Chapter IV: Part 4

Arose at five Oclock the family was not up walked in the Garden for
the morning was very pleasant meditating upon the beauties of Nature
and reflecting with many disagreeable feelings upon have parted from
my kind Parents and Acquaintance to live with strangers I returned to
the house where breakfast was almost ready at Nine oClock went to
school with Miss Cornelia Adams drew and heard the Girls read history,
at Noon studied my Dictionary and devoted the afternoon to reading
drawing and spelling and spent the rest part of the day with Mrs.
Adams and her daughter and retired to rest at Nine oClock.

_Saturday ^{the}12_

Arose about six oClock in the morning read till School time and spent
the fore noon hours in drawing and the Girls was questioned in the
bible and reminded of their faults which Miss Pierce had discovered
during the week in the after Noon took a walk but saw nothing
entertaining returned to my Chamber where with many disagreeable
feelings I indulged myself I soon found I must not give way these
unhappy feelings went down stairs and when they were all assembled
each one read a Chapter in the bible And retired to rest at Nine.

_Sunday ^{the}13 June_

Arose at six Oclock walked in the garden came back and after breakfast
went up stairs contemplating on the beauties of Nature and read
several Chapters in the bible in the book of judges would have
attended meeting but rain prevented in the Afternoon retired to my
Chamber meditating upon the different situation in this life a little
before evening the boarders were all seated each one read a Chapter in
the bible and retired to rest at Nine Oclock

_Monday June ^{the}14_

Arose about half past five took a walk with Miss Adams to Mr. Smith’s
to speak for an embroidering frame after breakfast went to school
heard the young Ladies read history studied a Geography lesson and
recited it. In the afternoon I drew read and spelt. After my return
home my employment was writing and studying I spent the evening with
Mrs. Adams and retired to rest about half past nine oClock

_Tuesday June 15^{th}_

Arose at Six oClock after breakfasting took a walk purchased some
Linen attended school drew and read in History. In the afternoon I
spent the hours in Drawing Reading and Spelling. After school I was
busily employed in Sewing.

_Wednesday June 16^{th}_

Arose about six oClock spent the morning in writing went to school
studied a geography lesson and recited it. In the afternoon drest,
went to school drew till 4 oClock when I walked to Mr. Smith’s with
Miss Strong to see Miss Rogers where I spent the After noon in very
agreeable conversation and was accompanied by Miss Rogers and Miss
Strong to the School Ball where I staid till about Eleven oClock and
then returned home with Miss Scovil and retired to rest at half past
Eleven....

_Sunday June ^{the}20_

Arose at Six oClock in the morning read two or three Chapters in the
bible drest for meeting heard a sermon delivered by Mr. Huntington
which I thought was very good the text was in Proverbs 15 chapter and
9 verse in these words Fools make a mock of sin at Noon read a chapter
in the bible in the afternoon attended meeting heard a sermon from the
same text After Meeting read in the Letters from the dead to the
Living which was very entertaining After a short time the boarders
were all seated each one read a chapter in the bible in the evening
saw Company and retired to rest at Nine....

_Monday June ^{the}21_

... a little before evening took a walk with Mrs. Adams to Mr. Smith’s
saw Old Mrs. Adams who was 104 years old....

_Sunday June ^{the}27_

... Mrs. Adams read in the Afternoon read in Moral Entertainments
which were very excellent after meeting read in the book called female
education....

_Thursday July 1_

... took a lesson in music returned to Mr. Adams pricked off 2 or
three tunes....

_Wednesday July ^{the}7_

... had the pleasure of attending independence ball there was a very
large collection and I spent the evening very agreeable returned home
and went to rest at one....

_Saturday July ^{the}10_

... in the Afternoon went to Parson Champion’s with the young Ladies
to quilting....

_Wednesday July 14^{th}_

Arose at four wrote two Letters in the morning and carried them to Mr.
Huntington’s for Miss Charlotte Tomlinson to carry to Woodbury when
she returned....

_Monday July 19^{th}_

Arose at five o Clock took a walk with Miss Leavitt to the stores to
get humhum.[35]...

_Wednesday July 21^{st}_

Arose at half past four o Clock took a lesson in music at five in the
morning....

_Tuesday July 27^{th}_

... in the evening heard Mrs. Adams good advice....

_Friday 30^{th}_

Arose at four took a short walk with Miss Leavitt returned and after
breakfast waited some time impatiently for my Papa who did not come
until Eight o Clock when we mounted our horses and rhode till twelve
when arrived my Grand Papa in Woodbury where we dined and spent about
2 hours in company with Miss Laury Bacon and my other relations when
we sat out again about three and after riding a short time we was caut
in a shower and arrived at Roxbury about five in the afternoon and was
once more rejoiced to get home being quit fatigued we lay down after
we were a little rested went into the store to get a frock when we
came out found some pears which relished very well and presently tea
was ready and soon after retired to rest which was about Eight o
clock.

_Tuesday August ^{the}3_

Arose at five o Clock in the morning after breakfast was employed in
fixing my clothes to return to Litchfield we set out from Roxbury
about Eight o Clock and rode till half past ten when we stopped at
Captain Farrings where we tarried about 2 hours we then continued our
ride till we arrived at Litchfield about two o Clock in the afternoon
attended school time enough to study my spelling and spell but was too
much fatigued to do more.

_Sunday August ^{the}7_

... read in the moral entertainments....

_Wednesday August 11^{th}_

... Miss Pierce drew my landscape....

_Thursday August 12^{th}_

... had unexpected news that there was a going to be a ball at Mr.
Adams boarders attended returned home at a propper hour and retired to
rest.

_Saturday August 15^{th}_

... copied my Composition began my dancing school this day was the
first after they had all taken there lessons returned home had a very
bad headache....

_Friday August 20^{th}_

... in the evening Miss Tomlinson came to Mr. Adams’s her conversation
was pictures boarding and history....

_Wednesday August ^{the}23_

Arose at six devoted the morning to studying the boundarys on the map
in the four noon worked a little time I went out to the barn with the
girls to study my lesson came in and recited it took a lesson in music
in the afternoon read worked on my picture studied my spellings and
spelt after school the Boarders all moved the South Chamber and my
time was spent in writing in graret and I was forgot and licked to
lost my tea however I did not go up raret again with out partisioning
to some one to caul me meal times the evening was spent in reading
till Nine and after that went down and went to Mr. Chappins at get
some beer

_Friday August ^{the}27_

... about seven o Clock Papa and Mama came to Mr. Adams they brought
me a little trunk and some cake & some fennel ... school was dismissed
at four went to dansing school and Mama went with me waited some time
before Mr. Armour came after they had half done taking there lessons I
took mine and returned home with Mama for I was not well

_Friday September 3^{rd}_ (_Roxbury_)

... got me a white vail....

_Saturday September 4^{th}_

... spent the morning in doing a few notions and copying my Journal in
the after noon Mama & myself went to Uncle Frenches when we arrived
there it was nearly sundown Aunt Betsey was a baking they had Cherry
Wine after tea she showed us some chinc for curtens

_Thursday September 9^{th} 1802_

The morning was spent in Cleaning The Bedrooms Papa went to New
Haven ... spent The Rest of The Day in writing my Gurnal Spent The
Evening in Picking wool....

_Tuesday September 14^{th} 1802_

... I was Not Very Well & Sent for Dr. Warner and Drawd Some Blisters
on my Arms I was Sick To or Three weaks and I Neglected my Gurnal Ever
Since I received my Piano Fort the 9 of October....

A COMPOSITION WRITTEN AT LITCHFIELD.

MARY BACON.

The many hints suggested to us at school by Miss Pierce upon
improvement leads me more frequently to reflect upon its importance
and for what my Dear Brother was the rational mind given us was it not
to be stored with useful Knowledge which alone can render life
pleasing and above all fit us for the blessed society which all hope
to enjoy. youth is the season for the propagation of every virtue but
alas at this period how frequently do we see vice in its best colors
presents it self to us and is there not reason to fear that unless we
are constantly engaged in the attainments of virtue and knowledge we
shall in the end widely deviate from the path of true glory the mind
ever intent upon some thing seems to require of us materials proper
for its exercise and for these must we not apply to the most approved
authors and our own observations by reading it is justly said, we
enjoy the dead, and by conversation The living, and by contemplation
our selves. reading furnishes The memory conversation strengthens
discernment and contemplation improves The judgment. I feel my Brother
the sacrifice my Parents make in parting with a child in whose
happiness I flatter my self they feel warmly interested and am
sensible that nothing but an ardent wish for my own improvement could
have effected our separation the propper employment of my time is the
only return in my power to make for their solicitude. I feel that by
this I shal augment my own happiness and accomplish the wishes of my
Parents learning can only be acquired by application. Herculous was
told that this price was set upon every real and noble
virtue—Childhood has yet prevented you from leaving home where you are
watched by a parental aye but as you advance towards manhood you are
doubtless sensible that the cultivation of your mind only can procure
the lasting esteem of your friends & this will lead you to the more
full enjoyment of the great works of nature from books the great
source of improvement we learn the situations manners customs virtues
and vices of our own and distant Country which we should not discover
was it not for the great advantage we derive from literature let us
then aided by each other press forward in the road of improvement.

Your affectionate Sister

UPON EDUCATION.—

permit me Dear Eliza To Convey To you Some of These Sentiments which
Occupy my Breast—The Tenderness of my Parents and The Facility with
which—They Comply with Every request of mine fills my heart with—The
Greatest Gratitude much I fear That I Shall Never—recompense Them.
What Daughter Can Be so unfeeling as not To do every Thing in her
power To make her parents happy and what can give them so much
happiness as to see us anxious to improve every moment of the
time—which is given us to acquire knowledge and those—accomplishments
which alone can render us respectable—in the circle in which we expect
to move. yet my Dear—how many are they who have every advantage
which—nature and indulgent Parents can bestow. and yet they—spend
there time in idleness & neglect to improve there minds when young
grow in ignorance despised by all who know them—but I will turn from
this—disagreeable picture and review one more Pleasing—we will for a
moment dwell upon the happiness—of one who has improved her
time—cultivated her mind and stored it with useful knowledge—she
confers happiness on all her acquaintance and she—has the sweet
satisfaction of knowing her conduct—is approved of by her Parents and
what ever may be her situation in life she can find—pleasure in her
own reflections—

I remain your friend—

Letter.

From the diary & composition & extract[36]
book of Mary Bacon of Roxbury. 1820

PL. XIII.—MARY ANN BACON’S WATCH AND JEWELRY
]

If you have any natural taste for drawing I should wish you to indulge
it. I think it an accomplishment very well adapted both to the taste
and delicacy of your sex. It will agreeably exercise your ingenuity
and invention it will teach you to discover a superior finish in all
the varied landscapes and scenery of nature to survey the works of our
distinguished Masters with an higher relish and a more poignant
curiosity and it will heighten all the innocent pleasures of your
retirement. when nature howls with wind, or is covered with snow you
will be able to call a fancy spring upon the canvas of which the
blossoms will be ever fragrant and the trees ever green. You may thus
have birds always on the spray and larks apparently thrilling out
praise to their bountiful creator.

Letters. Music by which I mean playing on an instrument or
occasionally singing is a very desirable acquisition in any woman who
has time and money enough to devote to the purpose for it requires no
considerable portion of both. it will enable you to entertain your
friends; to confer pleasure upon others, must increase your own
happiness, and it will inspire tranquilite and harmonise your mind and
spirits in many of those ruffled and lonely hours which in almost
every situation will be your lot, the passions of mankind, however,
have very much debased and profaned this art, which like others, was
originally sacred and intended to chant the praises of the Almighty.
many songs are couched in such indelicate language and, convey such a
train of luscious ideas, as are only calculated to soil the purity of
a youthful mind. i should therefore recommend, (if I may so express
myself,) rather the sacred than the profane, of this study, indeed
church music is in itself more delightful than any other, what can be
superior to some passages of Judas Maccabaeus or the Messiah there is
not, perhaps an higher among the melancholy pleasures than a funeral
dirge.

Dancing, in a degree is proffesedly an essential part of a good
education as correcting any awkwardness of gestures giving an easy and
graceful motion to the body, and I practice early perhaps even in
directing its grothe. Modern manners may however have carried the
fondness for this accomplishment to an immoderate extreme. a passion
for making the best figure in a minuet is vastly beneath the dignity
of a woman’s understanding. and I am not sure whether excelling in
this particular does not inspire too great a fondness for dissipated
pleasures and portionably abate the ardour for more retired virtues. a
woman who can sparkle and engage the admiration of every beholder at a
birth night or a ball is not always content with the grave office of
managing a family or the still and sober innocence of domestic scenes,
besides dancing is not at certain moments without its temptations an
elegant illuminated room brilliant company the enchanting power of
music admiring eyes obsequious beaus attitude are apt to transport the
mind a little beyond the rational medium of gentle agitation I would
not however be a cynical moralist that would abridge you of any
harmless amusement. I have only my apprehensions for your innocence
for indeed it is a plant of a very delicate complection and you will
then have attained the perfection of your character when you can mix a
passion for these elegant accomplishments with a turn for solid and
domestic virtue: when you can one night be distinguished at a ball and
the next want no other entertainment than what the shade of your
family a well chosen book or an agreeable walk are able to afford. I
should wish you to be innocent and if possible accomplished at the
same time but at any rate I would have you innocent because otherwise
you cannot be happy

* * * * *

MY DEAR LUCY

Public pleasures are esteemed and called the amusements of women, but
I think them far from answering the name, in fact they agitate, rather
than relieve and repose. superior rivals eclipse; fancied friends are
inattentive, and the gaity of the scene has no connection with quiet
of the heart, the time money, and preparation they require, are a
serious consideration, and there frequency renders them a business
indeed of preserving health, they, undermined and destroy it. Late,
hours, hot rooms, and an agitated mind Are unfavorable to rest; and
the god of sleep will not long be defrauded of his rights without
retaliating the office. what we call pleasure, is but a splendid and a
voluntary service. if it had not the name of amusement we should
shrink from it, as an intolerable burden. who are so grate slaves as
the votaries of fashion; what requires more systematical diligence,
than the watching of every varying mode of dress, and; catching these
living manners as they rise; of all women they who call themselves
fashionable, are the most unhappy; ever idle busy: ever vainly
agitated; there peace depends on a whisper, on a look or a thousand
little emulations, too ridiculous to be mentioned; they Dread a
private moment more than an assassin and with very great reason; they
cannot look into eternity with hope; reason suggests that they were
born for something higher, and there are moments, when conscience will
be heard. how unheeded are the cries and prattle of there infants; how
unhappy must be the man, who has received from such women vows which
they will not perform of fidelity and of attachment. after all it is
only in the practice of virtue it is only in domestic life that lies
all the solid, because all the——untumultuous joy—

MY DEAR LUCY

Will you bear with my impertinence if I attempt to give you my
directions on a subject where your sex are allowed to posses,
infinitely more tact and judgment than our own, that of dress I offer
how ever my plain and undisguised sentiments only for your advantage;
and I am sure you will receive them with that candour and indulgence
to which my friendship for you has an indisputable claim—Neatness, you
cannot cultivate with too much attention, I would pres it on every
female as strongly if possible as lord Chester field did the graces on
his son. the want of it is unpardonable in a Man but in a woman it is
shocking. it disgusts all her friends and intimates; has enstrang the
affections of many an husband, and made him seek that satisfaction
abroad which he found not at home—Some ladys who where remarkable
attentive to there persons before marriage neglect them afterwards in
an egregious manner. they cannot pay a worse compliment to there own
delicacy or to there husbands. if they conceived some efforts
necessary to gain the prize, more I am sure, are required to preserve
it.—it is the opinion of I believe. Rochefoucault that nice observer
of life and manners. That the affection of woman increases after
marriage while that of man is apt to decline. Whatever be the cause a
prudent woman will at least use every method to guard against so
mortifying a change. Neatness however is easily practised and will
always have considerable weight. in the eyes of servants and domestics
indeed a woman loses her consequence and authority by a neglect of her
person, she will not be obeyed with cheerfulness and she will be come
an object of ridicule in all their private parties and conversation.
if inferiors must be subjects they will pay an unconstrained homage
only to a person who attracts by propriety, the estimation of the
World—Neatness is the natural garb of a well ordered mind and has a
near alliance with purity of heart. Laws has said of his Miranda that
she was always clean without because she was always pure within and
Richardson whose taste was as exquisite as his imagination glowing,
has painted his Clarissa as always dressed before she came down stairs
for any company that might break in upon her during the whole day.
finery is seldom graceful. the easy undress of a morning often pleases
more than the most elaborate and costly ornaments. I need not say of
how much time and money they rob us which are sacred to virtue and to
the poor nor how soon this very embellished body will be dust and
ashes the perfection of the one is conveyed in two words an elegant
simplicity. ladies are certainly injudicious in employing so many male
frisseurs about their person. the custom is indelicate it is contrary
to cleanliness and all their manœuveres cannot equal the beauty of
natural easy ringlets untortured and unadorned every paper one opens
is a violation of your delicacy and an insult to your understanding
powders perfumes artificial eyes teeth hair advertised for your
advantage would be a heavy stigma if some kind and well disposed
persons amongst our own sex were not willing to share with you a part
of the burden Blush my dear girl at such unseemly practice. be content
to be what god and nature intended you appear in your true colors
abhor any thing like deceit in your appearance as well as in your
character. What must all sensible men think of a woman who has a room
filled with a thousand preparations and mixtures to deceive him what
money what time must be given to this odious insufferable vanity—Under
such unnatural managements how different must be the female of the
morning and evening. what must we think of marriage dresing rooms and
toiletes what an opening for expostulation coldness aversion if an
elegant simplicity be the perfection of dress this is surely as far as
possible removed from perfection it is not simplicity it is not
elegant. It would be cruel to add anything to the punishment of the
men who can have recoursed to such effeminate artifices. they have
already the scorn and ridicule of the other they are poor amphibious
animals that the best naturalists know not under what class to
arrange. Painting is indecent offensive criminal it hastens the
approach of wrinkles it destroys constitutions and defaces the image
of our maker would you think of giving the last touch to the Pieces of
a poussin or a salvator Rosa Believe for a moment that the Almighty is
at least as great in his way as either of these artists—let the
martyrs of fashion luxury and dissipation who turn night into day have
recourse to this filthy and abominable practice. let them seek a
recourse from the rebukes of their conscience in gaity and noise. But
let the fairness of your complexion be only that of nature and let
your rouge be the crimson blush of health arising from temperance
regularity exercise and air such simplicity will recommend you to god
and if you retain any fears of ofending him how dare you deface his
image in your countenance by artificial decorations. such innocence
will charm when paint is dissolved—It will call up a bloom and cast a
fragrancy even on the latest winter of your age—

[_Poetry copied in her diary by Mary Bacon._]

Green Fields. Friendship. The Revilee. The Traveller. Fair Philis. The
beauties of friendship. Adams and Liberty.

Ye sons of Columbia who bravely have fought
For those rights which unstained from your Lives had descended
May you long taste the blessings your valor has bought
And your Sons reaps the soil which your fathers defended
Mid the reign of mild peace
May your nation increase
With the glory of Rome and the wisdom of greece
And ne’er may the sons of Columbia be slave
While the earth bears a plant or the sea rolls in waves.

* * * * *

Tallio. Winter. The absent lover. Friendship. The beauties of
friendship. The praise of archery. The sheep in the Cloisters. Plato’s
advice. The Bachelor’s Lamentation. The wandering lamb. General Wolf.
The Sailor’s Consolation. The Hermit. The Blue Bells of Scotland. Hail
Columbia. Within a mile of Edinburgh. The Sailor boy. Tally Ho. The
Happy Soldier. Affettuoso. Tom of Aberdeen.

THE WOMAN OF MERIT DESCRIBED.

Without affectation, gay youthful & pretty
Without pride or meanness familiar and witty
Without forms obliging good nature and free
Without art as lovely as lovely can be

She acts what she thinks and thinks what she says
Regardless alike of both censure and praise
Her thoughts and her words and her actions are such
That none can admire her or praise her too much.

* * * * *

The faithful soldier.

JEFFERSON AND LIBERTY

The gloomy night before us flies
The reign of terror now is o er
Its gags inquisitor and spies
Its hords of harpies are no more

Rejoice Columbia sons rejoice
To tyrants never bend the knee
But join with heart and soul and voice
For Jefferson and Liberty

O’er vast Columbia’s varied clime
Her lilies Forests Shores and dales
In rising majesty sublime
Immortal Liberty prevails

Rejoice Columbia’s Sons &c.

Hail long expected glorious day
Illustrious memorable Morn
That freedoms fabric from decay
Rebilds for millions yet unborn

Rejoice Columbias Sons &c.

His countrys glory Hope and stay
In virtue and in Talents tryd
Now rises to assume the sway
Oer freedoms temple to preside

Rejoice Columbias Sons &c.

Within its hallowed walls immense
No hireling bands shall eer arise
Arrayd in Tyrannys defence
To crush an injured peoples cries

Rejoice Columbias Sons &c.

No lordling here with gorging jaws
Shall wring from industy the food
Nor fiery Bigots holy Laws
Lay waste our fields and streets in blood

Rejoice Columbia’s Sons &c.

Here strangers from a thousand shores
Compelled by tyranny to roam
Shall find amidst abundant stres
A noble and a happier home

Rejoice &c.

Here art shall lift her laurel head
Wealth industry and peace divine
And where dark pathless forest spread
Rich fields and lofty Cities shine

Rejoice &c.

From Europes wants and woes remote
A dreary waste of wave between
Here plenty cheers the humble Cot
And smiles on every village green

Rejoice &c.

Here free as airs expanded space
To every soul and sex shall be
That sacred privilege of our race
The worship of the deity

Rejoice &c.

The gifts great Liberty are thine
Ten thousand more we owe to thee
Immortal may their memories shine
Who fought and dyd for Liberty

Rejoice &c.

What heart but hails a scene so bright
What soul but inspiration draws
Who would not guard so dear a right
Or die in such a glorious cause

Rejoice, &c.

Let foes to freedom dread the name
But should they touch the sacred tree
Twice fifty thousand swords shall flame
For Jefferson and Liberty

Rejoice

From Georgia to Lake Champlain
From seas to Mississippis shore
Ye sons of Freedom loud proclaim
The reign of terror is no more

Rejoice

PL. XIV.—SUSAN MASTERS, OF NEW MILFORD, CONN. PUPIL ABOUT 1805
]

1805.

About 1805 Susan Masters came to school from New Milford and a copy of her school bill is here given:

Miss Susan Masters schooling 21 weeks $7.
School expenses .33
Entrance 1.
————
8.33

Cre. by $5.25 Balance 3.8.
Received Payment
S. PIERCE.

1811–1820.

By this date the few and simple studies taught in the school in its early stages had expanded so that we find proofs of higher branches and better methods of study. There is a globe now in the possession of Charles H. Woodruff, Esq., of New York, which was used in the school. It was made and sold in London. It was afterwards used in a boy’s school in Cornwall, Connecticut, which Mr. Woodruff attended.

The map of the world (Plate XLII) was drawn by Miss Lewis when at school, and there is also a map of the United States drawn by Eliza Ann Mulford, in possession of her son, both of which serve to prove careful instruction in geography.

Miss Pierce thought highly of the knowledge to be gained from the study of history, but could find no satisfactory textbook, so she wrote a history herself, which she published and sold to subscribers. The names and dates of publication are as follows.

Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe’s letter on the subject of the histories explains itself.

HISTORIES[37]

“The general History which Miss Sarah Pierce wrote for her pupils”
Mrs. Asa Gray’s letter.

PL. XV.—FACSIMILE OF BILL, ABOUT 1805
]

Sketches
of
Universal History
Compiled from Several Authors
For the use of Schools
Vol 1.
First Edition

New Haven
Printed by Joseph Barber
1811

* * * * *

Volume Second same title, date 1816, with list of subscribers.

* * * * *

Volume III same title. Printed by T. G. Woodward. 1817 New Haven No
list

* * * * *

Volume IV. same title. Printed by T. G. Woodward 1818 New Haven No
list

Preface from “Sketches of Universal History compiled from various
authors, for the use of Schools, by Miss Sarah Pierce. Second edition
printed by Starr & Niles, Middletown, (Conn.) 1823.” bound with Vol II
which was “printed by S. S. Smith, Litchfield 1827.”

“Having from long experience found that children and youth imbibe
ideas most easily, when placed in the form of question and answer, and
not finding any historical work of that kind, of sufficient length to
interest the mind, I have compiled these Sketches for the use of
Schools, endeavoring to intermix moral with historical instruction,
and to obviate those objections which arise in the minds of youth
against the justice of God, when they read the wars of the
Israelites.—I have attempted also to give them a general notion of the
government of God, and of the truth of the Scripture, by a partial
account of the fulfilment of prophecy. I am sensible that all this has
been done by many able writers; but as their works are too expensive
to be put into the hands of children, and of greater magnitude than
they have time or patience to study, I have compiled this abridgment
for their benefit. This history may also be useful in private
families; which are not able to purchase the larger works from which
it is selected.”

HARTFORD May 9

MY DEAR FRIEND

In undertaking the instruction of my children in History, I am often
reminded of the source from whence I drew my early historic knowledge
I do not find any where a compend as satisfactory to me as are my
recollections of your History all compends are generally so dry &
devoid of interest that children are disgusted by them & Rollin &
others are too minute and voluminous—yours as I recollect was a happy
medium between the two—I write to know whether I could procure two
copies from you for the use of my family—They can be sent to Hartford
to the care of T. C. Perkins Esq. with a note of the price which I
will cheerfully forward

As I live longer & see my children growing up around me I am often
reminded of my early obligations to you & take pleasure in having this
opportunity to express my sense of what I have gained from your early
care—May God bless you my dear friend & grant you in his good time a
joyful reunion with those friends of past years whose memory is
precious alike to us all

Yours affectionately

H. B. STOWE

In addition to these histories the pupils were taught to make elaborate historical charts of which one of six feet in length is now in the Litchfield Historical Society. It was made by Miss Lewis, and is neatly and carefully drawn in ink and decorated with water-color. It begins with the creation and ends with George III. See Plate XX. Another historical chart was made by Eliza Ogden and is in the possession of her daughter. The subject is English History and embraces the Wars of the Roses, and here and there tiny pink and white roses are painted to indicate the relative positions of the houses of York and Lancaster (Plate XXIX).

Composition was made of great importance. The many copies of letters, poems, and addresses prove they were considered valuable steps toward good writing, and the high quality of the authors and quotations show that Miss Pierce laid much stress upon style in composition as well as exalted ideas.

The following list of prizes given about this time are interesting, as they bear upon this study, and are examples of the stilted elegance of style and the mournful subjects of that period:

PRIZE

Presented Miss Amelia Lewis for the first prize in her class.
Litchfield April 28 1812.

S. PIERCE.

God’s
Terrible Voice in the City.

Wherein are set forth the Sound of the voice, in a narration of the
two dreadful Judgements of Plague and Fire, inflicted upon the City of
London; in the Years 1665, and 1666.

By Thomas Vincent

Also a concise statement of the Origen of London with a Picture of its
present state, from a late authentic Work.

Bridgeport: printed and sold by Lockwood & Backus, 1811.

* * * * *

PRIZE

Presented to Miss Jane S. Lewis as the Prize in Arithmetic. April
25^{th} 1820.

A Sketch of my Friend’s Family,
Intended to suggest some Practical Hints on Religion and Domestic
Manners. By Mrs. Marshall, author of Henwick Tales.
Fourth Edition.
In every work, regard the Writer’s end.
Springfield
Printed by Ira Daniels. 1820.
The Hermit in London
or
Sketches of English Manners
Printed for Evert Duychinck
No. 68 Water Street
New York
1820

Present to Miss Jane H. Lewis as the first prize at school. October
31^{st} 1820.

That Miss Pierce was fairness itself in awarding the prizes to her scholars is shown by the following report. She evidently invited some of the prominent ladies of the community to give the prizes instead of trusting to her own judgment.

REPORT OF JUDGES FOR PRIZE OF MERIT.

We, whose names are underwritten, having attended to the qualifications of the candidates for the prize of merit, in Miss Pierce’s School, are of opinion that Miss Clarissa Deming[38] is entitled thereto.

Litchfield, April 22^d 1811.

ELIZABETH REEVE.
NANCY LANDON.
HULDA SHELDON.
ROXANA BEECHER.
AMANDA SMITH.
MARY HUBBARD.
ANABELLA REEVE.

PLAYS BY MISS SARAH PIERCE.

The following are some of the plays Miss Pierce wrote for the amusement and edification of her pupils. They were usually given at the end of the school term, and the young men of the town were often invited to take part.

RUTH.

[_From an unfinished manuscript in possession of the Litchfield
Historical Society._]

_Act 1st._ _Scene 1st._

NAOMI. RUTH. ORPHA.

(N) The circling year once [illegible]
The fatal day, which blasted all my joys
Which banish’d hope, the wretches latest compact
And black despair erect her empire here.
My loved daughters, well may ye remember
This fatal morn, black with impending woe
Which hid forever, the last ray of comfort.
Your hopes like mine fled like morning dew
Before the scorching blast of dire disease.
Then join with me once more, to weep this day
Fatal to love, a too maternal fondness.

(OR)
My dearest mother why indulge this grief
Can plaints unbar the gloomy caves of death?
[illegible] prevail on that grim tyrant?
[illegible] lives back, to realms of day
Then dry thy tears and taste what happiness,
Remains on earth, to soothe thy evening hours.
Soon will the shades of night close on thy eyes
Soon wilt thou meet those vows too long bemoan’d.
Think of those friends those joys which fate has left
And give thy sorrows to the oblivious gales
Which waft o’er Leethe the souls to Pluto’s realms.

(NA) On youthful hearts grief makes a slight impression
But buries deep, within the breast of age
Its barbed darts; yet sure thou hast not forgot
That eventful day, big with impending woe
When pestilence, sent by heaven [illegible]
Walking in darkness, strew’d the [illegible]
Then Mahlon fell, my first born son expir’d,
My might, my glory, my defense lay low.
His brother’s arms entwined the lifeless corse.
He breath’d one sigh, cast one sad parting glance
Then fled his spirit, forth to worlds unknown
Your lives my sons, were transcripts of true faith
Lovely in life, in death dissevered not.

(RUTH)
Too well dear mother mem’ry paints that day
In bleeding characters within our hearts
[illegible] woes we bless the God of mercy
Who left us thee, returned the lamp of life
When the last ray, seemed quiv’ring to expire.

(NA) Why was I spar’d, when my lov’d children fell;
Why is my life prolong’d, in life of woe
No husband’s tears will fall upon my grave:
No child will lodge me in the silent tomb:
No friend will weep for sad Naomi’s fate.

(OR)
O say not thus, are not we thy children
Shall we not weep, to see Naomi low.
When my ungrateful heart, forgets thy virtues
May tenfold vengeance blast its marble sinews!

(NA) Forgive the wrong, if aught escap’d I [illegible]
Which breath’d a thought reproachful of your love
The fondest heart could wish no kinder children
Children ye are all the proudest heart could wish
Nor could my sons, had Heaven seen fit to spare them
Nor could my sons had God preserved them to me
Have shewn more filial tenderness and love
’Tis not my loss alone, but yours, I grieve
’Tis for your fate as much as mine I grieve
That God’s avenging hand is raised against me
O! Israel happy land, why did I leave thee
Could not the hand which led our chosen ancestors
[ - - - illegible - - - ] of holy Sinai
[ - - illegible - - ] angel’s food the bread of Heaven
Which made their garments proof ’gainst time’s decay
Has given me food tho’ famine now around
I fear my heart distrustful of his power,
Relied too much on Moab’s fruitful plains.

(_enter a messenger_)

(MESS)
I bring good tidings to thee friend Naomi.

(NA) Tidings to me, Oh! what to me is good?

(MESS)
Our God hath visited our land in mercy
With lib’ral harvests crown’d our famish’d fields.
Our woes forgot we raise the song of praise,
And smiling peace and joy go hand in hand.

· · · · ·

(NA) O bless the Lord, who hears his peoples prayers,
And pours his mercies on his chosen race.
My soul shall magnify his holy name
And tho’ to me, the earth must be a [illegible]
I will rejoice, that others feel his [illegible]
Unmix’d with sorrow, unalloyed with pain [illegible]
I pray thee friend, dispose of all my goods
Thou know’st the art of traffic in this land,
I Will repay each act of heathen kindness
Lest any one should reproach our [illegible]
I’ll pay what I owe in Moab
[ - - illegible - - - - - -
- - - - - ] then seek my native land.

MESSENGER.
[illegible] my least request.
Most willingly I’ll undertake the office.

(_exit messenger_)

[ - - illegible - - ] able age of comfort
[ - - illegible - - ] those who roll in wealth
[ - - illegible - - ] thy broken fortune
[ - - illegible - - ] within the mighty ocean.
[ - illegible - ] admits their abounding treasures
[ - illegible - ] no luxury to their full board
[illegible] their persons in one sumptuous dress
[ - illegible - ] cancel not my obligation
[ - illegible - ] no plea against the laws of justice
[ - illegible - ] should ever guide our actions
[ - - illegible - - ] on its basis.
Press’d by a famine in my native land
Thou knows’t my husband sought thy fruitful country
But heaven which erst, had bless’d our house,
Withdrew its smiles, misfortunes blighting touch,
Wither’d our store of wealth; by sickness press’d
Woe follow’d woe, with quick and dreadful speed
The stroke of death, first fell on my lov’d lord
My children next fill’d an untimely tomb.
Sorrow and pain hung heavy on my soul
And weigh’d me down even to the gates of death,
recal the long the painful hours ye watch’d
O’er my sick couch, the many tears ye shed.
And all the kindness of thy heathen brethren.
Then number o’er the many

· · · · ·

RUTH.

_Continued from a second manuscript._

ORPHA.

Why would you strip yourself of all convenience, to pay demands of those already rich. The remnant of thy fortune would not add one hour of luxury to their full board or deck their persons in one sumptuous dress. (_Exit._)

NAOMI.

Perhaps it will not. But does their wealth excuse, or form plea to evade the laws of justice? The sacred laws which ought to guide our actions, as every virtue rests upon its basis.

Pressed by a famine in my native land, thou knowest my husband sought thy fruitful country, but Heaven who liberally had crowned our stores, withdrew its smiles with’red our fortunes, blighted all our hopes. By sickness pressed; by woe on woe assailed; first my loved husband felt the stroke of death! My children next, sunk in the untimely tomb. the long, the painful hours thou hast watched o’er my sick couch, the many tears thou hast shed, and number o’er the many causes which destroyed our fortune:—and say,—has one unthinking or unjust expense brought on our poverty?

[illegible]

I know there has not. Then why deprive thy self of every comfort to pay demands, which stern necessity and sickness caused?

NAOMI.

The very reasons which you name would urge it. Did they not trust my honor? a stranger’s honor? and should I fail in justice, then every wretch suffering like me, might justly blame Naomi, who taught to foreigners that Israel’s faith, was slight regarded among heathen friends.

No. It shall ne’er be said Naomi lives, in ease and plenty on the wealth of others. I’ll rather spend my latest farthing,—beg my passage to Israel’s faithful land—then to my brethren become a servant, and earn an honest pittance with these hands; than any tongue should say “Naomi wrong’d me.”

RUTH.

I pray thee take these ornaments useless to me, they will serve to [illegible] thy comforts.

NAOMI.

No. I’ll not take thy bridal gifts away. I part with mine, for that our law demands; but keep thou thine for future times of sadness, or perhaps to deck a happier bridal day.

PL. XVI.—LUCRETIA DEMING, PUPIL, 1816

From a miniature painted by Dickinson
]

RUTH.

No. I entreat thee take them. Did I not help to spend upon thy fortunes? has not my sustenance procured by thee in rich abundance; lowered thy little stock? Or dost thou think so meanly of my love, that these prized jewels, given by my dearest Mahlon, can e’er be worn to deck a rival’s bride?—Take them I entreat thee! dearest mother!

NAOMI.

I will not; cannot take them.

RUTH.

Then I will sell them to help thee on thy journey. I know my Mahlon would not blame the deed.

ORPHA.

O! here are mine! Pray let them go together. The blush of shame would rise upon my cheek, to see these jewels shine in my attire, when yours are gone; and our loved parent lives by her own labor.

NAOMI.

My daughters, ye oppress me with your kindness. If need require I will accept your offers; meantime let us prepare to make the journey.

_Scene 2nd._

NAOMI. RUTH. ORPAH.

NAOMI.

No. Go my daughters each to thy mother’s house. May God reward thee. May all the kindness ye have shewn my dear lost sons and me, be doubled to ye. May every anxious hour, which ye have spent, the tears ye have shed when we have counted o’er the months by woes, and chid the tardy sun, whose sluggard pace detained us prisoners in a wretched world; be reckoned o’er in new found blessings on your virtuous lives.

RUTH.

No. We will go with thee and share thy sorrows.

ORPAH.

And relieve thy cares.

NAOMI.

Why will ye go? I’ve no more sons to give ye. In Judah’s land no honors wait Naomi; but cruel taunts from those who erst have looked, with pining envy at my happy state.

No kindly brother, no sister’s friendship will help to soothe thy lonely exiled hours. Here wealth, here honor yet may crown your days. Cherished by parents bless’d by prosperous fortune, whose kindly cares, will shield your youthful years from pinching want. Think you these hands, which now are all thats left me, can guard your tender limbs unused to labor, from hard oppression and the unfeeling scoffs, which full fed wealth pours on the unfortunate? No. Go my daughters, nor add to all my sorrows the severer pang of seeing you suffer with me.

ORPAH.

My friend! my more than mother! must we then! ah! must we part?

Be witness Heaven I would not leave thee thus, could I contribute aught to soften thy sad fate. But I’ll not add another pang to those thou hast felt already. Adieu. Adieu. (_Exit._)

NAOMI.

See, thy sister has left me. Why not follow her?

RUTH.

O force me not to leave thee. My parent’s happiness is full without me. Propitious fortune with a lavish hand, scatters her stores of wealth and greatness on them. The joyous sun to them shines ever bright. The feast, the dance, the charms of sweetest music, beguile each care and open every sense to laughing pleasure, and her dangerous wiles. Meantime their gallant sons, and beautious daughters in the gay festive train compleat their joys. I love my parents with a daughters fondness; and gratitude recalls my helpless years, watched by their tenderness; their fostering care, rear’d my young frame; adorn’d my riper years with useful knowledge; guarded my steps from each contagious folly. But ’twas thou my second parent, who taught my mind the exalted charms of virtue;—freed my young soul from vain delusive worship of idol Gods; feared in my native land, and bade my hopes aspire, to serve that Being who fills creation with his boundless presence. And may his vengeance strike my guilty head, when I forsake thee: Poor—friendless—stricken through with grief and years. No. I will follow thee where’er thou goest; my hands shall learn to toil for thee my mother. Industry is the surest balm for grief. Thy God is mine. Thy people I will love. One house shall hold us and one grave contain.

NAOMI.

O thou who viewest the smallest atom of thy vast creation; notest the most trivial act of little man! If I have e’er deserved a boon of thee, O! give it me in blessings on this child. Oh! may her virtues meet their full reward, and I can ask no more.

_Scene draws._

_Land of Israel._

NAOMI: RUTH: _a group of young maidens_.

RUTH.

How blithsome seems yon troop of beautious maidens! What healthful pleasure lights each face with smiles! See: they advance.

SECOND LADY _to her companions_.

Pray who are those clad in a garb of sorrow? Could I believe my senses! ’tis Naomi, so justly famed for wisdom, truth and goodness, Elimelek’s wife.

FIRST LADY.

Can—can this be Naomi? Yes it must be her. But say? what sad reverse of fortune brought thee here? alone, and bearing marks of wretchedness? If thou art indeed Naomi, pray inform me.

NAOMI.

Yes ’tis she who once was justly called Naomi. The apparent favorite of indulgent Heaven; but now—a hapless widow, doomed to mourn, the untimely fate of all her dearest friends. Then let Naomi perish with her fortunes, and henceforth call this wretched being Masa; for Heaven has dealt the cup of sorrow to me, and I have drank its deep, its bitter dregs.

FIRST LADY.

We sympathize, Naomi, in thy sufferings. But remember, the Almighty gave, and he may take away, and ’tis our duty to submit in silence, to adore his justice, and to praise his name, in deep affliction, as in days of bliss. But, come my friends; thou art weary of thy journey; come, rest thyself beneath our welcome roof, and thou shalt find a friend who yet can love thee.

NAOMI.

How sweet is kindness to a bleeding heart, torn by sharp sorrow; and unfeeling insult. Already have I met, even here, in Bethlem, with taunts from those I once esteemed most highly; but thou I find art still the same dear friend, and shrinkst not back at fortune’s withering touch.

FIRST LADY.

Accursed be those who fail in time of need; and they are accursed by their own stubborn hearts; too hard to feel the force of generous friendship; of wiping tears from eyes o’ercharged with grief and lighting smiles upon the grief worn cheek. Come; I will lead thee to my dearest parents, whose joys, like mine will brighten at thy presence.

NAOMI.

With gratitude I follow thy request, and see my daughter—the generous wife of my lamented Mahlon—has left her friends, her country and her Gods, to cheer her mother, and to share her fate. Let her, I pray thee, with me partake thy bounty.

FIRST LADY.

Most willingly. I honor virtue, and am proud to meet her in a kindred form. Come, come with me, and once more taste repose.

NAOMI: RUTH:

NAOMI.

This is the place! O well known scenes! dear monitors of bliss forever fled! That field, rich with luxuriant harvest;—that beautious dwelling, now like myself in ruins; where curling vines in purple clusters twine, around its fallen columns, was once my own; my father’s once—A stranger now inherits it.

PL. XVII.—ELIZABETH HUNTINGTON WOLCOTT, PUPIL, 1820
]

O, that I could recal past months! the days when God preserved me! when by his light I shunned the paths of evil!—O days! forever—ever flown; when Heaven’s best bounties courted my acceptance! Blest in my husband, blest with dutious children, my path with oil and honey overflowed! Thy daughters, Judah, bowed before my steps, and silent hung upon my flowing words; the aged rose whene’er I passed the gate; and blushing youth retired as I advanced. The poor, the stranger, bless’d my liberal hand; for wretchedness to me ne’er plead in vain. But now—as widow—desolate and poor, the rich forget me, and the poor deride. Even those who erst through fear, shrunk blushing from my view, with cruel insults and unfeeling taunts, add to my misery by sharp rebuke; and say “that’s she who once so rich and great; whom princes honored, and whom age revered; who, when distress assailed her native land, wandered to foreign climes, and other Gods; now desolate returned; struck by the Almighty, doubtless for her sins; bereft of all;—her sons and husband perish within a land of strangers. Thus fade the wicked, though their house be strong, when God, in anger brings their crimes to light.”

RUTH.

O could the boundless height of my affection, suffice to soothe the bitter pangs thou feelst!

What is the world? a vain, delusive bubble, and what are friends, who follow prosperous fortunes, but shrink before the stroke of poverty? poor heartless beings; unworthy of a sigh. Rather let those few worthies claim our thoughts, who sympathize with thee in all thy sufferings.

NAOMI.

Thy virtue soars above the touch of woe. Thy friendship, sweeter than the dews of Hermon, and dear as incense from our holy altar, shall be my solace. Yes;—I’ll dry my tears, for they distress thee:—esteem our lowly roof more honorable than courtly domes—our coarse and scanty fare, more delicate than fruits of Lebanon—our homely garb—more precious than robes of princes,—and when our little stores are gone, the hand, which feeds the ravens, will send more.

RUTH.

O! praised by Heaven! who inspires thy soul with comfort! The frowns of poverty are light as air, when cheerfulness resides within the bosom. Industry unlocks a mine of wealth, to all who ope their hands to seize her favors.

I marked the fields. The reapers now, with busy hands are gathering their full harvests. I’ll go and glean, and for thy sake am confident of good.

NAOMI.

Nay rather let us go. How will thy delicate hands, unused to labor, sustain the sultry heat of harvest. My older frame is now of little value; the soul which it imprisons, longs for flight:—and perhaps remorse may touch my kindred’s hearts, when they behold me, with those poor hands, picking the scanty ears from fields that should be mine.

RUTH.

If ever I deserved a boon from thee! If leaving friends and country for thy sake, have gained a place for me within thy bosom! grant my request I pray thee!

NAOMI.