusement has been highly + recommended by the most eminent Physicians in the United States, and + will be found the best mode for taking an airing, by those whose lives + are sedentary, that can be practised. The place where it is to be + erected, is airy, the prospect extending wide, and being relieved by + all the variety of hill and dale. Every attention will be paid to + company, and all things done “decently and in order.” + + JOHN H. MONTGOMERY, + Inventor and maker of the Aerial Phaeton. + + Litchfield, Aug. 17, 1827. + + Price 12½ per mile—children, half price. + +One of the great events of the year was training day. It is sketchily +written of in Mr. Cutler’s diary, page 193, where it is depicted from +the standpoint of a young participant. + +Miss Pierce’s method of education being both original and comprehensive, +she not only wrote history for her scholars to learn, but plays for them +to act.[19] These performances are said to have been very engrossing to +the scholars, all lessons and other occupations being given up for the +time. They must also have greatly entertained the townspeople. Then, +either to try to rival the fine acting of the “Female Academy,” or to +return the courtesy of their entertainment, or both, the young men of +the Law School would write and act other plays. Of the character of +these plays we have so far found no record. + +[Illustration: + + ELECTION BALL. + + _Miss E. Canfield’s_ + +_Company is requested at Ransom’s Assembly Room, this evening at 7 +o’clock._ + + T. GLOVER, } { M. TRYON, Jr. + J. H. SPARHAWK, } MANAGERS. { S. CURTIS, + +HARTFORD, MAY 9, 1811. + + PL. VI.—FACSIMILE OF INVITATION TO A BALL IN HARTFORD, CONN. TO “THE + ROSE OF SHARON” + +] + +Finally, there were balls: balls in the schoolroom under Miss Pierce’s +own patronage, the invitations to attend them being highly prized by the +law students, and balls given at the tavern or public house kept by +Josiah Parks, on the top floor of the United States Hotel. These latter +were larger. Those at the school were called balls; but Miss Pierce’s +grandniece reports their being simple, early dances rather than real +balls. “In 1798 a ball with the customary entertainment and variety of +music, cost about $160,[20] and nothing was said about it,” showing that +there had been a material change in the conditions and prosperity of the +town since the earlier days when a dollar to be paid to a man with a +fiddle to play for dancing was all the necessary cost of an evening’s +entertainment. On Plate VI is a facsimile of an invitation to an +election ball in Hartford. + +There was quite an elaborate system of merit marks at the school, and +many a mark was won by the tiny stitches sewed on a dainty seam of some +muslin gown, for according to the fashion of the day, woman’s attire +could hardly be too delicate. There were no tailor-made gowns then. Even +in winter muslin dresses and slippers were worn. + + “‘In 1794,’[21] to use Carlyle’s words, ‘every man began to ponder + whether he should not even dress himself like the Free Peoples of + Antiquity.’ Carlyle, of course, was speaking of French men and women; + but the fashions adopted by them soon spread to England, though + English women never pushed the classical craze so far as the French + did. + + “It seems to us, however, that French women were not so much + endeavoring to dress so as to look like the Ancient Greeks and Romans, + as undressing themselves in order to look as much as possible like the + statues which these ancient ‘Free Peoples’ produced. Garment after + garment was laid aside, until they had brought their apparel down to + something that at all events succeeded in recalling the same + transparent scantiness so essential to the right setting forth of the + beauties of sculpture.... It was well that the readers of fashion + books of that time should be cautioned against exposing themselves to + the air for if the truth is to be spoken, our grandmothers and great + grandmothers were only half clad—exposed to the perpetual variations + of one of the most trying climates in the world; they for the most + part confronted it and its continual changes attired in a short round + dress of white cambric, with arms and necks all but bare, and feet + clad in silk stockings and thin kid or morocco shoes. In winter, it is + true, they had their warm pelisses, and mantels of cloth or velvet, + and these were frequently lined with fur; but they cut the period of + wearing winter wraps absurdly short, never gave up their white cambric + dresses, and early in the spring and late in autumn often went out + more lightly apparelled than we should in the dog days. Their own + deaths and the large amount of consumption they have handed down to + their descendants are the fruits of this folly.... + + “In December, 1806 we read: ‘The pelisse of twilled sarsnet with + simple wrap front continues the reigning favorite.’ Indeed, ‘the + gentle and pliant sarsnet’ and ‘the yielding and adhesive imperial + satin of gossamer softness’ are constantly prescribed for pelisses and + spensers at all periods of the year. + + * * * * * + + “Diderot says that ‘When writing of women we should dip our pen in the + rainbow and throw over each line the powder of butterflies’ wing, + instead of sand.’ And it almost seems as if in the beginning of this + century it was the fashion to dress them in the same ethereal manner. + + * * * * * + + “On Christmas eve, 1803, Prince Jerome Bonaparte married Miss + Elizabeth Paterson. A gentleman present on the occasion said: ‘All the + clothes worn by the bride might have been put in my pocket. Her dress + was of muslin richly embroidered, of extremely fine texture. Beneath + her dress she wore but a single garment.’ + + * * * * * + + “Dresses which were extolled in summer and autumn were never wholly + banished in winter and spring. Our grandmothers were like the + daffodils, they appeared in all their bright attire before the swallow + dared to come, and ‘took the winds of March with beauty.’ How many of + them suffered for what they did, we may guess at, but can never know. + How much stronger we ourselves might have been had they thought and + acted differently, it is also vain to conjecture, but we can clothe + ourselves and our children in obedience to the laws of health and + strenuously resist all attempts to induce us to do the contrary. + +[Illustration: + + PL. VII.—FASHIONS OF 1807 + + From “Our Grandmothers’ Gowns” +] + + “Still we find ‘a round gown jaconet muslin prescribed’ in December, + 1812. We read: ‘Notwithstanding the severity of the season, morning + dresses continue to be made in white muslin, which is more fashionable + than anything else.’ It continued to be so for many a year after this. + It was supposed to be indelicate to wear anything else. ‘The dress of + women,’ we are told, ‘should differ in every point from that of men. + This difference ought even to extend to the choice of stuffs; for a + woman habited in cloth is less feminine than if she were clothed in + transparent gauze, in light muslin or in soft and shining silk.’ + + * * * * * + + “A lady and her child attired in the most elegant fashions of the + season, September, 1807: + + “LADY’S DRESS—A round gown with short train, ornamented at the feet in + flutings of muslin or needlework; a long sleeve ruched, with full top; + frock back and lapel, bosom cut low, and trimmed with scalloped lace, + a _chapeau a la bocage_ of imperial chip or sarsnet, or ornamented + with a wreath of ivy or jonquil.... A shawl of Chinese silk thrown + negligently over the shoulders.... + + “CHILD’S DRESS—A frock and trousers of fine cambric, bordered at the + bottom in rich fancy Vandyke; French back and bosom cut very low, and + ornamented with the same; Circassian sleeve very short.... + + “This is a lady’s outdoor equipment for October! The child’s arms and + neck are bare, and its feet are covered with nothing stouter than + yellow kid. Did the doctors of those days make larger fortunes than + they do now? They can never have been without work.” + +While these passages are from an English standpoint, the following +quotations go to prove that the ocean was no barrier to apparel of much +the same nature; and while there was so much less communication between +the small New England towns and Europe, we know that there were even +then direct importations of fashion plates. Plate VIII is from one dated +July 1, 1799, which was brought from London soon afterwards by Mr. +Julius Deming for his daughters.[22] + + [_From the Evening Post of 1802._] + + _Wednesday, February 3._ + + FASHIONABLE NEWS. + + LADIES DRESSES FOR DECEMBER. + + WALKING DRESSES. Round dress of thick white muslin. The Hungarian + cloak, made of nacarat, or scarlet silk, trimmed all around with broad + black lace or fur. A bonnet of the same colour as the cloak, trimmed + with black lace or fur, and ornamented with a flower or feather of the + same colour. + + + DANCING OR FULL DRESS. A short robe of fine muslin, with a train or + petticoat of the same; the robe made plain over the bosom, with + additional fronts, to fly open from the shoulders. The whole bound + with scarlet ribbon; the sleeves and the robe, from the shoulders to + the bottom, are ornamented with scarlet ribbon. The bosom trimmed + round with deep white lace. A hat of white silk, turned up in front, + and lined with scarlet; a feather of the same colour fixed in front, + to fall over the crown. + + + GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. The prevailing colours are scarlet, pink and + purple. Black bear muffs and tippets, long before, and in the form of + a handkerchief, are general for morning and walking dresses; and white + muffs and tippets for full dress. Feathers and flowers of all + descriptions are universal; long scarlet ribbons are worn round the + bosom, from which miniatures or lockets are suspended. Caps in full + dress are more prevalent than last winter. + + LONDON PAP. + + [_From “A Girl’s Life Eighty Years Ago,” by Eliza Southgate Bowne._] + + ALBANY, Aug. 8, 1802. + + The Patroon and his wife came to see us. She is really beautiful, + dressed very plain; cotton cambric morning gown, white sarsnet cloak, + hair plain, and black veil thrown carelessly over her head. + + NEW YORK, June 6, 1803. + + Caroline and I went shopping yesterday, and ’tis a fact that the + little white satin Quaker bonnets, cap-crowns, are the most + fashionable that are worn—lined with pink or blue or white; but I’ll + not have one, for if any of my old acquaintances should meet me in the + street they would laugh,—I would if I were them. I mean to send Sister + Boyd a Quaker cap, the first tasty one I see; Caroline’s are too + plain, but she has promised to get me a more fashionable pattern. ’Tis + the fashion. I see nothing new or pretty,—large sheer muslin shawls + put on as Sally Weeks wears hers are much worn, they show the form + thro’ and look pretty; silk nabobs, plaided, colored and white, are + much worn, very short waists, hair very plain. + +[Illustration: + + PL. VIII.—FASHION PLATE FROM ENGLAND, 1799 +] + + NEW YORK, June 18, 1803. + + The fashions are remarkably plain; sleeves much longer than ours, and + half handkerchiefs are universally worn. At Mrs. Henderson’s party + there was but one lady except myself with a handkerchief—dressed as + plain as possible, the most fashionable women the plainest. I have got + you a pretty India spotted muslin—’tis fashionable here. + +The silk dresses must also have been light and airy in weight as Miss +Pierce’s grandniece tells a story of her aunt’s best black silk well +worth relating in these days of Saratoga trunks. At the present time +railroad passengers grumble at being limited to one hundred pounds of +baggage. A hundred years ago the amount permitted to each passenger of a +stage coach was but fourteen pounds, and a trunk then was hardly larger +than a handbag now, certainly not as commodious as a dress-suit case. + +Having just returned from a visit to her sister Mrs. Croswell, at +Catskill, Miss Sarah Pierce reproached Miss Mary Pierce for having +omitted to put her best black silk in her trunk when packing it. “I +certainly put it in,” replied Miss Mary. “If you did I could not find +it,” was the retort. Miss Mary went upstairs and shortly returned with +the dress in her hand and showed how careful she had been to lay the +dress between the folds of an undergarment to keep it from being +creased. This was also the reason why Miss Pierce had not perceived it +in the trunk. Could any of the beruffled, trailing gowns of these days +be hid away like that? + +That the elaborate dress of some of the matrons of Litchfield, extended +even to powdered hair raised in towers on the head can be learned from +the portraits extant by the painter Earle. The notice of his coming is +taken from the Litchfield Monitor. + + LITCHFIELD, Feb 24^{th} 1796 + + Arrived in town a few days since, from New York, Mr. Ralph Earle, the + celebrated Portrait Painter; who holds rank with the most + distinguish’d pupils of the great West. His Paintings will do honor to + any country, in any age. + + May 18 1796 + + Mr. Ralph Earle, the celebrated Portrait Painter, is now at New + Milford; where he will probably reside for some time. As we profess a + friendship for Mr. Earle and are desirous that the Public avail + themselves of the abilities of this able artist, we feel a pleasure in + making this communication, many gentlemen in this vicinity, having + been disappoint of his services, and several of our friends being + driven to accept of the paltry daubs of assuming pretenders. + + Mr. Earl’s price for a Portrait of full length is Sixty Dollars, the + smaller size Thirty Dollars; the Painter finding his own support and + materials,—Applications by letter or otherwise, will be transmitted to + Mr. Earle from this office, or the Post-master at New Milford will + take charge of all letters addressed to Mr. Earle. + +The following letter from the Litchfield Monitor of June 8, 1796, shows +how far-reaching was the Republican feeling in Litchfield when it was +sought to regulate through the press even the old custom of wearing +mourning: + + + DRESSING IN MOURNING. + + _To the Printers of the United States._ + + _Gentlemen_,— + + As your employment gives you the means of great influence in our + country, it is of great importance that you should be wise and good + men; that you should improve your influence in promoting the best + interest and real welfare of our rising nation. + + At this time I would mention one error in my countrymen, which + prevails to our shame and poverty—the growing Fashion of dressing in + mourning. This is to our disgrace, and gives mortification to every + true lover of this country. During the Revolution, an economical + fashion, truly republican, was established and all classes wore it; + this was only a piece of crape or black ribbon on the left arm of men, + and a black ribbon on the head of women. This American fashion did + honor to our country, while at the same time it saved the property of + the people. The President of the United States, some of the Governors + and first rulers, have continued the fashion to this day. But great + numbers of unreflecting persons have thoughtlessly returned again to + an imitation of the British people, and greatly to their own loss, and + to the injury of the country. The articles worn for mourning, are + imported from Europe, for which our money is exported. This is a + serious misfortune; for the sum is very great which is every year + wasted for this trumpery. Let us act more like Americans, and save our + honor and our money. We ought to have our own fashions, and the most + frugal ones. To be imitators of Europeans and to our own loss is + disgraceful. Our pride as well as our reason, forbids this servile + practice. Americans! assert yourselves. Act with independent minds! be + no longer the dupes of a silly fashion. Elect no man to any office who + is guilty of this littleness of conduct—thereby you will preserve your + national dignity, and millions of your money! + + AN AMERICAN. + + P.S. It is really strange, and much to be regretted that our + legislatures do not attempt to correct this evil. A recommendation + from high authority to the people, would produce a good effect. At + least, it would keep in countenance those who wish to avoid the + fashion—for fashion is a tyrant, and weak people are afraid to + disobey. This tyrant therefore, should be borne down by the authority + of high examples. + +In order to round out this sketch of the social conditions and customs +at Litchfield during the period of these chronicles, let us read the +impressions of a stranger,—a young man who, like many another, found +there not only a good legal education, but—a wife. + +In the autobiography of the Rev. Lyman Beecher, his son Charles Beecher +writes the following: + + “Judge Tapping Reeve, for over half a century a citizen of Litchfield, + was the founder of the celebrated law school, which for forty years + was resorted to by young men of talent from nearly every state in the + Union. Judge Reeve’s first wife was a granddaughter of President + Edwards, and sister of Aaron Burr, who for about six years regarded + Litchfield as home.”[23] + + “No less distinguished in point of literary cultivation was the family + of Judge Gould for many years associated with Judge Reeve in the law + school, and afterwards its principal. He was of fine personal + appearance, polished manners, extensive acquaintance with the English + classics, and in all matters of rhetorical or verbal criticism his + word was law. His wife was in no way inferior to him in general + information and brilliant conversational powers.”[24] + +To this institution came Edward D. Mansfield, from whose “Personal +Memories,” published in Cincinnati in 1879, we extract the following +passages: + + “It was about the middle of June, 1823, that my father and I drove up + to Grove Catlin’s tavern, on the ‘Green’ of Litchfield, Conn. It was + one of the most beautiful days of the year, and just before sunset. + The scene most striking. Litchfield is on a hill, about one thousand + feet above the sea, and having fine scenery on every side. On the west + rises ‘Mount Tom’ a dark frowning peak; in the southwest, ‘Bantam + Lake,’ on whose shores I have often walked and ridden. In the north + and east other ridges rolled away in the distance, and so, from + Litchfield Hill, there is a varied and delightful prospect. One of the + first objects which struck my eyes was interesting and picturesque. + This was a long procession of school girls, coming down North Street, + walking under the lofty elms, and moving to the music of a flute and + flageolet. The girls were gayly dressed and evidently enjoying their + evening parade, in this most balmy season of the year. It was the + school of Miss Sally Pierce, whom I have mentioned before, as one of + the earliest and best of the pioneers in American female education. + That scene has never faded from my memory. The beauty of Nature, the + loveliness of the season, the sudden appearance of this school of + girls, all united to strike and charm the mind of a young man, who, + however varied his experience, had never beheld a scene like that. + + “It was commonly my practice to walk in the afternoons of summer, and + the opportunities for pleasant walking were like those of riding, very + good and tempting. Litchfield, like many New England towns, was built + chiefly on two main streets, one going north and south, and the other + east and west, and the whole on a hill or ridge, with Bantam river + running on the east and another stream on the west. North and South + Street was more than a mile in length, shaded nearly its whole length + by those lofty and broad spreading elms for which some of the towns of + Connecticut was noted. In the warm days of summer, and in these + beautiful and cloudless sunsets, like the day in which I had first + seen it, most of the young people would be on the streets, and among + them those of the students who, like myself, were lovers of beauty and + of scenery. Owing to my introduction to society, which is always a + great benefit to young men of any sense, I was soon acquainted with + the best families and my afternoon walks, as well as my evening + visits, often led me among those distinguished in beauty, grace and + position. One of my temptations to an afternoon walk was to meet the + girls, who, like ourselves, were often seen taking their daily walk. + Among these, were the Wolcotts, the Demings, the Tallmadges, the + Landons and Miss Peck, who afterwards became my wife.... + +[Illustration: + + PL. IX.—LUCY SHELDON (MRS. THERON BEACH) + + From a miniature by Dickinson +] + + “There were more than fifty law students boarding in Litchfield, many + of them of wealthy families, and many of them from the South. Of + course, there must be some amusement, and often the midnight air + resounded with the songs of midnight rioters, and sometimes stories + were circulated to the students’ disadvantage. After hearing some + remarks on the ‘fast’ students, I met Dr. Sheldon walking, and said to + him: ‘Doctor, they say we are the worst students ever were in + Litchfield.’ ‘Pooh! pooh!’ said the doctor, ‘they are not half as bad + as they were in my day.’ So I was comforted with the idea that we were + not casting shame on those venerable Puritans who had condescended to + become our ancestors. Be this as it may, I greatly enjoyed those + evening sleigh rides, and those country suppers, when we would ride + off to Goshen, or Harwinton, or other village, and order our turkey + and oysters, served up with pickles and cake, and then set Black Cæsar + to play jigs on a cracked fiddle. But the grand occasions were + something beyond this, when we got sleighs with fine horses, and + buffalo robes, and foot-stoves, and invited the belles of Litchfield, + who never hesitated to go, and set off to the distant village to have + a supper and dance. I seldom danced, and some of the girls did not, + but there were always some who did, and we had jolly times. So passed + my days in Litchfield, doing a great deal of good work in study, + enjoying much of good society, and passing its hours in innocent + amusements.” + + + + + 1801. + LUCY SHELDON—HER DIARY. + + +Lucy Sheldon, half sister of Charlotte, and the daughter of Dr. Daniel +Sheldon and his second wife Huldah Stone, of South Farms, was born June +27, 1788, and married Mr. Theron Beach, of Goshen, January 9, 1832. She +died April 7, 1889, having nearly reached her one hundred and first +birthday. She was born, married, and died in the same house on North +Street.[25] She long retained her light step, her active habits, and +fresh, youthful feelings. From her journal at the age of fourteen the +following extracts are taken: + + _Monday_ This day Miss Pierce began her school I attended, resolving + to renew my former studies with greater assiduity than ever, and shall + endeavour to improve enough to merit the approbation of my Parents, + and instructress, Painted on my picture of the hop gatherers, and read + grammar, commenced an acquaintance with Miss Bosworth & Miss Goodyear, + who appear to be very fine girls, in the evening studied a grammar + lesson. + + _Tuesday._ Continued my usual occupations. + + _Wednesday._ Painted, read in miscellaneous works and recited a + grammar lesson, in the afternoon Mrs. Tracy, and Caroline were at our + house. Spent the evening at Mr. Adams’s. + + _Thursday._ Studied and recited a grammar lesson, painted, and read + some very good pieces in the Mirror spent a very agreeable evening at + Mr. Allens. + + _Friday._ Painted and read, heard Miss Pierce tell our faults, had the + pleasure to hear her say she had seen no fault in me for the week past + and hope she will ever have reason to approve of my conduct. + + _Sunday._ Attended meeting all day & heard two pretty good sermons, + delivered by Parson Champion, in the evening went to singing meeting. + + _Monday._ Drew, and began the history of Rome but Miss Pierce thought + proper that I should not write it as I had read it once before, In the + evening knit. + + _Tuesday._ Recited a grammar lesson & painted, spent the evening at + the school house, with the young Ladies. + + _Wednesday._ Today Miss Pierce did not keep as she expected to move + into her new house,[26] therefore Miss Henderson took her place in the + forenoon, but in the afternoon there was no school, and I assisted + Miss Pierce, in the evening attended singing meeting. + + _Thursday._ Attended school, painted & recited a grammar lesson, In + the evening knit. + + _Friday._ Miss Pierce did not keep school, Assisted Mama, and in the + afternoon we had company. + + _Saturday._ Painted, read in the explanation of the Catechism, in the + afternoon wrote, in the evening heard Papa read. + + _Sunday._ In the afternoon read in Baron Hallers letters to his + daughter; on the truth of the Christian religion, in the afternoon + attended meeting, & heard a very good sermon delivered by the reverend + Mr. Huntington, from these words. Matt. 16. Chap. 26 verse “what + profiteth for a man to gain the whole world, and lose his own soul, or + what will a man give in exchange for his soul, he expatiated on the + frailty of human events & the danger of placing too much happiness on + the pomp & riches of this world. In the evening attended singing + meeting + + _Monday._ Assisted Mama and went to school, painted, read in Roman + history, In the evening wrote. + +[Illustration: + + PL. X.—HOP PICKING + + From a water-color painted by Lucy Sheldon +] + + _Tuesday._ Finished the hop picking,[27] In the afternoon Mrs. Smith + was at our house, who I think is a very fine old Lady, Assisted Mama, + In the evening knit. + + _Wednesday._ In the forenoon copied my Journal In the afternoon wrote + a letter, In the evening knit. + + _Thursday._ Studied a grammar lesson, & drew In the evening sewed. + + _Friday._ Painted, and read in the history of Rome, spent the evening + at the school house. + + _Saturday_ Assisted Mama, wrote, painted and heard Miss Pierce tell + our faults, and was very glad to hear her say she had seen no fault in + me for the week past, In the evening read in Baron Hallers letters. + + _Sunday_ Attended meeting in the forenoon and heard an excellent + sermon.... + + _Monday_ Assisted Mama, came to school worked on my pin cushion, read + and heard the young Ladies read, the life of Coriolanus, in the + history of Rome, In the afternoon, sewed & read in little + Grandison,[28] which shows that, virtue always meets with its reward + and vice is punished, spent the evening at the school house. + + _Tuesday._ Rose at sunrise, attended school, learnt a grammar lesson, + & wrote my Journal, In the afternoon, painted and spelt. + + _Wednesday_ In the forenoon sewed, (P. M.) painted and assisted Mama. + + _Thursday._ Learnt a grammar lesson, spent the afternoon at home, In + the evening attended a school ball, and had a very good one. + + _Friday (Dec. 25th 1801)._ As this day was Christmas I attended church + and heard a sermon by Parson Marsh very well adapted to the occasion, + returned & spent the remainder of the day in sewing. + + _Saturday. 26th_, Wrote my Journal, read in the Mirror, and heard Miss + Pierce tell our faults she said she had seen no fault in me for the + week past. + + _Sunday 27th_, Arose at four o’clock, did not attend meeting, finished + reading Baron Hallers letters which I think is an excellent book. + + _Monday 28th_, In the forenoon, read history and painted (P. M.) + studied & recited a grammar lesson spent the evening at home with + company. + + _Tuesday. 29th_, Studied a geography lesson, In the afternoon painted, + In the evening knit. + + _Wednesday 30th_; In the forenoon painted, In the evening knit. + + _Thursday 31st_, Learnt a geography lesson & began to draw the sailor + boy.[29] In the afternoon, painted and sewed. + + _Friday._ This is the first day of January the beginning of the year + 1802, and I intend if it is in my power, to conquer all my faults, but + as perfection is not the lot, of mortals I shall not expect to attain + so near to it, In the forenoon painted in the afternoon there was not + any school and I remained at home, assisted Mama & sewed. + + _Saturday 2nd_, Painted and heard Miss Pierce tell our faults, she + said she had seen no fault in me except holding my arms stiff which + made me appear awkward, and which I shall certainly endeavour to + correct, She also read a sermon from Blair particularly addressed to + young people which recommended the necessity of being pious & + industrious, In the evening, read in Mary Walstoncrafts travels + through Norway, Sweden, & Denmark. + + _Sunday 3rd_, ... Read in Mary Walstoncrafts travels, this is a very + entertaining book but even here, I can see through some of our + principals. + + _Tuesday 5th_, Learnt a geography lesson, painted, and in the evening, + sewed. + + _Wednesday 6th_, Read and heard the young Ladies read history, + painted, In the evening attended singing meeting. + + _Thursday 7th_, Read in the Dramatic pieces. + + _Saturday 9th_; Painted and heard my faults told Miss Pierce has found + no fault with me for the week past. + + * * * * * + + _Wednesday 13th_, Painted and sewed, In the evening heard Papa. read, + in a Fathers letter to his daughter and I hope I shall profit by the + instruction it contains. + + * * * * * + + _Saturday 16th_, Read in Don Quixote & knit. + + * * * * * + + _Monday 18th_, Read history and, painted, In the afternoon sewed, In + the evening attended a school ball enjoyed myself pretty well, + returned at eleven o’clock + + _Tuesday 19th_, In the forenoon painted, In the afternoon sewed, In + the evening read. + + _Wednesday 20th_, Read history and painted, In the afternoon returned + home from school, and was happy to find Mrs. Adams, Maria,[30] & Mrs. + Seymore there, In the evening, went to singing meeting, but had a very + dull one. + +[Illustration: + + PL. XI.—A SAILOR BOY + + From a water-color painted by Lucy Sheldon +] + + * * * * * + + _Sunday 24th_, ... After meeting, read in the internal history of + church. + + * * * * * + + _Tuesday 26th_, Assisted Mama, came to school read in the companion, + and wrote my Journal, In the afternoon, there was no school, because + Miss Pierces’s sister Nancy was more unwell, In the evening we heard + the melancholy news of her death, Mama and I immediately went over + there and beheld a very affecting scene, but I think the mourners bear + their loss with Christian fortitude & resignation, returned home and + spent the remainder of the evening in meditating upon the scene which + I had witnessed, and which had made a deep impression upon my mind. + + * * * * * + + _Thursday 28th_, In the forenoon sewed, In the afternoon attended the + funeral, and heard Mr. Huntington make an excellent prayer, returned + home and in the evening knit. + + * * * * * + + _Saturday 30th_, Painted, but as Miss Sally has not kept school, I + have continued my employments at home. + + Have done nothing for these two or three weeks past worth notice + except, having read through pilgrims progress, which I admire very + much, and Lord Chesterfields letters to his son and think it would be + well for every young Lady to read it. + + _Monday._ Read history and painted in the forenoon. In the afternoon + copied my Journal, In the evening ciphered. + + _Tuesday._ Studied geography lesson, In the evening ciphered. + + _Saturday._ Wrote a letter in my Journal. Miss Pierce did not tell our + faults particularly, but gave us the general rules of good behaviour. + + _Sunday._ Did not attend meeting on account of the weather, In the + evening read in Don Quixote, and am pleased with his factious humor + and Sancho’s credulous disposition + + * * * * * + + _Tuesday._ Attended school, read history, In the afternoon painted, & + heard the young Ladies read in Juliana or the affectionate sister in + the evening ciphered. + + _Wednesday._ Read through the fortunate discovery or the History of + Henry Villers, a novel written by a young Lady in New York, I think + the language, is not as good as I have seen, but the story is very + pretty. Attended school, studied a geography lesson, & wrote my + Journal, In the afternoon copied it. + + * * * * * + + _Saturday._ Rose late, assisted Mama, came to school copied my + Journal, Miss Pierce did not tell our faults particularly, In the + afternoon wrote plays for Miss Pierce, In the evening read. + + _Sunday._ Read ten chapters in the Bible, attended meeting all day, & + heard two very good sermons, read twenty chapters in the Bible after + meeting, In the evening sewed. + + _Monday._ Began to write the history of Rome.... + + * * * * * + + _Thursday._ Attended a private school ball. + + * * * * * + + _Saturday._ Copied history, recited geography, and heard our faults + told, Miss Pierce has found no fault with me for the week past, have + had the honor of being chosen candidate for the prize, In the + afternoon copied plays for Miss Pierce, in the evening read. + + * * * * * + + _Monday._ Returned home & had the pleasure of finding Miss Cornelia + Adams[31] at our house, assisted in getting tea, & spent the evening + very agreeably. + + _Tuesday._ In the evening copied of my part of Ruth.[32] + + * * * * * + + _Wednesday._ Studied a geography lesson & recited it, had the + mortification to have Miss Mary Glen get above me, began to draw a map + in the afternoon, In the evening attended a school ball + + * * * * * + + _Tuesday._ Read history, drew on my map, and read in the childrens + friend, In the evening ciphered. + + * * * * * + + _Monday._ This morning I was introduced to my new brother, & am much + pleased with him, did not attend school, sewed, & attended to domestic + affairs + + _Tuesday._ The forenoon I spent in sewing at home, In the afternoon + went to school, drew on my map of Connecticut & read in the + inquisitor, which is a very humorous thing + + _Wednesday._ Came to school & read geography to Miss Chittenden, In + the afternoon recited my part & wrote. + + _Thursday._ Rehearsed my part, drew on my map & wrote. + + _Friday._ In the forenoon, drew on my map, In the afternoon studied my + part. + + _Saturday._ Assisted at home, attended school, read in the companion, + drew on my map, assisted Mama at home & heard a play rehearsed, + + _Sunday_, Did not attend meeting, read in the Bible & Downman on + infancy, In the evening did not do anything. + + _Monday._ Came to school, worked on my map rehearsed my play, In the + afternoon drew on my map read in the Roman history & companion, In the + evening came to the school house, & heard the young Ladies say their + play. + + _Tuesday._ Attended school, rehearsed my play, drew on my map, In the + evening attended a private school ball enjoyed myself very well. + + _Wednesday_, Attended school, drew on my map recited my part, & copied + history, In the evening sewed. + + _Thursday._ Rehearsed my part, drew on my map & wrote. + + _Friday._ Was fast, attended meeting all day, thought Mr. Huntington + preached better, than I had ever heard him before. + + _Saturday._ In the forenoon drew on my map & rehearsed my part, In the + afternoon drew on my map, & heard the young Ladies say their plays. + + + LUCY SHELDON’S JOURNAL FOR THE WINTER 1803 + + _Monday, January 3rd._ This day I again commence my Journal, it being + almost a year since I have written one, and perhaps will be the last, + that I shall ever write at school, I am now old enough to know the + importance of improvement therefore think I shall attend with more + diligence than formerly, I have not however, as yet been very + industrious because I have not had any fixed employments, but I have + now resolved to attend regularly to my studies, This morning I stayed + at home and assisted Mama, in the afternoon came to school, but found + it very bad walking from the snow that had fallen, the preceding + night, took a music lesson, was called home before school was out, + spent part of the evening in ciphering and the remainder at Miss + Pierce’s with the young Ladies. + + _Tuesday 4th_, In the morning studied and recited a geography lesson, + in the afternoon took a music lesson,[33] and wrote, in the evening + assisted Mama. + + _Wednesday 5th_, In the forenoon painted, in the afternoon had the + misfortune to break a glass in one of the frames of my pictures, + attended school, in the afternoon sewed, had the pleasure to find Mrs. + Allen at our house when I returned home, spent the afternoon and + evening very agreeably, think Mrs. Allen is a fine woman, and any man + might be proud of her. + + _Thursday 6th_, Studied and recited a geography lesson and began a + composition, and sewed, spent the evening very agreeably at Miss + Pierces. + + _Friday 7th_, Attended school, finished my composition & heard the + history summed up, we are reading the history of South America, and + have got as far as where Cortes entered Mexico.... + + In the afternoon sewed, in the evening ciphered. + + _Saturday 8th_, In the morning sewed and wrote, In the afternoon sewed + a little and played a great deal, In the evening read in the Bible. + + _Sunday 9th_, Attended meeting all day, and never heard Parson + Champion preach so unintelligibly, I can’t tell what was the cause of + it, but I did not understand much of it, In the evening went to + singing meeting stayed till about eight o’clock, when I returned and + spent the rest of the evening at Mr. Tracy’s very agreeably with a + large collection of Ladies & gentlemen. + + _Tuesday 11th_, Heard the young Ladies read history and copied my + composition, (gives a condensed account of the history lesson) In the + evening had company. + + * * * * * + + _Friday 14th_, Did nothing but study geography all day. + + _Saturday 15th_, Spent part of the forenoon in writing and the + remainder in hearing Miss Pierce read some excellent pieces from + Moore’s Fables on different subjects In the afternoon sewed. In the + evening read in the Bible. + + _Sunday 16th_, Rose rather late, attended meeting and heard Mr. + Huntington preach, he took his text from Luke 18 chapter. 14 verse. + the following were the words, “I tell you this man went down to his + house justified rather than the other” after relating the story of the + Pharisee and Publican, he told us we ought to humble ourselves before + God, and that we should avoid hypocracy, although the Pharisee + attended strictly to all the forms of religion, yet instead of + humbling himself he boasted of having fasted more than the lord + required of him, and thanked God. that he was not like other men, an + adulterer, or slanderer, while on the other hand, the Publican was + sensible of his wickedness, and when before the altar of God, he stood + afar off and being afraid, so much as to lift his eyes to Heaven, he + beat his breast, and cried, “God be merciful to me a sinner,” and that + for this reason, he went back to his house justified rather than the + other. In the afternoon attended meeting and heard a continuation of + the forenoon’s subject, In the evening went to singing meeting + + _Monday 17th_, We danced all the forenoon, and in the afternoon sewed + and was examined in geography, spent the beginning of the evening very + agreeably at Miss Pierce’s, but the latter part not quite so much so. + + _Tuesday 18th_, Wrote and was examined in geography, there was no + school in the afternoon, and I employed myself in reading in Adams + history of Rome, In the evening we had a ball, I was not placed as + high in the dance, as I intend to be next time, enjoyed myself very + well, returned a little after ten o’clock. + + * * * * * + + _Saturday 22nd._ Wrote a composition upon Vanity, and heard our faults + told, In the afternoon mended my cloaths, In the evening read. + + _Sunday 23rd_, Did not attend meeting in the morning, read all the + forenoon, In the afternoon attended meeting but did not attend to the + sermon, as much as I ought therefore cannot relate it, In the evening + went to singing meeting, and wrote a letter. + + * * * * * + + _Saturday 28th_, Wrote all the morning, In the afternoon came to the + school house, and wrote, while I was there Mr. Nash came in and + instructed his sister I was much pleased with his kindness, in trying + to improve her. + + _Sunday 29th_, It stormed very hard, but I thought that was not a good + excuse for staying at home, therefore attended all day, text was taken + etc.... + + * * * * * + + _Saturday Feb: 4th_, Assisted Mama, came to school and heard that the + two Miss Chapins were going home, went up to Mrs. Lords, where I found + Mr. Reeves who had come to bid a last adieu, to Miss Chapin, though he + was not so unmanly as to shed tears, yet his look indicated what were + the feelings of his heart!!!... I much grieved to have to part with + two such good friends as Clarissa & Betsey, particularly the former, + who perhaps is not a finer girl, than Betsey, yet I have been more + intimate with her, therefore was more sorry, to have her go, returned + to school and wrote, Heard Miss Pierce read us a piece on discretion + from the Spectator which I admired very much, In the afternoon sewed. + + _Sunday 5th_, Did not attend meeting, read very steady all day, In the + afternoon was taken quite ill, but soon recovered after exercising + some, In the evening knit. + + _Monday 6th_: ... Read in the vision of Columbus. + + _Tuesday 7th_, Assisted Miss Mary all the forenoon, In the afternoon + attended school, wrote and heard Miss Leavitt play on the piano thinks + she plays very handsomely, In the evening attended a school ball, + enjoyed myself pretty well, returned after eleven o’clock. + + _Wednesday 8th_, ... I took a music lesson. + + * * * * * + + _Saturday 11th._ Wrote and did some plain sewing in the afternoon + mended, In the evening read twelve Chapters in the Bible. + + * * * * * + + _Wednesday 16th_, Sewed, and heard the history In the afternoon read + in Blair’s Lectures, In the evening had company. + + * * * * * + + _Saturday 19th_, Copied my Journal and took a music lesson, painted, + slept the greater part of the evening, retired to rest a little after + eight o’clock. + + * * * * * + + _Saturday 26th_, Came to school, took a music lesson, and returned + home again, for the past week I have studied three geography lessons + and two grammar lessons, have attended ciphering one evening, having + been sick, the greater part of the week, spent the remainder of the + day in doing nothing we had this week, studied Egypt. etc., I have + heard the history read twice this week. + + _Sunday 27th_, Did not attend meeting, was so sick read one or two + chapters in the Bible. + + * * * * * + + _Saturday March 5th_, The preceding week I have been sick the greater + part of the time, notwithstanding have not missed getting a geography + lesson, every other day, have been here every night to spell, and have + studied and recited several grammar lessons, stayed at home one day + ciphered one evening, and attended a lecture on Friday + + * * * * * + + _Saturday 12th_, For the past week I have studied three geography + lessons, drawn out a large picture, and heard the history read twice, + there was no school one day, I sewed, read 35 pages in Homers Iliad, + In the evening attended a ball. + + * * * * * + + _Saturday 19th_, Have studied for the week past, two geography + lessons, painted and made a frock, been to ciphering three evenings, I + have studied the Latitude of every kingdom, and island in the + world.... + + _Sunday 20th_, Attended meeting in the afternoon, the sermon was read + by Mr. Reeve who read so low, that I could hear but very little of it, + in the evening sewed very steady till nine o’clock. + + _Saturday 26th_, The preceding has been spent as usual in studying + geography, hearing the history & painting, have written one + composition & ciphered one evening, we have studied for our geography + lesson, the boundaries of the seas & a description of the New England + States etc., Miss Pierce gave me 9 credit marks for my frock, I have + this winter missed in spelling 1 whole one and two half one’s. + + _Saturday April 2nd_, For the week past have painted every day + studied, & recited, three geography lessons & heard the history twice, + We have this week been comparing the towns of America with those of + Europe, the rivers also. + + _Saturday 9th_, Have written a composition, visited two afternoons, + one at Mrs. Adam’s with Clarinda Austin, spent the afternoon very + agreeably, In the evening Mr. Stanly was there, his manners are + genteel and agreeable, but I am afraid that beneath a form so + beautiful is concealed a vile heart, I think I should not like such a + constant succession of company as they have at Mrs. Adam’s. But + perhaps I shall think differently when I consider myself grown up, the + other afternoon I visited at Mr. Holmes with Cornelia & Maria Adam’s, + had a very agreeable visit indeed, the company were very sociable & + Miss Chandler in particular, who was more Loquacious than ever, + returned home at nine, the remainder of the week I studied geography, + and drew, Miss Pierce has seen no fault in me for the week past. + + * * * * * + + _Saturday 16th_, Have for the week past been studying geography & Miss + Pierce has been examining us every day, the evenings I have spent in + studying. + + * * * * * + + _Monday_ Wrote geography, _Tuesday_, the same, visited at Miss + Pierce’s, had a very agreeable visit, spent the remainder of the week + in studying geography.... + + + [_Letter from Lucy Sheldon to her mother, addressed “Mrs. Huldah + Sheldon, Litchfield.”_] + + NEW YORK November 29th (1803) + + MY DEAR MAMA. + + We did not get away from Litchfield till ten o’clock, the stage was + very much loaded with baggage and besides that, there were twelve + passengers—at Watertown there were two got out. I did not stop at + Uncle Cutlers, because the stage drove on, We arrived at New Haven + about half after eight called for at supper at Butlers, and after + eating as many oysters and other good things as we could went directly + on board a packet, there was no wind and we could not sail, we stayed + in the packet that night, and the next morning went on shore. I do not + like New Haven much better than Hartford, it may be a pleasanter + summer residence but I should prefer Hartford in the winter, and like + Litchfield better than either, I dined at Mrs. Twining’s, and went to + Mrs. Goodrich’s in the evening, because we expected to sail, but the + wind proving contrary I stay’d with Susan. Mrs. Twining was very kind + to me, and I think Mr. Goodrich’s a very agreeable family, The next + day about eleven the Captain sent for us and we went on board again, + but we did not sail till evening—I was very sick all the next day and + did not get out of my berth till night, the sailors said we should go + thro hell gate in a few moments so I went upon deck but as it was high + water I could not see any thing of any consequence—we arrived in New + York at Nine o’clock—and I assure you I was very glad to get on the + shore, As Aunt Leavenworths was some ways from Burling Slip the place + where we landed, I went to Mr. Hopkin’s, and staid that night, and the + next morning went to aunt L—— she has a most delightful situation on + the bank of the river—and I am certain I shall not be homesick, + yesterday Aunt, and Myself, went a shopping. I believe I shall never + learn to go alone, there are so many thousand streets here, I believe + it would not be a very good place for Harry, his head would be turned + in less than two hours, he would however be very much diverted, and so + was I yesterday to see the old women sitting in the market and so many + thousand ugly faces and dresses passing you constantly Harry’s money + would not last long here for you cannot go any where without seeing + some very pretty playthings or something very good to eat. I have not + seen the girls of my acquaintance, yet but as soon as I get my cloaths + made I shall call on them, then Mr. M^cCrackan was here last night, he + said that Aunt Hopkins and the child were well, but Nancy was not she + had a cough but they supposed it was only occasioned, by a cold, tell + Miss Mary Pierce that I am not homesick, but shall expect to see her + here soon I have not seen her brother yet, she said I should be + frightened with the singing of the chimney sweepers, but I am not, at + all, I hear them go past all the time but I have not seen one yet—be + kind enough to give my love to all the girls and tell them, that tho I + have got to be a _City Lady_ I think of them very often and wish to + see them very much—that I should certainly write them, but I am afraid + Mr. Hopkin’s will go, but they must not fail to write by Miss + Mary—give my love to Papa and all the family. I want to see little + William. very much, you must not let him forget sister Tuty present my + love to all who enquire after me—The weather looks very much like snow + this morning—I suppose Frederick is not sorry—as he will probably + enjoy much pleasure, in gallanting the girls about in our little sley + this winter do make him and Harry write and tell me everything that + has happened since I came away I suppose you had the honor of Mr. + Nash’s company to dine with you on thanks giving day—Aunt Leavenworth + is _pretty_ well and sends her love she would write but thinks it + unnecessary as I have written you so particular—adieu Mama, and + believe me to be ever your affectionate and dutiful daughter + + L. SHELDON. + + I fear I shall want some more money. + + + [_Reply addressed Miss Lucy Sheldon, New York._] + + LITCHFIELD December 14th, 1803 + + MY DEAR CHILD: + + I neglect no opportunity to let you know we are all well, and think of + you pretty often we received your letter by mail, but not before Miss + Mary was gone and as I do not like to trouble Mr. Allen. with a bundle + shall send the muslin you mentioned next week by the Mail, you will + see I cut William a shirt from one of the breadths, and fear I have + spoiled it, but since I do not know what use you want to make of it, + shall send it as it is. Miss Pierce has begun her winter school which + is so small that she keeps in her dining-room and probably will unless + more come than she expects, Mrs. Dr. Smith drank tea with us this + afternoon and Betsey & Polly Sanders are here at work and have been + here till I am quite tired of them, you must write me more particular + what you are adoing from the time you get up till you go to bed, and + what time in the morning you get up, and what your Aunt is doing and + where she is, and everything you can think off I shall read it with + pleasure let it be ever so trifling, you will not forget to remember + me to your Uncle & Aunt + + I am your affectionate + Mamma + HULDAH. SHELDON + +Both of these letters were sent by private hand. + + + EXTRACTS FROM HER COMMONPLACE BOOK. + +In Lucy Sheldon’s Commonplace Book, where we find but one date, +September 12, 1811, there are selections from “Christian Morals,” Hannah +More, Montgomery, Milton, Pope, Young, Miss Porter, Scott, Sir John +Suckling, Sheridan, Thomas Moore, Burns, Stewart, Swift, Burke, Doctor +Johnson, Goldsmith, Shakespeare, Cowper, Thompson, Chesterfield, +Shenstone, Dryden, Ossian, Bolingbroke, Grattan, Anthony Pasquin, +Savage, Curran, The Spectator, Dean Kirwan, Blair, Doctor Cotton, John +Howard Payne, Mrs. Opie. + + + [_Acrostic written to Miss Sheldon, by John Pierpont._] + + A CHARACTER. + + Like the valley’s soft lily sweet modesty’s flow’r, + Under virtues mild care L—— days happy flow, + Cupids bow shines resplendent & graces her bow’r, + Youth, Science and Beauty rejoice on her brow. + + · · · · · + + Lucy, how emmulous is each + To swell your treasury by a mite! + Here poets sing, here sages teach, + And wits here sparkle, in your sight. + Each hand assiduous, culls a flow’r, + To blush in your Pierian wreath, + And o’er your brow in musing hour, + The sweets of Poesy to breath. + + And why with emulative zeal, + This garland, do we thus entwine? + ’Tis for the fair whose soul can feel, + Whose taste can relish, lays divine + ’Tis for the fair, whose modest eye, + Approves when beams of Genius shine, + The poets sing, that lovers sigh, + And we this garland thus entwine. + JOHN PIERPONT. + +Judge Tapping Reeve writes: + + When my Lucy calls to mind the unnumbered blessings which God her + Maker & Redeemer bestows upon her midst the comforts of this life, + born & educated in a land where the pure precepts of the blessed + gospel are constantly inculcated, will she not adopt with gratitude + the language of the poet + + “My days unclouded as they pass + “And every gentle rolling hour + “Are monuments of wondrous grace + “And witness to thy love & power. + + If the opportunities afforded to her for the acquisition of whatever + is valuable & ornamental are improved for the purposes of elevatedness + of heart to God, they will indeed be blessings, the language of her + heart will be “_thy will be done_,” the poets language will accord + with her feelings + + “Seal my forgiveness, in the blood + “Of Jesus his dear name alone + “I plead for pardon gracious God + “And kind acceptance at thy throne. + +Judge James Gould quotes a passage from Pope’s Iliad; Mrs. Elizabeth +(Burr) Reeve quotes verses; Miss C. A. Austin quotes from Fessenden: + + A deficit of Cash is + An obstacle to cutting Dashes. + +Augustus Hillhouse adds a poem on Despair; Miss Amelia Ogden adds +several quotations; Miss M. Tallmadge quotes from Mrs. Opie; Miss M. +Baldwin quotes from Logan; Mr. Pierce quotes from “World without Souls.” + +At the end of one collection are the following conundrums: + + Why is a school master like Orpheus, + Because he strikes the trembling liar + + What colour is the wind, what colour is the storm + The wind blew and the storm rose + + Why is a sidesaddle like a four quart measure + Because it holds a Gallon. + + When an American or an Englishmen leaves his country, he says farewell + my native land—— + + An Irishman says Jesus be with you, this day & forever sweet Ireland + my country + +Letter written by Lucy Sheldon to her brother Henry just after the death +of another brother, William, in Paris. Daniel was Secretary of Legation +at the Court of France under Albert Gallatin. + + LITCHFIELD August 7th, 1826 + + MY DEAR HENRY,— + + On Saturday last the fifth of July we returned from our tour to + Niagara Falls, I believe I wrote to you of Frederick that Miss Mary + Pierce was going to accompany us. Colonel and Mrs. Tallmadge talked of + it with Mr. & Mrs. Cushman, but Mrs. Tallmadge is in such terror when + she is travelling by sea or land, that it is a source of unhappiness + to her to take a journey and tho the colonel appeared really anxious + to go, he gave it up on her account Miss Pierce, Father, and myself + sat out on Wednesday the 12th of July it was an extreme hot day, I + think the warmest we have had this summer, but tho we suffered some + from the heat, yet as the stage was not crowded we did tolerably well, + father laid himself down in the stage & took several long naps we had + a plain farmer with us who amused us considerably with his wit & good + common sense, the nearer we approached Albany the more we found + ourselves fatigued and our South Farms farmer said he had rather + Cradle grain all day, than to ride in the Stage, we did not get to + Albany till ten o’clock, put up at Skinners quite a good house, had + supper got to bed about, eleven, were waked very early in the morning + by the multitude’s of Stages going out and found ourselves not much + refreshed by our nights sleep, and took a stage to Troy and + Lansingburgh. Miss Pierce stopped at Mr. Cushmans, I went down to Mrs. + Leonards, to get where I could rest a little, for I was much more + fatigued than the others; Father was very smart. Found Mrs. Leonard as + hospitable as ever, stayed with her all day and night, returned the + next morning to Troy, dined at Mr. Cushmans, there was much attention + to religion at Troy, and most of the towns west. Mr. C—— is much + engaged, we had a delightful visit, at three started in the Stage for + Schenectady, arrived just as the boat was going out for Utica, took + tea, and went immediately on board the Sound of the Kent bugle, the + lively, busy scene around us, and the long stretch of the Canal, all + new to us, afforded a pleasant scene, and almost made us forget our + sorrows; the boat was a small one and considerably crowded but we had + an excellent Captain, very good food and pleasant companions, which + made the evening and following day pass pleasantly. Mrs. Town, her two + daughters, a niece, a son Charles. T. & a Mr. Smith who had lately + married one of the daughters, were among the party, they were from New + York except Mr. S—— who was from Philadelphia appeared to be genteel + people and strove to be pleased with everything—which is a great art + in travelling, and renders people much more agreeable, the next day I + felt considerable fear for Father, he would be upon deck, or upon the + bow, of the boat, and get to sleep, or would undertake to jump from + the boat to land, till he got one fall, and came near getting knocked + down by a bridge, all our warnings and endeavours to frighten him by + stories we had heard were of no avail, but after his fall he was a + little more careful and willing to stay in the cabin. the country as + you know is very pleasant here, the company was pleasant, among others + the gentlemen who had studied law at L——d and we had an agreeable sail + up the Canal, got out at Little Falls, walked nearly a mile, and + viewed the acqueduct, arrived at Utica about nine in the evening, had + a room with the Towns. The next day was Sunday—William Bacon came and + invited us to go to Church, eat dinner at his Fathers, after Church + Mrs. Skinner called in to see us. She is as young and lively as + ever—The next day—we went with Miss Lathrope to see Trenton falls—It + rained a little when we sat out, but cleared up shortly, we got there + about ten A. M. proceded to the falls were perfectly charmed with the + beauty of the scene, Father walked almost as far as we did, he went to + the house of refreshment, which is built directly on one side of one + of the most beautiful falls, we walked as far as any body ever went + Miss L—— said, and then returned, took dinner and went back to Utica + fully rewarded for our fatigue and trouble. We went to bed before + dark, had a good nights sleep, the next morning, Father and I procured + a gig and sat out for Clinton to see Mrs. Noyes. The roads were wet + and considerable rutted by the late violent showers, but Father took a + rein in each hand, and John Gilpin like, drove thro, thick and thin, + calling out, tur—rup, tur—rup, and tho I remonstrated considerable + upon his holding the reins so loose, going down hill and in bad + places, he heeded it not, but called out tur—rup, and drove on, till + at length, we arrived safe at Fannys—after going a mile directly out + of the way in spite of my entreaties. Found Fanny well, cried and + laughed to see us, has a very pleasant situation, overlooking a rich + and very beautiful valley, a pleasant house and a yard adorned with + shrubbery, we visited the Colleges, were treated very politely by the + President and Lady, invited with warmth to stay—took tea with + Fanny—set out for Utica in the same careless way we came, continuing + to beg my Father, to drive with more care, without any effect—we had + proceded about a mile—were going over a plane, perfectly smooth and + level when our horse stumbled fell, and broke the thill of the + carriage—Father was going to jump out—I begged him to sit still, in a + moment the horse got up again, and stood perfectly still. I ran to a + house to get some assistance, but there was no _man_ at home—but + coming out I saw a student of the College at some distance—I requested + him if he was going that way, to step in and inform Dr. Noyes of our + accident—but he mentioned there was a black Smith at a little + distance, and he would call in, and request him to aid us; but the + black Smith was not at home, so he returned; we fortunately found a + strong rope, used as a halter in the gig, the young man procured a + strong piece of wood—he and Father bound the wood around the broken + part firmly—and we got in again—I at last prevailed upon Father to let + me drive—and we arrived at Utica in safety—_Father taking the reins + near the town_. The same evening we took the Canal boat for + Syracuse—here there was an old Scotch man who kept the gentleman in a + roar the greater part of the time—at Syracuse they make salt by + evaporation—the next morning Miss P—— and myself took a wagon and a + boy and went to Salina, where we saw the salt works which were a great + curiosity—returned before breakfast, and took the stage to Auburn—Mrs. + Bacon gave us a letter to her son who resides there he called upon us + with a Mr. Fanning a classmate of Williams—and told us they would wait + on us to the States Prison after dinner—at the dinner table we met Mr. + Sam Miles Hopkins—who is an inspector of the Prison, and was there on + that business—he with the young gentlemen, accompanied us into every + part of the prison—introduced us to Judge Powel, the keeper—who took + us into his sitting parlour and gave us a glass of wine, after our + walk over the Prison we took a carriage and went to Cayuga to Mr. + Mumfords, where they appeared happy to see us—the next day at eleven + we got into the stage for Rochester. here Miss P—— and myself almost + lost our hearts for one of our travelling companions—a very + intelligible—agreeable, social, Irish gentleman, by the name of + Hogan—we travelled with him to Rochester part of two days through a + most interesting country passing Geneva Canandaigua—and had a + delightful ride—at Rochester we stopped to pass the Sabbath—found a + great number of acquaintances. Mr. Livingston who married Miss C. + Landon, Mr. Perkins who married Miss C.—Deming—Frederick Backus—Mr. + James who went out to Liverpool and Woolsey Mumford—Went to see the + falls—the ruins of Carthage—mills—churches—we drank tea Saturday + evening with Dr. Backus, saw Old Mrs. Backus—attended Church all + day—next day took the Canal for Buffalo, had on board the Canal boat, + the Boardman’s and Costars from New York, the ladies were pretty, were + much crowded in the boat, so that many had to sleep on the floor—left + our companions at Lockport, viewed the grand locks, a very great + curiosity, being double, five together. passed on to Buffalo had a + beautiful view as we entered the harbor of the Lake, Fort Erie etc, + next day crossed the river at Black Rock and took a carriage for the + Falls. the morning was beautiful the air cool and refreshing the + country finely cultivated—the river Niagara rolled clear & majestic + beside us, and everything seemed to conspire to render the ride a + charming one, we stopped and bought some ripe apples and fine cherries + about half a mile before we reached the Falls, we visited the burning + spring here we viewed the rapids, in their tumultuous motion coursing + towards the awful precipice below; at eleven we arrived at Forsyth’s + and immediately proceeded to the falls the scene struck us as grand + and beautiful beyond description. I had a most peculiar sensation w’h + was—a great desire to throw myself with the mighty mass of waters and + penetrate the abyss below—and I found afterwards I was not alone in + that feeling. We passed that day in wandering about, and beholding the + wonderful works of God in this interesting place—and in one of our + rambles suddenly met Mr. & Mrs. Darling from New York very particular + acquaintances of Miss Pierce’s we also at dinner met a _number_ of our + travelling acquaintances—Forsyth now keeps a very good house—there is + another one a short distance from this, lately built, which some + prefer, but this commands the best view of the falls and upon the + whole is I think the most desirable house. The next day we took a + carriage and went to —— where is an old British Fort, opposite to Fort + Niagara on the American side, there being no garrison in the Fort and + the gate open we went in and examined the whole of it. It is called + Fort Mississaugay. We also stopped at Queenstown to see a monument + erected to the memory of General Brock who was killed near. it is a + hundred and odd feet high, and they are going to add twenty more to + it. returned to Forsyth’s to dine, after dinner left his house crossed + over in a row boat to the American side. Father was quite fatigued + going down & up so many steps, but not so much so but that he + immediately went and delivered a letter of introduction to Judge + Porter who lives at the falls. The American side tho’ not as beautiful + as the other accorded more with my ideas previously formed—than the + Canadian side. Had a very agreeable visit at Judge P’s when we drank + tea his garden is situated directly upon the banks of the rapids The + next morning we went all over Goat Island found at breakfast Mr. & + Mrs. Perrit from New York and a number of our travelling companions. + Mr. P. said he sailed with you to Liverpool a year or two since and + they mentioned they were well acquainted with Frederick & his + wife—found him & his wife very agreeable, sat out in the stage with + them for Lockport the road was bad & dusty but our pleasant companions + beguiled the tediousness of the way—by their interesting conversation. + Stopped at the Tuscarora village. At the house of the Chief—he had + been confined to his bed several years with the Rheumatism—My father + told him he could cure him—and prescribed a remedy for his + complaint—his log hut was larger & more commodious than the rest, + situated in a garden, kept perfectly neat—and a number of fruit trees + around—the squaws were spreading wheat to dry in the sun and looked + quite comfortable—the Chief was seated upon a bed, with white curtains + and the hut looked tolerable comfortable—quite neat & clean—he was + forty years of age he told us—spoke the English Language very well—and + appeared to be a very intelligent man. from what he said, I should + Judge, a Christian—I left them some tracts—others gave them presents + and after shaking the Chief by the hand we took our leave. At Lockport + we took the Canal, as Father much preferred travelling that way—and at + Brockfort we parted with Mr. & Mrs. Perrit. We passed the Grand + embankment on the Canal which is raised Seventy feet above the + surrounding country for a mile or two—and a road passes under it—we + stopped but a moment at Rochester and passed on to Montezuma—here we + arrived early Sunday morning—took a carriage—and went to Cayuga seven + miles where we passed the Sabbath—attended Church all day with Mr. and + Mrs. Mumford—the next day at eleven took the stage for Auburn—At + Auburn met with some pleasant Irish people from New York. Mr. & Mrs. + McCarthy etc. etc—they informed us that the young Irishman we took + such a fancy to and who styled himself Doctor, was formerly a Roman + Catholic priest—but had apostasized from their religion & was—as they + called him a Renegade—however we concluded from what they said—it must + be another person—Arrived at Utica before dinner after dinner called + on our friends saw Phoebe Hubbard at Utica—Sailed from Utica in the + Canal boat at eight in the evening, had a fine boat and cool night—but + few passengers, and found ourselves very comfortably situated indeed + we have been remarkably favored in this respect—Have had but little + warm weather—and seldom been crowded on board the boat or + stage—arrived at Schenectady after a pleasant sail the next + evening—here we took leave of our Irish friends and some other + travelling companions—Next morning took the stage to Albany found that + the Litchfield stage left here at two o’clock in the morning—was sick + that day kept my room most of the day—Mr. John Chester called to see + us—also Eben Baldwin formerly at Litchfield—in the evening went to + hear Mr. Chester preach—next morning walked to see the long Pier and + Albany bason—went on board the safety barge, Lady Clinton, which we + esteemed a great curiosity, the accommodations are superb—at nine took + stage for Lebanon—with three or four dashing Philadelphians who were + promising themselves much pleasure at the Springs—arrived at Lebanon + half past two—called for dinner—our travelling companions came down in + their best trim and were sadly disappointed to find no company of any + consequence there—we drank of the water, admired the beautiful + prospect of the extensive Valley which lies before the public houses + visited the baths—and took a carriage for West Stockbridge—our ride + led us through the Quaker village we stopped at their store visited + their place for making cheese—admired the neatness of the place and + passed on—our carriage was easy and comfortable the air cool & bracing + the scenery very fine—and we enjoyed our ride highly—at West + Stockbridge we were surprised to see how small the rooms of a common + sized house looked, we had been so long in such large ones—we were + however very comfortably provided for—our fare was good—and our host + sociable so we had nothing to complain of—the next morning while + waiting for the Litchfield stage we went to see them saw Marble and to + the Quarry some distance beyond—at nine an extra drove up we were + standing upon the Steps at the door a gentleman got out and said how + do you do Doctor Sheldon? We looked up and saw an old friend of ours + William Ellsworth of Hartford—there were so many passengers that they + took another extra from here, and we had the pleasure of Mr. E——’s + company to Norfolk—here he left us and we had a stage to ourselves we + were still favored with delightful weather. our driver was anxious to + get in before another stage which took a different route—and we came + about six miles an hour—at the head of the Street seeing the other + stage just entering town he set his horses out upon the full run—and + we came home in that style somewhat to our alarm—We found all things + had gone on quietly and snugly at home & have great reason to be + thankful for the many mercies we have enjoyed during our + absence—everything seemed to concur to render the journey a pleasant + one it rained just when we wanted a shower to lay the dust—and cleared + off when we wished to have it—we were protected by a kind hand from + all danger by water and by land—we were treated with the greatest + politeness and kindness by our friends and by strangers and had + nothing to mar the pleasure of our journey—the thought of my Dear + departed Brother would sometimes cause a sigh—and a tear to flow—but + the remembrance was usually softened by some pleasant scene before me, + which absorbed my thoughts and attention Father bore the journey + remarkably well—and appeared much less fatigued than I did—he and Miss + Pierce seemed to grow fat the whole way—He was much gratified with his + journey—and I think it will probably be the means of prolonging his + life— + + Though we have passed through many pleasant towns and villages yet as + we entered Litchfield Miss P and I agreed that we had not seen one + that would compare with it—in neatness—& none pleasanter. Father + jumped out of the stage and said—home is home—if ever so homely—I pray + God that I may have a heart to be grateful to you and grateful to him + for the many mercies I enjoy—I hope it will not be long before you + will come back to this country never to return to France—Remember us + affectionately to Daniel and believe me your affectionate sister + + LUCY SHELDON + + Postscript My dear Frederick & Mary I thought you would wish to know + how we got along in our journey as it was something of an undertaking + for a man 75 years of age—which has caused me to be thus particular—I + now promise myself the pleasure of seeing you here speedily, do quit + mosquito land and come to the pure air of Litchfield—I hope you will + very soon, yours L.S. Please to direct this to Henry. + + Addressed + Mr. Frederick Sheldon. Merchant + 32 Warren Street + New York + + Postage. 37½ cents + +Article written for the Litchfield Enquirer by Lucy Sheldon (Mrs. +Beach), when near eighty years, because her village was spoken of as +lonely in winter. + + DEAR OLD LITCHFIELD + + “Breathes there a man with soul so dead, + Who never to himself hath said + This is my own, my Native land?” + + Who that has wandered o’er these green hills, any bright June Morning, + and viewed the smiling landscape, hill & dale, dotted with thrifty + farm houses, the Silver Lakes, the distant Mountains, the Village, + like a City on a hill, tho’ surrounded with Hills, the clear blue sky; + has inhaled the pure dry air, giving health & vigor to the system, but + will exclaim with raptured heart, “My Father made them all!” Where + does the merry Bobolink, the gay Meadowlark, the Blue Bird, the + domestic Robin, the Oriole, sing their Maker’s Praise with a louder, + sweeter song, than on these hills & and in these Vallies, And as the + Sun sinks in the West, the low voice of the Whip poor will is heard in + the Vales below, At Evening how soft the Moonbeams sleep on yon glassy + Lake, and how bright they twinkle, as you walk these streets thro the + long avenue of trees, forming shadows, which seem like some magic + picture of beauty. + + We would not boast, but we think the Mantles of our Fathers have + fallen on many of their children, and that we have refined intelligent + Christian Society, persons who love each Sabbath day to come from + their far off homes, to mingle their prayers and praises with those + who worship _Him_ who is a Spirit in Spirit & in truth, and who + appreciate the high privilege, of hearing the word of God, Preached + with plainness, with simplicity, with Spirituality & Power. + + Here also in Rugged Winter we love to dwell. We love to brave the + Storm, to hear the loud wind roar, the bracing air adds color to the + Cheek, and elasticity to the frame. We love to hear the merry Sleigh + bells jingle and see the brawny ox at the bidding of his master, + bending his neck, to draw the heavy load which gives warmth & comfort + to our dwellings. + + We love the placid quiet of domestic life free from the shackles of + folly & Fashion. We love after the labor of the day + + “To stir the fire and close the shutters fast, + “Let fall the Curtains, wheel the Sofa round, + “And, while the bubbling & loud hissing urn + “Throws up a steamy column, and the Cups + “That cheer but not inebriate, wait on each + “So let us welcome peaceful evening in.” + + Music, Books, pleasant converse with others and ourselves, plans of + usefulness fill up the passing hour, and we retire to rest leaning on + him beneath whose notice, not a sparrow falls to the ground. + + On yonder Hillock in the vale, a gentle stream meandering at its base, + sleep the remains of our Honored Fathers & Mothers. Many of them + unknown to fame, but their names are recorded on high. + + The green sod covers them and the Fir tree & the Willow spread their + branches over them, but their excellencies still live in the memory of + their descendants. We would emulate their virtues, We would elevate + that which is low, we would frown on vice, and contribute our might to + reform what is wrong. + + And may Education, Morality & the Religion of the atoning Lamb of God, + characterize the People of this loved place, to the latest generation. + + AN OLD INHABITANT. + + + + + 1802. + MARY ANN BACON—HER JOURNAL. + + +Mary Ann Bacon was born February 9, 1787, and married, November 13, +1815, Chauncey Whittlesey, of Roxbury, Connecticut. + + + “MARY ANN BACON’S JOURNAL” + WRITTEN IN THE 15^{TH} YEAR OF HER AGE. + + I left Roxbury at eleven Oclock Thursday June 10 1802, accompanied by + my Father after riding about ten miles we stopped at Mr. Mosely about + three Oclock where we refreshed our selves and mounted our horses + about four and rode in solitude saw many beautiful meadows and the + little birds warbling sweet notes seeming to enjoy the sweet pleasures + of life it rained a little before we reach’d Litchfield which was + about Six oClock in the afternoon. Papa got me into Board at Mr. + Andrew Adams’s.[34] After staying a short time we parted and being + much fatigued I retired to rest soon after tea. + +[Illustration: + + PL. XII.—MARY ANN BACON + + From a miniature +] + + + _Friday June ^{the}11_ + + Arose at five Oclock the family was not up walked in the Garden for + the morning was very pleasant meditating upon the beauties of Nature + and reflecting with many disagreeable feelings upon have parted from + my kind Parents and Acquaintance to live with strangers I returned to + the house where breakfast was almost ready at Nine oClock went to + school with Miss Cornelia Adams drew and heard the Girls read history, + at Noon studied my Dictionary and devoted the afternoon to reading + drawing and spelling and spent the rest part of the day with Mrs. + Adams and her daughter and retired to rest at Nine oClock. + + + _Saturday ^{the}12_ + + Arose about six oClock in the morning read till School time and spent + the fore noon hours in drawing and the Girls was questioned in the + bible and reminded of their faults which Miss Pierce had discovered + during the week in the after Noon took a walk but saw nothing + entertaining returned to my Chamber where with many disagreeable + feelings I indulged myself I soon found I must not give way these + unhappy feelings went down stairs and when they were all assembled + each one read a Chapter in the bible And retired to rest at Nine. + + + _Sunday ^{the}13 June_ + + Arose at six Oclock walked in the garden came back and after breakfast + went up stairs contemplating on the beauties of Nature and read + several Chapters in the bible in the book of judges would have + attended meeting but rain prevented in the Afternoon retired to my + Chamber meditating upon the different situation in this life a little + before evening the boarders were all seated each one read a Chapter in + the bible and retired to rest at Nine Oclock + + + _Monday June ^{the}14_ + + Arose about half past five took a walk with Miss Adams to Mr. Smith’s + to speak for an embroidering frame after breakfast went to school + heard the young Ladies read history studied a Geography lesson and + recited it. In the afternoon I drew read and spelt. After my return + home my employment was writing and studying I spent the evening with + Mrs. Adams and retired to rest about half past nine oClock + + + _Tuesday June 15^{th}_ + + Arose at Six oClock after breakfasting took a walk purchased some + Linen attended school drew and read in History. In the afternoon I + spent the hours in Drawing Reading and Spelling. After school I was + busily employed in Sewing. + + + _Wednesday June 16^{th}_ + + Arose about six oClock spent the morning in writing went to school + studied a geography lesson and recited it. In the afternoon drest, + went to school drew till 4 oClock when I walked to Mr. Smith’s with + Miss Strong to see Miss Rogers where I spent the After noon in very + agreeable conversation and was accompanied by Miss Rogers and Miss + Strong to the School Ball where I staid till about Eleven oClock and + then returned home with Miss Scovil and retired to rest at half past + Eleven.... + + + _Sunday June ^{the}20_ + + Arose at Six oClock in the morning read two or three Chapters in the + bible drest for meeting heard a sermon delivered by Mr. Huntington + which I thought was very good the text was in Proverbs 15 chapter and + 9 verse in these words Fools make a mock of sin at Noon read a chapter + in the bible in the afternoon attended meeting heard a sermon from the + same text After Meeting read in the Letters from the dead to the + Living which was very entertaining After a short time the boarders + were all seated each one read a chapter in the bible in the evening + saw Company and retired to rest at Nine.... + + + _Monday June ^{the}21_ + + ... a little before evening took a walk with Mrs. Adams to Mr. Smith’s + saw Old Mrs. Adams who was 104 years old.... + + + _Sunday June ^{the}27_ + + ... Mrs. Adams read in the Afternoon read in Moral Entertainments + which were very excellent after meeting read in the book called female + education.... + + + _Thursday July 1_ + + ... took a lesson in music returned to Mr. Adams pricked off 2 or + three tunes.... + + + _Wednesday July ^{the}7_ + + ... had the pleasure of attending independence ball there was a very + large collection and I spent the evening very agreeable returned home + and went to rest at one.... + + + _Saturday July ^{the}10_ + + ... in the Afternoon went to Parson Champion’s with the young Ladies + to quilting.... + + + _Wednesday July 14^{th}_ + + Arose at four wrote two Letters in the morning and carried them to Mr. + Huntington’s for Miss Charlotte Tomlinson to carry to Woodbury when + she returned.... + + + _Monday July 19^{th}_ + + Arose at five o Clock took a walk with Miss Leavitt to the stores to + get humhum.[35]... + + + _Wednesday July 21^{st}_ + + Arose at half past four o Clock took a lesson in music at five in the + morning.... + + + _Tuesday July 27^{th}_ + + ... in the evening heard Mrs. Adams good advice.... + + + _Friday 30^{th}_ + + Arose at four took a short walk with Miss Leavitt returned and after + breakfast waited some time impatiently for my Papa who did not come + until Eight o Clock when we mounted our horses and rhode till twelve + when arrived my Grand Papa in Woodbury where we dined and spent about + 2 hours in company with Miss Laury Bacon and my other relations when + we sat out again about three and after riding a short time we was caut + in a shower and arrived at Roxbury about five in the afternoon and was + once more rejoiced to get home being quit fatigued we lay down after + we were a little rested went into the store to get a frock when we + came out found some pears which relished very well and presently tea + was ready and soon after retired to rest which was about Eight o + clock. + + + _Tuesday August ^{the}3_ + + Arose at five o Clock in the morning after breakfast was employed in + fixing my clothes to return to Litchfield we set out from Roxbury + about Eight o Clock and rode till half past ten when we stopped at + Captain Farrings where we tarried about 2 hours we then continued our + ride till we arrived at Litchfield about two o Clock in the afternoon + attended school time enough to study my spelling and spell but was too + much fatigued to do more. + + + _Sunday August ^{the}7_ + + ... read in the moral entertainments.... + + + _Wednesday August 11^{th}_ + + ... Miss Pierce drew my landscape.... + + + _Thursday August 12^{th}_ + + ... had unexpected news that there was a going to be a ball at Mr. + Adams boarders attended returned home at a propper hour and retired to + rest. + + + _Saturday August 15^{th}_ + + ... copied my Composition began my dancing school this day was the + first after they had all taken there lessons returned home had a very + bad headache.... + + + _Friday August 20^{th}_ + + ... in the evening Miss Tomlinson came to Mr. Adams’s her conversation + was pictures boarding and history.... + + + _Wednesday August ^{the}23_ + + Arose at six devoted the morning to studying the boundarys on the map + in the four noon worked a little time I went out to the barn with the + girls to study my lesson came in and recited it took a lesson in music + in the afternoon read worked on my picture studied my spellings and + spelt after school the Boarders all moved the South Chamber and my + time was spent in writing in graret and I was forgot and licked to + lost my tea however I did not go up raret again with out partisioning + to some one to caul me meal times the evening was spent in reading + till Nine and after that went down and went to Mr. Chappins at get + some beer + + + _Friday August ^{the}27_ + + ... about seven o Clock Papa and Mama came to Mr. Adams they brought + me a little trunk and some cake & some fennel ... school was dismissed + at four went to dansing school and Mama went with me waited some time + before Mr. Armour came after they had half done taking there lessons I + took mine and returned home with Mama for I was not well + + + _Friday September 3^{rd}_ (_Roxbury_) + + ... got me a white vail.... + + + _Saturday September 4^{th}_ + + ... spent the morning in doing a few notions and copying my Journal in + the after noon Mama & myself went to Uncle Frenches when we arrived + there it was nearly sundown Aunt Betsey was a baking they had Cherry + Wine after tea she showed us some chinc for curtens + + + _Thursday September 9^{th} 1802_ + + The morning was spent in Cleaning The Bedrooms Papa went to New + Haven ... spent The Rest of The Day in writing my Gurnal Spent The + Evening in Picking wool.... + + + _Tuesday September 14^{th} 1802_ + + ... I was Not Very Well & Sent for Dr. Warner and Drawd Some Blisters + on my Arms I was Sick To or Three weaks and I Neglected my Gurnal Ever + Since I received my Piano Fort the 9 of October.... + + + A COMPOSITION WRITTEN AT LITCHFIELD. + + MARY BACON. + + The many hints suggested to us at school by Miss Pierce upon + improvement leads me more frequently to reflect upon its importance + and for what my Dear Brother was the rational mind given us was it not + to be stored with useful Knowledge which alone can render life + pleasing and above all fit us for the blessed society which all hope + to enjoy. youth is the season for the propagation of every virtue but + alas at this period how frequently do we see vice in its best colors + presents it self to us and is there not reason to fear that unless we + are constantly engaged in the attainments of virtue and knowledge we + shall in the end widely deviate from the path of true glory the mind + ever intent upon some thing seems to require of us materials proper + for its exercise and for these must we not apply to the most approved + authors and our own observations by reading it is justly said, we + enjoy the dead, and by conversation The living, and by contemplation + our selves. reading furnishes The memory conversation strengthens + discernment and contemplation improves The judgment. I feel my Brother + the sacrifice my Parents make in parting with a child in whose + happiness I flatter my self they feel warmly interested and am + sensible that nothing but an ardent wish for my own improvement could + have effected our separation the propper employment of my time is the + only return in my power to make for their solicitude. I feel that by + this I shal augment my own happiness and accomplish the wishes of my + Parents learning can only be acquired by application. Herculous was + told that this price was set upon every real and noble + virtue—Childhood has yet prevented you from leaving home where you are + watched by a parental aye but as you advance towards manhood you are + doubtless sensible that the cultivation of your mind only can procure + the lasting esteem of your friends & this will lead you to the more + full enjoyment of the great works of nature from books the great + source of improvement we learn the situations manners customs virtues + and vices of our own and distant Country which we should not discover + was it not for the great advantage we derive from literature let us + then aided by each other press forward in the road of improvement. + + Your affectionate Sister + + + UPON EDUCATION.— + + permit me Dear Eliza To Convey To you Some of These Sentiments which + Occupy my Breast—The Tenderness of my Parents and The Facility with + which—They Comply with Every request of mine fills my heart with—The + Greatest Gratitude much I fear That I Shall Never—recompense Them. + What Daughter Can Be so unfeeling as not To do every Thing in her + power To make her parents happy and what can give them so much + happiness as to see us anxious to improve every moment of the + time—which is given us to acquire knowledge and those—accomplishments + which alone can render us respectable—in the circle in which we expect + to move. yet my Dear—how many are they who have every advantage + which—nature and indulgent Parents can bestow. and yet they—spend + there time in idleness & neglect to improve there minds when young + grow in ignorance despised by all who know them—but I will turn from + this—disagreeable picture and review one more Pleasing—we will for a + moment dwell upon the happiness—of one who has improved her + time—cultivated her mind and stored it with useful knowledge—she + confers happiness on all her acquaintance and she—has the sweet + satisfaction of knowing her conduct—is approved of by her Parents and + what ever may be her situation in life she can find—pleasure in her + own reflections— + + I remain your friend— + + + Letter. + + From the diary & composition & extract[36] + book of Mary Bacon of Roxbury. 1820 + +[Illustration: + + PL. XIII.—MARY ANN BACON’S WATCH AND JEWELRY +] + + If you have any natural taste for drawing I should wish you to indulge + it. I think it an accomplishment very well adapted both to the taste + and delicacy of your sex. It will agreeably exercise your ingenuity + and invention it will teach you to discover a superior finish in all + the varied landscapes and scenery of nature to survey the works of our + distinguished Masters with an higher relish and a more poignant + curiosity and it will heighten all the innocent pleasures of your + retirement. when nature howls with wind, or is covered with snow you + will be able to call a fancy spring upon the canvas of which the + blossoms will be ever fragrant and the trees ever green. You may thus + have birds always on the spray and larks apparently thrilling out + praise to their bountiful creator. + + Letters. Music by which I mean playing on an instrument or + occasionally singing is a very desirable acquisition in any woman who + has time and money enough to devote to the purpose for it requires no + considerable portion of both. it will enable you to entertain your + friends; to confer pleasure upon others, must increase your own + happiness, and it will inspire tranquilite and harmonise your mind and + spirits in many of those ruffled and lonely hours which in almost + every situation will be your lot, the passions of mankind, however, + have very much debased and profaned this art, which like others, was + originally sacred and intended to chant the praises of the Almighty. + many songs are couched in such indelicate language and, convey such a + train of luscious ideas, as are only calculated to soil the purity of + a youthful mind. i should therefore recommend, (if I may so express + myself,) rather the sacred than the profane, of this study, indeed + church music is in itself more delightful than any other, what can be + superior to some passages of Judas Maccabaeus or the Messiah there is + not, perhaps an higher among the melancholy pleasures than a funeral + dirge. + + + Dancing, in a degree is proffesedly an essential part of a good + education as correcting any awkwardness of gestures giving an easy and + graceful motion to the body, and I practice early perhaps even in + directing its grothe. Modern manners may however have carried the + fondness for this accomplishment to an immoderate extreme. a passion + for making the best figure in a minuet is vastly beneath the dignity + of a woman’s understanding. and I am not sure whether excelling in + this particular does not inspire too great a fondness for dissipated + pleasures and portionably abate the ardour for more retired virtues. a + woman who can sparkle and engage the admiration of every beholder at a + birth night or a ball is not always content with the grave office of + managing a family or the still and sober innocence of domestic scenes, + besides dancing is not at certain moments without its temptations an + elegant illuminated room brilliant company the enchanting power of + music admiring eyes obsequious beaus attitude are apt to transport the + mind a little beyond the rational medium of gentle agitation I would + not however be a cynical moralist that would abridge you of any + harmless amusement. I have only my apprehensions for your innocence + for indeed it is a plant of a very delicate complection and you will + then have attained the perfection of your character when you can mix a + passion for these elegant accomplishments with a turn for solid and + domestic virtue: when you can one night be distinguished at a ball and + the next want no other entertainment than what the shade of your + family a well chosen book or an agreeable walk are able to afford. I + should wish you to be innocent and if possible accomplished at the + same time but at any rate I would have you innocent because otherwise + you cannot be happy + + * * * * * + + MY DEAR LUCY + + Public pleasures are esteemed and called the amusements of women, but + I think them far from answering the name, in fact they agitate, rather + than relieve and repose. superior rivals eclipse; fancied friends are + inattentive, and the gaity of the scene has no connection with quiet + of the heart, the time money, and preparation they require, are a + serious consideration, and there frequency renders them a business + indeed of preserving health, they, undermined and destroy it. Late, + hours, hot rooms, and an agitated mind Are unfavorable to rest; and + the god of sleep will not long be defrauded of his rights without + retaliating the office. what we call pleasure, is but a splendid and a + voluntary service. if it had not the name of amusement we should + shrink from it, as an intolerable burden. who are so grate slaves as + the votaries of fashion; what requires more systematical diligence, + than the watching of every varying mode of dress, and; catching these + living manners as they rise; of all women they who call themselves + fashionable, are the most unhappy; ever idle busy: ever vainly + agitated; there peace depends on a whisper, on a look or a thousand + little emulations, too ridiculous to be mentioned; they Dread a + private moment more than an assassin and with very great reason; they + cannot look into eternity with hope; reason suggests that they were + born for something higher, and there are moments, when conscience will + be heard. how unheeded are the cries and prattle of there infants; how + unhappy must be the man, who has received from such women vows which + they will not perform of fidelity and of attachment. after all it is + only in the practice of virtue it is only in domestic life that lies + all the solid, because all the——untumultuous joy— + + + MY DEAR LUCY + + Will you bear with my impertinence if I attempt to give you my + directions on a subject where your sex are allowed to posses, + infinitely more tact and judgment than our own, that of dress I offer + how ever my plain and undisguised sentiments only for your advantage; + and I am sure you will receive them with that candour and indulgence + to which my friendship for you has an indisputable claim—Neatness, you + cannot cultivate with too much attention, I would pres it on every + female as strongly if possible as lord Chester field did the graces on + his son. the want of it is unpardonable in a Man but in a woman it is + shocking. it disgusts all her friends and intimates; has enstrang the + affections of many an husband, and made him seek that satisfaction + abroad which he found not at home—Some ladys who where remarkable + attentive to there persons before marriage neglect them afterwards in + an egregious manner. they cannot pay a worse compliment to there own + delicacy or to there husbands. if they conceived some efforts + necessary to gain the prize, more I am sure, are required to preserve + it.—it is the opinion of I believe. Rochefoucault that nice observer + of life and manners. That the affection of woman increases after + marriage while that of man is apt to decline. Whatever be the cause a + prudent woman will at least use every method to guard against so + mortifying a change. Neatness however is easily practised and will + always have considerable weight. in the eyes of servants and domestics + indeed a woman loses her consequence and authority by a neglect of her + person, she will not be obeyed with cheerfulness and she will be come + an object of ridicule in all their private parties and conversation. + if inferiors must be subjects they will pay an unconstrained homage + only to a person who attracts by propriety, the estimation of the + World—Neatness is the natural garb of a well ordered mind and has a + near alliance with purity of heart. Laws has said of his Miranda that + she was always clean without because she was always pure within and + Richardson whose taste was as exquisite as his imagination glowing, + has painted his Clarissa as always dressed before she came down stairs + for any company that might break in upon her during the whole day. + finery is seldom graceful. the easy undress of a morning often pleases + more than the most elaborate and costly ornaments. I need not say of + how much time and money they rob us which are sacred to virtue and to + the poor nor how soon this very embellished body will be dust and + ashes the perfection of the one is conveyed in two words an elegant + simplicity. ladies are certainly injudicious in employing so many male + frisseurs about their person. the custom is indelicate it is contrary + to cleanliness and all their manœuveres cannot equal the beauty of + natural easy ringlets untortured and unadorned every paper one opens + is a violation of your delicacy and an insult to your understanding + powders perfumes artificial eyes teeth hair advertised for your + advantage would be a heavy stigma if some kind and well disposed + persons amongst our own sex were not willing to share with you a part + of the burden Blush my dear girl at such unseemly practice. be content + to be what god and nature intended you appear in your true colors + abhor any thing like deceit in your appearance as well as in your + character. What must all sensible men think of a woman who has a room + filled with a thousand preparations and mixtures to deceive him what + money what time must be given to this odious insufferable vanity—Under + such unnatural managements how different must be the female of the + morning and evening. what must we think of marriage dresing rooms and + toiletes what an opening for expostulation coldness aversion if an + elegant simplicity be the perfection of dress this is surely as far as + possible removed from perfection it is not simplicity it is not + elegant. It would be cruel to add anything to the punishment of the + men who can have recoursed to such effeminate artifices. they have + already the scorn and ridicule of the other they are poor amphibious + animals that the best naturalists know not under what class to + arrange. Painting is indecent offensive criminal it hastens the + approach of wrinkles it destroys constitutions and defaces the image + of our maker would you think of giving the last touch to the Pieces of + a poussin or a salvator Rosa Believe for a moment that the Almighty is + at least as great in his way as either of these artists—let the + martyrs of fashion luxury and dissipation who turn night into day have + recourse to this filthy and abominable practice. let them seek a + recourse from the rebukes of their conscience in gaity and noise. But + let the fairness of your complexion be only that of nature and let + your rouge be the crimson blush of health arising from temperance + regularity exercise and air such simplicity will recommend you to god + and if you retain any fears of ofending him how dare you deface his + image in your countenance by artificial decorations. such innocence + will charm when paint is dissolved—It will call up a bloom and cast a + fragrancy even on the latest winter of your age— + + + [_Poetry copied in her diary by Mary Bacon._] + + Green Fields. Friendship. The Revilee. The Traveller. Fair Philis. The + beauties of friendship. Adams and Liberty. + + Ye sons of Columbia who bravely have fought + For those rights which unstained from your Lives had descended + May you long taste the blessings your valor has bought + And your Sons reaps the soil which your fathers defended + Mid the reign of mild peace + May your nation increase + With the glory of Rome and the wisdom of greece + And ne’er may the sons of Columbia be slave + While the earth bears a plant or the sea rolls in waves. + + * * * * * + + Tallio. Winter. The absent lover. Friendship. The beauties of + friendship. The praise of archery. The sheep in the Cloisters. Plato’s + advice. The Bachelor’s Lamentation. The wandering lamb. General Wolf. + The Sailor’s Consolation. The Hermit. The Blue Bells of Scotland. Hail + Columbia. Within a mile of Edinburgh. The Sailor boy. Tally Ho. The + Happy Soldier. Affettuoso. Tom of Aberdeen. + + THE WOMAN OF MERIT DESCRIBED. + + Without affectation, gay youthful & pretty + Without pride or meanness familiar and witty + Without forms obliging good nature and free + Without art as lovely as lovely can be + + She acts what she thinks and thinks what she says + Regardless alike of both censure and praise + Her thoughts and her words and her actions are such + That none can admire her or praise her too much. + + * * * * * + + The faithful soldier. + + JEFFERSON AND LIBERTY + + The gloomy night before us flies + The reign of terror now is o er + Its gags inquisitor and spies + Its hords of harpies are no more + + Rejoice Columbia sons rejoice + To tyrants never bend the knee + But join with heart and soul and voice + For Jefferson and Liberty + + O’er vast Columbia’s varied clime + Her lilies Forests Shores and dales + In rising majesty sublime + Immortal Liberty prevails + + Rejoice Columbia’s Sons &c. + + Hail long expected glorious day + Illustrious memorable Morn + That freedoms fabric from decay + Rebilds for millions yet unborn + + Rejoice Columbias Sons &c. + + His countrys glory Hope and stay + In virtue and in Talents tryd + Now rises to assume the sway + Oer freedoms temple to preside + + Rejoice Columbias Sons &c. + + Within its hallowed walls immense + No hireling bands shall eer arise + Arrayd in Tyrannys defence + To crush an injured peoples cries + + Rejoice Columbias Sons &c. + + No lordling here with gorging jaws + Shall wring from industy the food + Nor fiery Bigots holy Laws + Lay waste our fields and streets in blood + + Rejoice Columbia’s Sons &c. + + Here strangers from a thousand shores + Compelled by tyranny to roam + Shall find amidst abundant stres + A noble and a happier home + + Rejoice &c. + + Here art shall lift her laurel head + Wealth industry and peace divine + And where dark pathless forest spread + Rich fields and lofty Cities shine + + Rejoice &c. + + From Europes wants and woes remote + A dreary waste of wave between + Here plenty cheers the humble Cot + And smiles on every village green + + Rejoice &c. + + Here free as airs expanded space + To every soul and sex shall be + That sacred privilege of our race + The worship of the deity + + Rejoice &c. + + The gifts great Liberty are thine + Ten thousand more we owe to thee + Immortal may their memories shine + Who fought and dyd for Liberty + + Rejoice &c. + + What heart but hails a scene so bright + What soul but inspiration draws + Who would not guard so dear a right + Or die in such a glorious cause + + Rejoice, &c. + + Let foes to freedom dread the name + But should they touch the sacred tree + Twice fifty thousand swords shall flame + For Jefferson and Liberty + + Rejoice + + From Georgia to Lake Champlain + From seas to Mississippis shore + Ye sons of Freedom loud proclaim + The reign of terror is no more + + Rejoice + +[Illustration: + + PL. XIV.—SUSAN MASTERS, OF NEW MILFORD, CONN. PUPIL ABOUT 1805 +] + + + + + 1805. + + +About 1805 Susan Masters came to school from New Milford and a copy of +her school bill is here given: + + Miss Susan Masters schooling 21 weeks $7. + School expenses .33 + Entrance 1. + ———— + 8.33 + + Cre. by $5.25 Balance 3.8. + Received Payment + S. PIERCE. + + + + + 1811–1820. + + +By this date the few and simple studies taught in the school in its +early stages had expanded so that we find proofs of higher branches and +better methods of study. There is a globe now in the possession of +Charles H. Woodruff, Esq., of New York, which was used in the school. It +was made and sold in London. It was afterwards used in a boy’s school in +Cornwall, Connecticut, which Mr. Woodruff attended. + +The map of the world (Plate XLII) was drawn by Miss Lewis when at +school, and there is also a map of the United States drawn by Eliza Ann +Mulford, in possession of her son, both of which serve to prove careful +instruction in geography. + +Miss Pierce thought highly of the knowledge to be gained from the study +of history, but could find no satisfactory textbook, so she wrote a +history herself, which she published and sold to subscribers. The names +and dates of publication are as follows. + +Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe’s letter on the subject of the histories +explains itself. + + HISTORIES[37] + + “The general History which Miss Sarah Pierce wrote for her pupils” + Mrs. Asa Gray’s letter. + +[Illustration: + + PL. XV.—FACSIMILE OF BILL, ABOUT 1805 +] + +[Illustration: Handwritten inscription reading 'Received from mother' +followed by a cursive signature, 'S. Price.'] + + Sketches + of + Universal History + Compiled from Several Authors + For the use of Schools + Vol 1. + First Edition + + New Haven + Printed by Joseph Barber + 1811 + + * * * * * + + Volume Second same title, date 1816, with list of subscribers. + + * * * * * + + Volume III same title. Printed by T. G. Woodward. 1817 New Haven No + list + + * * * * * + + Volume IV. same title. Printed by T. G. Woodward 1818 New Haven No + list + + Preface from “Sketches of Universal History compiled from various + authors, for the use of Schools, by Miss Sarah Pierce. Second edition + printed by Starr & Niles, Middletown, (Conn.) 1823.” bound with Vol II + which was “printed by S. S. Smith, Litchfield 1827.” + + “Having from long experience found that children and youth imbibe + ideas most easily, when placed in the form of question and answer, and + not finding any historical work of that kind, of sufficient length to + interest the mind, I have compiled these Sketches for the use of + Schools, endeavoring to intermix moral with historical instruction, + and to obviate those objections which arise in the minds of youth + against the justice of God, when they read the wars of the + Israelites.—I have attempted also to give them a general notion of the + government of God, and of the truth of the Scripture, by a partial + account of the fulfilment of prophecy. I am sensible that all this has + been done by many able writers; but as their works are too expensive + to be put into the hands of children, and of greater magnitude than + they have time or patience to study, I have compiled this abridgment + for their benefit. This history may also be useful in private + families; which are not able to purchase the larger works from which + it is selected.” + + HARTFORD May 9 + + MY DEAR FRIEND + + In undertaking the instruction of my children in History, I am often + reminded of the source from whence I drew my early historic knowledge + I do not find any where a compend as satisfactory to me as are my + recollections of your History all compends are generally so dry & + devoid of interest that children are disgusted by them & Rollin & + others are too minute and voluminous—yours as I recollect was a happy + medium between the two—I write to know whether I could procure two + copies from you for the use of my family—They can be sent to Hartford + to the care of T. C. Perkins Esq. with a note of the price which I + will cheerfully forward + + As I live longer & see my children growing up around me I am often + reminded of my early obligations to you & take pleasure in having this + opportunity to express my sense of what I have gained from your early + care—May God bless you my dear friend & grant you in his good time a + joyful reunion with those friends of past years whose memory is + precious alike to us all + + Yours affectionately + + H. B. STOWE + +In addition to these histories the pupils were taught to make elaborate +historical charts of which one of six feet in length is now in the +Litchfield Historical Society. It was made by Miss Lewis, and is neatly +and carefully drawn in ink and decorated with water-color. It begins +with the creation and ends with George III. See Plate XX. Another +historical chart was made by Eliza Ogden and is in the possession of her +daughter. The subject is English History and embraces the Wars of the +Roses, and here and there tiny pink and white roses are painted to +indicate the relative positions of the houses of York and Lancaster +(Plate XXIX). + +Composition was made of great importance. The many copies of letters, +poems, and addresses prove they were considered valuable steps toward +good writing, and the high quality of the authors and quotations show +that Miss Pierce laid much stress upon style in composition as well as +exalted ideas. + +The following list of prizes given about this time are interesting, as +they bear upon this study, and are examples of the stilted elegance of +style and the mournful subjects of that period: + + + PRIZE + + Presented Miss Amelia Lewis for the first prize in her class. + Litchfield April 28 1812. + + S. PIERCE. + + God’s + Terrible Voice in the City. + + Wherein are set forth the Sound of the voice, in a narration of the + two dreadful Judgements of Plague and Fire, inflicted upon the City of + London; in the Years 1665, and 1666. + + By Thomas Vincent + + Also a concise statement of the Origen of London with a Picture of its + present state, from a late authentic Work. + + Bridgeport: printed and sold by Lockwood & Backus, 1811. + + * * * * * + + + PRIZE + + Presented to Miss Jane S. Lewis as the Prize in Arithmetic. April + 25^{th} 1820. + + A Sketch of my Friend’s Family, + Intended to suggest some Practical Hints on Religion and Domestic + Manners. By Mrs. Marshall, author of Henwick Tales. + Fourth Edition. + In every work, regard the Writer’s end. + Springfield + Printed by Ira Daniels. 1820. + The Hermit in London + or + Sketches of English Manners + Printed for Evert Duychinck + No. 68 Water Street + New York + 1820 + + Present to Miss Jane H. Lewis as the first prize at school. October + 31^{st} 1820. + +That Miss Pierce was fairness itself in awarding the prizes to her +scholars is shown by the following report. She evidently invited some of +the prominent ladies of the community to give the prizes instead of +trusting to her own judgment. + + + REPORT OF JUDGES FOR PRIZE OF MERIT. + +We, whose names are underwritten, having attended to the qualifications +of the candidates for the prize of merit, in Miss Pierce’s School, are +of opinion that Miss Clarissa Deming[38] is entitled thereto. + +Litchfield, April 22^d 1811. + + ELIZABETH REEVE. + NANCY LANDON. + HULDA SHELDON. + ROXANA BEECHER. + AMANDA SMITH. + MARY HUBBARD. + ANABELLA REEVE. + + + PLAYS BY MISS SARAH PIERCE. + +The following are some of the plays Miss Pierce wrote for the amusement +and edification of her pupils. They were usually given at the end of the +school term, and the young men of the town were often invited to take +part. + + + RUTH. + + [_From an unfinished manuscript in possession of the Litchfield + Historical Society._] + + _Act 1st._ _Scene 1st._ + + NAOMI. RUTH. ORPHA. + + (N) The circling year once [illegible] + The fatal day, which blasted all my joys + Which banish’d hope, the wretches latest compact + And black despair erect her empire here. + My loved daughters, well may ye remember + This fatal morn, black with impending woe + Which hid forever, the last ray of comfort. + Your hopes like mine fled like morning dew + Before the scorching blast of dire disease. + Then join with me once more, to weep this day + Fatal to love, a too maternal fondness. + + (OR) + My dearest mother why indulge this grief + Can plaints unbar the gloomy caves of death? + [illegible] prevail on that grim tyrant? + [illegible] lives back, to realms of day + Then dry thy tears and taste what happiness, + Remains on earth, to soothe thy evening hours. + Soon will the shades of night close on thy eyes + Soon wilt thou meet those vows too long bemoan’d. + Think of those friends those joys which fate has left + And give thy sorrows to the oblivious gales + Which waft o’er Leethe the souls to Pluto’s realms. + + (NA) On youthful hearts grief makes a slight impression + But buries deep, within the breast of age + Its barbed darts; yet sure thou hast not forgot + That eventful day, big with impending woe + When pestilence, sent by heaven [illegible] + Walking in darkness, strew’d the [illegible] + Then Mahlon fell, my first born son expir’d, + My might, my glory, my defense lay low. + His brother’s arms entwined the lifeless corse. + He breath’d one sigh, cast one sad parting glance + Then fled his spirit, forth to worlds unknown + Your lives my sons, were transcripts of true faith + Lovely in life, in death dissevered not. + + (RUTH) + Too well dear mother mem’ry paints that day + In bleeding characters within our hearts + [illegible] woes we bless the God of mercy + Who left us thee, returned the lamp of life + When the last ray, seemed quiv’ring to expire. + + (NA) Why was I spar’d, when my lov’d children fell; + Why is my life prolong’d, in life of woe + No husband’s tears will fall upon my grave: + No child will lodge me in the silent tomb: + No friend will weep for sad Naomi’s fate. + + (OR) + O say not thus, are not we thy children + Shall we not weep, to see Naomi low. + When my ungrateful heart, forgets thy virtues + May tenfold vengeance blast its marble sinews! + + (NA) Forgive the wrong, if aught escap’d I [illegible] + Which breath’d a thought reproachful of your love + The fondest heart could wish no kinder children + Children ye are all the proudest heart could wish + Nor could my sons, had Heaven seen fit to spare them + Nor could my sons had God preserved them to me + Have shewn more filial tenderness and love + ’Tis not my loss alone, but yours, I grieve + ’Tis for your fate as much as mine I grieve + That God’s avenging hand is raised against me + O! Israel happy land, why did I leave thee + Could not the hand which led our chosen ancestors + [ - - - illegible - - - ] of holy Sinai + [ - - illegible - - ] angel’s food the bread of Heaven + Which made their garments proof ’gainst time’s decay + Has given me food tho’ famine now around + I fear my heart distrustful of his power, + Relied too much on Moab’s fruitful plains. + + (_enter a messenger_) + + (MESS) + I bring good tidings to thee friend Naomi. + + (NA) Tidings to me, Oh! what to me is good? + + (MESS) + Our God hath visited our land in mercy + With lib’ral harvests crown’d our famish’d fields. + Our woes forgot we raise the song of praise, + And smiling peace and joy go hand in hand. + + · · · · · + + (NA) O bless the Lord, who hears his peoples prayers, + And pours his mercies on his chosen race. + My soul shall magnify his holy name + And tho’ to me, the earth must be a [illegible] + I will rejoice, that others feel his [illegible] + Unmix’d with sorrow, unalloyed with pain [illegible] + I pray thee friend, dispose of all my goods + Thou know’st the art of traffic in this land, + I Will repay each act of heathen kindness + Lest any one should reproach our [illegible] + I’ll pay what I owe in Moab + [ - - illegible - - - - - - + - - - - - ] then seek my native land. + + MESSENGER. + [illegible] my least request. + Most willingly I’ll undertake the office. + + (_exit messenger_) + + [ - - illegible - - ] able age of comfort + [ - - illegible - - ] those who roll in wealth + [ - - illegible - - ] thy broken fortune + [ - - illegible - - ] within the mighty ocean. + [ - illegible - ] admits their abounding treasures + [ - illegible - ] no luxury to their full board + [illegible] their persons in one sumptuous dress + [ - illegible - ] cancel not my obligation + [ - illegible - ] no plea against the laws of justice + [ - illegible - ] should ever guide our actions + [ - - illegible - - ] on its basis. + Press’d by a famine in my native land + Thou knows’t my husband sought thy fruitful country + But heaven which erst, had bless’d our house, + Withdrew its smiles, misfortunes blighting touch, + Wither’d our store of wealth; by sickness press’d + Woe follow’d woe, with quick and dreadful speed + The stroke of death, first fell on my lov’d lord + My children next fill’d an untimely tomb. + Sorrow and pain hung heavy on my soul + And weigh’d me down even to the gates of death, + recal the long the painful hours ye watch’d + O’er my sick couch, the many tears ye shed. + And all the kindness of thy heathen brethren. + Then number o’er the many + + · · · · · + + + RUTH. + + _Continued from a second manuscript._ + + ORPHA. + +Why would you strip yourself of all convenience, to pay demands of those +already rich. The remnant of thy fortune would not add one hour of +luxury to their full board or deck their persons in one sumptuous dress. +(_Exit._) + + NAOMI. + +Perhaps it will not. But does their wealth excuse, or form plea to evade +the laws of justice? The sacred laws which ought to guide our actions, +as every virtue rests upon its basis. + +Pressed by a famine in my native land, thou knowest my husband sought +thy fruitful country, but Heaven who liberally had crowned our stores, +withdrew its smiles with’red our fortunes, blighted all our hopes. By +sickness pressed; by woe on woe assailed; first my loved husband felt +the stroke of death! My children next, sunk in the untimely tomb. the +long, the painful hours thou hast watched o’er my sick couch, the many +tears thou hast shed, and number o’er the many causes which destroyed +our fortune:—and say,—has one unthinking or unjust expense brought on +our poverty? + + [illegible] + +I know there has not. Then why deprive thy self of every comfort to pay +demands, which stern necessity and sickness caused? + + NAOMI. + +The very reasons which you name would urge it. Did they not trust my +honor? a stranger’s honor? and should I fail in justice, then every +wretch suffering like me, might justly blame Naomi, who taught to +foreigners that Israel’s faith, was slight regarded among heathen +friends. + +No. It shall ne’er be said Naomi lives, in ease and plenty on the wealth +of others. I’ll rather spend my latest farthing,—beg my passage to +Israel’s faithful land—then to my brethren become a servant, and earn an +honest pittance with these hands; than any tongue should say “Naomi +wrong’d me.” + + RUTH. + +I pray thee take these ornaments useless to me, they will serve to +[illegible] thy comforts. + + NAOMI. + +No. I’ll not take thy bridal gifts away. I part with mine, for that our +law demands; but keep thou thine for future times of sadness, or perhaps +to deck a happier bridal day. + +[Illustration: + + PL. XVI.—LUCRETIA DEMING, PUPIL, 1816 + + From a miniature painted by Dickinson +] + + RUTH. + +No. I entreat thee take them. Did I not help to spend upon thy fortunes? +has not my sustenance procured by thee in rich abundance; lowered thy +little stock? Or dost thou think so meanly of my love, that these prized +jewels, given by my dearest Mahlon, can e’er be worn to deck a rival’s +bride?—Take them I entreat thee! dearest mother! + + NAOMI. + +I will not; cannot take them. + + RUTH. + +Then I will sell them to help thee on thy journey. I know my Mahlon +would not blame the deed. + + ORPHA. + +O! here are mine! Pray let them go together. The blush of shame would +rise upon my cheek, to see these jewels shine in my attire, when yours +are gone; and our loved parent lives by her own labor. + + NAOMI. + +My daughters, ye oppress me with your kindness. If need require I will +accept your offers; meantime let us prepare to make the journey. + + + _Scene 2nd._ + + NAOMI. RUTH. ORPAH. + + NAOMI. + +No. Go my daughters each to thy mother’s house. May God reward thee. May +all the kindness ye have shewn my dear lost sons and me, be doubled to +ye. May every anxious hour, which ye have spent, the tears ye have shed +when we have counted o’er the months by woes, and chid the tardy sun, +whose sluggard pace detained us prisoners in a wretched world; be +reckoned o’er in new found blessings on your virtuous lives. + + RUTH. + +No. We will go with thee and share thy sorrows. + + ORPAH. + +And relieve thy cares. + + NAOMI. + +Why will ye go? I’ve no more sons to give ye. In Judah’s land no honors +wait Naomi; but cruel taunts from those who erst have looked, with +pining envy at my happy state. + +No kindly brother, no sister’s friendship will help to soothe thy lonely +exiled hours. Here wealth, here honor yet may crown your days. Cherished +by parents bless’d by prosperous fortune, whose kindly cares, will +shield your youthful years from pinching want. Think you these hands, +which now are all thats left me, can guard your tender limbs unused to +labor, from hard oppression and the unfeeling scoffs, which full fed +wealth pours on the unfortunate? No. Go my daughters, nor add to all my +sorrows the severer pang of seeing you suffer with me. + + ORPAH. + +My friend! my more than mother! must we then! ah! must we part? + +Be witness Heaven I would not leave thee thus, could I contribute aught +to soften thy sad fate. But I’ll not add another pang to those thou hast +felt already. Adieu. Adieu. (_Exit._) + + NAOMI. + +See, thy sister has left me. Why not follow her? + + RUTH. + +O force me not to leave thee. My parent’s happiness is full without me. +Propitious fortune with a lavish hand, scatters her stores of wealth and +greatness on them. The joyous sun to them shines ever bright. The feast, +the dance, the charms of sweetest music, beguile each care and open +every sense to laughing pleasure, and her dangerous wiles. Meantime +their gallant sons, and beautious daughters in the gay festive train +compleat their joys. I love my parents with a daughters fondness; and +gratitude recalls my helpless years, watched by their tenderness; their +fostering care, rear’d my young frame; adorn’d my riper years with +useful knowledge; guarded my steps from each contagious folly. But ’twas +thou my second parent, who taught my mind the exalted charms of +virtue;—freed my young soul from vain delusive worship of idol Gods; +feared in my native land, and bade my hopes aspire, to serve that Being +who fills creation with his boundless presence. And may his vengeance +strike my guilty head, when I forsake thee: Poor—friendless—stricken +through with grief and years. No. I will follow thee where’er thou +goest; my hands shall learn to toil for thee my mother. Industry is the +surest balm for grief. Thy God is mine. Thy people I will love. One +house shall hold us and one grave contain. + + NAOMI. + +O thou who viewest the smallest atom of thy vast creation; notest the +most trivial act of little man! If I have e’er deserved a boon of thee, +O! give it me in blessings on this child. Oh! may her virtues meet their +full reward, and I can ask no more. + + _Scene draws._ + + + _Land of Israel._ + + NAOMI: RUTH: _a group of young maidens_. + + RUTH. + +How blithsome seems yon troop of beautious maidens! What healthful +pleasure lights each face with smiles! See: they advance. + + SECOND LADY _to her companions_. + +Pray who are those clad in a garb of sorrow? Could I believe my senses! +’tis Naomi, so justly famed for wisdom, truth and goodness, Elimelek’s +wife. + + FIRST LADY. + +Can—can this be Naomi? Yes it must be her. But say? what sad reverse of +fortune brought thee here? alone, and bearing marks of wretchedness? If +thou art indeed Naomi, pray inform me. + + NAOMI. + +Yes ’tis she who once was justly called Naomi. The apparent favorite of +indulgent Heaven; but now—a hapless widow, doomed to mourn, the untimely +fate of all her dearest friends. Then let Naomi perish with her +fortunes, and henceforth call this wretched being Masa; for Heaven has +dealt the cup of sorrow to me, and I have drank its deep, its bitter +dregs. + + FIRST LADY. + +We sympathize, Naomi, in thy sufferings. But remember, the Almighty +gave, and he may take away, and ’tis our duty to submit in silence, to +adore his justice, and to praise his name, in deep affliction, as in +days of bliss. But, come my friends; thou art weary of thy journey; +come, rest thyself beneath our welcome roof, and thou shalt find a +friend who yet can love thee. + + NAOMI. + +How sweet is kindness to a bleeding heart, torn by sharp sorrow; and +unfeeling insult. Already have I met, even here, in Bethlem, with taunts +from those I once esteemed most highly; but thou I find art still the +same dear friend, and shrinkst not back at fortune’s withering touch. + + FIRST LADY. + +Accursed be those who fail in time of need; and they are accursed by +their own stubborn hearts; too hard to feel the force of generous +friendship; of wiping tears from eyes o’ercharged with grief and +lighting smiles upon the grief worn cheek. Come; I will lead thee to my +dearest parents, whose joys, like mine will brighten at thy presence. + + NAOMI. + +With gratitude I follow thy request, and see my daughter—the generous +wife of my lamented Mahlon—has left her friends, her country and her +Gods, to cheer her mother, and to share her fate. Let her, I pray thee, +with me partake thy bounty. + + FIRST LADY. + +Most willingly. I honor virtue, and am proud to meet her in a kindred +form. Come, come with me, and once more taste repose. + + NAOMI: RUTH: + + NAOMI. + +This is the place! O well known scenes! dear monitors of bliss forever +fled! That field, rich with luxuriant harvest;—that beautious dwelling, +now like myself in ruins; where curling vines in purple clusters twine, +around its fallen columns, was once my own; my father’s once—A stranger +now inherits it. + +[Illustration: + + PL. XVII.—ELIZABETH HUNTINGTON WOLCOTT, PUPIL, 1820 +] + +O, that I could recal past months! the days when God preserved me! when +by his light I shunned the paths of evil!—O days! forever—ever flown; +when Heaven’s best bounties courted my acceptance! Blest in my husband, +blest with dutious children, my path with oil and honey overflowed! Thy +daughters, Judah, bowed before my steps, and silent hung upon my flowing +words; the aged rose whene’er I passed the gate; and blushing youth +retired as I advanced. The poor, the stranger, bless’d my liberal hand; +for wretchedness to me ne’er plead in vain. But now—as widow—desolate +and poor, the rich forget me, and the poor deride. Even those who erst +through fear, shrunk blushing from my view, with cruel insults and +unfeeling taunts, add to my misery by sharp rebuke; and say “that’s she +who once so rich and great; whom princes honored, and whom age revered; +who, when distress assailed her native land, wandered to foreign climes, +and other Gods; now desolate returned; struck by the Almighty, doubtless +for her sins; bereft of all;—her sons and husband perish within a land +of strangers. Thus fade the wicked, though their house be strong, when +God, in anger brings their crimes to light.” + + RUTH. + +O could the boundless height of my affection, suffice to soothe the +bitter pangs thou feelst! + +What is the world? a vain, delusive bubble, and what are friends, who +follow prosperous fortunes, but shrink before the stroke of poverty? +poor heartless beings; unworthy of a sigh. Rather let those few worthies +claim our thoughts, who sympathize with thee in all thy sufferings. + + NAOMI. + +Thy virtue soars above the touch of woe. Thy friendship, sweeter than +the dews of Hermon, and dear as incense from our holy altar, shall be my +solace. Yes;—I’ll dry my tears, for they distress thee:—esteem our lowly +roof more honorable than courtly domes—our coarse and scanty fare, more +delicate than fruits of Lebanon—our homely garb—more precious than robes +of princes,—and when our little stores are gone, the hand, which feeds +the ravens, will send more. + + RUTH. + +O! praised by Heaven! who inspires thy soul with comfort! The frowns of +poverty are light as air, when cheerfulness resides within the bosom. +Industry unlocks a mine of wealth, to all who ope their hands to seize +her favors. + +I marked the fields. The reapers now, with busy hands are gathering +their full harvests. I’ll go and glean, and for thy sake am confident of +good. + + NAOMI. + +Nay rather let us go. How will thy delicate hands, unused to labor, +sustain the sultry heat of harvest. My older frame is now of little +value; the soul which it imprisons, longs for flight:—and perhaps +remorse may touch my kindred’s hearts, when they behold me, with those +poor hands, picking the scanty ears from fields that should be mine. + + RUTH. + +If ever I deserved a boon from thee! If leaving friends and country for +thy sake, have gained a place for me within thy bosom! grant my request +I pray thee! + + NAOMI. + +If thou hast gained a place within my bosom. Be witness ministering +spirits of mercy, how dear a place you hold in my affections! Name thy +request, and thou shalt see it granted, even with the blood that mantles +at my heart. + + RUTH. + +Then stay at home I pray thee. Spare thy grief worn frame from future +toil. Art not thou all my stock of happiness? my only comfort in this +distant land? Then guard the treasure with a jealous eye, lest I in +losing thee should lose my all. What shame! what just derision would +Judah’s daughters cast on Ruth, who sent her mother to the field to +glean and staid ignobly idle here at home. + + NAOMI. + +Then go my child, and Heaven prosper thee. + + RUTH _and a Company of Village Maids_. + + FIRST VILLAGER. + +But say; what first informed thy reason? oped thy eyes, to own the same +laws which guide our nation? + + RUTH. + +My mind was roused at hearing the miracles wrought for your ancestors. +Oft while the wondrous theme flowed from Naomi’s tongue, I thought an +angel spoke. When righteous Abraham offered up his son; when Godlike +Joseph saved his cruel brethren; when Moses, snatched from the devouring +flood, rescued the chosen race from haughty Pharaoh:—my heart approved, +and wished to share their virtues; But when my astonished mind reviewed +the miracles; the glory, power, and wisdom of Jehovah:—I saw our Gods +were impotent to save—the works of men and spirits of darkness—I scorned +their worship, and from that moment prized Naomi far above the reverend +forms to whom I owe my being. + + _Enter_ REBECCA. _All the maids rise._ + + + REBECCA. + +The sun has hardly past his midday path, retire not therefore damsels. I +have come to enjoy with you the innocent mirth, which healthful labor +only knows. Let not my presence check your decent joy, but let the song +the tale, again go round. + + FIRST VILLAGER. + +We were listening to a tale of virtuous woe; the history of this worthy +Moabite. + + REBECCA. + +I have heard her story, and admire her virtue. (_to Ruth_) May God a +recompense on thee bestow, for all thou hast left, and make this country +dearer than thine own. + + RUTH. + +Accept my thanks. Tho’ words are poor to express my gratitude, for all +this kindness shown a stranger. + + REBECCA. + +Thy merits claim it all. But say. Does no heart rending sigh affect thy +bosom, for those dear friends thou hast left and left forever? + + RUTH. + +My heart oft wanders to my friends and parents, and could my wishes +bring them to thy country, or bend their faith to thy most holy laws, my +happiness would be too great for mortals. But now I cannot wish myself +in Moab, lest softening luxury and their persuasion, should wean my +heart from all those sacred duties I owe my God, and my best friend, +Naomi. + + REBECCA. + +(_Aside._) Angelic woman! she far exceeds my son’s description of her. +(_to the maids_) Take lessons from her, O ye maids of Judah! who so oft +forget your duty to the Lord! his daily gifts remind you of his +goodness.—I thought I heard a soft, melodious voice, warbling sweet +music as I passed this way. It would much delight me would you sing +again. + + SECOND REAPER. + +It was Ruth who sang to please your noble son, when tired with labor, he +reposed awhile, and entertained himself with our discourse. + + REBECCA. + +I thought to have found him here when I came in. Say will you sing again +to please a friend, warm in affection, though of sudden growth? + + RUTH. + +Alas! my voice so long attun’d to woe, but ill accords with harmony. But +my poor talents are ever at command, when worth invites, or friendship +sues. + + RUTH _sings_. + + Tho’ tender and young, my fortune is gone, + My husband I’ve lost to increase my sad moan. + A gleaner alas! to the fields I must go. + To ask of the swains some relief from our woe. + My story would soften the heart of a churl, + O pity a hapless girl. + + 2nd. + + The blessings of plenty press your basket and store + Then distribute those gifts to the stranger and poor; + Your friends too smile round you, but I to my cost, + Now reckon them o’er by the tears for their loss. + My story &c. + + 3rd. + + Tho’ a wanderer from my country I roam, + From the blessings of plenty, and the pleasures of home, + Yet Naomi’s fond love would repay all my care, + Could I chase from her mind the mists of despair. + Her story &c. + + 4th. + + Then steel not your bosoms against my sad tale + But think on my years; they will surely prevail— + My tears kindly dry, and O may you ne’er know, + The horrors of want, or the heart ache of woe. + Our sorrows &c. + + REBECCA. + +A thousand thanks my charming friend. I will no longer keep thee from +thy labor. + + (_Scene draws_) + +[Illustration: + + PL. XVIII.—MARIA TALLMADGE + + Daughter of Colonel Tallmadge, and wife of John P. Cushman, of Troy, + Pupil, 1802 +] + + NAOMI _alone_. + +The sun has almost reached his western gate. My child will soon return. +How slow the hours move by when she is gone. I feel my heart begins +again to know, a mother’s fondness, and a mother’s fears. Ah! let me +check this growing love, lest it should ope new springs to wound my +peace.—But cease my vain repining. What! Shall we from Heaven’s grace +receive the cup of bliss, and yet our share of ill refuse? and are +afflictions aught but mercies in disguise? the alternate cup; medicinal, +tho’ bitter? and by love’s own hand, for salutary ends administered? + +But were these ills indeed;—can fond complaint arrest the wings of time? +Can grief command that setting sun, to roll his flaming orb back to yon +eastern coast, and bring again the hours of yesterday? or from the dark, +cold grave, the buried corse restore to light and life? + +Blessed spirits farewell! Yet, yet a few short days of erring grief; of +human fondness sighing in the breast, and sorrow is no more.—The evening +hour comes on. How mild! how grand! On yonder hill I can enjoy its +beauties, and meditate more fully Heaven’s beneficence. (_exit._) + + _Enter_ RUTH _with a basket_. + + RUTH. + +Naomi is not here! Where shall I find her? (_sits down her basket and +enter two women_) + + FIRST WOMAN. + +Boaz commanded that we bring you this. + + SECOND WOMAN. + +And begs you would always glean within his fields, and ample harvests +shall repay your toils. + + RUTH. + +Reward him, God of strangers, for his goodness!—Tell him Ruth thanks him +for this kindness shown her, and prays Naomi’s God may bless him too. + + (_the two women go out_) + +Why is my heart so pleased with this days labor? His flattery oped an +avenue to love. Oh! Mahlon! Am I growing cold to thee? To the dear day +that weeps thy sacred dust, I vowed a lasting fond remembrance (_sings_) +I have a silent sorrow here &c. O Boaz! Boaz! why so like my Mahlon? If +’tis a crime to love thee! O! thou sole arbiter of fate! Thou God +supreme, all just, all wise, who bidst what still is best in cloud or +sunshine; whose severest hand woundst but to heal, and chastens to +amend! Correct my heart, if any wrong desires, unjust sensations cause +this tumult here! + + (_enter_ NAOMI) + + NAOMI. + +Welcome my daughter! Thou hast soon returned, and amply loaded. Heaven +has sped thy efforts, and moved some generous heart to assist thy +labors. Say: to whose liberal hand my thanks are due? + + RUTH. + +Boaz he is called, whose goodness crowned my labors, whose humane heart +pitied a stranger’s fortune. + + NAOMI. + +O God of Abraham! shower thy blessings on him, and double all this +kindness on his head. I know him well. He is near of kin to us, once +with my sons was linked in sacred friendship. + + RUTH. + +I thought I viewed my Mahlon’s likeness in him. The same his manly port +and dignity, tempered with smiles of sweet benevolence. He bid me seek +no other field but his, and promised liberal harvests to my toils. I +thanked him for this kindness shewn a stranger, he praised me for the +love I bear thee, and said ’twas for thy sake he noted me. + + NAOMI. + +Follow his counsels as thou wouldst a brother’s. Remain fast by his +maidens, nor let them meet thee in another’s field. So shall his +friendship make our lives as happy as any earthly fortune now can make +them. + + (_enter Rebecca_) + + REBECCA. + +All hail, Naomi! Welcome to thy country, and still more welcome; for +bringing this sweet damsel. My son, struck by her charms, and still more +by her virtues, solicits your consent and hers, to make him happy. (_to +Ruth_) Say, will thy heart, where sweet compassion reigns, where noble +friendship sheds its purest light; consent once more to wed a son of +Judah, and add new honors to our chosen race? + + NAOMI. + +Ah say, my daughter! Wilt thou make him happy? this generous man, this +most deserving kinsman. I prayed that Heaven would shower its favors on +him, and could it bless him more than by giving thee? + + RUTH. + +I once believed no second vows would win me or charm my heart, from the +lost lord [- -illegible- -] my fond affections; but my lord [- +-illegible- -] seemed returned once more, when [- -illegible - -] my +eyes gazed on the noble Boaz. his liberal hand bespoke a generous heart, +and I with pride and pleasure shall accept, a second husband from God’s +chosen people. + + REBECCA. + +Thy sweet compliance wins my best affections, and I will haste to make +my son most happy. + + (_music_) + + + SONG SUNG AT MY EXHIBITION IN PLACE OF THE FIRST HERE. + + I + + Sons of Judah hear a stranger! + Deign my sorrows to remove; + Music! aid a hapless gleaner; + Tune their hearts to deeds of love. + Peace and plenty on thee shower; + Want attends my day of woe. + I have tasted pleasure’s power, + More the depths of grief to know. + + II + + Then in pity soothe the gleaner! + Let not age implore in vain. + I’ve a mother, had you seen her + [-illegible-] you’d give the golden grain. + [-illegible-] the smiles of fortune cheer’d us; + [-illegible-] and friendship bless’d our board.— + [illegible] long since those tongues that jeer’d us, + [illegible] have trembled at a word. + + III + + Oh! how fallen is the gleaner! + Pity then a stranger’s fate. + Though I’m poor, I might be meaner,— + Vice doth near my steps await. + Stranger hast thou tasted sorrow? + No. Thy heart forever gay, + Lookst with hope upon tomorrow,— + Yields itself to joy this day. + + IV + + Wealth is thine and friends and power— + All which earth or Heaven can give + Whilst round us misfortunes lour— + Gleaning all our means to live + Poverty will wound the keener, + More the use of wealth we know: + Pity then the hapless gleaner + Pity, and thy gifts bestow. + + + THE TWO COUSINS. + + MRS. LEYSTER. + CONSTANTINIA. } her two daughters. + HELEN. } + ALICIA, their cousin. + MRS. SYDNEY. + HARRIOT. + + * * * * * + + CONSTANTIA. + ALICIA. + MRS. LEYSTER. + MRS. SYDNEY. + HARRIOT. + M. PECK. + C. ROCKWELL. + MRS. MCNEIL. + M. HOFFMAN. + M. BEECHER. + + + _Scene I._ + + (MRS. LEYSTER _and_ CONSTANCE.) + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +My dear Constance, young as you are, I hope and believe I may depend on +your prudence. I am a happy mother, in being able thus early to place a +confidence in my child! + +[Illustration: + + PL. XIX.—“THE SACRIFICE OF ISAAC” + + Partly embroidered in chenille, and partly painted in water-colors, + by Zerviah Miner, Pupil, 1823 +] + + CONSTANTIA, (_kissing her hand with tears in her eyes_.) + +Oh, Mama, never, never will I abuse it; my heart promises, and you may +depend upon that heart, which owes not only the power of keeping a +secret but everything it owns of goodness to you! + + MRS. LEYSTER, (_affected_.) + +My dear child! + + CONSTANTIA. + +But Mama, I hope I am not inquisitive, but you seemed to say you would +tell me— + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +What disturbed me; I will, my dear, indeed I will read to you your +Aunt’s letter. + + (MRS. LEYSTER, _reading a letter_.) + +My system of education I find at last to be erroneous. Alicia has +deceived my expectations; she has been imprudent and disingenuous; I +should be very miserable if I thought her faults proceeded from the +heart, as it is I am truly unhappy. I gave her a yearly allowance for +clothes and pocket money, upon a solemn promise that she would never +purchase anything without immediate payment. For the first quarter, she +bought many expensive trifles and was in want of many necessary +articles. I remarked on this folly, and hoped she had corrected it. I +was myself guilty for not inspecting her accounts. For some time past, I +have observed her to be greatly dejected, and discovered that she had +run greatly in debt; this has been partly owing to her intimacy with +some extravagant girls, who ridiculed her scruples. I wished to break +this connection, and wish you, my dear sister, to take charge of her for +six months. I know your affectionate heart will not refuse me this +favour. + + CONSTANTIA. + +My dear mama, I hope you intend to receive my cousin; poor Alicia, how I +pity her. Don’t you think Mama, she will be happy here in the summer? + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +No my dear, although she is but thirteen, she has been introduced, by a +mistaken indulgence, into company; she has acquired a relish for +dissipation; and lost the desire, which young people naturally have, for +the charms and liberty of the country. But your cousin will be here +tomorrow; we must endeavor to make the country pleasant to her. + + + _Scene II._ + + (ALICIA _and her maid_ BETTY.) + + BETTY. + +Pray, Miss, I understand you are going into the country to your Aunt +Leyster’s; how long may you be going to stay? + + ALICIA. + +Longer than I like, I assure you, Betty. My mama is determined I shall +stay six months. + + BETTY. + +Six months, why you will be moped to death. I wonder my mistress thinks +of taking you to such a place. + + ALICIA. + +I shall have a melancholy time indeed, for their is no saying any thing +to Mamma. I never saw her so obstinate in my life. + + BETTY. + +To be sure, madam Leyster is a good sort of a woman. But la, Miss you +will be tired to death. Why, they say, she does nothing from morning +till night, but read the bible and say her prayers. + + ALICIA. + +And do you think that is true, Betty? + + BETTY. + +To be sure I do. Why, they say, Miss, that Madam Leyster has never been +in London, since the death of the Colonel, but once, and that was at +your christening. So you may be sure that she is an oddity. + + ALICIA. + +Then she has no card parties. + + BETTY. + +Card parties, la, bless you Miss, I dare say their’s not a house within +six or seven miles of her. + + ALICIA. + +Well, I shall have a charming time of it, but their’s no persuading +Mama. I don’t know what’s come to her; so you may pack up my things, +let’s see. I shall take my pink lutestring, and my blue satin slip; then +there is my spotted book muslin, and my fine jaconet with sprigs; as for +the striped muslin, you will not forget that. + + BETTY. + +La, Miss, what will you do with so many clothes? + + ALICIA. + +I desire you to put up all that I mention, and don’t forget my hat with +the white feathers. The only entertainment I shall have will be the +pleasure of dressing and undressing myself. + + BETTY. + +Very true, Miss— + + ALICIA. + +I felt quite bad enough when I was at school, and I am sure I shall feel +ten times worse, now I am agoing to my aunt’s. Oh, Betty, don’t forget +to run to the library and ask for those twenty volumes of new novels +that I have bespoke, and tell the librarian to put in a dozen plays +beside. + + BETTY. + +Yes, Miss. + + + _Scene._ + + (ALICIA _and_ CONSTANCE.) + + CONSTANCE. + +How should you like to employ yourself, cousin? + + ALICIA. + +It is indifferent to me. + + CONSTANCE. + +Are you too much tired with your journey, to take a stroll in the +garden? We shall have yet a light half hour. + + ALICIA. + +Yes, it is early to have done tea. + + CONSTANCE. + +In London, I suppose you are later? + + ALICIA. + +Oh dear, yes; we have never done tea there till between eight and nine. + + CONSTANCE. + +Then what hour do you sup? + + ALICIA. + +That depends on where we are. My mother is early, we sup before twelve. +The Seymours never till near one; and if one is at a ball, three or four +is the usual hour. + + CONSTANCE. + +Why, then you must lose half your day in bed. + + ALICIA. + +Oh, we rise as early as other people. It is of no use to be up before +one’s friends are stirring. + + (_Enter_ MRS. WOODFORD.) + + MRS. WOODFORD. + +Miss Alicia, I am about returning to London. Have you any message to +send to your mama? + + (ALICIA _crying, but does not speak_.) + + MRS. WOODFORD. + +Have you any letter written? + + ALICIA. + +I will write soon. + + CONSTANCE. + +You may have some particular message to say to Mrs. Woodford. I will +leave you. + + (_Exit_ CONSTANCE.) + + ALICIA. + +Oh, Mrs. Woodford, you will soon see London and my dear mother, and I am +left in this horrid place. + + MRS. WOODFORD. + +Don’t weep my dear, your aunt is a charming woman and you will soon be +very happy in the country. Good morning; I shall tell your mother that I +left you well. + + (_Exit_ MRS. WOODFORD.) + +[Illustration: + + PL. XX.— A CHART OF THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD, BY MARY ANN LEWIS + + The original is 6 feet long and 1 foot 9 inches wide. The centuries + and years are given down the sides, and the names of the emperors, + kings, queens, etc. are inserted in + their proper places along the curved lines +] + + ALICIA, (_walking about and crying_.) + +Happy in the country! That is impossible. + + (_Enter_ CONSTANCE.) + + CONSTANCE. + +Dear cousin— + + ALICIA. + +Have I not even the privilege of being alone? I am not used Miss +Leyster, to be thus intruded upon! Ah, I am indeed very little used to +anything I can expect to meet with here! + + CONSTANCE. + +My dearest cousin, I beg you to pardon me, if I am an intruder. I came +to see if I could do anything to comfort you; but if you wish me gone, I +will leave you, but why should you wish it? Suffer me to be your friend; +suffer me if possible, to make you happy! + + ALICIA. + +You are very good; better than I either expected or deserved. You know I +have much to lament; leave me, pray, my dear, I will soon come down. + + + _Scene III._ + + (CONSTANTIA, _and_ ALICIA, MRS. LEYSTER, MR. _and_ MRS. SYDNEY. MR. + SYDNEY _writing at a desk_.) + + MRS. SYDNEY, (_speaking to a servant, who enters_.) + +Tell Edward and Harriet, their little friends have come. I am sorry, +Mrs. Leyster, you did not bring Helen; she is nearer my daughter’s age, +than Constance. + + (_Enter_ HARRIET SYDNEY, _running into the room_.) + + HARRIET. + +Mama, Ned says he won’t come! + + MRS. SYDNEY. + +Very pretty indeed! Pray what is he doing? + + HARRIET. + +He is making a cart, and when it is done, we are going to draw it about +the court, full of stones. + + MRS. SYDNEY. + +We! What, have you been helping him? + + HARRIET. + +Yes, I have, and you cannot think how droll it will be. + + MRS. SYDNEY. + +However that is, you will please to sit down now. Don’t you see Miss +Leyster, and here is Miss Wyndham her cousin from London. + + HARRIET (_advancing with her head poked down and her finger in her + mouth_.) + + MRS. SYDNEY. + +Do, Mr. Sydney, speak to her! Do you see she does not mind me? + + MR. SYDNEY. + +How now, Miss! What’s here to do? Why don’t you do as your mother bids +you? I shall take you in hand presently, if you don’t behave better. +Don’t speak to her, Miss Wyndham; she is not worth your notice. + + HARRIET _sidles into a chair, with her finger still in her mouth, and + muttering says_. + +How d’ ye do, Miss? + + (_Enter young_ SYDNEY, _crying_.) + + MR. SYDNEY. + +What’s the matter Ned? What do you cry for? + + NED. + +O! my mouse! My mouse! + + MR. SYDNEY. + +Well, what’s the matter with your mouse? + + NED. + +Oh, Papa, Jack Williams has snatched it away! + + MR. SYDNEY. + +Jack Williams snatched your mouse away? I’ll Jack Williams him, a young +rascal! Where is he? + + NED. + +Run down the lane, Papa! + + MR. SYDNEY. + +Come my dear, don’t cry, and I’ll soon fetch it back again. If Mrs. +Leyster will excuse me for a few moments. + + NED. + +And I’ll go too, Papa, and give him a good threshing; when you are +there, he won’t dare to strike again. + + (_Exit._) + + MRS. SYDNEY. + +Harkye Ned; bring none of your nasty mice here. I hate the very sight of +them. Don’t you want to go, Miss Harriet? I suppose you would help your +brother beat Jack Williams. + + (HARRIET _looks sulky_.) + + MRS. SYDNEY. + +Harriet, will you take Miss Leyster and Miss Wyndham into your playroom, +but I suppose you have done with toys, now, young ladies. + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +Constantia is always happy to do whatever her young companions like. + + MRS. SYDNEY. + +Ay, ma’am, you seem very happy in your children; I am sure I can never +keep mine in order, though I believe I take as much pains and scold them +as often as anybody. + + (_Scene changes to a playroom_; HARRIET, CONSTANTIA.) + + HARRIET. + +How cross Mama is! She always scolds so when anybody’s here. Don’t you +think she is very ill natured? + + CONSTANTIA. + +Pardon me for contradicting you; I do not think so, indeed. + + HARRIET. + +What, not ill natured to hinder me from doing the cart when it would +have been so nice and so pretty? + + CONSTANTIA. + +Probably she thought you would overheat yourself; beside, she wished me +to have the pleasure of talking with you. + + HARRIET. + +Oh, but she knows I hate to sit _stuck up_ with the _company_. I don’t +so much care, now you and I are together; but you looked so grave when I +came in, I thought I should not like you. I am sure if I had been you, I +should have laughed! + + CONSTANTIA. + +At what should I have laughed? + + HARRIET. + +Oh, to hear Mama scold so, and to see me look so like a fool. + + CONSTANCE. + +Indeed, I was very sorry; it is such a sad thing to incur the +displeasure of ones mother. + + HARRIET. + +Oh, not at all; I don’t care, she won’t say any more to me; and if I had +cried then, I knew she would let me go; but I was ashamed because you +and your Mamma were there, besides, I was a little afraid of Papa. Does +your papa humour your brother more than he does you? + + CONSTANTIA. + +I hardly know what you mean; Papa humours neither of us. + + HARRIET. + +Why, he looks very good natured. + + CONSTANTIA. + +He is indeed, much too good natured to humour his children; he is +uniformly kind and indulgent when we behave well, and constantly strict +and resolute when we deserve his displeasure. + + HARRIET. + +Well, that seems very odd! As to Ned, Papa never contradicts him nor +Mama neither; but he does me and is as angry as can be sometimes. + +[Illustration: + + PL. XXI.—FIRST KNOWN DIPLOMA ON TWILLED SILK + + Probably engraved by Tisdale +] + + CONSTANTIA. + +What a pretty bird! It is a goldfinch, I see. + + HARRIET. + +Yes, and a fine songster, I assure you. + + CONSTANTIA. + +Did you take him from the nest? + + HARRIET. + +No, he was about a year old when I had him. Ned caught him in a trap in +the winter. + + CONSTANTIA. + +Poor thing was he not very uneasy when he was first confined? + + HARRIET. + +Oh, I don’t know; he used to flutter about sometimes, but we did not +mind that. + + CONSTANTIA. + +He is very tame now; he does not seem at all disturbed when I stand by +the cage. + + HARRIET. + +That is because he does not see you. + + CONSTANTIA. + +Not see me! How is that? + + HARRIET. + +Because he is blind. + + CONSTANTIA. + +Blind! Ah, poor little creature. By what accident did that happen? + + HARRIET. + +No accident at all; Ned did it on purpose. + + CONSTANTIA. + +On purpose; oh, how could he be so cruel? + + HARRIET. + +He did it to make him sing the better, with a red hot knitting needle. + + CONSTANTIA, (_pale and shuddering_.) + +Oh, how shocking. Were you not grieved? + + HARRIET. + +Not I; I liked it, because it is my bird. If I had not liked it, it +should not have been done, I promise you. + + CONSTANTIA. + +Is it possible you should have given your consent? Oh, if you knew how +melancholy it is to be blind! + + HARRIET. + +La! Why a bird does not mind, you know. + + CONSTANTIA. + +Not mind! Do you think, then, they do not feel? Do you think they have +no pleasure in seeing the light? Why then, do they sing when it first +dawns? + + HARRIET. + +Oh, that is because it is natural to them. + + CONSTANTIA. + +Yes, to rejoice in the daylight! Ah, poor little wretch! Would I could +restore you to sight! + + HARRIET. + +But you cannot think how much better he sings! + + CONSTANTIA. + +I should not wish to hear him; I should think every note a melancholy +expression of his sorrow, or a reproach to me for having caused it. + + HARRIET. + +What odd notions you have! Where did you pick them up? + + CONSTANTIA. + +If you mean the notion of hurting no creature whatever, I gained it, as +I did all I know, from my father and mother. + + HARRIET. + +Well, I declare I am sorry; but nobody ever told me it was cruel, so how +should I know? + + NED. (_without_) + +Harriet, Harriet, come here. I have something droll to show you. The cat +is playing with a mouse. + + (MRS. LEYSTER, ALICIA, CONSTANTIA _and_ HELEN. CONSTANTIA _seated at a + table, drawing_.) + + ALICIA. + +Cousin, do you draw? + + CONSTANTIA. + +A little, but I am very fond of it. + + ALICIA. + +So am I, though I have not practised lately; if you will give me a +pencil I will try. + + CONSTANTIA. + +Oh, willingly. + + (_They sit down to draw._) + + HELEN. + +Come, Constance, tell us what you did at Mr. Sydney’s last night. + + CONSTANTIA. + +Nothing agreeable, I can assure you. I went with Miss Sydney into her +playroom, but her books were torn to pieces, and then we came back into +the drawing-room to see the cat play with a mouse. + + HELEN. + +The cat play with a mouse; but did she not hurt it? Mama always says +“poor thing” when old Tom catches one. + + CONSTANTIA. + +Oh yes, she hurt it enough, I believe, but they did not mind that, as +Miss Sydney said, when I asked her if her goldfinch was not unhappy, +when they first confined him. + + HELEN. + +Not mind hurting anything! I fancy this Miss Sydney is not very good! + + CONSTANTIA. + +No, truly, for if you had been there, when she first came into the room! + + HELEN. + +Why, what did she do? + + CONSTANTIA. + +Her hat was half torn off, her hair was tangled, and her face was dirty; +and she came in bawling, just like this, (_mimicking_) “Mama, Ned says +he won’t come.” + + ALICIA, (_laughing_) + +Ah! that is just like her, with her arms swinging and her mouth open. + + HELEN. + +But did she not speak to you. + + CONSTANTIA. + +No, nor to Mamma, neither; and then she almost cried because she wanted +to help her brother to make a cart! + + HELEN. + +To make a cart! Was that a proper employment for a young lady? + + CONSTANTIA. + +No, indeed! and when she was told to speak to me, she came with her head +poking down, and her finger in her mouth, muttering so, “How d’ ye do, +Miss?” + + HELEN. + +Oh dear, how strange! + + ALICIA. + +Ah, that is exactly her; but now, Constantia, tell us how she looked +when her mamma asked her, if she would not like to help her brother beat +Jack Williams. + + CONSTANTIA. + +Oh, she pouted out her lips so; then she crammed her fingers into her +mouth; and then leered round to see if I was looking at her! But, Alicia +you remained in the parlour, how did Mr. Ned get his mouse again? + + ALICIA. + +Oh, you never saw such a cowardly fellow; when he overtook the boy and +found the mouse’s leg was broke, he beat and scratched the boy without +mercy and the boy durst not return the blows because Mr. Sydney was by. +At last Mr. Sydney said, “Come away, Ned, let him alone now; but if he +affronts you again, I will horsewhip him handsomely.” “Do it now, Papa,” +said Ned, “Do it now!” and Mr. Sydney never told him he was wrong. + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +In telling us that, Alicia, have you not told us the very reason of +Master Sydney’s behavior? + + ALICIA. + +What, that his father did not teach him better? Yes, I believe so! + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +Tell me, then is he most an object of ridicule or pity? + + ALICIA, (_after hesitating a moment_.) + +Of pity, to be sure! + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +And Constantia, do you not think the same cause may have produced the +same effect in Miss Sydney? + + CONSTANTIA. + +Yes, Mamma, for she said nobody had ever told her it was wrong to +torment her bird. + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +Then why have you ridiculed her? + + CONSTANTIA. + +I—I—did not mean any harm, Mama! + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +Did you not mean to make her appear an absurd, ridiculous character? Did +you not mean to make your cousin and sister laugh at her? + + CONSTANTIA. + +Yes, Mama. + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +Could you have done her a greater unkindness? In making people +ridiculous, we injure them extremely. If your cousin and sisters were to +hear of Miss Sydney ten years hence, they would connect with her name +the awkward, disagreeable idea you have given them of her character. +They might unguardedly express the opinion they had formed of her to +others, and thus punish her for faults she had long since corrected. Do +you perceive to what an extent this might injure her? + + CONSTANTIA. + +I have indeed been very wrong. I beg of you to forgive me. + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +I allow that Miss Sydney’s conduct was very blameable and therefore to +me, in whom you have a perfect confidence, I admit you to remark upon +it, but not with ill-nature or severity. I expected from the goodness of +your heart, pity and generous allowance for the faults of Miss Sydney, +who wants the advantages you are more happily possessed of. Do you +believe that without better instruction and example, you would have +conducted better than Miss Sydney? + + CONSTANTIA. + +Oh, no indeed, I must be both ungrateful and presumptuous if I could +believe it. + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +Personal ridicule, in general arises from envy or ill-nature, a mean +desire of lowering those virtues we cannot reach, or a mean vanity of +exposing those follies from which we feel ourselves free. Who is there +in whom nothing ridiculous can be found? + + CONSTANTIA. + +I see, Mamma, I have committed a great fault. Will you forgive me? + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +Since you have not been wilfully and obstinately wrong, I forgive you. +But you must remember mine is not the only forgiveness you must seek. + + CONSTANTIA. + +Miss Sydney’s, you mean, Mama? + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +No, that would wound her feelings. But do you remember who has said, “Do +unto others as you would wish others to do unto you?” + + CONSTANTIA. + +Yes, I see how very guilty I have been and I pray God to forgive me. + +[Illustration: + + PL. XXII.—MRS. PUNDERSON, PUPIL +] + + HELEN. + +Permit me to observe, since I do not do it from perverseness, on what +you said, what is there ridiculous in you? + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +You pay me a great compliment, Helen, which for once I will accept. But +you will perhaps scarcely believe so striking a picture was once drawn +of me, by a young mimic of my acquaintance, who was not aware of my +seeing her, that I could not help laughing at it myself. My little +cough, the trick I have of leaning my head forward, and the slow manner +I have in talking, were imitated and made to appear ridiculous. + + HELEN. + +Oh, Mama, but these are not ridiculous. + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +Not in themselves perhaps, but by a little exaggeration which a true +mimic never spares, they become so. + + CONSTANTIA. + +Oh Mamma, what an odious character. I shall never mimic anybody again. + + ALICIA, (_during this scene, is greatly affected_.) + + CONSTANTIA. + +My dear cousin, what is the matter with you? + + ALICIA. + +Nothing. + + CONSTANTIA. + +Alicia, that cannot be. + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +My dear child, compose yourself, and don’t strive to conceal an emotion, +which does you so much credit. You have been affected by the reproof I +have given Constance. Is it not so? + + ALICIA. + +Oh yes ma’am, it is so like I have been, so faulty, so absurd. + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +Since you feel that my dear girl, you sufficiently prove that your heart +was not wrong. + + ALICIA. + +Ah madam, you are very good, you read my heart and I am afraid you +despise me; you must, for I have shown such contempt of all that is +rational. + + CONSTANTIA. + +Dear Alicia, I am sure Mama loves you. + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +To own an error is the surest sign of amendment. + + ALICIA. + +How good you are to encourage me. Yes, if you can forgive and love me, I +shall be happier than I have ever been. + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +We cannot be happy with a sense of an error in the heart, however +stifled by pride. Shall I tell you, my dear niece, in what respect I +think you most blameable? + + ALICIA. + +I shall be willing to hear and I hope to amend. + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +I have avoided hitherto, my dear, speaking of the cause which brought +you here; till I could gain your confidence, till Constantia could gain +your love. I hope you now consider her as your sister and me as your +maternal friend. + + ALICIA. + +Ah, if you will permit me. + + CONSTANTIA. + +Oh, my dear cousin, what joy you give me. + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +Henceforth, I hope we shall be happy in each other. Permit me then, my +dear girl, to tell you, you have never seemed sufficiently sensible of +the fault which brought you here, till this morning. Am I deceived, or +may I attribute the tears you have shed, as tokens of sorrow for having +betrayed your mother’s confidence? + + ALICIA. + +No my dear aunt, you are not deceived. When you reproved Constance for a +slight indiscretion compared to mine, I felt how greatly I had offended +my affectionate mother, whose forgiveness I never sought, but with +sullen pride, left her reluctantly. + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +There is yet one thing of which I fear you are not yet fully sensible. I +mean the fault of contracting debts. + + ALICIA. + +But—you think—perhaps— + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +Hear me, my dear. In the first place, the allowance your mother made +you, was really an ample one. Even if it had not been, as she who knew +what you could afford to spend, thought it such, you had no right to +exceed it. To be happy, we must learn to live within our income. Not +only justice requires this, but our own comfort, for nothing can be so +harassing as a consciousness of owing what we have not been able to pay. + + ALICIA. + +Oh, I am well aware of that, but I knew I should be able to pay at some +time or other. + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +Yes my dear, but consider if everybody acted thus; those you employ +would have no ready money to pay those who work for them. Many poor +persons, who live by their daily earnings, must perish with want. Add to +this, you pay more than you ought for every article and are entirely +precluded giving anything in charity. + + ALICIA. + +Pardon me, dear aunt; I always gave a little out of what I had. + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +But what right had you to give money, which of right belonged to +another? Every person should pay their honest debts, before they can be +truly charitable. You feel this mortifying, but is it not just? + + ALICIA. + +I believe so— + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +It is indeed humiliating to feel that one has wantonly thrown themselves +on the forbearance of others, who if they please, may expose us to +everybody, as a person who wants justice so much as to contract debts +they know they cannot pay. + + CONSTANTIA. + +Oh, Mama. + + ALICIA. + +Nay, I deserve it all; I feel that I do. + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +Believe me, my dear Alicia, my earnest manner arises only from my +sincere wish to convince you of your error. When once a person has +contracted a habit of buying whatever strikes their fancy, or of +overstepping their income a little every quarter, ruin is the certain +consequence. The sum though trifling at first, will accumulate every +year and finally consume the principal. Add to this the distress our +extravagance or carelessness may bring upon the labouring poor, and you +will say the want of economy is no trifling sin. + + ALICIA. + +Ah madam, I am fully convinced. I will immediately write to my mother +and tell her so. I will acknowledge my punishment is just. But why do I +say, punishment? I am convinced this visit, which I thought such a +misfortune, will prove the happiest event of my life. + + CONSTANTIA. + +I am sure it will of mine, since of a cousin I had never seen, I hope I +have now a friend whom I shall always love. + + ALICIA (_looking at_ MRS. LEYSTER.) + +Am I worthy to be her friend? + + MRS. LEYSTER. + +Yes, my dear girl, you have an excellent heart, and that is the great +security for all. + + ALICIA. + +Ah, then, embrace me, my dear cousin, my friend, my sister! Now for the +first time in my life, I know what friendship is. + + MRS. LEYSTER (_wiping her eyes_.) + +It is true, virtue alone is the sure basis of friendship. Without it, we +may form intimacies, connections and even unworthy confidences, but +friendship can only subsist between those who love virtue. + +[Illustration: + + PL. XXIII.—EMBROIDERED BY MRS. PUNDERSON WHILE AT THE SCHOOL +] + + + JEPHTHAH’S DAUGHTER.[39] + +Mostly, as far as I can judge, in Miss Sarah Pierce’s handwriting. (Mrs. +Gray.) + +In another copy (written, evidently for use, in a schoolgirl’s hand) the +characters are entered as,— + + JEPHTHAH W. TALMADGE + BETHULAH C. BEECHER + ELIZABETH A. P. BRACE + MAHALAH J. PARMELEE + TIRZAH M. BUEL + PEDAZAR J. C. LANDON + ELZAPHAN H. GOULD + AGNES E. VERPLANK + + PERSONS OF THE DRAMA. + JEPHTHAH Judge of Israel, + PEDAZAR One of the rulers of Israel, + ELZAPHAN A priest, + BETHULAH Wife to Jephthah, + ELIZABETH Daughter to Jephthah, + MAHALAH The widow of Jephthah’s brother, + TIRZAH Mahalah’s daughter, + AGNES A convert from a heathen family, + Three small children from heathen families under the care of Agnes. + Attendant. + + + _Act I._ + + _Scene 1._ + + (BETHULAH _discovered in melancholy attitude_; ELIZABETH _singing at her + work_.) + + SONG. + + SILENT O MOYLE. + + Silent, oh Jordan, be the roar of thy waters, + Break not ye breezes, your chain of repose, + While murmuring mournfully, Jephthah’s lone daughter, + Tells to the night star her tale of woes. + + 2 + + When shall she hear the jubilee ringing, + When, O! peace thy white flag unfurled, + When with God’s own people, praise be ringing, + Ah, will it be in this stormy world? + + 3 + + Sadly, oh Jephthah, thy daughter sits weeping, + While far from loved Israel, her days pass away, + Yet still her dear country she visits, while sleeping, + Sweet visions that flee the dawning of day. + + 4 + + When will the star o’er Ephraim’s mount shining, + Give to these eyes the friends held most dear, + Oh, when shall we in sweet praise combining, + Tune our loved harps unwet by a tear. + + ELIZABETH. + + Why is my mother’s brow o’ercast with grief + Why wells the frequent tear adown her cheek? + Has thy Elizabeth done aught to pain thee, + Or has my song awaked the fond remembrance + Of thy loved country and thy happy home. + My father too, of late seems lost in thought + Nor heeds my prattle that was wont to please + Would I were worthy to partake thy sorrows + To share thy confidence, divide thy cares, + And prove the filial love which warms my heart. + + BETHULAH. + + My child, our woes are not of that light nature + Which fond solicitude, by sharing lessens + Else would thy mother tell each secret grief + And on thy filial bosom rest for comfort. + Then seek not to distress thy gentle nature + With tales of woe which thou cans’t not redress + But let the wretched heathen of this valley + Employ thy care; on them bestow thy pity + Haply some not born for eternal glory + May hear thy voice, and learn that Israel’s God + Formed yon bright orbs which they now vainly worship + One precious soul rescued by thy instruction, + From idol worship, will sooth thy latest hour + And gild with brighter joys the bliss of heaven. + + ELIZABETH. + + Mother, dearest mother, trust me I pray, + Thy secret grief consumes thy precious life + And can I rest while ignorant of the cause? + The sad reality will pain me less + Than the vague terrors which now haunt my mind. + Does any new misfortune threat my father, + Or is our country scourged with foreign foes? + Is any secret great event impending + O’er my loved father or my country’s peace? + Thy precepts graved upon my inmost soul + Have taught me truth and prudence doubly shine + When in one breath they blend their useful empire + And though presumption is the fault of youth + Yet still methinks I shall not shame thy council + If thou wilt trust me with the secret cause + Which clouds my father’s face and thine with grief. + + BETHULAH. + + No secret woes, my child, oppress our hearts, + The cause, alas, is known to neighboring nations + And even remotest climes have heard of Israel + Her highly favored tribes, her grievous sins + And the just vengeance of offended heaven + We hid thy country’s sufferings from thy knowledge + Wishing to spare thy youthful mind from anguish + We would not blast the opening bloom of youth + By unfolding scenes which riper reason shuns + As filled with woes too mighty to be borne + But since thy gentle spirit feels such alarm + I briefly will relate the direful tale + Which fills with keen distress all Jacob’s race. + Thy infant mind can scarce retain the time + When Jephthah lived, first of the race of Gilead + Till envious hate of his most cruel brethren + Drove him amidst their desert wilds and forests + To seek that shelter Israel would not give + Here we have lived a peaceful, happy life. + The rude inhabitants, thy father’s virtues + Have humanized, refined and taught the worth + Of civil laws and righteous government. + _Their barbarous manners softened into virtue_, + They look to Jephthah as friend, a father, + And next thyself and country share his love. + To me was left the pleasing, anxious task, + Of teaching thy young mind the path of knowledge + And if a sigh has e’er escaped my lips + When thinking what my early fortune promised + Twas for thy sake, bred in this lonely station, + Whose birth was hailed first of the maids of Gilead. + + ELIZABETH. + + My dearest mother, let no thought of me + Disturb the tranquil hours of this sweet vale + What is there to be envied midst the great + Can costly domes or splendid garbs avert + The shafts of envy or the touch of pain + Or make one honest heart respect their owners + Had my dear father still remained in Israel + The affairs of state befitting his high rank + Would with unceasing care have filled his mind + And robbed domestic life of half its comforts. + The frequent woes which harass Jacob’s race + Would perhaps e’er this have laid him with his fathers + And made the humble shepherd’s lot our envy. + + BETHULAH. + + Most true, my child. In this discern the cares + Which with unwonted gloom our brows o’erspread + Israel ungrateful to their Heavenly Father + Forsake his altars and forget his laws + Pride violence and rapine waste the land. + To inbred evils terrible to bear + Are joined proud Ammon’s and Philistia’s bands + Who waste the land, and spare nor sex nor age. + The few who still remember their Creator + In sackcloth clad, raise the repentant voice, + Implore his mercy a forgiving grace. + As former sins afflict their guilty minds, + The injustice done thy father, stings their conscience + As humble suppliants they implore forgiveness + And entreat your sire to lead his chosen troops + To shield his country from proud Ammon’s force + His doubtful mind now ponders their request + His patriot bosom burns to save his country + But latent fears of their returning hatred + Repress the generous ardour of his soul. + + ELIZABETH. + + Ah, sure he will not hesitate to fly + When his loved Israel calls for succour + When thousands of our nation ask for aid + Who ne’er united with his envious foes + To persecute and drive him from his country + But now I rejoiced in this obscurity + Which saved my father from dread war’s alarms + But since my suffering brethren need his aid + Dear as he is I yield him for their safety + And my suppliant voice unite with theirs + To urge his presence in the tented field. + + (_Enter an attendant._) + + ATTENDANT. + + Madam two women ask to be admitted + And to your private ear relate their sorrows + + BETHULAH. + + Whence come they, what is their dress and mien? + + ATTENDANT. + + They both are clothed in Israel’s mourning garb + One venerable by years, but more by grief + The other young and beauteous as the morn + Her gentle mien, a face bedewed with tears + Melt every heart to pity, may they have leave to enter? + + BETHULAH. + + Conduct them hither. Thy outcasts Israel + Shall find a shelter in my humble shed. + + ELIZABETH. + + Some sad, disastrous tale of wrongs and woe + I stand prepared to hear, Oh my loved country + Tho’ a stranger to thee, thou still art dear + “Dear as the blood which mantles in my heart.” + + (_Enter_ MAHALAH _and_ TIRZAH.) + + BETHULAH. + + What do I see, the stern Athobat’s wife + Mahalah here. + + MAHALAH. + + Yes, the proud Mahalah who spurned thy virtues, + And despised thy tears. An humble suppliant now + Implores thy succour and forgiving love, + If stern revenge is harbored in thy breast + Our mighty woes will drive the demon hence + And thou wilt own our crimes are fully punished + More full than bitterest enemies could wish. + Then, oh forgive the many wrongs I did thee + And give repentant enemies a shelter. + +(BETHULAH _during this speech looks with an air of stern incredulity, + then turns to hide her emotions_.) + + TIRZAH. + + If gentle pity ever touched thy bosom + If soft humanity e’er sway’d thy mind + Let their soft whispers move thy soul to pardon + Look on thy child whose years agree with mine + If thou hast felt a mother’s joyful pride + To see her virtues far exceed thy hopes + Then fear’d those virtues might be early blasted + By dire misfortune or unfeeling foes + Deaf to the voice of innocence and age + Ah then with mercy greet that wretched mourner + (_Kneeling_,) Oh, for my sake who never injured thee + Forgive the many wrongs which thou hast suffer’d + And snatch repentant enemies from want. + + BETHULAH. + + Arise sweet maid, I do forgive thy parents + Tho’ they have driven me far from friends and country + An exile mid a savage heathen race + Yet we should forgive, as we hope to be forgiven. + + TIRZAH. + + A thousand blessings crown the generous deed. + + BETHULAH. + + No not a generous deed. I let thee kneel + Solicit pardon, tho’ your penitence + Spoke in each feature and implored forgiveness + I should have met thee with a friends embrace + And gave a pardon e’er thou hadst time to ask it. + Elizabeth embrace thy new found cousin + And make her welcome as a friend and sister. + + ELIZABETH. + + Dear sister of my soul, I feel I love thee + And that this love will increase with waning time. + + BETHULAH. + + Sister why are thine eyes bent on the earth + Does dark distrust still lurk within thy breast + Tho’ thou hads’t been tenfold more cruel to me + Thy penitence would claim my full forgiveness + Accept my friendship and dismiss thy fears. + + MAHALAH. + + Remorse and not distrust has chained my tongue + Oh when to me thou fled’st for friendly succour + I scorn’d thy merit and thy grief derided + But Heaven’s just wrath avenged thy injuries + And brought our pride to moulder in the dust + + BETHULAH. + + Rumor has spread your numerous woes abroad + The huge tongued goddess has I hope increased + The sad detail, but still my beating heart + With anxious fear enquires the full recital + Of every outrage our dear nation suffers + Which thou a witness, can’st with truth relate. + But chiefly what distress drove thee from home + To seek a shelter in this lonely vale. + + MAHALAH. + + Backsliding Israel, faithless to the Lord + Forsook his altars and despised his laws + To Ammon’s Gods they bowed the knee profane + And made their children pass through fire to Moloch + To Belial also paid the rite obscene + And all the various Gods which Egypt owns + Engaged their fickle worship, ever changing + Prone to rebellion, a stiff-necked race + They refused to obey the laws of God and man + Our rulers warned, our prophets preached in vain + Abused by vulgar tongues, by riotous disorder + Rob’d of their hard earned gains, the honest Jews + Escaped to foreign lands to seek that safety + Israel would not give to wretched + + BETHULAH. + + Wretched country, stain to our chosen race + When virtue flies to heathen lands for safety. + But say what next ensu’d, how long have sinners sway’d + Our happy land, happy I fear no more. + + MAHALAH. + + At first the populace with impious mirth + Exulted in their fancied happiness + Their boisterous pleasure pain’d the honest ear + Oppression next, with wild misrule upbourne + Seiz’d their defenceless, and deluded victims + Now they who erst in splendid robes array’d + Those delicate limbs ne’er felt the sun’s broad ray + With patient labor seek and seek in vain + A pittance in the field. They whose delicious board + With luxuries full up o’er flowed + Now ask for bread and no one breaks it to them + The infants’ cries each hour assail the ear + Their tongues for thirst, cleave to their little mouths + Mothers with frantic pity slay their babes + To save them from famine’s slow and cruel tortures + The blushing maiden and chaste matron now + To caves and desert woods for safety flee. + Not safely even the traveller wends his way + In public roads his necessary steps + But in by-paths, avoids the murderous bands + Which lawless range through our most wretched country. + Where once the crowded street, the city rose + The rank grass waves its head, o’er fallen walls + The thorny thistle shakes in the sullen blast + Each face a cloud of deepest sadness wears + For even the base are caught in their own snares + Yet still our stubborn hearts refused to bend + To an offended God, or ask his mercy + Till Ammon’s troops and proud Philistia’s bands + With war’s dread scourge, fill’d up heaven’s cup of wrath + This roused the stupid, and abashed the bold + They seiz’d their arms and flew to oppose the foe + But all in vain, the foe swept down whole ranks + Our cities bend beneath the conqueror’s sword + From Jordan’s streams and Judah’s fruitful plains + To where proud Ephraim once securely dwelt + My husband fell amidst the foremost ranks + And Jephthah’s cruel brethren wished too late + For his brave hand to save the race of Gilead + Amid the lawless ruin of my country + I scarce found shelter neath Athobat’s arm + Since he is gone, I durst not stay in Israel + Beset by foes both foreign and domestic. + + BETHULAH. + + Oh Israel, sinful but much lov’d country + My heart drops blood at thy calamities. + Will not these evils bend their stubborn souls + And turn them to the Rock of their defense + Their only hope amid the tempest. + + MAHALAH. + + With many tears they seek to avert the wrath + Of their offended, but merciful Creator. + They have at last perceived their idols could not save + Have cast them and their altars in the dust + With ardent zeal some seek the good old paths + Saying where’s the right way, let us walk therein + The path which our forefathers wisely trod + But what is man, can he arrest God’s arm + When crimes like ours call forth his righteous vengeance + Ah see where Jephthah comes. Wilt thou entreat for me + I cannot meet his eye. + + BETHULAH. + + Retire with me, and let our daughters plead + Thy moving cause their eloquence will gain, + An easy pardon from thy generous brother + + (_Exit_ BETHULAH _and_ MAHALAH.) + (_Enter_ JEPHTHAH.) + + ELIZABETH. + + Father I bring an humble suppliant + Who entreats thy pardon for once guilty parents + Who sorrowing, for all the wrongs they brought on thee + Implores through us forgiveness and protection. + + JEPHTHAH. + + My protection? + Who has sunk so low as to sue for Jephthah’s favor + An outcast wanderer, without power or fortune. + + TIRZAH. + + One who while living should have called thee brother + Dying bequeath’d his orphan to thy care + Bidding thee recollect the infant friendship + Which warm’d your hearts, e’er envy and ambition + Crept in and blasted every noble feeling. + + JEPHTHAH. + + And is Athobat dead, my once lov’d brother + His cruel treatment I’ll no more remember + But view him only as the dear companion + The much lov’d partner of my infant sports + Our joys our hopes our wishes all the same + And thou his daughter, welcome to my cottage + Next my Elizabeth in dear affection. + Take her my daughter as an only sister + And may your friendship meet no cruel blast + From rancorous envy, or misplaced ambition. + + ELIZABETH. + + My heart already owns her for a sister + I hope by acts of kindness soon to win + An equal place within her gentle bosom. + + TIRZAH. + + Thy kindness has already won my heart + And wak’d my sorrowing soul anew to pleasure. + + JEPHTHAH. + + But where’s thy mother? is she here with thee + Or dost thou mourn her with my fallen brother. + + TIRZAH. + + Fearing thy wrath too justly merited + She retir’d to hide her keen remorse from thee + I’ll seek her to relate thy generous pardon + And let her thanks repay thy boundless goodness + Which my full heart refuses words to express. + + (_Exit_ ELIZABETH _and_ TIRZAH.) + (_Enter_ ELZAPHAN _and_ PEDAZAR.) + + JEPHTHAH. + + Welcome Elzaphan, my friend Pedazar + What news from our unhappy country? + + PEDAZAR. + + On Jordan’s banks proud Ammon’s banner waves + Judah already bends before his arms + While Benjamin to stern Philistia yields + Who threats all Israel with her galling yoke + + ELZAPHAN. + + Our country torn by faction + Our land by faction torn, bleeding at every pore + By foreign and domestic woes oppress’d + Have sent us here as messengers of grace + For all the past they humbly sue for pardon + And beg thou’lt lead their armies to the field + Secure of victory neath thy powerful arm. + + JEPHTHAH. + + When fortune smil’d and plenty fill’d your dwellings + And youthful vigor prompted me to enjoy + Each social pleasure, and my warm heart + O’erflow’d with kindness to ye. Ye hated me + Drove me from friends, from my lov’d country + From all the joys my ardent nature priz’d. + Then why do ye come to seek me in distress. + My youthful arm oft quell’d your powerful foes + And this lone desert all the reward obtained. + I scorn those friends, who fawn in times of trouble + But mid prosperity forget past favors. + + PEDAZAR. + + Tis not thy ungrateful friends alone implore thee + Thy country’s voice proclaims thee as her chief. + Not against thee alone our elders sin’d + Our ungrateful hearts forgot the Rock of Ages + His great deliverance and his boundless blessings + All, all ne’er made our stubborn hearts obey + Fill his just vengeance, clothe the land in mourning + Then by our humble prayers and deep repentance + We sought his pardon and obtained forgiveness. + His gracious voice is heard again in Israel + For not like man the Almighty holds resentment + How can weak man whose virtues all are frail + To near approach his Heavenly Maker’s image + As by kind mercy delegate of heaven + Who bids us pardon even our enemies. + + JEPHTHAH. + + Should I return would you indeed prove true + Is no conceal’d no treacherous snare employ’d + To work my ruin by my envious foes. + + PEDAZAR. + + No treachery believe me waits thy steps + Dost thou think so meanly of Pedazar’s heart + As to suspect he would join in bare deceit + To work the ruin of his bitterest foe + Much less the man once rank’d among his friends. + + JEPHTHAH. + + Pedazar pray forgive my unjust suspicions + My former fortunes render me distrustful + And if the Lord give Ammon to my hands + Shall I retain my place as Israel’s judge + Swear that ye will not drive me again to exile. + + ELZAPHAN. + + Here in our country’s name we solemn swear + And call heaven’s thunders to attest the oath + That Jephthah’s chosen judge of Israel + To rule in peace and war with equal sway + And may heaven’s vengeance blast the guilty wretch + Who dares oppose what Israel has decreed. + + PEDAZAR. + + Come let us haste, the expectant army waits + With keen impatience for their gallant leader + And Israel’s prayers attend us to the field. + + JEPHTHAH. + + Go tell our warriors Jephthah soon will join them + And while life’s current warms this heart to action + Ammon shall feel the fury of this arm. + + (_Exit_ ELZAPHAN _and_ PEDAZAR.) + + JEPHTHAH. + + Great God, if thou indeed wilt crown my arms + With wish’d success against our impious foe + And make ungrateful Israel feel my wrongs + Then will I offer on thy altar, Lord + What e’er comes first from out my house to meet me + To hail my joyful conquest o’er the foe + Ammon destroyed and Israel bless’d with peace. + + (_End of the first act._) + +[Illustration: + + PL. XXIV.—“THE ROSE OF SHARON,” PUPIL ABOUT 1814 + + From a miniature painted by Dickinson + + Elizabeth Hannah Canfield, daughter of Judson Canfield and Mabel + Ruggles, of Sharon, Conn. She married Frederick Augustus Tallmadge, + son of Col. Benjamin Tallmadge. She was called “The Rose of Sharon” + by the law students, from her beauty and her birthplace, her sister + Julia receiving the title of “The Lily of the Valley,” from her fair + skin and want of color. + + The two sons of Gov. Edward Telfair, of Georgia, who attended the law + school, were in love with her,—Thomas and Alexander. The latter + offered himself and was refused. He afterwards walked the twenty + miles from Litchfield to Sharon only to gaze at the light in her + window and walk back again. +] + + + _Act II._ + + _Scene I._ + +(JEPHTHAH’S _house at Mizpeh_, ELIZABETH, TIRZAH _and several young +women singing_). + + + SONG. + + Guide our troops O great Jehovah + Save this sinful, war worn land. + We are weak; but thou art mighty, + Save us by thy powerful hand. + King of heaven, king of heaven + Save us, and we ask no more. + + 2 + + Shield our fathers in the strife, + Guard our brothers, we implore + Give them victory, freedom, life + Drive our foes far from this shore. + King of heaven, king of heaven, + Dry our tears, and hear our prayers. + + (_Enter_ MAHALAH _and_ BETHULAH.) + + MAHALAH. + + With anxious heart I mark each slow pac’d hour + While Israel’s bands engage our numerous foes + Should Jephthah fall our shield our last defense + Our tribes must wear the galling yoke of slaves + More fear’d than death, more gloomy than the grave. + + BETHULAH. + + Sister what words have pass’d thy lips unweigh’d + Is Jephthah’s arm the only hope of Israel + Wilt thou on him an arm of flesh rely + When that great Being who controll’st the heavens + Who exalts proud tyrants to afflict the earth + Or driv’st them headlong from their envied greatness + Who mak’st weak insects his commissioners + To humble the power of strongest nations + When this great Being is our covenant God + Gave this fair Canaan to the seed of Jacob + Drove out great nations for his chosen people + Has said the sceptre shall not fail in Judah + Till that great prince the Almighty Shiloh come. + On him rely even in the darkest hour + Whose word is sure, whose power is infinite + And though dark clouds conceal his deep decrees + His chast’ning rod is ever rais’d in mercy. + + MAHALAH. + + Thy just rebuke confirms my wav’ring faith + Subdues my terrors and inspires new confidence. + + ELIZABETH. + + I wish some news would reach us from our army + Jephthah may fall even in the arms of victory. + Methought last night I saw our bands triumphant + And my lov’d father crowned with wreaths of glory + I flew to clasp him, when an envious fiend + Rush’d in and snatch’d me far from him and Israel + Mid desert lands I wander’d lone and wretched + Till on a cloud I saw thy father Tirzah + With smiles benign, inviting me to heaven + I strove to join him, and the effort wak’d me. + + TIRZAH. + + Thy mind intent on Jephthah’s danger rests + Awake or sleeping thou art ever with him. + + ELIZABETH. + + Hark, what shout is that I hear? + + (_Enter_ PEDAZAR.) + + PEDAZAR. + + Victory crowns our arms, Jephthah returns triumphant. + Oh praise the Lord who guides our hosts to battle + Whose mighty arm has wrought this great deliverance + Come my young companions prepare the timbrel + Let’s haste with joyful songs and comely dance + To hail our heroes glorious from the war + Take each a wreath of laurel, to bind the victor’s brow + And name each gallant hero in our song. + + (ELIZABETH _and her companions form a procession_.) + + + SONG. + STRIKE THE CYMBAL. + + _Act III._ + + _Scene I._ + + (_Enter_ JEPHTHAH _followed by_ ELIZABETH _and_ TIRZAH.) + + ELIZABETH. + + My father why avert thy clouded brow + Why turn thine eye with horror from thy daughter + Ne’er till this hour was Elizabeth unwelcome. + + JEPHTHAH. + + Oh my child thou hast brought me low + Low even to the ground thou hast bow’d thy father + Oh thou hast filled my soul with anguish + For to the Lord I vowed, oh dreadful vow + And I must pay it with thy precious blood. + + ELIZABETH. + + My father let thy vow be cheerful paid + Tho’ my heart’s blood must seal the solemn oath + A little boon to pay the mighty debt + Of thy success and Israel’s great deliverance. + + (_Enter_ BETHULAH, MAHALAH, PEDAZAR, _and_ ELZAPHAN.) + + BETHULAH. + + What do I hear! is then my darling child + My life’s best comfort and my dearest treasure + Devoted to thy rash and bloody vow + Oh Jephthah, Jephthah must this glorious morn + This day of joy to happy Israel’s race + Be only dark in cruel Jephthah’s house + Must its bright hours be stained with guiltless blood + The light of life torn from a mother’s arms + No human victims the Almighty claims + Tis heathen gods who boast such horrid rites + Offensive to our great Jehovah who delights in mercy. + +[Illustration: + + PL. XXV.—BLACK LACE VEIL MADE BY “THE ROSE OF SHARON” +] + + ELIZABETH. + + My dearest mother do not yield to grief + Collect thy wonted firmness + And give thy bright example to thy daughter. + Oh see’st thou not my father’s wounded spirit + Claims thy support + And thy distress adds anguish to his wounds. + Think of Abraham our noble ancestor + No sigh escaped, no tear bedewed his cheek + When his lov’d Isaac follow’d to the altar + And mildly ask’d where is the lamb for sacrifice. + + BETHULAH. + + Twas no rash vow made by our rev’rend father + But God’s express command, his child to offer + To show the world one truly faithful saint + At God’s command thy precious life I’d yield + Without a murmur crown the sacred victim + But now, oh now a mother’s tears are just + My cries shall rend the air and know no pause + Till Heaven in mercy move stern Jephthah’s heart + To revoke his cruel his unlawful vow. + Will not whole hecatombs of bulls suffice + Will not some other blood atone for thine + Behold me here oh! most unjust of fathers + Kneeling I ask to spend my life for hers. + + ELIZABETH. + + Mother most rever’d most lov’d of mortals + Do not in pity, do not melt me thus + Nor rend my father’s heart by thy reproaches + Lest grief so poignant snap the chord of life + And bleeding Israel mourn their gallant leader. + + JEPHTHAH. + + No let her just reproaches have full vent. + I deserve her hatred, thine and my country’s + What right had I to vow a sacrifice + Which might have fallen upon another’s head + Had any of my menial train advanc’d + With joyful greetings at their master’s glory + They had been sacrificed to my dread oath + And grief like mine torn the fond bosoms + Of their hapless friends + Oh God most holy, wise are thy decrees + I kiss the rod and own thy just correction. + + MAHALAH. + + Is there no offering can atone to heaven + No blood of beasts to save this precious child + Speak holy father thou art read in the laws + Can nothing save this guiltless valued maid? + + ELZAPHAN. + + Nothing can save her, naught devote to God + Or man or beast or field can be redeemed + Nor can a generous friend a ransom give + The life so offer’d or the thing so chang’d + Are both devote to God. + Our holy laws ordains no change in this + Tho’ common offerings are by gifts redeemed + A sacred vow must ever be rever’d (_turn to the end_) _x x x_ + So dear Bethulah strive against thy grief + Which adds fresh anguish to the wounded heart + Shall Jephthah ruler of our chosen race + Infringe the law and break a solemn oath + Would not the people taught by his example + Deem their oaths light, which bind them to his sway + Think o’er the woes which now, oppress our land + But recent sav’d from powerful Ammon’s yoke + Still bleeding with the wounds of bloody faction + And numerous ills bro’t on by disobedience + Jephthah’s example now must save or crush us + Ah better that thy daughter rich in worth + And lov’d thro’ Israel as a child of light + Better that she, with all her virgin train + Give their pure lives to fulfill a solemn vow + Than we our rulers, and our numerous tribes + Be taught by Jephthah to offend our God + Dreadful in anger terrible in vengeance. + + BETHULAH. + + Forgive me heaven if I have grown rebellious + Forgive me Jephthah and forgive me Israel + My brain grows wild, I can’t endure the light. + + + _ACT_ + + _Scene I._ + + (JEPHTHAH _and_ ELIZABETH.) + + ELIZABETH. + + Permit me lov’d father ere I quit the world + To pay a parting tribute to the cot + Which shelter’d us during our days of exile + Where unambitious happiness was ours + There with my young companions let me wander + Amid the mountain groves I lov’d so well + And take a last farewell of this world’s joys + There mourn my sins. Prepare my mind to meet + The awful hour, which fills my feeble soul + With new felt terror. + + JEPHTHAH. + + My child; pride of my life + Once hop’d the staff of my declining years + Thy slightest wish is sacred to thy father + Go with thy virgin train, take leave of time + Its joys are fleeting as the morning dew + Tho’ to thy youthful mind they now appear most fair + But why should’st thou be terrified at death + Thou whose pure life? unblemished by a crime + Scarce tinctur’d with the stain of Adam’s race + Hast lived a miracle of sweetness + Can thy chaste bosom feel a thought of fear + At entering thy heavenly Maker’s presence + It is my pride my only consolation + To think that death’s a glorious boon to thee + Snatching thy virtues from the numerous ills + Which wait frail man even in his happiest state. + + ELIZABETH. + + No heart so innocent but feels most vile + When ent’ring the dread presence of its maker + Whose eye discerns the faults of spotless angels + Who chargest his minist’ring spirits with folly + What then is man, a creature form’d of dust + To dare plead innocence before the Eternal + Even Abra’m friend of God, and Moses sin’d + What then am I a frail a feeble woman + Whose idle thot’s, and vain desires betray, + This foolish heart, each day to guilt and error + But God is mercy, and I trust his grace + Will pardon the sins and errors of my youth + Reform my virtues, and inspire my soul + With heavenly wisdom and immortal love. + + (_Enter_ BETHULAH, MAHALAH _and_ TIRZAH.) + + BETHULAH. + + Lead on my sister here’s our darling child + Our lost Elizabeth. + + ELIZABETH. + + Not so my mother rather say she’s found + Will not thy child be sav’d from many sorrows + Is not a virtuous death an envied lot + Perhaps God kindly calls me from a world + Where luring pleasure might deprave my mind + Its yet untasted bliss might stain my life + With vain ambition, pride and love of wealth + Perhaps the sins of Israel are not full + And fell destruction waits to scourge the land + Then when thou seest the matron vainly sueing + For pity to the vile and murderous band + Then wilt thou rejoice thy Elizabeth is safe. + + BETHULAH. + + Vainly my child thou striv’st to sooth my woe + I still must grieve, thou art my only hope + E’er since the hour I clasp’d thy infant form + With that fond transport mothers only know + I envied not the world its pomp or riches + The greatest monarch that ere rul’d the world + Was not so happy mid his days of triumph + Viewing his vast domains, and countless treasures + As I with my sweet lovely smiling infant + And each revolving year increased the treasure + And must I now, oh must I part with thee? + Yes I submit, since tis the will of heaven + But ask me not to bear the stroke with firmness + A mother’s heart must feel a mother’s woe. + + ELIZABETH. + + Think me not dead but in a happier country + Where grief’s not known but joy succeeds to joy + Perhaps our gracious God, will permit me + To watch thy secret steps, and whisper peace + When sad calamity corrodes thy bosom + To hover o’er thy walks a guardian spirit + To pour the balm of joy on all thy anguish + And wing thy soul at thy last hour to heaven + Tirzah must be thy child, my friend and sister + Must fill my place in thy maternal heart. + + TIRZAH. + + Oh were I worthy to fulfill that office + But if affection, sympathising love + And fix’d attention to thy slightest wish + Can sooth the sorrows of thy woe worn heart + Tirzah will spend her life to make thine tranquil. + + (_Enter_ ATTENDANT.) + + ATTENDANT. + + The worthy Agnes with her three sweet children + Desire to see thee. + + ELIZABETH. + + I bade her come. Promis’d her feeble age + Should find protection in my native country + I dread to see her; her tears will melt + Her gratitude oppress me. + + (_Enter_ AGNES _and her three grandchildren_) + + AGNES. + + Did I then visit Israel’s land for this. + +(_To_ JEPHTHAH _who during this scene is walking in a gloomy but + determined silence in the back part of the stage_.) + + Can’st thou who taught our savage race humanity + Can’st thou infringe its inviolable rights + And must Elizabeth, the kind the good, + She at whose presence ev’ry sorrow fled + At whose approach even misery smiled + Must she be sacrificed? + Ye powers of kindness melt his heart to pity + Oh how the poor will rue this dire event + I bro’t you here _dear babes_ to thank your generous friend + But she no more will cheer your fainting souls + No more with her own hands your forms adorn + She’s going to join her kindred angels + Lift up you [(little)/(innocent)] hands with mine sweet babes + Perhaps our prayers may move stern Jephthah’s heart + Come let us kneel and urge him to relent. + + (_As_ AGNES _and the children kneel_ JEPHTHAH _goes out_.) + + ELIZABETH. + + (_Raising_ AGNES _and the children_.) + + My good old friend, I thank thy honest zeal + But do not by thy grief distress my father + Thy little innocents, shall ne’er want friends + My mother do not say that thou art childless + I give these helpless orphans, for thy children + Guard them I pray thee for Eliza’s sake. + From ev’ry vice, and form their minds to virtue. + + BETHULAH. + + Sweet babes ye ne’er shall want a mother’s care + While sad Bethulah owns this wretched being. + + ELIZABETH. + + Tirzah wilt thou attend the little guests. + +[Illustration: + + PL. XXVI.—JULIA CHITTENDEN, PUPIL, 1800 +] + + (TIRZAH _leads the children to the back part of the stage_.) + + ELIZABETH. + + Mother I have one more request to make + If thou wilt grant it, I shall leave the world + With less regret, without one secret pang. + + BETHULAH. + + What can’st thou ask my darling child + Which thy fond mother will not joy to give. + + ELIZABETH. + + I fear thou hast not forgiven my father + The hasty vow which binds me to the tomb + Forgive him my dear mother I entreat + It wrings my heart to see my parent’s coldness + Oh let no tears of hatred bathe my tomb. + + BETHULAH. + + My dearest child, I have I will forgive him. + + ELIZABETH. + + Then let us seek him that I may view once more. + Returning peace and love within this dwelling. + + (_Exit_ BETHULAH _leaning on her daughter_.) + + AGNES. + + Sweet flower untimely torn from life + In virtues course mature + Short is thy race, but glorious as the sun(light) + Thy innocence more fragrant than the morn + Shall rise in spotless incense to the skies + Sweet babes imprint her image on your hearts + Copy her bright unsullied life in yours + Her smile was charity her heart all love + Her lips drop’d comfort to the wounded heart + Oh may her parting pangs be few + Few as the stains, which sully her pure life. + + + _Act_ + + _Scene I._ + + (_A grove._) + (ELIZABETH, TIRZAH.) + + ELIZABETH. + + Farewell sweet fields deck’d in the pride of spring + No more thy verdant charms shall meet my view + Ye harmless flocks, no more my fond companions + Shall ye delight me with your sportive gambols + Another now must watch your tender lambs + Another hand must guide you to the field + And thou fair sun, bright image of our Maker + No more thy beams shalt wake the joyous morn + And light my eyes to greet this beauteous earth + Farewell oh world, thy joys I know are fleeting + But still entwine frail man around thy heart + And is it Tirzah, is it a crime to love + The tender reverend name of parent + With such affection, such unbounded fondness + That this torn heart, drawn by the ties of nature + Cleaves fast to earth, and loses sight of heaven + If tis a crime to love with so much ardour + Why rests so many virtues on the passion + And if our friendship ends with mortal being + Why glows its flame more bright at death’s approach. + + TIRZAH. + + Friendship and filial love my dear Elizabeth + Will find a place no doubt in heavenly bosoms + And if our fondness for our earthly friends + Does not exceed the love of our Creator + Tis innocent, nay more a lovely virtue + A duty which commands a blessing on it. + + ELIZABETH. + + It is no crime I’m sure, to love a mother + Fond and good as mine, to revere a father + Whose stern virtues yield, in melting tenderness + Towards his child. All other ties I quit + Without a struggle, but these, these tear my heart + And melt me quite to weakness. + + TIRZAH. + + I oft have wonder’d at thy fortitude + How can thy heart so firmly meet thy fate + The wisest best of men tho’ bent with age, + Grown callous of the earth and all its pleasures + Tremble at death’s approach, and cling to life + With eager fondness. Then how canst thou my friend + Adorned with ev’ry grace, courted by ev’ry bliss + The earth affords, resign these pleasures + And scarce breath a sigh. + + ELIZABETH. + + Bred in obscurity I feel no bliss + Allied to greatness, except the praise of virtue + Perhaps I had not met a common fate + With equal firmness. But when the world looks on + And applauds the deed, shame nerv’s the feelings + And we meet great evils with firmer patience + Than the triffling sorrows, the secret woes + Which daily rend the heart, which borne with patience + Oft make private life a scene of virtue + Worth an angel’s praise. + + (_Enter_ PEDAZAR, _and a number of young women_.) + + PEDAZAR. + + The people wait the priests are ready. + + ELIZABETH. + + A moment more, Tirzah support my mother + I fear my fate will bend her to the tomb + Oh watch her evening hours with tender care + Try to assuage her grief, bid her remember + We soon shall meet again never to part. + And ah my friend remember + That when a few more waning suns have roll’d + Their silent course, thou too must join me in the narrow tomb + I love thee Tirzah, thou hast many virtues + But earthly joys too much engross thy heart + Forget not my last words, sweet friend and sister + Life’s but a day a short and wintry day + Then do not waste it in forgetfulness + Of that eternal glorious morn which follows + Receive my last embrace, my last adieu + Farewell my young companions, weep not for me + To that last dwelling whither I am going + Ye all will shortly follow. Then dry your tears + Or weep for your sins, or those of Israel + Thro’ death’s dark vale we pass to realms of bliss + Seek then to adorn your souls in virtue’s robes + By faith prepare to meet the bless’d in heaven + Where I trust this day to find a happy home + Beyond the limits of yon glorious orb + With soul enlarg’d, made pure from earth’s defilement + With saints and angels, sing redeeming love + Glory on glory opening to our view, + Thro’ the never ending ages of eternity + My lov’d companions, my earliest friends + Reject not this my last, my dying counsel + Flee ev’ry pleasure hurtful to the soul + Live here as strangers, bound to a better land + Then we shall meet where sorrow never comes + Where happiness is lasting, as tis pure. + + (_Enter_ JEPHTHAH, ELZAPHAN _and attendant priests_.) + + JEPHTHAH. + + (_Leading his daughter forward._) + + My friends and countrymen behold your chief + Thus justly punished for his cruel vow + Here I devote my child, my only child. + Except her, I have no son or daughter + Her spotless life has been my chief delight + Sum up perfection in a female form + And you name Jephthah’s daughter. Thus to fulfill + My vow to God, I give this sacred life, + A life more dear, more precious than my own. + Let my example teach you to beware + Of rash resolves, of breaking sacred oaths + Each one here present owes a life to God + A life of virtue, you have sworn with me + To obey his statutes, follow all his laws + Let not this precious blood be spilt in vain + But let this offering teach you to resign + Each selfish wish, each token of rebellion + And silent bend before that power who gives + Not only life but all its dear possessions. + +(JEPHTHAH _hands his daughter to_ ELZAPHAN, _who leads her out. +A procession of young women follow. Solemn music._) + + NOTE 1. xxx + + These sentiments of Elzaphan are not to be considered as agreeing with + the laws of Moses truly expounded, but we must suppose that not only + Jephthah but those priests who were about him must have mistaken the + meaning of the 28^{th} and 29th verses of the 27th chapter of + Leviticus, otherwise they would not have permitted Jephthah to have + sacrificed his amiable daughter to his unlawful vow. Not only Jephthah + but the leaders of Israel appear to have been tinctured by the idol + worship so long prevalent in Israel. Saul seems also to have made a + similar mistake when he devoted Jonathan. And all Israel fell into a + like error when they devoted the tribe of Benjamin to destruction. The + punishment in all these cases, fell on the offender, and doubtless + taught the nation the true meaning of the law. See Scott’s notes on + Jephthah’s sacrifice. + + + MRS. STOWE’S REMINISCENCES IN AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF LYMAN BEECHER.[40] + +“On one occasion of this kind I had a hand in a merry joke enacted at +one of the rehearsals of Miss Pierce’s favorite drama of ‘Jephtha’s +Daughter.’ + +“It was when Jephtha, adorned with a splendid helmet of gilt paper and +waving ostrich plumes, was awaiting the arrival of his general, +Pedazar—his daughter’s lover—who was to enter and say, + + “‘On Jordan’s banks proud Ammon’s banners wave.’ + +Miss Pierce stood looking on to criticise, when having prearranged the +matter, a knock was heard, and I ran forward, saying, ‘Walk in, Mr. +Pedazar.’ In he came, helmet and all, saying, ‘How are you, Jep?’ who +replied, ‘Hulloo, old fellow! Walk in and take a chair.’ Miss Pierce was +in no way discomfited, but seemed to relish the joke as much as we young +folks. + +“On one occasion of this sort father came in late, and the house being +packed, he was admitted by the stage entrance. Either from accident or +fun, just as he was passing over the stage, the curtain rose, and the +law students spied him and commenced clapping. Father stopped, bowed +low, amid renewed clapping and laughter, and then passed on to his +seat.” + + + + + 1814. + RULES FOR THE SCHOOL AND FAMILY. + + [_Copied by Eliza Ann Mulford in 1814._] + + +It is expected that every young Lady who attends this School will be +careful to observe the following rules. + +_1^{st}_ To be always present at family prayers + +_2^{nd}_ It is hop’d that each young Lady will read a portion of +scripture in private and regularly address her Maker Morning and +evening. They who begin the day in prayer will probably find cause to +end it in praise. + +_3^d_ Let our Saviours maxim be follow’d at all times. Do unto others, +as you would they should do unto you. + +_4^{th}_ Avoid anger, Wrath and evil speaking. a tale bearer separates +chief Friends. + +_5^{th}_ It is expected public Worship be attended every sabbath except +sickness or some unavoidable circumstance prevents, which you will dare +to produce as a sufficient excuse at the day of Judgement. + +_6^{th}_ It is expected that your outward deportment be grave and +decent, while in the house of God and that you be more ready to hear, +than give the sacrifice of fools. + +_7^{th}_ The sabbath is to be kept holy throughout not wasted in sloth, +frivolous conversation, light reading, or vain employment, but every +moment must be employed in endeavoring to improve your own heart in +doing good to others Those who honour my sabbath, I will honour is the +promise of the great and unchangable God + +_8^{th}_ It is expected that every hour during the week be fully +accomplish’d, either in useful employment or necessary recreation Keep +always in remembrance that time is a most invaluable blessing, and that +for all our time but—particularly for the hours of youth and health you +must give an account to God. + +[Illustration: + + PL. XXVII.—EMBROIDERY BY JULIA CHITTENDEN +] + +_9^{th}_ Every real Lady will treat her superior with due reverence, her +companions with politeness, good humor she will always show, a sweet +temper, a modest deportment on all occasions, never forgetting what is +due to all persons in every situation. + +_10^{th}_ Those hours appropriated for any particular study, must not be +employed in other occupation. Nothing can be well done without proper +attention to regularity & there is time enough to acquire every useful +and elegant accomplishment provided order be observed + +_11^{th}_ Profusion in expenses, a want of Neatness and economy, a +stupid inattention to instruction, are indications of a bad heart and +must be avoided. + +_12^{th}_ Each young lady must observe the particular rules of the +family in which she resides. + + + QUESTIONS. + +Have you rose early enough for the duties of the morning. Have you read +a portion of scripture by yourself. Have you prayed to that God in Whose +hands your breath is. + +Have you in all cases done unto others as you would be done by. Have +been angry—Have spoke evil of any one. Have you attended public worship. +Have you behaved in the house of God with that reverence due to his holy +Character. Have you wasted any part of holy time by idle conversation, +light reading, or sloth. + +Have you wasted any time during the week. Have you shown decent and +respectful behaviour to those who have the charge over you. Your +parents, elders, Brothers and sisters, teachers, domestics, the aged, or +people who are older then yourself. Have you been patient in acquiring +your lessons. Have you been polite and good humored to your Companions. +Have you been modest in your deportment not boistrous or rude. Have you +spoken the truth as all tho it were to your hurt. Have you used the name +of God irreverently or spoken any thing which is a brief of the third +Commandment. Have you spoken any indecent word or by any action +discovered a want of true feminine delicacy. Have you been neat in your +person, made no unnecessary trouble by carelessness in your chamber or +with your clothes. Have you torn your clothes, books, or maps. Have you +wasted paper, quills, or any other articles. Have you walked out without +liberty. Have you combed your hair with a fine tooth comb, and cleaned +your teeth every morning. Have you eaten any green fruit during the +week. + + + + + 1815–1816. + CATHERINE CEBRA WEBB—HER DIARY. + + +Catherine Cebra Webb was born at 84 Beekman Street, New York City, +January 25, 1801, _Daughter of Orange Webb_ (a shipping merchant of the +firm of Webb and Lamb, corner Pearl Street and Burlington Slip, and +ruling elder in the Old Brick Church) and _Elizabeth Cebra_ (daughter of +Mr. James Cebra, of the Custom House). + +Catherine Cebra Webb entered Miss Pierce’s school in the summer of 1815, +and boarded at first in the family of Lyman Beecher, until Mrs. +Beecher’s death, and then with the Misses Edwards on North Street, +nearly opposite the school. Catherine remained only a few months in +Litchfield,—the climate proving too severe for her. July 20, 1818, she +married Mr. Rensselaer Havens (a shipping merchant of the firm of +Perkins and Havens, 198 Front Street, New York City, and ruling elder in +the Old Brick Church for thirty years). Mrs. Havens has had eight +children, nineteen grandchildren, and twenty four great-grandchildren. +She has lived since 1873 in Stamford, Connecticut, and is now in her +ninety-sixth year. + +Frances Maria Webb, an older sister of Catherine Cebra Webb, also +attended Miss Pierce’s school about 1810 or 1811, and met there +Alexander Garden Fraser, of Beaufort, South Carolina, a student in Judge +Gould’s Law School. Frances M. Webb was born June 5, 1796, and married +Alexander G. Fraser, June 5, 1812. Frances M. Webb (Mrs. Fraser) died in +Edinburgh, August 5, 1847. She has four children still living. + + I left New York, Wednesday, July 11^{th}, 1816, for Litchfield, to + enter Miss Pierce’s school. I took a steamboat to New Haven, and went + by stage from there to Litchfield. The Rev. Mr. Stockton, a friend of + my Father’s, took me up. + + I went to board in the family of D^r Lyman Beecher, but stayed there + only three weeks, as his wife was so ill they could not have the care + of boarders. Miss Catherine Beecher and a Miss Burr, presided over the + family. D^r Beecher had a room in the attic for his Study. I had a + room with two Misses Wakeman, who were also pupils at Miss Pierce’s + school. Catherine Beecher had to send a report every Saturday of the + _conduct_ of the young ladies in her family, to Miss Pierce. + + When Mrs. Beecher’s illness obliged me to leave there, they got + another boarding place for me across the street, with the Misses + Edwards—two sisters—Miss Nancy and Miss Betsey. + + They were very religious women; and as the Sabbath began then at + sunset on Saturday, we had to hurry to get our letters from the + postoffice, and be back before the sun went down. After supper, the + Sabbath began with religious exercises—reading of the Bible and + prayer—Sunday we all went to D^r Beecher’s church. On one occasion, + some of Judge Gould’s law students were talking during the sermon, + when D^r Beecher paused, and looking at the square pew at the right of + the pulpit, (where Judge Gould’s pupils sat) said, “I will suspend my + remarks until those young gentlemen have finished their conversation.” + + There were no Sunday schools in those days. On returning from church, + all we had for our dinner was a piece of pie and a mug of milk, as the + Misses Edwards considered it wrong to cook on Sunday. We went to an + afternoon service, then had a simple tea, and when the sun went down + Sunday was over; but we had prayers and went to bed. + + School began at nine o’clock, and closed at noon for an hour’s recess, + when we went home for our dinner and came back; but I cannot remember + how long it kept in the afternoon—whether it was three or four + o’clock— + + Miss Waite taught me music, and I went into the back parlor of Miss + Pierce’s _residence_, to take my lesson on the piano. I remember “The + Battle of Wagram” was one of my pieces. I had a very handsome + paint-box which my father had imported from England for me, and I took + drawing lessons at Miss Pierce’s, but I cannot recall the teacher’s + name. + + I did not stay long at Litchfield, as I was a delicate girl, and it + was so very cold my Mother was afraid to have me stay. I came home in + the Autumn, I remember when D^r Beecher’s wife died. Her name was + Roxana Foote; and I heard D^r Beecher preach her funeral sermon, + standing in the little tub pulpit, while her coffin stood below it. + + Miss Pierce had a nephew, John Pierce Brace, who lived, I think, next + door to Miss Pierce’s, and he taught _every day_ in the school. + + Miss Mary Pierce did not teach; _only Miss Sarah_, She was of medium + height, rather fine looking and dignified, and very religious. We had + school every day; only, it seems to me that on Wednesday and Saturday + we had a half-holiday. + + Among the pupils was a Miss Catherine L. Webb, from Cooperstown, + (sister of James Watson Webb)—two Misses Farnham from + Massachusetts—Miss Phebe Conklin from Poughkeepsie—two Misses Sanford + from Jamestown (N. Y.)—and Miss Emmeline Beebe from Connecticut. (She + was the one who told Miss Pierce she could not study because the girls + kept up such a “cessation” through the room.) There was also a Miss + Caroline Delafield, who lived at her Uncle’s, Gen’l Tallmadge’s,[41] + and came to certain recitations only. + + Old Grove Catlin kept the Hotel in Litchfield, and had a daughter + Flora, who was quite a belle. The law students used to quiz him about + his daughter’s popularity, and he said, “Yes, my daughter Flora is + assassinated most every night” (meaning _serenaded_)—He also said he + wore his old fashioned watch seal “for the antipathy of the thing,” + (meaning _antiquity_)—D^r Beecher had two colored servants named + Zillah and Priscilla—I remember their grinding the coffee for + breakfast. There was a large sink in the kitchen, and a couple of + basins, and we had to go there to wash—It was the only place—so of + course we could not take much of a bath—which was a great trial to me. + + While I was at D^r Beecher’s, the Rev. Mr. Nettleton, the revivalist, + came to visit him, and I remember their drinking cider and pearlash + with their breakfast. + + + CAROLINE CHESTER—HER DIARY—EXTRACTS FROM HER COMMONPLACE BOOK. + +Caroline Chester was born in Hartford, Connecticut, 1801, married John +Knickerbocker, 1824, and died at Troy, New York, 1870. She was fifteen +years old when she attended the school. + + + DIARY. + + _Nov. 30, 1815._ I left Hartford at eight in the morning and arrived + at Litchfield about four, had very pleasant company, Mr. and Mrs. + Wheeler of Hartford, and her niece, Mr. Catlin of Litchfield, and + several other gentlemen whom I did not know. It rained constantly + almost the whole day. West Hartford was the first place we passed + through, it is a very pleasant place though a small one. Farmington is + much larger, and as we passed through Main street I saw it to the best + advantage. Burlington is a small place consisting of a few houses, one + store, a blacksmith’s shop, a post office and one meeting house. + Harwinton the last town (until we reach Litchfield) is much pleasanter + than Burlington, here we left four of our passengers. After riding + over many a long hill we arrived at Litchfield which agreeably + surprised me. Went immediately to Mrs. Sheldon’s where for the first + time I saw her and Miss Lucy. + +[Illustration: + + PL. XXVIII.—CAROLINE CHESTER + + _b._ January 26, 1801. _m._ June 2, 1825. _d._ April 20, 1869 +] + + _Dec. 1st._ Spent the evening at Miss Wood’s upon condition that I + would not visit again for a week. Saturday was spent as usual in + studying, sewing and hearing instruction. Mr. Beecher visited the + school. I was very much pleased, his doctrine is plain and easy to + understand. + + _Dec. 19th._ It is one of Miss Pierce’s rules to have her scholars + rise before sunrise and Dr. Swift observes “That he never knew any man + come to greatness and eminence who lay in bed of a morning.” It is + known that in the 14th century in England and France, people rose much + earlier than they do now, and I read yesterday that Buffon said that + he was indebted to one of his domestics for ten or a dozen of his + works, because he had promised him a crown whenever he would wake him + at six and he succeeded in his attempts. Czar Peter a famous + philosopher used to rise to see the morning break, and used to say + that “he wondered how man could be so stupid as not to rise to see the + most glorious sight in the universe; that they took delight in looking + at a beautiful picture, the trifling work of a mortal, but neglected + one painted by the hand of the Deity.” Dr. Doddridge says that the + difference it would make if a person should rise at five or seven for + the space of forty years, supposing him to go to bed at the same hour + of night, is nearly equivalent to the addition of ten years. + + _Dec. 20th._ Called for Hannah Wolcott, and at her mamma’s request she + took me to her Uncle Wolcott’s house. It is elegantly furnished. He + has in his sitting room pictures of six old venerable gentlemen, a + picture painted by his daughter, and a print. In his library are two + large bookcases filled with books, likenesses of his wife, mother, + father, daughter and her husband Mr. Gibbs. In his drawing-room are + several large prints from Homer’s Iliad, the battle of Bunker’s Hill + and death of General Montgomery, a large print called Marc Antony, + three or four landscapes painted by Mrs. Gibbs and many others. Hannah + showed me some Chinese curios, two men one holding two small boxes of + tea, and the other, a curious looking personage, a Chinese woman, a + pair of ladies and men shoes, stone cut in various shapes, Ivory + globes made in the most elegant manner, a number of boxes, six or + seven figures made of plaster of Paris, some baskets, and a beautiful + collection of shells. + + _Dec. 27th._ Miss Mary Hooker, Miss Burr, Miss Reeves and Miss Beecher + at tea. In the evening heard a long letter read from Mr. H. Sheldon. + He wrote that he had visited the catacombs and asked his guide if + Bonaparte had ever been there, he said “No, Bonaparte had never + expressed any desire to be with the dead.” + + _Jan. 1, 1816._ Went to school with a determination to improve all in + my power, recited in History without a mistake, in the afternoon I + went to Mr. Bradley’s tavern in a sleigh with Hannah Huntington, John + and Mr. O. Wolcott, W. T. and Mary. Had a most delightful ride, + returned with Hannah to tea, in the evening took a sleigh ride and + returned home about nine. Had a great many wishes that I might have a + Happy New Year. + + _Jan. 2._ After school returned home with Louisa Seymour, and drank + tea with her and enjoyed myself extremely. Mrs. Seymour is a very fine + woman and endeavored to have our time pass agreeably. I almost froze + returning home, for the cold was excessive. + + _Thursday._ After school took a walk with Margaret Hopkins of + Philadelphia. I am very much pleased with her, she is not only + beautiful, but amiable, kind, generous and sweet tempered. Dr. Fowler + drank tea at Dr. Sheldon’s and staid through the night. After studying + an hour I went to Mr. Brace’s where I spent the evening most agreeably + and saw a plenty of butterflies and spiders. I returned home about + nine, attended family prayers and retired to my room. + + _Thursday._ I rose as usual early and exercised, knit and mended my + school frock, when it was finished, the cow bell announced that I must + prepare for school. * * * Mr. Brace commenced school as usual by + reading a portion of Scripture, and prayer. * * * After school I + called at Mrs. Wolcott’s, Mrs. Reeves’, and called and gave Mary + Deming some of Eliza Royce’s wedding cake. * * * * In the evening I + drank tea at Mrs. Deming’s with Miss F. Catlin who is the most + beautiful woman in Litchfield, Mary Wells cousin to Mrs. Hudson, she + unites to a lovely face all those pleasing qualities which delight and + attach and make us love and admire, the two Misses Buel and Miss + Landon with several of the students. * * * * The afternoon was spent + very pleasantly at Mrs. Aaron Smith’s with her niece Mary, the Misses + Hopkins from Philadelphia, Miss Wadsworth from Montreal, Miss Rockwell + from Albany and Miss Lewis who resides in Litchfield. * * * The + evening was spent very pleasantly in reading a letter from Mr. Henry + Sheldon to his sister Lucy. He wrote that he had seen the ascension of + two balloons, and that the French surpassed all other people in + sublime trifles, that the first ascended in a very fine evening, + covered with lamps, conveying a man named Augustine, who was afterward + found at some distance from Paris almost frozen to death. The next, he + wrote was much the most interesting as it conveyed a young heroine of + 20 or 25. She cut the cords to her frail bark and every heart ached, + while she ascended so far in the air that she was hardly perceived. + She suffered no injury and was afterward presented to the King. * * * + Hannah Wolcott, Helen Peck, Margaret and Adela Hopkins came and staid + about an hour. + + _Monday._ Rose at an early hour and took a long but pleasant walk with + Mary. At school I recited a lesson in Sacred History and had the + pleasure to hear Miss Pierce say I had said a most excellent lesson. + In the afternoon I learnt in my Blair that poetry is the language of + passion, or of enlivened imagination, formed most commonly into + regular numbers. I also learnt that a person who composed a letter + must write with ease and familiarity, simplicity, sprightliness and + wit. Our lesson was very interesting and I recited without a mistake, + but it fully convinced me that I was not born with a genius for letter + writing. After school took a delightful walk with Mary and Charlotte + Storrs. Went with dear Theodosia Devaux who is from Camden, S, + Carolina to see Harriot Kirby. * * * Went with Mary to take tea with + Clarissa Seymour. C. Marsh, E. Welch, E. Storrs and L. Seymour were + there. I spent my time very pleasantly. In the evening we recited + anecdotes, one was—A man who kept an ale house by a pound was + frequently visited by the students who wrote over the door “Ale by the + pound.” The Proctor of the university unwilling to have them visit it, + complained to the Vice Chancellor who ordered the ale keeper to appear + before him. This request was readily complied with, but as soon as he + entered the room began spitting and clearing his throat, the Vice + Chancellor asked why he did so, he replied—Sir I came here to clear + myself. Well how do you do, asked the Vice Chancellor. Very well I + thank you. Go! says the Vice Chancellor for an impudent villain. He + left him and meeting the Proctor who had complained of him, he told + him the Vice Chancellor wished to see him. He went, and the ale keeper + spoke and said, Sir you bid me go for an impudent villain and I have + brought you one of the worst I ever knew. + + _Friday._ Mrs. Wolcott called and very politely asked Mrs. Sheldon to + permit me to take tea with her and Miss Cook, a niece of hers from + Danbury for whom she had made the party (I was at school) Mrs. Sheldon + gave her permission and I went. Though Mrs. Wolcott was the only + married woman in the room, yet no one would have thought her the + oldest for she looked very beautiful. The party was large. Some of the + ladies were—both the Misses Catlin, Miss Hooker, Reeves, Kirby, + Sanford, Beecher, Devaux, Lord, Landon, Burr and the two Misses Buel. + When the clock struck nine, the girl was carrying round the wine, and + I too well knew if I was not at home, the family would be displeased. + I spoke to the lady who sat next to me and said I must go, and she + said it would be extremely improper in her opinion for me who was the + youngest in the room to go first, because if I went, all would go. At + about half past nine Miss Burr rose to go, and all the company + followed her example. It was very cold and as I crossed the green, the + wind blew and I thought, what can be keener? but I found when I + reached home that a keener blast awaited me, a blast which will never + no never be erased from my memory. I opened the door with a trembling + hand, no one was in the room, but soon Dr. came. My heart throbbed + violently, and he said—why are you home at this late hour? I told my + excuse, he interrupted me by saying that it was but a poor excuse, + that I might as well have come as not, for it would have been + perfectly proper if I had only been five years old. He concluded by + saying that if I ever staid out again he certainly would lock the door + if it was after nine. I looked round for a candle but there was none. + I asked for one and he said if I wished one I might go up stairs and + get one. I spoke and said, Sir I can go to bed in the dark, he made no + objection. As I went up stairs I wept as a child and wished I was at + home with those friends whom I so dearly dearly loved. Mary was asleep + and I thought I should have frozen before I undressed myself, and thus + did I pay for my whistle. The party was pleasant but the scolding was + not, and sincerely did I wish I had not gone—— + + + CAROLINE CHESTER—HER COMMONPLACE BOOK.[42] + + A blush + Like the last beam of evening thrown + On a white cloud just seen and gone + + The words of Schenadoah an Indian chief who died lately aged one + hundred and thirteen, at Oneida + + I am, an aged hemlock; the winds of an hundred years have blown + through its branches; it is dead at the top. Those who began life with + me have run away from me: Why I am suffered to remain God best knows. + + M. W. PECK. + + Your own luminous nature surrounds you and seeing through that, you + fancy objects bright which only reflect your beams. + + S. A. E. V.... N + + Written on the collar of a dog belonging to the Prince of Wales, + + I am his highness dog at Kew, + Pray tell me Sir, whose dog are you? + + There is no duty, there is no pleasure, there is no sentiment, which + does not borrow from enthusiasm—I know not what charm, which is still + in perfect unison with the simple beauty of Truth. + + A deity believed is joy began, + A deity adored is joy advanced, + A deity beloved is joy matured. + Your friend L. M. B. + + “He who breathes must suffer + He who thinks must mourn.” + +With quotations from Thomas Moore, Young, Pope, Cooper, Milton, Ossian, +Byron, Homer, Savage, Michael Angelo, Bishop Horne, Shakespeare, Cicero, +Hannah More. + + To a Stone from the island of “the Lady of the Lake”—given by a friend + who had visited Loch Katrine. + + Thou little brown stone: Ah what hast thou seen + Since the floods roll’d thee up on your island so green, + How many vast ages have travelled thee o’er. + Like wave after wave on thy Lake girdled shore; + How altered are all things; while thou art alone, + Unaltered, unchanged, the same little brown stone, + How many vast trees, have sprung where you lay, + Have grown up, and flourished and mouldered away, + How long was the time, when the deers tread alone, + Tore the branches away which thy Lake had o’ergrown, + When the eagle, alone woke the echo that slept, + On the mountains around, which thy paradise kept, + Ah! what has’t thou seen, since man sway’d thy shore, + Saw’st thou the first boat which that plunderer bore, + Well has’t thou mark’d every change he has made, + Since he first drove thy deer from their far spreading shade, + Wast thou their when fair Ellen first walk’d on thy shore, + Did’st thou see thy proud waves as the Pine flag they bore, + Did’st thou hear the loud shout of the Saxon’s afar, + And saw’st thou thy clan as they fell in the war, + Or has thy fair Lake never heard the war cry, + Sounding shrill as the bird of thy own native sky, + Is it fiction alone that endears thee to us, + If Scott had not sung, should we feel towards thee thus, + No: thou little brown stone—alone on thy shore, + Thou still would’st have listened to Loch Katrine’s roar, + Unheeded thy heath bell might bloom on thy isle; + And thy Lakelet unlov’d in the sunbeams bright smile, + And the cushat-doves notes, as in days that are past, + Sound back to thy moss rocks the deer hunters blast, + How great is thy power then, thou bard of the north, + When thou giv’st to a pebble a diamonds worth, + When a little brown stone from the Loch Katrine’s shore, + Is valued by us more than crystals or ore, + + Sept. 4. 1816—— + + Composed by Mr. J. P. Brace. + my teacher at Litchfield Conn. + and written here by himself.— + + AN OCTOBER EVENING. + + The setting sun now shuts the day, + His face no vapors cloak, + No gold-tinged cloud around him play, + His last rays smile not, cheer not, now. + But with a stern and bloody brow, + He wades through seas of smoke. + + No blushing beams the path unfold, + In which the monarch treads; + A path where once the living gold, + Fringed every deep with gold with fire + And bade night’s eastern studs retire + Nor show their star crowned heads, + + Where once the rosy twilight blushed, + Upon the dark blue sky + The thick smoke has in anger flushed + And in its dun and moveless clouds + The sun his red face sullen shrouds, + Nor backward turns his eye. + + No mists fantastic rise and curl, + Upon the glassy lake + Or on its breast their forms unfurl; + But on its wave the dun cloud lies + Like those which o’er lifes current rise + That hope and joy forsake. + + Sear’d is the poplars quivering leaf. + And crisp’d and red the oak + Like life their course as gay and brief; + For always as decay appears + Their gayest robes the forest wears + And smiles at deaths last stroke, + + Lifes pleasures are as briefly bright, + As autumn’s leaves so gay. + Then why regard their fickle light; + Tho’ dazzling as they may be now + Like snow-wreaths on the cataracts brow + They soon will melt away, + + Now on rides night with quickened pace + A night of cold and gloom, + Her brow no star formed circlets grace; + Now closing round she covers all + With the same sad and darksom pall + A darkness like the tomb. + By MR. J. P. BRACE. + S. CLEAVLAND + + FAREWELL TO THEE HYPE. + + Away with thee, Hype thou bird of the night; + Unfurl thy dark wing and escape from my breast, + I have nestled thee long, thou ill omend sprite, + No more with your screams shall you drive away rest, + + Why should I murmur if sorrow and ill, + Cloud o’er my sun shine and darken my road, + We ca’nt alway travel on pleasures bright hill, + Our path will oft lead us to sorrows abode, + + Sometimes at the fire side my friends I can greet; + While each smiling face beams its beauty for me: + Then fondly I’ll love them but if frowns I should meet, + Shall I mourn at their loss or to other friends flee. + Pray whence is this change once thy heart alway’s sigh’d, + Like the Eolian harp, if a breath struck its string’s + Pray what is the cause that has thus fortified, + Thy breast gainst the sorrow’s that misery brings? + + Is it love, that has sung to the breath no more sighs? + Love’s joy is too keen for a calmness like mine; + The sounds that love vibrates variably rise; + The first tone is joys; the next jealousy, thine. + + Has friendship then blest thee? No: friends are all gone; + Like summer eve’s clouds they have vanished away. + I had friends once, alas:—but, Hype be done; + I’ll care not: I love’d them, but they would not stay. + + Was it wine, that the sharp strings that misery stole; + But pleasure’s not always a guest at the feast; + Tho’ care may escape from the top of the bowl, + Mid the dregs at the bottom he always will rest. + + It was that I found, but I will not relate, + What has lightened my spirits of woe’s fancied power; + Suffice that no more I shall murmur at hate; + Nor suffer neglect every pleasure to sour. + + Then Hype, farwell and long be the time, + E’er thou fly back to visit this bosom of mine; + The clouds are all past, and a happier clime, + Beams with joy, that is brighter than friendship or wine. + By MR. J. P. BRACE. + AMANDA KEELER. + Albany. + + VALE OF AVOCA. + + There is not in this wide world a valley so sweet, + As the vale on whose bosom the bright waters meet, + Oh! the last ray of feeling and of life shall depart, + E’er the bloom of that valley shall fade from my heart. + + Yet it was not that nature had spread o’er the scene + Her purest of chrystals and brightest of green + It was not the soft magic of streamlet or rill, + Oh! no it was something more exquisite still. + + It was, that the friends of my bosom were near + That made every scene of enchantment more dear + Who felt how the blest of nature improves + When we see it reflected from eyes that we love + + Sweet vale of Avoca how calmly would I rest + On thy bosom of shade with the friend I love best + When the raging of thy billows would forever cease + And our hearts like your waters be mingled in _peace_ + + Litchfield July 16th 1816 + + PARODY ON THE VALE OF AVOCA + + There is not in all Litchfield a damsel so fair + As that girl with the dark eyes and bright auburn hair + The last lingering pulsation of life shall depart + E’re that maidens image shall fade from my heart. + + But it was not that beauty had moulded her face + Where the white rose and red rose had mingled their grace + T’ was not the soft glance of a mild beaming eye + T’ was something more lovely than youths roseate dye + + It was that virtue and feeling came mingling with truth + That added new graces, and beauty, and youth + And showed how the charms of the person increase, + When virtue and truth with the heart are at peace. + + Sweet blossom of Litchfield how calmly my life + Would glide down in its channel with thee for a wife + Then the storms that once lowered forever should cease. + And our hearts like thy virtues be mingled in peace. + Composed by MR. J. P. BRACE. + + HOME + + What tho’ banish’d from home o’er the world I may roam + Still that home I have left is the first in my love; + There’s no sorrow so great, as its absence to mourn; + No joy that’s so bright as the hope of return. + At home are the friends of my earliest years, + That form’d my first hopes and soothed my first fears; + That taught my young bosom the pleasures of love. + And directed its tho’ts to the heaven above. + Tho’ much I may love other friends I have seen + Tho’ the _hills_ I now tread may be vivid and green + Still the hills of my childhood are brightest and best + And the friends of my _home_ are the first in my breast. + On that mirror full oft other objects may play, + And flash on its surface alluringly gay, + But the joys of my _home_ form a picture more bright + That will glow in the darkness and blaze in the light + For that picture is touched by a pencil most true + And the colours that deck it are loves brightest hue. + Like the vapors that rise from the far spreading main. + Ascend high in air, and in clouds charged with rain + Descend on the mountains, still in rivers their course + They will bend to that ocean, that gave them their source + So my love, tho’ towards friends I have met oft will burn + To that centre, its _home_ it will always return. + The pleasures of _home_, may be scattered at last + Like the sear’d leaf of autumn borne off by the blast + There’s a home that is better, and brighter than this, + Where no gloom will destroy o’ershadow its bliss; + Ah! how sweet to reflect when the worlds storms are o’er + There’s a haven of joy on eternity’s shore; + Where our tempest toss’d barks will be safe on its breast + And our hearts free from lifes troubles eternally rest. + E. M. CAMP. + + By MR. JOHN P. BRACE. + + + + + 1816–1818. + ELIZA OGDEN—HER JOURNAL. + + + _Written while at Boarding School in Litchfield Conn. 1816–1818._ + + + ELIZA A. OGDEN’S JOURNAL BOOK. + + _July 15, 1816._—I arrived at Litchfield the 3rd of July. I went to + Mrs. Bull’s to board. The next day I went to school in the afternoon, + but I did not learn my lesson. Thursday I arose in the morning very + early, ate breakfast, studied until the bell rang. I went to school, + learned a lesson in Geography in the forenoon, in Grammar in the + afternoon. + +[Illustration: + + PL. XXIX.—CHART OF ENGLISH HISTORY, BY ELIZA OGDEN +] + + Friday I was examined in the Elements of Geography. Saturday I learned + a lesson in Geography, and was examined through the rules of the + school. Sunday I attended Church, heard Mr. Beecher preach. He took + his text in Luke the 3rd Chapter and 7th verse in the forenoon, and in + the afternoon in the 2nd Epistle of the Corinthians, 7th Chapter and + 3rd verse. He preached very affecting indeed; he wished to have us all + be good Christians. After meeting I went home, and in the evening went + to Conference. After Conference I went home, went into my room, + thinking of what Mr. Beecher had said. I arose this morning as usual. + I went to school, recited my lesson in Sacred History and went to + writing my Journal and have just finished it. + + _July 22, 1816._—Monday, after I read my Journal, I spent the rest of + the afternoon in writing. After school I went home and studied my + lesson for the next day. The next morning I arose, ate breakfast and + studied my lesson until I went to school. I said my lesson very well. + I went to writing. In the afternoon I recited in Grammar and Geography + and did not say them as well as I could wish, but I hope that I shall + do better the next time. Saturday after school I went home and thought + I would take a walk; I concluded to go to Pine Island; part of the + scholars accompanied me. We had a very pleasant walk indeed; we went + almost there and we could not see the water or any thing that pleased + us very much and the girls would go no farther. Coming back it rained + and wet us some. I went to the Post Office expecting to get a letter, + but I was very much disappointed not to find any there; I have not had + any since I came from home. Sunday I went to meeting; we had an + excellent sermon; he preached from Luke. I attended Conference last + evening; we had very good advice; he prayed for us, made a very long + prayer. This morning said my lesson very well. I did not miss. + + _July 29, 1816._ Monday morning before I went to school I began to + write my Journal and finished it in the forenoon and read it in the + afternoon. After I went home and attended to the duties of the evening + I retired to my chamber. Tuesday I recited a lesson in Geography in + the forenoon, in Grammar in the afternoon. After I went home Mrs. Bull + mentioned two very sudden deaths, of a young gentleman and a negro, + that were drowned. Wednesday I had my holiday. Thursday I recited my + lessons as usual. Friday there was not any school in the afternoon. I + recited my lesson in Geography in the forenoon. We were examined in + Geography Saturday in the forenoon, I missed a good many times. Sunday + I went to church; heard Mr. Beecher; after I went home I read till it + was dark. This morning I arose as usual, made an apron before I came + to school; after I came to school I recited in History, said my lesson + very well missed only half a quarter. + + _Aug 15._ Monday morning I went to school recited my History lesson + and wrote my Journal. Tuesday I recited my lessons as usual; after + school Miss Logan and Miss Ayres came here and drank tea; Miss Logan + informed us that she was going to leave the school this week. + Wednesday went to school in the forenoon; while there Miss Whittlesy + informed me that there was a letter in the Post Office for me. I went + down as soon as school was out and got the letter. They were all well. + My Aunt, who was sick when I left home, was better. In the afternoon + Miss Eliza Camp and Miss Keeler came to make us a visit; after tea + they walked on Prospect Hill. Thursday as usual nothing occurred worth + relating. Friday recited a lesson in Geography; in the afternoon was + examined I missed very little. Saturday after we had answered to the + rules of the school, Mr. Cornelius came. He said many of the scholars + were going away and he wished us if we had any disturbance or any + thing against each other to forgive one another before we parted and + if ever we met again to meet as friends. He said that every year. Four + of Miss Pierces scholars had died and if four should die every year + for twenty years how many would there be left. How necessary it is to + look to the preservation of our souls so that we may all meet in + heaven. After school Miss Butler went to the Post Office.... + + _Aug. 12, 1816._ Monday morning I learned a lesson in Sacred History; + in the afternoon I recited in Grammar. Tuesday in Geography and + Grammar. Wednesday I had the pleasure of receiving two letters from + home; they were very unexpected. They enjoyed pretty good health. Papa + and Mama will visit us this fall. In the afternoon Miss McNeal visited + Miss Beecher and just at sundown she invited me to take a walk with + her and Miss Beecher on Prospect Hill; we had a very pleasant walk + indeed. When we arrived at the top of the hill Miss McNeal said that + she always liked to look at that little cottage under the hill; it + looked so rustic and retired, to which Miss Beecher replied that she + thought it was more pleasant to look at than to live in, a very true + observation I think. After a stay of some minutes we concluded to go + home. It was quite cool and we had no shawls with us. We went home and + Miss McNeal said it was time for her to return home as she was going + to Conference. She took leave of us and I spent the evening at Miss + Beecher’s. Friday I was examined in Geography. I missed very little. + In learning the State of New York, when we came to the rivers, I + learned that the Delaware River had its source from Lake Utstagantho. + I should have thought that I would have known where it arose as I have + lived close by the River. When I was coming here I saw the head of it, + but I did not know as it arose in any other place. After school I went + home and Miss Haine’s brother came there soon after. How happy I + should be to find one of my brothers there. Saturday was examined in + the rules of the school. Mr. Beecher was not at home and therefore he + did not come into the school as usual. Mr. Cornelius came into the + school for the last time. He explained to us the situation of other + nations, of the Heathen Idolators who never heard of a Bible. I think + as we live in a christian land we ought to look to the preservation of + our souls. Sunday I attended the Church of England. I think I never + heard so good a sermon in my life. He compared a death-bed repentance + to a man and his son. He said if you put it off till on your death-bed + it would not be received, for perhaps if we ever got well again we + would return to the world again and be as sinful as ever. He said it + was nothing but fear; it was not for the love of God but for the fear + of death, and he said if a man’s son was very disobedient to him he + would chastise him and his son would repent and promise to do so no + more, but it was only because he feared him; it was not because he + loved him any better than he did before + + _Aug 26. 1816._ Monday I arose, studied my History lesson, went to + school, recited and began to write my Journal. In the afternoon I + learnt a lesson in History. Tuesday in the afternoon I recited in + Geography and in the afternoon I learnt a lesson in Grammar. After + school I went down to the Post Office, received a letter from my + parents. I was very glad to hear from them, including the death of one + of my cousins who died very sudden. Wednesday I had my holiday. I did + not attend school. In the afternoon I was making my frock. Miss + Hurlbert and Miss Stanly came and took tea with us. After tea we swung + a little while and I went home with them as far as the school house. + Mr. Frasure preached there that evening. He seemed very anxious to + have us all be religious and be saved. Thursday as usual I did not + attend meeting. Friday I was examined, missed a considerable. Saturday + I worked on my frock untill it was time to go to school. I was + examined. The definitions were read. Some were very good. Mr. Frasure + came into the school. He made an excellent exhortation, pointing out + to us the road to happiness. He said if we had a mind to be religious + we could leave all and follow Christ. It was nothing but our own + stubborn will that we did not. After school he visited at Mrs. Bull’s. + He gave us some excellent advice. He went to every one of us was very + particular and plain. He advised us what to do and how we must do to + be saved. Sunday I attended public worship. Mr. Frazure preached from + 2 Corinthians 7th Chapter and 10th verse: “For godly sorrow worketh + repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the + world worketh death.” After meeting he came to see us again. He said + he could not bear to part with us without our having religion. He + invited us to go to meeting that evening as he was going to preach. I + went. Monday I came to school; was examined in Sacred History. I + missed very little. After I had recited I went home and wrote my + journal. + + _Litchfield Sept 2, 1816._—Monday morning I recited a History lesson, + wrote my Journal and read it in the afternoon. Tuesday morning I + studied my Geography lesson untill school time. After I recited I + wrote copy hand untill school was dismissed. In the afternoon I learnt + a Grammar lesson. After school I went down to the Post Office; + received a letter from home. They all enjoyed pretty good health. + Wednesday forenoon, as usual; in the afternoon I had my holiday, but I + came to school two hours. After school I spent my time in writing. + Just at sunset Mr. Beecher came down to see us. He talked very + affecting. He said he could not make a very long visit with us at + present, but if we wished he would come in some time and pray with us. + We all joined in the request. I should be very glad to have him come + for I like to hear religious instructions. Thursday I recited my + Geography lesson in the morning and went home to write a letter. In + the afternoon I recited in Grammar and parsed. Friday I learnt a + Geography lesson in the morning. In the afternoon there was no school. + Saturday forenoon I was examined through the lessons of the week, in + the afternoon through the rules. Sunday I attended church. Mr. Beecher + delivered an excellent sermon pointing out the road to happiness. In + the afternoon I attended the Church of England. We had a very good + sermon. Monday recited a lesson in Sacred History, went home and wrote + a letter to my parents. + + _Sept 9, 1816._ Monday forenoon, as usual. In the afternoon finished + my letter. After I came home from writing school I swung a little + while along with our new boarders. Tuesday morning I studied my lesson + untill school time. Then I went to school and recited a very good + lesson. Mr. John’s, Nancy’s uncle, came after her quite early in the + morning. He had brought two young ladies with him to stay as long as + Nancy did; very pretty girls I think and I find in becoming acquainted + with them they are two of the most amiable girls I ever was acquainted + with. Sarah and Minerva Hinkle were their names. + + * * * * * + + _Sept 24._ Monday morning I studied my History lesson, went to school + and recited very well. In the afternoon I studied the same. Tuesday I + learnt a Geography lesson in the morning: the afternoon a lesson in + Sacred History, as usual. Wednesday morning the same. In the afternoon + I was allowed but a part of my holiday because I staid out of the + house when it rained. After I staid two hours I went to writing + school. Thursday, as usual. Friday I attended school, recited a lesson + in Geography. In the afternoon was examined in Geography and Elements. + Received 2 credit marks for one and 18 for the other. Saturday was + examined in the rules, after which Miss Pierce read four verses; said + we must remember them or have a miss. The first was “What was sin? Sin + is any want of conformity unto or transgression of the law of God. The + sin whereby our first parents fell was their eating of the forbidden + fruit, the covenant being made with Adam not only for himself, but for + all his posterity. All mankind from him by ordinary generation sinned + in him and fell with him in his first transgression. By one man’s + disobedience many were made sinners. The fall brought mankind into a + state of sin and misery by one man sin entered into the world.” Sunday + attended meeting in the forenoon, but I did not Saturday afternoon. I + went to writing school. We were coming home and met my uncle. It was + very unexpected. He went to Mrs. Bulls and drank tea. Monday I did not + go to school. About two o’clock my uncle started for home. It was so + late that I did not go to school in the afternoon and there were no + lessons to get.... + + Friday it was general training and there was no school in the morning. + I went down to the school house and saw them on the parade. In the + afternoon I went down to Miss Jones, to see the sham fight. I liked it + very well. Saturday morning Miss Pierce said that the rules might be + called in the forenoon and be examined. In the afternoon I was + examined in Elements and Geography; did not miss in either. Sunday + Miss Marsh was quite sick and I did not go to meeting. Saturday Mr. + Brace read a little story about the beggar boy, how he met with a rich + gentleman, and as he looked very poor he asked him to go and live with + him and he would take care of him. He looked considerable out of + health too, but he would not. He endeavoured to persuade him by + telling him his name and where he lived, but in vain. The boy was + insensible of the offers made to him. The gentleman threw him down a + shilling. The boy caught it up without thanking him or giving him any + of his matches or offering to go with him. He went away and returned. + His companions slept with him that night as thoughtless as ever. While + Mr. Brace was reading it Miss Pierce made observations upon it. She + said it was the same thoughtless creatures that we are that appeared + the same in the Lord’s eyes as he did to the rich man; that the money + he gave him was like the blessings that we received every day. When + the gentleman asked him to live with him it was the same as when the + Saviour offers us eternal life. The school stood in prayer. Sunday + attended meeting.... + + _Oct. 26, 1816._ Nothing of importance has occurred this week. We have + got through our examinations; finished yesterday morning. Have been to + writing every night; began to paint free hand last night. Saturday + after the names were called Miss Pierce made an address to all the + girls; told them what to do when they got home. This week on Thursday + went to the Church to hear the Bishop preach. He did not come in + untill some time after the people got there. They sung untill he came. + The chorister had a great deal of trouble to get the young ladies put + in the singers seat and a great deal of trouble to make them sing + well. We had an excellent sermon. I was very much pleased with the + meeting. I expect papa will be here today. I shall be very much + pleased to see him. The next week after school I shall go to Salem to + see Miss Stephens. Mrs. Bull is going to Hartford while we are gone. I + expect to go to New Haven. I think I shall be pleased with the city as + I never was there. We arrived at Salem safe and met with a very + welcome reception at Mr. Steven’s. Were introduced to Mr. and Mrs. + Stevens likewise Margaret. I spent the time very pleasantly. Made a + great many visits; heard a great many beautiful songs and learned one, + The Frozen Widow and the Kiss. + + + JOURNAL FOR THE WINTER. + + _Dec. 1, 1816._—Miss Pierce’s school commenced the 27th of November on + Wednesday. I was very glad to have school begin again, for I wish to + improve all my time, as I am going home so soon. In the morning Mr. + Brace called the girls to read and to have them explain upon what we + read to show to him Saturday. In the afternoon I recited in the + Elements and Geography. Mr. Brace said we must begin Elements again. + Thursday was Thanksgiving day. I attended meeting. Mr. Beecher + preached an excellent sermon. Friday I recited my lessons in Elements + and Geography. Mr. Brace gave our class 15 pages of Sacred History to + recite in the afternoon. There was a singing school in the evening but + I did not attend; it was so wet. Saturday all that wrote definitions + read them and ciphered the rest of the forenoon. Just before school + was out the stage came. Mr. Brace said that Miss Pierce had come. The + girls were so glad Mr. Brace had to leave off school before it was + time. I employed myself in sewing and studying in the afternoon and + evening. Sunday about as usual. + + * * * * * + + Friday morning as usual. In the afternoon I was examined in Geography + and Elements. Our class in Elements missed a great deal; did not get + through until almost dark. Saturday Mr. Brace read the certificates. I + had a very good one. After the rules were called Miss Pierce gave us + some very good instruction. She told us what would render us agreeable + to our companions. The heads Candor, Truth, Politeness, Industry, + Patience, Charity and Religion which if we would observe would lead us + to holiness. + + * * * * * + + _Dec. 14, 1816._—As usual ... Thursday evening Emily and myself + visited the Miss Jones’. We staid there all night. We had an excellent + visit; enjoyed ourselves very much indeed. Friday afternoon I was + examined. The evening I spent in knitting. Miss Jones was here a part + of the evening. Saturday after attending to the rules the time was + taken up with instruction. Miss Pierce asked us for what purpose our + parents sent us here. To learn and make respectable hereafter. How + were we to acquire it? By attention. But if we spent that time in + sloth and idleness what commandments were we breaking? We disobey our + parents and break God’s commandments. After that we read around in the + Bible and Miss Pierce explained it to us and told the girls their + faults. I spent the afternoon in sewing; the evening in writing. + + _Dec. 22, 1816._—... Thursday evening Miss Waldo came to board with + Mrs. Bull. I spent part of the evening in writing. Friday was examined + as usual; the evening in knitting. Miss Harriet Baker, Miss Marrin and + Mary Landon spent the evening at our house; spent the evening very + pleasantly. Saturday after the rules were called we all read round in + the Bible and Miss Pierce explained to us what we read; that Christ + was both God and man; that he came into the world to save sinners and + all men through him might believe and be saved. If we should go to + Heaven we could not be happy because we did not love God. I spent the + afternoon in sewing; the evening in writing and reading. Sunday Mrs. + Bull excused me for not going to meeting. Mr. Brown came home with + Minerva from singing school; spent the rest part of the evening there. + + _Dec. 30, 1816._—... Saturday we read in the Bible as usual. Miss + Pierce did not explain much as Mr. Beecher came in so soon. It was the + first time that he had been in to the school since it commenced this + last quarter. He read the 3rd chapter of the Lamentations of Jeremiah + where he wept for the daughters of my city.He said it was just so with + us. He did not think it would do any good for him to come into the + school; he had no idea that it would unless the Lord would look down + from Heaven and bless us. Sunday attended Church. The text was from + 16th Chapter of Acts, 30th verse, “Sirs what, must I do to be saved?” + He said that we must repent and believe and explained how we should + repent and believe, but my memory is so poor that I cannot remember + it. I spent the evening in sewing and studying my History lesson. I + had five hundred and forty-two credit marks in a month: + + One more week has passed away and I feel as if I had not improved it + as I ought to have done. Every day I am reminded of the shortness of + this life. I hope I shall improve the week better. Monday was examined + in Sacred History; in the afternoon in Grammar, but the class was sent + back; they recited so poorly.... Friday morning I was examined in the + Elements. We have not had so hard a lesson this winter; we missed a + very great deal; ... Sunday very pleasant. I attended meeting. Mr. B. + spoke so low I did not hear where the text was. He told how faithful + he had been to his people; he had preached to them in public and had + been around from house to house &c. &c. + + * * * * * + + _Jan. 14, 1817._—On Monday 6th I attended school; was examined in + Universal History; the afternoon in Grammar. I spent the evening in + sewing. Tuesday went to school in the morning; the afternoon was not + able to attend school. In the evening I went to Pierces. Miss Mary + read the life of the two sisters. It was very entertaining. If I had + the first evening I should have understood it much better. They were + very pious, amiable girls. There mother was a very vain woman. Their + father was a good christian; was very rich, but his wife squandered + away all of his property. The girls were married to very fine + gentlemen; they were quite rich. Returned home and studied my + lesson.... + + Saturday Mr. Brace read the life of Miss Nancy Hyde. She had always + been brought up with religious instruction. When she was ten years old + she was taken sick. She said she would be willing to die if it were + not for her brothers and sisters, father and mother, but she said that + the Bible said she that loved father or mother better than Me shall + never enter into the joy of the Lord. When she was in school she + always employed all of her time; she never would laugh in school, nor + even smile. She wrote excellent compositions and Mr. Brace read some + of her poetry, likewise some of her Journal, which was very good. In + the meantime her father died and her brother went into partnership + with somebody and was cheated out of all his property, so that she + went to teaching school to support her mother, but she did not teach + school long before she was taken sick; she was about twenty four years + old; she had no wish to live only to support her mother, for her + brother had gone to sea to make his fortune. + + _Jan 15, 1817._ Week as usual.... Passed a pretty good examination for + me.... + + _Jan 26_, Monday afternoon recited in Rhetoric.... In the evening + Emily, Nancy and myself visited at Miss Pierces. We spent the evening + very pleasantly. Miss Smith and Miss Landon came in while we were + there asked Miss Adams to take a sleigh ride. She went and returned + just before we went home. Saturday Mr. Brace read a sermon from + Chronicles; if our parents were wicked and us also, their punishment + would be more if possible, and for that reason we had ought to be + religious like wise for the feelings of christians; if we should not + become religious until we grew old we should think that perhaps they + left the world because they had no pleasure in it and would not know + whether they had a good heart or not; they would be unhappy because + they spent their youth in such a thoughtless manner, but how the + reverse, those that remember their Creator in the days of their youth + they will be happy in their old age; they can think how they spent + their youth in loving and obeying the Lord? Many children whose + parents have not religion, by becoming pious themselves have been the + means of converting their parents. Sunday I attended meeting. It was + very comfortable, as we rode. + + _Monday Feb 4, 1817._—I attended school as usual last week; have + generally spent the evenings in sewing and knitting and have recited + the same lessons during the week. Thursday we parsed and I got quite a + new idea—that _no_ was not an _adverb_ or _adjective_. I think Mr. + Brace has a great many queer ideas about parsing, but I expect it will + be parsed as a compound of not any. Friday I did not miss but half a + Quarter in both examinations. (O, what a smart girl was I). Friday + evening Miss Rowe went down to her uncle’s and I had to sleep with + Nancy, which I was not very much pleased with. I thought I had ought + to sleep with Emily; not give up my bed for Miss Waldo. Saturday the + whole school read round in the Bible the first chapter of Proverbs. + Miss Pierce asked what was the beginning of knowledge? The fear of the + Lord, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the + instruction of thy father and forsake not the law of thy mother; that + we must obey our parents; improve all of our time; it should be better + to us than the richest ornament; if we were enticed to sin by any of + our mates consent not. Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice + in the streets. God is present every where; he calleth in the streets + and we will not hear; when we call upon him we shall not be heard; in + our distress and anguish then we shall call upon the Lord for mercy, + but he would laugh at our calamity and mock when our fears cometh for + they hated knowledge and not choose the fear of the Lord, therefore + they shall eat of the fruit of their own ways; when thou liest down + thou shalt not be afraid for the Lord would be our confidence. I spent + the afternoon in drawing on my map. Sunday I attended meeting. Mr. + Wyck preached a sermon from the Epistle to the Ephesians 22nd Chapter + and 1st verse on total depravity. I was very much pleased with it, + though many were not. I thought he explained it very well indeed. + + + JOURNAL FOR THE SUMMER OF 1817. + + I arrived at Litchfield the 30th of August; was five days coming; had + a very pleasant journey and met with a very welcome reception at + Litchfield September 21st, 1817. + + Monday I recited a lesson in Universal History in the morning. In the + afternoon I recited a lesson in Rhetoric. I spent the evening very + pleasantly with some of Miss Edward’s boarders. + + Tuesday morning arose very early, attended to my usual studies, + attended school, recited a lesson in Elements. In Switzerland the + greatest curiosity was the Alps, being so high and always covered with + snow. The glaciers, vast bodies of ice, from which the lights reflect + in ten thousand brilliant forms. I recited a lesson in Rhetoric. + Likewise I recited a lesson in History in the afternoon. I spent the + evening very pleasantly. Wednesday, as usual, some of Mr. Beecher’s + boarders. Thursday and Friday my usual lessons. Friday afternoon was + examined in Geography, Elements and Rhetoric. I missed very little. + + Saturday Miss Pierce gave us some very good instruction wishing us to + improve our time so as to satisfy our parents as she did all she could + towards our improvement. I certainly think she does and I am sure it + will be my endeavor to improve my time to the greatest advantage, so + that when I return home I shall deserve and receive the fullest + approbation of my beloved parents for the improvement of this summer. + Nothing is so desirable as the approbation of our parents. + + Sunday I attended meeting. Mr. Beecher preached a very good sermon, + quite as good as he usually does, though I do not think he is one of + the best of preachers. + + ... We have received a considerable company this week. Saturday Miss + Pierce called us to read in the Bible, after which she gave us some + very good instruction, as she always does. Sunday I did not attend + meeting. The next week was spent as usual. Saturday after the rules + were called Miss Pierce went for Mr. Beecher. She said she wished us + to pay particular attention to what he said as he was not going to be + here but two or three Saturdays more; he was going a long journey + again, at which all the girls joined in a laugh. I suppose it was + because he was going to Boston to buy him a wife. The last three weeks + have been spent as usual. There has been a ball. The young ladies of + Miss Pierce’s school went—all that were over fifteen. I went through + my lesson and examination in Elements without missing for which I had + a number of additional credit marks. The credit marks were read last + week for the summer. I had 721 for what time I had been here. Miss + Pierce said I had done very well indeed. + + _Monday Oct. 13th,._—Mr. Brace began his general examination in + chemistry this morning and will examine all his classes in a fortnight + from tomorrow, as school will be out at that time. How quick the + flight of time! It passed without my hardly knowing it. It appears as + if I had a great while to stay yet, but it will soon pass away, I am + afraid before I am prepared to go home. I do not know how I shall ever + repay my parents for their goodness in sending me to school, but I + think if I improve myself as much as they expect and to their + satisfaction they will want me to repay them no better. It certainly + must afford great pleasure to parents to see their children walking in + the ways of wisdom and prudence. I have received four letters from + home and feel very anxious to receive another, so as to know when + Zenos and Julia are coming: I have been looking for them as much as a + fortnight and was quite disappointed in not receiving a letter last + Saturday to inform me they were coming. I have been through my + examinations much to my satisfaction. This vacation Mrs. Bull was + going to take her niece home (Sarah Smith who lived in Weathersfield), + and they invited me to go with them and we would go and visit + Hartford, the Capitol of Connecticut. I was very much pleased with + going and accepted it of course; so we started off about 9 o’clock in + the morning with one of the dumbest old horses that ever was. Sarah + and I walked most all of the way for fear he would not live until we + arrived; however, we went through safe, but it was quite late in the + evening and very dark, so that we could not see where to drive, but we + at last arrived. Mrs. Smith soon recognized her daughter and after an + embrace with her, shook hands with us. We ate our supper (which was a + very good one). We soon retired to rest. We slept up stairs in a very + pretty room and the best bed that I had slept on since I left home; + and the room was very prettily furnished and everything looked neat. + The next morning we were awakened by Mrs. Bull. When we went down + there was a large fire built for Sarah and me, for we sat alone most + of the time. We had a very good breakfast and after breakfast Mrs. + Bull asked me if I had a mind to go to Hartford that day. I chose to + go and Sarah went with us. We spent the forenoon in trading with Mrs. + Bull. After Mrs. Bull had purchased all her stores for the winter we + went to Mrs. Welles, a friend of Mrs. Bull, and ate dinner, Charles + Welles’ mother, the one that Mrs. Bull promised to have meet Emily + when I was here before, but he was not at home. He had gone to New + York and was going from thence to Philadelphia. After spending a few + hours there we left the city for Weathersfield and arrived about dark; + spent the evening very pleasantly with Sarah until it was time to + retire. After a pleasant night’s sleep, I arose quite early with a + heavy heart as I knew that I was to leave Weathersfield with all that + it contained. After going down stairs and eating breakfast Mrs. Bull + informed me that she should return to Litchfield that day. Mrs. S. + urged her to spend another day, but nothing would stop her, she would + go. So about one o’clock in the afternoon I bid farewell to + Weathersfield and rode as far as Farmington (a beautiful town) and + called at Miss Roe’s a mantua maker and drank tea. She boarded at Mrs. + Bull’s last winter. When Emily was with me, she informed me a good + deal of what happened after we left Litchfield between Miss Waldo, + Mrs. Bull and Mr. Smith, and a quarrel she had in school. One morning + she went to school and it was very cold and she went to go in and + found the door was + + _Dec. 1, 1817._ After spending a pleasant vacation in Litchfield, I + entered school on Wednesday. I recited a lesson in Elements in the + morning; did not miss.... Thursday there was no school as it was + Thanksgiving. I did not attend meeting. Friday morning arose very + early, attended school, recited a lesson in Elements. I recited in + Rhetoric in the afternoon. I spent the evening as usual. Saturday + there was a school in the forenoon. I recited in Elements and was sent + to my seat for which I felt very much ashamed. After the lessons were + through Mr. Brace called for the definitions which we were all + appointed to write. My words were the difference between obtain and + attain. I wrote that obtain was most generally applied to natural or + visible things—attain to something intellectual or mental. After + school I sent to the Post Office after letters; received two, one from + my cousin Emily Butler and one from Miss Sherwood, my school friends. + I spent the evening in reading. Sunday Mrs. Bull excused me for not + attending Church. Monday attended school, recited in Elements, and was + again sent to my seat, but I hope I shall not be sent back again. In + the afternoon recited in Rhetoric and wrote a part of my Journal. + + _Dec. 4th._ I have recited my usual lessons this week; have not missed + but once. Friday I was examined in Elements and Rhetoric; went through + without missing. Mr. Brace gave all those that did not miss leave to + go home. I went home and painted until dark. I spent the evening in + sewing. Saturday attended school. After the rules were read Miss + Pierce asked us all questions in the Bible from the first six chapters + in Acts. Soon after Mr. Beecher came in and gave us a lecture on the + first question of the catechism. “What is the chief end of man? To + glorify God and enjoy Him forever” He said that in order to glorify + God we must love Him and become acquainted with him and likewise + endeavour to acquaint our companions with his goodness as we would if + we had a friend at home who was very amiable, and tell our companions + how amiable she is; It would be glorifying her. I employed the + afternoon in sewing. and was very much disappointed at night by not + receiving any letters from my friends. The week as usual After I had + gone through my examinations, Mr. Brace gave me leave to go home. I + spent the remainder of the afternoon in drawing and painting. Saturday + Mr. Beecher came and gave us a lecture from the catechism. Sunday + morning very unpleasant and Mrs. Bull excused us from going to church. + I spent the day in writing and reading and the evening in sewing. + + _Dec. 21^{st} Thursday._ Miss Fowler informed me that I was appointed + Lieutenant in her division, for which I was very sorry, as I do not + think I am able to perform the office as well as it ought to be + performed. The afternoon was spent in parsing; the evening, as usual. + Friday recited my usual lesson in the morning. In the afternoon I was + examined in Geography, Elements and Rhetoric; but did not miss, but + was not examined through the whole examination in Geography. In the + evening Miss Denison and Miss Landon called at our house and spent the + evening. We had a number of very good songs sung by Miss Landon. + Saturday after the rules were called Mr. Beecher come in and gave us a + lecture from the third, fourth and fifth question of the Catechism. He + said that there were three persons in the Godhead, the Father, Son and + Holy Ghost; that each possessed a different mind, but were equal in + power and wisdom; that the power of the Father was to create, that of + Son, to redeem, and that of the Holy Ghost to convert. That there was + no mystery in their being three persons, that the mystery was in their + being united in one. Sunday it was so cold that we could not keep warm + by a large fire and Mrs. Bull excused us from going to meeting. I + spent the time in writing to my dear Cousin Emily in answer to the one + I received Saturday. Monday morning it was very cold. I went to school + and met with a sad accident getting over the fence. So that I was + obliged to go home. I did not attend school in the morning. In the + afternoon I went to school and wrote my Journal. The evening was spent + in studying my lessons + + Wednesday morning I went to school; recited a lesson in Elements + without missing. I recited in Blair afterwards and missed a quarter. I + have not missed before since I recited the first lesson. The afternoon + I spent as usual; The evening also. Thursday was Christmas; an + unpleasant day; went to school; recited my usual lessons; missed a + half of one in Blair. There was no school in the afternoon. I spent + the afternoon in drawing and writing, the evening in studying my + lessons. Friday Miss Landon came to our house and drank tea. Sunday + morning very pleasant. Going to meeting Mrs. Bull informed me that Mr. + Mason was going to preach. The text in the afternoon was from 1st + Corinthians, 15th Chapter 22nd verse; For as in _Adam_ all die so in + _Christ_ all men shall live. After Mrs. Bull returned from meeting + while we were drinking tea I was very much surprised by her handing me + a letter. After reading it I was still more surprised by another from + her pocket which I read with equal pleasure. I spent the evening in + studying and writing. Monday morning attended school; was examined in + History by Miss Ann without missing I wrote my Journal. Wednesday I + had my holiday in the afternoon, but Mr. Brace desired those that + recited in Rhetoric to come to school as he was going to read some + figures which he desired us to find and bring them to him on Wednesday + after he had finished I returned home and spent all the afternoon in + looking after figures, but did not find but two or three. Thursday + morning I was awakened very early by Mrs. Bull coming into the room to + wish us a Happy New Year. I went to school and recited my usual + lessons without missing. Mr. Brace said as we began the year it was + most probable we should end it, and Miss Pierce said she hoped we + would not for she never saw it began worse I attended to parsing in + the afternoon. I could not tell what phrase to put in the room of + sincerely, in a sincere manner. After we had finished parsing Mr. + Brace said if the lieutenants wished to resign their commissions they + could and I think I shall, although Miss Fowler wishes to have me + continue in office. After school Misses Penny, Gregory, Fuller, Smith, + called at our house and spent a short time. Saturday morning after the + names were called I went to Mr. Brace to ask him how much the postage + of my letters was. and was very much surprised at the reception of a + letter from papa which informed me that he should come for me this + month if there was good sleighing. either the first of the month or + the very last, as he wished to be at home in the middle of the month: + I went to school in the afternoon, and when I carried in my credit + marks for industry Miss Pierce thought I did not have enough and was + goinga to take off my holiday, but Mr. Brace excused me because I had + not missed in my lessons during the week. We recited in the Bible and + there were a great many missed. + + _Jan 5th, 1818._—Monday morning I attended school and recited a lesson + in History to Mr. Brace, and did not miss. He told me that I ought to + have been examined to Miss Pierce, as I had been through the first + volume, but Miss Pierce had not told me that she wished to have me + examined with them and therefore I was not. Tuesday I went to school + and Mr. Brace called our names for us to chose our seats. I chose mine + in the South East corner near Miss Pierce and Sarah Finkle chose hers + next to me, for which I was very much pleased, as I think she is an + excellent girl. Wednesday in the evening Miss Esther received some + company and invited me and the rest of the boarders, into there room. + I enjoyed myself very much. After spending an hour or two with them I + returned into my own room, and after spending a short time in studying + over my lessons I retired to bed. Thursday I attended school, in the + afternoon after the lecture on philosophy was delivered we were called + to take our places for parsing. I was not called any more to parse the + hard questions, as I had resigned the commission of lieutenant, but I + was called to parse in my turn and made a very great blunder in + putting a verb in the infinitive mood in the imperfect tense. which I + knew to be wrong and corrected myself as soon as possible, but it was + too late. I could not have but five credit marks, but it was not for + the credit marks that I cared. The evening I employed in studying my + examinations, and during the evening I was very happily surprised by + Mr. Beechers coming into the room with two letters for me, one from my + brother who is at school from home. Saturday I attended school and + after I had carried in the credit marks for our family and the rules + were called Mr. Brace began at the top of the catalogue and told the + faults and good qualities of each one. I am happy to think that my + conduct this winter, has been such that Mr. Brace had no fault to find + with me, for I am sure it has been my endeavour, and always shall be + to obtain the approbation of my instructors and parents, for I think + there is nothing that can afford parents more happiness than to know + that their children endeavour to improve and our tutors also. Miss + Pierce did not ask our lesson in the Bible. because she had not time + before Mr. Beecher came in. He gave us a lecture on the doctrine of + decrees; that God knew everything as well before it came to pass as + afterward. The afternoon I spent in painting, the evening in reading. + Saturday in the evening Mr. Beecher and his wife came to see their + Mother and Mrs. Bull called us from our room to sit in the parlor and + behold when we arrived we found that Mrs. Bull. had invited our pastor + in for the purpose of giving us some instruction which we were all + very much pleased to hear. Sunday in the evening Miss Sheperd wanted + to go to conference and wished me to go with her and I at last + consented Saturday did not attend the lecture on Mineralogy in the + afternoon because on account of the weather. Sunday I employed myself + in reading the life of Mrs. Abigail Waters. + + + “COPIES” FROM ELIZA OGDEN’S COPY BOOK. + + “Modesty is a quality that highly adorns a woman.” + + “Virtue alone is happiness below.” + + “Labor for learning before you grow old.” + + + + + 1818. + ADDRESS AT THE CLOSE OF SCHOOL, OCTOBER 29, 1818. + + BY MISS PIERCE. + + + Nothing is so indicative to us of the rapidity of time as the many + times we have from this place dismissed class after class of those who + have laboured under our instruction to the employments and cares of + life. There is a peculiar solemnity now attendant upon that feeling at + the idea that we now bestow upon so large a class the last honours of + the school. A peculiar feeling is always attached to the “last time” + in which any of our employments are performed, the last time we bid + adieu to friends; the last words spoken by those who are dear to us, + tell strongly to the heart that fickle as a changeful dream are all + earthly pursuits. This is one of those seasons. You are now assembled + together for the last time until a voice mightier than man’s shall + summon you from the tomb. Permit us then at this time in our last + address particularly to that class who now receive our final honours + to recapitulate your studies and comment upon your improvement. It is + not now necessary to enter into a discussion of the question whether + the abilities of the sexes are naturally equal; it is sufficient to + notice that the circumstances of life require a different exercise of + those abilities. The employments of man and woman are so dissimilar + that no one will pretend to say that an education for these + employments must be conducted upon the same plan: but the discipline + of the minds, the formation of those intellectual habits which are + necessary to one sex are equally so to the other. The difference in + their employments requires a difference of personal qualifications but + not a difference of intellectual exertion. It is equally important to + both sexes that memory should be stored with facts that the + imagination should be chastened and confined within its due and + regular limits that habits of false judgment the result of prejudice, + ignorance or error, should be destroyed or counteracted that the + reasoning faculties should be trained to nice discriminations and + powerful and regular research. Hence then all those sciences and all + those exercises which serve in our sex for those important purposes + should be part of a well regulated female education. To many these + observations may appear unnecessary for they are fully convinced of + the importance of this subject; but there are some who by their + assertions and more by their practice who hold the contrary opinion + and think woman occupies an inferior rank in creation. To confute this + opinion and to practically vindicate the equality of female intellect + has been our object in the course of study prescribed for you. A few + observations on that course will now occupy our attention. The memory + being one of the first faculties of the mind which unfolds itself, + necessarily, the first studies in a course of education are directed + to the improvement of that faculty. The sciences of geography and + grammar, with some others, in addition, to their peculiar uses have a + powerful effect on this faculty. The one by the seeming arbitrariness + of its rules strengthens the retentive part of memory; the other by + its connected parts more particularly assists the principle of + association, upon which the quickness of memory depends. The books + studied in geography and the course of the examination have a tendency + to introduce methods without which the retentiveness and quickness of + memory would be of no service. With method the weakest memory may + become retentive and without it the greatest readiness is of little + service. The hope of the progress you have made in these studies will + show the correctness of the principle that the power of action and the + readiness of memory which results from association can exist in the + same mind and that altho the moral lessons of geography have been + passed by unheeded by some yet that its intellectual effects will long + show themselves in your understanding. + + To the improvement of memory succeeds the culture of the imagination a + faculty which at your age requires the constant care of some guardian + power. It is still problematical whether the possession of a vivid + imagination be of service and how far the light which it throws over + the darkness and roughness of the path of life should be followed + without hesitation. Imagination is a dangerous faculty where no + control exists over its exercise and if accompanied in its unshackled + efforts as it too often is by warm feelings it often hurries the + possessor to the very brink of imprudence. But imagination when + controlled gives a gift to every situation in life and throws a + moonlight radiance over every feeling. To direct this faculty in its + proper course we have put Universal History into your hands. In + addition to the effect which this science has upon the memory the + advantage it gives to the imagination is immense, it destroys that + sickly relish for fictitious writings which are so justly considered + the bane of imagination; it places before the imagination the + contemplation of the scenes of real life and by giving a relish for + such scenes takes away that morbid restlessness for something new and + interesting in life which the readers of fictitious works so + constantly desire. Still farther to regulate this faculty and + especially to create or direct the taste we have been particularly + anxious for your improvement in rhetoric and composition. Besides the + ordinary requisitions in this branch we have endeavored to initiate + you into the very popular and pleasing theory of Addison and tho’ you + may sometimes think he carries the principles of association rather + too far yet you must acknowledge that his reasonings are founded on + experience. To improve those general principles of morality upon which + all ought to act you have studied Paley’s Moral Philosophy and I trust + that you will find that in the knowledge it has given you of your duty + and the motives for its performance it has not been an unnecessary or + useless part of your education. Chemistry with its useful effects on + human life and its importance at present in a course of study has not + been neglected and the practical advantages you will gain from it as + women may be small yet you must have acquired many new ideas on that + subject which will be of service to you in the business of life. But + all these employments and studies are but subservient to that great + and important end the cultivation of the reasoning faculty. + + This should be the aim of every course of education and the object of + all improvement. We cannot but hope that you yourselves see the + improvement which these faculties have received in the habits of + investigation attention and reasoning which you have acquired by the + regimen you have passed thro. But we have but just placed you on the + threshold of improvement and it is to your after exertions that you + must owe the acuteness of excellent reasoning. The rules of the + mathematics and logic can be of little service unless the mind is kept + in continual practice by subjects fitted to call out its powers. No + man ever became an acute reasoner except by practice. We trust + therefore that under whatever circumstances you may be placed it will + be your aim to acquire the practical management of the powers of mind + which you all possess. + +[Illustration: + + PL. XXX.—WHERE LYMAN BEECHER PREACHED + + From pencil drawing by Mary Ann Lewis +] + + * * * * * + + + CONNECTION OF REV. LYMAN BEECHER WITH THE SCHOOL. + +The Rev. Lyman Beecher was called to the Congregational Church in +Litchfield, and moved there in 1810. From his autobiography, and the +writings of members of his family, and the autobiography of Edward +Mansfield, the following passages have been culled to show his +friendship for Miss Pierce, and his marked influence on the school for +some years. + +His daughter, Miss Catherine E. Beecher, writes:[43] + + “Among those associated most intimately with my father, (Rev Lyman + Beecher) and his family during his whole Litchfield life was Miss + Sarah Pierce, a woman of more than ordinary talent, sprightly in + conversation, social and full of benevolent activity. She was an + earnest Christian, and, being at the head of a large school of young + ladies, found frequent occasions for seeking counsel and aid from her + pastor. In return she gave gratuitous schooling to as many of our + children as father chose to send, for occasionally young boys found + admission. + + “Her school house was a small building of only one room, probably not + exceeding 30 ft by 70, with small closets at each end, one large + enough to hold a piano, and the others used for bonnets and over + garments. The plainest pine desks, long plank benches, a small table + and an elevated teacher’s chair, constituted the whole furniture. When + I began school there, she was sole teacher, aided occasionally by her + sister in certain classes, and by her brother in law in penmanship. At + that time the ‘higher branches’ had not entered female schools. + Map-drawing, painting, embroidery and the piano, were the + accomplishments sought, and history was the only study added to + geography, grammar and arithmetic. In process of time her nephew, Mr. + John Brace became her associate and introduced a more extended course. + At the time father came, the reputation of Miss Pierce’s school + exceeded that of any other in the country. + + “Thus while Judge Reeves’s law school attracted the young men from all + quarters, the town was radiant with blooming maidens both indigenous + and from abroad. + + “Miss Pierce had a great admiration of the English classics and + inspired her pupils with the same. She was a good reader, and often + quoted or read long passages of poetry, and sometimes required her + pupils to commit to memory choice selections. Her daily counsels were + interspersed with quotations from English classics. Even the rules of + her school, read aloud every Saturday, were rounded off in Johnsonian + periods, which the roguish girls sometimes would most irreverently + burlesque. + + “Her great hobby was _exercise for health_ in which she set her + example by a morning and evening walk, exhorting her pupils to the + same. In consequence every pleasant evening witnessed troops of young + people passing and repassing through the broad and shaded street to + and from the favorite Prospect Hill. Of course the fashion extended to + the law students, and thus romances in real life abounded on every + side. Multitudes of fathers and mothers in this nation have narrated + to their children these evening strolls as the time when their mutual + attachment began. + + “Miss Pierce had a quiet relish for humor and fun that made her very + lenient towards one who was never any special credit to her as a + pupil. There was one custom in Puritan New England at that day which + was a curious contrast to other points of strictness and that was to + close a school term with a dramatic exhibition. Miss Pierce not only + patronized this, but wrote several very respectable dramas herself for + such occasions in her school, and when the time approached, all other + school duties were intermitted. A stage was erected, scenery was + painted and hung in true theatre style, while all wardrobes of the + community were ransacked for stage dresses.” + +His daughter, Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe, writes:[44] + + “Compositions of a graver cast, romantic or poetic, were also much in + vogue in the literary coteries of Litchfield. The history and + antiquities of the Bantam Indians formed the themes of several ballads + and poetical effusions, one of which by Miss Catharine Beecher, and + two by the head teacher of the Female Academy, Mr. John P. Brace, were + in the mouths and memories of many persons. + + “The poetic compositions of this gentleman were constantly circulating + among the young ladies of his school and the literati of the place, + and there was a peculiar freshness of enjoyment and excitement in this + species of native unpublished literature. + + “Mr. Brace was one of the most stimulating and inspired instructors of + the Academy. He was widely informed, an enthusiast in botany, + mineralogy and the natural sciences generally, besides being well read + in English classical literature. The constant conversation which he + kept up on these subjects tended more to develop the mind and inspire + a love of literature than any mere routine studies. The boys were also + incited by his example to set up mineralogical cabinets, and my + brother George tramped over the hills in the train of his teacher, + with his stone-hammer over his shoulder, for many delightful hours. + Many more were spent in recounting to me the stores of wisdom derived + from Mr. Brace, who, he told me with pride, corresponded with + geologists and botanists in Europe, exchanging specimens with them. + + “This school is the only one I ever knew which really carried out a + thorough course of ancient & modern history. Miss Pierce, with great + cleverness had compiled an abridgment of ancient history, from the + best sources, in four volumes, for the use of her pupils; after which, + Russell’s ‘Modern Europe,’ with Coot’s continuation, and Ramsay’s + ‘American Revolution,’ brought us down nearly to our own times. + + “The interest of those historical recitations with a preceptor so + widely informed, and so fascinating in conversation as Mr. Brace, + extended farther than the class. Much of the training and inspiration + of my early days consisted, not in the things which I was supposed to + be studying, but in hearing while seated unnoticed at my desk, the + conversation of Mr. Brace with the older classes. + + “There from hour to hour I listened with eager ears to historical + criticisms and discussions, or to recitations in such works as + ‘Paley’s Moral Philosophy,’ Blair’s ‘Rhetoric,’ Alison’s ‘On Taste,’ + all full of most awakening suggestions. + + “Mr. Brace exceeded all teachers I ever knew in the faculty of + teaching composition. The constant excitement in which he kept the + minds of his pupils—the wide and varied regions of thought into which + he led them, formed a preparation for teaching composition, the main + requisite for which, whatever people may think, is to have something + which one feels interested to say. + + “His manner was to divide his school of about a hundred into divisions + of three or four, one of which was to write every week. At the same + time, he inspired an ambition by calling every week for volunteers, + and there were some who volunteered to write every week. + + “I remember I could have been but nine years old, and my handwriting + hardly formed, when the enthusiasm he inspired led me, greatly to his + amusement to volunteer to write every week. + + “The first week the subject of composition chosen by the class was + ‘The Difference between the Natural and Moral Sublime.’ One may smile + at this for a child of nine years of age, but it is the best account I + can give of his manner of teaching to say that the discussion which he + held in the class not only made me understand the subject as + thoroughly as I do now, but so excited me that I felt sure I had + something to say upon it; and that first composition, though I believe + half the words were misspelled, amused him greatly. + + “As you may see, our subjects were not trashy or sentimental, such as + are often supposed to be the style for female schools.” + +Having thus begun what was to her the fascinating work of writing +compositions, in her tenth year, so rapidly did Mrs. Stowe progress, +that her essay was one of the two or three selected to be read at the +school exhibition held when she was twelve years old. These exhibitions +attracted to them an august assembly of visitors. Of this event Mrs. +Stowe writes:[45] + + “I remember well the scene at that exhibition, to me so eventful. The + hall was crowded with all the literati of Litchfield. Before them all + our compositions were read aloud. When mine was read I noticed that + father, who was sitting on high by Mr. Brace, brightened and looked + interested, and at the close I heard him ask, ‘Who wrote that + composition?’ ‘Your daughter, sir,’ was the answer. It was the + proudest moment of my life. There was no mistaking father’s face when + he was pleased, and to have interested him was past all juvenile + triumphs.” + + “That composition has been carefully preserved, and on the old yellow + sheets the cramped childish handwriting is still distinctly legible. + The subject was certainly a grave one to be handled by a child of + twelve.” + +In the personal reminiscences of Edwin D. Mansfield, we find the +following passage: + + “Professor Stowe, then a comparatively young man, was also present, + and contributed his share to the conversation. He is the best Biblical + scholar I ever knew. In recent years he has published his ‘History of + the Books of the Bible’ a work of great learning and great utility. + His first wife, a New England lady, quite handsome and interesting, + also attended the reunions. His present wife, then Miss Harriet + Beecher, was just beginning to be known for her literary abilities. + Two or three years after this time, I published in the Cincinnati + Chronicle what, I believe, was her first printed story. I had heard + her read at Miss Pierce’s school, In Litchfield, Connecticut, her + first public composition. It surprised every one so much that it was + attributed to her father, but was in fact only the first exhibition of + her remarkable talents. In the reunion I speak of, she was not + distinguished for conversation, but when she did speak, showed + something of the peculiar strength and humour of her mind. Her first + little story published in the Chronicle immediately attracted + attention, and her writings have always been popular. Notwithstanding + the world wide renown of ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin,’ her real genius and + characteristics were as much exhibited in her short stories as in her + larger books.” + + “There was no boarding-house connected with Miss Pierce’s school, and + as it brought many young ladies into the place, they were obliged to + be distributed in the families of the town. It was ever a great object + with Miss Pierce to secure places for her pupils in the best families, + who should have a good influence in forming their characters. Mrs. + Beecher was already celebrated for her success in this respect, her + scholars at East Hampton were perfectly under her influence through + life. Some of them had even followed her to Litchfield. Miss Pierce + was therefore very desirous she should take some of the young ladies + into her family and this she did.”[46] + +Written after the wedding of Mr. Mason and Miss Betsey Burr, by Miss C. +E. Beecher: + + Gray twilight now, fair harbinger of night. + Sprinkled with orient pearl her tresses light, + When gods and goddesses in state, + Assembled on Olympus’ pate, + Great Jupiter, Lord of the sky, + In a great chair erected high, + After his nod and shake of hair, + Did thus his high bequest declare. + + Tomorrow night, ye gods ye know, + A famous wedding is below, + When lovely Betsey’s fate is given, + Into the hands of solemn Stephen. + + I’ve puzzled long my royal brains, + In trying different ways & means, + By which we all might present be, + The ceremony great to see. + + If in our usual forms we go, + T’will terrify poor mortals so, + They’ll scamper off like frightened rats, + When followed by pursuing cats. + + Therefore I’ve thought our Godheads veiled, + And in some human shape concealed, + Might dare to go; so if t’is best, + We’ll take the form each of some guest, + + As I am first ’mong sons of light, + First choice is mine, and equal right, + So, as the most important guest, + I’ll be the officiating Priest. + + A shout of laughter and applause, + Which shook Olympus’ base, arose, + Each God said something wondrous smart, + And every one then chose his part. + + Mars said he’d be the bridegroom’s father, + And Mercury said he’d be his brother, + And Vulcan rose and stammered out, + That he would be the servant stout. + + With playful action Venus rose, + And to the sire of heaven she bows; + “With your high mightiness’ good leave,” + Quoth Madam, “I’ll be Mrs. Reeve.” + + Laughing Apollo bet his eyes, + She ne’er could swell to such a size, + But if she did, he thought that he + Should like her honored spouse to be. + + Momus the god of wit and mirth, + Vowed then that he would visit earth, + And go as grooms-man, when he’d be + The spirit of the company. + + Huntress Diana, bow in hand, + Declared that she would bridesmaid stand, + And if they did oppose her there, + As mad she’d be as a March hare. + + Up rose the Ruler of the skies, + “T’is supper time,” the Monarch cries, + “Think all are met in Yankee clime, + So we must drink but little wine, + And certainly be home by nine. + + Also be still as any mice, + Or you’ll be sent off in a trice; + For tho’ it’s time for toleration, + Still steady habits rule the nation.” + He spake, & turned to seek the feast, + And likewise so did all the rest. + + At length arrived the eventful night, + And though the stars shone cold & bright, + Tho’ Boreas piped his loudest blast, + And snow’s chill mantle earth o’ercast, + The gods, who fear not wind nor weather, + In mortal shapes soon flocked together. + + And sure no maker of a feast, + Was ever like the Parson blest, + For his great room from six till nine, + Was filled with company divine. + + There in Louisa’s graceful mien, + Was silver footed Iris seen, + Spring’s lovely goddess you might spy + In Theo’s ever laughing eye. + + Minerva wise, the warrior maid, + Was in Miss Pierce’s form arrayed, + And Juno, as the parson’s spouse, + Did do the honours of the house. + + Momus in shape of Mr. Brace, + Came laughing in & took his place, + Diana at the bride’s right hand, + In Catherine’s form was seen to stand. + + Ah, honest bridegroom, & fair bride, + Ye little ken who graced your side! + Little ye thought these Yankee duds, + Clothed naught but goddesses & gods, + + Venus from mortal eye close veiled, + All her immortal charms concealed, + Toiled on in shape of Mrs. Reeve, + The Gods their eyes could scarce believe, + And every one laughed in his sleeve. + + And many a wink, & many a nod, + Was sent by Goddess & by God, + And scarce they could contain their glee, + Their strange & altered shapes to see. + + Now entered high imperial Jove, + Father of all the Gods’ above, + From Ida’s top, Tho’ form & feature + Acknowledged him as Dr. Beecher. + + With reverend look & solemn pace, + He stepped before the bridegroom’s face, + “Are the banns ready to be tied?” + “Ready, aye ready,” Stephen cried. + + Then instantly by Jove’s command, + The groom did take the fair bride’s hand, + “Before these people who are met, + You Stephen take for wife your Bet, + And then to make the bargain even, + You loving Betsey take him Stephen.” + + She curtisied, & his head he bent, + In sign of mutual consent, + For farther rites no more they tarried, + But all agreed that they were married. + Jove, who had learnt that t’was the fashion, + Next gave the pair an exhortation, + “Stephen, as you’ve now taken a wife, + Make it the study of your life, + Never to cross, or fret, or tease her, + But always, do your best to please her, + And if you don’t you are forlorn, + Better that you had ne’er been born, + For if you once in duty fail, + Mop-sticks & broom-sticks thick as hail, + And all the heaviest thumps of fate, + Shall fall on your devoted pate.” + “Betsey your interest & your ease, + Require that you your husband please, + But do in all things him obey, + Or he will give his rod full sway, + For know, by right he keeps a stick, + With which he’ll give you many a lick, + To teach you in the married state, + Some joys, but many crosses wait.” + Down in her chair, sad Betsey sat, + As melancholy as any cat, + And Stephen looked as if he thought, + The neighbo’ring blessing dearly bought. + When Juno whispered, “T’ is too bad, + To frighten this poor lass & lad. + You make it ten times worse than t’ is. + See how you lengthen out their Phiz.” + Then turned she to the married pair. + And whispered comfort in their ear. + “Now don’t be scared, & don’t be flurried, + For t’ is a fine thing to be married, + I’ve tried it, & of course know best, + And husband certain is in jest,” + And now the immortal company + Jocund & lively ’gan to be; + Some joked, some laughed & kissed the bride, + And, to make poetry, some tried. + Some put cake through the wedding ring, + And some did talk, & some did sing, + When, oh! most awful to relate, + Urged on by some relentless fate, + Old Capt, Smith the bell did ring, + And all like frightened birds took wing, + And as my muse among them soared, + I cannot write another word. + +On a little gingerbread man that Miss C. Beecher gave Louisa Wait on New +Years: + + A happy New Year to Louisa my dear, + And many a blessing her heart to cheer, + As I very well know, you hate a live beau, + I send you one, thats made of dough, + You’ll like him much, (as Bill say’s) “by thunder,” + For such a fine fellow, is really a _wonder_, + He’s a miracle Louisa, without any doubt, + And when his good qualities you shall find out, + Soon as modesty sweet, will allow you to meet him, + You’ll love him so dearly, I fear you will eat him. + + + + + 1819. + [_Copy of School bill of Annie Chester._ 1819.[47]] + + + Miss Chester + Tuition one quarter $6 + Entrance $1. School expenses 12½ 1–12½ + 3 & 4^{th} vols of universal history 1–34 + ———— + $8–46½ + Received payment + S. PIERCE + Miss Chester + To Rev. Dr. Beecher D^r + To board twelve weeks at 2^{50} per week $30.00 + Candles .40 + ——— + $30.40 + Litchfield Aug. 4: 1819 + Received payment + for Dr. Beecher + JOHN P. BRACE + + + [_Letter of Mary Chester,[48] daughter of Elisha Chester; Litchfield Ct. + May 29. 1819_] + + LITCHFIELD MAY 29^{TH} 1819 + + DEAR MOTHER + + If you can imagine to yourself a person travelling in the burning + sandy deserts without anything to quench his thirst for a long time + finally some one should give him a cup of cold water I say Mother if + you can tell what kind of a sensation that produc’d you could have a + better idea of the satisfaction it gave me to receive your lovely + letter. I am sure Mother you will be willing to devote one hour in a + week to give me so much joy in a land of strangers. Respecting my + contentment, I am perfectly contented since I have heard such good + news from home. My school which appear’d so gloomy when I wrote before + has now become a pleasure. I have done with the school for this week. + Saturday afternoons I spend in writing to my sweet Groton friends. I + have now been here two Sabbaths: the first was rainy; the second I + attended meeting and heard the life giving doctrines of the Gospel + preach’d by Mr. B.[49] I have taken a class in the Sabbath school + which occupies only the time of the intermission. Have you had no news + Mother from Elisha. I expected to have heard from him by your letter. + There have four ladies arrived in town this week from Georgia for the + purpose of attending school here. I want very much to see them; for + there is one chance in a hundred that they may know or have heard some + thing about Elisha. Litchfield Academy is very popular. There are + ladies here from Canada, Albany Vermont New York Massachusetts & + Pennsylvania. I see no cause yet to regret that I have come here. I + have one advantage over the other boarders here having arriv’d here + the first; having a more retire room than any of them; which I + consider as a very great thing among such a gay company. + + Am I certainly rightly inform’d? Can it be that M^r. Baker is no more. + He whose friendship has given me the appellation of sister he who + promised usefulness in the vineyard of Christ can it be that he lives + no more. With respect to him and Elisha I see the words of scripture + in a manner verified the words of scripture two shall be in one bed + the one shall be taken and the other left. Your elixur I think it is + you gave me has I think been of service to me for the first fortnight + it rain’d almost successively. I was out to school every day and took + some (cold?) but by taking of your drops I am again in perfect health. + I hope I shall not forget the God of mercies. Miss Pierce is a lovely + woman. Saturdays she devotes to religions instruction. She manifested + in a very striking manner her concern for her scholars and her + distinguished piety in an observation she made to day which was, “I + can truly say that I would be willing to lay down my life this day for + your sakes.” + + _May 30^{th} Sabbath day_ Rather unpleasant but I have attended + meeting to day. On account of meeting I do not think I could be so + well suited any where else from home. He does not charm his hearers + with his words nor with his person; but takes them up with his + subject. This morning he preached upon the excellencies of the + christian religion; this afternoon upon the divine Sovereignty. I am + much indebted to father for his few lines. I should really like to + stay this quarter out if I can be sure of getting through with the + expense of it. Respecting painting I find it is considered far from + the first and when unaccompanied with the more solid branches of + literature it is an inferior branch. Miss Pierce frequently laughs + about a couple of young ladies who came here last summer to get an + education: they did nothing at all but paint; staid about three weeks + finished their education and return’d home. I wish I had some of your + sowing here Mother. I have considerable time to work while I am + reciting But I am not idle. I have knit considerable. Where is Thomas + why don’t he write to me. I intended to have devoted this page to him + but my studies prevent me. The other boys must not forget their + promise. Give my respects to my friends + + your loving daughter + MARY C + + LITCHFIELD May 29^{th} 1819 + + DEAR BROTHER EDWIN + + I have had the unspeakable joy of hearing my composition read in + school this morning. It being among the first that had been read since + I have been here you will doubtless think I was all tiptoe about it. + Every thing here is founded on system and as fix’d as the laws of the + Medes and Persians. We must get to bed at such a time and get up at + such a time; and am accountable to my Instructors for almost every + moment. I am very sorry that you should reflect upon yourself at all + about my journey; for I think it was good for me to have affliction on + my journey: and I don’t know but it is one means of making me more + contented here. I hadn’t the least idea of being so entirely free from + homesickness as I am now. Litchfield is really a pleasant place and + contains some very pleasant inhabitants and some unpleasant ones: but + of the latter class I know but a little. There are students from the + southward boarding next door from this studying law. Two of them went + into New York state last week to fight a duel. The offence was but a + trifle. I shall not complain again that I am too old to go to school; + for one of our boarders is said to be twenty eight years old and + besides that, which might be discouraging to a person in any Study; + she has just commenced the study of English Grammar; I make out much + better with study than I expected too when I came from home. + Respecting Illinois are you getting ready to go? I’ll endeavour to be + ready when you call for me: but I should like to visit poor despised + Groton once more. I have not become so cultivated yet but that I could + endure the sight of the Thames and its inhabitants. Mr. Beecher went + fishing the other day in a pond and caught a noble parcel. They looked + so much like home that I felt inclined to scrape acquaintance. I have + lobsters or shad once a week. You never need be put to it for matter + to write to one for the most minute circumstances would be interesting + to me. Every Wednesday afternoon we have lectures in Philosophy. If I + had a shirt here to make for you, I would make it while I am hearing + these lectures. They are very interesting. My time is wholly taken up. + I have to keep a journal and write compositions which with other + studies occupy all the time of a moderate genius. Thursdays we have a + rare fuss parsing. It takes us more than three hours to parse five + lines in common composition. For one word we have to recite from the + beginning to the end of Grammar. I have begun to write a letter to + Misses ——. intended to have sent it this week but felt rather I must + write home. If their friendship has not quite fail’d I shall have a + letter next week. I shall write to Norman with them. You said before + we parted that possibly Henrietta might come; but I don’t see any + thing of her. Give my respects to May. B’s family and to Mrs. Bailey. + I have to write a dissertation next week on the advantages of + commerce. I wish you would send me your sentiments upon it. I am + obliged to be so Sophomoric that I cannot spend much time writing. Do + write soon and let me know if you have any news from Elisha. I wish I + had my Philosophy here; but it is no matter. Adieu my dear brother may + your friend and Protector be the God of Israel; till we shall meet + once more. Till then dear brother adieu. + + MARY CHESTER.[50] + + + + + 1820. + GEORGE YOUNGLOVE CUTLER—HIS JOURNAL. + + +George Younglove Cutler was born in Watertown, Connecticut, graduated at +Yale in 1816, was admitted to the bar in 1821. He married Mary Munson, +the daughter of Eneas Munson, of New Haven. Judge Daggett was her uncle. + +Mr. Cutler practised law in Watertown and New York, then moved to +Illinois. Mrs. Cutler named the town Venus, which was changed to +Commerce, and finally to Nauvoo, which it now bears. There were a good +many Mormons there. Mr. Cutler died, and is buried in the centre of +Nauvoo, there being a monument to him with a railing round it. During +the period of his studying law with Judge Reeve in Litchfield, he wrote +a journal which was to be exchanged with Miss Bellamy for one she was to +write. From it the following extracts are given, as they bear upon the +life and people of Litchfield, and give us a type of the young men with +whom Miss Pierce’s pupils came in contact. + + OBITUARY. “Died on the 3^{rd} September at his residence in Hancock + Co. Illinois, Geo. Y. Cutler, Esq. formerly of this city (New Haven) a + native of Watertown, in this State (Conn). + + Mr. Cutler, six years since, bade farewell to home friends and kindred + to try his fortune in the West. Leaving cities, towns, and wilderness + behind, he planted himself in a frontier settlement on the banks of + the Upper Mississippi. Aided, under Providence, only by his own + resources, viz. the varied talents of a mind of great native force, + his enterprise was just beginning to be rewarded, the desert around + him to blossom, and his old home to be forgotten in that of his own + creation,—when death came to tell with emphasis the oft repeated + lesson, “doat not on earth.” + + Mr. Cutler’s physical energies were not adequate to the vigorous + activity of a mind ever busy and prompting to arduous effort.—The + exposure and fatigue incident to the varied avocations of land-agent + and lawyer, merchant and farmer, had for a year or two previous to his + decease rendered his health extremely feeble. His sun went down at + noon—his life closed in the prime of his usefulness, and sure we are, + that the rising village of which he was a member, will not forget him + without a tear—his nearer friends, acquainted with his manliness and + generosity of his character, will not forget him with one. + + + [_From a notice of_ NAUVOO _formerly_ COMMERCE _revisited_] + + “The only thing I noticed, which had undergone no change since I was + familiar with it in 1836 and ’37 was Cutler’s grave. It was enclosed + with a stone wall, and stood about half a mile from the river—George + Y. Cutler was one of the earliest settlers in Hancock County and one + of its first County commissioners—dying he was buried at this spot.” + + + _Extracts from the Journal of One Mr. Scratch’m_ + + Corrected Revised & Illustrated with Notes by his numerous Friends & + Acquaintance. Commenced at New Haven, July 4^{th} 1820. Finished at + sweet Watertown Christmas Eve of the same year. + + To Miss Betsy Bellamy this Book is dedicated with the most profound + respect, esteem & consideration. + + LITCHFIELD, CONNECTICUT + May 1820. + + You that are not willing to excuse the follies contained in the + following pages are uncharitable & ungenerous, illiberal & unwise—more + than that you are beneath my notice and farther still, you cannot help + yourselves. + + * * * * * + + _July 8^{th}_ Miss M.[51] I fear you will expect me to go to Miss + Tottens with you to day—you must excuse me and endeavor to amuse + yourself with Mr. Peck or some other of your numerous satellites—for + my part, I intend to run off to what they call a Beach party—if one + can be made out—we will go to see Mr. Pinkney and arrange matters. + + * * * * * + + The youngest Miss Lovejoy looked very pretty. Her sister’s prayerbook + full of poetry, among the rest + + “I never loved a tree or flower + But t’was the first to fade away.” + + The same motto came to Caroline Lord at Mrs. Lord’s party last + winter—I should like to hear from Caroline. + + People of Fairfield County have thin lips, small mouths & small chins. + (This remark is merely hazarded) + + _July 10^{th}._ 11 P. M. Messrs. Lovejoy & Nichols, Misses Elliot, + Judson & Tomlinson & Booth 8 ladies, Pinkney & myself, a fine time. + + Stratford is justly celebrated for ladies, it is equal to Litchfield & + superior in this respect: that awkward ceremony which is there thought + to constitute gentility is here despised—I have been very politely + treated here. This party was one of the greatest frolics I ever + engaged in with girls. Saw the handsomest clouds I ever beheld (They + make very fine clouds in Stratford as Miss —— said of the moonshine in + Litchfield.) + + * * * * * + + _July 12._ The Ball was very pleasant.... Miss Tomlinson does not + dance but sat diffidently by and shrewdly said as she saw the heels + fly this way & that, “This is solemn business.” I suppose she thought + it making a “toil of pleasure as the old man said when he buried his + wife.” + + ... 5 P. M. a pretty little dish of sentiment with Miss E.—am related + to her through Parson Beecher of Litchfield. + + * * * * * + + _July 17_ 10 A. M. Roda is singing—it reminds me of those flute-like + tones I used to hear at Gov. Wolcott’s. + + _July 18_ To Derby with Capt. Whitney—tandem to see Mrs. Prince & her + boy—poor little fellow—half sick—my old friend K. Beach there. K. + likes Mary Peck’s piece—sentiment. Mrs. N copied it. + + _July 20_ 10 P. M. have been a good boy today. + + _July 21_ 10 A. M. out to Mr. Vanden Heuvel’s place—the prettiest + thing of the kind in Connecticut. + + 5 P. M. Miss M.[52] you are disappointed of a ride with a favorite + beau of yours by this shower—I am sorry. + + _July 22_ Miss M.[52] you were becomingly dressed last night because + there was less _fix_ about you than common. I like richness of dress + but hate ribbons & bows & knots & ruffles & rigmaroles generally + speaking I dislike ornaments of any kind. To see ladies loaded with as + many foolish kickshaws as are put on now-a-days looks more like + burlesque than reality. It appears to be almost a difficult thing for + some of them to walk & they are deprived of everything like grace and + are more like awkward caricatures than human figures.... + + _July 28_ A peep at Miss Hart—the sister of Capt. Hull’s wife—most + horribly fashionable in her accoutrements—there she goes [a drawing + occurs here in the original with big bonnet and parasol, Plate XXXI.] + “It is a very pretty thing, no doubt, to see a young lady dressed with + Parisian flowers & Parisian gauzes & an Indian fan & the whole &c. of + fashionable array. But I question if this be after all, the style in + which a young man of any understanding sees a young lady with most + danger to his peace.” (Peter.) + +[Illustration: + + PL. XXXI.—PEN DRAWING FROM JOURNAL OF GEORGE Y. CUTLER +] + + _July 29_ From Sir John Suckling’s poem of the wedding— + + “Her feet beneath her petticoat, + Like little mice stole in and out + As if they feared the light.” (Peter.) + + _July 31_ Miss M. has looked well this evening, was not as much + beruffled as common—which made her shoulders appear infinitely more to + advantage than common. + + _August 6_ A person without a temper is like a knife without an edge, + says Miss M. + + * * * * * + + _Aug. 10_ [With picture of Miss M., Plate XXXII.] This figure looks + very much like a Miss —— not the face merely the form. Miss M. with + her cambric hat—over her face—done from memory but the portrait is + rather flattering which could not however be well avoided taking into + consideration the state of the delineator’s imaginations—the figure is + rather too straight—the bonnet does not poke up near enough to the + angle of 45°, but it is tolerably well done at least so much so that I + kiss it ever and anon. + + _Aug. 18_ Miss Tomlinson (Mary Ann, daughter of Dr. Tomlinson & Sally + Hill of Guilford) mar. Rev. —— Mitchell & is now living at Stratford + Conn—(where Dr. T. was a practising physician May 16, 1809). + + * * * * * + + _Aug. 18_ (Evening) Miss Talmadge here—is certainly elegant—there is + no such woman in New Haven—Litchfield is certainly an extraordinary + place for beauty—the mountain air gives them the expression of health + & that is the principal ingredient—went to see her with M.—She has + been at D; was charmed with the romantic cast of the country—true—they + have reason to boast of that—it is more like my idea of + Scottish-high-land scenery than any other I have seen—but the girls + are the pride of the place. A flattering letter from Geo. Jacobs. + + * * * * * + + _Aug. 19^{th}_ (Morning) Am in trouble.[53] + + Capt. Vose says it rained so fast in D. the other night that “it + seemed as if the clouds had tipt up.” + + * * * * * + + Chief Justice Hosmer is the man who disturbed me with his noise at Dr. + Catlin’s—as he roomed under me—he who offered to marry Mary Peck & + myself & made us blush—have just met him—he appeared very + jolly—“pressed my hand” very hard—& said “be as great a man as + Daggett.” A Law Case before my Justice Cupid Black Eyes versus Blue + Eyes. + + * * * * * + + How unfortunate it is to forget faces! I am cruelly troubled in that + way—instance the story of Betsey Burr—ask me what that was & I will + tell you. Mr. Goodrich from Georgia—an entertaining old gentleman. + + * * * * * + + _Aug. 31^{st}._... + + I carry my gallantry so far as to say that though a woman ought never + to engage herself to a man for any great length of time before + consummation of the nuptials, if she can retain her lover without so + doing,—yet, if this is necessary, of which she is to be the Judge, & + she does so bind herself by her promise to marry, still I go to the + length of allowing her to take a better husband, or one more agreeable + to her, if she has the opportunity—I give her the liberty of violating + her engagement in lieu of her power of choice. Shall women be + compelled to take the first creature that offers himself lest they + should not find another? Shall they be compelled to love him (on the + hand) by denying, when they do not know that they shall ever see + another man in their lives, who comes near them, nor have the power of + making a selection—this I think is but a fair balance for the great + advantage which our sex possess in their opportunities to suit + themselves in this important concern—& more, if there is to be an + advantage on either side, it certainly ought not to be on + ours,—because the contract is so much more important in its + consequences to females than to males—for besides leaving everything + else to unite themselves to one man they subject themselves to his + authority—they depend more upon their husband than he does upon the + wife for society & for the happiness & enjoyment of their lives,—he is + their all—their only relative—their only hope—but as for him—business + leads him out of doors, far from the company of his wife, & it engages + his mind & occupies his thoughts so as frequently to engross them + almost entirely & then it is upon his employment that he depends + almost entirely for the happiness of his life—certainly then, + unfortunate, helpless, interesting woman ought to have all the + advantage in the matrimonial contract & instead of her present + oppression ought to be allowed to make the most of every advantage & + opportunity which fortune throws in her way—I will go further & apply + the case. I would justify any woman in treating me in that + way—provided she did it in a delicate manner—than which nothing is + more easy—& which no woman of sense & judgment would fail to do. + +[Illustration: + + PL. XXXII.—FROM JOURNAL OF GEORGE Y. CUTLER +] + + _Sept. 1_ This day opens the autumn I love the tranquillity which + attends the falling of the leaf—I expect to pass it alone at W—[54] a + great part of it in the old lot which lies on both sides of the brook— + + * * * * * + + _Sept. 2._ Finished with Mr. Daggett[55]—so life is running away. + + So in spite of all your severity towards me—unhappy girl—well I will + go & see you when I go to L—— & if your spirits are low, I will say + kind things to you—if not, I shall be glad to see it, & will praise + your truly almost inimitable beauty—such color has been seldom worn in + the dull looking world, & such a complexion has been seldom seen since + the days of Cleopatra. + + I should suppose this P. girl might also tremble, lest she should meet + with a second misfortune of the same kind, as she is engaged to a + brother of M. A.’s sweetheart—he is going away to France—the same + reasons too will naturally operate in this case as in the other—which + can be nothing more than want of fortune & her want of family places + her a step farther than M. A. from a connection with a L. Engagements + are dangerous affairs—“reason” & love keep little company together + now-a-days—Love easily takes possession of a man, but an engagement + connected with delay is apt to cool it & when the passion is + moderated, it is easily ousted by reason—& often too by something + which ought to have less effect than reason—It is probably the + interference of friends who have caused the mishap in this case—it can + be nothing else but avarice & that is a very dishonorable reason + considering his already monstrous estate—if I was an Emperor I would + hang such a man. But perhaps there is a better side to his story, I + hope so. I remember when he first went to L [Litchfield] I was in his + room[56] opposite M. A.’s door—we were looking out & saw them, she & + the amiable Hannah—L—— remarked “I suppose these young ladies i.e.: + the ladies of this village—depend upon law students for their + husbands—I will be very careful they do not ensnare me”—within three + weeks he was engaged to M. A. & talked to me of Father W. I will write + to Fred Whittlesey & inform him of this cruel affair—I know he will + feel for the charming girl. It has been reported that L. says “he will + go to Europe with a light heart.” + + _Sept. 3._ (Sunday the 17^{th} anniversary of my mother’s death.) She + was buried on Sunday.[57] After so long & so cruel a separation how + sweet t’will be to meet the spirits of our dear friends in another + world! Death is the greatest of blessings! + + * * * * * + + _Sept. 5^{th}_ A delightful ride to D. with my dear M. She looked + sweet, modest, interesting & good—They all appeared pleased with her + which gratified me of course. M. enjoyed the visit also. Henry & Lucy + Sheldon came there & said that H. L. had disappointed 6 ladies before + M. A. W. if so—the wretch ought to be prosecuted says Judge Reeve—Mrs. + Pyncheon told me yesterday also that Mr. L. had himself been twice + disappointed—M. A.’s feelings may be nice upon the point but her + delicacy ought not to prevent his punishment especially since her + family is not rich. + + _Sept. 6_ In fine spirits. Evening saw Miss Ogden in church—an + enthusiast—.... + + * * * * * + + A Mrs. Dickenson—a Painter’s wife from N. Y.[58] was at Butler’s this + morning (note; she was in Litchfield 8 years ago & was visited by the + students a great deal....) + + _Sept. 8._ Henry & Lucy [Sheldon] also Hopkins M^cCracken. 3 P. M. Am + full of Duck & feel gloriously, thank heaven. (note: [in another hand] + an elevated cause of gratitude!) + + Miss Amelia Ogden at Mr. Bristol’s. + + * * * * * + + “Adonization”—a word used by Peter—manufactured by him, I + suppose—from Adonis & used to express the act of “making the toilet” + or dandies say, or in other words “bucking out,” “brushing + up”—“furbishing”—“making fix” “prigging.” + + Old Mr. Williams from the South—a very pleasant man too—have gratified + him by telling what an excellent lawyer his son was, who was awhile at + L. with me. Mr. Thorn from one of the West Indian Islands says + “Wilberforce had an Estate there but disposed of it before he procured + the abolition of the Slave trade.—Dam him, he ought to have been hung + 25 years since. + + “And Wilberforce the minister of grace, + The new Las Casas of a ruin’d race, + With Angel might opposed the rage of hell + And fought like Michael till the dragon fell.” + + * * * * * + + _Sept. 10._ The reason why a man puts his left leg in first when he + draws on his pantaloons, is, because the operation is such a + commonplace one that the man does not stop to call in reason to his + aid—now then acting without any principle, he is governed entirely by + his most natural feelings—& being a creature naturally averse to + exertion he does that which costs him the least trouble—now it is much + easier to lift the left leg than the right one—because the left leg + being less accustomed (for want of arduous use, which the right leg + more frequently undergoes) to being depended on,—it is borne upon with + less weight than the right. Also & moreover—the right leg by the above + mentioned use & exercise acquires a stouter character, becomes heavier + & more difficult to raise—.... [page gone here.—Ed.] + + This then is the state of the case—that that faculty or quality or + ingredient or component part of the human mind which is called + reason—is not brought into operation by the act of _adonisationizing_ + the legs with pantaloons, but on the contrary nature & natural feeling + are the sole agents in the deed—& the discrepancy which exists between + the government of the rules of experience & that of instinct is + apparent to every man when he puts on his pantaloons. Gen. Van + Rensalaer at table—called the Patroon of Albany, owns an estate which + extends 20 miles[59] on Hudson river including the city of Albany—a + rich, stern & reputed charitable man—very plain in dress & sober in + diet. I should call him a country Justice & perhaps a militia officer. + + * * * * * + + _Sept. 14._ [At New Haven] returned from an excellent ball—went with + the Lymans of course—liked Miss Woolsey as well as ever & Miss + Munson—George Jacobs—excellent fellow was with us. & a Mr. Jackson + from Middletown—a man that Miss Talmadge liked—had great fun of + course—Mr. Johnston, brother of Betsy’s—But the pleasure of Miss + Shipman’s sociability & politeness & dancing & looking at & praising + her niece Miss Jones—the sweetest girl in the room, were the substance + of my enjoyment. + + _Sept. 15_ Mr. Benedict of Woodbury & his lady here—she being the + sister of Jane Tomlinson, the wit of New Haven. loaded Mr. B. off with + nectarines. + + _Sept. 16._ [picture of Hector & Andromache, Plate XXXIII.] Not the + parting of Hector & Andromache but of M. & myself on Thursday morning. + The sword is not quite as crooked as it should be, & the handkerchief + at M’s face is not sufficiently particularized—But it’s a glorious + drawing—you have done nobly with your own face particularly the nose. + But why does she turn away from you?—to conceal her grief—as maiden + diffidence dictated. + + _Sept. 17_ (It being Sunday wore pumps & white stockings to meeting.) + + _Sept. 18_ tore my Angola pantaloons! They will be obliged to be + mended with drab—which will not quite suit their complexion. Children + of the brain are as dear as living offspring let them be never so + homely—& moreover I am acquiring quite a friendship for my law books + since they are my only associates except this my favorite crony & + patient confident. + + Somebody said there was a letter in the Post Office directed to some + person in the Estate of Conn. + + _Sept. 21_ to begin this great day was powdered. huzza! here we go, + the defenders of our country—but lo my horse has fallen under me & I + am with my sword in the dirt & he (careful creature) is bounding in + his turn over me without harming a hair of my head—now I am appearing + to great advantage—now the girls are falling in love with me—now at + dinner Mr. Such a thing whom Lyman & myself saw at the ball & Mr. + Law—both from Georgia there—now it is afternoon & I am bounding + about—now running our people—now my horse is fatigued—now it is + night—now I am dancing at the ball—Mr. Tomlinson there that I look so + much like & also Daniel Bacon’s daughters—Julia is handsome—now I am + at home & there is a sweet little letter from her that is dearer than + the apple of my eye or the core of my heart or the spirit of my breath + & I have read it with delight & am in bed. + + * * * * * + + So George M^cClellan is growing largely in Philadelphia & married to + John Brinton’s sister—it beats the Dutch. + + Geo. Jacobs M. calls him my brother “in mischief & wickedness.” + +[Illustration: + + PL. XXXIII.—FROM JOURNAL OF GEORGE Y. CUTLER +] + + (Noon) to dine with Lucy—a Miss Davenport from Stamford. At tea at + Judge Holmes. Evening a pleasant call on Miss Rogers & afterwards a + charming visit at Mary Ann W’s—how interesting! how beautiful! how + much improved in her personal appearance. I could not help telling her + my opinion—In return she reciprocated my compliments—which I always + like—she is one of the finest looking females I ever saw—she told me + of my interview with Parson Beecher at New Haven—am very sorry to have + my conduct in that affair misrepresented or misunderstood—as it is—I + never thought of treating his reverence with disrespect. + + Thereby hangs a tale [this at Litchfield—E. N. V.] + + A pleasant frolic at Dr. Catlin’s [North St.—E. N. V.] + + Tea at Miss Collins + + Evening Litchfield + + Was examined for admittance to the Barr of the Court of Common Pleas & + admitted—5 other young men with me—Walter S. Franklin from Lancaster + Penn^a William T. Gould of this place & formerly a class mate of mine + at Yale—Thomas Whittlesey of Danbury, Conn—one Humphrey & one + Towny—all passed. + + _Sept. 29_ took the oath of an attorney at nine o’clock in the + morning. + + _Oct. 2_ in conversation with Amelia Flint. + + _Oct. 10_ John Myers dead—is it he that Sarah Noyes used to talk so + much of? What an eternal talker she was! and yet always + entertaining—fine girl—I am sorry that she is so unwell as they tell + of. + + _Oct. 19_ gathered my winter apples. + + _Oct. 18_ letter from T. Whittlesey characteristically filled with a + burlesque translation of one of Horace’s Odes—introducing Bantam’s + river which flows gently along making eddies as it goes & says that + Taylor has been refused by Miss Swift of Windham, Taylor of + Canandaigua (afterward Chancellor Whittlesey living in Rochester N. Y. + E. P. Childs) + + * * * * * + + _Oct. 21_ A painful day this. Small infirmities vex me severely at + times—I don’t sit down with saint like patience—but an ague in my face + causes more grumbling & groaning than an age of real misery would—Yet + I study quite as much as when well.... + + _Oct. 22_ (Draft of a letter to a lady.) Take care of your health—take + exercise—attend to the affairs of the house—rise early & cultivate + your appetite—I hope to see your waist larger when I next have a view + of your otherwise charming-person—My complaint today is an ague in the + face, it is a cruel one too. I once all but died with it at + Litchfield; to cure it I go without food & take my usual remedy. + Laudanum—it is a rheumatic disease. I wish you were here to kiss my + cheek & make me well I know you would do it—would you not? + + I am very sorry to hear you say a word about depression of spirits! Be + careful not to indulge yourself in repeating such things as will + excite no interest in those you may be addressing, but who will + perhaps ridicule your troubles; do not talk about the wearisomeness of + life & say you wish yourself out of the world. if such things must be + expressed put them in your book—there they will incommode no one & you + can scar them out at your leisure. I have never met with four persons + who were willing to listen to such details. When such sensations + oppress you fly from yourself, seek society, go abroad, walk or ride, + take up some hard work or read the first book that comes in your + way—or do them all—in short put your mind into a different train of + ideas.—... run to this letter if you please—when you are in your next + fit—read over this part of it, & then fly about the house until you + are much fatigued & see if your tone is not altered. + + _Oct. 24_ A mineralogical compliment from Dr. A. S. M. in return for a + box of stones sent him—which I collected from the neighboring stone + walls, etc. “horizontalizing them” to use his expression, much to the + disadvantage of the agricultural interests in this part of the + country. + + (Evening) was pleased to see in the Journal the marriage of Nancy + Hotchkiss [notes the death of] Elias L. Townsend, a school mate of + mine at Wolcott & a classmate for a while at College—a fine mind he + had. he wrote good poetry. + + _Oct. 26_ Made my debut at pleading before Squire C—opposed by Phelps + of Woodbury in 2 cases—lost one of them—liked it on the whole. + + _Oct. 27_ The name Seymour—very common among us—should be spelt + Seamer—meaning one who uses a needle. + + Sec. 3 Atkins reports page 44.... + + _Nov. 7_ Mr. L. & myself to Woodbury. Nate (horse that is) broke loose + ran away with the gig—for a mile. Sally Porter (that was) gave us a + most excellent dinner—Fortunate man I am that the gig was not ruined. + + “Like Sir John Cutler’s stockings our present Constitution is to be + darned & mended till not a speck of the original texture is left.” Ev. + Post. + + It was actually so of the first ship that went round the world. + + _Nov. 8_ went to chace the fox with Jo & Land in a drizzling storm of + wind. + + Miss Skinner, the Gov. of Vermont’s daughter, at B. De Forest’s says + Oliver & Conard are to be married this evening at Miss Pierce’s. + + * * * * * + + _Nov. 12_ a terrible storm of snow, 10 inches deep & not a trifle + remarkable for the earliness of the season. + + _Nov. 13_ “The Paddy sat down by a river, saying, I can cross over + soon—for it runs so fast that it cannot run long.” + + _Nov. 16_ For the toothache + + 1 Tablespoonful of spirits + 1 do vinegar + 1 tea do common salt. Ev. Post. + + _Nov. 18_ Mr. Daggett read me a curious letter of Old Reeve’s. Hunt + Stone surmises that L. cheated M. A. W. to revenge an insult of that + kind once offered to one of his Uncles by one of her Aunts. + + _Nov. 19_ Charlotte tells me a story of Aunt Hopkins & my mother how + they used to “keep house” for Uncle Leman at L——, how they used chairs + in those days which were “worked” on the seat by their own hands. & + how a great deal of labor was bestowed upon them, & how valuable and + fashionable they were—Aunt M. was one day employed in this way & was + sitting in the Hall so that she could be seen from the street—Old + Parson Bellamy was riding that way & saw the girl thus pleasantly + situated & agreeably employed, for she was educated in industry. The + good old Priest turned his horse to the door & said, “My child, do you + know to whom it is that you are indebted for your present situation? + You have the good things of this life about yourselves & it is the + prayers of your good mother which has done this for you. I saw you all + stand like lambs about her death-bed & I thought the wolves would have + you.” + + _Nov. 20_ Mr. John Stirling has been here on his way to see a + sweetheart, he looks well & is large & finely formed. Mary Ann Beers + is the name of his inamorata—he says J. K. Livingston & Charlotte + Landon are to be married this evening. + + _Nov. 24_ Walter S. Franklin Esq.[60] says there was kissing done at + Charlotte Landon’s wedding—singular for so stiff & prudish a place as + L—— + + * * * * * + + [The following extracts are from his mother’s journal transcribed in + his own.—Ed.] + + “_Jan. 20, 1782._ Last Monday we had visitors from Town in Slay. we + drinkd tea then Leman sent for a fiddler. we spent the evening pretty + enough.” + + She mentions John Talmadge having gone with them to a ball—the same + who now lives in Warren (1820) I suppose—he has a daughter Francis. + + At another ball “Leman waited on Elizabeth Garnsey.” “Sweet Ireland” + + At DERBY Jan. 20 1782. + + “Just at night Leman came to us Drest & went with us slay & horses + across the river & through the snow. at length through a great Deal of + tribulation we arrived at Mr. David Deforists, where we had good + fires, good Brandy wine & wincom too—our company was not large but we + had good Musick which kept those few the busier.” + + * * * * * + + “_Sept. 26._ Returned from D. Sheldon’s Sister Rachel came there from + Hartford the night after I got there with Noah Webster.” + + * * * * * + + “It fell to Sam Sheldon to carve. he took up a rib which was taken out + of the Pork, & very impolitely tho very innocently said—that was such + a thing as woman was made of. Yea, says Polly Hopkins & (in both + cases) it was taken out of much such a creature.” + + * * * * * + + My mother appears to have been extremely fond of scribbling in this + way. I may have inherited some of her fondness for the quill. Would to + heaven I could have inherited her whole disposition—for I believe it + to have been one of the sweetest ever bestowed upon a mortal. + + ANTICIPATION. + + Why grieve at cruel, wayward fate + She yet may have in store + Some princely, pow’rful proud estate + For thee to lord it o’er. + + Perhaps e’en now there lies conceal’d + Beneath tomorrow’s mystery; + Events, which when they are reveal’d, + Will place thy name in history. + + * * * * * + + _Nov. 28_ Went to Waterbury & tomorrow morning before daylight, shall + be obliged to be off in the cold—thro’ the snow on horseback to + Litchfield—all for this vexatious law—cursed be the day when I first + turned my face towards the fields of litigation. + + _Nov. 29._ It was no killing thing either. Much worse would it be to + hang. for the moon was bright, The snow full of reflection, I full of + breakfast, & Nate full of fire. While the cocks of the country crowed + about us for musick & the stars shot this way & that about the + heavens, as if making a display of fireworks for our amusement. All + was silent. As we rose the hills & looked back upon the far distance + which ran down the valley to the south east, the two extremes of the + splendor of the united powers of snow & moonbeams & and the contrasted + darkness of the deep ravines into which light would not penetrate, + filled the whole view. I often stopped to admire the cold but + burnished beauties of the prospect & felt the magnificence of the + scene. + + I found Geo. up, tho I little expected it when I turned a corner to + take a look at his window. I had little thought of seeing a light + there at that time of the night—I ran upstairs opened the door an inch + and inquired if Mr. Gibbs lived there. Then we laughed ourselves to + death & disturbed the neighbors. Mr. Chambers in the backroom inquired + who the Devil had come & being told, said, he “thought t’was him.” + breakfasted there & told stories till I thought I had told too many. + + “William is indeed engaged to Miss Rodgers. Little Taylor,[61] you + remember him—he is mentioned in orator Ogilvies book as a rare + specimen has killed himself for the love of Miss Swift.” + + “Your affair with Parson B. is much misrepresented here & the old + women shake their heads whenever your name is mentioned. + + I do not blame myself neither does he blame me. + + Aaron Burr told a student of his, to rise in the morning with this + determination—“_As I shall never see this day again I will today do + all that can be done in one day._” + + “Daggett’s letter pleased Reeve & his family very much.” When I turned + my face homeward I felt the inconvenience of 3 pairs of pantaloons, 2 + of stockings, 2 shirts and 2 great coats. + + Now I think my ride too good a one to grumble about. + + _Dec. 1_ Cousin John good fellow has come thro this piercing wind to + bid me goodbye before he goes to New York—that maelstrom, that + whirlpool of business into whose vortex so many of our best young men + are attracted & drawn away from their own firesides. [New York in + 1820!—Ed.] John thinks he has suffered enough from this ride to atone + for a great many sins. + + _Dec. 2_ There was a Miss Shephard from Newtown at the Election ball + last May—she was the counterpart of some fine looking Indian girl—tall + as one of the trees of her native forest, but still not + disproportionate by any means. She was just as round as she should + be—her head as high as it could be & surmounted with a single white + ostrich feather[62]—She danced with some grace, stept high as she + looked & commanded much notice. I was pleased with the exhibition & so + were some others ladies & gents who went with me from one end of the + room to the other to have a view of the architecture of her frame & + headdress. I thought the girl looked as if she had some notions of her + own. Some others who pretended to more than they deserved made flying + shot her. Gentlemen always mark down such slights to the score of envy + whether dictated by that spirit or not. + + _Dec. 4_ John has laughed all day till he has at last split his + jacket. his company has raised my spirits till they have become + absolutely volatile. He is teasing me off to bed—that disgraceful spot + for a man: Nothing is more demeaning than to be every day obliged to + crawl into a nest and vilely snore away one third of that time which + is already so short. Nothing but a Sancho Panza would ever consider + the practise as otherwise than an unhappy fashion & a shameful + employment. It would naturally seem fit for so frail a creature as + woman to spend most of her time in this effeminate operation, but for + a hearty, hard & healthy piece of stuff like the other rough sex, who + is not above it? + + _Dec. 9_ Harry Storrs(?)—grandfather purchased one of the present + senators in Congress (Matthew Lyon) for a yoke of oxen from the master + of the ship in which he came from England to be sold for his passage. + + _Dec. 10._ (Anent the trial of the Queen) a curse fit for England—“Thy + skies over thy head shall be brass & the earth that is under thy feet + shall be iron.” Why? Because they deserve all they can pick up. It is + impossible to invent enough for them. Sodom contained more good in + proportion to its population. The heart sickens at the national + corruption of that proud people. Their missionary and Bible Societies + are but the beautiful outside of the apple of Sodom which is filled + with loathsome ashes. + + _Dec. 12._ It was very cold going to Litchfield—but I reached it—went + to Geo. Jacob’s room—Mr. Glover (son of John J.) there—told a story of + Mr. Jeffersons how a large turkey was put before a fire within a + screen which was high enough to confine him, for he was alive—how a + plate of stuffing or dressing was put in each corner—how the Turkey + had been kept from food for a few days previous—how he went from one + dish to another till he was completely roasted & ready dressed. + + _Ev._ Saw a pretty sight at —— Catlin’s went to Mary Peck’s have + seldom seen a girl look more kissable. Caroline Lord is not as + pleasantly situated as I wish she were. Sarah Denny is not married. + + _Dec. 15_ went home. + + _Dec. 18_ went to L—escaped from the lawsuit by an accident—went to a + party at Mrs. Goodwin’s was happy to find the Misses W. there. They + were the gems of the circle—Flora was sociable—Miss Lewis + animated—Susan Leavitt showed some spirit which became her—Mrs. Gould + was civil to me for having taken a poor relative of hers into my gig + one day and transporting her a mile or so without knowing who she was. + Mr. Austin sang a song of one Miss Pough, &c. it was as good as such + things in general—Miss Mary Ann thought she was near being swallowed + at the kissing bout which has been held in L——. + + Miss Lewis says Susan Leavitt is to marry some priest. + + They say Helen was all but kissed to death at the Landons—The wonder + would be if she was not. a saw was lost at sea—the carpenter said next + day “I can’t forget that excellent saw, it sticks in my gizzard yet.” + The Boy ran down to the Captain crying out—“I have found where the Saw + is—it sticks in the Carpenter’s gizzard!! A good story & well told by + Sam Glover. + + _Dec. 20_ This being at court has some pleasant things about it—it + creates at least a little variety in life—this is the second week of + it. + + _21^{}_— I sat in Judgment at the examination of Geo. Jacobs—he did + finely—it was a matter of course however. + + _Dec. 22_ A little Miss Williams at Dr. Sheldon’s looks pretty. + + Mr. Bacon made a funny argument in the lawsuit of the + students—Huntington is the best pleader at our bar—particularly in a + question of technical law—he does not do as well with facts. He is + lazy however & slovenish—Bacon is industrious & rather fond of + dress—Benedict is sly. + + Came home in the evening—it is now eleven & quite cold—the nails of + the house crack. + + Here I close this piece of quil driving enjoyment to commence another + with Christmas—You that read be not offended—for there is nothing ill + meant in all this—but be charitable and be amused if you can—I have + been very often and very much so while thus engaged. + + SCRATCH’EM + + + WRITINGS OF MISS PIERCE. + + + ADDRESS AT THE CLOSE OF THE SUMMER 1820. BY MISS S. PIERCE. + + In reviewing the occurrences of the past summer & in giving out the + rewards promised at its commencement many subjects of reflection + present themselves to you. Another season for improvement has elapsed + & its influence on your future fate has already been stamped & cannot + be erased. Standing as you now do at the threshold of the [school?] & + about to bid it adieu forever—pause for a few moments and ask + yourselves the question—What have been its uses, its profit, its + bearing on your happiness in this world and its effects on your + eternal condition—Young persons as they stand in life are too apt to + suppose that they have almost an eternity of years before them and + that the misimprovement of one term or one year will be of little + value—But how idle is such an opinion, how destructive to improvement + and deadening to the mind—Even granting that ideas fail’d of being + obtained in one year may be accumulated the next—yet the progress in + the path of science must be stopped by this unreasonable + indolence—Besides the habits of mind given, the power of indolent + habits will be sufficient to exhibit the incorrectness of such + positions—The mind formed as it is for activity must be constantly + exercised in the years of growth—otherwise it will move in a sluggish + and indolent course and finally stagnate in its channel—There is no + moment when the mind is stationary if not moving onward in its orbit + it will retrograde—Hence a continual culture is necessary until the + habits of intellectual industry are formed, and the mind can go on in + its progress from the momentum of its first impulse—Those of you then + who have watched the summer and have calmed your consciences with the + notion that after industry will enable you to atone for this + neglect—have reasoned from false premises and have perhaps originated + those habits of indolence, whose cold and palsying touch will freeze + the current of your soul & chain its every future effort—This question + then, should be heard with attention and reflection—“Have I this + summer by the constant improvement of each hour, accumulated those + treasures of science which are so necessary to usefulness & acquired + those habits of intellectual perseverance that will render my future + progress in science easy”—To those who have not I will repeat that + they themselves are the cause of the weakness of mind & want of genius + of which they complained & as they have “sown to the wind so they must + reap to the whirlwind”—My young friends hear my advice whether you + continue with us or employ your hours at some other seminary or under + the parents guidance—be advised by me to stop the deadly influence of + indolence, the disease is now young & can be checked—allow it for a + few years & no power on earth can control its lethargy—it will benumb + one faculty after another until your understanding “sleep the sleep of + death”—We are extremely happy in asserting that a stretch of industry + & perseverance rarely equalled in the annals of this school has been + exhibited this summer but few are exceptions to this assertion—but to + the consciences of those few, I would wish to speak so plainly as to + be felt & so powerfully as to govern—What will be the account that God + will demand of hours supplied but to be wasted—of talents granted but + to be abused—of the light of intellect given but to be shrouded by the + mists of indolence. From these few dark shades in the picture we turn + to those brighter hues, that have gladdened our eyes and encouraged + our hearts—To those who have employed their time to advantage, who + have now been sowing that harvest they will reap hereafter, we have + many words of praise to give—But the character of our praise & the + merits of each can be better learnt by a reference to the prizes & the + credit marks— + + But there is another light in which the flight of time this summer is + to be viewed—When industry shall have accomplished its object & + indolence shall have performed its office, when the stream of time + shall have emptied all its waters into the ocean of eternity—indeed + long after this world with its own peculiar concerns & trials shall + appear “as some lone island speck seen far—far off across a wide long + stretch of sea”—will this summer be remembered with pain or joy, as + its time of probation has been improved—Have you any good reason to + suppose its remembrance will be painful—If the occurrences of this + summer have not induced your repentance & reformation, will any after + considerations effect them—Is there great reason to imagine that + hearts that have resisted the providences of this season will still + resist them when habits of sin have increased its power and the chains + of the world wound themselves more closely round. Will God be more + merciful hereafter, when you have sinned longer against him—But will + that hereafter arrive? Are none a prey to death as young, as strong as + blooming as you? Where now is all that was Clarinda Darling, whose sun + at this summer dawn rose as clear as bright as yours? mouldering + beneath the clods of the valley—Will you not pause one moment and + leaning over her grave resolve that e’er death strike you, you will + give yourselves to God—Do you think that strength of frame & vigor of + body will secure from the tyrant’s grasp, & then after neglect your + repentance?—Who three months since so blithely bound’d on your path to + school as she? Whose frame so vigorous & whose strength so strong? Can + beauty save you—Look at her grave & ask— + + “Will the cold earth its silence break + To tell how soft, how smooth a cheek + Beneath its surface lies.” + + Can intellect stay the dart? If native strength of mind & intellect’s + opening promise could e’er have stopped the power of death, Clarinda + would have heard me this day. Seldom in the course of my experience + have I found at such an age the promise + + “of fairer flowers, + Or richer fruits in future hours.” + + To a memory of quick & ready powers she joined a comprehension and + grasp of mind at her age rarely equalled—sure she was young her + intellect was dawning, but it was a dawn of vivid light—a dawn that + promised a bright & glorious day of mind—Be advised then in your + attention to other duties not to neglect those you owe to God—We have + seldom dismissed a school with the regret we now do—You have marked + this summer with a persevering industry, an attention to our commands + & a regard to our feelings that will lead us to hold you long in + remembrance—But the time of our control over you has elapsed & we send + you from us with most ardent wishes for your future usefulness & + happiness in life & hopes that we all shall meet in that world where + those who assemble “meet to part no more.” + + + A FRAGMENT. + + According to your request I have taken my pen to communicate a few + remarks, which long experience has taught me, have a great influence + on the character of youth. A German writer justly observes, “that no + one can labor for himself, without at the same time laboring for all + others, or labor for others without favoring his own interest, the + increasing welfare of each being the increasing welfare of all. For + each to consider himself a member of the great connexion that embraces + the family of man, adds much to his feeling of interest in being.” + Each mother may say to herself, I am not a useless being, I have been + the instrument of introducing into this world an immortal being—a soul + that must be happy or miserable to all eternity—what a solemn thought, + what a responsible situation do ye mothers hold in the great chain + which extends from the first breath inhaled by our first parents, to + the remotest point of eternity. All that is great or wise or good + among men, (with a few wonderful exceptions), is planted in infancy. + Parents are therefore the benefactors, or the curse of society. As you + fulfil your duties to your children, the prosperity of your country, + the happiness of the world, and the glory of the church, will increase + or diminish. Say not then to yourselves I am poor, illiterate, and can + therefore do no good; if you have the training of one mind, you have a + treasure committed to your trust of more value than the mines of Peru. + The servant who had but one talent, and did not improve it, was cast + out into utter darkness—he was not punished for wasting his Lord’s + money, but for not increasing its value. Thus some parents think it + sufficient to clothe and feed their children and protect their bodies + from harm, but do not think of training their immortal minds for + usefulness in this world, and to promote the glory of God, and the + happiness of heaven through the endless ages of eternity. Think then + when looking upon your infant offspring, I owe to this child all the + obligations laid on me by former generations—the wise and good men who + laid the foundation of this mighty empire whose names are signalized + in the history of the world, who amidst persecution, toil and danger, + planted churches, founded colleges and schools, enacted wise and + equitable laws, and were the benefactors of the human race. I am come + into their harvest, I tread upon the same earth, which they + cultivated, I am enjoying the blessings everywhere spread around by + their wisdom and industry. They have finished their work and gone to + that rest prepared for the faithful servant. I am now bound in duty to + them, my country and my God to take up the sublime task which they + imposed on themselves. They have ceased from their work; but I have + greater facilities and a wider field for action. I can bring to + greater perfection than they had the power of performing that + magnificent undertaking of making our common race wiser and happier. + And how is this to be done—by training up children in the fear of + God—by teaching them to deny themselves to both luxury and pride, by + inspiring them with true patriotism to prize the good of their country + above their own private interest, to fulfil the scripture rule, of + loving their neighbor as themselves. Selfishness is the great + destroyer of human happiness. A selfish person is always uneasy, he is + even jealous of the attention he receives from others, for he rates + his own merit beyond the standard it deserves. This principle often + extends to a whole family; the parents love their children, not for + the virtues they possess, but because they are their children,—they + are never afflicted at the danger impending over their neighborhood or + country, unless it threatens them with loss of property or some + inconvenience. They will not unite in any of the benevolent societies + of the age, because _if_ they give they choose to do it according to + their own whim and not to be confounded with the vulgar—so that their + charities are the offspring of pride, not of benevolence—and can such + beings ever enter heaven where all is love? If this selfish spirit + prevailed in every family, would there be anything great or good + performed in the earth? I call upon parents who love their country, + who love the cause of Christ to begin early to eradicate this + principle of our sinful nature. As soon as a child begins to desire + the playthings of its older brothers or sisters teach it to be content + with its own portion of toys, and frequently give up his right to + another, praise him for every act of self-denial, and frown upon him + for every act of selfishness. The method pursued in some Sabbath + schools is highly commendable, to give your children an opportunity of + earning a cent each week to place in the charity box at the S. School, + and when you give your children money encourage them to bestow it on + some good object, either in the purchase of some useful article, or to + benevolent purposes. Never permit your children to spend their money + in the purchase of dainties to please the palate; it will not only + destroy their health but create a desire of self-gratification, which + in the end may lead them to glutony and drunkenness. Begin early to + teach them the shame of thinking much of the pleasure of the + table—relate to them pleasing stories from sacred and profane history + of the heroes and Christians who rose above the pleasures of animal + nature, and amidst the temptations of a court subsisted on the + simplest food. Daniel and his three friends and Cyrus are two + excellent examples. Enforce your precepts by examples of the + disgusting effects of glutony in some of the Roman emperors and of + others in later times, that they may learn early to prefer the + intellectual to the animal nature. Do not give your children as a + reward an orange or a bit of cake; it will give them a love of good + eating, but if they have been good take them to see some curious + animal, beautiful garden, or some interesting works of art, or present + them with a useful entertaining book. Often oblige them to perform + acts of duty when their inclinations are opposed to it—for instance, + if your child is engaged in an interesting play, and it is the proper + hour for study, or you have some act of labor for him to perform, and + he is unwilling to leave his sport, state to him mildly.... + + + DIALOGUE BETWEEN MISS TRUSTY AND HER PUPILS. + + (MISS T.) You are much engaged, my young friends, may I ask what + subject you are discussing? + + (EMILY) We have been disputing whether men or women have the greatest + influence in the world, and which contributes most to the benefit of + the community. Mary contends that men justly claim that honor, as they + rule nations, command armies, and perform the principle part of the + active labor, which contributes to the sustenance and comfort of + society. I have been endeavoring to prove that the tasks assigned to + women though not often of so public notoriety are not the less + important. + + (MISS T.) It would give me pleasure to hear what arguments you have + both advanced. + + (E) I have thought, madam, that though men are the ostensible rulers + of the world, their counsels and actions are often the result of + female influence. I know at least their bad actions are frequently + instigated by weak or unprincipled women. Was not Adam persuaded by + his ambitious consort to eat of the prohibited Tree? Was it not the + depravity introduced by the beautiful, but vicious descendants of + Cain, which brought on the Deluge? And in every period of the Jewish + history do we not find women sustaining a conspicuous part? Deborah + was not only a distinguished ruler, but a commander of the armies of + Israel. The city of Abel was saved from destruction by the wisdom of a + woman, when Joab pursued after the rebellious Sheba. The Israelites + were saved by the wisdom and courage of Judith, when they appeared on + the verge of destruction. It was the influence of depraved females + which destroyed the wisdom and power of Solomon, and the idolatry + introduced by the daughter of Jezebel withered the prosperity of the + kingdom of Judah. I could mention many other instances both in ancient + and modern history were it necessary, to prove that in every age of + the world, the influence of women has had great weight in national + affairs. + + (MARY) Emily has mentioned a few acts of heroism performed by women + during the existence of the Jewish nation, but in that long period how + many wise and great men displayed their talents for the benefit of + mankind. I therefore contend that illustrious women are like comets + which appear but seldom, and therefore surprise and astonish by their + brilliancy, while men of virtue and talents like planets are always + visible in some part of the moral hemisphere, and by their constant + light are of more use than the most dazzling star whose rays are + seldom seen. I think, Miss Trusty, you must decide in my favor. + + (MISS T.) It is of little consequence, my dear young friends, whether + men or women have the power of rendering most benefit to the world, + but it is of the utmost importance that we perform all the good in our + power, and use the talents God has bestowed upon us to improve the + happiness of society. But few of our sex are called to act a + conspicuous part on the grand Theatre of life, but our influence in + community is notwithstanding of immense importance. Most men are so + entirely engrossed by business as to have but little opportunity of + fully understanding the characters of their children; this can be done + only by the mother. She has it her power to plant the seeds of vice or + virtue and an awful responsibility rests upon her, if she does not + exterminate every root of evil as she perceives it springing up in the + heart or temper of her children. Many amiable and pious women have + permitted the seeds of selfishness, ambition, revenge and deceit to + spring up in the hearts of their offspring, by false tenderness and + partiality, a fond mother who imagines that her children will love her + more ardently if she indulges them in all their early wishes, and thus + prepares them to repine at the necessary evils of life, while the + mother who habituates her children to self-denial, prepares them to + meet every cross accident with cheerfulness. She will teach them honor + exists not in resenting, but in forgiving injuries, and thus guard + their young minds from imbibing the false and fatal vice of duelling. + That true greatness lies not in titles or wealth, but in advancing the + cause of religion. She will be careful to search deeply into the + characters of her children and guard them against those lighter faults + to which they are naturally inclined, as well as those deeper sins + which easily beset them and is never turned aside by false tenderness + from crossing their desires if they tend to evil. She not only prays + daily for them, but with them. She begins with the first dawn of + reason to teach them the obligations they are under to God, their + parents, their near relatives, and their fellow beings with whom they + have intercourse. And when their capacities are sufficiently enlarged, + she will endeavor to impress their minds by expounding the doctrines + of the Gospel, as connected with its precepts. Nor does she confine + her instructions to religion, but imbues their young minds with human + science and literature; for this end she studies the best authors, + that she may be able to point out to her children their beauties and + defects, and thus store their minds with sound ideas and solid + principles, and fit them for acting on the scenes of busy life with + firmness and dignity. + + Would every mother in this intelligent and free nation thus carefully + train up her children, we should soon feel its beneficial effects, not + only in private life, but in society. It would produce Davids, Edwards + and Dwights to adorn our pulpits and colleges, Washingtons, Madisons + and Jays to fill our military and civil offices and Brainards, Eliots + and Mayhews to disseminate knowledge and religion among the heathen. A + faithful mother not only points out the road to virtue, but arduously + guards her offspring against the dangers of dissipation in all its + various forms. The theatre, the gaming table, and the midnight revel, + would not open the gates of the bottomless abyss, to so many of our + deluded youth, had their mothers with agonizing eloquence warned them + to shun those dangerous inlets to the infernal regions, when as yet + the world had not cast its iron chains around their hearts, while + their minds were in a degree pure and spotless, and their bosoms + glowed with love to her who bore them. It is not enough to plant moral + principles in the heart and to warn the young against the baleful + effects of dissipation—the syren tongue of pleasure will often lure + the youth of lively temper from the paths of virtue, unless pleasing + entertainments are found at home to relax the mind. Women who have the + arrangement of domestic amusements should seek to procure such as are + innocent and improving not only to induce their children, but their + husbands and brothers, to delight more in the domestic circle than in + the most elegant public entertainment. And would mothers, wives and + sisters exert their talents as much to please their own family as they + do to entertain strangers, we shall see fewer husbands, sons and + brothers resorting to public places for amusement. I cannot elucidate + this theory better than by giving you the history of one of my + earliest friends. Mrs. B—— possessed a superior understanding which + had received the highest improvement that a solid and polished + education could bestow. These advantages were rendered more pleasing + by the charms which pure and ardent piety cast around her sincere.... + Her husband was so much engaged in public business he seldom found + leisure to assist in the arduous task of training up their three sons + to usefulness. Mrs. B. early discovered that her sons possessed + uncommon eagerness of spirit, and would be easily led astray by the + arts of the designing and flattering multitude, who swarm around young + men of high rank and large fortunes. She therefore devoted her time + and talents and all the power of her mind to guard them against the + dangers which surrounded their path. While infants in the mother’s + arms she began to form their tempers and check their too glowing + sensibility by teaching them to bear and forbear with each other’s + petulance and to submit with patience when any disappointment + occurred. I remember finding her one morning with books, pictures and + children’s toys scattered around her; she made an apology for the + litter in her parlor, saying as it was a holy day, she felt it her + highest duty to entertain her children, lest they should desire to + resort to the common among their school companions, where they might + acquire habits that the exertions of maternal influence would never + correct. I endeavor, therefore, she added, to select their associates + and devote my time to enliven their amusements, that their home may be + the happiest place on earth to them, and truly I never beheld a + happier group of youthful faces than at that instant entered the room, + from a short run they had taken in the garden, each one begging Mrs. + B. to come and walk with them, and teach them the names and history of + the flowers and birds as she promised them. When the sons of Mrs. B. + had reached that period of life when childish amusement becomes + insipid, and as young men they wished for higher entertainment, she + invited an orphan niece to reside with her, whose amiable manners and + polite accomplishments, assisted to enliven the family circle. Musick, + painting and the most sprightly and interesting conversation gave a + zest to each hour not devoted to study. Mrs. B. gave frequent + entertainments to prevent her high spirited sons from resorting to + public places for amusement. The charms of intellectual conversation + were never more fully displayed than in Mrs. B.’s parties. Men of the + most enlightened minds and most shining talents thought themselves + honored to be admitted as her guests. And none received that favor but + those who possessed unblemished morals. She was particularly careful + to select as companions for her sons young gentlemen and ladies who + were more distinguished for talents and virtue than for rank or + wealth. By these means she formed the taste and matured the judgment + of her sons and preserved them from the dangerous allurements of the + gay and dissipated circles they would otherwise have entered and which + would undoubtedly have proved their ruin. + + Her prayers and her exertions have been fully answered for their + spiritual as well as their temporal interest. They are now active + promoters of religion both at home and in foreign countries, united to + intelligent and pious wives and displaying those manly virtues which + justly entitles them to rank among our most distinguished citizens. + Nor was the bright example of Mrs. B. lost on her husband, who in + early life had imbibed infidel principles. She was greatly afflicted + when she found the husband whom she so tenderly loved, was not only + indifferent to religion but a disbeliever in Divine revelation; his + respect for his wife’s weakness (as he thought it) prevented him from + expressing his contempt of religion in her presence, but she easily + perceived his sentiments were perverted, and strove by her conduct to + prove what influence it produced on the heart and temper. She never + obtruded her principles upon him, or reverted to his want of faith. + But in a severe affliction which befell them, he saw and admired the + fortitude which sustained his pious wife, while he felt only the + repinings of discontent. This led him to wish that there was another + and happier state where he should again meet his beloved and only and + uncommonly lovely daughter, who had been snatched from them at the + interesting age of four, when the infantile prattle is most dear to a + parent’s heart. Mrs. B. seized upon these moments of affliction and by + her mild and forcible arguments prevailed on her husband to read the + Scriptures and attend public worship. When he read or heard any + doctrine advanced which he disbelieved or perverted, her lucid and + simple explanations accompanied with the tenderest expressions of + affection, convinced him of his error and removed his doubts. Her + prayers in the meantime ascended hourly to heaven for his conversion + and were heard by Him who has promised that the prayer of faith shall + never be offered in vain. Mr. B. had sought for happiness from wealth, + from the approbation of the world; his political and military talents + raised him to the highest summit which ambition desired, but he found + the temple of happiness was not there, and he sought it before age had + palsied his feelings in the bosom of his family, in communion with his + Redeemer and in employing his great abilities for the extension of + knowledge and truth. Mrs. B.’s example and instructions were blessed + to all who were so fortunate as to reside long in her family. Her + domestics were patterns of honesty, industry and piety. But she did + not confine her exertions to her own family,—the poor looked to her as + their protector, her alms were always accompanied with suitable + admonitions and many hardened sinners have been brought through her + influence to humble themselves at the foot of the cross. She engaged + with ardor in all the benevolent societies of this day of enterprise. + Like Mr. Frey she visited the abodes of infamy and guilt, on her + tongue dwelt the words of persuasion and kindness, and many outcasts + of society were brought by her means to abandon the paths of iniquity + and return to the abodes of virtue and blessed the day which led Mrs. + B. to visit their wretched cells. Age has now silvered her head and + destroyed the bloom of her cheek, but the virtues of her heart and the + exalted intelligence of her mind have stamped a loveliness upon her + countenance which the withering hand of Time cannot destroy, and + though seventy years have shaded the charms of youth, she is a more + interesting object to her husband and friends than she was at the + fascinating age of seventeen. + + (E.) You have in the history of Mrs. B. shown us how a married woman + possessed of wealth and intelligence may exert influence, but what can + be done by the young and inexperienced. + + (MISS T.) Young women have the power of extending the knowledge of + religion by aiding the charitable institutions established for + preaching the Gospel, those who are rich by their contributions and + influence. We have not many women who like Lady Huntington devote + _all_ their income to that noble end, but I am happy to know a number, + who though they do not leave themselves destitute of a change of + apparel (as Lady Huntington often did) yet clothe themselves in the + most simple attire that they may bestow what others expend in jewels + and fashionable dress, in promoting the cause of their Redeemer. + + Miss Julia T—— receives a moderate allowance from her father, who is a + man of the world and wishes to see his daughter dress in the most + fashionable style. Julia conforms to his wishes so far as to appear + neat and elegant in her attire, but at the same time practices such + strict economy as enables her to bestow a great part of her little + income in charity. Her expensive dresses are never worn except to + please her father, or when ceremony requires a splendid attire. She + can with truth apply the words of Queen Esther to her own feelings: + “Thou knowest O Lord that I abhor these signs of my high estate,” and + Julia not having any family to employ her time devotes all her + activity in promoting the cause of Christ. She not only contributes + largely herself, but influences others to support the Gospel, not only + in their own city and country, but in evangelizing the heathen. Her + hands are daily employed in making garments for the poor, or for the + benefit of education and missionary societies. The sick, the + afflicted.... + + + [A fragment.] + + A free government like ours can only be supported by the virtue of its + citizens. The ancient governments were destroyed by the vices of their + subjects. Greece and Rome ceased to rule the world when their citizens + became corrupted by luxury and sloth. It is indispensable to the + existence of a republic to be moral and religious. Who then can + calculate the beneficial effects resulting from the early habits of + piety and morality planted by maternal wisdom upon the rising + generation. And may we not hope that the daughters of America will + imitate the example of the Spartan and Roman matrons in the day of + their glory, who taught their children to love their country beyond + every earthly object, even their own lives. Then shall we find many a + Pederatio (?) who will rejoice that there are three hundred citizens + more worthy to fill a part of honor than himself. May we not hope that + by cultivating the solid rather than the ornamental branches of + education, our young women will emulate their sisters in Europe in + moral and intellectual acquirements, that on this side of the Atlantic + Hannah Mores and Mrs. Sherwoods will arise to instruct and enlighten + the world and justly merit the high enconium pronounced by Gov. + Metcalf of Kentucky. “It is true that woman.... + + + [A fragment.] + + Among the poor and middling classes of society a dangerous ambition is + excited which every lover of their country and religion should + endeavor to suppress. Many of the wives and daughters of our mechanics + and day laborers expend all their earnings in dress and furniture, and + thus deprive themselves of the pleasure of contributing to the + extension of Christianity. Those who have professed themselves to be + the followers of Christ should remember, that when they took the vows + of God upon them, they engaged to devote their time and talents to his + cause, and the small sum bestowed by the poor will meet as great a + reward as the large donations of the rich, and it will be said to the + daily laborer who spends all his earnings upon his own pleasure, as + well as to the rich, for as much as ye did it not to one of the least + of these my disciples, ye did it not to me. The greater part of the + funds raised in England for the extension of the Gospel are from the + poorer classes of society, and she who can prevail on these classes in + our community to contribute to this noble enterprise will aid much in + the extension of the Gospel. + + VERSES TO MISS NANCY COLLINS WHO WAS ENGAGED TO BE + MARRIED THE FIRST SLEIGHING. + + The inspiring snow storm whistled round, + And Nancy blushes at the sound, + For now pale Sol’s returning ray, + Proclaims how near the nuptial day, + Her bosom beats: she knows not why. + She starts to think the hour so nigh, + When she her plighted vows must pay, + And learn that fearful word, Obey, + The word is not so hard my dear + As our proud sex would make us fear. + When love and friendship tie the band, + Easy the chain, light the command. + Now see her hurrying round the room, + Come Betsy pray put up the broom + The hearth is clear enough I’m sure + Lewis will come in half an hour, + And then that sewing wont be done + There look the sleighs begin to run + I’ll send for Susan right away, + Last year she promised me a day + And Sally too engaged a day, + Norman shall bring them right away, + Now fancy wing thy airy flight, + To where Charles views with wild delight, + The falling snow more swift appear, + And in a bride suit deck the year, + Not half so sweet I hear him say + Is Spring when drest by bloom in May + Not half so sweet are evening showers + That raise the drooping sun-burnt flowers + As this drear storm; they cant impart + Such rapture to a lover’s heart. + Now you’ll see him hurrying down + His sleigh bells heard in every town + Windows are filled, heads at each square + Each wondering much what beau goes there, + Heaven bless you! and may you never know + The sting of sorrow, or the throb of woe + May no dark cloud your shining days o’ercast + But still each sun shine brighter than the last. + + [A fragment.] + + When tired with dansing I retir’d to rest + My drowsy eyes with wellcome sleep were blest + Me thought my soul had took _her_ last farewell + And now in Paradice had come to dwell + While wondering what kind angel brought me here + The sound of sweetest music reach’d my ear + Such at the Heavenly airs of Paradice + Play’d to departed souls, who freed from vice + Have safe arriv’d upon that blissful shore + Where happiness awaits them ever more + Ye heavenly powers who hear my prayer + Grant me the art to join this heavenly choir + Tis what I never could obtain below— + The music ceas’d and seem’d to answer No + Sighing I make’d the visions disappear + But pleas’d I found the heaven’ly music here + +[Illustration: + + PL. XXXIV.—JANE R. LEWIS + + From pencil sketch +] + + The young gentleman played on their flutes under the window of each + Lady after they had retired and this was the compliment Sarah paid + them + + PARAPHRASE.[63] + + Guide me oh Thou great Jehovah, + Pilgrim thro’ this barren land, + I am weak, but thou art mighty, + Hold me by thy powerful hand, + Bread of Heaven, Bread of Heaven, + Feed me till I want no more. + + · · · · · + + Guide our troops oh great Jehovah, + Save this sinful war worn land, + We are weak, but thou art mighty, + Save us by thy powerful hand, + King of Heaven, King of Heaven, + Save us, and we ask no more. + + Shield our fathers in the strife + Guard our brothers we implore, + Give them victory, freedom, life, + Drive out all foes, from this shore, + King of Heaven, King of Heaven, + Dry our tears, and hear our prayer. + + + THE MISSES LEWIS’ DIARY—EXTRACTS FROM COMMONPLACE BOOK. 1820. + JANE LEWIS—HER JOURNAL. + + Continuation of Journal for the summer of 1820. + + Sunday morning Mr. Beecher preached from Gen. 7th Chap. 1st & 5th, + “And the Lord said unto Noah, come thou, and all thy house into the + ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.” + “And Noah did according unto all the Lord commanded.” In about 15 + years God looked upon the earth, and saw there was great wickedness, + and he said “The heart of man is evil continually, every imagination + of man’s heart was evil” and he said “I will destroy man whom I have + created, from the face of the earth, both man & beast & the creeping + things & the fowls of the air for it repenteth me that I have made + them” but Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord and he said unto + Noah, make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shall thou have made in + the ark & shall pitch it within & without with pitch.” As the ark + saved Noah, so will Christ save all who trust in him. Noah by faith + prepared him an ark to save him from destruction, so also may + Christians prepare the souls of their children from the bonds of + Satan, It has pleased God to prescribe duties to parents & it has also + pleased him to save those who believe on him. At the appointed time + when all needful preparations had been made Noah was directed to enter + with all his family: into the ark: because the Lord had “seen him + righteous before him in that generation” the apostle says that he + “became heir of the righteousness which is by faith, The same + principle which induced him to believe, on the testimony of God, & + contrary to all human probability, that the deluge would come at the + appointed season, led him also, on the same testimony, to expect the + day of judgement & perdition of ungodly men, this moved him to flee + from the wrath to come, as well as to prepare the ark; & as he + believed that, in the ark alone he could be safe during the + approaching deluge; so he doubtless believed the revelation of a + saviour, & sought & expected salvation through him alone. The duty of + God requires that he that exercises faith for his children shall be + saved, Noah exercises faith for not only his children but for all + mankind, he preached 120 years for their salvation but what effect did + it have “God has made provision in the covenant of grace for our + children. Before the deluge Noah’s family was the only one who could + say, I keep thy commandments. What relation should we exercise toward + our children. In order to bring our children to Christ we must first + come to him ourselves “God has mercy on whom he will have mercy” It is + necessary to bring them to a covenant with Christ. The piety of + parents is necessary to bring their children to a peace with God. When + children are in great danger parents who have no religion themselves + may feel interested for the welfare of their children, and when + parents die & have no heavenly comfort, they feel for them & repent if + their past life has not been spent to the salvation of their children. + +[Illustration: + + PL. XXXV.—BEAD BAG MADE BY JANE R. LEWIS, 1829 +] + + “What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world & lose his own + soul,” heavenly treasures are eternal, but earthly riches are but few + & transient. Happy they who are a part of Christs family, and safe + with him in the ark, they may look forward without dismay, & rejoice + in the assurance that they shall triumph when a deluge of fire shall + encircle the visible creation, but, unless we dare to be singular, & + renounce the favor and venture the scorn & hatred of the world unless + we be willing to submit to self-denial & diligence, we can find no + admission into this ark + + Sunday afternoon Mr. Beecher preached from Hosea 10th. 1st, “Isreal is + an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself” Isreal has often + been compared to a vine, but the nation was become an empty vine that + bringeth forth no fruit to perfection. They not only spent their + abundance on themselves but even their apparent good works sprang from + ostentation, or other selfish motives, & not from regard to the glory + & the will of God. We shall consider first that there is a difference + between love & selfishness. We exercise more love to ourselves than to + our neighbours & this is termed selfishness. 2nd. modification of + selfishness is to love to God. God loves his children if we keep his + commandments. + + Sunday evening Mr. Brace read a sermon. + + Monday we were examined in the third volume of Sacred History and + recited in Modern Europe. + + Tuesday sums were given out.— + + Wednesday morning recited in Logic and Modern Europe, afternoon I went + over to see Roxana Clark along with Maria C. + + Thursday was parsing afternoon, no division beat as several had the + same.— + + Friday was examination day. + + Saturday Miss Pierce gave us some very good instruction. + + Sunday morning Mr. Baldwin preached ... evening I attended conference, + Mr. Baldwin read a letter from Mr. Beecher concerning the revival at + New Haven & delivered an exhortation— + + Monday to Saturday nothing particular happened. I attended school and + recited my usual lessons in Logic & Modern Europe—& attended to the + usual occupations of school, mornings & evening’s generally devoted to + study. + + Saturday afternoon took a short ride. + + Sunday morning I attended meeting heard Mr. Hooker preach—Evening + attended conference—The remainder of the week was spent the same as + usual. + + Sunday morning Mr. Beecher preached—Evening Mr. Beecher gave an + account of the revival in New Haven. + + Monday was examined in 3rd Vol—of Universal History + + Tuesday forenoon recited in Logic & Modern Europe & wrote, afternoon + Mr. Brace gave out sums. I did not have the good luck like others of + my companions to get a sum done—evening took a short walk. + + Wednesday was field-day—I had the great pleasure of seeing a Louisania + Parawra or Black Bear— + + Thursday was parsing day Miss Rogers division beat— + + Friday was examined in Modern Europe, Logic & the Coast.[64] + + Saturday my name was called, I cared more for the lecture that I + expected than the miss for ciphering, but it was short, much more so + than I expected.— + + Sunday morning Mr. Beecher preached.—evening attended conference. + + Monday forenoon recited in Logic & Modern Europe afternoon was + examined in Third Volume of Universal History & spelt. + + Thursday took the coast & recited in Logic & Modern Europe. + + Wednesday was holiday evening Betsey & Elizabeth both went to walk + with me. + + Thursday afternoon were called to parse, our division has beaten twice + this summer. evening Betsey & Elizabeth went with me up to Mr. + Brace’s. We spent the evening very pleasantly with Ann Jones & + Margaret Mix. + + Friday morning took the coast & were examined in Modern Europe + afternoon examined in Logic & The Coast, the latter I did not miss in + evening was spent in writing journal & coast. + + Saturday the credit marks were taken in & I had about an hundred for + writing etc. + + Sunday. Mr. Beecher preached morning & afternoon. Sunday evening I + attended conference + + Monday was examined in Chemistry missed three times afternoon in + Modern Europe did not miss. + + Tuesday morning finished being examined in Modern Europe & was in + afternoon examined in Universal History. + + Wednesday was examined in Universal History all day & missed + considerable. + + Thursday was examined in lectures in Astronomy. Philosophy &c. by + having two weeks journal to copy I have missed the wrong weeks + journal, This week I have been attending school & preparing myself for + the general examination + +[Illustration: + + PL. XXXVI.—MARY ANN LEWIS + + From pencil sketch +] + + Sunday morning attended meeting. Mr. Beecher preached morning & + afternoon. Evening attended conference. + + Monday was examined in Chemistry & Modern Europe. + + Tuesday was examined in Modern Europe & Universal History. + + Wednesday was examined in History. + + Thursday in Paley, Philosophy & Logic + + Friday in Philosophy, Arithmetic & Rhetoric. + + Saturday in Grammar + + Sunday Mr. Mills preached + + JANE R. LEWIS—EXTRACTS FROM HER COMMONPLACE BOOK. + AN ADDRESS TO THE MOON. + + Sweet Moon if like Cretona’s sage + By any spell my hand should dare + To make thy disk my ample page + And write my thoughts my wishes there + + How many a friend whose careless eye + Now wanders o’er that starry sky + Would smile upon that orb to meet + The recollection fond and sweet + + The reveries of fond regret + The promise never to forget + And all my heart and soul would send + To many a dear lov’d distant friend + ANN M. RICHARDS + NEW YORK + + WRITTEN ON THE LATE QUEEN OF FRANCE BY BOUFFLE, ON + HER REQUESTING A SONG ON HER DEFECTS. + + Would you know what rumour lays + To charge of Antoinette? + That she is often light it says + Fickle, mad, & a coquette + And is it so? + Oh yes! but know + So nice the line her fancy draws + Her very slights + Create delights + And Cato’s self would smile applause + Sense, it says, her royal head + Does not over burden much, + Adulation too, tis said + Easily her soul can touch; + And is it so? + Oh yes! but know + So well she manages the matter + The Gods on high + Would leave the sky + And come on earth, her charms to flatter + If for business or for pleasure + The hour, by herself be set + One may wait, tis said, her leisure + Tis a trifle to forget, + And is it so? + Oh yes! but know + That when one next beholds her face + All wrongs, adieu! + Delights renew. + And Time flies on with swifter pace— + That “_I_” & “_me_” fill all discourse + And _self_ runs on supremely + Tis said she finds no other source + She loves herself _extremely_ + And is it so? + Oh yes! but know + The case is just you’ll find + What blame to prove + That she should love + What’s lov’d by all mankind? + About 1823 + +[Illustration: + + PL. XXXVII.—SAMPLER OF MARY ANN LEWIS +] + + + REV. DR. BEECHER’S DESCRIPTION OF NIAGARA FALLS. + + Approaching the falls from Buffalo on the Canadian shore, the first + indication of our proximity to them was a hoarse rumbling, which was + scarcely audible at the distance of four or five miles, but which + opened upon the ear as we advanced, with increasing roar, until at the + distance of three miles, it became loud as the voice of many waters, a + column of mist in the mean time descending as smoke from a pit marked + more definitely than sound could do, the exact position of this scene + of wonders, the sublime arising from obscurity was now experienced in + all its power, it did not appear what we should see, but imagination + seized the moment to elevate and fill the mind with expectation and + majestic dread. Within a mile of the falls the river rolls smoothly + along in rapid silence, as if unconscious of its approaching destiny, + till at once across its entire channel it falls the apparent distance + of 10 or 12 feet, when instantly its waters are thrown into + consternation and foam & boil & whirl & run in every direction, as if + filled with instinctive dread, at this place the shore recedes, and + allows the terrific waters to spread out in shallows over an extent + twice as broad as the natural channel of the river—A portion of the + waters as if hoping to escape, rushes between the American shore and + the island, (whose brow forms a part of the continued cliff which on + either side constitutes the fall), and too late to retreat discovering + the mistake hurries down the precipice and is dashed on the rocks + below. This is the highest part of the fall, and broadest, nearly + approaching to the beautiful; the waters being shallow and the sheet + entirely white below. + + Another large sheet of contiguous water on the other side of the + island undecoyed by appearances and apparently desperate by an + infallible premonition, attempts no evasion, but with tumult & roar, + rushes on and thunders down the precipice which stretches about half + across to the Canadian shore. The rest and the largest portion of the + river, as if terrified by the fate of its kindred waters, retires a + little but scarcely is the movement made before the deep declivities + of the river’s bed summons the dispersion of waters into one deep dark + flood which rolls its majestic tide upon the destruction below. The + shallow waters, which as yet have escaped, cling terrified to the + Canadian shore, reconnoitering every nook and corner in quest of some + way to escape, but their search is fruitless, and they come round at + length reluctantly, and are dashed upon the death they had so long + struggled to escape. + + It is at the junction of these two sides of the cataract, nearly in + the form of two sides of a triangle, rounded at the point, that the + most powerful sheet of water falls. The depth of the water in the + channel above & as it bends over the precipice cannot from the nature + of the case be ascertained. I should judge from the appearance that it + might be from 15 to 20 feet—The color of the part of the stream is + black, as it bends over the cliff and descends, at the intersection of + the two sides and for several rods on either hand it becomes a deep + and beautiful green which continues till the column is lost in the + cloud of mist that ascends before it. With respect to the impression + made by the view of the falls, it may be observed that whoever + approaches them anticipating amazement at the descent of the water + from a giddy height will be disappointed. It is the multitude of + waters and their power as they roll & foam & thunder which arrests the + step, suspends the breath, dilates the eye, lifts the hand and fills + the soul with wonder. It seems to be the good pleasure of God that men + shall learn his omnipotence by evidence addressed to the senses as + well as the understanding & that there shall be on earth continued + illustrations of his mighty power, of creation, we ascertain by faith + & not by sight; the heavenly bodies though vast and distant roll + silently in their courses. But the earth by its quakings, the volcano + by its fires, the ocean by its mountain waves and the floods of + Niagara by the majesty of their power and ceaseless thunderings + proclaim to the eye & to the ear & to the heart the omnipotence of + God. From their far distant sources & multitudinous dispersions He + called them into the reservoirs of the North & bid them hasten their + accumulating tide to this scene of wonders, & for ages the obedient + waters have rolled and thundered his praise. It is as has been stated, + where the two lines of the precipice meet, that the deepest and most + powerful sheet of water falls, but it is here also, just where the + hand of Omnipotence is performing its greatest wonders that the + consummation of the work is hid. What the phenomena are when the + stupendous torrent strikes at the foot of the falls, no mortal eye + hath seen, a mist rising to nearly half the height of the fall, is the + veil beneath which the Almighty performs his wonders alone, and there + is the hiding of his power. This is the spot upon which the eye + wishfully fixes and tries in vain to penetrate, over which the + imagination hovers, but cannot catch even a glympse to sketch with her + pencil. This deep recess is the most sublime and awful scene upon + which my eye was ever fixed. There amid the thunderings & in solitude + & darkness, from age to age Jehovah has proclaimed, I am the Almighty + God. + + In beholding this deluge of created Omnipotence the thought, how + irresistible is the displeasure of God, rushes upon the soul. It + requires but a little aid of the imagination to behold in this + ceaseless flow of waters, the stream of his indignation which shall + beat upon the wicked in the gulf below the eternal pit, & in the cloud + of exhalations, the smoke of their torments which ascendeth up forever + & ever. And nothing but the warbling of unearthly voices seems + necessary to make one feel that hell and destruction is uncovered + before him. + +[Illustration: + + PL. XXXVIII.—LOUISA C. LEWIS + + From pencil sketch +] + + With these associations, all is dark and terrific & dreadful, till + from the midst of this darkness and these mighty thunderings the bow, + brilliant type of mercy, arises, and spreads its broad arch over the + agitated waters, proclaiming that the Omnipotence which rules the + stream, is associated with mercy as well as with justice. + + LOUISA C. LEWIS—EXTRACTS FROM HER COMMONPLACE BOOK. + + IN IMITATION OF THE SONG “WHEN SHALL WE THREE MEET AGAIN.” + + O when shall we two meet again? + With cheerful heart, with welcome smile, + And all the past + With woe o’ercast + Forget to taste of bliss the while + + O when shall we two meet again? + And all the promised pleasure know + Which hope to cheer + My pathway drear + Afford, this heart where’re I go + + O when shall we two meet again? + The look the well known voice to greet + And free from care + Together share + Our walks, again, by moonlight sweet. + + Shall cruel fortune prove our foe + And time with lingering steps detain + Shall years go by + Nor hasten nigh + The hour when we shall meet again. + + Shall sorrow spread her gloomy cloud + And hope deferred, my bosom pain + Shall absence prove + A chill to love + E’er you and I shall meet again + + But if stern fate, this joy deny + And our fond wish should prove but vain. + Beyond the sky + May you and I, + In bliss immortal meet again. + + THE BANTAM. + + I’ve seen old Hudson’s swelling pride, + As on he rush’d to meet the ocean. + No Storms then lash’d his solemn tide, + No dashing waves made wild commotion + But pine crown’d cliffs & tall trees waving green, + Frown’d o’er the flood, the guardians of the scene. + + I’ve seen Connecticut’s fair wave, + Still as it went forever smiling; + While the tall corn its bright green gave, + The river’s darker hue beguiling: + Rich are thy fields thy skies forever shine; + “Nor drinks the sea, a lovelier wave than thine.” + + But still there is a dearer stream, + Tho’ on its breast no white sails bearing; + Tho’ rough its rock, and cold its beam, + And brown the leaves its trees are wearing + For in that stream’s white foam when life was young + I thoughtless play’d, nor dreamt of future wrong + J. P. BRACE + + + + + 1820. + ALTERATIONS FROM COPY OF RULES OF JULIA SEYMOUR—1820. + + + 17th. Every person is forbidden to tell or be told in lesson. + + QUESTIONS. + + Been neat in your chambers? + Combed your hair? + Cleaned your teeth? + Left anything out of place? + Been present at table? + At family prayers? + Been to bed at the proper time? + Rose in season? + Studied two hours without speaking? + Disturbed others? Been angry? + Been impolite? Told an untruth? + Wasted time in school? + Mis-spent the Sabbath? + Read in the Scriptures? + Borrowed or lent? + Hurt the feelings of anyone? + Studied your lesson at the proper time? + Known any fault which you should have informed of? + Taken or read any book without permission? + +[Illustration: + + PL. XXXIX.—EMBROIDERY OF LOUISA C. LEWIS +] + + Speaking or moving once without permission, or with, will take off the + extra—and more than once will give ¼ of a miss. Two hours holy day + lost for noise. 30 credit marks lost for homesickness. + + MISS SARAH PIERCE, Principal. + MR. JOHN P. BRACE, Assistant. + + (A definition of politeness). Persons truly polite will treat their + superiors with respect and deference; their equals with affability and + complaisance. They will never smile at the mistakes of those who may + be more ignorant than themselves; will never make sport of the faults + or follies of their companions, much more at their misfortunes, but + will on all occasions treat others as they would be themselves. They + will never be boistrous or rude in their manners, will never talk or + laugh loud, will avoid all vulgar and profane words as mean and + sinful. They will never consider loud laughter as a mark of wit; or + romping as indicative of sprightliness. + + + + + 1821. + SARAH KINGSBURY’S COPY OF RULES OF THE LITCHFIELD ACADEMY. + + + (1) You are expected to rise early and be drest neatly, to exercise + before breakfast and to retire to rest when the family in which you + reside desire you to and you must consider it a breach of politeness + if you are requested a second time to rise in the morning or retire in + the evening. + + (2) You are requested not only to exercise in the morning but also in + the evening sufficiently for the preservation of health. + + (3) It is expected that you never detain the family by unnecessary + delay either at meals or family prayers; to be absent when grace is + asked at table or when the family have assembled to read the word of + God and to solicit His favour discovers a want of reverence to His + holy name a cold and insensible heart which feels no gratitude for the + innumerable benefits received daily from his hand. + + (4) It is expected as rational and immortal beings that you read a + portion of the scripture both morning and evening with meditation and + prayer, that you never read the word of God lightly or make use of any + scriptural phrase in a light manner. + + (5) It is expected that you attend public worship every Sabbath unless + some unavoidable circumstance prevent which you will dare to offer as + a sufficient apology at the day of Judgment. + + (6) Your deportment must be grave and decent while in the house of God + and you must remember that all light conduct in a place of worship is + offensive to well bred people and highly displeasing to your Maker and + Preserver. + + (7) The Sabbath must be kept holy no part of it wasted in sloth + frivolous conversation or light reading. Remember dear youth that for + every hour, but particularly for the hours of the Sabbath you must + give an account to God. + + (8) Every hour during the week must be fully occupied either in useful + employment or rational amusement while out of school: two hours must + be employed each day in close study and every hour during the week + must be fully occupied. + + (9) No person must interrupt their companions either in school or the + hours devoted to study by talking, laughing, or any unnecessary noise. + + (10) Those hours devoted to any particular occupation must not be + devoted to any other employment. Nothing great can be accomplished + without attention to order and regularity. + + (11) The truth must be spoken at all times, on all occasions though it + might appear advantageous to tell a falsehood. + + (12) You must suppress all emotion of anger and discontent. + Remembering how many blessings God is continually bestowing upon you + for which he requires not only contentment, but a cheerful temper. + + (13) You are expected to be polite in your manners, neat in your + person and room, careful of your books and cloths, attentive to + economy in all your expenses. + + + A DEFINITION OF POLITENESS. + + Persons truly polite will treat their superiors with respect and + deference and their equals with affability and complaisance. They will + never be boistrous or rude in their manners will never talk or laugh + loud will avoid all vulgar and profane words as both mean and sinful. + They will never consider loud laughing a mark of wit or romping + indicative of sprightliness. They will never smile at the mistakes of + those who may happen to be more ignorant than themselves, will never + make reports of the fault and failures of their misfortunes, but will + on all occasions treat others as they would have others behave to + them. + + (14) Talebearing and scandal are odious vices, and must be avoided: + neither must you flatter your companions by remarks on their beauty, + dress or any slight accomplishment in order to increase their vanity. + + (15) While you are forbidden to report things to the disadvantage of + your companions, you are at the same time requested to inform one of + your teachers if you know of any conduct deserving of reproof not from + malice but a true friend lest the fault should become a habit too + strong to eradicate in future. + + (16) Every person is bound to conform to the rules of the family where + she resides. She must never go out of an evening without the + permission of the heads of the family where she resides, read no + books, engage in no amusements without their knowledge and + approbation. + + (17) Speaking or moving once whether with or without liberty will take + off the extra and more than once will give ¼ of a miss. Two hours + holiday lost for noise in the same week will take off 30 credit marks. + + (18) Every person is forbidden to tell or be told in their lessons. + + The course of study prescribed for those who wish to take degrees will + consist of the following branches— + + Morse’s Geography, Webster’s Elements English Grammer, Miss Pierce’s + History, Arithmetic through Interest, Blair’s Lectures, Modern Europe, + Ramsey’s American Revolution, Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Paley’s + Moral Philosophy, Hedge’s Logic and Addision on Taste. + + If any person wishes to obtain the last honors of the school it will + be necessary for them to have finished this course, and to have + accomplished it in order. Should any person wish to study any of these + branches to the exclusion of the rest they are at liberty to do it but + they will be considered as having declined being candidates for the + degree. + + The candidates must answer 8/9 of their questions in all branches in + General Examination. They must at no time have lost their whole + holiday and in order to ascertain this they must have credit mark. + They must never have lost more than one hour of their holiday for the + same result in their certificate, must never have lost 3 hours holiday + for noise and must have to be shown at the close of the school three + months journal or eight dissertations. + + + + + 1822. + MARY L. WILBOR (MRS. STONE)—EXTRACTS FROM HER DIARY. + + + _Litchfield May 28^{th} 1822_ + + Went this morning to visit the remains of the once lovely and + interesting Miss Helen Peck who died yesterday after a severe illness + of five weeks. Went to her father’s house this P. M. but as I could + not get a seat returned home quite disappointed—do not feel in very + good spirits. Went down to the Bantam last evening. Misses Austin, + Perkins, and myself fell into the water. going to B. met a poor little + boy who was an idiot, who was very interesting. I ought to be very + thankful my life and reason are spared me! and may I make a good use + of these great blessings! ... Mr. Brace read dissertations today, and + Miss Austin’s was pronounced the best. I am very glad, for I think she + deserves all the praise that is bestowed upon her. She possesses quite + a talent for writing; and expresses herself very handsomely. Mr. B. + read one of his own compositions, which was elegantly written. Shall + be almost ashamed to present mine to him but my turn will not come + until week after next, and I will not anticipate evil.... It thunders + & lightens very vividly & loudly, but the bell rings and I must go to + church, for I expect Dr. Beecher will be very eloquent, for he is very + much interested. Half past 8. Was just ready for church when Miss + Shelton brought me my letters but was so much overjoyed I could not + go. + + _Wednesday._ + + Miss Pierce is expected this afternoon and I hope she will come, for + the whole household will be very glad to see her. ½ past 6. P. M. An + old man is now here with pictures at which we look with a perspective + glass, which improves them very much and renders them very interesting + but they would be much more so if some of the scenes were from our own + country, for he had none of American scenery, but as he is an + _Englishman_ it is perfectly natural that he should be fond of showing + his country in as favorable a light as possible. I had twelve credit + marks for doing one sum in Reduction.... Went upon prospect hill with + Misses Averill, Brace, Buell, & Clarke and had a very pleasant walk. + There is a most delightful prospect from prospect hill. We went upon + echoing rock, it is astonishing how long we can hear the echo—I like + Miss Buell very much. She is very polite and obliging. She is from + Burlington Vermont, a niece of Mrs. Lynde Catline of New York. I hope + I shall have the pleasure of seeing her at our house when she comes to + New York to visit her aunt. + +[Illustration: + + PL. XL.—FROM A WATER-COLOR BY AMELIA LEWIS +] + + On our return home we found Miss Pierce had arrived from Boston. Miss + Brace received good news from her friends. I am very glad for she is + quite homesick, and I hope the letter will serve to dispel it a + little. I went to the Post Office with Miss Averill but we did not go + in, for it was very much crowded with gentlemen. I do not think it is + quite proper for us to go to the postoffice so often but still + continue going! May 30^{th}, arose at a quarter past six and exercised + before breakfast which will entitle me to an extra. + + Miss Pierce entertained us at breakfast with an account of Cambridge + college also a singular gothic chair which was presented by some one + in England to the college. I _know_ I shall be happy this summer I + like Miss Pierce very much and I am sure she will do everything in her + power to render me so. Spent the afternoon in Martha Denison’s room + with Miss Perkins. Martha read aloud in “The Son of a Genius” by Mrs. + Holland a very interesting book which is written in a pure and concise + style.... We do not recite rhetoric for it is the day set apart for + parsing. Miss B. has left our house for that of Dr. Sheldon, probably + because her friend Miss A boards there and she always appeared + dissatisfied but that probably proceeded from her never having been + from home much. It certainly could not be that she did not receive + sufficient attention for Miss Mary was very kind and did everything in + her power to amuse her— + + ...On my return from the post office, took a long walk with Miss + Austin. I think I like her better than any young lady that boards at + Miss Pierce’s. She is possessed of a superior mind and I think has + paid some considerable attention to the cultivation of it.... We met + no other person that we knew except D. B. who is the most unpleasant + creature I ever knew.... + + Do not expect any letters to-night for the mail does not come from + _dear_ New York on Fridays. 25^{th} Miss Pierce wishes us to speak + dialogues or short pieces but I do not wish to and hope she will not + insist upon it.... We have just received the heart rending account of + the loss of the packet-ship Albion Capt. Williams, of New York, bound + for Liverpool. Among those that perished was Mr. Fisher professor of + Mathematics in Yale College. Mr. F. was engaged to Miss Catherine + Beecher, and his untimely end is severely felt and greatly deplored. + After having undergone all terrors, and supposing themselves out of + danger, and even in sight of land, it was indeed awful, not only to + have all _hope_ dashed to pieces at a blow, but the “boon of life” + taken suddenly away. + + _June 2^{nd} 6. P. M._ + + Attended church all day. The weather was very unpleasant. Dr. Beecher + prayed very affectionately for Mr. Fisher and all on board the Albion + who found a watery grave.... Missed only ¼. ½. in all my morning + lessons. Wrote a dissertation this forenoon On the uses of history, a + subject on which I have had but a few ideas. Misses Reeve, Tufts, Mrs. + & Miss Lord took tea with us—H. Buell & myself went home with Miss + Lord. We had great sport.... Mr. Brace had all his bugs to school this + P. M. he has a great variety, two were from China, which were very + handsome, almost all the rest were of Litchfield descent, and he can + trace their pedigree as far back as when Noah entered the ark. Spoke + to Mr. B. of Aunt Julia. He recollected her perfectly, said he thought + her very beautiful.... Miss Austin has a great deal of humour but her + spirits are easily depressed. I should like to fathom the character of + my bedfellow Miss Buell for I think her a singular girl, she has a + singular peevishness of temper which is very unpleasant; I do not know + but that is her only fault, for she is a very pleasant companion, and + that excepted she is a very agreeable girl. + + Miss Austin has just come in and being in very high spirits she makes + so much noise it is impossible to write. + + Wrote to aunt J. the dearest aunt I have, also the dearest friend. + + Anna Maria Perkins of Ohio also sleeps in the room with us, she is a + very good companion and peculiarly amiable. + + 6^{th} June—Arose before six o’clock, made my bed, swept my room, + which will entitle me to an extra. + + _Thursday._ + + Have this day commenced learning “Robin Adair,” hope I shall be able + to play it soon. This is examination day and I have many long and hard + lessons to recite. We think of going to Canaan tomorrow. If it is + pleasant we shall go at six o’clock in the morning. I do not know who + will accompany me, but I think Miss Austin and two Misses Tufts, we + had expected the pleasure of the company of Miss B. and Miss P. but + Miss B. will go when her friends come, and Miss P. will not go for + reasons unknown. I do not think it quite polite in her to refuse to go + when she knows that the pleasure of the party depends in a great + measure on her accompanying us, but mum! I fear I am often, too often + guilty of more impolite conduct but + +[Illustration: + + PL. XLI.—FROM A PAINTING BY AMELIA LEWIS +] + + “The faults of our neighbors with freedom we blame + We tax not ourselves, though we practise the same.” + + If Miss _Emily Addis_ will furnish us with a small, or rather, a large + quantity of eatables to carry with us (for we intend staying all day) + we shall go in great style.... Went down to Mr. Brace’s to see Miss + Betts on so important a subject as our trip to Jubilee from Mrs. B’s + we went to Mr. Lord’s to get Mrs. B’s permission for Miss B to + accompany us—and from there M. Denison and myself returned to Mr. B’s, + from there we went to the drivers to give divers other directions, and + after having thus settled all necessary preliminaries to our _each + every_ and _either_ satisfaction we have once more returned to the + North Turret of St. Pierce’s Castle. We were in high spirits this P. + M. Miss Denison was Caroline Wilhelmina and I was her cousin Edwin, + just returned from Europe. I gave Caroline an invitation to accompany + me to the Theatre. She in her character of Caroline is very + _interesting_ but very _ignorant_. We dressed accordingly; M. Austin + was the actress. She was in a graceful kneeling posture, I said + “encore” Caroline had one of her _wise_ looks, when happening to look + up I saw Miss Pierce standing in the door, a silent spectator of the + farce before her. We felt rather awkward, but Miss Pierce dispelled it + very soon by one of her good natured laughs.... June 10^{th} W. has + just returned from New York. She is not so very unpleasant as she has + been represented to me. As I expected she is rather affected but she + may possess many good qualities which I hope we shall discover to her + advantage. Went down to the Bantam to day Misses Austin & Beebe in + search of mint.... Went on board-[walk] a great place of resort for + the _fashionables_.... + + The bell rings for nine. I must bid you “good night” my dear Mama, + although you cannot hear me. + + June 22^{nd} 5 o’clock At six we go to Canaan. I expect the carriage + every moment. My “companions at arms” are Misses Denison, Austin, and + Misses M and S. Tufts, & Miss Weyman. + + ½ past 7. We have just returned from Canaan. It is between twenty and + thirty miles from L. the road passes through a delightful country. We + sang most of the time some of the tunes were Mary’s Fears, Blue-eyed + Mary, Love’s young dream, There’s nothing true but Heaven. Happiness + seemed to reign over our little party & was never expelled, excepting + some of the party were a little sick, and this sickness seemed to flee + away when we were singing. + + In some places we had the distant view of a little village, at others + the hills appeared to rise one above another and behind some of [?] + the spire of a church could be indistinctly seen. + + When we arrived at Canaan we proceeded immediately to the falls. The + bed of the river (the Housatounoc) appeared composed of one solid + stone which was almost flat. The river was so low that in some places + there would be perhaps 15 feet of the rock which would not be + overflowed. The view of the falls was the most grand that I ever saw. + The water does not fall perpendicularly over the rocks but in a + sloping direction. + + The falls are 60 feet in height. We wandered about some time and then + returned to the carriage to dine. we all scrambled into it with + sharpened appetites. After dining, we after great difficulty provided + ourselves with fishing apparatus, but did not succeed as we expected + for not one of the party caught a single fish. We wandered about + sometime admiring the romantic scenery, until by the length of our + shadows we perceived it was time to return to our abode. On our ride + home all the fields were covered with ivy, and Barnes [Hiram?] our + driver decked the horses and carriage with them. At length, without + accident we arrived at Miss Pierce’s very much fatigued but in high + spirits. Where Miss Weyman found a letter from her mother who resides + in Jamaica. + + Examination day has again returned and of course I am very much + engaged, but Mamma’s letter made me almost sick for she thinks me + _homesick_ but really am not, when I am in good health which is the + case at present. I succeed tolerably well with my music and can play + Robin Adair with much _grace_ and dignity. + + Mr. Hurlburt wishes me to reserve a corner of my letter and Miss Mary + must have another to assure Mamma of my _industry_, application, and + attention to my studies. + + 15^{th} Today we choose seats according to the number of credit marks + that we have. I had 93 credit marks and one “extra.” + + I have just heard from my old acquaintance Harriet Seelye of Cherry + Valley. She is cousin to Miss Shelton, an amiable, pleasant, + intelligent young lady who has lived in New York for a number of years + last past. Miss Shelton’s mother is sister to Mrs. Seelye. Lorenzo + Dow, The famous Methodist preacher, is to preach in Mr. Jones’ meeting + house this evening. I have a violent curiosity to see him, but I fear + it would not be proper for me to go. + + Went to the Lodge Library with Miss Frances Smith.... Just returned + from a visit to Misses Betts & Shelton where Miss Perkins and myself + spent a very pleasant evening. Miss Pierce has come for the candle and + says she fears we shall lose our extras in the morning for early + rising. + +[Illustration: + + PL. XLII.—FROM A COLORED DRAWING BY AMELIA LEWIS WHILE AT THE SCHOOL +] + + ... It is again Saturday and a most delightful day. Miss Austin and + myself have just come to school P. M. Dr. Beecher delivered to us a + very affecting address, and I hope we shall profit by his advice. + + ... The text this P. M. was “Pray without ceasing” Dr. Beecher was + unusually eloquent he appears very much engaged in the “good cause.” + His church is increasing very much and great attention is paying to + Religion and every one appears interested and a great many meetings + are held every week. Miss Buell, Miss Perkins and myself went to take + a walk after dark and left Miss Austin at home all alone. + + After our return Miss P. and myself went to a meeting which is + attended every Sabbath evening at our schoolhouse, but the room was so + crowded we could not get seats. So we returned to our house, Miss P. + to her writing and I to the studying of my lesson in history for + tomorrow. + + Tuesday. This P. M. Mr. Brace will propose a sum and I fear it will be + very difficult. All those that study Blair are under the necessity of + writing figures which is very difficult. Mine were left until the last + and of course they were pretty well selected, for it is Mr. B’s rule + to leave the best until the last. + + ... Mr. B. read figures yesterday and he selected five from the + parcel, as being selected with the most taste and judgment, and I had + the pleasure to perceive that mine was among the “priveleged few.” + + I have engaged to keep the paper this week which I fear I shall find + rather a difficult task. Mr. Brace was passing my desk and saw my + journal. he said he had kept one since 1806. I should think it might + be very interesting. + + Mr. B reads subjects for dissertations, for the week in which I am + appointed the subject is “The causes of dreams” which I think a very + easy subject. + + We have the pleasure to have the company of little Mary Brace, as she + is not more than 2 years old, I presume she does not attend school + with an idea of improvement. + + + _July 4, 1822._ + + 46 years have elapsed since the banners of Independence were raised + over the shores of America. and about 17, years since General + Washington departed this life for the land of spirits there to receive + a crown of far greater splendour than that would have been if he had + accepted, or rather, taken, that of the United States of America—We + were sweetly serenaded by B. & S. and L as we suppose but we were so + very unfortunate as not to hear it. When Miss Mary told us of it this + morning we were quite astonished that we could be so stupid as not to + hear it. It must have been quite _romantic_, for I never saw a more + delightful evening. + + This morning was ushered in by the ringing of the bells of the two + churches and that of the court house (which sounds very much like the + gaol bell of New York.) and a _clashing_ of fifes & drums, guns &c. + Miss A. and myself were invited to a party at Mr. J. P. Brace’s and we + hope to accept the polite invitation. + + _July 5^{th}_ We attended the party last evening and were rendered + quite happy by the kind exertions of Miss Betts and Mr. B. who were + very attentive and polite. It consisted of about 60 young ladies all + of whom were from our school and about 16 gentlemen. B. D. came home + with me I think I formed my judgment quite too hastily of him for I + think him very intelligent. My friend Martha A. wished me to change my + opinion and as I think I was prejudiced against him I think it was my + duty. + + Poor Mr. B. being Captain is very hoarse with the great exertions he + made yesterday in the commanding of his troops. An oration was + delivered yesterday at the meeting house by a Mr. Sandford. As Mr. B. + engaged to _shoot_ any fair damsel that was seen on the green, and as + we supposed the house would be uncomfortably full, none of the young + ladies of our house attended. (_The writer of this was called away + suddenly by family misfortunes and left by stage for Albany._) + + Mr. S. promised to come to-night and bring his flute and Miss Mary + says he will come “if he is alive,” I am very busy packing my + cloathes. My sudden departure seems to affect almost every one. A + gentleman is going in the stage to Albany tomorrow and I fear I _must_ + go under his protection but I sincerely hope not. + + _August 29^{th}_ I left Litchfield and all its dear inhabitants on the + morning of the 21^{st}. The eve. before Mr. S. brought his flute and + played while we accompanied him with the piano. Those present were + Miss Mary and S. Pierce Miss &c. and Mr. Brace. + + In the night we were awoke by music which appeared to be very near us. + we instantly arose and found it to be Messrs. Loring, Burgess and + Sullivan with flutes which were played with much skill and sweetness. + But all the pleasures of Litchfield could not render it possible for + me to remain there and in the morning I took my melancholy departure. + + In the stage were a Dr. Goodsell Mr. Waters of Charleston Mr. Hall and + his mother of Columbia. When we arrived at Norfolk where we changed + horses we were joined by a company of boisterous Dandies but our + carriage, not being sufficiently large to carry both parties they + proceeded in a separate stage. We were not annoyed by them at all—but + they made a great noise—When we stopped to dine they appeared to have + received a renovation of _spirits_—but they had not gone far before + they broke their carriage which detained us so much that we did not + arrive at Albany until about 8 o’clock. We staid there until the next + day at 4 o’clock when we left there for Utica. A Mr. Brown of Auburn + was one of our company and was very polite to me. We went to + Schenectady that evening and left there at 3 in the morning. In one of + the stages was Mr. C. Kirkland who paid me much attention. We arrived + at Utica about sunset and after calling a moment on Aunt B. I went to + New Hartford with Mr. Mrs. and Miss Marie Lyon who came to join Miss + Rossiter, and in the morning went with F. Hurlbut to see my dearest + Mamma. + + (Written by M. L. W. in 1822 at the age of sixteen) + + + + + 1825. + MARY PECK—HER ALBUM. + + +The name of Mary W. Peck occurs in the list of pupils for the year 1811, +and is placed among that of the teachers for the year 1825 as instructor +of drawing. She was the step-daughter of Dr. Abel Catlin, and lived with +him in the Frederick Deming house. She married Edward D. Mansfield, +whose account of his coming to Litchfield to study law is given earlier +in this book. That he found something there to study besides law is +evident. + +Mr. Mansfield gave Miss Peck an album on January 8, 1825, which is +filled with a large collection of delicate paintings showing great skill +in the use of her brush, with many locks of the hair of her friends, +arranged ingeniously and tastefully, and with extracts or original +articles written by friends, many of them noted residents of Litchfield. + +The following are the autographs in the Album of Mary W. Peck: + + Catherine Beecher + Mary H. Bishop, New Haven. + Mary F. Beecher + Mr. Thomas C. Perkins + H. Beecher (Henry Ward Beecher) + John P. Brace + Lucy E. Brace + H. Buel + F. Bronson + Louisa W. Bishop, New Haven. + Dr. Abel Catlin + Flora Catlin + Mary Catlin + Geo. Catlin + George Younglove Cutler + Mary Deming + Lucretia Deming + Charles Deming + W^m Deming + H. W. Delafield + Charles Davies West Point, May, 1827. + J. G. (James Gould) + Julia Gould + James R. Gould + Edward S. Gould + Geo. Gould + Henry G. Gould + Sally M. C. Gould + H. Holmes + Uriel Holmes + Stephen T. Hosmer, Judge Superior Court, Connecticut. + John P. Jackson, New Jersey. + Mary Lord + E. A. Lord + M. E. Landon + John R. Landon + N. Landon + Ann Elizabeth Landon + B. H. Langdon + M. A. Lewis + Jane R. Lewis + L. C. Lewis + E. W. Leavenworth Great Barrington, Massachusetts + Anna Marr Providence, Rhode Island + A. C. O. or A. C. V. + Clarissa Perkins + Henry A. Perkins President Bank, Hartford, Connecticut. + John Pierpont, poet. + Sarah Pierce (original poems) + J. Pierce + Mary Pierce + Lucy Parmelee + A. V. Parsons, Massachusetts. + W^m N. Peck + H. H. Riddel + E. Reeve (and Judge Reeve’s hair) + W^m Sheldon + Dr. Sheldon + Jane E. Shedden + Mary Smith + E. C. Stiles + David C. Sanford, New Milford Judge Superior Court, Connecticut. + Origen S. Seymour Judge Superior Court Connecticut + Henrietta S. Seymour (Mrs. G. C. Woodruff) + Benjamin Tallmadge, Colonel, Revolutionary Army. + M. Tallmadge + Susan Tracy + Oliver Wolcott, Governor, + S. W. Wolcott Connecticut. + H. H. Wolcott + E. Wolcott + M. G. Wolcott + Frederick Wolcott + +[Illustration: + + PL. XLIV.—BANTAM LAKE, WITH POEM BY MR. BRACE + + From Album of Mary Peck +] + + + EXTRACTS. + + DEAR MISS MARY PECK + + I hardly know in what manner to comply with your kind request that I + would insert in this beautiful Album a specimen of my handwriting and + signature. I find it nearly filled with fine drawings and Poetical + effusions which illustrate the elegant accomplishments of yourself and + your numerous friends. It would be vain for me to attempt to rival so + much excellence. Though I delight to peruse the works of the great + Masters of human intellect yet I am no Poet. + + At the present time and before my old eyes the _aspect of nature has + faded_ and I live chiefly in the recollection of Scenes that _have + passed_. I however cherish a constant & firm belief of the future + Glories which await my beloved Country and especially of their full + accomplishment in the fertile regions of the American Hesperia. + + I request you to remain assured that the most ardent of your young + Friends cannot exceed me in sincere wishes that you may long live + happy, amiable, contented and prosperous. + + OLIVER WOLCOTT. + + Litchfield, April 5, 1827. + + Bantam! dear lake! how calm thy waters lie! + How brightly green, thy sunny banks arise; + Calm as the hours of childhood, sported there: + And bright as life, appear’d to youthful ken; + No storm disturbs thy glassy surface clear; + Reflecting still the plane tree’s broad bright leaf, + Or oak with dark green crown; or gayer green + The corn sends forth in sunny hours; Sometimes + A tall bare pine, its foliage sent + Upon thy wave, like disappointments here, + Amid the brighter green of joy and hope— + And yet clear, placid lake! thou art the same + As when within thy cooling wave I swam, + In childhood’s hour — — — — + — — — Thou art the same + ’Tis man alone is chang’d — — — + Altamah. + MR. BRACE. + +The following lines were written by Miss C. Beecher upon hearing that +measures were taken to remove the remaining Indians in our country +across the Mississippi: + + THE INDIAN’S LAMENT. + + I go from all my heart loves best, + On to the dark Pacific wave, + For the poor Indian ne’er can rest, + But in his grave! + From every well known wood, & wild + Where every dearest hope was born + From all that charm’d me since a child, + I go, forlorn! + My smiling fields, where harvest waves, + My peaceful hut, I love so well; + My fathers bones, and mossgrown graves, + A long farewell! + My outcast babes, that lingering stand + And weep to leave your mothers grave, + From the oppressors greedy hand— + What power can save?— + Thou great good Spirit whom we fear + Are thy red children all forgot? + Dost Thou not mark each bitter tear, + Nor heed our lot? + We go from all our hearts love best + On to the dark Pacific wave + And the poor Indian ne’er can rest + But in his grave! + + “Few people comparatively are capable of Friendship; and still fewer + have all the qualifications one would choose in a Friend—The + fundamental point is a virtuous disposition but to that should be + added a good understanding, a solid judgment, sweetness of temper + steadiness of mind, freedom of behaviour, & Sincerity of heart” Seldom + as these are found united I have been so fortunate as to find them + blended in my friend Mary— + + ANN ELIZABETH LANDON + + Litchfield March 24, 1826. + + ON SEEING A PICTURE DRAWN BY A LADY. + + How soft the tints, how sweet the face, + How mild expression glows and beams; + Beyond the fairest of our race, + Beyond the most extatic dreams. + + No face so fair the painter knew, + That glow’d with feeling so refin’d, + When from abroad her eye withdrew; + And found the picture in her mind. + STEPHEN T HOSMER, + + March 7th, 1826— + + “When gathering clouds around I view + And days are dark & friends are few; + On him I lean, who not in vain + Experienced every human pain; + He knows my wants, allays my fears + And counts & treasures all my tears. + + “When painful thoughts within me rise + And sore dismayed, my spirit dies, + Yet he who once vouchsafed to bear + The sickening anguish of dispair, + Shall sweetly soothe, shall gently dry + The throbbing heart, the streaming eye. + + “When sorrowing o’er some stone I bend, + That covers all that was a friend, + And from his love, his voice, his smile + Divides me for a little while; + Thou Saviour mark’st the tears I shed + For thou didst weep o’er Laz’rus dead + + “And Oh! when I have safely past + Through every conflict, but the last, + Still, still unchanging watch beside + My painful bed—for thou hast died, + Then point to realms of endless day, + And wipe the _latest_ tear away + Your sincere friend + H. BEECHER + + May you my dear Mary, when delighted you stray, + Where the beams of the West, shed a bright genial ray + Remember the friends, you have loved in your youth, + Whose bosoms still glow, with affection and truth. + May the home you shall choose, and the new friends you find, + Be as constant and faithful, as tender and kind, + And may you to them, be a pearl of great price, + The supporter of Truth, the suppressor of vice. + And when Time, shall have sprinkled your tresses with snow, + May the Sun of religion, cast such light on your brow, + So placid and lovely, so pure and benign, + That the beauties of youth, all with pleasure resign, + And when over your grave, is placed the green sod, + May the tears of the poor, the regrets of the good, + Pay a tribute of praise, to your mem’ry more dear, + Than is paid to the hero, or statesman’s proud bier + When the last solemn trumpet, resounds thro’ the skies, + May the friends of your heart, with the Saviour arise, + And join the bless’d throng, assembled above + In the region of holiness, glory, and Love + S PIERCE + + O fear not thou to die! + Far rather fear to live, for Life + Has thousand snares thy feet to try + By peril, pain, and strife— + Brief is the work of Death; + But Life! the spirit shrinks to see + How full ere Heaven recalls the breath, + The cup of wo may be. + + O fear not thou to die! + No more to suffer or to sin; + No snares without thy faith to try— + No traitor heart within: + But fear, oh! rather fear + The gay, the light, the changeful scene, + The flattering smiles that greet thee here + From Heaven thy heart may wean. + +[Illustration: + + PL. XLV.—PROSPECT HILL IN WATER-COLOR + + From Mary Peek’s Album +] + + O fear not thou to die! + To die and be that blessed one, + Who in the bright and beauteous sky + May feel her conflict done,— + Who feels that never more + The tear of grief, of shame shall come + For thousand wanderings from the Power + Who loved, and called her home! + SARAH PIERCE + + Oh often wilt thy heart be fill’d + With gleeful mirth and rapture wild; + But when thy youth has flown. + There will be heav’nly seasons mild. + When thou wilt weep alone, + And make thy sorrows all thy own. + Then welcome those delicious tears + When the faint blush of evening wears + An aspect pure and meek; + And painful thoughts of brighter years + Alleviation seek, + In joys which only tears can speak— + Oft oer thy cheeks may such “drops roll”; + Oft mayst thou feel this “flow of soul” + And weep in extacy;— + But shouldst thou think who lov’d a stroll; + In solitude; like thee; + Shed half a tear to G. Y. C.— + GEO Y. CUTLER + + THE GRAVES OF A HOUSEHOLD. + + “They grew in beauty, side by side, + They filled our house with glee— + Their graves are severed far & wide, + By mount, and stream, and sea! + + The same fond mother bent at night + O’er each fair sleeping brow; + She had each folded flower in sight— + Where are those dreamers now? + + One mid’st the forest of the west + By a dark stream is laid; + The Indian knows his place of rest, + Far in the cedar shade. + + The sea, the blue lone sea, hath one, + He lies, where pearls lie deep; + He was the lov’d of all, yet none + O’er his low bed may weep. + + One sleeps where southern vines are dress’d + Above the noble slain, + He wrapt his colours round his breast, + On a blood-red field of Spain. + + And one, o’er _her_ the myrtle showers + Its leaves, by soft winds fann’d, + She faded ’midst Italian bowers, + The last of that bright band, + + And parted thus, _they_ rest, who played + Beneath the same green tree, + Whose voices mingled as they pray’d + Around one parent knee! + + They that with smiles lit up the hall, + And cheer’d with song the hearth— + Alas for Love! if _thou_ wert all, + And nought beyond on earth!” + + “Peace be around thee, wherever thou rovest, + May life be for thee one summer’s day, + And all that thou wishest, & all that thou lovest + Come smiling around thy sunny way— + + If sorrow e’er this calm should break + May ee’n thy tears pass off so lightly, + That like spring show’rs, they’ll only make + The smiles that follow shine more brightly. + + As half in shade, and half in sun, + This world along its path advances, + May that side the sun’s upon + Be all that e’er shall meet thy glances.” + E WOLCOTT Litchfield + May 20^{th} 1826: + +[Illustration: + + PL. XLVI.—LOVE GROVE OR LOVE’S ALTAR ON THE BANTAM, IN WATER-COLOR + + From Album of Mary Peck +] + + “The charms which blooming beauty shews + From faces heavenly fair, + We to the lily & the rose, + With semblance apt, compare. + + With semblance apt; for ah! how soon, + How soon they all decay! + The lily droops, the rose is gone, + And beauty fades away. + + But when bright Virtue shines confess’d, + With sweet discretion join’d, + When mildness calms the peaceful breast, + And wisdom guides the mind. + + Beyond the reach of time or fate + These graces shall endure, + Still, like the passion they create, + Eternal, constant, pure.—” + Litchfield May 27^{th} 1826 _Frederick Wolcott_ + + “I have nothing of my own Miss Peck, more worthy of a place in your + _album_ than the alternations of winter weather here in Litchfield + which I have thus “done into English verse.”” + + J^{NO} PIERPONT + + How _dark_ are these skies! a deep drapery of cloud + Oer the smiling young face of the morning was flung:— + Noon gave not his light; and the same gloomy shroud + Round the throne of the moon, all the evening has hung. + Yet these dark skies have drest the earth + In a white robe that knows no stain. + So white-robed Virtue has her birth + In days of gloom, and nights of pain. + + How _sad_ are these skies! Their bright hues are all dead! + The morning and evening no longer are fair! + They mourn their lost sun;—and the tears, that they shed, + Are frozen, as they fall through the sorrowful air. + Yet these sad skies, whose hosts of light + Have all their glittering banners furled, + These skies are sending down, to-night, + Their treasured jewels to our world. + So, in the hours when most we grieve,— + The hours of sadness and of sighs, + Believe me Mary,—we receive + The choicest blessings of the skies. + + How _cold_ are these skies! Hoary Winter, reclined + On his snow-wreaths, the charms of earth’s bosom deforms; + And the fields, and the groves, and the heavens are resigned + To the rule, and the wrath of the Spirit of Storms, + Yet these cold skies the earth have drest + In saint like vesture, white and warm; + And spread a mantle o’er her breast + To shield it from the freezing storm. + So not the coldest blast that flies + O’er hope’s young flowers the heart shall chill, + If in the storm, it lowly lies, + And waits the All-Ruling Spirit’s will. + + How _clear_ are these skies!—no heaven-ward mist + Going up from the earth, their bright arch dims. + Not a cloud, all the morning their fair face kissed; + Not a cloud, now at noon, in their blue depth swims. + Yet these clear skies, so pure, so bright, + So smiling,—o’er a cold world bend;— + A world where many a freezing night + And wintry day we’re doomed to spend. + Then, when the world looks cold on you, + And your lone heart with grief is swelling, + Look up!—for all the pure and true, + _There_ is a high and holy dwelling. + + 14 Jan^y. 1827.— + + + HYMN FOR A DYING BED. + + Composed by C. Beecher, for L. Waite. + + And is there one who knows each grief, + And counts the tears his children shed, + Whose soothing hand can bring relief + And smooth, and cheer their painful bed? + Saviour, invisible, yet dear! + Friend of the helpless, art thou near? + + Forgive the faltering faith, & fears + Of this weak heart that seeks thine aid, + Forgive these often flowing tears, + Thou! who has fainted, wept, & pray’d— + Ah! who so well our wants can know, + As He who felt each human woe! + + Yes, _Thou_ has felt the with’ring power + Of mortal weakness, & distress, + And _Thou_ hast known the mournful hour. + Of desolating loneliness— + Hast mourn’d thy friends, so faithless fled, + And wept in anguish o’er the dead. + + Cast out to seek the lowliest shed, + The rich, the great despised thy name, + And thou didst seek thy daily bread, + Mid poverty, reproach, & shame— + Forgive a heart that can repine + To share a lot _more blest than Thine_— + + And _Thou_ hast tried the Tempter’s power + And felt his false & palsying breath, + Hast known the gloomy fears that wait + Along the shadowy vale of Death— + And what the dreadful pangs must be + Of life’s last parting agony. + + My only Hope! My Stay, My Shield! + Thy fainting creature looks to Thee— + Thy soothing peace, thy guidance yield + In this, my last extremity;— + With Thy dear, guardian hand to save + I venture downward to the grave! + + THE WATER LILY. + + This flower that so lovelily pleads for a sigh + Unnotic’d was born unnurtur’d to bloom; + Its fate had decreed it to wither and die + Where no heart of affection might weep o’er its tomb. + + But chance has bequeath’d it in beauty to thee; + And in beauty it lives on the page of thy heart; + And while memory lingers or life shall endure + That flower from remembrance can never depart. + + And thus, when between us Time’s current shall roll, + When mountains and waters our fortunes shall sever, + On thy tablets of _Friendship_ my name I’d enrol + To live in thy cherish’d remembrance forever. + EDWARD S. GOULD + + Litchfield 25, Jany, 1826. + + Tho’ in distant lands we sigh + Parched beneath a burning sky + Tho’ the deep between us rolls + Friendship shall Unite our Souls, + And in fancy’^s wide domain + There may we both meet again + + When the dreams of life are fled + When its wasted lamp^s are dead + When in cold oblivious shade + Beauty, Wealth, and Fame are laid + Where immortal spirits reign + There may we all meet again + E REEVE + +[Illustration: + + PL. XLVII.—LOVE CARRYING THE WORLD + + By George Catlin, painter of Indian Pictures in Smithsonian Institute + + From Mary Peck’s Album +] + + Oh can you forget, when you stood round the bed + When _Helen_ address’d you with ardour & love, + How your Souls hung in rapture on all that she said, + When she urg’d you to place your affections above? + Clarinda[65] has died, on the bed where I lie; + “And what is the profit that you have receiv’d? + “And now must Young Helen be summon’d to die + “And no lasting benefit hence be atchiev’d? + “Must Victim on Victim go down to the Grave, + “To teach their Survoivors the shortness of life; + “And will you not strive, dear Companions, to save + “That precious betrustment[66] which time must survive? + “Believe dying Helen; this world is a snare; + “Its pleasures & Honors can never suffice; + “Of all its fair promises ever beware, + “And place your best treasure secure in the Skies.” + But all is now silent. The Spirit has fled + To Mansions of Glory, or Shades of despair; + The body now sleeps in the Tomb of the dead, + Awaiting the Sound of the Trump to appear. + BENJ^N. TALLMADGE + + ON THE DEATH OF MISS HELEN PECK. + + Can an earthly mind tell, when the plants of life wither + They will flourish again, in a kindlier soil? + Can an earthly eye trace the bright journey thither, + When the soul has escap’d from the world’s sin & toil? + + ’Tis the gospel alone, when an earthly plant dies, + Shows it blooming and fresh in a heavenly bower; + ’Tis the gospel alone marks the Soul as it flies + To the regions of light, by omnipotent power— + + Then; think not that _She_, who once bloom’d on this earth, + As fair as the flower that in Eden first grew, + Has lost the least tinge of her mildness and worth: + Death cannot distroy them, or alter their hue— + + The stream, that once flow’d in this storm beaten vale + Tho’ its passage is stop’d, yet, in source, is not dried; + It will burst forth anew, unreach’d by the gale, + While the river of life rolls its waves by its side. + + Tho’ she sank, like the leaf, when in spring time, it falls, + Yet she has not endur’d the last death pang in vain: + For her moment of life, Oh! how loudly it calls, + To look, as she look’d, from this region of pain. + J. P. BRACE— + + Perhaps we part, no more to meet, + And who, my friend, can show + What scenes of sorrow, or of joy, + Await us here below? + Though life to you is in its morn, + And youthful pleasures court + Its fairest rose conceals a thorn, + Its longest space is short. + + But Oh! there is a better state, + Where hopes unfading bloom, + There is a brighter land that gleams + Across the darken’d tomb. + There may we meet, in that blest home, + Where none shall sigh with pain, + Where hours of parting never come, + Now human frailties stain. + M TALLMADGE + + Bantam! dear lake! how calm thy waters lie! + How brightly green, thy sunny banks arise; + Calm as the hours of childhood, sported there: + And bright as life appear’d to youthful ken: + No storm disturbs thy glassy surface clear; + Reflecting still the plane trees broad bright leaf, + Or oak with dark green crown; or gayer green + The corn send forth in sunny hours; Sometimes + A tall bare pine, its foliage sent + Upon thy wave, like disappointments hue, + Amid the brighter green of joy & hope— + And yet clear, placid lake! thou art the same + As when within thy cooling wave I swam, + In childhoods hour — — — + — — — Thou art the same + ’Tis man alone is chang’d— + Altamah. + MR. BRACE + +[Illustration: + + PL. XLVIII.—LOVE’S FALL + + By George Catlin, in Mary Peck’s Album +] + + + THE RULES OF LITCHFIELD ACADEMY. 1825— + +From the copy made by a pupil, Charlotte Phelps, who married George D. +Cowles, of Farmington. + + 1st. You are expected to rise early, be dressed neatly and to exercise + before breakfast. You are to retire to rest when the family in which + you reside request you. You must consider it a breach of politeness to + be requested a second time to rise in the morning or retire of an + evening. + + 2nd. You are requested not only to exercise in the morning but also in + the evening sufficiently for the preservation of health. + + 3rd. It is expected that you never detain the family by unnecessary + delay; either at meals or family prayer. To be absent when a blessing + is asked at table, or when the family have assembled to read the word + of God, and to solicit his favor, discovers a want of reverence to his + name, and shows that you have a cold heart destitute of gratitude to + the author of all good. + + 4th. It is expected as rational and immortal beings that you read a + portion of Scripture, both morning and evening with meditation and + prayer. That you never read the word of God carelessly or make use of + any Scripture phrase in a light or trifling manner + + 5th. It is expected that you attend public worship every Sabbath, + except some unavoidable circumstance prevent, which you will dare to + present as a sufficient apology at the day of judgment. + + 6th. Your deportment must be grave and decent while in the house of + God; all light conduct in a place of worship is not only offensive to + God but an indication of ill breeding; and highly displeasing both to + the good and the polite. + + 7th. The Sabbath must be kept holy, no part wasted in sloth, frivolous + conversation or light reading. Remember that for all our time, but + particularly for the hours of the Sabbath, you must give an account. + + 8th. Every hour during the week must be fully occupied either in + useful employments, or necessary recreation. Two hours must be + faithfully devoted to close study each day, while out of school: and + every hour in school must be fully occupied. (For every hour wasted in + school you must give yourselves a whole miss under the rules.) The + ladies where you board must mention if you do not study your two hours + each day. + + 9th. You must never interrupt your companions by talking, or any other + disturbance during the hours of school, or those set apart for study. + + 10th. The hours appointed for any particular study or occupation must + not be employed in any other way, but the appointed lesson. + + 11th. You must suppress all emotions of anger, fretfulness and + discontent. Bear always in your memory the many blessings God is + continually bestowing upon you, for which he requires not only + contentment but a cheerful temper. + + 12th. The truth must be spoken at all times though it might seem more + advantageous to tell a falsehood. + + 13th. You are expected to be polite in your manners, neat in your + persons and rooms, careful of your books, clothes and every article of + use. + + 14th. Tale bearing and scandal are odious vices and must be avoided: + neither must you flatter your companions by any remarks on their + beauty, dress or any accomplishment, in order to increase their + vanity, and let every one thus flattered remember that such + compliments are an insult offered to the understanding. + + 15th. While you are forbidden to repeat anything to the disadvantage + of your companions, you are also requested to inform one of the + teachers if you observe anything amiss in your school fellows which + your teachers can correct. This not to be done from malice, but from a + sincere desire for their reformation. + + 16th. Every scholar is bound to conform to the regulations of the + family in which she resides. They are never to go out of an evening + without permission from the lady who has the charge of them; are not + to read any book, or engage in any amusement without her approbation. + + 17th. No young lady is allowed to attend any public ball, or sleigh + party till they are more than 16 years old. + + 18th. Speaking or moving once in school hours either with or without + liberty will take off a part of the extra—unless they move to recite + or practice, or write at the tables—Speaking more than once will take + off the whole extra and often give you a quarter of a miss. + + 19th. You must write a letter to be corrected and sent home to your + friends once in four weeks—except excused. You must not write a + careless note, or any careless writing. You must write a composition + once in a fortnight, of 200 words. You must write at least 30 good + lines in a week. + + 20th. You must have a lesson ready to recite when you first come into + school. + + 21st. You must come in or go out of the school in a quiet genteel + manner—you must not talk or laugh loud in the street. + +[Illustration: + + PL. XLIII.—WHITE LACE VEIL WORKED BY MARY PECK AND WORN BY HER AT HER + WEDDING +] + + 22nd. You must not wear your party dresses, or any handsome lace, + neither your best hats or shawls to school. + + 23rd. You must not walk for pleasure after 9 o’clock in the evening. A + reward will be given to those who do not waste any money, books, + clothes, paper or quills, during the term. To those who have their + duties performed at the proper time. To those who have not been + peevish, homesick or impolite. To those who always attend meeting or + church. To those who never write carelessly. + + + CUSTOM OF EXCHANGING CHILDREN. + + A custom quite general in New England in the early part of this + century, there being no boarding schools, was that of friends in + different parts of the country exchanging children for a certain + length of time, shorter or longer. The advantages were sometimes for + the sake of change of air, and sometimes for the intellectual training + of the children and are known to have worked well. The following + extract from a letter from one of the pupils on the list of 1825, now + living, makes the custom more clear. + + “My connection with the school was only for two or three months and + rather accidental. A friend of my mother wishing to send a young son + to New Haven for the summer of 1825 Proposed an exchange of children + for the time. I was a child of such slender form and far from vigorous + and my parents were glad to send me into the country. Hoping the fine + climate of Litchfield would benefit me, yet not wishing me to study; + but as I wanted something to do I was permitted to attend Miss + Pierce’s school with the daughter of Judge Wollcott in whose family I + was staying.” + +Extract from a paper read May 4, 1896, before the Village Library +Company of Farmington, on “Farmington Society One Hundred Years Ago,” by +Julius Gay. + + One of the first results of increasing wealth was a desire for a + better education than the district school afforded. Already in 1792 + Miss Sally Pierce had established her famous school in Litchfield + under the patronage of Chief Justice Tapping Reeve, Gov. Wolcott, Col. + Tallmadge, and other distinguished men, probably the first female + seminary in America. Here were sent the young ladies of this village + until the Farmington Academy was established. E. D. Mansfield LL.D., + once connected with the “Old Red College” of Deacon Hooker, gives us + in his “Personal Memories” an outside view of the school as it + appeared a few years later, on his first visit to Litchfield. + + “One of the first objects which struck my eyes was interesting and + picturesque. This was a long procession of school girls, coming down + North Street, walking under the lofty elms, and moving to the music of + a flute and flageolet. The girls were gayly dressed and evidently + enjoyed their evening parade, in this most balmy season of the year. + It was the school of Miss Sally Pierce, one of the earliest and best + of the pioneers in American female education. That scene has never + faded from my memory. The beauty of nature, the loveliness of the + season, the sudden appearance of this school of girls, all united to + strike and charm the mind of a young man, who, however varied his + experience, had never beheld a scene like that.” + + He was about to enter the Litchfield Law School, a famous institution + which gathered numerous brilliant young men, especially from the + South. Their proximity might have been a disturbing element in the + quiet of the young ladies school had Miss Pierce lacked the wisdom to + manage discreetly what would have ruined a weaker administration. The + young men were allowed to call on certain evenings, but woe to the man + who transgressed ever so slightly the laws of strict decorum. To be + denied admission to Miss Sally Pierce’s parlor was the deepest + disgrace which could befall a young man. A school girl writes home + that a “Mr. Lyde was very attentive to Miss Norton (of Farmington) and + gazed at her so much that it mortified Miss Norton, and Miss Sally + spoke to him and he has not been in the house since March.” It was + only after much correspondence and penitence that Mr. Lyde was + reinstated. On leaving the school, each girl was expected to bring + home to her admiring parents some evidence of proficiency in her + studies. Those who could, exhibited elaborate water-color drawings + which have hung ever since on the walls of Farmington parlors. Others + less gifted were advised to paint their family coat of arms, and, if + they had never heard of any, they soon learned how all this could be + remedied without any correspondence with the Herald’s College. One + Nathan Ruggles who advertised in the Connecticut Courant “at his + Looking Glass and Picture Store, Main Street, opposite the State + House, city of Hartford,” had somehow come in possession of the huge + volume of Edmonson’s Complete Body of Heraldry, and allowed anyone to + select from its vast assortment of heraldic monsters, “Gorgons, and + Hydras, and Chimeras dire,” such as suited her taste. His sole charge + was the promise of being employed to frame the valuable work when + done. I have seen several of these devices which were brought home + from Litchfield, some done in water-colors and some in embroidery, + with combinations of color which would make a herald stare. They had + however just as good right to them as ninety nine out of a hundred of + the families who flaunt coat-armor and pictures of English castles and + all that in their published genealogies. There is no reason to suppose + Miss Pierce had anything to do in obtaining these designs. Most of the + embroidered arms are of a later date and were executed at a young + ladies school in Hartford. Those in water-colors were most if not all + of Litchfield origin. Nathan Ruggles who was responsible for all this + spurious heraldry, came to an untimely end. In a private display of + fireworks at his house, the whole suddenly exploded and brought his + heraldic career to an all too brilliant conclusion. + +[Illustration: + + PL. XLIX.—OLD COSTUME FROM ROXBURY, ABOUT 1825 +] + + One of Miss Sally Pierce’s pupils from Farmington writes of the school + life “We have balls at Miss Pierce’s school better than all the balls + at Middletown. We dance once a month. We have a musician and he comes + by 6 o’clock and plays till 9.” On Sunday she writes “Our exhibitions + are on Tuesday and Wednesday, and Thursday we dance and by Friday + night I really think I shall be tired. I have been to meeting all day + although it has rained very hard. Mr. Huntington preached. He is a + fine preacher, I think, and very handsome.” + + + + + 1826. + LITCHFIELD FEMALE ACADEMY + + + CONDUCTED BY MISS PIERCE AND MR. BRACE + + TERMS OF TUITION + + Writing, History, Geography, Grammar, Arithmetic, + Rhetoric, and Composition, with plain Needlework, per + Quarter $5 + The above, with Natural and Moral Philosophy, Logic, + Chemistry, Mathematics, the Principals of Taste and + Criticism, with the Latin and Greek Languages, per + Quarter 6 + French Language 5 + Drawing 3 + Music 12 + Board in respectable families near the Academy, from $1.75 to $2 per + week, exclusive of washing. + The Summer Term, commences May 16. + The Winter, November 29. April, 1826. + + + + + 1827. + NOTES FROM THE RECORDS OF THE LITCHFIELD FEMALE ACADEMY. + + +Copy of the subscription for the Litchfield Female Academy. April, 1827. + +The subscribers, being desirous of extending the benefits of the Female +Academy, in this place, (which they believe can be done, by the erection +of a new building, and procuring an act of incorporation which shall +constitute the subscribers owners of the stock and place the same under +the management of a board of trustees, consisting of ten persons who +shall hold their offices during life, or until they resign or remove +from this state, with power to controul and manage all the affairs of +the institution, which shall be exclusively devoted to the purpose of +Female education, excepting that one of the rooms in the proposed +building may be made use of as a Conference room by the Congregational +and episcopal societies in this Village and for other objects of that +nature under the direction and at the discretion of the trustees) do +hereby agree to unite in a petition for the above purpose to the general +assembly at their ensuing session & if the same be granted to subscribe +and pay for stock in such corporation to the amount affixed to our +names, respectively & to relinquish to the Corporation for the benefit +of said institution all the dividends or profits on the stock by us held +so long as Miss S. Pierce or Mr. J. P. Brace or either of them shall be +employed in the instruction of youth in said academy. This subscription +to become binding on the subscribers on the following conditions viz + +1^{st} That Miss Sarah Pierce shall convey to the Corporation, after an +act of corporation shall be obtained, the building she now occupies as a +schoolhouse and as much land in quantity where said buildings now stand +as is at present attached to said buildings and included within the +fences to be improved for a building lot for the new school house or +academy and that said land and buildings shall be considered as stock +subscribed by Miss Pierce under this subscription and shall be estimated +at the sum of $600. + +2^{nd} That in addition to the subscription to be made by Miss Pierce on +the principles and to the amount stated above, there shall be subscribed +within four weeks from this date the further sum of $900 or 60 shares +each share to be $15. + + Dated at Litchfield this 26^{th} day of April + + 1827. (A true copy). + +I agree to convey the land and buildings mentioned in the preceding +subscription under terms and for the objects therein specified, +estimated at $600 or 40 shares. (A true copy) + + SARAH PIERCE + + NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS. NUMBER OF SHARES. + Frederick Wolcott Two shares + James Gould Two shares + William Buel Two shares + Jabez W. Huntington Two shares + Charles Seymour Two shares + Grove Catlin One share + Phineas Miner One share + Stephen Deming One share + James H. Wadsworth Two shares + Samuel Buel Two shares + S. & H. Childs Two shares + Silvester Galpin One share + Joshua Gavvitt One share + Josiah Parks One share + Oliver S. & John L. Wolcott Two shares + E. A. Lord One share + Dan^l Sheldon One do + S. S. Smith Two shares + G. Dewey One share + John R. Landon Two shares + Alanson Abbe Three shares + John W. Russell One share + Truman Smith One share + Charles N Webb. One share + Jason Whiting One share + David C. Sanford One share + Elihu Harrison One share + Uriel Holmes One share + B. Kilbourne One share + Samuel P. Bolles One share + Oliver Goodwin One share + Jonathan Carrington One share + Sam^l Buel 2 One share + Leonard Goodwin Two shares + Origen S. Seymour One share + Silvester Spencer One share + Henry Phelps One share + Andrew Benedict One share + John P. Brace One share + Ambrose Norton One share + James Winship One share + Amos Wadsworth One share + Hiram Barnes One share + C. G. Bennett One share + Stone & Bolles One share + Benjamin Tallmadge Two shares + Henry A. Perkins One share + Ozias Seymour One share + S. Trowbridge & G. Treadway One share + William H. Thompson One share + Seth P. Beers Two shares + +A true copy of the original subscription enrolled among the papers of +the Litchfield Female Academy and marked no 1— + + Attest J. P. BRACE. Sec. + + +Then follows an Act of incorporation given at Hartford, Conn., by the +General Assembly in said state, on the first Wednesday of May, 1827. +This act provided “that shares be $15 each provided that the number of +shares shall not exceed 500 & the capital stock shall not exceed the sum +of $7500.” + + E. N. V. + + +At a meeting of the “Litchfield Female Academy” holden pursuant to +adjournment at the West School House in Litchfield June 15^{th} 1827, +the following persons were elected trustees. + + Frederick Wolcott. + James Gould. + William Buel. + Phineas Miner. + Seth P. Beers. + Truman Smith. + John P. Brace. + John R. Landon. + Daniel Sheldon. + Jabez W. Huntington. + +Frederick Wolcott was appointed President of the board and Truman Smith +Secretary and William Buel Treasurer. + + +[Illustration: + + PL. L.—OLD COSTUME FROM ROXBURY, ABOUT 1825 +] + +The contract for the building was given to Silvester Spencer, minute +directions being given that “it shall be 42 ft. long, 30 ft. wide two +stories high with parts 21 ft. long from the top of the sill to the +bottom of the Plate the stories of equal length. Sleepers and rafters of +good oak and chestnut. The whole frame to be of good and substantial +materials. The building (except the front) is to be covered with good +pine clapboards. The front to be covered like Doc^t Samuel Buel’s House +with 1¼ Tuck pine stuff free from sap and nots and put together with +white paint and 4 Pilasters to be a cornice like said Buel’s (excepting +eave Troughs) on the side and front with Raking cornice to be a window +in the front gable like said Buel’s and covered with a good Green +Blind, ... the door to be hung with wrought Iron Hooks & Hinges and +furnished with suitable trimmings.... The clapboards to be nailed on +with wrought Nails. There is to be 21 windows of 24 Lights part of +English brown glass 8 by 10 & One window in the west gable end 20 lights +8 by 10 Glass.... There is to be a Cupola on the front & finished with +not less than six posts. With a deck so made as to exclude the water & +Sustain a bell with a spire of iron.... The whole building to be painted +white with three coats of good paint of white lead and oil except the +roof.... The Painting to be done by the first day of May next.” The +payments to be “four hundred dolls on or before the 10^{th} day of Sept. +next 200 dollars on or before the first day of November next and the +balance when the building shall have completed. + +Voted that Leonard Goodwin be authorized to sell at discretion the +building or buildings now occupied by the Litchfield Academy, reserving +the use of the same until the first day of May next, and also to remove +the same if necessary. + +A detailed agreement with Samuel Childs was made regarding the stone +underpinning which was to cost $65. January 21^{st} 1828 it was found +that $250 more would be necessary to make the building “comfortable and +convenient,” which sum was borrowed of Elisha S. Buel. + +At a meeting of the Trustees holden Nov. 14^{th}, 1828 _voted_ that Dr. +William Buel be appointed agent to collect the balance now due on the +Subscription to the Litchfield Female Academy and be authorized to +institute suits for the collection of the same. + +At a meeting of the Trustees March 28^{th}, 1828 the following address +to the public was drawn up and ordered to be printed:— + + + LITCHFIELD FEMALE ACADEMY. + + The Trustees of the Female Academy at Litchfield deem it proper to + acquaint the public with the present situation and prospects of the + institution of which they have the general superintendence. This + School has been established more than thirty-five years. It was + founded by the exertions of an individual lady (Miss Sarah Pierce) + aided by a few friends. It has been under her immediate direction from + its first establishment, and for several years she has been assisted + by John P. Brace, Esq., a gentleman of distinguished literary and + scientific attainments, whose time and talents are assiduously devoted + to the improvement of the pupils under his charge. While many similar + institutions have, during this period, arisen, flourished for a time + and then ceased to exist, this school has continued to receive, as it + is believed it has always richly deserved, a great share of public + patronage. It has obtained public notice and favor by the force of its + own merits. Constant and unremitting exertions on the part of the + instructors, combined with long experience and a thorough acquaintance + with all the branches of education which are taught, have given this + school a character which has drawn forth the commendations of many of + the distinguished men of our country. Young Ladies from every part of + the United States have been members of it, and great numbers have + received its highest honors. The whole number of pupils, since it was + first opened, exceeds two thousand. + + During the last year it has been considered an act of duty to that + community by whom it has been so long patronized, to provide more + extensive accommodations, for those who seek to participate in the + advantages it affords. With this view, a large and commodious building + has been erected, with suitable apartments for every branch of study + appropriate to such an institution, and for the apparatus connected + with the different branches of science. + + It will be opened for the reception of pupils at the commencement of + the ensuing _summer_ term, which will be on the 14^{th} of May + next:—This term will continue until the 29^{th} of October, when there + will be a vacation of four weeks, at the expiration of which the + _winter_ term will commence, and continue until the 21^{st} of + April;—Another vacation of three weeks will terminate with the + commencement of the _summer_ term. + + A regular course of instruction will be given in English Grammar, + Geography, Ancient and Modern History, Arithmetic, Algebra, and the + higher branches of the Mathematics, Rhetoric, Composition and the + principles of Taste, Natural Philosophy and Chemistry, Moral + Philosophy and Logic. In addition to these, the pupils, at their + option, will be instructed in Latin, Greek, and French Languages, the + various branches of Natural History, Music and Drawing, for all which + the most competent instructors are provided. + +[Illustration: + + _No._ + 182 + + BE IT KNOWN that + of is the proprietor of share of the + Capital Stock of the LITCHFIELD FEMALE ACADEMY, which share + transferrable only by the said + or attorney, on surrender of this certificate. + + _Frederick Wolcott._ _President._ + + _Secretary._ + + PL. LI.—FACSIMILE OF FORM OF STOCK CERTIFICATE OF ACADEMY + +] + + The text-books used at this institution are Walker’s Dictionary, + Murray’s Grammar, Woodbridge’s Geography and Atlas, Miss Pierce’s + Ancient History, Russell’s Modern Europe, Goodrich’s American History, + Arithmetic, Blair’s Rhetoric abridged, Allison on Taste, Conversations + on Natural Philosophy and Chemistry, Paley’s Philosophy, Hedge’s + Logic. + + The location of this Academy is in the centre of a pleasant village, + remarkably healthy, free from vice and the temptations to the + commission of it, and possessing every facility of communication with + other places, by stage coaches and mails, which arrive and leave it + daily. + + The Trustees confidently believe, that with the additional advantages + which this institution now possesses, it will receive the increased + patronage of the public, and that it will continue to be, as it + heretofore eminently has been, distinguished as a seminary, where the + different branches of female education are faithfully and successfully + taught. + + By order of the Board of Trustees, + FREDERICK WOLCOTT, President. + + Litchfield, Conn. March 28, 1828. + + +From the following vote, there must have been another school building on +East Street:— + + “Voted that Leonard Goodwin be a committee to make a public or private + sale of the building belonging to the L. F. Academy now standing in + East street. Sept. 11, 1829.” + + +At a meeting on the 19th October, 1832, “the resignation of John P. +Brace as Trustee, Secretary of the Board and Assistant Teacher was read +and accepted.” Frederick Wolcott and Oliver Goodwin were appointed a +committee to wait on Miss Sarah Pierce to learn her views regarding the +continuance of the school. + + +[_Notices of Change of Teachers from the Litchfield Enquirer, October +31^{st} 1833._] + + + EDITORIAL NOTICE: + + “_Litchfield Female Academy._—We feel no disposition to say much more + upon this subject than to call the attention of our readers to the + advertisement of the Trustees in a subsequent column, which is very + full and explicit. The acquisition to the school of Miss Gimbred, we + consider as a very fortunate and important one. This school has always + maintained a very elevated rank among the literary institutions of the + country; and under the management of its present excellent + instructors, we feel no apprehension but what it will fully maintain + its deserved celebrity.” + + + TRUSTEES’ NOTICE: + + + “LITCHFIELD FEMALE ACADEMY.” + + “The Trustees of the _Litchfield Female Academy_, in consequence of a + recent change in some of the principal instructors, consider it their + duty to state to the public the present condition and prospects of + this Institution. + + “This school was founded about forty years since by Miss _Sarah + Pierce_; and under her care and superintendence it early acquired a + distinguished rank among the literary institutions of our country. + This rank it has fully sustained to the present time. There have + generally been young ladies in this school from one half the States in + the Union, and the number has varied from 80 to 130. Miss Pierce has + now retired from the performance of any active duties in this + institution; but she feels a deep interest in its prosperity, and will + visit it daily; and it is to be hoped that, as heretofore, in answer + to her prayers, the blessing of heaven may descend upon it. Mr. _John + P. Brace_, who for eighteen years was a very able and distinguished + instructor in this school, nearly a year since accepted the + appointment of Principal in the Female Seminary at Hartford. + Notwithstanding the removal of these eminent instructors, the Trustees + state, with high gratification, that in their opinion this institution + has never been more worthy of public confidence and patronage, and its + prospects have never been more flattering than at the present time. + + “Miss _Henrietta Jones_, the present Principal, appointed by the + Trustees, received her education in this academy. She has had five + years’ experience as an instructress; and the Trustees, from regard to + her feelings, will only add in her commendation, that they consider + her, by her talents and acquirements, as eminently qualified for the + station they have assigned her. There are others associated with her + to instruct in the various branches which have heretofore been taught + in this school, in whose qualifications the Trustees have entire + confidence. + + “The _French Language, Music and Drawing_ will be taught by Miss + _Evelina Gimbred_, who, with her mother, Mrs. Gimbred, has removed to + this village. They will receive young ladies as boarders in their + family. The father of this young lady was a Professor, and Teacher of + Drawing, at the Military Academy of West Point; in which institution + it is well known that none but highly respectable and well educated + persons are ever employed as Professors. This gentleman gave his + daughter an education with a view to qualify her to teach the French + language, and to become an instructress in Drawing; and in consequence + of his death, his family are left to provide for themselves. They are + native French people, but they speak our language fluently and + correctly. These ladies propose to remain permanently in this village; + and the Trustees consider the arrangement they have made with them as + an extremely interesting event to the friends of the Female Academy in + this place. + + “The Trustees will only state, in addition, the price of Tuition and + Board, viz: + + Per Quarter. + Highest Department of English studies, $5.37 + Second „ „ „ „ 4.37 + Third „ „ „ „ 3.37 + Instruction in Drawing, 5.00 + „ in the French language 7.00 + „ in Music 10.00 + + Board can be obtained in respectable families at $2 per week. Those + who may board in the family with the Instructress in French, and where + only the French language will be spoken, will pay for board $2 per + week, and for other privileges 50 cents. + + “_The next term will commence the 20^{th} day of November next, at + which time it is desired that all who may propose to join the school + shall punctually attend._” + + “By order of the Board of Trustees. + + “FREDERICK WOLCOTT, President.” + “LEONARD GOODWIN, Secretary.” + + “Village of Litchfield, Oct. 30, 1833.” + + + The above notice was also inserted in the Enquirer for Nov. 7^{th} and + 14^{th}: + + It was voted at a meeting of Trustees, held April 6^{th} 1844, that + Seth P. Beers apply to the Legislature for a change in the charter, so + that the buildings could be used for both sexes. In 1849 the use of + the Academy was tendered to the Normal School. + + + NOTICE—A meeting of the Corporation of the L Female Academy will be + held at the Academy of said Corporation in L-field on the 10^{th} day + of July 1854 at two o’clock in the afternoon for the purpose of + electing Trustees for said Academy. + + Per order of the Legislature of Connecticut + + STEPHEN DEMING + + Found in July 13, 20, 27 + + At a meeting of the Shareholders of the Corporation of the Litchfield + Female Academy, convened by Stephen Deming, Esq. (by order of the + Legislature) on the 10^{th} day of July 1854, the following persons + were appointed Trustees of the year ensuing to wit: Albert Sedgwick, + Jason Whiting, Chas Adams, Oliver Goodwin, Gideon H. Hollister, Henry + Buel, R. H. Coit, William Deming, J. G. Beckwith & S. P. Bolles. + + The following Resolution was also adopted at said meeting to wit: That + whereas the by-laws of the Litchfield Female Academy as now on record, + make it necessary that the original certificates of stock should be + returned in order to procure new certificates in all transfers of + stock, and whereas in many, perhaps in most cases of ownership of said + stock, no certificates were given, and if given have been lost, and no + record of certificates made on the Secretary’s book, the stockholders + hereby recommend to the Trustees to pass by-laws requiring all + transfers of stock now held by any person, originating from the + original shares, to be entered on the Secretaries’ book, and that the + owners thereof have liberty to vote on them in all elections, and in + all transactions of business. + + J. CARRINGTON, Chairman + + Litchfield July 10^{th} 1854 + + +At a meeting of the Trustees September 6, 1856, it was voted that Miss +Mary Pierce be allowed to purchase the Academy property, consisting of +the land and building, for the sum of $900. + + + + + 1828. + + + [_Extract of Letter from Miss B. C. Robertson to Miss Pierce._] + + SAVANNAH, Nov 20, 1882 + + ... Jenny is quite well—she relates _four wonders_ (to our colored + folks) which occurred in her _travels at the North_—1^{st} that _water + is sold_ in New York. 2^{nd} the Deaf & Dumb instructed at + Hartford—3^{rd}—how she got up and came down such a high place as Pine + Orchard—& 4^{th} that she saw a gentleman and lady ascend in a + _Balloon_ while she was in New York. + +[Illustration: + + PL. LII.—THE LITCHFIELD ACADEMY + + Drawn by Dr. Z. S. Webb +] + + + [_Letter to Miss Mary Pierce of Litchfield from Fanny Smith Skinner._] + + UTICA, June 19^{th} 1806 + + I cannot think my dear Mary of suffering Col: Tallmadge to return + without a letter for you, though I have little to add to my late + communication by Post, which I trust, will be duly received. In that I + gave you a short account of our journey and situation—from the fatigue + of the former, I am quite recovered, and have never at any time + enjoyed a greater portion of health and animal spirits—In this + respect, I have been favor’d beyond all expectation, for I have always + made abundant calculation for hours of despondence and gloom, either + real or imaginary—But considering circumstances, my mind since I + parted from my dear friends, has been unusually serene—It is true, I + look back occasionally upon past days, and the hours of luxurious + friendship they afforded, with feelings of peculiar tenderness, and + not always free from a portion of pain—but I cannot say my dear + friend, that it ever amounts to _regret_ or a wish to retrace my + steps—no—hitherto my cup of earthly felicity has been as pure as + mortals can expect, or indeed ought to wish—I how ever, have but just + tasted it, a deeper draught may abate the relish—but Mary, I hope I + have done with romance, and can therefore place more reliance upon my + present feelings and judgement—these I have as yet no cause to + distrust, in respect to the friend, and companion which kind Heaven + has alloted me. + + ... We are not yet in our own house which will surprise you—but + promises are not more binding here than in other countries, or + Mecanicks more punctual—the house which was engaged to be completed + the first of May, is but this week made ready for cleaning, that will + be done in a few days, and then I shall begin to put up my _goods_ & + _chattles_—after they are arranged, I should like to introduce you to + my house—you shall have my best chamber, and my toilet shall present + your eye with a beautiful ornament, that often gives pleasure to my + own, from a delightful association of ideas— + + Scarce a day passes in which I do not see Susan—this near neighborhood + is a great comfort to us both—you would be surprised to see how + greatly Susan exerts herself to become a housewife, and that too, an + industrious and economical one—and she has the satisfaction to witness + her own improvement.... Her home is pleasant, and quite prettily + furnished—Her brother and Sister have made her some valuable presents, + and selected all her New York purchases—M^r Gold had purchased a + wench, which they have the use of, and they also keep a little Boy—so + you see they have begun in some stile—I am this afternoon going to + ride with her to Whitesborough; and must finish my scribbling when I + return—I hope to have been settled in my own house before Col. + Tallmadge returned that Maria might have been able to give some + account of its appearance, but I must relinquish the expectation, for + the time they gave to visiting has now nearly, if not quite expired. + + Has our dear Sally quite recovered her former health? Do you have + pleasant and frequent accounts from James? By the way Mary don’t + forget to tell him, that I calculate next summer with the exception of + misfortune to see him here with you.... Oh, my dear Mary when I suffer + my thoughts long to dwell on you, and a few others of your circle, my + _bosom swells_ and my _eye fills_, but tender, and even painful, as + such feelings are, I have no wish to be divested of them.... At + present I am _all Fanny Smith_, not a particle of my interest in my + dear Mary abated—Adieu, my dear, rest assured of the love of your + + own affectionate + FANNY SMITH SKINNER. + + + NOTICE OF SEMI-ANNUAL EXHIBITION. + “FEMALE ACADEMY.” + + “The Semi-annual exhibition of this School took place on Monday + evening last before a crowded and highly delighted audience. The + weather was extremely unpleasant, and a melancholy interest seemed to + pervade the assembly in sympathy with the leader of the exercises and + instructor of the school, who had on that day been called to close the + eyes in death of an interesting and beloved son. + + The compositions, and the music, previously prepared, were + providentially of a character suited to the occasion, exciting nothing + like trifling and levity, yet so good as highly to interest and engage + the attention of the audience. Some of the pieces read displayed a + brilliancy of imagination and a depth of thought rarely exhibited by + young school misses.— + + Miss M. Wadsworth and Miss J. Seymour, of this town, received diplomas + of having completed to the satisfaction of their instructors, the + whole course of studies pursued at the Academy. + + The first prize was awarded to Miss H. Smith of Hanover, Mass.—prizes + were also awarded to Miss J. Reynolds, of N. Y; Miss E. Beman of Troy; + Miss G. C. Lindsley of Washington D. C; Miss E. Deniston of Blooming + Grove, N. Y.; Miss M. Wadsworth, and Wm. Norton. + + The evidences of improvement, and of diligent attention to the studies + and rules of the school, must have been highly gratifying to the + parents and friends of the young ladies. The exhibition of music was + good, and gave evidence of much improvement in this polite branch of + education. The display of drawings and paintings bore strong marks of + improvement and diligence on the part of those who attended to this + art. Upon the whole, all the services of the evening gave pleasing + evidence that there has been no falling off, either on the part of the + instructors or the pupils, connected with this valuable school; and we + believe that no previous exhibition ever gave greater satisfaction to + the friends of female education. + + Copied from Litchfield County Post of April 24, 1828. + + + + + 1829. + LITCHFIELD FEMALE ACADEMY. + + + The Summer Term of this Institution commences on the 13^{th} of May + next. Tuition—ten or twelve dollars for the term, according to the + studies pursued. + + For a single quarter, six dollars. + Litchfield April 23 45 + +Advertisement from the Litchfield Enquirer Thursday April 30, 1829 + + + [_Notice of Beginning of Term in Litchfield Enquirer, Nov. 5, 1829._] + + + “LITCHFIELD FEMALE ACADEMY.” + + “_The Winter Term_ of this Institution will commence on _Wednesday + Nov. 25^{th}_. Tuition in the higher branches, ten dollars for the + term; in the lower, eight dollars, seventy-five cents. For a single + quarter, six dollars.” + + “October 27.” + + SCHOOL BILL. + Miss Grant + Tuition, winter term,—— $8.75 + School expenses .42 + —— + $9.17 + Rec’d payment + JOHN P. BRACE + Litchfield, April 20^{th}, 1829 + + + AN INDIAN BALLAD. + + By Mr. John P. Brace. + + There is a lone and quiet lake, + Near Bantam’s peaceful stream + Upon whose waters brightly bask, + The sun’s first morning beam— + + Gay is the green upon its hills, + And gay its sparkling waves; + And gaily in their glassy tide + The moon her image laves— + + Alone amid its green it lies, + Its waves as brightly blue + As woman’s eyes in mildest hours; + Like that as quiet too— + + Once were its hills a forest huge, + Its swamps a tangled scene, + But cultivation’s hand has lower’d + Its oak clad hills so green. + + Where once the chestnut sought the breeze, + Where solemn waved the pine, + The tall corn smiles in brighter green + The russet hay-cocks shine— + + Slow changed the peaceful wave from once + When not a hand had dar’d + To clear the tangled forest glades + And not a field was bar’d— + + Sometimes its mirror would reflect + The red man’s bark canoe. + Sometimes amid its tangled shade + The deer looked wildly through. + + ’Twas long before that fated hour + When first the white man came, + Nootonuc, on its oak clad hills— + Pursued his wonted game. + + No aim like his the tomahawk sent, + Like his none bent the bow, + And none so swift across the lake + Could dart the light canoe— + + His form ’twas like his native pines, + Erect his manly grace, + And in his hardy mind there beamed + The courage of his race. + + The morn had decked the eastern sky + When on the Bantam lake + Nootonuc’s birch canoe was seen + The glass like wave to break— + + He passed the low and swampy mouth + Of Bantam’s sluggish tide, + And near the pine clad eastern shore + His bark was seen to glide. + + Why did he slack his swift career + Upon the eastern shore? + Was it to see the bright sun’s rays + The blue wave silvering oer— + + ’Twas not to view the sun’s bright rays + Silvering the curling wave,— + Far other thoughts then swelled his breast + And fir’d his courage brave— + + And yet the scene might well have stopt + Nootonuc’s rapid course; + Might well have filled a nobler mind + With beauty’s gladdening force. + + The rising sun just fringed the clouds, + Just tinged the eastern pines, + While on the pebbly shore beneath + The darkness still reclines. + + The tall dark pines in lengthened shade + Reposed upon the lake, + While oft beneath their gloomy tops + The rising light would break— + + In broad expanse to westward lay + The still dark bosom’d tide, + While many a point, in splendour drest, + Rose gay on every side— + + The wave beneath its brightening banks + Reposed so silently, + ’Twas like the sleep that infants feel + When friends are smiling by— + + No ripple broke the mirror there, + No mark the tide defaced, + Save the long track the swift canoe + Upon the surface trac’d— + + Nootonuc gazed a moment there, + Then to the beach he turned, + And long before the boat had stopp’d + The lagging wave he spurn’d— + + For on the shore a form there stood + Than morning light more dear; + Beneath whose feet the wavelets slept + A mirror light and clear— + + “Oh land not here,” Ompoia said, + “My love, oh! land not here; + My father stern will see thy bark, + E’en now his voice I hear— + + “His eye is like the eagle’s ken, + His arrow like his flight: + And he has sworn to take thy life, + Oh! haste with morning’s light.” + + “I will not fly the face of man + Until I fly with thee; + Oh! haste Ompoia to my boat + And cross the lake with me— + + “Seest thou that mountain top so blue + Athwart the eastern sky? + Beyond that hill I’ll bear thee, love, + Where all my warriors lie”— + + “I cannot fly” Ompoia said, + “I will not with thee roam, + Until the deadly feud is hushed + I cannot leave my home— + + “My father’s anger fierce would burn, + Thou art his deadliest foe; + And not until that hate be past + With thee I will not go”— + + “Your father’s haughty threats are vain, + Him and his tribe I dare; + For they will ne’er Nootonuc quail + Nor drive him to despair. + + “Upon the Sheppaug’s turbid stream + A hundred warriors lie, + And ready to my whistle, they + Would to my succour fly— + + “I do not fear his eagle eye + Or arrow’s swiftest course, + My heart can bear that eye’s proud glance, + My breast that arrow’s force. + + “But see, the broad lake glows in light, + For me my warriors stay! + Say, will you meet at evening hour, + I’ve many words to say.” + + Ompoia said, “Thou knowest, my love, + On the southeastern shore + An island lies in gentle slope + With plane trees covered o’er.” + + “’Tis there when mid the evening shade + The moon rolls bright above + I’ll meet thee on the eastern beach, + Till then, farewell, my love,” + + She said. A single bound’s enough + Nootonuc’s boat to gain; + One stroke of his strong oar sufficed + To drive him from the main. + + One stroke he gave, when from the wood + An arrow cut the sky, + Tho’ spent its strength, it struck beneath + The warrior’s sable eye. + + Nootonuc’s red brow flashed with rage + “Yes, ’twas thine,” he cried; + “For this, ’ere night my spear shall drink + Thy red blood’s warmest tide. + + “Not even Ompoia’s lovely form + Shall save thee from my ire, + Tho’ she should closely round thee cling + I’d drag thee to the fire.” + + The lake now foam’d beneath his oar + A track of living light; + ’Twas like the life a hero leads, + As transient, as ’twas bright. + + ’Tis evening now, the blushing west, + In amber radiance glows, + And o’er the lake the closing day + The lengthen’d shadow throws. + + The sky in brightest hue was decked + While round the setting sun + The gorgeous clouds in mantle gay + Of gold and purple shone. + + A light breeze played among the trees, + And danced upon the wave, + While all the splendour of the sky + In bright reflection gave. + + Soon as the last expiring ray + The high hills glided o’er, + Ompoia’s light canoe was seen + To leave the eastern shore. + + Around that rocky point she pass’d + That midway cuts the lake, + Slow was her course, and still her oar + The darkening wave did break, + + How little then Ompoia thought + As round that point she passed, + Whose axe would cut the sycamore + Whose shade was o’er her cast. + + Soon as that point was clear’d the isle + Rose full upon the sight, + While on its gentle slope there slept + The rising moonbeam’s light. + + Soon was the bright wave over past + And on the island shore + The skiff was moor’d, and near the rock + She leaned upon her oar. + + “Oh! why comes not Nootonuc’s bark? + The moon rolls clear above, + Darkness and light are like to him + Then why comes not my love? + + “Oh! why comes not Nootonuc’s bark? + The lake is calm and clear, + But storm and calm are like to him + Then why comes not my dear? + + “What sound is that within the woods + Is it Nootonuc’s tread? + No! ’tis the night owl on the trees + That wave above my head. + + “What splash is that upon the wave + Is it Nootonuc’s oar? + No ’tis the duck’s young brood that leave + The lake to gain the shore. + + “What is that flash of blood-red light + That streaks the eastern sky, + What if it be my father’s hut + While far away am I?” + + High rose a column huge of flame + Far o’er the mid lake land, + And like a meteor of the night + Flash’d far on every hand. + + So earnest on the fire she gaz’d + So wrapt Ompoia stood + She never heard her lover’s oars + As swift he cross’d the flood. + + “Why hast thou staid so long my love? + And why so breathless now? + And what may mean those fire scorched plumes + That blood mark on thy brow?” + + “Thou knowest,” he sternly said, “that ne’er + An insult I forgive; + Nor does there breathe a man who dares + Provoke my rage and live. + + “This night my foeman I surprised, + His fresh torn scalp I bear, + His blood the signal of my tribe + Upon my brow I wear. + + “Even now, around his smoking home + My warriors watch the fire, + That home was thine, Ompoia, once + That foeman was thy Sire. + + “Nay, shrink not from me thus, my love, + I must revenge my wrongs, + Else I should lose in war my fame + In death my funeral songs. + + “Now thou’rt the last of all thy race + And thou must fly with me. + No other home but these fond arms + Is left this night for thee. + + “Nay, curse me not, my father’s shade + Blest me from yonder cloud, + I knew his locks, his blood red eye + I knew his gesture proud. + + “Next to the taste of foeman’s blood + Is thy affection dear + Then fly with me, Ompoia love + And do not linger here. + + “Nootonuc, in this little hour + I’ve lived an elder’s age, + So many feelings in my heart + Of grief revenge and rage— + + “Oh, dear to me, was my loved home, + And dear to me my Sire, + Gentle to me, yet stern to all + That raised his bloody ire. + + “But dearer still wast thou to me, + Thou wast my only love, + But with that blood mark on thy brow + With thee I cannot rove. + + “Nootonuc, no, my father’s shade + Forbids it from the grave + I’ll seek my death-bed yonder first + Beneath the glassy wave,” + + She said, when on the hill above + A Warrior’s form appear’d + And with a bound the low shrubs there + That closed them in he clear’d. + + “I’ve found thee, then, my bloody foe,” + Ompoia’s brother said— + And sent with strong and certain aim + His tomahawk at his head— + + With rapid step Ompoia sprung + Before the coming death, + The weapon stretch’d her on the ground + Her lover’s feet beneath. + + ’Twas but a moment’s pause, when quick + As the red lightning’s blow, + Nootonuc’s weapon left its sheath + And laid the warrior low— + + He staid but to crush him in the sand, + Staid but his scalp to tear, + When to Ompoia’s side he sprung, + But death was reigning there. + + From those dark eyes that rolled so fair + Gone was the light of life, + No motion in those graceful limbs, + Save the last dying strife— + + “She’s gone,” he cried, “the fairest flower + That ere on Bantam bloom’d, + How all the hopes of joy, of life, + Are in that form entombed— + + “And shall I live a blasted oak + No ivy round me twin’d, + I look around this lone, lone world + And see no kindred mind— + + “What is then left to love or hate, + My foemen all are dead; + What binds me now to this dull life + The dearest tie has fled? + + “I did not think when life was young + That this would be its close, + But on the glorious battle field + Surrounded by my foes. + + “Shade of my Sire! thou once did hope + In all a parent’s pride, + That o’er each foeman of my race + I’d pour red battle tide. + + “Father, there’s not one foe to the + But’s sleeping in his blood, + From Housatonic’s willowy stream + To Bantam’s lazy flood. + + “Shade of my Sire! forgive thy son. + I leave this tiresome world, + No death song o’er my cold corpse sung, + No death cloud round me furl’d + + “In that far land beyond the hill + Where the great Spirit dwells, + Where sorrow’s stream can never flow, + But joy forever swells, + + “I come to seek thy long loved shade, + Ompoia dear,” he cried, + Then from the rock’s high top he sprung, + And sunk beneath the tide— + + +The following article by Miss Sarah Pierce was called forth by the +excessive intemperance of those times. This Temperance Society had been +organized in Litchfield in 1789, and is said to be first of its kind in +the world. + + Ecclesiasticus. 19–1 He that contemneth small things shall fall by + little and little. + + SIR. + + though there has been a number of very excellent pieces in your paper + warning your readers against the dreadful sin of intemperance and + various means suggested, to check this overwhelming evil, yet I think + the subject has not been laid before the public in such a manner as to + reach every case. Could every person be persuaded to _abstain + entirely_ from the use of _ardent spirits_, the danger would be at an + end, but many are deceived and think they _do abstain_, because they + make use of spirits only as a medicine, originally prescribed by the + physician, but this use soon degenerates into intemperance, of which + the subject is not aware till it is too late to recede. The habit has + become fixed before the person is sensible of his danger. I have + therefore taken up my pen to describe what has passed under my own + observation, if hereby some one soul may be benefitted by my + experience. I have known several women who have been blessed as the + instruments of rescuing their husbands from the gulph of perdition. + Let me then call upon all married women, _particularly_ the _young_, + to note the following rules. Endeavor to make the house of your + husband the most interesting place upon earth. Make use of the same + attractions to keep, that you employed to _win_ the affections of your + husband. If you have not the talent of pleasing conversation, endeavor + to acquire it. The hours of domestic quiet will prove dull, unless + enlivened by social and cheerful conversation. If your husband is + entertained by wit, read sprightly anecdotes to relate. Of politicks, + attend so far to the state of the nation, as to enter into his + feelings and be able to converse on that never ending theme. Is he + fond of science enter into his views, and gain instruction by his + researches. If you have children, keep them clean and under good + government, that they may be interesting, instead of disgusting + objects. Teach them to hold out their infant hands with joy at the + sight of their father, and when their minds begin to expand, teach + them something amusing to repeat to him, a verse, a story, or any + pretty trifle. Above all endeavor to exert your culinary skill at + every meal, that your husband may not be induced to resort to an + oyster house to please his palate. I have known more than one man lead + into the fatal habit of intemperance, by the frugality, or indolence + of their wives. If you are poor and obliged to perform all your + domestic duties with your own hands, do not think, because it is a + _busy_ day, you need not prepare a dinner for your husband. A person + who is in the _least_ degree inclined to intemperance must have + regular meals, and those made palatable, or he will have recourse to + liquor to supply the craving of his appetite. Now don’t let any young + unsuspecting female think, my husband does not need this watchful + care, they _all_ need it. The young men of this age have been nursed + in the bowers of Luxury, and few if any have escaped the contagion of + that dreadful atmosphere. The seeds of dissipation have been sown in + childhood, and it requires care, skill, patience, and perseverance to + eradicate them. Should they have taken such deep root, as already to + bring forth the fruits of death, do not be discouraged. I was formerly + acquainted with a woman of high rank, whose husband had so far fallen + a sacrifice to the pleasures of the flowing bowl, as often to be + brought home in a most shocking state of intoxication. His wife was + careful not to expose him to her servants, but performed the + disgusting office of attendance herself. She never reproached him, but + when the effects were over, and reason returned, she spoke to him in + the kindliest and most forcible manner, of the disgrace and danger of + such conduct, she painted in glowing colours the effect it would + produce upon his reputation here, and his happiness in the coming + world. Her prayers & her exertions were blessed, he lived respected, + and died at a good old age, lamented by a numerous circle of friends + and descendants. And we may reasonably hope that both husband and wife + are now enjoying the bliss of the righteous. + + I have also witnessed the ill effects produced by a contrary conduct. + Mr. —— was early accustomed to take a social glass with his friends, + but discovered no inclination to excess, till he had been a husband + and a father many years. His wife was amiable, industrious, and pious, + but she did not know that to be a helpmeet for man, her influence must + be daily exerted to keep him steadfast in the path of virtue. Having + no suspicion of danger, and being what is called a notable housewife, + she seldom provided a regular dinner. Her husband frequently came in + fatigued with business, and finding nothing he relished to appease his + hunger, he habituated himself to take a glass of brandy to give a tone + to his stomach, till in time he became the slave of intemperance, and + from being an ornament to society, and the favorite of his family, he + became an object of grief and shame to his nearest relatives. + + Another woman, no less amiable but dilatory in performing her domestic + duties, prolonged her morning slumber till a late hour. Her husband + whose business called him early abroad, supplied the want of a + reasonable breakfast, by a morning whet, till he became a confirmed + drunkard, which might undoubtedly have been prevented had his strength + been invigorated by plentiful early meals. + + The _beginnings_ of vice are to be carefully watched. Bad habits are + like the nets which the insidious spider weaves around her victims. If + the first tender thread is allowed to entwine itself around you, the + next will prove a snare not easily broken. Warn those over whom you + have any influence, not against the festive glass, but the morning + whet, and the evening dose, taken to recruit exhausted nature. The + strength they give is momentary, and they finally debilitate instead + of invigorating the constitution. They are the first fine chords Satan + weaves round those he is sure to destroy. You may think you have sense + and firmness enough to command your appetite, but where one escapes, + thousands fall. Tis like the famous Upas of Java, where criminals who + have forfeited their lives are sent to procure poison, if they succeed + in reaching the tree and filling a box with its deadly juice, they are + pardoned. But few have hardihood of nerve to survive the pestilential + vapor; they generally die on the road, and the country for miles + around is whitened with their bones. As the poet beautifully describes + it. + + No foot retreating, on the sand impressed, + Invites the visit of a second guest. + + Let me also warn women to beware of the same fatal poison. You are by + nature more exposed to its fatal influence than men, your nerves are + weaker, your employments are in general more sedentary, your + constitutions more delicate, are more exposed to sickness and + debility, which seems to call for stimulating medicines, especially + when you are encumbered with a large family and sickly children, it + seems as if nature required support, but beware of the opiate, and the + warm sling, at first they seem to prop the constitution, but in the + end they undermine it. If nature fails under the pressure of watchful + nights and tedious days, make use of rich soups, or other palatable + and strengthening food, with a small quantity of the best wine, it + will be less likely to lead to intoxication than opium. Many kinds of + bitter tea will give a tone to the stomach, and if you find your + constitution sinking under the infirmities of sickness, trouble, or + hard labour, you had better sink into your graves than become the + slaves of Satan. Even on a bed of sickness, where the body is racked + with acute pain, it is sinful for the physician to prescribe the + powerful opiate. + + Our Saviour when he bore the heavy weight of his father’s anger and + our sins, refused to take one. The vinegar and gall were given to + criminals to deaden their pains, but Christ refused to take it, he + would not lessen the agony of his sufferings, by an opiate, he would + not enter the world of spirits, with benumbed faculties. A celebrated + divine remarked that he never knew any christian who enjoyed a full + and comforting hope in his last hours, that had taken opiates in any + great quantity. Let me also exhort parents not to furnish their sons + with money to spend on public days, unless they are sure it will not + be spent in the purchase of liquor. Let them be warned by precept and + example, against using the fatal poison even in small quantities. Did + all feel as they ought, did they feel that ardent spirits is the + _deadliest poison_, did they feel that it is the fumes of the + bottomless pit, sent forth by the imps of the infernal regions to draw + mankind to destruction, they would guard their children against it, as + they would guard them from the grasp of a tyger. And let me entreat + you my aged friends to _beware_, when nature fails, and the + grass-hopper has become a burthen, let me _entreat_ you to _beware_ of + soothing your pains, and strengthening your frail bodies with the + comforting glass. When you have almost run your race, will you be + ensnared at the goal. What reproach have some professors of religion + brought on the Christian name by falling in second childhood into this + fatal sin. And though through the infirmities of the flesh they may + occasionally err, yet even that must be followed by deep and bitter + repentance, or we cannot hope they will ever enter heaven. Then let + the sprightly youth, with vigorous manhood, and the hoary head all + unite in one common bond, to deprive Satan of his most successful + weapon, and resolve rather to die in the conflict than be overcome by + the enemy of our race. + + A FRIEND TO TEMPERANCE. + +A letter written by a lady seventy-seven years of age, to her daughter, +attending Miss Pierce’s Academy, Litchfield, Conn. + +[Illustration: + + PL. LIII.—TERMS FOR TUITION FROM LITCHFIELD PAPER +] + + ’Twas far remote, Maria dear, + From kindred and thy native land, + Yet oft and joyfully we hear + From thee through lines drawn by thy hand. + + Kind the act, that taught to spell, + Kind the act, that taught to write, + And kind the power that taught the skill + And gave the genius to indite. + + When friends remote as distant poles + Whose fond remembrance rivets deep + We thus convey from soul to soul + The secret whispers of the heart. + + ’Tis by this act, for _well I know_, + That sighing lovers gain relief, + When aw’d by friend with frowning brow, + The whispering quill doth soothe the grief. + + ’Tis by this art I now direct + My counsel to thy minor years, + Treat not my candour with neglect, + But give it all the right it bears. + + And ne’er forget the solemn truth, + While coasting on life’s dangerous sea, + That gray experience writes for youth + And sets up _Beacons_ by the way. + + True friends are jewels rich and rare, + The sweetest cordials found in life, + To ease the anxious mind from care, + And check the seeds of growing strife. + + But ah Maria! few there be + Who can define that word _a friend_. + Then lock the heart, keep safe the key, + And firmly on thyself depend. + + Beware, my lovely girl, beware, + Of those we most are prone to trust, + The flattering tongue that speaks most fair, + _Too often_ proves the most unjust. + + Never check the humane tear that flows + When funeral knells invade the ear; + But learn to feel for other’s woe + And aid their sorrows with a tear. + + And when thou seest the ancient die + Or think on [67]Halsey’s hasty doom, + This useful lesson learn thereby, + Make sure those joys beyond the tomb. + + Never let ill-boding pensive care, + Ever check the taste of harmless joys; + While we rejoice that you’re the care + Of her whom we so highly prize. + + On future hopes your parents gaze, + And wish the wish’d for prospect nigh; + When native and acquired lays + Shall soothe them in soft melody. + + But should I never see that day, + Nor hear the music of thy voice, + For _thee_ Maria, will I pray, + And hope to meet, where _saints rejoice_. + + + + + 1830–1897. + REMINISCENCES AND LETTERS. + + + HARRIET WADSWORTH (MRS. KILBOURN)—HER REMINISCENCES. + +Harriet Wadsworth was in a class of little girls taught by Miss Sally +Pierce in 1830 and 1831. This class was a preparatory one to the +Academy. The pupils were thoroughly drilled in arithmetic and spelling. +The latter was studied from a dictionary. Davol’s speller was also used. + +There were as many as one hundred and twenty pupils at one time. Every +family in the village took pupils as boarders, four occupying one room. + +Miss Catlin was drawing teacher. + +The closing exercises of the academy were held at the Court House. +Paintings and needlework by the young ladies were hung on the walls. The +pupils were dressed in white and were given diplomas. Singing and +recitations were part of the exercises. + +Mr. John Brace left the academy to take the school of Miss Catherine +Beecher at Hartford. When Miss Pierce gave up teaching in 1833 Miss +Jones afterward associated with Miss Landon, took charge of the school. +Following them were the Misses Swift who lived where Mrs. Kilbourn now +lives. + +Some of the girls in Mrs. Kilbourn’s class were Elizabeth Prince, (Mrs. +N. R. Child), Mary Goodwin (Mrs. Taylor) and Mary Brace. + + + LETTER FROM MRS. GEORGE C. SEELYE (ANN ELIZA JACKSON), GENEVA, N. Y., + MARCH, 1897. + +I was but a Child when I attended Litchfield school and of course did +not appreciate the privilege as an older person would have done, and I +have since. Your letter awoke and quickened memories that have become +more or less dormant, so that now I feel the worth of those months of +early privilege. The Misses Pierce and Mr. Brace were remarkable persons +in every way, _Model_ teachers for those days. + +Being such a child I was made much of and was very happy. Boarded at Dr. +Sheldons. Aunt Lucy (as I called his daughter) was loving, taking me in +her own room and bed. The influences in that beautiful home were useful +to us all, for the Foundation was religious. Every Sunday afternoon Miss +Sheldon called all the boarders into her room and read, talked, advised +and prayed with us, not in a morose way at all but in a happy way. + +Mr. Lyman Beecher was pastor of the Congregational Church and used to +visit the school every week, generally had one of his students with him, +and held a Prayer and Enquiry meeting. I remember him as a sombre, +austere looking man not a bit like his son Henry Ward. He soon went to +Boston. + +As memory goes back I think there was perhaps more true sincerity in +Life then generally than now. Time was felt to be more valuable. We were +happy without so much to distract us. As scholars we did not feel that +we must be entertained and amused. I do not under value amusements they +are often Relaxations that are needful, as Lincoln used to say. + +I love to revert to Litchfield days as among the happiest days of my +life. I think Miss Pierce loved me as generally my seat was on the old +desk next hers I was a great Pet of Judge Gould. There was a Julia +Leavitt of Brooklyn, Sarah Lewis, Eliza Jackson I suppose one of the New +Jersey Jacksons. + + + REMINISCENCES OF MRS. EMILY CHAUNCEY CURTIS, 1898. + +In addition to the names of Mrs. Jackson and her half sister I remember +one other, that of Almira Dole who was quite a beauty and quite given to +flirtations with the Law students, which of course caused Miss Pierce +some trouble, she also was fond of playing pranks; once, to the dismay +of her teachers she made a mask of a pumpkin, placed a lamp or a lantern +inside and mounted it on a tin in front of the house. Each of the older +pupils if they were mature, was given charge of a younger one. Though +sister Julia was only about fifteen when she entered she had charge of a +little girl of nine or ten—attending to her wardrobe and sleeping with +her. + + + LETTER FROM MRS. MARY HUNT (OVER NINETY YEARS OLD). + + DETROIT Oct. 3^d 1899 + College Ave. 635 + + MY DEAR MRS. BISSELL:[68] + +I do much regret my inability to add much of interest or importance to +what has been already written of the early history of Litchfield; I was +but a young school girl, and did not realize or treasure up +recollections for the future, as I might have done. My recollection of +Miss Pierce’ school room is of a long, a very long room, it then seemed +to me, with an elevated platform at each end, whereon were seated our +honored teachers, _Miss Pierce_ and _Mr. John Brace_. + +The pupils were expected to make their most graceful and respectful +obeisance on entering the room, which was acknowledged with most formal +politeness. Miss Pierce was rather small in stature, with a fair sweet +face, and dignified manners: Miss Mary Pierce assisted occasionally in +school, but devoted herself more especially to housekeeping. I have no +knowledge of the later lives of these two estimable ladies: I have +looked in vain for the name, (in the Book of Days, and other records, of +Litchfield History) of _Edwards_ and I am surprised to find no mention +made of that most worthy family, Mrs. Edwards and her two unmarried +daughters, under whose kind care it was my privilege and good fortune to +be placed during my school days in Litchfield. They deserve an honored +place among the worthies of this famous town. + +[Illustration: + + PL. LIV.—MARY A. HUNT + + Centennial Picture. Taken on her 100th birthday, 1902. +] + +[Illustration: + + PL. LV.—LETTER OF MARY A. HUNT +] + +[Illustration: Four-page handwritten letter dated February 14, 1882, +written in cursive ink, discussing personal history, family connections, +schooling in Litchfield, and memories of the Litchfield Female Academy.] + +[Illustration: Four-page handwritten letter dated February 14, 1882, +written in cursive ink, discussing personal history, family connections, +schooling in Litchfield, and memories of the Litchfield Female Academy.] + +[Illustration: Four-page handwritten letter dated February 14, 1882, +written in cursive ink, discussing personal history, family connections, +schooling in Litchfield, and memories of the Litchfield Female Academy.] + +Mrs. Edwards was a near relative of President Edwards of _Yale_, also I +think, _sister in law_ of the noted _Judge Reeve_, to whose unremitting +kindness and sympathy she owed many of the pleasures of her declining +years. Judge Reeve seldom allowed a week to pass without visiting this +venerated friend; and his visits were counted among the bright and sunny +spots in her life. She was a confirmed invalid for many years. This +family were warm friends and admirers of Miss Pierce. + +They were fellow workers in the welfare and education of two Hawaian +boys, “Hoobokiah” and “Hope” by name who were at the mission school at +Cornwall. These youths were occasional visitors and were much petted and +noticed: I think Hoobokiah died before returning to his native land. I +can at this day recall his face. + + Very sincerely yours, + MRS. MARY A. HUNT. + + + REMINISCENCES OF MISS FANNY LORD. + + November 11, 1899. + +There was a house on North St. about where Mrs. M’Laughlin now lives, +with a long sloping roof called at that time “a lean-to.” Some of Miss +Pierce’s pupils boarded there with the family of Edwards[69] who +occupied it. They were so strict that the law students called it “_the +convent_.” + +There were two pupils Margaret Hopkins and Elizabeth Sheldon.[70] The +former went with some of her friends to spend the evening at “aunt +Bull’s” on the south side of Prospect St. where Mr. MacMartin lives. A +law student of the party put back the hands of the clock so that when +one of the number took Margaret back to Miss Pierce’s where she boarded, +the house was quite shut up. After knocking Miss Pierce came to the door +in night-cap and gown, candle in hand! Some time after this occurrence, +during her wedding journey, Margaret and her bridegroom met the young +man, her escort, and they all had much amusement over their +reminiscences of the encounter. + +After the experience related in Mr. Cutler’s diary of the jilting of one +of the Litchfield girls by one of the law students parents were even +more careful as to any attentions paid to their daughters. Sometimes +they even went so far that if a young man called three times on one of +them they would ask his “intentions.” Mr. Lord built a bowling alley on +the west side of the Prospect Hill road for the benefit of the pupils of +both schools. + +Miss Pierce used to say to one of the girls, “Mary Goodwin, I see inbred +sin on your back,” and said it so often that on entering the school room +one morning there was a charcoal sketch fastened up on the wall of Miss +Pierce herself with “inbred sin on _her_ back!” + +This same Mary Goodwin laughed one day during prayers when Miss Pierce +exclaimed “Mary Goodwin, Mary Goodwin you will be cast into outer +darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth!” To which Mary +replied, “Then I suppose those who have no teeth will have to gum it!” +Miss Pierce’s house was built for six hundred dollars. + +Mr. John P. Brace’s father was the writing master and was always called +“Daddy Brace.” + + + LETTER FROM MRS. ANNA M. RICHARDS. + + ORANGE, N. J. + March 18, 1902 + +I received your letter last evening and hasten to comply with your +request that I should write down some of my “personal memories” of Miss +Mary Pierce. The remembrance of our intercourse with her is so fresh and +so delightful that it is hard for me to realize that it continued less +than three years, and that nearly forty years have passed since that +time. I well remember the charming circles she used to gather round her +tea-table—the repast very simple—a plate of shaved, smoked beef, some +preserves and a basket of cake—but the conversation, a veritable “feast +of reason.” One of her pupils, Mrs. Whiting (the mother of Miss Lizzie +Whiting,) once said to me that she thought Miss Pierce was a marked +instance of the mellowing power of age, for the girls used to be very +much afraid of Miss Mary’s black eyes. She dined with us one +Thanksgiving, her last Thanksgiving day on earth. Her conversation was +most interesting, dealing largely with the past. I wish I had taken it +down at the time. One thing I distinctly recall. At one time she said +her sister, the principal of the school, was so discouraged with their +prospects, that she felt they must probably go elsewhere—but opening her +Bible, the first words that met her eye were, “Trust in the Lord, and do +good, so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” +This she accepted as a word of promise to them, and a direction to them +to remain in Litchfield. It was Miss Pierce’s custom to close her house +in the Fall for the winter, but at the time of which I speak, she was +staying at home, busily engaged she told me looking over old papers. She +died in New Haven I think the following June. I remember her speaking +once of Dr. Beecher’s preaching, that when he came to Litchfield from +Easthampton, the images in his sermons were drawn largely from the sea, +but that soon the everlasting hills furnished them, and that after he +went to Boston, she heard him talk, almost with a shock, about getting +up steam. As you doubtless know, the lot on which the Parsonage stands +was given to the Society by Miss Pierce. I remember thinking at the time +how hard it must be for her to give up the beautiful clump of trees, +standing upon it almost a little grove, as I picture them, which it was +necessary to cut down. I fear these few reminiscences will be very +unsatisfactory to you, as they certainly are to me, but they seem to be +all which I can recall with sufficient distinctness to justify +repetition. All success to you in your “labor of love,” which, when +completed, will be an enduring monument to some of the noble workers +whose memories the world should “not willingly let die.” + + + RECOLLECTIONS OF SUSAN SPENCER. + +I often heard my mother refer to having been with Sarah Kingsbury, at +the school of Miss Sallie Pierce. I think they boarded with a distant +relative of the Clarks, whom my mother called “Aunt Bull.” (on Prospect +street.) During their stay there Major Kingsbury then a cadet at West +Point, visited them, and created quite a little stir and interest among +the young ladies, partly due to his uniform and military bearing. + +I was impressed with the simplicity of the janitor service of those +days. The young ladies, in turn, swept the school room, performing that +duty before breakfast. + + + FROM LETTER FROM MRS. CAROLINE SEDGWICK KNIGHT. + + SHARON, CONN. + March 31^{st}, 1902 + +... My mother, Betsey Swan, was the eldest child of Cyrus Swan, a lawyer +in Sharon, Conn. who practiced at the Litchfield Bar. She was born Feb. +6^{th} 1807, and I have heard her say that at the age of twelve years +she was placed by her Father in this school. It was her first experience +away from home, and of course she suffered from homesickness. She made +the acquaintance of a day pupil, Henrietta Jones,[71] the daughter of +the Rector. As my mother had left a little baby sister at home it was a +great delight to go to the Rectory and rock the cradle of Henrietta’s +baby brother. + +I do not know how long she was a member of the school. She married at +the age of fifteen Charles Sedgwick who was twelve years her senior, a +lawyer in Sharon who died in 1882 and who had been state’s attorney for +Litchfield County about twenty years. My mother died at the age of 87 in +the home in which she was born, married and had given birth to ten +children. + + * * * * * + + + DR. JOSIAH G. BECKWITH—REMINISCENCES. + + BEGINNING OF THE WILLARD ACADEMY. + +In the winter of 1885 I made a trip to Montreal and returning by the +Vermont Central made the discovery that the winter was a pretty dull +season for business in Vermont, and that the railroad was in no haste to +carry its passengers out of the state! We stopped for breakfast at St. +Albans, and at Burlington were informed that we would have ample time to +take a toboggan slide down the hill on which the town is built, and out +a mile or so on the ice of lake Champlain, where sleighs were in +attendance to return us to the hotel with our lungs well filled with +Vermont oxygen: and at Middlebury which was reached when the short day +was drawing to its close, we were informed that the stop was for the +night. I found accommodations at the Addison House, whose long wind +swept piazzas looked uninviting to the approaching stranger: but the +section kept open for winter guests was comfortable and homelike. I +improved the remaining daylight to make calls on relatives in the branch +of the Seymours settled in that place—at the old Horatio Seymour +homestead I found Mr. Philip Battell who was a brother of our Mr. +Robbins Battell of Norfolk—while a law student at the old Litchfield +School he became engaged to Emma Seymour, who was in Litchfield +attending Miss Pierce’s School—after their marriage they made a part of +Mr. Seymour’s household, who was then a widower and they lived and died +at the homestead in Middlebury. + +Mr. Battell was very glad to see a Litchfield representative, and said +that I had struck them at just the right time—that there was to be held +at his house that evening a meeting of the Middlebury Historical Society +to observe the Centennial Anniversary of the Addison County Court—whose +first session was held one hundred years ago, that day, with the Hon. +John Strong as the presiding Justice. Mr. Battell informed me that he +had filled the office of Secretary of the Society since its +organization, and that to warn the meetings and provide the banquet were +among his duties. + +[Illustration: + + PL. LVI.—THE LITCHFIELD ACADEMY + + From original water-color, probably by Mr. Gimbrede, afterwards + engraver in New York +] + +I found the members were largely made up of the faculty of Middlebury +College, with a number of professional and business men of the city: +Governor Stewart, Mr. Battell’s son in law, was the presiding officer, +and he insisted in spite of my modest remonstrances upon my taking the +seat of honor at the head of the table, as the living representative of +the presiding Justice of one hundred years ago. The conversation, after +reading the minutes of the Court by Gov. Stewart, was largely taken up +with a discussion of the Strong family. John Strong settled the county +in 1765: he drove up with his wife and three children on the ice of Lake +Champlain from Salisbury, Ct., and took possession of a log cabin, which +he had built the preceding winter, in an abandoned French settlement, +while out on a hunting excursion. For a time bears and wolves were their +only neighbors, but other settlers soon followed, and he lived to see +the wilderness blossom like the rose. When the revolution broke out, Mr. +Strong took the part of the colonists, although the British garrison at +Crown Point had long been good customers and had filled his chests with +British gold: And when Gen. Burgoyne and his Indian Allies approached, +he rode down through the State, and warned the settlers to fly from the +approaching army, and to take their flocks and herds with them—and it +was doubtless due to this timely warning, and sagacious advise, that +Gen. Burgoyne brought his army to Saratoga in an absolutely starving +condition: the country over which he had been obliged to so slowly pass, +had yielded no supplies, and at Saratoga he could do nothing but +surrender. + +John Strong expected to return in time to remove his family to a place +of safety, but he was captured by Indian scouts, who bound him for +torture in their usual manner. He told them however that they must +release him, and take him before Gen. Burgoyne, for whom he bore a +message—the Indians were impressed by his coolness and imposing +presence, and complied with his request; when brought to Gen. Burgoyne +he asked for his parole—which was granted until the “Army returned.” +“But suppose General that the Army does not return”—“In that event;” +replied General Burgoyne, “you are released.” Had he known what +especially good work Strong had done that the Army should not return, he +might have returned him to the care of the Indians. Mr. Strong hastened +to his home, which he found had been burned by the Indians—he raked the +ashes for the bones of his family, and not finding them, concluded that +they had escaped to the South, and looked for them in Salisbury, Ct.; +they had found refuge in Dorset, Vt. where they remained until the close +of the war. Mabel, my Grandmother, was born there in 1782. + +John Strong was born in Coventry this State and was the fourth in +descent from Elder John Strong of Dorchester, Mass. He married Agnes, +the daughter of John M^cCan a refugee from the Scotch rebellion of 1715: +he was a wealthy landowner and received income from property which he +had deeded to a friend to avoid confiscation, as long as he lived—but +after his decease the remittances stopped—his only other child John, was +killed in a naval engagement. In 1797 Mabel Strong, Lucy Case and a Miss +Dwight, all of Addison, Vt., made a start for Litchfield, Ct., to attend +Miss Pierce’s School—They made the journey to Bennington on horseback, +and from thence the Rev. Mr. Dwight drove them to Litchfield—the latter +part of the journey was made in a wagon. + +Mabel Strong made her home during the years of her stay in Litchfield, +with Mrs. Brace, a sister of Miss Pierce, and the mother of John P. +Brace—her wardrobe was made up after her arrival. The Brace house stood +on the site now occupied by the Congregational parsonage—it was painted +red when I remember it, and had a long roof on the rear reaching nearly +to the first story. Many of Miss Pierce’s young ladies found their +future husbands in Litchfield: Lucy Case, married Horatio Seymour, who +had removed from Litchfield, and was a practicing lawyer in Middlebury, +Vt., afterwards U. S. Senator from that state. + +He was very much interested in having a school for young ladies +established in Middlebury similar to that of Miss Pierce’s of +Litchfield—My grandfather Moses Seymour Jr. drove from Litchfield, with +a sleigh and pair of horses in Feb. 1800, to bring home Mabel Strong as +his bride; Miss Pierce and Idea, daughter of Hon. Jedediah Strong, whose +house stood where the M^cNeils[72] now live, and whose name, then as +now, was graven on the white mile stone, accompanied him as far +Middlebury; where a School was established for Miss Strong, and +countenanced and encouraged by the presence of Miss Pierce. This School +had an existence for several years; Miss Strong fell a victim to the +rigors of the Vermont climate, and was succeeded by Miss Emma Willard, +who eventually removed it to Troy, N. Y. Miss Pierce returned with the +wedding party. + +General Samuel Strong was a brother of Mabel and was a frequent visitor +at Litchfield: he commanded a military force at the battle of +Plattsburgh, which he raised by his individual exertions—and was thanked +for his services by the Legislatures of the states of Vermont and New +York. + +He also received from the state of New York a sword of honor, which is +now in possession of the Vermont Historical Society. + +The General was wounded at the battle, and feared consumption. He +visited Litchfield on his way to the South, to spend the winter, and +called in Dr. Sheldon for advice. The Doctor told him to spend all the +time on horseback, that the weather would permit—The advice was +followed, and the General lived to be old. This Doctor was wise beyond +his generation. + +In 1817 the General had a coach built by Ambrose Norton, whose wagon +shop stood on the ground now occupied by the Echo Farm creamery: All the +material were produced in Litchfield, and the work was also done +here—separate bills were rendered for wood work, ironing, leather, +broadcloth, silver plating &c. with hours of labor on each, and the +aggregate was $350. I found these bills among my grandfather’s old +papers and consider them worth preserving as evidence of the industries +which made the old Litchfield a thriving and important town. We can no +longer produce iron, silver plating, leather and broadcloth, nor do we +build coaches for the magnates of Vermont. + +Moses Seymour Jr., and his bride commenced housekeeping in what was then +known as the Skinner house, now occupied by the Bissells next the United +States Hotel; they afterwards removed to the Marsh house on the corner, +where the Library building stands, where they remained until 1817, when +the house which I now occupy, was completed for my grandfather and they +took possession of it in that year. Moses Seymour Jr. was for many years +high Sheriff of the County. The office was at that time in the hands of +the Governor of the State—Mr. Seymour was appointed by Governor Oliver +Wolcott; he died in 1826. Mrs. Mabel Seymour survived him until 1839—she +died at Litchfield—Mrs. Mabel Seymour had three daughters who were +graduated from Miss Pierce’s Academy—Louisa married Mr. Stanly Lockwood +of Painsville Ohio, where she lived, and where she died in 1878, leaving +surviving children, John Seymour Lockwood, and Mrs. Louisa Malin, both +living in that city. Delia Storrs Seymour was a teacher, and died in +Litchfield in 1887: she was unmarried. + +Jane Seymour married Dr. Josiah G. Beckwith who was for forty years in +active practice in this town; she lived, until her death, which occurred +in 1868, in her father’s homestead; she left surviving issue, Dr. J. G. +Beckwith of this town, Dr. George S. Beckwith of Pine Plains, New York, +and two daughters, unmarried, Elizabeth Gale and Sarah Hunt. Dr. George +S. Beckwith and Elizabeth G. Beckwith are deceased. I have the diplomas +of Delia S. Seymour and Jane Seymour—They are printed on small pieces of +silk, and give the studies in which the graduate had been instructed: +each bears the name of the graduate; but they are neither dated nor +signed. + + + FROM A LETTER FROM MISS SARAH D. GARDINER. + +Both my grandmothers were pupils of Miss Pierce. + +Sarah D. Gardiner and her sister Mary B. were the daughters of John Lyon +Gardiner of Gardiner’s Island. The former became the wife of David +Thompson, Esq., of New York, and the latter on leaving Miss Pierce’s +went to Miss Willard’s school[73] in Troy, N. Y., and at the early age +of twenty-three, died in Columbia, South Carolina, where she had gone in +search of health. + +Mrs. Thompson often spoke of Miss Pierce and Mr. Brace. She was very +young when she entered the school and must have been quite homesick at +first. After she had been there sometime she was one day surprised to +find her room mate engaged in making the bed, and on learning that the +pupils were expected to keep their rooms in order exclaimed: “Why didn’t +you tell me?” “Because,” replied her kind-hearted companion, who was an +older girl, “I knew that you were not accustomed to it!” + +She must have boarded later at Dr. Sheldon’s, for she spoke of learning +her lessons with Miss Julia Gould, and in the darkening twilight +returning across the street to Dr. Sheldon’s (or Miss Lucy Sheldon’s?) +while the good Judge, standing in his doorway watched the little figure +safely over. Juliana MacLachlan, my father’s mother, had been a pupil in +the school at an earlier date. She was a beautiful girl and a belle with +the law students. When but fifteen years old she married David Gardiner +of East Hampton, Long Island. + + + REMINISCENCES OF MRS. A. S. FARNAM. + +[Illustration: + + PL. LVII.—LITCHFIELD COSTUME OF ABOUT 1827 + + Black crape bonnet made for his widow to wear at the funeral of Mr. + Cheney +] + +I went to Litchfield in the Spring of 1830. Mr. Brace was at the head of +the school, but Miss Pierce came into the school every morning and +taught the class in Universal History which was a book of her own +compiling, and she used often to give the girls talks.... I think of her +as a little old lady active and bright; somehow I have a more distinct +recollection of her half-brother and sister who lived with her; I think +Miss Mary kept the house; I don’t remember any assistant teachers at +all; I do remember three or four boys who attended the school because +there was no boys’ school in town; one was Willie Jones, the son of +Parson Jones as he was called; another was son of Dr. Buel on North +Street, the same who had the sanitarium at a later day; another was +George Seymour, a nephew of Origen Seymour; I think his father was dead; +there was a young lad by the name of Hull that I did not know as well; a +sister of young Buel’s mother, Miss Wadhams from Goshen, was in school +for quite a time; Hannah Beach also was from Goshen; her father married +Miss Lucy Sheldon.... I think most of the families took a few boarders; +there were four sisters named Rankin from Newark. It seems strange, but +I cannot recall the names of the girls who boarded at Mrs. Lord’s with +me excepting a Miss Clark; we all occupied the rooms in the third story, +the best rooms of the house were rented to young gentlemen who were law +students.... There were two or three girls who boarded at the Parmalees’ +on South Street; one was a Miss Larned from Maryland; another was from +New London.... + + + REMINISCENCES OF MISS ESTHER H. THOMPSON. + + LITCHFIELD, CONNECTICUT, + December 12, 1896. + +Aunt Anna Thompson used to mention with much amusement the feuds between +Miss Pierce’s scholars and the farmers’ daughters—more especially that +peculiar class of young American girls who were “living out”—the +“help”—in village families. It would never have answered to call them +_servants_, nor were they such in the modern sense! These girls, usually +the most ambitious of their family, made more independent by self +support, gaining influence in proportion to the polish acquired by +intercourse with village people, easily dominated all of their set, and +together were a strong band. The school girls were supercilious, the +help aggressively arrogant—and both classes equally proud and +uncompromising. Many a battle was fought on Sunday as well as on week +day. All around the gallery walls of the old church on the green was a +row of square pews fenced in with the conventional high lattice work, +while in front were two rows of benches. Many of the young people of the +congregation chose to sit there where they were more free from the +restraining presence of their seniors. Sometimes one part of the gallery +would be considered the special choice, sometimes another, but “_out +girls_” and _school girls_ would never freely mingle! When one pew was +monopolized by school girls for a noticeable length of time the “out +girls” would come early some Sunday and “pack” the seats. Then would +follow pin pricking, pinching and punching through the lattice—and the +incensed school girls would bide their time to preempt the “out girls’” +places. + +The worst possible indignity that the school girls could heap +upon the “help” was to give them the stinging epithet of +“_Potwrastlers_”—probably meaning _dish-washers_!! + +Aunt Anna could judge of these stormy scenes from neutral ground as she +belonged to neither faction. She said that the class spirit mentioned in +“Poganuc People” was specially well depicted. + +“Nabby” of “Poganuc People” was for a long time the “help” in Miss +Pierce’s family, so I think the old scholars would remember her—the +“Aunt” Emily Addis who lived and died in the little house at the foot of +Gallows Hill. When her mother died leaving to her care her little sister +Mary—afterwards Mrs. Churchill—Miss Pierce kindly let her bring the +child with her to her house—I think taking her into the school. “Nabby” +is a composite character being in part Emily Addis and in part an older +sister who married Hiram Barnes,—the “Hiel Jones” of the story—and left +town. + +Dinah Atwell, a strange half-crazed character, may be remembered by the +old scholars. She spent her time between the Pierce family here and +another Pierce sister in Rhinebeck. Memories of her are centered in the +old church on the green where she reigned a selfappointed +tithing-mistress watching the children from her seat high up on the +pulpit stairs. + +Mr. Norton told me that the Central Park was the thought of Miss Mary +Pierce. She contributed money to have it graded and fenced. + +It would seem to me that no tribute to Miss Pierce and her school could +be complete without a mention of her “_door-yard_” with its odd +assortment of flowers. The many wild plants scattered here and there, +Mr. Norton told me were transplanted by the pupils,—perhaps while +studying Botany. There were Solomon’s Seal, White Baneberry with its +creamy flowers in early summer followed in autumn by a stiff cluster of +oval white berries with black dots on thickened ink stems, the wandlike +wreathy stem of Carrion Flower with its greenish blossoms and dark +slate-colored berries, Trilliums of more than one species, Violets, +Anemones, Bloodroot, Celandine, Adder tongues and two-leafed Solomon’s +Seal and others. I have often tried to think how the flower beds were +originally laid out. There must have been one following the front +fence—all well kept yards had that—possibly one by the north yard fence +and another following the circular walks to the front door. But all +traces are now obliterated! I can’t quite feel that these woodsy plants +that had so long outlived the young girls who planted them _belonged_ to +the _present_ generation to uproot and destroy. I miss them and always +shall whenever I pass the place. There certainly could have been no +sweeter “keep sake” left by the scholars to the town than these flowers. +The girls may not have had far to carry the roots for the woods were +nearer the village then than now. Mr. Norton told me that when Miss +Sarah and Miss Mary Pierce were little children they were sent across +the street to Parson Champion’s and _lost their way in the bushes_ and +men were called out to find them! At that time the road was near the +west side walk and the rest of the street was a tangle of bushes. + +Miss Pierce must have had a deep love for flowers and a rare faculty for +impressing her scholars. The six or eight old pupils of whom I have had +any knowledge were peculiarly fond of plants. Years ago when I had a +little school in town Miss Harriet Grant brought Fanny to me and in +telling me of her attainments said she had _worked her sampler_ at home +and was well advanced in Grammar, she having taught her, as she herself +had learned, from Murray’s Grammar, which she had used at Miss Pierce’s +school. She considered that the best textbook on the subject. She spoke +with as nearly enthusiasm as her quaint prim manners would allow of her +instruction in Botany while at that school and the pleasure it had been +to her through life, and of a number of rare plants she had found. + + + LETTER FROM MR. J. DEMING PERKINS. + + LITCHFIELD, March 3^d, 1897. + + * * * * * + +I have been unable to find much of interest to add to your labor of +love, but can say that the house which the Misses Sarah and Mary Pierce +occupied and which was torn down by Mrs. Underwood in 1896, was built in +the year 1800. The “Litchfield Female Academy,” a later building, which +stood north of their house was erected in 1827 by a stock company +incorporated in that year. This latter building was removed to the +Beecher Lot, corner of North and Prospect Streets, prior to 1860, and +was occupied there by the boys’ school of the late Rev. James Richards +D.D., under the name of “Elm Park Collegiate Institute” for some years. + +Mr. Henry R. Jones of Brooklyn, N. Y. converted it into a dwelling house +after he purchased that corner about 1882; the “Beecher Homestead” +building having previously been purchased by Dr. Henry W. Buel, and +removed to “Spring Hill,” about 1872 where it now forms a part of his +group of buildings. + + + + + 1831–1833. + SCHOOL BILL. + + +The following bill illustrates both the prices for tuition in 1831, and +the custom of taking merchandise instead of money in the days when money +was scarce. Also the amount contributed by each scholar toward the cost +of the exhibition[74] usually held at the close of the term. + + John Grant + To J. P. Brace Dr. + Tuition $10. + School expenses „42 + ———————— + $10„42 + ——————— + Exhibition tax „12½ + ——————— + 10„54½ + Received of Mrs. H. Grant _wood_ 9 3 + ————— + Due 1—51 + Litchfield April 19^{th} 1831 + Rec’d payment + L. E. BRACE + Signed by Mrs. Brace. + + NEW YORK, Tuesday, Jan’y 27th, + (1831, ’32 or 33.) + + MY DEAR MISS PIERCE: + + Your kindness and that of all your family towards me and mine last + summer, induces me to think a letter from me would not be + unacceptable. + + I often think with satisfaction of the quiet, healthful and pleasant + time I passed at Litchfield, and feel a strong desire to know + something of the friends and acquaintances I made there. After your + own family, no one recurs to my mind with so much interest as Miss + Sheddon. I felt myself peculiarly fortunate to find in the same house + so amiable and intelligent a companion—if she is near you this winter + pray present my best regards to her, and tell her I shall take it very + unkind of her if she ever came to New York without giving me the + pleasure of seeing her at my house. + +[Illustration: + + PL. LVIII.—MARIA ADAMS (MRS. HENRY TALLMADGE), PUPIL, 1802 + + From oil portrait +] + + Aunt Sally is in the full enjoyment of all her faculties and of her + health, which is uncommonly good this winter—I hope you are as much + delighted as she is with the life of Hannah Moore. I remember you were + very impatient for its appearance; she is most enthusiastic in its + praise—it ever lays open on her table. I want to know your opinion of + it, though I think it cannot but be favorable, but my paper admonishes + me to have done, and I have more messages than I have room for from + Pendleton to the Miss Braces, and from Edmund to the little Abbeys—I + would fain send some myself to my kind Dr. Buel—do, if you see him, + tell him his little patient is grown a fat robust fellow, nor would I + omit Mrs. Talmadge, Mrs. Wolcott and her family, and Mrs. Harrison—I + hope Mrs. Jones too and her son are well. If circumstances permit I + hope to find myself under her roof next summer, though I fear I shall + have to go another way—Edmund is very desirous to go to Mrs. Jones for + he wants to go again for Dr. Abbey’s cows, & Phil thinks he will by + that time be old enough to be of the party, and besides he thinks Mrs. + Jones has got no little boy now to read to her in the bible—and help + her pick cucumbers— + + I hope that your health, (never very robust), has at least been as + good as usual this winter, my dear Miss Pierce—present my warmest + regards to Miss Mary Pierce and your excellent Brother, together with + all the good wishes of the New Year for a continuance of your present + earthly happiness—I hope you will occupy some leisure half hour in + giving me the gratification of a letter from you— + + believe me your sincerely attached— + ANNA P. ROGERS. + + MY DEAR AUNT:[75] + + It has been my intention for some time to address a letter to you, but + circumstances have hitherto prevented, and as nothing very interesting + has occurred it has seemed almost useless for me to attempt to amuse + or interest you. The desire to write to one I so highly esteem and + dearly love overcomes every obstacle, and the anticipation of its + being acceptable to you inspires me with confidence to proceed. + + I need not dwell on the beauties of this place, or its agreeable + inhabitants to prove how much and truly I have enjoyed myself for the + past month. To one who has spent the brightest and loveliest part of + life amid its delightful scenes, can readily realise the pleasure of + rambling through its woods, or following the wandering course of its + streams. Although the groves are robing themselves in their autumn + livery and reminding us that ere long we too, shall be in “the sear + and yellow leaf,” there is a pleasing pensiveness steals over the soul + in contemplating their varied hues, so nearly resembling the chequered + scenes of life, emphatically calling upon us, so to spend the summer + of our days, that when the winter storms of time howl fearfully around + us, we may with “an unwavering faith, enwrap the drapery of our couch + around us and lie down to pleasant dreams.” ... + + Miss S. Pierce desired me to say to Aunt for her, that she should be + very happy to have her come to Litchfield and make her house her home. + I wish sincerely, dear Aunt, you would come up with Pa and Ma when + they come for us, as we hope they certainly will with little Henry.... + + Miss Lucretia Deming called and favored us with a ride a few days + since. Mrs. Beach (Lucy Sheldon that was) invited us to tea and also + Miss Pierce. We passed a delightful evening at Mrs. Dr. Buel’s with + the young people of the village last evening. I have written too long + a letter already and will close by requesting the favour of a [_torn_] + answer [_torn_] return if you consider it worth the trouble. + [_torn_]ry unites with me in much love to Uncle, Aunt and Cousins, and + believe me + + your most affectionate niece. + CORNELIA E. TALLMADGE. + + Litchfield, Wednesday A. M. 3rd Oct. ’32. + + M— D[_worn_]id Wooster aged 75 was buried yesterday. I took tea at + Miss Pierce’s on Saturday evening with the rest of the family, and was + introduced to Misses Twining, Ferris and Catlin, cousins to a _former + friend_ of mine. Miss T——ng resembles him very much and I happened to + sit next to her all the evening. I found her quite agreeable—she quite + as well satisfied I believe. I write this, dear Aunt, not that it can + be very amusing to you, except as you are acquainted with a few + _peculiar_ circumstances connected with the family, etc. I send this + letter rather than with another, merely to change the date. I hope it + will be no less acceptable on this account. Excuse the unshapely + appearance of this addition, dear Aunt, and remember, + + me your truly affectionate niece, + CORNELIA. + + Oct. 8th, Monday evening. + + + FAREWELL ADDRESS ON LEAVING LITCHFIELD ACADEMY, OCTOBER 23, 1832. + +It is always a solemn & interesting moment for a teacher to close a term +of his exertions & instructions. To give the last information to those +who are entering the world to perform their parts on the great theatre +of action; to feel that all that he can do for their improvement & +usefulness, their benefit here, & their welfare hereafter, has been +done; to realize that the account of his influence over them, has been +sealed up by the recording angel, & entered in heaven’s dread chancery, +to be opened no more until the great day of reckoning brings all things +to light; to feel that he has bidden adieu to those, whose welcome +faces, for years, have surrounded his desk, & constituted his happiness +or misery by their conduct; to feel all this clouds his brow with gloom, +& fills his heart with sorrow, when the anticipations of home & friends, +& the buoyant hope of future usefulness, & the false glare of expected +admiration, causes every eye to sparkle, & every heart to throb among +the pupils around him—It is then, that looking on the past, the feelings +of regret, at neglected opportunities for their welfare, once enjoyed, +and now lost forever; at all that he might have done to have made his +pupils more useful, better fitted for the stormy trials of this world, & +the greater trial hereafter; of all his mistakes & errors in intellect; +of his follies in conduct and obliquities in temper; of his example, +shining but to betray, & his influence, powerful, but to mislead; of all +that he has done to injure, or omitted to do to benefit, rush upon his +mind, in a tide of overwhelming sorrow— + +At such a time, the most faithful in intellectual discipline, the most +devoted to the future usefulness of his pupils, & the one most willing +“to spend & be spent” in the service of his greater master, feels his +past neglect, & grieves over his deficiences. + +If such be the feelings & the regrets at the close of an ordinary term, +how much more shall he feel, the principal of this Academy, who, after +eighteen years devoted to its interests, on this night, with this act, +closes his connection with it, & enters on a new, & almost untried field +of usefulness. + +The audience generally, & his pupils in particular, will excuse him for +occupying their attention, a few moments, in a detail of the plan of his +instructions, the motives for the resignation of his present office, & +the regrets that crowd upon his mind in standing for the last time at +the head of the Litchfield Female Academy— + +It has always been our belief, that the female intellect was as +susceptible of as high & extensive cultivation as that of man; though, +from her different destination in Society, & her various employments, a +different education must be pursued— + +It is not now necessary to enter into a discussion of the question +whether the abilities of the sexes are naturally equal; it is sufficient +to notice, that the circumstances of life require a varied exercise of +these abilities—The employments of man & woman are so dissimilar, that +no one will pretend to say that an education for these employments must +be conducted upon the same plan: but the discipline of the mind, the +formation of these intellectual habits, which are necessary to one sex, +are equally so to the other—The difference in their employments requires +a diversity of personal qualifications, but not a difference of +intellectual exertions—it is equally important to both sexes, that the +memory should be stored with facts; that the imagination should be +chastened & confined within its due & regular limits; that habits of +false judgement, the results of prejudice, ignorance, or error, should +be destroyed or counteracted; that the reasoning faculty should be +trained to nice discrimination, & powerful & rapid research. + +It has, therefore, been our endeavor to fling into that course of study +& employments which may be considered peculiar to women; as many of the +mental avocations of the other sex, as were necessary to all that +development of intellectual energy, which woman, in her situation may +require—To this course of discipline & improvement we have endeavoured, +uniformly to adhere with no more variations than were necessary to keep +pace with the changing state of many of the sciences, with the gradual +improvement of our country, & the rapid “march of mind” in the present +century— + +During the forty years of the existence of this Seminary, other similar +schools have arisen & fallen; have had their day of reputation, & have +ceased their operations—Fashion has led, during this long period, at one +time to place an undue stress on external accomplishments; at another, +to the study, exclusively of intellectual philosophy; at another, on the +physical sciences; while we have endeavoured to mingle all that was +useful in the existent fashion, with the regular course of study so long +pursued— + +A teacher of a large & promiscuously collected school is obliged to act +upon other principles, in the motives & incentives placed before the +mind, than if he were conducting the education of a solitary individual +or a single family or early discipline; the course pursued by parents; +the difference of original constitution; the diversity of prejudice & +feelings, occasion such a contrariety of character among his pupils that +he can find but few motives that will operate alike upon all. + +Were human nature perfect, did all act up to the light they have +received, did the great principles of the divine law “thou shalt love +thy neighbour as thyself,” operate on the heart, the teacher would have +an easy task, a delightful labour—In the ruined state of the human +heart, when the holiest motives are unknown, he is obliged to seize upon +the best that remain to accomplish the great object of public +instruction. + +He has the stupid to arouse; the sluggish to excite; the idle to leave +or _drive into_ a life of industry; the irregular to habituate to a life +of method— + +To accomplish these important objects, & to induce our pupils to make +the greatest possible improvement of the time and advantages allowed +them, we have adopted a system of rewards & punishments founded on the +principle of an emulation to excel. Our utmost endeavours have always +been made to prevent this system of emulation from engendering an unholy +ambition, and the approbation of parents, & the plaudits of an approving +conscience, have been the motives most frequently exhibited, and most +affectionately urged upon the minds of our scholars. + +Our object has been, not to make learned ladies, or skilful metaphysical +reasoners, or deep read scholars in physical science: there is a more +useful, tho’ less exalted, and less brilliant station that woman must +occupy; there are duties of incalculable importance that she must +perform: that station is home; these duties, are the alleviation of the +trials of her parents; the soothing of the labours & fatigues of her +partner; & the education for time & eternity of the next generation of +immortal beings—Our design has been, to give our pupils enough of +science to conduct the early education of their children and to relish +the conversation of the scientific around them. Our greater aim has +been, however, to cultivate the judgement & improve the taste, to +produce a relish for reading, & especially to create a correct & elegant +style in conversation & letters, where alone, with few exceptions, women +can manifest the extent of their information. + +The formation of character; the acquisition of correct habits; the +controul of tempers, & the restraint of appetites; the discipline of +mind, that will lead to perseverance & industry, to order & system +hereafter, are of more importance than the principles of science, than +the refinements of manners, or the elegancies of Literature— + +To these objects have our exertions been extended—Every moral precept +that could be drawn from science or literature; from the rewards & +punishments of the school, from the daily occurrences of life, is +applied to these great purposes—Feeling as we do, the importance of +forming the habits & the character, at such early periods, we use all +our endeavours to fulfill the responsible duties devolved upon us— + +There is yet one other subject, of higher & holier moment, that forms a +part of these responsible duties: the direction to be given to our +pupils to comply with the great object of their creation, & glorify +their Maker. In our religious instruction, bestowed often upon them, we +have endeavoured to point them to that Saviour, provided for them, & to +impress upon them the duty of repentance & faith required in the gospel. +We trust we have not done this, in a sectarian spirit, & that we have +equally encouraged every sect “who love our Lord Jesus Christ in +sincerity & truth.” + +But feeling, as we do, the deep wickedness of the human heart, the +necessity of a change of that disposition to an entrance into the +kingdom of heaven, & the agency of the Spirit of God in accomplishing +that change, we must press these subjects upon our pupils, & to show +them their guilt, their danger, their remedy & their duty; praying that +the Spirit of God would accompany these exhortations with saving power +to their hearts— + +Such is very slightly the outlines of the motives, that have guided our +public career & we hope that on looking back over the long list of +immortal beings entrusted to our charge, at the most important & +responsible part of their existence, we can be excused the assertion +that we have attempted to do the good required of us, “in our day & +generation”— + +[Illustration: + + PL. LIX.—SILHOUETTE OF A LITCHFIELD GIRL OF ABOUT 1830 +] + +Will the patrons of this school, now, pardon me in giving a detail of +the reasons that have led me to relinquish my charge as the _associate +principal_ in this Institution—These are, very concisely, (for I do not +wish to occupy public attention by an egotistical exhibition of my +private movements,) the diminution in the number of my pupils, +occasioned by the numerous other establishments of a similar +description, springing up all around us; the increased facilities of +travelling to other places which nature has denied as an access to this +village; & the offer to a station, where with less of physical exertion, +a more certain & ample support for my increasing family, can be +obtained, & a greater amount of usefulness be in my power, from the +increased number of pupils, & the enlarged sphere of action—But in +relinquishing this office, let me be believed, when I assert that I +never can efface from my memory, the kindness of those by whom, I have +been surrounded & supported for so many years—The stream of time may +roll many things into oblivion, but whether it stagnate in its course, +or rush on with a cataract’s velocity, it can never bury beneath its +waves, or hurry from my heart, the recollection of all that has been +done & felt for me, by the people of my native village— + +I am going among strangers, & I shall miss your kindly sympathy. I shall +miss the tones of friendship, heard from childhood until now. I shall +miss these advisers on whose arms I have leaned until age has almost +bowed them to the silent & narrow house, & sprinkled my locks with +gray—I shall miss those pupils, who, though years have elapsed since +they heard my instructions, still beam upon me as they pass, with their +kindly faces, & look as if satisfied, that they too were educated in the +Litchfield School—I am going to a land of strangers to acquire new +friends, to lean on new advisers, to see the faces of new pupils, at an +age when change is the most dreaded, & old associations the most +powerfully felt—It would be a gratification in this hour, to feel that I +might retain that friendship, & those regards, I have held so long & +prized so highly— + +Permit me to express a hope that the Institution to which I have given +my hopes & my fears, for nearly 20. years, will still be preserved on +its former footing, & that yet very many more may be added to the list +of the 3000 of its former pupils, & that the declining years of her, +who, for forty years, has superintended its operations, & who was the +pioneer in the march of female education in this whole land, may be +soothed by the success of that which has been her object in life, & will +be the “crown of her rejoicing, in the day of her Lord”— + +To the pupils of this term, I return my grateful thanks, for their +attention & their kindness; for their progress in science, & their +improvement in character—I hope that their conduct in this world will be +such as to reflect honour on the Institution, that educated them, & that +their preparation for another will be founded on those gospel principals +that will unite them around the throne of God forever.— + +The time will soon arrive, when all of us shall have done with all that +is mortal & earthly; when the tongue that utters this farewell, & the +ears that hear it, shall be alike motionless in dust; & when a few +grassy hillocks by the graves of our fathers shall be all that earth has +left to us; shall we not, all of us, then, make that preparation which +will fit us for scenes beyond this world, & its perishing employments, +when the realities of Eternity, will be around us, & nothing but the +faith of the gospel, be of abiding benefit?— + + +EXTRACT FROM ADDRESS ON ASSUMING CHARGE OF THE HARTFORD FEMALE SEMINARY. + + December 2^{nd} 1832 + +It is useless for me, from this desk & at this period of the history of +education in our country & of the march of the human mind, to enter a +laborious investigation of the uses of information, of the advantages of +study, of the pleasures of intellectual enjoyment. The fountains of pure +happiness which education has opened in our land, are no longer locked +up from the female sex, but all are equally invited to drink of their +waters & in no way is the superiority of our favoured country more +notedly manifest than in the blessings of mental discipline being poured +upon the heads of the female sex. Have you ever, my dear young friends, +as your eyes glanced over the map of the world, & your memories were +stored with the facts of Geography. felt your hearts rise in aspirations +of gratitude to your heavenly Father, that you were not like the unhappy +females of which you read; compelled to the lowest & meanest pitch of +outward degradation, & the darkest night of mental ignorance; condemned +by “man, imperial man” alternately, to be the slave of his passions, & +the victim of his tyranny; condemned to the toil & labour & suffering of +a life of barbarity, the galley slave of ignorance & brutality, with no +other prospect at its close, but to mount the funeral pile of your lord +& master, & with no hope of the brightness of that “life & immortality,” +which the gospel has brought to light. The religion of Christ & the +influence of education have made this difference in your happiness here, +& your prospects hereafter. and it is useless for me to occupy your time +one moment in any laboured proof of the value of education to you. It +was not always so. Eighteen years ago, well can I remember the +prejudices, the fashions, the antipathies with which I had to contend. +The taste for frivolous accomplishments was to be crushed, & something +besides the embellishment of the exterior was to be forced upon the +consideration of the light & trifling. The singular prejudice of some of +the good & pious of the community, that all information beyond that of +the Bible, was profane & useless, was to be softened down & modified. +The false idea that the exclusive station of woman was the kitchen, & +her exclusive discipline an acquaintance with culinary concerns was to +be counteracted, & a better feeling of her value & her influence to be +created. But that time has passed, & the full importance of female +improvement, & the culture of female intellect have been justly +appreciated, & the numerous seminaries that crowd our land, show that +“scattering the seed” of female education is an object of the highest +utility. + +There are many, at the present time who suppose that the discipline of +the female mind should be the same as that of the other sex, & that the +same mode of education will answer for either. With this opinion I +cannot entirely coincide: not because I have any doubts on the natural +equality of the female intellect, or any jealousy of their superior +mental attainments, or any prejudice against intellectual cultivation, +but my belief is that mental discipline must be accommodated to the +different stations, that man & woman are destined to occupy, & that many +studies & employments, proper in the education of man, will be useless +in that of woman. Still, the same general habits of intellectual +exertion, the same attention to the cultivation of the powers of the +mind are necessary to both. In both cases the memory is to be stored +with useful facts, but not crowded with the unnecessary furniture, that +a more technical knowledge of names would give; the imagination is to be +checked in its career, & placed subordinate to the reason; habits of +nice discrimination and deep research, of laborious & painful +investigation, of accurate classification are necessary to both. +Instructors are often asked by their pupils “of what use will the +knowledge of such a science be to us?” The answer should be always ready +“to discipline the mind,” & if it produce that effect, its aim is +gained, tho’ of no radical utility in after life. Even if some royal +road could be discovered to the acquisition of science, I still doubt +its use to the young mind which needs the patient investigation of a +difficult and abstruse study to strengthen its capacities, invigorate +its faculties, & prepare it for similar contests in after life.—Every +study, therefore, that will, in the education of man, produce this +mental discipline, may be employed with equal advantage, in giving the +same heathful tone & vigor to the female intellect. After this great +object is attained, the most important in education, aside from the +moral discipline of the heart, then the different employments & stations +of the different sexes must be taken into consideration. The difference +in their employments requires a diversity of personal qualifications, +but not a difference of intellectual exertions. The object of female +education is not to qualify woman to controul the councils of our +nation, to command armies for our defence, to move forward the wheels of +government, by their eloquence in the legislative hall, to regulate the +science & literature of our universities, or to direct from the pulpit +the immortal destinies of perishing sinners: no: the station of woman is +less exposed, but not less valued. Her hall of legislation is the quiet +home of her nursery, & her eloquence the power that moulds & forms the +rising hopes of our country, & of the church. The whole duty of early +education devolves upon her; & every thing, in her own discipline of +mind, should tend to that one great point. Her own amusements the desire +of shining & dazzling in the world, the desire, even of pleasing, should +be all held subordinate to the great destiny of the sex, their controul +over the infant intellect, & to a preparation for their fitness to +discharge this great, this all important duty. Intellectual habits, the +influence of science, & literature, & accomplishments; the formation of +the temper, all should be bent in a direction towards this one object. +With these views, my aim in life, has not been so much to form +scientific & literary ladies, as useful members of society, & to show to +my pupils that their greatest happiness should be found in the quiet +domestic circle, & their greatest exertion a preparation for all the +duties of forbearance, patience, and fortitude, which they are called +upon to exhibit in life. Hence I have always felt, that the moral +influence of their studies was of more importance than the intellectual, +& that the formation of character was superior in its value to the +cultivation of intellect— + + PITTSFIELD MASS. + June 3^{rd} 1892 + + MY DEAR MRS. SKINNER + + I was very much pleased to get your letter last week. I look back at + my school days with so much pleasure—and regret, and so much gratitude + to your father, that I am glad indeed to be remembered by you. I owe + to your father[76] the greater share of whatever power to write I + possess, and I have often wished I could see the notes he used in his + composition class lectures. I think they would make such a useful + book. + + I should like to attend the reunion but I am not able.... + + I thank you much for your letter and am + + Yours cordially + ROSE TERRY COOKE. + + + LITCHFIELD FEMALE SEMINARY. + +The summer term of this Institution will commence on Wednesday May +15^{th}. + +Terms of instruction in the highest department including Natural and +Moral Philosophy, Logic, Chemistry, Principles of Taste, Criticism and +Rhetoric ... $10.75 + +Second department, embracing History, Grammar, Arithmetic, and +Composition ... $8.75 + +[Illustration: + + PL. LX.—LAST SCHOOL DIPLOMA, WHITE SATIN BOUND WITH BLUE RIBBON + + Engraved by Pelton +] + +The lowest department, including Writing, Reading, Spelling and +Geography ... $6.75 + + French per quarter 5.00 + Drawing do 5.00 + Music do 10.00 + +No pupil will be received for less than one term and no deduction made +except for sickness. + +The morals and manners of the young ladies will receive particular +attention. + +Board in respectable families may be obtained from $1.75 to $2.00 per +week exclusive of lights and washing. + +Litchfield, April 25^{th} 1833. + + + LETTERS OF MISS SARAH PIERCE FROM 1802–1842. + + Jan. 4. 1802 + + MY DEAR JAMES[77] + + Another year has dawned upon us—May it prove more happy, & more to our + Eternal interest than the last. + + Yesterday Mr. Huntington gave us an excellent sermon upon the New + Year. The Discourse tended to wean us from the world by shewing us + that we were not born for ourselves, but for God. + + He mentioned that there had been but nine persons died out of his + Congregation, & those chiefly aged persons. I felt that _ten_ were + _gone_. The idea that our dear brother was one who tho’ he was no + more, was uncounted in his Native Village church struck me to the + heart. + + “tho’ no weeping friends around thy tomb. + The unfading wreaths of virtue there shall bloom. + And when the last great Day shall wake thy dust. + Thou there wilt meet the honors of the just. + Ah, what is earthly pomp compared with this. + What the world’s glory or its present bliss.” + + ... I suppose Mary has left you before this. I am sorry Mamma can’t do + with out her. I should be glad to supply her place, but my family & + school are so large, I can hardly find time to run in & see her once + or twice in a week. Tell sister Pierce I hope she has not forgotten + the promise she made me of sending the copy of poetry, concluding + Parnell’s Hermit. Tell her I shan’t use my brains at spinning poetry + for her again if she serve me thus. + + My love to all friends, adieu. + SALLY PIERCE. + + [No date] + + MY DEAR JAMES. + + ... I have found loaf sugar so amazingly dear that I wish you would + get a few loaves and send with Wadsworth’s goods. I am sorry that I am + not there to spend a little money, I have so many wants. + + Yours affectionately. + M. PIERCE. + + LITCHFIELD. Jan. 4th. 1819. + + MY DEAR JAMES. + + The first use I make of my pen this new year is to wish my _only_ + brother a happy new year. May this year see you as ardently engaged in + the cause of your Maker & Redeemer, as you have hitherto been in the + walks of science & the cares of the world. Every new era of time + reminds me of the approach of Death. My days appear to me to be + numbered & nearly finished. May the evening of my life be as serene as + the meridian has been. How many mercies has our family to recount. + Fifteen years have elapsed since we have been called to weep over the + grave of a beloved friend, but how short that period appears. it seems + as but yesterday, & what have we done in that time to prepare us to + follow our relatives to that region of joy where we have reason to + hope they are gone. What a flood of knowledge & glory they must have + travelled through, since they were released from this prison of flesh. + With what pity they must cast a look on us, & wonder that the cares & + the silly trifles of time can so engross our thoughts & hearts as they + do. Could we but for one moment feel what blessed spirits feel, who + are purified from the infirmities of mortality, how we should long to + fly away, & be a partaker with them of the bliss of heaven. We had a + letter from Ann on Saturday, she & her husband were tolerably well, + though she complains of the high seasoned food, parties, as not + benefitting her appetite, or her husbands eyes. Our neighbors & + friends are generally well, except hard colds which are very common + though the season has been uncommonly fine. I have at last completed a + history in question & answer for the use of schools, beginning at the + creation & reaching to the Destruction of Jerusalem by Titus. The + intention of the work, is to unite Sacred & Profane history with moral + instruction & designed for the use of schools. If you are acquainted + with any bookseller whom you think would like to take a number of them + to sell upon commission I wish you would speak to him about them & let + me know of it & I will forward them, by the first conveyance. + + Mr. Diderrer wanted a set for Eliza, if there is any way of sending + them to him I would forward them. I thought that it was best to have + some deposited in N. York for those who wished to purchase. Should you + see any of my friends remember me to them & believe me as ever your + affectionate sister. + + SARAH PIERCE. + + + LETTERS FROM MISS S. PIERCE TO MR. JOHN P. BRACE, HARTFORD, CONN.[78] + + Dec. 7. 1832. + + DEAR JOHN. + + I hope you will keep your mind from despondency, even if you should + have a small school this winter. Should you not have sufficient + scholars to pay the salary of your Teachers I think you must call them + together, & state the case to them, & I am sure they will be + reasonable enough, either to accept a smaller compensation, or resign + their places. You will soon see who you can best spare, & by another + Term arrange your school to your own liking. I hope you will never + forget to love your native Village, but I should be sorry to have you + unhappy because you are obliged to quit it. And as for becoming rich, + if you are a child of God, as I trust you are, He will give you as + much wealth as is best for your eternal interest, and no more. Cast + therefore all your care upon God, for he careth for you. Do _good_, & + verily thou shalt be fed. We regret your absence as much as you regret + leaving us. “We miss you in our days of woe. We miss you in our + mirth,” but chiefly we miss you on Sabbath eve, at the Bible class.... + + I am glad to hear by your letter of last evening, that your school is + increasing, if you can get along with out lessening your Teachers for + this winter, it will be better for you, as every Teacher who is + dismissed will use her tongue to your disadvantage, if they have not + more grace than the generality of our race. I want you should always + remember that curious eyes are watching all your actions, & be careful + to take as much notice of the greatest dunce in school, as of the + finest intellect. Never forget the lessons of the last year, & let + prudence, not fancy guide your actions. What an evil world we live in, + our time, our talents, and even our affections must be devoted to + earning our daily bread, if it was only the sweat of the brow, I would + not care, but we must smile, and court those we do not care a pin + about, or be called partial, impolite, &c.—but it teaches us one + scripture lesson, to be patient towards all men. I would warn you + against walking up to L’d unless you accustom yourself to walk ten + miles every day, then you could do it with out making you sick. I do + not know but you might do it, if you accustom yourself to walk 5 or 6 + miles a day, but one fit of sickness would be dreadful. + + S. PIERCE. + + Feb^y 1, 1833. + + MY DEAR NEPHEW. + + I have the pleasure to inform you that your daughter Mary begins to + repay us all, for the care we have bestowed upon her, she reads her + history to me in the morning, & is careful to correct every wrong + pronunciation when pointed out to her. She recites her lessons + perfectly, practises two hours every day with great care and + attention, & is never out of temper when any little fault is pointed + out to her. Mrs. H—— is much delighted with the manner & intelligence + displayed in Sabbath school. She is the joy of her mother’s heart, by + the respect & attention she shews her on all occasions—and has more + than repayed me for the many hours I have labored to help you to give + her a genteel education. I think you will be justly proud of such a + daughter, & she will, by her conduct in your present Seminary, be a + living recommendation to your skill in forming the female character. + + July 1833. + + MY DEAR JOHN. + + Miss Sheddon told us yesterday, of some trouble you have had among + your Teachers. I had hoped that their places & employments were so + definitely arranged as to preserve harmony, but I find selfishness + will prevent happiness in this world, how glad I am that it cannot + enter Heaven. We are not without our trouble here the same spirit of + fault finding as prevailed last winter has begun to show itself. Miss + J is the sufferer, as she has the care of the older scholars, who are + ambitious, & there is one who has risen by her superior mind far above + her companions, & several have become jealous of her, & of Miss J, & + accuse her of partiality. Miss Landon says there never was a more + faithful & conscientious teacher, but she thinks the persecution she + suffers will drive her back to Geneva, where they are constantly + soliciting her return. I am afraid that the next generation of women, + instead of being improved by their superior advantages, will be a + poor, weak, inefficient & selfish race, as parents will listen to all + their whims & indulge them in sloth & petulance. They are not allowed + to endure any hardships any privations, to give up their own comforts + to accommodate others, or to be willing that others should be wiser, + more genteel, or handsomer than themselves. I am afraid that the next + generation instead of showing the hardy Roman virtues, will be mere + Italians, without energy, patriotism or humility—& all this originated + in the indulgence & overweening fondness of parents, & school Teachers + cannot overcome it, & therefore it is a most undesirous employment. I + am thankful I lived in an age of parental discipline, Or I would never + have discharged the duties of my office as many years as I have done. + & that in my old age I am not obliged to continue the employment, & + have only the trouble of sympathising with _all_ the Teachers in our + country. When are you and Mr. Van —— coming to L’d—or had you rather + come alone, we want to see you very much, & hope you will be able to + come up some Sunday, as the stage runs so conveniently for you. L’d + looks very handsome this summer, & is filled with company. Most of the + L’d boys have been here with their wives, & some are here now, the two + Child’s—James Seymour, John Adams, Mr. Clark, & E. Gould—I have not + become acquainted with any of their wives, but Mr. Gould, but am told + they are all _quite as good_ as their husbands. Did you know that S. + A. Vanderheysen and her husband were both dead—that the brother & + remaining sister were apparently on the decline, & that Jane is far + from well. How can that family value property when their lives are so + precarious. + + S. P. + + July. 10. 1833. + + DEAR JOHN & LUCY + + ... We had a queer celebration here on the fourth. E. Ford commanded + the troops which consisted chiefly of the young mechanics, but he had + the art to draw in all our most respectable men to walk in the + procession. Mr. Hickok & Mr. Pallen, Col Tallmadge & Mr. Wolcott, Dr. + Buel, &c. Mr. H. was so much engaged in talking with Mr. P. when they + passed our house, we agreed he was making the first oration. The + procession reached up as far as the corner, & I suppose equally as far + in the South St. I think the exercise was rather fatigueing, in the + middle of such a hot day. The ladies had been invited to secure + themselves seats in the meeting house, where they waited two hours, + for the orator of the day, & lost sight of the best part of the + entertainment. The musick of the band, & the procession. The orator + was a young man from the West. I think Kentucky. He is very young, & + his oration discovered his age. Mary & Ann Landon were to have had a + party in the evening, & Mary Ann Wolcott asked Mr. Landon after the + oration was over, if his daughters would accept some flowers from + their garden to dress their room, Mr. Landon groaned out, you may send + one pink, not more, for I cannot bear any more flowers today. The two + Childs, & their brides are making a figure here, they have a grand + party tomorrow. The Dr. & Col. look very happy, & their wives appear + genteel. My love to all your family. + + S. PIERCE. + + Sept. 3. 1833 + + DEAR JOHN. + + ... I have given up the management of the school to them (the + trustees), & they desired me to write to a French Lady who had made + application for her daughter to come & teach musick, french & drawing. + The mother is a good house keeper, & wishes to take boarders. Should + they come, I expect they will take your house, perhaps for a number of + years, & will be profitable tenants.... + + When I go past your home, it looks so natural it seems as if I must + step in & see you all, & when I do go in it looks so lonesome I can’t + bear to stay. Mr. Hickok improves every day, & we hope the church is + beginning to awake. + + Give my love to all the young ladies, & to all the children, & to Lucy + if she has not gone on to Boston. May the best of heavens blessings + rest upon you & yours, & may we all meet together in heaven, when the + toilsome day of life is past. + + S. PIERCE. + + LITCHFIELD. May 13. 1834 + + MY DEAR NEPHEW + + ... I should think Mary would prefer being at home, as both her + parents are there, and the money she would have spent in going to + Newark, will nearly bear her mother’s expenses to Boston, & as Mary is + young & healthy, & does not need a jaunt to set her up for the summer, + & her mother does, I hope she will rejoice to stay at home for the + present, & urge her mother to spend all the spare cash upon + herself.... + +[Illustration: + + PL. LXI.—PATHWAY IN FRONT OF THE SCHOOL +] + + I am sorry that you have got that whim into your head, that you do not + appear well to strangers. When you take the trouble to please + strangers, they are always pleased with you, but as you are no beauty, + you must like a plain woman seek to please by your conversational + talents. I am afraid you have again remitted your exertions to please + acquaintances, & are sinking down into your old taciturn habits. You + don’t know how much the exertion you made last year to please, raised + you in the estimation of all who saw you, Miss L. Miner among the rest + came home from H— full of your praises. I don’t think it absolutely + necessary for you to take a journey every vacation, but I do think it + necessary for you to gain a great many acquaintances.... + + S. PIERCE. + + June 1834. + + MY DEAR NEPHEW. + + ... I think Mr. Strong has charged very high for the binding of my + book, I never gave but 17 cts, per vol—for binding the first & second + vols together—& he has charged me 3 Dol. for the dozen, which is the + price I set them at—as he has had the binding of so many, I think he + ought not to ask as much as the book is worth for the binding, I asked + to have a cheap binding, because I cannot sell them for much. I wish + you would see him, & ask him to reduce his price. I had a letter from + H R— last week, she is still employed in doing good, her sister + instructs a Sabbath school of black children & those who belong to + them are educated in the knowledge of the Bible. Love to Lucy & the + children. + + S. PIERCE + + LITCHFIELD, July 29. 1834. + + DEAR JOHN. + + Last evening we had the melancholy intelligence of the death of our + dear sister Pierce. (Col. John Pierce’s widow) she with her nephew & + niece Mr. & Mrs. Pendleton set out the latter part of June to visit + Green Pendleton. + + They reached Cincinnati the 2nd of July, she bore the journey very + well, wrote a long & cheerful letter to Mrs. Muirson, the next day was + attacked with cholera murbus, which terminated in a dysentry, & she + died on the 10th, had her reason to the last, & died full of faith & + hope.... + + Mr. Kirk spent a day with us, I suppose Mary has written that he made + a strong impression upon the whole school, in six or seven instances + it appeared as if the feeling would be permanent—but like the wayside + hearers they do not appear to have root within, & are again laughing & + playing with the thoughtless & gay.... + + S. PIERCE + + LITCHFIELD, Sep. 21 1835. + + DEAR JOHN. + + ... Are there any little girls who want to learn the French language, + in or near Hartford—I want to procure Mrs. Gimbrede a few boarders, it + is an excellent place for young ladies from eight to fourteen, she + loves young girls, takes great pains with their manners, & it is the + only way to learn to speak French well to live in a French family. I + fear Mrs. G— will leave us this fall if she does not get boarders, & I + do not know as we should be able to let your house if she leaves + it.... + + S. PIERCE. + + LITCHFIELD. Jan. 13. 1842. + + MY DEAR EMMA + + You must not expect that your old aunt will be able to write to you + very often, as her bodily weakness is great, & her eyes very poor. I + was glad to see your last letter written so handsomely & without any + mistakes in the spelling. I hope you will be careful to acquire a good + style, & a handsome mode of writing letters & notes, as they show a + womans education on more occasions than almost any thing else she is + called to perform. + + I suppose Mary had troops of gentlemen on N. Year, the gentlemen made + calls here, which was quite a new thing, but there are so few of them, + they did not take up much of our time. + + We had a very affecting death here on Christmas, Henrietta Beers, + cousin to Julia, & who had been adopted by Mr. Beers as a daughter + died on that morning, her funeral was attended on Monday morning. All + Miss Jones’ scholars walked in procession to the grave, she was very + handsome, & very much beloved. Her friends have hope that she was + prepared for death, if so she is now singing the praises of her + Redeemer. May you be prepared to meet your death, at whatever period + the king of terrors may summon you to depart. The Methodist church has + had a protracted meeting which has continued about three weeks, a + number of young people have become hopefully pious, & a few old. + + The temperance cause seems to be gaining. Mr. Kirchon (?) from N. + Haven has been laboring here, & a number of drunkards have signed the + pledge, & we hope they may continue firm to their oath. Tell Mary I + will send Charles’ stocking the first opportunity, I have not finished + your Father’s stockings yet, while at C— I knit for your aunt Ruthy & + since that I have gone on slowly as there are but few evenings when I + can keep my eyes open, but they are nearly done. + + Love to Mary, Charles & James, to Isabella also—& take a great deal + for your self—from your affectionate aunt + + S. P. + + LITCHFIELD. March. 14. 1842. + + DEAR JOHN + + I am sorry that your congregation have got into such a bad state, but + it seems to be the state of the present time to run into extremes, a + few years past, it was with difficulty that we could get a decent + house to worship in, & now people are for emulating Romanists, in + building, & decorating their churches, there is no religion in it, but + as Dinah used to say, “_needless pride_.” Satan was never more active + than at the present day, fomenting contention in churches, where he + has not as yet been able to introduce false principles. I think it a + great sin in these hard times to lay out money needlessly when so many + benevolent institutions are suffering for funds. + + ... I think you would not do wisely to buy a lot to build on, as it is + always expensive to build, & there is always in the course of every + year, houses to sell at a low rate. Love to the children, tell James + we hope to see him as soon as the mud is dried up, & the weather warm + enough to play out door. + + S. P. + + LITCHFIELD. June 23. 1842. + + MY DEAR NEPHEW. + + James was very homesick for a few days, but after the cold rain passed + off, & he became acquainted with a few boys, & could run about & play + in the street with them, he was quite happy, till yesterday, when he + received your letter, the disease broke out afresh. I set him to study + a geography lesson, & it cured him for the time, but if he is not + fully employed, either in play or study, he is unhappy. I am sorry + that the school I spoke of has broken up, but he recites good lessons + to me, & if we could get him interested in the garden, & hay making, + he would improve both in mind, & body very fast, but he does not as + yet take any pleasure in rural occupations. I want he should acquire a + taste for the garden, & other beauties of nature, & learn to depend on + himself for amusement, & hope yet he will be contented to remain with + us during the summer, as I have so much more time to attend to the + cultivation of his heart, & mind than you have. I expect to send on by + this conveyance the money we have received for the rent of your + house.... + + S. P. + + June 24. 1842 + + MY DEAR EMMA.[79] + + ... Tomorrow I shall (if I live) be 75 years old. God has given me + long life, & many, very many blessings, that you may meet with as + many, is the sincere wish of your affectionate aunt, + + S. P. + + + + + 1852. + + + OBITUARY FROM KILBOURNE’S “HISTORY OF LITCHFIELD.” + +In Litchfield Jan. 19. 1852, Miss Sarah Pierce aged 84. In 1792 she +established the Litchfield Female Academy, which became one of the most +celebrated institutions in the country. She remained connected with it +until 1832—though for a few years, previous, her nephew, John P. Brace, +Esq., was the Principal. More than 2500 young ladies and misses were +members of the Academy. It was incorporated in 1827. The successors of +Miss Pierce have been Misses Swift, Jones, Heyden and other. + + + OBITUARY.[80] + +In Litchfield Conn. on the 19th of January. Miss Sarah Pierce, at the +advanced age of 84. + +Miss Pierce was the founder of the Litchfield Academy in 1792, and for +forty years an instructor of her sex. She was emphatically the pioneer +in the cause of female education in our country, and lived to see the +effects of her efforts in the increased attention paid to that important +cause, and to witness the advancement & progress of the useful plans she +had formed, and the foundation she had laid. The instruction was +eminently practical. She strove to make her pupils useful in the +stations in which Providence might place them. Among the two thousand +pupils, whose mind & character she has aided in forming, there are many +who are ready to rise up and call her blessed. + +[Illustration: + + PL. LXII.—MISS SARAH PIERCE + + From a silhouette +] + +She taught religion as she did science, practically; and openly placed +before the young mind, the fear of God as a better motive than the +shrine of applause, the love of Christ a stronger impulse, than the +flatteries of the world. Her own was noted more for its practical fruit, +than enthusiastic impulse. She was humble, submissive, resigned, Her +religion was that of the life, not of the imagination. She was more +ready to pursue the calls of duty, than to follow the impulse of +feeling. Hence her religious character was remarkably uniform. In times +of declension, her lamp was always trimmed & burning. In times of +revival she was prepared to check the impulses of enthusiasm. Her +religious instruction to her pupils, her calls upon them for repentance, +faith and a holy life were as numerous, as pungent, and as practical, +when all around her was religiously cold, as when under the excitement +of a powerful revival. + +The same characteristics that marked her life accompanied her through +old age and sickness. There was the same humble trust in Christ, the +same resignation, the same quiet patience and calm composure under all +the trials of daily increasing weakness, and daily decay of the bodily +powers. + +In her last sickness and near her end when asked what should be the +particular petition of the prayer to be offered for her in her +suffering, her reply was, “That I may feel the goodness of God.” These +were the last connected words she uttered. After lingering under a +slight paralysis for several days, she departed to her rest, leaving the +bright example of a consistent Christian life to console and animate her +friends. + + + SKETCH OF MISS SARAH PIERCE. BY MRS. ASA GRAY. + +Miss Sarah Pierce was a small woman, slender, & fragile. The sisters +seem mostly to have been small. Ann Pierce (Nancy) who was the elder +sister in the opening of the school, must have been very petite judging +from a sleeve of a dress still in existence.[81] Mrs. Ruth Croswell & +Mrs. Susan Brace were small women, and Mary Pierce, though differing +from her sisters in being plump, was below middle height— + +Sarah had a fair complexion & blue eyes, a face expressive of resolution +& character; which showed in her manner which was decided & firm. Rather +awe inspiring to the young who had to learn the true kindness of her +heart. She had a great dislike of affectation, and held up a high +standard in every thing— + +She was unable to use her eyes much in later years, but enjoyed reading +aloud by her young friends—One has a vivid memory of her daily habit of +reading to herself, continued to the last, in her big bible, & she was +always glad to turn the conversation to religious matters. + +Her health was delicate in her old age, and she followed a strict +regimen, eating carefully, exercising faithfully indoors, walking about +sunset across her room so many times, until she had done certain +proportions of a mile, and enjoying at the same time the beautiful +western view towards Prospect Mt. of which she never wearied. + +She was very fond of her garden, her charge was the flowers, Mary had +especially the fruit, & James the brother, whose last years were spent +in Litchfield, took the vegetables—Miss Sarah, when she had been away +for a visit, always brought home with her some new flower, planted & +cherished it—She worked all the summer mornings so much time, in her +garden, wearing an old fashioned calash to screen her weak eyes, +carrying a bit of old carpet and a little stool for weeding. + +She was cheerful and took a lively interest in everything, social, +political, literary, and heartily enjoyed a good laugh. A good and +fluent talker, and liked to meet good talkers and intelligent people. +Very scrupulous in attendance on all religious exercises, but ready to +criticise if she thought anything stated wrongly or exaggerated. It was +a day of a certain seriousness & sobriety; a reaction perhaps from times +of too great freedom and levity. She said once that when she was much +younger, dancing & games were considered all right, but as society +increased the “balls”[82] generally held in the top story of the hotel +lost in a measure, their attraction, although occasionally there were +balls there attended by the young ladies of the school and the young men +studying law. + +It was the same with cards, gambling had increased to a dangerous +extent, and in the great revival under Lyman Beecher, these originally +harmless amusements, were not considered proper for those who aimed for +the better life. + + + NOTES COLLECTED FOR MRS. ASA GRAY.[83] + +Mrs. N. Child, [Elizabeth C. Prince] writes Mrs. Beach’s [Lucy Sheldon] +memories—She was Miss Pierce’s next door neighbor:— + +“Last evening Aunt again talked with me about your family, and I +herewith send what may not be of much use to Mr. B. but may interest the +friends. + +“The father Mr. John Pierce was a potter, making the red earthen jars, +pots, milk pans, & so on, used much in the households of those days. + +“The family lived in the old red house, and the large elms now standing +were set out by Mr. John Pierce[?] the son. + +“Mrs. Beach remembers attending Miss Pierce’s school in 1794. And Mary +Cutler, my Aunt, died there, of scarlet fever, when one of the pupils, +and that was in 1793. [October that year.] This must have been, Aunt +thinks about at the Commencement. + +“Col. John Pierce, Miss Pierce’s brother, paymaster-General in the army, +gave his sister the advantages of schooling by sending her to New York, +where she was fitted for a teacher, in the English branches and in +dancing.[84] + +“The school was at one time kept in the old Landon house, then in the +old red one. After that a school house was built very nearly on the site +of the later building. The dwelling house which Miss Pierce occupied for +many years was built by herself & her sister Nancy, they borrowing the +money [600] of Julius Deming Esq. + +“Miss Nancy looked after the house.[85] She was a very small woman with +a large head & very tiny feet. A fine mind—Miss Pierce was the only +teacher at first. Subsequently Mr. John Brace assisted in the teaching +of arithmetic. + +“History was taught by Miss Pierce’s reading aloud; the scholars then +wrote down what they remembered, which was with many of them, kept in +their daily journal. + +“Every Saturday, the pupils faults noticed by Miss Pierce during the +week, were pointed out by her in the presence of the whole school, and +credit and debt marks set down accordingly. + +“At the close of each month, a ball was given & gentlemen were invited. + +“The building was divided by a sort of swinging partition which was shut +back on such occasions. + +“In the winter only one room was used for recitations warmed by a fire +of wood in a large fire place, there being one at each end of the room. + +“The balls were kept up until twelve o’clock, commencing early in the +evening. + +“At the end of six months a stage was erected at one end of the +building, with drawing curtains, and plays were written by Miss Pierce +from Scriptural stories, Ruth, & Naomi, David & Absolom, Jepthah’s +Daughter &c., were performed by the scholars, a few boys who also +attended the school assisting. + +“In speaking of the school room Aunt added, the seats were without +backs, with primitive desks in front, & debt marks were given those who +sat crooked! + +“Miss Mary Pierce after Miss Nancy’s death taught occasionally in the +school, but she did not like it, and was mostly occupied in the +house.”[86] + +Old Mrs. Pierce, [“Aunt Mary’s” mother] lived with her daughter, [adds +Mrs. Gray], leaving Mr. James[?] Brace the red house after her husband’s +death. + +The reputation of the school, [it being the only one almost for young +ladies] was in Aunt’s time very high, pupils coming from Canada & +Georgia, & elsewhere. + +Mrs. Mary D. Hoppin (wife of Professor Hoppin) writes: + + The Geography item was simply this—that at the period of your Aunt’s + success in teaching it, it had not been allowed in other schools, it + was not considered a suitable branch of study for young women. Indeed + Geography as now taught was not known. It was considered a history of + the planet more than of its surface physically. I wish we could see in + some Library a copy of the first Geography used in America. I believe + it was a thick heavy Octavo for students, & had an account of savage + tribes, nations, wars, geology, great men, architecture, &c. &c. + + I think Morse’s Geography was not written till long after your Aunt’s + day, I presume she used maps with her own instruction added. + +Miss E. W. Davenport writes: + + NEW HAVEN, Feb. 16th, 1880. + + MY DEAR MRS. GRAY + + In accordance with my promise I have written to my Aunt for some + reminiscences of her school day at Litchfield under Miss Pierce’s + tuition and having secured a reply, I hasten to communicate it to you. + +[Illustration: + + PL. LXIII.—MARY PIERCE + + _b._ August 3, 1780. _d._ June 22, 1863 + + From crayon portrait by Rouse +] + + She says “she can not tell what gave the school such a reputation and + success, unless it was in part from the rarity of such schools at that + period in our country. When she was one of Miss P.’s pupils the school + numbered from 50 to 60 girls. Miss Pierce attended to all the classes + herself except, when occasionally assisted by her nephew, Mr. J. + Brace. The studies were the common English branches including History, + the text book for which was compiled by Miss Pierce herself, and she + does not remember that any other ones were taught than those in use in + other schools at that time.” + + But she adds, “Miss Pierce was an earnest christian woman, a perfect + lady, mingling with her pupils pleasantly and familiarly, but with + dignity. She always sat with them and often talked to them + collectively of deportment, manners, and habits.” And here I doubt not + lay the secret of her success and celebrity, her personal influence + and example, forming their principles, and their manners, and making + the memory of their school days so pleasant. + + In addition to the common branches of education Drawing, Painting as + Water-color, and Embroidery were taught. + + I am aware that this is but a meager and unsatisfactory account, but + as my Aunt was but 13 years old when under Miss Pierce’s care it is + not to be wondered at that she cannot give more particulars of the + methods of instruction then employed. I trust however that what I have + written will not be without interest, although it may not be new to + you; but it will certainly be an added proof of Miss Pierce’s high + toned character and singular usefulness to her generation that an old + lady of Eighty has been able to recall so much. + + + SKETCH OF MISS MARY PIERCE. BY MRS. ASA GRAY. + +Mary Pierce was a woman of uncommon force of character, and yet with a +boundless sympathy for all, which lasted all her life. Her grand nieces +would laugh at her after she was eighty, saying they had quite outgrown +her in her sympathy for young people and their romantic sentiment, to +which she was always ready to listen, to understand, to help. For she +was very wise in her counsel, and had more confidences than falls to the +share of most people. Many a faltering step she strengthened, many a +lofty aim she gave, many a kind deed of thoughtfulness she suggested, +the receiver never suspecting its origin. + +She was a most agreeable companion, with all her kindness she had a keen +gift of criticism, and a charming originality and force of expression, +which showed especially in her letters, with their comments on the +times, domestic and public, her descriptions of events and scenery; and +which she preserved to the end of her life. She never grew _old_ as we +generally mean old, but kept also her bodily activity and energy— + +She was most essentially practical, active and energetic in all the +duties of daily life,—never were cake and jelly that quite equalled +hers, nobody could arrange the white dimity draperies as she could, and +the house was always a dainty picture of comfort and elegance— + +She was always called upon in sickness and trouble, nurse, friend, +comforter, and her influence upon the young men in the Law School, was +as great as upon the girls who came under her care. + +She had dark eyes and hair, and was said to have been a very handsome +young woman. Her face as the years lengthened, was very sober in repose, +but lighted as she spoke, with animation and interest, so that no +daguerrotype gives any idea of her. + + + FROM MRS. GRAY’S DIARY. + + April 28, 1859. + +Aunt Croswell,[87] came to dine, 94 on Feb. 22, 1859. Walked over and +back alone. + +Told how when in New York she heard Washington take the oath as +President. + +Took tea with Mrs. Washington, the President sick so did not see him. +Dr. Bard with whom she was staying his Physician. + +Mrs. Washington, short and stout. One of your real old fashioned women, +who always carried her knitting wherever she went, to the offense of +some. And nobody ever staid in her house after nine o’clock, all +visitors must go home. + +Dr. Bard prescribed powders, and put them up in little papers. When they +were finished he was going to prepare more and took some paper to tear, +when Mrs. W. said, “oh, here are the other papers saved,” producing +them. Very characteristic, Aunt said of the woman. + + + EXERCISES IN CHRIST’S CHURCH, CATSKILL, N. Y., JULY 18, 1875. + +Extracts from a biographical notice of Mrs. Ruth Croswell an esteemed +and prominent member of Christ’s Church ... Catskill, N. Y. + +[Illustration: + + PL. LXIV.—RUTH PIERCE (MRS. CROSWELL) +] + +DIED—In Catskill, on the 7th inst, 1861 at the residence of Mrs. +Caroline Wey, Mrs. Ruth Croswell, widow of the late Dr. Thomas O’H. +Croswell, aged 96 years, 10 months, and 15 days. + +Her long life was passed in a most eventful period of the world’s +history, and especially of that portion of the world in which we are +most deeply interested. She was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, the +22nd of February, 1765. Her life more than spanned the entire era of our +national existence up to the time of her death. Born the year of that +celebrated act which first decisively shaped the popular sentiments that +eventually led to our independence, when the war of the revolution broke +out she was a girl of ten years, and when it ended a young lady of +seventeen. + +During this eventful struggle her brother, John Pierce, was the +paymaster-general of our forces, obtaining the appointment through the +personal solicitations of the commander-in-chief himself, who being +assured of both his ability and his integrity put forth special, and to +him unusual efforts to secure his election to this important post. He +held the office throughout the war; discharging its duties so as to meet +the approbation of Washington, and to receive from the representatives +of the people a vote of thanks with the commendation that he had so +fulfilled his trust that “his heart was pure, and his hands were clean.” +His name I believe has no place in our formal histories, but it lives in +the letters of Washington. + +The wife of this brother, was a daughter of Dr. Bard, an eminent +physician of New York, and the medical attendant of our +commander-in-chief during his residence in that city. In consequence of +these connections, Mrs. Croswell, then Miss Ruth Pierce and twenty two +years of age, witnessed by invitation the inauguration of Washington as +the first President of the United States. She remembered vividly to her +last days the majestic form of that man on whom so many and such vast +hopes then centered, as he stepped forth upon the balcony of the old +Federal Hall in New York, [which stood where the Custom House now +stands], and after the enthusiastic shouts of the immense crowd that +welcomed him were at last silenced, took the solemn oath to faithfully +administer the constitution and the laws of these United States. + +Subsequently, while on a visit to New York, she was invited to take tea +with the family of the President. He was at the time severely, and it +was feared dangerously sick, and she remembered how Dr. Bard came down +from his patient’s room with a grave and anxious face, and while they +were seated at the table, told them what the President had said to him a +few moments before. His disease was the quinsy. Irving, in his Life of +Washington, speaks of the attack and the anxiety it caused, and this the +more because it occurred so near the commencement of the first term of +his administration. Washington, knowing the danger of suffocation, +turned to his physician and said, “Doctor, if I am to die do not +hesitate to tell me. I am quite prepared. If it be the will of God I am +ready to fall asleep, and in this world never wake again.” + +In 1791, Ruth Pierce was married to Dr. Thomas O’H. Croswell,[88] and +the next year became a resident of Catskill. Her life was one of quiet +domestic duties and Christian faithfulness. She was among the members +who united with the Presbyterian Church of Catskill at its organization. +Through all her long life she was an interested, earnest, useful +Christian. Unusually conscientious and prayerful she walked with God, +seeking with great sincerity and honesty to know His will, and when it +was clearly ascertained doing it if need were quite independently of the +opinions of others. An instance of this may be seen in her formation of +a Temperance League among the ladies of the village. The custom obtained +at the time of gathering by invitation first at one house and then at +another early in the afternoon, nominally to spend a few hours socially +and “take tea.” But about midway in the visit sweet and intoxicating +cordials were handed round, and by some of the ladies partaken of with +not a little freedom. Mrs. Croswell was convinced that this custom was a +growing danger. She never had heard of a temperance pledge, or society, +but after consulting with a Christian friend, a pledge not to provide +either cordials or wines on these occasions was drawn up, and after +praying God to help her, she went forth to secure the names of all whom +she could induce to sign it. Amidst much ridicule and some reproaches +she patiently continued her efforts, until they were crowned with +unexpected success. The pernicious custom was completely broken up, and +principles of temperance were thus early planted in many influential +minds. + +In her days of greater vigor she visited the poor and the suffering, and +watched and prayed with the sick and dying. Unselfish, sympathizing, and +patient, she endeared herself to all. From no lips were rebukes received +as kindly as from hers. Her quaint direct way of expressing her +disapproval or her doubt never gave offense; and when she commended or +praised anything that had been done the simple straight-forward +heartiness of her words made them very pleasant to hear. + +For many years, I think more than a quarter of a century, she gathered +about her the mothers and the pious women of the church, and maintained +a female prayer meeting, imparting to it not a little of its interest by +her own religious fervor. She had “patient continuance in well doing.” +Turning over the leaves of a journal in which she wrote down her +religious views and aspirations during sixty or seventy years, we find +no change except by growth and Christian development. Her hopes became +less tremulous, and her faith more assured; but otherwise the record of +1797 and that of 1861 are substantially the same. They reveal the heart +of a humble, devoted, trustful, single-minded child of God, very +sensible of her imperfections, very penitent, watchful, and prayerful, +resting on Christ alone for acceptance with God, and yearning to be +holy. + +She had friends who were very kind to her in her old age. And her +gratitude for their respectful and ready attentions, and all the +unforced proofs of their affection which surrounded her with every +comfort, and relieved, as far as could be, the infirmities of her many +years, is expressed in this journal with such sensibility and tenderness +that one cannot read the sentences without some dimness coming over the +eyes, and feeling that happiness is brought into the soul by a grateful +spirit. When she attempts to thank God for his benefits and for all his +patient love, her language often breaks down under the burden of +gratitude she would put upon it. + +Her death was sudden. A few hours of not severest illness, and enough of +pain only to draw to her side in the silent night those whom of all she +most loved and trusted and would have desired to be with her in her last +hour—and then, so peacefully that one sitting watchfully by her bedside +only knew it by the perfected stillness, she ceased to breathe, and +passed to the new life. + +The funeral services at the Presbyterian Church, on the afternoon of the +9th inst., were attended by a large number of her relatives and +connections, some of whom had come from a great distance to testify in +this manner their esteem and affection. All the clergymen of the place +were present; and the house was crowded by the concourse of her friends. +During this time and while the funeral procession was passing through +the streets, the places of business were closed, and as the procession +slowly wound its way to the beautiful cemetery on the outskirts of the +village the bells of all the churches were tolled. Such honor has old +age which has been made venerable by a truly Christian character and +life. + +Letter written by Miss Mary Pierce to Mrs. William Curtis Noyes, after a +visit made to her in New York City. + + MY DEAR MRS. NOYES + +You must have heard before this from Mr. Hollister that his child is +well, but that Mrs. Brisbane’s death is an agonizing affliction to her +daughter, quite sudden and unexpected.... + +Of Mr. Beach’s paralysis you must have heard. is prostrated, one side +useless, but disease does not seem progressing, and does not affect his +head. I carried a box of cake to Mrs. Morse this morning. She seemed +much gratified. I enhanced its value by telling her that was the wedding +cake of Dr. Vanderbourgs grand daughter. Mrs. Morse is as cheerful as +ever.... + +I do not find stern winter here, the sun shines as brightly as it did in +New York—the grass is quite green, and the flower roots in the garden. +My Myrtle—is beautiful—I seek to find as many pleasant things as I can +to relieve the contrast with the loneliness of my present situation and +the happy kind friends who have made such a bright spot in my life—There +is satisfaction however in feeling that it is voluntary for I found +letters from four different places urging a visit for the winter.... + +I have given you a dose of a note + +My Dear Mrs. Noyes but I am alone this evening and it is pleasant to +think that I am talking to you— + +My love to all the dear friends who surround you, Emily in particular + + Yours most affectionately + MARY PIERCE + + + MEMORIES OF LITCHFIELD. + + _Correspondence of the Evening Post Litchfield Conn. Oct. 31st._ + +The old East Burying ground of Litchfield lies in a sunny hollow under +the eastern front of the town; a solid stone wall, overlaid with an old +fashioned coping, surrounds it, and a few spruces and hemlocks +overshadow the graves. It is a spot wonderfully rich in historic dust: +two famous Governors of Connecticut, a Chief Justice, a genial poet, +judges, senators, generals and colonels without number sleep within its +confines. To a stranger unfamiliar with the history of Connecticut it +reveals the fact, that within the present century the State was ruled by +these quiet, dreamy, far inland towns, and not by the present bustling, +assuming cities.... + + + THE WOLCOTTS. + +The Wolcott plot is near the centre of the yard, marked by five +monuments and four massive tables of marble and granite. On the first +table one reads: “In memory of Oliver Wolcott, Secretary of the Treasury +of the United States and Governor of Connecticut, born 4th January 1760, +died 1st June 1833.” Further west, on a marble table, is another +inscription: “To the memory of Oliver Wolcott, late Governor of the +State of Connecticut, who was born December 1st, 1726 and who died +December 1st 1797.” They were father and son. Of the elder Wolcott +history has recorded that he was the son of Roger Wolcott, and took up +his residence in Litchfield, as Sheriff, on the organization of the +county in 1751. He was Governor from 1796 until his death in 1797, and, +before this, had been State Senator, Judge, member of the Continental +Congress, major general of militia, and one of the signers of the +Declaration of Independence. On his return from signing the Declaration +at Philadelphia, it is said, he found in the village a leaden statue of +George III, which had formerly stood in the Bowling Green, New York, but +had been thrown down by the patriots and secretly transported to +Litchfield. The continental levies, then assuming form, were sadly in +need of bullets, and his quick eye at once detected certain encouraging +possibilities in the statue. A shed was at once erected in the +apple-orchard adjoining the General’s house, and the young ladies of the +village invited to a frolic in running bullets. With his wood axe the +patriot cut the statue into small pieces, which were then given to the +ladies, and by them melted and run in moulds. In the Wolcott Papers we +have confirmation of the legend in a statement in General Wolcott’s +handwriting of the number of cartridges furnished by the fallen majesty. +By this paper it appears that Mrs. Marvin made 6,056 cartridges, Ruth +Marvin 6,204 Laura (the General’s daughter) 4,250, Mary Ann (another +daughter) 5,762, Frederick (his son) 708, Mrs. Beach 2,002, and “sundry +persons,” names not given, enough to swell the total to 42,288. + + + COLONEL TALLMADGE. + +Another famous Revolutionary worthy and former resident of the village, +Col. Benjamin Tallmadge, lies near the Wolcott tomb, in a plot +surrounded by an iron railing, and containing, besides his own, the +graves of his two wives. The inscription on his stone is very simple: +“Hon. Benjamin Tallmadge b. Feb 25, 1754, died March 7th 1835,” followed +by the Scriptural sentiment, “As the hart panteth after the water brooks +so panteth my soul after Thee, O God!” Colonel Tallmadge’s course +through the Revolution was a particularly honorable one. For a time he +commanded a squadron of cavalry in Colonel Sheldon’s regiment, and +distinguished himself for both dash and courage. Later, the whole secret +service of the army was intrusted to him, and on the Westchester lines, +and in the whaleboat warfare of the sound, he performed many deeds of +valor. It was largely due to him that André was detected and held for +punishment. From 1778 to the close of the war Colonel Tallmadge was the +confidential friend and correspondent of Washington, and a great part of +the correspondence between the two is said to be still in the hands of +the family. After the war he became a resident of Litchfield, and, as a +Representative from Connecticut, was a marked figure in the debates of +Congress for sixteen years. + + + LAW SCHOOL. + +The modest tomb near by, of Charles Sanford Dart, of Charleston, S. C., +who died in 1823, while a law student in Litchfield, recalls one of the +most ancient, and honorable institutions of the village—the law school. +A brief search discovers in the southeast corner of the yard the graves +of the Hon. Tapping Reeve, its founder, and of Judge James Gould, his +associate and successor. Judge Reeve’s stone bears the modest +inscription: “Hon. Tapping Reeve. L.L.D.; late Chief Justice of the +State, died Dec. 13th 1823, in the eightieth year of his age.” Judge +Reeve began his career as tutor to the orphan children, Sally and Aaron, +of President Burr of Princeton, and when his gentle pupil became of +proper age married her. He came to Litchfield in 1772, and began what +later became his law school by taking a few young gentlemen into his +family as law students. One of these was his brother in law, the +celebrated Aaron Burr, who was pursuing his studies at Litchfield when +the news of Lexington called him with other adventurous spirits, to the +field. In 1784 Judge Reeve fairly opened his famous school. The legal +questions and complications growing out of the war, had created a great +demand for lawyers, and, as all the ardent and capable spirits, of the +young nation began crowding into the profession the school was thronged +from the outset. For over fifty years it continued without a rival, and +became as famous and popular in the South as on the hills of New +England. Traditions of the school and of the escapades of the students +are rife in the village. Judge Gould conducted the school alone after +1820. In the preface of a catalogue of 1828 it is stated that the number +of graduates before 1793 probably exceeded four hundred. John C. Calhoun +was of the class of 1805. The curriculum then comprised a daily lecture +on the rules and principles of law, which the students were required to +take down in full; every Saturday an examination was held on the weeks +lectures. A moot court for the arguing of law questions was also held +once a week, in which the students had practice in the trial and +disposition of cases. There was also a society for forensic exercises +entirely controlled by the students. The whole course comprised fourteen +months, and two years were required to finish it. The students of the +law school probably found life in the village much more supportable from +the presence there of a hundred or a hundred and fifty fair damsels, +pupils in Miss Pierce’s Female Academy. The grave of this lady should be +in our old church yard near those of the eminent educators named, though +we fail to find it. She was the pioneer in America of the movement for +the higher education of women and her school was the first established +in this country with that object in view. + + + MISS PIERCE’S SCHOOL. + +There are several well preserved old ladies in Litchfield who were among +Miss Pierce’s pupils, and who have exceedingly interesting reminiscences +of their school days to relate. Her school house, a long, low, one story +structure, stood on the main street, a short distance above the building +where Judge Gould gave his lectures. At one time Miss Pierce had under +her care 137 young ladies, representing nearly every State in the Union. +In addition to the ornamental branches—music, painting, embroidery—she +taught philosophy, logic, rhetoric, astronomy, chemistry, and the common +English branches, and is described as having been very thorough in all. +Not finding in the bulky histories then in vogue anything suited to her +purpose, she compiled for her own use a school history in four volumes. +Merit was recorded by a system of credit marks and as Judge Reeve’s law +students made a point of dropping in on Friday afternoons to hear them +read off each young lady was very careful of her record in this respect. +It is remembered that Miss Pierce sometimes showed partiality in +bestowing these favors, for instance, if a Connecticut girl missed four +words in spelling she received a debit mark whereas a Hudson River girl +might miss nineteen and only receive the obnoxious mark with the +twentieth. It is admitted, however, that this law may have been founded, +on Miss Pierce’s knowledge of the superior philological capacities of +Yankee girls. The great events of the school year were the balls, given +sometimes by the young ladies in the school room and sometimes by the +law students in Deacon Buel’s ballroom, or in the large dancing hall of +the tavern. Only young ladies of sixteen and over were allowed to attend +the latter, however, and the law students were furnished each term with +a list of the eligible ones. Then there were charades and amateur +theatricals, and for a real frolic a husking bee on some neighboring +farm. It is probable, however, that there was little need of the young +people looking without for entertainment, for in those days a very +courtly and polished society existed in the village. There were at this +time, it is said, seventeen graduates of colleges residing in the town; +two of these were at different times Governors of the State, two Chief +Justices, three members of the national Congress, and four had been +general officers in the Revolutionary army. + +Graduation exercises in Miss Pierce’s school consisted of an examination +of the pupils by a committee appointed for the purpose and the +distribution of diplomas. We were shown one of these, a time-discolored +relic of fifty years’ standing; it was of white silk bound with blue +ribbon, and bore a globe with a female figure studying it; underneath +was the recipient’s name and the motto “We look with pleasure on thy +opening virtues.” Of course among so many young people—the sifted wheat +of their respective communities—there was not a little decorous +love-making, and many romantic tales and love episodes are recounted by +the village gossips. Col. Aaron Burr, during his frequent visits to his +sister, was an object of great interest to the ladies and made many +conquests. For several months in 1781 Mrs. Theodosia Prevost, who the +next summer became the wife of Colonel Burr, was a resident of the +village, and won all hearts by her amiability and wit. John C. Calhoun, +the great nullifier, is remembered as a silent, thoughtful young man, +rather averse than otherwise to society, although an account against him +in the ledger of one of the village merchants shows that he sometimes +made use of the good things of life. Perhaps as pleasant a story as we +heard was that of Miss Mabel Strong, daughter of Judge John Strong, of +Vermont. To attend the school, this young lady, with her escort, rode +from her home in Addison, Vt., to Litchfield on horseback, a distance of +150 miles, and without baggage, her wardrobe for the year being made up +after her arrival. On completing her school days Miss Strong departed to +her northern home, but shortly returned as a bride, and spent the rest +of her days in the village as the wife of one of its prominent +residents. There are many other graves of note in the churchyard, among +them the tombs of the poet Rev. John Pierpont, and two of the children +of Lyman Beecher, and some that excite interest from their quaint and +curious epitaphs. The tomb of Frederick Asa Bacon, of the navy, attached +to the schooner Sea-gull, of the United States exploring expedition, +which foundered off Cape Horn May 1st 1839 with the loss of all on +board, brings to mind almost the first venture of our navy in the field +of scientific discovery. + + C. B. T. + + [_From Harper’s Magazine for 1877._] + + + LITCHFIELD HILL. + +About one hundred miles from New York city, perched among the hills of +Northwestern Connecticut, at an elevation of more than twelve hundred +feet above the level of the sea, lies one of the most picturesque of New +England’s villages, now chiefly known to the people of the metropolis as +a place of summer residence, but whose crown of glory is its connection +with the past. + +Though most of the modern prosperity of the Hill is due to its improved +means of communication with the outer world, its ancient importance may +be largely credited to its comparative isolation. On this account, +probably, was it selected in the war of the Revolution as one of the +chief dépôts for military stores, and for the safe-keeping of royalist +prisoners. When New York fell into the hands of the British, the road +from Hartford through Litchfield became the principal highway between +New England and the West, and over it was hauled most of the provisions +and munitions of war for the Continental forces beyond the Hudson. The +village being far inland and away from any navigable river, it became +the army head quarters in Western Connecticut, and a place of +considerable activity. Its workshops rang with the busy sounds of +preparation, the lowing of beeves and the shouts of teamsters were often +heard in its streets, and its taverns bristled with military importance. +Nearly all of the general officers of the Revolution visited it at +various times, and although it was never the scene of great events, it +bore its share of the burdens of the struggle, and its hospitable roofs +doubtless witnessed many a consultation which led to important results. + +But great as were the glories of the Hill in the Revolutionary times, +they were fairly eclipsed in the period succeeding them, when the +celebrated law school, and the no less famous female seminary which +existed contemporaneously with it, attracted pupils from every State in +the Union. These accessions to its population contributed largely to a +society already brilliant, and which included in its numbers a large +proportion of highly educated men and women. It is no exaggeration to +say that this isolated New England town was at that time the centre of a +culture unexcelled, and in some respects unequalled, in its day. The +Rev. Dan Huntington, who was called in 1798 from a tutorship in Yale +College to the pastorate of the Congregational church, describes it as +“a delightful village on a fruitful hill, richly endowed with its +schools, both professional and scientific, and their accomplished +teachers, with its venerable Governors and judges, with its learned +lawyers, and Senators and Representatives both in the national and State +departments, and with a population enlightened and respectable.” + +It is no reflection on the intelligence of summer visitors to the Hill +to say that there are probably some among them who never heard of its +chief claim to distinction, and who pass by the simple head-stone that +marks the grave of Reeve and the more ambitious monument that +commemorates in Latin the virtues of Gould, unconscious that through +their efforts Litchfield became better known throughout the Union than +any other place of its population in the country. Yet in many a distant +State their memory is still green, and the writer has often been +questioned concerning the law school, particularly in the South, by +those whose fathers or grandfathers had enjoyed its benefits, yet who +had never heard of its discontinuance. + +It was in 1772 that Tapping Reeve, a young lawyer fresh from his +studies, removed from Princeton, New Jersey, where he had for several +years held a tutorship in the college, and began the practice of law +upon the Hill, then a quiet country village, but already beginning to +feel the leaven of the Revolution. With him came his newly married wife, +born Sally Burr, daughter of the Rev. Aaron Burr, president of the +College of New Jersey, and granddaughter of Jonathan Edwards. But a few +years sufficed to give him a reputation for intellect and varied +learning and a commanding position among the lawyers of the State. Mr. +Reeve was a remarkable man in many respects. + +In 1784 Mr. Reeve began the instruction of legal students, and met with +such success that up to 1798 more than two hundred young men from his +office had been admitted to the bar. In this year he was chosen a judge +of The Superior Court, and he associated with himself in the conduct of +the school James Gould, one of his own graduates, and who had previously +held a tutorship in Yale College. + +It is, perhaps, necessary to explain that the school was never an +incorporated institution, nor were any buildings ever erected for its +use. The instructors lectured each in his own law office, and the +students boarded in the houses of the village. The office of Judge +Reeve, which stood in his own door-yard, was removed several years ago +to West Street, and transformed into a cottage. Judge Gould’s office, +which also stood near his dwelling, is now a cottage without the +village. + +Of the graduates from 1798 to 1833, whose names alone appear in the +printed catalogue,[91] no register having been kept for the first +fourteen years, sixteen became United States Senators, fifty members of +Congress, forty judges of higher State courts, eight Chief Justices of +States, two justices of the United States Supreme Court, ten Governors +of States, five cabinet ministers, and several foreign ministers, while +very many were distinguished at the bar. + +Like the law school, Miss Sarah Pierce’s female seminary was the first +institution of its kind in the United States, and, like it also, it was +for many years pre-eminent in its sphere. It was begun in 1792, and +during the nearly forty years of its existence more than fifteen[92] +hundred young ladies were educated in its halls, and fitted for the +elevated positions which so many of them attained. Its fame still lives +in the memory of many who shared its benefits; but the visitor curious +in regard to its site is now pointed only to the great elms which once +shaded its roof. + + + + + APPENDIX A. + + +Col. John Pierce, born 1750, son of John Pierce of Litchfield and Mary +Patterson, married Anna Bard of New York, daughter of Dr. Bard, +physician to General Washington. He entered the army May 31, 1775; was +made assistant paymaster to the Continental Army February 10, 1776, and +the same to the Connecticut Colonial troops; deputy paymaster-general +June 7, 1779; paymaster-general January 17, 1781, with rank of colonel. +He was made commissioner after the close of the war to settle the +accounts of the army. He died in New York August 1, 1788. He was +thirteen years in the paymaster’s department of the army; he belonged to +the order of the Cincinnati and was an able officer and a friend of +Washington. He “served his country with a fidelity and patriotism in +those days of peril and great financial stress worthy of great +admiration.”[93] + +The following are letters and verses by and to Col. John Pierce: + + DEAR BROTHER + + I sincerely thank you for your obliging Letter of the 20th Ult. and am + very glad to find you have some of your old warmth of spirit + remaining, for my part placed among so many difficulties & such a + constant scene of Disappointments & Delays, I am sometimes very + melancholy. but your Letter like a chearing Ray of Light, for a moment + Illumined my soul and made me for a while forget our Public Troubles. + + Tho’ at the same time the object we aim at, Inspires me to undergo the + greatest and most insurmountable difficulties—it is not the pursuit of + present, but for the lasting happiness, which like the Smiles of + Heaven —— imparted to Thousands, who shall receive the blessing at + _OUR_ Hands. Such a prospect as this I own is flattering and is very + different as you justly observed from the Ideas we in Studious + Emulation, passed happily together in the Calm morning of Social Life, + can I own to you, that the same principles of Ambition which I then + had, are not in my Mind. Dull Metaphysicks & Duller Law Books, and + even Law itself is not my Pursuit, new Connections, and new Schemes of + Ambition are opening, in the very Centre of Intelligence & Politicks. + I am perpetually on the eve of Expectation, or desponding [which is + too often the Case] on Ill concerted Measures and worse Execution + among us, while at the same time my heart is wrung for Human Misery, + especially that which is the Consequence of War. + + When we were together, we should have formed in our Poetical + Imaginations, the anxious Parent or the Fonder Virgin, on the flutter + of Apprehension with every Passion of the Soul, for the least whisper + of news that might affect the Object of their Passion, and when the + Youth falls a sad victim of his Virtues, we should partake with True + tears of humanity, the grief, the Pain, the heart breaking Anguish of + their Distress, while all their busy expectations of happiness—and + their warmest wishes are dropped at once into the dark & senseless + grave. + + But Dear sir a more cruel scene has fallen to our share, which so far + from being Imaginary——bounds of Language cannot paint, and we can only + say—that every misery the Alotment of poor wretched Mortals fell to + their share. destitute of every thing either to defend them or remove + the cause of their Sickness they were neglectedly left without + Consolation. + + And it seemed that those who before pitied the Misfortunes of others + were now wholly taken up, with getting clear from seeing or relieving + them, and those enfeebled by disease would not relieve themselves, + were left to the Mercy of Death. Such was some of our Distresses which + always follow, Sickness & precipitate Retreats, Especially when there + is no Place prepared for that Purpose. A rapid Conquest—a successful + scene of Events lulled into a state of Security—we imagined every + thing would fall before us—and while a Montgomery lived, they did. But + his Death ushered in our Misfortunes—and one continued scene of ill + success Indeed. If we had, as all good Generals ought—secured, to + ourselves a Place of Retreat—our Army would not have suffered so much. + But a fatal blindness pursued us, and we are now to Encounter a large + Army by dispirited, Sickly men. + + The opening blossoms and the balmy air + Returning graces of the blushing Fair + With softest charms no more the heart inflames + No more inspires the Philosophik dreams + But now each breast from God & Natures Laws + Asserts his freedom & his Country’s Cause + With humble passion first he beg’d redress + The supphant Posture shew’d our deep distress + Shew’d our own rights; our supplications now + To George’s throne & there unmasked our woes + Yet found too true that Britain’s envious throne + Had lost that Goodness which a George should own + For kind returns the bellowing cannons roar + And hostile fleets invade our infant Shore + Inhuman wretches mark their crimson way + And faithful Boston falls their eager prey. + Can you my Polly hide the tender tear + Or mark unanxious all their mad career + Can your friend Pierce withold himself from good + His heart, his country, or his hand, from blood + No; Let him in freedom pass his happiest days + Or die contented with its setting rays + Then do not mourn if Pierce no more remain + To hear or see his Country’s groans & Chains + See the rich Lordling Virgins Claim + And force sweet Innocence to Death & Shame + His Sisters’ murdered, or his friend betrayed + His Father shackled, and unknown his God + Let his pale Corpse e’er Carnaga thus shall come + Lie low within the dark and silent tomb + Nor know, nor fear, in that propitious hour + A North, or George or any friend of Power + But safe pursue my sister Polly’s way + And in some vale obscure smile on departing day + Secure with him your love alone can claim + Unknown to Envy, and unknown to Fame + With cheerful thanks partake in Natures bower + The purest stream & herb & roots & flower + There in sweetness, Temperance & Love + Fore Taste the blessings of the Blest above + + May 5th. 1775 + +Mr. John Pierce Jun^r. of Litchfield in Connecticut, having the summer +past been employed by Comissary Phelps at Albany as his Clerk and to +assist him generally in the Comissary business, which M^r. Pierce I am +well informed has done with fidelity and dispatch, and M^r Phelps having +now resigned that Department and M^r Pierce being desirous of some +proper employment in the army—I can with great satisfaction, recommend +M^r Pierce as young Gentleman of fair and unexceptionable Character—I +have known him from his Infancy and he has in my Opinion very justly +acquired the reputation of a faithful, industrious prudent and virtuous +Man—A good Writer & Accountant a Man of Business and Dispatch, amiable +in his Disposition, and entirely well affected to the American Cause—And +I believe may very safely be employed in any business, in the Army where +those Qualifications are necessary. + + Litchfield 6^{th} Janu^y AD 1776 + OLIVER WOLCOTT + + The above is a true Copy of an original, which is now in my Possession + as a security for the s^d Pierce’s faithful performance of the Duty of + an Ass. Pay Master. + + Albany 29^{th} Feb^y 1776. + + JON^A TRUMBULL Jun^r PMast^r Gen^{ll} + in Northern Department. + + ALBANY 10^{th} July 1777 + + DEAR PIERCE + + We are Thunderstruck here with the Evacuation of Ty—&c. not so much + att the Thing itself—as at the _Manner_—from the Circumstances we are + possessed of it is altogether inconceivable to us the Necessity or + Expedience of the Measure—& that at the _Appearance_ only of the + Enemy—without a Gun fired—the Minds of People are amazingly + agitated—the Characters of the _Officers_ are suffering, perhaps + irretrievably—the Men tis said would have fought—nay cried with + Vexation at turn^g their Backs——I have received yours—& am exceedingly + rejoiced att _our fortune_—& much pleased with the Account I have of + your Behaviour & good Conduct on the occasion, can it be necessary + that you remain with the Chest att Fort Edward?—Tis not probable + _Money_ will be wanted there—it may be safer _here_—200,000 Dollars + came yesterday from Philadelphia—let the General know this—& hint to + him the _Chest’s_ com^g to Albany.—We hear nothing yet of the + Movements of the Enemy in this River—we are in Expectation of a + Concert being struck up below us——I am + + D^r Sir Your most humble Servant & Friend + J TRUMBULL JR. + + ALBANY 17 July 1777— + + DEAR PIERCE + + This Day I received yours of 13^{th} June Day Col^o Lewis carried One + from me to you—I hope he has given it you— + + Is Ty abandoned? or is it a Dream?—certainly it is a more + unaccountable affair than the most fantastic Dream—The + more I think—the more I consider—the more am I astonished—Not + one Gun fired!—scarcely the Shew of an Attack waited for!—so + precipitate a Retreat—or rather Runaway—leav^g + Artillery—Stores—Amunition—Provisions—Tents—Baggage—every Trophy of + Victory—to an Enemy who had not even dared to fight for them—I can’t + endure the Tho^t—Where is American Honor!—where is American + Bravery!—all levelled with the Dust—all trodden to the ground—in one + fatal Step—some Reason I suppose will be given—Ostensible att + least—would I could hear it—But they have made a safe Retreat—& + vanquished the Enemy at Castleton—Is it become a Maxim in Warr—unheard + of before—that a Body of Troops, who, when collected to a Point, in a + strong Port, are unable to resist or even face their Enemy—shall when + Divided be able to defeat them—Excellent!—tell it not in Gath!—publish + it not in the Streets of Askelon!—how are the Mighty fallen!—the + Mighty! how are they fallen from the Mount of Independence! + + We have no certainty yet of the Movements of the Enemy below—I expect + they will trim their Course this Way—had we kept Ty—it is matter of + Doubt if we heard any thing more of them in this River— + + What is doing above—what mode of _Defence Offence_ you don’t much + think of _now_—where is to be the Stand—5000 Troops I am told are + com^g up the River under Gen^{ll} Sullivan—some are already embarked & + on the River—if Report does not lie— + + Are you to remain att Fort Edward with the Chest—were I to give my + Opinion—should think it best here—all Demands may as well be made here + as there—Dangers may not press as hard here as with you—you cannot + think of doing much Business as you are now circumstanced—If political + Reasons operate I have Nothing to say—let the General determine—— + + This comes by Gen^{ll} Wadsworth—is it not strange that no authorative + Acc^t of the Evacuation has been sent to Connecticut?—to obtain this + Gen^{ll} Wadsworth is specially sent by the Gov^r & Council of + Safety—& to obtain a true Acc^t of the Situation of Matters & to know + what & whether any assistance is needed—Gen^{ll} Wadsworth brings also + a Letter from your Friends att Litchfield—Give me all the Intelligence + you can obtain—the more particular the better— + + Yours most sincerely— + J. TRUMBULL, JUN^R + + I don’t know when I shall + get an opportunity to send + on your Cloath, &c.— + + May + YORKTOWN 6^{th} March 1778 + + SIR + + Your kind Favor of the March is rec^d I wish that the Arrangement of + the Army which you mention had been made last Winter, but it is not + yet done. It is intended to be adopted—but perhaps in the advanced + Season it may as well be omitted. The Auditors for settling the + accounts in the Northern Department I hope are now upon that + Business—I need not tell you that the Northern and Hudson River + Departments are put under the Command of Gen^l Gates who is now at + Head Quarters from where he will proceed to take his command. You + seemed to apprehend your own Situation might possibly be affected by + the Appointment of Mr. Trumbull to Mr. Palfrey’s Place who you + understood meant to Resign, but I believe you may banish all Fears on + that acc^t as Mr. Palfrey’s salary is now augmented to 250 Dollars per + month and I think that your Services will be fully wanted in the + Department in which you are—you must be very busy in your office + [_illegible_] more money, I think 250,000 Dollars and a Draught of + 100,000, on the New York Loan Office, is directed to supply Mr. + Trumbull’s Chest—You doubtless acted with Propriety in not paying + Money till you was well assured of the Authority of the Person who + issued the Warrants, which I [_illegible_] the Gentleman you mention + had no Authority to do—Whether Gen^l Gates will think it best to have + a Paymaster under any Denomination at Albany I cannot say. But I + imagine he will think it necessary— + + You have doubtless heard that some Treatys have been entered into by + our Commissioners and the Court of France—I have now to assure you of + the Truth of it—and that those Treatys the one of which is commercial + the other Defensive are ratifyed by Congress—and that the Tenor of + them are to their great Satisfaction, as they are evidently founded on + the Principles of mutual advantage and Security—and as liberal as we + might expect in a State of the greatest Strength and Prosperity—The + great object of the defensive Treaty is the Independence and unlimited + Sovereignty of the United States—The Wisdom of France whose Councils + are guided by the best Policy will never lead her to wish to confine + our territorial Jurisdiction on the Continent of N America—I enclose + to you, Hall and [_illegible_] Gazette which contains Publications not + directed by Congress, and consequently premature—Yet they are + published here and are abroad I may well gratify a Friend with one of + them.—But at the same Time I advise you to read it with attention, but + not with an entire Credulity, as I well know there is something + inserted which conveys a wrong Idea.—Whether G Britain will instantly + admit our Independence and cultivate Peace with her Neighbours or + involve herself in a War with France, and probably with Spain and + Prussia and perhaps other Powers may well deserve her consideration. + + Some imagine she will continue the War against America and not molest + France in her Trade to this Country. But as base as her Conduct has + been I cannot believe she will submit to such an Insult, and if she + should do so, I do not conceive it would exempt her from a War with + her Neighbours—Our Business indeed is to exert every Nerve and + endeavour to bring matters to a speedy close—At most one Campaign more + will settle the Contest if it is carried on with vigor on our part. No + Reinforcements except such Recruits as are necessary to fill up the + German Battalions in America, will come from the continent of + Europe—and G. Britain in the present Situation of affairs can spare + none from thence—We are now then to consider France as our good + Friends and Allys—As for poor old England her Folly will probably + prove her Ruin—What seems to have given this important Turn to our + affairs was the Capture of Burgoyne’s Army. So that by a mysterious + Providence what in the general opinion was considered as a great Evil, + the sudden Loss of Ticonderoga has been productive so farr as We have + yet, observed of the most extensive Benefit. This Intelligence has + been rec^d with much Satisfaction. This Town has been Illuminated this + evening upon the Ocassion. All [_illegible_] rejoice but the Torys. + Poor sorry [_illegible_] what would become of them was America as + merciless as Britain—But Congress have Recommended to the States to + forgive those People who shall leave the Service of the Enemy by the + tenth of next month under such [_illegible_] and [_illegible_] as they + shall judge proper— + + I hope to leave Congress within four Weeks. Mr. Adams I expect will be + here by that Time. If you shall send me a Letter directed to me here I + shall give order if it comes after I have gone home to have it + transmitted to me.—My kindest Wishes for your Welfare, and be assured + that your Friendship for me and my Family exacts my sincerest + acknowledgments. I am + + Your Friend and + humble Servant + JOHN PIERCE, ESQ^R OLIVER WOLCOTT— + + P. S. Gen^l Conway’s resignation upon his Desire is accepted—I enclose + you a Paper of this Date. + + LITCHFIELD Aug. 17th 1783 + + Are you not surprised my dear Sister to see a letter from me dated + from this place—the fact is however true, and you may be as certain + that I am at this present moment in my Father’s House, as that you + will be at the place you will read this letter. I got the Generals + liberty to come and spend Sunday here & am to be at Camp again on + Monday night, you see therefore how strict they keep me & little I can + play the truant. I should otherwise have made my compliments to your + Ladyship at Lenox Hall, but _inclination_ is only what I can do at + this time, I hope however when you get your House a little in order + and Aunt has a spare bed set up for a stranger, that I shall wander to + Lenox, but of this I must yet only form hopes. + + I have only just arrived here and have seen nobody but our Family, and + can only therefore inform you that they are well except Father who is + still in his poor way, as to myself if it is a matter of any + consideration, I am perfectly well & very much at your service + + J. PIERCE. + + PHILADELPHIA Apr. 9th 1784 + + DEAR SISTER + + On the last evening I arrived here, very much fatigued, which is the + natural consequence of riding in a stage, where our feelings cannot + keep pace with the velocity of the machine. I am now however tolerably + well over it and have been to see some of my acquaintance. I do not + however feel quite so happy as if a certain favorite of mine were not + married, altho’ this event is not seriously interesting me as I never + had a wish or a thought of being married to her, yet it destroys the + cordiality of our little circle, by placing her out of it, and perhaps + slightly wounds my pride [as I have paid some attentions to her] that + a foreigner in my absence and without my being informed of it, should + come into the country, should make his suit so effectual as to marry + her before my return. I however find myself counter balanced by the + happiness I experienced in N. Jersey where there are three Ladies I + admire much more than I ever did this one, the first is at Eliz’t + Town, Miss DeNast, who is the most accomplished woman, I ever was + acquainted with, she has a great show of beauty, but that is hid by + her genius & education, she is a better poet than Mrs. Blucher and + has—almost every history extant, but with all these qualities she is + scarcely acquainted with one [_illegible_] makes marriage state + tolerable, she is [_illegible_] and perfectly fond of her wit and + accomplishments [_illegible_] no man ever will be happy with her any + more than as an acquaintance, but in Miss Dunham the next Lady I + intended to mention, a Man will find all the domestic and social + virtues with out any of the splendor either in mind or person of Miss + DeNast, her friendship I therefore cultivated for a long time, + [_illegible_] when you see her for she is endowed with [_illegible_] + accomplishment in a female superior to every [_illegible_] brilliance + except that of beauty. My next stage was at Princeton, where I spent + the evening with Miss Polly Stockton, who is my greatest favorite of + the three. I do not know well how to describe her character, unless I + should say she more resembles Miss Crosby than any other person, she + has always been in the best company both in this city, and at + [_illegible_] under the direction of a prudent mother and has had an + elegant and useful education, the endowments of her heart appear to be + goodness and sensibility and I assure you I am half in love with her, + which was also the case when I left Princeton before. I have just + spent this evening with her sister, and now retire to my room to enjoy + a little conversation with you. + + The short time you have and the many things you have to learn, + occasions me to wish you would employ every moment for the purpose, I + hope you will not miss a single dancing school, and that you will take + lessons from Capt. Turner at other times, pray get him and Katy your + friend, to instruct you in every thing in walking standing and + sitting, all the movements of which tho’ they appear in a polite + person natural, are the effects of art, while country girls never + attend to and which you had best take the utmost pains, or you will + never appear natural & easy in. I am somewhat fearful that your old + habits at your age can not be so thoroughly removed, as to give place + to a natural careless genteel air, and which totally hides all the art + of it. The Books I left with you I wish you not to read much in town, + I want you to study the fashions, the art of pleasing to advantage and + for this purpose to spare no necessary expense, and if you do not + appear as genteel as any of the girls it will be your own fault, you + must however pay a great regard to economy & always remember that + every Dollar takes so much from my future prospects, on which you know + that not only yours but mine and all our families happiness depends. I + wish you to cultivate the acquaintance of the Roosevelt family, it + will be of future use to me, I have been careful to place you in a + situation where your inexperience cannot lead you astray and with a + Lady of all women, from the goodness of her heart the best capable to + advise and direct you, consult therefore my dear Girl her wishes and + render her in return every happiness & service in your power, do not + give more trouble than you can help, and make yourself happy. + + ... You must make my compliments to all the Ladies of my acquaintance + and my love to Mrs. Crosbey. I am my Dear Sister sincerely yours + + J. PIERCE + + PHILADELPHIA June 8, 1784 + + MY DEAR SISTER + + I came here the day before yesterday so much fatigued, that I am yet + almost sick, riding in the heat is too severe for me, who am at other + times almost continually in the walls of my office, you meet with so + much Friendship & attention at N. York, that I feel myself under very + great obligations, you must know that your letter of the 6th is now + before me. Col Hull is going to Canada and the army is dismissed, of + course he will not be able to get my horse fat as he expected, and + your plan of going home by the way of West Point is also by this means + interrupted, unless you go soon which you will consult Mrs. Hull on, + and do as she and you think best. + + Do you not think the Miss Dunhams are fine, friendly Girls, and that + Miss Steel is also agreeable? I will assure you I do not know a more + engaging little circle, I have been as happy with them as at any other + place, you will give my love to them & inform Miss Steel that I am in + love with her as much as ever. + + Notwithstanding what Mrs. Crosbey says, I am afraid you cannot help + giving the family considerable trouble, a woman always must, we have + received so considerable favors from the family that we ought to be + cautious of going too far, for this reason I thought it prudent for + you to return, but you can be a better judge of the propriety of + staying longer. In living in N. York you must guard yourself against + several things. + + In Dancing you must take care not to be so precise as to give an air + of formality to your deportment, the most engaging persons are those + which appear free and easy, politeness ought to be the effort of habit + rather than study. + + You must take care also not to get your ideas of Happiness from a + City, you know you are not to live there, and ought therefore to be + cautious of the refinement & pleasures attending your situation. You + most endeavor to obtain such a versatility of disposition, as to + really reconcile yourself not only to the solitude of the country, but + also to the manner of it so that you may not be unhappy in the one + case, nor appear proud or vain in the other. You may expect on your + return a great many ill natured observations made on you and the only + way to prevent the effect intended or indeed to keep your sisters easy + will be to be very unassuming in your deportment. + + I by accident lately was under the necessity of buying a book or a + picture. I made choice of the first, and took a book entitled Letters + Moral and Entertaining, because I had never read it. I find this Book + contains very good maxims for young Ladies, I have therefore sent it + to you for the use of you Girls. + + The bearer of this Letter is Mr. George Reid a Gentleman who is going + to West Point on business for me, I wish you to be friendly to him. + + Your brother + JOHN PIERCE + + CHARLESTON Feb, 22nd, 1785 + + MY DEAR SISTER + + I wrote you from Newburn in N. Carolina, giving you some account of my + progress so far; my continuance there was very agreeable, I was + treated with the greatest politeness, hospitality, and friendship, and + what endeared the scene was a number of Northern people who took a + delight to make me happy. I left this place on the 29th of Jan’ry. We + crossed the Trent about 13 miles above Newburn, we rode this day 30 + miles without stopping, and it beginning to rain we were much + mortified to find ourselves three or four miles out of our way, which + took us until the evening to reach a Mr. Starkness where we lodged. On + the 30th we crossed New River, which abounds with fish, and small + delicious Oysters. We put up that night at Sages about 40 miles. The + roads were sandy, lofty forest of pines, interspersed with deep + swamps, which when cultivated might afford good crops of rice, the + country thinly settled. The next day we arrived at Wilmington about 28 + miles, this Town is seated about 7 miles from the sea, on Cape Fear + River, is confined in a small hollow piece of ground, which makes it + very hot in summer, is the best harbor in N. Carolina, and has a very + extensive back, country opened for its commerce, by means of Cape Fear + River which is navigable about 10 miles above it, we staid here + several days, went to an assembly, but saw but few ladies, there being + at that time raging in the Town, the putrid sore throat, which carried + off several very suddenly, and frightened every body. The Ladies are + very polite and well accomplished. + + On the 3rd. of February, we crossed Cape Fear River and an Island, on + which was a cross way of near two miles very bad & mirey, we only got + over this bad place this evening, we rode the next day 26 miles only, + found the roades very wet & mirey, at one place we had to hire some + negroes to hoist our carriage thro’ the mud and over a rivulet, the + land here is poor marshy & juicy, on the 5th we rode 36 miles, the + roades being more sandy, we put up near long bay, on the 6th we rode + 16 miles on the Beach at low water which left the sand hard & + beautifully level, after which we had a very sandy road for 10 miles, + and there being no place of public entertainment we stopped for that + evening at a Mr. Alotines a private gentlemans house. On this day & + the 7th, rode on a neck of land formed by the ocean on the one hand + and Ossamack River on the other, which river has some very elegant, + rice plantations on it, & being so near the sea air is esteemed + healthy, we had 16 miles to ride before we arrived at the Ferry which + was three miles over, owing to some Islands, and the increase of + waters by the meeting of the Perdue, Black River and Ossamack, ... + + + EXTRACT OF LETTER FROM COL. JOHN PIERCE. + + We then rode about nine miles, to Mount Vernon the seat of Gen. + Washington—nothing could afford me greater satisfaction, than this + site of my old General and his Lady and I had the satisfaction to + experience their attention so particularly that I felt myself very + much flattered by it—the General looks heartier and younger than when + he left us—he feels interested in the conduct of the officers, and + enquired particularly about those that I could know anything of. + + We had also the company of a Mrs. Stewart, who was formerly the wife + of Mrs. Washington’s son Custis, a very aimable woman—the country + around the Generals is chiefly covered with woods, his seat is on an + eminence, near the banks of the Powtowmack—and commands a view of that + river for several miles both above and below—the house and out houses, + connected by pillars and arches form a very happy appearance, and when + a large lawn before it is properly walled in, which is now doing, the + view to the house from the country side will be considerably improved. + The next morning the 19th, one of the General’s brother’s came to see + him, tho’ younger he looks older, and has but a faint likeness. We + dined at the General’s, and after dinner, as I did not wish to give + him more trouble, we left his house & rode eleven miles—to + Colchester—it was well we did for the next day the 10th we found the + roads almost mountainous, very stormy & misty—rode from there to + Dumfries, from thence to Stafford Court House, and arrived at + Fredericksburgh about sunset, being about 36 miles—but the most + fatigueing day we have had—This last Town lays at the head of the + navigation of the Rappahannack River, and is growing very fast into + consequence. Gen. Washington gave us a letter of introduction to a + Gen. Woudon here, who treated us with the hospitality of a prince—and + obliged us to remain with him the next day [the 11th], we here first + saw the Virginia way of taking a hoggshead of Tobacco to market—it is + by having two large pins stuck into the centre of each head of the + Hoggshead, by way of axle tree to a small stick or slat which has a + hole bored into the end to which it is put and in which it moves, the + slat, the horse is fastened to like a dray, and the horse draws the + Hoggshead by its rolling on the ground—this way of conveyance is used + for a hundred miles sometimes. General Washington’s Mother lives here, + she is between 70 & 80, I did not see her as I did not wish to + interrupt her retirement—they tell me she is not tall and possesses + her understanding fully. She called the Gen’l her _Georgy_ until our + success was certain, and said he had better be on his farm, but when + that was secure, the old Lady partook of his triumph and enjoyed his + fame, and gives him the name of General. The next day [the 12th] we + rode in a delightful country down the Rappahannack, ... + + NEW YORK, Sept. 3rd. 1786 + + MY DEAR SISTER + + I design to be at Commencement with my sweetheart and hope to see some + of you there also, you will see each other and be able to form some + opinion whether you will like each other, for sisters, which must be + the case shortly. I gave your love to the little Girl, and she asked + me if I had returned hers, which I think I did not in my last letter, + an omission she did not like very well, if you expected that I should + have made choice of wit, beauty or Fortune, you will be mortified in + the one I have made, and some years ago my ambition led me to find + such qualifications, but now my heart acquires to be happy, which must + arise I am convinced from the disposition, a good under standing, the + sweetness of temper and sincerity of affection, these I hope to have + found, and these I presume will contribute much more also to my + Sisters’ felicity. + + You will not let anybody but my Sisters’ read this letter, who are + entitled alone to know the feelings of my heart or the principles of + my conduct. + + I have not yet determined absolutely to go to Georgia, but would + however be in some preparation to set off, if I go, by some time in + October, + + When are you going to be married? teasing Girls I do not know, before + however I go to Georgia. + + I am my dear Sisters + Your affectionate + JNO. PIERCE + + NEW YORK. November 12th. 1786 + + MY DEAR SISTERS’ + + The gentleman who hands you this Letter is the Rev’d Mr. Beach, he is + a friend of mine and I wish you to treat him with every mark of + consideration and civility that you are capable of, to consider him as + more than a common acquaintance, to entertain him in the best manner, + and to introduce him to Mr. Champion, Mr. Tracy, Col. Talmage and the + other gentlemen of the Town, this gentleman is the parson who last + monday gave you a new sister and to your brother a new interesting and + important connexion, he is the dear friend of this sister and of + course is very dear to me. I am now my affectionate sisters at the + goal, to which I have considered as the end of my ambition and as the + object of all my pursuits, and I have no doubt but I shall enjoy in + this new connexion every happiness which my imagination had so loudly + pictured to itself, her tenderness, delicacy, and affection I have no + doubt of, and I have every thing to hope from the sweetness of her + temper & the elegance of her mind. I have been more cautious in my + choice, in regard to these qualities not only on account of my own + happiness, but of yours. for though it is not likely you will ever + make my home your entire home, yet you will ever be with me in turn as + long as you are unmarried and my happiness would certainly be + destroyed could not you be with me and receive the greatest + satisfaction. I hope my dear Girls that you, Mama, & all my friends + will rejoice on this occasion, my attention to you will not be the + less nor my affection any way diminished. I shall ever hold you in the + same dear relations and consider myself as the head of the family to + whom you are to look up for protection, support, and happiness. + + The wedding being delayed some days, will occasion some delay in + Mollies return, and her new sister and her friends here have taken up + a great liking to her & will not suffer her to leave them. I am + determined however that she shall go about the first of the month, and + you must be in readiness at that time to take her place. James Brace + had in the meantime best go to his Father’s and get his consent that + he live with me this winter + + I am my dear Sisters’ your loving brother + JNO. PIERCE. + + + ACCOUNTS AND MEMORANDA FROM JOHN PIERCE’S ALMANACH, 1776. + +The accounts, memoranda, etc., are entered on blank pages opposite the +months to which they belong. + + Get Kee to my Trunk. + Get a R’cept for Military Chest. + For 1 Barrel Gun Powder—— + Mr. Bloodgood’s Tent—— + French’s Pork return^d—— + Number the last R’cept. + Mr. Seymours Wool + Doct. Smiths shoes + Good Castor—— + Capt. Whitneys Certificate. + Change Doct. Smiths Money—— + Mr. Strong Rcept for Flour + Elisha Frisbie Rcept + Allens business + John Vanderheyden + ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── + Jan^y 01. Made a settlement with Jed. + Strong—— + Recev^d of him for my Wages & Expenses 12 · 6 · 0 + & for going to Hebron 0 · 12 · 0 + ———————————————— + Horse hire 34/ } Deduct^d £ 12 · 18 · 0 + 44/6 } (?) 3 · 18 · 6 + ———— ———————————————— + 78 6 £ 8 · 19 · 6 + being what is allow^{ed} for + my wages in M^r Strongs + business as Com^y—— + Feb^y 21 recev^d for Draw^g a Pay Roll 2/8 + York.[94] + ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── + List of Articles taken with me to Tyconderoga —— + 21 lb sugar — — 30/ + 1 lb Tea 20/ + 1 Blanket Coat + 1 Surtoat + 1 Old Great Coat + 1 blue Broad Cloth Coat + 1 do Jackett + 1 Double Breast’d D^o + 2 p Breeches + 1 p Indian Shoes + 1 p Woolen Mitts + 1 p Leather D^o + 1 Buff Cap —— + 6 p Worstead Stockings + 9 Shirts—8 Stocks + 1 Black Neck Cloth + 1 Silk Handkerchief + 2 Linnen D^o —— + 2 Vols Spirit Laws (?) + 1 p Shoes. D^o silver Shoes & Buckles & 1 + stock ^{D^{o}} + 1 p Stone Buttons + 1 castor Hat + 1 p Nitt^d Stockings a present + ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── + An Account of my Expenses + from Albany (?) to Tyc—— Nov —— + 19 Wid (?) 0 · 3 · 0 y [95] + J. Vernons —— 0 · 1 · 0 + 20 Capt. Baldwin 0 · 6 · 0 + M^— Nieles — — 0 · 2 · 4 + On Road J. G. —— 0 · 2 · 0 + Ty Landing 0 · 5 · 4 + ——————————— + £0 · 19 · 8 + (January) + 4^{th} Rcev^d of Jed. Strong Esq. for Writ^g + done for Capt Curtiss 6/ Le NY—— & ? + 5 Bought some Buttons 1/8 + 8 Sold M^r Strong 1 Sword 22/ + 13 Bot. 1 Piece of Tape 1/ York + Bot 2 lb Tea for my Grandmother—— 11/York + Bot for mak^g my Shoes 1/—— York + 15^{th}: 1 Pair Stockings 10/6 York + Borrowed of M^r Strong two Dollars + 16 Paid for M^r Reeves Letter 2/ + M^r Phelps D^r To 2 Dollars Lent + M^r Strong has settl^d for a bear skin & + 30 Bot. a Pair of Stock^g 10/ y. + + (February.) + Pocket Expenses D^r. + 5. To 1 Pen Knife 3/ y NY + To Beer—— 2/ D^o + 7. To 1 Pair of Breeches 36/4. York + To 1 pair of Drawers 10/York + To given in Charity 1/ y + 12 To 1 pair of Shoes— 11/ + 14 To 2 Handkerchiefs @ 9/—— 18/ y + To shaving = 2/6 y NY + 24 To 2 Handkerchiefs @ 3/ + + Began to Shave with Barber 8^{th} + 10 Wash^g Cloths O 4 3·y + D^o 2·3· + ——————— + one Dollar 8/ 6 6 + + United Colonies D^r + 1776 To 1 Buntch of Quill 3/y + Feb^y 12 + To 1 Piece of Tape 1/y + + (March):—— + Recev^d of Jon. Trumbull Esq. 4^{th} + March 26⅔ Dollars towards my wages. + + Pocket Expenses D^r + 3^d To 1 Pair Breeches 39/York + To mending my Coat 4/6 Y. NY + 12 To Present to Servant 1/ + + Profit & Losst D^r + 9 To 1 Dollar given a Fellow for returning a + saddle which I lost—— 8/y + + (April):—— + Pocket Expenses D^r all in Y. NY + 4^{th} To Postage of a Letter— 1/6 + To 2¼ y^d Rib^d Everlasting @ 6/—13/6 + 6 To mending a pair Shoes 4/ + 9 To ¾ y^d Cambrick—— 13/6 + Have spent 3 Dollars at the Tavern this + Month 24/ + Paid for a Military Chest 29/ + + (May): + All in York Mony + 15^{th} Bought a p^r Gloves 3/ + Bought two p^r Stockings @9/ + Expenses on a Journey to Fort George (viz)—— + 16 At Minifies, bought Prov’s & 7/6 + At Lansing to Dinner—— 2/ + 17 At a Tavern Brakefast & 2/ + 18 At Fort George Brakefas 2/ + 19 At Fort Miller—— 1/6 + At Still Water’s—— 2/ + Hiring Carriages Down 8/ + ———— + 25/0 + 23^d Gave Gin—— 2/ + + (June):—— + Expenses on a Journey to & from Dartmouth College—York Money + 2. Ferryage— 0 · 0 · 9 + at Lansyng Oats 0 · 0 · 4 + At Tom (?) Din^d & Oats 0 · 1 · 6 + Oats &— 0 · 1 · 0 + 3^d White Creek Lodg^g Horse & Sup^r 0 · 2 · 8 + Shaftsbury. brakefast & Oats 0 · 1 · 1 + Manchester Din^d Bait^d & Oated 0 · 1 · 3 + 4^{th} At N d leys House Lodg^g & Brakefast 0 · 2 · 8 + Dinner & Bait^g— 0 · 1 · 4 + ————————— + 0 12 7/8 + £0 ·12 · 7 + 1 · 12 · 3 + Paid for 1 · 12 · 0 + ————— + Horse Hire 3 · 16 · 10 + Ferryage—— 0 · 0 ·11 + 5. Oats & Din^r 0 · 1 · 4 + 6. At College 0 · 2 · 4 + Rode to no 4 0 · 2 · 2 + At Walkers + Going & Riding & Hiring Horse 0 · 3 ·10 + Paid for Horse Hire—— 0 · 8 · 0 + Mend^g saddle 0 · 1 · 2 + Ferryage—— 0 · 0 · 6 + Sup. Lodg^g & Oats & 0 · 2 · 3 + Brakefast & Oats 0 · 1 · 2 + At(?) 0 · 2 ·11 + At Powels 0 · 0 · 4 + Arlington 0 · 1 · 0 + 9 St Crix 0 · 1 · 9 + Tom(?) 0 · 0 · 4 + Barber 0 · 1 · 6 + Ferryage 0 · 0 · 9 + ———————— + John Pierce Jn^r 1 ·12 · 3 + Recev^d the Above of Mr. Trumbull + + 1 Recev^d of M^r Trumbull towards my wages 20 + Dolls—— £8 · 0 · 0 + 12^{th} Rcev^d of D^o for the above Expenses—— 3 ·16 ·10 + 14 Bot of Robert Henry 1½ y^d Linnen for stocks + @ 10/ 1 · 4 0 + ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── + 12^{th} M^r Strongs Acc^d clos^d with me. Bot me a + Straw Hat 13/4 + 12^{th} Paid Elisha Sheldon Esq. six Pounds Law + Money in part pay of a Note ———— or in + whole Pay or more + Paid Oliver Wolcott Esq. eight Pounds Law + Money on Acc^d ———— NB I now owe him 40/9 + ny ———— + 15 Recev^d of Mr. Trumbull seventy Dollars + towards my Wages ———— + Paid M. Watson—for 1 Pair Breeches £2 · 4 + for seat^g D^o 2/6 Mak^g Coat 17/— 19 · 6 + 4 y^d shalloon 20/ Send^g dº 11/9- 1 11 · 9 + for White Breeches ———— 1 ·12 · + —————————— + £6 · 7 · 3 + + Recev^d of M^r Trumbull 15 Dollars for my + Expenses in return^g w^{th} Mess + Trumbull—— + Spent on s^d Journey myself 4/ + ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── + Bot 10 y^d Cor^d du Roy @ /6— £3 · 0 · 0 + ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── + 01 two pr stockings @ 12/—— 1 · 4 · 0 + 20 1 pr silk stock^{gs}—— 1 ·12 · 0 + ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── + July 0076—— York C^y— + 20 Spent for Mud—— 1/4 + 24 Paid John Mynderse for Mak^g + 2 Jacketts & 2 p^r Breeches & for Lin^g + Buttons & —— £1–16 + M^r Price D^r to 10 y^d of Corde Roy @ 6/ + + (August): + 4^{th} Spent at the Mead House £0 · 4 · 6 + 8 Paid M^{rs} Meredith 1 · 5 · 0 + 18 Recev^d 3 Doll for writing + 20 Spent 5/2 + 21 Bought a Bever Hat—— 64/ + 23 Turning my Coat—— 28/ + 24 Wid. Vernons 1/ + + (September):— + Recev^d for Draw^g a Pay Roll 13/4 + 7^{th} bought a Ribbon 3/4 + + (October) + (In pencil) + Proportion of Colonies + in 1695—— + Penn- L 80 + Masssech 350 + Maryl^d 160 + Virginia 240 + Rhode I- 48 + Connect 120 + N- York 200 + Oct. 22^d paid Mr^s Meredith for washing 45/ + 23 bought a Latch 3/9 + 30^{th} (something scratched out) + sent p. A. Catlin 1 lb to my father + two Dollars— + + (November) + 13 Recev^d of E. Avery Esq. eleven Dl^s for + cash I lent Lt. Colo. Whiting last Year—& + took his Note w^h must be sent him—it is + now in A. Adam. + Nov. 01 Gave Gin ½ Dol^r + Paid for Wash^g— (?) + 18 My Barbers Bill 30/ p^d + Clean^g my Hat— 5/ + Buttons 1/6 Tape 2/10 + 21 lb^s sugar 30/ 1 lb 20/ + 2 gallons Rum (?) cash p^d + 4 lb^s Chocolate 16/ + 70 lb^s Butter @ 1/9 + Cash 2/ £ 6. 2. 6. + 18 paid M^r Watson for mak^g my Blanket Coat a + p. Breeches & a Jackett 52/4—— + p^d James Vernon 12/for what I have had + from him. + 19 Rece^d of Mr. Trumbull + p^d M^r Price on Acc 60 D + for Potatoes 12/ + Gave Negro Boy 4/ + 25 Bought a Tea Pot 6/8 + Spent f^m Albany to Ty as p part. in this + Book 19/8[96] + + (December): + Left at Albany of wear^g apparile + 4 p white Breeches + 1 silk Jackett + 1 Nankeen D^o + 3 white Jacketts 2 (?) 2 + 1 p cotton stockings + 6 p thread D^o + 1 p silk D^o + 1 straw Hat + 1 p rid^g Trowzers + 1 Watch + 1 p Leather Breeches + 1 p Stock^g Nit D^o + 1 p Boots + 1 Hat New Beaver Hat + ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── + May 21 + 6 shirts + 6 Stocks + 5 p Stockings + 2 Handkerchiefs + 1 Jackett + + June 1 + 5 shirts + 1 Stock + 2 Stock^{gs} + 1 Handkerchief + + June 13—the above + 1 Handkerchief + 1 Trowzers + 3 shirts 3 stocks—3 Stock^{gs} + Borrowed of Mr. Trumbull + 2 cheeses at Vernon’s Stillwater + 1 Cheese weighed 35 lb + +[Illustration: + + PL. LXV.—DR. TIMOTHY PIERCE, SON OF JOHN PIERCE AND MARY GOODMAN + + _b._ 1778. _d._ 1801. + + From a pastelle +] + + + + + APPENDIX B. + + +Timothy Pierce, + + 1- To Mary Pierce, Hartford, Ld. no date. + 2- „ „ „ „ + 3- To Mary & James Pierce, Litchfield, New York, 1798 + 4 To „ „ „ Litchfield, New York, Oct. 5th „ + 5 To James, „ „ „ „ + 6- To my brother & sisters, „ „ 1799 + 7- „ James Pierce, „ Camp, 10 Sept. 1799 + 8 „ „ „ „ „ „ „ + 9- „ my mother, to my brother, to my „ Union Camp, Nov. 1799 + sisters, + 10- To my dear friends, „ „ Cantonment, Jan. 6, 1800 + 11- „ Mary Pierce, „ Camp, Jan. 18, 1800 + 12- „ James Pierce, „ „ Sept. 30 „ + 13- „ James „ „ Charleston, S. C. Dec. „ „ + 14- „ Dr. Croswell, Columbia, „ „ + 15- „ „ „ Statesburg, Feb. 1801 + 16- „ my sister Polly, „ May, 1, „ + addressed to Thos. O. H. Catskill. + Croswell, + 17- „ Miss Mary Pierce, „ July, 24, 1801 + 18- To Dr. Reed, to Mrs. Widow Litchfield. „ Aug. + Pierce, 2, „ + 19- Mr. Wm. Rees, to Miss Sarah „ „ „ 6 „ + Pierce, + + + No. 1 + + TO MY SISTER MARY:— + +I improve this early opportunity that I may be thus entitled to an +answer, giving an account of your journey, your situation, of the plans +you have formed for the disposal of your time, & of whatever has +occurred most interesting since you left us. The opportunity with which +fortune has at present blessed you of improving your mind by refined +society, of enriching your mind by reading & conversation, & of taking +an extensive view of human nature, is probably far more advantageous +than what you will enjoy at any future period. Of this you are +undoubtedly sensible. It is superfluous, therefore, to enlarge upon the +necessity of making every exertion in your power to reap all the +advantages the nature of your situation will allow. + +I shall sometimes take the liberty of advising you. We are none of us +perfect. You must advise me in return, & let us each become as faultless +as a brother’s & sister’s watchful care can make us. + +Let me recommend to you a practice which I began on New Year’s day, from +which I already have received evident advantage. So many things were +crowding upon my mind at the time of your departure that I entirely +forgot to mention it. The practice I refer to is that of noting down in +the evening by way of diary, every observation worth remembering that +you have heard in conversation, & all the reflections that have occurred +to you of any importance in the course of the day. Each evening fill up +one page at least & it will induce a habit of exerting your mind by +reasoning, and paying strict attention to all judicious conversation, & +you will in a little time acquire a facility in the art of composition +which alone would fully compensate you for your labors. Without +preserving exertion of your rational faculties you can never expect +vigor of intellect. Without exercising the talents of conceiving & +communicating ideas, & profiting by the remarks of the sensible it is in +vain to think of excelling in conversation. Nor can elegance in +composition ever be attained without long and careful practice. + +Knox in his moral essays disapproves of transcribing the substance of +what we read in a common book. Copying verbatim would it is true spend +time to little purpose, but writing a concise abridgment may be useful +by fixing the mind upon the subject. He who pays that strict attention +that transcription requires will find the subject more firmly stamped +upon his memory than he will who reads for amusement only. Write me what +you think upon this subject. + + Post Script to Miss Wylls. + + + TO MY OTHER SISTER MARY:— + +It is nearly time for the post to call for the bundle which is to +enclose this, & perhaps I shall have little more time to write you than +barely sufficient to inform you that all who are dear to you in +Litchfield enjoy health, prosperity, & happiness. The tears of joy from +embracing your dear parents & receiving the hearty welcome of your +friends, have hardly yet ceased to flow. Then what an apology can I +offer for so soon recalling your attention to those you have left +behind. + +Without doubt the interest your warm heart feels in the concerns of your +Litchfield friends will make intelligence of their welfare pleasing to +you altho’ a few days only have elapsed since you were bedewed by their +parting tears. I will confess however, that the hope of reading a +postscript by your hand in Polly’s first letter is an excellent +inducement for thus intruding upon your attention. Just so, however +laudable may be ostensible motives for actions, it frequently happens +that selfish motives, which we desire to conceal, are full as powerfully +influential. But it is not my intention to give you a moral lecture at +present. + +The long expected young lady from Poughkeepsie has at last made her +appearance to supply the place you left vacant in our family. She seems +about 14 years of age, & little taller than Hannah, figure fine, +complexion & features delicate, & if I may judge by her air & face, (for +I have not heard her converse) is more likely to become a fine lady, +than a philosopher. But I am much more pleased with her mother Mrs. +Williams with whom I spent an hour very agreeably. Suppose Betsey +Canfield 6 or 7 years older & you will have a striking likeness of her +face and figure, but Betsey never can attain to more than a small +portion of the refinement which appears in Mrs. W’s conversation. Can +you prevent that awkward, country girl Polly Pierce from staring & +gaping after wonders & curiosities about the Commercial City till you +are ashamed of her? Can you keep her in order—Can we ever make a woman +of her? An answer to these enquiries will delight. + + Your sincere friend, + Remember me affectionately to St. John. T. PIERCE. + + To MISS MARY PIERCE, Hartford. + + + No. 2 + +Several weeks have elapsed since I have received a single line from my +sister. In the name of wonder why this silence? While you were in +Hartford, your friends here (Fanny Smith for instance) ascribed your +neglect of them to hurry of amusements. But you have spent much of your +time of late in the _country_. _There_ surely time to write might have +been found, if inclination had not been wanting. It is with +mortification I remark that those among my correspondents whose +communications I value the most are the least punctual in the +performance of their promises in regard to writing. Several weeks or +rather months have elapsed since my last to Mary Wylls & not a word have +I received in return. However, I endeavor to think of her neglect as +charitably as _circumstances_ will permit. + +Our mother has been unwell. About 10 or 12 days ago she was attacked by +symptoms denoting the access of slow fever. We contrived to strangle the +disorder at its birth. Since that time she has been harassed by pains +&c. of the nervous kind, but I hope her health will soon be +reestablished. What a pity it is that you have not been at home to have +learned a little of the skill in housewifery that I have displayed +during her sickness? + +Mamma makes frequent & anxious inquiries about you, talks about you a +great deal & I fancy a letter from you would prove a more efficacious +cordial than any that Dr. Smith’s shop affords. Do write to her Polly, & +let us hear from you in the future much oftener than heretofore. I +engage to answer every letter of yours the day we receive it, and send +by the earliest opportunity. + +Sally says, “Give my love to Polly, and tell her I have the headache & +cannot write.” The crazy democratic priest, Ogden, has just sent her as +a present a copy of his travels in Canada for the use of her school. + +This letter is not your due, let that account for its shortness. My +friendship to St. John W. + + &c. &c. + MARY PIERCE, + Hartford. + + + No. 3 + + (I suppose 1798.) + + SISTER:— + +Here I am at New York, I have not time to write a regular letter, but +shall throw out without form or order, in the most expeditious manner, +whatever thoughts the occasion suggests. I rode the only passenger in +the Stage almost to Derby, but to compensate for my loneliness the fore +part of the day, 2 gentlemen & 4 ladies accompanied from Derby to N. +Haven—tell S. Curtis & P. Thompson that the two Miss Graceys were of the +number—& that one of the Gentlemen had sense enough to conceal his want +of sense by taciturnity—one had been a Schoolmaster, & the third was +cutting a dash in a sky blue speckled velvet coat, his hair dressed a la +quotatine, the ear locks powdered & frizzled so as almost to meet in +front of his nose, truly indicative of the furniture of his brain. I +still recollect the black eyes of one of the young ladies—You will +receive an account of Commencement from Daniel, therefore I shall be +silent on that head. My room mate at New Haven, was a clergyman with +whom I conversed a great part of the evening, & almost all night, +neither of us being disposed for sleep, an elderly gentlemen who had +listened to our _learned_ conversation, asked me if I had a _son_ in +College. + +Commencement evening, I set afloat for New York, & arrived here after a +head wind voyage of—I have forgotten exactly how long. I have taken +temporary lodgings near the centre of the City, price at the rate of 100 +pounds a year. My fellow lodgers are two young attorneys, who have very +much of the gentleman in them, one student at law, one French Priest who +speaks no English, but converses with us wholly in French & Latin, so +that our table conversation is a mixed jargon of French, Latin & +English. Nat’n Sanford also is one of my fellow lodgers, transformed +into a steady student, bearing a respectable character, & seeming much +like a gentleman, he is certainly an excellent scholar. Dr. Mitchell +dines with us, you have heard what respect his theory of Septon has met +with in Germany. I shall attend his first lecture upon Chemistry +tomorrow, next to Dr. Smith he is perhaps the most pleasing man I am +acquainted with. The other evening he conducted a number of us to an +eminence near the City that we might get a sight at the much talked of +Comet, but we found it not, the next evening walking upon the battery I +found a number of the pretended literati of the town with their +telescopes squinting at Venus, fancying that the Comet, after viewing it +sufficiently, they went home tickled most hugely to think they had seen +the Comet!! Men of science indeed!! + +At Dr. Gates’ house a number of other Gentlemen of the first estimation +in the City were viewing Jupiter through one of the best telescopes in +America. Altho all the satellites and belts of the Planet, are plainly +to be seen Dr. Gates will not give up the idea of its being the +Comet—One gentleman whose reputation for Science is considerable could +not explain the word Parallax—another enquired the meaning of +Apogee—Excellent astronomers! Drs. Smith & Mitchell do not believe there +is any Comet to be seen—I have not yet attended the theatre—I have not +yet visited the Museum—in fact I have not had time. I tho’t I had gained +before parting from home, a sufficiency of chemical knowledge, at least +to begin to learn, but I mistook, the system I attended to, is entirely +exploded, & a new system introduced, considerable study is requisite to +gain so much knowledge of the new principles & nomenclature, as will +enable me to understand fully the lectures of the Professor. The 42 +dollars I brought with me will not last forever—Night before last, being +at Lynde Catlin’s we were alarmed by the cry of fire, we ran to the top +of the house to see it, but it was soon extinguished, one building only +was burned. The bon-fire that cut such a devil of a shine here last +winter has struck such a terror into the people, that the alarm bell +seems to sound through their souls, as well as the ears. We hear that +the man who set fire to Albany, is apprehended & has confessed that he +did the pretty trick with a segar. One man has died here with the Yellow +Fever, there are several other cases of it in town. Yet Dr. Bard +informed me 3 days ago that he never knew a more healthy town at this +season of the year. + +You have found this letter a confused mass of dry heterogeneous +materials huddled together as chance has dropped them—Dullness is with +me the order of this evening. + +Brother James, write me as long a letter as this—with you Polly, I shall +not be satisfied, without receiving from you several letters, of 3 or 4 +sheets each, well filled. Say some good natured things for me to every +body you meet. Give my respects to those to whom it is due, & my love to +my Sweetheart if you can find her. + +Upon my word, a sentimental letter this. + + Amen. + +... tell Fanny, Maria, & Betsey to write me the first opportunity. An +abundance of matter crowds upon my mind which I wish to communicate, but +circumstances will not permit. + +Monday 9 o’clock.— + + TO MARY & JAMES PIERCE.— + + (Torn off.) + + + No. 4 + +Although I have just despatched a letter to Ld. by Col. Talmage, yet, as +so favorable an opportunity occurs, I cannot deny myself the +satisfaction of returning a piece of an answer to your amusing letter—No +James, my nose is not broken by the turning over of the carriage! The +vessel has not run away with me! Nor, surprising to relate, have I even +tumbled down my own throat. But pray has not Polly tumbled into hers? If +she has not why did she not write by Mr. Deming—if she does not write +the first opportunity that offers, I shall not stuff her mouth once with +those curiosities that you say she is gaping so wide for—but instead of +finding her descriptions of land and sea monsters I will—forget her.—You +may tell Sally to inform those with whom she said my character in the +gallanting line suffers so deeply, that there has been some +misrepresentation, although nature has cursed me with the stiff manners +of Dr. Orkborn, I hope I am not like him abstracted & inattentive to +those about me,—tell them that if the three gallants I mentioned in my +last letter with another Derby buck that the stage took up near N. +Haven, are not enough to assist 4 girls in dismounting from a coach, the +next time I happen under the like circumstances I will call together the +neighborhood to assist.—I will attend to the matter of the locket. + +The other evening I attended the Theatre & was much pleased with the +exhibition of Shakespeare’s Othello. The part of Iago was acted by Mr. +—— in my opinion perfectly well. The character of Iago is a horrid one, +yet, Mr. —— made every action, every look, so exactly correspond with +the subject, that ’twas with regret I saw him pass off the stage at the +termination of each scene. Mrs. Merry, wife of the poet, appeared in the +character of Desdemone, all seemed highly satisfied with her +performance, I could point out no place in which she seemed particularly +defective, yet I believe a Mrs. Siddons would have contrived somehow or +other, to have drawn from me more tears. But Mr. Fennet in the character +of Othello, met with unbounded applause, not from me however,—he +displayed a strongly expressive countenance, & told the story of his +courtship inimitably. When I observed to my fellow boarders that the +part was overacted, I found no one whose opinion corresponded with +mine—we find that the style of acting most pleasing to those who are +much used to Theatrical exhibitions always appears overstrained, +overacted to those who have never attended the theatre—& which have the +most reason to think themselves in the right? those that have seen +nothing but nature, & consequently have no other standard to judge by, +or those who have long lost of nature, & judge of acting by comparison +with some favorite actor? They tell me my taste is not sufficiently +refined,—I tell them theirs is vitiated—one poor half starved tear only +did Othello draw from my eyes. In the succeeding farce called the Romp, +Mrs. Martial acted the part of Priscilla very pleasingly, ’twas judged +there were 1000 people in the house. + +Kosciusko has left town, while here he made a practice of kissing the +ladies who came to see him—of 2 young ladies intimate with the family to +which I board, one who was saluted by him resolved that no other person +should kiss her for three weeks, for after being saluted by so great a +man, the kisses of all others had become insipid,—the other swore she +would not wash her face in a fortnight. Do you think the Litchfield +ladies would so far prefer the kisses of the brave to those of the +pretty fellows who are every evening fluttering about them? or is their +taste in this kind of commodity less refined? 3 sons of the late Duke of +Orleans M. Egalite are in town,—curiosities abound—here is a panorama in +which if we can believe the keepers of it everything worth seeing is to +be seen—aerial representation—wax work—The learned pig is also +displaying his wisdom here—he draws many spectators—but he will have +more wit than I think he has, if he gets 4 shillings from me. + +Give my respects to everybody. Nabby Smith I think wrote from Aurora to +have Fanny get into the Pulpit next Sunday & give her love to the whole +congregation—do the same kind office for me—I have received no letter +from Fanny, Betsey, & Maria, they promised to write. + + 5th Oct. T. PIERCE. + +You must look over and correct this letter yourself. I have not time. On +the 10th about 1000 French books are to be sold at vendue, if I can buy +some for nothing, I shall make a few bids whether I have money or not. + +I have spun out this epistle to such a length, that I shall not have +time this evening to write every one—therefore each one may appropriate +this to him or herself, & give me credit for it upon their letter +account books. + +Lynde says, “the pay of the youngest servant of the bank, is 500 +dols—the next 600—& so on—but there is no prospect of a vacancy—in this +line of business you cannot make a living unless you obtain promotion to +the higher places”—this is very uncertain.—“I have been in the bank 8 +years (I think he said 8) & have gained a place barely lucrative enough +to maintain my family in an economical frugal way the business in which +you will be employed in the bank has no relation to merchandise & you +are mistaken if you think you can go at any time into that business—to +trade with a probability of making a fortune, requires a knowledge of +traffic which can be gained only by long attention to the business, so +that if you should be disgusted 2 or 3 years hence with the dull +uniformity & confinement of this business, there is no respectable +employment whatever into which you can immediately enter.” Therefore he +advises you not to embark in the business—but if you still have an +inclination, the first time a vacancy happens he will exert his +influence to obtain the place for you—you may be sure. I think of Mr. +Burral’s favour.—The business will require a clear, neat, upright +handwriting, elegant figures & the utmost accuracy. + +Nancy, I forward those rings from Mrs. Pierce to you by Col. Talmage. I +hope they may please you as much as they did me—I long to have an +evening conversation with you about Dr. Bard & other New York folks, but +we are so circumstanced at present that I fancy it will be a difficult +matter to effect. + + Addressed to James Pierce outside. + + + No. 5 + + BROTHER JAMES:— + +I have received two letters from Mr. Allen since he has been at +Philadelphia & have written 2 to him, his last contained the paragraph +which I have enclosed in his own handwriting, my last letter to him +contained the following paragraph as near as I can recollect in answer +to what he has written me concerning you. “I receive frequent letters +from my brother James, his abilities are ... &c. &c. ... heart &c. Yet I +fear his dislike to the law will prevent his making that application to +the study of it which is necessary to form the able counsellor.” In his +last letter he expressed a desire to enter as a Clerk into the Bank. Mr. +Catlin has promised him his influence in procuring the next vacant +clerkship, but at the same time earnestly advised him not to engage in +the Bank, the reasons he urged in support of this advice appeared to me +sufficiently forcible to prevent his further thinking of the scheme. I +wish you would write to him upon the subject, your advice will perhaps +fix his attention upon something, &c. &c. You have here the import of +what I wrote concerning you, but I hope it was not so badly expressed. +So if he does not forget it, he will soon send you some good advice, +perhaps you will think I have been too officious in this business. + +I have been purchasing a few Medical books, some of which are _dog +cheap_, others _devilish dear_. + + Chaptal’s Chemistry 1 Vol. 3 dollars. + Darwin’s Zoonomia 6 Vols. 6.25 cts. + Cullen’s Materia Med. 2 Vols. 2 + Bell on Venereal diseases 1 Vol. 1 dollar. + Bell on Ulcers 1 Vol. 1 „ + Smellie’s tables 1 Vol. 1 „ + Hamilton’s Obstetrics 1 Vol. 1 „ + New System of Anatomy 3 Vols. 3.37 cts. + Huxhum on fevers 1 Vol. .75 cts. + ————— + 19.37 + +I shall subscribe for an edition of Darwin’s Botanic Garden now printing +in an elegant style in New York. This with a few other books that I +intend soon to buy will make a clever little library. + +I was much entertained by your political sketch. I have but little time +to spend to read the Newspapers. Give my respects & love to Mamma, some +of you wrote she was sick,—in your last letter she is not even +mentioned. + + TO JAMES. + + + No. 6 + + TO MY BROTHER & SISTERS, GREETING. + +In your last letter Polly, you say of yourself “If I can get sense +enough to rub through a short life decently, I shall be satisfied—But I +despair of that!!” Why do you despair of that? Or why be content with +rubbing through decently when it is in you power to shine. The mind is +made of such plastic materials that with a little attention we can mould +it in any form we please. How happens it that the memory of one person +is better than that of another? It is not owing to a more perfect +structure of the brain, but to a habit of exercising the memory acquired +in early life. The Judgment & all our other faculties may be greatly +improved by exerting them. Thus habits of exertion form the _Sage_, and +habits of relaxation the ninny, I do not know that I have clearly +expressed my meaning—but I suppose you would prefer reading something +else, to hearing a further explanation. + +You desire me to forward you some French books if I have purchased +any—but whenever I have attended the Auctions, French books have been +sold for more than I chose to give—so that I have as yet, procured for +you only one book, a poor solitary, mutilated volume of Rousseau’s +Emile. It has been kicked about the Library of some empty headed French +man, who seems to have made no other use of it than curling his locks, +or wiping his razor with the first 4 pages. If I were to judge from its +appearance, I should say—that it has been _read_ but little, yet +_wormeaten_ a great deal. The worms by making many a delicious repast +upon the _inside_ of the book, have certainly shown good taste, more +relish, for this elegant work of Rousseau, than the light headed French +man who used it only to look at & abuse its outside. By the way I bought +it for almost nothing otherwise I would not send you an incomplete +work—but Polly can amuse herself with it whenever she takes it into her +head to read French (which I fear will be very seldom) till I have an +opportunity to send others. + +I have just called upon Mr. Tisdale the engraver, he says the pictures +are finished, but will not be perfectly dry till tomorrow morning—so +that if Mr. Seymour sets out before 9 o’clock, they will be obliged to +wait for another opportunity. You are surprised that the pictures have +not been finished before. Tisdale is a good engraver, & an excellent +miniature painter, but he has lately taken to writing poetry—which is as +great an hinderance to punctuality as taking to liquor. You remember +that I wrote word that they were promised for the next week. + +Kiss little Ann Pierce Brace for me and tell her I hope she may make as +fine a lady, as little Ann Pierce Pendleton intends to be. + +Give my love, compliments, & respects, to all who wish for them. + + TIM’Y PIERCE. + + + No. 7 + + CAMP, 10th. Sept. 1799. + + DEAR BROTHER:— + +I met with a cordial reception in Camp last evening & lodged with Capt. +Ranny—for the first time under a canvas roof—In regard to warmth my +quarters were comfortable enough but I could sleep only a small part of +the night. This was owing to my attention being kept awake by the +novelty of the scene, the noise of the Camp, certain interesting +reflections which the occasion suggested, the nature of which I will +leave to you to guess, & by an attack upon the Camp by at least a whole +regiment of fleas. These hopping enemies, if my calculations are +accurate, will shed more blood, from our regiment, than will be drawn by +the French or any other foreign foes. The rascals march into our lines, +by the day in spite of bayonets, & steal upon our station by night +without the ceremony of countersign. But it is to be hoped that cooler +weather will before long screen us from their invasion. A little change +of temperature will defend me from the bites of fleas, the bites of +bedbugs, the bites of mosquitoes, & from all the bites except the bite +of _Jack Frost_. + +It will be necessary for me to supply the furniture of my own Markee. +Therefore whatever articles either of sleeping or waking domestic use +that can without inconvenience be spared from home will be thankfully +received. I shall yet be obliged to set the fashion for surgeon’s dress, +therefore Polly may send on some cravats, A black stock would save some +washing—Our other Surgeon’s mate has not yet come or accepted, & our +Surgeon departs for a day or two, therefore for some days or perhaps +weeks I alone shall hold le cleff d’acheron. Be careful that my trunk +shall come on the next stage. There are 3 or 4 sick in Camp, one with +quite a grievous dysentry, but I hope this fine weather may prove a +reviving cordial to him. Idea requested me to bequeath to her at my +departure a portion of the Esculapion Spirit. I found leisure to write a +few simple directions, which may be of use, but forgot to hand them to +her, you will find them scrawled upon the back of a letter from Dr. +Mitchel directed to me, perhaps they are unintelligible for I had no +time to review them. She will find rules for simple cases very plainly +laid down in an old rusty book in the bookcase, called Buchans Family +Physician. + +I shall not want a horse at present. + +Give my love to the girls at our house. I wish some or all would be good +natured enough to write to me. My knee is my table, you might guess it. + + Farewell. + +Tell Polly to send me a cockade as large as she can lift. + + Addressed to JAMES PIERCE, + Litchfield. + + + No. 8 + +In my last letter I forgot to mention that I wanted Moggy to make me two +or three night caps. Desire sister Nancy to be so good as to send me +those letters written by Gen. L. Kosciusko which are in her possession, +to those engaged in military duty, anything relating to the Hero of +Polish Liberty is, you may conceive, highly interesting. Some of our +officers are acquainted with him & would be delighted to see the +handwriting of their old friend. I promise that the letters shall be +safely returned to her possession. Lucy, you have perhaps returned to +Litchfield with a doleful story of the Camp, but the appearance of +things is totally altered. The whole ground of the encampment is now as +cleanly swept every day, as our kitchen floor,—wide bowers of evergreens +are carried in front of the tents through the whole length of the +encampment, supported by pillars thickly covered by intertwined ivy +leaves. It really exhibits a most beautiful view, especially by +moonlight, & when the tents are illuminated. Our Surgeon is gone & I +have the whole care of the regiment. It is sickly in the Camp at present +& therefore I have my hands full. Dr. Munson informs me there is much of +the dysentery at present in New Haven,—At Washington it is quite sickly. +Give my love to Lucy R. & tell her she may be assured I received her +present with a great deal of pleasure, but I fear she will not receive +the picture today nor tomorrow. I wish some of the young ladies would +write to me. I suppose they would expect a correspondence would be begun +by myself, but I know not who wishes to correspond with me & who would +not. Some of them if the question were asked would probably desire it. +But the strongest proof I can receive would be a _letter itself_, +Whoever will be good enough to write shall be answered with punctuality +& gratitude. + +I lodge at present with our Colonel in his markee and diet at his table. +I never experienced such agreeable accommodations. The Colonel keeps a +table separate from the rest of the officers, & the other officers take +their food at a place called Social Hall, where they are accommodated +with excellent provisions. The expense of last week’s provisions +amounted only to 8/6 per head. I shall become again a member of Social +Hall when the Colonel sets out to visit his friends, which is expected +in a few days. The 4 dollars I took with me are spent & as it is +uncertain when I shall receive anything from Government a five dollar +bill sent by a safe opportunity would not be used for wadding to my +fowling piece. Give my love to all our young ladies. + + MR. JAMES PIERCE, Litchfield. Yours, TIM’Y PIERCE, + + + No. 9 + + TO MY MOTHER, TO MY BROTHER, TO MY SISTERS, & TO MY FRIENDS, + GREETING:— + +60 miles from Philadelphia, about 35 from New York—9 from New +Brunswick—near 140 from home & far removed from the habitations of any +human beings, except of those whose sole aim consists in devising every +art that knavery can suggest to plunder the contents of our purses, such +is the situation of our Camp. + +The packet in which I embarked made a favorable run & landed us safe. +Not at New Brunswick as was expected, for New Brunswick was not the +place of our destination—but at Elizabethtown-point, whence after an +encampment of two or three days, to wait for the other transports, we +marched 18 miles & arrived at our present encampment, called _Union +Camp_ upon Scotch Plains. + +The transport carrying Capts. Young, Balford, & their companies were not +so fortunate—You have heard the particulars of their scrape at Hellgate. +Poor devils—I felt for them on the rock, half dead with fear, cold & wet +as drowned rats. Fortunately, however, no lives were lost. The shock had +nearly thrown half the soldiers overboard. Their vessel keeled almost +upon her beams and very soon filled with water. The crew were brought +off with ferryaugers—baggage well pickled with brine, & guns almost +spoiled by the salt water. We waited for them at Elizabethtown-point, & +they marched on with us to the place of our encampment. + +New York is still forbidden fruit for me. In a month or two I shall +visit that city & purchase a few articles of military dress, if I do not +eat up all my money. New Brunswick is at such a distance that it will +seldom be honored by my presence, for I shall keep no horse but have +concluded it wisest to eat my horse’s forage myself. + +The soil of Elizabethtown is luxuriantly fertile. The place contains +about 180 houses, & in many respects resembles Weathersfield. New Ark +which I walked up to see is a fine flourishing manufacturing town of +nearly the same size. These towns are well worth the attention of +travellers. The land about our station at Union Camp, looks considerably +like Connecticut—but the farmers do not know how to work it right—they +are not as expert as the yankee boys in the tillage of their soil, but +in the midst of fertility most of them live in apparent poverty. Produce +of every kind is much dearer here than in our state, particularly in the +vicinity of the Camp. Here the griping marketers seem resolved to +squeeze out our heart’s blood. Soldiers, they think, are foolish & +imprudent & will give any price for whatever pleases their fancy—this +the soldiers absolutely do. They think the officers full of money—& that +they have a right to make them pay double for every thing they have—and +the officers do absolutely pay double for most articles & for some +treble the Conn’t price. You may get some idea of this by the following +list of prices. New York currency. Butter 2/ & 2/6 per pound—Apples 5/ +per bushel—Potatoes 5/—Small loaves of bread 1/ middling sized 1/6—Cider +6/ per quart—3 dollars the barrel—small pumpkin pies, fit pukes for +dogs, 1/—Apple pies, crust rye & without shortening, spice or anything +else & hard as cannister shot 1/ &c. So that I feel myself in the +situation of the “soldier who lives on his pay,—and spends half a crown +out of sixpence a day.” + +At present we are encamped in tents, having no floors in our markees as +in New Haven, but our feet are accommodated with a carpet, a la mode de +hog pen, that is straw spread upon the ground. But as we shall have log +houses in two or three weeks made convenient & calculated to last +several years as a durable habitation for future armies, or for our +_Standing Army_ that the Democrats tell about. Government has purchased +80 acres of land here consisting of good parade ground, & a fine piece +of wood for the building of huts & firing. But sending us here to build +our own huts, was a sad piece of economization in the U. S. A. For wood +at this place will sell for [illegible] a cord. The wood stands thick +upon the ground, consisting almost wholly of black oak & walnut, +straight, trim, & making excellent timber & it is calculated that the +logs we shall employ in building would sell for more than the cost of +comfortable frame barracks. If I have time to draw it I shall send a +plan of our present encampment & of the log houses erecting for our +winter accommodations. + +Almost all kinds of religious persuasions prevail in our neighborhood +except those dictated by reason. Baptists, Saturday new Quakers &c. +abound. Last Sunday I attended a Quaker-meeting—Total silence prevailed, +the whole congregation sat motionless the old men & women with their +fingers upon their mouths, waiting for the access of the spirit, & +engaged in pious meditation. My thoughts were more intently fixed upon +home, than heaven. At length one rose & observed that nothing human +beings could offer before the throne of grace would be more acceptable +than meditation & awful silence. That young & inexperienced as he was +nothing would have tempted him to interrupt that becoming silence if he +had not feared that some of the congregation were walking the downward +road to perdition. This was the whole purport of his discourse. The +friends then shook hands with each other & retired to their homes. The +dresses of more wealthy Quaker ladies are plain, rich & becoming—One +young Quaker of about 18 years of age, carried the sweetest look & most +graceful manners I have seen this long time. I promised myself some +pleasure from her society, but was informed that she lives 10 miles +distant. Many of these Quakers attend these silent meetings steadily +from a distance of 12 or 15 miles. Tell Mamma that some time since I +purchased a testament, & have kept it so _nice_ that I have not yet +_soiled_ it in the _least_. The Quakers & other inhabitants about this +place like the Yankees much better than the York troops, or even than +the Jersey men. A respectable Quaker merchant told me yesterday that +“the New York soldiers & officers gave them a great deal of trouble, but +those from Connecticut were very civil in their behaviour & gave them no +trouble at all.” Most of the New York officers live so freely as to +expend the whole of their pay & many of them more than their wages. +Several have become discontented & resigned their commissions—6 or 8 +have deserted from the New Jersey Reg’t since stationed here. 4 or 5 +deserters from the New York line are in custody,—one,—two, or more of +them will probably be shot. For military execution a whole plattoon of +soldiers stand a few paces distant from the criminal & pour the balls at +once into his bosom. A court martial will be held in a few days upon one +of the York artillery officers, for taking money of soldiers who had +enlisted, for releasing them, as I am informed. The Yankee lads have the +reputation throughout the Camp of being formidable young sprigs. The +soldiers of York and Jersey reg’ts are in some measure at variance, but +both court the friendship of the Yankees. A day or two ago, a two handed +fellow from Cap’t Rod’s company, was gaping about in the York quarters, +when a stout Yorker strutted up to him & told him to go home,—he replied +that he would when he was ready—upon this Yorker bustled up to him, but +the Yankee laid his opponent sprawling by a single blow. Another Yorker +came up, but immediately measured the ground with his length—a third +shared the same fate & our victorious countryman set his arms akimbo & +walked to his tent at his leisure. A few similar incidents have given +the Yankees the names of brave lads. Our music is much better than that +of the other Reg’ts. The tune of Yankee Doodle is very often played, & +is known by the name of the _Invincible March_. _Did you ever see a +Yankee who was not a good brag?_ + +Our regiment has been remarkably healthy, we return generally only from +15 to 20 each day—3 or 4 have died from the York regiment, since the +recruits service began, & not a single man from ours—_See what the Dr. +can do!!_ + +As for myself I am hearty as a buck, & grow fleshy rapidly & could spend +my time very agreeably if I had a few companions that I could select +from our Litchfield society. We have some fine fellows among the +officers—but as to female society—I have given up all expectation of its +delights for this winter. + +Sally’s letter from New Haven was highly gratifying to me, especially as +it informed me that Mamma’s health improved rapidly, by this time she +has probably recovered entirely. But she must be quite careful of +herself this winter, fatigue seems the one chief exciting cause of her +attacks of the pleurisy, she ought therefore to avoid it, & perhaps it +would be of use to her to take of the bark once now & then through the +winter. I wish she was where I could take care of her, but I do not +think she could have been left in better hands than in Polly’s. + +A visit to the hill Sally mentions back of Amboy, would be very +desirable to me, but its distance will prevent a frequent enjoyment of +that water prospect she speaks so highly of. Yet whenever I visit Amboy, +I shall pay grateful acknowledgement to that benevolent family who were +so hospitable to our much lamented brother. I have heard nothing from +sister Pierce. We hear seldom from New York, almost never from +Philadelphia,—there are few papers taken in our Camp,—we so seldom have +intelligence from them, that those two places seem as distant as Europe. +We used generally to hear as much from them in one week, at Litchfield, +as I have heard since our arrival in New Jersey. Yes, Sally it would +have delighted me much to have visited the Museum at New Haven with you, +& the rock you mention, & were it not for one doleful obstacle I might +hope that, one of these days, after school in the afternoon, you would +accompany me to a rock in the neighborhood of our present encampment +from which New Brunswick, Amboy, & a vast extent of country may be seen +at once. + +If James wrote by the post as you mentioned, the letter has been lost, +for no letter has yet been received though long anxiously expected. + +If it was my aim to write fashionably, apologies would be thought +necessary for the length of this epistle,—& for its concern—myself & my +situation almost exclusively of all other subjects, but I feel as though +a particular statement of situation &c. would be more acceptable from a +friend of mine than a great deal of the fine matter of which fashionable +correspondence is usually made up. Instead of apologizing therefore I +will inform my friends that they can write nothing materially concerning +themselves, which will not be highly interesting to me. Every +transaction occurring in good old Litchfield that my friends will be +good enough to write me an account of will be read with pleasure. + + Yours, &c. + TIMOTHY PIERCE. + + Union Camp, New Jersey. + Nov. 10th, 1799. + MRS. ANN BARD PIERCE— + Widow of Col. John Pierce. + + + No. 10 + + UNION CANTONMENT, Jan. 6th, 1800 + + MY DEAR FRIENDS:— + +But stop,—permit me first to make my bow to the young _Squire_ in +particular. Has not passing a good examination made him swell two or +three inches in circumference with exultation? Since he has received the +appellation of _Squire_ does he not strut at least, “one hair’s breadth +nearer to the sky?” Has he learned so accurately to distinguish between +_meum_ & _tuum_ as to convert them both into _suum_? Is not our house +already thronged by his clients? Has he not obtained in its almost +perfection the art of setting poor farmers by the ears & of rifling of +their pockets during the affray? Does he not bid fair to rival the great +Demosthenes & become the Cicero of America? + +Mr. Smith sets out tomorrow morning for Litchfield, and the lateness of +this evening allows me time only to throw together 15 or 20 lines, of +any thing which comes handiest. Nothing important offers for +communication, & I am certain I should write nothing this evening were +it not for my wishing to throw the balance of letter accounts in my +favour. + +I beg leave to congratulate Lucy & Mabel upon their fair prospect of +approaching relationship. I know they have long been intimately +connected by the sweet bands of affection, & am highly gratified to hear +that the Seymours are about to tie them together as sisters. + +Horatio I conclude still continues _pretty middling busy_ about Lucy. So +long as he has been, & so skillful a workman as he is, much business +must have been turned off by this time, & it pleases me to hear that +Moses has accomplished so much in the _line of his employment_. + +Does Polly Pierce attract the attention of any buck in particular yet? +Or is she still obliged to rely on other folk’s sweethearts for the +amusement of her evenings? Has she still nothing to do but look on from +6 o’clock till 10 to see other folks court? I should be fond of a few +particulars that can be relied upon, with regard to this matter. As for +James, I suppose that if a fair damsel should melt his heart down at +once he would never pay her particular attention, for the fear that it +might excite the observations of others. I can now repeat with the +emphasis of feeling a line from Nancy’s letter from Kosciusko. Oh, +James, “you is one happy man, you is always with the ladies & we have +not one.” + +School consisting of 15 only—now there are so few I hope that the native +ladies of Litchfield may stand some chance for a part at least of the +attention of Mr. Reeve’s students. + +Lucy, Mabel, Maria Budd, Miss [illegible] & who else at our house? At +this time I suppose Idea’s black eyes are sparkling upon the beaus of +Vermont. I feel for you on account of the loss of Jane, Nancy, Hannah, +and Mary. Let me know how affairs _progress_ between Mary Wyllis & +Miller.——Twining and Almira then? ’Tis well——Does Sarina Bull still +attract the butterflies to bask awhile in the sunshine of her charms—& +then flutter off? Does Maria Budd still act the “_heyday of the +fantastic_?” + +James can now no longer be excused from writing to me every opportunity +on the score of preparing for examination. I shall therefore expect +letters every week. Polly is also now at leisure. Dr. Orton has arrived +& I also can afford more time to my L’d friends. I suspect from the +tenure of your letters that I have written several that have never +reached you. You mention nothing of Mamma in your last. I conclude +therefore that she has completely recovered. + + Yours, TIMOTHY PIERCE. + + To JAMES PIERCE, Litchfield, Conn. + + + No. 11 + + UNION CANTONMENT, Jan’y 18, 1800 + + MY DEAR SISTER POLLY:— + +N. Woodruff sets out for Litchfield tomorrow morning early—It is now +late in the night & I am resolved not to encroach upon my usual hours +for sleeping to write to those who so seldom favor me with letters as my +sister & brother, 15 minutes only I will bestow upon you both, for you & +for James. Your pleasant letter written some time ago gratified me +extremely—Every line, every phrase, presented my rattling sister very +vividly to my fancy. Let all your letters be cast in the same mould. +When you have so much time upon your hands, when you write with so +little difficulty, when opportunities of sending so frequently offer & +when reading my sister’s communications is so highly gratifying, it is +impossible for me to account for your not having written oftener upon +any other consideration than this—that you have ceased to think of +me—But I hope future punctuality will atone for past negligence. Oh +Polly, I wish you had been with me the other day when I ascended a rock +upon a neighboring mountain from which may be seen the river Raritan—New +Brunswick—The bay of Amboy—Newark—Elizabethtown—The bay of Newark—New +York city—Long Island—& the Atlantic ocean beyond—a vast extent of +country to the southward of our station. This is perhaps the richest & +most extensive prospect that is to be found in any part of the United +States. When the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War lay in this +part of the country, the great Washington used often to ascend the rock +to descry the position of the British forces, that consideration at this +particular time adds greatly to the emotion which this sublime view +excites in the mind. I trod with reverence the rock upon which that +great man stood, & my heart wept to think that the father of his country +was no more. + + + MY BROTHER JAMES:— + +Then the Democrats in Congress have been endeavoring to disband us—& +send us back again to Connecticut. What can the stupid creatures mean—I +thought in the present situation of our affairs as to France & Great +Britain that both Fed’s & Dem’s would agree to the necessity of being +prepared for effective defence—But that band of wretches who formerly +endeavored “to stop the wheels of Government have now failed in their +attempt to break the sword of their country. + +You may depend upon it that the Connecticut regiment forms quite a +respectable part of this _sword of our country_. It has the reputation +of being as well, or better disciplined than any regiment besides in the +United States. The officers are thorough in the performance of their +whole duty—not a single instance of intemperance, or gambling have I +heard of in any one holding a commission.—Among the soldiers, there are +only 5 or 6 foreign old country men—the rest are well disposed +Americans—& with the exception of a few invalids—very promising young +men—Living as they do 15 or more in a room—30 in each small one story +hut with no floor but the ground, some diseases must of necessity +present themselves—but their being still all alive, while [illegible] in +the regiment lying next to them have been furloughed to their endless +home, reflects honour upon them for their cleanliness, their temperance, +& their healthful management of their diet. It seems that you never yet +have had an opportunity of sending on those shirts which were partly +made at my departure from L’d—Capt. Ranny will be with you soon & then +if not before they may be safely sent. Capt. Ranny has been extremely +polite & obliging to me & I wish our people to treat him in return with +the utmost attention. He has promised to call upon you & seems very +solicitous to be acquainted with our family. He is a man well worthy of +your friendship. + + Good night, + TIM’Y PIERCE, + +This morning a duel was fought in the 12th Reg’t by two Lieutenants, one +was wounded in the leg. + + Addressed to JAMES PIERCE, + Litchfield. + + + No. 12 + + CAMP, Sept. 30th 1800. + + DEAR BROTHER:— + +I wish you to ascertain if possible the date of my letter of acceptance, +& send me notice of it by the first opportunity. It has entirely slipped +my memory, & our pay-rolls cannot be drawn without it. We shall receive +no pay for some time, therefore it is probable more money must be sent +me from home. You mistake when you think our board a trifling expense. +Each officer maintains a servant, & the servant’s board costs as much as +his own. Therefore all things considered I might board with as little +expense in Litchfield. My foods cost as much as that of any officer in +the regiment. + + + TO SISTER POLLY:— + +Your good letter deserves a longer & a better answer than I am at +present in condition to afford you. For about four & twenty hours past I +have been afflicted with a sad sick headache, & have not felt myself in +a proper state for writing or anything else. Instead of cutting the +figure which you say you shall be afraid to speak to, my appearance has +“improved only for the worse” as paddy would express it. Being the only +physician in the regiment during the severe prevalence of the dysentry +among us for near a week, I experienced a constant hurry of practice +through the day & was often called up at midnight. In consequence of +this and the anxiety I underwent for two or three of my patients, I have +got out of the habit of talking, bend over more than usual, & look ten +times more serious & Don Quixotical than while at home. My sister need +entertain no apprehensions with regard to the sword & hat which you +mention with fear—for those articles will not be purchased before we +retire to winter quarters—: before that time I shall make you a +visit—and after that visit you will see neither me nor my sword until +next spring. You say you wish me to write upon speculative subjects—if +anything new had lately occurred to my observation, I would communicate +it for your criticism with pleasure—But all my late speculations, relate +only to Ipicac, Salts, Dysentery, Rhubarb—fever &c. Subjects that will +not be interesting to you. + + + To COUSIN ELIZAB’ H. + +She will find me more “presumptuous” than Mary would permit _her_ to +be—for her cold “_compliments_” I beg leave to return her my _love_. + + + To MARY BREASCARD:— + +I assure you that the “Dr.” feels himself “highly honored” by the +postscript with which you have favored him, is “highly gratified” to +find you have sent him “some” of your love—& takes the liberty to send +you an _abundance_ of his love in return. + + + To J. WATKINSON:— + +Whether “the disposition of Jenny Witless is malicious” or not, I was +fearful she would not have remembered me, even to have “vented her +spleen upon the Dr.”—But whatever may be the state of her feelings +toward me, I thank her most cordially for the two lines and a half of +P. S. at the end of Polly’s letter—& feel very sorry that the headache +prevents a longer reply. In the first part of this letter I have +desired some money from home, but upon further consideration I suspect +it will not be wanted—please tell James not to send it without further +notice. Desire Polly to send me a list of the things which have been +sent from home since the arrival of my trunk. Give my love to all our +young ladies. Tell Lucy Russell to write another letter for me to +carry to her parents, I have taken a _fancy_ to the old Democrat her +father, & want another excuse for paying him a visit. Starks Edward & +Mr. Tod have spent a considerable part of this afternoon with me & I +have promised to call at their houses in the City. Therefore if our +young ladies wish to write to Henrietta, I will convey letters to her +with pleasure.—goodnight. + +Oct. 1st. After thinking the third time upon the subject of money, I +believe James may send me some if he can conveniently—it may not be +wanted—but perhaps it may be used advantageously under present +circumstances. Should it be sent, the earlier it comes the better—It +need not be sent unless it can be spared very conveniently. + + TIM’Y PIERCE. + +I would relate an amusing case of a love sick patient if I had time this +morning, but Mr. Collins will call immediately for this letter therefore +the history of it must be omitted till another opportunity. When Dr. +Trowbridge returns, or when another is appointed to assist me I can +devote more time to my friends. + +(Addressed to MR. JAMES PIERCE, Litchfield.) + + + No. 13 + + CHARLESTON, Dec. 3rd, 1800 + + DEAR BROTHER: + +Thank God, here I am safe at Charleston at last, after a tedious passage +of 17 stormy days from New York. We sailed on the 15th of last month, & +within the first 24 hours were driven so far from land by a heavy wind, +that it took 12 hours to regain the coast. We entered Egg-harbour, run +upon a shoal of quicksands, & lay there three days until the spring tide +lifted us off. Upon extricating ourselves from this difficulty an heavy +north wind carried us like lightning to the southward, we flew by the +capes of Delaware at about 400 hundred miles from shore, passed the +Ches’pk Bay & a few hours more carried us to Cape Hatteras, but the west +wind which now set in pushed us to such a distance from the cape to the +eastward, that the eddy of the gulf stream carried us back 60 miles in +24 hours, however we kept free from the stream itself for a few hours & +attempted to gain the shore, but in vain, a violent northwestern gale +set in which drove us notwithstanding our efforts in the Gulf stream +itself. As we entered it dismal indeed was our prospect. The rapid +current meeting the north wind rolled its waves to a frightful height. +Its waters are 12 or 14 degrees warmer than that of the ocean through +which they run & smoked in the cold northern squalls, which constantly +assailed us like the water of a boiling pot. 5 or 6 sharks attended into +the stream, two water spouts one on each side of us passed near and soon +after we saw them pour their heavy weight of waters upon the flood. The +surges poured over the deck, so as at times to hide it entirely, & even +beat in at the top of the cabin door. In two or three days we found +ourselves about two degrees below the latitude of Charleston, about 300 +hundred miles to the eastward of it. Here we were harassed by contrary +winds 4 or 5 days, till at last a favorable northeast storm 250 miles in +a few hours & landed us safely in Charleston. But I assure you I have +been horribly harassed by seasickness. + +We had one perfect calm when, altho’ we had hardly a breath of wind the +waves rocked, rolled & tossed our poor sloop so violently that we were +fearful the mast would be completely rooted away. + +None of those people to whom my letters are directed are at present in +town. I therefore shall proceed directly to Columbia. + +I should write more particularly, and more intelligibly, but my time +will not permit since I shall set out for Columbia in an hour or two if +the weather will permit. About an hour ago two negroes were condemned to +be _burned alive_! for the murder of a white man. Remember me +affectionately to all my friends. + + TIMOTHY PIERCE. + + (To JAMES PIERCE, + Litchfield, Connecticut.) + + + No. 14 + + To DR. CROSWELL, + Catskill, N. Y. + + COLUMBIA, Dec. 1800 + + DEAR DOCTOR: + +You have probably seen my dispatch to my Litchfield friends, giving an +account of my long and tedious passage to Charleston. The road to this +place does not run upon the banks of any of the large rivers, where the +rich rice & cotton plantations are situated, but through a tract of +country covered with barren sands & marshes, affording to its few +wretched inhabitants little else but pitch pines, dysentery, poverty & +fever agues. You shall not be fatigued by a particular account of my +journey from Charleston, dragging you step by step through so many +savanas, cypress swamps & pine barrens, where nothing can live but +screech owls & turkey buzzards would be cruelty to myself, & would make +you swear like a pirate. Let us fancy ourselves at once at Columbia +where we will take a look at the Assembly, now in session, & then talk a +little of my prospects in this country. + +The Legislature of this state undoubtedly affords some men of great +abilities. Gen’l Pinkney & a few others remind me of the venerable Sages +of Greece & Rome. Yet here are some also who (if I do not judge too +precipitately) are better fitted for horse jockeying than for +legislation. ’Tis amusing to see with what ardor they maintain the cause +of Jefferson & Burr, those _violent_ advocates for _moderation_, & ’tis +laughable to view the members of this august assembly, loudly declaiming +in favor of _Liberty_, _Equality_, & the _Rights of man_, while they +shake the bloody scourge over 128,000 of their fellow creatures, whom +they hold in the most abject slavery. Laughable, did I say?—No—I recall +the expression. The picture makes my heart bleed. + +There are many difficulties in the way of choosing a situation for +practice. Colonel Hampton has gone to Virginia to be married, & will not +return these several weeks. He has never mentioned my coming to this +part of the world to Lyde, notwithstanding their intimacy & connection, +nor has he ever hinted of the existence of such a creature as myself to +his son in law who has the care of his affairs nor to any one else, that +I can find out. There are several objections to fixing near his estate. +Columbia has three or four physicians, who practice, & another who has +left physic for tavern keeping. One poor devil of a doctor was starved +out, & left the place on the day of my arrival. I find very little +dependence can be placed on the opinions of others with regard to the +eligibility of a place for practice, or even relating to the healthiness +of a town. Almost every marsh in the State is thought a healthy spot by +its inhabitants. A rich planter on Wateree was mentioning his grounds +and neighborhood as remarkably healthy “But,” (said I) “are not the +negroes often sick in the summer?” “Oh, yes,” (said he) “the negroes +have aplenty of fevers & camp distemper in the summer, but the white +people have not, _they_ spend the hot months in Columbia, but in the +winter we have no fevers.” No one certainly will fly so directly into +the face & eyes of candor as to deny the force of this reasoning. When +at Camden, some thought _that_ an excellent stand for a physician, “for +(says one man) it is a healthy place, it trades a great deal, has 80 or +90 houses, & is as large as Columbia,” “yes, (said I) but here already +three eminent practitioners in the place,” “Well, (he replied) if it can +maintain _three_ handsomely, that proves that it is an excellent place +for doctors.” Such forcible logic as that silenced me at once. Upon the +whole, I think I shall fix myself upon the high hills of Santee & +engage, either in partnership, or war with a Dr. Reid who has long +practiced in Statesborough, perhaps your friend will experience the fate +of two medical gentlemen, who 2 or 3 years ago settled on the hills, but +left them in despair of success, yet the late great demand for cotton +has made the inhabitants more wealthy, more luxurious, & consequently +more sickly & more able to pay their physician. Be so good as to send +this on to sister Polly, & that will save me the trouble of writing at +this time, a separate letter for my Litchfield friends. Lyde’s warm +heart, is still strongly attached to Litchfield. Hardly a person can be +mentioned that he had ever seen there, concerning whom he did not make +particular enquiries. Neither distance of time nor place have erased +Marana from his feelings, I think she is still the _gourd seed_. He +turns the conversation repeatedly upon events, & recalled vividly to my +mind, scenes so strongly connected with my feelings, that sometimes in +spite of all my exertions—stop. I am not home sick yet—yet if I had the +wishing cap of Fortunatus (which in an instant will annihilate any +distance) it would contribute some to my satisfaction. + +I wish brother James would inform Mr. Joseph Adams that particular +enquiries were made concerning him & his family by Mrs. Adams of Camden, +widow to a brother of his, a clergyman who died some time since. She +intends visiting Connecticut in a year or two for the benefit of her +sons’ education. Whom, I think, she will place under the care of Parson +Backus. She is young, handsome, & wealthy. Our beau must take care. Give +my love to all my Litchfield & Catskill friends. Tell them that time & +distance have increased my affection for them so much, that there is not +one of them whom I would not this moment set out & walk ten miles to +see. Walk,—I say, for I have not purchased me an horse yet—By the way +the price of an horse, saddle & bridle, the delay for an answer from +Col. Hampton, in a country like this 50 pr. cent dearer than Conn’t my +stay in New York waiting for a passage, & the extravagant demand of +packets from that port, all these will really make such a vacancy in my +200 dollar purse, that I shall have room to put in more money when I get +it. However, hope points forward to more prosperous times. Though with +regard to the expense of my passage by water, I can’t say I had not +sailing enough for my money—by our Captain’s account we made a voyage of +about _two thousand_ miles & had the _privilege_ of sailing 17 days, all +which cost no more than if we had made a direct passage in three days +and a half. + + Write immediately, + T. PIERCE. + + + No. 15 + + STATESBURG, Feb. 16, 1801. + + DEAR DOCT’R:— + +I expected to have heard from you long before this, but a single letter +from my brother James is all that I have rec’d from my friends at the +northward since I left Conn’t. Several have undoubtedly been written but +lost by the way. I do not think my situation at this place promises to +be very profitable, & I suspect I shall not make a permanent stand here, +yet it is an healthy & pleasant neighborhood, it seems a proper stand +for making a first trial of the effect of a South Carolina summer upon +my constitution. The fortunate instances you have heard of in which +physicians have made fortunes in this country took place in the lowlands +& I suspect that the practice is very little if any more profitable in +the high lands than it is in Connec’t. The physicians in Camden & +Columbia are from the schools of London, New York & Philadelphia, they +have lived several years in this country, yet it is said not one of them +can show a thousand pounds gained by his profession. Col. Hampton wrote +me an obliging letter from Virginia in which he renews his offer of +patronage & pecuniary assistance if wanted—but if I mistake not his +plantation is in as unhealthy a situation as any place I have seen in +this part of the state, & offers but little practice in its +neighborhood. I can maintain myself anywhere—but I believe my friends +may resign any expectations they may have entertained of my growing rich +very suddenly. + +Please to send this on to my brother James that he may read the result +of my inquiries concerning the advantages & disadvantages of his +settling in the Southern States. I conclude that Mr. Lide’s note +announcing the necessity of studying a year in South Carolina has +induced you to abandon all thoughts of settling in this state. A +Councillor belonging to Savannah informed me that the rules for +admittance at the Bar of Georgia required only a certificate of +admission at the Bar of Conn’t., & a fair moral character given under +the seal of the State,—and a strict examination before a judge in +Georgia—But he assures me that in the south part of the state a young +attorney is a long time unnoticed & will meet with much source of +discouragement before he can procure an advantageous run of practice. A +practitioner from Augusta informed me that altho’ their bar swarmed with +attornies he believed Augusta a good situation for a man of shining +talents. However, in all the Southern States the practice of law is +extremely expensive—family & glittering accomplishments are preferred to +real merit—& it frequently happens that several years will elapse before +a young man who has nothing but _real worth_ to recommend him can obtain +an advantageous run of business. The planters are the richest class of +men in this country—with their superficial education they direct the +taste of the multitude—& _Vive_ la baggatteiles is the complection of +the ton—Come as dancing master & you can live. Monsieur Griffiths who +taught at Litchfield receives more money than the amount of the salary +of an army officer belonging to the State of North Carolina. He teaches +alternately at Camden, Columbus & Statesburg. + +In South Carolina & Georgia a young attorney is obliged to ride the +circuit in a sulky with a servant, & solicit the advocatism of criminal +cases to be pleaded _gratis_ to bring himself into notice & I understand +riding the circuit is considered as indispensably necessary. I have +heard several speak of the excellence of the State of Tennesee as an +opening for professional characters. I was advised to go there by Dr. +Rodgers of New York—who thought I should soon make a fortune there +without the risk of health which is inevitable in this State & Georgia—I +am assured that the bar of that state affords but two attorneys of any +eminence. Next to Tennesee, Kentucky deserves attention. However, unless +you have a taste for wandering you will live happier at the northward +with a little, than in this part of the world with great wealth—social +pleasures are our sweetest pleasures, & it is generally acknowledged +that social intercourse in the northern states affords far more +heartfelt gratification than in any other part of the Union. + + Addressed to THOMAS O. H. CROSWELL + Catskill, N. Y. + + + No. 16 + + MAY 1st, 1801 + +Upon receiving yours of March 27, which informed me of letters directed +to Columbia, I wanted to ride immediately there, but a swell of the +Wateree rendered that river absolutely impassable, however, I have +finally received them by a circuitous route & was not a little gratified +by reading of three letters from yourself & one from my sister Polly. My +sister Polly, with that affectionate solicitude for my welfare which +always secured for her so warm a place in my heart, begs me not to be +_discouraged_. No, my sister, give yourself no uneasiness about that. I +am now quite a stranger to “doleful fits” as you call them, in that +respect my disposition seems to have changed with the climate—I can now +be happy upon easy terms, can hope when others would despair—Beginning +the world with nothing I feel as the eldest son of the Vicar of +Wakefield did—Being at bottom of Madame Fortune’s wheel a revolution of +it may raise me higher, but can sink me no lower—consequently I have +everything to hope and nothing to fear from her capricious Ladyship. + +Circular—Your letter of Litchfield news, my sister Polly, proved quite a +reviving cordial to me—You little know how much I feel the loss of the +female society of my native town. In South Carolina the Ladies are +generally reserved & distant—I have attended dining parties where the +Ladies sat primmed in awful silence, while the Gentlemen conversed +solely with each other. I have attended Balls where the sociability +seemed little better. Instead of being proverbial for loquacity, the +ladies of this state might with propriety become proverbial for +taciturnity. I have met with many who dare not open their mouths long +enough to pronounce their souls their own. The daughters of the rich are +sent to Charleston for education, there to accomplish themselves in +music, dancing, embroidery, &c. but little attention is paid to the +cultivation of the mind. And indeed the gentlemen set less value upon +mental improvement than upon showy accomplishments. Here the first +inquiry concerning a strange lady is, “What is she worth?” “How many +negroes has she?” Next “What family does she belong to?” then “Is she +handsome?” But the mind is of so little importance that it is seldom +inquired about. Here the God of Love points his arrows not with beauty & +wit, but with gold. Here the graces that adorn a lady have flat noses, +wooly hair, & are as black as the devil. + +It delights me to hear that all my Litchfield friends enjoy prosperity & +happiness. If brother James concludes to settle in this country or +anywhere within my reach, my purse, whether there be anything in it or +not, shall always be as freely open to him as his own. You mention +nothing to me of Sister Nancy. Mamma’s health is I suppose by this time +restored. Sister Sally’s eyes have got well, you have a large family of +boarders—& all is fun & merriment at our old shade encircled mansion. +You seem fearful of writing to me on account of the expense—But whether +I shall be in the road of prosperity or adversity a quarter of a dollar +every week or fortnight will have little influence towards accelerating +or retarding my course. Sally Leavenworth owes me a letter—tell her for +me the next time you see her! Remember me affectionately to Fanny Smith +& thank her for that message of hers which you say you have forgotten. +Give my love to all those whom you without particularising them, say +sent love to me. + + God bless you all. + T. PIERCE. + + Addressed to THOMAS O. H. CROSWELL, Post-master, + Catskill, + St. of New York. + + + No. 17 + + July 24th, 1801. + +Then my sister Polly on my account dreads the months of July & +August—July, has nearly expired & your brother is as healthy as ever—I +am less affected by the heat than most of those about me who have passed +their lives in the burning sun of South Carolina.—There has been some +sickness in the low country, but the hills where I live have been as +healthy ever since last September as the town of Litchfield, so +celebrated for the purity of its air. So that if you do not receive a +letter regularly every week, you are not to conclude that the fever has +caught me, or that the Alligators have eaten me up—& even if they do eat +me relief is at hand, for we have a French doctor lately settled among +us who it is said, can not only cure the sick, but bring the dead to +life & raise the devil. He says he studied at Paris, belongs to the +Royal Society at London, was _Kings_ physician at St. Domingo while +under the dominion of the French Republic, can give hearing to the deaf, +sight to the blind, & perform greater miracles than the world has +witnessed since the time of Jesus Christ. So you see we have none of us +anything to fear from death. Yet if the Doctor should venture to come at +me with his pills before life was extinct, I would compliment him with a +rifle ball. + +Could you walk with me into the fields, my dear sister, you would be +surprised by the novelty & beauty of the scenes which would present +themselves & of the objects that would surround you. It would delight +you to view the vast fields of cotton & rice, of Carolina corn, & of +sweet potatoes.—Except from the description of travellers you are +totally unacquainted with the orange tree, the bay, the holly, the sweet +gum, the red bud, the live oak, the Spanish oak, the palmetto, the pride +of India, the swamp cypress, & many other trees peculiar to hot +climates. The swamp Cypress I mentioned is the Cypressus Distica +described by Bartram. His description is overwrought, yet the tree +sometime grows to an immense size & when the long moss hangs from its +umbrella-like top, exhibits a most majestic appearance.—Notwithstanding +the representation of travellers, I think the birds of this country are +not in general more tuneful, or more richly colored than those of +Conn’t. You would be delighted however with the Mocking bird. One +sometimes fixes himself on a tree near my window, & if the moon shines +bright, sings all night long his ever varying and most melodious strain. +In the early part of the season, when riding through the woods, I +discovered a plant, which seemed to resemble the picture I had seen of +the Mimosa & upon dismounting was highly delighted to see all its leaves +fold together at the touch. This is very properly an emblem of +sensibility, & when I observe one limb feeling the injury done to +another, the delicacy of the plant, its sharp thorns & its downy +blossoms I consider it as an elegant emblem of sympathy, which is the +source of many of our severest pangs, & of our sweetest pleasures, & +which gives exercise to some of the noblest virtues of the human heart. + +Your account of sister Nancy’s ill health affects me more especially +since distance prevents me from joining my efforts to yours for the +reestablishment of her health. Yet I hope that long before this time, +she is perfectly restored. I sometimes see Daniel Brown, he always +desires me to remember him affectionately to my sister Nancy, in my +letters. Lide & Reese also profess a strong regard for our family. Reese +is married to a very fine woman & Lide longs to follow his example. You +mention nothing of Susan and her children. Give me an account of +everybody in Litchfield & give my love to every body. + + Yours, + TIMOTHY PIERCE. + + To MISS MARY PIERCE, Litchfield, Conn. + + + No. 18 + + STATESBURG, 2nd, August 1801. + + DEAR MADAM:— + +Painful is the task of being the messenger of misfortune to those whom +we would wish to oblige, yet, the mutual friendship heretofore existing +between your unfortunate son & myself, renders it a duty incumbent on +me, to state to you, somewhat particularly his late illness. + +On the 19th ultimo, he rode with several of his friends, about 20 miles +on a party of pleasure; but during this pastime he got wet with a shower +of rain, which gave him a chilly sensation for a day or more, he then +got well of it, & returned home in apparent health, on the 23rd. In the +evening of the next day he was attacked with an ague, to which a fever +succeeded. On the following morning he prescribed an emetic for himself, +but this produced no abatement of his disorder. On the next day (Sunday +26) he sent a message to me, requesting my attention. On making my visit +I found him laboring under that complaint so incident to foreigners in +this climate, a billious fever, with affection of the nerves, I visited +him every day at his lodgings (5 miles from this) till the 29th when Mr. +William Rees (Father of the Gentlemen who studied law at Litchfield) +early in the morning had him removed to his house, in a carriage, on +account of better accommodations. From this time I was constantly by +him, until his last expiring moments, which was about 9 o’clock on +Saturday, the 1st. of August. + +In the course of his illness, he frequently suffered some degree of +delirium, but during the whole of the night preceding his exit, he was +perfectly sensible, & remained so to almost his last moment. He was well +convinced of the approaching catastrophe, but death, with him, appeared +to have lost its sting; he viewed it with a calm countenance; spoke of +it with great composure, and appeared perfectly resigned to the will of +the _Great Disposer of events_. He expired without a struggle or a +groan, & I believe without pain of body, or mind. + +I suppose Madam, it would afford you neither consolation, or +instruction, were I to recount to you, the remidies I made use of on +this occasion. May it suffice to assure you, that nothing in my power +was spared, which, I thought could contribute to his recovery, while Mr. +Rees & his Lady treated him with almost more than paternal care—they +showed him all that tenderness & affection which was due to his +distinguished merit. + +The day after his decease, he was interred in the churchyard of this +place, where a well adapted discourse, on the melancholy occasion was +delivered by the Rev. W. Roberts, to a large & respectable concourse of +people, who had assembled to solemnize his funeral obsequies. + +He (verbally) appointed Mr. Rees the younger, (he who studied under Mr. +Reeves) & myself, to be his executors; we have not yet inquired into his +affairs so far as to be able to give you any satisfactory account of +them, but shall lose no time in doing it. In the mean time we would be +glad to hear from you, any commands of yours shall be strictly attended +to. He has a manuscript book which is principally or wholly, his own +composition; this he wished me to send to you; please to let me know by +what conveyance. + + I am, Madam + With respect, + Your humb, Servant, + HORACE REED. + + MRS. PIERCE. + Addressed Mrs. (Widow) Pierce, + Litchfield, Connecticut. + + No. 19 + + SOUTH CAROLINA, STATESBURG. + August 5th, 1801. + + DEAR MADAM: + +I forward the letter directed to your sister, and written the day +previous to my friend’s having taken sick. It is with heart felt anguish +that the melancholy relation devolves upon me, by his particular +request, to announce to you and his friends, that the hand of Providence +has forever deprived them of the possibility of receiving another letter +from one so near and dear to them. At my father’s house on the 1st, +instant, about 9 o’clock in the morning after an illness of nine days +Doc’r. Pierce, the friend of religion and Man “sought that borne from +which no traveller returns” perfectly calm and resigned. He observed a +few moments previously to the melancholy event That he feared not the +change, that he knew was about to take place on his own account, but he +felt poignantly for the grief and distress it would occasion an +affectionate Mother, Sisters & Brothers. I think proper to mention that +every assistance within the reach of our power, and that of Dr. Reid who +attended him during part of his illness was rendered. The Doctor has +forwarded a particular detail of the circumstances attending his +illness. It will I trust be some small consolation to his friends to +know that all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance here, most +sincerely sympathize & condole with them in their distress. I will +endeavor to procure a transcript of the Funeral Sermon preached on the +occasion & forward it to Litchfield to you. He requested of Dr. Reid and +myself to take charge of his worldly affairs, & observed it was +unnecessary to make a Will. We have agreeably to his request taken an +Inventory of the Effects belonging to him, & will when appraised send on +a copy of it for your satisfaction. A manuscript book of his own +composition he desired might be forwarded to his relatives in +Litchfield. I wish you could devise a mode of conveyance. I hope soon +that you will be pleased to communicate whatever you in your own +discretion may think proper. + +With a good hope & a good wish that you & the dear relatives of _him_ +whose memory is so dear to us all, may with Christian fortitude bear the +reality that is fraught with such cruel darts. I am dear Madam, With +every sentiment of esteem, + + Y’r Most Ob’t Serv’t, + WILL’M REES. + + MISS SARAH PIERCE, + Litchfield, Conn. + + +A FUNERAL SERMON PREACHED ON THE DEATH OF DR. TIMOTHY PIERCE BY REV. W. + ROBERTS. + + “All is vanity.” SOLOMON. + + “All the glory of man is as the flower of grass.” PETER. + + “To die is gain—Godliness is profitable unto all things.” PAUL. + +Friends and Fellow-mortals, twenty four hours ago, I entertained not the +most distant expectations of addressing you on the solemn and awful +subject of death. Little did I expect to behold this church saddened +with the sable coffin. Little did I expect to experience the undesirable +office and necessity of preaching a funeral sermon on this occasion and +this sacred day. When the melancholy tidings of this unexpected event +were communicated to me last evening I was chilled with astonishment & +surprise! My heart was reluctant to believe the unwelcome report. But +alas! it is lamentably and sadly true, the amiable, the agreeable, the +accomplished, the admired Dr. Pierce is dead, is gone to the mansions of +silence! It is a solemn and distressing fact, that a few weeks ago, he +bloomed with health, was nerved with strength and vigor, but is a pale +inhabitant of the grave, a breathless body of clay! He, whose +countenance a few weeks ago was brightened with youth and animated with +life and cheerfulness, is now a motionless, a lifeless subject of death. +Very lately a healthy inhabitant of this world, now an inhabitant of +eternity! Very lately capable of every social enjoyment and domestic +pleasure among his friends, now forever snatched and torn away from +their arms! Very lately, every sense, feeling and affection exulted and +triumphed in existence; but now the unanimated body is deprived of these +powers. Where is that voice, whose accents were lately so agreeable, +improving and useful? It is speechless, it is dumb in death. Where are +those eyes, which lately so luminously expressed suavity of disposition, +the spirit of Virtue, and indications of knowledge and piety? Their life +is extinguished in the shades of death.... Where are those bright +prospects and pleasing scenes of usefulness which his philanthropic, and +science-illuminated mind contemplated and hoped to experience? They are +abortive, they are blasted in the bud, they have had only an embryo +existence. Those talents, virtues, graces, gifts, manners and +disposition, with which Heaven, nature, art & education had so liberally +and bountifully enriched and embellished his mind and person have been +suddenly, too suddenly destroyed with his last breath. + +What flattering expectations and sanguine hopes must his Relations and +Friends have entertained, that his days would not have been so few, that +his life would have been long and eminently useful and happy—And had +they not the best grounds and reasons to indulge such hopes and +expectations from his character, conduct, qualifications and +disposition?... + +Yet he lives, he lives, we reasonably and charitably hope in the land of +rest and peace and immortal bliss. The sacred light of hope and faith +beamed in his closing eyes. With Christian fortitude and heroism he +seemed to meet the King of Terror. + + + + + APPENDIX C. + POPULATION OF CONNECTICUT TOWNS. + + + CENSUS, 1820. + + New Haven 6.967 + Hartford 6.003 + Middletown 5.382 + LITCHFIELD 4.639 + Groton 4.451 + Stamford 4.440 + Lyme 4.321 + Fairfield 4.135 + Wethersfield 3.931 + Saybrook 3.926 + Guilford 3.845 + Danbury 3.606 + New Milford 3.537 + Greenwich 3.533 + Norwich 3.528 + New London 3.238 + Stonington 3.043 + East Windsor 3.081 + Norwalk 2.933 + Windsor 2.868 + Newtown 2.834 + Glastonbury 2.766 + Farmington 2.748 + Colchester 2.697 + Granby 2.696 + Milford 2.674 + Mansfield 2.570 + East Haddam 2.557 + Killingly 2.542 + Thompson 2.467 + Windham 2.416 + Salisbury 2.331 + Wallingford 2.325 + Cheshire 2.283 + Stafford 2.230 + Haddam 2.205 + Canaan 2.203 + Derby 2.051 + Hebron 2.002 + Simsbury 1.966 + Plymouth 1.882 + Tolland 1.610 + Torrington 1.586 + Pomfret 1.505 + New Hartford 1.507 + Winchester 1.466 + Meriden 1.249 + Colebrook 1.243 + Brooklyn 1.200 + Vernon 827 + New Fairfield 772 + + + + + APPENDIX D. + LIST OF PUPILS MENTIONED IN THE JOURNAL OF MARY ANN BACON. 1802. + + + Miss Rogers + „ Strong + „ Scovil + „ Elmore + „ Leavitt + „ Pease + „ Brainard + „ Charity Gracy + „ Lampson + „ Livingston + „ Rhoda Wadsworth + „ Fanny Kerby + „ Lord + „ Chapin + „ Charlotte Tomlinson + „ Trowbridge + „ Hays + „ Cornelia Adams + „ Pettebone + „ Laury Bacon + „ Skinner + „ Williams + „ Hale + „ Burget + „ Smith + „ Taylor + „ Eliza Scovil + „ Garden Fart + „ Tammage + „ Umphres + + + STUDIES SPOKEN OF IN MARY BACON’S DIARY. + + Geography + Dictionary + Spelling + Composition + Reading + Sewing + Embroidery + Map Study + Drawing + Painting + Music + History + + + THE NAMES OF THE YOUNG LADYS IN LITCHFIELD SCHOOL JUNE THE 10^{TH} + THURSDAY. 1802. + + Betsey Leavitt + Catharine Levingstone Dover + } + Anny Levingstone „ + } + Taine Martingbrough Derby + - + Sally Maunda New York + Sally Catling Litchfield + } + Hannah Catling „ + } + Miss Orton + Harriot Pettibone + Polly Cauldwell Hartford + Rachel Skinner Williamstown + Eliza Schovil + Polly Strong + Charlott Sanden Litchfield + (Sheldon) } + Polly Sheldon „ + } + Miss Stores + Miss Stoten + Two Miss Smiths Glosing + Berry + Fanny Strong Woodbury + Lucy Shelding (Sheldon) Litchfield + Unic Tomlinson Huntington + Betsy Tomlinson Huntington + Maria Tammage[97] Litchfield + Sally Trobridge + Susan Tatlor Litchfield + Sally Williams + Two Wilmading New York + Mary Lord Litchfield + Cornelia Davis Adams + Maria Davis Adams Litchfield + Jarusha Branard Haddam + Miss Burgett + Miss Burk Gorgia + Miss Bissel Savanna + Maria Butler Litchfield + Mary Ann Brown Roxbury + Cliresy + Cleresy Chapin + Betsy Chapin + Miss Case + Sofia Case + Charlott Cockrin —— West Indies + Mary Cockrin —— + Graice Cockrin —— + Julia Day —— Scatskill + Nancy Day —— + Mary Demming —— Litchfield + Clerissy Demming —— + Anny Fred Simons Gorgia + Eliza Garden Fart Gorgia + Mary Glenn Savanna + Charity Grasy Derby + Sophira Hayl Scatskill + Melissa Hays + Nancy Hail + Catharine Hunter Savanna + Miss Hall + Julia Elmore Cannon + + + 1811. + + List of Subscribers,[98] in 1st Vol. “Universal History.” 1st. + Edition—New Haven. + Printed by Joseph Barber. + 1811. + + Mrs. Susan Tracy, Litchfield. + Mrs. Mary Pierpont, „ + Caroline Tracy, „ + Lucy Sheldon, „ + Jane E. R. Shedden, New York. + Caroline W. Gold, Pittsfield. + Eliza A. Johnston, Savannah. + Bellamy C. Robertson, „ + Ann Robertson, „ + Ann M. Ripley, Sag Harbor. + Eliza C. Partridge, „ + Maria C. Prall, New York. + Frances Maria Webb, „ + Mary Cheetham, „ + Charlotte M. Rose, „ + Julia Blackwell, Blackwell’s-island. + Eliza Shaw, New York. + Maria S. Stoutenburgh, „ + M. A. Hewet, „ + Julian S. M’Lachlan,[99] „ + Cornelia B. Van Kleeck, Poughkeepsie. + Mary P. Loyd, Hartford. + Eliza Davies, Poughkeepsie. + Jane Ann Maison,[100] „ + Matilda H. Davenport, Stamford. + Harriet W. Tallmadge,[101] Litchfield. + Sarah G. Fanning, Pittsfield. + Caroline Hubbell, „ + Parthenia L. Dickenson, „ + Helen F. Mumford, Cayuga. + Mary H. Griswold, Herkimer. + Elizabeth H. Jones, Hartford. + Laura Porter, Catskill. + Eliza S. Benton, „ + Sarah Van Gaasbeek, Kingston. + Hilah Bevier, Rochester. + Hepsey Partridge, Hatfield. + Mary Hastings, „ + Tamer Flagler, Beekman. + Content S. Flagler, Half-moon. + Laura Keyes, Batavia. + Emily Lindsley, Lindsleytown. + Sarah Van Wyck, Fishskill. + Ann Van Wyck, „ + Phoebe Rapaljee, „ + Ann Anthony, „ + Hester Van Voorhis, „ + Mary Birdsall, Peekskill. + Hannah Dewsenbury, „ + Hannah Bradley, Lanesbourough. + Eliza Ann S. De. Peyster,[102] New York. + Cornelia A. Coit, „ + Nancy Hotchkiss, New-Durham. + Mary Post, „ + Ann Tuthill, Newport. + Ann Seely, Chester. + Harriot Loomis, Torrington. + Ann B. Starkweather, Williamstown. + Hannah S. Starkweather „ + Mary Bulkley „ + Susan Leavitt Bethlem. + Wealthy A. Backus,[103] „ + Mary Deming, Litchfield + Charlotte Landon, „ + Ann P. Brace „ + Sarah Post „ + Eliza Cleaver „ + Mary Peck, „ + Fanny Lord, „ + Mary Ann G. Wolcott, „ + Hannah H. Wolcott, „ + Catharine Beecher, „ + Sarah M’Curdy, Norwich. + Ann Comstock, New Milford. + Sophia Todd, „ + Aletta Mersereau, New York. + Almira Geract’d, „ + Sally A. Wardell, „ + Jane Wardell, „ + Sarah M. Lyman, Berk. + Mary L. Lyman, Goshen. + Clarinda Thompson, „ + Amelia P. Haydorn, Saybrook. + Sarah Hitchcock, Amenia. + Athalia Atwater, Northfield. + Abigail Good, Norwich. + Abigail Blakeslee, Columbus. + Harriet Usher, Chatham. + Mary Gleason, Farmington. + Maria Cowles, „ + Betsey Osburn, Jersey. + Mary Galpin, Litchfield. + Mersa Robbins, Colchester. + Esther Marsh, New Hartford + Dorothea W. Borland, Camden. + Theodosia Deveaux, „ + Harriet Bedford, Montgomery + Clarissa H. Starr, Cooperstown. + Eliza Wilson, Clermont. + Susan N. Warner, New York. + Maria Gates, East Haddam. + Caroline Buel, Goshen. + Harriot Kirby, Litchfield. + Sarah Center, Pittsfield. + Theodosia Deveaux, New York. + Marcia Averill, Cooperstown. + Julia Crosby, Amenia. + + + NAMES OF THE YOUNG LADIES BELONGING TO MISS PIERCE’S SCHOOL IN THE + SUMMER OF 1814. + + Caroline Atwater. New Haven Conn + Wealthy Bachus. Clinton N Y. + Maria Ball. Salisbury Conn + Catherine Beecher. Litchfield Conn + Ruth Benedict Albany N Y. + Lidia Booth. Poughkeepsie N Y. + Julia Boughton. Danbury Conn + Ann Brace. Litchfield Conn + Abbey Bradley. Stockbridge Conn + Amanda Bradley. Litchfield Conn + Charlotte Bradley. New Haven Conn + Caroline Buel. Goshen Conn + Maria Buel. Burlington Vt + Sarah R. Cantine. Kingston N Y. + Ann Stocking. Sheffied Conn + Sally Taylor. Paris. N Y. + Emily Woodruff. Clinton N Y. + Mary Clark. Albany N Y. + Eliza Catlin. Bristol Conn + Clarrisa Cleaver. Litchfield Conn + Lucy Cleaver. Glastenbury Conn + Amelia Colton. Longmeadow Mass + Delia Colton. Longmeadow Mass + Sally Cook. Litchfield Conn + Mary Dean. Westmoreland N Y. + Mary Denison New Haven Conn + Theodosia Deveaux— N York + Sarah Everit— Fishkill N Y. + Hannah Fish— Lanesbourough Mass + Mary A. Galpin. Litchfield Conn + Mary Goodall. Cooperstown N Y + Eliza Van Bleek. Poughkeepsie N Y + Mary A Woolcot. Litchfield Conn + Cornelia Goodrect. Sheffied Conn + Emeline Griswold. Goshen Conn + Harriet Hall. Lanesbourough Mass + Sybill Hale. Clinton N Y. + Sallie E. Harris Poughkeepsie N Y + Helen Hasbrook. Kingston N Y + Eliza Hasbrook. Kingston N Y + Maria Hoffman. Red Hook N Y. + Nancy Holmes. East Haddam Conn + Maria Hunt. Caanan Conn + Emeline Hunt. ditto + Polly Hunt. ditto + Betsey Hurlbut. Burlington Vt + Angelica Hughes. Kingston N Y + Mary E. Jones. New Haven Conn + Helen Kirby. Litchfield Conn + Ann Eliza Landon— ditto + Susan Leavette. Bethlehem + Cornelia Leonare Lansingbury N Y + Amelia Lewis— Litchfield Conn + Louisa Lewis— ditto + Abbey Lord— ditto + Nancy Marvin— Wilton Conn + Harriet M^cNeil— Paris N Y. + Elisa Meshal— Poughkeepsie N Y. + Eliza Starr— New Milford Conn + Mary Miles— New Haven Conn + Henrietta Miles New Haven Conn + Emmeline Minturn— Poughkeepsie + Clarrisia Minturn— Poughkeepsie + Eliza Ann Mulford[104]— New Haven Ct + Nancy Mulford[105]— New Haven + Caroline Newcomb— Pleasant Valley + Abbey Northrop— New Milford Conn + Jane Norwood— New York + Minerva Pardee. Lanesbourough + Mary Peck— Litchfield Conn + Helen Peck— ditto. + Charlotte Pettit— Wilton Conn + Elisa Pledger— Middletown Conn + Elisa Raymond— Montville Conn + Charlotte Rockwell— Albany N Y. + Cloe Roberts— Bristol Conn + Rhoda Robert— Cornwall Conn + Eliza Rowland— Fairfield Conn + Miss Rumsey— Unknown + Sally Sanford— Jamesville N Y + Clarrisa Seymour Litchfield Conn + Fany Sherill— Richmond Mass + Mary Sherill— Richmond Mass + Eunice Smith— Lanesbourough Mass + Abbey Smith— Albany N. Y. + Mary Smith Litchfield Conn + Hannah Woolcot Litchfield Conn + Katharine Woodbridge— Woodbridge Conn + + + 1816. + + List of Subscribers in II Vol. + “Universal History.” 1st Edition. + New. Haven, + Printed by J. Barber, + 1816 + + Mrs. Susan Tracy, Litchfield. Conn. + Lucy Sheldon, „ „ + Harriet Kirby, „ „ + Sarah M. Arden, Rhinebeck, New York. + Harriet Baker, Albany, „ + Ruth R. Benedict, „ „ + Maria Blake, Westborough, Mass. + Emeline Beebe, Cooperstown, N. Y. + Sarah Buel, Litchfield, Conn. + Eliza Broadhead, Clermont, N. Y. + Caroline M. Boardman, New Milford, Conn. + Harriet Breck, Goshen, „ + Euphemia F. Blanch, Paramus, New Jersey. + Catherine Blauvelt, Greenbush, N. Y. + Emily Butler, Tompkins, N. Y. + Caroline Chester, Hartford, Conn. + Mary E. Cobb, Sullivan. N. Y. + Mahala Christian, Peekskill „ + Phoebe Conklin, Armenia „ + Eliza M. Camp, Owego „ + Mary Clark, Albany „ + Lucetta Cleveland, Madison „ + Eliza Dederer, Clarkstown „ + Mary E. Denison, New Haven, Conn. + Theodosia Deveaux, New York. + Eleanor Ellis, Saratoga. N. Y. + Maria B. Elting, Paramus. N. J. + Eliza Erwin, Painted Post, N. Y. + Laura Farnham, Cooperstown „ + Nancy Farnham, „ „ + Harriet Hyde, Lee. Mass. + Harriet Hale, Sangerfield. N. Y. + Susan Haines, Montgomery. „ + Lucy Hedge, Montreal, L. Canada. + Margaret Hopkins, Philadelphia. Penn. + Adelaide Hopkins, „ „ + Caroline Hunt, Canaan. Conn. + Nancy W. Hurlburt, Wethersfield „ + Nancy Johns, Kingston U. Canada. + Eliza Judson, Lansingburgh. N. Y. + Rhoda Chamberlain, Dalton. Mass. + Abigail Chamberlain, „ „ + Rachel Kellogg, Clinton N. Y. + Amanda Keeler, Albany N. Y. + Abby Lyman, Norwich. Mass. + Sarah Marsh, Dalton Mass. + Lousia Marvin, Albany, N. Y. + Amy S. Marvin, „ „ + Harriet M’Niel, Paris „ + Caroline Merwin, New Milford. Conn. + Mary Newcomb, Pleasant Valley, N. Y. + Eliza Ogden, Walton „ + Eliza Pitkin, East Hartford, Conn. + Charlotte Platt, Tioga, N. Y. + Eliza M. M’Burney, Painted Post, N. Y. + Elizabeth M. Rowland, Fairfield, Conn. + Matilda C. Robinson, New York. + Susan Rockwell, Colebrook. Conn + Sarah J. Sanford, Jamesville. N. Y. + Maria Sanford, „ „ + Charlotte M. Smith, Cambridge, „ + Abby M. Smith, Albany, „ + Abigail Smith, Washington. „ + Mary Smith, Litchfield, Conn. + Julian A. Smith, Albany N. Y. + Henrietta Sperry, Owego, „ + Catharine S. Staples, New Haven, Conn. + Charlotte Storrs, Middlebury Vermont. + Maria Storrs, Mansfield Conn. + Cornelia Van Benthuysen, Red Hook, N. Y. + Mary Sherrill, Richmond. „ + Elizabeth Van Slyck, New York. + Sally Ann Maria Vander Heyden, Troy. N. Y. + Mary Verplanck, Verplank’s Point. „ + Juliet Wadsworth, Montreal L. Canada. + Nancy Wakeman, Ballstown, N. Y. + Catharine Webb, Cooperstown. „ + Mary Ann G. Wolcott,[106] Litchfield, Conn. + Hannah H. Wolcott,[107] „ „ + Phoebe Wood, Montgomery, N. Y. + Amanda S. Nye, Amenia. „ + Amelia C. Lewis, Litchfield. Conn. + Mary Peck, „ „ + Clarissa Ayers, Clinton, N. Y. + Elizabeth Griffin, „ „ + Betsey M. Jones, Litchfield. Conn. + Mary H. Riley, Goshen, „ + Olivia Very, Marlborough. Vt. + Clarissa Ely, Saybrook. Conn. + Catharine L. Webb, New York. + + + 1816. + PRINTED CATALOGUE OF 1816 IN COLLECTION OF MISS MARY PHELPS. + + CATALOGUE + OF THE + MEMBERS OF THE FEMALE ACADEMY, + LITCHFIELD (CONN.) FOR THE SUMMER OF 1816. + + Mary Adams,[106] five weeks[108] Andover, Mass. + Alinda Adams,[106] five weeks[108] Burlington, Vt. married[108] + Sarah S. Ames,[106] New Hartford, N. Y. married[108] + Sarah M. Arden, Rhinebeck, N. Y. married[108] + Clarissa Ayers,[107] Clinton, N. Y. + + Harriet Baker, Albany, N. Y. + Ann Bates,[106] Durham, + Emmeline Beebe, Canaan, + Emmeline Beebe, Cooperstown, N. Y. married[108] + Charlotte Beeckman,[107] Coeymans, N. Y. + Mary F. Beecher,[106] six Litchfield, + weeks[108] + Ruth R. Benedict, Albany, N. Y. + Maria Blake,[106] Westborough, Mass. + Euphemia Blanch,[107] Paranus, N. J. married[108] + Caroline M. Boardman, New Milford, married[108] + Margaret Bolles,[106] Litchfield, married[108] + Harriet Breck,[107] Goshen, died[108] + Eliza Brodhead, Clermont, N. Y. + Sarah Buel, Litchfield, married[108] + Harriet Buel, Litchfield + Emily H. Butler, Thompkins, N. Y. married[108] + + Eliza M. Camp, Owego, N. Y. + Rhoda Chamberlain,[107] Dalton, Mass. + Abigail Chamberlain,[107] Dalton, Mass. + Caroline Chester, Hartford, married[108] + Mahala Christian,[106] Peekskill, N. Y. + Lucetta Cleaveland, Madison, N. Y. + Mary E. Cobb, Sullivan, N. Y. died[108] + Maria Collins,[109] Litchfield, died[111] + Phoebe Conklin, Amenia, N. Y. + Betsey Cornelius,[110] Somerstown, N. Y. + Mary Cornelius, Somerstown, N. Y. + + Eliza Dederer, Clarkstown, N. Y. + Caroline A. Delafield,[110] New York died[111] + Lucretia Deming, Litchfield + Mary E. Dennison, New Haven, married[111] + Theodocia C. Deveaux,[109] New York married[111] + Sophia Dewey,[109] Sheffield, Mass. + + Eleanor Ellis, Saratoga, N. Y. + Pamelia Ellis, Saratoga, N. Y. + Maria B. Elting, Paranus, N. J. + Clarissa Ely,[109] Saybrook, + Eliza Erwine, Painted Post, N. Y. married[111] + + Nancy Farnham,[110] Cooperstown, N. Y. died[111] + Laura Farnham, Cooperstown, N. Y. died[111] + Sarah Finkle, Ernest-Town, Up. Can. five + weeks[111] + Minerva Finkle, Ernest-Town, Up. Can. five + weeks[111] + Maria Fountain, one quarter[109] New York, + + Mary Ann Galpin,[109] Litchfield, married[111] + Laura Gold,[109] Cornwall, + Ann C. Goodwin, Geneva, N. Y. married[111] + Susan Gregory,[109] Saratoga, N. Y. + Betsey Griffin, Clinton, N. Y. + + Susan Haines, Montgomery, N. Y. + Harriet Hale,[109] Sangerfield, N. Y. + Lucy Hedge, Montreal, L. Can. + Margaret M. Hopkins, Philadelphia, married[111] + Adelaide Hopkins, Philadelphia, + Caroline Hunt, Canaan, + Nancy W. Hurlbert, Wethersfield, married[111] + Harriet Hyde,[109] Lee, Mass. + + Nancy Johns, Kingston, Up. Can. married[111] + Eliza Judson,[109] Lansingburgh, N. Y. + Amanda Keeler, Albany, N. Y. + Rachel Kellogg,[113] Clinton, N. Y. + Helen Kirby, Litchfield, + Catharine Kirby,[112] Litchfield + + Ann E. Landon, Litchfield, + Mary Landon,[112] Litchfield, + Elizabeth O. Lee,[112] Salisbury, + Amelia C. Lewis, Litchfield, died 1820[114] + Louisa Lewis, Litchfield, + Eliza Logan,[112] Roxbury, + Abbe L. Lord, Litchfield, married[114] + Abbe S. Lyman, Norwich, Mass. married[114] + + Sarah W. Marsh, Dalton, Mass. + Louisa Marvin, Albany, N. Y. married[114] + Amy S. Marvin, Albany, N. Y. m. & died[114] + Eliza M’Burney, Painted Post, N. Y. married[114] + Harriet McNeil,[113] Paris, N. Y. + Caroline Merwin, New Milford, m. & died[114] + + Mary D. Newcomb, Pleasant Valley, N. Y. + Margaret G. Newcomb Pleasant Valley, N. Y. + Abbe S. Northrop,[112] New Milford dead[114] + Amanda Nye,[113] Amenia, N. Y. + + Eliza Ogden Tompkins, N. Y. married[114] + + Grace Peck,[112] New Haven, married[114] + Mary W. Peck, Litchfield, married[114] + Helen Peck, Litchfield, dead[114] + Eliza Pitkin,[112] East Hartford, + Charlotte Platt, Owego, N. Y. married[114] + + Matilda C. Robinson, New York, + Susan Rockwell,[112] Colebrook, married[114] + Elizabeth Rowland, Fairfield, married[114] + + Ann Salisbury,[112] Cattskill, N. Y. + Sarah J. Sanford,[113] Manlius, N. Y. dead[114] + Maria A. Sanford,[113] Manlius, N. Y. dead[114] + Esther R. Sanford,[112] Litchfield, m. & dead[114] + Orra Sears,[113] Bloomfield, N. Y. + Louisa Seymour,[115] Litchfield, married[117] + Mary Sherrill,[116] Richmond, Mass. dead[117] + Charlotte M. Smith, Cambridge, N. Y. + Abbe M. Smith, Albany, N. Y. married[117] + Mary W. Smith, Litchfield, + Abigail L. Smith, Washington, N. Y. + Julia Ann Smith, Albany, N. Y. + Laura O. Spencer,[115] Colebrook, + Esther H. Sperry, Owego, N. Y. married[117] + Mary E. Stanley,[115] New Hartford, N. Y. married[117] + Catherine S. Staples,[115] New Haven, + Julia Starr,[115] Litchfield, + Adeline Stoddard,[115] Burlington, Vt. married[117] + Maria Storrs, Windham, married[117] + Charlotte Storrs, Middlebury, Vt. + + Charlotte Towner,[116] Goshen, + Catharine Townsend,[115] New Haven, married[117] + Fanny Trowbridge,[115] Roxbury, + Lucy Tuttle,[115] New Haven, married[117] + + Cornelia Van Benthuysen, Rhinebeck, N. Y. + Sally Ann Maria Vander Heyden, Troy, N. Y. + Catalina Van Deusen, Livingston, N. Y. married[117] + Rachel Van Deusen,[115] Livingston, N. Y. married[117] + Eliza Van Slyck, New York, dead[117] + Mary B. Verplanck, } Verplanck’s Point dead[117] + Eliza A. Verplanck, } New York. + Olivia Verry,[116] Marlborough, Vt. + + Juliet Wadsworth, Montreal, L. Can. married[117] + Nancy B. Wakeman, Ballstown, N. Y. + Zilpha C. Wakeman, Ballstown, N. Y. + Catharine L. Webb,[115] Cooperstown, N. Y. married[117] + Catharine C. Webb, New York, married[117] + Jane Welles,[115] Lowville, N. Y. + Frances P. Whittlesey Washington, dau. David & Matilda + Whittlesey + Mary Ann Wolcott, Litchfield, + Hannah H. Wolcott, Litchfield, + Patty D. Wood, Onondaga, N. Y. one quarter[118] + Phoebe Wood, Montgomery, N. Y. + George Goodwin and Sons—printers—Hartford + + + 1819–20. + LIST OF PUPILS. 1819–20.[119] + + Eliza Austin. + Emmeline Bebee. + Mary Beecher. + George Beecher. + Harriet Beecher. + Horatio Beers. + Juliett Breasted. + George Buel. + Peter Buel. + Henry Butler. + W^m Bolles. + W^m Clark. + Jane Conard. + Joseph Cooke. + Elizabeth Cooke. + Frances Crugar. + Joseph Darling. + Clarinda Darling. + Ann Dicks. + Helen Ferris. + Mary Deforest. + Hepsy Deforest. + George Gould. + Nancy Grant. + Mary Knapp. + Mary Landon. + Maria Lathrop. + Lucy Lathrop. + Ann Law. + Maria Law. + Harriet Law. + Jane Lewis. + Ashley Lewis. + Louisa Marvin. + Mary Ann Monson. + Matilda Moore. + Elizabeth Newbury. + Caroline S. Orton. + Catharine A. Orton. + Burr Reeve. + Abby Rogers. + Susan Skinner. + Junius Smith. + Kirby Smith. + Frances Smith. + Amanda Smith. + Nancy Smith. + Mary Stevens. + Nancy Stevens. + Jane Stevens. + Caroline Stevens. + Henry Ward. + Edwin Webster. + Maria Winne. + Henry Webb. + Frederic Wolcott. + Betsey Wolcott. (Plate XVII) + Caroline Whitlock. + Mary Whitlock. + Storrs Seymour. + 60. + Winter 1819–20. + + _1820—winter—the names of the scholars._[120] + + Betsey Avery + Jumette Backus + George Beecher + Matilda Ann Brooke + Harriet Buell + Peter W^m Buel + Harriet Coffin + Elizabeth Cooke + Joseph Cooke + Mary Deforest + Helen Ferris + Sarah Gardiner + Julia Gould + George Gould + Irene Hiccox + Ann Jones + Issabella Jones + Esther Williamson + Frederick Wolcott + John Church + Mary Landon + Mary Ann Leavenworth + Jane Lewis + Almira Mills + Abby Rogers + Susan Skinner + Delia Seymour + Kirby Smith + Frances Smith + Caroline Stevens + Theresa Stevens + Martha Tufts + Henry Webb. + Mary Jane Weyman + Abigail Williams + Mary Whitlock + Caroline Williamson + Elizabeth Wolcott + Isaac Beech + + + 1821. + + _Summer of 1821–_[120] + + Harriet Coffin + Issabella Jones + Irene Hiccox + Mary Landon + George Beecher + Mary Whitlock + Helen Ferris + Harriet Buell + Martha Tufts + Frances Smith + Anna Matilda Brooke + Mary Twining + Abigail Williams + Kirby Smith + Sally Clark + Mary Ann Buel + Delia Seymour + Marana Seymour + Elisabeth Wolcott + Elisabeth Cooke + Joseph P. Cooke + Frederic Wolcott + H. Sophronia Seymour + Selina Seymour + Delia Storrs. + Caroline Whitlock + William Lewis + Ann Butler + Julia Gould + Susan Howe + George Gould + John Church + Caroline Stevens + Cecilia Lyman + Jane Lewis + Margaret Bolles + Harriet Peek + Burr Reeve + Peter Buel + William Clark + Buel H. Deming + Henrietta Jones + Henry Seymour + Fanny Saltonstall + Theresa Stevens + Mary Jane Weyman + Dothee Cutler + Harriet Woodbridge + Henry Ward + Harriot Ward + Martha Denison + Mary Ann Butler + +Names of pupils written in a column in lead pencil on the side of a +dormer window in Dr. Daniel Sheldon’s attic. + + Sarah Gardiner Summer 1821 + Frances Ann Brace (Hartford) + Mary Jane Averil + Elizabeth Burr + + Frances Ann Brace Summer 1823 + Sarah Gardiner[121] (Gardiner’s Island) + Mary Gardiner[122] (Gardiner’s Island) + —— Cooke + + Frances Ann Brace Winter 1824 + Mary B Gardiner + Julia Cooke + Anna Darling + + Julia Cooke Summer 1824 + Anna Darling (New Haven) + Mary B Gardiner + + Anna C. Darling Winter 1825 + Mary B. Gardiner + Mary S. Osborn + + Anna C. Darling Summer 1825 + Mary B. Gardiner + M. S. Osborn + Julia F Woodbridge (Hartford) + Mary Merriam 18— + M. S. Osborn + Julia F. Woodbridge + + Other names illegible. + + + 1822. + LIST OF PUPILS FROM DIARY OF MRS. STONE (MARY L. WILBOR). + + Martha Austin Warren Ohio + Mary Jane Averill Hartford Conn. + Mary Ayres + Caroline „ + Janet Backus Bridgeport Conn + Epaphro Bacon Litchfield + Frederic „ „ + Amelia Benedict Watertown N Y. + Harriet „ „ + Frances Ann Brace Hartford Conn + Sally Brown Somers N Y + Harriet Buell Litchfield. + Peter Buell „ + Frederic „ „ + Mary M. F. Betts East Florida + Abigail Clark Warren Ohio + Samuel Chittenden Litchfield + Sarah Clarke „ + William „ „ + S. Cleaver „ + James Cooke „ + James P. „ „ + Buel Demming „ + Martha D Denison New Haven + Mary Dibble + Sarah Edwards + Pomeroy Edwards + Jane Fayereweather Bridgeport + Emily Grant + Mrs. E. B Goodrich Somers + Sarah Gardener + Mary Hallam Richmond Va. + Janette Humphreys H’s ville + Mary Hubbard Waterville + Elizabeth Homes Boston + Henrietta Jones Litchfield + Mary Lloyd Charleston + Charlotte Orton Richfield N. Y. + Jane „ „ + Anna Maria Perkins Warren Ohio + Margaret Potter „ + Amos Pettingall Litchfield + Olive Russell Canaan + Burr Reeve Richmond Va. + Mary Ann Shelton Plymouth + Eliza Stevens + Adelia Storrs Mansfield NY. + Mary Street Hartford Conn + Chauncey Smith + Francis „ + Lucy Tracy Norwich Conn. + Mary Treat Hartford + Martha Tufts Savannah. Ga + Susan „ „ + Mary Worthington Lenox + Sarah „ „ + Frederic Woolcott Litchfield + Laura „ „ + Samuel Whittlesey + Mary Jane Weyman New York + Mary L Wilbor „ + 60 + 1822 + + + [_From The Litchfield Eagle November 25, 1822._] + +CATALOGUE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE LITCHFIELD FEMALE ACADEMY AT LITCHFIELD + FOR THE YEAR ENDING OCTOBER 29, 1822. + + Martha M. Austin Warren Ohio. + Mary Jane Averill Hartford + Elizabeth Avery Montgomery Ms. + Mary Ayres New Canaan + Caroline C. Ayres do. + Jeanette Backus Bridgeport + Ann Eliza Bassett New York + Louise Bassett do. + Sophronia Beebe Cooperstown N. Y. + Harriet A. Benedict Watertown N. Y. + Amelia C. Benedict do. + Susan Bennett Canaan + Mary F. S. Betts Amelia Isl. E. F. + Abigal W. Boardman Middletown + Frances Ann Brace Hartford + Sarah E. Brested Bloomingro. N. Y. + Ann Matilda Brooke Philadelphia Pa. + Sarah J. Brown Jamestown N. Y. + Harriett Buel Burlington, Vt. + May Ann Butler Northampton Ms. + Caroline Bunce Litchfield + Elizabeth Burr Hartford + Mary Ann Chapman Norfolk Va. + Sarah G. Clarke Litchfield + Abigal Clarke Windham Ohio. + Harriett B. Coffin Wiscassett Maine + Maria Cleaver Litchfield + Martha D. Denison New Haven + Mary A. Dibble Pine Plains N. Y. + Jane Fayerweather Bridgeport + Roxana Foote Hartland + Julia Gould Litchfield + Sarah D. Gardiner Gardiners Island N. Y. + Eudocia B. Goodrich Jamestown N. Y. + Emily Grant Dover N. Y. + Mary D. Hallam Richmond Va. + Mary Hawley Bridgeport + Emiline Hawley do. + Harriet Hollabird Canaan + Elizabeth Holmes Boston Mass. + Maria Howard Pittsfield Mass. + Mary D. Hubbard Champion N. Y. + Jeanette Humphreys Derby + Julia H. Jones Litchfield + Isabella P. Jones Portland Me. + Mary Landon Litchfield + Charlotte Lee Berlin + Ann S. Means Beaufort S. C. + Isabella Means do. + Mary Means do. + Fanny Munson Canaan + Charlotte E. Orton Winfield N. Y. + Jane A. Orton do. + Celeste Parmerlee Litchfield + Ann Maria Perkins Warren Ohio + Sophia Porter Berlin + Maria Porter East Haven + Clarissa Purdy North Haven + Roxana Purdy do. + Olive Russell Salisbury + Fanny C. Saltonstall Litchfield + Henrietta S. Seymour Litchfield + Mary Ann Shelton Plymouth + Frances N. Smith St. Augustine Fla. + Mary Sperry Plattsburg N. Y. + Laura Sterling Sharon + Ann Eliza Stevens Dover N. Y. + Delia S. Storrs Mansfield + Maria Street Cheshire + Lucy H. Tracy Norwich + Clarissa B. Treat Hartford + Martha M. Tufts Savannah Ga. + Susan Tufts do. + Mary P. Twining New Haven + Julia Ward Litchfield + Lucinda Warner Canaan N. Y. + Mary Jane Weyman New York + Caroline E. Whitlock New Haven + Mary L. Wilbor New York + Laura M. Wolcott Litchfield + Mary M. Worthington Lenox Mass. + Sarah Worthington do. + + + 1823. + + List of Subscribers, in 1st Vol. “Universal History,” 2nd + Edition Middletown—Printed by Starr & Niles—1823 + + Zerviah R. Miner, Litchfield, Conn. + Susan Mould, Montgomery, N. Y. + Anna Maria Perkins, Warren, Ohio. + Olive D. Perkins, „ „ + Mary Pierce, Salisbury, Conn. + Mary Ann Shelton, Plymouth, „ + Mary Sperry, Plattsburgh, N. Y. + Julia Sherrill, New Hartford, N. Y. + Cornelia Sherrill, „ „ + Catharine Stoddard, Le Roy, N. Y. + Jane Thompson, Crawford, N. Y. + Abby M. Thompson, New London, Conn. + Mary P. Thompson, „ „ + Catharine Webb, Litchfield, Conn. + Caroline E. Whitlocke, New Haven, Conn. + Harriet Woodbridge, Hartford, Conn. + Sarah Woodbridge, „ „ + Maria Van Wagner, New Paltz, N. Y. + Keziah Adams, Litchfield, Conn. + Lois Church, Salisbury, Conn. + Mary L. Church, Canfield, Ohio. + Hetty H. Smith, Hartford, Conn. + Esther W. Hall, North Stonnington, Conn. + Henrietta Sophronia Seymour, Litchfield, Conn. + Amelia Selina Seymour, Litchfield, Conn. + Julia C. Trowbridge, „ „ + Laura Maria Wolcott, „ „ + Joanna W. Williams, North Stonnington, Conn. + Maria M. Austin, Warren, Ohio. + Hannah A. Avery, Groton, Conn. + Ann Eliza Bassett, New York, + Louisa A. Bassett, „ „ + Sophronia L. Beebee, Hopewell, N. Y. + Harriet A. Benedict, Watertown N. Y. + Amelia C. Benedict, „ „ + Mary M. F. Betts, Amelia Island, East Florida. + Nancy A. Barclay, Crawford, N. Y. + Sarah Ann Boardman, Middletown, Conn. + Frances Ann Brace, Hartford, Conn. + Mary Bradley, Kingston, N. Y. + Abigail L. Clark, Windham, Ohio. + Hannah C. Corning, Troy, N. Y. + Mary M. Crawford, Crawford, N. Y. + Mary B. Gardner, Gardiners Island, N. Y. + Sarah D. Gardner, „ „ „ + Ann M. Goodyear, Hamden, Conn. + Mary Ann Greenfield, Middletown, Conn. + Eliza Ann Hills, Hartford, Conn. + Harriet S. Hoadly, „ „ + Elizabeth D. Homes, Boston, Mass. + Mary S. Hubbard, Champion, N. Y. + Julia H. Jones, Litchfield, Conn. + Charlotte M. Judson, East Guilford, Conn. + Emily M. Lester, Groton, Conn. + Pervis Eliza Lyon, New Hartford, N. Y. + Tryphemia Merwin, New Milford, Conn. + + + [_From The Litchfield Eagle November 3, 1823._] + +CATALOGUE OF THE LITCHFIELD FEMALE SEMINARY FOR THE YEAR ENDING OCTOBER, + 1823. + + Keziah Adams Litchfield + Martha M. Austin Warren Ohio + Hannah A. Avery Groton + Nancy Barclay Montgomery N. Y. + Ann Eliza Bassett New York + Louise A. Bassett do + Mary Bassett[123] Dolton N. Y. + Emily Bassett do + Sophronia L. Beebee Hopeville N. Y + Harriett F. Beecher Litchfield + Harriett A. Benedict Watertown N. Y. + Amelia C. Benedict do + Mary M. F. Betts Amelia Isl. Fla. + Sarah A. Boardman Middletown + Frances Ann Brace Hartford + Mary Bradley Kingston N. Y + Mary Brooks Cheshire + Maria Burton Waterbury + Ann Butler Plymouth + Mary S. Church Canfield Ohio + Lois Church Salisbury + Abigal Clarke[124] Windham + Julia M. Cooke Hartford + Hannah C. Corning Troy N. Y. + Mary Crawford Montgomery N. Y. + Mary Deming Litchfield + Dothy Denison Norfolk + Harriett Denison do + Catherine Ely Saybrook + Emeline Flagg Cheshire + Sarah D. Gardiner Gardiners Isl. N. Y. + Mary B. Gardiner do + Emeline Goodwin Salisbury + Ann M. Goodyear New Haven + Julia Gould Litchfield + Mary Ann C. Greenfield Middletown + Mary Ann Harper Norwich N. Y. + Sybil V. Hill Hillsdale N. Y. + Harriett Hoadley do + Elizabeth Holmes Boston + Mary D. Hubbard Champion N. Y. + Esther M. Hull North Stonnington + Fanny Hyde Ellington + Jemimah Hyde do + Julia H. Jones Litchfield + Charlotte M. Judson New Haven + Sarah L. Kingsbury[125] Waterbury + Mira Lathrop Sherburne N. Y. + Emily N. Lester Groton + Maria Y. Lord Boston + Helen Lord do + Perces E. Lyon New Hartford + Triphenia Merwin New Milford + Zerviah R. Miner Litchfield + Susan Mould Montgomery N. Y. + Ann Maria Perkins Warren Ohio + Olive D. Perkins do + Mary Pierce Salisbury + Hannah Reed do + Fanny Saltonstall Litchfield + Henrietta S. Seymour do + Amelia S. Seymour do + Mary Ann Shelton Plymouth + Julia Sherrill New Hartford N. Y. + Caroline Sherrill do + Frances M. Smith St. Augustine Fla. + Hetty Smith Hartford + Susan Smith Hyde Park N. Y. + Ann Eliza Stevens Dover N. Y. + Mary Sperry Plattsburg N. Y. + Catherine E. Stoddard Leroy N. Y. + Nancy M. Stone Great Barrington Mass. + Maria C. Street Cheshire + Abby M. Thompson New London + Mary P. Thompson do + Jane Thompson Montgomery N. Y. + Harriett Tousey Newtown + Julia F. Tracy Troy N. Y. + Julia Trowbridge Litchfield + Mary Jane Weyman New York + Maria Van Wagener New Paltz N. Y. + Catherine Webb[126] Litchfield + Caroline C. Whitlock New Haven + Joanna M. Williams North Stonnington + Laura M. Wolcott Litchfield + Harriett Woodbridge Hartford + Sarah Woodbridge do + + + 1825. + +From printed catalogue of the Litchfield Female School for the year +ending November 1st. Probably 1825. + + Miss Sarah Pierce Principals. + John P. Brace. „ + Mrs. L. E. Brace. Assistant. + Miss Mary W. Peck. Teacher of Drawing. + George R. Herbert. Teacher of Music. + ────────────────────────────────────────────────── + Kezia H. Adams. Litchfield. + Catharine M. Adams. Fishkill:, N. Y. + Mary C. Adams. „ „ + Melissa B. Adams. Fabius. „ + Helen M. Aikin. Quaker Hill „ + Mary Ann Annin. Fishkill. „ + Mary Armstrong. Kingston U. C. + Elenor Armstrong. „ „ + Julia Arnold. New Marlborough. Mass. + Emily Bailey. Poughkeepsie, N. Y. + Rachel B. Baldwin. Litchfield. + Martha R. Bartlett. Kingston U. C. + Ann. Eliza. Bassett. New York City. + Lousia A. Bassett, „ + Sarah B. Beach, Hartford, + Sophronia L. Beebee, Cooperstown, N. Y. + Frances E. Beecher, Lancaster, Ohio. + Lucy Belden, Amenia, N. Y. + Eliza L. Beman, Troy. + Harriet A. Benedict, Watertown. + Amelia C. Benedict, „ „ + Cornelia M. Bennett, Litchfield. + Margaret C. Best, Kinderhook, N. Y. + Elizabeth C. Bloodgood, Litchfield. + Catharine S. Bronk, Coxsackie, N. Y. + Almira H. Brooks, Norwich, N. Y. + Martha A. Buckley, Pleasant Valley, „ + Lois. Ann. Buel, Litchfield, + Elizabeth C. Bull, Hartford. + Martha Bull, „ + Caroline M. Bunce, Litchfield. + Avis Catlin, „ + Harriet M. Clarke, Clinton N. Y. + Margaret Clarke, St. Mary’s, Gens + Isabella Conkling, Rensselaerville N. Y. + Abigail Conkling, „ „ + Rebecca H. Cooke, Providence, R. I. + Mary Ann Delafield, New York City. + Frances B. Deming, Litchfield. + Mary G. Deming, „ + Anna. Charlotte Dering, Sag Harbor, N. Y. + Agnes. R. Dougall, Kingston U. C. + Mary B. Gardiner, Gardiners Island. N. Y. + Maria Goodrich, Hampton, „ + Julia Hempstead, Hartford, + Rhoda. Ann. Hills, Goshen, + Mary Hotchkiss, New. Haven. + Mary B. Howell, Newburgh. N. Y. + Delia Hoyt, New. Haven, Vt. + Julia Ann Hubbell, Champlain N. Y. + Eliza Hyde, Cattskill N. Y. + Ann Eliza Jackson,[127] New York City. + Sarah. A. Keeler, „ + Maria A. Kellogg, Troy. N. Y. + Mary Ketcham, Amenia. + Eliza Kilbourne, Glastenbury. + Elizabeth Leavitt, New. York City. + Mary K. Lewis, Litchfield. + Frances. E. Lothrop, Utica. N. Y. + Maria T. Lord, Boston. Mass. + Helen L. Lord, „ „ + Harriet M. Lyman, Norwich, „ + Catharine S Lupton, Montgomery, N. Y. + Mary M. Merwin, Cleveland, Ohio. + Zerviah. R. Miner, Litchfield. + Henrietta S. Mumford,[128] Cayuga, N. Y. + Sarah Newcomb, Pleasant Valley „ + Mary S. Osborne, Sagharbour. + Celeste Parmelee. Litchfield. + Almira J. Patridge. Norwich Vt. + Elizabeth E. Penny,[129] New York City, + Minerva Pierpont, Plymouth. + Mary S. Porter, Hartford. + Hannah H. Potter, Beekmantown. N. Y. + Joanna R. Prentiss, St Albans Vt. + Frances C. Saltonstall, Litchfield. + Juliana Schultz, Newburgh, N. Y. + Jane A. Seymore, Litchfield. + Maria S. Seymore. „ + Eleanora. Seymore. Troy. N. Y. + Elizabeth Sherwood, Fishkill. + Frences. P. Skinner, Manchester Vt. + Delia M. Smith, Detroit. Mich. + Amy Ann. Smith, Kingston U. C. + Lucy M. Strong, Rutland. Vt. + Agnes. H. Strong, „ „ + Mary S. Taylor,[130] New. Milford + Sophia Taylor,[131] „ + Lydia Ann Thomas, Utica N. Y. + Margaret C. Toffey, Quaker Hill „ + Julia C. Trowbridge,[132] Litchfield. + Helen. A. Twining, New. Haven. + Elsie Van Dyck. Coxsackie, N. Y. + Mary Van Kleeck, Poughkeepsie „ + Maria Van Wagenen, New. Pulty. „ + Mary. Ann, Wadsworth, Litchfield. + Frances. E. Ward, Hartford, + Catharine M. Webb,[133] Litchfield. + Abbie A. Welles, Lowville. N. Y. + Mary Winchester, Amenia. „ + Laura M. Wolcott, Litchfield. + Frances W. Wood, Stamford. + Harriet Woodbridge, Hartford. + Sarah. Woodbridge. „ + Juliada T. Woodbridge. Detroit Mich. + Lucy M Woodruff. Litchfield. + + + MARRIAGES. + +Kezia H. Adams. m. Henry Rogers, Buffalo, N. Y. + +Julia Arnold m. Heman Childs, Litchfield, Goshen road. lived on the +corner of the East Goshen and first cross roads + +Rachel B. Baldwin m. Nathaniel Winship, Harwinton, Conn. + +Cornelia M. Bennett m. Algernon S. Lewis M. D. Litchfield. + +Elizabeth Bloodgood moved to and died in Michigan. + +Mary Ann Delafield m. Cornelius Du Bois. New York City. + +Mary G. Deming m. Sydney Green. Brooklyn. L. I. + +Ann Eliza Jackson m. Mr. Armstrong, + +Henrietta S. Mumford, m. Charles Gould, New York City + +Elizabeth E. Penny, m. Dr. Peter Buel + +Jane A. Seymore, m. Josiah E. Beckwith. M. D. + +Maria S. Seymore, m. Rollin Sanford + +Julia C. Trowbridge m. —— Mansfield + +Helen A. Twining m. —— Magill, Amherst, Mass. + +Catharine Webb m. Roswell Ward. Hartford + +Laura M. Wolcott m. Robert. Rankin. Newark. N. J. + +Lucy M. Woodruff m. Origen S. Seymore, Litchfield + + + CATALOGUE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE LITCHFIELD FEMALE SCHOOL, FOR THE YEAR + ENDING NOVEMBER 1, 1826. + + Names. Residence. + Julia Adams, Washington, Conn. + Mary K. Alderman, married Dr. Lee[134] Hartford. + Mary Armstrong, Kingston, U. C. + Elinor Armstrong, do. + Eliza J. Averill, Southbury + Eliza Bardwell, South Hadley, Mass. + Martha R. Bartlett, Kingston, U. C. + Eliza Beebe, m. Dr. John Russell Litchfield. + Frances E. Beecher, Lancaster, Ohio. + Eliza L. Beman, Troy, N. Y. + Cornelia M. Bennett Litchfield + Mary A. Boardman, Troy, N. Y. + Laura A. Bostwick, m. Samuel Wilman. Danbury, New Milford, + Conn. + Catharine S. Bronk, Coxsackie, N. Y. + Amanda E. Brown, Litchfield + Lois Ann Buel, do. + Mary Buel, do. + Martha Bull, Hartford. + Emily Bull, m. David C. Sanford New Milford. New Milford. + Conn. Judge Supreme court. Conn. + Mary Bushnell, Washington. + Louisa Carrington, Litchfield, + Alice Catlin, do. + Lucy A. Childs, do. + Harriet M. Clarke, Clinton, N. Y. + Sarah Coffin, Washington, do. + Rebecca H. Cooke, Providence, R. I. + Frances B. Deming died 1828[135] Litchfield, + Caroline M. Denniston, Newburgh, N. Y. + Charlotte Denniston, do. + Agnes R. Dougall, Kingston, U. C. + Julia Ann Eames, New Hartford, N. Y. + Eunice Filley, Windsor. + Venelia Fitch, Coxsackie, N. Y. + Sarah A. Florence, Providence, R. I. + Julia C. Gager, Sharon. + Catharine Gillett South Hadley, Mass. + Maria A. Goodrich, Hamburgh, N. Y. + Mary Ann Granger, Salisbury + Margaret Ann Granger, New York City + Charlotte T. Hall, do. + Emeline T. Hall, do. + Elizabeth Haskell, Burlington, Vt. + Clarissa Heaton Plymouth. + Frances Hoadley, New Haven. + Mary Holcomb, Watertown + Caroline E. Hollister, Sharon. + Delia M. Hoyt, New Haven, Vt. + Julia Ann Hubbell, Champlain, N. Y. + Margaret L. Hyde, Bennington, Vt. + Eliza Jackson m. Amzi Armstrong Patterson, N. J. + Julia Ann Jackson, m. M. A. T. Hubbell do. + Harriet Jones New Haven + Mary S. Judson New York City + Sarah A. Keeler do. + Julia Kent Sharon + Mary Lewis, married W^m B. Bostwick[136] Litchfield. + Amelia Lewis do. + Mary Ann Lewis New Haven. + Melissa Light Fishkill, N. Y. + Maria T. Lord, Boston, Mass. + Helen L. Lord do. + Lovina Losee, Washington, N. Y. + Frances E. Lothrop Utica, do. + Catharine Lupton Montgomery, do. + Harriet M. Lyman, Norwich, Mass. + Anna Man Providence, R. I. + Mary Merwin died 1828[136] Cleaveland, Ohio + Harriet Merwin New Milford, + Zerviah R. Miner, Litchfield, + Sarah A. Moody, Woodbury, + Henrietta S. Mumford, Cayuga, N. Y. + Sarah A. Newcomb, Pleasant Valley, N. Y. + Jane Northrop, died 1829[136] New Milford, + Mary S. Osborne, Sag Harbour, N. Y. + Celeste Parmelee, Litchfield, + Sarah Pardee, Sharon. + Elizabeth E. Penny, New York City + Charlotte Phelps, Farmington, + Nancy Maria Pierce, Salisbury + Mary Porter Hartford. + Catharine Pruyn Kinderhook, N. Y. + Jane E. Radcliffe, Buffalo, do. + Ann Maria Robinson, Bennington Vt. + Catharine C. Russell, Litchfield + Francis C. Saltonstall, do. + Harriet Sears, South East, N. Y. + Jane M. Seymour, Litchfield, + Maria S. Seymour, do. + Julia M. Sherrill, New Hartford, N. Y. + Esther Sherrill do. + Abigail Skiff Kent. + Delia M. Smith, Detroit, Mich. + Charlotte Smith, do. + Amy Ann Smith, Kingston, U. C. + Lucy A. Stone, Litchfield, + Ann Maria Sutton, New York City + Amy B. Swift, do + Samanthe Swift, Bennington, Vt. + Charlotte Taylor married Rev. Mr. (Enoch) New Milford + Huntington (she died 1895)[137] + Mary Taylor do. + Lydia Ann Temple Providence, R. I. + Lydia Ann Thomas, Utica, N. Y. + Mary Ann Thorn, married[137] Milan, do. + Cynthia M. Thorn, Stanford, do. + Eliza E. Trenor, Bennington, Vt. + Jane Elizabeth C. Tripler, New York City + Maria Ann Valentine, died 1828[137] do. + Maria Van Vleck, Kinderhook, N. Y. + Mary Ann Wadsworth, Litchfield. + Rosetta Warner, Plymouth. + Catharine M. Webb, Litchfield + Dolly Whittlesey, Washington + Sarah Jane Wilson, North Amenia, N. Y. + Mary Winchester, married Mr. Reed[137] Amenia, N.Y. + Juliana T. Woodbridge, Detroit, Mich. + Eunice J. Woodruff, Farmington. + TOTAL 116. + + + CATALOGUE OF THE WINTER SCHOOL OF 1828. + + Mary Abernethy Torrington + Eliza Bardwell South Hadley Mass. + Hannah Beach Goshen + Eliza L. Beman Troy N. Y. + Emily Benedict Litchfield + Louisa S. Bomford Washington City + Clarissa H. Bradley New Haven + Susan Bulkely Litchfield + Mehitable Bull Milford + Charlotte M. Cheney Litchfield + Mary Y. Cheney Do + Ellen E. Cist Wilkesbarre Pa. + Frances B. Deming Litchfield + Mary G. Deming Do. + Charlotte Denniston Newburgh N. Y. + Julia Dibble Pine Plains N. Y. + Charles W. Grant Litchfield + Mary D. Hallam Richmond _Va._ + Amelia C. Hills Waterloo N. Y. + Jane Hills Litchfield + Roxy Hodges Torrington + Sarah Ann Leonard Salisbury _Md._ + Ogias Lewis Litchfield + Amelia Lewis Do + Glovvina C. Lindsley Washington City + Helen L. Lord Boston Mass. + Eliza Maddin Belfast Ireland + Mary Ann Moore Barkhampstead + Margaret Newcomb Pleasant Valley N. Y. + William Norton Litchfield + Julia Oaks New Haven + Elizabeth Porter Utica N. Y. + Cornelia Porter Do + Julia Reynolds Pine Plains N. Y. + Lucia N. Schermerhorn New York City + Martha M. Scott Wilkesbarre Pa. + Jane M. Seymour Litchfield + Maria S. Seymour Do + Charlotte Smith Detroit Mich. + Harriet M. Smith Poultney Vt. First Prize + Catherine Smith Roxbury + Julia Smith Milford + Mary Ann. Wadsworth Litchfield First Prize + Charles Wadsworth Do + Catherine S. Watkins Waterloo N. Y. + Catherine M. Webb Litchfield + Elvira Wheaton Pompey N. Y. + Juliana G. Woodbridge Detroit Mich. + Mary Woodbridge Hartford + Curtis I. Woodruff Litchfield + Total 50 + + + CATALOGUE OF THE SUMMER SCHOOL OF 1828. + + Julia Adams Litchfield + Elisa Adams Do + Lucy Adams Canaan + Elisa Averill Southbury + Lucy Baldwin New Haven + Hannah Beach Goshen + Eliza L. Beman Troy N. Y. + Emily Benedict Litchfield + Mary Bennett Do + Elizabeth Bloodgood Do (Albany?) + Maria Blynn Sharon + Catherine Boekee North East N. Y. + Caroline Boland Sharon + Louisa S. Bomford Washington City + Amanda Brown Litchfield + Lois Ann Buel Do + Mary Buel Do + Susan Bulkeley Do + Mehitable Bull Milford + Elizabeth Bull Do + Julia Catlin Harwinton + Mary Y. Cheney Litchfield + Sarah Canard Philadelphia Pa + Maria Cooke Litchfield + Julia Cooke Do + Frances B. Deming Do + Mary G. Deming Do + Hannah C. Denison Georgetown S. C. + Sarah Ann Florence Providence R. I + Charley Fuller Kent + Grace E. Gilbert New Haven + Cornelia Griswold Litchfield + Amelia C. Hills Waterloo N. Y. + Jane Hills Litchfield + Harriet D. Hunt New Haven + Elizabeth Hurlburt Winchester + Lydia Hyde Cornwall + Julia Ann Jackson[138] Paterson N. J. + Jane Jackson[139] Do + Cecilia Jackson Newburgh N. Y. + Tryphena Kinne Amenia N. Y. + Sarah Ann Leonard Salisbury Md First Prize + Glovvina C. Lindsley Washington City + Maria T. Lord Boston Mass + Helen L. Lord Do + Elisa Maddin Belfast Ireland + Ann Elisa Nestell Blooming Grove N. Y. + Louisa Norton Bennington Vt. + Charlotte Perry Kent + Jane Radcliffe Buffalo N. Y. + Julia Reynolds Pine Plains N. Y. + Susan E. Robbins Montgomery Co Ken + Julia W. Robbins Do + Elisa Rogers Cornwall + Lucia N. Schermerhorn New York + Martha M. Scott Wilkesbarre Pa. + Sybil B. Sears Sharon + Mary G. Sears Do + Maria S. Seymour Litchfield + Ellen Smith Hanover Mass + Julia Smith Milford + Charlotte Smith Detroit Mich. + Agatha Stone Hudson N. Y. + Lucy Stone Litchfield + Lydia Ann Temple Providence R. I. + Sarah Thompson Crawford N. Y. + Helen Van Deusen Catskill N. Y. + Julia Ann Walsh Newburgh N. Y. + Catherine S. Watkins Waterloo N. Y. + Catherine M. Webb Litchfield + Louisa West Do + Elvira Wheaton Pompey N. Y. + Elisa F. Winship Litchfield + Charles M. Wolcott Do + +Total 74 + + + CATALOGUE OF THE WINTER SCHOOL OF 1829. + + Sophronia Abbe East Windsor + Julia Adam Litchfield + Elisa Adam Do + Williams Adams Do + Elizabeth E. Bacon[140] Utica N. Y. + Frances Bacon Litchfield + Hannah Beach Goshen + Andrew Benedict Litchfield + Mary Bennett Do + Elizabeth Bloodgood Do + Louisa S. Bomford Washington City + Henry Buel Litchfield + Elizabeth Bull Milford + Edwin Carrington Litchfield + Mary S. Cheney Do + Sarah A. Canard Philadelphia Pa. + Mary G. Deming Litchfield + Sarah Ann Florence Providence R. I. + Grace E. Gilbert New Haven + Harriet Grant Litchfield + Harriet D. Hunt New Haven + Maria T. Lord Boston, Mass. + Helen L. Lord Do + Augustus A. Lord Litchfield + Elisa Maddin Belfast Ireland + Ann R. Nestell Newburgh N. Y. + Miriam Nevins Litchfield + Celeste Parmerlee Do + Elisa Pugsley Claverack N. Y. + Belinda Radcliffe Buffalo N. Y. + Susannah T. Rapine Washington City + Susan E. Robbins Montgomery Co. Ken + Julia W. Robbins Do + Lucia N. Schermerhorn New York + Maria S. Seymour Litchfield + Charlotte Smith Detroit Mich + Lydia A. Temple Providence R. I. + Sarah Thompson Crawford N. Y. + Helen Van Deusen Livingston N. Y. + Julia Walsh Newburgh N. Y. First Prize + Harriet M. Ward Hartford + Catherine M. Webb Litchfield + Charles M. Wolcott Do + Curtis T. Woodruff Do + +Total 44 + + + CATALOGUE OF THE SUMMER SCHOOL OF 1829. + + Sophronia Abbe East Windsor + Julia Adam Litchfield + Elisa Adam Do. + Abigail Adams Amenia N. Y. + Francis Bacon Litchfield + Hannah Beach Goshen + Emily Benedict Litchfield First Prize + Mary Bennett Litchfield + Sophia Blair Lebanon N. Y. + Caroline Boland Sharon + Louisa Bomford Washington City + Eunice Boyd Amenia N. Y. + Elizabeth Boyd Monroe N. Y. + Matilda Boyd Do + Mary Ann Brewster Poughkeepsie N. Y. + Lois Ann Buel Litchfield + Henry Buel Do + Jane Buel Do + Abby Buel Do + Eunice Bulkley Do + Elizabeth Bull Milford + Harriet Burr Richmond Va. + Caroline Chase Auburn N. Y. + Emily Chase Do + Charlotte Cleveland Thompson + Sarah Ann Canard Philadelphia + Mercy J. Dean Bethleham N. Y. + Mary Deming Litchfield + Ann Dewey New York + Susannah Dunn Washington City + Grace Gilbert New Haven + John Gould Litchfield + Harriet Grant Do + Cornelia Griswold Do + Harriet Hunt New Haven + Jane Jackson Acquackinock N. J. + William Jones Litchfield + Elizabeth Leonard Salisbury Md + Maria T. Lord Taunton Mass + Helen L. Lord Do + Martha Lyman Norwich Mass + Eliza Maddin Belfast Ireland + Louisa Mann Bloomfield N. Y. + Louisa M^cNeil Litchfield + Ann R. Nestell Newburgh N. Y. + Cornelia Peck Litchfield + Maria Peck Do + Eliza Pugsley Claverack N. Y. + Delia Radcliffe Buffalo N. Y. + Susannah Rapine Washington City + Susan Robbins M^t. Pleasant Ky. + Julia Robbins Do + Lucia N. Schermerhorn New York + Martha Simpson Washington City + Maria S. Seymour Litchfield + Josephine Stansbury Washington City + Sarah Thomas Newark N. J. + Mary Thomas Do + Mary Town Goshen + Mary Caroline Tracy Troy N. Y. + Jane Van Deshuyden Do + Helen Van Deusen Livingston N. Y. + Harriet M. Ward Hartford + Ann Warner Do + Catherine M. Webb Litchfield + Julia Winship Do + Charles M Wolcott Do + Fanny Woodruff Do + Total 68 + + + 1830. + CATALOGUE OF THE LITCHFIELD ACADEMY. 1830. + + TRUSTEES. + + Hon Frederick Wolcott, Pres. + Dr. Daniel Sheldon. + Dr. William Buel + Phineas Miner Esqr + John R. Landon Esqr + Hon Seth P. Beers. + Hon. Jabez W. Huntington. + Truman Smith, Esqr. + Mr. Leonard Goodwin + Mr. Seth P. Brace. + + Miss Sarah Pierce Principals. + Mr. John P. Brace „ + + Miss Amelia Ogden. _French_. Instructresses. + Miss Flora Catlin. _Drawing_ „ + Miss Emily Hart. _Music_ „ + + NAMES. RESIDENCES. + Julia Adam Litchfield + Eliza Adam „ + Sarah P. Andrews Cornwall. + Hannah Beach Goshen. + Emily Benedict Litchfield + Eliza Benedict Watertown. + Lois A. Buel. Litchfield. + Mary T. Buel. „ + Rachel Buel. „ + Maria Buel. „ + Julia M. Beers. „ + Eunice R. Bulkley. „ + Harriet M. Beebe. „ + Matilda Boyd. Monroe: N. Y. + Mary A. Brewster Poughkeepsie, N. Y. + Catharine M. Bissell Litchfield. + Caroline E. Bissell „ + Amanda E. Brown „ + Charlotte H. Cleaveland Thompson. + Eliza C. Cleaveland. New London. + Emeline M. Carrington Litchfield + Mary G. Deming „ + Clarissa B. Deming. „ + Ann Dewey New York City + Susannah J. Dunn Washington. D. C. + Amelia Dunn Newark. N. J. + Mercy J. Dean Bethlehem, N. Y. + Cornelia Decker Blooming Grove. N. Y. + Cornelia Griswold Litchfield + Harriet Grant „ + Julia Gilbert. Hinsdale, N. Y. + Elizabeth C. Goodwin Litchfield. + Amelia C. Hills. Waterloo. N. Y. + Jane Hills Litchfield. + Augusta M. Hawley. Monroe. + Jane Jackson Patterson, N. J. + Maria T. Lord Taunton, Mass. + Sarah A. Leonard Salisbury, Md. + Elizabeth Leonard. „ + Amelia Lewis Litchfield. + Jane E. Morris Monroe. + Ann E. Nestell Blooming Grove. N. Y. + Eliza Maddin Belfast, Ireland. + Ann E. Porter Hartford. + Laura Pardee. Sharon. + Elizabeth S. Prince[141] Watertown. + Elizabeth Parks. Litchfield. + Susannah Rapine. Washington. D. C. + Delia M. Radcliffe. Buffalo. N. Y. + Phebe A. Rankin Newark. N. J. + Hannah M. Raymond Kent + Lucia N. Schermerhorn New York City. + Maria S. Seymour. Litchfield + Josephine Stansbury. Washington. D. C. + Fanny M. Sayre Blooming Grove. N. Y. + Mary G. Sears. Sharon + Sybil B. Sears. „ + Harriet J. Smith Torringford. + Sarah L. Scoville Watertown. + Sarah G. Thomas. Newark, N. J. + Mary G. Thomas. „ + Mary Caroline Tracy[142] Troy. N. Y. + Ferebe Tracy New Preston. + Catharine Treat South Farms. + Adelia S. Treat „ „ + Helen Van Deusen Livingston, N. Y. + Jane E. Van Der Heyden Troy, N. Y. + Catharine M. Webb Litchfield. + Harriet M. Ward Hartford. + Henrietta J. Ward Rochester, N. Y. + Jane Ward Litchfield. + Catharine R. Williams New York City. + Chloe M. Winship Litchfield + Julia C. Winship „ + Caroline Wheaton Pompey, N. Y. + Jane M. Wadhams Goshen. + Harriet Wadsworth Litchfield. + Ann S. Whitman Farmington. 78 + + _Boys._ + Charles R. S. Buoyington Litchfield. + Francis Bacon. „ + Henry W. Buel. „ + John Catlin. „ + Edward P. Cheney „ + John M. Grant „ + John Gould „ + Robert H. Gould „ + Henry A. Hull „ + William E. Jones „ + John Lewis. „ + Henry Rockwell Canaan. + Thomas Seeley Danbury. + George Seymour Litchfield. + Charles C. Tracy. Troy, N. Y. + Charles M. Wolcott Litchfield. 16 + Total. 94 + +Copied Sept. 17. 1840 by Dr. Henry W. Buel. + +Winter term commences on Wednesday, 24th November + +Terms, $5 or $6 per quarter, according to the studies pursued. + +The following additional names are found in Mr. Brace’s Catalogue of +1830:— + + Edward Cheney Litchfield Conn. + Marietta Williams Danbury „ + Maria A. Clark Wethersfield „ + Mercy Marsh Vergennes, Vt. + Mary Osborne Danbury + Maria Peck Litchfield + + MARRIAGES. + + Julia Adam. m. John Cake. Potsdam, Penn. + Eliza Adam. „ Philo C. Sedgwick. Cornwall, Conn. + Rachel Buel. „ Mr. Lord. + Hannah Beach. „ Edgar S. Van Winkle. + Emily Benedict. „ Mr. North. + Catherine M. Bissell. „ Mr. Hoyt. Stamford, Conn. + Caroline E. Bissell. „ John B. Bogart. Brooklyn. N. Y. + Amanda Brown. „ Mr. Patmore. + Maria Buel. „ Mr. Jones. + Eunice Buckley. „ John Ward. + Charlotte H. Cleaveland. „ Mr. Osgood. + Emmeline M. Carrington. „ Benjamin Morse. Litchfield. + Mary G. Deming. „ Sidney Green. New York. + Emeline Griswold. „ Dr. Charles Vail. + Elizabeth Goodwin. „ Mr. Adams. Stockbridge, Mass. + Amelia Lewis. „ Mr. Peck. Flushing L. I. + Maria Lord. „ Mr. Boardman. S. C. + Elizabeth Parks. „ Mr. Bostwick. New Milford. Conn. + Elizabeth S. Prince. „ N. R. Child. Rochester. N. Y. + Delia Radcliffe. „ Mr. Kipp. Buffalo. + Phebe A. Rankin. „ John W. Goble. Newark. + Josephine Stansbury. „ Dr. Nourse. + Sybil Sears. „ Mr. Roberts. Utica. N. Y. + Sarah Scoville. „ Mr. Marshall. + Sarah G. Thomas. „ John W. Granniss. Newark. N. J. + Mary G. Thomas. „ Mr. Lockwood. Troy. N. Y. + Mary Caroline Tracy. „ Charles Keith. Troy, N. Y. + Ferebe Tracy. „ John McNeil. Litchfield. Conn. + Jane E. Van Der Heyden. „ Isaac Lansing. Albany. N. Y. + Henrietta Ward. „ Hon. Freeman Clark. Rochester. N. Y. + Jane Ward. „ Herman Warner. + Jane M. Wadhams. „ Mr. Stevens. + Harriet Wadsworth. „ Dr. Kilbourne. + Catharine M. Webb. „ Roswell Ward. Hartford. Conn. + Julia Winship. „ Mr. French. + Ann G. Whitman. „ Mr. Farnum. now of New Haven. + (Henry Farnam) + Frank Bacon. „ Elizabeth Dutcher. + John Catlin. „ Elizabeth Humiston. + Henry Hull. „ Sarah Sandson. + William Jones. „ Miss Ogden. N. Y. + George Seymour. „ Miss Hunt. + Charles Wolcott. „ Miss Goodrich. Miss Rankin. + + + CATALOGUE OF THE WINTER SCHOOL OF 1831. + + Eliza Adam Litchfield + Julia Beers Do + Catherine Bissell Do + Henry Bissell Do + Mary E. Brace Do + Sydney Bryant Sheffield + Mary Buel Litchfield + Henry Buel Do + Emmeline Carrington Do + John Catlin Do + Maria A. Clark Weth ersfield + Charlotte H. Cleaveland Thompson First Prize + Eliza Cleaveland New London + Asenath Cowles Sheffield + Mary G. Deming Litchfield + Clarissa B. Deming Do + Elizabeth Goodwin Do + Mary E. Goodwin Do + Harriet P. Grant Do + John Grant Do + John Gould Do + Amelia C. Hills Waterloo N. Y. + William Jones Litchfield + Caroline M. Hubbell Chazy N. Y. + James Kilborn Litchfield + Elizabeth Leonard Salisbury Md + John Lewis Litchfield + Levvinia Peck North East N. Y. + Maria Peck Sheffield Mass + Eliza A. Pulver Pineplains N. Y. + Ann Peet Canaan + Elizabeth Prince New York + Susannah Rapine Washington City + Ann R. Nestell Blooming Grove N. Y. + Mary O. Rankin Newark N. J. + Phoebe Ann Rankin Do + M^cCave Seymour Litchfield + George Seymour Do + Sarah G. Thomas Newark N. J. + Edward Thompson Litchfield + Mary C. Tracy Troy N. Y. + Charles C. Tracy Do + Ferrebe Tracy Washington + Jane Wadhams Goshen + Harriet Wadsworth Litchfield + Harriet M. Ward Hartford + Chloe M. Winship Litchfield + Mary Whittlesey New Preston + Henrietta J. Ward Rochester N. Y. + Josephine Stansbury Washington City + Total 50 + + + CATALOGUE OF THE SUMMER SCHOOL OF 1831. + + Eliza Adam Litchfield + Jane Adam Canaan + Julia M. Beers Litchfield + Catherine Bissell Do + Elizabeth Bissell Do + Susan Brace Catskill N. Y. + Mary E. Brace Litchfield + Mary Buel Do + Lucretia Buel Do + Emmeline Carrington Do + Maria A. Clark Wethersfield + Charlotte M. Cleaveland Thompson + Eliza Cleaveland New London + Rebecca Cochrane North East + Elizabeth Goodwin Litchfield + Mary E. Goodwin Do + Helen C. Griswold Watertown + Roxy Hodges Torringford + Emily Horton Amenia N. Y. + Jane Jackson Acquackinock N. J. + Elizabeth Leonard Salisbury Md. + —— Mather Lyme + Betsey Moss Litchfield + Elizabeth Parker Do + Maria Peck Do + Ann Peet Canaan + Elizabeth Prince New York + Delia Radcliffe Buffalo N. Y. + Phoebe Ann Rankin Newark N. J. + Sarah Rankin Do + S. Root Graceville Mass + Amoret Root Do + Sarah G. Thomas Newark N. J. + Ferrebe Tracy Washington + Elizabeth Van Winkle Panama N. Y. + Jane R. Wadhams Goshen + Harriet Wadsworth Litchfield + Harriet M. Ward Hartford + Henrietta J. Ward Rochester N. Y. + Ann S. Whitman Farmington + Mary Whittlesy Washington + Martha Whittlesy Do. + Chloe M. Winship Litchfield + Emmeline Winship Do. + Margaret Yerkes Damascus Pa. + Total 46 + + + CATALOGUE OF THE WINTER SCHOOL OF 1832. + + Jane Adam Canaan + Hannah Beach Litchfield + Julia M. Beers Do + Elizabeth Bissell Do + Sarah C. Boyd Monroe N. Y. + Susan Brace Catskill + Sarah P. Brace Do + Mary E. Brace Litchfield + Emmeline Carrington Do + Harriet Dean Blooming Grove N. Y. + Mary E. Goodwin Litchfield + Sarah Johnson Do + Eliza King Do + Helen L. Lord Do + Corrinna Lord Do + Elizabeth Parker Do + Mary Parker Do + Ann Peet Canaan + Laura Porter Waterbury + Julia Radcliffe Buffalo N. Y. + Elizabeth Prince New York + Phoebe Ann Rankin, First Prize Newark N. Y. + Julia F. Taylor Bethlem + Ann M. Seymour New Hartford + Jane Wadhams Goshen + Marana Wadhams Rochester N. Y. + Chloe M. Winship Litchfield + Emmeline Winship Do. + Harriet Wadsworth Do + Mary Langdon Castleton Vt. + +Total 30 + + + CATALOGUE OF THE SUMMER SCHOOL OF 1832. + + Rebecca Akins Norfolk + Eliza Beecher Salem + Julia M. Beers Litchfield + Elizabeth Bissell Do + Mary Bissell Do + Mary Boardman New Milford + Matilda Boyd Monroe N. Y. + Sarah C. Boyd Do + Mary E. Brace Litchfield + Catherine Brown Brimfield Mass. + Achsa (?) Catlin Litchfield + Rebecca Cochrane North East N. Y. + Elizabeth Cone Norfolk + Julia M. Cushman[143] Troy N. Y. + Harriet Dean Blooming Grove N. J. + Clarissa Deming Litchfield + Louisa Deming Do + Elizabeth Goodwin Do + Mary E. Goodwin Do + Jane Grant Dover + Minerva Harrison Litchfield + Drusilla Jackson Do + Mary Langdon Castleton Vt. + Elizabeth Leonard Salisbury Md + Corinna Lord Litchfield + Clarissa Norton Do + Elizabeth Parker Do + Mary Parker Do + Ann Peet Canaan + Mary Perkins Litchfield + Nancy Perry Brimfield Mass. + Laura Porter Salem + Elizabeth Prince New York + Julia Radcliffe Buffalo + Phoebe Ann Rankin Newark N. J. First Prize + Susan Rankin Do + Caroline T. Robbins Mount Sterling Ken. + Mary G. Sears Sharon + Caroline Shipman Newark N. J. + Mary Ann Smith Northfield + Adelyne Stone Litchfield + Harriet Swan Sharon + Sarah G. Thomas Newark N. J. + Jane Wadhams Goshen + Marana Wadhams Rochester N. Y. + Harriet Wadsworth Litchfield + Ellen Ward Do + Ann S. Whitman Farmington First Prize + Julia Webster Brooklyn N. Y. + Elizabeth Winship Litchfield + Francis Woodruff Do + Sophia Osbourn Salem + Total 52 + + + LIST OF PUPILS. (NO DATE.)[144] + + Susan Breasted + Sarah Gardiner + Lucretia Lyman + Mary Russ + —— Parsons + Mary Eastman + Charles Adams + Abigail Rogers + Mary Burnhan + Ovilla Clarissa Burnhan + Elisa Thorp + Sally Ann Raymand + Elisabeth Guion + William Mayo + Richard Herrick + Sydney Hull New Haven + Caroline Dutcher + Susan Bennet + —— Sterling + —— Austin + —— Perkins + —— Harmon + Roxana Purdy + Caroline Purdy + Mary Hallam + Elisa Avery + Mary Chapman + Sarah Diven + Ann Church + Ann Elisa Bassett + Louisa Ann Bassett + Elisa King + Catherine King + Mary A. Shelton + Horatio Beers + John Bissell + Epaphroditus Bacon + + + LIST OF PUPILS. (NO DATE.)[144] + + Velina Oakley Poughkeepsie + Jane Pugsley Albany + Mary Peck Litchfield + Virgil Peck + Helen Peck + —— Pitkin + + Sarah Randsome + Charlotte Rockwell Hadley + Mary Ann Southard, N.Y. + Frances Sherill Richmond + Mary Sherill + Sarah Sandford + Maria Sandford + Mary Smith Litchfield + Abby Smith Albany + W^m Sheldon Litchfield + Mary Stanley N. Hartford + Louisa Seymour Litchfield + Ester Sperry + Washington Tallmadge + Lucy A. Tomlinson + Maria Stores + Ann Van Wych Fishkill + + —— Whiteside + Mary Ann Wolcott Litchfield + Hannah Wolcott + Huntington Wolcott + Mary Welles Louville (Lowville?) + Elisa White + —— Wilcox + W^m Beecher Litchfield + —— Bacon + + + LIST OF PUPILS GATHERED FROM LETTERS AND OTHER SOURCES. + + Adams, Maria, Litchfield, m. Henry Tallmadge of New York City. + Atwater, Charlotte, New Haven. + Austen, Amanda, 1803. + + Barber, Betsey Ann, dau. of Noyes Barber, member of Congress from + Groton, Conn. In school about 1825, m. Belton Copp. + Beebe, Rebecca, Litchfield, m. Alexander Howard, a planter in + Maryland. + Beecher, Esther, Litchfield, 1815. + Beecher, Harriet, m. Professor Stowe. + Beecher, Henry Ward, Litchfield. + Bishop, Louisa H., m. July 27, 1828, Enos B. M. Hughes. + Bishop, Mary Huggins, m. Oct. 20, 1829, Lewis Tabier Huger of Mobile, + Alabama. + Bishop, Sarah A., dau. Samuel Bishop of New Haven, m. —— Thorne, an + Englishman. + Boyd, Mary. + Bronson, Marcia, (?) m. Judge John Kingsbury of Waterbury, Conn. + Bull, Henry. + Burr, Annabella, 1815. + Burr, Betsy, (Elizabeth in list 1822?) 1815. + + Canfield, Julia, dau. Judson Canfield and his wife Mabel Ruggles of + Sharon, Conn., m. Samuel Flewwelling, of Nova Scotia and New York. + Called at school, “The Lily of the Valley.” + Canfield, Elizabeth, or Eliza, Hannah, sister of the above, m. + Frederick Augustus Tallmadge. Called at school “The Rose of + Sharon.” See miniature, Plate XXIV. Chandler, ——, 1803. + Cheney, Maria, m. Horace Greeley. + Chittenden, Julia, b. at Salisbury, July 7th, 1784, m. Dec. 22nd, + 1803, Dr. James Ross Dodge of Salisbury, Conn.; at school, 1800, d. + Aug. 19th, 1851. See portrait, Plate XXVI. Collins, Betsy, 1815. + + Davies, Ann, Philadelphia. + Davies, Maria, Philadelphia. + Deveaux, Mrs. Harriet ——. + Deming, Sarah, m. —— Sprague. + Dole, Almira. + + Edwards, Nancy, 1815. + Ely, Caroline,[145] m. Joel Steele, Bloomfield, N. J. + + Gilbert, Charlie. + Gould, Almira. + Goodrich, ——, a celebrated beauty, m. Thomas Ward Smyth. + Goodrich, Mary Ann, m. Wolcott. + Goodrich, ——, sister of above. + Goodrich, Sarah Worthington, sister of above. A remarkable character + for the time, having studied with young men fitting for college. + Her father said, “She was as well fitted as they were for Yale.” + Graham, Eliza A., dau. Robert Graham of New York City, m. Mr. Manvel. + + Holmes, Lucretia, at school 1828 or 1829. + Hooker, Elizabeth. + Hornblower, Harriet, dau. Chief Justice Joseph C. Hornblower of New + Jersey, m. Judge Lewis B. Woodruff of New York City. + Hunter, Catherine, m. —— Bullock, Brookline, N. Y., 1849. + Huntley, L. + + Kennard, Jane. Her father prominent in Pennsylvania. He brought her on + horseback to the school. Leaving in the stage he met a young man on + horseback. The next thing he heard of him was his asking permission + to address his daughter. + Kibbe, Margaret. From the South. + + Landon, Jane Maria, Guilford, Conn., m. F. M. Fowler, Richmond Hill, + Staten Is. + Larnard, ——. + Leavenworth, Sally. + Leonard, Corelia, 1816. + + Mason, S., Andover, 1814. + [146]Masters, Susan, dau. of Nicholas Shelton Masters of New Milford, + Conn., at school about 1805. See portrait, Plate XIV. + Morrison, Eliza, Savannah, Georgia. + Morse, Betsey (Betsey Moss?). + Mumford, Mrs. Mary ——. + + Parks, Mary Marilla, m. Col. Wessells of Litchfield, Conn. + Pease, Betsy, dau. Seth Pease, Suffield, Conn. + Peters, Abigail Thompson, dau. John Thompson Peters of Hartford, Conn. + Sebor, Mary, Middletown, Conn., m. —— Sheldon. + Seymour, Julia, 1820. + Sheldon, Fanny, m. Professor Noyes. + Sill, Mrs. Susan. + Smith, Fanny, m. —— Skinner; at school from 1806 to 1812. Utica, N. Y. + Smith, John, 1810. } + } For five years boarded with “Aunt Bull.” + Smith, Walter, 1810. } + Sprague, ——. + Stone, Harriet, 1816 (?). + Stone, Charlotte, 1816 (?). + Swan, Betsey, m. Charles Sedgewick, Sharon, Conn. + + Taylor, Maria, dau. Col. William Taylor, m. Col. Samuel Canfield. + Thompson, Elizabeth. + Tryon, Cornelia, m. Gen’l Joseph Brown, Michigan. + + Waite, ——. + Watson, ——. + +NAMES IN THE COMMONPLACE BOOK OF LOUISA C. LEWIS, 1817. + + [147]Louisa C. Lewis. + Mary Ann Potter, Hartford, Conn. + Huldah Hopkins. + S. H. Goodrich. + [147]Mary W. Smith. + Eliza F. Wadsworth. + C. W. Skinner. + [147]F. H. Wolcott. + [147]H. Buel. + + + NAMES IN COMMONPLACE BOOK OF JANE LEWIS. + + Jane Lewis. + M. A. Winne. + Elenor C. Blauvelt, Greenbush, N. Y. + H. Butler. + Roxana P. Clark. + M. Beecher. + [147]Maria Cooke. + E. W. Cooke. + Elizabeth W. Wolcott. + + + NAMES IN COMMONPLACE BOOK OF MARIAN LEWIS. + + W. J. Taber. + J. D. Fowler. + J. L. Graham, James Lorimer Graham, afterward Post-master of City of + New York. + Chas. C. Mason. + Wm. W. Fuller. + Thomas N. Johnson. + Chas. Smith. + Eunice J. Woodruff. + Venelia Fitch. + + + + + APPENDIX E. + GENEALOGY OF MISS SARAH PIERCE. + + + John Pierce of Wethersfield. (Inscription on tombstone states he died + Dec. 24, 1773, aged 70 years; m. Elizabeth ——. + | + John Pierce[148] of Litchfield, Conn., by trade a potter, b. 1730, d. + 1783; m. Mary Paterson, 1751 (she d. 1770); + | + John Pierce (Col.) b. 1752, d. Aug. 1, 1788; m. 1786, Ann Bard. + Mary „ b. 1754; m. —— Strong. + Betsy „ b. + Anne „ b. 1758, d. 1802. + Susan „ b. 1762, d. June 30, 1830; m. 1792, James Brace. + Ruth „ b. 1764, d. 1860; m. 1791, Thomas O. H. Croswell. + Sarah „ b. June 26, 1767, d. Jan. 19, 1852. + + John Pierce of Litchfield, m. Mary Goodman, 1772. + | + James „ b. Dec. 3, 1773, d. 1775. + Timothy „ b. 1775, d. 1801 (Doctor). + James „ b. Dec. 3, 1779, d. May 10, 1846. + Mary „ b. Aug. 3, 1780, d. June 22, 1863. + +The inventory of the estate of John Pierce of Wethersfield in the +probate records of Wethersfield mentions lands in Wethersfield and East +Hartford, also in Summers (Somers) and Cambridge, Mass. Long and careful +search fails to reveal the place of his birth, but there are facts that +show he may be identical with the following John Pierce, who disappears +from Charlestown, Mass., about the time he made his appearance in +Wethersfield. + + John Pierce,[149] b. Dec. 23, 1703 (he was a potter); m. Elizabeth ——. + Son of + Jonathan Pierce, b. 1661 (of Charlestown, Mass.); m. Mary Lobdell. + Son of + Samuel Pierce, (of Charlestown, Mass.), m. Mary ——. Son of + Thomas Pierce, (of Charlestown, Mass.), came from England, 1633–4. + m. Elizabeth ——. He was born in England in 1583–4. Made freeman May + 6, 1635. Made commissioner by General Court, Sept. 27, 1642. + + + PATERSON GENEALOGY. + + James Paterson,[150] b. in Scotland, 1664; + m. in Wethersfield, Mary Talcott, Nov., 1704, + | + Major John Paterson, b. 1707–8, d. 1769; + m. Ruth Bird. + | + +------------------+------------------+ + | | + Major General Paterson, Mary Paterson, b. Dec. 1731; + m. John Pierce, April 18, 1751. + | + SARAH Pierce, and others. + +NOTE.—This appendix gives the result of the latest investigations into +the ancestry of Miss Pierce. + + + + + INDEX + + + Abbe, Alanson, 261 + + ——, Sophronia, 430, 431 + + Abbey, Dr., 301 + + Abernethy, Mary, 426 + + Adams, —— (m. Elizabeth Goodwin), 436 + + ——, Mrs., senior, 68 + + ——, Mr., 44, 70, 345 + + ——, Mrs., 46, 53, 67, 68, 69, 385 + + ——, Miss, 169 + + ——, Abigail, 431 + + ——, Alinda, 405 + + ——, Andrew, 66 + + ——, Catharine M., 420 + + ——, Charles, 268, 442 + + ——, Cornelia Davis (m. Dr. Tomlinson), 48, 53, 67, 395, 396 + + ——, Elijah, 20 + + Adam(s), Eliza (m. Philo C. Sedgwick), 428, 430, 431, 433, 436, 437, + 438 + + ——, Jane, 438, 439 + + Adams, John, 315 + + ——, Joseph, 385 + + ——, Julia (m. John Cake), 423, 428, 430, 431, 433, 436 + + ——, Keziah H. (m. Henry Rogers), 416, 417, 420, 423 + + ——, Lucy, 428 + + ——, Maria Davis (m. Henry Tallmadge), 46, 53, 301, 396, 443 + + ——, Mary C., 405, 420 + + ——, Melissa B., 420 + + ——, William, 430 + + Addis, Mary (Mrs. Churchill), 298 + + ——, Emily, 237, 298 + + Aerial Phaeton, The, 34 + + Aikin, Helen M., 420 + + Akins, Rebecca, 440 + + Alderman, Mary K. (m. Dr. Lee), 423 + + Allen, John, 20, 44, 55, 369 + + ——, Mrs. John, 50 + + Alotine, Mr., 350 + + Ames, Sarah S., 405 + + Andrews, Sarah, 433 + + Annin, Mary Ann, 420 + + Anthony, Ann, 398 + + Arden, Sarah M., 402, 405 + + Armour, Mr., 70 + + Armstrong, ——, 423 + + ——, Amzi, 425 + + ——, Elinor, 420, 423 + + ——, Mary, 420, 423 + + Arnold, Julia (m. Heman Childs), 420, 423 + + Ashley, ——, 7 + + Astor, George, 49 + + ——, John Jacob, 49 + + Atwater, Athalia, 399 + + ——, Caroline, 400 + + ——, Charlotte, 443 + + Atwell, Dinah, 298 + + Austin, ——, 442 + + Austin, Mr., 207 + + ——, Miss, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240 + + Austen, Amanda, 443 + + Austin, Clarinda, 53, 57 + + ——, Eliza, 409 + + ——, M., 237 + + ——, Maria M., 416 + + ——, Martha M., 412, 413, 417 + + Averill, Miss, 234, 235 + + ——, Eliza J., 423, 428 + + ——, Mary Jane, 411, 412, 413 + + ——, Marcia, 400 + + Avery, Elisa, 442 + + ——, Elizabeth (Betsey), 359, 410, 413 + + ——, Hannah A., 416, 417 + + ——, Phebe Augustus Ely, 444, _footnote_ + + Ayers, Clarissa, 404, 405 + + Ayres, Miss, 162 + + ——, Caroline C., 412, 414 + + ——, Mary, 412, 414 + + + Backus, Dr. and Mrs., 61 + + ——, Parson, 385 + + ——, Frederick, 61 + + ——, Jeanette (Janet), 410, 412, 414 + + ——, Wealthy A. (m. Claude Brent), 399, 400 + + Bacon, ——, 207, 443 + + ——, Daniel, 200 + + ——, Elizabeth E. (m. Henry Colt), 430 + + ——, Epaphroditus, 412, 442 + + ——, Frances, 430, 431 + + Bacon, Francis (m. Elizabeth Dutcher), 435, 437 + + ——, Frederic, 412 + + ——, Frederick Asa, 335 + + ——, Julia, 200 + + ——, Laury, 69, 395 + + ——, Mary Ann (m. Chauncey Whittlesey), her journal (1802), 66–71; + a composition, 71, 72; + upon education, 72; + upon drawing, 72; + upon music, 73; + upon dancing, 73; + upon vain pleasures, 74; + upon dress, 75, 76; + poems copied in diary, 76–79; + “Jefferson and Liberty,” 77–79; + list of pupils in journal, 395; + studies mentioned in diary, 395 + + ——, William, 59 + + Bailey, Mrs., 191 + + ——, Emily, 420 + + ——, May, 191 + + Baker, Mr., 189 + + ——, Harriet, 167, 402, 405 + + Baldwin, Captain, 354 + + ——, Rev. Mr., 223 + + ——, Eben, 63 + + ——, Isaac, Jr., 20 + + ——, Lucy, 428 + + ——, Miss M., 57 + + ——, Rachel B. (m. Nathaniel Winship), 420, 423 + + Balford, Captain, 373 + + Ball, Maria, 400 + + Bantam Lake, 32, 33, 42, 201, 234, 237, 272–281; + poem, “The Bantam,” 230; + poem by J. P. Brace, 243, 254 + + Bantam Indians, The, 180 + + Barber, Betsey Ann (m. Belton Copp), 443 + + ——, Joseph, 81, 397, 402 + + ——, Noyes, 443 + + Barclay, Nancy A., 417 + + Bard, Dr., 326, 327, 339, 366, 368 + + ——, Ann (wife of Col. John Pierce), 4, 339, 448 + + Bardwell, Eliza, 423, 426 + + Barnes, Hiram, _Hiel Jones_, 21, 22, 31, 238, 262,298 + + Bartlett, Martha R., 420, 423 + + Bassett, Ann Eliza, 414, 416, 417, 420, 442 + + ——, Emily, 417 + + ——, Louisa Ann, 414, 416, 417, 420, 442 + + ——, Mary, 417 + + Bates, Ann, 405 + + Battell, Philip, 292 + + ——, Robbins, 292 + + Beach, Rev. Mr., 330, 352 + + ——, Hannah (m. Edgar S. Van Winkle), 297, 332, 426, 428, 430, 431, 433, + 436, 439 + + ——, K., 194 + + ——, Sarah B., 420 + + ——, Theron, 43, 322, 323, 332; + see also Sheldon, Lucy Beardsley, Mrs., 10, 11 + + ——, Sally, 11 + + ——, Stella, 11 + + Beckwith, Elizabeth G., 295 + + ——, Dr. George S., 295 + + ——, Josiah E., M.D., 423 + + ——, Dr. Josiah G., 268, 295, 296, _footnote_; + reminiscences, 292–295 + + Beckwith, Sarah Hunt, 295 + + Bedford, Harriet, 399 + + Beebe, Miss, 237 + + ——, Eliza (m. Dr. John Russell), 423 + + ——, Emmeline (Canaan, Conn.), 150, 402, 405, 409 + + ——, Emmeline, Cooperstown, N. Y., 405 + + ——, Harriet M., 433 + + ——, Rebecca (m. Alexander Howard), 443 + + ——, Sophronia L., 414, 416, 417, 420 + + Beech, Isaac, 410 + + Beecher, Rev. Dr. Lyman, 28, 41, 145, 148, 149, 150, 151, 161, 163, + 164, 166, 167, 168, 170, 171, 173, 175, 179–180, 188, 189, 191, 194, + 201, 205, 221, 223, 224, 225, 234, 236, 239, 287, 290, 322, 335, + 417, _footnote_; + description of Niagara Falls, 226–229 + + ——, Miss, 152, 153, 162 + + ——, Mrs., 183 + + ——, Catherine, 119, 148, 149, 179, 180, 235, 241, 286, 399, 400, 417, + _footnote_; + verses on the marriage of two friends, 183–187; + verse “On a Gingerbread Man,” 188; + poem, “The Indian’s Lament,” 244; + poem in Mary Peck’s Album, 250–251 + + ——, Charles, 41 + + ——, Eliza, 440 + + ——, Esther, 443 + + ——, Frances E., 420, 423 + + ——, George, 181, 409, 410 + + ——, Harriett F. (Mrs. Stowe), 409, 417, 443; + extracts from Life of, 180–183 + + Beecher, Henry Ward, 21, 28, 241, 287, 443; + poem in Mary Peck’s album, 245 + + “Beecher Homestead” the, 299 + + ——, M., 100, 446 + + ——, Mary F., 241, 405, 409 + + ——, Roxana, 84 + + ——, William, 443 + + Beeckman, Charlotte, 405 + + Beers, Henrietta, 318 + + ——, Horatio, 409, 442 + + ——, Julia M., 318, 433, 437, 438, 439, 440 + + ——, Mary Ann, 203 + + ——, Hon. Seth P., 262, 267, 433 + + Belden, Lucy, 420 + + Bellamy, Parson, 203 + + ——, Betsy, 192, 193 + + Beman, Eliza L., 270, 420, 423, 427, 428 + + Benedict, ——, 200, 207 + + ——, Amelia C., 412, 414, 416, 418, 420 + + ——, Andrew, 262, 430 + + ——, Eliza, 433 + + ——, Emily (m. —— North), 427, 428, 431, 433, 436 + + ——, Harriet A., 412, 414, 416, 418, 420 + + ——, Ruth R., 400, 402, 405 + + Bennet, Susan, 442 + + Bennett, C. G., 262 + + ——, Cornelia M. (m. Algernon S. Lewis, M.D.), 420, 423, 424 + + ——, Mary, 428, 430, 431 + + ——, Susan, 414 + + Benton, Eliza S., 398 + + Best, Margaret C., 420 + + Betts, Mary M. F., 237, 238, 240, 412, 414, 417, 418 + + Bevier, Hilah, 398 + + Bird, Ruth (m. John Paterson), 4, 448 + + ——, Susan, 15 + + Birdsall, Mary, 398 + + Bishop, Louisa H. (m. Enos B. M. Hughes), 443 + + ——, Louisa W., 241 + + ——, Mary Huggins (m. Lewis Tabier Huger), 241, 443 + + ——, Samuel, 443 + + ——, Sarah A. (m. —— Thorne), 443 + + Bissell, ——, 295 + + Bissel, Miss, 396 + + Bissell, Caroline E. (m. John B. Bogart), 433, 436 + + ——, Catherine M. (m. —— Hoyt), 433, 436, 437, 438 + + ——, Elizabeth, 438, 439, 440 + + ——, Henry, 437 + + ——, John, 442 + + ——, Mrs. L. P., 288 + + ——, Mary, 440 + + ——, Zebulon, 4 + + Blackwell, Julia, 397 + + Blair, Sophia, 431 + + Blake, Maria, 402, 405 + + Blakeslee, Abigail, 399 + + Blanch, Euphemia F., 403, 405 + + Blauvelt, Catherine, 403 + + ——, Elenor C., 446 + + Bloodgood, Mr., 353 + + ——, Elizabeth C., 420, 423, 428, 430 + + Blucher, Mrs., 347 + + Blynn, Maria, 428 + + Boardman (Broadman), ——, 61 + + ——, —— (m. Maria Lord), 436 + + ——, Abigal W., 414 + + ——, Caroline M., 403, 405 + + ——, Mary A., 424, 440 + + ——, Sarah Ann, 417, 418 + + Boekee, Catherine, 428 + + Bogart, John B., 436 + + Boland, Caroline, 428, 431 + + Bolles, Margaret, 405, 411 + + ——, Samuel P., 261, 268 + + ——, William, 409 + + ——. See Stone & Bolles, 262 + + Bomford, Louisa S., 427, 428, 430, 431 + + Booth, Miss, 193 + + ——, Lidia, 400 + + Borland, Dorothea W., 399 + + Bostwick, —— (m. Elizabeth Parks), 436 + + ——, Laura A. (m. Samuel Wilman), 424 + + ——, William B., 425 + + Bosworth, Miss, 44 + + Boughton, Julia, 400 + + Boyd, Elizabeth, 431 + + ——, Eunice, 431 + + ——, Mary, 443 + + ——, Matilda, 431, 433, 440 + + ——, Sarah C., 439, 440 + + Bowles, Mr., 13 + + Bowne, Eliza Southgate, 38 + + Brace, Miss, 234, 235 + + ——, Ann Pierce, 119, 371, 399, 400 + + ——, Charles, 318, 319 + + ——, Emma, 318, 320 + + ——, Frances Ann, 411, 412, 414, 417, 418 + + ——, Isabella, 319 + + ——, James, 5 + + ——, James (son of J. P. Brace), 319 + + ——, John Pierce, 6, 7, 15, 26, 149, 152, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 165, + 166, 167, 168, 169, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 179, 180, 181, + 182, 185, 188, 223, 224, 231, 234, 236, 237, 239, 240, 241, 259, + 262, 264, 265, 270, 271, 286, 287, 288, 290, 294, 296, 300, 313, + 320, 323, 324, 325, 420, 433, 435, 448; + poems by, 156–160; + poem “The Bantam,” 230, 243; + poem on the death of Miss Helen Peck, 253; + poem “Bantam! dear lake!” 254; + principal of Female Seminary in Hartford, Conn., 266; + an Indian ballad, 272–281; + farewell address, 303–307; + extract from address at Hartford, 308–310 + + Brace, Lucy E., 241, 300, 420 + + ——, Mary, 26, 239, 287, 318, 319 + + ——, Mary E., 437, 438, 439, 440 + + ——, Sarah P., 439 + + ——, Seth P., 433 + + ——, Susan, 438, 439 + + ——, Mrs. Susan (mother of J. P. Brace), 294, 321 + + Brace house, the, 31 + + Bradley, Mr., 152 + + ——, Abbey, 400 + + ——, Amanda, 400 + + ——, Charlotte, 400 + + ——, Clarissa H., 427 + + ——, Hannah, 398 + + ——, Mary, 417, 418 + + Brainard, Miss, 395 + + Braman & Kilbourne, 24 + + Branard, Jarusha, 396 + + Breascard, Mary, 381 + + Breasted, Juliett, 409 + + Brested, Sarah E., 414 + + Breasted, Susan, 442 + + Breck, Harriet, 403, 405 + + Brent, Claude, 399, _footnote_ + + Brewster, Mary Ann, 431, 433 + + Brinton, John, 200 + + Brisbane, Mrs., 330 + + Bristol, Mr., 198 + + Bro(a)dhead, Eliza, 402, 405 + + Bronk, Catharine S., 420, 424 + + Bronson, F., 241 + + ——, Marcia (?m. Judge John Kingsbury), 443 + + Brooke, Anna Matilda, 410, 414 + + Brooks, Almira H., 420 + + ——, Mary, 418 + + Brown, Mr., 167 + + ——, Amanda E. (m. —— Patmore), 424, 428, 433, 436 + + ——, Catherine, 440 + + ——, Daniel, 390 + + ——, Gen. Joseph, 446 + + ——, Mary Ann, 396 + + ——, Sarah J., 412, 414 + + ——, William, 418, _footnote_ + + Bryant, Sydney, 437 + + Buckley, Martha A., 420 + + Budd, Maria, 378 + + Buel, —— (m. Walter S. Franklin), 203, _footnote_ + + ——, Mr., 16 + + ——, Mrs. Dr., 302 + + ——, Miss, 152, 154, 234, 235, 236, 239 + + ——, Abby, 431 + + ——, Caroline, 400 + + ——, Elisha S., 263 + + Buell, Frederic, 412 + + Buel, George, 409 + + ——, Harriet, 405, 410, 412, 414 + + Buel, Dr. Henry W., 236, 241, 268, 299, 430, 431, 435, 437, 446 + + ——, Jane, 431 + + ——, Lois Ann, 420, 424, 428, 431, 433 + + ——, Lucretia, 438 + + ——, M., 119 + + ——, Maria (m. —— Jones), 400, 433, 436 + + ——, Mary, 424, 428 + + ——, Mary Ann, 410 + + ——, Mary T., 433, 437, 438 + + ——, Dr. Peter Wm., 409, 410, 411, 412, 422, _footnote_, 423 + + ——, Polly, 16 + + ——, Rachel (m. —— Lord), 433, 436 + + ——, Samuel, 261 + + ——, Samuel, 2d, 261 + + ——, Sarah, 402, 405 + + ——, Dr. William, 26, 29, 261, 262, 263, 297, 301, 315, 334, 433 + + Bulkley, David, 25 + + ——, Eunice R. (m. John Ward), 431, 433, 436 + + ——, Mary, 399 + + Bulkeley, Miss, 66, _footnote_ + + ——, Susan, 427, 428 + + Bull, Mrs., 160, 161, 163, 165, 166, 167, 171, 172, 173, 174, 176, 289, + 291, 446 + + ——, Elizabeth C., 421, 428, 430, 431 + + ——, Emily (m. Judge David C. Sanford), 424 + + ——, Henry, 444 + + ——, Martha, 421, 424 + + ——, Mehitable, 427, 428 + + ——, Polly, 11 + + ——, Sarina, 378 + + Bullock, ——, 445 + + Bunce, Caroline M., 414, 421 + + Buoyington, Charles R. S., 435 + + Burgess, Mr., 240 + + Burget(t), Miss, 395, 396 + + Burgoyne, General, 293, 345 + + Burk, Miss, 396 + + Burnham, Mary, 442 + + ——, Ovilla Clarissa, 442 + + Burr, Miss, 148, 152, 153, 154 + + ——, Aaron, 41, 205, 333, 335, 337 + + ——, Annabella, 444 + + ——, Betsey (Mrs. Mason), 183, 186, 187, 196 + + ——, Elizabeth (Mrs. Reeve), 57, 333, 337, 411, 414, 444 + + ——, Harriet, 431 + + Burral, Mr., 368 + + Burton, Maria, 418 + + Bush, Philo C., 22 + + Bushnell, Mary, 424 + + Butler, ——, 198 + + ——, Miss, 162 + + ——, Ann, 410, 418 + + ——, Emily, 172, 174, 403, 405 + + ——, Harriet, 11 + + ——, Henry, 409, 446 + + Butler, Maria, 396 + + ——, Mary Ann, 411, 414 + + + Cake, John, 436 + + Calhoun, John C., 5, 7, 333, 335 + + Camp, Eliza M., 160, 162, 403, 405 + + Canard, Sarah Ann, 428, 430, 431 + + Canfield, Betsey, 363 + + ——, Elizabeth (Eliza) Hannah (m. Frederick Augustus Tallmadge), 444 + + ——, Judson, 444 + + ——, Julia (m. Samuel Flewwelling), 444 + + ——, Mira, 13 + + ——, Col. Samuel, 446 + + Cantine, Sarah R., 400 + + Carr, Mrs. H. B., 22 + + Carrington, Edwin, 430 + + ——, Emeline M. (m. Benjamin Morse), 433, 436, 437, 438, 439 + + ——, Jonathan, 24, 261, 268 + + ——, Louisa, 424 + + Case, Miss, 396 + + ——, Lucy (m. Horatio Seymour), 294 + + ——, Sofia, 396 + + Catlin (Catline, Catling), ——, 150, 207, 369 + + ——, Captain, 15 + + ——, Dr., 30, 196, 201 + + ——, Miss, 153, 286, 302 + + ——, A., 359 + + ——, Dr. Abel, 241 + + ——, Achsa(?), 440 + + ——, Alice, 424 + + ——, Avis, 421 + + ——, Eliza, 400 + + ——, Flora, 150, 152, 241, 433 + + ——, George, 241 + + ——, Grove, 4, 150, 261 + + ——, Hannah, 395 + + ——, John, 4 + + ——, John (m. Elizabeth Humiston), 435, 437 + + ——, Julia, 428 + + ——, Lynde, 323, _footnote_, 365, 368 + + ——, Mrs. Lynde, 235 + + ——, Mary, 241 + + ——, Sally, 395 + + Cauldwell, Polly, 396 + + Cebra, Elizabeth, 148 + + ——, James, 148 + + Census—Connecticut towns, 394 + + Center, Sarah, 400 + + Chamberlain, Abigail, 403, 405 + + ——, Rhoda, 403, 405 + + Chambers, Mr., 205 + + Champion, Rev. Mr., 44, 50, 68, 299, 352 + + Chandler, ——, 444 + + ——, Miss, 53 + + Chapin, Miss, 395 + + ——, Betsey, 51, 396 + + ——, Clarissa, 51, 396 + + Chapman, Mary Ann, 414, 442 + + Chappins, Mr., 70 + + Chase, Caroline, 431 + + ——, Emily, 431 + + Cheetham, Mary, 397 + + Cheney, Charlotte M., 427 + + ——, Edward, 435 + + ——, Edward P., 435 + + ——, Maria (m. Horace Greeley), 444 + + ——, Mary S., 430 + + ——, Mary Y., 427, 428 + + ——, Silas E., 25 + + Chester, Annie, copy of school bill (1819), 188; + copy of board bill, 188 + + ——, Caroline (Mrs. John Knickerbocker), 403, 405; + her diary (1815), 150–154; + her commonplace book, 154–160 + + ——, Edwin, 190, 191, _footnote_ + + ——, Elisha, 189 _and footnote_, 191 + + ——, Ellen (Mrs. John J. Copp), 191, _footnote_ + + ——, John, 63 + + ——, Mary, letter to her mother (1819), 189–190; + biography, 189, _footnote_; + letter to her brother Edwin, 190–191 + + ——, Thomas, 190 + + Chief of Tuscaroras, 62 + + Child, ——, 315, 316 + + ——, Nathaniel Rochester, 434, _footnote_, 436 + + ——, Mrs. Nathaniel Rochester (Elizabeth C. Prince), 43, _footnote_, 49, + 201, 287, 322 + + Childs, Heman, 261, 423 + + ——, Lucy A., 424 + + ——, Samuel, 261, 263 + + Chittenden, Miss, 48 + + ——, Julia (m. Dr. James Ross Dodge), 444 + + ——, Samuel, 412 + + Christian, Mahala, 403, 405 + + Church, Ann, 442 + + ——, John, 410, 411 + + ——, Lois, 416, 418 + + ——, Mary L. (S.), 416, 418 + + ——, Hon. Samuel, extract of address, 8 + + Cist, Ellen E., 427 + + Clark, ——, 291 + + ——, Mr., 315 + + ——, Miss, 234, 297 + + ——, Hon. Freeman, 436 + + ——, Maria A., 223, 435, 437, 438 + + ——, Mary, 400, 403 + + Clark, Roxana P., 223, 446 + + Clark(e), Abigail L. (m. —— King), 412, 414, 417, 418 + + Clarke, Harriet M., 421, 424 + + ——, Margaret, 421 + + Clark(e), Sarah G., 410, 412, 414 + + ——, William, 409, 411, 412 + + Clayton, ——, 7 + + Cle(a)veland, Lucetta, 403, 405 + + ——, Charlotte H. (m. —— Osgood), 431, 433, 436, 437, 438 + + Cleaveland, Eliza C., 433, 437, 438 + + Cleavland, S., 157 + + Cleaver, Clarissa, 400 + + ——, Eliza, 399 + + ——, Lucy, 400 + + ——, Maria, 414 + + ——, S., 412 + + Cobb, Mary E., 403, 405 + + Cochrane, Rebecca, 438, 440 + + Cockrin, Charlott, 396 + + ——, Graice, 396 + + ——, Mary, 396 + + Coffin, Harriett B., 410, 414 + + ——, Sarah, 424 + + Coit, Cornelia A., 398 + + ——, R. H., 268 + + Cole, —— (m. Mary S. Taylor), 422, _footnote_ + + Collia(e)r, Thomas, 20, 25 + + Collins, Mr., 382 + + ——, Miss, 201 + + ——, Betsy, 444 + + ——, Maria, 406 + + ——, Polly, 14 + + Colt, Henry, 430, _footnote_ + + Colton, Amelia, 400 + + ——, Delia, 400 + + Comstock, Ann, 399 + + Conard, Jane, 409 + + Cone, Elizabeth, 440 + + Congregational Church, Litchfield, 179, 287 + + Conklin, Phoebe, 150, 403, 406 + + Conkling, Abigail, 421 + + ——, Isabella, 421 + + Conway, General, 346 + + Cook, Sally, 400 + + ——, Miss, 153 + + Cooke, E. W., 446 + + ——, Elizabeth, 409, 410 + + ——, James, 412 + + ——, James P., 412 + + ——, Joseph, 410 + + ——, Joseph P., 409, 410 + + ——, Julia M., 411, 418, 428 + + ——, Maria, 428, 446 + + ——, Rebecca H., 421, 424 + + ——, Rose Terry, 310 + + Copp, Belton, 443 + + Cornelius, Betsey, 406 + + ——, Mary, 406 + + ——, Mr., 162, 163 + + Corning, Hannah C., 417, 418 + + Costar, ——, 61 + + Costume fashions end of eighteenth and beginning of nineteenth century, + 35–42 + + Cotton first brought to New England from the West Indies, 3 + + Cowles, Asenath, 437 + + ——, George D., 255 + + Cowles, Julia, her diary (1797), 17–19 + + ——, Maria, 399 + + Crandall, Mr., 24 + + Crawford, Mary M., 417, 418 + + Crosbey, Mrs., 348 + + Crosby, Julia, 400 + + ——, Miss, 347 + + Croswell, Dr. Thomas O’H., 5, 327, 328, _and footnote_, 361, 383, 384, + 386, 388, 448 + + ——, Mrs. (Ruth Pierce), 39, 321, 326–330 + + Crugar, Frances, 409 + + Curtis, Captain, 355 + + ——, Mrs. Emily Chauncey, reminiscences, 288 + + ——, S., 364 + + Cushman, Mr. and Mrs., 58 + + ——, John P., 396, _footnote_ + + Cushman, Julia M. (m. Henry Farnsworth), 440 + + Cutler, Dothee, 9, 411 + + ——, George Younglove, 32, 34, 54, 242, 289; + his journal (1820), 192–207; + obituary, 192; + poem in Mary Peck’s album, 247 + + ——, Mary, 323 + + + Daggett, Judge, 192, 197 + + ——, Mr., 203 + + “Darien Scheme,” the, 4 + + Darling, Anna C., 411 + + ——, Mr. and Mrs., 61 + + ——, Clarinda, 252, 409 + + ——, Joseph, 409 + + Dart, Charles Sanford, 332 + + Davenport, E. W., 324 + + ——, Lucy, 200 + + ——, Matilda H., 398 + + Davies, Ann, 444 + + ——, Charles, 242 + + ——, Eliza, 398 + + ——, Maria, 444 + + Day, Julia, 396 + + ——, Nancy, 396 + + Dean, Harriet, 439, 440 + + ——, Mary, 400 + + ——, Mercy J., 431, 434 + + Decker, Cornelia, 434 + + De(i)derer, ——, 313 + + Dederer, Eliza, 313, 403, 406 + + De Forest, B., 202 + + Deforist, David, 204 + + Deforest, Hepsy, 409 + + ——, Mary, 409, 410 + + Delafield, Caroline A., 150, 406 + + ——, H. W., 242 + + ——, John, 398, _footnote_ + + ——, Mary Ann (m. Cornelius Du Bois), 421, 423 + + Deming, ——, 42, 366 + + ——, Mrs., 15, 152 + + ——, Buel H., 411, 412 + + ——, C. (Mrs. Perkins), 60 + + ——, Charles, 242 + + ——, Clarissa, 84, 396, 433, 437, 441 + + Deming, Frances B., 421, 424, 427, 428 + + ——, Frederick, 241 + + ——, Julia, 20 + + ——, Julius, 25, 37, 323 + + ——, Louisa, 441 + + ——, Lucretia, 242, 302, 406 + + ——, M. R., 28 + + ——, Mary, 152, 242, 396, 399, 418 + + ——, Mary G. (m. Si(y)dney Green), 421, 423, 427, 428, 430, 432, 433, + 436, 437 + + ——, Sarah (m. —— Sprague), 444 + + ——, Stephen, 261, 267, 268 + + ——, William, 242, 286 + + Deming’s Tavern, 22 + + De Nast, Miss, 347 + + Denison, Miss, 173 + + ——, Dothy, 418 + + ——, Hannah C., 428 + + ——, Harriett, 418 + + ——, M., 237 + + ——, Martha D., 235, 411, 412, 414 + + Den(n)ison, Mary E., 400, 403, 406 + + Deniston, Miss E., 271 + + Denniston, Caroline M., 424 + + ——, Charlotte, 424, 427 + + Denny, Sarah, 207 + + De Peyster, Capt. Abraham, 398, _footnote_ + + ——, Eliza Ann S., 398 + + Dering, Anna Charlotte, 421 + + Deveaux, Mrs. Harriet, 444 + + De(a)veaux, Theodosia, 153, 399, 400, 403, 406 + + Dewey, Ann, 432, 434 + + ——, Sophia, 406 + + ——, George, 25, 261 + + Dewsenbury, Hannah, 398 + + Dibble, Julia, 427 + + ——, Mary A., 412, 414 + + Dickenson, Mrs., 198 + + Dickinson, Parthenia L., 398 + + Dicks, Ann, 409 + + Diven, Sarah, 442 + + Dodge, Dr. James Ross, 444 + + Dole, Almira, 288, 444 + + Dougall, Agnes R., 421, 424 + + Dow, Rev. Lorenzo, 238 + + Dressing in mourning, attempt to regulate the custom, 40, 41 + + Du Bois, Cornelius, 423 + + Dunham, Miss, 347, 348 + + Dunn, Amelia, 434 + + ——, Susannah J., 432, 434 + + Dutcher, Caroline, 442 + + ——, Elizabeth, 437 + + Dwight, Rev. Mr., 294 + + ——, Miss, 294 + + + Eames, Julia Ann, 424 + + Earle, Ralph, portrait painter, notice of arrival in Litchfield, 39 + + Eastman, Mary, 442 + + Education: the higher education of women, 27, 257, 258, 333 + + Edward, Miss, 170 + + Edwards, ——, 289 + + ——, President (of Yale), 41, 288 + + ——, Mrs., 288 + + ——, Betsey, 148, 149 + + ——, Nancy, 148, 149, 444 + + ——, Pomeroy, 412 + + ——, Sarah, 412 + + Egleston, Dr. Thomas, 4, 339, _footnote_ + + Election ball, the, 205 + + Elliot, Miss, 193 + + Ellis, Eleanor, 403, 406 + + ——, Pamelia, 406 + + Ellsworth, William, of Hartford, 63 + + Elmore, Miss, 395 + + ——, Julia, 397 + + “Elm Park Collegiate Institute,” the, 299 + + Elting, Maria B., 403, 406 + + Ely, Caroline (m. Joel Steele), 444 + + ——, Catherine, 418 + + ——, Clarissa, 404, 406 + + Erwin(e), Eliza, 403, 406 + + Evening Post, the, Litchfield, 37 + + Everit, Sarah, 401 + + + Fanning, Mr., 60 + + ——, Miss, 11 + + ——, Sarah G., 398 + + Farmington Academy, the, 257 + + Farnham, Misses, 150 + + Farnam, Mrs. A. S., 296 + + ——, Henry, 436 + + Farnham, Laura, 403, 406 + + ——, Nancy, 403, 406 + + Farnsworth, Henry, 440, _footnote_ + + Farrings, Captain, 69 + + Fart, Eliza Garden, 395, 397 + + Fayereweather, Jane, 412, 414 + + Ferris, Miss, 302 + + ——, Helen, 409, 410 + + Filley, Eunice, 424 + + Finkle, Minerva, 406 + + ——, Sarah, 175, 406 + + Fish, Hannah, 401 + + ——, Mrs., 11 + + Fisher, Professor, 235, 236 + + ——, Rev. S. W., D.D., 429, _footnote_ + + Fitch, Venelia, 424, 447 + + Flagg, Emeline, 418 + + Flagler, Content S., 398 + + ——, Tamer, 398 + + Flewwelling, Samuel, 444 + + Flint, Amelia, 201 + + Florence, Sarah Ann, 424, 428, 430 + + Foote, Roxana (m. Lyman Beecher), 149, 414 + + Ford, E., 315 + + Fountain, Maria, 406 + + Fowler, Dr., 152 + + ——, Miss, 173, 174 + + ——, F. M., 445 + + ——, J. D., 447 + + Franklin, General, 203 + + ——, Walter S., 201, 203 + + Fraser, Alexander Garden, 148 + + Frasure, Mr., 163 + + French, —— (m. Julia Winship), 436 + + Frisbie, Elisha, 353 + + Fuller, Miss, 174 + + ——, Charley, 428 + + ——, William W., 447 + + + Gager, Julia C, 424 + + Gale, Elizabeth, 295 + + Gallatin, Albert, 58 + + Galpin, Amos, 20 + + ——, Mary Ann, 399, 401, 406 + + ——, Silvester, 261 + + Gardiner, David, 296, 397, _footnote_ + + ——, John Lyon, 296 + + ——, Mary B., 296, 411, 417, 418, 421 + + ——, Sarah D. (m. David Thompson), 296, 410, 411, 412, 414, 417, 418, + 442 + + Garnsey, Elizabeth, 204 + + Gates, Dr., 365 + + ——, General, 344 + + ——, Maria, 400 + + Gavvitt, Joshua, 261 + + Gay, Mr., 17 + + ——, Julius: paper, “Farmington Society One Hundred Years Ago,” 257–259 + + Geract’d, Almira, 399 + + Gibbs, Mr., 151, 205 + + ——, Mrs., 151 + + Gilbert, Charlie, 444 + + ——, Grace E., 428, 430, 432 + + ——, Julia, 434 + + Gillett, Catharine, 424 + + Gimbred, Mrs., 266, 318 + + ——, Evelina, 265, 266 + + Gleason, Mary, 399 + + Glen, Mary, 48, 397 + + Glover, ——, 206 + + ——, John J., 206 + + ——, Sam, 207 + + Goble, John W., 436 + + Gold, Mr., 269 + + ——, Caroline W., 397 + + ——, Laura, 406 + + Good, Abigail, 399 + + Goodall, Mary, 401 + + Goodman, Mary (2d wife of John Pierce), 5, 6, 448 + + Goodrect, Cornelia, 401 + + Goodrich, —— (m. Thomas Ward Smyth), 444 + + ——, ——, 444 + + ——, Mr., 196 + + ——, Mrs., 54 + + ——, Miss (m. Charles Wolcott), 437 + + Goodrich, Mrs. Eudocia B., 412, 414 + + ——, Maria, 421, 424 + + ——, Mary Ann (m. —— Wolcott), 444 + + ——, S. H., 446 + + ——, Sarah Worthington, 445 + + Goodsell, Dr., 240 + + Goodwin, Ann C., 406 + + ——, Elizabeth, 437, 438, 441 + + ——, Elizabeth C. (m. —— Adams), 434, 436 + + ——, Emeline, 418 + + ——, George and Sons, 409 + + ——, Leonard, 261, 263, 267, 433 + + ——, Mary (Mrs. Taylor), 287 + + ——, Mary, 289, 290 + + ——, Mary E., 437, 438, 440, 441 + + ——, Mrs., 207 + + ——, Oliver, 261, 265, 268 + + Goodyear, Miss, 44 + + ——, Ann M., 417, 418 + + Gould, Mrs., 207 + + ——, Almira, 444 + + ——, Charles, 421, _footnote_, 423 + + ——, Edward S., 242, 315; + poem in Mary Peck’s album, 251, 252 + + ——, George, 242, 409, 410, 411 + + ——, Henry Guy, 26, 119, 242 + + ——, Judge James, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 29, 30, 41, 57, 148, 149, 242, + 261, 262, 287, 333, 334, 336, 337 + + ——, James R., 242 + + ——, John, 432, 435, 437 + + ——, Julia, 242, 296, 410, 411, 414, 418 + + ——, Robert H., 435 + + ——, Sally M. C., 242 + + ——, William T., 201 + + Gracey, Misses, 364 + + Grac(s)y, Charity, 395, 397 + + Graham, Eliza A. (m. —— Manvel), 445 + + ——, James Lorimer, 447 + + ——, Robert, 445 + + Granger, Margaret Ann, 424 + + ——, Mary Ann, 424 + + Grannis, John W., 436 + + Grant, Miss, 271 + + ——, Charles W., 427 + + ——, Emily, 412, 414 + + ——, Fanny, 299 + + ——, Mrs. H., 300 + + ——, Harriet P., 299, 430, 432, 434, 437 + + ——, Jane, 441 + + ——, John M., 300, 435, 437 + + ——, Nancy, 409 + + Gray, Mrs. Asa, 80, 119, _footnote_; + sketch of Miss Sarah Pierce, 321, 322; + sketch of Miss Mary Pierce, 325, 326; + extract from diary, 326 + + ——, Mrs. Jane L., 321, _footnote_ + + Great Pond, see Bantam Lake + + Greeley, Horace, 444 + + Green, Sydney, 423, 436 + + Greenfield, Mary Ann C., 417, 418 + + Gregory, Miss, 174 + + ——, Susan, 406 + + Griffin, Rev. Mr., 18 + + ——, Elizabeth, 404, 406 + + Griffiths, Mr., 386 + + Griswold, Cornelia, 428, 432, 434 + + ——, Emeline (m. Dr. Charles Vail), 401, 436 + + ——, Helen C., 438 + + ——, Mary H., 398 + + Guion, Elisabeth, 442 + + + Hail, Nancy, 397 + + Haine, Miss, 163 + + Haines, Susan, 403, 406 + + Hale, Miss, 395 + + ——, Harriet, 403, 406 + + ——, Sybill, 401 + + Hall, Mr., 7, 240 + + Hall, Miss, 397 + + ——, Emeline T., 424 + + ——, Esther W., 416 + + ——, Charlotte T., 424 + + ——, Harriet, 401 + + Hallam, Mary D., 412, 414, 427, 442 + + Hamlin, G. W., 23 + + Hampton, Colonel, 384, 385, 386 + + Harmon, ——, 442 + + Harper, Mary Ann, 418 + + Harris, Sallie E., 401 + + Harrison, Mrs., 301 + + ——, Elihu, 261 + + ——, Minerva, 441 + + Hart, Miss, 194 + + ——, Emily, 433 + + Hasbrook, Eliza, 401 + + ——, Helen, 401 + + Haskell, Elizabeth, 424 + + Hastings, Mary, 398 + + Havens, Rensselaer, 148 + + Haydorn, Amelia P., 399 + + Hawley, Augusta M., 434 + + ——, Emiline, 414 + + ——, Mary, 414 + + Hayl, Sophira, 397 + + Hays, Miss, 395 + + ——, Melissa, 397 + + Heaton, Clarissa, 424 + + Hedge, Lucy, 403, 406 + + Hempstead, Julia, 421 + + Henderson, Miss, 44 + + Herbert, George R., 420 + + Herrick, Richard, 442 + + Heuvel, Mr. Vanden, 194 + + Hewet, M. A., 397 + + Heyden, Miss, 320 + + Hiccox, Irene, 410 + + Hickok, Mr., 315 + + “Hiel Jones,” see Barnes, Hiram + + Hill, Sally, 195 + + ——, Sybil V., 418 + + Hills, Amelia C., 427, 428, 434, 437 + + Hills, Eliza Ann, 417 + + ——, Jane, 427, 429, 434 + + ——, Rhoda Ann, 421 + + Hillhouse, Augustus, 57 + + Hinkle, Minerva, 164 + + ——, Sarah, 164 + + Hitchcock, Sarah, 399 + + Hoadley, Frances, 424 + + ——, Harriet S., 417, 418 + + Hodges, Roxy, 427, 438 + + Hoffman, M., 100 + + ——, Maria, 401 + + Holcomb, Mary, 424 + + Hollabird, Harriet, 414 + + Hollister, Mr., 330 + + Hollister, Caroline E., 424 + + Hollister, Gideon H., 268 + + Holmes, Mr., 13, 14, 53 + + ——, Mrs., 16 + + ——, Judge, 200 + + —— (Homes), Elizabeth D., 413, 414, 417, 418 + + ——, H., 242 + + ——, Lucretia, 445 + + ——, Nancy, 401 + + ——, Uriah, 20 + + ——, Uriel, 242, 261 + + Holmes’ house, the, 30 + + Hooker, Rev. Mr., 17, 19, 223, 257 + + ——, Miss, 153 + + ——, Elizabeth, 445 + + ——, Mary, 152 + + Hopkin, Mr., 54 + + Hopkins, 10, 11, 13, 54, 203 + + ——, the Misses, 152 + + ——, Adela, 153 + + ——, Adelaide, 403, 406 + + ——, Huldah, 446 + + ——, Margaret M., 152, 153, 289, 403, 406 + + ——, Nancy, 54 + + ——, Polly, 204 + + ——, Sam Miles, 60 + + Hoppin, Mrs. Mary D., 324 + + ——, Professor, 324 + + Hornblower, Harriet (m. Judge Lewis B. Woodruff), 445 + + ——, Joseph C., 445 + + Horton, Emily, 438 + + Hosmer, Chief Justice Stephen T., 196, 242; + poem in Mary Peck’s album, 245 + + Hotchkiss, Mary, 421 + + ——, Nancy, 202, 398 + + Housatounoc, the (river), 238 + + Howard, Alexander, 443 + + ——, Maria, 414 + + Howe, Susan, 411 + + Howell, Mary B., 421 + + Hovt, —— (m. Catherine M. Bissell), 436 + + ——, Delia M., 421, 424 + + Hubbard, Mary, 84 + + ——, Mary D., 413, 414, 417, 418 + + ——, Phoebe, 62 + + Hubbell, Algernon Sidney, 429, _footnote_ + + ——, Caroline M., 398, 437 + + Hubbell, Julia Ann, 421, 425 + + ——, M. A. T., 425 + + Hudson, Mrs., 152 + + Huger, Lewis Tabier, 443 + + Hughes, Angelica, 401 + + ——, Enos B. M., 443 + + Hull, ——, 297 + + ——, Captain, 194 + + ——, Colonel and Mrs., 348 + + ——, Esther M., 418 + + ——, Henry A. (m. Sarah Sanderson), 435, 437 + + ——, Sydney, 442 + + Humiston, Elizabeth, 437 + + Humphrey, ——, 201 + + Humphreys, Janette (Jeanette), 413, 414 + + Hunt, Miss (m. George Seymour), 437 + + ——, Caroline, 403, 406 + + ——, Emeline, 401 + + ——, Harriet D., 429, 430, 432, 434 + + ——, Maria, 401 + + ——, Mrs. Mary A., 288, 289 + + ——, Polly, 401 + + Hunter, Catherine (m. —— Bullock), 397, 445 + + Huntington, Rev. Mr., 44, 47, 49, 50, 68, 207, 259, 311 + + ——, Rev. Enoch, 426 + + ——, Rev. Dan, 336 + + ——, Hannah, 152 + + ——, Hon. Jabez W., 261, 262, 433 + + Huntley, L., 445 + + Hurlbert, Miss, 163 + + ——, Nancy W. (Hurlburt), 403, 406 + + Hurlburt, Mr., 238, 241 + + Hurlbut, Elizabeth (Betsey), 401, 429 + + Hyde, Eliza, 421 + + ——, Fanny, 418 + + ——, Harriet, 403, 406 + + ——, Jemimah, 418 + + ——, Lydia, 429 + + ——, Margaret L., 425 + + ——, Nancy, 168 + + + Jackson, Mr., 199 + + ——, Mrs., 288 + + ——, (Ann) Eliza (m. Amzi Armstrong), 421, 423, 425 + + ——, Ann Eliza (m. George C. Seelye), 287 + + ——, Cecilia, 429 + + ——, Drusilla, 441 + + ——, Eliza, 287, 429, _footnote_ + + ——, Jane (m. Rev. S. W. Fisher, D.D.), 429, 432, 434, 439 + + ——, John P., 242 + + Jackson, Julia Ann (m. Algernon Sidney Hubbell), 425, 429 + + ——, Peter, 429, _footnote_ + + Jacobs, George, 195, 199, 200, 205, 206, 207 + + James, Mr., 61 + + “Jephthah’s Daughter:” a play, 119–145 + + Johns, Nancy, 164, 403, 406 + + Johnson, Sarah, 440 + + ——, Thomas N., 447 + + Johnston, Mr., 199 + + ——, Betsy, 199 + + ——, Eliza A., 397 + + Jones, —— (m. Maria Buel), 436 + + ——, Rev. Mr., 238, 296 + + ——, Mrs., 301 + + ——, Miss, 165, 167, 199, 287, 318, 320 + + ——, Ann, 224, 410 + + ——, Betsey M., 404 + + ——, Elizabeth H., 398 + + ——, Harriet, 425 + + ——, Henrietta, 291, 411, 413 + + ——, Henry R., 299 + + ——, Isabella P., 410, 414 + + ——, Julia H., 414, 417, 418 + + ——, Mary E., 401 + + ——, Willie, 296 + + ——, William, 432, 437 + + ——, William E. (m. Miss Ogden), 435 + + Judson, Miss (1st wife of Dr. Daniel Sheldon), 10 + + ——, Miss, 193 + + ——, Charlotte M., 417, 418 + + ——, Eliza, 403, 406 + + ——, Mary S., 425 + + + Keeler, Miss, 162 + + ——, Amanda, 158, 403, 406 + + ——, Sarah A., 421, 425 + + Keith, Charles, 434, _footnote_, 436 + + Kellogg, Maria A., 421 + + ——, Rachel, 403, 407 + + Kennard, Jane, 445 + + Kent, Julia, 425 + + Kerby, Fanny, 395 + + Ketcham, Mary, 421 + + Keyes, Laura, 398 + + Kibbe, Margaret, 445 + + Kilborn, James, 437 + + Kilbourne, see Braman & Kilbourne + + ——, Dr., 436 + + Kilbourn, Mrs. (Harriet Wadsworth), 286, 287 + + Kilbourne, B., 261 + + ——, Eliza, 421 + + ——, Payne K., 21, _footnote_ + + Kilbourne’s _History of Litchfield_, 21, 27, 35, 320 + + King, Mrs. (Abigail Clarke), 418, _footnote_ + + King, Catherine, 442 + + ——, Eliza, 440, 442 + + Kingsbury, Major, 291 + + ——, Judge John, 418, _footnote_, 443 + + ——, Sarah L. (m. William Brown), 231, 291, 418 + + Kinne, Tryphena, 429 + + Kipp, —— (m. Delia Radcliffe), 436 + + Kirby, Catharine, 407 + + ——, Harriet, 153, 400, 402 + + ——, Helen, 401, 407 + + Kirchon(?), Mr., 318 + + Kirk, Mr., 317 + + Kirkland, C., 241 + + Knapp, Mary, 409 + + Knickerbocker, John, 150 + + Knight, Mrs. Caroline Sedgwick (? Miss Swan), 291 + + Kosciusko, 367, 372, 378 + + + Lampson, Miss, 395 + + Lancaster, Mass., 1 + + Landon, ——, 42, 207 + + ——, Mr., 5, 31, 316 + + ——, Miss, 152, 153, 169, 173, 174, 287, 314 + + ——, Ann Elizabeth, 242, 244, 316, 401, 407 + + ——, Miss C. (Mrs. Livingston), 60 + + ——, Charlotte, 203, 399 + + ——, J. C., 119 + + ——, Jane Maria (m. F. M. Fowler), 445 + + ——, John R., 20, 242, 261, 262, 433 + + ——, M. E., 242 + + ——, Mary, 167, 316, 407, 409, 410, 415 + + ——, N., 242 + + ——, Nancy, 84 + + Landon house, the, 323 + + Langdon, B. H., 242 + + ——, Mary, 440, 441 + + Lansing, Isaac, 436 + + Larnard, ——, 445 + + Larned, Miss, 297 + + Lathrop, Francis E., 421 + + ——, Lucy, 409 + + ——, Maria, 409 + + ——, Mira, 418 + + Lathrope, Miss, 59 + + Law, Mr., 200 + + ——, Ann, 409 + + ——, Harriet, 409 + + ——, Maria, 409 + + Law School, The Litchfield, 9, 25, 28, 29, 30, 34, 148, 149, 179, 258, + 332, 333; + graduates, 337; + students, 42, 43, 150, 288, 289, 292, 296, 297, 322 + + Leavenworth, ——, 54, 55 + + ——, E. W., 242 + + ——, Mary Ann, 410 + + ——, Sally, 388, 445 + + Leavitt, Miss, 52, 69, 395 + + ——, Betsey, 395 + + ——, Elizabeth, 421 + + ——, Julia, 287 + + —— (Leavette), Susan, 207, 399, 401 + + Lee, Dr., 423 + + ——, Charlotte, 415 + + ——, Elizabeth O., 407 + + ——, James, 33 + + Leonard, Corelia, 445 + + ——, Elizabeth, 432, 434, 437, 439, 441 + + Leonard, Sarah Ann, 427, 429, 434 + + Leonards, Mrs., 58 + + Leonare, Cornelia, 401 + + Lester, Emily M., 417, 418 + + Levingstone, Anny, 395 + + ——, Catharine, 395 + + Lewis, ——, 18, 19 + + ——, Colonel, 343 + + ——, Mr., 11 + + ——, Miss, 80, 82, 152, 207 + + ——, Amelia (m. —— Peck), 83, 401, 404, 407, 425, 427, 434, 436 + + ——, Algernon S., M.D., 423 + + ——, Ashley, 409 + + ——, Daniel W., 20 + + ——, Jane R., 242, 409, 410, 411, 446; + her diary (1820), 221–225; + extracts from her commonplace book, 225–229; + names in commonplace book, 446 + + ——, Jane S., 83 + + ——, John, 435, 437 + + ——, Louisa C., 242, 401, 407, 446; + extracts from her commonplace book, 229–230; + poem “The Bantam,” 230; + names in commonplace book (1817), 446 + + ——, M. A., 242 + + ——, Mary (m. William B. Bostwick), 425 + + ——, Mary Ann, 425; + names in commonplace book, 447 + + ——, Mary K., 421 + + ——, Naby, 16 + + ——, Ozias, 17, 427 + + ——, Sarah, 287 + + ——, William, 410 + + Light, Melissa, 425 + + Lindsley, Emily, 398 + + ——, Glovvina C., 270, 427, 429 + + Litchfield, Conn., at the beginning of the nineteenth century, 20; + census of 1820, 21; + stage routes, 21, 22, 23; + its manufactures (1810), 24, 25; + population, 24; + depot for military stores, 26; + account of the melting of the statue of King George III., 26–27; + during the revolution, 27; + temperance movement, 28; + description by Henry Ward Beecher, 28–31; + description by Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe, 31; + excursions to Bantam Lake, 32, 33; + the Aerial Phaeton, 34; + social conditions, 41–43; + description by Edward D. Mansfield, 41–43; + “Dear old Litchfield,” letter written for the Litchfield Enquirer by + Lucy Sheldon, 65, 66; + The East Burying Ground, 331–333; + Litchfield Hill: sketch from Harper’s Magazine for 1877, 335–338; + census of 1820, 394; + Litchfield County Post, 271; + Litchfield Eagle, 21, 413; + Litchfield Enquirer, 23, 28, 64, 265, 267, 271; + Litchfield Lyceum, 27; + Litchfield Monitor, 25, 27, 32, 39, 40 + + “Litchfield China Trading Co.,” the, 25 + + Litchfield Female Academy, the, 28, 30, 320, 321, 328, _footnote_, 333; + its inception in 1792, 6; + incorporated in 1827, 7; + contemporary notices, 1792, 7–9; + subscription list for building first academy, 19–20; + training day, 34; + performances given by students, 34; + balls, 35; + merit marks, 35; + school bill of Susan Masters (1805), 80; + histories used in the school, 80, 81, 82; + historical charts, 82; + prizes, 83; + report of judges for prize of merit, 84; + rules for the school and family, 146, 147; + connection of Rev. Lyman Beecher with the school, 179; + description of the school, 179; + its high reputation, 179; + cost of tuition, 188; + Julia Seymour’s copy of rules (1820), 230, 231; + Sarah Kingsbury’s copy of rules (1821), 231, 232; + a definition of politeness, 232–234; + rules (1825), 255–259; + terms of tuition (1826), 259; + notes from records (1827), 260–268; + copy of subscription (1827), 260; + names of subscribers, 261, 262; + act of incorporation, 262; + list of trustees, 262; + contract for building, 262, 263; + trustees address to the public (1828), 263; + vote to sell buildings on East St., 265; + resignation of J. P. Brace, 265; + notices of change of teachers, 265–267; + Miss Henrietta Jones appointed principal, 266; + cost of tuition and board, 267; + application for change in charter (1844), 267; + trustees appointed (1854), 268; + issue of new certificates of stock, 268; + vote to sell property to Miss Mary Pierce (1856), 268; + notice of semi-annual exhibition (1828), 270, 271; + notice of beginning of summer term (1829), 271; + notice of beginning of winter term (1829), 271; + cost of tuition, 271; + Miss Grant’s school bill, 271; + a letter to a pupil, 284–286; + reminiscences of Harriet Wadsworth, 286, 287; + letter from Mrs. George C. Seelye, 287; + reminiscences of Mrs. Emily Chauncey Curtis, 288; + letter from Mrs. Mary A. Hunt, 288, 289; + reminiscences of Miss Fanny Lord, 289, 290; + letter from Mrs. Anna M. Richards, 290, 291; + recollections of Susan Spencer, 291; + letter from Mrs. Caroline S. Knight, 291, 292; + letter from Miss Sarah D. Gardiner, 296; + reminiscences of Mrs. A. S. Farnam, 296, 297; + reminiscences of Miss Esther H. Thompson, 297–299; + letter from Mr. J. Deming Perkins, 299; + farewell address of John P. Brace, 303–307; + terms for instruction and board (1833), 310, 311; + geography, 324; + sketch of the school, 334, 335; + sketch from Harper’s Magazine, 337, 338; + studies spoken of in Mary Bacon’s diary, 395; + list of pupils, 395–397; + list of pupils (1814), 400–402; + catalogue of members (1816), 405–409; + list of pupils (1819–1820), 409, 410; + list of pupils (1821), 410, 411; + list of pupils (1822), 413–415; + list of pupils (1823), 417–419; + list of pupils (1825), 420–423; + marriages of pupils, 423; + list of pupils (1826), 423–426; + list of pupils (1828), 426–430; + list of pupils (1829), 430–432; + list of pupils (1830), 433–436; + list of pupils (boys), 435; + cost of tuition, 435; + marriages of pupils, 436, 437; + list of pupils (1831), 437–439; + list of pupils (1832), 439–441; + list of pupils (no date), 442, 443; + list of pupils from letters, &c., 443–447; + marriages of pupils, 443–447 + + Litchfield Historical Society, the, 84, 119 + + Livingston, Mr., 60 + + ——, Miss, 395 + + ——, Catherine 398, _footnote_ + + ——, J. K., 203 + + Lloyd, Mary P., 398, 413 + + Lobdell, Mary, 449 + + Lockwood, —— (m. Mary G. Thomas), 436 + + ——, Rev. Peter, 398, _footnote_ + + ——, John Seymour, 295 + + ——, Stanly, 295 + + Logan, Miss, 162 + + ——, Eliza, 407 + + Loomis, Harriot, 398 + + Lord, —— (m. Rachel Buel), 436 + + ——, Mr., 32, 237, 289 + + Lord, Mrs., 15, 16, 193, 236, 297 + + ——, Miss, 153, 236, 395 + + ——, Abbe(y) L., 401, 407 + + ——, Augustus A., 430 + + ——, Caroline, 193, 207 + + ——, Corinna, 440, 441 + + ——, E. A., 242, 261 + + ——, Erastus, 24 + + ——, Fanny, 289, 290, 399 + + ——, Helen L., 419, 421, 425, 427, 429, 430, 432, 440 + + ——, Maria T. (m. —— Boardman), 421, 425, 429, 430, 432, 434, 436 + + ——, Mary, 242, 396 + + ——, Mary Y., 419 + + Lord’s house, Mrs., 31 + + Loring, Mr., 7, 240 + + Losee, Lovina, 425 + + Lothrop, Frances E., 421, 425 + + Lovejoy, Mr., 193 + + ——, Miss, 193 + + Loyd, Mary P., see Lloyd + + Lyde (Lide), Mr., 258, 384, 385, 386, 390 + + Lyman, ——, 199 + + ——, Abby (Abbe) S., 403, 407 + + ——, Cecilia, 411 + + ——, Harriet M., 421, 425 + + ——, Lucretia, 442 + + ——, Martha, 432 + + ——, Mary L., 399 + + ——, Sarah M., 399 + + Lyon, Mr. and Mrs., 241 + + ——, Marie, 241 + + ——, Matthew, 206 + + ——, Pervis Eliza, 417, 419 + + ——, Perces E., 419 + + Lupton, Catharine S., 421, 425 + + + MacMartin, Mr., 24, 289 + + Maddin, Eliza, 427, 429, 430, 432, 434 + + Magill, ——, 423 + + Mail stages, see Stage routes + + Maison, Jane Ann (Mrs. Rev. Peter Lockwood), 398 + + Malin, Mrs. Louisa, 295 + + Man, Anna, 425 + + Mann, Louisa, 432 + + Mansfield, ——, 423 + + ——, Edward D., 6, 41, 179, 182, 241, 257 + + ——, Henry (m. Julia C. Trowbridge), 422, _footnote_ + + “Manual Labor High School of Litchfield County,” The, 27, 28 + + Manvel, ——, 445 + + Marr, Anna, 242 + + Marrin, Miss, 167 + + Marsh, Rev. Mr., 45 + + ——, Miss, 165 + + ——, C., 153 + + ——, Esther, 399 + + ——, Frederick A., 33 + + ——, Mercy, 436 + + Marsh, Sarah W., 403, 407 + + ——, Solomon, 20 + + Marsh house, the, 295 + + Marshall, —— (m. Sarah Scoville), 436 + + Martingbrough, Taine, 395 + + Marvin, Mrs., 26, 332 + + ——, Amy S., 403, 407 + + ——, Louisa, 403, 407, 409 + + ——, Nancy, 401 + + ——, Ruth, 332 + + Mason, Mr., 7, 174, 183 + + ——, Charles C., 447 + + ——, S., 445 + + ——, Stephen, 186, 187 + + Massachusetts Bay Company, the, 1 + + Masters, Susan, 80, 445 + + Mather, ——, 439 + + ——, Miss, 11 + + Maunda, Sally, 395 + + “Mayflower,” the, 3 + + Mayo, William, 442 + + M’Burney, Eliza M., 404, 407 + + M^cCan, Agnes, 294 + + ——, John, 294 + + M^cClellan, George, 200 + + M^cCracken, Hopkins, 198 + + M^cCrackan, Mr., 54 + + M’Curdy, Sarah, 399 + + M’Lachlan, Julian S. (Mrs. David Gardiner), 296, 397 + + M’Laughlin, Mrs., 289 + + McNeal, Miss, 162 + + McNeil, Mrs., 100 + + McNeill, Mrs. Edwin, 294 + + ——, Harriet, 401, 403, 407 + + McNeil, John, 436 + + ——, Louisa, 432 + + Means, Ann S., 415 + + ——, Isabella, 415 + + ——, Mary, 415 + + Merriam, Mary, 412 + + Merriman, ——, jeweller, 25 + + Mersereau, Aletta, 399 + + Merwin, Caroline, 403, 407 + + ——, Harriet, 425 + + Merwin, Mary M., 421, 425 + + ——, Orange, 27 + + ——, Tryphemia, 417, 419 + + Meshal, Elisa, 401 + + Miles, Henrietta, 401 + + ——, Mary, 401 + + Miller, Mr., 378 + + Mills, Rev. Mr., 225 + + ——, Almira, 410 + + Miner, L., 317 + + ——, Phineas, 261, 262, 433 + + ——, Zerviah R., 416, 419, 421, 425 + + Minturn, Clarissa, 401 + + ——, Emmeline, 401 + + Mitchell, Rev. Mr., 195 + + ——, Dr., 365, 371 + + Mix, Margaret, 224 + + Monson, Mary Ann, 409 + + Montgomery, John H., 34 + + Moody, Sarah A., 425 + + Moore, Mary Ann, 427 + + ——, Matilda, 409 + + Morgan, Asa, 20 + + ——, Becca, 10, 11, 13 + + ——, Nancy, 10, 11, 13 + + ——, Wealthy, 10 + + Morris, Jane E., 434 + + ——, James, 20 + + Morrison, Eliza, 445 + + Morse, ——, 24 + + ——, Mrs., 330 + + ——, Benjamin, 436 + + —— (? Moss), Betsey, 445 + + Mosely, Mr., 66 + + Moss, Betsey, 439 + + Mould, Susan, 416, 419 + + “Mount Tom,” Litchfield, 42 + + Muirson, Mrs., 317 + + Mulford, Eliza Ann (m. William K. Townsend), 80, 146, 401 + + Mulford, Henry, 401, _footnote_ + + ——, Nancy, 401, _footnote_ + + ——, Nancy (jr.), (m. Charles Robinson), 401 + + Mumford, Mr. and Mrs., 60, 62 + + ——, Helen F., 398 + + ——, Henrietta S. (m. Charles Gould), 421, 423, 425 + + ——, Mrs. Mary ——, 445 + + ——, Woolsey, 61 + + Munson, Dr., 372 + + ——, Eneas, 192 + + ——, Fanny, 415 + + ——, Mary, 192, 193, 194, 195, 199 + + Myers, John, 201 + + + Nash, Mr., 51 + + Nestell, Ann Elisa, 429, 434 + + ——, Ann R., 430, 432, 438 + + Nettleton, Rev. Mr., 150 + + Nevins, Miriam, 430 + + Newbury, Elizabeth, 409 + + Newcomb, Caroline, 402 + + ——, Margaret G., 407, 427 + + ——, Mary D., 403, 407 + + ——, Sarah A., 422, 425 + + Nichols, Mr., 193 + + Norman, Henrietta, 191 + + North, —— (m. Emily Benedict), 436 + + Northrop, Abbe(y) S., 402, 407 + + ——, Jane, 425 + + Norton, Mr., 298, 299 + + ——, Miss, 258 + + ——, Ambrose, 262, 295 + + ——, Clarissa, 441 + + ——, Lot, 27 + + ——, Louisa, 429 + + ——, William, 271, 427 + + Norwood, Jane, 402 + + Nourse, Dr., 436 + + Noyes, Dr., 60 + + ——, Mrs., of Clinton, N. Y., 59 + + ——, Professor, 446 + + ——, Sarah, 201 + + ——, Mrs. William Curtis, 28, _footnote_, 330 + + Nye, Amanda S., 404, 407 + + + Oakley, Velina, 442 + + Oaks, Julia, 427 + + Ogden, Mr., 364 + + ——, Miss (m. William Jones), 437 + + ——, Amelia, 57, 198, 433 + + ——, Eliza A., 82, 403, 407; + her journal (1816–1818), 160–166; + journal for the winter (1816), 166–170; + journal for the summer (1817), 170–176 + + ——, Julia, 171 + + ——, Zenos, 171 + + “Old Red College,” 257 + + Orkborn, Dr., 366 + + Orton, Dr., 378 + + ——, Miss, 395 + + ——, Caroline S., 409 + + ——, Catharine A., 409 + + ——, Charlotte E., 413, 415 + + ——, Jane A., 413, 415 + + Osborne, Mary S., 411, 412, 422, 425, 436 + + Osbourn, Sophia, 441 + + Osburn, Betsey, 399 + + Osgood, —— (m. Charlotte Cleaveland), 436 + + + Palfrey, Mr., 344 + + Pallen, Mr., 315 + + Pardee, Laura, 434 + + ——, Minerva, 402 + + ——, Sarah, 425 + + Park, Mrs. Mary Henrietta, 191 + + Parker, Mr., 31 + + ——, Elizabeth, 439, 440, 441 + + ——, Mary, 440, 441 + + Parks, Elizabeth (m. —— Bostwick), 434, 436 + + ——, Josiah, 35, 261 + + ——, Mary Marilla (m. Colonel Wessells), 445 + + Park’s (Josiah) Hotel, Litchfield, 22 + + Parmelee, ——, 297 + + Parmelee, Celeste, 415, 422, 425, 430 + + ——, J., 119 + + ——, Lucy, 242 + + Parsons, ——, 442 + + ——, A. V., 242 + + Partridge, Eliza C., 397 + + ——, Hepsey, 398 + + Paterson, Elizabeth (wife of Prince Jerome Bonaparte), 36 + + ——, Major, 4 + + ——, Major General, 4, 339, _footnote_, 448 + + ——, James (b. 1664), of Wethersfield, Conn., 4, 448 + + ——, John (b. 1707), 4, 448 + + ——, Mary (m. Col. John Pierce), 3, 4, 339, 417, 448 + + ——, William of Dumfriesshire, Scotland, 3, 4 + + Paterson Genealogy, 448 + + Patmore, —— (m. Amanda Brown), 436 + + Patridge, Almira J., 422 + + Pease, Miss, 395 + + ——, Betsy, 445 + + ——, Seth, 445 + + Peck, —— (m. Amelia Lewis), 436 + + ——, Mr., 193 + + ——, Miss, 42 + + ——, Cornelia, 432 + + ——, Grace, 407 + + ——, Harriet, 411 + + ——, Helen, 153, 234, 402, 407, 442; + poem on her death by J. P. Brace, 253 + + ——, Levvinia, 437 + + ——, M., 100 + + ——, Maria, 432, 436, 437, 439 + + ——, Mary W. (m. Edward D. Mansfield), 6, 32, 154, 194, 196, 207, 399, + 402, 404, 407, 420, 442; + her album (1825), 241–254; + list of autographs, 241, 242; + letter from Gov. Oliver Wolcott, 243; + Bantam! dear lake! 243; + The Indian’s Lament, 244; + poem by Stephen T. Hosmer, 245; + poem by H. Beecher, 245; + poems by Sarah Pierce, 246, 247; + poem by George Y. Cutler, 247; + poem by E. Wolcott, 247, 248; + poem by Frederick Wolcott, 249; + poem by John Pierpont, 249, 250; + poem by C. Beecher, 250, 251; + poem by Edward S. Gould, 251, 252; + poem by E. Reeve, 252; + poem by Benjamin Tallmadge, 253; + poem on the death of Miss Helen Peck by J. P. Brace, 253; + poem by M. Tallmadge, 254; + poem by J. P. Brace, 254 + + Peck, Timothy, 20 + + ——, Virgil, 442 + + ——, William N., 242 + + Peet, Ann, 437, 439, 440, 441 + + Pendleton, Mr. and Mrs., 317 + + ——, Ann Pierce, 371 + + ——, Green, 317 + + Penny, Miss, 174 + + ——, Elizabeth E. (m. Dr. Peter Buel), 422, 423, 425 + + Perkins, ——, 442 + + ——, Mr., 60 + + ——, Miss, 234, 235, 238, 239 + + ——, Anna Maria, 236, 413, 415, 416, 419 + + ——, Mrs. Charles, 84 + + ——, Clarissa, 242 + + ——, Henry A., 242, 262 + + ——, J. Deming, 37, _footnote_, 209 + + ——, Mary, 441 + + ——, Olive D., 416, 419 + + ——, Thomas C., 82, 241 + + Perrit, Mr. and Mrs., 62 + + Perry, Charlotte, 429 + + ——, Nancy, 441 + + Peters, Abigail Thompson, 445 + + ——, John Thompson, 445 + + Pettebone, Miss, 395 + + Pettibone, Harriot, 396 + + Pettingall, Amos, 413 + + Pettit, Charlotte, 402 + + Phelps, ——, 7, 202 + + ——, Mr., 342 + + ——, Mrs., 16 + + ——, Charlotte (m. George D. Cowles), 425; + copy of Academy rules, 255–257; + custom of exchanging children, 257 + + ——, Henry, 262 + + ——, Mary, 405, 409, _footnote_, 410, _footnote_, 442, _footnote_ + + Pierce, Mr., 57 + + ——, Anne (Nancy), 4, 5, 47, 321, 323, 324, 328, 368, 372, 378, 388, + 390, 448 + + ——, Mrs. Ann Bard, 317, 377 + + ——, Betsey, 4, 448 + + ——, Daniel, 364 + + ——, Gen. E. W., 2 + + ——, Frederick, 62 + + ——, Frederick Beech, 449, _footnote_ + + ——, Frederick Clifton, 1, _footnote_ + + ——, J., 242 + + ——, James, 5, 311, 312, 322, 361, 366, 376, 378, 379, 382, 383, 385, + 386, 388, 448; + letters from Timothy Pierce, 366–369 + + ——, John, of Charlestown, Mass., 449 + + ——, John, of London, England, 1, 2, 3 + + —— (Pers), John, of Watertown, Mass., 1 + + ——, John, of Wethersfield, Conn., 1, 2, 4, 449 + + ——, John (b. 1733), of Litchfield, Conn., 1, 2, 4, 5, 328, 339, 448, + 449 + + ——, Mrs. John (Mary Paterson), 361, 391, 448 + + ——, Col. John (b. 1750), 1, 2, 4, 5, 317, 321, _footnote_, 323, 327, + 448; + letters and verses, 339–353; + accounts and memoranda, 353–360 + + ——, Jonathan, of Charlestown, Mass., 448 + + ——, Mary (Polly), 5, 13, 26, 39, 52, 54, 55, 58, 60, 64, 149, 168, 235, + 238, 239, 240, 242, 288, 290, 296, 298, 299, 301, 311, 312, 321, + 322, 328, 361, 363, 364, 366, 370, 371, 372, 378, 379, 380, 381, + 384, 387, 388, 390; + letter from Fanny Smith Skinner, 269, 270; + sketch by Mrs. Asa Gray, 325, 326; + letter to Mrs. William Curtis Noyes, 330, 331; + letters from Timothy Pierce, 361–390 + + Pierce, Mary (m. —— Strong), 4, 448 + + ——, Mary (Salisbury, Conn.), 416, 419, 448 + + ——, Capt. Michael, 3 + + ——, Nancy Maria, 425 + + ——, Ruth (m. Thomas O. H. Croswell), 5, 327, 328, 448; + see also Croswell, Mrs. + + ——, Samuel, of Charlestown, Mass., 449 + + ——, Sarah, 1, 2, 3, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 35, + 39, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 53, 55, 61, 67, 69, 71, + 72, _footnote_, 80, 81, 82, 83, 148, 149, 150, 162, 164, 165, 166, + 167, 169, 170, 171, 173, 174, 175, 179, 180, 183, 185, 190, 202, + 223, 231, 234, 235, 237, 238, 240, 242, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, + 263, 265, 270, 284, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 294, 296, 297, + 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 307, 328, 333, 337, 361, 366, 376, 388, + 420, 433, 448; + ancestry, 1–5; + education in New York, 5; + school started, 1792, 6; + contemporary notices, 1792, 6–9; + her personality, 7; + prepares Henry Ward Beecher for college, 28; + balls given under her patronage, 35; + moves to a new house, 44; + plays written for amusement of pupils: + Ruth, 84–100, + The Two Cousins, 100–118, + Jephthah’s Daughter, 119–145; + joke perpetrated at a rehearsal, 145; + rules about early rising, 151; + address at close of school (1818), 176–179; + extract, “Autobiography of Lyman Beecher,” giving account of Miss + Pierce and her school, 179, 180; + extract, “Life of Mrs. H. B. Stowe,” 180–182; + address at the close of the summer (1820), 208–210; + a fragment, 210–212; + dialogue between Miss Trusty and her pupils, 213–218; + verses, 219–221; + poems in Mary Peck’s album, 246, 247; + conveyance to Academy corporation, 261; + retires from active duties in the school, 266; + letter from Miss B. C. Robertson, 268; + article on Temperance question, 281–284; + letters to her brother James, 311–313; + letters to John P. Brace, 313–319; + obituary notices, 320, 321; + sketch by Mrs. Asa Gray, 321, 322; + notes collected for Mrs. Asa Gray, 322–324; + sketch of the school, 334, 335; + letters from Col. John Pierce, 346–353; + letter from William Rees announcing death of Dr. Timothy Pierce, 391, + 392; + her genealogy, 448 + + Pierce, Susan (m. James P. Brace), 4, 5, 448 + + ——, Thomas, of Charlestown, Mass., 449 + + ——, Dr. Timothy, 5, 448; + letters written by, 361–390; + letter of Horace Reed announcing his death, 391, 392; + letter of William Rees announcing his death, 391, 392; + sermon preached at his funeral, 392, 393 + + ——, Capt. William, 3 + + Pierce’s Almanach, 3 + + “Pierce’s Desire,” the, 3 + + Pierce Genealogy, 448, 449 + + Pierpont, Fanny, 15 + + ——, John, 56, 242, 335; + Centennial Poem, 8, 9; + poem in Mary Peck’s album, 249, 250 + + ——, Mrs. Mary, 397 + + ——, Minerva, 422 + + Pinkney, General, 383 + + ——, Mr., 193 + + Pitkin, ——, 442 + + ——, Eliza, 404, 407 + + Platt, Charlotte, 404, 407 + + Pledger, Elisa, 402 + + Plymouth Company, the, 1 + + Plymouth Pilgrims, the, known as “Mr. Pierce’s Company,” 3 + + “Poganuc People,” 298 + + Porter, Judge, 61, 62 + + ——, Ann E., 434 + + ——, Cornelia, 427 + + ——, Elizabeth, 427 + + ——, Laura, 398, 440, 441 + + ——, Maria, 415 + + ——, Mary S., 422, 425 + + ——, Sally, 202 + + ——, Sophia, 415 + + Post, Mary, 398 + + ——, Sarah, 399 + + Post Coaches, see Stage routes + + Potatoes, sweet, first brought to New England from the West Indies, 3 + + Potter, Hannah H., 422 + + ——, Margaret, 413 + + ——, Mary Ann, 446 + + ——, Tertius D., 27 + + Powel, Judge, Auburn, N. Y., 60 + + Prall, Maria C., 397 + + Prentiss, Joanna R., 422 + + Prevost, Mrs. Theodosia, 335 + + Prince, Mrs., 194 + + ——, Elizabeth S. (m. N. Rochester Child), 287, 322, 434, 436, 437, 439, + 440, 441, see also Child, Mrs. + + Pruyn, Catharine, 425 + + Pugsley, Elisa, 430, 432 + + ——, Jane, 442 + + Pulver, Eliza A., 437 + + Purdy, Caroline, 442 + + ——, Clarissa, 415 + + ——, Roxana, 415, 442 + + Pyncheon, Mrs., 198 + + + Radcliffe, Belinda, 430 + + ——, Delia M. (m. —— Kipp), 432, 434, 436, 439 + + ——, Jane E., 425, 429 + + ——, Julia, 440, 441 + + Randsome, Sarah, 442 + + Rankin, —— (m. Charles Wolcott), 437 + + ——, the Misses, 297 + + ——, Mary O., 438 + + ——, Phoebe Ann (m. John W. Goble), 434, 436, 438, 439, 440, 441 + + ——, Robert, 423 + + ——, Sarah, 439 + + ——, Susan, 441 + + Ranny, Captain, 371, 380 + + Rapaljee, Phoebe, 398 + + Rapine, Susannah T., 430, 432, 434, 437 + + Raymand, Sally Ann, 442 + + Raymond, Elisa, 402 + + ——, Hannah M., 434 + + Reed, ——, 426 + + ——, Hannah, 419 + + ——, Dr. Horace, 361, 384, 392; + letter announcing death of Dr. Timothy Pierce, 390, 391 + + Rees, William, 361, 390, 391; + letter to Sarah Pierce announcing death of Dr. Timothy Pierce, 391, + 392 + + Reese, ——, 390 + + Reeve, Miss, 152, 153, 236 + + ——, Anabella, 84 + + ——, Burr, 409, 411, 413 + + ——, Elizabeth (Burr), 57, 84, 152, 184, 186, 242; + poem in Mary Peck’s album, 252 + + ——, Judge Tapping, 20, 25, 29, 30, 41, 51, 53, 57, 179, 192, 197, 198, + 203, 205, 257, 288, 289, 334, 336, 337, 355, 378, 391; + biography, 333 + + Reid, George, 349 + + Reynolds, Miss J., 270 + + ——, Julia, 427, 429 + + Rhinebeck, 298 + + Richards, Ann M., 225 + + ——, Mrs. Anna M., 290 + + ——, Rev. James, 299 + + ——, William, 26 + + Riddel, H. H., 242 + + Riley, Mary H., 404 + + Ripley, Ann M., 397 + + Robbins, Caroline T., 441 + + ——, Julia W., 429, 430, 432 + + Robbins, Mersa, 399 + + ——, Susan E., 429, 430, 432 + + Roberts, —— (m. Sybil Sears), 436 + + ——, Rev. W., 391; + funeral sermon on death of Dr. Timothy Pierce, 392, 393 + + ——, Cloe, 402 + + Robert, Rhoda, 402 + + Robertson, Ann, 397 + + ——, Miss B. C., 268 + + ——, Bellamy C., 397 + + Robinson, Ann Maria, 425 + + ——, Charles, 401, _footnote_ + + ——, Matilda C., 404, 407 + + Rockwell, Miss, 152 + + ——, C., 100 + + ——, Charlotte, 402, 442 + + ——, Henry, 435 + + ——, Solomon, 27 + + ——, Susan, 404, 407 + + Rodgers, Dr., 387 + + ——, Miss, 205 + + Roe, Mrs., 172 + + Rogers, Miss, 68, 200, 224, 395 + + ——, Abigail, 409, 410, 442 + + ——, Anna P., 301 + + ——, Elisa, 429 + + ——, Henry, 423 + + Roosevelt family, the, 348 + + Root, Amoret, 439 + + ——, Julia, 11 + + ——, S., 439 + + Rose, Charlotte M., 397 + + Rossiter, Miss, 241 + + Rowe, Miss, 169 + + Rowland, Eliza, 402 + + ——, Elizabeth, 404, 407 + + Royce, Eliza, 152 + + Ruggles, Mable, 444 + + ——, Nathan, 258 + + Rumsey, Miss, 402 + + Russ, Mary, 442 + + Russell, Catharine C., 425 + + ——, Dr. John, 423 + + ——, John W., 261 + + ——, Lucy, 381 + + ——, Olive, 413, 415 + + “Ruth,” a play, 48, 84–100 + + + Sabbath, the New England, 12 + + Salisbury, Ann, 407 + + Saltonstall, Frances C., 422, 425 + + ——, Fanny C., 411, 415, 419 + + Sanders, Betsey, 55 + + ——, Polly, 55 + + Sandford, Mr., 240 + + ——, Maria, 442 + + ——, Sarah, 442 + + Sandson, Sarah, 437 + + Sanford, Miss, 150, 153 + + ——, Judge David C., 242, 261, 424 + + ——, Esther R., 407 + + ——, Maria A., 404, 407 + + ——, Nat’n, 365 + + ——, Rollin, 423 + + Sanford, Sarah J., 402, 404, 407 + + Sayre, Fanny M., 434 + + Schenadoah, Indian chief, 154 + + Schermerhorn, Lucia N., 427, 429, 431, 432, 434 + + Scott, Martha M., 427, 429 + + Scovil(l), Miss, 68, 395 + + Sc(h)ovil, Eliza, 395, 396 + + Scoville, Sarah L. (m. —— Marshall), 434, 436 + + Schultz, Juliana, 422 + + Sears, Harriet, 426 + + ——, Mary G., 429, 434, 441 + + ——, Orra, 407 + + ——, Sybil B. (m. —— Roberts), 429, 434, 436 + + Sebor, Mary (m. —— Sheldon), 446 + + Sedgwick, Albert, 268 + + Sedg(e)wick, Charles, 292, 446 + + Sedgwick, Philo C., 436 + + Seeley, Thomas, 435 + + Seely, Ann, 398 + + Seelye, Mrs., 238 + + ——, Mrs. George C. (Ann Eliza Jackson), relation of her school days, + 287 + + ——, Harriet, 238 + + Seymour (Seymore), ——, 202, 353, 370, 377 + + Seymore, Mrs., 46 + + Seymour, Mrs., 152 + + Seymour, Amelia Selina, 410, 416, 419 + + ——, Ann M., 440 + + ——, Charles, 261 + + ——, Clarissa, 153, 402 + + ——, Delia Storrs, 295, 410 + + Seymore, Eleanora, 422 + + Seymour, Emma (Mrs. Philip Battell), 292 + + ——, George (m. Miss Hunt), 297, 435, 437, 438 + + ——, Henrietta Sophronia (m. G. C. Woodruff), 242, 410, 415, 416, 419 + + ——, Henry, 411 + + ——, Horatio, 292, 294 + + ——, Miss J., 270 + + ——, James, 315 + + ——, Jane A. (m. Dr. Josiah G. Beckwith), 295, 422, 423 + + ——, Jane M., 426, 427 + + ——, Julia, 446; + alterations from copy of rules of Litchfield Academy (1820), 230, 231 + + ——, Louisa (m. Stanly Lockwood), 152, 153, 295, 408, 443 + + ——, Mabel (Strong), 295 + + ——, Marana, 410 + + ——, Maria S. (m. Rollin Sanford), 422, 423, 426, 427, 429, 431, 432, + 434 + + ——, M^cCave, 438 + + ——, Major Moses, 20, 24 + + ——, Moses, jr., 20, 294, 295 + + ——, Judge Origen S., 242, 261, 297, 423 + + Seymour, Ozias, 24, 262 + + ——, Samuel, 20 + + ——, Storrs, 409 + + Shaw, Eliza, 397 + + Shedden, Jane E. R., 242, 397 + + Sheddon, Miss, 314 + + Sheldon, ——, 10, 11, 446 + + ——, Charlotte, 43, 396; + her diary (1796), 10–17 + + ——, Dr. Daniel, 9, 10, 20, 30, 43, 63, 152, 154, 207, 235, 242, 287, + 295, 296, 411, 433 + + ——, Daniel (son of Dr. Daniel Sheldon), 10, 11, 58, 261, 262 + + ——, Elisha, 357 + + ——, Elizabeth, 289 + + ——, Fanny (m. Professor Noyes), 446 + + ——, Frederick, 55, 58, 64 + + ——, H., 152 + + ——, Henry, 55, 58, 152, 198 + + ——, Huldah (m. Dr. Daniel Sheldon), 9, 53, 84, 151, 153; + letter to her daughter Lucy, 55 + + ——, Joe, 11 + + ——, Lucy (m. Theron Beach), 21, 151, 198, 287, 296, 297, 302, 396, 397, + 402; + her diary (1801), 43–49; + her journal (1803), 49–53; + letter to her mother, 53–55; + extracts from her commonplace book, 56–58; + letter to her brother Henry in France, 58–64; + “Dear old Litchfield,” article written for the Litchfield Enquirer, + 65, 66 + + ——, Mary (Polly), 64, 396 + + ——, Rachel, 204 + + ——, Sam, 204 + + ——, William, 55, 58, 60, 242, 443 + + Shelton, Miss, 234, 238 + + ——, Mary Ann, 413, 415, 416, 419, 442 + + ——, Nicholas, 445 + + Shephard, Miss, 205 + + Sheperd, Miss, 176 + + Sherrill, Caroline, 419 + + ——, Cornelia, 416 + + ——, Esther, 426 + + ——, Fany, 402 + + ——, Frances, 442 + + Sherill, Mary, 402, 404, 408, 442 + + Sherrill, Julia M., 416, 419, 426 + + Sherwood, Miss, 172 + + ——, Elizabeth, 422 + + Shetater, Mr., 15 + + Shipman, Miss, 199 + + ——, Caroline, 441 + + Sill, Mrs. Susan, 446 + + Simons, Anny Fred, 397 + + Simpson, Martha, 432 + + Skiff, Abigail, 426 + + Skinner, Mrs. (Brace), 59, 310 Skinner, Miss, 202, 395 + + ——, C. W., 446 + + ——, Fanny Smith, 269 + + ——, Frences P., 422 + + ——, Rachel, 396 + + ——, Roger, 20 + + ——, Susan, 409, 410 + + Skinner house, the, 295 + + Smith, Captain, 187 + + ——, Dr., 13, 16, 17, 353, 364, 365 + + ——, Mrs. Dr., 55 + + ——, Mr., 59, 67, 68, 172, 377 + + ——, Mrs., 45, 171, 172 + + ——, Miss, 169, 174, 395, 396 + + ——, Aaron, 20 + + ——, Mrs. Aaron, 152 + + ——, Abigail, 402, 404, 443 + + ——, Abigail L., 408 + + ——, Abby M., 402, 404, 408 + + ——, Amanda, 84, 409 + + ——, Amy Ann, 422, 426 + + ——, Catherine, 427 + + ——, Charles, 447 + + ——, Charlotte M., 404, 408, 426, 427, 429, 431 + + ——, Chauncey, 413 + + ——, Delia M., 422, 426 + + ——, Ellen, 429 + + ——, Eunice, 402 + + ——, Fanny (m. —— Skinner), 13, 270, 363, 388, 446 + + ——, Frances M. (? N.), 238, 409, 410, 413, 415, 419 + + ——, Miss H., 270 + + ——, Harriet J., 434 + + ——, Harriet M., 427 + + ——, Hetty H., 416, 419 + + ——, John, 446 + + ——, Julia Ann, 408, 427, 429 + + ——, Julian A., 404 + + ——, Junius, 409 + + ——, Kirby, 409, 410 + + ——, Mary Ann, 441 + + ——, Mary W., 242, 402, 404, 408, 442, 446 + + ——, Nabby, 368 + + ——, Nancy, 409 + + ——, Reuben, 20 + + ——, S. S., 81, 261 + + ——, Sarah, 171, 172 + + ——, Susan, 419 + + Smith, Truman, 261, 262, 433 + + ——, Walter, 446 + + Smyth, Thomas Ward, 444 + + Southard, Mary Ann, 442 + + South Virginian Company, the, 1 + + Spencer, Laura O., 408 + + ——, Silvester, 261, 262 + + ——, Susan, 291 + + Sperry, Esther H., 408, 443 + + ——, Henrietta, 404 + + ——, Mary, 415, 416, 419 + + Sprague, ——, 444 + + ——, ——, 446 + + “Spring Hill,” 299 + + Stages, advertisement of routes, 21, 22, 23; + amount of baggage allowed, 31, 39, 58 + + Stanley, Mr., 53 + + ——, Mary E., 408, 443 + + Stanly, Miss., 163 + + Stansbury, Josephine (m. Dr. Nourse), 432, 434, 436, 438 + + Stanton, Captain, 15 + + Staples, Catharine S., 404, 408 + + Starks, Edward, 381 + + Starkweather, Ann B., 399 + + ——, Hannah S., 399 + + Starr, Clarissa H., 400 + + ——, Daniel, 20 + + ——, Eliza, 401 + + ——, Julia, 408 + + Starr & Niles, 81, 416 + + Steel, Miss, 348 + + Steele, Joel, 444 + + Stephens, Miss (? vens), 166 + + Sterling, ——, 442 + + ——, Laura, 415 + + Stevens, —— (m. Jane M. Wadhams), 436 + + ——, Mr. and Mrs., 166 + + ——, Ann Eliza, 413, 415, 419 + + ——, Caroline, 409, 410, 411 + + ——, Jane, 409 + + ——, Margaret, 166 + + ——, Mary, 409 + + ——, Nancy, 409 + + ——, Theresa, 410, 411 + + ——, William, 22 + + Stewart, Governor, 293 + + Street, Maria C., 415, 419 + + ——, Mary, 413 + + Stiles, E. C., 242 + + Stilman, Emily, 11 + + Stirling, John, 203 + + Stocking, Ann, 400 + + Stockton, Rev. Mr., 148 + + ——, Polly, 347 + + Stoddard, Adeline, 408 + + ——, Catharine E., 416, 419 + + Stone, Mrs. (Mary L. Wilbor), 412 + + ——, Adelyne, 441 + + ——, Agatha, 429 + + ——, Charlotte, 446 + + ——, Harmon, 33 + + ——, Harriet, 446 + + ——, Huldah (2d wife of Dr. Daniel Sheldon), 43 + + ——, Hunt, 203 + + ——, Lucy A., 426, 429 + + ——, Nancy M., 419 + + Stone & Bolles, 262 + + Stores, Miss, 396 + + ——, Maria, 443 + + Storrs, Charlotte, 153, 404, 408 + + ——, Delia (Adelia) S., 410, 413, 415 + + ——, E., 153 + + ——, Harry, 206 + + ——, Maria, 404, 408 + + ——, Mary, 153 + + Stoten, Miss, 396 + + Stoutenburgh, Maria S., 397 + + Stowe, Professor, 182, 443 + + ——, Mrs. Harriet Beecher, 21, 31, 80, 145, 180–182; + letter referring to History by Sarah Pierce, 82 + + Strong, ——, 448 + + ——, Miss, 68, 395 + + ——, Agnes II., 422 + + ——, Fanny, 396 + + ——, Idea, 294 + + ——, Hon. Jedediah, 294, 353, 354, 355, 357 + + ——, John of Dorchester, Mass., 294 + + ——, Judge John, 292, 293, 335 + + ——, Lucy M., 422 + + ——, Mabel (m. Moses Seymour, jr.), 293, 294, 335 + + ——, Polly, 396 + + ——, Gen. Samuel, 294, 295 + + Sudbury, Mass., 1 + + Sullivan, ——, 240 + + ——, General, 343 + + Sutton, Ann Maria, 426 + + Swan, Betsey (m. Charles Sedgewick), 291, 446 + + ——, Cyrus, 291 + + ——, Harriet, 441 + + Swift, Miss, 201, 287, 320 + + ——, Amy B., 426 + + ——, Samanthe, 426 + + + Taber, W. J., 447 + + Talcott, Mr., 11 + + ——, Mary (m. James Paterson), 4, 448 + + Tallmadge, ——, 42 + + ——, Mrs., 58, 301 + + ——, Miss, 57, 195, 199 + + ——, Col. Benjamin, 25, 29, 58, 150, 242, 257, 262, 269, 270, 315, 352, + 366, 368; + poem in Mary Peck’s album, 252, 253; + biography, 332 + + ——, Cornelia E., 302 + + ——, Frederick Augustus, 444 + + ——, Harriet W. (Mrs. John Delafield), 398 + + ——, Henry, 443 + + ——, Mrs. Henry (Maria Adams), 46, 301 + + Talmadge, John, 204 + + ——, Francis, 204 + + Tallmadge, Maria (m. John P. Cushman), 242, 396; + poem in Mary Peck’s album, 254 + + ——, W., 119 + + ——, Washington, 443 + + Tammage (Tallmadge), Miss, 395 + + Tatlor, Susan, 396 + + Taylor, ——, 201 + + ——, —— (m. Sophia Taylor), 422, _footnote_ + + ——, Mrs. (Mary Goodwin), 287 + + ——, Miss, 395 + + ——, Charlotte (m. Rev. Enoch Huntington), 426 + + ——, Julia F., 440 + + ——, Maria (m. Col. Samuel Canfield), 446 + + ——, Mary, 426 + + Taylor, Mary S. (m. —— Cole), 422 + + ——, Sally, 400 + + ——, Sophia (m. —— Taylor), 422 + + ——, Col. William, 446 + + Temperance movement, the, 28 + + —— Society, the, 281 + + Temple, Lydia Ann, 426, 429, 431 + + “The Two Cousins,” a play, 100–118 + + Thomas, Lydia Ann, 422, 426 + + ——, Mary G. (m. —— Lockwood), 432, 434, 436 + + ——, Sarah G. (m. John W. Grannis), 432, 434, 436, 438, 439, 441 + + Thompson, Abby M., 416, 419 + + ——, Anna, 297, 298 + + ——, Clarinda, 399 + + ——, David, 296, 411, _footnote_ + + ——, Mrs. David, 296 + + ——, Edward, 438 + + ——, Elizabeth, 446 + + ——, Esther H., 297 + + ——, Jane, 416, 419 + + ——, Mary P., 416, 419 + + ——, P., 364 + + ——, Sarah, 429, 431 + + ——, William H., 262 + + Thorn, ——, 198 + + ——, Cynthia M., 426 + + ——, Mary Ann, 426 + + Thorne, ——, 443 + + Thorp, Elisa, 442 + + Tisdale, Mr., engraver, 370 + + Tod, Dr., 10, 11 + + ——, Mr., 14, 381 + + ——, Polly, 11 + + Todd, Sophia, 399 + + Toffey, Margaret C., 422 + + Tomlinson, Dr., 48, _footnote_, 195 + + ——, Mr., 200 + + ——, Miss, 70, 193, 194 + + ——, Betsy, 396 + + ——, Charlotte, 68, 395 + + ——, Jane, 200 + + ——, Lucy A., 443 + + ——, Mary Ann, 195 + + ——, Unic, 396 + + Tottens, Miss, 193 + + Tousey, Harriett, 419 + + Town, Mrs., 59 + + ——, Miss, 59 + + ——, Charles, 59 + + ——, Mary, 432 + + Towner, Charlotte, 408 + + Townsend, Catharine, 408 + + ——, Elias L., 202 + + ——, William K., 401, _footnote_ + + Towny, ——, 201 + + Tracy, Mr., 50, 352 + + ——, Mrs., 12, 17, 44 + + ——, Caroline, 397 + + ——, Charles C., 435, 438 + + ——, Ferebe (m. John McNeil), 434, 436, 438, 439 + + Tracy, Julia, 12 + + ——, Julia F., 419 + + ——, Lucy H., 413, 415 + + ——, Mary Caroline (m. Charles Keith), 432, 434, 436, 438 + + ——, Sally (m. Judge James Gould), 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 + + ——, Mrs. Susan, 242, 397, 402 + + ——, Gen. Uriah, 12, 20 + + Treadway, G., 262 + + Treat, Adelia S., 435 + + ——, Catharine, 435 + + ——, Clarissa B., 415 + + ——, Mary, 413 + + Trenor, Eliza E., 426 + + Tripler, Jane Elizabeth C., 426 + + Trowbridge, Dr., 382 + + ——, Miss, 395 + + ——, Fanny, 408 + + ——, Julia C. (m. Henry Mansfield), 416, 419, 422, 423 + + ——, S., 262 + + Trobridge, Sally, 396 + + Trumbull, Jonathan, jr., 342, 344, 356, 357, 358, 359 + + ——, Sally, 11 + + Tryon, Cornelia (m. Gen. Joseph Brown), 446 + + Tufts, Miss, 236 + + ——, Martha M., 237, 410, 413, 415 + + ——, Susan, 237, 413, 415 + + Turner, Captain, 347 + + Tuthill, Ann, 398 + + Tuttle, Lucy, 408 + + Twining, Mrs., 54 + + ——, Miss, 302 + + ——, Helen A. (m. —— Magill), 422, 423 + + ——, Mary P., 410, 415 + + + Umphres, Miss, 395 + + Underwood, Mrs., 299 + + Underwood house, the, Litchfield, 25 + + Underwood property, the, 44, _footnote_ + + United States Hotel, the, Litchfield, 32, 35, 295 + + “Universal History,” list of subscribers (1811), 397–400; + list of subscribers (1816), 402–404; + list of subscribers (1823), 416, 417 + + Usher, Harriet, 399 + + + Vail, Dr. Charles, 436 + + Valentine, Maria Ann, 426 + + V——n, S. A. E., 154 + + Van Benthuysen, Cornelia, 404, 408 + + Van Bleek, Eliza, 401 + + Vanden Heuvel, Mr., 194 + + Vanderbourg, Dr., 330 + + Van Der Heyden, Jane E. (m. Isaac Lansing), 435, 436 + + Vanderheyden, John, 353 + + Vander Heyden, Sally Ann Maria, 404, 408 + + Vanderheysen, Mrs. S. A., 315 + + Van Deshuyden, Jan, 432 + + Van Deusen, Catalina, 408 + + ——, Helen, 429, 431, 432, 435 + + ——, Rachel, 408 + + Van Dyck, Elsie, 422 + + Van Gaasbeek, Sarah, 398 + + Van Kleeck, Cornelia B., 398 + + ——, Mary, 422 + + Van Rensalaer, General, 199 + + Van Slyck, Elizabeth (Eliza), 404, 408 + + Van Vleck, Maria, 426 + + Van Voorhis, Hester, 398 + + Van Wagner (Wagener, Wagenen), Maria, 416, 419, 422 + + Van Winkle, the Misses, 24 + + ——, Edgar S., 436 + + Van Winkler, Elizabeth, 439 + + Van Wyck, Ann, 398, 443 + + ——, Sarah, 398 + + Vernon, J., 354 + + Verplank, E., 119 + + Verplanck, Eliza A., 408 + + ——, Mary B., 404, 408 + + Very (Verry), Olivia, 404, 408 + + Vose, Captain, 195 + + + Wadhams, Miss, 297 + + ——, Jane M. (m. —— Steavens), 435, 436, 438, 439, 440, 441 + + ——, Marana, 440, 441 + + Wadsworth, General, 343 + + ——, Mr., 10 + + ——, Miss, 152 + + ——, Amos, 262 + + ——, Charles, 427 + + ——, Elijah, 20 + + ——, Eliza F., 446 + + ——, Harriet (m. Dr. Kilbourne), 435, 436, 438, 439, 440, 441; + her reminiscences, 286, 287 + + ——, James H., 261 + + ——, Juliet, 404, 408 + + ——, Miss M., 270, 271 + + ——, Mary (Mrs. Elisha Chester), 189, _footnote_ + + ——, Mary Ann, 422, 426, 427 + + ——, Miss Rhoda, 395 + + Waite, ——, 446 + + ——, Miss, 149 + + Wait(e), Louisa, 188, 250 + + Wakeman, the Misses, 148 + + ——, Nancy B., 404, 408 + + ——, Zilpha C., 408 + + Waldo, Miss, 167, 169, 172 + + Walsh, Julia Ann, 429, 431 + + Ward, “Uncle Billy,” 25 + + ——, Ellen, 441 + + ——, Frances E., 422 + + ——, Harriet M., 411, 431, 432, 435, 438, 439 + + ——, Jane (m. Herman Warner), 435, 436 + + ——, Henrietta J. (m. Hon. Freeman Clark), 435, 436, 438, 439 + + Ward, Henry, 409, 411 + + ——, John, 436 + + ——, Julia, 415 + + ——, R. B., 419, _footnote_, 422, _footnote_ + + ——, Roswell, 423, 436 + + Wardell, Jane, 399 + + ——, Sally A., 399 + + Warner, Ann, 432 + + ——, Herman, 436 + + ——, Lucinda, 415 + + ——, Rosetta, 426 + + ——, Susan N., 400 + + Warren, 204 + + Washington, General, 1, 239, 326, 327, 328, 339, 350, 351, 379 + + ——, Mrs., 326, 350, 351 + + Waters, Mr., 240 + + Watertown, Mass., 1, 13 + + Watkins, Catherine S., 427, 429 + + Watkinson, J., 381 + + Watson, ——, 446 + + Webb, Catherine Cebra (m. Rensselaer Havens), 408; + her diary (1815–1816), 148–150 + + ——, Catherine L., 150, 404, 408 + + ——, Catherine M. (m. Roswell B. Ward), 404, 416, 419, 422, 423, 426, + 428, 429, 431, 432, 435, 436 + + ——, Charles N., 261 + + ——, Frances Maria (m. Alexander G. Fraser), 148, 397 + + ——, Henry, 409, 410 + + ——, James Watson, 150 + + ——, Orange, 148 + + Webb & Lamb, 148 + + Webster, Edwin, 409 + + ——, Julia, 441 + + ——, Noah, 204 + + Welch, E., 153 + + ——, John, 20 + + Welles, Mrs., 172 + + ——, Abbie A., 422 + + ——, Charles, 172 + + ——, Jane, 408 + + ——, Mary, 443 + + Wells, Mary, 152 + + Wessells, Colonel, 445 + + West, Louisa, 429 + + West School House, 262 + + Wey, Mrs. Caroline, 327 + + Weyman, Miss, 237, 238 + + ——, Mary Jane, 410, 411, 413, 415, 419 + + Wheaton, Caroline, 435 + + ——, Elvira, 428, 430 + + Wheeler, Mr. and Mrs., 150 + + White, Elisa, 443 + + Whiteside, ——, 443 + + Whiting, Lieutenant-Colonel, 359 + + ——, Mrs., 290 + + ——, Jason, 261, 268 + + Whiting, Lizzie, 290 + + Whitlock, Caroline E., 409, 410, 415, 416, 419 + + ——, Mary, 409, 410 + + Whitman, Ann S. (m. Henry Farnam), 435, 436, 439, 441 + + Whitney, Captain, 194, 353 + + Whittlesey, Chauncey, 66 + + ——, David, 408 + + ——, Dolly, 426 + + ——, Frances P., 408 + + ——, Fred, 198 + + ——, Mary, 438, 439 + + ——, Matilda, 408 + + ——, Samuel, 413 + + ——, Thomas, 201 + + Whittlesy, Miss, 162 + + ——, Martha, 439 + + Wilbor, Mary L. (Mrs. Stone), 412, 413, 415; + extracts from her diary (1822), 234–241 + + Wilcox, ——, 443 + + Willard, Emma, 294, 296 + + Willard Academy, the, beginning of, reminiscences of Dr. Josiah G. + Beckwith, 292–295 + + Williams, Captain, 235 + + ——, Mr., 198 + + ——, Mrs., 363 + + ——, Miss, 207, 395 + + ——, Abigail, 410 + + ——, Catharine R., 435 + + ——, Hannah, 363 + + ——, Joanna W., 416, 419 + + ——, Marietta, 435 + + ——, Sally, 396 + + Williamson, Esther, 410 + + ——, Caroline, 410 + + Willis, Mary, 378 + + Wilman, Samuel, 424 + + Wilmading, ——, 396 + + Wilson, Eliza, 400 + + ——, Sarah Jane, 426 + + Winchester, Mary (m. —— Reed), 422, 426 + + Winne, M. A., 446 + + ——, Maria, 409 + + Winship, Chloe M., 435, 438, 439, 440 + + ——, Elisa F., 430 + + ——, Elizabeth, 441 + + ——, Emmeline, 439, 440 + + ——, James, 262 + + ——, Julia C. (m. —— French), 432, 435, 436 + + ——, Nathaniel, 423 + + Witless, Jenny (? fictitious name), 381 + + Woburn, Mass., 1, 2 + + Wolcott, ——, 42 + + Wolcott, Mrs., 152, 153, 301 + + ——, Betsey, 409 + + ——, Charles M. (m. Miss Goodrich, Miss Rankin), 430, 431, 432, 435, 437 + + ——, E., 242; + poem in Mary Peck’s album, 247–248 + + Wolcott, Elizabeth, 410 + + ——, Elizabeth W., 446 + + ——, F. H., 446 + + ——, Frederick, 20, 27, 242, 249, 261, 262, 265, 267, 332, 409, 410, + 413, 433 + + ——, Hannah H., 151, 153, 242, 399, 402, 404, 408, 443 + + ——, Huntington, 443 + + ——, John, 152 + + ——, John L., 261 + + ——, Laura Maria (m. Robert Rankin), 332, 413, 415, 416, 419, 422, 423 + + ——, M. G., 242 + + ——, Mary Ann, 316, 332, 401, 408, 443 + + ——, Mary Ann G., 399, 404 + + ——, Gov. Oliver, sr., 342, 346, 358 + + ——, Gov. Oliver, jr., 25, 26, 27, 32, 151, 152, 194, 242, 243, 257, + 261, 295, 315, 331, 332 + + ——, Roger, 331 + + ——, S. W., 242 + + Wolcott family, the, sketch, 331, 332 + + Wood, Miss, 151 + + ——, Frances W., 422 + + ——, Patty D., 409 + + ——, Phoebe, 404, 409 + + Woodbridge, Betsey, 11 + + ——, Harriet, 411, 416, 419, 423 + + ——, Julia F., 411, 412 + + ——, Juliana T., 423, 426, 428 + + ——, Katherine, 402 + + ——, Mary, 428 + + ——, Sarah, 416, 419, 423 + + Woodbury, ——, 7 + + Woodruff, Charles H., 80, 197 + + ——, Curtis I. (? T.) 428, 431 + + ——, Emily, 400 + + ——, Eunice J., 426, 447 + + ——, Fanny, 432 + + ——, Francis, 441 + + ——, Mrs. G. C. (Henrietta S. Seymour), 242 + + ——, Lewis B., 445 + + ——, Lucy M. (m. Origen S. Seymour), 423 + + ——, N., 378 + + Woodward, T. G., 81 + + Woolsey, Miss, 199 + + Wooster, M— D—id, 302 + + Worthington, Mary M., 413, 415 + + ——, Sarah, 413, 415 + + Woudon, General, 351 + + Wyck, Rev. Mr., 170 + + Wylls (Wyllis), Mary, 362, 363, 378 + + + Yerkes, Margaret, 439 + + Young, Captain, 372 + +----- + +Footnote 1: + + From The Descendants of John Pers of Watertown, by Frederick Clifton + Pierce. + +Footnote 2: + + Morris’s Statistical Account. + +Footnote 3: + + Mr. John P. Brace in his address, page 307, states the actual number + to have been about three thousand. + +Footnote 4: + + Sally Tracy married Judge James Gould. + +Footnote 5: + + Collars. + +Footnote 6: + + At that date the New England Sabbath began at sundown on Saturday and + ended at sundown on Sunday. + +Footnote 7: + + Wife of Gen. Uriah Tracy. + +Footnote 8: + + From Mr. Gay, of Farmington, Connecticut. + +Footnote 9: + + Built just south of the Congregational parsonage. + +Footnote 10: + + History of Litchfield, Payne K. Kilbourne, Hartford, 1859. + +Footnote 11: + + Census in Appendix. + +Footnote 12: + + See Letter of Lucy Sheldon. + +Footnote 13: + + Daughter of Susan Masters. + +Footnote 14: + + Jonathan. + +Footnote 15: + + Mrs. Wm. Curtis Noyes. + +Footnote 16: + + Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe in Poganuc People, xvii. 184. + +Footnote 17: + + See plates. + +Footnote 18: + + A primitive Ferris Wheel. + +Footnote 19: + + Ruth, page 84; The Two Cousins, page 100; Jephthah’s Daughter, page + 119. + +Footnote 20: + + History of Litchfield, Kilbourne. + +Footnote 21: + + Our Grandmothers’ Gowns. Mrs. Alfred W. Hunt. London, Simpkin, + Marshall and Co. + +Footnote 22: + + Now in the possession of J. Deming Perkins, Esq., of Litchfield. + +Footnote 23: + + Vol. i. p. 209. + +Footnote 24: + + Vol. i. p. 225. + +Footnote 25: + + House now occupied by Mrs. Child. + +Footnote 26: + + On southeast corner of the Underwood property. + +Footnote 27: + + See Plate X. + +Footnote 28: + + She probably means a little in Sir Charles Grandison. + +Footnote 29: + + See Plate XI. + +Footnote 30: + + Maria Adams, afterwards Mrs. Henry Tallmadge. + +Footnote 31: + + Afterward wife of Dr. Tomlinson. + +Footnote 32: + + See the play of “Ruth,” page 84. + +Footnote 33: + + Her piano was made by George Astor and was probably bought of his + brother John Jacob Astor. It is still in its old place in her house on + North Street, now occupied by Mrs. Nathaniel Rochester Child. It is + made in two parts, the body of the instrument fitting on the top of a + light separate frame with four slender legs. Pianos of this make were + often carried about from house to house by the law students when + needed for a ball.—ED. + +Footnote 34: + + House now owned by Miss Bulkeley, east side of North Street.—E. N. V. + +Footnote 35: + + A heavy white cotton cloth.—E. N. V. + +Footnote 36: + + The following are probably childish copies of writings by Miss Pierce. + +Footnote 37: + + The lists of subscribers to these Histories are in Appendix C. Copies + of the Histories are owned by the Litchfield Historical Society. + +Footnote 38: + + Mrs. Charles Perkins of Norwich. + +Footnote 39: + + Copied from original MSS. given by Mrs. Asa Gray, grandniece of Miss + Pierce, to the Litchfield Historical Society. + +Footnote 40: + + Vol. i. p. 228. + +Footnote 41: + + Colonel Tallmadge. + +Footnote 42: + + Dated 1816. + +Footnote 43: + + From Autobiography of Lyman Beecher. Vol. i. pp. 226–228. + +Footnote 44: + + Life of Mrs. H. B. Stowe. Vol. i. pp. 534–536. + +Footnote 45: + + Extract from the Life of Harriet Beecher Stowe, by her son. The + composition occupies six or seven pages. + +Footnote 46: + + Autobiography of Lyman Beecher. Vol. i. pp. 281–282. + +Footnote 47: + + Both in possession of Miss Annie Chester, of Waterford, Conn. + +Footnote 48: + + Mary Chester was born Wednesday, March 23, 1796. Departed this life at + Groton, Conn., Monday, Oct. 23, 1820, at 10 o’clock P. M. Aged twenty + four years and seven months. Daughter of Elisha Chester and Mary + Wadsworth, his wife. Elisha Chester was deacon of the First Church of + Christ (Congregational), in Groton, Conn. + +Footnote 49: + + Mr. Beecher. + +Footnote 50: + + These letters are in possession of Mrs. Mary Henrietta Park, daughter + of Edwin Chester, to whom the letter is addressed: Stockton, San + Joaquin Co., California. Sent by Mrs. John J. Copp (Ellen Chester), + Groton, Conn. + +Footnote 51: + + Miss Munson, whom he married. + +Footnote 52: + + Miss Munson. + +Footnote 53: + + Am very sorry [written in another hand.—ED.]. + +Footnote 54: + + Probably Watertown. + +Footnote 55: + + Judge Daggett, Miss Munson’s uncle. + +Footnote 56: + + In Judge Reeve’s house, now the residence of Mr. Charles H. + Woodruff.—_Ed._ + +Footnote 57: + + G. Y. Cutler died September 3, 1834. + +Footnote 58: + + He was a painter of fine miniatures.—E. N. V. + +Footnote 59: + + 40 says Silliman’s book where there is honorable mention made of him. + +Footnote 60: + + Walter S. Franklin married Miss Buel of Litchfield. General Franklin + of Hartford was their son. + +Footnote 61: + + This book belongs to his heirs—he left it all L——. + +Footnote 62: + + See fashionplate brought from England. + +Footnote 63: + + Probably inspired by the war of 1812. + +Footnote 64: + + Mr. Brace’s method of teaching geography. + +Footnote 65: + + Clarinda Darling, Daughter of Tho^s. Darling Esq: of N. York, died + Octº 19. 1821 Aet. 13 + +Footnote 66: + + The act of intrusting or thing intrusted: a rare form.—ED. + +Footnote 67: + + A brother she lost. + +Footnote 68: + + Mrs. L. P. Bissell. + +Footnote 69: + + See letters of Mrs. Hunt. + +Footnote 70: + + From Troy, N. Y. + +Footnote 71: + + Miss Pierce’s successor. + +Footnote 72: + + Mrs. Edwin McNeill’s residence—“Elm Ridge.” + +Footnote 73: + + See connection between the Pierce and Willard Schools in the + Reminiscences of Dr. Beckwith, page 294. + +Footnote 74: + + See page 270, for Exhibition of 1828. + +Footnote 75: + + Mrs. Henry Tallmadge (Maria Adams). + +Footnote 76: + + Mr. John P. Brace. + +Footnote 77: + + Her brother Mr. James Pierce. + +Footnote 78: + + Written on back of circular with terms of tuition of school. + +Footnote 79: + + Emma Brace, second daughter of John P. Brace, died in February, 1850. + +Footnote 80: + + Probably from the New York Observer. + +Footnote 81: + + When the brother, Col. Pierce, was in Philadelphia in early + Congressional days, he sent for Ann to come to him. She could not have + a _silk_ dress, the substitute was stamped linen. A tiny sleeve was + given to Mrs. Jane L. Gray by Miss Sarah Pierce. + +Footnote 82: + + A “ball” meant in those days, what would be called now a small dancing + party, where “Society” meant all one’s acquaintances, or rather + friends. + +Footnote 83: + + Great niece of Miss Pierce. + +Footnote 84: + + Col. Pierce sent _Nancy_ to New York. Lynde Catlin sent _Sarah_. + +Footnote 85: + + I think this a mistake. Nancy taught also. + +Footnote 86: + + They had young ladies—scholars—in the family. + +Footnote 87: + + Sister of Miss Pierce. + +Footnote 88: + + Dr. Croswell was to Catskill in the medical profession what the Rev. + Dr. Porter was in the clerical. Growing up with the town he became its + leading physician; and by virtue of his ability, courtesy, and true + kindness of heart, he acquired such popularity that he easily retained + the position till his death, which occurred in 1844. We have an + evidence of Dr. Croswell’s popularity, and of his integrity as well, + in the fact that for more than fifty years he was Post-Master of + Catskill. He received the appointment during the first term of the + Presidency of Washington; acting first under a letter of instructions + until the full organization of the P. O. department, when he received + a commission in form, which he held until his death. + + About the time of the marriage her sister, Miss Sally Pierce,[89] + afterward assisted in some branches by her sister Miss Mary Pierce, + opened a school which subsequently became the celebrated Litchfield + Seminary. If I am correctly informed this was the first seminary for + the education of young ladies from distant places, ever established in + our country. Daughters of prominent families were sent to remain under + its decisive Christian influences, and to secure its then unusual + educational advantages, from all parts of New England and of this + State. They came from Boston, New Haven, and Hartford, from the city + of New York, many from Albany, and a number from Whitestown and + Westmoreland—then the far west both of our own State and our + country.[90] Several went from Catskill, and some, who received more + than intellectual training at this excellent school, were present at + the funeral of Mrs. Croswell. “Miss Sally Pierce,” is a musical name + to the ears of many, and they never heard it pronounced without a glow + in their hearts of revering and grateful love. + +Footnote 89: + + Also Miss Nancy Pierce. + +Footnote 90: + + Also from South Carolina and Georgia. + +Footnote 91: + + There are 805 names of students in this catalogue, distributed among + the States as follows: Connecticut, 206; New York, 125; Massachusetts, + 90; Georgia, 67; South Carolina, 45; Maryland, 36; Pennsylvania, 30; + Vermont, 26; Rhode Island, 22; New Hampshire, 21; Virginia, 21; North + Carolina, 21; Delaware, 15; New Jersey, 11; Kentucky, 9; and the + remainder in smaller numbers from other States. Of the whole number + more than 150 had previously been graduated at Yale College, and many + others at other colleges. + +Footnote 92: + + Said to be three thousand, by J. P. Brace. + +Footnote 93: + + Life of Major General Patterson, by Thomas Egleston. + +Footnote 94: + + York money. + +Footnote 95: + + “Y” stands in all accounts for York money.—ED. + +Footnote 96: + + See above. + +Footnote 97: + + Maria Tallmadge, married John P. Cushman of Troy, N. Y.; at the age of + 12 took prominent part in the school theatricals. + +Footnote 98: + + Probably including both pupils and parents of pupils. + +Footnote 99: + + Married David Gardiner. + +Footnote 100: + + Married Rev. Peter Lockwood, Binghampton, N. Y. + +Footnote 101: + + Married John Delafield. + +Footnote 102: + + Daughter of Catherine Livingston and Captain Abraham de Peyster of the + Royal Grenadiers. + +Footnote 103: + + Married Claude Brent, an artist. + +Footnote 104: + + Daughter of Henry and Nancy Mulford of New Haven, Conn. Married + William K. Townsend. + +Footnote 105: + + Sister of Eliza Ann Mulford. Married Charles Robinson. + +Footnote 106: + + Scholars for one quarter. + +Footnote 107: + + Class of residents. + +Footnote 108: + + Pencil note in catalogue. + +Footnote 109: + + Scholars for one quarter. + +Footnote 110: + + Class of residents. + +Footnote 111: + + Pencil note in catalogue. + +Footnote 112: + + Scholars for one quarter. + +Footnote 113: + + Class of residents. + +Footnote 114: + + Pencil note in catalogue. + +Footnote 115: + + Scholars for one quarter. + +Footnote 116: + + Class of residents. + +Footnote 117: + + Pencil note in catalogue. + +Footnote 118: + + Pencil note in catalogue. + +Footnote 119: + + From Collection of Miss Mary Phelps in Litchfield Historical Society. + +Footnote 120: + + From Collection of Miss Mary Phelps in Litchfield Historical Society. + +Footnote 121: + + Married David Thompson of New York. + +Footnote 122: + + Died at the age of 23. + +Footnote 123: + + Boarded in the family of Rev. Lyman Beecher, intimate friend of + Catherine Beecher, successful teacher in a young ladies school in Sing + Sing, N. Y. and Auburn, N. Y. m. a clergyman. + +Footnote 124: + + Married —— King. + +Footnote 125: + + Dau. Judge John Kingsbury of Waterbury, m. William Brown of Waterbury. + +Footnote 126: + + Married R. B. Ward, Esq. of Hartford. + +Footnote 127: + + Eliza F. D. L. Jackson m. —— Armstrong, a prize book presented to her + for “amiable deportment.” + +Footnote 128: + + Married Charles Gould of New York. + +Footnote 129: + + Married Peter Buel. + +Footnote 130: + + Married —— Cole. + +Footnote 131: + + Married —— Taylor, Brooklyn, N. Y. + +Footnote 132: + + Born Dec. 29^{th}, 1810; married Henry Mansfield, May 8^{th} 1838. + +Footnote 133: + + Married R. B. Ward Esq. of Hartford, Conn. + +Footnote 134: + + Pencil note in catalogue. + +Footnote 135: + + Pencil note in catalogue. + +Footnote 136: + + Pencil note in catalogue. + +Footnote 137: + + Pencil note in catalogue. + +Footnote 138: + + Mrs. Algernon Sidney Hubbell. + +Footnote 139: + + Married Rev. S. W. Fisher, D.D., of Cincinnati and Hamilton College. + Eliza, Jane and Julia were daughters of Peter Jackson. + +Footnote 140: + + Married Henry Colt of Pittsfield, Mass. + +Footnote 141: + + Mrs. Rochester Childs. + +Footnote 142: + + Mrs. Charles Keith. + +Footnote 143: + + M. Mr. Henry Farnsworth. + +Footnote 144: + + From collection of Miss Mary Phelps in Litchfield Historical Society. + +Footnote 145: + + “A woman of more than ordinary ability and acquirements.” Phebe + Augustus Ely Avery writes of her:— + + “I can tell you little that can be of use to you of my aunt + Caroline. I know that she had a school for young ladies and taught + painting, embroidery, working lace, etc., but she married before my + remembrance Mr. Joel Steele and went to Bloomfield, N. J., to + reside, and I saw her but seldom until the latter part of her life. + + “She lived to be ninety years of age and retained her love for + embroidery and various kinds of fancy work, almost to the last; + doing beautiful work, when nearly or quite eighty. + + “She was a great reader and well posted always on past and current + events.” + +Footnote 146: + + Pupils on other lists. + +Footnote 147: + + Pupils on other lists. + +Footnote 148: + + From Mrs. Asa Gray. + +Footnote 149: + + Record of the Posterity of Thomas Pierce by Frederick Beech Pierce. + +Footnote 150: + + From Life of Major General Paterson by Professor Thomas Egleston. + +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + + + + + TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES + + + Page Changed from Changed to + + 4 1664, leaving a son, John, born 1750, leaving a son, John, born + in 1707. John married Ruth in 1707. John married Ruth + + ● Typos fixed; non-standard spelling and dialect retained. + ● Used numbers for footnotes, placing them all at the end of the last + chapter. + ● Enclosed italics font in _underscores_. + ● Enclosed bold or blackletter font in =equals=. + ● The caret (^) serves as a superscript indicator, applicable to + individual characters (like 2^d) and even entire phrases (like + 1^{st}). + ● Subscripts are shown using an underscore (_) with curly braces { }, + as in H_{2}O. + ● HTML alt text was added for images that didn’t have captions. + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77854 *** |