Chapter VII: Part 7

Lifes pleasures are as briefly bright,
As autumn’s leaves so gay.
Then why regard their fickle light;
Tho’ dazzling as they may be now
Like snow-wreaths on the cataracts brow
They soon will melt away,

Now on rides night with quickened pace
A night of cold and gloom,
Her brow no star formed circlets grace;
Now closing round she covers all
With the same sad and darksom pall
A darkness like the tomb.
By MR. J. P. BRACE.
S. CLEAVLAND

FAREWELL TO THEE HYPE.

Away with thee, Hype thou bird of the night;
Unfurl thy dark wing and escape from my breast,
I have nestled thee long, thou ill omend sprite,
No more with your screams shall you drive away rest,

Why should I murmur if sorrow and ill,
Cloud o’er my sun shine and darken my road,
We ca’nt alway travel on pleasures bright hill,
Our path will oft lead us to sorrows abode,

Sometimes at the fire side my friends I can greet;
While each smiling face beams its beauty for me:
Then fondly I’ll love them but if frowns I should meet,
Shall I mourn at their loss or to other friends flee.
Pray whence is this change once thy heart alway’s sigh’d,
Like the Eolian harp, if a breath struck its string’s
Pray what is the cause that has thus fortified,
Thy breast gainst the sorrow’s that misery brings?

Is it love, that has sung to the breath no more sighs?
Love’s joy is too keen for a calmness like mine;
The sounds that love vibrates variably rise;
The first tone is joys; the next jealousy, thine.

Has friendship then blest thee? No: friends are all gone;
Like summer eve’s clouds they have vanished away.
I had friends once, alas:—but, Hype be done;
I’ll care not: I love’d them, but they would not stay.

Was it wine, that the sharp strings that misery stole;
But pleasure’s not always a guest at the feast;
Tho’ care may escape from the top of the bowl,
Mid the dregs at the bottom he always will rest.

It was that I found, but I will not relate,
What has lightened my spirits of woe’s fancied power;
Suffice that no more I shall murmur at hate;
Nor suffer neglect every pleasure to sour.

Then Hype, farwell and long be the time,
E’er thou fly back to visit this bosom of mine;
The clouds are all past, and a happier clime,
Beams with joy, that is brighter than friendship or wine.
By MR. J. P. BRACE.
AMANDA KEELER.
Albany.

VALE OF AVOCA.

There is not in this wide world a valley so sweet,
As the vale on whose bosom the bright waters meet,
Oh! the last ray of feeling and of life shall depart,
E’er the bloom of that valley shall fade from my heart.

Yet it was not that nature had spread o’er the scene
Her purest of chrystals and brightest of green
It was not the soft magic of streamlet or rill,
Oh! no it was something more exquisite still.

It was, that the friends of my bosom were near
That made every scene of enchantment more dear
Who felt how the blest of nature improves
When we see it reflected from eyes that we love

Sweet vale of Avoca how calmly would I rest
On thy bosom of shade with the friend I love best
When the raging of thy billows would forever cease
And our hearts like your waters be mingled in _peace_

Litchfield July 16th 1816

PARODY ON THE VALE OF AVOCA

There is not in all Litchfield a damsel so fair
As that girl with the dark eyes and bright auburn hair
The last lingering pulsation of life shall depart
E’re that maidens image shall fade from my heart.

But it was not that beauty had moulded her face
Where the white rose and red rose had mingled their grace
T’ was not the soft glance of a mild beaming eye
T’ was something more lovely than youths roseate dye

It was that virtue and feeling came mingling with truth
That added new graces, and beauty, and youth
And showed how the charms of the person increase,
When virtue and truth with the heart are at peace.

Sweet blossom of Litchfield how calmly my life
Would glide down in its channel with thee for a wife
Then the storms that once lowered forever should cease.
And our hearts like thy virtues be mingled in peace.
Composed by MR. J. P. BRACE.

HOME

What tho’ banish’d from home o’er the world I may roam
Still that home I have left is the first in my love;
There’s no sorrow so great, as its absence to mourn;
No joy that’s so bright as the hope of return.
At home are the friends of my earliest years,
That form’d my first hopes and soothed my first fears;
That taught my young bosom the pleasures of love.
And directed its tho’ts to the heaven above.
Tho’ much I may love other friends I have seen
Tho’ the _hills_ I now tread may be vivid and green
Still the hills of my childhood are brightest and best
And the friends of my _home_ are the first in my breast.
On that mirror full oft other objects may play,
And flash on its surface alluringly gay,
But the joys of my _home_ form a picture more bright
That will glow in the darkness and blaze in the light
For that picture is touched by a pencil most true
And the colours that deck it are loves brightest hue.
Like the vapors that rise from the far spreading main.
Ascend high in air, and in clouds charged with rain
Descend on the mountains, still in rivers their course
They will bend to that ocean, that gave them their source
So my love, tho’ towards friends I have met oft will burn
To that centre, its _home_ it will always return.
The pleasures of _home_, may be scattered at last
Like the sear’d leaf of autumn borne off by the blast
There’s a home that is better, and brighter than this,
Where no gloom will destroy o’ershadow its bliss;
Ah! how sweet to reflect when the worlds storms are o’er
There’s a haven of joy on eternity’s shore;
Where our tempest toss’d barks will be safe on its breast
And our hearts free from lifes troubles eternally rest.
E. M. CAMP.

By MR. JOHN P. BRACE.

1816–1818.
ELIZA OGDEN—HER JOURNAL.

_Written while at Boarding School in Litchfield Conn. 1816–1818._

ELIZA A. OGDEN’S JOURNAL BOOK.

_July 15, 1816._—I arrived at Litchfield the 3rd of July. I went to
Mrs. Bull’s to board. The next day I went to school in the afternoon,
but I did not learn my lesson. Thursday I arose in the morning very
early, ate breakfast, studied until the bell rang. I went to school,
learned a lesson in Geography in the forenoon, in Grammar in the
afternoon.

PL. XXIX.—CHART OF ENGLISH HISTORY, BY ELIZA OGDEN
]

Friday I was examined in the Elements of Geography. Saturday I learned
a lesson in Geography, and was examined through the rules of the
school. Sunday I attended Church, heard Mr. Beecher preach. He took
his text in Luke the 3rd Chapter and 7th verse in the forenoon, and in
the afternoon in the 2nd Epistle of the Corinthians, 7th Chapter and
3rd verse. He preached very affecting indeed; he wished to have us all
be good Christians. After meeting I went home, and in the evening went
to Conference. After Conference I went home, went into my room,
thinking of what Mr. Beecher had said. I arose this morning as usual.
I went to school, recited my lesson in Sacred History and went to
writing my Journal and have just finished it.

_July 22, 1816._—Monday, after I read my Journal, I spent the rest of
the afternoon in writing. After school I went home and studied my
lesson for the next day. The next morning I arose, ate breakfast and
studied my lesson until I went to school. I said my lesson very well.
I went to writing. In the afternoon I recited in Grammar and Geography
and did not say them as well as I could wish, but I hope that I shall
do better the next time. Saturday after school I went home and thought
I would take a walk; I concluded to go to Pine Island; part of the
scholars accompanied me. We had a very pleasant walk indeed; we went
almost there and we could not see the water or any thing that pleased
us very much and the girls would go no farther. Coming back it rained
and wet us some. I went to the Post Office expecting to get a letter,
but I was very much disappointed not to find any there; I have not had
any since I came from home. Sunday I went to meeting; we had an
excellent sermon; he preached from Luke. I attended Conference last
evening; we had very good advice; he prayed for us, made a very long
prayer. This morning said my lesson very well. I did not miss.

_July 29, 1816._ Monday morning before I went to school I began to
write my Journal and finished it in the forenoon and read it in the
afternoon. After I went home and attended to the duties of the evening
I retired to my chamber. Tuesday I recited a lesson in Geography in
the forenoon, in Grammar in the afternoon. After I went home Mrs. Bull
mentioned two very sudden deaths, of a young gentleman and a negro,
that were drowned. Wednesday I had my holiday. Thursday I recited my
lessons as usual. Friday there was not any school in the afternoon. I
recited my lesson in Geography in the forenoon. We were examined in
Geography Saturday in the forenoon, I missed a good many times. Sunday
I went to church; heard Mr. Beecher; after I went home I read till it
was dark. This morning I arose as usual, made an apron before I came
to school; after I came to school I recited in History, said my lesson
very well missed only half a quarter.

_Aug 15._ Monday morning I went to school recited my History lesson
and wrote my Journal. Tuesday I recited my lessons as usual; after
school Miss Logan and Miss Ayres came here and drank tea; Miss Logan
informed us that she was going to leave the school this week.
Wednesday went to school in the forenoon; while there Miss Whittlesy
informed me that there was a letter in the Post Office for me. I went
down as soon as school was out and got the letter. They were all well.
My Aunt, who was sick when I left home, was better. In the afternoon
Miss Eliza Camp and Miss Keeler came to make us a visit; after tea
they walked on Prospect Hill. Thursday as usual nothing occurred worth
relating. Friday recited a lesson in Geography; in the afternoon was
examined I missed very little. Saturday after we had answered to the
rules of the school, Mr. Cornelius came. He said many of the scholars
were going away and he wished us if we had any disturbance or any
thing against each other to forgive one another before we parted and
if ever we met again to meet as friends. He said that every year. Four
of Miss Pierces scholars had died and if four should die every year
for twenty years how many would there be left. How necessary it is to
look to the preservation of our souls so that we may all meet in
heaven. After school Miss Butler went to the Post Office....

_Aug. 12, 1816._ Monday morning I learned a lesson in Sacred History;
in the afternoon I recited in Grammar. Tuesday in Geography and
Grammar. Wednesday I had the pleasure of receiving two letters from
home; they were very unexpected. They enjoyed pretty good health. Papa
and Mama will visit us this fall. In the afternoon Miss McNeal visited
Miss Beecher and just at sundown she invited me to take a walk with
her and Miss Beecher on Prospect Hill; we had a very pleasant walk
indeed. When we arrived at the top of the hill Miss McNeal said that
she always liked to look at that little cottage under the hill; it
looked so rustic and retired, to which Miss Beecher replied that she
thought it was more pleasant to look at than to live in, a very true
observation I think. After a stay of some minutes we concluded to go
home. It was quite cool and we had no shawls with us. We went home and
Miss McNeal said it was time for her to return home as she was going
to Conference. She took leave of us and I spent the evening at Miss
Beecher’s. Friday I was examined in Geography. I missed very little.
In learning the State of New York, when we came to the rivers, I
learned that the Delaware River had its source from Lake Utstagantho.
I should have thought that I would have known where it arose as I have
lived close by the River. When I was coming here I saw the head of it,
but I did not know as it arose in any other place. After school I went
home and Miss Haine’s brother came there soon after. How happy I
should be to find one of my brothers there. Saturday was examined in
the rules of the school. Mr. Beecher was not at home and therefore he
did not come into the school as usual. Mr. Cornelius came into the
school for the last time. He explained to us the situation of other
nations, of the Heathen Idolators who never heard of a Bible. I think
as we live in a christian land we ought to look to the preservation of
our souls. Sunday I attended the Church of England. I think I never
heard so good a sermon in my life. He compared a death-bed repentance
to a man and his son. He said if you put it off till on your death-bed
it would not be received, for perhaps if we ever got well again we
would return to the world again and be as sinful as ever. He said it
was nothing but fear; it was not for the love of God but for the fear
of death, and he said if a man’s son was very disobedient to him he
would chastise him and his son would repent and promise to do so no
more, but it was only because he feared him; it was not because he
loved him any better than he did before

_Aug 26. 1816._ Monday I arose, studied my History lesson, went to
school, recited and began to write my Journal. In the afternoon I
learnt a lesson in History. Tuesday in the afternoon I recited in
Geography and in the afternoon I learnt a lesson in Grammar. After
school I went down to the Post Office, received a letter from my
parents. I was very glad to hear from them, including the death of one
of my cousins who died very sudden. Wednesday I had my holiday. I did
not attend school. In the afternoon I was making my frock. Miss
Hurlbert and Miss Stanly came and took tea with us. After tea we swung
a little while and I went home with them as far as the school house.
Mr. Frasure preached there that evening. He seemed very anxious to
have us all be religious and be saved. Thursday as usual I did not
attend meeting. Friday I was examined, missed a considerable. Saturday
I worked on my frock untill it was time to go to school. I was
examined. The definitions were read. Some were very good. Mr. Frasure
came into the school. He made an excellent exhortation, pointing out
to us the road to happiness. He said if we had a mind to be religious
we could leave all and follow Christ. It was nothing but our own
stubborn will that we did not. After school he visited at Mrs. Bull’s.
He gave us some excellent advice. He went to every one of us was very
particular and plain. He advised us what to do and how we must do to
be saved. Sunday I attended public worship. Mr. Frazure preached from
2 Corinthians 7th Chapter and 10th verse: “For godly sorrow worketh
repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the
world worketh death.” After meeting he came to see us again. He said
he could not bear to part with us without our having religion. He
invited us to go to meeting that evening as he was going to preach. I
went. Monday I came to school; was examined in Sacred History. I
missed very little. After I had recited I went home and wrote my
journal.

_Litchfield Sept 2, 1816._—Monday morning I recited a History lesson,
wrote my Journal and read it in the afternoon. Tuesday morning I
studied my Geography lesson untill school time. After I recited I
wrote copy hand untill school was dismissed. In the afternoon I learnt
a Grammar lesson. After school I went down to the Post Office;
received a letter from home. They all enjoyed pretty good health.
Wednesday forenoon, as usual; in the afternoon I had my holiday, but I
came to school two hours. After school I spent my time in writing.
Just at sunset Mr. Beecher came down to see us. He talked very
affecting. He said he could not make a very long visit with us at
present, but if we wished he would come in some time and pray with us.
We all joined in the request. I should be very glad to have him come
for I like to hear religious instructions. Thursday I recited my
Geography lesson in the morning and went home to write a letter. In
the afternoon I recited in Grammar and parsed. Friday I learnt a
Geography lesson in the morning. In the afternoon there was no school.
Saturday forenoon I was examined through the lessons of the week, in
the afternoon through the rules. Sunday I attended church. Mr. Beecher
delivered an excellent sermon pointing out the road to happiness. In
the afternoon I attended the Church of England. We had a very good
sermon. Monday recited a lesson in Sacred History, went home and wrote
a letter to my parents.

_Sept 9, 1816._ Monday forenoon, as usual. In the afternoon finished
my letter. After I came home from writing school I swung a little
while along with our new boarders. Tuesday morning I studied my lesson
untill school time. Then I went to school and recited a very good
lesson. Mr. John’s, Nancy’s uncle, came after her quite early in the
morning. He had brought two young ladies with him to stay as long as
Nancy did; very pretty girls I think and I find in becoming acquainted
with them they are two of the most amiable girls I ever was acquainted
with. Sarah and Minerva Hinkle were their names.

* * * * *

_Sept 24._ Monday morning I studied my History lesson, went to school
and recited very well. In the afternoon I studied the same. Tuesday I
learnt a Geography lesson in the morning: the afternoon a lesson in
Sacred History, as usual. Wednesday morning the same. In the afternoon
I was allowed but a part of my holiday because I staid out of the
house when it rained. After I staid two hours I went to writing
school. Thursday, as usual. Friday I attended school, recited a lesson
in Geography. In the afternoon was examined in Geography and Elements.
Received 2 credit marks for one and 18 for the other. Saturday was
examined in the rules, after which Miss Pierce read four verses; said
we must remember them or have a miss. The first was “What was sin? Sin
is any want of conformity unto or transgression of the law of God. The
sin whereby our first parents fell was their eating of the forbidden
fruit, the covenant being made with Adam not only for himself, but for
all his posterity. All mankind from him by ordinary generation sinned
in him and fell with him in his first transgression. By one man’s
disobedience many were made sinners. The fall brought mankind into a
state of sin and misery by one man sin entered into the world.” Sunday
attended meeting in the forenoon, but I did not Saturday afternoon. I
went to writing school. We were coming home and met my uncle. It was
very unexpected. He went to Mrs. Bulls and drank tea. Monday I did not
go to school. About two o’clock my uncle started for home. It was so
late that I did not go to school in the afternoon and there were no
lessons to get....

Friday it was general training and there was no school in the morning.
I went down to the school house and saw them on the parade. In the
afternoon I went down to Miss Jones, to see the sham fight. I liked it
very well. Saturday morning Miss Pierce said that the rules might be
called in the forenoon and be examined. In the afternoon I was
examined in Elements and Geography; did not miss in either. Sunday
Miss Marsh was quite sick and I did not go to meeting. Saturday Mr.
Brace read a little story about the beggar boy, how he met with a rich
gentleman, and as he looked very poor he asked him to go and live with
him and he would take care of him. He looked considerable out of
health too, but he would not. He endeavoured to persuade him by
telling him his name and where he lived, but in vain. The boy was
insensible of the offers made to him. The gentleman threw him down a
shilling. The boy caught it up without thanking him or giving him any
of his matches or offering to go with him. He went away and returned.
His companions slept with him that night as thoughtless as ever. While
Mr. Brace was reading it Miss Pierce made observations upon it. She
said it was the same thoughtless creatures that we are that appeared
the same in the Lord’s eyes as he did to the rich man; that the money
he gave him was like the blessings that we received every day. When
the gentleman asked him to live with him it was the same as when the
Saviour offers us eternal life. The school stood in prayer. Sunday
attended meeting....

_Oct. 26, 1816._ Nothing of importance has occurred this week. We have
got through our examinations; finished yesterday morning. Have been to
writing every night; began to paint free hand last night. Saturday
after the names were called Miss Pierce made an address to all the
girls; told them what to do when they got home. This week on Thursday
went to the Church to hear the Bishop preach. He did not come in
untill some time after the people got there. They sung untill he came.
The chorister had a great deal of trouble to get the young ladies put
in the singers seat and a great deal of trouble to make them sing
well. We had an excellent sermon. I was very much pleased with the
meeting. I expect papa will be here today. I shall be very much
pleased to see him. The next week after school I shall go to Salem to
see Miss Stephens. Mrs. Bull is going to Hartford while we are gone. I
expect to go to New Haven. I think I shall be pleased with the city as
I never was there. We arrived at Salem safe and met with a very
welcome reception at Mr. Steven’s. Were introduced to Mr. and Mrs.
Stevens likewise Margaret. I spent the time very pleasantly. Made a
great many visits; heard a great many beautiful songs and learned one,
The Frozen Widow and the Kiss.

JOURNAL FOR THE WINTER.

_Dec. 1, 1816._—Miss Pierce’s school commenced the 27th of November on
Wednesday. I was very glad to have school begin again, for I wish to
improve all my time, as I am going home so soon. In the morning Mr.
Brace called the girls to read and to have them explain upon what we
read to show to him Saturday. In the afternoon I recited in the
Elements and Geography. Mr. Brace said we must begin Elements again.
Thursday was Thanksgiving day. I attended meeting. Mr. Beecher
preached an excellent sermon. Friday I recited my lessons in Elements
and Geography. Mr. Brace gave our class 15 pages of Sacred History to
recite in the afternoon. There was a singing school in the evening but
I did not attend; it was so wet. Saturday all that wrote definitions
read them and ciphered the rest of the forenoon. Just before school
was out the stage came. Mr. Brace said that Miss Pierce had come. The
girls were so glad Mr. Brace had to leave off school before it was
time. I employed myself in sewing and studying in the afternoon and
evening. Sunday about as usual.

* * * * *

Friday morning as usual. In the afternoon I was examined in Geography
and Elements. Our class in Elements missed a great deal; did not get
through until almost dark. Saturday Mr. Brace read the certificates. I
had a very good one. After the rules were called Miss Pierce gave us
some very good instruction. She told us what would render us agreeable
to our companions. The heads Candor, Truth, Politeness, Industry,
Patience, Charity and Religion which if we would observe would lead us
to holiness.

* * * * *

_Dec. 14, 1816._—As usual ... Thursday evening Emily and myself
visited the Miss Jones’. We staid there all night. We had an excellent
visit; enjoyed ourselves very much indeed. Friday afternoon I was
examined. The evening I spent in knitting. Miss Jones was here a part
of the evening. Saturday after attending to the rules the time was
taken up with instruction. Miss Pierce asked us for what purpose our
parents sent us here. To learn and make respectable hereafter. How
were we to acquire it? By attention. But if we spent that time in
sloth and idleness what commandments were we breaking? We disobey our
parents and break God’s commandments. After that we read around in the
Bible and Miss Pierce explained it to us and told the girls their
faults. I spent the afternoon in sewing; the evening in writing.

_Dec. 22, 1816._—... Thursday evening Miss Waldo came to board with
Mrs. Bull. I spent part of the evening in writing. Friday was examined
as usual; the evening in knitting. Miss Harriet Baker, Miss Marrin and
Mary Landon spent the evening at our house; spent the evening very
pleasantly. Saturday after the rules were called we all read round in
the Bible and Miss Pierce explained to us what we read; that Christ
was both God and man; that he came into the world to save sinners and
all men through him might believe and be saved. If we should go to
Heaven we could not be happy because we did not love God. I spent the
afternoon in sewing; the evening in writing and reading. Sunday Mrs.
Bull excused me for not going to meeting. Mr. Brown came home with
Minerva from singing school; spent the rest part of the evening there.

_Dec. 30, 1816._—... Saturday we read in the Bible as usual. Miss
Pierce did not explain much as Mr. Beecher came in so soon. It was the
first time that he had been in to the school since it commenced this
last quarter. He read the 3rd chapter of the Lamentations of Jeremiah
where he wept for the daughters of my city.He said it was just so with
us. He did not think it would do any good for him to come into the
school; he had no idea that it would unless the Lord would look down
from Heaven and bless us. Sunday attended Church. The text was from
16th Chapter of Acts, 30th verse, “Sirs what, must I do to be saved?”
He said that we must repent and believe and explained how we should
repent and believe, but my memory is so poor that I cannot remember
it. I spent the evening in sewing and studying my History lesson. I
had five hundred and forty-two credit marks in a month:

One more week has passed away and I feel as if I had not improved it
as I ought to have done. Every day I am reminded of the shortness of
this life. I hope I shall improve the week better. Monday was examined
in Sacred History; in the afternoon in Grammar, but the class was sent
back; they recited so poorly.... Friday morning I was examined in the
Elements. We have not had so hard a lesson this winter; we missed a
very great deal; ... Sunday very pleasant. I attended meeting. Mr. B.
spoke so low I did not hear where the text was. He told how faithful
he had been to his people; he had preached to them in public and had
been around from house to house &c. &c.

* * * * *

_Jan. 14, 1817._—On Monday 6th I attended school; was examined in
Universal History; the afternoon in Grammar. I spent the evening in
sewing. Tuesday went to school in the morning; the afternoon was not
able to attend school. In the evening I went to Pierces. Miss Mary
read the life of the two sisters. It was very entertaining. If I had
the first evening I should have understood it much better. They were
very pious, amiable girls. There mother was a very vain woman. Their
father was a good christian; was very rich, but his wife squandered
away all of his property. The girls were married to very fine
gentlemen; they were quite rich. Returned home and studied my
lesson....

Saturday Mr. Brace read the life of Miss Nancy Hyde. She had always
been brought up with religious instruction. When she was ten years old
she was taken sick. She said she would be willing to die if it were
not for her brothers and sisters, father and mother, but she said that
the Bible said she that loved father or mother better than Me shall
never enter into the joy of the Lord. When she was in school she
always employed all of her time; she never would laugh in school, nor
even smile. She wrote excellent compositions and Mr. Brace read some
of her poetry, likewise some of her Journal, which was very good. In
the meantime her father died and her brother went into partnership
with somebody and was cheated out of all his property, so that she
went to teaching school to support her mother, but she did not teach
school long before she was taken sick; she was about twenty four years
old; she had no wish to live only to support her mother, for her
brother had gone to sea to make his fortune.

_Jan 15, 1817._ Week as usual.... Passed a pretty good examination for
me....

_Jan 26_, Monday afternoon recited in Rhetoric.... In the evening
Emily, Nancy and myself visited at Miss Pierces. We spent the evening
very pleasantly. Miss Smith and Miss Landon came in while we were
there asked Miss Adams to take a sleigh ride. She went and returned
just before we went home. Saturday Mr. Brace read a sermon from
Chronicles; if our parents were wicked and us also, their punishment
would be more if possible, and for that reason we had ought to be
religious like wise for the feelings of christians; if we should not
become religious until we grew old we should think that perhaps they
left the world because they had no pleasure in it and would not know
whether they had a good heart or not; they would be unhappy because
they spent their youth in such a thoughtless manner, but how the
reverse, those that remember their Creator in the days of their youth
they will be happy in their old age; they can think how they spent
their youth in loving and obeying the Lord? Many children whose
parents have not religion, by becoming pious themselves have been the
means of converting their parents. Sunday I attended meeting. It was
very comfortable, as we rode.

_Monday Feb 4, 1817._—I attended school as usual last week; have
generally spent the evenings in sewing and knitting and have recited
the same lessons during the week. Thursday we parsed and I got quite a
new idea—that _no_ was not an _adverb_ or _adjective_. I think Mr.
Brace has a great many queer ideas about parsing, but I expect it will
be parsed as a compound of not any. Friday I did not miss but half a
Quarter in both examinations. (O, what a smart girl was I). Friday
evening Miss Rowe went down to her uncle’s and I had to sleep with
Nancy, which I was not very much pleased with. I thought I had ought
to sleep with Emily; not give up my bed for Miss Waldo. Saturday the
whole school read round in the Bible the first chapter of Proverbs.
Miss Pierce asked what was the beginning of knowledge? The fear of the
Lord, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the
instruction of thy father and forsake not the law of thy mother; that
we must obey our parents; improve all of our time; it should be better
to us than the richest ornament; if we were enticed to sin by any of
our mates consent not. Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice
in the streets. God is present every where; he calleth in the streets
and we will not hear; when we call upon him we shall not be heard; in
our distress and anguish then we shall call upon the Lord for mercy,
but he would laugh at our calamity and mock when our fears cometh for
they hated knowledge and not choose the fear of the Lord, therefore
they shall eat of the fruit of their own ways; when thou liest down
thou shalt not be afraid for the Lord would be our confidence. I spent
the afternoon in drawing on my map. Sunday I attended meeting. Mr.
Wyck preached a sermon from the Epistle to the Ephesians 22nd Chapter
and 1st verse on total depravity. I was very much pleased with it,
though many were not. I thought he explained it very well indeed.

JOURNAL FOR THE SUMMER OF 1817.

I arrived at Litchfield the 30th of August; was five days coming; had
a very pleasant journey and met with a very welcome reception at
Litchfield September 21st, 1817.

Monday I recited a lesson in Universal History in the morning. In the
afternoon I recited a lesson in Rhetoric. I spent the evening very
pleasantly with some of Miss Edward’s boarders.

Tuesday morning arose very early, attended to my usual studies,
attended school, recited a lesson in Elements. In Switzerland the
greatest curiosity was the Alps, being so high and always covered with
snow. The glaciers, vast bodies of ice, from which the lights reflect
in ten thousand brilliant forms. I recited a lesson in Rhetoric.
Likewise I recited a lesson in History in the afternoon. I spent the
evening very pleasantly. Wednesday, as usual, some of Mr. Beecher’s
boarders. Thursday and Friday my usual lessons. Friday afternoon was
examined in Geography, Elements and Rhetoric. I missed very little.

Saturday Miss Pierce gave us some very good instruction wishing us to
improve our time so as to satisfy our parents as she did all she could
towards our improvement. I certainly think she does and I am sure it
will be my endeavor to improve my time to the greatest advantage, so
that when I return home I shall deserve and receive the fullest
approbation of my beloved parents for the improvement of this summer.
Nothing is so desirable as the approbation of our parents.

Sunday I attended meeting. Mr. Beecher preached a very good sermon,
quite as good as he usually does, though I do not think he is one of
the best of preachers.

... We have received a considerable company this week. Saturday Miss
Pierce called us to read in the Bible, after which she gave us some
very good instruction, as she always does. Sunday I did not attend
meeting. The next week was spent as usual. Saturday after the rules
were called Miss Pierce went for Mr. Beecher. She said she wished us
to pay particular attention to what he said as he was not going to be
here but two or three Saturdays more; he was going a long journey
again, at which all the girls joined in a laugh. I suppose it was
because he was going to Boston to buy him a wife. The last three weeks
have been spent as usual. There has been a ball. The young ladies of
Miss Pierce’s school went—all that were over fifteen. I went through
my lesson and examination in Elements without missing for which I had
a number of additional credit marks. The credit marks were read last
week for the summer. I had 721 for what time I had been here. Miss
Pierce said I had done very well indeed.

_Monday Oct. 13th,._—Mr. Brace began his general examination in
chemistry this morning and will examine all his classes in a fortnight
from tomorrow, as school will be out at that time. How quick the
flight of time! It passed without my hardly knowing it. It appears as
if I had a great while to stay yet, but it will soon pass away, I am
afraid before I am prepared to go home. I do not know how I shall ever
repay my parents for their goodness in sending me to school, but I
think if I improve myself as much as they expect and to their
satisfaction they will want me to repay them no better. It certainly
must afford great pleasure to parents to see their children walking in
the ways of wisdom and prudence. I have received four letters from
home and feel very anxious to receive another, so as to know when
Zenos and Julia are coming: I have been looking for them as much as a
fortnight and was quite disappointed in not receiving a letter last
Saturday to inform me they were coming. I have been through my
examinations much to my satisfaction. This vacation Mrs. Bull was
going to take her niece home (Sarah Smith who lived in Weathersfield),
and they invited me to go with them and we would go and visit
Hartford, the Capitol of Connecticut. I was very much pleased with
going and accepted it of course; so we started off about 9 o’clock in
the morning with one of the dumbest old horses that ever was. Sarah
and I walked most all of the way for fear he would not live until we
arrived; however, we went through safe, but it was quite late in the
evening and very dark, so that we could not see where to drive, but we
at last arrived. Mrs. Smith soon recognized her daughter and after an
embrace with her, shook hands with us. We ate our supper (which was a
very good one). We soon retired to rest. We slept up stairs in a very
pretty room and the best bed that I had slept on since I left home;
and the room was very prettily furnished and everything looked neat.
The next morning we were awakened by Mrs. Bull. When we went down
there was a large fire built for Sarah and me, for we sat alone most
of the time. We had a very good breakfast and after breakfast Mrs.
Bull asked me if I had a mind to go to Hartford that day. I chose to
go and Sarah went with us. We spent the forenoon in trading with Mrs.
Bull. After Mrs. Bull had purchased all her stores for the winter we
went to Mrs. Welles, a friend of Mrs. Bull, and ate dinner, Charles
Welles’ mother, the one that Mrs. Bull promised to have meet Emily
when I was here before, but he was not at home. He had gone to New
York and was going from thence to Philadelphia. After spending a few
hours there we left the city for Weathersfield and arrived about dark;
spent the evening very pleasantly with Sarah until it was time to
retire. After a pleasant night’s sleep, I arose quite early with a
heavy heart as I knew that I was to leave Weathersfield with all that
it contained. After going down stairs and eating breakfast Mrs. Bull
informed me that she should return to Litchfield that day. Mrs. S.
urged her to spend another day, but nothing would stop her, she would
go. So about one o’clock in the afternoon I bid farewell to
Weathersfield and rode as far as Farmington (a beautiful town) and
called at Miss Roe’s a mantua maker and drank tea. She boarded at Mrs.
Bull’s last winter. When Emily was with me, she informed me a good
deal of what happened after we left Litchfield between Miss Waldo,
Mrs. Bull and Mr. Smith, and a quarrel she had in school. One morning
she went to school and it was very cold and she went to go in and
found the door was

_Dec. 1, 1817._ After spending a pleasant vacation in Litchfield, I
entered school on Wednesday. I recited a lesson in Elements in the
morning; did not miss.... Thursday there was no school as it was
Thanksgiving. I did not attend meeting. Friday morning arose very
early, attended school, recited a lesson in Elements. I recited in
Rhetoric in the afternoon. I spent the evening as usual. Saturday
there was a school in the forenoon. I recited in Elements and was sent
to my seat for which I felt very much ashamed. After the lessons were
through Mr. Brace called for the definitions which we were all
appointed to write. My words were the difference between obtain and
attain. I wrote that obtain was most generally applied to natural or
visible things—attain to something intellectual or mental. After
school I sent to the Post Office after letters; received two, one from
my cousin Emily Butler and one from Miss Sherwood, my school friends.
I spent the evening in reading. Sunday Mrs. Bull excused me for not
attending Church. Monday attended school, recited in Elements, and was
again sent to my seat, but I hope I shall not be sent back again. In
the afternoon recited in Rhetoric and wrote a part of my Journal.

_Dec. 4th._ I have recited my usual lessons this week; have not missed
but once. Friday I was examined in Elements and Rhetoric; went through
without missing. Mr. Brace gave all those that did not miss leave to
go home. I went home and painted until dark. I spent the evening in
sewing. Saturday attended school. After the rules were read Miss
Pierce asked us all questions in the Bible from the first six chapters
in Acts. Soon after Mr. Beecher came in and gave us a lecture on the
first question of the catechism. “What is the chief end of man? To
glorify God and enjoy Him forever” He said that in order to glorify
God we must love Him and become acquainted with him and likewise
endeavour to acquaint our companions with his goodness as we would if
we had a friend at home who was very amiable, and tell our companions
how amiable she is; It would be glorifying her. I employed the
afternoon in sewing. and was very much disappointed at night by not
receiving any letters from my friends. The week as usual After I had
gone through my examinations, Mr. Brace gave me leave to go home. I
spent the remainder of the afternoon in drawing and painting. Saturday
Mr. Beecher came and gave us a lecture from the catechism. Sunday
morning very unpleasant and Mrs. Bull excused us from going to church.
I spent the day in writing and reading and the evening in sewing.

_Dec. 21^{st} Thursday._ Miss Fowler informed me that I was appointed
Lieutenant in her division, for which I was very sorry, as I do not
think I am able to perform the office as well as it ought to be
performed. The afternoon was spent in parsing; the evening, as usual.
Friday recited my usual lesson in the morning. In the afternoon I was
examined in Geography, Elements and Rhetoric; but did not miss, but
was not examined through the whole examination in Geography. In the
evening Miss Denison and Miss Landon called at our house and spent the
evening. We had a number of very good songs sung by Miss Landon.
Saturday after the rules were called Mr. Beecher come in and gave us a
lecture from the third, fourth and fifth question of the Catechism. He
said that there were three persons in the Godhead, the Father, Son and
Holy Ghost; that each possessed a different mind, but were equal in
power and wisdom; that the power of the Father was to create, that of
Son, to redeem, and that of the Holy Ghost to convert. That there was
no mystery in their being three persons, that the mystery was in their
being united in one. Sunday it was so cold that we could not keep warm
by a large fire and Mrs. Bull excused us from going to meeting. I
spent the time in writing to my dear Cousin Emily in answer to the one
I received Saturday. Monday morning it was very cold. I went to school
and met with a sad accident getting over the fence. So that I was
obliged to go home. I did not attend school in the morning. In the
afternoon I went to school and wrote my Journal. The evening was spent
in studying my lessons

Wednesday morning I went to school; recited a lesson in Elements
without missing. I recited in Blair afterwards and missed a quarter. I
have not missed before since I recited the first lesson. The afternoon
I spent as usual; The evening also. Thursday was Christmas; an
unpleasant day; went to school; recited my usual lessons; missed a
half of one in Blair. There was no school in the afternoon. I spent
the afternoon in drawing and writing, the evening in studying my
lessons. Friday Miss Landon came to our house and drank tea. Sunday
morning very pleasant. Going to meeting Mrs. Bull informed me that Mr.
Mason was going to preach. The text in the afternoon was from 1st
Corinthians, 15th Chapter 22nd verse; For as in _Adam_ all die so in
_Christ_ all men shall live. After Mrs. Bull returned from meeting
while we were drinking tea I was very much surprised by her handing me
a letter. After reading it I was still more surprised by another from
her pocket which I read with equal pleasure. I spent the evening in
studying and writing. Monday morning attended school; was examined in
History by Miss Ann without missing I wrote my Journal. Wednesday I
had my holiday in the afternoon, but Mr. Brace desired those that
recited in Rhetoric to come to school as he was going to read some
figures which he desired us to find and bring them to him on Wednesday
after he had finished I returned home and spent all the afternoon in
looking after figures, but did not find but two or three. Thursday
morning I was awakened very early by Mrs. Bull coming into the room to
wish us a Happy New Year. I went to school and recited my usual
lessons without missing. Mr. Brace said as we began the year it was
most probable we should end it, and Miss Pierce said she hoped we
would not for she never saw it began worse I attended to parsing in
the afternoon. I could not tell what phrase to put in the room of
sincerely, in a sincere manner. After we had finished parsing Mr.
Brace said if the lieutenants wished to resign their commissions they
could and I think I shall, although Miss Fowler wishes to have me
continue in office. After school Misses Penny, Gregory, Fuller, Smith,
called at our house and spent a short time. Saturday morning after the
names were called I went to Mr. Brace to ask him how much the postage
of my letters was. and was very much surprised at the reception of a
letter from papa which informed me that he should come for me this
month if there was good sleighing. either the first of the month or
the very last, as he wished to be at home in the middle of the month:
I went to school in the afternoon, and when I carried in my credit
marks for industry Miss Pierce thought I did not have enough and was
goinga to take off my holiday, but Mr. Brace excused me because I had
not missed in my lessons during the week. We recited in the Bible and
there were a great many missed.

_Jan 5th, 1818._—Monday morning I attended school and recited a lesson
in History to Mr. Brace, and did not miss. He told me that I ought to
have been examined to Miss Pierce, as I had been through the first
volume, but Miss Pierce had not told me that she wished to have me
examined with them and therefore I was not. Tuesday I went to school
and Mr. Brace called our names for us to chose our seats. I chose mine
in the South East corner near Miss Pierce and Sarah Finkle chose hers
next to me, for which I was very much pleased, as I think she is an
excellent girl. Wednesday in the evening Miss Esther received some
company and invited me and the rest of the boarders, into there room.
I enjoyed myself very much. After spending an hour or two with them I
returned into my own room, and after spending a short time in studying
over my lessons I retired to bed. Thursday I attended school, in the
afternoon after the lecture on philosophy was delivered we were called
to take our places for parsing. I was not called any more to parse the
hard questions, as I had resigned the commission of lieutenant, but I
was called to parse in my turn and made a very great blunder in
putting a verb in the infinitive mood in the imperfect tense. which I
knew to be wrong and corrected myself as soon as possible, but it was
too late. I could not have but five credit marks, but it was not for
the credit marks that I cared. The evening I employed in studying my
examinations, and during the evening I was very happily surprised by
Mr. Beechers coming into the room with two letters for me, one from my
brother who is at school from home. Saturday I attended school and
after I had carried in the credit marks for our family and the rules
were called Mr. Brace began at the top of the catalogue and told the
faults and good qualities of each one. I am happy to think that my
conduct this winter, has been such that Mr. Brace had no fault to find
with me, for I am sure it has been my endeavour, and always shall be
to obtain the approbation of my instructors and parents, for I think
there is nothing that can afford parents more happiness than to know
that their children endeavour to improve and our tutors also. Miss
Pierce did not ask our lesson in the Bible. because she had not time
before Mr. Beecher came in. He gave us a lecture on the doctrine of
decrees; that God knew everything as well before it came to pass as
afterward. The afternoon I spent in painting, the evening in reading.
Saturday in the evening Mr. Beecher and his wife came to see their
Mother and Mrs. Bull called us from our room to sit in the parlor and
behold when we arrived we found that Mrs. Bull. had invited our pastor
in for the purpose of giving us some instruction which we were all
very much pleased to hear. Sunday in the evening Miss Sheperd wanted
to go to conference and wished me to go with her and I at last
consented Saturday did not attend the lecture on Mineralogy in the
afternoon because on account of the weather. Sunday I employed myself
in reading the life of Mrs. Abigail Waters.

“COPIES” FROM ELIZA OGDEN’S COPY BOOK.

“Modesty is a quality that highly adorns a woman.”

“Virtue alone is happiness below.”

“Labor for learning before you grow old.”

1818.
ADDRESS AT THE CLOSE OF SCHOOL, OCTOBER 29, 1818.

BY MISS PIERCE.