3 A ^<>^^ ^ -%, V <^ ^ • ^ -^ z ^ V « p ^^' . <# ^ T ^ Vvv c^ EXTRACTS FBOM THB DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE OF lUK LATB AMOS LAWRENCE; §ricf ^ttmwt at Bmt |nriknl$ in Iiis J'ife. EDITED BY HIS SON, WILLIAM R. LAWRENCE, M. D. BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY D. LOTHROP & CO. DOVER, N. H. : G. T. DAY & CO. f6^ JUL ^^ 1929 >^me, ^'can University ^ ' LETTERS, REQUESTING PUBLICATION Rooms of the Boston Young Men's Christian Union, 6 Bedford-street, Boston, June 22, 1855 William R. Lawrence, Esq. Dear Sir : .The undersigned, membera of the Government of the Boston Young Men's Christian Union, some of whom have perused the excellent memoir of your honored father, feel deeply impressed with the desire that it should be published and circulated, knowing that its publication and perusal would greatly benefit the young, the old, and all classes of our busy mercantile community. Remembering with pleasure the friendship which your father expressed, not only in kind words, but in substantial offerings to the treasury and library of our Society, the Union would be most happy, should it comport with your feelings, to be made the medium of the publication and circu- lation of the memoir, which you have compiled with so much ability and faithfulness. Hoping to receive a favorable response to our desire, "We are most truly yours, THOMAS GAFFIELD, H. K. WHITE, JOHN SWEETSER, J. F. AINSWORTH, JOSEPH n. ALLEN, W. H. RICHARDSON, CHAS. C. SMITH, FRANCIS S. RUSSELL, C. J. BISHOP, FREDERIC H. HENSHAW, F. H. PEABODT, CHARLES F. POTTER, W. IRVING SMITH, THORNTON K. LOTHROP, ▲BX1IU& W. UOBARI. G£0. S. HALB. Rooms of the Boston Young Men's Christian Assonation^ Tremont Temple, Boston, July 10, 1855. Dear Sir : The Committee on the Library of the Boston Young Men's Christian Association beg leave, in its behalf, to tender you sincere thanks for your donation of a copy of the " Diary and Correspondence of Amos Lawrence." It will remain to the members of the Association a valued memorial of one of its earliest benefactors. It will be yet more prized for its record of his invaluable legacy, — the history of a long life — a bright example. The Committee, uniting with the subscribers, managers of the Associa- tion, are happy to improve this opportunity to express the hope that you may be induced to give the book a more general circulation. The kindly charities of your late lamented parent are still fresh in impressions of gratitude upon their recipients. They require no herald to give them publicity. The voice of fame would do violence to their spirit. Yet, now that " the good man " can no more utter his words of sym- pathy and counsel, — that his pen can no more subscribe its noble bene- factions, or indite its lessons of wisdom and experience, — the press may silently perpetuate those which survive him. We must assure you of our pleasure in the knowledge that the liberal interest in the Association, so constantly manifested by your revered father, is actively maintained by yourself. We remain, in the fraternal bonds of Christian regard, Yours, truly, JACOB SLEEPER, FKANCIS D. STEDMAN, J. S. WARREN, ELIJAH SWIFT, SAMUEL GREGORY, B. C. CLARK, JR., LUTHER L. TARBELL, JOSEPH P. ELLICOTT, ALONZO C TENNEY, GEO. N. NOTES, MOSES W. POND, PEARL MARTIN, STEPHEN G. DEBLOIS, W. H. JAMESON, HENRY FURNAS, W. P. STORY. FRANKLIN W. SMITH, 1 B. M. PUTNAM, CHAS. L. ANDREWS, GEO. C. RAND. I'O H. G GILBERT, Willi vn R I^wkexck M.D Committee on Library ami Room* Williamt College, June 30, 1855 Dear Sir : The students of Williams College having learned that you have pre- pared, for private distribution, a volume illustiating the character of the late Amos Lawrence, whose munificence to this Institution they appre- ciate, and whose memory they honor ; the undersigned, a Committee appointed for the puipose, express to you their earnest dcsir? that you would allow it to be published. Very trul'^ vicn SAMUEL B. FORBES, E. C. SMITH, FEED W. BEECUEK. To W. R. Lawrencs, M.D., t^t/o*. PREFACE. Amdnq tho papers of the late Amos Lawrence were fouud topics of a large number of letters addressed to his children. AVith the hope that the good counsels there given, during a succession of years, extending from their childhood to adult age, might still be made profitable to their descendants, ho had caused them to be carefully preserved. These letters, as well as an irregular record of his daily experience, •were scattered through many volumes, and required arrangement before they could be of use to those for whom they were intended. As no one else of the immediate family could conveniently undertake the task, the editor considered it his duty to do that which could not properly be committed to one less nearly connected with the deceased. The present volume, containing what was thought most interesting among those letters and extracts, was accordingly prepared for private circulation ; and an edition of one hundred copies was printed and dis- tributed among the nearest relatives and friends. It has been thought by many that the record of such a life as is hero portrayed would be useful to other readers, and especially to young men, — a class in whom Mr. Lawrence was deeply interested, and with VI PREFACE. whom circumstances in his own life had given him a peculiar bond of sympathy. Although many, among both friends and strangers, have urged the publication of the present memorial, and some have even questioned the moral right of withholding from the view of others the light of an example so worthy of imitation, much hesitation has been felt in sub- mitting to the public the recital of such domestic incidents as are treasured in the memory of every family ; those incidents which cast a sunbeam or a shadow across every fireside, and yet possess little or no interest for the busy world without. At the solicitation of the " Boston Young Men's Christian Union " the " Boston Young Men's Christian Association," and the students of Williams College, through their respective committees, and at the request of many esteemed citizens, the pages which were prepared for the eye of kindi-ed and friends alone are now submitted to the public. Personal feeling is forgotten in the hope that the principles here incul- cated may tend to promote the ends for which the subject of this memorial lived and labored. The interest manifested in his life, and the tributes rendered to hia memory, have been a source of sincere gratification to his family ; and they would here tender their acknowledgments to all those who have expre.ised their interest and theii* wishes in regard to this publication. The present volume is submitted with a few unimportant omissions, and with thj addition of some materials, received after the issue of the first ediihu, which will throw light upon the character and prin ciplcs of Mr. Lawrence dui'ing his early business career. His course was that of a private citizen, who took but little part in public measures or in public life. PREFACE. Vn To the general reader, therefore, there may be but little to amuso in a career so devoid of incident, and so little connected with the stirring events of his times; but there cannot fail to be something to interest those who can appreciate the spirit which, in this instance, led to a rare fidelity in the fulfilment of important trusts, and the "onsecration of a life to the highest duties. Mr. Lawrence was eminently a religious man, and a deep sense cf accountability may be discovered at the foundation of those acts of beneficence, which, during his lifetime, might have been attributed to a less worthy motive. It ha's Jecn the object of the editor to allow the subject of this memorial to tell his own story, and to add merely what is necessary to preserve the thread of the narrative, or to throw light upon the various matters touched upon in the correspondence. It is designed to furnish such materials as will aiford a history of Mr. Lawrence's charitable efibrts, rather than give a detailed account of what was otherwise an uneventful career. Such selections from his correspondence are made as seemed best adapted to illustrate the character of the man ; such as exhibit his good and valuable traits, without attempting to conceal those imperfections, an exemption from which would elevate him above the common sphere of mortals. Most of his letters are of a strictly private nature, and involve the record of many private details. His domestic tastes, and his affection for his family, often led him to make mention of persons and events in such a way that few letters could be wholly given without invading the precincts of the family circle. VIII PREFACE. The engraving at the comraencement of the volume is from an original portrait, by Harding, in the possession of the editor, a copy of which hangs in the library of Williams College. It seems also fitting to include a portrait of the Hon. Abbott Law- rence, who, for forty-three years, was so intimately associated with the subject of this memorial in all the trials, as well as in the triumphs, of business life, and who was still more closely connected by the bonds of fraternal aiibction and sympathy. A few days only have elapsed since he was removed from the scene of his earthly labors. The grave has rarely closed over one who to such energy of char- acter and strength of purpose united a disposition so gentle and forbearing. Amidst the perplexities attending his extended business relations, and in the excitement of the political struggles in which ho was called to take part, he was never tempted to overstep the bounds of courtesy, or to regard his opponents otherwise than with feelings of kindness. His wealth was used freely for the benefit of others, and for the advancement of all those good objects which tended to promote the welfare of his fellow-men. Tliat divine spark of charity, which burned with such ceaseless energy in the bosom of his elder brother, was caught up by him, and exhibited its fruits in those acts of munificence which will make him long remembered as a benefactor of his race. BosTOK, September 1st, 1855. CONTENTS. CnAPTER I. Pacs DIUTH. — ANCESTRY. - PARENTS, 15 CHAPTER H. EARLY YEARS. — SCHOOL DAYS. — APrRENTICESUIP, 2C CIIAPTEll III. AKKIVAL IN BOSTON. — CLERKSniP. — COMMENCES DCSINESS. — nABITS, . . . . 28 CHAP TEH IV. iJusixEss nAnrrs. — nis fatiier-s mortgage.— resolutions. — arrival OF BROinERS IN BOSTON, 3d CHAPTER V. VISITS AT GROTON.— SICKNESS.— LETTER FROM DR. Sn.VTTUCK. -ENGAGE MENT— LETTER TO REV. DR. GANNETT. — MARRIAGE 40 2 S, X CONTENTS CHAPTER VI. BUAMBLK NKWS. — JUNIOR PARTNER GOES TO ENGLAND. — LETTERS TO 15U0XUER, <1 CHAPTER VII. DEATH OF SISTER. - LETTERS, ,M CHAPTER VIII. DOMESTIC HABITS.— ILLNESS AND DEATH OF WIFE, 69 CHAPTER IX. JOIKXEVS. — LETTERS.— JOURNEY TO NEW YORK, 68 CHAPTER X. -lAUUI AGE. — ELECTED TO LEGISLATURE. — ENGAGES EN MANUFACTURES.— REFLECTIONS, . 7T CHAPTER XI. UEKLECTIONS. — BUNKER HILL MONUMENT. — LETTERS, 82 CHAPTER XII. JOURNEY TO CANADA. —LETTEl;S. — DIARY. — CHARITlEa, 89 CHAPTER XIII. CORRESPONDENCE WITH MR. WEBSTER. — LETTERS, 9< CONTENTS. XI CHAPTER XIV. TESTDIONIAL TO MR. ■VTEBSTEB. — DANGEROUS ILLNESS. — LETTERS 102 CHAPTER XV. 'JlKNliY TO NEW HAMPSHIRE. — LETTERS.— RESIGNS OFFICE 07 TRUSTEE AT HOSPITAL.— LETTERS, 109 CHAPTER XVI. DAILY EXERCISE. — REGIMEN. — IMPROYINQ HEALTH. — LETOERa, 122 CHAPTER XVII. REFi^CTlONS. — VISIT TO WASHINGTON.- VISIT TO RAINSFORD ISLAND. REFLECTIONS. — \'IEW OF DEATH. —REFLECTIONS, 137 CHAPTER XV III. BROTH ER'S DEATH. — LETTERS. — GIFTS. — LETTERS. — BIRTH-PLA CE. - DIARY. — APPLICATIONS FOR AID. — REFLECTIONS. — LETTER FROM REV. DR. STONE. — DIARY, 147 CHAPTER XIX. KEFLECTIONS. — LETTERS ACCOUNT OP EFFORTS TO COMPLETE BUNKER HILL MONUMENT, 164 CHAPTER XX. INTEREST IN MOUNT AUBURN. —REV. DR. SHARP. — LETTER FROM BISHOP McILVAINE. — LETTER FROM JUDGE STORY, 17J Kll CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXI ACQUAINTANCE 'NriTn PRESIDENT nOTKINS. — LETTERS. — AFFECTION FOR BRATTLE-STREET CHURCn. — DEATU OF MRS. APPLETON. — LETTERS. — AMESBURY CO., IS.' CHAPTER XXII. DEATU OF EI3 DAUOUTER. — LETTERS. — DONATION 10 WILLIAMS COLLEGE. — BENEFICENCE. — LETTERS, 193 CHAPTER XXIII. LETTER FROM DR. SHARP. — ILLNESS AND DEATH OF HIS SON. — LETTERS. — AFFUCTIONS, . 203 CHAPTER XXIV. REFLECTIONS. — EXPENDITCRES. — LETTERS. — DONATION FOR LnJBARY A? WILLIAMS COLLEGE. — VIEWS ON STUDY OF ANATOMY,. . . . 212 CHAPTER XXV. DONATION TO LAWRENCE ACADEMY. — CORRESPONDENCE WITH R. Q. PARKER — SLEian-RIDEa —AVERSION TO NOTaRIETY. — CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL 2.21 « CHAPTER XXVI. CAPTAIN A. 8. McKENZIE. — DIARY. — AID TO IRELAND. — MADAM PUESCOrT. gia WILLIAM COLEBROOKE 234 CONTENTS. Xril CHAPTER XXVII. MR. LAWRENCE AS AN APPLICANT. — LETTERS. — DIARY. — PRAYER AND MEDITATIONS. — F AC-SIMILE OF HAND-WRITINQ. —LIBERALITY TO A CREDITOR. — LETTERS, 242 CHAPTER XXVIII. REFLECTIONS.— TIE'SVS ON nOLDINa OFFICE. — LETTERS. — CAPT. A. SLIDELL Mckenzie. — DEATU of brother and of noN. j. mason, 25s CHAPTER XXIX. system in accounts. — letter from prof. STTART— letters. — DL4JIY. — DR. HAMILTON.- FATHER MATHEW, 263 CHAPTER XXX. CODICIL TO WILL. — ILLNESS. — GEN. WHITINa. — LETTERS. — DLIRY, ... 211 CHAPTER XXXI. DIARY.— REFLECTIONS. — SICKNESS. — LETTER FROM DR. SHARP. — CORRES- PONDENCE, 2',S CHAPTER XXXII. AMIN BEY. — AMOUNT 0¥ DONATIONS TO WILLIAMS COLLEGE, 286 CHAPTER XXXIII. LLTiERS —LIKENESS OP ABBOTT LAWRENCE. — DL4tt^, 2aa XIV CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXXIV. Bin T. F. BUXTON. —LETTER FROM LADY BUXTON. — ELLIOTT CRESSON.— LETTERS, 398 CHAPTER XXX7. I. ri.'!-.RS. — REV. DR. SCORESBY. — WABASn COLLEGE, 304 CHAPTER XXXVI. DIARY. — AMOUNT OF CHARITIES. — LETTERS. — THOMAS TARB ELL. — UNCLE TOBY.— REV. DR. LOWELL, S»^ CHAPTER XXXVII. CORRESPONDENCE.— DIARY 324 CHAPTER XXXVIII. MR. LAWRENCE SERVES AS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTOR. — GEN. FRANKLIN PIERCE. — SUDDEN DEATH. — FUNERAL, 334 CHAPTER XXXIX. SK.;TCn OF CHARACTER BY REV. DRS. LOTHROP AND HOPKINS, 343 CHAPTER XL. CONCLUSION, 352 INDEX, 361 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. CHAPTER I. BIRTH. — ANCESTRY. — PARENTS AjNios Lawrence was born in Groton, Mass., on the 22d of April, 1786. His ancestor, John Lawrence, was baptized, according to the records, on the 8th of October, 1G09, at Wisset, County of Suffolk, England, where the family had resided for a long period, though originally from the County of Lancaster. Butler, in his "History of Groton," has, among other details, the following : " The first account of the ancestor of the numerous families of this name in Groton and Pepperell, which can be relied upon as certain, is, that he was an inhabitant of Watertown as early as 1635. He probably came in the company which came witli Governor Winthrop, in 1630. His given name was John, and that of his wife was Elizabeth. Whether they were married in England or not, has not been ascertained. Their eldest child was born in Watertown, January 14, 1635. He removed to Groton, 15 16 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. ■with probably all his fixmily, at an early period of its settlement, as his name is found in the records there in 1GG3. He was an original proprietor, having a twenty-acre right."' Of the parents of the subject of this memoir, the same author writes : " Samuel Lawrence, the son of Captiiin Amos Lawrence, sen., was an oflficer in the continental army, in the former pivt of the Revolutionary War. He was in the battle of Bunker Hill, where a musket-ball passed through his beaver hat. He was also in the battle in Rhale Island, where he served as adjutant under Gen- eral Sulhvan. On the 22d day of July, 1777, being at home, on a furlough, for the express purpose, he was married to Susanna Parker. * * * * " Ha-\ang faithfully served in the cause of his country during the term of his enffiiseraent. he returned to his native town, to enjoy the peace and quiet of domestic life on his farm. He was elected by his townsmen to some of the highest offices in their gift ; he was a deacon of the church, and a justice of the peace qrionim mnts. He took a deep interest in providing means for the education of youth, particularly in establishing and support- ing the seminary in Groton, which now, in gratitude to him and his sons, bears the family name. Of this institution he was a trustee thirty-three years, and in its benefits and advantages he gave ample opportunities for all his children to participate. Here their minds undoubtedly received some of those early impressions, the developments and consequences of which it Avill be the work of their biographers hereafter to portray. No deduction, however, should here be made from the importance of parental instruction, to add to the merit of academical education. The correct lessons given by the mother in the nursery are as necessary to give the DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 17 riglil iuf'lination to the tender mind as are those of the tutor in the highest seminary to prepare it for the business of life and 'ntellectual greatness. In the present case, all the duties incum- bent on a mother to teach her offspring to be good, and conse- fjuentlj great, Avere discharged with fidelity and success. Both parents lived to see, in the subject of their care, all that thej could reasonably hope or desire. He died November 8, 1827, set. seventy-three; and his venerable widow, May 2, 1845, ast. eighty- nine." Mr. Lawrence writes, in 1849, to a friend : " jNIy flither belonged to a company of minute-men in Groton, at the commencement of the Revolution. On the morning of the 19th of April, 1775, Avhen the news reached town that the British troops were on the road from Boston, General Prescott, who waa a neighbor, came towards the house on horseback, at rapid speed, and cried out, ' Samuel, notify your men : the British are com- ing.'' My father mounted the general's horse, rode a distance of seven miles, notified the men of his circuit, and was back asrain at his father's house in forty minutes. In three hours the com- pany was ready to march, and on the next day (the 20th) reached Cambridge. INIy father was in the battle of Bunker Hill ; received a bullet through his cap, which cut his hair from front to rear ; received a spent grape-shot upon his arm, without breaking the bone ; and lost a large number of men. His vete- ran Captain Farwell was shot through the body, was taken up for dead, and was so reported by the man who was directed to carry him off. This report brought back the captain's voice, an>r he exclaimed, with his utmost power, ' It anH true ; donH let my yoor wife hear of this ; I shall live to see my country free.' And so it turned out. This good man, -syho had served at the cap- 18 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. ture of Cope Breton in 1745, again in 1755, and now on Bunkei Hill in 1775, is connected ^Yith everything interesting in my early days. The bullet was extracted, and remains, as a memento, with his descendants. My father and mother were acquainted from then- childhood, and engaged to be married some time in 1775. They kept up a correspondence through 1776, when he was at New York; but, on a visit to her, in 1777 (his mother having advised them to be married, as Susan had better be Sam's widow than his forlorn damsel), they were married ; but, while the ceremony Avas going forward, the signal was given to call all soldiers to their posts ; and, within the hour, he left his wife, father, mother, and friends, to join his regiment, then at Cam- bridge. This was on the 22d day of July, 1777. In considera- tion of the circumstances, his colonel allowed him to return to his wife, and to join the army at Rhode Island in a brief time (two. or three days). He did so, and saw nothing more of home until the last day of that year. The army being in winter quarters, he got a furlough for a short period, and reached home in time to assist at the ordination of the Rev. Daniel Chaplin, of whose church both my parents were then members. His return was a season of great joy to all his family. His stay was brief, and nothino; more was seen of him until the autumn of 1778, when he retired from the army, in time to be with his wife at the. birth of their first child. From that time he was identified with every- thing connected with the good of the town. As we children came forward, we were carefully looked after, but were taught to use the talents intrusted to us ; and every nerve Avas strained to provide for us the academy which is now doing so much there. We sons are doing less for education for our means than our father for his means." Of liis mother Mr. Lawrence always spoke in the I DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 19 strongest terms of veneration and love, and in many of his letters are found messages of alFection, such as coukl have emanated only from a heart oylrflowing with filial gratitude. Her form bending over their bed in silent prayer, at the hour of twilight, when she was about leaving them for the night, is still among the earliest recollections of her children. She was a woman well fitted to train a family for the troubled times in which she lived. To the kind- est affections and sympathies she united energy and decision, and in her household enforced that strict and unhesitating obedience, which she considered as the foundation of all success in the education of children. Her hands were never idle, as may be supposed, when it is remembered that in those days, throughout New England, in addition to the cares of a farming estab- lishment, much of the material for clothing was manu- factured by the inmates of the family. ]\Iany hours each day she passed at the hand-loom, and the hum of the almost obsolete spinning-wheel even now comes across the memory like the remembrance of a pleasant but half-forgotten melody. CIIAPTEE IT. EARLY YEARS. — SCHOOL DAYS. — APPRENTICESIITP. The first public instruction received by Mr. Law rence was at the district school kept at a short distance from his father's house. Possessing a feeble constitution, he was often detained at home by sick- ness, where he employed himself industriously with his books and tools, in the use of which he acquired a good degree of skill, as may be seen from a letter to his son, at Groton, in 1839 : " Near the barn used to be an old fort, ■\yliere the people went to protect themselves from the Indians ; and, long since my remembrance, the old cellar was there, surrounded by elder- bnshes and the like. I made use of many a piece of the elder I'd]- pop-guns and squirts, in the preparation of which I acquired a strong taste for the use of the pen-knife and jack-knife. I like ihe plan of boys acquiring the taste for tools, and of their taking pains to learn their use ; for they may be so situated as to make a very slight acquaintance very valuable to them. And, then, another advantage is that they may liave exercise of body and ruind in some situations whei'e they would suffer without. How do you employ yourself? Learn as much as you can of farming ; for the work of your hands in this way may prove the best 20 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 21 resource in securing comfort to you. The beautiful images of early life come up in these bright moonlight nights, the like of Avhicli I used to enjoy in the fields below our old mansion, Avhere I was sent to watch the cattle. There I studied astronomy to more account than ever afterwards ; for the heavens were impress- ive teachers of the goodness of that Father who is ever near to each one of his childi-en. INIay you never lose sight of this truth, and so conduct yourself that at any moment you may be ready to ansAver when He calls ! " He did not allow himself to be idle, but, from his earliest years, exhibited the same spirit of industry which led to success in after life. With a natural quickness of apprehension, and a fondness for books, he made commendable progress, in spite of his disad- vantages. His father's social disposition and hospita- ble feelings made the house a favorite resort for both friends and strangers ; and among the most welcome were old messmates and fellow-soldiers, to whose mar- vellous adventures and escapes the youthful listener lent a most attentive ear. In after life he often alluded to the intense interest with which he hung upon these accounts of revolutionary scenes, and times which " tried men's souls." The schoolmaster was usually billeted upon the family ; and there are now living individuals high in political and social life who served in that capacity, and who look back with pleasure to the days passed under that hospitable roof. At a later period, he seems to have been transferred 2* 22 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. to another school, in the adjoining district as will be seen by the following extract of a letter, written in ]844, to a youth at the Groton Academy : " More than fifty years ago, your father and I were school children together. I attended then at the old meeting-house, or North Barn, as it -was called, by way of derision, where I once remember being in great tribulation at having lost my spelling- book on the way.- It was afterwards restored to me by Captain llichardson, who found it under his pear-tree, where I had been, without leave, on my way to school, and with the other children helped myself to his fruit." From the district school, Mr. Lawrence entered the Groton Academy, of which all his brothers and sisters were members at various times. As his strength was not sufficient to make him useful upon the farm, in the autumn of 1799 he was placed in a small store, in the neighboring town of Dunstable. There he passed but a few months ; and, on account, perhaps, of greater facilities for- acquiring a knowledge of business, he was transferred to the establishment of James Brazer, Esq., of Groton, an enterprising and thrifty country merchant, who transacted a large busi ncss, for those times, with his own and surrounding towns. The store was situated on the high road lead- ing from Boston to New Hampshire and Canada, and was, consequently, a place of much resort, both lor travellers and neighbors who took an interest in pass- DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 23 ing events. Several clerks were employed ; and, as Mr. Bnizer did not take a very active pait in the management of the business, after a year or two nearly the whole responsibility of the establishment rested npon young Lawrence. The stock consisted of the usual variety kept in the country stores of those days, wlien neighbors could not, as now, run down to the city, thirty or forty miles distant, for any little matter of fancy, and return before dinner-time. Puncheons of rum and brandy, bales of cloth, kegs of tobacco, with hardware and hosiery, shared attention in common with silks and thread, and all other articles for female use. Among other duties, the young clerk was obliged to dispense medicines, not only to customers, but to all the physicians within twenty miles around, who depended on this establishment for their supply. The confidence in his good judgment was such that he was often consulted, in preference to the physician, by those who were suffering from minor ails ; and many were the extemporaneous doses which he admin- istered for the weal or woe of the patient. The same confidence was extended to him in all other matters , no one doubted his assertion ; and the character for probity and fairness which accompanied him through life was here established. The quantity of rum and brandy sold would surprise the temperance men of modern days. At eleven o'clock, each forenoon, some stimulating beverage, 24 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. according to the taste of the clerk who compounJecI it, was served out for the benefit of clerks and cus- tomers. Mr. Lawrence partook with the others ; hut, soon finding that the desire became more pressing at the approach of the hour for indulgence, he resolved to discontinue the habit altogether : " His mind was soon made up. Understanding perfectly the ridicule he should meet with, and which for a time he did meet ^^■ith in its fullest measure, he yet took at once the ground of total abstinence. Such a stand, taken at such an age, in such circumstances of temptation, before temperance societies had been heard of, or the investigations had been commenced on which they are based, was a practical instance of that judgment and decision which characterized him through life." * In regard to this resolution, he writes, many years afterward, to a young student in college : " In the first place, take this for your motto at the commence- ment of your journey, that the difference of going just right, or a little wromj, will be the difference of finding yourself in good quarters, or in a miserable bog or slough, at the end of it. Of the whole number educated in the Groton stores for some years before and after myself, no one else, to my knowledge, escaped the bog or slough ; and my escape I trace to the simple fact of my having put a restraint upon m}^ appetite. We five boys were in the habit, evei'y forenoon, of making a drink compounded of • President Hopkins's Sermon in commemoration of Amos Lawrence DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 25 rum, raiains, sugar, nutmeg, &c., with biscuit, — all palatable to eat and drink. After being in the store four weeks, I found mV'Self admonished bj my appetite of the approach of the hour for indulgence. Tliiiikiug the habit might make trouble if allowed to grow stronger, without further apology to my seniors I declined partaking with them. My first resolution was to abstain for a week, and, when the week was out, for a month, and then for a year. Finally, I resolved to abstain for the rest of my apprenticeship, which was for five years longer. During that whole period, I never drank a spoonful, though I mixed gallons daily for my old master and his customers. I decided not to be a slave to tobacco in any form, though I loved the odor of it then, and even now have in my drawer a superior Havana cigar, given me, not long since, by a friend, but only to smell of. [ have never in my life smoked a cigar ; never chewed but one quid, and that was before I was fifteen ; and never took an ounce of snuif, though the scented rappee of forty years ago had great charms for me. Now, I say, to this simple fact of starting Jusi rlglit am I indebted, with God's blessing on my labors, for my present position, as well as that of the numerous connection? sprung up around me. I have many details that now appear as plain to me as the sun at noonday, by which events are connected together, and which have led to results that call on me to bless the Lord for all his benefits, and to use the opportunities thus per- mitted to me in cheering on the generation of young men who have claims upon my sympathies as relations, fellow-townsmen, or brethren on a more enlaro;ed scale." Of this period he writes elsewhere, as follows : " When I look back, I can trace the small events which hap- pened at your age as having an influence upon all the aftei 4 26 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. things. ]\Iy academy lessons, little academy balls, and eight-cent expenses for music and gingerbread, the agreealde partners in the hall, and pleasant companions in the stroll, all helped to make me feel that I had a character even then ; and, after leavino- school and going into the store, there was not a month passed before 1 became impressed with the opinion that restraint upon appetite was necessary to prevent the slavery I saw destroying numbers around me. JNIany and m.any of the farmers, mechanics, and apprentices, of that day, have filled drunkards' graves, and have left destitute families and friends. " The knowledge of every-day affairs which I acquired in my business apprenticeship in Groton has been a source of pleasure and profit even in my last ten years' discipline." The responsibility thrown upon the young clerk was very great ; and he seems cheerfully to have accepted it, and to have given himself up entirely to the per- formance of his business duties. His time, from early dawn till evening, was fully taken up ; and, although living in the family of his employer, and within a mile of his father's house, a whole week would sometimes pass without his having leisure to pay even a flying visit. But few details of his apprenticeship can now he gathered either from his contemporaries or from any allusions in his own writings. He was disabled for a time by an accident which came near being fatal. In a,ssi5tiag an acquaintance to unload a gun, by some means the charge exploded, and passed directly DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 27 throngli the middle of his hand, making a round hole like that of a bullet. Sixty-three shot were picked ()ut of the floor after the accident, and it seemed almost a miracle that he ever again had the use of his hand. CIlArTER III. ARRIVAL IN BOSTON. — CLERKSHIP. — COMMENCES BUSINESS H.ABITS —LETTERS. On the 22d of April, 1807, Mr. Lawrence bocamo of age ; and his apprenticeship, which had Listed seven years, was terminated. On the 29th of the same month, he took his father's horse and chaise, and eniraired a neifrhbor to drive him to Boston, with, as he says, many years after wards, — " Twenty dollars in my pocket, but feeling richer than I had ever felt before, or have felt since ; so rich that I gave the man who came with me two dollars to save him from any expense, and insure him against loss by his spending two days on the journey here and back (for which he was glad of an excuse)." His object was to make acquaintances, and to estab- lish a credit which would enable him to commence Dusiness in Groton on his own account, in company with a fellow-apprentice. A few days after his arrival in Boston, he received jie ( ller of a clerkship from a respectable house ; and, 28 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 29 wishing to tamiliarize himself with the modes of con- ducting mercantile affairs in the metropolis, and with the desire of extending his acquaintance M'ith business men, he accepted the offer. His employers were so well satisfied with the capacity of their new clerk, that, in the course of a few months, they m;ide a proposition to admit him into partnership. Without any very definite knowledge of their affairs, he, much to their surprise, declined the offer. He did not con- sider the principles on which the business was con- ducted as the true ones. The result showed his sagacity ; for, in the course of a few months, the firm became insolvent, and he was appointed by the cred- itors to settle their affairs. This he did to their satisftiction ; and, having no further occupation, de- cided upon commencing business on his own account He accordingly hired a small store in what was then called Cornhill, and furnished it by means of the credit which he had been able to obtain through the con- fidence with which he had inspired those whose acquaintance he had made durinii; his brief sojourn in Boston. On the ITth of December, 1S07, he commenced business, after having engaged as his clerk Henry Whiting, in after years well and honorably known aa Brigadier- General Whiting, of the United States Army. Mr. Lawrence writes to General Whiting, in 1849, as follows : so DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. " I have just looked into my first sales-book, and there see tho entries made by you more than forty-one years ago. Ever since, you have been going up from tire cornet of dragoons to the present station. Abbott, who took your place, is now the repre- sentative of his country at the Court of St. James." Til a memorandum in one of his account-books, lio tlius alludes to liis condition at that time : " I was then, in the matter of property, not worth a dollar. "hlj father was comfortably oif as a fiu'mer, somcAvhat in debt ; with perhaps four thousand dollars. My brother Luther was in the practice of law, getting forward, but not worth two thousand dollars ; William had nothing ; Abbott, a lad just fifteen years old, at school ; and Samuel, a child seven yeai's old." Of the manner in which he occupied himself when »t enga< in 1832 : not engaged about his business, he writes to his son " When I first came to this city, I took lodgings in the fiimily of a widow who had commenced keeping boarders for a living. I was one of her first, and perhaps had been in the city two months wl;en I went to this place; and she, of course, while I remained, was inclined to adopt any. rules for the boarders that I prescribed. The only one I ever made was, that, after supper, all thv. boarders who remained in the public room should remain quiet at least for one hour, to give those y\\\o chose to study or re:ul an opportunity of doing so without disturbance. The con- sequenre was, that we had the most quiet and improving set of young men in the tOAvn. The few who did not wish to comply DIARY AND CORRESrONDENCE. 31 with the rogulation went abioad after tea, sometimes to the theatre, sometimes to other phices, but, to a man, became bank- rupt in after life, not onlj in fortune, but in reputation ; while a majority of the other class sustained good characters, and some are now living who are ornaments to society, and fill important stations. The influence of this small measure will perhaps be felt throughout generations. It was not less favorable on myself than on others." Mr. Lawrence was remarkable through life for the most punctilious exactness in all matters relating to business. Ever prompt himself in all that he under- took, he submitted with little grace to the want of the same good trait in others. He writes to a friend : " And now having delivered the message, having the power at the present moment, and not ha\ang the assurance that I shall be able to do it the next hour, I will state that I practised upon the maxim, ' Business before friends,^ from the commencement of my course. During the first seven years of my business in this city, I never allowed a bill against me to stand unsettled over the Sabbath. If the purchase of goods was made at auction on Saturday, and delivered to me, I always examined and settled the bill by note or by crediting it, and having it clear, so that, in case I was not on duty on Monday, there would be no trouble for my boys; thus keeping the business 0(ffore me, instead of allowing, it to drive me." Absence from his home seemed only to strengthen the feelings of attachment with which he regarded iU inmates * 32 DIARY -\ND CORRESPONDEXCE. "Mj interest in home, and my desire to liave something Ui tell my sisters to instruct and improve them, as ■well as to boar their comments upon whatever I conununicated, "was a powerful motive for me t: spend a portion of each evening in my boarding- house, the first year I came to Boston, in reading and study." During the same month in which he commenced his business, he opened a correspondence with one of his sisters by the following letter "Boston, December, 1807. " Dear E. : Although the youngest, you are no less dear to me than the other sisters. To you, therefore, I ought to be as liberal in affording pleasure (if you can find any in reading my letters) as to S. and INI. ; and, if there is any benefit resulting from them, you have a claim to it as well as they. From these considerations, and with the hope that you will write to me whenever you can do so with convenience, I have begun a cor- lespondence which I hope will end only with life. To be able to write a handsome letter is certainly a very great accomplish- ment, and can best be attained by practice ; and, if you now begin, I have no hesitation in saying, that, by the time you are sixteen, you will be mistress of a handsome style, and thrice the quantity of ideas you would otherwise possess, by omitting this part of education. At present, you can write about any subject that will afford you an opportunity of putting together a sen- tence, and I shall read it with pleasure. I mention this, that you need not fear writing on subjects not particularly interesting to me : the manner at present being of as much consequence as tlio matter. " For our mutual pleasure and benefit, dear E., I hope you will not fail to gratify your affectionate brother A.mos." riARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 33 To show the nature of the correspondence bet^^een the parties, extracts are given below from a letter dated within a few days of the preceding, and ad- dressed to another sister * *' From you, my dear sister, the injunction not to forget the duties of religion comes with peculiar grace. You beg I will pardon you for presuming to offer good advice. Does a good act require pardon ? Not having committed an offence, I can grant you no pardon ; but my thanks I can give, which you will accept, with an injunction never to withhold any caution or advice which you may think necessary or beneficial on account of fewer years having passed over your head. * * * * " Many, when speaking of perfection, say it is not attainable, or hitherto unattainable, and it is therefore vain to try or hope for it. To such I would observe, that, from motives of duty to our Creator, and ambition in ourselves, we ought to strive for it, at least so fir as not to be distanced by those who have preceded us. jNIoralitjMs strict justice between man and man; therefore, a man being moral does not imply he is a Christian, but being a Christian implies he is a moral man. * * * * " We ought to use our utmost endeavors to conquer our pas- sions and evil propensities, to conform our lives to the strict rules of morality and the best practice of Christianity. I cannot go further, without introducing the subject of evil speaking, wuich you will perhaps think I have exhausted. * * * " I do not, my dear M., set myself up as a reformer of human nature, or to find faidt with it ; but these observations (which have occurred to me as I am writing) may serve to show how apt we arc to do things which afford us no pleasure, and which often- 34 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. times are attended -with the most disagreeable consequences. If vou receive any improvement from the sentiments, or pleasure f]-om the perusal, of this letter, the time in writing -will be con- sidered as well spent by your affectionate brother » ,, ^ Amos CIIAriEE IV. DUSINESS HABITS. —mS FATHER'S MORTGAGE. —RESOLUTIONS. - ARRIVAL OF BROTHERS IN BOSTON. i\lR. Lawrence had early formed, in the management of his affairs, certain principles, to -which he rigidly adhered till the close of life. He writes : " I adopted tbe plan of keeping an accurate account of mer- chandise bought and sold each day, with the profit as far as }. "acticable. This plan was pursued for a number of years ; and I never found my merchandise fall short in taking an account of stock, wbioh I did as often at least as once in each yeai*. I was thus enabled to form an opinion of my actual state as a business man. I adopted also the rule always to have property, after my second year's business, to represent forty per cent, at least more than I owed : that is, never to be in debt more tban two ind a half times my capital. This caution saved me from ever gettmg embarrassed. If it were more generally adopted, we sliould see fewer fulures in business. Excessive credit is the rock on wbioh so many business men are broken. " "When I commenced, the embargo had just been laid, and with such restrictions on trade that many were induced to leave it. But I felt great confidence, that, by industry, economy, and integrity, I could get a living : and the experiment showed that I was right. Most of the young men who oonmienced at that 85 36 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. period failed bj spending too much money, and using credit toe freelj. " I made about fifteen hundred dollars the first year, and more than four thousand the second. Probably, had I made four thousand the first year, I should have failed the second or third year. I practised a system of rigid economy, and never allowed myself to spend a fourpence for unnecessary objects until I had acquired it." It is known to many of Mr. Lawrence's friends that his father mortgaged his farm, and loaned the pro- ceeds to his son ; thereby enabling him, as some suppose, to do what he could not have done by his own unaided efforts. To show how far this supposition is correct, the following extract is given. It is copied from the back of the original mortgage deed, now lying before the writer, and bearing date of September 1, 1807. The extract is dated March, 1847 : " The review of this transaction always calls up the deep feelings of my heart. My honored father brought to me the one thousand dollars, and asked me to give him my note for it. I told him he did wrong to place himself in a situation to be made unhappy, if I lost tlie money. He told me he ffuesscd I tcould lit lose it, and I gave him my note. The first thing 1 did was to take four per cent, premium on my Boston bills (tlie difference then between passable and Boston money), and send a thousand dollars in bills of the Hillsborough Bank to Amherst, New Hampshire, by my father, to my brother L. to carry to tho bank and get specie, as he Avas going there to attend court that week. Mj brother succeeded in getting specie, principally in DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 37 silver change, for the bills, and returned it to me in a few days. In the mean time, or shortly after, the bank had been sued, the bills discredited, and, in the end, proved nearly worthless. I determined not to use the money, except in the safest way ; and therefore loaned it to Messrs. Parkman, in Avhom I had entire confidence. After I had been in business, and had made more than a thousand dollars, I felt that I could repay the money, come what would of it ; being insured against fire, and trusting nobody for goods. I used it in my business, but took care to pay off the mortgasre as soon as it would be received. The whole transaction is deeply interesting, and calls forth humble and devout thanksgiving to that merciful Father who has been to us better than our most sanguine hopes." In alluding to this transaction in another place, he says : "This incident shows how dangerous it is to the independence and comfort of families, for parents to take pecuniary responsibil- ities for their sons in trade, beyond their power of meeting them without embarrassment. Had my Hillsborough Bank notes not been paid as they Avere, nearly the whole amount would have been lost, and myself and family might probably have been ruined. The incident was so striking, that I have unifornly discouraged young men who have applied to me for credit, offer- ing their fathers as bondsmen ; and, by doing so, I have, I believe, saved some respectable families from ruin. My advice, however, has been sometimes rejected with anger. A young mau who cannot get along without su'-h aid will not be likely to get along with it. On the first day of January, 1808, I had been but a few days in business ; and the profits on all my sales to that day were one hun Ired and seventy-five dollars and eighteen 38 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. cents. The expenses were to come out, and the balance was my capital. In 1842, the sum had increased to such an amount as 1 thought would be good for my descendants ; and, from that time, I have been my own executor. IIow shall I show my sense of responsibility ? Surely by active deeds more than by unmeaning words. God grant me to be true and faithful in his work ! " Having become fairly established in Boston, Mr Lawrence c(J»icluded to ta.ke his brother Abbott, then fifteen years of age, as an apprentice. On the 8th of October, 1808, Abbott accordingly joined his brother, who says of him • " In 1808, he came to me as my apprentice, bringing his bundle under his arm, with less than three dollars in his pocket (and this was his fortune) ; a first-rate business lad he was, but, like other bright lads, needed the careful eye of a senior to guard him from the pitfalls that he was exposed to." In his diary of February 10, 1847, he writes * " In the autumn of 1809, I boarded at Granger's Coffee House, opposite Brattle-street Church ; and, in the same house, Mr. Charles White took up his quarters, to prepare his then new play, called the ' Clergyman's Daughter.' He spent some months in preparing it to secure a I'liii for the winter ; and used to have Tennett, Canfield, Robert Treat Paine, and a host of others, to dine with him very often. I not unfrequently left the party at the dinner-table, and found them there when I returned to tea. Among the boarders was a fair proportion of respectable young men, of different pursuits ; and, having got somewhat DIAKY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 39 interested for White, we all agreed to go, and help bring out his • Clergyman's Daughter.' Mrs. Darley was the lady to per- sonate her, and a more beautiful creature could not be found. She and her husband" (who sung his songs better than any man I had ever heard then) had all the spirit of parties in interest. We filled the boxes, and encored, and all promised a great run. After three nights, we found few beside the friends, and it was laid aside a failure. In looking back, the picture comes fresh Defore me ; and, among all, I do not recollect one who was the better, and most were ruined. The theatre is no better now." In 1849, he resumes : " About this time, my brother William made me a little A'isit to recruit his health, which he had impaired by hard work on the farm, and by a generous attention to the joyous meetings of the young folks of both sexes, from six miles around, which meetings he never allowed to break in upon his work. He continued his visit tlirough the winter, and became so much inteiested in my business that I agreed to furnish the store next my own for his benefit. Soon after that, I was taken sick ; and he bought goods for himself to start with, and pushed on without fear. From that time, he was successful as a business man. He used his property faithfully, and I trust acceptably to the Master, who has Cxilled him to account for his talents. Our father's advice to us was, " ' Do not fall out by the way, for a three-fold cord is iio£ quickly broken ' ' CIIAPTEE Y. - VISITS AT GROTON. — SICKNESS. — LETTER FROM DR. SIIATTUCK - ENGAGEMENT. — LETTER TO REV. DR. GANNETT. — MARRIAGE. During these years, Mr. Lawrence was in the habit of making occasional visits to his parents in Groton, thirty-five miles distant. His custom was to drive himself, leaving Boston at a late hour on Saturday afternoon, and often, as he says, encroaching upon the Sabbath before reaching home. After midnight, on Sunday, he would leave on his return ; and thus was enabled to reach Boston about daybreak on Monday morning, without losing a moment's time in his business. In 1810, Mr. Lawrence was seized with an alarm- ing illness, through which he enjoyed the care and skill of his friend and physician, the late Dr. G. C. Shattuck, who, shortly before his own death, trans- milted the follo^\ing account- of this illness to the editor of these pages, who also had the privilege of enjoying a friendship so much prized by his father : " Feb. 28, 1853. " ^lore than forty years ago, New England was visited with a pestilence. The people were stricken with panic. The iirst vic- 40 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 41 tims were taken off unawares. In many towns in the interior of the commonwealth, the people assembled in town meeting, and voi'ed to pay, from the town treasury, physicians to be in readiness to attend on any one assailed with the premonitory symptoms of disease. The distemper was variously named, cold plague, spot- ted fever, and malignant remittent fever. After a day of unusual exercise, your father was suddenly taken ill. The worthy family in which he boarded were prompt in their sympathy. A physi- cian was called : neighbors and friends volunteered their aid. Remedies were diligently employed. Prayers in the church were offered up for the sick one. A pious father left his home, on the banks of the Nashua, to be with his son. To the physician in attendance he gave a convulsive grasp of the hand, and, with eyes brimful of tears, and choked utterance, articulated, ' Doctor, if Amos has not money enough, I have ! ' To the anxious father lii? acres seemed like dust in the balance contrasted with the life of his son. He was a sensible man, acting on the principle that the stimulus of reward is a salutary adjunct to the promptings of humanity. God rebuked the disorder, though the convalescence was slow. A constitution with an originally susceptible nervous temperament had received a shock which rendered him a long time feeble. An apprentice, with a discretion beyond his years, maintained a healthy activity in his mercantile operations, to the quiet of his mind. He did not need great strength ; for sagacity and decision supplied every other lack. Supply and demand were as familiar to him as the alphabet. He knew the wants of the country, and sources of supply. Accumulation followed his operations, and religious principle regulated the distribution of the cumbrous surplus. A sensible and pious father, aided by a prudent mother, had trained the child to become the future man. You will excuse my now addressing you, when you recur to the 6 42 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. tradition that I had participated in the joy of the hoiise when you first opened jour ejes to the light. That God's promises to the seed of the righteous may extend to you and yours, is the prayer of your early acquaintance, "George 0. Shattuck/' But few details of Mr. Lawrence's business from this date until 1815 are now found. Suffice it to say, that, through the difficult and troubled times in which the United States were engaged in the war with England, his efforts were crowned with success. Dark clouds sometimes arose in the horizon, and vari- ous causes of discouragement from time to time cast a gloom over the mercantile world ; but despondency formed no part of his character, while cool sagacity and unceasing watchfulness and perseverance enabled him to weather many a storm which made shipwreck of others around him. Amidst the engrossing cares of business, however, Mr. Lawrence found time to indulge in more genial pursuits, as will be seen from the following lines, addressed to his sister : "Boston, March 17, 1811 " !My not having written to you since your return, my dear JNI., has proceeded from my having other numerous avocations, and partly from a carelessness in such affairs reprehensible in me. You will, perhaps, be surprised to learn the extent and import- ance of my avocations ; for, in addition to my usual routine of mercantile affairs, I have lately been engaged in a negotiation of DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 43 the first importance, and \\liich I have accomplished ver^ much to my own satisfaction. It is no other than having offered myself aa a husband to your very good friend Sarah Richards, which offer slie has agreed to accept. So, next fall, you must set your mind on a wedding. Sarah I have long known and esteemed : there is such a reciprocity of feelings, sentiments, and principles, that I have long thought her the most suitable person I have seen for me to be united with. Much of my time, as you may well suppose, is spent in her society ; and here I cannot but observe the infi- nite advantage of good sense and good principles over the merely elegant accomplishments of fashionable education. By the latter we may be fascinated for a time ; but they Avill afford no satisfac- tion on retrospection. The former you are compelled to respect and to love. Such qualities are possessed by Sarah ; and, were I to say anything further in her favor, it would be that she i? beloved by you. Adieu, my dear sister, A. L." As this volume is intended only for tho perusal of the family and friends of the late Amos Lawrence, no apology need be made for introducing such incidents of his life, of a domestic nature, as may be thought interesting, and, which it might not seem advisable to introduce under other circumstances. Of this nature arc some details connected with this engagement. The young lady here alluded, to, whose solid qualities he thus, at the age of twenty-five and in the first ilush of a successful courtship, so calmly discusses, in addition to these, possessed personal charms sufficient to captivate the fancy of even a more philosophical admirer than himself. Her father, Giles Richards, 44 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. was a man of great ingenuity, "who resided in Boston at the close of the Revolutionary War. He owned an establishment for the manufactory of cards for prepar- ing wool. A large number of men were employed ; and, at that time, it was considered one of the objects worthy of notice by strangers. As such, it Avas A'isitcd by General Washington on his northern tour ; and may be found described, in the early editions of Morse's Geography, among the industrial establishments of Boston. As in the case of many more noted men of inventive genius, his plans Avere more vast than the means of accomplishment ; and the result was, loss of a handsome competency, and embarrassment in busi- ness, from which he retired with unsullied reputation, and passed his latter years in the vicinity of Boston. Here the evening of his life was cheered by the con- stant and Avatchful care of his wife, wdiose cheerful and happy temperament shed a radiance around his path, which, from a naturally desponding character, might olherwise have terminated in gloom. She had been the constant companion of her husband in all his jour- neyings and residences in nearly every State in the Union, where his business had called him ; and, after forty years, returned to die in the house where she was born, — the parsonage once occupied by her father, the Rev. Amos Adams, of Roxbury, who, at the time jf the ReA'olution, was minister of the church now under the pastoral care of the Rev. Dr. Putnam. DIAUY AND CORRESPONDENCE. " 45 Sarah had been placed in the family of the Rev. D^. Chaplin, minister of the church at Groton, and wa:^ a member of the academy when Mr. Lawrence first made her acquaintance. " The academy balls, the agreeable partners in the hall, the pleasant companions in the stroll," remembered with so much pleasure in after life, were not improbably associated with this acquaintance, who had become a visitor and friend to his own sisters. After a separation of four years, the acquaintance was accidentally renewed in the year 1807. Sarah was on a visit at Cambridge to the family of Caleb Gannett, Esq., then and for many years afterwards Steward of Harvard University. In a letter to Rev. Dr. Gannett, dated February 15, 1845, Mr. Lawrence thus alludes to this interview : " ]My first interview "R'ith you, thirty-eight ycais ago, "when you -were led by the hand into the -store where I then was^ in Cornhill, by that friend (who was afterwards my wife), ui.cor- scious of my being within thirty miles, after a four years' separa- tion, connects you in my thoughts with her, her children and grandchildren, in a way that no one can appreciate Avho has not had the experience." Enclosed in this letter was a faded paper, on which were written several verses of poetry, with the follow- ing explanation : " Only think of your sainted mother writing this little scrap thiitj-eight years ago, when on her death-bed, for her young friend, then on a visit to her, to teach to you, who could not a* 40 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. read ; and tliis scrap, Tvritton upon a blank tcrm-])ill witlioui premeditation, being preserved bj that friend while she lived, and, after her death, bj her daughter while she lived, and, after her death, being restored to me as the rightful disposer of it ; and my happening, within four days after, to meet you under such circumstances as made it proper to show it to you." MRS. GANNETT'S HYMN FOR HER LITTLE BOY JN 1807. How can a child forgetful prove Of all that wakes the heart to love, And from the path of duty stray, To spend his time in sport and play ; Neglectful of the blessing given, Which marks the path to peace and heaven ? O ! how can I, who daily share A mother's kind, assiduous care. Be idle, and ungrateful too ; Forsake the good, the bad pursue ; Neglectful of the blessings given, "Which mark the path to peace and heaven? ! how can I such folly show. When faults indulged to vices grow, — Who know that idle days ne'er make Men that are useful, good, or great ? Dear mother, still be thou my guide, Nor suffer me my faults to hide ; And may God his grace impart To fix my feeble, foolish heart. That I may wait the blessing given. Which marks the path to peace and heaven 1 Mem. — Mrs. Gannett died soon after writing this on a blank term-bill of HaT' vard College, in 1807. — A. L., 1847. The marriage of Mr. Lawrence tooii place in Boston, on the 6th of June, 1811, three months after announc ing his engagement to his sister. CIIAPTEE VI. BRVMBLE NEWS. — JUNIOR PARTNER GOES TO ENGLAND.— LETTERS TO BROTHER. In 1849, Mr. Lawrence writes as follows . " On the 1st of January, 1814, I took my brother Abbott into partnership on equal shares, putting fifty thousand dollars, that I had then earned, into the concern. Three days afterAvards, the ' Bramble News ' came, by which the excessive high price of goods was knocked down. Our stock was then large, and had cost a high price. He was in great anguish, considering him- self a bankrupt for at least five thousand dollars. I cheered him by offering to cancel our copartnership indentures, give him up his note, and, at the end of the year, pay him five thousand dollars. He declined the offer, saying I should lose that, and more beside, and, as he had enlisted, would do the best he could This was in character, and it was well for us both. He was called off to do duty as a soldier, through most of the year. T took care of the business, and prepared to retreat with my family into the country whenever the town seemed liable to fall into the hands of the British, who were very threatening in their demon- strations. We still continue mercantile business under the first set of indentures, and under the same firm, merely adding ' & Co.,' as new partners have been admitted." In March, 1815, the junior partner embarked on 47 48 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. board the ship Milo, the first vessel which sailed fron; Boston for England after the proclamation of peace On the eve of his departure, he received from his brother and senior partner a letter containing many good counsels for his future moral guidance, as well as instructions in relation to the course of business to be pursued. From that letter, dated March 11th, the following extracts are taken . " My dear Brother : I have thought best, before you go abroad, to suggest a fe^Y hints for your benefit in your intercourse with the people among whom 3^ou are going. As a first and leading principle, let every transaction be of that pure and honest character that you -svould not be ashamed to have appear before the -whole world as clearly as to yourself In addition to the advantages arising from an honest course of conduct with your fellow-men, there is the satisfaction of reflecting within yourself tliat you have endeavored to do your duty ; and, however greatly the best may fall short of doing all they ought, they will be sure not to do more than their principles enjoin, " It is, therefore, of the highest consequence that you should not only cultivate correct principles, but that you should place your standard of action so high as to require great vigilance in living up to it. " In re2;ard to your business transactions, let everytliin^; be so registered in your books, that any person, without difTiculty, can understand the whole of your concerns. You may be cut off in tlie midst of your pursuits, and it is of no small consequence that your temporal affairs should always be so arranged thst you may bf in rea/liues3. DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 49 "If it is important that you should be well prepared in this point of view, how much more imporUmt is it that you should be prepared in that which relates to eternity ! " You are young, and tlie course of life seems open, and pleasant prospects greet your ardent hopes ; but you must i-emember that the race is not always to the swift, and that how- ever flattering may be your prospects, and however zealously you may seek pleasure, you can never find it except by cherishing pure principles, and practising right conduct. My heart is full on this subject, my dear brother, and it is the only one on which I feel the least anxiety. " While here, your conduct has been such as to meet my entire approbation ; but the scenes of another land may be more than your principles will stand against. I say, may 6e, because young men, of as fair promise as yourself, have been lost oy giving a small latitude (innocent in the first instance) to their propensities. But I pray the Father of all mercies to have you in his keeping, and preserve you amid temptations. *i4t ^ .it. jj, ^^ TV" -Tt* -7^ -fr ^ " I chn only add my wish to have you write me frequently and particularly, and that you will embrace every opportunity of gaining information. Your affectionate brother, "Amos Lawrence. " To Abbott Lawrence." Again, on the 28tli of tlis month, he writes to the Same, after his departure : " I hope you will have arrived in England early in April ; and if so, you will bo awaiting with anxious solicitude the arrival of the ' Galen,' by which vessel you will receive letters from homc^ a word which brings more agreeable associations to the mind and 7 50 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. feelings of a young stranger in a foreign land tlian any other in our language. I have had many fears that you have had a rough passage, as the weather on the Friday following your departure ■was very boisterous, and continued so for a number of days, and much of the time since has been uncomfortable. I trust, how- ever, that the same good Hand which supplies our daily wants has directed your course to the desired port. " With a just reliance on that Power, we need have no fear, though winds and waves should threaten our destruction. The interval between the time of bidding adieu and of actual depart- ure called into exercise those fine feelings which those only have who can prize friends, and on that account I was happy to see so much feeling in yourself " Since your departure nothing of a public nature has trans- pired of particular interest. All that there is of news or interest among us you will gather from the papei"S forwarded. " Those aflfairs which relate particularly to ourselves will be of as much interest as any ; I shall therefore detail our business operations. * * * * * * " My next and constant direction will be to keep a particular watch over yourself that you do not f\ll into any habits of vice ; and. as a means of preserving yourself, I would most strictly enjoin that your Sabbaths be not spent in noise and riot, but that you attend the public worship of GckI. This you may think an unnecessary direction to you, who have always been in the habit of doing so. I hope it may be : at any rate, it will do no harm. " That you may be blessed with health, and enjoy properly the blessings of life, is the wish of your ever affectionate brother. " A. L •' To Abbott Lawrence " DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 61 (to ABBOTT LAWRENCE.) " Boston, April 15th, 1815 " ^Iy dear Brotuer : By the favor of Heaven I trust ere this you have landed upon the soil from which sprang our fore- fathers. In the contemplation of that wonderful ' Isle ' on your first arrival, there must be a feelino; borderins' on devotion. The thousand new objects, which make such constant demand on your attention, will not, I hope, displace the transatlantic friends from the place they should occupy in your remembrance. Already do I begin to count the days when I may reasonably hear from you. " I pray you to let no opportunity pass without writing, as you will be enabled to appreciate the pleasure your letters will give by those which you receive from home. Since your depar:\u'e, our father has been dangerously ill ; he seems fast recovering, but we much fear a relapse, when he would, in all probability, be immediately deprived of life, or his disease would so far weaken him as to terminate his usefulness. Our mother continues as comfortable as when you left us. Should you live to return, probably one or both our parents may not be here to welcome you ; we have particular reason for thankfulness that they have both been spared to us so long, and have been so useful in the education of their children. " All others of our connection have been in health s!nce your departure, and a comfortable shai'e of happiness seems to have been enjoyed by all. ■ff ^P "if T^ "jf rt^ " Now for advice : you are placed in a particularly favorable situation, my dear brother, for impro^'ing yourself in the kn'^wl- edge of such things as will hereafter be useful to you. Le* no opportunity pass without making the most of it. There iro necessarily many vacant houi's in your business, which ought aot 52 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. to pass unemployed. I pretend not to suggest particular objects for your attention, but only the habit generally of active employment, wliich, while making your time useful and agreeable to yourself, Avill be the best safeguard to youi^ virtue. The American character, I trust, is somewhat respected in England at this time, notwithstanding it \vas lately at so low an ebb ; and I would wish every American to endeavor to do something to improve it. Especially do I wish you, my dear A., who visit that country und^^r circumstances so favorable, to do your part in estnMi.-hiug a character for your country as well as for j'ourself. Thus prays your affectionate brother, A. L." To his wife, at Groton, Mr. Lawrence writes, under date of June 4, 1S15 : " The Mile got in yesterday, and brought letters from Abbott, dated 4th April. He -was then in jNIanchester, and enjoyed the best health. ITe wrote to our father, wluch letter, I hope, will arrive at Croton by to-morrow's mail. I received from him merchandise, which I hope to get out of the ship and sell this week. I suspect there are few instances of a young man leaving this town, sending out goods, and having them sold within ninety days from the time of his departure. It is eighty-four days this morning smce he left home." (to ABBOTT LAWKEXCE.) " Boston, June 7, 1815. " Dear Brother : By the arrival of the ^filo last Saturday, and packet on Monday, I received your sev- >il letters, giving an account of your proceedings. You ai-e as famous among your acquaintances here for the rapidity of your movements as Bona- par*;e. ^fr. thinks that you leave Bonapai-te entirely m tlio DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 53 background. I really feel a little proud, mj dear brother, of your conduct. Few instances of like despatch are known. " The sensations you experienced in being greeted so heartily by the citizens of Liverpool, were not unlike those you felt on hearing the news of peace. I am happy to state to 3^ou that our father has so iar recovered from his illness as to be able to attend to liis farm. Our mother's health is much as when you left. ' ' Your friends here feel a good deal of interest in your welfare, and read with deep interest your letters to them. The opportu- nity is peculiarly favorable for establishing a reputation as a close observer of men and manners, and for those improvements which travelling is reputed to give. " When writing to you sentences of advice, my heart feels all the tender sympathies and affections which bind me to my own children. This is my apology, if any be necessary, for so fre- quently touching on subjects for your moral improvement. " Li any condition I can subscribe myself no other than your ever aflfectionate brother, A L.'' CIIArTER YII. DEATH OF SISTER. — LETTERS On the 19th of August, 1815, Mr. Lawrence, in the following letter to his brother, announced the sudden death of a sister, who to youth and beauty united many valuable qualities of mind and character : " To you, -who arc at such a distance from home, and employed in the busy pursuits of life, the description of domestic woe will not come with such force as on us who were eye-witnesses to an event wljich we and all our friends shall not cease to deplore. We have attendeil this morning to the last sad oflBce of affection to our loved sister S. Although for oui-selves we mourn the loss of so much excellence, yet for her we rejoice that her race is so soon run. "We are permitted to hope that she is now a saint in heaven, celebrating before the throne of her Father the praises of the redeemed. She met death in the enjoyment of that liope which is the peculiar consolation of the believer. This event, I know, my dear brother, is calculated to awaken all the tender recollections of home, and to call forth all your sympathy for tlie anguish of friends ; but it is also ciilculated to soften the heart, and to guide you in your own preparation for that great day of account. The admonition, I hope, may not be lost on any of uS; and happy will it be for us if we use it ai'ight'* 64 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 65 (to toe same.) " Boston, October 19, 1815. " J)ear Abbott : By this vessel I have written to you, but nm always desirous of communicating the last intelligence from home, tlierefore I write again. The situation of our town, our countrv, our friends, and all the objects of endearment, coutinun.s the same as heretofore. AVe are, to be sure, getting into a religious controversy •which does not promise to increase the stock of charity among us, but good will undoubtedly arise from it. The passions of some of cur brethren are too much engaged, and it would seem from present appearances that consequences unfa- vorable to the cause oi' our Master may ensue ; but the wrath of man is frequently made subservient to the best purposes, and the good of mankind may in this case be greatly promoted by what at present seems a great evil. Men's passions are but poor guides to the discovery of truth, but they may sometimes elicit light by which others may get at the truth. " It does seem to me that a man need only use his common sense, and feel a willingness to be instructed in the reading of the Scriptures, and there is enough made plain to his understanding to direct him in the way he should go. " Othei-s, however, think differently ; but that should not be a reason with me for calling them hard names, especially if by their lives they show that they are follower of the same blaster."' Ou December 2d, he writes again : '• I heard from you verbally on the 1st of October, in company with a platoon of New England Guards : and hope the head of the corps allowed Lord "WeUington the honor of an introduction, and of inspecting this choice corps, which once had tlie honor of pro- 50 DIARY AND CORllilSPONDENCE. tooting the constitution and independence of the United States, •when menaced by the 'proud sons of Britain.' This is a theme on which you may be allowed to dwell with some delight, although there are no recitals of hair-breadth escapes and hard-fought actions, Avhen numbers bit the dust. Yet to you, who were active in performing duty, this should be a source of comfortable feeling, as the amount of human misery has not been increased by your means. Shakspeare's knight of sack thought ' the better part of valor was discretion,' but I do not believe the Guards would have confirmed this sentiment, had the opportunity offered for a trial. I am really glad to hear of j'ou in Paris, and hope you will impi'ovc every moment of your time in acquiring information that will be agreeable and interesting ; and, more particularly, I hope you Avill have gone over the ground where the great events have happened that now allow Europe to repose in peace. IIow much should I delight in a few hours' intercourse Avith you ; but that must be deferred to another period, perhaps to a very distant period. " I feel very healthy and very happy ; my wife and children all enjoying health, and a good share of the bounties of Providence in various Avays. Well you may be contented, you will sa^'-. What more is wanting ? Such is not always the lot of man p)sscssing those blessings. There is often a voracious appetite for other and greater blessings. The desire for more splendor, the possession of more wealth, is coveted, without the disposition to use it as an accountable creature ; and too late the poor man finds that all his toil for tliese earthly objects of his worship fiiils in satisfying or giving a good degree of content. I. therefore, nave reason for thankfulness that I am blessed with a disposition to api)reciate tolerably the temporal blessings I enjoy. To the Father of all mercies 1 am indebted for this and every other good DIARY ^ND CORRESPONDENCE. 57 '.hinn; ; even for the increased affection with whif;h I think of you That he may bless and keep you, dear Abbott, is the prayer of your brother, A. L."" On June Gtli, ISIT, a few days after the birtli of a di) Lighter, he writes to a friend : *' I am tiie richest man, I suppose, that there is on this side of the water, and the richest because I am the happiest. On the 23d ult. I was blessed by the birth of a fine little daughter ; tliis, aa you m.ay well suppose, has filled our hearts with joy. S. is verv comfortable, and is not less gratified than I am. I wish you were a married man, and tlien (if you had a good Avifc) you would know how to appreciate the pleasures of a parent. I have lately thought more than ever of the pi'opriety of your settling soon. It is extremely dangerous to defer making a connection until a late period ; for a man is in more and more danger of not forming one the longer he puts it off; and any man who does not form this connection grossly miscalculates in the use of the means which God has given him to supply himself with pleasures in the downhill journey of life. " He is also foolish to allow himself to be cheated in this con- nection by the prospect of a few present advantages, to tlie exclusion of the more permanent ones. Every man's best pleas- ures should be at home ; for there is the sphere for the exercise of his best virtues ; and he should be particularly careful, in the selection of a partner, to get on? who'will jeopardize neither. On this subject, you know, I am always eloquent. But, at this time, there is reason for my being so, as it is the anniversary of my wedding day. " S. has put her eye on a rib for you. The said person, you 58 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. must know, is of a comely appearance (not beautiful), is rather taller than , has a good constitution, is perfectly acquainted with domestic economy, and has all the most desirable of the fashionable accomplishments, such as music, painting &c. ; and my only objection to her is, as flir as I have observed her, that she has a few thousand dollars in cash. This, however, might be remedied ; for, after furnishing a house, the balance might be given to her near connections, or to some public institution. I ■will give no further description, but Avill only say that her connections are such as you would find pleasure in. No more on this subject. The subject of principal interest among us now is the new tariff of duties." * * * ♦ CHAPTEU YIII. DOMESTIC HABITS. — ILLNESS AND DK\TH OF WIFE. In searching for records of the business at this period, the first copied letters are found in a volume com- mencing with the date of March 10, 1815 ; since which period the correspondence, contained in many vokimes, is complete. On the first page of this volume is a letter from the senior partner somewhat characteristic. It relates to a bill of exchange for two thousand rupees, Trhich he knew was a doubtful one, but which he had taken to relieve the pressing necessities of a young Englishwoman from Calcutta, with a worthless husband, lie writes to his friends in that city : " "We have been so particular as to send a clerk to her -with the money, that we might be sure of her receiving it. Previous to hor receiving the money from us, we were told her chihlren were ragged, barefootecan\e so obstinate at the beginning oi' the summer, that she was persuaded t© remain at Groton for a short period, in order to try the benefit of country air. Mr. Lawrence writes to her, July IG : "I am fovoibly roiv.iinled of the blessings of wife, children, ana friends, by the pri\alion of wife and children ; and, when at home, I really feel homesick iuid lonesome. Here I am, in two groat rooms, almost alone; so you must prcDa:"C a*, a minute's notice to follow your husband." She remained in the country ^or several weeks, and was summoned suddenly home by the alarming illness of her husband ; the result of which, for a time, seemed very doubtful. .Vl'ter a season of intense anxiety and unremitted watchings at his bedside, Mrs. Lawrence was seized during the night with a lieuu)rrhage iVoni the lungs. This symptom, which so nuich alarmed her friends, was hailed by hersidf with joy, as she now had no wish to outlive her husband^ a*, hose life she hai! despaired of. ]Mr. Lawrence's recovery was slow , and, as soon as it was deemed prudent, he was sent to Groton to recruit his strength. lie writes, under datp of November 5, 1818 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 63 " Dearest Sarah : "VVe have heard of the fire on Tuesday evening, and hope the alarm has not impaired your health. I enjoy myself here as much as it is possible for any one to do under like circumstances. The idea of leaving the objects most dear to me, a wife and child sick, is too great a drawback upon my happiness to allow me as much quiet as is desirable. Yet I have great reason for thankfulness tliat I am at this time able to enjoy the society of friends, and that you are so comfortable as to give good reason to hope that the next season will restore to you a tolerable share of health." Mrs. Lawrence writes, in reply to his letter : " I have just received yours, ani feel better to hear that you are so well. I hope that you will leave no means unimproved to regain health. Do not allow unreasonable fears on my account, I am as well as I was the week past ; but we arc uneasy mortals, and I do not improve as I could wish. You know mc : therefore make all allowances. It is a cloudy day." It soon became evident to all that the disease under which Mrs. Lawrence labored was a settled consump- tion, and that there could be little hope of recovery. To her mother Mr. Lawrence writer, Dec. 7 : '' Since I last wrote to you, there has been no material change m Sarah's situation. She suffers less pain, and has more cheer- ful spirits than when you were here. She is very well apprised of her situation, and complains that those who are admitted to seo her look so sorrowful, that it has a painful effect upon her feel- 64 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. ingsi. Slie is desirous of being kept cheerful and happy: and, n$ far as I am cap:\ble of making her so. I do it. Yet I am a poor hand to attempt doing, -with my feeble health. >Yhat is .^^o foreign to my feelings. Although she is much more comfortable than she was. I cannot flatter nn-self that she is any better. She still retains a faint hoj>> that she may be so : yet it is but a faint one. It takes much from my distivss to see her so calm, and so resigneil to the will of the Almighty. Although her attachments to life are as strong and as numerous as are the attachments of most, I believe the principle of resignation is sti"onger. She is a genuine disciple of Christ ; and, if my children walk in her steps, they will all l>e ga thcreil among the blest, and sing the song of the roileemcil. Should it W the will of Goil that we be separateil for a sej^on, there is an animation in the hope that we shall meet ag:\in. puvifieil from the grossnoss of the flesh, and never to W p\rted. • God tempei"S the wind to the shorn lamb.* I shall have, therefore, no more put upon me than I am able to lx\vr : yet I know not how to bring my mind to part with so excellent a friend, and so good a counsellor.'' On Jan. 13, 1S19, he writes : '• Sarah has continued to sink since you left, and is now apparently very easy, and very near the termination of her earthly career. She may continue two or three da\-?i : but the prosjxvt is. that she will not o^x^n hor eyes uj^vn another morning. She suffers nothing, and it is. therefore, no trial to our feelings, com- p;ire\l with what it would be did she suffer. Her mind is a little clouded at times, but. in the main, quite clear. "We shall give you e;vi-ly information of the event which blasts our dearest earthlj hopt^s. Bui God reigns : lei tis rejoiceJ' DIAHY AND CORKESPO^^)ENCE. 65 A few hours before her death, she called for a paper (now in possession of the writer), and, with a ])encil, traced, in a trembling- hand, some direc- tions respecting small memoiials to friends, and then added: " Feeling that I must soon depart from this, I trust, to a better world, I resign very dear friends to God, who has done so much for me. I am in ecstacies of love. How can I praise him enough ! To my friends I give these tokens of remembrance." On the Ijith of January, 1819, Mr. Lawrence closed the eyes of this most beloved of all his cartbly objects, and immediately relapsed into a state of melancholy and gloom, which was, no doubt, greatly promoted by the peculiar state of health and physical debility under which he had labored since his last illness. A valued friend writes, a few days after the death of Mrs. L. : " It was my privilege to witness the closing scene ; to behold faith tiiumphing over sense, and raising the soul above this world of shadows. It was a spectacle to con- vince the sceptic, and to animate and confirm the Christian. About a week before her death, her increasing weakness taught her the fallacy of all hope of recovery. From this time, itwas the business of every moment to prepare herself and her friends for the change which awaited her. Serene, and even cheerfid, she could look forward without appre- hension into the dark valley, and beyond it she beheld those bright regions where she should meet her Saviour, through whose mediation she had the blessed assurance that her 9 66 DIARY AND CORRESrONDEXCE. sins were panionai and hor inheritance secure. God permitted a cloud to obscure the bright prospect; it was but for a moment, and the sun broke forth with redoubled splendor. On the last night of her life, she appearcii to suffer extremely, though, when asked, she constantly replied in the neg*ative. She repeated, in a feeble voice, detacheii portions of hynms of which she had been fond. Towards morning, as she appeared nearly insensible, ^Irs. R. was persuaded to lie down and rest. Shortly after, Sarah roused herself, and said to L., 'I am going ; call my mother.' Mrs. R. was at he: bedside inimediately, and asked her if she was sensible that she was leaving the world. She answered ' Yes.' and expressed her resignation. " Mi's. R. then repeated a few lines of Pope's Dying Christiac. and the expiring saint, in broken accents, followe^l her. On her mothers s;\ying 'the world recedes,' she addeil. * It dis:\ppeai's, -—heaven opens.' These were the last words I heard her utter. She then became insensible, and in about ten minutes expired. Not a sound interrupted the siicred silence : the tear of affection was shah but no lamentation was heard. The eye of aflection dwelt on tlie fadeil form, but faith pointed to those regions where the blessetl spirit was admitted to those joys which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive. Mr. L. is wonderfully supported. He feels as a man and a Christiiin." Upon this letter Mr. Lawrence has 3ndoi*sed the following memorandum : " I saw this letter to-day for the first time. My son-in-law handed to me yesterday a number of memorials of my beloved daughter, who was called home on the second day of December DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 67 last, ■vv-hen only a fe^ months younger than her mother, whose death is so beautifully described within. The description brought the scene back to my mind with a force that unmanned me for a time, and leads me to pray most earnestly and humbly that I may be found worthy to join them through thvj beloved, when my summons comes. A. L. " February 5th, 1845." CHAPTER IX. JOURNEYS. — LETTERS. — JOURNEY TO NEW YOKE. The sense of loss and the state of depression uniei (vhich Mr. Lawrence labored were so great, that he was advised to try a change of scene ; and accord- ingly, after having placed his three children -with kind relatives in the country, he left Boston, on a tour, which lasted some weeks, through the Middle States and Virginia. He wrote many letters during this time, describing the scenes which he daily witnessed, and particularly the pleasure which he experienced in Virginia from the unbounded hospitality with which he was welcomed by those with whom he had become acquainted. He also visited Washington, and listened to some important debates on the admission of Missouri into the Union, which produced a strong and lasting influence upon his mind respecting the great questions then discussed. In a letter to his brother from the latter city, dated Feb. 25th, after describing a visit to the tomb of Washington at Mount Vernon, he writes : " Friend AV^ebstcr has taken a stand here which no man caL 68 DIAUY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 69 surpass ; very few are able to keep even with him. He ha« made a wonderful argument for the United States Bank. If he does not stand confessedly first among the advocates here, he does not stand second. Tell brother L. cf this; it will do him good." On March 30, he writes to his sister, after his return to Boston : ' I am once more near the remains of her who was lately more dear to me than any other earthly object, after an absence of two months; my health much improved,— I may say restored; my heart filled with gratitude to the Author of all good for so many and rich blessings, so rapidly succeeding such severe privations and trials." A few days later, he writes to his sister-in-law : " Sunday evening, April 4, 1819. " Dear S. : It is proper that I should explain to you why my feelings got so much the better of my reason at the celebration of the sacrament this morning. The last time I attended that ser- vice was with my beloved S., after an absence on her part of fifteen months, during which period you well know what passed in both our minds. On this occasion our minds and feelings were elevated with devotion, and (as I trust) suitably affected with grattude to the Father of mercies for once more permitting her to celebrate with her husband this memorial of our Saviour. Then, indeed, were our hearts gladdened by the cheering prospect of her returning health and continued life. The consideration that I had since this period been almost within the purlieu of the gra.e, that my beloved Sarah had fallen a sacrifice to her care and anxiety for me, and that I was for the firs: time at tjie table 70 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. of the Lord without her, with a view to celebrate the most solemi. service of our religion, overwhelmed me as a torrent, and my feelings were too powerful to be restrained ; I was almost suf- focated in the attempt. '' Comment is unnecessary. God grant us a suitable improve mcnt of the scene ! " Your affectionate brother, A. L." On April 6, he writes to a friend in England : " Since I last wrote, family misfortunes, of which you have from time to time been apprised, have pressed heavily upon me. I am now in tolerable health, and hope soon to see it entirely confirmed." After a visit to his parents, at Groton, he says, on April 9 : " I arrived at home -last Saturday night, at eleven o'clock, after rather an uncomfortable ride. However, I had the satisfaction on Monday of exercising my right of suffi-age, which, had I not done, I should have felt unpleasantly. I wrote to ^I., on Tues- day, under a depression of spirits altogether greater than I have before felt. The effect of hope upon my feelings, before I saw the little ones, was very animating ; since that time (although I found them all I could desire), the stimulus is gone, and I have been very wretched. The principles I cherish will now have their proper effect, although nature must first find its level. Do not imagine I feel severely depressed all the time ; although I certr a merchant ; because, in their business, thera DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 87 are numerous ways to make little savings, if they find their income too small, which they would not adopt without looking at the detail of all their expenses. It is tlie habit of consideration I wish you to acquire ; and the habit of being accurate will have an influence upon your whole character in life." (to his son Ui FRANCE.) " April 28, 1829. " I beseech you to consider well the advantages you enjoy, and to avail yourself of your opportunities to give your manners a little more ease and polish ; for, you may depend upon it, man- ners are highly important in your intercourse with the world Good principles, good temper, and good manners, will carry a man through the world much better than he can get along with the absence of either. The most important is good principles. Without these, the best manners, although, for a time, very acceptable, cannot sustain a person in trying situations. " If you live to attain the age of thirty, the interim will appear but a span ; and yet at that time you will be in the full force of manhood. To look forward to that period, it seems very long ; and it is long enough to make great improvement. Do not omit the opportunity to acquire a character and habits that will continue to improve during the remainder of life. At its close, the reflection that you have thus done will be a support and stay worth more than any sacrifice you may ever feel called on to make in acquiring these habits." (tc the same.) " June 7, 1829. "I was forcibly reminaed, on entering our tomb last evenrng^^ of the inroads which death has made in our family since 1811, at i the period when I purchased it. How soon any of us Avho sur- S vive may mingle our dust with theirs, is only known to Omnis- J 88 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. cieiice ; but, at longest, it can be in his view but a moment, a mere point of time. How important, then, to us who can use tliis mere point for our everhisting good, that we shoukl do it, and not squander it as a thing without value ! Think upon this, mj son ; and do not merelj admit the thought into your mind and drive it out by vain imaginations, but give it an abiding and practical use. To set a just value upon time, and to make a just use of it, deprives no one of any rational pleasure : on the contrary, it encourages temperance in the enjoyment of all the good things which a good Providence has placed within our reach, and thank- fulness for all opportunities of bestowing happiness on our fellow- beings. Thus you have an opportunity of making me and your other friends happy, by ililigence in your stud es, temperance, truth, integrity, and purity of life and conversa .ion. I may not write to you again for a number of weeks, as I b dl commence a Journey to Canada in a few days. You will gci an account of the journey from some of the party." ClIArTER XII. JOURNKY TO CANADA. — LETTERS. — DIARY. — CHARITIES. Mr. Lawrence, with a large party, left Boston on ijr^S the 13th of June, and passed through Vermont, across Oie Green Mountains, to Montreal and Quebec. Com- pared with these days of railroad facilities, the journey Nvas slow. It was performed very leisurely in hired private vehicles, and seems to have been much enjoyed, lie gives a glowing account of the beauty of the country through which he passed, as well as his impressions of the condition of the population. From Quebec the party proceeded to Niagara Falls, and returned through the State of New York to Bos ton, " greatly improved in health and spirits." This, witli one other visit to Canada several years before, was the only occasion on which Mr. Lawrence ever left the territory of the United States ; for, though sometimes tempted, in after years, to visit the Old "World, his occupations and long-continued feeblo health prevented his doing so. 12 89 90 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. (to nis SON.) " July 27. " If, in an endeavor to do riglit, -wc fall short, we shall still be in the way of duty; and that is first to be looked at. AVe must keep in mind that we are to render an account of the use of those talents which are committed to us ; and we are to be Judged by unerring Wisdom, which can distinguish all the motives of action, as well as weigh the actions. As our steward- ship has been faithful or otherwise, will be the sentence pro- nounced upon us. Give this your best thoughts, for it is a consideration of vast importance." " August 27. " Bring home no foreign fancies which are inapplicable to our state of society. It is very common for our young men to come home and appear quite ridiculous in attempting to introduce their foreign fashions. It should be always kept in mind that the state of society is widely different here from that in Europe ; and our comfort and character require it should long remain so. Those who strive to introduce many of the European habits and fashions, by displacing our OAvn, do a serious injury to the republic, and deserve censure. An idle person, with good pow- ''/s of mind, becomes torpid and inactive after a few years of ^"idulgence, and is incapable of making any high effort; highly /nportant it is, then, to avoid this enemy of mental and moral improvement. I have no wish that you pursue trade. I would rather see you on a farm^ or studying any profession." " October 10. *' It should always be your aim so to conduct yourself that those whom you value most in the Avorld would approve your conduct, if all your actions were laid bare to their inspection; and tljus y^u will be pretty sure that He who sees the motive of DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 91 all our actions -will accept the good designed, though it fall short in its accomplishment. You are young, and are placed in a situation of great peril, and are perhaps sometimes tempted to do things -whicli you wouKl not do if you knew yourself under the eye of your guardian. The blandishments of a beautiful city may lead you to forget that you are always surrounded, sup- ported, and seen, by that best Guardian." " December 27. •• I suppose Christmas is observed with great pomp in France [t is a day which our Puritan forefathers, in their separation from the Church of England, endeavored to blot out from the days of religious festivals ; and this because it was observed with so much pomp by the Romish Church. In this, as well as in many other things, they Avere as unreasonable as though they had said they would not eat bread because the Roman Catholics do. I hope and trust the time is not far distant when Christmas will be observed by the descendants of the Puritans with all suitable respect, as the first and highest holiday of Christians ; combining all the feelings and views of New England Thanks- giving with all the other feelings appropriate to it." " January 31, 1830. " You have seen, perhaps, that the Directors of the Bunker Hill jNIonument Association have applied to the Legislature for j, lottery. I am extremely sorry for it. I opposed the measure in all its stages, and feel mortified that they have done so. They cannot get it, and I desire that General Lafayette may understand this ; and, if he will write us a few lines during the coming year, it will help us in getting forward a subscription. When our citizens shall have had one year of successful business, they will be ready to give the means to finish the monument. Mj 92 DIART AND CORRESPONDENCE. feelings are dooplv interested in it. believing it liiglilj valuable as a niK'lous for the uftootions of the peoj^le in after time ; and, if my life be spared ami my success continue, I will never cease ir.} eflorts until it be completed." Further details Avill be given in this volume to show how nobly ^Ir. Lawrence persevered in the resolution thus deliberately formed ; and, though he was destined to witness many fruitless elTorts, he had the satisfaction at last of seeing the completion of the monument, and from its summit of pointing out the details of the battle to the son of one of the British generals in command* on that eventful day. On the same page with the estimate of his property for the year 1S30, he writes : " With a view to know the amount of my expenditures for objects other than the support of my family, I have, for the year 15520, kept a piu'ticuLir account of such other expenses as come under the denomination of charities, and appropriations for the benefit of othei"s not of my own household, for many of whom I feel under the s;ime obligation as for my own family." This memorandum was commenced on the 1st of Ja.ia-ny, 1S20, and is continued until December 30, 1852, the last day of his life. It contains a cuni- plete statement of his charities during that whole period, iucludiug not only what he contributed in money, but also all other donations, in the shape of • Lord Prudlioe, now Duke of Northumberland. DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 93 clothing materials, books, provisions, &c. His cus- tom was to noto tloAvn at cost the value of the dona- tion, after it had been despatched ; whether in the shape of a book, a turkey, or one of liis immense bundles of varieties to some poor country minister's family, as large, as he says in addressing one, " as a smoU haycock." Two rooms in his house, and some- times three, were used principally for the reception of useful articles for distribution. There, when stormy weather or ill health prevented him from taking his usual drive, he was in the habit of passing hours in selecting and packing up articles which he considered suitable to the wants of those whom he wished to aid. On such days, his coachman's services were put in requisition to pack and tie up " the small haycocks ; " and many an illness was the result of over- exertion and fatigue in supplying the wants of his poorer brethren. These packages were selected according to the wants of the recipients, and a memorandum made of the contents. In one case, he notifies Professor , of College, that he has sent by railroad "a barrel an^ myself highly under the close confinement of two parlor chambers, from Avhich I have only travelled into the entry since November. I have lived pretty much as other prisoners of a different character live, as regards food ; namely, on bread and water, or bread and coffee or cocoa, I have come to the conclusion that the man Avho lives on bread and water, if he have enough, is the genuine epicure, according to the original and true meaning. I am favored with the visits of more pretty and interesting ladies than any layman in the city, I believe. My rooms are quite a resort ; and, old fellow as I am, I have the vanity to suppose I render myself quite agreeable to tliem." On the same day, in a letter of sympathy to hia sister-in-law, whose invalid son was about to leave for a long voyage, he writes : " While my family are all absent at church, I am sitting alone, my mind going back to the beginning of the year just ended and forward through that just commenced ; and, in view of both periods, I can see nothing but the unbounded goodness of our heavenly Father and best friend, in all that has been taken from me, as well as in all that is left to me. I can say, with sincerity, that I never have had so much to call forth my warmest and deepest gratitude for favors bestowed as at tlie present time. Among my soui'ces of happiness is a settled con- viction that, in chastening his children, God desires their good ; and if his chastisements are thus viewed, we cannot receive them m any other light than as manifestations of his fatherly care and kindness. Although, at times, ' clouds and darkness are round DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 113 about him,' we do certainly know, by the words of inspiration ■ that justice and judgment are the habitation of his throne,' ami goodness and mercy the attributes of his character; and if it should please him further to try me with disease during the period of my probation, my prayer to him is that my mind and heart may remain stayed on him, and that I may practically illustrate those words of our blessed Saviour, ' Not my will, but thine be done.' It is quite possible that there may still be a few years of probation for me ; but it is more probable that I may not remain here to the close of the present; but whether I remain longer or shorter is of little consequence, compared Avith the preparation or the dress in which I may be found when called away. It has seemed to me that the habit of mind we cultivate here will be that which will abide with us hereafter ; and that heaven is as truly begun here as that the affections Avhich make us love our friends grow stronger by use, and improve by cultivation. We are here m our infancy ; the feelings cherished at this period grow with our growth, and, in the progress of time, will fit us for the highest enjoyments of the most distant future. I say, then, what sources of happiness are open to us, not only for the present, but for all future time ! These hasty remarks are elicited on occasion of the separation S(. soon to take place from your son. I know full well the anxieties of a parent on such an occasion. "His health cannot, of course, be certainly predicted ; but you will have the comfort of knowing that you have done everything tliat the fondest parents could do in this particular, whatever effect the absence may have upon him. " should feel that his obligations are increased, with his means and opportunities for improvement. If by travel he acquire a better education, and can make himself more useful on his return, he can no more divest himself of his increased duties, 15 114 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. than he can direst himself of his duty to be honest. The account is to be rendered for the 7ise of the talents, -whether they be ion, or hve, or one. If I have opportunity, I shall write a few lined to before he leaves. If I should not, I desire him to feel that I have great affection for him, and deep interest in his progress, and an ardent hope that his health, improvement, and knowledge, may be commensurate with the rare advantages he an ill enjoy for the acquisition of all. " I know the tender feelings of your husband on all things touching his family or friends ; and perhaps I may find opportu- nity to speak a word of comfort to him. But I know not what more to say than to reiterate the sentiment here expressed. Nature will have its Avay for a time, but I hope reason will be sufficient to make that time very short. Whatever time it may be, of this I feel confident, that, after the feelings have once sub- sided, will have all the sunshine and joy which the event is calculated to produce. He cannot know until he has realized the pleasure of hearing the absent ones speak, as it were, in his ear, from a distance of three thousand miles. "May the best blessings of the Almighty rest on you and yours ! From your ever aflectionate A. L." (to ms SON.) " Sunday morning, Feb. 5, 18.32. " I have seated myself at my writing-desk, notwithstanding it is holy time, in the hope and belief that I am in the way of duty. This consecration of one day in seven to the duties of religion, — comprising, as these do, every duty, — and if they be well per- formed, to self-examination, is a glorious renovation of the world. Who that has witnessed the effects of this rest upon the moral and physical condition of a people, can doubt the wisdom of tha DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 115 appointment ? Wherever we turn our ejes or our thoughts, if we only will be as honest and candid, in our estimate of the value of the provision made for us, as we ordinarily are in our estimate of the character and conduct of our fellow-men, Ave must be struck with admiration and gratitude to that merciful Father who has seen our wants, and provided for our comfort to an extent to which the care and provision of the best earthly parents for their children liardly gives the name of resemblance." In speaking of some application for aid which he had received from, a charitable institution, he writes to his son : " Our people are liberally disposed, and contribute to most objects which present a fair claim to their aid. I think you will find great advantage in doing this part of your duty upon a system which you can adopt; thus, for instance, divide your expenses into ten parts, nine of which may be termed for what is considered necessary, making a liberal calculation for such as your situation would render proper, and one part applied for the pro- motion of objects not directly or legally claiming your support, but such as every good citizen would desire to have succeed. This, I think, you will find the most agreeable part of your expense; and, if you should be favored with an abundance of means later in life, you may enlarge your appropriations of this sort, so as to be equal to one tenth of your income. Neither yourself nor those who depend upon you will ever feel the poorer. I assume that you have plenty, in thus fixing the proportion. 1 believe the rule might be profitably adopted by many who have snaall means; for they would save more by method than they would be required to pay. 116 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. " To-morrow completes a hundred years since the birth of Washington. The daj will be celebrated, from one end of the country to the other, "with suitable demonstrations of respect, bj processions, orations, and religio\is ceremonies, according to the feelings of the people -who join in it. I think the spectacle A\ill be a grand one, of a whole people brought together to commem- orate the birth of one of their fellow-mortals, who by his virtues and his talents has made his memory immortal, and whose pre- cepts and example are calculated to secure happiness to the countless millions of his fellow-beings who are to people this vast empire through all future time. It is permitted to few to have open to them such a field as Washington had ; but no one since the Christian era has filled his sphere so gloriously. We are jogging along, in political, theological and commercial affairs, very much as usual." During the month of January, Mr. Lawrence, on account of ill health, resigned his seat in the Board of Trustees of the Massachusetts General Hospital, in Avhich he had served for several years. This duty had always been one of unmingled pleasure to him ; and, by means of his visits there, and at the McLean Asylum for the Insane, under the management of the same board, he became conversant with a class of sufferers who had excited a great interest in his mind, and whom he often visited during the remainder of his life, to cheer them in their sadness, and to convey to them such little tokens of kindness as assured them of his interest and sympathy. DIAEY AND CORRESPONDENCE 117 In a letter to his second son, at Andover, he writes, Apri.21 • " You will be glad to hear I have got along very well through the wet, cold weather of the week, and am looking forward with cheerful hope to the sunny days to come. If it were not for my faculty of turning present disappointments to future pleasures in prospect, I should run down in spirits. I have always indulged myself in castle-building ; but have generally taken care so to build as to be in no danger of their falling on my head, so that when I have gone as far with one as is safe, if it does not promise well, I transfer my labor to another, and thus am always supplied with objects. The last one finished was commenced last May, and it is one I delight to think of. It was then I determined to get your Uncle Mason* here. N. thought it a castle without foundation, but the result shows otherwise. " I send some of W.'s late letters, by which you perceive he is not idle ; the thought of the dear fellow makes the tears start. God in mercy grant him a safe return, fully impressed with his obligations as a man and a Christian ! That I am now living in the enjoyment of so much health, surrounded by so many bless- ings, is overpowering to my feelings. What shall I render unto God for all these benefits ? I feel my unworthiness, and devoutly pray him that I may never lose sight of the great end of my being ; and that, whenever it shall please him to call me hence, I may be found in the company of the redeemed through the merits and mediation of the Son of his love. If there is any one thing I would impress on your mind more strongly than another, it is to give good heed to the religious impressions with which you * lion. Jeremiah ^fasou, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire who passed the rest of his life in Boston. 6« 118 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. may be imbued ; and, at a future day, these may prove a founda- tion tliit will support you when all other supports would fail. The youthful imagination frequently magnifies objects at a dis- tance ; experience is an able teacher, and detects, too late, perhaps, the fraud upon youth. Be wise in time, and avoid this fraud." A few days later, he writes to the same son, on the subject of systematic charity • " It is one of my privileges, not less than one of my duties, to be able thus to administer to the comfort of a circle of very dear friends. I hope you will one day have the delightful conscious- ness of using a portion of your means in a way to give you as much pleasure as I now experience. Your wants may be brought within a very moderate compass ; and I hope you will never feel yourself at liberty to waste on yourself such means, as, by sys- tem and right principles, may be beneficially applied to the good of those around you. Providence has given us unerring princi- ples to guide us in our duties of this sort. Our first duty is to those of our own household, then extending to kindred, friends, neighbors (and the term ' neighbor ' may, in its broadest sense, take in the whole human family), citizens of our state, then of our country, then of the other countries of the world." In another letter, written soon after the preceding, he speaks of certain principles of business which gov- erned him in early life, and adds : " The secret of the whole matter was, that we had formed the Dabit of promptly acting, thus taking the top of the tide ; while \hd habit of some others was to delay until about half-tide, thus DIARr AND CORRESPONDENCE. 119 getting on the flats; while we were all the time prepared foi action, and ready to put into any port that promised well. I wish, by all these remarks, to impress upon you the necessity of qualifying yourself to support yourself The best education that I can secure shall be yours, and such facilities for usefulness as may be in my power shall be rendered ; but no food to pamper idleness or wickedness will I ever supply willingly to any con- nection, however near. I trust I have none who will ever misuse so basely anything that may come to them as a blessing. This letter, you may think, has an undue proportion of advice. ' Line upon line, precept upon precept,' is recommended by one wiser than I am." (to his DACGHTER.) " Sunday morn. " My dear Daughter : In the quiet of this morning, my mind naturally rests on those objects nearest and dearest to me; and you, my child, are among the first. " The family are all at church, but the weather is not such as to permit my going ; and the season by them employed in the service of the sanctuary Avill by me be employed in communi- cating Avith you. " You have now arrived at an age when the mind and heait are most susceptible of impressions for weal or woe ; and the direction which may be given to them is what no parent can view with indifference, or pass over without incurring the guilt of being unfaithful in his duties. jNIy earnest desire for you is, that you may fully appreciate your opportunities and responsibilities, and so use them that you may acquire a reasonable hope that you may secure the object for which we are placed here. The probation is short, but long enough to do all that is required of us, if faith- fully used ; the consequences are never-ending. 120 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. " These simple views are such as anj child of jour age can comprehend, and should be made as familiar to your mini as tho everj-daj duties of life. If the mind, from earlj days, be thus accustomed to look upon life as a school of preparation for higher services, then the changes and adversities to which we are all liable can only be viewed as necessary discipline to fit us for those higher services, and as such be considered as applied for our good, however painful they may seem at first. There is no truth better settled than this : that all the discipline of our heavenly Parent, if rightly used, will eventuate in our good. How, then, can we murmur and repine at his dealings with us ? This conduct only shows our weakness and folly, and illustrates the better care of us than we should take of ourselves. " We are in the condition of the sick man, who sometimes craves that which, if given him by his friend, would cause his certain death ; but he is not aware at the time that it is withheld for his good. The importance, then, of cultivating a right understanding of the things of which our duties and our happi- ness are composed, is second to no object which can employ the mind ; for, with this knowledge, we must suppose that no one can be so lost to his own interest as not to feel that in the per- formance of these duties is to result the possession of those riches which are promised to the faithful by our Father in heaven, through the Son of his love. In the preparation which awaits you, do not stop at the things which are seen, but look to those which are unseen. These views, perhaps, may be profitably pondered long after I have been gathered to my fathers. " The tenure of my life seems very frail ; still it may continue longer than the lives of my children ; but, whenever it shall please God to call me hence, I hope to feel resigned to his will, and to leave behind me such an influence as shall help forward DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 121 ihc timid and faint-hearted in the path of duty ; and particularly on you, my child, do I urge these views. They debar you from no real or reasonable pleasure; they speak to you, in strong lan- guage, to enjoy all those blessings which a bountiful Parent has scattered in your patl\ witli unsparing plen»;y, and admonish you that to enjoy is not to abuse them; when abused, they cease to be enjoyed," CIIAPTEll XYI. DAILY EXERCISE. — REGIMEN. — IMPROVING HEALTH. — LETTERS During tlie summer and autumn of 1832, Mr Lawrence's health and. strength were so much im proved, that he was enabled to take exercise on horse- back ; and almost daily he took long rides, sometimes alone, sometimes with a friend, about the environs of the city. This habit he was enabled to continue, with some intermissions, for two or three years, through summer and winter. The effect of the exercise amidst the beautiful scenery of the environs of Boston, of which he was an enthusiastic admirer, w^as most bene- ficial to his health, and, it is believed, was a great means of prolonging his life. Whenever he could do so, he secured the company of a friend, and kept a horse expressly for the purpose. As the ride was taken in the morning, when his business acquaintances were occupied, his most usual companion was some one of the city clergy, whom he secured for the occasion, or one of his sons. No denominational distinctions seemed to regulate his choice on these occasions. Ills own beloved pastor and friend, the Rev. Dr. Lothrop, 122 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 123 Rev. Drs. Stone and Grecnv/ood, and Father Taylor, the seamen's chaphiin, were often his companions. Occasionally a stray merchant or lawyer was engaged ; and, as was sometimes the case where they had not !)een much accustomed to the exercise, a long trot of mauy miles in the sun, or in the face of a keen Avinter north-wester, ^vould severely tax their own strength, while they wondered how so frail a figure as that of Mr. Lawrence could possess so much endurance. With all this apparent energy and strength, he was extremely liable to illness, which woald come when least expected, and confine him for days to his house. An item of bad news, some annoying incident, a little anxiety, or a slight cold, would, as it were, paralyze his digestive functions, and reduce his strength to the lowest point. It was this extreme sensitiveness which unfitted him to engage in the general current of business, and which compelled him to keep aloof from participation in commercial affairs, and to adopt that peculiar system in diet and living which he adhered to for the remainder of his life. This system limited him to the use of certain kinds of food, which, from time to time, was slightly modified, as was thought expe- dient. This food was of the most simple kind, and was taken in small quantities, after being weighed in a balance, which always stood before him upon his writing-table. To secure perfect quiet during his meals, and also that he might not be tempted to o-<'er 124 DIARY" AND CORRESPONDENCE. step the "bounds of prudence, a certain amount was sent to him in his chamber, from which he took what was allowed. The amount of li([uid was also weighed; and so rigid w^as he in this system of diet, that, for the last sixteen years of his life, he sat down at no meal with his family. The amount of food taken varied, of course, with his strength and condition. In a letter to his friend, President Hopkins, of Williams College, he says : " If your young folks want to know the meaning of epicurean- ism, tell them to take some bits of coarse bread (one ounce and a little more), soak them in tliree gills of coarse-meal gruel, and make tlieir dinner of them and nothing else ; beginning very hungry, and leaving off more hungry. The food is delicious, and such as no modern epicureanism can equal." For a considerable period, he kept a regular diet- table, in which he noted down the quantity of solid and liquid food taken during the twenty-four hours. One of his memorandum-books, labelled " Record of Diet and Discipline for 1S39 and 1840," contains accurate records of this sort. In October, 1832, in writing to his son in the coun- try, he alludes to this improvement in his health and strength : " We are all doing as well as usual here, myself among them doing better than usual. My little ' Doctor ' * does wonders foi • The name of bis horse. DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 125 me. I ride so much, and so advantageously, that I do not know but I shall be bold enough, bj and by, to ride to B and back in a day, but shall hardly dare do so until I have practised a little more in this neighborhood. " I want you to analyze more closely the tendency of princi- ples, associations, and conduct, and strive to adopt such as will make it easier for you to go right than go wrong. The moral taste, like the natural, is vitiated by abuse. Gluttony, tobacco, and intoxicating drink, are not less dangerous to the latter, than loose principles, bad associations, and profligate conduct, are to the former. Look well to all these things." The year 1833 opened with bright and cheering pros- pects ; for, with Mr. Lawrence's increasing strength and improved health, there seemed a strong ground of hope that he might yet recover all his powers, and once more take his place among his former business asso- ciates. He writes at this time to his son at Andover : " I am as light as a feather this morning, and feel as if I could mount upon a zephyr, and ride upon its back to A ; but I am admonished to be careful -when my spirits are thus buoyant, lest I come down to the torpor of the insect, "which is shut up ly the frost. Extremes are apt to follow, unless I take great care. Last Sabbath, I kept my bed, most of the day, -svith a poor turn, Brother A. said, on Saturday, he knew I was going to have onCj for I talked right on." In March, he writes * 126 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. " The season is coming fonyard now so as to allow me the use of the ro;>.'.ls around Roxburj and Dorchester. Mj ' Doctor looks so altered by a two hours' canter, that his own mother would hardly know him at first sicii;ht. We continue excellent friends ; and I think he h;vs never used me better than during the latt few dajs. We both ' feel our oats ' and our 3'outh. I feel like sweet twenty-five ; and he, I judge, like vigorous seven." On April 28, he ^Y^ites to a young friend : " When you get married, do not expect a higher degree of per- fection than is consistent Avith mortality in your wife. If you do, you will be disappointed. Be careful, and do not choose upon a theory either. I dislike much of the nonsense and tjuackcry that is dignified with the name of intellectual among people. Old- fashioned common sense is a deal better. * * * * " There was a part of Boston which used to he visited by young men out of curiosity when I first came here, into which I never set foot for the whole time I remained a single man. I avoided it, because I not only wished to keep' clear of the tempta- tions common in that part, but to avoid the appearance of evil. I never regretted it ; and I would advise all young men to strengthen their good resolutions by reflection, and to plant deep and strong the principles of right, and to avoid temptation, as time ffives them strensith to stand against it," On December 23, he writes to liis wife, who had been summoned to tli6 bedside of a dying relative : " Your absence makes a great blank in the family ; and I feel that I must be very careful lest any little accident should make me f©3l of a deep blue while you are away. Confidence is a great diary and correspondence. 127 mattir, not only in curing, but in preventing disease, whether of the body or the mind ; and I have somehow got the notion that 1 am move safe when you * are looking after me than when you are not, and that any trouble is sooner cured when you are present than when you are not. This is, I suppose, the true charm ■which some people have faith in to keep off their ills. I have been forcibly reminded of the passage of time, by reviewing the scenes of the last three years, and am deeply sensible of the mercies that have been extended to me. What little I do is a poor return : may a better spirit prompt and guide my future services ! What few I have rendered are estimated by my breth- ren beyond their value, and of course tend to flatter my self-love. This should not be ; and I ought to see myself as I am seen by that eye that never sleeps. The situation I occupy is one that I would not exchange, if I had the power, with any man living : it is fall of agreeable incidents, and free from the toils and anxieties frequently attendant on a high state of prosperity ; and is, beside, free fiom that jealousy, or from any other cause of uneasiness, so common among the ardent and successful in this world's race." To his daughter, who was on a visit at Washington, he writes : " Boston, May 18th, 1834. Sunday eTening. "^Iy dear Child: The contrast in the weather to-day with * Tho editor, in justice to his own feelings, will here remark, that he believes the continuation of Mr. Lawrence's life, after he became a con- firmed invalid, was, under Providence, in a great measure due to the care and faithful attentions of his wife. For more than twenty years, and during his frequent seasons of languor and sickness, she submitted to many sacritices, and bestowed a degree of care and watchfulness such as affect: oa alone could have enabled her to render. 128 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. %vbat it has been niDst of the time since you left homo, is as great as is usual between a bleak November day and the soft air of June. To-day it is beautiful, but on Wednesday it snowed, hailed, and rained, and I am told, indeed, that a few miles beyond Amherst the snow fell four inches in depth. You have reason to be thankful that you have been in a milder climate, and, at tlie same time, are seeing all the wonders that open upon you in the new world on which you have entered. " I shall be expecting a letter from you within a day or two ; there can be no want of materials where so many new objects are tonstantly presenting themselves, and there is a pleasure in deceiving them just as they appear to you ; so you need not b» afraid to place before me the first sketches, precisely as you catcl ^em. " To-day I suppose you are in Philadelphia, and, if so, I hope vou have attended a Friends' meeting. The manner of worship and the appearance of the people are different from anything you have seen ; and the influence of this sect upon the taste and man- ners of the people is very striking, particularly in the matter of their dress. It is said that you can judge something of the char- acter of a lady from her dress. Without deeming it an essential, I think it of some consequence. This strikes the eye only, and may deceive ; how much more important that the dress of the heart and mind and affections be right, and that no deception be found there ! I do most earnestly pray God that every opportunity may be improved by you, my dear S., to adorn yourself with all those graces that shall not only charm the eye, but also with those that shall win the affections of those whose affection you would prize, and more e-pecially that you will secure the approval of our best Friend « « ♦ * * * mARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 129 " Monday afternoon, May 19. — I have received your chnrm- ing letter, dated on Thursday hist. It is just the thing, a simple narrative of facts ; and you Avill find plenty of materials of this sort, as I stated to you before. I have been in the saddle to-day nearly five hours with your Uncle W. and Father Taylor, and am very tired, but shall get refreshed by a night's rest. " The day is beautiful, finer than any we have had since you left home. We went to Mount Auburn, and it appears very lovely ; how much better than the dreary resting-places for the dead so common in New England, overgrown Avith thistles, and the graves hardly designated by a rude stone! Our Puritan forefathers mistook very much, I think, in making the place of deposit for our mortal remains so forbidding in appearance to the living. A better taste is growing among us. It may become a matter of ostentation (we are so apt to go to extremes), to buila sepulchres and moimments to hold our bodies, that will speak tc our shame when we are no longer subjects of trial ; when, in short, we shall have gone to our account. If these monuments could speak to their living owners, and induce them to labor tc merit, while they may, a good word from the future lookers on, then they would be valuable indeed. As it is, I have no fiult to find ; it is decidedly better than the old fashion of making these tenements look as dreary as anything in this world can look." To the same lie writes, a few days later : " Tell that I saw little this mornins;. She is the sweetest little creature that ever lived, and I find myself smiling whenever I think of the dear child in health. Sympathy is a poANcrful agent in illustrating through the countenance the feel- ings within. I believe my face is as arrant a tell-tale as ever was worn ; and whenever I think of those I love, vinder happy ciroum- 17 130 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. stances, I am happy, too. So jou may judge how much I enjoy in the belief that you are enjoying so much, and doing so -well, m this journey." On February 8, 1835, he writes to a young friend ; " Take care that fancy does not beguile you of your under- standing in making your choice : a mere picture is not all that ia needful in the up and down hills of life. The arrangements of the household and the sick room have more in them to fasten upon the heart than all the beauties and honors of the mere gala days, however successfully shown off. Be careful, when you pick, to get a heart, a soul, and a body ; not a show of a body that has mere vitality. All this comes in by the ears ; but it is in, — I will not blot it out." March 16, he writes to his sister . '' 1 have had so much call for my sympathy, assistance, and advice, among my brethren in trade, that I have little inclination or spirit to write social or family letters since my last ; but, in all this turmoil and trouble (and it really is as disastrous as a siege or a famine to the country), I have kept up a good heart, and have been able to view the work of destruction with as much composure as the nature of the case will allow. Whatever effects it shall produce on my property, I shall submit to, as the inevitable destruction that comes without any fault of my OAvn, of course without any self-reproaches ; but for the authors I feel a just indignation. As regards the pecuniary distress among us, it is subsiding : there have been fewer fiilures than were anticipated ; but there have been numbers on the brink, who have been saved by the help of friends. A few persons have done great service in DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 131 helping those "who could not help themselves ; and the conse- quences -will be felt here for years to come in the credit and standing of many worthy peojde, -who must otherwise have been broken down. Brother A. has had a load of care and responsi- bility nuicli too severe for him, and has now agreed to throw off a part of the business as soon as the present pressure is past." April 29 J he writes : " I am busy these days, but have no very important duties, except riding with the ministers and the young ladies." Again, a few days later : " I am completely on one side, while I appear to be quite busy m putting in an oar now and then." To his daughter, on her eighteenth birth-day, he writes : " Boston, May 23, 1835. " My dear S. : You have been much in my mind to-day, and now that I am sitting alone this evening, I place myself at your writing-desk to communicate with you, and thus impart some portion of those feelings of interest and affection which a return of this day brings more strongly into play. Eighteen years of youi life are now passed, and the events of this period have been deeply interesting to me, and have made such impressions on you, and have left such marks of progress, I hope, in the divine life, as will insure your onward and upward course, until you shall join that dear one whose home has been in heaven for nearly the whole period of your life. When I look upon 132 DIAHY AXD CORRESPONDENCE. you^ or think of your appearance, the image of 3'oiu' mother ig before me, and then I feel that deep solicitude that your mind and heart may be imbued with those heavenly influences that gave a grace and chai-m to all she did. " There is no substitute for those traits, and you may feel entire confidence that a practical use of them in prosperity will prove the best security against the changes which adversity bringa about. If I Avere to select for you the richest portion which a fond father could choose, it would be that you might have a mind and a heart to perfcTH all those duties which your station and condition in life require, upon the true Christian principle of using your one or more talents, and thus, at the day of account, receive the cheering sound of the Master's voice. " AYhat treasure will compare with this ? The charms of life are captivating to the imagination, but there are none more calcu- lated to add to our joys here than elevated Christian principles, however they may be branded by the mere worldling as ' cold, unsocial,' and the like. You see how important it is to form a just estimate of the value of these different objects. When a mistake is made here, the consequences may be never-ending. Our danger is in cheating ourselves, by leaving undone those things our conscience tells us Ave ought to do, and doing othei-3 that it tells us we ought not to do. " I have thought, for some time past^ my dear child, that your mind was laboring under the influence of religious truth, and I have been made most comfortable in this belief Cultivate those feelings, and study to make joiw example good to others, as well as safe for yourself Our time here is short, but it is long enough to accomplish the work we are sent to perform, and the conse- quences will be on our own heads if we omit or neglect to do :t." DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 133 (to the saue.) «« Groton, August 9, 1835. "Dear S. : I have been talking ^ith jour grandmother, for tlie last hour, upon the events of her early da^-s, and I feel (as I always do when I contrast our present condition with the pasfJ that we, as a whole people, and as individuals, have more reasons fjr gratitude and obedience to our heavenly Father than have ever before been placed before any people ; and it seems to me w« are more likely to disregard them than any other people I have any knowledge of. The fact is, we are so prosperous that we seem to forget the source of our prosperity, and take it as a matter of course that the character and conduct of a people cannot influence their condition. We are ready to say of an individual when he has been reckless and extravagant, that he hag brought destruction on himself Why, then, may not a whole people be judged by the same standard? Our great danger arises from false principles. We never act above the standard we adopt ; and if our standard be so low as to authorize the gratifi- cation of the basest passions, how natural that our tastes become conformed to this standard ! " These reflections arose in my mind by hearing from my mother the stories of the ' times that tried men's souls ; ' how she was separated from her husband immediately after her marriage, when he joined the army in Rhode Island ; how, after a battle, his mother said to her ' she did not know but Sam was killed ; ' how she fell instantly upon the floor, and how, within a day or two, after a separation of eight months, she was rejoiced to see bur husband safe and sound (although at the time alluded to he had been in great peril, having been saved from captivity by the des- perate eSbrts of a company of blacks, and by the fleetness and force of his fine charger) ; and how, by confidence in the justnesa 134 DIARY AND CORRESPONDEN UB. of the cause and the aid of the Ahuighty, they trusted they should get through the contest, and be permitted to enjoy tho fruits of their own labor in their own way. And now, what proportion of the people do you suppose refer to the aid of tho Almighty, or to his justice or judgment as a motive to their actions, or how far does his fear or his love influence their con- duct ? These questions are more easily asked than answered; but tliey fill the mind \fii\\ mournful forebodings of the necessary consequences to any people of forgetting God and departing from his love. You and I, and every individual, have it in our power to keep off in some degi-ee this fatal consum- mation. Let us, therefore, examine well ourselves, and stiive to be numbered among those faithful stewards Avho, at their Master's coming, shall be placed among the happy company who enter tho joy of their Lord. "This morning is one of those delightful quiet Sabbaths that seem to be like the rest of the saints above. We are all soon to be on our way to public worship. * * * * ^TO niS MOTHER.) "Aug. IG, 1835. " JNlY DEAR AND HONORED MoTHER : My mind turns back to you almost as frequently as its powers are brought into separate action, and always with an interest that animates and quickens my pulse ; for, under God, it is by your good influence and teachings that I am prepared to enjoy those blessings which he has so richly scattered in my path in all my onward progress in life. IIow could it be otherwise tlian that your image should be with me, unless I should prove wholly unworthy of you ? Your journey is so much of it performed, that those objects which interested you greatly in its early stages have lost their charms ; ind well it is that they have ; for they now would prove clo(;[s ia DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 135 the waj and it is to your children, to your Saviour, and your God, thit your mind and heart now turn as the natural sources of* pleasure. Each of these, I trust, in their proper place and degree, supply all your Avants. The cheering promise that has encouraged you when ^our powers were the highest, Avill not fail you when the weight of years and infirmities have made it more necessary to 3-our comfort to get over the few remaining spans of the journey. To God I commend you ; and pray him to make the path light, and your way confiding and joyful, until you shall reach that home prepared for the faithful." In a letter to his sister, dated Oct. 25, he further alludes to his mother, as follows "My thoughts this morning have been much engaged with my early home. I conclude it best to embody them in part, and send them forward to add (if they may) a token of gratitude and thankfulness to that dear one who is left to us, for her care of our early days, and her Christian instruction and example to her children, grandchildren, and great-gi-andchildi-en ; each genera- tion of whom, I trust, will be made better in some of its members by her. It is more natural, when in our weakness and want, to turn our thoughts to those whom they have been accustomed to look to for assistance ; and thus to me the impression of the blessinc I enjoy in having such a home as mine is, and the blessing I early enjoyed of having such a home as mine was under my father's rojf, say to my heart : ' All these increase thy responsibilities, and for their use thou must account.' I have had one of my slight ill turns within the last t',vo days, that has brought bick all these feelings with incr-^ased force ; and I look upon these as gentle monitors, calculated to make me estimate more fully my blessings and my duties. Frequently as I am admonished of the 136 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. frail tenure bj wliich I hold my life, I am negligent and careless in the performance of those high and every-daj duties which I should never lose sight of for an hour. I have also such buojancy of spirits, that life seems to me a very, very great blessing, and I do at times strive to make it useful to those around me." ciiArTErv XVII. aEFLECTIONS. —VISIT TO WASHINGTON. — VISIT TO RAINSFORB ISLAND. — VIEWS OF DEATH. — REFLECTIONS. From memorandum-book of property, December 31, 1835 : "]Mj expenses have been thousand dollars this year; of vvhich about one half went for persons and objects that make me f(!el that it has been well expended, and is better used than to remain in my possession. God grant that I may have the disposition to use these talents in such manner as to receive at last the joyful sound of ' Well done ! ' " On March 29, 1836, Mr. Lawrence writes : " My anxiety for a day or two about little things kept me from the enjoyment of those bright scenes that are so common to me when not oppressed by any of these rnay be events. My nerves are in such a shattered state, that I am quite unfit to encounter the responsibilities incident to my station, and I am ashamed of myself thus to expose my weakness." During the spring, Mr. Lawrence's health was so feeble, and his nervous system so shattered, that a journey was recommended ; and, in the month of 18 137 138 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. May, in company with his friend and pastor, the Rev Dr. Lothrop, he paid a visit to his brother Abbott, at Washington, then the representative in Congress for IViston. During this journey, he experienced a severe ilhie^:s, and was shortly joined by Mrs. Lawrence. The visit to Washington extended through several weeks : and, although his health remained feeble and the weather unfavorable, he seems to have been alive to objects around him, and interested in what was going forward in the halls of Congress as well as in the society of the capital. He speaks of visits to the houses of Congress, and pleasant rides on horseback, " with hosts of agreeable companions ready to sally forth when the weather shall permit." lie also takes a survey of the general state of society in Washington, with an occasional allusion to some particular persou- pge. He writes : " It used to be said that Washington and the Springs "were the places for matrimonial speculations. I feel a natural dislike to a bi'ly being brought out as an extraordinary affair, having all per- fections; and having refused forty-nine offers, and still boinsi on the carpet. It shows that she is eitlier very silly herself, or has very silly fiiends, or both. Good strong common sense is worth more than forty-nine offers, Avith any t|uantity of slaves, or bank- notes, or lands, without it. * * * * * " I have passed two hours in the Eepresentatives' Hall and Senate Chamber to-day. I heard the usual sparring, and confesa myself greatlj' interested in it. I could leai-n nothing of the DIARY AND CORRESrONDENCE 139 merits of anj of the questions ; but I had a preference, sucli as one feels in seeing two dogs fight, that one should beat. It wag very agreeable to me to see and hear those various distinguished characters, and goes to demonstrate the common saying, that some objects appear smaller by our getting nearer to them.'' During this absence, one of liis fiimily remaining at home had experienced a light attack of A^arioloid ; and, according to the hxw then in force, was obliged to be transported to the Quarantine Hospital, situated in Boston Harbor. Soon after Mr. Lawrence's return from the South, he paid a visit to Rainsford Island, on the invitation of Dr. J. V. C. Smith, then Quaran- tine Physician, and there passed some weeks very pleasantly, riding about the island on his horse, and watching, from the shores, the sea-views, which, with the passing ships, here afford an endless variety. In August, he returned to his own house in Boston ; and, on the 21st, writes to his sister as follows : " The scenery in front, side, and rear, and all within, is unrivalled, except by the charms of the dear old home of my mother and sister ; in short, it seems to me that no two spots combine so many charms as my early and present homes ; and they impress me more fully now by my being so well as to enjoy not only natural scenery, but the social intercourse with loved ones, that more than compensate for anything I may have lost by sickness and suffering. I yesterday was on horseback nearly three hoiu'S, but did not ride more than ten miles ; and, in that distance, I went over some scenes that I felt unwiUing to leave, especially 140 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. some of the old works on and near Dorchester Heights for they appeared more interesting than ever before, from the circumstance of your showinfT me that mass of ori";inal letters from Washiiiij- ton, Hancock, Samuel Adams, and various other revolutionary cliaracters, to General Ward ; some of them touching the occupa- tion of these heights sixty years ago, and some of them alluding to scenes which have scarcely been noticed in the puhlislied histories of those days. All go to show, however, the Avhole souls of those men to have been engaged in their work ; and, further, how vain it is for us of this day, who are ambitious of distinction, to found it on any other basis than uprightness of character, purity of life, and the active performance of all those duties included in * the doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly.' How few of us remember this ! I hardly know when I have been more forcibly impressed with a plain truth than I was yesterday, wliile fitting alone on horseback, on the top of the redoubt on Dorchester Heights, and the considerations of the past, the present, and the future, were the subject of my thoughts, connecting the men of those days with the present, and the men of these days with the future. The evidence is irresistible, that there is a downhill tendency in the character of the people, which, in sixty yeai-s more, will make us more corrupt than any other enlightened nation so young as ours, unless we are checked by advei"sity and suffering. But this is not what I intended to write about, so I will go to something else. The old revolutionary documents, memorials of our father, never appeared to me so interesting as now ; and those I now return to you will be carefully preserved, and such others as you may find, added to them. I would give a great sum of money, if by it I could get all the documents I used to see ^Yhen I was a child, and which we thought of so little value tliat we did nc* preserve them with that caxe which should DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 141 haxz been used in a family -which cherishes such deep feelings of Tcspcct and aifection for parents." The year 1837 will be remembered as one of great pecuniary embarrassment and distress in the commer- cial world. Mr. Lawrence alludes to it as follows, on May 13 " The violent pecuniary revulsion that has been anticipated for more than a year has at length overtaken this country, and is more severe than our worst fears. In addition to the failure of people to pay their debts, in all sections of the country, for the last two months, the banks, from Baltimore to Boston, and probably throughout the Union, as fast as the intelligence spreads, have suspended specie payment, and will not probably resume again very soon." On December 17 of the same year, he writes to his mother as follows " This day completes thirty years since my commencing business, with the hope of acquiring no very definite amount of property, or having in my mind any anticipation of ever enjoying a tithe of that consideration my friends and the public are disposed to award me at this time. In looking back to that period, and reviewing the events as they come along, I can see the good hand of God in all my experience ; and acknowledge, with deep humiliation, my want of gratitude and proper veturn for all bis mercies. May each day I live impress me more deeply with a sense of duty, and find me better prepared to answer his call, and account for my stewardship ! The changes in our family have been perhaps no gi-eatcr than usual in other fiimilies in that 142 niARY AND CORRESPONDENCE period, excepting in the matter of the eminent success that Das attended om* efforts of a -worldlj nature. This Avorldly success is the great cause of our danger in its uses, and may prove a snare, unless Ave strive fo keep constantly in mind, that to Avhom nmeh is given, of him will much be required. I feel my own deficien- cies, and lament them ; but am encouraged and rewarded by the enjoyment, in a high degree, of all my -well-meant eftbrts for the good of those around me. In short, I feel as though I can still do a little to advance the cause of human happiness while I remain here. JNIy maxim is, that I ought to ' work while the day lasts ; for the niirht of death Avill soon overtake me. when I can no more work.' I continue to mend in strength, and feel at times the buoyancv of early days. It. is now raining in torrents, keep ing us all within doors. I have been at work with gimblet, saw, fore-plane, and hammer, thus securing a good shai'e of exercise without leaving my chamber." '' January 1, 1838. — Bless the Lord, my soul ! and forget not all his benefits ; for he has restored my life twice during the past year, when I was appai-ently dead, and has permitted me to live, and see and enjoy much, and has surrounded me with bless- ings that call for thankfulness. The possession of my mind, the intercourse with beloved friends, the opportunitj^ of performing Bome labor as his steward (although imperfectly done), all call upon me for thanksgiving and praise. The violent revulsion in the business of the eom^try during the past year has been ruinous to many ; but, so far as my own interests are concerned, has been less than I anticipated. !My property remains much as it was a year ago. Something beyond my income has been disposed of; and I have no debts against me. either as a partner in tlie firm or individually. Everything is in a belter form for settleuieut than DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 143 at any former period, and I hope to feel ready to depart vfhenever called." The following is copied from an account-book, pre- sented at the commencement of the year to his young- est son, then twelve years of age : " My dear Son : I give you this little book, that you may write in it how much money you receive, and how you use it. It is of much importance, in forming your early character, to have correct habits, and a strict regard to truth in all you do. For this purpose, I advise you never to cheat yourself by making a false entry in this book. If you spend money for an object you would not willingly have known, you. will be more likely to avoid doing the same thing again if you call it by its right name here, remembering always that there is 0/^e who cannot be deceived, and that He requires his . children to render an account of all their doings at last. I pray God so to guide and direct you that, when your stewardship here is ended, he may say to you that the tal»nts intrusted to your care have been faithfully employed. " Your affectionate father, A. L." In transmitting to his sister a letter received from Baltimore, from a mutual friend, he writes, on March 12, in a postscript : " This morning seems almost like a foretaste of heaven. The sun shines bright, tlie air is soft ; I am comfortable, and expect a pleasant drive in the neighborhood. It is indeed brilliant, beau- tiful, and interesting to me, beyond any former experience of my life. I am the happiest man ahve, and yet would wilHngly 144 T)IARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. exchange worlds this day, if it oe the good pleasure of our best I Friend and Father in heaven." The extract quoted above will give an idea of that fitate of mind in which Mr. Lawrence was often found by his friends, and which he unceasingly strove to cultivate. He could not always exult in the same buoyant and almost rapturous feelings here expressed ; for, with his feeble frame and extreme susceptibility to outward influences, to believe such was the case would be to suppose him more than mortal. The willingness to exchange worlds was, however, a con- stant frame of mind ; and the daily probability of such an event he always kept in view. The work of each day was performed with the feeling that it might be his last ; and there is, throughout his correspond- ence and diary, frequent allusion to the uncertain tenure by which he held life, and his determination to work while the day lasted. If a matter was to be attended to, of great or little importance, whether the founding a professorship, signing a will, or paying a household bill, all was done at the earliest moment, with the habitual remark, "I may not be here to-morrow to do it." In the same cheerful spirit, he writes to his son a few days after his marriage, and then on a journey to Virginia : " The whole scene here on Thursday last was so delightful DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 145 that I hardly knew whether I was on the earth, or floating between earth and heaven. I have been exalted ever since, and the group of happy friends will be a sunny spot in your no less than in their remembrance." To his sister he Avrites, Dec. 22 : "It is thirty-one years this week since I commenced business on my own account, and the prospects were as gloomy at that period for its successful pursuit as at any time since ; but I never had any doubt or misgiving as to my success, for I then had no more wants than my means would justify. The habits then formed, and since confirmed and strengthened by use, have been the foundation of my good name, good fortune, and present happy condition. At that time (when you know I used to visit you as often as I could, by riding in the night until I sometimes encroached upon the earliest hour of the Sabbath before reaching my beloved home, to be at my business at the dawn of day on Monday morning), my gains were more than my expenses; thus strengthening and encouraging me in the steady pursuit of those objects I had in view as a beginner. From that time to this, I am not aware of ever desiring or acquiring any great amount by a single operation, or of taking any part of the property of any other man and mingling it with my own, where I had the legal right to do so. I have had such uniform success as to make my fidelity a matter of deep concern to myself; and my prayer to God is, that I may be found to have acted a uniform part, and receive the joyful ' Well done,' which is substantial wealth, that no m.an can take away. If my experience could be made avail- able by my successors, I sometimes feel that it would be a guaranty that they would keep in the best path ; but, as they aro to be fitt ?d by discipline for the journey, i* is perhaps a vain thing 19 116 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. for me to allow any doubts to rest upon my mind that fhaf disci- pline is not for their highest good. The pleasures of memory have never been more highly enjoyed than during the period of my last siekness. They have solaced my pains, and supported me throuirh numerous fainting fits, growino; out of the surgical treat- ment I have endured. I Avould ask you, my dear sister, if a merciful Parent has not stretched forth his hand almost visibly to support me through this trying scene, by scattering in my path these flowers and fruits so freely as almost to make me forget bodily pains ; and bless him for what is past, and trust that what is future will be the means of making me a better man." ^^ December 31, 1838. — The business of the year now brought to a close lias been unexpectedly productive, and the prospects of continued success are very flattering. At the commencement of the year, my life seemed a flickering light, with small hope of its continuance through the Avinter ; but a merciful Providence has permitted a brighter view, and my happiness through the year has been superior to that of any year of my life." After enumerating some domestic events wliich had cmitributed to this result, he adds : " My own health is so fir restored as to allow me the enjoy- ment of everything around me in perfection. May God in mercy keep me mindful of my duties, and prepared to surrender ir.y account at any moment he may call me hence ! " CHAPTER XYIII. BROTHER'S DEATH. — LETTERS. — GIFTS. — LETTERS. — DIARY. — AP- PLICANTS FOR AID, — REFLECTIONS. — LETTER FROM REV^ DR STONE. — DLIRY. If, at the close of the last year, Mr. Lawrence could say that "his happiness had been superior to that of any year of his life," it could not be said that its successor was one of unmingled brightness. The un- broken band of brothers who had marched thus far hand in hand, united by a common bond of sympathy and affection, sustaining each other in all trials, and rejoicing together in their common prosperity, was about to be sundered. Since their earliest days, they had had but one interest, and, residing near each other after leaving their early home, had been in the habit of most constant and intimate intercourse. IMany of their friends will well remember seeing four, and some- times five, of them, on Sunday evening, after service, walking together abreast, arm in arm ; and have been tempted to exclaim, "Behold how good and pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." They had more than obeyed their father's injunction "not to fall out by the way, for a three-fold cord is not 147 148 DIAKY AND CORRESPONDENCE. quickly broken." With them, it had been a five-fold cord ; and, amidst all the perplexities of business, the management of important interests, and the various vicissitudes of domestic life, no strand had been broken un^il severed by the ruthless hand of death. The eldest brother, Luther, had been educated at Harvard College ; had studied law with the Hon. Timothy Bigelow, then of Groton, afterwards of ]Medford, whose sister he subsequently married ; and had commenced the practice of his profession in his native town. There he met with good success, and, for many years, represented the town in the House of Eepresentatives, of which he was chosen Speaker for the session of 1821 and 1S22. He was induced by his brothers, who had become largely interested in the new town of Lowell, to remove thither ; and he accordingly took up his residence there in 1831, having accepted the presi- dency of the bank which had been lately established. In 1838, he had been elected Mayor of the city, and had given himself up to the pressing duties incident to the office in a new and growing community. "While holding this office, he, on the ITth of April, 1830, accompanied an old friend and connection, who was on a visit at Lowell, to inspect the works of the Middle- sex Manufacturing Company, recently erected by his brothers. In passing rapidly through one of the rooms, he made a misstep, and was precipitated many feet into a wheel-pit, causing almost instant death DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 149 This sad event was deeply felt by Mr. Lawrence, as well as by all who knew and appreciated the character of the deceased. In a letter to his sisters, dated April 22, he says : " I should have addressed a -word of comfort to you before this. That he should be taken, and I left, is beyond my keti, and is a mystery wliich ■will be cleared up hereafter. I do, how- ever, know now that all is right, and better oixlered than we could have done it. "We i7iust submit, and s/ioi/ld be resigned. Brother L.'s death may, perhaps, be more efficient in instructing us in the path of duty than would have been his life ; and the whole community around is admonished by this event in a way that I have nu-ely seen so marked. The homage to his character is a legacy to his children of more value than all the gold of the mint. Shall we, then, repine at his separation from us ? Surely not. He has fulfilled his mission, and is taken home, with all his powere fresh and perfect, and with the character of having used these powers for the best and highest good of all around him. We shall all soon be called away, and should make his departure the signal to be also ready. This is the anniversary of my birth, and has been mai'ked by many circumstances of peculiar interest" On the same date, he writes to a connection, who was about to take possession of his house on that day for the first time after his marriage : '• I intended speaking a word in your ear before your lea-ving us for yoiu- own fireside and home, but have concluded to take this mode of doing it : and it is to say, that you possess a jewel in your wife, above price, which should be worn in such an atmos- 150 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. phere as will increase its purity and value the longer you possosa it ; and that is around the family altar. That you intend to establish it, I have no doubt; but, as to the precise time, you may not be fixed. What time so good as the present time, when the first evening of possession of this paradise on earth (a house and home of your own with such a wife), to make that offering to the Father of mercies Avhich ascends to his throne as sweet incense from his children ? It is the nutriment and efficient pro- ducing power of the best principles and the best fruits of our nature. Be wise in time, and strive to secure these, that you may go on from one degree to another, until you shall have reached our Father's house, and shall hear the cheering ' Well done ! ' promised to such as have used their talents without abusing them. My blessing attend you ! " (to his daughter.) " IMonday evening "Dear S. : The admonition of the last week comes home to me in a way not to be neglected, and I hope to keep in mind that, in my best days, I am as likely to be called off, as in these days of anxious care, when pressed down with pain and weakness, and surrounded by those dear ones who look upon every emotion with deep solicitude. On comparing myself now with myself a year ago, I have much to animate and cheer in the increased strength of body and renewed powers, by which I can enjoy life ; but I have also much to speak to the heart, and to tell me to be con- stantly ready to be called off without previous note of prepara- tion. May I never lose sight, for a single hour, of the tenure by which I hold the privilege of seeing the dear ones settled so happily ! It is more than I had reason to anticipate. " May you, dear child, never lose sight of the end for which your privileges are made so ample, nor forego the happiness of DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 151 doing the best in your power at every stage of your journey, so that whenever jou may be called hence, you may feel that you are ready, and that your work is done. It will not do for me to rely upon my every-day firmness to secure me against attacks of the kind last experienced. I do most fervently desire to be kept in uiiud of my exposure, and never for an hour forget that it may he my last." Several passages in Mr. Lawrence's letters will show the attachment which he felt towartis the place of his birth, connected as it was Avith so many associations ynd memories of the past. The old house, with the great elm in front and its welcome shade ; the green meadow, stretching for a mile along a gentle declivit)^ to the river ; the range of mountains in the west, just distant enough to afford that tinge of blue which adds an indescribable charm to every landscape ; the grace- ful undulations of the hills on the east, with the quiet village sleeping at their base, all seemed in his mind so associated with the loved inmates of his early home, that he ever contemplated the picture with delight. On Jane 4, in a letter to his sisters, he writes : " R. leaves us this morning, on his way to tlie old homestead; wliich, to my mind's eye, has all the charms of the most lovely associations of early days, with all the real beauty of those splen- did descriptions given by the prophets of the holy city. I would earnestly impress all my children with a deep sense of the beauty and benefit of cherishing and cultivating a respect and aflfectiou 152 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. ^or this dear spot, and for those more dear objects that hare served to make it what it really is to all us children." In a letter to his son, whose visit is alluded to above, he says : " The beautiful scenery from Gibbet Hill, in Groton, and from the road from our old mansion south for a mile, towards the Wachusett and the Monadnock Mountains, comes next, in point of beauty, to my taste, to these views around the Boston Common. Be careful to do all things as you will wish you had done, that you may look back upon this visit with pleasure, and forward to another visit with increased relish. Remember that in the best performance of all your duties lies the highest enjoyment of all your pleasures. Those pleasures that flow from plans and doings that your conscience condemns are to be shunned as the net of the wicked one. When once entangled, the desire and effort to be released grow weaker, till, at length, conscience is put asleep, and the sleep of death comes over the soul. Be careful, there- fore, to avoid evil, and not only so, but to avoid all appearance of evil. In this way, you will grow up with principles and fixed habits that will secure you against the ills of life, and supply a foretaste of the enjoyments of a better life to come." During a visit which he made to his early home a few months subsequent to the date of the preceding extract, he writes to his daughter : " I was very tired on arriving here last evening, but a quiet sleep has brought me into my best state. " This morning has allowed me to ride for two hours, and I have enjoyed everything and everybody here to the utmost DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 153 Groton is beautiful beyond any other place I have ever seen ; but perhaps I am in the situation of old Mr. , whose opinion of his wife's beauty, when questioned of its accuracy, was justified by the declaration that the person must have his eyes to look through. " The whole country is full of charms ; nothing seems wanting to impress upon the heart the goodness of that Parent who seeks by all means to bring us nearer to himself " This visit has been full of interest, and it is a source of unfeigned thanksgiving that it has been permitted to me." Mr. Lawrence always took great delight in sending to friends and relatives, little and great, mementoes of his affection ; and a great deal of time was spent in penning and reading the letters and notes which such transactions called forth. He had a rare faculty of adapting his gift to the peculiar necessities or tastes of the recipient ; and, whether the matter treated of was a check for thousands or a bouquet of flowers, equal pleasure seemed to be given and received. In sending a gift of the former description, he notices the commencement of the year 1840 as follows : " January 1. " Dear S. : "W. will prize the enclosed more highly from your hand ; for he will have proof that a good wife brings many bless- ings, that he never would know the value of but for you. May you experience many returns of the ' new year,' and each more happy than the past ! " 20 154 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. In a letter to his second son, then on a visit to Europe, he wiites, under date of March 5, 1840 : " We are all curious to know Avliat impressions your visit to France and Italy produces, and still more "what impressions a careful overlooking of our fatherland makes upon you. There is much food for reflection, and abundant material for the exercise of your powers of observation, in every league of the '■ fast- anchored isle,' especially in the scenes so beautifully portrayed in many of the books we have access to. In fact, I have an exten- sive collection of materials to renew your travels and observa- tions, and shall value them more highly when you point out this or that scat or castle or abbey, which has arrested your notice. But the best scenes will be those in Avhich the living souls of thr present day are engaged. The habits and tastes of the peojile of England liave doubtless much changed since the Spertaior days ; but, in many important particulars, I should hope they had not. Some thirty years ago, I had a good specimen of the feelings and principles of a great variety of people, embracing almost all classes, from the year 1774 to 1776, in a multitude of letters that had accumulated in the post-office in this tOAvn, under Tuthill Ilubbart. After his death, his house was pulled down; and. among the strange things found in it, were bushels of letters, of which I was permitted to take what I pleased. These letters showed a deeper religious feeling in the writers of those days, from England, Ireland, and Scotland, than I have seen in any miscellaneous collections of a later date. If that deep-toned piety which pervaded them has not been extinguished by the Jacobinism and freethinking of later days, happy for the people and the government ! But I fear it has, in some great measure, been blotted out or obscured, as there seenis to be a spirit of DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 155 reckless adventure in politics and religion not contemplated seventy years ago. How far our experience in self-government in this country is going to advance the cause of good govern- ment, and the ultimate happiness of man, is yet a problem. Oui principles are of the most elevating character ; our practices undei them, of the most debasing; and, if we continue in this way another generation, there will not be virtue enough in active us: to save the forms of our government. We may hope that a bettei heart may be given us." In a letter to his son-in-law, the Rev. Charles Mason, "who was at that time in company with his own son on a visit to England, he writes on June 28th, 1840 : " I intended to defer writing until to-morrow morning; but the beauty of the western scenery and sunset is so striking, that I am strongly impelled to tell you that, much as you see, and highly as you enjoy the scenes of old England, there is nothing there more beautiful and sublime than this very scene from my chamber windows. It seems as though nature never was so beautifully dressed at this time of the year as at present. The season has been unusually fxvorable for the foliage, fruits, and floSvers ; and all around bears evidence of that goodness that never rests, and in. my own person I feel that I am enjoying in a month what ought to content me for a year." The foregoing extract is selected from among many others of a similar nature, as an illustration of Mr. Lawrence's appreciation of the beauties of natural scenery. 156 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. Towards the close of the day, nis favorite seat was at a window, from which he could witness the glories of the setting sun, and, still later, the fading beauties of the twilight. Nature to him was no sealed volume , and with her, in all her phases, he loved to commune. The gorgeous hues of the western sky, the chang ing tints of the autumnal foliage, and the smiling features of the landscape, were in his mind typicaj of the more resplendent beauties of the future world. He writes : " To-day is one of those holy spring days which make us feel that, with right principles and conduct, we may enjoy a foretaste of that beautiful home we all long for. I have been over the Roxbury and Dorchester hills, which are a transcript of the beautiful scenery around Jerusalem. [Mount Zion seemed before me, and by stretching my arms, I could almost fly upon its sides.' He loved to think that the spirits of the departed may be permitted to hover around, and minister to those whom they have once loved on earth ; and sometimes, as he viewed nature in her softer moods, he would imagine himself as holding communion with former cherished objects of affection. He writes to a friend : " Dear S. and R. speak in words without sounds, through every breeze and in every flower, and in the fragrance of every perfume from the field or tbe trees." DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 157 And again : "b"- " Is there anything in Scripture to discourage the hclicf that the spirits of departed friends are still ministering spirits to such as are left here, and that a recognition and reunion -will folloAV when we are called off? I believe fully in this happy reunion ; and it is, next to the example of the beloved, the most animating feeling that prompts me through this wearisome journey." To a friend who had invited him to pay her a visit at her residence in the country, he writes : " N says I am like a child in the matter of the visit, and would be as much disappointed if it should not be accomplished ; and I must admit that I am guilty of this weakness. There are so many loved ones on the old spot, so many lessons to be reviewed, and so many friends 'passed on,' whose spirits surround and fill the place with the peculiar halo and charm of the good angels (those ministering spirits in whose company we may ever find comfort, if we will think so). I say, with all these things, can I be blamed for being a child in this matter ? You will all say No, and will love me the better for it." On the anniversary of his commencing his business, Dec. 17, Mr. Lawrence, as usual, reviews his past life and mercies, and adds : " My daily aspirations are for wisdom and integrity to do what is required of me ; but the excuses for omissions, and the hidden promptings of pride or selfishness in the sins of com- mission, take away all confidence that all is done as it should be 158 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. I am in the enjoyment of as much as belongs to our condition here. AVife, children, and friends, those three little blessings that were spared to us after the fall, impart enjoyment that makes mj home as near a heaven on earth as is alloAved to mortals. " Dec. 23. — This morning has been clear and beautiful, and i have enjoyed it highly. Have been sleigh-riding with Chancellor Kent. Went over to Bunker Hill Monument, and around by the river -side to Charlestown Neck, and had a regular old-fashioned talk with him. He gave me an account of the scenes ^hich occurred where he was studying, in Connecticut, when the news came of the Lexington fight. As we parted, he promised to come again in the spring, take another ride, and resume the conversation. He leaves for New York at three o'clock, and is as bright and lively as a boy, though seventy-eight years old. The old gentle- man attends to all his own affairs, had walked around the city this morning some miles, been to the Providence Railroad Depot for his ticket, overlooked divers bookstores, and so forth. He is very interesting, and has all the simplicity of a child." About this time, also, Mr. Lawrence boems to have had pleasant intercourse with the CheA^alier Hulsemann, the Austrian Minister, so well known by his corres pondence with Mr. Webster when the latter was Secretary of State. The minister was on a visit to Boston, and, from the correspondence which ensued, seems to have conceived a high regard for Mr. Lawrence, expressed in very kiud and courteous terms ; and this regard seems to have been fully reciprocated. DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 159 " April 1, 1841. — S. N., of T., an apprentice on board the United States ship ' Columbus,' in this harbor, thirteen years old, "whom I picked up intoxicated in Beacon-street a month ago, and to whom I gave some books, with request to call and see me when on shore, came to-daj, and appears very well. Gave him a Testament and some good counsel. " June 6. — G. M. called to sell a lot of sermons called the , which he said he caused to be published to do good ; he repeated it so often that I doubted him. He seems to me a wooden nutmeg fellow, although he has the Rev. Mr. 'a certificate." The preceding entry is given here merely as a sample of many such which are found in Mr. Law- rence's diary. Few who have not had the like experience can estimate the annoyance to which his reputation for benevolence and well-doing subjected him, in the shape of applications for aid in every imaginable form. His perceptions were naturally- acute ; and a long experience and intercourse with men enabled him to form, at a single glance, a pretty fair estimate of the merits of the applicant. He may sometimes have judged precipitately, and perhaps harshly ; but, when he discovered that he had done so, no one could have been more ready to confess his fauk and make reparation. A few years after this time, the annoyance became so serious, from the number and character of the applicants, that he felt obliged, on account of ill-health, to deny himself to all, unless personally known to him, or accredited by some one 160 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. in whose statement he had confidence. Further than this, he was confirmed in his decision by actual abuse which had occasionally been administered to him by disappointed candidates for charitable aid. lie kept upon his table a small memorandum-book, in which he recorded the names of those who sought aid, with their business, and often their age, the age and number of their children, sometimes facts in their past history, and any other information which could enable him to form an opinion of their claim upon him for assistance. He sometimes indulges also in somewhat quaint remarks respecting those who apply-, or the manner in wdiich they have presented their application. To the Rev. Robert Turnbull, a Baptist clergyman then settled in Boston, and who had sent to Mr. Law- rence a copy of his work entitled *' Claims of Jesus," he writes under date of Nov. 2 : " Rev. and dear Sir : I thank you for the little volume so kindly presented, and deem it the duty of all the friends of the Saviour to do what they can to stop the flood of infidelity and atheism that threatens such Tvaste and devastation among us. However we may seem to be, I trust many may be found, in tlio ranks of my Unitarian friends, who admit the ' claims of Jesus ' in their most elevated character, and who repudiate the doctrine of those who sink him to the level of a mere human teacher, as subversive of his authority and as nullifying his teachings. We take the record, and what is clearly declared ; we do not go behind, even though we do not clearly comprehend it. It gives DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. IGl me pleasure to learn you are so "O'ell recovered from the injury you received from the overturn of your carriage near my house. " "With great respect, believe me truly yours, A. L." " Jan/iar i/,lS4i2. — This year opens with renewed calls upon me to bless God for his mercies throughout its course. My family circle has not been broken by the death of any one of our whole number, and my own health has been better for the last half-year than for five years before. I have not had occasion to call a physician through the year. My brothers A. and W. have been dangerously sick, but are happily recovered ; and both feel, I believe, that their hold on life is not as firm as they have felt it to be in former years. My dear children are growing up around me to bless and comfort me ; and all I need is a right understand- ing of my duties, and a sincere purpose to fulfil them. I hopo to have the will to continue them in as faithful a manner as hereto- fore, to say the least." Among the traits in Mr. Lawrence's character was that enlarged spirit of Christian feeling which enabled him to appreciate goodness in others, without refer- ence to sect or denomination. This spirit of univ^ersal brotherhood was not in him a matter of mere theory, but was carried out in the practice of daily life, and was the means of cementing many and lasting friend- ships, especially among the clergy of various denomi- nations around him. It may not be uninteresting in future years, for those now in childhood, for whom this volume has been prepared, to be remindeJ of the strong feeling of sympathy and affection which their grand- 21 162 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. father entertained for the Rev. John S. Stone, D.D., once the Rector of St. Paul's Church, in Boston, and now the Rector of St. Paul's, in Brookline, Mass. The following is an extract from a letter written by that gentleman from Brooklyn, N. Y., during the year 18'12, with a memorandum endorsed by Mr. Lawreijce, dated October, 1847, in which he says : " This letter was very interesting to me when received. I kept it in my pocket-book with one from Judge Story, which he had requested me to keep for my children. While son was in Europe, I did not expect to live but a short time, and sent him the two letters, as the proper person to keep them for the use of his children." The letter commences by strong expressions of affection and regard, over which Mr. Lawrence's modesty had induced him to paste a slip of paper, endorsed as follows : ' ' Personal matters between the writer and myself, covered up here, and not to be read by any of the friends to Avhom I may show this letter." The letter continues as follows : " Shall I ever forget the happy moments, hours, days, I may say weeks, which I have spent in riding with you, and chatting, as we rode, of all things as we passed them, till I seemed to myself to be living in the by-gone days of Boston ard its neigh- borhood ; and all its old families, houses, names, and anecdotes, became as familiar to my mind as the stories of my boyhood ? Can I forget it all ? I trow not. These things are all blended DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 163 m "Vfith the beautiful scenery through which we used to vide, and associated with those graver lessons and reflections which you used to give me ; insomuch that the picture which my memory letains of nature, society, history, and feeling, truth, friendship, and religion, and in which Boston and the living friends there are comprehended, has become imperishable. It never can fade out of my mind. It is a picture in which man has done much, friendship more, religion most, and God all ; for religion is his, pnd friendship is from him, and man is his creature, and the green earth and glorious heavens are his home. There are many, very many, objects in this picture, which I contemplate with special delight ; and few which give me pain, or which I would not have had there, had the whole ordering of its composition been left to me. Indeed, had this whole ordering been left to me, it may well be doubted whether, as a whole, it would have contained half of the beautiful and blessed things which it now contains. Taking it as it is, therefore, I am well content to receive it, hang it up in the choicest apartment of my memory, and keep it clean and in good order for use." * * * As an illustration of the pleasant intercourse alluded to above, among Mr. Lawrence's papers is found another most friendly letter from the Rev. Henry Ware, jun,, dated a few days afterwards, with the following endorsement : "I went on Friday to Mr. Ware's house, and had a free, full, and deeply-interesting conversation upon the appointment of his successor ; and was delighted to find him with the same views I have upon the necessity of removing the theological department from Cambridge." 8* 164 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. Dec. 2, Mr. Lawrence alludes to the probability of his own death taking place in the manner in which it actually occurred ten years afterwards, as follows : " Yesterday I was very well, and have been so for some time past. Experienced a severe ill turn this morning at five o'clock, more so than for years. This check brings me back to the reflec- tion that, when I feel the best, I am most likely to experience one of my ill turns ; some one of which will probably end my journey in this life. God grant me due preparation for the next ! " CHAPTER XIX. REFLECTIONS. — LETTERS. — ACCOUNT OF EFFORTS TO COMPLETB BUNKER HILL MONUMENT. In the memorandum-book of property for 1843 is found the usual estimate and list of expenditures ; after which Mr. Lawrence writes as follows : " My outlay for other objects than my own family, for the last fourteen years, has been dollars, which sum I esteem better invested than if in bond and mortgage in the city ; and I have reason to believe many have been comforted and assisted by it, and its influence will be good on those who follow me. God grant me grace to be faithful to my trust ! " To Hon. R. C. Winthrop, Member of Congress, at Washington, enclosing a letter from a young colored man : " Boston, Feb. 15, 1843. "Dear Sir: This young man, as you Avill observe by his style, is well educated ; and the circumstances he states, I haye no doubt, are true. He applied to me, about two years since, for employment in writing or other business, to obtain means for further education ; and I interested myself to secure to him what was required. A few months since, he started from here to go to Jamaica, to commence the practice of law, and was supplied by 165 166 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. those who had taken an interest in him with a library suited to his wants. He received his earlj education in Indiana ; and his pai'ents were once slaves. He is a handsome colored fellow, better-mannered, better-looking, and more to be respected, than manj young gentlemen who move in the higher walks of life, either in Carolina or Massachusetts. Now, I should like to know, if he should be admitted as an attorney to practice in our courts, and should take passage for Jamaica, and put into Charleston, would he be imprisoned, as is now the practice in regard to our black sailors ? I feel a much stronger desire to see your repoit upon this subject of imprisoning our colored people, after the unfiir course taken by the majority of your house to smother it ; and I hope still to see it in print before the adjournment. I would further remark, that N. T. is a member of Grace Church in this city, I believe, under the care of Rev. T. M. Clark ; and would, doubtless, bear affliction, if it should ever be his fortune to be afflicted by being imprisoned because his skin is dark, with a spirit becoming his profession. With great respect and esteem, believe me very truly yours, Amos Lawrence." (to his sister.) " Boston, April 19, 1843. " De.\r Sister M. : When I heard a gun this morning, I waa immediately transported back in imagination to the 19th of April, 1775, when our grandmother retreated from her house on the roadside in Concord, with her family, to keep out of the way of the ' regulars ; ' and that day and its scenes, as described, c\mo back upon me with a force which kept me awake in consideiing whether the gun was fired to recall the facts to the people of this day ; and, if recalled, whether we can profit by the events which followed. I found, however, on receiving my newspapers, that the gun was not for commemoration of Lexington anil Concord, but DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 167 to announce the arrival of the British steamer from Liverpool, The news bj this steamer is of no more than common interest ; and the intercourse is now so eavSy and rapid, that the interest felt to learn what is passing in Europe is not much greater than Ave used to feel on Call's stage-coach arriving at Groton from Boston once a week, fifty years ago. The changes within my own recollec- tion are such as almost to make me distrust my own senses ; and many of the changes are at the cost of much good. The down- hill tendency in the standard of character is a bad sign, and threatens the prostration of our political fabric. Built as it is on the virtue and intelligence of the people, every waste of these endangers the stability of the whole structure." ^^ April 24. — I resume, though not in the same train of thought, which is slept oflf. My birth-day has passed since then ; and I am now in my fifty-eighth year. This is the birth-day of our father, who would have been eighty-nine if living ; and this week on Saturday will also complete thirty-six years since I left home to spend a few months in this city, preparatory to my com- mencing business in Groton. Here I have continued ; and the consequences to our family seem to have stamped upon us such marks as make us objects of influence, for good or evil, to a much greater extent than if I had returned to commence my business career in my native town. I view in this a hand pointing upward, — ' Seek me and ye shall find,' — and a caution to us to use without abusing the good things intrusted to us. How hard it is for those in prosperity to bring home to their feelings their dependence, their abuse of their privileges, their desires for objects wholly disproportionate to their value, their anxiety about trifles, while they are so utterly careless and indifferent about those of the highest moment ! How we strive unceasingly to secure objects that caUj at best, give us but a slight reward, and, in many cases. 168 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. if attained to the full extent of our hopes, only serve to sharpen our appetite for more ; thus demonstrating the benevolence of our heavenly Father in removing these obstacles to our progress in the ways and works of godliness ! How important, then, for us to see a Father's hand in the disappointments, not less than in the success, of our plans ! I now speak practically of those anxieties which I feel and condemn myself for, in looking forward to the condition of my family. This is all wrong ; and I pray God to poTd:-n me the want of faith this feeling implies. " I have thought much of your account of Mrs. N. going out, on the Sabbath after her husband's death, with her nine children. I remember her, and many others of my youthful schoolmates, with interest and regard. Please say so to her. And now, dear M. , as the clouds seem thinner, I may hope to secure a little run, and shall take the post-office in my way ; so must bid you adieu." (to general .) " May 5, 1843. "My dear old General: Our anticipated drive to-day is not to be : the weather settles it that I must keep house ; and, to indemnify myself for the disappointment, will you allow me to feel that I have not gone too far in requesting you to receive the enclosed check ? I am spared here for some object, and do not feel that to hoard money is that object. While I am in the receipt of an income so ample, I find it sometimes troublesome t^ invest exactly to my mind. In the present case, the hope that you may, by using this, add something to your enjoyment, makes me feel that it is one of my best investments ; and for the reason that your proverbial good-will cannot refuse me such a boon, I have made this request. My heart yearns strongly toward the old-fashioned John Jay school in politics and morals ; and, when I DIARY AND CoRRi:-SPoNDENCE. 169 have an opportunity to minister in any way to one of the early members, it is a pleasure that sweetens my days as they pass." On the letter written in reply to the above, Mr. Lawrence has endorsed : " This letter from old General , now eighty-eight years old, and blind, is an acknowledgment of some little kindnesses I was enabled to render through the hand of Judge Story. It has afforded me more pleasure than it could have done either the Judge or the General. I am sure the good old man's feelings were gratified; and I am thankful that I could comfort him." On the 17th of June, 1843, took place the celebra- tion in IV'Ror of the completion of the Bunker Hill Monument ; an event which was regarded with no ordinary emotions by Mr. Lawrence, after so many years of effort and expectation. His only regret was that the whole battle-field could not have been pre- served, and have remained, to use his own words, " a field-preacher for posterity." Eleven years before this, he had written to his son in Europe : " If we be true to ourselves, our city is destined to be the Athens of America, and the hallowed spots in our neighborhood to be the objects of interest throughout all future time. In this view, I would never permit a foot of the battle-field of Bunker Hill to be alienated ; but keep it for your great-great-grandchildren, as a legacy of patriotism worth more than their portion of it, if covered with gold by measure. Until you are older, I do not expect yQu to feel as I do on this subject." 22 170 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. This would seem to be the proper place to mention a few facts in regard to Mr. Lawrence's agency in securing the completion of the monument. It has already been mentioned that he was one of the earliest friends of the project to erect a monument, and, in 1825, had been placed upon the Standing Committee of Directors, with full powers to manage the affairs of the Association. In September, 1831, in a letter to his friend, Dr. J. C. Warren, who himself had been one of the warmest and most efficient advocates of the measure, he proposed to subscribe five thousand dollars, on condition that fifty thousand dollars should be raised within one year. The following passage occurs in that letter : " I think it inexpedient to allude to the sale of the land on Bunker Ilill, as a resource for paying the debt, except in case of extreme necessity ; and, at this time, I should personally sooner vote to sell ten acres of the Common, in front of my house, to pay the city debt (of Boston), than vote to sell the ten acres on Bunker Hill, until it shall appear that our citizens ■will not contribute the means of saving it." The proposition thus made was not responded to by the public* As early as December, 1830, he had made provision by his will, in case of his own death, * For a history of tlie Bunker Ilill Monument, see an article iu eollec tioiis of " Maine Historical Society," vol. iii., by Professor Packard, of Bowdoiu College DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 171 to secure the battle-field, liquidate the debts of tho corporation, and complete the monument. These pro- visions were superseded by another will, executed April 1, 1833, after his health had failed, so as to forbid active participation in affairs. An extract from this document will show the views of the testator : " I am of opinion that the land owned by the Bunker Ilill Monument Association, in Charlesto-wn, will be of great value to posterity, if left as public ground. The spot is the most interest ing in the country ; and it seems to me it is calculated to impress the feelings of those who come after us with gratitude to the people of this generation, if we preserve it to them. Tlie whole field contains about fifteen acres ; and, in the hope of preserving it entire, either as the property of the State, of this city, or of any other competent body, and with the further view of insuring the completion of the monument, which now stands as a reproach to us. I have set apart a larger share of my property than would be necessary, had not the subject been presented to the public in such a manner as to discourage future attempts at raising the necessary funds by voluntary contribution." The amount thus devised for the monument, in case that amount should not be raised in other ways, was lifty thousand dollars. In June, 1832, before the annual meeting of the Bunker Hill Monument Associa- tion, the same offer of five thousand dollars, as first named, was renewed, with an urgent appeal for tho preservation of the land, and completion of the monu- ment, A movement followed this appeal, but was not 172 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. successful. In April, 1833, Mr. Lawrence proposed to the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association to attempt the raising of fifty thousand dollars, to be secured within three months, for completing the mon- ument and preserving the field ; accompanying the proposition was an offer of five thousand dollars, or ten per cent, on any less sum that might be raised, as a donation to the Association. A public meeting was held in Faneuil Hall in response to this proposition, at which Hon. Edward Everett made a most powerful appeal, which produced so great an effect upon his auditors that the object was considered as accom- plished. The effort waa again unsuccessful. Early in 1839, Mr. Lawrence addressed a letter to George Dar- racott, Esq., President of the Mechanic Association, in which, after expressing regret that his feeble and pre- carious health would not 'permit him to make personal application to the citizens of Boston, he adds : " The next best thing I can do in to give money. Tlic Monu- ment Association owes a debt. To' discharge the debt, finish the monument, surround it with a hantk'.f/me iron fence, and otherwise ornament the ground as it deserves, will require forty thousand dollars more than it now has. If the Association Avill collect thirty thousand dollars the present year, and pay off the debt, I "VNull give to the Charitable Mechanic Association ten thousand dollars to enable it to complete the work in a manner Avhich our fathers would have done, had thfy been here to direct it." DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 173 A further donation of ten thousand dollars was made by Judah Touro, Es(i., of New Orleans ; five thousand dollars Avere received from other sources ; and this, with thirty thousand dollars received at the great fair held in Quincy Hall, September, 1840, afibrded the means of completing the monument according to the original design. Thus was consummated a work which had been very near to Mr. Lawrence's heart, and which had cost him many a sleepless night, as Avell as days of toil and perplexity. To his associates in this work too much credit cannot be awarded, discouraged, as they often Avere, by indifference, and even censure. Their names will be handed down for centuries, in con- nection with a monument, which, while it commemo- rates a nation's freedom, teaches also a practical lesson of the perseverance and energy of man. The following is an extract from a newspaper pub- lished about the time the monument was completed, giving an account of a festival held in commemoration of the event : " The president remarked, that, among the benefactors to whom the Association had been particularly indebted for the means of completing the monument, two, whose names were writ- ten on a scroll at the other end of the hall, were Amos Lawrence and Judah Touro, each of whom had made a donation of ten thousand dollars. He thought it proper they should be remem- l^red at the festive board, and gave the following : 174 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. " Amos and Judah ! venerated names ! Patriarch and prophet press their equal claims; Like generous coursers, running neck and neck, Each aids the work by giving it a check. Christian and Jew, they carry out a plan ; For, though of different faith, each is in heart a man.*' CHAPTER XX. INTEREST IN MOUNT AUBURN. — REV. DR. SHARP. — LETTER FROM BISHOP McILVAINE. — LETTER FROM JUDGE STORY. After the establishment of the cemetery at Mount Auburn, Mr. Lawrence had taken a deep interest in its progress, as well as in every plan for its gradual improvement and embellishment. In connection with his brothers, he had purchased a large space, which had been enclosed by a permanent granite wall and iron railing. To this spot he habitually resorted, con- taining, as it did, the remains of some of the dearest earthly objects of his affection, and destined, as it was, to be the final resting-place of not only himself, but of the various branches of his family. When this enclos- ure had been finished, it became an object with him to gather around him in death those whom he had loved and honored in life. In this way, he had been instru- mental in causing to be removed to a burial-lot adjoining his own the remains of the Rev. J. S. Buckminster, the former minister of Brattle-street Church ; and had also presented another lot to his friend and pastor, the Rev. Dr. Lothrop. Another Irieud, whose grave he washed to have near his own, 176 176 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. was the Rev. Daniel Sharp, D.D., minister of the Charles-street Baptis^ Church, in Bostop Tnere were few in Boston who were not familiar with the appear- ance of this venerable clergyman, as he daily appeored in the streets ; and fewer still who had not learned to appreciate the truly catholic and Christian spirit whicli animated him in his intercourse with men of all sects and parties. Mr. Lawrence had early entertained a great esteem for his character ; and this esteem had become mutual, and had ripened into the closest inti- macy and friendship. On receiving a deed of a lot at Mount Auburn, Dr. Sharp writes as follows : " Boston, August 23, 1843. " My dear Sir: I cannot find words with which to express my sense of your unexpected and considerate kindness, in pro- viding so beautiful a resting-place in Mount Auburn for me and my loved ones. It is soothing to me to anticipate that my grave "will be so near your own. May the Almighty, in his infinite mercy, grant, that, when the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall awake, we may both rise together, to be forever with the Lord ! If the proximity of my last place of repose to ministers of another denomination shall teach candor, charity, and peace, I enjoy the sweet consciousness that this will be in harmony with the object of my life. Yours, gratefully, " Daniel Sharp. •* Amos Lawrence, Esq." The enlarged Cliristian spirit which formed so prom- inent a trait m Mr. Lawrence's character, and which PIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 1'/ 7 enabled him to appreciate goodness wherever it (;ou]cl be found, without reference to nation, sect, or color, may be further illustrated by the following note of acknowledgment, received about the same time with the preceding, from Bishop Mcllvaine, of the Protect- ant Episcopal Church in Ohio, who was then on a visit to Boston to procure funds in aid of Kenyon College : " Wednesday evening. "My dear Sir: I have just received your very kind and grateful letter, Avith its cheering enclosure of a hundred dollars tOAvards an object -which engrosses me much just now. Thank you, dear sir, most truly, for your kindness, and the first fruits of Boston, for I came only to-day. I trust the ingathering Avill not dispossess the first ripe sheaf. Coming from one not of my own church, it is the more kind and grateful. 0, sir ! if God shall so bless my present effort as to send me home with the sura I seek, I shall know a freedom of mind from care and anxiety such as I have not experienced for many years, during which our present crisis has been anticipated. I shall have great pleasure in riding Avith you, according to your note to INIr. R. To-morrow ■will probably be a day of more leisure to me than any otliei while I shall be in Boston. " Yours, very truly and respectfully, " Charles P. McIlvaixe." (to one of his partners.) " December 18, 1843. " Bear Mr. Parker: I am pvffcd vp (vrith ague), but not in a manner to gratify my pride, as I am housed, and denied the sight of most of those who call, but not the privilege of reading 23 178 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. their papers, and spemling money. In short, I have more use for money when in the house than Avhcn able to be abroad. If you will tell Brother Sharp * his beautiful bills find an exceedingly ready use, I shall be glad of one hundred in ones and twos, tw: hundred in fives, and three hundred in tens and twenties ; say sir. hundred dollars, just to keep me along till the end of the month. The calls are frequent and striking. ' Do with thy might what Ihy hand findeth to do ; for the night cometh, when no man can work.' God grant me the blessing of being ready to answer the call, whether it be at noon or at midnight ! " Twelve days after, he writes to the same gentleman for another supply ; the sum already received not having been sufficient apparently to carry him through the year : " December 30, 1843. " ' The good there is in riches lieth altogether in their use, lik the woman's box of ointment ; if it be not broken and the cor tents poured out for the refreshment of Jesus Christ, in his dis- tressed members, they lose their worth ; the covetous man may therefore truly write upon his rusting heaps, " These are good for nothing." He is not rich who lays up much, but he who lays out much ; for it is all one not to have, as not to use. I Aviil therefore be the richer by charitable laying out, while the worldling will be poorer by his covetous hoarding up.' " Here is the embodiment of a volume, and whoever wrote it deserves the thanks of good men. I would fain be rich, accord- ing as he lefines riches ; but jJossession, possession, is the devil, as the old Frenchman at said to George Cabot. This devil • Foi more than forty years Teller ia Massachusetts Bank. DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 179 I \YOuld try to cast out ; you will therefore please send me twelve hundred dollars, "which may do something for the comfort of those who have seen better days. Your friend, A. L. " To C. 11. Parker, Esq." The following letter from Judge Story Avas received at about the time the preceding letter was written ; but no memorandum is found by which to ascertain the occasion which called it forth. It may be that he had been made the channel, as was the case a few months before, of some donation to a third person ; a mode which Mr. Lawrence often adopted when he felt a delicacy in proffering direct aid to some one whose sensitiA-eness might be wounded in receiving assistance from a comparative stranger : " Cambridge, Saturday noon. " My dear Sir : I have this moment finished reading your letter and its enclosures, which did not reach me until this noon, and I can scarcely describe to you how deeply I have been affected by them. I almost feel that you are too much oppressed by the constant calls for charitable purposes, and that jouv liberal and conscientious spirit is tasked to its utmost extent. ' The poor have ye ahvays with you ' is a Christian truth ; and I knoAv not, in the whole circle of my friends, any one who realizes it so fully, and acts upon it so nobly, as yourself God, my dear sir, will reward you for all your goodness ; man never can. And yet the gratitude of the many whom you relieve, their prayers for your happiness, their consciousness of your expanded benevolence, ia of itself a treasure of inestimable value. It is a source of con- solation, which you would not exchange for any earthly boon of 180 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. equal value. Wealth is to you an enlightened trust, for the benefit of your race. You administer it so gracefully, as well aa so justly, that I can only regret that your means are not ten times as great. Gracious Heavens ! AVhat a contrast is your life to that of some Avealthy men, ■who have lived many years, and have yet to learn how to give, or, as you beautifully expressed it the other day, who have yet to learn to be their own executors ! My heart is so full of you, and of the whole matter, that I would fain pour out my thoughts at large to you ; for you understand nie^ and I can sympathize with you. But just now I am full of all sorts of business, and without a moment to spare, having many judicial opinions to prepare in the few remaining days before I go to Washington ; and, withal, having INIrs. S. very ill, m respect to whom I feel a deep anxiety. But, wherever I am. I pray you to believe that you are always in my thoughts, with the warmest affection and dearest remembrance. And, if this hasty scrawl is not too slight for such a matter, pray preserve it among your papers, that your children may know what I thought of their father, when you and I shall be both in our graves. " I am most truly and faithfully your obliged friend, " Joseph Story. " Amos Lawrence, Esq. ' ' P. S. — I have sent tlie letter and its accompaniments to Mr. . Tliink of . Think of those rich men in , who have never dreamed of the duties of charity. Cast a view to their own posterity. How striking a memento is the very case of , presented in his own letters, of the instability of human fortune !" Mr. Lawrence closes the year 1843 by a review of his temporal affairs, and by fresh resolutions of fidelity DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 181 to his trusts. He then gives an estimate of his income and expenditures, showing a somewhat large excess of the hitter, though, as he says, from the state of the times, not to the detriment of his property. (to tue mecqanic apprentices' library association.) " jNIy young Friends : It cheers and comforts me to learn of your well-doing, and encourages me to offer a word of counsel, as prosperity is often more dangerous in its time than adversity. Now is your seed-time. See to it that it is good ; for ' what- soever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.' The integrity, intelligence, and elevated bearing, of the Boston mechanics, h.ave been and are a property for each citizen of great value ; inasmuch as the good name of our beloved city is a common property, that every citizen has an interest in, and should help to preserve. At your time of life, habits are formed that grow with your year;?. Avoid rum and tobacco, in all forms, unless prescribed as a med- icine : and I will promise you better contracts, heavier purses, happier families, and a more youthful and vigorous old age, by thus avoiding the beginning of evil. God speed you, my young friends, in all your good works ! With the enclosed, I pray you to accept the fehcitations of the season. " Amos Lawren-ce." CHArTEll XXL ACQUAINTANCE WITH PRESIDENT HOPKINS. — LETTERS. - AFFEC TION FOR BRATTLE-STREET CHURCH.— DEATH OF MRS. APPI.ETON — LETTERS. — AMESBURY CO. At the commencement of the year 1844, President Hopkins, of Williams College, delivered a course of lectures on the "Evidences of Christianity," before the Lowell Institute, in Boston. Mr. Lawrence had pre- viously seen him, and had thought that he detected, in some features of his face, a resemblance to the family of his first wife. In allusion to this acquaintance, he writes to his son about this period : " President H. has the family look of your mother enough to belong to them ; and ii was in consequence of that resem- blance, when I was first introduced to him many years ago, that 1 inquired his origin, and found him to be of the same stock." The acquaintance was renewed, and an intimacy ensued, which was not only the cause of much happi- ness to Mr. Lawrence through the remainder of his life, but was also the means of directing his attention to the wants of Williams College, of which he eventually be- came the greatest benefactor. An active and constant 182 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 183 correspondence followed tliis acquaintance, and was so much prized by Mr. Lawrence that he had most of the letters copied, thereby filling several volumes, from which extracts will from time to time be made. In one of his first letters to that gentleman, dated May 11, he says : " If, by tho consecration of my earthly possessions to some extent, I can make the Christian character practically more lovely, and illustrate, m my own case, that the higher enjoyments here are promoted by the free use of the good things intrusted to me, what so good use can I make of them ? I feel that my stew- ardship is a very imperfect one, and that the use of these good things might be extended profitably to myself; and, since I have known how much good the little donation did your college, I feel ashamed of myself it had not been larger, — at any rate, sufficient to have cleared the debt." To the same gentleman, who had informed Mr. Law- rence that an accident had befallen a plaster bust of himself, he writes, under date of May 16 : " Dear President : You know the phrase ' Such a man'a head is full of notions' has a meaning that wo all understand to bo not to his credit for discretion, whatever else may be said of him. As I propose throwing in a caveat against this general meaning, I proceed to state my case. And, firstly. President II. is made debtor to the Western Railroad Corporation for the trans- portation of a barrel to Pittsfield. The bill is receipted, so that you can have the barrel to-morrow by sending for it ; which bar- rel contains neither biscu't nor flour, but the clay image of your 184 lUART AND CORRESPONDENCE. friend. In the head are divers notions that nij hand fell upon as I was j.reparing it for the jaunt; and. Avhcn the head was filled Avith tilings new and old, I was careful to secure the region under the shoulders, especially on the left side^ and near the heart, by placing there that part of a lady's dress which designates a gov- ernment that we men are unAvilling openly to acknowledge, but is, withal, very conservative. Within its folds I wrapped up very securely * Pilgrim's Progress,' and stuffed the empty sr;:!'e between my shoulders, and near my heart, brim fall, i hope my young friend will find a motive and a moral in the image and in the book, to cheer him on in his pilgrimage of life." "////// 22, 1844. — Sixty-seven years ago this day, my mother, now living, was married ; and, while standing up for the cere- mony, the alarm-bell rang, calling all soldiers to their posts. INIy father left her within the hour, and repaired to Cambridge ; but the colonel, in consideration of the circumstances, allowed him to return to Groton to his wife, and to join his regiment within three days at Rhode Island. This he did, spending but a few hours Avith his wife ; and she saw nothing more of him until the last day of the year, when he made her a visit. I have ordered a thousand dollars paid to the ISIassachusetts General Hospital, to aid in enlarging its wings, and to commemorate this event. The girls of this day know nothing of the privations and trials of their grandmothers." On the same day with tlie above entry in his diary occurs another, in which he alludes to assistance afforded to some young persons in Brattle-street Church, — "sons of Brattle-street, and, as such, as- sisted by me." Mr. Lawrence's early religious asso- DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 185 ciations were connected Avitli this cliiircli, wliere, it is believed, he attended from the first S.iuday after his f'.oniiii,i>- to Boston. With such associations, and con- nect(jd as they were with the most endeared recollec- tions of those who had worshipped there with him in etirly days, all that pertained to this venerable church possessed a strong and abiding interest. In this con- nection is quoted the beautiful testimony of his pastor, the Rev. Dr. Lothrop, furnished in the funeral sermon delivered by him, where lie speaks of Mr. Lawrence's love for the church, as well as of his religious char- a(;ter : " The prominent feature in jNIr. Lawrence's life and character, its inspiration and its guide, Avas religion, — religious faith, affec- tion, and liope. He loved God, and therefore he loved all God'g creatures. He believed in Christ as the Messiah and Saviour of tlie world, and therefore found peace and strength in his soul, amid all the perils, duties, and sorrows of life. His religious opinions lay distinct and clear in his own mind. They were the result of careful reading and of serious reflection, and were marked by a profound reverence for the Sacred Scriptures, and the divine authority of Jesus Christ. A constant worshipper hero during the forty-six years of his residence in this city, for more than forty years of this period a communicant, and for more than ten a deacon of this church, — resigning the oflBce, at lengthy because of his invalid state of health, — he had strong attach- ments to this house of God. ' Our A'enerable church,' he says in one of his notes to me, ' has in it deeply impressive, improving, instructive, and interesting associations, going back to the early 24 186 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. days of my worshipping there ; and the prayers of my friends and fellow-worshippers of three generations, in part now belonging there, come in aid of my weakness in time of need ; and no other spot, but that home where I was first taught my prayers, and this my domestic fireside, where my children have been taught theirs, has the same interest as our own old Brattle-square Church.' " To an old business friend and acquaintance, Joshua Aubin, Esq., the agent of the Amesbury Company, who had from the beginning been associated with him in this first and favorite manufacturing enterprise in which he had engaged, he writes on September 18, after receiv- ing a quantity of manufactured articles for distribution among the poor : "You are brought very near to me on such a day as this (when I am shut up in the house), by your work as well as by your words. " Now, as to your last consignment, I have derived, and expect to derive, as much comfort and enjoyment from it as I ordinarily should from a cash dividend on my shares. In truth, I am able to employ these odds and ends to such uses and for such persons as will make me feel as though I were spared here for some use. " F'.n- instance, I had a call from a most respectable friend (prcsilent of one of the best colleges in the West) last week, who agreed to come again this Aveek to do some shopping as soon as he got some money for preaching on Sunday, and look over my stock of goods. " I intend making him up a good parcel of your work, and, depend on it. it is good seed, and will take root at the West. He Bays that they have no money, but plenty of corn, and beef, and DIARY AND CORRESrONDENCE. 187 pork. Corn pays for groAving at ten cents a bushel, and will not bring that in cash ; and ten bushels will not pay for a calico gown, or a flannel petticoat. " With his large family of children, don't you tliink these odds and ends will come as a blessing ? Besides, he is an old- fashioned INIassachusetts Whig ; loves the old Bay State as well as ever the Jews loved their State, and is. through his college, exercising an influence in that no bodj^ of men in that State can do ; and will, in the end, bring them into regular line, as to education and elevation of character. Send me som.e of your flannels to give to IMadam for her family of one or two hundred children in the Children's Friend Society. " will give them over .to these poor little destitute, unclad creatures. They are taken and saved by this interesting society. " A rainy day like this is the very time for me to work among my household goods. Many a poor minister and his family, and many a needy student at school or college, fare the better for your spinning and weaving. "I am living in my chamber, and on very close allowance. Every day to me is a day of glorious anticipations, if I am free from bodily suffering, and if my mind is free." On another occasion he writes to the same gen- tleman : " I liave your letter and package ; the cold of this morn- ing will make the articles doubly acceptable to the shivering and sick poor among us. J. C.'s case is one for sympathy and relief. Engage to supply him a hundred dollars, which I will hand to you when you visit me ; and tell the poor fellow to keep in good heart, for our merciful Father afllicts in love, and thus I trust that this will prove a stepping-stone to the mansions of bliss. I 9 * 188 PIAKV AND CORRESPONDENCE. shall never cease to remember Avith interest the veterans of tuc A. r. Co. How are my friends B. and others of carlj days ? Also, how is old father F. ? Does he need my warm outside coat, when I get supplied with a better ? " After your call upon me a few weeks since, I went back in memory to scenes of olden times, Avhich had an interest that you can svmpathize in, and which I intended to express to you before this ; but I have had one of those admonitory ill turns since, tliat kejit me under the eye of the doctor for a number of days. "In reviewing my beginnings in manufacturing, under your recommendation and care, almost a quarter of a century ago, I can see the men, the machines, the Avhcol-pit. and the speed- gauii^e. and especially I can see our old friend W. lying on the bottom of the pit, lamp in hand, with his best coat on, eying the wheels and cogs as an astronomer makes observations in an observatory. All these scenes are as fresh in my memory as tliough soon but yesterday. " Do you remember C. B., the brother of J. and G. B. ? All three of whom were business men here at the time you were, and all were unfortunate. C. tried his hand in , and did not succeed there ; returned to this country, and settled on a tract of land in , whore he has been hard at work for ten years, and has maintained his family. His wife died a few months since. One after another of his family sickened, and he became some- what straitened, and knew not what to do. He wrote to an old business friend, who was his debtor,' and who had failed, had paid a part only, and was discharged thirty years ago, and who has since been prosperous. lie stated his case, and asked me to say a good word for him. That person sent one half, and I sent the other half, the day before Thanksgiving. It will reach him od ^^onday next, and will make his eyes glisten with joy. DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 1S9 "Remember me to Capt. and J. C, and B., and any other of the veterans." Sept. 23, Mr. LaAvrence receives from an old debtor, once a clerk in his establishment, a check for five hundred dollars, which a sense of justice had induced him to send, though the debt of some thousands had been long since legally discharged. On receiving it, he writes, in a memorandum at the bottom of the letter received, to his brother and partner : "Dear Abbott: I have the money. J. D. was always a person of truth. I take the statement as true ; but I had no recollection of the thing till recalled by his statement. What say you to putting this money into the life office, in trust for hia sister? Your affectionate brother, Amos." " Memorandum. November 23. — Done, and policy sent to the sister." There are but few men, distinguished in public or private life, who are burdened with an undue amount of praise from their contemporaries ; and yet this wa« the case with Mr. Lawrence, who was often chagrined, after some deed of charity, or some written expression of sympathy, to see it emblazoned, with superadded colore, in the public prints. Some one had enclosed to him a newspaper from another city, which contained a most labored and flattering notice of the kind referred to, to which he writes the following reply : 190 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. " September, 1844. *' Dear : I received the paper last evening, and have read and re-read it with deep interest and attention. However true it may he, it is not calcinated to promote the ultimate good of anj of us ; for Ave are all inclined to think full well enough of ourselves ; and such puffs should he left for our ohituarics. Truth is not always to he pushed forward : and its advocates may sometimes retard it hy mjudicious urging. Such is the danger in the present case. The writer appeai-s to he a young man who has received fiivors, and is lahoring to repay them or secure more. He has told the truth ; hut, as I hefore said, neither you nor I, nor any one of our families, are improved or henefited in any degree by it. God grant us to he humble, diligent, and faithful to the end of our journey, that we may then receive his approval, and be placed among the good of all nations and times ! " On the 29t.li of October, Mrs. Appleton, his sister- iii-huv, and Avidow of the Rev. Jesse Appleton, D.D., formerly President of Bowdoin College, died at his house, after a lingering illness. In a letter to his son, after describing her character and peaceful death, h<3 says : " With such a life and such hopes, who can view the change as any other than putting away the fugitive and restless pleasures of an liour for the quiet and fixed enjoyments of eternity ? Let us. then, my dear children, not look upon the separation of a few short years as a calamity to be dreaded, should we not meet here again in any other way than as we now meet. "While I am here, every joy and enjoyment you experience, and give us an account DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 191 of, is not less so to us than if Tve were with you to partake, as we have done of all such heretofore; and, in this source of onjojnicnt, few people have such ample stores. Three families of children and grandchildren within my daily walk, — is not this enough for any man ? And here I would impress upon ray gnmdsons the importance of looking carefully to their steps. The difference hetween going just right and a little wrong in the commencement of the journey of life, is the difference between their finding a happy home or a miserable slough at the end of the journey. Teach them to avoid tobacco and intoxicating drink, and all temptations that can lead them into evil, as it is easier to prevent than to remedy a fault. ' An ounce of preven- tion is worth a pound of cure.' I Avas going on to say that, according to my estimate of men and things, I would not change conditions with Louis Philippe if I could by a Avish, rich as he is in the matter of good children. I have a great liking for him, and a sincere respect for his family, as they are reported to me ; but I trust that mine will not be tried by the temptations of great worldly grandeur, but that they will be found faithful stewards of the talents intrusted to them. Bring up your boys to do their Avork first, and enjoy their play afterAvards. Begin early to teach them habits of order, a proper economy, and exact ar'countability in their affairs. This simple rule of making a child, after he is tAvelve years old, keep an exact accomit of all that he Avcars, uses, or expends, in any and CA-ery Avay, would saA'C more suffering to families tlian can fairly be estimated by those Avho have not observed its operation. " And noAv, to change the subject," he writes Noa'. 15, '' we haA'e got through the elections, and are humbled as Americans. The questions affecting our local labor, produce, and pecimiary interests, ai-e of small moment, compared with that of annexing 192 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. Texas to this Union. I wrote a brief note yesterday to oui friend Chapman, late Mayor of the city, and a member of the Whig Committee, which speaks the hinguage of my heart. It was as follows : " ' My dear Sir : The result of the election in Massachusetts is matter of devout and grateful feelings to every good citizen, and, so far as pride is allowable, is a subject of pride to evory citizen, whatever his politics; for, wherever he goos ■... , au-ries the evidence of belonging to the old Bay State, he may be sure cf the respect of all parties. This glorious result has not been wrought "without works;" imd for it we, the people, are greatly indebted to your conmiittee. So far as may be needed, I trust you will find no backwardness on our part in putting matters right. I bless God for sparing my life to this time ; and I hum- bly beseech him to crown your labors with success in future. If Texas can be kept oif, thp^-^ will be hope for our government. All other questions ure msignificant in compr.rison with this. The damning sin of adding it to this nation to extend slavery will be as certain to destroy us as death is to overtake us. The false step, once taken, cannot be retraced, and will be to the people who occupy Avhat rum is to the toper. It eats up and uproots the very foundation on which Christian nations are based, and will make us the scorn of all Christendom. Let us work. then, in a Christian spirit, as we Avould for our individual salvation, to prevent tliis sad calamity befalling us.' " CIIArTER XXII. DEATH OF HIS DAUGHTER. _ LETTERS. -DOXATION TO WILLIAMS COLLEGE. — BENEFICENCE. — LETTERS. On the 20tli of ^OYemhev, Mr. Lawrence addressed to his soil a most joyous letter, announcing the birth of twin-grand daughters, and the comfortable health of his daughter, the wife of the Rev. Charles Mason, Rector of St. Peter's Church, at Salem, Massachusetts. The letter is filled with the most devout expressions of gratitude at the event, and cheering anticipations for the future, and yet with some feelings of uneasiness lest the strength of his daughter should not be sufficient to sustain her in these trying circumstances. He adds : "Why, then, should I worry myself about .vhat I cannot help, and practically distrust that goodness that sustains and cheers and enlivens my days ? " The ffai3 expressed were too soon and sadly real- ized ; the powers of her constitution had been too severely taxed, nature gave way, and, four days after- wards, she ceased to Hve. Mr. Lawrence amiounced the death of this cherished and only daughter in the following letter : 25 193 194 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. " Boston, December 14, 1844. "My dear Sox : The joyous event I mentioned of S.'s tTvina has in it sad memorials of the uncertainty" of all jovs, excepting those arising from the happiness of friends ■whose journey is ended, and whose joys arc commencuig. Long life does not con- sist in many years, but in the use of the years allowed us ; so that many a man who has seen his four-score has, for all the pur- poses of life, not lived at all. And, again, others, Avho have impressed distinct marks, and have been called away before twenty-eight years have passed over them, may have lived long lives, and ua,ve been objects of grateful interest to multitudes who hardly spoke to them while living. Such has been the case with our hearts' love and desire, Susan INIason. The giving birth to those two babes, either of whom would have been her pride and delight, was more than she could recruit from. The exhaustion and faintness at the time were great, but not alarming ; and the joy of our hearts for a season seemed unmixed. After three days, the alarm for her safety had taken stronger hold of her other friends than of myself; and, at the time I wrote you last, I felt strong confidence in her recovery. On Sunday evening, at seven o'clock, a great change came over her, that precluded all hope, and she was told by C. how it was. She seemed prepared for it, Avas clear in her mind, and, with what little strength she had, sent messages of love. ' Give love to my father, and tell him I hope we shall meet in heaven,' was her graphic and char- acteristic message ; and then she desired C. t<) lead and guide her thoughts in prayer, which he continued to do for as many as six times, until within the last half-hour of- her life. At three o'clock on Monday morning, the 2d instant, her pure spirit passed out of its earthly tenement to its heavenly home, where our Father has called her to be secured from the trials and pains and DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 195 exposures to ^vhich she was here liable. It is a merciful Father, who knows better than we do wliat is for our good. What is now mysterious will be made plain at the right time, for ' He docth all things well.' Shall we, then, mj dear children, doubt him in this? Surelj not. S. was ripe for heaven, and, as a good scholar, has passed on in advance of her beloved ones; but beck- ons us on, to be rednited, and become joint heirs with her of those treasures provided for those who are found worthy. We are now to think of her as on the other side of Jordan, before the same altar that we worship at, without any of the alloy that mixes in ours ; she praising, and we praying, and all hoping an interest in the Beloved that shall make all things seem less °han nothing in comparison with this. We have had the sympathy of friends ; and the circumstances have brought to light new friends, that make us feel our work here is not done. I feel called two ways at once: S. beckoning me to come up; the little ones appealing to the inmost recesses of my heart to stay, and lead them, with an old grandfather's fondest, strongest,' tenderest emotions, as the embodiment of my child. Her remains are placed at the head of her mother's; and those two young mothers, thus place.l, will speak to their kindred with an elo- quence that words cannot. I try to say, in these renewed tokens of a Father's discipline, ' Thy will be done,' and to look more carefully after my tendency to have some idol growing upon ma that is inconsistent with that first place Ae requires; and I fur- ther try to keep in mind, tliat, if I loved S. much, he loved her more, and has provided against the changes she was exposed to under the best care I could render. Let us praise God for her long life in a few years, and profit by the example she has left. The people of her own church are deeply afllicted, and not until her death were any of us aware of the stror.g hold she had upon i96 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. tliem. Some touching incidents have occurred, ^Yhich are a better monument to lier memory than any marble that can be reared. * * * * " This morning opens most splendidly, and beautifully illus- trates, in the appearance of the sky, that glorious eternity so much cherished in the mind of the believer. "With sincerest affection, your father, A. L." " Tre.mont-street, Tuesday morning. " Dear Partners : The weather is such as to keep me housed to-day, and it is important to me to have something to think of beside myself. The sense of loss "will press upon mo more than I desire it, -without the other side of the account. All is ordered in wisdom and in mercy ; and we pay a poor tribute to our Father and best Friend in distrusting him. I do most sin- cerely hope that I may say^ from the heart, ' Thy Avill be done.' Please send me a thousand dollars by G., in small bills, thus enabling me to fill up the time to some practical purpose. It is a painful thought to me that I shall see my beloved daughter no more on earth; but it is a happy one to think of joining her in heaven. Yours, ever, A. L. ''A. & A. Lawrence & Co." On the last day of 1S44, a date now to be remem- bered by his friends as that on which his own departure took place, eight years later, he writes to his children in France : " This last day of the year seems to have in it such tokens and emblems as are calculated to comfort and encourage the youtliful oilgrim, just in his vigor, not less than the old one, near the end DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 197 jf his journey ; for the sun in the heavens, the hills in the west, and the ocean on the cast, all speak, in tones not to bo mistaken, * Be of good courage,' ' Work while it is daj,' and receive, without murmuring, the discipline a Father applies ; for he knows what ia best for his children. Whether he plants thorns in the path, or afllicts them in any Avay, he does all for their good. Thus, my dear chikben, are we to view the removal of our beloved S. This year had been one of unusual prosperity and enjoyment, from the first day to the present month ; and all seemed so lovely here that there was danger of our feeling too much reliance on these temporals. The gem in the centre has been removed, to show us the tenure by which we held the others." At the opening of the year 1845, Mr. Lawrence, after noting in his property-book tlie usual annual details, makes the following reflections : " The business of the past year has been eminently successful, and the increased value of many of the investments large. In view of these trusts, how shall we appear when the Master calls ? I would earnestly strive to keep constantly in mind the fact that he loill call, and that speedily, upon each and all of us ; and that, when he calls, the question will be, How have you used these ? not How much have you hoarded ? " With the new year, he set himself at work with renewed zeal to carry into effect his good resolutions. One of the first results was a donation of ten thousand dollars to Williams College, which he enters upon hia book with the following memorandum : " I am so well satisfied with the appropriations heretofore mad4 198 DIARY AND CORKESPONDENCE. for the advancement and improvement of Williams College that 1 desire to make further investment in the same, to the amount of ten thousand dollars. In case any new professorship is estab- lished in the college, I should be gratified to have it called the Hopkins Professorship, entertaining, as I do, the most entire confidence and respect for its distinguished President." Nearly every day, at this period, bears some record of his charities ; and among others was a considerable donation to a Baptist college, in another State, enclosed to a Baptist clergyman in Boston, with a check of fifty dollars for himself, to enable him to take a journey for recruiting his health jind strength, of which he was much in need. Soon after Mr. Lawrence's death, an article appeared in an influential religious publication giving an estimate of the amount of his charities, and also stating that his pocket-book had written upon it a text of Scripture, calculated to remind him of his duties in the distribution of his wealth. The text was said to be, " What shall it profit a man if he gain the Avhole world, and lose his own soul ? " After making diligent search, the editor of this vol- ume, rather to correct the statement in regard to the amount of his charities than for any other object, con- tradicted the assertion, and also expressed the opinion that Mr. Lawrence needed no such memorial as this to remind him of his duties ; for the law of charity was too deeply graven on his heart to require the insertion of the text in the manner described. Some time after- DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 196 ovarii, an old pocket-book was found, which had not probably been in use for many years, but which con- tained the text alluded to, inscribed in ink, though faded from the lapse of time and constant use. It may have been useful to him in early years, before he engaged systematically in the work of charity ; but, during the latter years of his life, if we can judge from his writings, as well as from his daily actions, his sense of accountability was extreme, if there can be an extreme in the zealous performance of one's duty in this respect. If the class of politicians alluded to in the following extract could have foreseen the course of events with the same sagacity, it might have saved them from much uncertainty, and have been of service in their career : " "We are in a poor way, politically, in this country. This practice of taking up demagogues for high office is no way to perpetuate liberty. The new party of Native Americans is likely to go forward, and will break up the Whig party, and where it will stop is to be learned." '■'■March 1. — Spring opens upon us this morning with a frowning face ; the whole heaven is veiled, and the horizon dark and lowerino:.'' '■'•May 7. — My venerated mother finished her earthly course last Friday, with the setting sun, which was emblematic of her cud. She was such a woman as I am thankful to have descended from. ]\Iany interesting circumstances connected with her Ufe, 200 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. before and after her marriage (in July, 1777), are worth record ing. She was in her ninetieth year." (to nis SOX.) " April 30 "I began a record yesterday morning, referring to my position and duties thirty-eight years ago, when I left my father's house (one week after I was free), with less than twenty dollars in my possession. I came an unknown and unfriended young man, but feelin'T richer the morning; after I came than I have ever felt since ; so that I gave the man who came with me, in my father's chaise, a coui^le of dollars to save him from any expense, and insure him against loss, by his spending two days on the journey, for which he was glad of an excuse. Had he been as industrious and temperate and frugal, he would have left his wife and children independent, instead of leaving them poor and dependent. These contrasts, and the duties they impose, have pressed heavily upon my strength for a few days past ; and, in endeavoring to place in a clear view my hopes and wishes, I became pressed down, and, since yesterday, have been upon my abstinence remedy. My wish has been to do a good work for our Athenaaum and our Institution for Savings, by making it the interest of the Savings Institution to sell their building to tlie Athen^um, so that a handsome and convenient building may be erected Avhile we are about it. To this end, I have offered to supply the beautiful temple built for the Washington Bank, rent free, for one year, or a longer period to the end of time, while used as a Savings Bank ; intending, by this, to express to those who deposit their money there that I feel deeply interested in their welfore, and would earnestly impress upon them the importance of saving, and, when they become rich, of spending for the good of their fellow-mortals the surplus which a bountiful Father in heaven allows them to acquire. This sur- DIAEY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 201 plus ■with me, at the j^resent time, will be sufficient to allow Jio to speak Avith earnestness, sincerity, and power^ to the tens of thousands of industrious Thomases and Marthas * as well as to the young mechanics, or the youngsters who have had little sums deposited for their education. All these characters appreciate a kind act as fully as those who move in a diiferent sphere in the world. "7 P. M. — I have just learned that there is some difficulty not easily ov 3rcome in this removal of the Bank ; and, after all, nothing may come out of my offer. If not, I shall have more spare means for something else." The value of the building thus offered was about twenty thousand dollars. Owing to the difficulties alluded to in the preceding letter, the offer was declined, tliougli the motive for the act was fully appreciated. (to a friend.) " JSIy dear Friend : I have this moment learned the death of your dear boy J. L., and am Avith you in spirit in this trying scene. Our Father adapts his discipline to our needs ; and in this (although to our weak perception it may seem harsh disci- pline) ho has a Father's love and care of and for you ; and the time will come wdien all Avill be made clear to you. In this trust and confidence, I hope both your dear wife and self will be able to say from the heart, ' Thy will be done.' Our business in ihla world is to prepare for another ; and, if we act wisely, we shall view aright the calls upon us to make this world our great ol)ject, by attaining its honors, its houses, its lands, its praises for gener- osity, disinterestedness, and divers other things that pass well * Names of two faithful Jomestica. 26 202 DIAEY AND COKRESPONDENCE. among men. Where we hope to be welcomed, temptations are no': needed. We pray, therefore, to be accepted, through the Beloved, and so make all things work together to help us safelj through our course. Yours ever, A. L." To the agent of a manufactory in which lie was largely interested, he writes : " We must make a good thing out of this establishment, unless you ruin us by Avorking on Sundays. Nothing but works of necessity should be done in holy time ; and I am a firm believer in the doctrine that a blessing will more surely follow those exer- tions which are made with reference to our religious obligations, than upon those made without such reference. The more you can impress your people with a sense of religious obligation, the better they will serve you." CHAPTER XXIII. LETTER FROM DR. SHARP. — ILLNESS AND DEATH OF SON. — LETTERS. ~ AFFLICTIONS. The Rev. Dr. Sharp, of the Baptist denomination, who has been previously alluded to as a valued friend of Mr. Lawrence, had made a visit to England, the land of his birth, after an absence of forty years, and Jius addresses him from Leeds, July 1 : " I esteem it one of the happy events of my life tliat I have been made personally acquainted with you. Not certainly because of your kind benefactions to me and mine, but because I have enjoyed your conversation, and have been delighted with those manifestations of principle and conduct, which, let them grow under what Christian culture they may, I know how to honor, to acknowledge, and to love." The same gentleman writes, shortly afterwards : '' I tliank you for the kind manner in which you express your- self in regard to my occasional sermons. I never had any taste for controversy, nor for theological speculation : although, as a Christian watchman, I have kept myself informed of the religious opinions that have been, and that are. I thank you, as does my dear wife, for your thoughtful concern of the sacred spot so dear 203 204 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. botli to mj recollections and hopes. There, Avhen life's journey is ended, I hope to rest by the side of those whose company and unfailing uftection have gladdened so many of my years ; and it has given me a subdued pleasure, Avhen I have thought that my own bed of death ■would be so near that of the kind and gentle- hearted friend who provided me with mine. May all who shall repose near that interesting spot be imbued with a pure and loving Christian spirit, that, when the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall arise, Ave may all rise together in glorious forms, to be forever with the Lord ! " (to oxe of his partners.) " Tromont-street, Septembor 30, 1845. "■ Dear jMr. Parker : I am buoyant and afloat again, and able to enjoy the good things you are so liberal in providing. The widow's box of ointment was broken before its atJuo was learned. The sermon is significant and practical. I would be thankful to improve under its teaching. Will you send me two thousand dollars this morning in IMr. Sharp's clean money ? thus allowing me the opportunity of expressing my gratitude to a merciful Father above, that he still permits me to administer the goods things he has intrusted to me. Dear R. had a quiet night, although he did not sleep much during the first part. This c.Nperience is, indeed, the most trying ; but I hope to be able to say truly, ' Thy will be done.' Your friend, ''A. L. " C. II. Parker, Esq." The trying experience alluded to was the serious illness of his youngest son, Robert, then a member of Harvard Colle":e. He had for some time been troubled DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 205 by a cough, which had now become alarming, and excited the worst apprehensions of his friends. In rehition to this sickness, he writes several letters to his son, from which the following extracts are made : " October 15 " We are in great anguish of spirit on account of dear R. We are getting reemciled to parting Avitli the dear child, and to feel that lie has done for us -what any parents might feel thankful for, by living a good life, and in nineteen years giving us no cause to wish any one of them blotted out. If now called away, he will have lived a long life in a few years, and will be spared the trials and sufferings that flesh is heir to, and will be gathered like earlv fruit, before the blight or frost or mildew has marked it." " October 20. " R. remains gradually fiiling with consumption, but without much suffering, and perfectly aware of his situation. He never appeared so lovely as he has on his sick bed ; so that his happy spirit and resignation, without a complaint or a wish that any- thing had been done differently, keep us as happy as we can be under such a weight of apprehension that we may so soon part with Jiim. He asked me yesterday what I should write to you about him. I told him I should say that he was very sick, and might never be any better; but that he might also be better if the great Physician saw best, as it is only for him to speak, and the disease would be cured. If he were taken before me, I told him. it Avould be, I hoped, to Avelcome me to the company of the loved ones of our kindred and friends who have gone before, and to the society of angels and just men made perfect, who compose the great congregation that are o»thered there from all the world, 208 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. that Goi's love, through Christ, has redeemed. God so lovej the world that he gave his only-begotten Son to redeem it from sin ; and his teachings should not be lost on us, while we have power to profit by them. In this spirit, we talked of the good men whose writings have an influence in helping on this good work ; and especially we talked of Dr. Doddridge, and his ' Rise and Progress.' " p. M. — I have been with M. to Brookline since writing the above. The falling leaves teach a beautiful lesson. The green leaf, the rose, the cypress, now enclosed to you, and all from your grounds, are instructive. These Avere cut within the last two hours." " November 1. " Dear R. had a trying day yesterday, and we thought might not continue through the night. He is still alive, and may con- tinue some time ; was conscious and clear in his mind after he revived yesterday ; feels ready and Avilling and hoping to be with Lis Saviour." " NoTcmber 14. " We toil for treasure through our years of active labor, and, when acquired, are anxious to have it well secured against the time Avhen we or our children may have need of it ; and we feel entire confidence in this security. We allow the common flurries of the world to pass by Avithout disturbing our quiet or comfort essentially. What treasure of a temporal character is comparable with a child who is everything a Christian parent could desire, and who is just coming into mature life universally respected and beloved, and wh, is takei. before any cloud or spot has touched I im, and who has left bright and clear marks upon those who have come within his sjDhere of influence ? Such was R. The green earth of Mount Auburn covers his mortal remains ; the heaA'ena DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 207 above have his immortal ; he was a ripe child of God, and I there- fore feel that blessed assurance of entire security which adda •mother charm to that blessed company to which I hope, through mercy, to be admitted in our Father's own good time. This early death of our beloved youngest comes upon us as an additional les- son, necessary, without doubt, to prepare us for our last summons ; and the reasons which now seem mysterious will be fully under- stood, and Avill show us that our good required this safe keeping of this treasure, so liable to be made our idol. R. had passed the dangerous period of his college life without blemish, and was only absent from prayers three times (which were for good cause), and had a settled purpose, from the beginning of his college life, so to conduct in all respects as to give his parents no cause for anxiety ; and, for the last year, I have felt perfectly easy in regard to him. We have visited his grave to-day. The teachings there are such as speak to the heart with an eloquence that language cannot. Dear S. and R. ! She the only daughter, he the only son of hia mother ! and both placed there since you left ! " " November 22. " President H., in a letter a few days before I wrote to you, had this sentiment: 'The old oak, shorn of its green branches, ia more liable to decay.' Applying this to the old oak fronting the graves of those loved ones who have passed on, the outspreaxl branches of which make the spot more lovely, I was more deeply impessed than mere words could have impressed me. A few months after the death of S., a violent storm tore off a main limb of the old oak about midway between the ground and the top, iu such way as to mar its beauty, and endanger its life. The limb fell upon the graves, but avoided the injury to the monuments which might have been expected. Since then, I noticed that some 208 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. of the lower limbs cast a sort of blight or mildew upon the pure •white of your mother's monument, and they required dressing T desired the ' master ' to do this, and also to come and heal the wound occasioned by the loss of this main limb on that side of tne tree. The trimming out was done at once ; the other Avas left undone until the request was renewed. On my visit there last week, I discovered, for the first time, that the wound had been healed, and the body of the tree appeared smooth, and of its natural color, and its health such as to give good hope that its other branches will spread out their shade more copiously than before. What a lesson was here ! The appeal was to the heart ; and, in my whole life, I remember none more eloquent. To-day 1 have been to Mount Auburn again ; and the spot seems to be none other than the gate of heaven.' " •' December 22. " Twenty-five years ago this morning, I came home from Plymouth, where I had spent the night previous, and heard Web- ster's great address. He has never done anything to surpass it ; and it now is a model and a text for the youth of our country. The people who then were present are principally taken hence ; md the consideration of how the time allowed has been spent, and how it now fares with us, is of deep interest. God in mercy grant us to act our part so as to meet his approval, when called to answer for the trust in our hands ! I have thought of the emblem of the ' old oak,' till it has assumed a beauty almost beyond anything in nature ; and, if I live to see the fresh leaves of spring spread 'ng their covering over the head of the stranger or tlie friend who may stop under its shade, I will have a sketch of the spot painted, if the right person can be found. There is in the spot and scene a touching eloquence that language can scarcely communicate. The dear child's expressive look, and DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 209 motion of his finger, when he said ' I am going up,' -will abide with me while I live. The dealings of a Father wiih me have been marked, but ofttimes mysterious for a season. Now many things are clear ; and all others will be, I trust, when I am fitted to know them." (to niS GRAXDSON.) " Boston, December 30, 184u. " My dear F. : Your charming letter of 28th November reached me by last s;ten,mer, and showed, in a practical way, hew important the lessons of childhood are to the proper performance of the duties of manhood. It carried me back to the time when my OAvn mother taught me, and, from that period, forward through the early lessons inculcated upon your father, and especially to the time when he began to write me letters, which I always encouraged him in, and thus formed a habit which has been the best security for our nome affections that can be devised when separated from those most dear to us. If the prayers and labors of your ancestors are answered by your good progress and good conduct in the use of the privileges you enjoy, you will come forth a better and more useful man than any of the genera- tions preceding ; for you enjoy advantages that none of us have enjoyed. INIy heart beats quicker and stronger whenever I think of you ; and my prayers ascend for you at all hours, and through every scene connecting us. Last Saturday, I had the first sleigh- ride of the season. The day was beautiful; and there was just snow enough to make the sleigh run smoothly. I visited Mount Auburn ; and the day and place, the ' old oak ' standing in front of our graves leafless and apparently almost lifeless, spoke to me a language as intelligible as if utterance had been given in sounds. I thought of you, dear F., aa my eldest grandson, anJ 27 210 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. m a manner the representative of the fixmilj^ to future times, and asked myself ^vhcther I Avas doing all I ought to make you feel tlie force of your trusts. There lie the mortal parts of your dear aunt and uncle, both placed there since you left home ; and the spirits of both, I trust, are now rejoicing with the multitude of the beloved ones, whose work here is well done, and whom the Saviour has bid to ' come unto him,' and through whom they hoped to be accepted. Dear R. seems to call to us to ' come up ; " and, whether I ever see you again or not, I pray you never tj forget that he was such an uncle as you might well feel anxious to copy in your conduct to your parents ; for he had a settled principle to do nothing to cause his parents anxiety. So, if you see your young companions indulging in any evil practices which may lead to bad habits, avoid them ; for prevention is better than remedy. "When you stand near the 'old oak,' whether its branches are green with shady leaves, or dry from natural decay, let it speak to your conscience, * Come up,' and receive the reward promised to the faithful. " Ever your affectionate grandfather, A. L." The year 1845 closed with many sad recollections ; and nearly every letter written at this period dwelLi upon the mournful events which had marked its course. In one letter, he says, " Death has cut right and left in my family." In a little more than twelve months, ten of his own immediate family and near connections were removed, and most of them when least expected. Although bowed down, and penetrated with grief at each successive blow, there was a deep-seated principle in Mr. Lawrence's heart, which made liim rise above DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 211 them, all, and receive each call in that spirit of submis- sion ^vhich the Christian faith alone can give. His own sorrows seemed only to augment his sympathy for the woes of others, and to excite him to renewed elfori.^ in the great cause of charity and truth, to which he had consecrated every talent he possessed. In thia spirit he makes an entry in his memorandum-book on the first day of the opening year. cnArxEE XXIV. EX^£^^)ITU^vES. — LETTEKS —DONATION FOR LIBRARY AT WILLIAMS COLLEGE. — TIEWS ON STUDY OF ANATOMY. "Janiianj 1. 1S46. — The business of the past year lias been very prosperous iu our count rv ; and niv own duties seem more clearly pointed out than ever before. "What am I lett here for, and the young branches taken home ? Is it not to teach me the danger of being unjKuthful to my trusts ? Dear R. taken ! the delight of my eyes, a treasure secured ! -which explains better than in any other way what my Father sees me in need of. I hope to be faithful in applying some of my trusts to the uses God manifestly explains to me by his dealings. I repeat, ' Thy will be done.' " That his trusts, so fav as the use of his property was cpiicemed, ^Yere faithiully performed, may be inferred from the fact that, in July, or at the termina tion of the half-year, in making up his estimate of income and expenditures, he remarks that the latter are nearly twenty thousand dollars in advance of the form or. Mr. Ltnvrence was often much disturbed by the pub- Qcity which attended his benevolent operations. There are, pe^'haps, thousands of the recipients of his faYora 212 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 213 now living, wlio alone are cognizunt of his bounty towards themselves ; but when a public institution became the subject of his liberality, the name of the donor could not so easily be concealed. The following letter will illustrate the mode which he sometimes was obliged to adopt to avoid that publicity ; and it was his custom not unfrequently to contribute liberally to objects of charity through some person on whom he wished the credit of the donation to fall. (to presidext nopKixs.) " Boston, Jan. 20, 184G. " My dear Friexd : Since Satunlay, I have thought much of the best mode of helping your college to a library building without getting into the newspapei-s, and have concluded that you had better assume the responsibility of building it ; and, if anybody objects that you can't afford it, you may say you have friends whom you hope to have aid from ; and I will be respons- ible to you for the cost to an amount not exceeding five thousand dollars ; so that you may feel at liberty to prepare such a build- ing as you will be satisfied with, and Avhich will do credit to your tiistc and judgment fifty years hence. If I am taken before this is finished, which must be this year, my estate will be answerable, as I have made an entry in my book, stating the case. I had Avritten a longer story, after you left me, on Saturday evening, but have laid it aside to hand you this, with best wishes, and that all may be done 'decently and in order.' I will pay a thousand or two dollars whenever it is wanted for the work. " Youi- friend, A. L." Mr. Lawrence had read in the newspapers the 214 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. memorial to Congress of Mrs. Martha Gray, widow of Captain Robert Gray, the well-known navigator, who discovered, first entered, and gave its present name to the Columbia River. Captain Gray had been in the naval service of his country ; and his widow, who had survived him for forty years, amidst many difficulties and struggles for support, petitioned for a pension, in consideration of the important discovery, and for the services rendered by her husband. Mr. Lawrence sent to Mrs. Gray a memorial of Iris regard, with the following note : "Asa token of respect to the -widow of one Avhose name and fame make a part of the property of every American who has a true heart, will Mrs. Gray accept the accompanying trifle from one, who, though personally unknown, felt her memorial to Congress through every nerve, and will hope to be allowed the pleasure of paying his re'j^ects in person when his health permits." About the same date, he says to President Hopkins : " I am happily employed, these days, in administering upon my own earnings, and have hope of hearing soon from you and your good work. I am still on my good behavior, but have been able to chat a little with Mr. D., and administer to His Excellency Governor Briggs, who has had a severe trial of fever and ague. On Saturday he rode an hour with me, and returned with hia face shortened considerably. I can only say to you that I believe I am left here to do something more to improve and help on the DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 215 brethren and sons ■\Yho have more mind and less money than I have ; but the precise waj to do it is not so clear to me as it may be by and by." After receiving the proposed plan of the library ^vhich he had authorized to be built at Williams Col- lege, Mr. Lawrence writes to the same, on May 15 : " I left off, after a brief note to you, three hours since, fur- nishing you a text on epicureanism to preach from, Avhich I trust will find favor and use. "What think you? Why, that I am interfering in your business. When I awoke this morning, thinks I to myself, My friend won't have elbow-room in the centre of his octagon ; aftd, as there is plenty of land to build upon, he may as well make hia outside to outside fifty feet as forty-four feet, and thus give him- self more space in the centre. The alcoves appear to me to be very nice ; and, in the matter of expense, my young friend A. L. II. will see to that, to the tune of one or two thousand dollars. So you may feel yourself his representative in acting in this matter." ^'' April 22. — My birth-day! Three-score years old! INIy lif3, hanging by a thread for years, and apparently, at times, within a few hours of its close, still continued, while so many around in the prime of life and vigor have been called away ! " (to & FRIEND.) " Tromont-street, April, 1S4G. " My friend : I have arisen after my siesta, and, aa tlic Quakers say, am moved by the spirit to speak. So you will 21G DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. give what I have to say the value you consider it worth. And, in the first place, I will say, that this period of the year is so full of deeply-interesting memories of the past, that I hardly know where to begin. From my earliest days, the story of the intelli- gence reaching Groton at ten o'clock on the 19th April, 1775, that the British were coming, was a most interesting one. My father mounted Gen. Prescott's horse, and rode, at a speed which young men even of the present day would think rapid, to the south end of the town, by Sandy Pond, and notified the minute- men to assemble at the centre of the town forthAvith. lie made a ran"-e of seven miles, calling on all the men, and was back at his father's house in forty minutes. At one o'clock, P. M., the company was in readiness to march, and under way to Concord to • meet the British. They kept on until they reached Cam- brido-e ; but, before that, they had seen and heard all that had been done by the troops sent out to Concord. The plough was left in the field ; and my grandfiither, with his horse and wagon, brought provisions to his neighbors and his son shortly after. My grandmother on my mother's side, then living in Concord, has described to me over and over again the appearance of the British, as she first saw them coming over the hill from Lincoln, about two miles from the centre of Concord ; the sun just rising ; and the red coats, glittering muskets, and fearful array, so capti- vating to us in peace-times, appearing to her as the angel of dcsti-uction, to be loathed and hated. She therefore left her house with her children (the house was standing within the last thirty years, and may be now, near the turn to go through Bedford, half a mile or more this side of Concord meeting-house), and went through the fields, and over the hills, to a safe place of retreat. The British, you are aware, on their retreat, had a hard time of it. They were shot dcwn like wild game, and left by the way- DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 217 side to die or be taken up as it might happen. Three thus left V? (thin gun-shot of my grandmother's house were taken up, and died in the course of a very few hours. But what I am coming to is this : Lord Percy, you know, was sent out from Boston with a strong botly of troops to protect those first sent out ; and, but for this, the whole would have been destroyed or made prisoners. About three years ago, Lord Prudhoe, second son of Lord Percy, was here ; and I had considerable delightful intercourse with him. He, as you may well suppose, was deeply interested in all that related to his father ; and I met him in the library at Cambridge, where he was very observant of the order and arrangement, and especially of the curious old documents and books, so nicely arranged, touching the early history of the province. After leav- ing Cambridge, he went to Mr. Cushing"s and Mr. Pratt's, at Watertown, and was much interested in all that we in this city are proud of I had not strength to be devoted to him more than an hour or two at a time, having then some other strangers undei my care, belonging to Gov. Colebrooke's family. Lady Colebrooke being a niece of Major Andre ; so that I had only some half- dozen interviews with him, all of which were instructive and interesting." The dissection of human bodies by medical students has always been a subject of deep-rooted prejudice in New England ; and, even to this day, it exists in so great a degree that the facilities for this important and absolutely essential branch of instruction are not nearly as great as they should be, nor such as are afforded in the schools of other countries. When these difficulties shall be removed, and the prejudice allayed, against the 28 T^18 DIJRY AND CORRESPONDENCE. acquisition of a kind of knowledge which it is of the utmost interest to every one that the surgeon and physician shall receive, many young men will remain at home, and acquire that education which, with few exceptions, might be attained here as well as by a lesoi't to foreign schools. In this prejudice Mr. Lawrence could not sympathize, as will be seen in the followinqj extract of a letter to a friend ******* " Many years ago, there was a great stir, on account of graves being robbed for subjects for dissection, and some la^YS Avere passed : the ^vant became so pressing, that subjects Avere brought from a long distance, and in a very bad state. Dr. Warren was attending me, and said he had invited the Legislature, then in session, to attend a lecture in the Medical College. He told me he intended to explain the necessity of having fit subjects, he having been poisoned in his lecture to his students a few days before, and was then suffering from it. lie invited me also to attend, which I did, and took with me my precious boy R. While lecturing, the doctor had a man's hand, which he had just- taken off at the hospital, brought in, nicely wrapped up in a wet cloth, by his son J. M. W., then a youngster. There were present about two hundred representatives ; and, as soon as they saw the real hand, two or three fainted nearly away, and a half- dozen or more made their escape from the room. The scene was so striking, that I told Dr. Warren it was a pity that such a prejudice should exist : and, as I was desirous to be of use as far as in my power, and probably should* be a good subject for him, I would gladly have him use me in the way to instruct the young men; but to take care of my remains, and have them consumed DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 219 or buried, unless mj bones were kept. I also told tiim that I desired very much to have this false feeling corrected, and per- haps mj example might do something towanl it. Some time afterwards, I spoke to upon the subject ; but I found it gavo pain, and the plan was given up. * * * A. L." " Outward gains are ordinarily attended with inward losses. lie indeed is rich in grace whose graces are not hindered by his riches." In a letter, dated June 3, Mr. Lawrence bears testi- mony to the character and services of the late Louis D wight, so long and favorably known as the zealous Secretary of the Massachusetts Prison Discipline Society : " I have this moment had an interview with Louis D^vight, who leaves for Europe in two days. ]\Iy labors and experience with him for nearly a quarter of a century enable me to testify to his ability, and unceasing efforts in the cause." " May 27, 1846. — The folloAving commentary * on the Lec- tures of the Rev. Dr. accompanied their return to me from one to whom I had loaned the volume. I have now no recollection who the person is ; but the words are full, and to the point : " 'This sucking the marrow all out of our Bible, and leavino it as dry as a husk, pray what good to man, or honor to God, does that do ? If we are going to fling away the old book from which ten thousand thousand men have drawn and are still draw- • Supposed to be by Hon. Jeremiah Mason. 220 DIAEY AND CORRESPONDENCE. ing the life of their souls, then let us stand boldlj up, and fling it away, cover and all ; unless, indeed, a better waj would be to save the boards and gilding, and make a family checker-boar<3 of it' " CHAPTEE XXY. DONATION TO LAWRENCE ACADEMY. — CORRESPONDENCE WITH R. Ct. PARKER. — sleigh-rides. — LETTERS. —AVERSION TO NOTO- RIETY. — CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL. Mr. Lawrence had always taken a deep interest in the academy at Groton, of which he, with all his brothers and sisters, had been members. The resi- dence of his former master, James Brazer, Esq., with whom he lived when an apprentice, bordered on ■^he academy grounds. It was a large, square, old- fashioned house, and easily convertible to some useful purpose, whenever the growing prosperity of the insti- tution should require it. lie accordingly purchased the estate ; and, in July, 1846, presented it to the Board of Trustees by a deed, with the following preamble : " To all persons to whom these presents shall come, I, Amos Lawrence, of the City of Boston, in the County of Suffolk, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Esquire, send greetin<^ : "Born and educated in Groton, in the County of Middlesex, in said Commonwealth, and deeply interested in the Avelfare of that tOAvn, and especially of the Lawrence Academy, established in it by my honored father, Samuel Lawrence, and his worthy associ- ates, and grateful for the benefits which his and their descendants 221 Zl:2 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. have derived frcm that institution, I am desirous to promote .ta future prosperity ; trusting that those charged with the care and superintendence of it will ever strive zealously and faithfully to maintain it as a nursery of piety and sound learning." This had been preceded by a donation of two thou- sand dollars, with smaller gifts, at various dates, of \aiuable books, a telescope, etc., besides the foundation of several free scholarships. The present prosperity of the academy is, however, mainly due to his brother, William LaAvrence, who has been by f\ir its greatest benefiictor ; having, in 1844, made a donation of ten thousand dollars, followed by another, in 1846, of five thousand, and, finally, by will, bequeathed to it the sum of twenty thousand. The following memoranda are copied from Mr. Law^rence's donation-book : ^^Aiigiist 20, 1847. — I have felt a deep interest in Groton Academy for a long time : and while brother L. was living, and its president, he had it in charge to do what should be best to secure its greatest usefulness, and, Avhile perfecting these plans, he Avas suddenly taken from this world. Since then, I have kept on doing for it : which makes my outlay for the school about twenty thousand dollars. I had prepared ten thousand dollars more, which brother William has assumed, and has taken the school upon him- self, to give it such facilities as will make it a very desirable place for young men to enter to get a good preparation for business or college life." In an address* delivered at the jubilee celebration • See account of Jubilc-e of Luwronce Academy. DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 223 of the liiiwreiice Academy, held in Groton, July 12, 1854, the Rev. James Means, a former preceptor of the Institution, thus speaks of the benefactions of the two brothers : " It was my good fortune, after becoming the preceptor, ia 1845, to have frequent intercourse with them in this particular regard, — the interests of tlie school. I shall never foi-get the im- pression made upon my mind by the depth of their feeling, and the strength of their attachment. They were both of them men of business ; had been trained to business habits, and Avould n it fool- ishly throw away the funds which God had intrusted to them as stewards. But it seemed to me then, as the event has proved, that they Avere Avilhng to go as far as they could see their way clear before them to establish this school on a foundation that never should be shaken. " There was a singular difference in the character of these two brothers, and there is a similar difference in the results of their benefactions. I have reason personally to know that they con- ferred frequently and earnestly respecting the parts wnich they chould severally perform in upbuilding this school. There was \n emulation ; but there was no selfishness, there was no difference or opinion. Both loved the academy, both wished to bless it and make it a blessing; ; each desired to accommodate the feelinfifs of the other, each was unwilling to interfere with the other, each was ready to do Avhat the other declined. Out of more than forty- five thousand dollars provided for the academy by Mr. William Lawrence, forty thousand still remain in the hands of the trustees for purposes of instruction. Of the library Mr. Amos Lawrence says, in one of his letters : ' I trust it will be second to no other in the country except that of Cambridge, and that the place will 224 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. become a favorite resort of students of all ages before anol ler fifty years have passed away. When he presented a cabinet of medals, he "writes, ' I present them to the Institution in the name of my grandsons, F. W. and A. L., in the hope and expectation of im- planting among their early objects of regard this school, so dear to us brothers of the old race, and which was more dear to our honored father, who labored with his hands, and gave from his scanty means, in the beginning, much more in proportion tlian ■we are required to do, if we place it at the head of this class of institutions, by furnishing all it can want.' " At the same celebration, the Hon. John P. Bigclow, president of the day, in his opening address, said : " Charles Sprague, so loved and so honored as a man and a poet, was an intimate friend of the lamented William and Amos Lawrence. I invited him hither to-day. He cannot come, but sends a minstreVs tribute to their memory, from a harp, which, till now, has been silent for many years. ' These, these no marble columns need: Their monument is in the deed ; A moral pyramid, to stand As long as wisdom lights the land. The granite pillar shall decay, The chisel's beauty pass away ; But this shall last, in strength sublime, Unshaken through the storms of time.' " On July 15, Mr. Lawrence made a considerable donation of books to the Johnson School for girls, accompanied by a note to R. G. Parker, Esq., the l*rincipal, from which the following extract is taken: DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 225 " The sleigh-ride comes to me as though daguerrcotjped, and I c?^\ hardlj realize that I am here to enjoy still further the com- ibrt that I then enjoyed. If the pupils of your school at that time were gratified, I was more than satisfied, and feel myself a debtor to your school of this day ; and, in ashing you to accept, fur the use of the five hundred dear girls who attend upon your instruction, such of the books accompanying as you think proper for them, I only pay a debt which I feel to be justly due. The Johnson School is in my own district ; and many a time, as I have passed it in my rides, have I enjoyed the appropriate anima- tion and glee they have manifested in their gambols and sports during their intermission, and have felt as though I would gladly be among them to encourage them. Say to them, although per- sonally unknown, I have looked on, and felt as tliough I wanted to put my hand upon their heads, and give them a word of counsel, encouragement, and my blessing. This is what I am left here for ; and, when the JNIaster calls, if I am only well enough prepared to pass examination, and receive the ' Well done ' prom- ised to such as are faithful, then I may feel that all things here are less than nothing in comparison to the riches of the future." The allusion to the sleigh-ride was called forth by a note received from Mr. Parker a day or two before, in which that gentleman writes : " As you have not the credit of a very good memory, so far as your own good actions are concerned, it will be proper that I should remind you that the occasion to which I refer was the time that the pupils of the Franklin School were about enjoying a sleigh-ride, from which pleasure a large number were excluded. On that occasion, as you were riding by, you were induced to 29 226 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. inquire the reason of the exchision of so many sad little faces ; and, on learning that their inability to contribute to the expense of the excursion would cause them to be left behind, you very generously directed that all should be furnished with seats, and a draft made upon you for the additional expense." To a fondness for children, there seemed to be united in Mr. La^vreflce a constant desire to exert an influence upon the youthful mind ; and rarely was the oppor- tunity passed over, Avhen, by a word of advice or encouragement, or the gift of an appropriate book, he thought he could effect his object. Ilis person was well known to the boys and girls who passed him in the streets ; and, in the winter season, his large, open sleigh might often be seen filled with his youthful friends, W'hom he had allowed to crowd in to the utmost capacity of his vehicle. The acquaintances thus made would often, by his invitation, call to see him at his residence, and there would receive a kind notice, joined with such words of encouragement and advice as could not sometimes fail to have a lasting and beneficial influence. "August 2. — 'Give an account of thy stewardship, for thou mayest be no longer steward.' — Luke 16 : 2. " How ought this to be sounded in our ears ! and how ought we to be influenced by the words ! Surely there can be no double meaning here. The words are emphatic, clear, and of vast concern to every man. Let us profit by them while it is day, lest DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 227 the night overtake us, vrhen vrc can no longer do the W(. rk of the •iaj." On the 22d of August, Mr. Lawrence sent «a cine ♦o Governor Brig-gs, at Pittsficld, with the following inscription graven upon it : FROM THE "OLD OAK" OF MOUNT AUDURN: 9 jBrmrnto of lotirli ©lus gone bffore. AMOS LAWRENCE TO GEORGE N. BRIGGS. 184G. The cane was accompanied by the following note : " j\Iy dear Friexd : Your letter of Monday last came, as all your letters do, just right as a comforter through a feeble week ; for I have been confined to the house, and unable to speak above a whisper, most of the time, and am still not allowed to talk or work much. The corresponding week of the last year, when our precious R. was your guest, comes over my mind and heart, at all hours of the night and the day, in a manner I need not attempt to describe to yon ; and it is only distressing when I see the suf- fering of his dear mother. But we feel that he is now the guest of the Supreme Governor, whose care and kindness takes from him all that can interrupt his perfect happiness through all time; and this surely ought to satisfy us. The good opinion of good men you know how to value, and can therefore judge how much I prize yours. Acting upon the public mind for good as you do, the memorial from the old oak will not be without its use in your mstruction and advice to the young, whose special improvement and safety you have so much at heart. The cane is a part of the same branch as that sent to President IL, and came to me sinco 228 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. noon to-day. Accept it -with assurances of continued and increased affection and respect. Most sincerely yours, "A. L." '■^August 28. — Called at shop, Washington-street, and there saw a nice-looking boy seventeen or eighteen years old, named T. S., to whom I gave a word of good counsel and encour- agement. Shall look after him a little, as I like his manners." " August 29. — A woman writes a figuring letter, calling her- self S. ]\I. ; says she is sixty years old ; has lost her sons, and wants help ; came from New Hampshire. Also, N. T. wants aid to study, or something else. Also, a INIr. F., with a great share of hair on his face, gold ring, and chains, wants to travel for his health ; has a wife and child. These three cases within twenty- four hours are very forbidding." In a letter of advice to a young gentleman who was a stranger to him, but who through a mutual friend had asked his opinion on a matter of business, he writes, on Sept. 19th * " Your letter of the 17th is a flattering token of confidence and respect, that I wish were better merited. Such as I am, I am at your service; but thc>t-e is nothing of vie. I have been stricken down within a few days, and am hardly able to stand up. A kind Father keeps me vigilant by striking without notice, and when least expected ; and on some one of these occasions I am to close the account of my stewardship, and no matter when, if the accounts are right. I cannot advise you except in one particular : Do with your might what your hands find to do ; spend no man's money but your own, and look carefully after little items that tempt you. ' DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 223 The notoriety attendant upon acts of beneficence which j\Ir. Lawrence instinctively shrunk from, and which so often deters the sensitive from the good acts which, without this penalty, they would gladly per- form, was, as has before been stated, a subject of eerious annoyance. This is illustrated by the following note, written to Mr. Parker, the Principal of the Johnson School for girls : " October 2, 184G. " I hope to send a few volumes to help forward the young guides of the mind and heart of the sons of New England, wherever they may be ; for it is the mothers who act upon their sons more than all others. I hope to be felt as long as I am able to work, and am quite as vain as I ought to be of my name and f ime, but am really afraid I shall wear out my welcome if my little paragraphs are printed so frequently in the newspapers. I gave some books last Monday, and saw them acknowledged yes- terday in the newspaper, and since have received the letter from the children. Now, my dear sir, I merely want to say, that 1 hope you will not put me in the newspaper at present; and, when my work is done here, if you have anything to say abouc me that will not hurt my children and grandchildren, say onJ^ A few days afterwards, Mr. Lawrence received a letter from the parties to whom the books above alluded to had been sent, inquiring if he could suggest the name of some benevolent individual, to whom applica- tion might be made for aid in furthering the objects of the Association. lie writes : 230 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. " In reply to yours of to-day, I know of no one. but must request that my name be not thrust forward, as though I was to be a byword for my vanity. I want to do good, but am sorry to be published, as in the recent case." During the autumn of this year, Mr. Lawrence pur- chased the large building in Mason-street, "which had, for many years, been used as the Medical School of Harvard College, with the intention of founding a charitable hospital for children. He had heard of the manner in which such institutions were conducted in France, and belieA'ed that a great benefit would be con- ferred on the poorer classes by caring for their sick children when their own poverty or occupations pre- vented their giving them that attention which could bo secured in an institution of this kind. The great object was to secure the confidence of that class, and to overcome their repugnance to giving up their children to the care of others. The plan had not been tried in this country ; though in France, where there exists a much larger and. more needy population, the system was completely successful. Although but an experi- ment, Mr. Lawrence considered the results which might be obtained of sufficient magnitude to warrant the large outlays required. lie viewed it not only as a mode of relieving sickness and suflering, but as a means of exercising a humanizing eitect upon those who should come directly under its influence, as well as DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 23> upon that class of persons generally for whose benefit it was designed. His heart w;is ever open to the cry of sufTering ; and he was eipially ready to relieve it, wliether it came from native or foreigner, bond or free. The bnilding which had been purchased for tlie object, from its internal arrangement, and from its too confined position, was found less suitable than another, in the southerly part of the city, where an open view and ample grounds were more appropriate for the purpose ; while there was no cause for tliat prejudice which, it was found, existed toward the project in the situation first thought of. With characteristic liberality, Mr. Lawrence offered the Medical College, now not re- quired, to the Boston Society of Natural History at the cost, with a subscription from himself of five thousand doUnrs. The offer was accepted. An effort was made by the Society to raise by subscription the necessary funds ; and the result was their possession of the beautiful building since occupied by their various col- lections in the different departments of natural history. The large house on Washington-street was soon put in complete repair, suitably furnished, provided with physicians and nurses, and opened as the Children's Infirmary, with accommodations for thirty patients. The following spring was marked by a great degree of mortality and suffering among the emigrant passengers^ and consequently the beds were soon occupied by whole families of children, who arrived in the greatest state 232 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. Df destitution and misery. Many cases of ship-fevei were admitted ; so that several of the attendants were attacked by it, and the service became one of consider- able danger. Many now living in comfort attribute the preservation of their life to the timely succor then fur- nished ; and, had no other benefits followed, the good bestowed during the few weeks of spring w^ould havt compensated for the labor and cost. This institution continued in operation for about eighteen months, dur- ing wdiich time some hundreds of patients were pro- vided for. The prejudices of parents, which had been foreseen, were found to exist, but disappeared with the benefits received ; and the whole experiment proved conclusively that such an institution may be sustained in this community with vast benefit to a large class of the sulfering ; and it is hoped that it may one day lead to an establishment of the kind on a larger scale, and with a more extensive organization and means of use- fulness. In this experiment, it was found, from the limited number of beds, that the cost of each patient was much greater than if four times the number had been provided for, and so large that Mr. Lawrence decided that the same amount of money could be made to afford relief to much larger numbers of the same class of sufferers applied in some other way. He was a constant visitor at the Infirmary, and took a deep interest in many of the patients, whose varied history had been recited to him ; and in after years, as he DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 233 passed through the streets, many an eye would brighten as it caught a glimpse of the kind friend who had whispered words of consolation and hope in the lonely hours of sickness. CIIArTER XXVI. CAPTAIN A S. McKENZIE. — DIARY. — AID TO IRELAND. — MADAM PRESCOTT. — SIR AVILLIAM COLEBROOKE. (to CAPT. ALEXANDER SLIDELL MCKENZIE, U. S. N.) «' November 2, 1846. "My DEAR Sir: I was exceedingly gratified bj your kind remembrance of me, a few days since, in sending me a copy of your ' Life of Decatur,' which to its merits as a biography adds the charm of bringing before me my old friend Bainbridge, and the writer, whom I have felt a strong interest in ever since read- ing his ' Year in Spain ; ' for my son resided in the same family soon after you left, and made me acquainted with you before I had seen you. I am a ' minute-man ' in life, but, while I remain here, shall always be glad to take you by the hand when you visit us. Whether we meet here is of less importance than that our •work be done, and be said by the Master to be Avell done, when called off, Respectfully and faithfully yours, "A. L." ^^ December 17. — Thirty-nine years have passed since my first entry in this book ; and, in reviewing this period, I have abun- dant reason to bless God for his great mercies, and especially for continuing us four brothers, engaged as Ave have been in business, an unbr jkcn band to this day, and for the success attending our labors. We have been blessed more than most men, and have the '2U DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 235 power, bj our right use of these blessings, of benefiting our fellow- men. God gniut that the spirits of our parents may be checreO in their heavenly home by our doing the work here that we ought to do ! To my descendants I commend this memorial, with tho prayer that thej may each of them be better than I am." * * * " Fifteen years hence, and the chief interest in us will be found in our Mount Auburn enclosure ; and we ouirht to look well to the comment." As an expression of the feeling here referred to, ho purchased a gold box of beautiful workmanship, and forwarded it to his youngest brother, then a resident of Lowell, with the following inscription engraven upon it : "BEHOLD, now GOOD AND HOW PLEASANT IT IS FOR BRETIIRES TO DWELL TOGETHER IN CSITY ! '' TO SAMUEL LAWRENCE, FROM niS BROTHER AMOS. ^'■December 19. — Rode to-day to the Asylum for the Blind with ]Major Ardiur Lawrence, of the Rifle Brigade, British Army, and had a very interesting visit. Dr. Howe very atten- tive ; and Laura Bridgman and Oliver Caswell both appeared well." '■'December 27. — Rev. Mr. Rogers said to-day, 'Gold is not the coin of heaven : if it had been, Christ would have been rich ; but he was a poor man.' " '■'January 1, 1847. — In July last, I had spent the advance of my income, but am thankful now to be able to state the case differently, being in the receipt of ample means to be a comfort to the needy." 11* 236 DliVRY AND CORRESPONDENCE. From the various entries quoted in his Diary, it will be inferred that Mr. Lawrence's means for charitable distribution varied considerably in amount from year to year. To explain this difference, it may not be, amiss to state here, that he had, from the first efforts to establish home manufactures in New England, taken a deep interest in their success, and had consequently invested a large proportion of his property in the various manufacturing corporations* which had been built up in Lowell and other towns in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The great fluctuations in thin department of industry are known to every one ; for, while the returns of one year ^vould be ample, those of the next year would, from embarrassments in the commercial world, or from some other cause, be litfle or nothing. '■'■January 8. — T. R. and S. J., two Englishmen in the employ of J. C, mended our pump to-day, I gave them some books and a word of counsel, and hope to observe their progress." ^'•February 15. — T. J. called, and is to embark to morrow, on his way to the war in Mexico. lie asked me to give him money to buy a pistol, which I declined, as I could not wish them success in Mexico ; but gave him some books, a Bible, and good counsel.'' During the month of February, an appeal was made to the citizens of Boston in behalf of the famished popu- lation of Ireland, and resulted in the sending to that country a large quantity of food and clothing. Mr Lawrence contributed himself towards the object, and, DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 237 as was often the case, endeavored to interest others equally with himself. On the 24th of that month, ho addressed a note to J. A. Stearns, Es({., Princi})al of the ^Mather School, at Sonth Boston, for the pnpils of his school composing the Lawrence Association. This Association, comprising a large nnmber of boys and girls, had been formed for moral and intellectual improvement, and had been named in honor of jNIr. Lawrence, who had, from its commencement, taken a deep interest in its success, and had often contributed books and money when needed. " Wednesday, March 2. "My Frtexds: Tlie value of the offering to suffering Ireland fi'om our city ■will be enhanced by tiie numbers contributing, as the offering -will do more good as an expression of sympathy than as a matter of relief The spirit of dear R. seems to speak through your ' Oak Leaf,' * and to say, ' Let all wlio will of the Association subscribe a half-dollar each, and all others a quarter each, for their suffering brethren, and children of a common Father.' A. L. P. S. — The purses were presents to me, and must be returned. One of them from the lady of Sir John Strachan, herself a descendant of one of our Boston girls ; the tAvo open-work ones from ladies in this city. Take from them "what is required, and r'il.urn the balance, if any be left. If more is required, let mc know, as I do not know the amount in the purses. A. L." One hundred and two members of the Association, • A little newspaper published by the Association 238 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. and four hundred and thirty-eiglit other members of the school, in all five hundred and forty, availed them- selves of the privilege thus offered them, and contrib uted the sum of one hundred and sixty dollars towards the object. At the church in Brattle-street, a collection was taken in aid of the same object ; and, among other contributions, was a tw^enty-doUar bank-note, with the following attached to it, probably by Mr. Lawrence : " A ship of war to carry bread to the hungry and suffering, instead of powder and ball to inflict more suffering on our brethren, — children of the same Father, — is as it should be ; and this is in aid of the plan." Anions: the most respected and valued friends of Mr. LawTence was the venerable Madam Prescott, widow of the late Judge William Prescott, and mother of the distinguished historian of "Ferdinand and Isabella." Years seemed rather to quicken her naturally warm sympathies for the distresses of others ; and, at the age of more than four-score, she w\as to be daily seen on foot in the streets, actively engaged upon her errands of uiercy. Mr. Lawrence had, the year before, found a small volume, entitled the " Comforts of Old Age," by Sir Thomas Bernard ; and had sent it to several of his friends, principally those in advanced age, asking for some record of their experience. His note to Madam Prescott on this subject was as follows . DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 239 " March 8, 1847. " Dear Madam Prescott : I have been a long time anxious to receive a favor from you, and have felt diffident in asking it ; but am now at the required state of resolution. The book I send you is so much in character with your own life, that my grand- children, Avho love you, will read to their grandchildren your words, written by your own hand in this book, if you will but place them there. I must beg you, my excellent friend, to believe that I am desirous of securing for my descendants some of your precious encouragements in the discipline of life. " Your friend, " Amos Laavrexce." The volume was returned with the following record : "Boston, March 10, 1847. " My dear Sir : You ask me what are the comforts of old age. I answer, the retrospection of a well-spent life. The man who devotes himself to the cause of humanity, who clothes the naked, feeds the hungry, soothes the sorrows of the afflicted, and comforts the mourner, — whom each rising sun finds in the con- templation of some .good deed, and each night closes with the assurance that it has been performed, — surely such a life must be the comfort of an old age. But where shall we find such a man ? ]\Iay I not be permitted to apply the character to my highly valued and respected friend, whose charities are boundless, and who daily dispenses blessings to all around him ? May the enduring oak be emblematical of the continuance of your life ! I depend much upon accompanying you to Mount Auburn, and to visit the spot which contains the precious relics of him whose life it is sweet to qontemplate, and whose death has taught us how 240 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. a Christian should die. The perusal of this little volume haa increased my veneration and friendship for its owner. " Respectfully and affectionately, " C. G. Prescott." "Mem. by a. L., May 20, 1850.— Madam P., now much passed four-score years of age (born August 1, 1767), is as bright and active in body and mind as most ladies of fifty." ^^ April 10. — Mrs. T. called to ask aid for a poor widow, which I declined, by telling her I did not hear or read people's stories from necessity, and I could not inquire this evening. She claims to be acquainted with Rev. Mr. and Rev. Mr. . She gave me a severe lecture, and berated me soundly." ^^ April 19. — Mrs. C, of LoavcII, asks me to loan her three hundred dollars to furnish a boarding-house for twelve young ladies at S., which I declined by mail this morning." Ill reply to Sir William Colebrooke, Governor of New Brunswick, who requested Mr. Lawrence to notify cer- tain poor people in the neighborhood of Boston that their deposits in the Frederickstown Savings' Bank, wliich liad been previously withheld, would be paid by means of an appropriation for the purpose recently made by the Provincial Assembly, he wa-ites : " Boston, April 2G, 18-17. " My dear Sir William : Your kind letter of the 8th instant reached me on the 13th, and is most welcome and grateful, in making me the medium of so much solid comfort to the numor- ous people whose eai-nings are thus restored to them through your i DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. Lil unceasing and faithful labors. May God reAvard you, and enable you to enjoy through life the elevated satisfaction that follows such good works to those who can give you nothing but their prayers ! It is aliice creditable to your Provincial Government and those true principles which are the best riches of all free governments ; and I hope may exercise some good influence upon our Sfcite Governments, which have done injustice to many poor persons who have given credit to their promises. I have caused your notice to be scattered broadcast, and trust that all who have any interest in the Fredericks town Savings' Bank will know that their money and interest are ready for them. Pray present me most affectionately to Lady Colebrooke and your daughters ; and assure her Ave shall take more comfort than ever in shoAving her over our beautiful hills, that have health and joy in every breeze. My OAvn health continues as good as Avhen you were last here ; and my family (avIio have not been taken hence) seem devoted to my comfort. What reason have we for devout thanksgiving, that our tAA'O countries are not at swords' points, and that the true feel- ing of our common ancestry is noAv SAveeping over our land ! We are in deep disgrace on account of this Avicked Mexican business. What the end is to be can only be knoAvn to Infinite Wisdom ; but one thing is certain, — no good can come to us from it. " Again I pray you to be assured of my highest respect and regard, and am very faithfully yours, " Amos Lawrence." 31 CHAPTEE XXVII. MR. LAWRENCE AS AN APPLICANT. — LETTERS. — DIARY. —PRAYER AND MEDITATIONS.— LIBERALITY TO A CREDITOR. — LETTERS. It was not uncommon for Mr. Lawrence, when :i good work was in progress, to give not only his own means, but to lend a helping hand by soliciting con- tributions from others. The following note, addressed to a wealthy bachelor, is a specimen : "Boston, June 11, 1847. " My dear Sir : You will be surprised at this letter, coming as it does as a first ; but I know, from my experience of your skill and talents as a business man, how pleasant it is to you to make good bargains and safe investments ; and, although you are a bachelor, the early business habits you acquired are marked, and are to be carried forward till the footing up of the account, and the trial-balance presented to the Master at his coming. As I Baid before, you like safe investments, that shall be returned four- fold, if such can be made. Now, I am free to say to you, I know of such an one ; and the promisor is a more secure one than A. &, A. L. & Co., Uncle Sam, the Old Bay State, or bonds and mortgages m your own neighborhood. You ask, Then why not take it yourself? I answer. Because I have invested in advance in the same soi't of stock in other quarters, but am willing to give my guaranty that you shall be satisfied that it is all I represent when 242 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 243 you make your final settlement. It is this : Amherst College y)u know all about ; and that is now in especial need of new instructors, and increased funds for their support. Twenty thousand dollars from you will place it on high ground, give a name to a professorship, make you feel happier and richer than you ever did in your life. What say you ? — will you do it ? The respect of good men will be of more value to you through your remaining days than any amount of increase, even if as vast a3 Girard's or Aster's. As I am a mere looker-on, you will take this, as I design it, as an expression of good-will to the college, no less than to you." " Mem. by A. L. — Received an answer on the 16th, very good and kind, from Mr. ." In addition to the " very good answer," Mr. Law- rence had soon after the gratification of knowing that the application had been successful, and that the neces- fcary sum had been contributed by his correspondent. About the same date, he writes to his friend, Pro- fessor Packard, of Bowdoin College, as follows : " Your visit to us the last week has opened new views and visions, that are better described in the last chapter of Revelations than in any account I can give. Bowdoin College is connected with all that is near and dear to President Appleton, — not only those on the stage of action with him, but all who came after, embracing in this latter class your own loved ones, who may con- tinue to exercise an important agency in making the college what the good man, in his lifetime, strove to make it. The love, vene- ration, and respect, my dear wife had for him, makes her feel a 244 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. peculiar pleasure in doing -what would have cheered and comforted him so much had he lived till this time. The thousand dollara lianded to you is a first payment of six thousand that she will givo to the college in aid of the fund now in progress of collection ; and she directs that the Lawrence Academy, at Groton, may be allowed to send one scholar each year to Bowdoin College, to bo carried through the four years without charge for instruction; and that, whenever the trustees of the academy do not supply a pupil, the college may fill the place. I will hold uiysolx' responsi- ble to make good Mrs. L.'s intentions, should she be deprived in any way of this privilege before the Avork is done." Early in the summer of this year, the Hon. Abbott Lawrence made his munificent donation of fifty thousand dollars to Harvard College, for the purpose of founding what was afterwards called, in honor of the donor, the Lawrence Scientific School. After reading the letter accompanying this donation, Mr. Lawrence addressed to his brother the following : " Wednesday morning, June 9, 1847. " Dear Brother Abbott : I hardly dare trust myself to speak Avhat I feel, and therefore write a word to say that I thank God I am spared to this day to see accomplished by one so near and dear to me this last best work ever done by one of our name, which Avill prove a better title to true nobility than any from the potentates of the world. It is more honornble, and more to be coveted, than the highest political station in our country, pur- chased as these stations often are by time-serving. It is to impress on unborn millions the great truth that our talents aro to us for use, and to be accounted for when the DIARr AND CORRESPONDENCE. 24t^ Master calls. This magnificent plan is the great thing that yo- will see carried out, if jour life is spared ; and you may wei cherish it as the thing nearest your heart. It enriches you descendants in a Avay that mere money never can do, and is t better investment than any one you have ever made. " Your affectionate brother, Amos. " To Abbott Lawrenxe." To a friend he writes, soon after : ''This noble plan is worthy of him; and I can say truly to you, that I feel enlarged by his doing it. Instead of our sons going to France and other foreign lands for instruction, here will be a place, second to no other on earth, for such teaching as our country stands now in absolute need of. Here, at this moment, it is not in the power of the great railroad companies to secure a competent engineer to carry foiAvard their work, so much are the services of such men in demand." " Boston, June 18, 1847. " Dear Partners : Please pass to the credit of my friend, the Rev. Mark Hopkins, two thousand dollars, to pay for four schol- arships at Williams College, to be used through all time by the Trustees of Lawrence Academy, in Groton. The said trustees, or their representatives, may send and keep in college four pupils from tlie academy, Avithout any charge for tuition ; and, whenever they omit or decline keeping up tlieir full number, the govern- ment or the proper authorities of the college are authorized to fill the vacancy or vacancies from their own college pupils. Charge the same to my account. A. L. " To a. &: A. L. & Co." 246 DIAKY AND CORRESPONDExNCE. During the last twenty years of his life, jNIr. Law rence was unable to attend more than the mornin*'; services of the church on Sunday, on account of the state of his health. He was a most devout and constant worshipper, and many of those who have conducted the religious services of the church which he attended will well remember the upturned countenance, the earnest attention, and the significant motions of his head, as he listened with an expression of approval to the faithful declarations of the speaker, lie loved to listen to those who ' ' did not shun to declare all the counsel of God," and would sometimes express disappointment when the preacher failed to declare what he considered the important truths of the Gospel. In writing to a friend, after listening to a discourse of the latter description from a stranger, he compares it, in its adaptation to the spiritual wants of the hearers, to the nourishment which a wood-chopper would receive by placing him in the top of a flowering tree, and allowing him to feed only on the odor of its blossoms. His feelings on this subject are expressed in a letter to an esteemed clergyman, who had solicited his aid in behalf of a church in a distant city. " Boston, June 11, 1847. "My Friend : I have your letter of yesterday ; and, in reply, I offer it aa my (pinion that the Unitai-ianism growing up among DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 247 US the few years past has so much philosophy as to endanger tha Cliristian character of our denomination, and to make us mere rationalists of the German school, which I dread more tlian any- thing in the way of religious progress. The church at may be of use in spreading Christianity ; but it may also be a reproval to it. I do not feel sufficient confidence in it to give money to keep life in it until I see evidence of some of the conservative influences that my own beloved and honored pastor is calling back among us. Your well-wisher and friend, *'A. L. "P. S. — I fully agree in the opinion that is an import- ant point for the dissemination of truth ; and, before giving aid, I must know the man before I help support the minister, having fimall confidence in the teachings of many who enjoy considerable reputation as teachers of righteousness. I may have expressed doubts and fears that may not seem well founded; but I feel them." The following entry in his diary will give some idea, of Mr. Lawrence's exactness in his daily business : " Saturday, July 24, 1847. — Enclosed in a note to the Rev. , of , a fifty-dollar bank-note, of the Atlanjc TJank, No. 93, dated Jan. 1, 1846, payable to George William Dodd ; letter A at each end of the bill, and A. P. P. in blue ink, m my writing, at the top. Sent the letter to tl e post-office by coachman, and paid the postage; he keeping a memorandum of his having delivered it, and paid for it. A. L." " S^pt. 14. — Professor , of the Baptist College in has calledj to whom I shall give a parcel of books for the use of 248 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. the college, and also a good -word, -which I hope will make him remember in -whose service he is engased." ^^ Sept. 15. — Delivered him about two hundred and fifty volumes, various ; all of value to him and his college, he said. He is a young man (under thirty years) and a minister." " September IG, 1847, Sabbath-day* — ' most blessed Lord and Saviour ; thou who didst, by thy precious death and burial, tiike away the sting of death and the darkness of the grave ! grant unto me the precious fruit of this holy triumph of thine, and be my guide both in life and in death. In thy name will I lay me down in peace and rest ; for thou, Lord, makest me to dwell in safety ! Enlighten, Lord, the eyes of my understanding, that I may not sleep the sleep of death ! Into thy hands I conunend my spirit ; for thou hast redeemed me, thou covenant-keeping God ! Bless and preserve me, therefore, both now and forever ! Amen ! ' " These are suitable thoughts and aspirations, such as every Christian may profitably indulge on retiring each night. His bed should remind him of his grave ; and, as the day past brings him so much nearer to it, the appearance, "when summoned hence, should be the point most distinctly before him. If he pass on with the ' Well done,' no time can be amiss when called up. God ! grant me to be ever ready ; and, by thy blessing and thy mercy, grant me to be allowed to join company -with those loved and precious ones whom I feel entirely assured arc at thy right hand, then to be no more separated! Amos Lawrence." The following note and memorandum by ]Mi*. Law- rence will show how he dealt with an old debtor : * Tlie opposite page is a fac-simile of tbo original manuscript found in Mr. LaW' Fence's pocketrijook after iiis death. It may serve aa a fair specimen of his chirof raphy during his latter years. ^ac-Gimilc of illr. tamrente's ^atibwxitin^ in 1S47. DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 251 (to MR. a., " My dear Sir : If you have any mode by which I can have tlie pleasure of receiving your note and interest, amounting tc twenty-three hundred dollars, to be vested by me for the benefit of your wife, I shall be pleased to do it, having long since deter- mined to appropriate this money, whenever received, in this way • " Yours, truly, A. L. " For himself and brother A." "Mem. — Mr. was an invalid, and confined to his house at that period, and sent for me to call and see him. I did so. and he seemed much affected at my offer ; but told me he was in better circumstances than I had supposed him, and declined the proffered aid. The uiformation thus given me in this last interview was most welcome : from that time, I never mentioned his debt. After his decease, it was paid by his sons ; and the family has been prosperous since. I spent the money for others in need, and am rejoiced that all his are so comfortable." Many of our readers who can look back a few years will recall to memory the manly form, and fine, open countenance, of William L. Green, who was so suddenly cut oflf at the very threshold of what promised to be an honorable and useful career. He had come to Boston from his native town of Groton ; and, after serving an apprenticeship, had entered upon a successful business. He had endeared himself to a large circle of friends, and possessed such qualities of mind and heart as had made him the stay and hope of his parents in their declining years. 252 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. Upon hearing of the death of this nephew, Mr. Law- rence addressed to his parents the following letter of sympathy ; " Boston, October 22, 1847 " Dear Brother and Sister : God speaks to us through the rustling of the leaves no less distinctly than in the vo ce of the whirlwind and the storm; and it is now our business and (iiu privilege to look at him and to him for the lesson of yesterday. Dear W., as he parted from me the Sabbath noon before the last, looked the embodiment of health, long life, and happiness. Now, that noble figure, face, expression, and loved spirit, which lightened his path, is no longer among us, to be in danger of injury from our yielding him that which belongs to God only. Were we not liable, dear brother and sister, to interrupt those communings which God calls us to with himself? He is our merciful Father, and does for us what he sees is best ; and, if we receive his teach- ings, however dark they may appear to us at present, all will be made clear at the right time. Your precious treasure is secured, I trust, and will prove an increased attraction to you to follow : and it seems to me that our children are uniting in their joyful meeting in heaven. INIay we see in this event, more clearly than ever, where we are to look for direction, instruction, and support ! !May we be ready when called ! So prays your affectionate and afflicted brother, A. L.'' To a friend he writes, Dec. 27 : " In our domestic relations, we are all as we could desire, save the individual case of my brother William, ^Yho is barely remam- ing this side Jordan, and in a happy state, I trust, to pass over DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 253 For a number of days, we have supposed each might be the last • but he maj continue for some days, or possibly weeks. Death strikes right and left, and takes from our midst the long-honored and beloved, in their maturity. Dr. Codman and Judge Hubbard are both to be buried to-day ; two men whose places will not soon be filled, I fear. Only last Tuesday, in my ride with good Dr. Sharp, Ave agreed to call and pay our respects to Dr. C. on Thursday ; but, on that morning, learned that he was dead. On Thursday, Judge Hubbard rode out, and transacted legal business as a magistrate ; in the evening went to bed as usual ; in the night-time was turned over in bed, as he requested to be, and ceased to breathe. How could a good man pass over Jordan more triumphantly and gloriously ? " The reader will not fail to note the coincidence, that, almost exactly five years later, Mr. Lawrence was summoned to "pass over" in the same manner, which, from the expression used, seems to have been to him so desirable ; though his own departure was still more sudden and striking. (to a pdtsician.) " Sabbath evening, seven o'clock. " Dear "W. : I have been reading to the last hour, beginning at the second chapter of Matthew, and so on in course. Please look at the fourth chapter, and the latter part of the twenty-third verse, and I think you will need no apology for doing vhat you do, with such instruction. Christ's example, no less than his precepts, is designed to be practically useful to the whole family of man ; and I feel humbled and grieved that I have not 254 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. followed him better, and preached better by all the motives he haa thus spread out. I say, then, to you and yours, God bless you in your good work, and make you a worthy follower of tho Beloved! A. L." CHArTEH XXVIII. REFLECITONS.— VIEWS ON HOLDING OFFICE.— LETTERS. — CAPTAm A. SLIDELL McKENZIE. — DEATH OF BROTHER, AND OF HON J. MASON. " Jan. 1, 1848. — In reviewing the scenes and the business of the past year, I have continued evidence of that mercj which a Father bestows on his children, and a louder call to yield more fully than I ever yet have done to the teachings he designs. Many things that seem dark, of which the reasons are not under- stood, Avill be made clear at the right time. It is manifest that my stewardship is not so far well done as to permit me to fold my arms and feel easy. No : my life is spared for more work. May its every day be marked by some token that shall meet Thine approval, when the final call shall come ! " (to president HOPKINS.) " Boston, March 9. " This religious awakening among your college students is among the blessings that our Father vouchsafes to his servants who labor faithfully in their work ; and I can see his hand as plainly in it as though it were thrust before my face as I write this sentence. Let us, then, bless his holy name, and thank him, as disciples and followers of Christ the Beloved ; and urge upon these young men to corae forward, as doves to their windows. K my life and my trusteeship have been in any manner instrumental in this good 256 256 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. ■work in your college, it "will be matter of grateful thanksgiving -while I live. Mrs. L. and myself both felt our hearts drawn out to you aa we read your letter ; and we commend you, and the good work of guiding these interesting young Christians in the ays and the -works that Jead to that blessed home to which our loved ones have been called, and to which we hope to be welcomed. To his grace and guidance we commend all things touching this onAvard and upward movement. I have been under the smarting- rod a few days within the past fortnight. Severe pain took all my courage and light-heartedness out of me, and made me a sorry companion ; and my friends, seeing me in my every-day dress, would hardly know me in this sombre garb. Again, dear friend, I bid you God-speed in the good work ; and, at last, may you receive the ' Well done ' promised to the fliithful ! " In the presidential campaign of 1848, the Hon. Abbott Lawrence was made a prominent candidate of the Whig party for the Vice-Presidency ; and, in the convention which assembled at Philadelphia in June, was voted for, and received but one vote short of that which would have secured the nomination. Mr. Fill- more, it will be recollected, was the successful candi- date. During the canvass, a gentleman, editing a newspaper which strongly advocated the nomination of Taylor and Lawrence, addressed a very courteous letter to Mr. Amos Lawrence, asking for aid in supporting this movement, which he supposed he would of course be deeply interested in. The reply is given here, as au illustration of his views in regard to holding high j>oliticitl office : DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 257 '' Dear Sir : In reply to yours, this moment handed me, I state that my income is so reduced, thus far, this year, that I am compelled to use prudence in the expenditure of money, and must therefore decline making the loan. If my vote would make my brother Vice-President, I -would not give it, aa I think it lowering his good name to accept office of any sort, by employing such means as are now needful to get votes. I hope ' Old Zack ' will be President. " Respectfully yours, A. L." To President Hopkins he writes, April 15 : " What should we do, if the Bible* were not the foundation of our system of self-government? and what will become of us, when we wilfully and wickedly cast it behind us? We have all more than connnon reason to pray, in the depths of our sins, God be merciful to us sinners. The efforts made to lessen respect for it, and confidence in it, will bring to its rescue multitudes who otherwise would not have learned how much they owe it. The 'Age of Reason," fifty years ago, told, on the whole, in advancinir truth, by bringing to its support the best minds of Christendom. I hope it may be so now. This is a theme for your head and heart and pen. No man in New England can make a deeper mark. What say ye ? The Bible is our great charter, and does more than all others, Avritten or unwritten." " W. C. writes from N., asking me to loan him three thousanr' * In looking over the list of Life Directors of the American Bil)le Society, made such by the payment of one hundred and fifty dollars each, there are found at least ten who are known to have been constituted by M". Lixwronoe. 88 258 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. dollars to buy a farm, and to improve his health and mind . stating that he is a cripple, but wants to do something for tha world." " That man may last, but never lives, Who much receives, but nothing gives, Whom none can love, whom none can thank, Creation's blot, creation's blank." (to president HOPKINS.) " Boston. June 12, 1848 " My dear Frien^d : Only think what changes a few weeks have produced in Europe, and the probable effects upon this country. It seems now certain that vast numbers will emigrate here, rich and poor, from the continent and from England. The question for us is, How shall we treat them ? It is certain that foreio-ners will come here. We have land enoudi for them, but have not the needful discipline to make them safe associates m maintaining our system of government. A^irtue and intelligence are our platform ; but the base passions of our country have been ministered to so abundantly by unscrupulous politicians, that our moral sense has been blunted ; and these poor, ignorant foreigners are brought into use for selfish purposes, and the prospects for the future are appalling. Yet a ray of light has just broken in upon us by the nomination of General Taylor for President ; and my belief is, he is the best man for the place who can be named, with any prospect of success. He is not a politician, but a plain, straight-forward, honest man, anxious to do his duty in all his relations. As to my brother's nomination for Vice-President, I am thankful they did not make it in convention : he is in a higher position before the country than he would be if chosen Vioe- President. His course has been elevated and magnanimous in this DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 259 matter; for he might, bj his personal influence and eflbr'.-.', have received the nomination. " Additional. — It is now ahnost two, p. m., and I h,,vc but just returned from INIount Auburn. The visit has bccix deeply interesting, on many accounts, and has almost unfitted me to finish this letter. However, there is nothing in the visit hut what ought to make me thankful that mj treasures, though removed, are secured ; and, if my poor efforts can bring me again into tlieii society through the blessed Saviour, I ought not allow tnis gush of feeling to unman me." A few days later, he writes to the same friend : " I have not as yet heard of the examination of yesterday at the Lawrence Academy, which son A. A. attended, but hope for a good report. In truth, I feel as if that school and your college are to go hand in hand in making whole men for generations to come. There is a pleasant vision which opens to me when I look forward to the characters that the academy and the college are to send forth for the next hundred years. I bless God for my old home, and the great elm in front, which has a teaching and a significance that I shall endeavor to make use of in training my grandchildren and dear ones of my fiimily connection. How important, then, that our places of education be sustained, as supplying the pure and living streams that shall irrigate everv hill and valley of this vast empire, and train men to know and do their duty ! I will not quarrel with a man's Presbytei'ian, Epis- copal, or Baptist creed, so be he will act the part of a good soldier of Christ; for I verily believe great multitudes, of all creeds, desire to serve him faithfully." '"'' Aug. 23. — T G. sent me a paper this morning, havjig 12* 260 DIARY AXD CORRESPONDENCE. many names on it, with a polite note. The paper I returned "v\'ithout reading ; telling him I did not read such, or hear stories, and must he excused. He took the answer in high dudgeon, and sent another note, saying he had mistaken me, and desired that his first note should be returned. I wrote upon it that I lived by the day and hour, an invalid, and, for two 3'ears, had adopted this course, and had treated bishops, clergymen, and laymen, Avith the fewest words : that I intended no disrespect, and begged his pardon if I had done anything wrong. I also told him this course was urged upon me by my medical adviser ; but, with all my care, there is now an average of six applications a day through the year." Mr. Lawrence had, many years previous to this date, formed an acquaintance with Captain Slidell McKenzie, of the United States Navy, which had been continued, and was a source of mutual pleasure. Among other relics in the possession of the writer, is a cane of palm-wood, presented by Capt. McKenzie, on his return from Mexico as commander of the United States Steamship " Mississippi," to Mr. Lawrence, who had caused to be engraven upon it, on a silver plate, the following inscription : ALEXANDER SLIDELL McKEXZIE TO AMOS LAWRENCE. 1845. TALM-WOOD FROM TUF BANKS OF TUE TOBASCO RIVEll. fBOM TUB CXITED STATES NAVAL COMMANDER WHO WAS NOT AFRAID TO l>0 IlIS DLTT WUSS LIFE WAS REQUIRED AT TDB TARO-AliM. ' The latter part of the inscription is in allusion to DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 261 the course which Capi;. MjKcnzie felt obliged to adopt in the mutiny on board the United Stales Brig " Som- ers," in 1S4-. On Sept. 15, lie thus notices the death of that officer in his diary : " This morning's newspapers give the intelligence that the excellent and accomplished Capt. McKenzie died at Sing Sing, N. Y., two days ago. He fell from his horse by an aifection of the heart, and died almost instantly. Thus has departed a man whom I esteemed as among the best and purest I am acquainted with, and whose character should be a treasure for his family and the nation. I think him a model officer and a good Christian." " Oct. 11. — CANADIAN BOAT-SONG. ' Faintly as tolls the evening chime, Our voices keep tune, and our oars keep time ; Soon as the woods on shore look dim, We '11 sing at St. Ann's our parting hymn. Row, brothers, row : the stream runs fast, The rapids are near, and daylight 's past.' I first heard this song sung and played on the piano by , afterwards Mrs. , at her house in street, in 1809. The song rang in my ears sweetly for weeks, as I ^^as taken down with fever the next morning. I never think of it but with delight." " Oct. 15. — :My brother William died on Saturday, Oct. 14, at three, P. M., in the sixty-sixth year of his age; and my brother Mason died only five hours afterwards, in his eighty-first year,-— 262 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. within three doors of each other. Both were very dear to me in life, and both are very dear to me in death ; and, in God's good time. I trust that I shall meet them again, not subject to the ilia and changes of mj present abode." In a letter of the same date to a friend, he says : " My letter of last Tuesday will have prepared you for the sad intelligence in this. Brother William continued without much suffering or consciousness till two o'clock yesterday, and then ceased breathing, without a groan. Yesterday morning, the hand of death was manifestly upon Brother Mason, who was conscious to objects around, and requested C. to pray with him ; and, when asked if he understood what was said, answered, ' Yes,' and expressed by words and signs his wants and feelings. He continued in a quiet, humble, and hopeful frame, we judge, until just eight o'clock, when, with a single gasp and a slight noise, his mighty spirit passed out of its immense citadel of clay, to join the throng of the loved ones gone before. Brother W. was in his sixty-sixth year. Brother M. in his eighty-first ; and both were such men as we need, true as steel in all good works and words. Mr. M. was never sick a day to disable him from attending to his professional and public duties in fifty years, and, until within a short time, never confined a day to his house by illness. On the last Sunday evening, I passed a most refreshing half-hour with him. He appeared as well as he had done for a year; inquired very particularly into Brother W.'s state; expressed the opinion that his own time was near at hand, and a hope that he might be taken without losing his mental and bodily powers. He remarked that protracted old age, after the loss of power to give and receive comfort, was not to be desired. DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 263 He has often expressed to me the hope that he should be taken just as he has been. Have we not reason to praise and bless God in taking, no less than in sparing, these honored and loved ones ? " CHAPTEr. XXIX. SYSTEM IN ACCOUNTS. — LETTER FROM PROF. STUART. — LETTLEJ — DL\RY.— DR. HAMILTON. — FATHER MATTHEW. ^^ January 1, 1849. — The habit of keeping an account of mj expenditures for objects other than for my family, and for strictly legal calls, I have found exceedingly convenient and satisfactory ; as I have been sometimes encouraged, by looking back to some entry of aid to a needy institution or individual, to do twice as much for some other needy institution or individual. I can truly say, that I deem these outlays my best, and would not, if I could by a wish, have any of them back again. I adopted the practice, ten years ago, of spending my income. The more I give, the more I have ; and do most devoutly and heartily pray God that I may be faithful in the use of the good things intrusted to me." ^^ Jamtanj 2. — Yesterday, Peter C. Brooks died, aged eighty- two ; a man who has minded his own business through life, and fro)n a poor boy became the richest man in the city. I honor him as an honest man." (from prof. STUART, OF ANDOTEK.) " Andover, January 23, 1849. *' My DEAR Sir : Soon after my daughter's return from Boston, I received a garment exceedingly appropriate to the severe cold to which I am daily exposed in my rides. Many, many hearty thanks for your kindness ! To me the article in question is of 264 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 265 peculiar value. The cold can hardly penetrate beneath such a garment. God has blessed you with wealth ; but he has given you a richer blessing still ; that is, a heart overflowing with kind- ness to your fellow-beings, and a willingness to do good to all as you have opportunity. I accept, with warm emotions of grati- tude and thankfulness, the kindness you have done to me. I would not exchange your gift for a large lump of the California gold. Be assured you have my fervent prayer and wishes, that you may at last receive a thousand-fold for all the kindness that you have shown to your fellow-men. You and I are near our- final account. May I not hope that this will also be entering on our final reward ? I do hope this ; I must hope it. What else is there in life that can make us patiently and submissively and calmly endure its ills ? God Almighty bless and sustain and guide and comfort you until death ; and then may you pass through the dark valley without a fear, cheerfully looking to what lies beyond it ! " I am, my dear sir, with sincere gratitude, your friend and obedient servant, Moses Stuart." To President Hopkins he writes, Jan. 3 : " Your letters always bring light to our path, and joy to our hearts, in one way or another. The two last seemed to tome at the very time to do both, in a way to impress our senses and feel- ings, as the clear heavens, and brilliant sky, and exhilaratino- atmosphere, of this charming cold day, do mine, in contrast Avith a beautiful bouquet of floAvers on my table as a love-token from some of my young sleigh-riding friends, and Avhich makes me feel a boy with these boys, and an old man with such wise ones aa you. 84 266 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. " In the scenes of the past year, much that will mark its char- jicter stands out in bold relief; and, if we of this country are true to our principles, the great brotherhood of man will be elevated ; for there have been overturns and overturns Avhich will act until He whose right it is shall reign. If we live up to our political professions, our Protestant religion will elevate the millions wlio will he brought under our levelling process. ' Level up,' but not down, was Judge Story's maxim of democratic levelling, as he began his political career. In the business of levelling up, the Lawrence Academy, I trust, may do something. The late notices of it have been somewhat various by the newspaper editors to whom the preceptor sent catalogues." " Febrvary 25. — Attended Brattle-street Church this morn- ing, and heard a consolatory sermon ; and, at the closing prayer, the giving of thanks to our Father in heaven, through Jesua Christ, who lived to serve us, and died to save us." On the 28th, he writes to his brother Abbott, who had had tendered to him, by General Taylor, the offic of Secretary of tlie Navy : " Dear Brother : I have heard since noon that you have ti 3 iiivitation of General Taylor to take a seat in his cabinet, and tliat you will proceed to Washington forthwith to ansAver for yourself. I am not less gratified by the offer than you can be ; but I should feel deep anguish, if I thought you could be induced to accept it, even for a brief period. Your name and fame as a private citizen is a better inheritance for your children than any distinction you may attain from official station ; and the influence you can exercise for your country and friends, as you are, is DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 267 higher and better than anj you can exercise as an official of the government." On March 3, he writes to his brother at Washington : " I awoke this morning very earlj, and, after a while, fixed my mind in prayer to God, that your duty may be clearly seen, and that you may perform it in the spirit of a true disciple." And again on March 5, after hearing that his brother had declined the proffered seat in the cabinet, he writes to him : " The morning papers confirm my convictions of what you would do ; and I do most heartily rejoice, and say that I never felt as proud before." '^ April 11. — A subscription paper, with an introductory let- ter from , was handed me, on which were seven or eight names for a hundred dollars each, to aid the family of , lately deceased. Not having any acquaintance with him or fam- ily, I did not subscribe. Applications come in from all quarters, for all objects. The reputation of giving freely is a very bad reputation, so far as my personal comfort is concerned." April 21, he writes to a friend : - " The matters of deepest interest in my last were , the religious movement, 's ill-health, and 's accident. All these matters are presenting a sunny show now. Our dead Uni- tarianism of ten or fifteen years ago is stirred up, and the deep feelings of sin, and salvation through the Beloved, are awakened, 268 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. where there seemed to be nothing but indifFercnce and coldness; mj hope and belief are that great good ^vill follow. In the matter of the enjoyment of life, you judge me rightly; few men have so many and rich blessings to be thankful for ; and, while I am spared with sufficient understanding to comprehend these, I pray that I may have the honesty to use them in the way that tlie Master will approve. Of what use will it be to have my thoughts directed to the increase of my property, at the cost of my hopes of heaven ? There, a Lazarus is better off than a score of Dives. Pray without ceasing, that I may be faithful." The following extract of a letter is taken from a work entitled "A Romance of the Sea-Serpent, or the Ichthyosaurus," and 'will show Mr. Lawrence's views respecting the much contested subject of which it treats : " Boston, April 2G, 1849. "I have never had any doubt of the existence of the iSea- Serpcnt since the morning he was seen off Nahant by j\Iarti.tl Prince, through his famous mast-head spy-glass. For, witliin the aext two hours, I conversed with jNIr. Samuel Cabot, and Mr. Daniel P. Parker, I think, and one or more persons beside, who had spent a part of that morning in witnessing his movements. In addition, Colonel Harris, the commander at Fort Independence, toLl me that the creature had been seen by a number of his soldiers while standing sentry in the early dawn, some time before tUs show at Nahant ; and Colonel Harris believed it as firmly as though the creature were drawn up before us in State- street, where we then were. " I again s;iy, I have never, from that day to this, had a doubt of the Svd-Serpcnt^s cxiistence. The revival of the stories will DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 269 bring out many flicts that will place the matter before our people in such a lidit as "will make them as much ashamed to doubt, as iheij formerhj \rere to believe in its existence. "Yours truly, Amos Lawrence." To a friend he writes, July 18 : " Brother A. has received the place of Minister to the Court of St. James; the most flattering testimony of his worth and character that is within the gift of the present administration, and the only office tliat I would not advise against his accepting." About tills time, Mr. Lawrence read a small work, entitled "Life in Earnest," by the Rev. James Ham- ilton, D.D., Minister of the Scotch Church, Regent's Square, London. The sentiments of this little volume were so much akin to his own, and were withal so forcibly exemplified, that he commenced a correspond- once with the author, which became a most interesting one, and continued until the close of his life. " Boston, July 18, 1849. <' To Eev. J. Hamilton, D.D. "Sir: The few lines on the r)ther side of this sheet are addressed to me by our excellent governor, whose good word may be grateful to you, coming as it does from a Christian brotlicr across the Atlantic. If it should ever happen to you to visit this country, I need not say liow great would be my pleasure to see you. I am a minute-man, living by the day and by the ounce ; but am compensated for all privations, by reading such tracts as * Life in Earnest,' in such a way that few are allowed. I have cleared out the Sunday-school depository three times in the last 270 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. four weeks, and have scattered the work broadcast, an i intend to continue to do so if my health allows. Among those to whom 1 have given one is mj younger brother, who is soon to be with you in England, as Minister to your Court. I recommend him to vour prayers and your confidence. " With great respect for your character, I am yours, " Amos Lawrence." "July 23. — We are to have Father Matthew here to-morrow : he is a lion, but I probably shall only see him at a distance. The influence he is said to have upon his Irish people may result m making many of them industrious citizens, who would, without him, be criminals, and a pest to honest people. The evil of such masses being thrown upon us we must bear, and study how to relieve ourselves in any practicable way. I see none but to edu- cate the children, and circulate the Bible and good books among them, which shall encourage them to do the best they can for themselves. " The Christian banner may have many local influences and teachings ; but its broad folds, I trust, will cover many true fol- lowers, however exact its worldly interpreters may be of what constitutes a true follower. I saw, in the New York Obsei'ver (I think it was), a statement of a district in the South-T^est, where were forty-one Christian denominations, and no t-RO of vhose ministers could exchange pulpit labors. Do not these people need a Christian teacher? " . ^'■August 3. — Father Matthew is doing a good work here; and the result of his power is in his benevolent and sincere expression, and charming head and face. He has called to sec me twice, and I intend to call and see him to-morrow. His ease and eloquence could not do for him what his heavenly expression does." CHAPTER XXX. CODICIL TO WILL.— ILLNESS. — GEN. WHITING. — LETTERS. — DIARY In August, 1849, Mr. Lawrence reviewed his will and added to it the following codicil : " Through the mercy of God, mj life has been prolonged to this time, and my mental and bodily powers continued to me to an extent that has enabled me to see to the application of those trusts that have been confided to me ; and, should my stewardship end now or next year, and the ' Well done ' of the Master be pronounced upon my labors, all things here will seem nothing, and less than nothing, in comparison. " In short, my life, cheerful and happy as it is made by the three blessings conferred upon man after his fall (wife, children, and friends), is in the keeping of a merciful Father, who, by thus continuing it, allows me a foretaste of that future home I hope for whenever he calls. " In reviewing my will, above written, executed on the 21si day of February, A. D. 1846, I see nothing to alter, and every- thing to confirm. And I do hereby declare it still my will, and this codicil is to be taken as a confirmation of it ; and I do earnestly hope all in interest will see clearly the meaning of every clause, and carry out my meaning without any quibbling, question, or controversy. I have been my own executor, for many years, of the surplus property I have received, and intend 271 272 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. to be while my powers of mind will allow it. Many near anj dear friends to whom I looked for counsel and direction, at the time my will was executed, have been taken hence, which makes me more desirous of giving a renewed expression at this time/' In tills connection was the following note to his sons, found in his pocket-book after his decease : " Dear W. and A. : In my will, I have made no ocquests as tokens of remembrance, and have endeavored to do for all (whom I am interested in out of my own family connections) what is needful and proper and best ; yet I wish some expres- sion of kindness to M. and F., if in the family when I am taken." * * * * Here follow donations to domestics who had been for many years in his family. About the 20th of September, Mr. Lawrence expe- rienced a severe attack of cholera morbus, which was then a sort of epidemic in the community. Of this attack, he writes to President Hopkins as follows : " I hardly know how to address you, since I find myself once more spared to lay open my heart to you ; for I do indeed feel all the force of the words, What shall I render unto God for all his unspeakable goodness ? I have been upon the brink of Jordan, and, with my outstretched hand, seized hold of our merciful Father's hand, that was held out towards me, and was supported by his grasp as plainly as I could have been by your OAvn hand. I was waiting, and praying to him to conduct me to the other side and permit me to join the company of loved ones jjassea DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 273 f». jnd felt almost sure I should never see the sunlight of tliis woi d again, -when, to mj amazement, I found my pains subsiding, and that I had not jSnished the work he had assigned. When you werr here, I gave you some little outline of my plan of work for . On the 18th of September, I completed that work, and felt stronger on that day than on any day for a month. Under the excitement of the scene and a sudden change of weather, I took cold, and had a terrible attack of cholera, which, by the immediate administration of remedies, was in a degree quieted. Thus my poor old worn-out machine was still kept from parting, as the sole of the shoe is sometimes kept on by freezing snow and water upon it." In the beginning of this Yolnme, mention is made of the first clerk whom Mr. Lawrence employed after entering business in the year 1807. To that gentle- man, now Brigadier-General Whiting, was addressed the following letter, which was the recommencement of a correspondence which had ceased for many years : " Boston, November, 1819. " My dear General : I have been deeply interested in over- looking your volume of revolutionary orders of Washington, selected from your flither's manuscripts, as it brought back scenes m and memories of forty years and more ago, when I used to visit at your house in Lancaster, and to read those papers with a relish that might well be coveted by the youth of the present day. 1 thank you for this token of auld lang syne, and sliall fetd the more thankful if you will come and see me. I would certainly go to you, if I had the strength, and could do it safely ; but shall never go so far from home, being at any moment liable to be 35 274 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. called off. Mj earnest desire is to be ' in line,' and to be able to answer, promptly, ' here.' I hope to hear from you and your Avife and wee things : all have a hold upon me, and you will give them an old man's love. I have taken the opportunity to send you some little reminiscences of old times. Butler's ' History of Groton' (which connects Lancaster in early days) is a model for its exact truthfulness : he was the preceptor of the academy until long after you entered the army. Then I have sent a catalogue of the school, from its beginning for fifty years or more ; ' His- tory of Lowell as it Was, and Lowell as it Is,' well written and true ; 'Boston Notions,' put together by old Mr. Dearborn, the printer, whom you knew ; and some other little matters, which will serve to freshen old things, as your ' Revolutionary Orders of Washington ' have done with me. I have just looked into my first sales-book, and there see the entries made by you more than forty years ago. Ever since, you have been going up, from the cornet of dragoons to the present station. "FareweU. Your old friend, Amos Lawrence. " Gen. Henry Whiting, Fort Hamilton, N. Y." (to ROBERT BARNWELL RHETT, ESQ., OF SOUTH CAROLINA.) " Boston, Dec. 12, 1849. ''My dear Sir: Your letter of November 30 reached me \n due course, and gave me unfeigned pleasure in seeing my hopes confirmed, that the practical common sense of South Carolina was returning, and that the use of their head and hands was gettins; to be felt among the citizens, as necessary to their salvation as com- mon brethren in the great family of States. Without the use of those trusts placed in their hands by our common Father, the State will not be worth the parchment on which to draw the deeds fifty years kmce ; and ] most earnestly pray God to guide, guard, DIARY AND CORRESPONDENC J. 275 and save the State from their childishness in their fea.s that our northern agitators can harm them. I spent the winter of 1819 in Washington, and heard the whole of the debate upon admitting Alabama and Missouri into the Union. Alabama was admitted, Missouri rejected ; and I made up my mind then that I would never interfere until requested bj mj brethren of the Slave- holding States ; which resolution I have carried out from that day to this ; and I still hold to it. But I would not have admit- ted Alabama then or Missouri on the terms they were admitted. We of the North have windy, frothy politicians, who hope to make capital out of their ultraism ; but, in the aggregate, they soon find their level. Now, of the point to which I desire to come, I do earnestly desire your State to carry out your proph- ecy, that, in ten years, you will spin all your own crop of cotton ; for we of Massachusetts will ghidly surrender to you the manufacture of coarse fabrics, and turn our industry to making •fine articles. In short, we could now, if you are ready, give up to you the coarse fabrics, and turn one half of our machinery into spinning and weaving cotton hose ; and nothing will help us all so much as specific duties. The whole kingdom of Saxony is employed at this moment in making cotton hose for the United States from yarns purchased in England, and made of your cot- ton. How much better would it be for you and for us to savo these treble profits and transport, by making up the cotton at home ! Think of these matters, and look at them without the prejudice that prevails so extensively in your State. A few years ago, I asked our kinsman, Gen. , of your State, how the forty-bale theory was esteemed at that time. His answer was, ' We all thought it true when it was started, and it had its effect ; but nobody is of that mind now.' Still, I believe, when an error gets strong hold of the popular mind, it is much mora 276 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. difficult to eradicate it than it is to supply the truth in its place If I know myself, I would not mete to you any different measure from what I would ask of you ; and I must say to you, that your State and people have placed themselves in a false position, which will be as apparent to them in a few years as the sun is at noon- day. My own family and friends are in usual health ; and no man this side heaven enjoys earth better than I do. I do pray you to come and see us. I hope to see your son at Cambridge this week. Most respectfully yours, " Amos Lawrence." " BosTOX, D.combcr 11, 18-49. ♦' To Gen. Henry Whitixg, U. S. A., Fort Hamilton, N. Y. " My early Friend : Forty years and more ago, we used to talk over together the dismemberment of Poland and the scenes that followed, and to pour out together our feelings for those martyrs of liberty. At the present moment, my feelings are deeply moved by taking by the hand Colonel P. and Major F., just landed here, and driven from their country, martyrs to the same cause. I need only say to you that they are strangers among us, and any attentions from you will be grateful to them, and duly felt by your old friend, A. L." '■'■December 24, 1849. — I have been daily employed, of late, in accompanying visitors to our public institutions ; among these, Mr. Charles Carroll, of Maryland, to the INLither School and the Perkins Asylum for the Blind. The effect of kindness upon the character of cliildren is more strikingly illustrated in the Mather School than in any other I know of. Three fifths of the pupils are children of foreigners, — English, Irish, Scotch, German, SwisSj and the like, — irostly verv poor. Two fifths are Amer- DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 277 lean ; and these foreign children, after a few months, are ambitious to look as well and do as well as the best. The little Irish creat- ures are as anxious to have their flices clean, their hair smooth, their clothes mended, and to learn to read, write, and explain their lessons, as the upper children. These upper children, to the number of about one hundred, belong to the Lawrence Association." ''Deamber 25, Christmas afternoon. — The following beau- tiful little note, accompanied by a silver cup, almost unmanned me. Forty-three girls signed the note ; two others engaged hi it are sick ; and one died, and was buried at Mount Auburn by her particular request, — making forty-six of these children, who, of their own motion, got up this token. Their note is dated to-day, and runs thus : " 'Respected Sir: The misses of the Lawi'cnce Association, anxious to testify their gratitude for the kind interest which you have ever manifested towards them, would most respectfully request your acceptance of this small tOxien of their gratitude.' " (Signed by forty- three girls.) " 2G. We had great times with the children last evening at Sister M.'s. It really seemed to me that the entertainment gave me as much pleasure as any child among them ; beside which, I went to the house of my old friend Dr. Bowditch (where I used to visit twenty-five years ago on like occasions), for a few minutes, and there found seventeen of his grandchildren enjoying the fruita of the Christmas-tree in the best manner possible." CTIArTER XXXI. DIARY. — REFLECTIONS. — SICKNESS. — LETTER FROM REV. DR. SHARP. — CORRESPONDENCE. On the first of January, 1850, Mr. Lawrence, us usual, reviews, in his property-book, the state of his affairs during the preceding year, with an estimate of his expenditures. The entry for the present year is as follows : " The amount of ray expenditures for all objects (taxes included) is about one hundred and twenty thousand dollars. I consider the money well spent, and pray God constantly that I may be watchful in the use of the blessings he bestows, so that at last he may admit me among the faithful that surround his throne." The above entry will give some idea of the fidelity with which his trusts had been fulfilled, so far as regarded his w^orldly possessions. Each year, as it rolled by, as well as each successive attack of illness, seemed only to stimulate him in his efforts to accom- plish what he could while the day lasted. No anxious fears disturbed him as he looked forward to the near approach of "that night when no man cau work." 278 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 279 That night to him was but a prelude of rest from bodily weakness and safTering, and the forerunner of a brighter day, of which, even in this w^orld, he was sometimes permitted to obtain a glimpse. He says : " My own health and strength seem, renewed. That cholera attack has changed the whole man ; and it is only now and then I am brought to a pause that quickens me in my work when ao-ain started. A week since, I ventured on two ounces of solid food for my dinner, differing from what I have taken for many years. Nine hours after, in my sleep, I fainted, and was brought to life by dear N. standing over me, giving ammonia, rubbing, and the like. Fasting the day following brovight me back to the usual vigor and enjoyments. Do you not see in this the sentence, ' Do with thy might what thy hand findeth to do,' stereotyped in large letters before me. This it is that brings me to the work at this hour in the morning." " March 24. — Received a letter from Rev. Mr. Ilallock, Secretary of the American Tract Society, saying that the Society will publish Dr. Hamilton's lecture on the literary attractions of the Bible, which I had sent them a few weeks since ; and Avill supply me with two thousand copies, as I requested. " Received also, this morning, another tract of Dr. H. from sii?tcr K., in London, called the ' Happy Home,' which finished that series to the working people. After reading this number, I feel a strong desire to see the preceding nine numbers." (to the rev. JAMES HAMILTON, D.D.) " Boston, March 2i, 1850. " Rev. and dear Sir : I need not repeat to you how deeply interesting all youv writings which I have seen have been to me ; 280 UIAllY AND CORRESPONDENCE. but you may not feel indifferent to the fact that the lecture you delivered four months ago, on the literary attractions of the Bible (Avhicli I received from my sister, Mrs. Abbott Lawrence, a few Aveeks since), is now in process of republication by the American Tract Society, agreeably to my request. I hope to assist in scat- tering it broadcast over our broad land; and thus you will be speaking from your own desk, with the speed of light, to an audience from Passamaquoddy to Oregon. Will you do me the favor to give me a copy of ' Happy Home,' from which I may teach my children and grandchildren. " Respectfully your friend, and brother in Christ, "Amos Lawrence." ^^TO A COUNTRY CLERGYMAN (ORTIIODOX CONGREGATIONAL).) " Boston, May 16, 1850. " Rev. and dear Sir : I make no apology in asking your acceptance of the above, as I am quite sure it cannot come amiss to a poor clergyman, situated as you .are. I pray that you will feel, in using it, you cheer my labors, and make me more happy while I am able to enjoy life, in thus sending an occasional remembrancer to one for whom I have al vays felt the highest respect and esteem. Your friend, "Amos Lawrence." The above letter contained a draft for one hundred dollars, of Avhich Mr. Lawrence makes the following memorandum, dated on the 18th : " ]\Ir. acknowledges the above letter in very grateful terms, being what his pressing wants require." In a letter to President Hopkins, dated June 22 Mr. Lawrence says : DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 281 " If I cannot visit you bodily, as I had vainly hoped to do, I can convince you that the life and hope of younger days are still in me. Your parting -word touched nie to the quick, and I can- not repeat or read it Avithout a sympathetic tear filling my own eye. I am not able to stand up ; but am cheered by the hope that, before many -weeks, I may be able to stand alone. Our good friend Governor Briggs called to see me this week, and was quite horrified to see me trundled about on a hospital chair ; however, after a good talk, he concluded that what -was cut off from the lower works was added to the upper, and the account in my favor. It has always been so with me ; the dark places have been made clear at the right time; so I am no object of pity." The lameness here mentioned was caused by a slight sprain of the ankle, but was followed by great prostra- tion of the bodily strength, and a feeble state of all the functions, resulting in that vitiated state of the blood called by physicians " purpura." Violent hemorrhages from the nose succeeded ; and these, with the intense heat of the weather, so reduced his strength, that the only hope of recovery seemed to be in removing him from the city to the bracing air of the sea-shore. Towards the end of July, he was accordingly removed upon ar mattress to the house of his son, at Nahant ; and, from the moment he came within the influence of the fresh sea-breeze, he began to recover his spirits and his strength. A day or two after reaching Nahant, he received from his friend, the Rev. Dr. Sharp, the fol- low\ru>; letter, which is so characteristic, and reminds 36 I 282 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. one so forcibly of the calm and staid manner of that venerable man, that it is given entire : " Boston, Juk 30, 1S50. "My very dear Friexd : It -was ^vitli ileop regret I learned, on Friday last, that you were (|uite unwell, and at Nahant. It was in my mind yesterday morning to visit you ; nothing prevented me but an apprehension that it might be deemed inexpedient to admit any one to your sick room, except your own family. But, although I have not seen you in person since your last sickness, yet I have been with you in spirit. I have felt exceedingly sad at the probability of your earthly departure. Seldom as we have seen each other, your friendship has been precious to me ; and, to say nothing of your dear fiimily, your continuance in life is of great importance to that large family of huuianity. the poor, who have so often participated in your bounty. Indeed, as we cannot well spare you, I i-ather cherish the hope that, in his good providence, God will continue you to us a little longer. But, whatever may be the issue of your present illness, I trust tliat you, with all your friends, will be enabled to say, ' The Avill of the Lord be done.' If he ' lives the longest who answers life's great end,' your life, compared with most, has not been short. Not that any of us have done more than our duty. Nay, we have all come short, and may say, with all modesty and truthfulness, we are unprofitable ser- vants; although, in some respects, and to our fellow-beings, we may have been profitable. I trust, my dear friend, you are look- ing for the mercy of God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, unto eternal life. Death is not an eternal sleep ; no, it is the gate to life. It opens up a blessed immortality to all who, in this world, have fearMl God and wrought righteousness. This world is a DIAKT AND CORRESPONDENCE. 283 probationary state ; if we have been faithful, in some humble degree, to our convictions of duty ; if we have regretted our follies and sins ; if we have sought to do the will of our heavenly Father, and sought forgiveness through the mediation of his Son, — God will receive us to his heavenly glory. I believe, in his own good time, he will receive you, my very dear friend ; although my prayer is, with submission, that he will restore you to comfortable health, and allow you to remain with us a little longer. May God be Avith you. and bless you, in life, in death, and forevermorej With most respectful regard to INIrs. L., and sympathy with you in your afflictions, in which my dear wife joins, I am truly yours, Daniel Sharp." From Little Nahaiit, Mr. 'Lawrence writes to a friend, under date of Aug. 16 : " I have just arisen from bed, and am full of the matter to tell you how much good your letter has done. I came here as the last remedy for a sinking man ; and, blessed be God, it promises me rencAved life and enjoyment. What is it for, that I am thus saved in life, as by a miracle ? Surely it must be in mercy, to finish out my work begun (in your college and other places), yet unfinished. Pray, give us what time you can when you visit Andover. If I continue to improve as I have done for ten days, I hope to return home next week ; but may have some drawback tluit will alter the whole aspect of affliirs. This beautiful Little Nahant seems to have been purchased, built up, and provided, by the good influence of our merciful Father in heaven upon the heart of , that he might save me from death, when it was made certain I could not hold out many days longer. Surely I am called on by angel voices to render praise to God." 13* 284 DI.ARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. The five weeks' residence upon the sea-shore was greatly enjoyed by Mr. Lawrence. As the weather was generally fine, much of his time was passed in the open air, in watching the ever-varying sea-views, in reading, or in receiving the visits of his friends. Near the end of August, his health and strength had become so far restored as to warrant his return to the city, and, as his memoranda show, to increased efforts in the field of charity. CIIAPTEE XXXII. AMIN BEY. — AMOUNT OF DONATIONS TO WILLIAMS COLLEGE In November, 1850, Aiiiin Bey, Envoy from the Sultan of Turkey to the United States, visited Boston. Among other attentions, Mr. Lawrence accompanied him on a visit to the Female Orphan Asylum, then containing about one hundred inmates ; and the pleas- ant intercourse was continued by a visit of the minister at Mr. Lawrence's house. The following note accompanied a number of volumes relating to Boston and its vicinity : (to niS EXCELLENCY AJITN BET.) "My Brother: The manifest pleasure you felt in visiting our Female Orphan Asyhim yesterday has left a sunbeam on my ' path, that "will ilhimine my journey to our Father's house. When we meet there, may the joy of that reunion you hope for with the loved ones in your own country be yours and mine, J and all the good of all the world be our companions for all time ! With the highest respect, believe me your friend, A. L.'' (TO PRESIDENT nOFKIXS. " Boston, November 11, 1850. " My dea ^ Friend : My brief letter of introduction by my young friend S., and your answer to it, which I mislaid or lost ^ 285 286 .DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. soon after it came, has made me feel a wish to write everj day since the first Aveek after I received jours. S. made me out bet- ter than I was when he saw me. I could walk across the rooms, get down and up stairs without much aid, and bear my weight on each foot ; having strength in my ankle-bones that enabled me to enter the temple walking, not leaping, but praising God. If ever I am able to walk so far as around the Common, what gratitude to God should I feel to take your arm as my support ! I am fre- quently admonished by faint turns that I am merely a ' minute- man,' liable to be called for at any moment. Only a few days since, I had a charming call from Amin Bey and suite, Avhom I received in my parlors below, where were some friends to meet him. All seemed interested, and Amin as much so as a Turk ever does. When he left us, I went with him to the door, saw him out and in his carriage, turned to open the inner entry- door, became faint just as M. was leaving the party, and leaned on her to get into the parlor. I was laid on the sofa, insensible for a short time, but, by labor, abstinence, and great care, for two or three days, have got upon my high horse again, and rode with N. to make calls upon the good people of Cambridge. After dinner, when I awoke, I tried to go about my work, but was called off again, and, from that time to this, have been up a little, and then down a little ; thus asking me, with angels' voices. Why are you left here ? The answer is plain : You have more work to do. Pray, my dear friend, for me to be faithful while my powers are left ^vith me. The reports of and from your college make me feel that my labors in helping it to get on its legs have been repaid four-fold. I am its debtor, and will allow the money out of the next year's income to be used for a telescope, if you deem it best. I have made no further inquiry for the one in progress here, but will ask W. to look and see what progress is making. DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 287 When I leave off writing, I shall ride to the office in Court- square, and deposit mj Whig vote for Governor Briggs and the others. We are so mixed up here as hardly to know who are sup- porters of the regular ticket, and who not. This fugitive-slave business Avill keep our people excited till the law is blotted out. In some of our best circles the law is pronounced unconstitu- tional ; and mj belief is that Franklin Dexter's argument on that point will settle the question bj starting it, our great men to the contrary notwithstanding." In the above letter Mr. Lawrence speaks of the gratification which he had derived from the results of his efforts in behalf of Williams College ; and, as there may be no more fitting place to give an account of these efforts, the following record is here introduced, from the pen of President Hopkins. It is found in his sermon commemorative of the donor, delivered at the request of the students, on February 21, 1853. " In October, 1841, the building known as the East College was burned. Needy as the institution was before, this rendered necessary an application to the Legislature for funds ; and, when this failed, to the public at large. Owing to a panic in the money market, this application was but slightly responded to, except in » this town. In Boston the sum raised was less than two thousand dollars; and the largest sum given by any individual. was one hundred dollars. This sum was given by Mr. Lawrence, who was applied to by a friend of the college ; and this, it is believed, was the only application ever made to him on our behalf. This directed his attention to the wants of the college ; but nothing 288 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. more was heard from him till January, 1844. At that time, 1 "was .ieli t'ering; a course of the LoavcII Lectures, in Boston, -when his son, JNIr. Amos A. Lawrence, called and informed me that his father had five thousand dollars which he wished to place at the disposal of the college. As I was previously but slightly acquainted with Mr. Lawrence, and had had no conversation with him on the subject, this was to me an entire surprise ; and, embari-assed as the institution then was by its debt for the new buildings, the relief and encouragement which it brought to my own mind, and to the minds of others, friends of the college, can hardly be expressed. Still, this did not wholly remove the debt. On hearing this casually mentioned, he said, if he had known how we were situated, he thought he should have given us more ; and the following July, without another word on the subject, he sent me a check for five thousand dollars. This put the college out of debt, and added two or three thousand dollars to its avail- able funds. In January, 1846, he wrote, saying he wished to see me ; and, on meeting him, he said his object was to consult me about the disposition of ten thousand dolLu-s, which he proposed to give the college. He wished to know how I thought it would do the most good. I replied, at once. By being placed at the disposal of the trustees, to be used at their discretion. He said. ' Very well ; ' and that was all that passed on that point. So I thought ; and, knowing his simplicity of character, and singleness of purpose, I felt no embarrassment in making that reply. Here was a beautiful exemplification of the precept of the apostle, ' He that givetli, let him do it with simplicity.' Such a man bad a right to have, for one of his mottoes, 'Deeds, not words.' This was just what was needed ; but it gave us some breadth and enlargement, and was a beginning in -wiiat it had long been felt mu'?t; sooner or later, be undertaken, — the securing of a.n avail- DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 289 able fund suitable as a basis for such an institution. His next large gift Avas the library. This came from his asking me, as I was riding with liim the following winter, if we wanted anything. Notliing occurred to me at the time, and I replied in the nega- tive ; but, the next day, I remembered that the trustees had voted to build a library, provided the treasurer should find it could be done for twenty-five hundred dollars. This I mentioned to him. He inquired what I supposed it would cost. I replied, ' Five thousand dollars.' He sdd, at once, ' I will give it.' With his approbation, the plan of a building Avas subsequently adopted that would cost seven thousand dollars ; and he paid that sum. A year or two subsequently, he inquired of me the price of tuition here, saying he should like to connect Groton Academy with Wil- liams College ; and he paid two thousand dollars to establish four scholarships for any one who might come from that institution. His next gift was the telescope, which cost about fifteen hundred dollars. The history of this would involve some details which I have not now time to give. In 1851, accompanied by Mrs. Law- rence, he made a visit here. This was the first time either of them had seen the place. In walking over the grounds, he said they had great capabilities, but that we needed more land ; and authorized the purchase of an adjoining piece of four acres. This purchase was made for one thousand dollars ; and, if the college can have the means of laying it out, and adorning it suitably it Avill, besides furnishing scope for exercise, be a fit addition of the charms of culture to great beauty of natural scenery. In addition to these gifts, he has, at different times, enriched the library with costly books, of the expense of which I know nothing. Almost everything we have in the form of art was given by him. In December, 1845, I received a letter from him, dated the 22d, or ' Forefathers' Day,' which enclosed one hund''ed dollars, to be 87 290 DIARY" AND CORRESPONDENCE. used for the aid of needy students in those emergencies which often arise. This was entirely at his own suggestion ; and nothing could have been more timely or appropriate in an institution like this, A"! here so many young men are struggling to make their own way. Since that time, he has furnished me with at least one hundred dollars annually for that purpose ; and lie regarded the expenditure with much interest. Thus, in different ways, Mr. Lawrence had given to the college between thirty and forty thou- sand dollars ; and he had expressed the purpose, if he should live, of aiding it still further. Understanding as he did the position and wants of this college, he sympathized fully with the trustees in their purpose to raise the sum of fifty thousand dollars, and, at the time of his death, was exerting a most warm-hearted and powerful influence for its accomplishment. In reference to this great eifort, we feel that a strong helper is taken away. The aid which Mr. Lawrence thus gave to the college was great and indis- pensable ; and probably no memorial of him Avill be more endur- ing than Avhat he has done here. By this, being dead, he yet speaks, and will continue to speak in all coming time. From him will flow down enjoyment and instruction to those who shall walk these grounds, and look at the heavens through this telescope, and read the books gathered in this library, and hear instruction from teachers sustained, wholly or in part, by his bounty. Probablj* he could not have spent this money more usefully ; and there is reason to believe that he could have spent it in no way to bring to himself more enjoyment. The prosperity of the college was a source of great gratification to him ; and he said, more than once, that he had been many times repaid for what he had done here. That he should have thus done what he did unsolicited, and that he — and, I may add, his family — should have continued to find •n it so much of satisfaction, is most grateful to my own feelings. DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 291 and must be so to every friend of the college. In doing it, he seemed to place himself in the relation, not so much of a patron of the college, as of a sympathizer and helper in a great and good work." f CHAPTER XXXIII. LETTERS. — DIARY. Ai the beginning of the year 1851, Mr. Lawrence writes to President Hoj)kins : " The closing of the old year was like our western horizon after sunset, bright and beautiful ; the opening of the new, radiant ■with life, light, and hoipe, and crowned with such a costume of love as few old fathers, grandfathers, and uncles, can muster ; in short, my old sleigh is the pet of the season, and rarely appears without being well filled, outside and inside. It is a teacher to the school-children, no less than to my grandchildren ; for they all understand that, if they are well-behaved, they can ride with me when I make the signal ; and I have a strong persuasion that this attention to them, Avith a present of a book and a kind word now and then, makes the little fellows think more of their conduct and behavior. At any rate, it does me good to hear them call out, ' How do you do, Mr. Lawrence ? ' as I am driving along the Streets and by-ways of the city." * * * To an aged clergyman in the country, who was blind and in indigent circumstances, he writes : " Jan. 14. " Your letter of last week reached me on Saturday, and was indeed a sunbeam, which quickened me to do what I had intended "92 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 293 for a ' happy new-year,' before receiving yours. I trust you will have received a parcel sent by railroad, on Monday, directed to you, and containing such things as I deemed to be useful in your family ; and I shall be more than paid, if they add one tint to the ' purple light ' you speak of, that opens upon your further hopes of visiting us the coming season. For many months I was unable to walk ; but my feet and ankle-bones have now received strength. I feel that the prayers of friends have been answered by my renewed power to do more work. How, then, can I enjoy life better than by disti'ibuting the good things intrusted to me among those who are comforted by receiving them ? So you need not feel, my friend, that you are any more obliged than I am. The enclosed bank-bills may serve to fit up the materials for use ; at any rate, will not be out of place in your pocket. I trust to see you again in this world, which has to me so many interesting connecting links between the first and only time I have ever seen you (thirty-five or more years ago, in Dr. Huntington's pulpit, Old South Church) and the present." (from rev. JAMES HAMILTON, D.D.) " 42 GowER-STREET, LoNDON, Feb. 15, 1851. " My dear Sir : No letter which authorship has brought to me ever gave me such pleasure as I received from yours of July, 1849, enclosing one which Governor Briggs had written to you. That strangers so distinguished should take such interest in my writings, and should express yourselves so kindly towards myself, overwhelmed me with a pleasing surprise, and with thankfulness to God who had given me such favor. I confess, too, it helped to make me love more the country which has always been to me the dearest ne.xt to my own. In conjunction with some much-prized friendships which I have formed among your ministers, it would 294 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. almost temp: me to cross the Atlantic. But I am so bad a sailoi that I fear I must postpone personal intercourse with those Amer- ican friends who do not come to England, until we reach the land where there is no more sea. However feebly expressed, please accept my heartfelt thanks for all the cost and trouble you have incurred ii. circulating my publications. It is pleasant to me to think that your motive in distributing them, in the first instance, could not be friendship for the author ; and to both of us it will be the most welcome result, if they promote the cause of practical Christianity. Owing to weakness in the throat and chest, I can- not preach so much as many of my neighbors, and therefore I feel the more anxious that my tracts should do something for the honor of the Saviour and the welfare of mankind. You were kind enough to reprint my last lecture to young men, I could scarcely wish the same distinction bestowed on its successor, because it is a fragment. I have some thoughts of extending it into a short exposition of Ecclesiastes, which is a book well suited to the times, and but little understood, * * * " Yours, most truly, James Hamilton," In reply to the above letter, Mr. Lawrence writes, April 8 : " I will not attempt to express to you in words my pleasure in receiving your letter of Feb, 15, Avith its accompaniments. The lecture delivered to the young men on the 4th of February, although designated by you as a fragment, I sent to my friend, with a copy of your letter, asking him whether he would advise its publication, and whether he would scatter it with its prede- cessor ; and, if so, I would pay the expense. His answer you have here, and I have the pleasure of saying that the ' Frag- ment ' will be ready to circulate by thousands the present week ; DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE, 295 and, when jou shall have added your further comments upon Solomon and his works, our American Tract Society will be ready to publish the whole by hundreds of thousands, I trust, thus enabling you to preach through our whole country. The Memoir j)f Lady Colquhon is a precious jewel, which I shall keep among my treasures to leave my descendants. I had previously pur- ^liascd a number of copies of the American edition, and scattered them among my friends, so that there is, great interest to see your copy sent me. The part of your letter which touched my heart most was that in which you speak of my brother Abbott, and say of him that ' no foreinrn minister is such a favorite with the British public' It brought him before me like a daguerreotype likeness, through every period of his life for fifty years. First, as the guiding spirit of the boys of our neighborhood, in breaking through the deep snow-drifts which often blocked up the roads in winter ; then as my apprentice in the city ; and, in a few years, as the young military champion, to watch night and day, under arms, on the point of Bunker Hill nearest the ocean, the move- ments of a British fleet lying within four or five miles of him, and threatening the storming of Boston; then, soon after, as embarking in the very first ship for England, after the close of the war, to purchase goods, which were received here in eighty- three days after he sailed. Since that time, our firm has never been changed, except by adding ' & Co./ when other partners were admitted. He has been making his way to the people's ' respect and affection from that time to this, and now fills the only public station I would not have protested against his accepting, feeling that place cannot impart grace. My prayers ascend con- tinually for him, that he may do his work under the full impres- sion that he must give an account to Him whose eye is constantly upon him, and whose ' Well done ' will be infinitely better than 296 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. all tliinjrs else, I believe he is a-svakcning an interest to learn more about this country ; and the people will be amazed to see ■what opportunities are here enjoyed for happiness for the great mass. AVhat we most fear is that ignorance which will bring everything down to its own level, instead of that true knowledge, which shall level up the lowest places, now inundated with foreign emigrants. Our duty is plain; and, if we do not educate and elevate this class of our people, they will change our system of government within fifty years. Virtue and intelligence are the basis of this government ; and the duty of all good men is to keep it pure. * * * " And now, my friend, what can I say that will influence you to come here, and enjoy with me the beautiful scenes upon and around our Mount Zion ? " With the highest respect and affection, I am most truly yours, " Amos LAwsE>Cii'. "P. S. — INIrs. L. desires me to present to you and your lady her most respectful regard, with the assurance that your writings are very precious to her. She is a granddaughter to a clergyman «)f your ' Kirk,' and enjoys much its best writings." To the same gentleman lie writes soon after : '' And now let me speak about the ' Royal Preacher.' * I expected much, but not so much as I found in it. We, on this side the Atlantic, thank you ; and the pictui'es of some of our own great men are drawn to the life, although their history and character could not have been in your eye. Truth is the same now as in Solomon's time ; and it is surprising that the mass of men do not see and acknowledge tliat ' the saint is greater than * A tract by Dr. Ilainilton. DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 297 «he sage, and discipleship to Jesus the pinnacle of human dignity.' I have had, this morning, two calls, from different sections of our Union, for your 'Life in Earnest,' 'Literary Attractions of the Bible,' ' Solomon,' ' Kedeemed in Glory,' &c., which I responded to with hearty good-will. Some of the books Avill go out of the country many thousand miles, and will do good. I must shake hands with you across the Atlantic, if you can't ' screw up ' your courage to come here, and bid you God-speed in all your broad plans for the good of your fellow-men "I have a great respect for deep rtligious feelings, even '-vhen 1 cannot see as my friends do; and therefore pray God to clear away, in his good time, all that is now dark and veiled. '• It is time for me to say farewell " 38 CHAPTEE XXXIV. eiR T. F. BUXTON. — LETTER FROM LADY BUXTON. — ELLIOTT CRESSON. — LETTERS. After the death of Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, Mr. Lawrence had read what had been published respecting his life and character, and had formed an exalted opinion of his labors in behalf of the African race. A small volume had been issued, entitled "A Study for Young Men, or a Sketch of Sir T. F. Buxton," by Rev. T. Binney, of London Mr. Lawrence had pur- chased and circulated large numbers of this work, which recorded the deeds of one upon whom he con sidered the mantle of Wilberforce to have fallen; and, through a mutual friend, he had been made known to Lady Buxton, who writes to him as follows . " Very, very grateful am I for your love for him, and, through him, to me and my children. I desire that 3"0U may be enriched by all spiritual blessings ; and that, through languor and illness and infirmity, the Lord may bless and prosper you and the work of your hands. I beg ^^our acceptance of the thhd edition, in the large octavo, of the memoir of Sir Fowell." Those who have read the memoir referred to will DIARY AND COKRESPONDENCE. 299 remember the writer, before her marriage, as Miss Hannah Gurney, a member of that distinguished family of Friends of which Mrs. Fry was the elder sister. During the remaining short period of Mr Lawrence's life, a pleasant correspondence was kep^ up, from which a few extracts will hereafter be given. To Elliott Cresson, of Philadelphia, the enthusiastic and veteran champion of the colonization cause, Mr. Lawrence writes, June 12, 1851 * '' My dear old Friexd Cressox : I have just re-read your kind letter of June 2, and have been feasting upon the treasure you sent me in the interesting volume entitled ' Africa Re- deemed.' I will set your heart at rest at once by assuring you that I feel just as you do towards that land. Do you remember visiting me, a dozen or more years ago, to get me to lead off with a thousand-dollar subscription for colonization, and my refusing by assuring you that I would not interfere with the burden of slavery, then pressing on our ow^n Slave States, until requested by them ? * * * * Liberia, in the mean time, has gone on, and now promises to be to the black man what New England h^s been to the Pilgrims, and Pennsylvania to the Friends. I say, with all my heart, to Gov. Rol)erts and his associates, God speeii you, and carry onward and ujiward the glorious work of redceunng Africa ! I had a charming message from a young missionary in Africa a few days since, — the Rev. Mr. Hoffman, of the Episcopal Mission ; and you will be glad to hear that the good work of education for Liberia progresses surely and steadily here. My son A. is one of the trustees and directors (Proi. Greenleaf is president), and has given a thousand dollars from ' a 300 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. young merchant ; ' and I bid him give another thousand from 'an old merchant,' -which he will do as soon as he returns from our old home "vvith his family. Now I say to you, my friend, 1 can sympathize and work Avith you while I am spared. God be praised ! we are greatly favored in many things. No period of my life has been more joyous. " With constant affection, I am yours, "Amos Lawrence." Among other memoranda of the present month ia found a cancelled note of five hundred dollars, which had been given by a clergyman in another State to a corporation, which, by reason of various misfortunes, he had not been able to pay. Mr. Lawrence had heard of the circumstance, and, without the knowledge of the clergyman, had sent the required sum to the treasurer of the corporation, with directions to cancel the obligation. (to lady BUXTON.) " Boston, July 8, 1851. '' Dear Lady Buxton : Your letter, and the beautiful copy of the memoir of your revered and world-wide honored husband, reached me on the 26th of June. I have read and re-read youi heart-touching note with an interest you can understand better Jian I can describe. I can say that I thank you, and leave you to imagine the rest. Sir Fowell Avas born the same year, and in the same month, that I was ; and liis character and his labors 1 have been well acquainted with since he came into public life ; and no man of his time stood higher in my confidence and respect Although I have never been in public life, I have been much interested in puljlic men ; and have sometimes had my cx)iifid6ace DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 301 abused, but have generally given it to men who said what they meant, and did what they said. I feel no respect for the denia- gogue. however successful he may be ; but am able to say, with the dear and honored friend whose mantle fell upon Sir Fowell, ' What shadows we are, and what shadows we pursue ! ' I feel pity for the man who sacrifices his hopes of heaven for such vain objects as end in the mere gaze of this world. The ' Study for Young Men,' republished here a short time since, is doing such work among us as must cheer the spirit of your husband in his heavenly home. " I enclose you a note from Laura Bridgman, a deaf, dumb, and blind girl, who has been educated at our asylum for the last twelve years or more (now about twenty-two years old), Avhich may interest you from the fact of her extraordinary situation. " With great respect, I remain most truly yours, " Amos Lawrence." (to a lady in PniLABELPHIA.) " Dear L. : Your call on me to ' pay up ' makes me feel that I had forgotten, and therefore neglected, my promise. I begin without preface. When a child, and all the way up to fifty years of age, the incidents of revolutionary history were so often talked over by the old soldiers who made our house their rendezvous whenever they came near it, that I feel as if I had been an actor in the scenes describe^. Among these, the Battle of Bunker t Ilill was more strongly impressed upon my mind than any other event. My father, then twenty-one years old, was in Captain Farwell's company, a subaltern, full of the right spirit, as you may know, having some sparks left when you used to ride on his eled and in his wagon, and eat his 'rattle apples,' which were coveted by all the children. He was in the breastwork ; and his captain was shot through che body just before or just after Pitcairn 302 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. "Was shot Mj father did not know Major Pitcairn persona.!^, hut understood it was he who mounted the breastwork, calling to his soldiers to follow, Avhen he pitched into the slight trench outside, riddled and dead, as mj father always thought "as long as he lived. But it turned out otherwise. He was brought from tho field, and lodged in a house in Prince-street, now standing (the third from Charlestown Bridge) ; and the intelligence was imme- diately communicated to the Governor, then in the Boyal House, now called the Province House. He sent Dr. Kast and an officer, accompanied by young Bowdoin as an amateur, to see to the major, and report. On entering the chamber, the doctoY wished to examine the wound ; but Pitcairn declined alloAving nim, saying it was of no use, as he should soon die. When pressed by the argument that his excellency desired it, he allowed L>r. Kast to open his vest, and the blood, which had been stanched, spirted out upon the floor ; so that the room carried the mark, and was called ' Pitcairn' s Chamber ' until long after the peace. The doctor returned immediately to the Governor to report ; and, before he could get back, life had fled. He was laid out in his regimentals, and was deposited in the vault of St. George's Church, now the Stone Chapel, and there remained until 1788, when Dr. Winship, of Roxbury, then on a visit to London, had occasion to call on Dr. C. Letsom, and informed him that he had in his possession the key of the vault ; that he had examined the body, which was in so good a state of preservation, that he recognized the features ; and that he had counted at least thirty marks of musket-balls in A^arious parts of the body. An arrangement was made, through Dr. Winship, for the removal of tlie body to England. Dr. William Pitcairn built a vault in the Burying-ground of St. Bartholomew, near the hospital, for its reception. Capt. James Scott, the con mander of a trading vessel DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 303 between Boston and London at that period, undertook the service of removal, although lie foresaw difficulty in undertaking the business, on account of the strong prejudice of sailors to having a corpse on board. With a view to concealment, the coffin was enclosed in a Sf^uare deal case, containing the church-organ, which "was to be sent to England for repairs. This case, with ' Organ ' inscribed upon it, was placed, as it was said, for better security, in a part of the ship near the sailors' berths, artd in that situa- tion was used occasionally during the passage for their seat or table. On arrival of the ship in the river, an order was obtained for the landing of the case ; and, as it was necessary to describe its contents, the order expressed permission to land a corpse. This revealed the stratagem of Capt. Scott, and raised such a feeling among the sailors as to shoAV that they would not have been quiet had they known the truth respecting their fellow- lodger. Major Pitcairn was the only British officer particularly regarded by our citizens, as ready to listen to their complaints, and, as fxr as in his power, to relieve them, when not impeded by his military duties. Our excellent old friend B. will be inter- ested in the ' Stone Chapel ' part of this story, and probably can add particulars that I may have omitted. " Your affectionate Amos Laavrence.'' CHAPTER XXXY. LETTERS —REV. DR. SCORESBY. — WABASH COLLEGE. After receiving a note from a relative of Lady Cole- brooke, announcing her death, at Dunscombe, in the island of Barbadoes, Mv. Lawrence wrote the following note of sympathy to her husband, Sir William Cole- brooke, then Governor of that island. She will be remembered as the lady who had formerly visited Boston, and who was alluded to in one of his letters, as a niece of Major Andre : " Dear Sir William : I lose no time in expressing to you the feelings of my heart, on reading the brief notice of the last Iiours of dear Lady Colebrooke. All my recollections and associr.tions of lier are of the most interesting character ; and for yourself I feel more than a common regard. We may never meet again in this world ; but it matters little, if, -when we are called off, we ai-o found 'in line,' and ready to receive the cheering 'Well done^ when we reach that better world we hope for. I trust that you, wid all your dear ones, have been in the hollow of our Father's hand, through the shaeiis to be near me, in my sick chamber, to thank you for the books and pamphlets, Avhich I have read as much as my dim sight and weak nerves will allow me at present to read. I wish, when you write to your friend Dr. Hamilton, you would thank him for me for his * This was a debt contracted by ^Ir. T., in 1826, amounting, at that time, to about fifteen hundred dollars, when he failed in business. The amount of the debt was & ~>n after transferred to the " Old Ladies' Home." 41 322 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. eloquent and evangelical appeals for Christian truth and dnty Tell him I am a Congregational Minister of Boston, but no sect- arian ; that I was matriculated at the University of Edinburgh, fifty years ago, and studied divinity there under Drs. Hunter. Micklejohn, Moodie, &c., and moral philosophy, under Dugald Stewart ; — that my particular friends were David Dickson, since Minister of St. Cuthbert's, Edinburgh ; David Wilkie, since Minister of Old Gray Friar's Church, Edinburgh ; Patrick McFarlane, since Minister in Glasgow and Greenock ; Thomas Brown, since Professor of Moral Philosophy at Edinburgh ; David Brewster, since Sir David, &c. : most of whom he probably knows. Tell him I should be glad of his correspondence, as I have that of his friend, Principal Lee, of the University of Edin- burgh ; and that we should be glad to see him in Boston. I was happy to see your name appended to a petition on the subject of the liquor law, though I always expect to find it among the advocates of every benevolent enterprise within your reach. Your visit did me much good. I have much valued your friendship, and your manifestations of respect and regard for me. Heaven bless you and yours, and make you more and more a blessing ! Come and see me when you can, my dear friend. With much affection and respect, " Your old friend, Charles Lowell. ' P. S. — I write with a feeble hand, dim sight, and nervous temperament." In enclosing the preceding note to the Rev. Dr. Hamilton, Mr. Lawrence writes, Sept. 4 : " The writer of the foregoing is the Rev. Dr. Lowell, of this C'ty, who is broken down in health, but not at all in his confidence DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 323 and hope and joj in the beloved Jesus. Of all men I have ever known, Dr. Lowell is one of the brightest exemplars of the character and teachings of the INIaster; for all denominations respect him, and confiele in him. For more than fortj'" years I have known him ; an.l in all the relations of a good pastor to his people. I have never knoM n a better. I have met him in the sick chamber, with the dying, and in the house of prayer. In the character of a teacher, and a leader of the people heavenward, no one among us has been more valued. Althouo-h I have not been a member of his church, he has, in times of great urgency, sup- plied our pulpit, and has always been ready to attend my family and friends when asked. I sent him such of your Avritings as I had in store for circulation, ' The Royal Preacher' among them; and I must say to you that I think no living man is preaching to greater multitudes than you are at this day. I have circulated tens of thousands of your tracts and volumes, and, if I am spared, hope to continue the good work. Millions of souls will be influenced by your labors." CHATTEIl XXXVII. CORRESPONDENCE. — DIARY. (from lady euxton.) " NoRTHRurp's IIiLL, Sept. 8, 1852. " My dear Friend : Again I have to thank you for your kind remembrance of me in your note and little book on the abuse of tobacco, and your sympathy with me in my late deep anxiety, ending in the removal of my most tenderly beloved and valued daughter Priscilla. It pleased God to take her to himself on June 18, to the inexpressible loss and grief of myself, and her husband and children. We surely sorrow with hope ; for she had loved and followed the Lord Jesus from her childhood, and had known and obeyed the Holy Scriptures, which did make her, under the influence of the blessed Spirit, wise unto salvation. To her, to live was Christ, and therefore to die, gain ; and we are thankful, and rejoice for her. Her spirit is with the Lord, beholding and sharing his glory, and reunited to her dearest father, brothers, and sisters, and many beloved on earth, in joy unspeakable. Still, we do and are permitted to mourn. * * " Priscilla traced the foundation of her illness to the great exer- tion she used in revising and altermg her father's work on the remedy for the slave-trade. The stress upon her feelings and mind was too great for her susceptible nature. I believe it might be traced further back to her very great efforts to assist her father in his public business ; so that I may say, I have had to part 324 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 325 with the two most beloved, and gifted nearlj, I have ever known, for the cause of God. But the comfort is intense that they can- not lose the abundant recompense of reward given through mercy and favor, not for any merits of their own, to those who love and scrvt the Lord. I must thank you most warmly again for the valuable gift of ' Uncle Tom's Cabin.' When it arrived, it was unknown in this country ; now it is universally read, but sold at such a cheap rate, in such poor print, that this very beautiful copy is quite sought after. How wonderfully successful a work it has proved ! I hope your little book upon tobacco may be of use hei'e. I shall send it to my grandsons at Rugby. I fear you have been suffering much from bodily illness and infirmity, my dear friend. I trust your interesting circle about you are all well and prospering, and enjoying the blessing and presence of the Saviour. With kindest regards and affection, I am yours very sincerely, H. Buxton." ^^ September 23, 1852. — By a singular coincidence, at the same time I received Lady Buxton's letter, I received one from ' Mrs. Sunny Side,' * from her sick chamber, asking the loan of some of Miss Edgeworth's works ; also a note from ]\Irs. Stowe, giving me some information respecting the publication of ' Uncle Tom's Cabin ' in England and Germany; also a letter from our minister in Portugal ; and, three or four hours later, ' Uncle Toby ' called, having spent the day in the Mather School, lectur- ing on tobacco." From a letter written about this time, an extract is * Mrs. Phelps, wife of Professor Phelps, of Andover, and daughter oi Professor Stuart, the authoress of " Sunny Side," '' Peep at Number Five," and other popular works. 326 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. made, wliicli is interesting as showing his system of diet • " My o^Yn wants arc next to nothing, as I hve on the most simple food, — crusts and coffee for breakfast ; crusts and cham- pagne for dinner, with never more than three ounces of chicken, or two ounces of tender beef, without any vegetable, together eight ounces ; coarse wheat-meal crusts, and two or three ounces of meat, in the twcnty-four hours, — beginning hungry, and leav- ing off more hungry. I have not sat at table with my flimily for fifteen years, nor eaten a full meal during that time, and am now more hale and hearty than during that whole period." (to a lady in FLORIDA.) " Boston, Oct. 14, 1852. " Dear Mrs. : Your deeply interesting note reached me within the last half-hour ; and I feel that no- time should be lost m my reply. My life has been protracted beyoni all my friends' expectations, and almost beyond my own hopes ; yet I enjoy the days witji all the zest of early youth, and feel myself a spare hand to do such work as the ]\Lxster lays out before me. This of aiding you is one of the things for which I am sparct' ; and I therefore forward one hundred dollars, Avhich, if yen arc i^ot wil- ling to accept, you may use for the benefit of some other person or persons, at your discretion. Your precious brothir has passed on ; and, in God's good time, I hope to see him face to flice, and to receive, through the Beloved, the ' Well dene ' promised to such as have used their Lord's trusts as he app^'oves. I enclose you Lieut. 's letter on his return from sea. * * * * " I had a charming ride yesterday with my nephew Frank Pierce, and told him I thought he must occupy the White House DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 327 tne next term, but that I should go for Scott. Pierce is a fine, spirited fellow, and -will do his duty -wherever placed ; but Scott will be my choice for President of the United States. God bless you, my child, and have you in the hollow of his hand, in these days of trial. Your friend, A. L." (to IlIE HON. JONATHAN PHILLIPS.) " Boston, Oct. 25, 1852. " To MY RESPECTED AND HONORED Friend : The changing scenes of life sometimes recall with peculiar freshness the events and feelings of years long past ; and such is the case with me, growing out of the death of our great New England statesman, Tvho has, for a long period of years, been looked up to as preach- insc and teachine; the hi";hest duties of American citizens with a power rarely equalled, never surpassed. lie is now suddenly called to the bar of that Judge who sees not as man sees, and where mercy, not merit, will render the cheering ' Well done ' to all who have used their trusts as faithful stewards of their Lord, — the richest prize to be thought of Our great man had great virtues, and, doubtless, some defects ; and I pray God that the former may be written in the hearts of his countrymen, the latter in the sea. Here I begin the story that comes over my thoughts. ' About forty years ago, walking past your father's house, with my wife and some of our family friends, on a bright, moonlight nio;ht, we were led to discuss the character of the OAAner (your honored father) ; some of the party wishing they might possess a small part of the property which would make them happy, others something else, when my own wish waa expressed. It was, that I might use whatever Providence might allow me to possess as faithfully as your father used his posses- sions, and that I should esteem such a reputation as his a better 328 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. inheritance for my children than the highest poliiical honors the country could bestow. A few years later, I was visiting Stafford Springs with my wife, and there met you and Mrs. P., and first made your acquaintance. Still a few years later, I became per- sonally acquainted with your father by bemg chosen a Director of the Massachusetts Bank, he being President. Still later, I became more intimate with yourself by being a member of the Legislature with you, when the seceders from Williams College petitioned to be chartered as Amherst College, which you opposed by the best speech that was made ; and we voted against the sepa- ration, and, I believe, acted together on all the subjects brought up during that session. Since then, which is about thirty years, I liave beeii a successful business man, although, for the last twenty years, I have been a broken machine, that, by all common experi- ence, should have been cast aside. But I am still moving ; and no period of my life has had more to charm, or has had more flowers by the wayside, than my every-day life, with all my privations. The great secret of the enjoyment is, that I am able to do some further work, as your father's example taught me, when the ques- tion was discussed near forty years ago. Can you wonder, then, my friend, that I wish our names associated in one of the best literary institutions in this country; viz., "Williams College? My interest in it seemed to be accidental, but must have been providential ; for we cannot tell, till we reach a better world, what influence your speech had in directing my especial atten- tion to the noble head of the college, when I first met him in a private circle in this city ; and, since then, my respect for his character, my loA'e for him as a man and a brother, has caused me to feel an interest in his college that I never should have felt without this personal intercourse. The two hundred young men there need more teachers ; and the college, in view of its wants UIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 829 has appealed tc the public for fifty thousand dollars, to place it upon an independent footing. ***** " There is moue_y enough for all these good objects ; and, if our worthy citizens can only be made to see that it will be returned to them four-fold, in the enjoyment of life in the way that never clogs, it will not be thought presumptuous in me to advise to such investments. From long observation, I am satis- fied that we do better by being our own executors, than by hoard- in k>- laro-e sums for our descendants. Pardon me for thus writing to you ; but knowing, as I do, that the college has commenced its appeal for aid, I am sure you will excuse me, whether you con- tribute to its aid or not. With great respect, I am, as I have always been, " Your friend, Amos Lawrence. " P. ,S\ — If you wish to talk with me, I shall be rejoiced to say what I know about the college." In his diary of the same date, Mr. Lawrence write.'^. : " G p. M. — My good old friend has called to see and talk with me, and a most agreeable conversation we have had. He ex- pressed good wishes for the college, and Avill subscribe a thousand dollars at once, which is a cheering beginning in this city. The interest in the college will grow here, when people know moi'e about it." "Boston, Saturday morning, Nov. 18, 1852. — The circum- stances which have brought me the following letter from my valued friend, ' Honest John Davis,' are these : Many years agOj I learned, from undoul)ted sources, that his pecuniary losses, 42 330 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. through the agency of others, had so straitened him as to decide him to take his two sons from W^illiams College, "which seemed to Ttie a pity ; and I therefore enclosed to him five hundred dollars, with a request that he would keep his boys in college, and, wlien his affairs became right again, that he might pay the same to tlie college for some future needy pupils. Two or three years after- wards, he said he was intending to hand over to the college tlie five hundred dollars, which I advised not to do until it was pe^'- fectly convenient for him. The circumstances which now call him out are very interesting ; and, to me, the money seems worth ten times the amount received in the common business of life. Within ten minutes after Mr. Davis's letter w^as read to me, Dr. Peters, the agent of the college to collect funds for its necessities, called in to report progress in his work. I immediately handed over the five hundred dollars from John Davis, with a request that he would acknowledge its reception to my friend at once." " Worcester, Nov. 12, 1852. " My dear Sir : I have been in Boston but once since my return from Washington, and then failed to see you. Neverthe- less, you are seldom absent from our thoughts ; you do so much which reminds us of the duties of life, and fixes in our minds sentiments of cherished regard and unalterable affection. No one can desire a more enviable distinction, a more emphatic narae^ I ban he whom all tongues proclaim to be the good man ; the man who comprehends his mission, and, with unvarying steadiness of purpose, fulfils it. There is such a thing as mental superiority; as elevated, station, as commanding influence, as glory, as honor ; and these are sometimes all centered in the same individual ; but, if that individual has no heart ; if humanity is not mixed in his nature ; if he has no ear for the infirmities, the weaknesses, and LIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 331 Buflferings of his fellow-beings, — he is like the massive, coarse walls of a Icftj fortress, having strength, greatness, and power; Dut, as a man, he is unfinished. He maj have much to excito surprise or to overawe, but nothing to awaken the finer sensibil- ities of our nature, or to win our love. The divine efflatus has never softened the soul of such a man. The heavenly attributes of mercy, brotherly love, and charity, have never touched his heart with sympathy for his race. He forgets that a fellow- being, however humble, is the work of the same God who made him, and that the work of the Almighty has a purpose. He for- gets the great command to love our neighbor. He forgets that all who are stricken down Avith disease, poverty, affliction, or suffering, are our neighbors ; and that he who ministers to such, be he Jew or Samaritan, is, in the lofty, scriptural sense, a neighbor. Neither the hereditary descent of the Levite, nor the purple of the priest, makes a neighbor ; but it is he who binds up the bleeding wourid. This is the act upon which Heaven places its seal of approval, as pleasing in the sight of him that is perfect. Where there is an absence of purity of heart or gener- ous sympathy, the man lacks the most ornate embellishment of character, that lustrous brightness which is the type of heaven. To minister to the necessities of the humble and lowly is the work of God's angels ; and the man who follows their example cannot be far from his Maker. You have the means of doinc: good ; but have Avhat is greater, and a more marked di&tinction, the disposition to do it when and where it is needed. Your heart is always alive, and your hand untiring. ***** " Some years ago, you did that for me and mine which will command my gratitude while I live. I needed aid to educate my children ; and you, in a spirit of marked generosity, came un- asked to my relief I neel not say how deeply, how sincerely 15* 662 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. thankful I was, that one, upon whom I had no claim, should manifest so generous a spirit. After a while, times changed somewhat for the better ; and, feeling that I was able to do it, I asked permission to restore tlie sum advanced, that you, to whom it belonged, might have the disposition of it, since it had per- formed Avith me the good that was intended. You kindlj gave me leave to hand it over to the college, but advised me to take my own time, and suit my convenience. That time has now come ; and, as you are again extending to the college your sus- taining arm, and may wish to take this matter into the account, I herewith enclose a check for five hundred dollars, with the renewed thanks of myself and my wife for the great and gener- ous service which you have done us. We shall, in all respects, have profited greatly by it ; and have no wish to cancel our obligations by this act, but to recognize them in their fullest extent. I am, most truly and fliithfully, " Your friend and obedient servant, " John Davis." Some inquiries having been made of Mr. Lawrence respecting the early history of the Bunker Hill Monu- ment, he writes, on the 12th of November, in a short note : Dear Son : You may be glad to copy the twelfth section of my will, executed in 1833. This information is not before the world, but may be interesting to your children. I could have finished the monument, sick as 1 was, at any time before Edmund Dwight's death, by enlisting with him, Avho made me the offer, to join a small number of friends (three Appletons, Robert G. PIART AND CORRESPONDENCE. 333 Sha-w, and us three Lawrences), without saying, 'bj your leave,' to the public.'- ^ * * * * * " Surety-ship is a dangerous craft to embark in. Avoid it as vou Avould a sail-boat Avich no other fastenings than mere wooden pegs and cobweb sails." CHAPTEH XXXYIII. MK LAWRENCE SERVES AS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTOR. — GEN. FRANK LIN PIERCE. — SUDDEN DEATH. — FUNERAL. In November, Robert G. Shaw, Esq., and Mr. Law- rence, were chosen Presidential Electors for the district in which they resided. Both, at that time, were in the enjoyment of their usual health, and yet both were removed within a few months by death. The Electoral College was convened in the State House at Boston, in December ; and Mr. Lawrence has noticed the event by a memorandum, endorsed upon his commission of Elec tor, as follows '' December 1. — T have attended to the duty, and have given I my vote to Winfield Scott for President, and William A. Gra- ham for Vice-President." lie did not add, that, before leaving the State i House, he gave the customary fee paid in such cases towards freeing the family of a negro from slavery. But little is found in the handwriting of Mr. Law- rence for the month of December, except his usual record of donations to charitable objects. He seems to have written but few letters, which may in part be 334 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 335 accounted for by having had his time much occupied by a most agreeable intercourse with Gen. Franklin Pierce, who, with his family, were his guests during a part of the month. That gentleman had for many years been on terms of intimate friendship with Mr. Lawrence, and had kept up a familiar correspondence from Washington and elsewhere, which no political differences had abated. He had always been a favorite ; and now, having been elected to the Presidential chair, and engaged in plans for his future administration, it may be imagined what interest this intercourse excited in Mr. Lawrence, deeply concerned as he was in every movement that tended to promote the political and moral welfare of the country. . Many excursions were made to the interesting spots and charitable institutions of Boston and its vicinity, during this visit, which has a melancholy interest from the events which immediately followed it. On the twenty-sixth. General and Mrs. Pierce left Boston for their home at Concord, N. H., with the intention of spending a few days with their friends at Andover. They were accompanied ^)y their only child Benjamin, a bright and promising boy, twelve years of age, whose melancholy death, bat a few days afterwards, will give an interest to the follow- ing note, which he wrote to Mr. Lawrence in acknowl- edgment of a little token of remembrance, : 336 DIARY AND C DRRESPONDENCE. " Andover, Dec. 27, 1852. " Dear Uncle Lawrence : I admire the beautiful pencii jou sent me, and I think I shall find it very useful. I shall keep it very carefully for your sake, and I hope that I may learn to write all the better with it. It was kind in you to write such a good little note, too ; and I see that being industrious while you were young enables you to be kind and benevolent now that you are old. I think that you have given me very good advice, and I hope I shall profit by it. So, dear uncle, with much love to aunt, I am " Your affectionate nephew, ''B. Pierce." The brief history of this promising boy, who exhib- ited a maturity and thoughtfulness far beyond his years, is soon told. Nine days afterwards, in company with his father and mother, he left Andover on his .return home. A few minutes after starting, the cars were precipitated down a steep bank, among the rocks, causing the instant death of Benjamin, and bruising the father and many other passengers severely. The accident sent a thrill of sympathy throughout the Union, and cast a withering blight upon the prospects of the bereaved parents, which, amidst all earthly distinctions, can never be forgotten, and which has perhaps rendered more irksome the great and unceasing responsibilities of high official station. Dec. 28. — 1 sent a large bundle of clothing materials, Dooks, and other items, with sixty dollars, by steamer for Bangor, DIARi' AND CORRESrONDENCE. 337 to Professor Pond, of Bangor Theological Seminary, for the Btudcnts. Also gave a parcel, costing twenty -five dollars, to j^lrs. , who is a Groton girl, and now having twins, making twenty children : is very poor. "Dec. 30. — To Professor , by dear S., one hundi'ed dollars. Books and items to-day, five dollars." These were his last entries On the afternoon of the above date, the writer, in his usual walk, passed Mr. Lawrence's door with the intention of calling on his return, but, after proceeding a few steps, decided, from some unaccountable motive, to give up the accustomed exercise, and pass the time with his father. Mr. Lawrence appeared in excellent health and spirits ; and nearly an hour was agreeably spent in discussing the topics of the day. He seemed more than usually communicative ; and, although always kind and affectionate, there was, on this occa- sion, an unusual softness of manner, and tenderness of expression, which cannot be forgotten. The last topic touched upon was the character of a prominent statesman, just deceased, and the evidence which !ie had given of preparation for an exchange of worlds. He spoke somewhat fully upon the nature of such pre- paration, and expressed a strong hope, that, in the present instance, the exchange had been a happy one. In the latter part of the evening, Mr. Lawrence addressed to his friend, Prof. Packard, of Bowdoin College, the following note, in reply to some questions 43 338 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. asked by that gentleman in regard to the Bunker IlilJ Monument, of which he was preparing a history for publication among the records of the Maine Historical Society : " Boston, December 30, 1852, evening. " My dear Friend : Your letter of Tuesday reached me just before my morning excursion to Longwood to see our loved one there. In reply to your first query, I answer, that Mr. E. Everett presented a design of Bunker Hill Monument, which was very classic, and was supported by Col. Perkins and Gen. Dear- born, I believe, and perhaps one or two more. Young Greenough (Horatio), then a student of Harvard College, sent in a plan with an essay, that manifested extraordinary talents, and was substan- tially adopted, although the column was amended by the talents^ taste, and influence of Loammi Baldwin, one of our directors. The discussion of the model was very interesting ; and, among the whole mass of plans, this of Mr. Everett and Mr. Baldwin, or, as I before said, a modification of Greenough' s, were the only ones that were thought of Mr. Everett, and those who favored his classic plan, were very cordial in their support of the plan of the monument as it is, very soon after its adoption. Mr. Ticknor was very active in support of the plan as adopted ; and I have a strong impression that young Greenough's arguments were wholly just, and, abating some assertions which seemed a little strong for a mere college-lad, were true and unexceptionable. I write from memory, and not from overlooking the plans carefully since the time they were considered. Young Greenough I felt a deep interest in, and advanced money to his fixther to allow him to gc abroad to study, which has been repaid since his father's death. Here I have an interesting story to tell you of this debt, which } wished tp cancel, that the widow might receive the amount. Ml DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 339 Gieenough was near his end, and deeply affected, but fully per- suaded that, by the provisions of his will, his widow would soon have an ample income, and declined the offer. It has turned out better than he ever o,nticipated. The books shall go forward, as you requested. AH oir family, ' kith and kin,' are pretty well. The President elect has, I think, the bardest time, being over- worked ; and, as we are now without any one, we shall be rejoiced to see you here. Pray, come. I shall write again when I send the ' red book ' you request. " With love to all, N. and I join ; and I bid you adieu. " From your friend, " Amos Lawrence. "To Prof. Packard, Brunswick, Me." The above letter was folded, directed, and left upon his table, and doubtless contained the last words he ever wrote. After the usual family devotions, lie retired at about ten o'clock, and, before his attendant left the room, asked a few questions relating to the situation of a poor family which he had relieved a day or two before. Mrs. Lawrence had been in an adjoining room, and, on returning, found him lying quietly, and apparently engaged in silent prayer. She did not, therefore, dis- turb him, but retired for the night without speaking. In less than two hours, she was awakened by one of his usual attacks. Remedies were applied ; but, no rally- ing symptoms appearing, the physician and family were summoned. Ail that medical skill could do was in vain ; and, at a quarter past twelve, on the last day of 340 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. the year, he quietly breathed his last, without having awakened to consciousness after his first sleep. All his temporal affairs seemed to have been arranged in view of this event. The partnership with his brother, which had existed for nearly forty years, was dissolved in that way which he had resolved in former years should alone terminate it. From various prudential reasons, however, he had changed his opinion, and had decided to withdraw from all business relations, and accordingly furnished the advertisement, which was to appear on the next day in the public prints, announcing his withdrawal. Four days previous, he had executed a codicil to his will ; and thus seemed to have settled his concerns Avith the closing year. The summons did not find him unprepared ; for it was such as he had long expected, and had alluded to many times in his conversation, as well as in his letters to friends. The plans of each day were made with reference to such a call. Nor can we doubt that he was, in the highest sense, prepared to exchange what he sometimes was permitted to call " the heaven on earth " for that higher heaven where so many of his most cherished objects of earthly affection had preceded him. On the morning of his death, the editor found upon his table the follow- ing lines, which had been copied by him a few days previous, and which are the more interesting from being a part of tho same hymn containing the lines repeated DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 341 by his wife upon her death-bed, thirty- three years before : " Vital spark of heavenly flame, Quit, 0, quit this mortal frame ! Trembling, hoping, lingering, flying, — 0, the pain, the bliss, of dying ! Cease, fond nature, — cease the strife, And let me languish into life. Hark ! •' It would almost seem that a vision of the angel- messenger had been afforded, and that the sound of his distant footseps had fallen upon his ear ; for, with the unfinished line, the pen thus abruptly stops. The funeral ceremonies were performed on Tuesday, the 4th of January. A prayer was first offered before the body was taken from the house, in the presence of the family and friends of the deceased, by the Rev. A. H. Vinton, D.D., Rector of St. Paul's Church. Public exercises in Brattle-street Church were then performed, in the presence of a crowded congregation, composed of the numerous friends and former associates of the deceased, clergymen of all denominations, and large numbers representing the various professions and trades of the community. The religious services were conducted by three of Mr. Lawrence's most intimate and valued friends representing three different denominations. These were the Rev. Dr. Lothrop, pastor of Brattle-streefc Church ; the Rev. Dr. Hopkins, President of Williams 342 diary and correspondence. College ; and the Rev. Dr. Sharp, pastor of the Baptist Society in Charles-street. A beautiful and appropriate hymn was sung by the members of the Lawrence Asso- ciation, from the Mather School, who surrounded the coifin, and, at the conclusion of the hymn, covered it with flowers. The body, followed by a large procession of mourning friends, was then conveyed to Mount Auburn, and deposited by the side of the loved ones who had preceded him, and under the shade of the " Old Oak," where may it rest until summoned to the presence of that Saviour whose example and precepts he so much loved on earth, and through whom alone he looked for happiness in heaven ! CHAPTEE XXXIX. SKETCH OF CHARACTER BY REV. DRS. LOTHROP AND HOPKINS The correspondence in the preceding pages will, perhaps, give a clearer view of the character of Mr. Lawrence than anything which can be adduced by others. It may not be amiss, however, to quote what has been written by two of his most intimate friends, who had the most ample means of forming a just esti- mate of the man, and of the motives by which he was actuated. Dr. Lothrop, in his sermon preached on the Sunday after the funeral, says : " I have intimated that ISIr. La-wrence was intellectually great. I think he was so. By this, I do not mean he was a scholar or learned man, with a mind developed and disciplined by severe training, and enlarged and eni'iched by varied culture in the various departments of human thought and study. This, we know, he was not ; although he was a man of considerable read- ing, who loved and appreciated the best books in English liter- ature. But I mean that he was a man of great native vigor of intellect, Avhose mind was clear, strong, comprehensive in its grasp, penetrating, far-reaching in its observation, discerning and discriminating in its judgments, sagacious in its conclusions ; a mind, which, if enriched by the requisite culture, and directed to 843 344 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. such objects, -would have" made him eminent in any of the -walk? of literary or professional life, as, without that culture, it did make him eminent in those walks of practical, commercnal life to which he did direct it. I mention this, not to dwell upon it, but simply because some Avho have known him little, and that only since disease had somewhat sapped his strength, may not do him justice in this respect. Those who remember his early manhood ; who saw the strong, bold, and vigorous tread with which ho walked forward to his rightful place among the merchants of the city ; those who remember the sagacity of his enterprises, his quick and accurate discernment of character, and the commanding influence he exercised over others ; the ease and rapidity with which he managed the concerns of a large commercial establish- ment, and decided and despatched the most important commercial negotiation, — these will be ready to admit that he was intellect- ually a strong man. To the last this vigor of intellect showed itself; if not always in his conversation, yet always in his letters, many of which will be found to have a force of thought, a fulness of wisdom and sound judgment, a terse, epigrammatic compre- hensiveness of expression, of which no man, however distinguished by his learning and scholarship, would have need to be ashamed. The merchants of this city have ever been distinguished, I believe, for their integrity and benevolence. Nowhere is wealth acquired by a more honest and healthy activity ; nowhere is a larger por- tion of it devoted to all the objects which a Avise philanthropy, an extended patriotism, and a tender Christian sympathy, would foster and promote. Mr. Lawi^ence was conspicuous for these qualities. His integrity, I may venture to say, stands absolutely unimpeached, without spot or blemish. His history, as a mer- chant, from first to last, will bear the strictest scrutiny. Its minutest incidents, which have faded from the memory of those DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 345 concerned; its most secret acts, those of which no human eye could take knowledge, — might all be brought into the light before us ; and like those, I trust, of many of his fraternity, they would seem only to illustrate the purity and integrity of his prin- ciples, the conscientious regard to truth and right and justice with which he conducted all the negotiations of business, and all the affairs of his life. He seemed ever to me to have a reverence for right, unalloyed, unfaltering, supreme ; a moral perception and a moral sensibihty, which kept him from deviating a hair's breadth from what he saw and felt to be his duty. It was this that constituted the strength of his character, and was one of the great secrets of his success. It was this that secured him, when a young man, the entire confidence, and an almost unlimited use of capital, of some of the wealthiest and best men of that Qa y^ ^ ^ ^ ^ T^ "The prominent feature in Mr. Lawrence's life and charac- ter, its inspiration and its guide, was religion ; religious faith, affection, and hope. He loved God, and therefore he loved all God's creatures. He believed in Christ, as the promised Mes- siah and Saviour of the world ; and therefore found peace and strength to his soul, amid all the perils, duties, and sorrows of life, ***** " There was nothing narrow or sectarian about Mr. Lawrence's religious opinions or feelings. He had a large, catholic sj'irit, Avhich embraced within the arms of its love, and of its pecuniary bounty also when needed, all denominations of Christians ; and it js to be hoped that the influence of his example and character has done something, and will continue to do more, to rebuke that bigotry which ' makes its own light the measure of another's illumination.' He took no pleasure in religious disputes or dis- cussions The practical in Christianity was what interested him. 44 346 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. Ilis great aim was to illustrate his faith by his dailj walk, and authenticate his creed bj a life of practical usefulness, constant benevolence, and cheerful piety. This aim he successfully accom- plished, to the conviction of persons of all creeds and of every name. These will all give him a name in the church universal ; will all admit that he was a noble specimen of a true Christian, — a loving and believing disciple, who had the very spirit of his Master. That spirit pervaded his daily life, and formed the morai atmosphere in which he lived and breathed. It quickened in him all holy, devout, and pious affections ; gave him a profound rev- erence, a cheerful submission, a bright and glorious hope, — - a hope that crowned every hour with gladness, robbed death jf ail terrors, and, in his soul, brought heaven down to earth." The following extracts are taken from the sermon, by President Hopkins, before the students of Williams College, — a sermon from which extracts have been already made : " Having thus spoken of the use of his property by Mr. Lawrence, I observe that it was distinguished by the three characteristics which seem to me essential to the most perfect accomplishment of the ends of benevolence, and that in two of these he was preeminent. " The first of these is, that he gave the money in his life-time. No man, I presume, has lived on this continent, who has approxi- mated him in the amount thus given ; and in this course there are principles involved which deserve the careful attention of those who would act conscientiously, and with the highest wisdom. There may doubtless be good reasons why property destined for benevolent uses should be retained till death, and he is justly DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 347 honored who then gives it a wise direction ; but giving thus can- not furnish either the same test or discipline of character, or tho same enjoyment, nor can it always accomplish the same ends. By his course, Mr. Lawrence put his money to its true work long before it could have done anything on the principle of accumula- tion ; and to a work, too, to which it never could have been put in any other way. He made it sure, also, that that Avork should be done ; and had the pleasure of seeing its results, and of knowing that through it he became the object of gratitude and affection So doing, he showed that he stood completely above that tendency to accumulate which seems to form the chief end of most success- ful business men ; and which, unless strongly counteracted, nar- rows itself into avarice, as old age comes on, almost with the certainty of a natural law. He did stand completely above this. No one could know him, without perceiving, that, in his giving, there was no remnant of grudging or reluctance ; that he gave, not only freely, but with gladness, as if it were the appropriate action of a vital energy. And in so doing, and in witnessing the results, and in the atmosphere of sympathy and love thus created, there was a test and a discipline and an enjoyment, as well as a benefit to others, that could have been reached in no other way. " The second peculiarity in the bounty of Mr. Lawrence, and in which he was preeminent, was the personal attention and sym- pathy which he bestowed with it. He had in his house a room where he kept stores of useful articles for distribution. He made up the bundle ; he directed the package. No detail was over- looked. He remembered the children, and designated for each the toy, the book, the elegant gift. He thought of every want, and was ingenious and happy in devising appropriate gifts. In this attention to the minutest token of regard, while, at the same time, he could give away thousands like a prince, I have known no one 348 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. like him. And, if the gift was appropriate, the manner of giving was not less so. There ^yas in this the nicest appreciation of the feelings of others, and an intuitive perception of delicacj and pro- priety. These were the characteristics that gave him a hold upon the hearts of many, and made his death really felt as that of few other men in Boston could have been. In this, we find not a little of the utility, and much of the beauty, of charity. Even in his human life, man does not live by bread alone, but by sympathy and the play of reciprocal affection, and is often more touched by the kindness than by the relief Only this sympathy it is that can establish the right relation between the rich and the poor ; and the necessity for this can be superseded by no legal provision. This only can neutralize the repellent and aggressive tendencies of individuals and of classes, and make society a brotherhood, where the various inequalities shall work out moral good, and where acts of mutual kindness and helpfulness may pass and repass, as upon a golden chain, during a brief pilgrimage and scene of probation. It is a great and a good thing for a rich man to set the stream of charity in motion, to employ an agent, to send a check, to found an asylum, to endow a professorship, to open a fountain that shall flow for ages ; but it is as different from sym- pathy with present suffering, and the relief of immediate want, as the building of a dam to turn a factory by one great sluiceway ia from the irrigation of the fields. By Mr. Lawrence both were done. "The third characteristic referred to of the bounty of Mr. Lawrence was, that he gave as a Christian man, — from a sense of religious obligation. Not that all his gifts had a religious aspect : he gave gifts of friendship and of affection. There was a large enclosure, where the affections walked foremost, and wbere, though they asked leave of Duty, they yet received no prompting DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 849 from Ler. Whether he always drew this line rightly ; whether, in the measure and direction of his charities, he Avas always right ; whether so much of diffusion and individuality Avas wise. — it is not for me to say. Certain it is, that this form of charity holds a place in the church now less prominent relatively than it did in the early ages ; and it may be that the proportions of Christian character, in portions of the church, need to be remodelled and re- cast in this respect. These are questions for each individual. It is sufficient to know that Mr. Lawrence looked the great doctrine of stewardship full in the face, and prayed earnestly over it, and responded to it practically, as few have done. * * * * " Undoubtedly, he was a man of great original powers. On this point, I have had but one opinion since knowing him. His mind was not speculative, discursive, metaphysical : but, in the high moral qualities ; in decision and energy ; in intuitive perception, and sound, practical judgment ; in the sensibility and affections, and in the imagination, — he was great. Like all remarkable men who are not one-sided, he had large faculties, which found their harmony in their conflict, or rather in their balance. He was quick and tender in his feelings, yet firm; ardent in his affec- tions, yet judicious ; large in his gifts, yet discriminating ; he was a k&.m observer, yet kind in his feelings ; he had a fertile and shaping imagination : he built air-castles, and they vanished, and then he built others ; but, when he decided to build anything on the ground, it was well-planned and promptly finished. His tastes were natural and simple, his habits plain, and his feelings always fresh, genuine, and youthful. Not even the smell of the fire of prosperity had passed on him. He shunned notoriety. He had a strong repugnance to all afiectation and pretence and misplaced finery. A young man with rings on his fingers had small chance of favor or employment from him. He was impatient of talk when 850 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. action was called for, and of all attempts to substitute talk for action. His command o\f3r the English language, especially in writing, indicated his power. Style is no mechanical product, that can be formed by rules, but is the outgrowth and image ot the mind ; and his had often great felicity and strength. When he wrote under the impulse of his feeMngs, he seemed to impreg- nate the very paper, and make it redolent of them. He loved nature ; and, instead of becoming insensible to it as years came on, it seemed rather to open upon him like a new revelation. It was full of life and of teaching, and the charms of natural beauty were heightened by those associations which his quick imagination connected with its objects and scenes. After the death of two of his children, he says : ' Dear S. and R. speak in words without sound through every breeze, and in every flower, and in the fra- grance of evei-y perfume from the fields or the trees.' Years ago, after a long confinement, with little hope of recovery, he visited, when first able to get out, the Panorama of Jerusalem, then on exhibition in Boston, and remained there till the scene took full possession of his mind. Shortly after, on a fine day, he rode out to Brookline ; and, as returning health threw over those hills a mantle of beauty that he had never seen before, they were imme- diately associated in his mind with the Panorama of Jerusalem^ and then with the glories of the Jerusalem above. This associa- tion was indissoluble, and he would take his friends out to see hi3 ' Mount Zion.' In 1860, he says, ' It really seems to me like the sides of Mount Zion, and that I can cling to them as I view them.' ***** " He was a deeply religious man. His trust in God, and hia hope of salvation through Christ, were the basis of his character. He believed in the providence of God as concerned in all events, \nd as discriminating and retributive in this world. He felt that DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 351 he could trust God in his providence, -where he could not see. ' The events of my life,' he writes, * have been so far ordered in a way to make me feel that I know nothing at the time, except thst a Pother rules ; and his discipline, however severe, is never more 60 than is required.' lie believed in the Bible, and saw rightly its relation to all our blessings. ' What,' he writes again, ' should we do, if the Bible were not the foundation of our self-govern- ment ? and what will become of us, when we wilfully and wickedly cast it behind us ? ' He read the Bible morning and evening in his family, and prayed with them ; and it may aid those who are acquainted with the prayers of Thornton, in forming a conception of his religious character, to know that he used them. Family religion he esteemed as above all price ; and, when he first learned that a beloved relative had established family worship, he wept for joy. He distributed religious books very extensively, chiefly those of the American Tract Society, and of the American Sun- day School Union. * * * * Of creeds held in the understanding, but not influencing the life, he thought little ; and the tendency of his mind was to practical rather than doctrinal views. He believed in our Lord Jesus Christ as a Saviour, and trusted in him for salvation. He was a man of habitual prayer. The last time I visited him, he said to me, that he had been restless during the niglit, and that the only way in which he could ' get quieted was by getting near to God,' and that he went to sleep repeating a prayer. During the same visit, he spoke strongly of his readiness, and even of his desire, to depart. He viewed death with tranquillity and hope and preparation, for it was habitual with him. What need I say more ' At midnight the summons came, and his work v,'as done." CHAPTER JL. CONCLUSION. Mr. Lawrence was of about the medium height, and, until reduced by sickness, was erect in person, and active and vigorous in his movements. The expression of his countenance was mild and cheerful, partaking of that benevolent cast which one would have been led to expect from the tenor of his daily life. His affections were warm, and his feelings quick and ardent. His temperament was of a nervous character, thereby in- clining him to impatience. With this defect he had to struggle much in early life. It is related of him, that he once, by some hasty reply, wounded the sensitive feelings of a cherished sister, who afterwards died ; and so much did he regret his impatience, that he made a resolution to persevere in his efforts until he had con- quered the fault. A great change was soon remarked in him in this respect ; so much so, that a relative, who passed several months under his roof during his early married life, was surprised at not seeing the least evi- dence of this tendency. During his latter years, when weakened by disease, and when his nervous system had been shattered by lis violent and peculiar attacks of 3o2 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 353 illness, he had (more difficulty in controlling his feelings and expressions. On the second, sober thought, how- ever, no one could have been more ready to confess the fault, and to make such reparation as the case demanded. His daily actions were guided by the most exalted sense of right and wrong ; and in his strict sense of justice, Aristides himself could not surpass him. lie was a living example of a successful merchant, who had, from the earliest period of his business career, risen above all artifice, and had never been Avilling to turn to his own advantage the ignorance or misfortune of others. He demonstrated in his own case the possibility of suc- cess, while practising the highest standard of moral obligation. He had ever commanded the confidence of those around him. When an apprentice in his native town, many of his customers relied upon his judgment rather than their own. He never deceived them, and early adopted as his rule of life, to do to others as he would have them do to him. Thus he stood high in the confidence, as well as in the estimation, of his neigh- bors. What " Amos " said was right, and no one could gainsay. If any one thing was, more than another, the means of promoting his success in life, we should say it was this faculty of commanding the confidence of others. To this can be traced the prosperity of his earliest busi- ness years ; and, as his sphere enlarged, and his financial 46 354 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. operations were extended, the same feeling of confidence gave him the unlimited command of the means of some of the wealthiest cnpitalists in Nev; England, who, through the most critical seasons in the mercantile world, placed implicit confidence in the house of which he was the senior partner. Mr. Lawrence had no fluency in conversation. His mind was ever active ; but the volume of thought found no corresponding channel of utterance. The very num- ber of ideas seemed to impede the power of expression. Had his talents been devoted to literary or scientific pursuits, he would have earned distinction by his pen. His mind was not of that logical cast, which, from patient reasoning, can deduce effects from a succession of causes ; but arrived at its conclusions by a kind of intuition, somewhat like those rare instances of mathe- maticians who solve a difficult problem., and yet can give no account of the mental pi.'ocess by which the solution has been reached. As a husband and father, he was ever kind and affectionate. He was domestic in his tastes, and found his greatest enjoyment in his home. Here he was eminently favored, and ever found the warmest sympa- thy, and that considerate care and kindness so necessary in latter years to his feeble health. No one who has read the preceding correspondence can have failed to see the interest which he ever took in all that concerned the welfare of those whom Providence had committed DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 355 to his keeping. His letters to his children would fill many volumes, and are in themselves an enduring testi- mony to his fidelity and watchful care during a long series of years. His motto was, " Line upon line, pre- cept upon precept ;" and thus his constant aim was to impress upon their minds the great principles of religion and morality. No parent could be more indulgent when such indulgence was consistent with the true welfare of his children, or more resolute in denying what was hurtful. Their present happiness was a great object ; but his desire for their ultimate good was still greater. As a friend, he was most faithful and sympathizing ; and many now living can testify to the value of his friendship. Few, perhaps, have had more friends. Their affection for him was not founded so much upon gratitude for his constantly recurring favors, as upon the warm sympathy and affection with wh:ch his heart was filled toward them and theirc. As a citizen, his views were comprehensive, and were bounded by no lines of sectional or party feeling. He was most deeply interested in all that concerned the honor and prosperity of his country, and keenly seiisr.^ tive to the injury inflicted by such measures as tended to depreciate her standing in the estimation of other nations, or of good men among her own citizens. He was a true patriot, and had adopted the views and aims of the best men of the republic in former days, while he viewed with distrust many of the popular movements 16* 356 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. of more modern times. From his father he had inher ited the most profound veneration for Gen. Washington, and faith in his public policy ; while the political prin- ciples of Alexander Hamilton and John Jay were those alone by which he thought the permanent happiness and prosperity of the country could be secured. As a Christian, he endeavored to walk in the foot- steps of his Master. He had no taste for the discussion of those minor points of doctrine upon which good men so often differ, but embraced with all his heart the revealed truths of the Gospel, which the great body of Christians can unite in upholding. He sought those fields of labor where all can meet, rather than those which are hedged in by the dividing lines of sect and party. He reverenced the Bible, and, from the first chapter of the Old Testament to the last chapter of the New, received it as the inspired Word of God. This was hia sheet-anchor ; and to doubt was, in his view, to leave a safe and peaceful haven, to embark upon an unknowB ocean of danger and uncertainty. Religion was for him a practical thing for every-da} use, consisting not so much in frames and emotions a? in the steady and persevering performance of the daily duties of life. His view of duty did not limit him to the common obligations of morality, but included the highest sense of duty towards God ; or, as he has expressed it in one of his early letters, "to be a moral DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. 357 man merely, is not to be a Christian." He was an active helper in all that tended to promote the cause of Christianity among nations, as well as to promote spiritual progress among individuals. The Christian banner, in his vieAv, covered many denominations ; ?nd, with this belief, his charities were directed to the building up of institutions under the influence of the various sects differing from that under which he himself was classed. What has been said of John Thornton might be applied to him • " He was a merchant renowned in his generation for a muni- ficence more than princely. He was one of those rare men in whom the desire to relieve distress assumes the form of a master- passion. Conscious of no aims but such as may invite the scrutiny of God and man, he pursued them after his own fearless fashion, yielding to every honest impulse, choosing his associates in scorn of mere worldly precepts, and worshipping with any fellow- Christian whose heart beat in unison with bis own, however inharmonious might be some of the articles of their respective creeds. His benevolence was as unsectarian as his general habits ; and he stood ready to assist a beneficent design in every party, but would be the creature of none. He not only gave largely, H he gave wisely. He kept a regular account (not for ostenta- , or the gratification of vanity, but for method) of every pound ne gave. With him, his givings were made a matter of business; as Cowper says, in an ' Elegy ' he wrote upon him, — ' Thou hadst an industry in doing good, Eestless as his who toils and sweats for food ' '* 358 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. Those who were not acquainted with Mr. Lav/rence might suppose that his long continued ill-health, extend- ing through a period of twenty-one years, permitted tlie formation of a character which few could attain who should not be called upon to pass through a similar discipline. That the isolation from the business-world, and freedom from the cares and struggles of active life, to which most men are subjected, tended to give him a more just and dispassionate view of his rela- tions to God, as well as to his fellow-men, cannot be doubted. The peculiar elevation and spirituality of mind which he acquired must not, however, be looked upon as the hot-bed growth of the invalid's chamber ; but rather as the gradual development of a character whose germ was planted far back in the years of childhood. The prin- ciples of religion and truth which were inculcated by a faithful and sensible mother upon the heart of the child, slione forth in all the events which marked the life of the future man. Of Mr. Lawrence's religious opinions respecting those doctrinal points upon which Christians are divi- ded, the writer will not speak ; though, from repeated conversations with his father on the subject, in the hours of health as well as of sickness, he might con- sistently do so. Eather than make assertions which might lo id to discussion, it is more grateful to his feel- DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE. v59 ings to leave the subject to the unbiassed judgment of those who shall read the preceding correspondence. Let it rather be the aim of those who loved and hon- ored him in life to imitate his example, now that he is dead. They may rejoice that they were permitted to claim as a relative, and to have daily intercourse with, one who has exhibited, in such an abundant degree, those fruits which are the truest and best evidence of a genuine ftuth. In completing this volume, the editor feels that he has fulfilled a sacred trust ; and his great regret is, that the work could not have been undertaken by some one more fitted, by his qualifications and past experience, to do justice to the subject. For reasons given in the Preface, this could not be ; and it is, therefore, with great diffidence that these pages are submitted as a memorial of one whose life and character deserve more than a passing record. If, however, what has been done shall be the means of directing the attention of those for whom the volume has been prepared to the consideration of the precepts here recorded ; and, above all, if those precepts shall be the means of influencing them for good in their future course in life, — the effort will not have been in vain. INDEX. Abrtinence, total, from tobacco and intoxicating drinks, by Mr. Iiawrence, Accounts, benefit of keeping, illustrated, Adams, Ainos, Adams, Samuel, Advice, letteis of, to Abbott Lawrence, 48- Amherst College, effort of Mr. Law- rence in behalf of, Amin Bey, letter to, from Mr. Lawrence, Anatomy, views of Mr. Lawrence re- specting the dissection of human bodies, Andre, Major, Appleton, Jesse, Appleton, Mrs., death of, Athenaum, in Boston, Mr. Lawrence's plans for benefit of, Baldwin, Loammi Baltimore, derangement of business in. Bangor Theological Seminary, dona- tion by Mr. Lawrence to, . . . donation for students in, . . . . Banks, suspension of in 18;n Bible, Mr. Lawrence's estimate of the, Birth-place, attachment to e.\pressed by Mr. Lawrence, of Mr. Lawrence, engraving of, . Blagden, George W., note from, re- specting llev. Dr. , of Scot- land, letter from Mr. Lawrence to, . BUke, Oeorge, 46 218 217 190 190 200 338 , 73 310 337 141 257 1.51 151 313 316 84 Bondsmen, advice respecting fattier* becoming, 37 Book-keeping by double entry, adopt- ed by Mr. Lawrence CI Boston, religious controversy in, . . . 55 Mr. Lawrence elected representa- tive of, 'i^ wooden buildings in, "i^ post-office, dead letters from, . . 154 Bowdoin College, donation by Mrs. Lawrence to, 244 Brattle-street Church, Mr. Lawrence's connection with, 184 Brazer, James, 22, 221 his store described, 23 Bridgman, Laura, 235 Briggs, George N., 214, 281 presentation of a cane to, by Mr. Lawrence, 227 Brooks, Peter C, death and charactei of, 2G3 Euckminster, J. S., remanis of re moved to Mount Auburn by Mr. Lawrence I'S Bunker Hill, desire of Mr. Lawrence to retain for posterity the balllo- I field, 9'>) Bunker Hill Monument, Mr. Law- rence's interest in, 84 objection to a lottery for, .... 91 completion of, 169 Mr. Lawrence's agency insecur'np' the completion of, . . . iiv»- i note from Mr. Lawrence respect- ing early history of, ... . 33} 362 INDEX. Bunker Hill Monument, history of the plan of, 338 Burial-places, Mr. Lawrence's views respecting, 129 Business, secret of Mr. Lawrence's suc- cess in, 145 Buxton, Lady, letter from, to Mr. Lawrence, 298 letter from, to Mr. Lawrence, . 321 Buxton, Sir Thomas Fowell, .... 293 Cabot, Samuel 268 Cambridge Theological School, views respecting, 1G3 Canada, journey of Mr. Lawrence to, . 89 Canadian Boat-song, 2C1 Canfield, Mr 38 Carroll, Charles, 276 Caswell, Oliver, 235 Chaplin, Daniel, 18 Chapman, Jonathan, 192 Charities, memorandum of, . . . 92 — 95 proportion of, in 1835, 137 money for, 178 "odds and ends" for, . . 186 — 187 correction of a public statement respecting Mr. Lawrence's, . . 198 amount expended during ten years in 311 total amount expended in, . . 312 Charity, systematic, inculcated by Mr. Lawrence, 118 Children, fondness of Mr. Lawrence for, 225—226 hospital for, founded by Mr. Law- rence, 230—233 Christ, object of his de.ath, 266 Christmas, Mr. Lawrence's view of, . . 91 Cobb, Gershom, introduces book-keep- ing by double entry, 61 Oodman, Dr 253 Colebrooke, Lady, 217 death of, 304 Colebrooke, Sir William, letter to, from Mr. Lawrence 240 letter from Mr. Lawrence to, . . 304 •Jolonization of Africa, aided by Mr. Lawrence, 299, 318 Concord, Mr. Lawrence's account of the fight in 17 75 at, . . .215—217 Controversy, religious, in Boston, . . 65 Copartnership, offer of Anins Lawrence to dissolve, — declined by Ab- bott Lavrrence, 47 Copartnership of A. & A. Lawrence dissolved by death 340 Cornhill-stroct, store of Mr. Lawrence in, 20 Credit system, Mr. Lawrence's view of. 35 Cresson, Elliott, letter to, from Mr. Lawrence, 209 Barley, Mrs., 39 Darracott, George, 172 Davis, John, loan of $500 by Mr, Lawrence to, 330 letter from, to Mr. Lawrence, . . 330 Dearborn, H. A. S., 84, 338 Debts, Mr. Lawrence's promptness in pn-jnng, 31 Dexter, Franklin, estimate of his argu- ment on the fugitive slave law, 287 Dexter, Madam, 75 Diet of Mr. La^vrence, . . . . 123, 326 table of, kept by Mr Lawrence, . 124 Dorchester Heights, reflections on, . . 140 Drinking habits in Mr. Lawrence's early days, 23 Dwight, Edmund, 332 Dwight, Louis, 308 testimony of Mr. Lawrence re- specting, 219 Ellis, Judge, 77 Ellis, Mrs. Nancy, marriage of Mr. Lawrence to, 77 Epicureanism, Mr. Lawrence's notion of, 124 European fashions, introduction of discountenanced, 90 Everett, Edward, 172, 333 Expenditures, by Mr. Lawrence, in . 1849, 278 from 1842 to 1852, 311 Fac-simile of Mr. Lawrence's hand- writing, 248 Family worship, Mr. Lawrence's re- marks on, 150 Farwell, Captain, 17, 301 Fillmore, Millard, 256 Foreign gold, exchange of negotiated, 76 INDEX Fraternal affection, example of, . . . 147 French Ke\<>luti()n of \H'M), Mr. Law- rence's sympathy with 101 Fugitive shive hiw, Mr. Lawrence's opinion of the, 287 Funeral ceremonies at the death of Amos Lawrence, .... 341, 342 Gannett, E/.ra S., letter to, 45 Gunnett, Caleb, 45 Gannett, Mr? , hymn for her little boy by, 4C (lodJanl, N 7C Grangei-'s Coffee House, 38 Gray, Mrs. Mai tha, present friJm Mr. Lawrence to, 214 Gray, Robert, 214 Green, \Vm. L., rleath of, 251 Greenough, Horatio, 338 Greenwood, Rev. Dr., 123 Groton, scenery in, 152, 153 Groton Academy, donations of Mr. LiiwTence to, preamble of the deed, 221 amount of donations to, by Mr. Liiwrence 222 donations of $45,000 by William Lawrence to, 222 extract from address at jubilee of, 223 Gurney, Hannah (see Duxton, Lady), 21)0 Haddock, Charles B., letter from Mr. Lawrence to, 305 Hallock, Rev. Mr., 279 Hamilton, James, letters from Mr, Lawrence to, ... . 209, 279, 322 letter from, to Mr. Lawrence, . . 293 Hancock, John, 140 Harris, Colonel 2(18 Harvard College, donation of $50,000 by Abbott Lawrence to, ... 244 Heaven, reunion of friends in, ... 157 Hillaborough Bank, Mr. Lawrence's draft on for specie, .... 3C, 37 Hone, Isaac 76 Hone, Philip, 7C llopkins, Mark, President of Williams College, 341 letters to, from Mr. Lawrence, 124, 183, 213, 214, 255, 257, 258, 259, 265, 272, 280, 285, 292 leotorcs U Boston, . . .... 182 Hopkins, Mark, extract from his ser- mon on death of Mr. Lawrence, 287 peculiarities of Mr. Lawrence's bounty sketched by, . . 346 — 360 Howe, Dr 235 Hubbard, .Judge, 253 llubbart, Tuthill, 154 Hulsemann, Chevalier, interview of Mr. Lawrence with, 158 Immigration from Europe, Mr. Law- rence's view of, 258, 270 Income, net, of Mr. Lawrence in the first two years, 36 practice of spending it, adopted by Mr. Lawrence, 2C3 Intoxicating liquors, total abstinence from, by Mr. Lawrence, ... 25 Ireland, Mr. Lawrence's contributions to the famished in, ... 230, 238 Johnson School, donation to, by Mr. Lawrence, 224 Kast, Dr 302 Kent, Chancellor, 76 ride with — character of, ... . 158 Kenyon College, aid to by Mr. Lawrence,177 Lafayette, General, Mr. Lawrence's opinion of, 84 message to, 96 Lothrop, Samuel K., . 122, 138, 175, 342 extract from his sermon on the death of Mr. Lawrence, . . , 185 sketch of character of Mr. Law- rence by, 343—346 Lawrence, Abbott, 30,131,138 letters to, 48, 49, 51, 52, 55, 56, 72, 73, 189, 244, 266, 267 becomes partner with Amos, . . 38 character as an apprentice, ... 38 declines offer to dissolve copart- nership, 47 sails for Europe, 48 his dispatch of business, .... 52 his military service in the last war with Great Britain, . 5G, 295 donation of $50,000 to Harvard College, 244 candidate for the \'icc-Presidency, 256 tendered the ofiice of Secretary of the Navy, 26€ 364 INDEX Lawrenoej Abbott, appointed Minister to the Court of St. James, . . 2G9 his popularity in Great Britain, . 295 likeness of, 295 Lawrence, Mrs. Abbott, 280 Lawrence, Amos, when and where born, 15 ancestry of, 15 early instruction of, 20 his mechanical skill in boyhood, . 20 anecdote of his school-days, ... 22 enters Groton Academy, • , . , 22 becomes a merchant's clerk, ... 22 adopts the principle and practice of total abstinence, 24 wounded by a gunshot 2G apprenticeship terminated, ... 28 accepts a clerkship in Boston, . . 29 commences business in Boston, . 29 his boarding-house rule, .... 30 his promptness in paying bills, . 31 motive for daily study, 32 his remarks on letter-writing, . . 32 his distinction between morality and religion, 34 his mercantile principles, .... 35 view of the credit system, ... 35 net income of first two years, . . 3G advice against parents becoming bondsmen for their sons, ... 37 his opinion of the theatre, ... 39 assists to establish his brother William in business, 39 flying visits to Groton, 40 alarming illness, 40 engagement of marriage, .... 43 inar»'iage, ,46 oflfer to dissolve copartnership de- clined, 47 letter on the death of his sister, . 54 letter on the birth of his daugh- ter 57 recommends marriage, 57 domestic attachments, ..... 60 adoption of book-keeping by double entry, 61 leniency to unfortunate debtors, . 61 second alarming illness, .... 62 resignation in prospect of his wife's death, ........ 61 Lawrence, Amos, tour through the Mid- dle States, 66 appreciation of the right of sufTraare. 70 delegate to assist in settlement of Jared Sparks, 71 becomes an inmate of his broth- er's family, 74 negotiates an exchange of foreign gold, 75 narrow escape from shipwreck, . 75 second marriage of, 77 resumes housekeeping, .... 77 representative in the Legislature, 77 letter to Mr. Wolcott respecting his son, 78 becomes a manufacturer, .... 79 curtailment of his business, ... 81 extent of his correspondence, . . 83 opinion of Lafayette, 84 interest in Bunker Hill Monument, 84 journey to Canada, 89 objection to European fashions, . 90 objection to .1 lottery for Bunker Hill Monument, 91 presentation of plate to Daniel Webster 102, 103 dangerous illness of, 105 feelings in sickness, . 106,107,111 visit to New Hampshire, .... 109 his life in a sick chamber, . . . 112 his submission under divine chas- tisements, 112 — 114 Inculcates systematic charity, . .118 secret of his success, 113 exercise on horseback, 122 his diet, 123 improvement of health, . . . .125 avoids the appearance of evil, . .12(5 his views of burial-places, . . . 129 advice about selecting a vrife, . . 130 advice to his daughter, . . . 131, 132 gratitude towai-ds his mother, . .135 visit to Washington 138 aversion to matiiuumial spi'oula- tions, 138 estimate of Congressional debates, 139 \-isit to Kainslord Island, . . , 139 reflections on completing thirty years of businoss, . 4 • f • • HI \ N D E X . 365 I Trenee, Amos, pecuniary oondHloa, January 1st, 1838, 142 habits of promptness, 144 prospects on December 31st, 1£C3, 146 reflections on the death of his brother, 149 advocates family worship, . . . 150 engraving of his birth-place, . . 151 character in the bestowal of fjifis, 153 •njoyment of natural scenery, 155, 156 belief in reunion of friends here- after, 157 annoyances arising from his rep- utation for benevolence, . . . 159 his religious belief, 160 interest in a young colored law- yer, 1C5 — 6 reflections on his fifty-eighth birth-day, 167 his agency in securing comple- tion of Bunker llill Monu- ment, 170—174 poetical toast to 174 renders aid to Kenyon College, . 177 acquaintance with Pres. Hopkins, 182 presents sent to President Hop- kins, 183—4 his aversion to public commenda- tion of himself, 189, 229 advice respecting his grandchil- dren 191 opposes annexation of Texas, . . 192 joy at birth of twin grand- daughters, 193 letter on death of his daughter, 194—196 sentiments in view of his pros- perity, 197 his view of keeping the Sabbath, 202 offer of his remains for the dissect- ing-room, 218 his interest in the Johnson School, 224 fondness for children, 226 provides a hospital for sick chil- dren, 230 his gratitude for prosperity, . . . 234 oontributos to the famished in Iraland, 236 Lawrence, Amos, his application in behalf of Amherst College, . . 213 congratulates Abbott Lawrence on his donation to Harvard College, 244 his attendance at church, . . .246 his exactness in business, . . . 247 kindness to an old debtor, . . 249 fac-simile of his hand-writing, . 243 sentiments respecting a religious awakening in college, . . 255, 312 objects to his brother's taking political office, . 256—257, 258, 266 estimate of the Bible, ... .257 prefers Gen. Taylor for President, 258 treatment of an applicant for aid, 260 joy at a revival of religion among Unitarians, 267 interview with Father Mathew, . 270 adds a codicil to his will, . . « . 2 1 1 illness, 242 desire for death, 272 keeps Christmas with children, . 2V7 circulates Dr. Hamilton's wor'KS, 279, 291, 21)2, 2a4 lameness, 281 attentions to children, 292 circulates Buxton's Life, .... 298 cancels a note for $500 against a clergyman, 300 interest in Wabash College, . . . 309 controversy with a Scotch clergy- man, 313— his ground of religious hope, . . circulates Uncle Toby's Stories on Tobacco, his diet, prefers Scott for President, . . . solicits aid for Williams College, from Jonathan Phillips, ... relieves the straitened circum- stances of Gov. Davis chosen presidential elector, . . . votes for Scott and Graham, . . intercourse with Franklin Pierce, his last writing, death of, funeral ceremonies 341, sketched of his charactor, . • > • 315 316 319 3i6 327 328 330 333 331 333 339 340 342 313 3GG INDEX. Lawrence, Amos, personal appearance, 352 chanicter ol Jolui Thornton ap- plied to, 3.')7 general character, .... 3J2 — 35'J Lawrence, Atiios A., '2SS Lawrence, Arthur, 2!i J lawrcnce, John, 15 L;iwrence, Luther, value of his property, 30 Speaker of House of Representa- tives, 148 Maj'or of Lowell, 148 death of, 148, 149 Lawrence, Robert, illness of, .... 205 letters of Mr. Lawrence respect- ing, 20C— 210 Lawrence, Samuel, Sen., 30 account of, 16 sketch of his military career, . 17, 18 Lawrence, Samuel, presentation of a gold box to, by Mr. Lawrence, 235 Lawrence, Mrs. Sarah, illness of, . . C2 httcr to her husband, G3 her condition described by Mr. Lawrence, C4 death of, G5 her death-bed scene described, 65 — G Lawrence, Mrs. Susanna, character of, 19 death of, 199 Lawrence, Vv'illiam, 30, 252 commences business in Boston, . 39 donations of $45,000 to Groton Academy by, 222 death and character of, . 2C1, 2G2 Lawrence Association, in the Mather School, note to, 237 contributions for Ireland by, . . 238 presentation of a silver cup to Mr. Lawrence by, 277 hymn sung at funeral of Mr. Lawrence by, 342 Letsom, Dr. C, 302 Letters from Amos Lawi-ence, .... 47 to a friend, 17, 57, 70, 73, 126, 130, 157, 186, 187, 190, 201, 215, 245, 246, 252, 2G2, 2G7, 283 to his son, 20, 30, 85, 99, 100, 101, 112, 114, 115, 124, 152, 190, 194, 200, 205, 206, 207, 332 to A oollego btudent. 24, 26 Letters to Gen. Ilcnry "WTiiting, . 30, 57S, 276 to a sister, 32, 33, 42, 68, 71, 73, 130, 1C6, 145 to Dr. Gannett, 45 to Abbott Lawrence, 48, 49, 51, 52, 55, 50, 72, 73, 189, 244. 2GC, 2G7 to his wife, 52, 63, 126 to a brother, 54, 63 to his mother-in-law, G3 to his sister-in-law, . 69, 112 to Frederic Wolcott, 78 to his eldest son, abroad, 83, 87, 90, 91, 96, 98, 103, 106 to his second son, at Ajidover, 86, 117, 118, 125 to Daniel Webster, 97, 103 to his mother, 106, 107, 109, 110, 134^ 141 to his daughter, 119, 127,129,131, 133, 150, 152 to his youngest son, 143 to his sisters, 149, 151 to a connection, 149 to his second son, in Europe, . .154 to Rev. Charles Mason, .... 155 to Rev. Robert Turnbull, D.D., . 160 to Hon. Robert C. AVinthrop, . . 165 to General , 168 to Mr. Parker (a partner), . 177, 204 to the Mechanic Apprentices' Li- brarj' Association, 181 to President Hopkins, 183, 213, 214, 255, 257, 258, 259, 265, 272, 280, 285, 292 to his partners, 196, 245 to his children in France, .... 196 to his grandson, . 209 to R. G. Parker, 224, 229 to Gov. Briggs, 227 to Alexander S. McKenzie, . . . 234 to J. A. Steams, for Lawrence Association, 237 to Madam Pi-escott, 239 to Sir Wm. Colebrooke, . . 240, 304 to a wealthy bachelor, 242 to Prof. Packard, 243, 338 to Mr. G , 251 to Mr. and Un, Green, .... 863 INDEX. 367 Efitters, to a physiciain, 253 to a newspaper editor, 257 to Rev. Jaiaes HamiltoH, D.D., 2G9, 279, 294, 29r. Shattuck's account of the, 40—42 Phelps, Mrs., 325 Phillips, Jonathan, letter from Mr. Lawrence to, respecting aid to Milliams College 327 donation from, to Williams C.l- lege, 22a J'iercc, Benjamin, son of President Pierce, note from, to Mr. Law- reuoe, • .33« 3G8 INDEX Pierce, Benjamin, snctden death of, . 'S:^*y Pierce, Frank! iu, chiiractcr ct', . ;ilrt,;iit; his iuterciiurso wifh Mr. Liiwrencu, 'S.'i>.y Pitcairn, Jlajor, account ot' his duath, 'M2 removal of his remains to Eng- land, 303 Pitcairn, William, 'M'2 Pond, Kev. Dr 310 Prayer adopted by Mr. Lawrence, . . 243 Prescott, UeuL-ral, 17 Mad-im, note from Mr. Liiwrence to, 239 her views on the comforts uf old age, 239 Presidential Elector, Mr. Lawrence chosen in 1852, * . 334 Pi-tncc, Martial 208 Property, meuio>-3ndum-book of Mr. Lawrence respecting his, ... 80 Prudhoe, Lord, 217 Rainsford Island, visit to, and descrip- tion of scenery, 139 Religion. (See Morality.) its cultivation urged ujMn his daughter, 119—121 Representative, ^Ir. Lawrence elected, T7 Richards, Giles, his card manufactory, 44 Richards, Sarah, Mr. Lawrence's en- gagement of marriage with, . 43 Richardson, Captain, 22 Sabbath, Mr. Lawrence's view of keeping the, 202 Savings Institution. (See Athenitum.) Scenery, Mr. Lawrence's enjoyment of, 1J5, 156 Scorcsby, Wm., lettor from Mr. Livw- rencc to, . . 307 Bea-serpent seen at Hampton Beaeh in 1830, Mr. Lawrence's belief in the, 100 Mr. Lawrence's belief in the existence of the, 2m, 75 Slavery, views of Mr. Lawietice on questions of, 275 view of its tendencies, 318 Contribution for freeiug a negro from, 334 Scuth Carolina, manufactures in, en- couraged by Mr. Lawrence, . .275 Sf)arks, Jared, Mr. Lawrence a dele- gate to assist in the settlement of, 71 Story, Joseph, 1 'i9 letter from, to IMr. Lawrence, 179, 180 his maxim of " levelling," . . . 2(J6 Stouc, John S., 123 letter from to Mr. Lawrence, . 162 Stowe, Harriet Beecher, 325 Strachan, Lady, . . . .■ 237 Stuart, Moses, letter of thanks from, . 203 Sullivan, William, 84 Tarbcll, Thomas, tribute to the mem- ory of, 320 Taylor, Father, 123 Zachary, prefen-ed for President . by Mr. Lawrence, 258 Tennctt, Mr., 38 Texa.*, letter of Mr. Lawrence to Maj'or Chapman, on the an- nexation of, 1I>2 Ticknor, George, 338 Tobacco, total abstinence from, by Mr. Lawrence 25 book against, circulated by Mr. Lawrence, 319 letter respecting Mse of, . . . .319 Touro, Judah, his donation for Bun- ker Hill Monument, 173 Turnbull, Robert, letter from Mr. Lawrence to, 100 Uncle Tom's Cabin, Lady Buxton's testimony respecting, . . . .325 L'nitarianism, Mr. Lawrence's opinion of, 246, 247 Van Schaick, AI 76 Vinton, Alexander IL, 341 Wabash College, donation from .Mrs. Lawrence to, i'-'9 Waid, General 140 INDEX. 369 W»r», Ilcnry, Jr., 163 Warren, John C 84, 170, 218 Washington, General, 44 celebration of bis birth-day, . . IIC Webster, Daniel, letter from Mr. Lawrence respeeting, . . .68, G9 Mr. Lawrence's view of his speech in reply to Ilayne, 97 letter to Mr. Lawrence from, . . 97 letter to, from Mr. Lawrence, ac- companying a presentation of plate, 102 letter from to Mr. Lawrence, . . 101} remarks on his address at Plym- outh, 208 view of his character by Mr. Lawrence, 327 of his preparation for death, . . 337 White, Charles, account of his play, the " Clergyman's Daughter," 38, 39 ^Tiite Charles, President of Wabash CoUoge, W* Whiting, Henry, clerk to Mr. Law- rence, 29 Will of Amos Lawrence, codicil to, . 271 Williams College, Mr. Lawrence's in- terest in, 182 donation of $10,000 to, by Mr. Lawrence, 197 donation of $5,000 by Mr. Law- rence, for a library building at, 213 enlargement of library building proposed, 215 scholarships established in, by Mr. Lawrence, 245 account of Mr. Lawrence's bene- factions to, 287—291 donation to, by Jonathan Phil- lips, 32-) Winship, Dr., 302 Wolcott, Frederic, letter to, from Mr. Lawrence, 1^ NEW PUBLICATIONS. Chips fkom the White Uouse.— 12 mo. 48G pp. $1.50 (VliaL tlio press says of it: 111 this hiiudsoiue volume of five liumlred pages liave been urought together some of llie most iiiipoiiant ulteraiici'S of our twenty presidents, carefully selected from speeches and Addresses, public documents and pit /ate correspoiulence, : id touching upon a large varioty of subjects.— GoWeit Rule, Boston. Most of the extracts are dated and accompanied by brief explanations of the circumstances under which they were written, and the vol.me, therefore, if judiciously read, will give a clearer idea of the cliaracLer of the men than can be gathered elsewliere by reading a small library through.— JVew York Graphic. The selections are made with judgment and taste, and represent not only the political status of the distinguished writers, but also their social ani domestic characteristics. Tlie boolv is interesting in itself, and specially valuable as a convenient book of reference for students of American history. Its mechanical presentation is all that can be asked. — Providence Journal. Each cliapter is prefaced by a brief synoposis of the life and services of its subject, and most of the extracts are dated, with brief explanations of the circumstances under which tliey were written. The work, in fact, is a liaTidbook. It is convenient for reference of American history. It is priuted in clear, large type, is tastefully and strongly bonml, and is supplemented by a very full index. — Wotnan^s Jour- nal, Boston. Tlie l)ook is thoroughly good ; none better could be placed in tlie hands of young persons. By the liuht of tlieje they cau see the reflection of the character of the grand men who liave been called to rule over the Nation during its existence. No other nation ever had such a succsssion of rulers, where so few have proved failures.— « Inter Oceav. Chicago. New Publications. Grandmother Normandy. Bv the Aiitlior of "Silent Tom." V. I. F. seii.'s. Boston: D. Loth rop & Co. Price $1.25. Tlie scries of wliicli lliis volume is tlie third isMie, lias ;iiie;uiy achieved ii rcn)aiihly is a curse; but that iiiving synipaihy, love, h(dp. and hope to others makes one grow grandly sliong, and tits one for great things in the hereafter. It hhows that to one who works earnestly and conscientiously life is a vast, undiscoveretl country, full af marvels, attainments, gulden opportunities and industries, rich Willi nnnes of nnexiJcired thought, and hriuht with iis^'fulness. The story itself is fascniatingly t(dd. The character of Grandnnnher Normandy, slein, relentless, and unforgiving, almost to the last, is strongly drawn, and tlrj aulhoi' has shown her skill in the means she has devised for softening the old lady's heart and melting the pride whic'li lias wrought so much nnhappiness in her family. The book is wiitten in an entertaining style, and without any flagging of interest from the first cha[)ter to the last. • Young Folks' Speaker. A Collection of Prose and poetry for Declamations, Recitations, and Elocntionar/ Exercises. Selected and arrangetl by Carrie Adelaide Cooke. Illustrated. Boston: D. Lot hrnp * Co. Price $L00. Here is the book for which school children liave long been wait- ing; a book not thrown together of any and all kinds of material, simply to meet the popular demand, but a care- fully compiled collection of pieces suitable for reading and speaking, most of which have never before been included in any woik of the kind. The oft expressed wishes of the children for something new — " Something that hasn't been read to pieces" — is here fully met. Some of the old favorites, witliout which no book of declamation would be complete, are given; selections from Longfellow, Whittier, and Holmes; but as has lieen already said, the bulk of the volume is made up of fresh and unhackneyed pieces, chosen for their poetic merit, pure sentiment, and the opportunity they ofter for elociu.wnary display. No ciillectjon of the kind that has yet been jniblislied presents so many excellences, or is better adaptetl to the wants of the class for which it has been especially prepared. It deserves to become a standard in the schools of the country. The illustrations are many and atli^ctive. NEW PUBLICATIONS. T:::^Z777^^^\i^t : A storv ofthe ^Vomau's Cnisaiie : the tou.perai.ce ^^ °^,f '^^..j^^^ "ri. uces, readiii- as if absorbing rocrd of ^^-u oi^ e ^ ^_^_^ ^^^^^ ._^^._ s aifcre n.clbods and tlie ron.arkabl.i fjUtU .'1'^^^ gav. iave it sue- ulc. 1 IH. rch , Worrom, Oluo, and a ■ pronounced. l.ayJc.iM.>iew *-""^-'" , j^.^k Qf al us li« I.-' ^""'^'■.'''-"'^^ ^„,, ,,„„,i X To the women wlio work :™|kfi'i lii^^ l''".- 've.t.,«s ana admire w„u>a,„5 vlnch uie la .ei takin'' tip in a natural way one a deligUtiul volume. NEW PUBLICATIONS. The Life and ExPLorv.vxiONS of David Litingstone, LL. D. By John S. Jiubfrts. Includin!; Extracts from Dr. Livini^stoiie'g Last Journal. By Rev. E. A. Manning, -ttilh I'orLrair, on siecl aiut illustrations, Boston: D. Lothrop & Co. Price $L5(). So )on!^ as there exists in the Imnian mind an admiral ion for lifiroisni in a good causo, for cour- age miller extraordinary difficnlties, for inflexible persever- ance in the lace of obstacles seemingly insnimountable, and for faitli leinaining unshaken amidst disheartening siu- roundings, so long will the memory cf David Livingstone l)« held in lespect and reverence. The simple and un- adorned sloi-y of the wanderings and sullerfngs of the mis- sionary explorer in the wilds of Africa possesses a stronger fascination than llie most skiifuHy-devised romance. More than ihirLy of llie most active years of the life of Living- stone were sjxint in Africa. Going to that conntry at tlie early age of twenty-seven to engage in missionary work, for nine years lie mingled willi the native liibes, acquiring their language, teaching, and making such explorations as were incideiita) to his labors. At the end of that time, fired with the desire of t>pening up the mysteries of that almost unknown country, he set out upon a journey of exploration, the particular aim being the discovery of Lake Ngami. He succeeded, s tar nu. e Ue t and permanent in the culture and reforn.aUon o.he ^ ,T. iT. n dl other fonns of mental and nn.ral qmcken- Z' t:^^ ^lylor is consi,ictn,us among the n.any .u " rv who h ive risen from hnmble coiulit.ons by i-ei- ^ but for the quality of that success. AUhough ot U e Latest of American poets, he was one of the l.ust. H.s ;::,':" 'i,:, ,?;,?::,. ts, . ■ < «■= »-;•■■■"•-:- tet ,em,re h.'slinCS of 1,1, chil.ll...">l. a"J ll.""Sl> l'-^ '»::^ l™u.,„ea i> Will, a„ accnn,. of 1.1= C™. > tml u!etule.,l.reaa S.UTO.- it occa..i.m.,l. He su-e, a r.„o,t of tho dead poet's friends who were unable to be p.estnt. The vo u"e is'issued in handson.e form and conta.ns a por- ''C^i'rl^-s'KEA.En. Illustrated. Boston : D riiii: l.rf .-^ ^^,j^,, 1,^, „„^ seen it -;'^';:;:,,z,:^;:r:rEt:l::.^l:n:a.,,f ". ':,i ' a ud all ,v.»ibl. mea,« l.ave b«e„ take,, to „„,Ue ,1 "" """"""t itl,™ ■ a,r rof ■ ly ll..-.va,e,l l,y U.e „«t e>t vounii childit n, ami ^'*^1 ' , ; 5,,^, and expense have American ^••^;'f;'';;""'-,,^rprsome of the costly holiday SnS^^rial^'a b::uUft;'l'pn--ver designed by George y. Barnes. New Publications. Thk Lokl»'s Puusebeaueks. By Hesba StieUoii. Boston: U. Lothrop & Co. Piice $1.25. Tlie name of Ilbsba Streltoii is loo well known in English literatnie to render it necessiiry to nialve sjiecial conunendaiion of any work from Iier pen. No writer of religions fid ion stands liiglier in Eiigiand, and there is not a Sunday-^chool lil)rary where some one of lier vohimes may not be found. Slie has tlie faculty of entertaining and instruc:ing at the same time. Tlie present pnblishers have made speciMl nrrangetnents with her for the production in tliis co'.inlry of her latest work, and the probabilities are. tliat all her future hooks will bear their imprint. In The Lord's Pursebearers tlie author draws a terrible picture of life among the vici(ms poor in liondon streets, and sliows by what shifts the professional beggars and thieves of tlie great Babylon manage to live and thrive on the mis- placed charity of llie pitying well-to-do population. She arouses a strong feeling of sympathy for the children who are bred in the haunts of vice, and who are inslrnclcd ill crime beforo they are old enough to know the meaning of the word. The story is one of intense interest, and the characters, especially those of old Isaac Cliipiiendell, his granddaughter Joan, and little Lucky, are forcibly drawn. One can hardly believe that such places exist or that such deeds are perpetrated as are here described, but one who is familiar with London and its streets knows that they are no exaggerations. The volume is illustrated. The Afterglow of Europrax Travel. By Adelaide L. Harrington. Boston: I). Lotlirop & Co. Price $1.50. Tills pleasant record of experiences abroad will delight those who have gone over the same ground, as well as those who have never strayed beyond the bounds of their own country. It, is not a connected story of trav<'l, Init consists of reminis- cences and descriptions of various spots and objects which made the deepest, and most lasting impression upon the wiiter. NEW PUBLICATIONS. Wide Awakic Pleasurk Hook, Popular edition. Bdsiou: D. LdUhop & Co. Price $1.50. It would be diffi- cult to find any one volume which would more completely meet the wants of youn^ readers than this volume, which is made up of the last six uuuibers of Wide Awake for 1881, includiug also the Chautauqua supplements. It repre^enls a perfect wealth of stories, sketches, essays, iustructive arti- cles and games hy the best authors, with drawings by noted American artists, engraved and re-produced at great expense. Ballad of the Lost Hare. By Margaret Sidney. Boston: D. Lothrop & Co. Price $1.00. Here is something that will take the little ones by storm. It is a right jolly story of "tlie nau'j:htiest hare e'er made," which, in spite of warnings and whippings, persisted in running away, until one day he ran so far that he never could find his way back. On this i)arlicular occasion he met witli the most surprising and exciting adventures. He encountered calves, goats, bulls, ]ambs and colts, but no animal that he saw cared for his iBompany until a pack of hounds fell in with him, and Beemed very anxious for a closer acquaintance. What became of him we leave little readers to find out. The book is a large oblong in form, tlie text is printed in large type on very heavy paper, and tlie illustrations are iu chromo lithograph. The cover is printed in ten colors. Young Folks' Life of Washington-. By Emma E. Brown. Illustrated. Boston: D. Lothrop & Co. Price $1.50. This is the first volume of a new series just started by the publisliers, to be called Young Folks' Biographies. It is an excellent plan, and one which will be warmly imd substantially recognized bv the public. In this initial volume Miss Brown has show)i the same careful method which has characterized her former books. It is written hi a clear and flowing style, and in the condensation required to bring the subject within the necessary limits, nothing of vital importance has been dropped out or left untouched. It is fully illustrated and baudsomely bound iu cloth. New Publications. AFTEit THE Fkeshet. By Edward A. Kaiid. Bustdii: D. Lollu-op & Co, Price $1.25. Tiiis is. tlie second m li me in llie V i !>' seiies which was stamped wiih Micci'^a Ly ilie first issue. 1l is unnecessary to sa> of any Links ol l\ir. Kand's tlial Liiey are bri>;iii, inierestiui; and lulplu); \],;a may he Uken for gianied. His stories luae alwiiss been characieiized by lh(;se qualities and in ilic < ]ie before us tliey are partiouiariy ) i(,n, incut. Tlicie is always a ixupose in liis ho(-l.s, an inlhunce winih r«ni:iiiis after tlie mere incidents of the h.loiy ;iie l(iri;(ilien. lie lias painted a viuieiy of diaiacters, good and had. in Jjiir tite Fre.sJu't, all of wiiicli have a .-pi cial mission to jicr- form. Tlie main character of ilie t-lory is Aitliur :ilanley, a young man of fine talents and uohle cliaracter, who luis hceu brought up in a rougli farmer's family in ignorance of liis parentage. From the fact that he lias Iiccome a great favor- ite witli a wealthy family in town, he lias incurred the dislike of an unprincipled lawyer, who lias designs upon that family, atid who resorts to a series of persecutions in order to get liim out of the way. The stoi-y of how he evades the plots of his enemy and how he ultimately dis- covers the secret of his birth and achieves the other and higher ambitions of his life, is vividly and affectingly told. Todays and Yesterdays. By Carrie Adelaide Cooke. Boston : D. Lothrnp & Co. Trice $1.25. This pleasant story is from the pen of the author of From June to June, and is intended for the reading of girls who have reached that age when their real mission in life seems to commence; the age when school-days are eiuled, and the spliere of duty is enlai'ged by wider acquaintance and new roponsibjlities. The story opens at a New Hampshire seminary on the eve of examination day. and the jjrincipal characters are tliree girls, scliMol-cninpanions and tVdlow-gradnales. It is not a story of incident, nor does its interest depi'ud upon stiong contrasts or vivid descriptions. The narraiivi; is a quiet following' out of the currents of these tliree lives, with their various; Ciiaiiires, their joys :uid sori-ows. A strong religions element pel nieates the book, and it will be fouud a valuable additioix lo Sunday -school literalurt. NEW PUBLICATIONS. A Famiia- Flight over Egypt and Syria. By E. E. Hale and Susan Hale. 111. IJoston : D. Loihrop & Co. Price $2.50. Of all the books issued during ilie holiday season a year ago, not one had so iininediate and widespread a popularity as the first volume of this series. A Family FUjht tlirourjh France, Germamj, Noricay and iSwitzer- land. Although a very large edition was i.-sued liy the publishers early in December it was wholly exhausled before Christmas, while the call was at its height, and (here has been a steady demand for it ever since in ihe regular chan- nels of the trade. Altraclive as it was, the present volume is of still greater interest aiul is even more profusely illus- trated. It is especially timely too, as everyl)odyis anxious, in view of the present complications in the East, to know something more about Egypt than can be gained from the daily papers. The family — fonr in number this time — make their flight from New York, landing at Bordeaux, and pushing on •without stop to Marseilles, which they reached just in time to catch the steamer for Alexandria. They stop at Malta on the wa-r, but only for a few hours, which, however, aie well improved. At Alexandria they remain for two days, and then huriy on to Cairo, where frieiuls are awaiting them. Here the Nile journey begins, and an entertaining record of each day's experiences is given. The party sees all that possibly can be seen, both going up and comiug down the river. After their return to Cairo and a few days' rest they start for Suez, where they traverse the one hundred miles of the faTuous canal to Port Said, on the Mediterranean. From there they take the steamt-r to J:iffa, the ancient Joppa, and the most ancient town in the woild. From there they push on to Jerusalem, and after an exhaus- tive exploration of the sacred city extend their travels to other historical localities of the Holy Land, 'i'he interest of the narrative never palls. The stylv is lirerzv, free and unconventional, and nutliing is told but is worth tlie telliu','. The Volume is iieautifully hound, and. as we liave alu^ndy stated, is abundantly illustrated. Ajiew editiim of the (ii>t volume will lie issued simuliaueously with Ejypt and iiyria In ample time for the holiday trade. New Publications. Living Truths. From the writings of Cliarles Kingslcy. Selocltnl by E. E. Brown, IiitroiUiction by W. D .Ilowells. Spiue Minute Series. Boston: D. Lolhrop & Co. Price $1.00. This deeply interesting volume constitutes the fifth issue of the Spare Minute Series, and adds one more to the list of works which may be considered as indispens- able to the making up of a perfect library, The same plan is followed as in its predecessors. The editor has gone with a careful and judicious hand over the en- tile range of Kingsley's books, poetry and prose, cul- ling from the universal richness s'.ich jewels of thought as in addition to their literary brilliancy may teach a lesson, or quicken religious and moral thouglit. The brief sketch of the author's life shows the character of the aiilbor in a vivid light. He was a m^n of wontierfiil quickness of "peiception, conscientious in Ihe highest de- cree, imaginative, and symputlielic. Wlieliier an I'dea Mas popular or unjxjpular was a question which never entered bis mind. If it seemed to him riglit, he espoused it with enthusiasm, no natter in what company he found himself. At one lime when he had warmly expressed his symi)athies with the chartists, many of his friends turned for a lime against him. During the discussion which resulted, lie wrote to liis wife: " I will not be a liar. I will speak in season and out of season. I will not shun to declare the whole counsel of God. I will not take counsel of flesh and blood, and flatter myself into the dream that wliile every man on eartli, from Maurice back to Abel, who ever tried to testify against the world, lias been laughed at, misunderstood, slandered, and that, bitter- est of all, by the very people he loved best, and understood best, I alone am to escape My path is clear, and I will follow it." Tlie introduction by Mr. Howells is a recogni- tion of the liigh qualities of Kingsley as a man and a preacher, and a tribute to his worth. In regard to the prt'sent volume Mr. Ilowells remarks: "This little book seems to me singularly full in its representation of the di(laclic^ipeal at every p;me, strong in faith, and luminous and jieiietrating in exiioitation. One cannot read it uiihout feeling the brotli- eiiiood of a soul that has suffered and has leained through siilYeriiig that there is but one great thing for men to do in tliis world, and that is to do right." f7^/