Chapter III: Part 3

_Sunday._ In the afternoon read in Baron Hallers letters to his
daughter; on the truth of the Christian religion, in the afternoon
attended meeting, & heard a very good sermon delivered by the reverend
Mr. Huntington, from these words. Matt. 16. Chap. 26 verse “what
profiteth for a man to gain the whole world, and lose his own soul, or
what will a man give in exchange for his soul, he expatiated on the
frailty of human events & the danger of placing too much happiness on
the pomp & riches of this world. In the evening attended singing
meeting

_Monday._ Assisted Mama and went to school, painted, read in Roman
history, In the evening wrote.

PL. X.—HOP PICKING

From a water-color painted by Lucy Sheldon
]

_Tuesday._ Finished the hop picking,[27] In the afternoon Mrs. Smith
was at our house, who I think is a very fine old Lady, Assisted Mama,
In the evening knit.

_Wednesday._ In the forenoon copied my Journal In the afternoon wrote
a letter, In the evening knit.

_Thursday._ Studied a grammar lesson, & drew In the evening sewed.

_Friday._ Painted, and read in the history of Rome, spent the evening
at the school house.

_Saturday_ Assisted Mama, wrote, painted and heard Miss Pierce tell
our faults, and was very glad to hear her say she had seen no fault in
me for the week past, In the evening read in Baron Hallers letters.

_Sunday_ Attended meeting in the forenoon and heard an excellent
sermon....

_Monday_ Assisted Mama, came to school worked on my pin cushion, read
and heard the young Ladies read, the life of Coriolanus, in the
history of Rome, In the afternoon, sewed & read in little
Grandison,[28] which shows that, virtue always meets with its reward
and vice is punished, spent the evening at the school house.

_Tuesday._ Rose at sunrise, attended school, learnt a grammar lesson,
& wrote my Journal, In the afternoon, painted and spelt.

_Wednesday_ In the forenoon sewed, (P. M.) painted and assisted Mama.

_Thursday._ Learnt a grammar lesson, spent the afternoon at home, In
the evening attended a school ball, and had a very good one.

_Friday (Dec. 25th 1801)._ As this day was Christmas I attended church
and heard a sermon by Parson Marsh very well adapted to the occasion,
returned & spent the remainder of the day in sewing.

_Saturday. 26th_, Wrote my Journal, read in the Mirror, and heard Miss
Pierce tell our faults she said she had seen no fault in me for the
week past.

_Sunday 27th_, Arose at four o’clock, did not attend meeting, finished
reading Baron Hallers letters which I think is an excellent book.

_Monday 28th_, In the forenoon, read history and painted (P. M.)
studied & recited a grammar lesson spent the evening at home with
company.

_Tuesday. 29th_, Studied a geography lesson, In the afternoon painted,
In the evening knit.

_Wednesday 30th_; In the forenoon painted, In the evening knit.

_Thursday 31st_, Learnt a geography lesson & began to draw the sailor
boy.[29] In the afternoon, painted and sewed.

_Friday._ This is the first day of January the beginning of the year
1802, and I intend if it is in my power, to conquer all my faults, but
as perfection is not the lot, of mortals I shall not expect to attain
so near to it, In the forenoon painted in the afternoon there was not
any school and I remained at home, assisted Mama & sewed.

_Saturday 2nd_, Painted and heard Miss Pierce tell our faults, she
said she had seen no fault in me except holding my arms stiff which
made me appear awkward, and which I shall certainly endeavour to
correct, She also read a sermon from Blair particularly addressed to
young people which recommended the necessity of being pious &
industrious, In the evening, read in Mary Walstoncrafts travels
through Norway, Sweden, & Denmark.

_Sunday 3rd_, ... Read in Mary Walstoncrafts travels, this is a very
entertaining book but even here, I can see through some of our
principals.

_Tuesday 5th_, Learnt a geography lesson, painted, and in the evening,
sewed.

_Wednesday 6th_, Read and heard the young Ladies read history,
painted, In the evening attended singing meeting.

_Thursday 7th_, Read in the Dramatic pieces.

_Saturday 9th_; Painted and heard my faults told Miss Pierce has found
no fault with me for the week past.

* * * * *

_Wednesday 13th_, Painted and sewed, In the evening heard Papa. read,
in a Fathers letter to his daughter and I hope I shall profit by the
instruction it contains.

* * * * *

_Saturday 16th_, Read in Don Quixote & knit.

* * * * *

_Monday 18th_, Read history and, painted, In the afternoon sewed, In
the evening attended a school ball enjoyed myself pretty well,
returned at eleven o’clock

_Tuesday 19th_, In the forenoon painted, In the afternoon sewed, In
the evening read.

_Wednesday 20th_, Read history and painted, In the afternoon returned
home from school, and was happy to find Mrs. Adams, Maria,[30] & Mrs.
Seymore there, In the evening, went to singing meeting, but had a very
dull one.

PL. XI.—A SAILOR BOY

From a water-color painted by Lucy Sheldon
]

* * * * *

_Sunday 24th_, ... After meeting, read in the internal history of
church.

* * * * *

_Tuesday 26th_, Assisted Mama, came to school read in the companion,
and wrote my Journal, In the afternoon, there was no school, because
Miss Pierces’s sister Nancy was more unwell, In the evening we heard
the melancholy news of her death, Mama and I immediately went over
there and beheld a very affecting scene, but I think the mourners bear
their loss with Christian fortitude & resignation, returned home and
spent the remainder of the evening in meditating upon the scene which
I had witnessed, and which had made a deep impression upon my mind.

* * * * *

_Thursday 28th_, In the forenoon sewed, In the afternoon attended the
funeral, and heard Mr. Huntington make an excellent prayer, returned
home and in the evening knit.

* * * * *

_Saturday 30th_, Painted, but as Miss Sally has not kept school, I
have continued my employments at home.

Have done nothing for these two or three weeks past worth notice
except, having read through pilgrims progress, which I admire very
much, and Lord Chesterfields letters to his son and think it would be
well for every young Lady to read it.

_Monday._ Read history and painted in the forenoon. In the afternoon
copied my Journal, In the evening ciphered.

_Tuesday._ Studied geography lesson, In the evening ciphered.

_Saturday._ Wrote a letter in my Journal. Miss Pierce did not tell our
faults particularly, but gave us the general rules of good behaviour.

_Sunday._ Did not attend meeting on account of the weather, In the
evening read in Don Quixote, and am pleased with his factious humor
and Sancho’s credulous disposition

* * * * *

_Tuesday._ Attended school, read history, In the afternoon painted, &
heard the young Ladies read in Juliana or the affectionate sister in
the evening ciphered.

_Wednesday._ Read through the fortunate discovery or the History of
Henry Villers, a novel written by a young Lady in New York, I think
the language, is not as good as I have seen, but the story is very
pretty. Attended school, studied a geography lesson, & wrote my
Journal, In the afternoon copied it.

* * * * *

_Saturday._ Rose late, assisted Mama, came to school copied my
Journal, Miss Pierce did not tell our faults particularly, In the
afternoon wrote plays for Miss Pierce, In the evening read.

_Sunday._ Read ten chapters in the Bible, attended meeting all day, &
heard two very good sermons, read twenty chapters in the Bible after
meeting, In the evening sewed.

_Monday._ Began to write the history of Rome....

* * * * *

_Thursday._ Attended a private school ball.

* * * * *

_Saturday._ Copied history, recited geography, and heard our faults
told, Miss Pierce has found no fault with me for the week past, have
had the honor of being chosen candidate for the prize, In the
afternoon copied plays for Miss Pierce, in the evening read.

* * * * *

_Monday._ Returned home & had the pleasure of finding Miss Cornelia
Adams[31] at our house, assisted in getting tea, & spent the evening
very agreeably.

_Tuesday._ In the evening copied of my part of Ruth.[32]

* * * * *

_Wednesday._ Studied a geography lesson & recited it, had the
mortification to have Miss Mary Glen get above me, began to draw a map
in the afternoon, In the evening attended a school ball

* * * * *

_Tuesday._ Read history, drew on my map, and read in the childrens
friend, In the evening ciphered.

* * * * *

_Monday._ This morning I was introduced to my new brother, & am much
pleased with him, did not attend school, sewed, & attended to domestic
affairs

_Tuesday._ The forenoon I spent in sewing at home, In the afternoon
went to school, drew on my map of Connecticut & read in the
inquisitor, which is a very humorous thing

_Wednesday._ Came to school & read geography to Miss Chittenden, In
the afternoon recited my part & wrote.

_Thursday._ Rehearsed my part, drew on my map & wrote.

_Friday._ In the forenoon, drew on my map, In the afternoon studied my
part.

_Saturday._ Assisted at home, attended school, read in the companion,
drew on my map, assisted Mama at home & heard a play rehearsed,

_Sunday_, Did not attend meeting, read in the Bible & Downman on
infancy, In the evening did not do anything.

_Monday._ Came to school, worked on my map rehearsed my play, In the
afternoon drew on my map read in the Roman history & companion, In the
evening came to the school house, & heard the young Ladies say their
play.

_Tuesday._ Attended school, rehearsed my play, drew on my map, In the
evening attended a private school ball enjoyed myself very well.

_Wednesday_, Attended school, drew on my map recited my part, & copied
history, In the evening sewed.

_Thursday._ Rehearsed my part, drew on my map & wrote.

_Friday._ Was fast, attended meeting all day, thought Mr. Huntington
preached better, than I had ever heard him before.

_Saturday._ In the forenoon drew on my map & rehearsed my part, In the
afternoon drew on my map, & heard the young Ladies say their plays.

LUCY SHELDON’S JOURNAL FOR THE WINTER 1803

_Monday, January 3rd._ This day I again commence my Journal, it being
almost a year since I have written one, and perhaps will be the last,
that I shall ever write at school, I am now old enough to know the
importance of improvement therefore think I shall attend with more
diligence than formerly, I have not however, as yet been very
industrious because I have not had any fixed employments, but I have
now resolved to attend regularly to my studies, This morning I stayed
at home and assisted Mama, in the afternoon came to school, but found
it very bad walking from the snow that had fallen, the preceding
night, took a music lesson, was called home before school was out,
spent part of the evening in ciphering and the remainder at Miss
Pierce’s with the young Ladies.

_Tuesday 4th_, In the morning studied and recited a geography lesson,
in the afternoon took a music lesson,[33] and wrote, in the evening
assisted Mama.

_Wednesday 5th_, In the forenoon painted, in the afternoon had the
misfortune to break a glass in one of the frames of my pictures,
attended school, in the afternoon sewed, had the pleasure to find Mrs.
Allen at our house when I returned home, spent the afternoon and
evening very agreeably, think Mrs. Allen is a fine woman, and any man
might be proud of her.

_Thursday 6th_, Studied and recited a geography lesson and began a
composition, and sewed, spent the evening very agreeably at Miss
Pierces.

_Friday 7th_, Attended school, finished my composition & heard the
history summed up, we are reading the history of South America, and
have got as far as where Cortes entered Mexico....

In the afternoon sewed, in the evening ciphered.

_Saturday 8th_, In the morning sewed and wrote, In the afternoon sewed
a little and played a great deal, In the evening read in the Bible.

_Sunday 9th_, Attended meeting all day, and never heard Parson
Champion preach so unintelligibly, I can’t tell what was the cause of
it, but I did not understand much of it, In the evening went to
singing meeting stayed till about eight o’clock, when I returned and
spent the rest of the evening at Mr. Tracy’s very agreeably with a
large collection of Ladies & gentlemen.

_Tuesday 11th_, Heard the young Ladies read history and copied my
composition, (gives a condensed account of the history lesson) In the
evening had company.

* * * * *

_Friday 14th_, Did nothing but study geography all day.

_Saturday 15th_, Spent part of the forenoon in writing and the
remainder in hearing Miss Pierce read some excellent pieces from
Moore’s Fables on different subjects In the afternoon sewed. In the
evening read in the Bible.

_Sunday 16th_, Rose rather late, attended meeting and heard Mr.
Huntington preach, he took his text from Luke 18 chapter. 14 verse.
the following were the words, “I tell you this man went down to his
house justified rather than the other” after relating the story of the
Pharisee and Publican, he told us we ought to humble ourselves before
God, and that we should avoid hypocracy, although the Pharisee
attended strictly to all the forms of religion, yet instead of
humbling himself he boasted of having fasted more than the lord
required of him, and thanked God. that he was not like other men, an
adulterer, or slanderer, while on the other hand, the Publican was
sensible of his wickedness, and when before the altar of God, he stood
afar off and being afraid, so much as to lift his eyes to Heaven, he
beat his breast, and cried, “God be merciful to me a sinner,” and that
for this reason, he went back to his house justified rather than the
other. In the afternoon attended meeting and heard a continuation of
the forenoon’s subject, In the evening went to singing meeting

_Monday 17th_, We danced all the forenoon, and in the afternoon sewed
and was examined in geography, spent the beginning of the evening very
agreeably at Miss Pierce’s, but the latter part not quite so much so.

_Tuesday 18th_, Wrote and was examined in geography, there was no
school in the afternoon, and I employed myself in reading in Adams
history of Rome, In the evening we had a ball, I was not placed as
high in the dance, as I intend to be next time, enjoyed myself very
well, returned a little after ten o’clock.

* * * * *

_Saturday 22nd._ Wrote a composition upon Vanity, and heard our faults
told, In the afternoon mended my cloaths, In the evening read.

_Sunday 23rd_, Did not attend meeting in the morning, read all the
forenoon, In the afternoon attended meeting but did not attend to the
sermon, as much as I ought therefore cannot relate it, In the evening
went to singing meeting, and wrote a letter.

* * * * *

_Saturday 28th_, Wrote all the morning, In the afternoon came to the
school house, and wrote, while I was there Mr. Nash came in and
instructed his sister I was much pleased with his kindness, in trying
to improve her.

_Sunday 29th_, It stormed very hard, but I thought that was not a good
excuse for staying at home, therefore attended all day, text was taken
etc....

* * * * *

_Saturday Feb: 4th_, Assisted Mama, came to school and heard that the
two Miss Chapins were going home, went up to Mrs. Lords, where I found
Mr. Reeves who had come to bid a last adieu, to Miss Chapin, though he
was not so unmanly as to shed tears, yet his look indicated what were
the feelings of his heart!!!... I much grieved to have to part with
two such good friends as Clarissa & Betsey, particularly the former,
who perhaps is not a finer girl, than Betsey, yet I have been more
intimate with her, therefore was more sorry, to have her go, returned
to school and wrote, Heard Miss Pierce read us a piece on discretion
from the Spectator which I admired very much, In the afternoon sewed.

_Sunday 5th_, Did not attend meeting, read very steady all day, In the
afternoon was taken quite ill, but soon recovered after exercising
some, In the evening knit.

_Monday 6th_: ... Read in the vision of Columbus.

_Tuesday 7th_, Assisted Miss Mary all the forenoon, In the afternoon
attended school, wrote and heard Miss Leavitt play on the piano thinks
she plays very handsomely, In the evening attended a school ball,
enjoyed myself pretty well, returned after eleven o’clock.

_Wednesday 8th_, ... I took a music lesson.

* * * * *

_Saturday 11th._ Wrote and did some plain sewing in the afternoon
mended, In the evening read twelve Chapters in the Bible.

* * * * *

_Wednesday 16th_, Sewed, and heard the history In the afternoon read
in Blair’s Lectures, In the evening had company.

* * * * *

_Saturday 19th_, Copied my Journal and took a music lesson, painted,
slept the greater part of the evening, retired to rest a little after
eight o’clock.

* * * * *

_Saturday 26th_, Came to school, took a music lesson, and returned
home again, for the past week I have studied three geography lessons
and two grammar lessons, have attended ciphering one evening, having
been sick, the greater part of the week, spent the remainder of the
day in doing nothing we had this week, studied Egypt. etc., I have
heard the history read twice this week.

_Sunday 27th_, Did not attend meeting, was so sick read one or two
chapters in the Bible.

* * * * *

_Saturday March 5th_, The preceding week I have been sick the greater
part of the time, notwithstanding have not missed getting a geography
lesson, every other day, have been here every night to spell, and have
studied and recited several grammar lessons, stayed at home one day
ciphered one evening, and attended a lecture on Friday

* * * * *

_Saturday 12th_, For the past week I have studied three geography
lessons, drawn out a large picture, and heard the history read twice,
there was no school one day, I sewed, read 35 pages in Homers Iliad,
In the evening attended a ball.

* * * * *

_Saturday 19th_, Have studied for the week past, two geography
lessons, painted and made a frock, been to ciphering three evenings, I
have studied the Latitude of every kingdom, and island in the
world....

_Sunday 20th_, Attended meeting in the afternoon, the sermon was read
by Mr. Reeve who read so low, that I could hear but very little of it,
in the evening sewed very steady till nine o’clock.

_Saturday 26th_, The preceding has been spent as usual in studying
geography, hearing the history & painting, have written one
composition & ciphered one evening, we have studied for our geography
lesson, the boundaries of the seas & a description of the New England
States etc., Miss Pierce gave me 9 credit marks for my frock, I have
this winter missed in spelling 1 whole one and two half one’s.

_Saturday April 2nd_, For the week past have painted every day
studied, & recited, three geography lessons & heard the history twice,
We have this week been comparing the towns of America with those of
Europe, the rivers also.

_Saturday 9th_, Have written a composition, visited two afternoons,
one at Mrs. Adam’s with Clarinda Austin, spent the afternoon very
agreeably, In the evening Mr. Stanly was there, his manners are
genteel and agreeable, but I am afraid that beneath a form so
beautiful is concealed a vile heart, I think I should not like such a
constant succession of company as they have at Mrs. Adam’s. But
perhaps I shall think differently when I consider myself grown up, the
other afternoon I visited at Mr. Holmes with Cornelia & Maria Adam’s,
had a very agreeable visit indeed, the company were very sociable &
Miss Chandler in particular, who was more Loquacious than ever,
returned home at nine, the remainder of the week I studied geography,
and drew, Miss Pierce has seen no fault in me for the week past.

* * * * *

_Saturday 16th_, Have for the week past been studying geography & Miss
Pierce has been examining us every day, the evenings I have spent in
studying.

* * * * *

_Monday_ Wrote geography, _Tuesday_, the same, visited at Miss
Pierce’s, had a very agreeable visit, spent the remainder of the week
in studying geography....

[_Letter from Lucy Sheldon to her mother, addressed “Mrs. Huldah
Sheldon, Litchfield.”_]

NEW YORK November 29th (1803)

MY DEAR MAMA.

We did not get away from Litchfield till ten o’clock, the stage was
very much loaded with baggage and besides that, there were twelve
passengers—at Watertown there were two got out. I did not stop at
Uncle Cutlers, because the stage drove on, We arrived at New Haven
about half after eight called for at supper at Butlers, and after
eating as many oysters and other good things as we could went directly
on board a packet, there was no wind and we could not sail, we stayed
in the packet that night, and the next morning went on shore. I do not
like New Haven much better than Hartford, it may be a pleasanter
summer residence but I should prefer Hartford in the winter, and like
Litchfield better than either, I dined at Mrs. Twining’s, and went to
Mrs. Goodrich’s in the evening, because we expected to sail, but the
wind proving contrary I stay’d with Susan. Mrs. Twining was very kind
to me, and I think Mr. Goodrich’s a very agreeable family, The next
day about eleven the Captain sent for us and we went on board again,
but we did not sail till evening—I was very sick all the next day and
did not get out of my berth till night, the sailors said we should go
thro hell gate in a few moments so I went upon deck but as it was high
water I could not see any thing of any consequence—we arrived in New
York at Nine o’clock—and I assure you I was very glad to get on the
shore, As Aunt Leavenworths was some ways from Burling Slip the place
where we landed, I went to Mr. Hopkin’s, and staid that night, and the
next morning went to aunt L—— she has a most delightful situation on
the bank of the river—and I am certain I shall not be homesick,
yesterday Aunt, and Myself, went a shopping. I believe I shall never
learn to go alone, there are so many thousand streets here, I believe
it would not be a very good place for Harry, his head would be turned
in less than two hours, he would however be very much diverted, and so
was I yesterday to see the old women sitting in the market and so many
thousand ugly faces and dresses passing you constantly Harry’s money
would not last long here for you cannot go any where without seeing
some very pretty playthings or something very good to eat. I have not
seen the girls of my acquaintance, yet but as soon as I get my cloaths
made I shall call on them, then Mr. M^cCrackan was here last night, he
said that Aunt Hopkins and the child were well, but Nancy was not she
had a cough but they supposed it was only occasioned, by a cold, tell
Miss Mary Pierce that I am not homesick, but shall expect to see her
here soon I have not seen her brother yet, she said I should be
frightened with the singing of the chimney sweepers, but I am not, at
all, I hear them go past all the time but I have not seen one yet—be
kind enough to give my love to all the girls and tell them, that tho I
have got to be a _City Lady_ I think of them very often and wish to
see them very much—that I should certainly write them, but I am afraid
Mr. Hopkin’s will go, but they must not fail to write by Miss
Mary—give my love to Papa and all the family. I want to see little
William. very much, you must not let him forget sister Tuty present my
love to all who enquire after me—The weather looks very much like snow
this morning—I suppose Frederick is not sorry—as he will probably
enjoy much pleasure, in gallanting the girls about in our little sley
this winter do make him and Harry write and tell me everything that
has happened since I came away I suppose you had the honor of Mr.
Nash’s company to dine with you on thanks giving day—Aunt Leavenworth
is _pretty_ well and sends her love she would write but thinks it
unnecessary as I have written you so particular—adieu Mama, and
believe me to be ever your affectionate and dutiful daughter

L. SHELDON.

I fear I shall want some more money.

[_Reply addressed Miss Lucy Sheldon, New York._]

LITCHFIELD December 14th, 1803

MY DEAR CHILD:

I neglect no opportunity to let you know we are all well, and think of
you pretty often we received your letter by mail, but not before Miss
Mary was gone and as I do not like to trouble Mr. Allen. with a bundle
shall send the muslin you mentioned next week by the Mail, you will
see I cut William a shirt from one of the breadths, and fear I have
spoiled it, but since I do not know what use you want to make of it,
shall send it as it is. Miss Pierce has begun her winter school which
is so small that she keeps in her dining-room and probably will unless
more come than she expects, Mrs. Dr. Smith drank tea with us this
afternoon and Betsey & Polly Sanders are here at work and have been
here till I am quite tired of them, you must write me more particular
what you are adoing from the time you get up till you go to bed, and
what time in the morning you get up, and what your Aunt is doing and
where she is, and everything you can think off I shall read it with
pleasure let it be ever so trifling, you will not forget to remember
me to your Uncle & Aunt

I am your affectionate
Mamma
HULDAH. SHELDON

Both of these letters were sent by private hand.

EXTRACTS FROM HER COMMONPLACE BOOK.

In Lucy Sheldon’s Commonplace Book, where we find but one date, September 12, 1811, there are selections from “Christian Morals,” Hannah More, Montgomery, Milton, Pope, Young, Miss Porter, Scott, Sir John Suckling, Sheridan, Thomas Moore, Burns, Stewart, Swift, Burke, Doctor Johnson, Goldsmith, Shakespeare, Cowper, Thompson, Chesterfield, Shenstone, Dryden, Ossian, Bolingbroke, Grattan, Anthony Pasquin, Savage, Curran, The Spectator, Dean Kirwan, Blair, Doctor Cotton, John Howard Payne, Mrs. Opie.

[_Acrostic written to Miss Sheldon, by John Pierpont._]

A CHARACTER.

Like the valley’s soft lily sweet modesty’s flow’r,
Under virtues mild care L—— days happy flow,
Cupids bow shines resplendent & graces her bow’r,
Youth, Science and Beauty rejoice on her brow.

· · · · ·

Lucy, how emmulous is each
To swell your treasury by a mite!
Here poets sing, here sages teach,
And wits here sparkle, in your sight.
Each hand assiduous, culls a flow’r,
To blush in your Pierian wreath,
And o’er your brow in musing hour,
The sweets of Poesy to breath.

And why with emulative zeal,
This garland, do we thus entwine?
’Tis for the fair whose soul can feel,
Whose taste can relish, lays divine
’Tis for the fair, whose modest eye,
Approves when beams of Genius shine,
The poets sing, that lovers sigh,
And we this garland thus entwine.
JOHN PIERPONT.

Judge Tapping Reeve writes:

When my Lucy calls to mind the unnumbered blessings which God her
Maker & Redeemer bestows upon her midst the comforts of this life,
born & educated in a land where the pure precepts of the blessed
gospel are constantly inculcated, will she not adopt with gratitude
the language of the poet

“My days unclouded as they pass
“And every gentle rolling hour
“Are monuments of wondrous grace
“And witness to thy love & power.

If the opportunities afforded to her for the acquisition of whatever
is valuable & ornamental are improved for the purposes of elevatedness
of heart to God, they will indeed be blessings, the language of her
heart will be “_thy will be done_,” the poets language will accord
with her feelings

“Seal my forgiveness, in the blood
“Of Jesus his dear name alone
“I plead for pardon gracious God
“And kind acceptance at thy throne.

Judge James Gould quotes a passage from Pope’s Iliad; Mrs. Elizabeth (Burr) Reeve quotes verses; Miss C. A. Austin quotes from Fessenden:

A deficit of Cash is
An obstacle to cutting Dashes.

Augustus Hillhouse adds a poem on Despair; Miss Amelia Ogden adds several quotations; Miss M. Tallmadge quotes from Mrs. Opie; Miss M. Baldwin quotes from Logan; Mr. Pierce quotes from “World without Souls.”

At the end of one collection are the following conundrums:

Why is a school master like Orpheus,
Because he strikes the trembling liar

What colour is the wind, what colour is the storm
The wind blew and the storm rose

Why is a sidesaddle like a four quart measure
Because it holds a Gallon.

When an American or an Englishmen leaves his country, he says farewell
my native land——

An Irishman says Jesus be with you, this day & forever sweet Ireland
my country

Letter written by Lucy Sheldon to her brother Henry just after the death of another brother, William, in Paris. Daniel was Secretary of Legation at the Court of France under Albert Gallatin.

LITCHFIELD August 7th, 1826

MY DEAR HENRY,—

On Saturday last the fifth of July we returned from our tour to
Niagara Falls, I believe I wrote to you of Frederick that Miss Mary
Pierce was going to accompany us. Colonel and Mrs. Tallmadge talked of
it with Mr. & Mrs. Cushman, but Mrs. Tallmadge is in such terror when
she is travelling by sea or land, that it is a source of unhappiness
to her to take a journey and tho the colonel appeared really anxious
to go, he gave it up on her account Miss Pierce, Father, and myself
sat out on Wednesday the 12th of July it was an extreme hot day, I
think the warmest we have had this summer, but tho we suffered some
from the heat, yet as the stage was not crowded we did tolerably well,
father laid himself down in the stage & took several long naps we had
a plain farmer with us who amused us considerably with his wit & good
common sense, the nearer we approached Albany the more we found
ourselves fatigued and our South Farms farmer said he had rather
Cradle grain all day, than to ride in the Stage, we did not get to
Albany till ten o’clock, put up at Skinners quite a good house, had
supper got to bed about, eleven, were waked very early in the morning
by the multitude’s of Stages going out and found ourselves not much
refreshed by our nights sleep, and took a stage to Troy and
Lansingburgh. Miss Pierce stopped at Mr. Cushmans, I went down to Mrs.
Leonards, to get where I could rest a little, for I was much more
fatigued than the others; Father was very smart. Found Mrs. Leonard as
hospitable as ever, stayed with her all day and night, returned the
next morning to Troy, dined at Mr. Cushmans, there was much attention
to religion at Troy, and most of the towns west. Mr. C—— is much
engaged, we had a delightful visit, at three started in the Stage for
Schenectady, arrived just as the boat was going out for Utica, took
tea, and went immediately on board the Sound of the Kent bugle, the
lively, busy scene around us, and the long stretch of the Canal, all
new to us, afforded a pleasant scene, and almost made us forget our
sorrows; the boat was a small one and considerably crowded but we had
an excellent Captain, very good food and pleasant companions, which
made the evening and following day pass pleasantly. Mrs. Town, her two
daughters, a niece, a son Charles. T. & a Mr. Smith who had lately
married one of the daughters, were among the party, they were from New
York except Mr. S—— who was from Philadelphia appeared to be genteel
people and strove to be pleased with everything—which is a great art
in travelling, and renders people much more agreeable, the next day I
felt considerable fear for Father, he would be upon deck, or upon the
bow, of the boat, and get to sleep, or would undertake to jump from
the boat to land, till he got one fall, and came near getting knocked
down by a bridge, all our warnings and endeavours to frighten him by
stories we had heard were of no avail, but after his fall he was a
little more careful and willing to stay in the cabin. the country as
you know is very pleasant here, the company was pleasant, among others
the gentlemen who had studied law at L——d and we had an agreeable sail
up the Canal, got out at Little Falls, walked nearly a mile, and
viewed the acqueduct, arrived at Utica about nine in the evening, had
a room with the Towns. The next day was Sunday—William Bacon came and
invited us to go to Church, eat dinner at his Fathers, after Church
Mrs. Skinner called in to see us. She is as young and lively as
ever—The next day—we went with Miss Lathrope to see Trenton falls—It
rained a little when we sat out, but cleared up shortly, we got there
about ten A. M. proceded to the falls were perfectly charmed with the
beauty of the scene, Father walked almost as far as we did, he went to
the house of refreshment, which is built directly on one side of one
of the most beautiful falls, we walked as far as any body ever went
Miss L—— said, and then returned, took dinner and went back to Utica
fully rewarded for our fatigue and trouble. We went to bed before
dark, had a good nights sleep, the next morning, Father and I procured
a gig and sat out for Clinton to see Mrs. Noyes. The roads were wet
and considerable rutted by the late violent showers, but Father took a
rein in each hand, and John Gilpin like, drove thro, thick and thin,
calling out, tur—rup, tur—rup, and tho I remonstrated considerable
upon his holding the reins so loose, going down hill and in bad
places, he heeded it not, but called out tur—rup, and drove on, till
at length, we arrived safe at Fannys—after going a mile directly out
of the way in spite of my entreaties. Found Fanny well, cried and
laughed to see us, has a very pleasant situation, overlooking a rich
and very beautiful valley, a pleasant house and a yard adorned with
shrubbery, we visited the Colleges, were treated very politely by the
President and Lady, invited with warmth to stay—took tea with
Fanny—set out for Utica in the same careless way we came, continuing
to beg my Father, to drive with more care, without any effect—we had
proceded about a mile—were going over a plane, perfectly smooth and
level when our horse stumbled fell, and broke the thill of the
carriage—Father was going to jump out—I begged him to sit still, in a
moment the horse got up again, and stood perfectly still. I ran to a
house to get some assistance, but there was no _man_ at home—but
coming out I saw a student of the College at some distance—I requested
him if he was going that way, to step in and inform Dr. Noyes of our
accident—but he mentioned there was a black Smith at a little
distance, and he would call in, and request him to aid us; but the
black Smith was not at home, so he returned; we fortunately found a
strong rope, used as a halter in the gig, the young man procured a
strong piece of wood—he and Father bound the wood around the broken
part firmly—and we got in again—I at last prevailed upon Father to let
me drive—and we arrived at Utica in safety—_Father taking the reins
near the town_. The same evening we took the Canal boat for
Syracuse—here there was an old Scotch man who kept the gentleman in a
roar the greater part of the time—at Syracuse they make salt by
evaporation—the next morning Miss P—— and myself took a wagon and a
boy and went to Salina, where we saw the salt works which were a great
curiosity—returned before breakfast, and took the stage to Auburn—Mrs.
Bacon gave us a letter to her son who resides there he called upon us
with a Mr. Fanning a classmate of Williams—and told us they would wait
on us to the States Prison after dinner—at the dinner table we met Mr.
Sam Miles Hopkins—who is an inspector of the Prison, and was there on
that business—he with the young gentlemen, accompanied us into every
part of the prison—introduced us to Judge Powel, the keeper—who took
us into his sitting parlour and gave us a glass of wine, after our
walk over the Prison we took a carriage and went to Cayuga to Mr.
Mumfords, where they appeared happy to see us—the next day at eleven
we got into the stage for Rochester. here Miss P—— and myself almost
lost our hearts for one of our travelling companions—a very
intelligible—agreeable, social, Irish gentleman, by the name of
Hogan—we travelled with him to Rochester part of two days through a
most interesting country passing Geneva Canandaigua—and had a
delightful ride—at Rochester we stopped to pass the Sabbath—found a
great number of acquaintances. Mr. Livingston who married Miss C.
Landon, Mr. Perkins who married Miss C.—Deming—Frederick Backus—Mr.
James who went out to Liverpool and Woolsey Mumford—Went to see the
falls—the ruins of Carthage—mills—churches—we drank tea Saturday
evening with Dr. Backus, saw Old Mrs. Backus—attended Church all
day—next day took the Canal for Buffalo, had on board the Canal boat,
the Boardman’s and Costars from New York, the ladies were pretty, were
much crowded in the boat, so that many had to sleep on the floor—left
our companions at Lockport, viewed the grand locks, a very great
curiosity, being double, five together. passed on to Buffalo had a
beautiful view as we entered the harbor of the Lake, Fort Erie etc,
next day crossed the river at Black Rock and took a carriage for the
Falls. the morning was beautiful the air cool and refreshing the
country finely cultivated—the river Niagara rolled clear & majestic
beside us, and everything seemed to conspire to render the ride a
charming one, we stopped and bought some ripe apples and fine cherries
about half a mile before we reached the Falls, we visited the burning
spring here we viewed the rapids, in their tumultuous motion coursing
towards the awful precipice below; at eleven we arrived at Forsyth’s
and immediately proceeded to the falls the scene struck us as grand
and beautiful beyond description. I had a most peculiar sensation w’h
was—a great desire to throw myself with the mighty mass of waters and
penetrate the abyss below—and I found afterwards I was not alone in
that feeling. We passed that day in wandering about, and beholding the
wonderful works of God in this interesting place—and in one of our
rambles suddenly met Mr. & Mrs. Darling from New York very particular
acquaintances of Miss Pierce’s we also at dinner met a _number_ of our
travelling acquaintances—Forsyth now keeps a very good house—there is
another one a short distance from this, lately built, which some
prefer, but this commands the best view of the falls and upon the
whole is I think the most desirable house. The next day we took a
carriage and went to —— where is an old British Fort, opposite to Fort
Niagara on the American side, there being no garrison in the Fort and
the gate open we went in and examined the whole of it. It is called
Fort Mississaugay. We also stopped at Queenstown to see a monument
erected to the memory of General Brock who was killed near. it is a
hundred and odd feet high, and they are going to add twenty more to
it. returned to Forsyth’s to dine, after dinner left his house crossed
over in a row boat to the American side. Father was quite fatigued
going down & up so many steps, but not so much so but that he
immediately went and delivered a letter of introduction to Judge
Porter who lives at the falls. The American side tho’ not as beautiful
as the other accorded more with my ideas previously formed—than the
Canadian side. Had a very agreeable visit at Judge P’s when we drank
tea his garden is situated directly upon the banks of the rapids The
next morning we went all over Goat Island found at breakfast Mr. &
Mrs. Perrit from New York and a number of our travelling companions.
Mr. P. said he sailed with you to Liverpool a year or two since and
they mentioned they were well acquainted with Frederick & his
wife—found him & his wife very agreeable, sat out in the stage with
them for Lockport the road was bad & dusty but our pleasant companions
beguiled the tediousness of the way—by their interesting conversation.
Stopped at the Tuscarora village. At the house of the Chief—he had
been confined to his bed several years with the Rheumatism—My father
told him he could cure him—and prescribed a remedy for his
complaint—his log hut was larger & more commodious than the rest,
situated in a garden, kept perfectly neat—and a number of fruit trees
around—the squaws were spreading wheat to dry in the sun and looked
quite comfortable—the Chief was seated upon a bed, with white curtains
and the hut looked tolerable comfortable—quite neat & clean—he was
forty years of age he told us—spoke the English Language very well—and
appeared to be a very intelligent man. from what he said, I should
Judge, a Christian—I left them some tracts—others gave them presents
and after shaking the Chief by the hand we took our leave. At Lockport
we took the Canal, as Father much preferred travelling that way—and at
Brockfort we parted with Mr. & Mrs. Perrit. We passed the Grand
embankment on the Canal which is raised Seventy feet above the
surrounding country for a mile or two—and a road passes under it—we
stopped but a moment at Rochester and passed on to Montezuma—here we
arrived early Sunday morning—took a carriage—and went to Cayuga seven
miles where we passed the Sabbath—attended Church all day with Mr. and
Mrs. Mumford—the next day at eleven took the stage for Auburn—At
Auburn met with some pleasant Irish people from New York. Mr. & Mrs.
McCarthy etc. etc—they informed us that the young Irishman we took
such a fancy to and who styled himself Doctor, was formerly a Roman
Catholic priest—but had apostasized from their religion & was—as they
called him a Renegade—however we concluded from what they said—it must
be another person—Arrived at Utica before dinner after dinner called
on our friends saw Phoebe Hubbard at Utica—Sailed from Utica in the
Canal boat at eight in the evening, had a fine boat and cool night—but
few passengers, and found ourselves very comfortably situated indeed
we have been remarkably favored in this respect—Have had but little
warm weather—and seldom been crowded on board the boat or
stage—arrived at Schenectady after a pleasant sail the next
evening—here we took leave of our Irish friends and some other
travelling companions—Next morning took the stage to Albany found that
the Litchfield stage left here at two o’clock in the morning—was sick
that day kept my room most of the day—Mr. John Chester called to see
us—also Eben Baldwin formerly at Litchfield—in the evening went to
hear Mr. Chester preach—next morning walked to see the long Pier and
Albany bason—went on board the safety barge, Lady Clinton, which we
esteemed a great curiosity, the accommodations are superb—at nine took
stage for Lebanon—with three or four dashing Philadelphians who were
promising themselves much pleasure at the Springs—arrived at Lebanon
half past two—called for dinner—our travelling companions came down in
their best trim and were sadly disappointed to find no company of any
consequence there—we drank of the water, admired the beautiful
prospect of the extensive Valley which lies before the public houses
visited the baths—and took a carriage for West Stockbridge—our ride
led us through the Quaker village we stopped at their store visited
their place for making cheese—admired the neatness of the place and
passed on—our carriage was easy and comfortable the air cool & bracing
the scenery very fine—and we enjoyed our ride highly—at West
Stockbridge we were surprised to see how small the rooms of a common
sized house looked, we had been so long in such large ones—we were
however very comfortably provided for—our fare was good—and our host
sociable so we had nothing to complain of—the next morning while
waiting for the Litchfield stage we went to see them saw Marble and to
the Quarry some distance beyond—at nine an extra drove up we were
standing upon the Steps at the door a gentleman got out and said how
do you do Doctor Sheldon? We looked up and saw an old friend of ours
William Ellsworth of Hartford—there were so many passengers that they
took another extra from here, and we had the pleasure of Mr. E——’s
company to Norfolk—here he left us and we had a stage to ourselves we
were still favored with delightful weather. our driver was anxious to
get in before another stage which took a different route—and we came
about six miles an hour—at the head of the Street seeing the other
stage just entering town he set his horses out upon the full run—and
we came home in that style somewhat to our alarm—We found all things
had gone on quietly and snugly at home & have great reason to be
thankful for the many mercies we have enjoyed during our
absence—everything seemed to concur to render the journey a pleasant
one it rained just when we wanted a shower to lay the dust—and cleared
off when we wished to have it—we were protected by a kind hand from
all danger by water and by land—we were treated with the greatest
politeness and kindness by our friends and by strangers and had
nothing to mar the pleasure of our journey—the thought of my Dear
departed Brother would sometimes cause a sigh—and a tear to flow—but
the remembrance was usually softened by some pleasant scene before me,
which absorbed my thoughts and attention Father bore the journey
remarkably well—and appeared much less fatigued than I did—he and Miss
Pierce seemed to grow fat the whole way—He was much gratified with his
journey—and I think it will probably be the means of prolonging his
life—

Though we have passed through many pleasant towns and villages yet as
we entered Litchfield Miss P and I agreed that we had not seen one
that would compare with it—in neatness—& none pleasanter. Father
jumped out of the stage and said—home is home—if ever so homely—I pray
God that I may have a heart to be grateful to you and grateful to him
for the many mercies I enjoy—I hope it will not be long before you
will come back to this country never to return to France—Remember us
affectionately to Daniel and believe me your affectionate sister

LUCY SHELDON

Postscript My dear Frederick & Mary I thought you would wish to know
how we got along in our journey as it was something of an undertaking
for a man 75 years of age—which has caused me to be thus particular—I
now promise myself the pleasure of seeing you here speedily, do quit
mosquito land and come to the pure air of Litchfield—I hope you will
very soon, yours L.S. Please to direct this to Henry.

Addressed
Mr. Frederick Sheldon. Merchant
32 Warren Street
New York

Postage. 37½ cents

Article written for the Litchfield Enquirer by Lucy Sheldon (Mrs. Beach), when near eighty years, because her village was spoken of as lonely in winter.

DEAR OLD LITCHFIELD

“Breathes there a man with soul so dead,
Who never to himself hath said
This is my own, my Native land?”

Who that has wandered o’er these green hills, any bright June Morning,
and viewed the smiling landscape, hill & dale, dotted with thrifty
farm houses, the Silver Lakes, the distant Mountains, the Village,
like a City on a hill, tho’ surrounded with Hills, the clear blue sky;
has inhaled the pure dry air, giving health & vigor to the system, but
will exclaim with raptured heart, “My Father made them all!” Where
does the merry Bobolink, the gay Meadowlark, the Blue Bird, the
domestic Robin, the Oriole, sing their Maker’s Praise with a louder,
sweeter song, than on these hills & and in these Vallies, And as the
Sun sinks in the West, the low voice of the Whip poor will is heard in
the Vales below, At Evening how soft the Moonbeams sleep on yon glassy
Lake, and how bright they twinkle, as you walk these streets thro the
long avenue of trees, forming shadows, which seem like some magic
picture of beauty.

We would not boast, but we think the Mantles of our Fathers have
fallen on many of their children, and that we have refined intelligent
Christian Society, persons who love each Sabbath day to come from
their far off homes, to mingle their prayers and praises with those
who worship _Him_ who is a Spirit in Spirit & in truth, and who
appreciate the high privilege, of hearing the word of God, Preached
with plainness, with simplicity, with Spirituality & Power.

Here also in Rugged Winter we love to dwell. We love to brave the
Storm, to hear the loud wind roar, the bracing air adds color to the
Cheek, and elasticity to the frame. We love to hear the merry Sleigh
bells jingle and see the brawny ox at the bidding of his master,
bending his neck, to draw the heavy load which gives warmth & comfort
to our dwellings.

We love the placid quiet of domestic life free from the shackles of
folly & Fashion. We love after the labor of the day

“To stir the fire and close the shutters fast,
“Let fall the Curtains, wheel the Sofa round,
“And, while the bubbling & loud hissing urn
“Throws up a steamy column, and the Cups
“That cheer but not inebriate, wait on each
“So let us welcome peaceful evening in.”

Music, Books, pleasant converse with others and ourselves, plans of
usefulness fill up the passing hour, and we retire to rest leaning on
him beneath whose notice, not a sparrow falls to the ground.

On yonder Hillock in the vale, a gentle stream meandering at its base,
sleep the remains of our Honored Fathers & Mothers. Many of them
unknown to fame, but their names are recorded on high.

The green sod covers them and the Fir tree & the Willow spread their
branches over them, but their excellencies still live in the memory of
their descendants. We would emulate their virtues, We would elevate
that which is low, we would frown on vice, and contribute our might to
reform what is wrong.

And may Education, Morality & the Religion of the atoning Lamb of God,
characterize the People of this loved place, to the latest generation.

AN OLD INHABITANT.

1802.
MARY ANN BACON—HER JOURNAL.

Mary Ann Bacon was born February 9, 1787, and married, November 13, 1815, Chauncey Whittlesey, of Roxbury, Connecticut.

“MARY ANN BACON’S JOURNAL”
WRITTEN IN THE 15^{TH} YEAR OF HER AGE.

I left Roxbury at eleven Oclock Thursday June 10 1802, accompanied by
my Father after riding about ten miles we stopped at Mr. Mosely about
three Oclock where we refreshed our selves and mounted our horses
about four and rode in solitude saw many beautiful meadows and the
little birds warbling sweet notes seeming to enjoy the sweet pleasures
of life it rained a little before we reach’d Litchfield which was
about Six oClock in the afternoon. Papa got me into Board at Mr.
Andrew Adams’s.[34] After staying a short time we parted and being
much fatigued I retired to rest soon after tea.

PL. XII.—MARY ANN BACON

From a miniature
]

_Friday June ^{the}11_