Chapter VIII: Part 8

Nothing is so indicative to us of the rapidity of time as the many
times we have from this place dismissed class after class of those who
have laboured under our instruction to the employments and cares of
life. There is a peculiar solemnity now attendant upon that feeling at
the idea that we now bestow upon so large a class the last honours of
the school. A peculiar feeling is always attached to the “last time”
in which any of our employments are performed, the last time we bid
adieu to friends; the last words spoken by those who are dear to us,
tell strongly to the heart that fickle as a changeful dream are all
earthly pursuits. This is one of those seasons. You are now assembled
together for the last time until a voice mightier than man’s shall
summon you from the tomb. Permit us then at this time in our last
address particularly to that class who now receive our final honours
to recapitulate your studies and comment upon your improvement. It is
not now necessary to enter into a discussion of the question whether
the abilities of the sexes are naturally equal; it is sufficient to
notice that the circumstances of life require a different exercise of
those abilities. The employments of man and woman are so dissimilar
that no one will pretend to say that an education for these
employments must be conducted upon the same plan: but the discipline
of the minds, the formation of those intellectual habits which are
necessary to one sex are equally so to the other. The difference in
their employments requires a difference of personal qualifications but
not a difference of intellectual exertion. It is equally important to
both sexes that memory should be stored with facts that the
imagination should be chastened and confined within its due and
regular limits that habits of false judgment the result of prejudice,
ignorance or error, should be destroyed or counteracted that the
reasoning faculties should be trained to nice discriminations and
powerful and regular research. Hence then all those sciences and all
those exercises which serve in our sex for those important purposes
should be part of a well regulated female education. To many these
observations may appear unnecessary for they are fully convinced of
the importance of this subject; but there are some who by their
assertions and more by their practice who hold the contrary opinion
and think woman occupies an inferior rank in creation. To confute this
opinion and to practically vindicate the equality of female intellect
has been our object in the course of study prescribed for you. A few
observations on that course will now occupy our attention. The memory
being one of the first faculties of the mind which unfolds itself,
necessarily, the first studies in a course of education are directed
to the improvement of that faculty. The sciences of geography and
grammar, with some others, in addition, to their peculiar uses have a
powerful effect on this faculty. The one by the seeming arbitrariness
of its rules strengthens the retentive part of memory; the other by
its connected parts more particularly assists the principle of
association, upon which the quickness of memory depends. The books
studied in geography and the course of the examination have a tendency
to introduce methods without which the retentiveness and quickness of
memory would be of no service. With method the weakest memory may
become retentive and without it the greatest readiness is of little
service. The hope of the progress you have made in these studies will
show the correctness of the principle that the power of action and the
readiness of memory which results from association can exist in the
same mind and that altho the moral lessons of geography have been
passed by unheeded by some yet that its intellectual effects will long
show themselves in your understanding.

To the improvement of memory succeeds the culture of the imagination a
faculty which at your age requires the constant care of some guardian
power. It is still problematical whether the possession of a vivid
imagination be of service and how far the light which it throws over
the darkness and roughness of the path of life should be followed
without hesitation. Imagination is a dangerous faculty where no
control exists over its exercise and if accompanied in its unshackled
efforts as it too often is by warm feelings it often hurries the
possessor to the very brink of imprudence. But imagination when
controlled gives a gift to every situation in life and throws a
moonlight radiance over every feeling. To direct this faculty in its
proper course we have put Universal History into your hands. In
addition to the effect which this science has upon the memory the
advantage it gives to the imagination is immense, it destroys that
sickly relish for fictitious writings which are so justly considered
the bane of imagination; it places before the imagination the
contemplation of the scenes of real life and by giving a relish for
such scenes takes away that morbid restlessness for something new and
interesting in life which the readers of fictitious works so
constantly desire. Still farther to regulate this faculty and
especially to create or direct the taste we have been particularly
anxious for your improvement in rhetoric and composition. Besides the
ordinary requisitions in this branch we have endeavored to initiate
you into the very popular and pleasing theory of Addison and tho’ you
may sometimes think he carries the principles of association rather
too far yet you must acknowledge that his reasonings are founded on
experience. To improve those general principles of morality upon which
all ought to act you have studied Paley’s Moral Philosophy and I trust
that you will find that in the knowledge it has given you of your duty
and the motives for its performance it has not been an unnecessary or
useless part of your education. Chemistry with its useful effects on
human life and its importance at present in a course of study has not
been neglected and the practical advantages you will gain from it as
women may be small yet you must have acquired many new ideas on that
subject which will be of service to you in the business of life. But
all these employments and studies are but subservient to that great
and important end the cultivation of the reasoning faculty.

This should be the aim of every course of education and the object of
all improvement. We cannot but hope that you yourselves see the
improvement which these faculties have received in the habits of
investigation attention and reasoning which you have acquired by the
regimen you have passed thro. But we have but just placed you on the
threshold of improvement and it is to your after exertions that you
must owe the acuteness of excellent reasoning. The rules of the
mathematics and logic can be of little service unless the mind is kept
in continual practice by subjects fitted to call out its powers. No
man ever became an acute reasoner except by practice. We trust
therefore that under whatever circumstances you may be placed it will
be your aim to acquire the practical management of the powers of mind
which you all possess.

PL. XXX.—WHERE LYMAN BEECHER PREACHED

From pencil drawing by Mary Ann Lewis
]

* * * * *

CONNECTION OF REV. LYMAN BEECHER WITH THE SCHOOL.

The Rev. Lyman Beecher was called to the Congregational Church in Litchfield, and moved there in 1810. From his autobiography, and the writings of members of his family, and the autobiography of Edward Mansfield, the following passages have been culled to show his friendship for Miss Pierce, and his marked influence on the school for some years.

His daughter, Miss Catherine E. Beecher, writes:[43]

“Among those associated most intimately with my father, (Rev Lyman
Beecher) and his family during his whole Litchfield life was Miss
Sarah Pierce, a woman of more than ordinary talent, sprightly in
conversation, social and full of benevolent activity. She was an
earnest Christian, and, being at the head of a large school of young
ladies, found frequent occasions for seeking counsel and aid from her
pastor. In return she gave gratuitous schooling to as many of our
children as father chose to send, for occasionally young boys found
admission.

“Her school house was a small building of only one room, probably not
exceeding 30 ft by 70, with small closets at each end, one large
enough to hold a piano, and the others used for bonnets and over
garments. The plainest pine desks, long plank benches, a small table
and an elevated teacher’s chair, constituted the whole furniture. When
I began school there, she was sole teacher, aided occasionally by her
sister in certain classes, and by her brother in law in penmanship. At
that time the ‘higher branches’ had not entered female schools.
Map-drawing, painting, embroidery and the piano, were the
accomplishments sought, and history was the only study added to
geography, grammar and arithmetic. In process of time her nephew, Mr.
John Brace became her associate and introduced a more extended course.
At the time father came, the reputation of Miss Pierce’s school
exceeded that of any other in the country.

“Thus while Judge Reeves’s law school attracted the young men from all
quarters, the town was radiant with blooming maidens both indigenous
and from abroad.

“Miss Pierce had a great admiration of the English classics and
inspired her pupils with the same. She was a good reader, and often
quoted or read long passages of poetry, and sometimes required her
pupils to commit to memory choice selections. Her daily counsels were
interspersed with quotations from English classics. Even the rules of
her school, read aloud every Saturday, were rounded off in Johnsonian
periods, which the roguish girls sometimes would most irreverently
burlesque.

“Her great hobby was _exercise for health_ in which she set her
example by a morning and evening walk, exhorting her pupils to the
same. In consequence every pleasant evening witnessed troops of young
people passing and repassing through the broad and shaded street to
and from the favorite Prospect Hill. Of course the fashion extended to
the law students, and thus romances in real life abounded on every
side. Multitudes of fathers and mothers in this nation have narrated
to their children these evening strolls as the time when their mutual
attachment began.

“Miss Pierce had a quiet relish for humor and fun that made her very
lenient towards one who was never any special credit to her as a
pupil. There was one custom in Puritan New England at that day which
was a curious contrast to other points of strictness and that was to
close a school term with a dramatic exhibition. Miss Pierce not only
patronized this, but wrote several very respectable dramas herself for
such occasions in her school, and when the time approached, all other
school duties were intermitted. A stage was erected, scenery was
painted and hung in true theatre style, while all wardrobes of the
community were ransacked for stage dresses.”

His daughter, Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe, writes:[44]

“Compositions of a graver cast, romantic or poetic, were also much in
vogue in the literary coteries of Litchfield. The history and
antiquities of the Bantam Indians formed the themes of several ballads
and poetical effusions, one of which by Miss Catharine Beecher, and
two by the head teacher of the Female Academy, Mr. John P. Brace, were
in the mouths and memories of many persons.

“The poetic compositions of this gentleman were constantly circulating
among the young ladies of his school and the literati of the place,
and there was a peculiar freshness of enjoyment and excitement in this
species of native unpublished literature.

“Mr. Brace was one of the most stimulating and inspired instructors of
the Academy. He was widely informed, an enthusiast in botany,
mineralogy and the natural sciences generally, besides being well read
in English classical literature. The constant conversation which he
kept up on these subjects tended more to develop the mind and inspire
a love of literature than any mere routine studies. The boys were also
incited by his example to set up mineralogical cabinets, and my
brother George tramped over the hills in the train of his teacher,
with his stone-hammer over his shoulder, for many delightful hours.
Many more were spent in recounting to me the stores of wisdom derived
from Mr. Brace, who, he told me with pride, corresponded with
geologists and botanists in Europe, exchanging specimens with them.

“This school is the only one I ever knew which really carried out a
thorough course of ancient & modern history. Miss Pierce, with great
cleverness had compiled an abridgment of ancient history, from the
best sources, in four volumes, for the use of her pupils; after which,
Russell’s ‘Modern Europe,’ with Coot’s continuation, and Ramsay’s
‘American Revolution,’ brought us down nearly to our own times.

“The interest of those historical recitations with a preceptor so
widely informed, and so fascinating in conversation as Mr. Brace,
extended farther than the class. Much of the training and inspiration
of my early days consisted, not in the things which I was supposed to
be studying, but in hearing while seated unnoticed at my desk, the
conversation of Mr. Brace with the older classes.

“There from hour to hour I listened with eager ears to historical
criticisms and discussions, or to recitations in such works as
‘Paley’s Moral Philosophy,’ Blair’s ‘Rhetoric,’ Alison’s ‘On Taste,’
all full of most awakening suggestions.

“Mr. Brace exceeded all teachers I ever knew in the faculty of
teaching composition. The constant excitement in which he kept the
minds of his pupils—the wide and varied regions of thought into which
he led them, formed a preparation for teaching composition, the main
requisite for which, whatever people may think, is to have something
which one feels interested to say.

“His manner was to divide his school of about a hundred into divisions
of three or four, one of which was to write every week. At the same
time, he inspired an ambition by calling every week for volunteers,
and there were some who volunteered to write every week.

“I remember I could have been but nine years old, and my handwriting
hardly formed, when the enthusiasm he inspired led me, greatly to his
amusement to volunteer to write every week.

“The first week the subject of composition chosen by the class was
‘The Difference between the Natural and Moral Sublime.’ One may smile
at this for a child of nine years of age, but it is the best account I
can give of his manner of teaching to say that the discussion which he
held in the class not only made me understand the subject as
thoroughly as I do now, but so excited me that I felt sure I had
something to say upon it; and that first composition, though I believe
half the words were misspelled, amused him greatly.

“As you may see, our subjects were not trashy or sentimental, such as
are often supposed to be the style for female schools.”

Having thus begun what was to her the fascinating work of writing compositions, in her tenth year, so rapidly did Mrs. Stowe progress, that her essay was one of the two or three selected to be read at the school exhibition held when she was twelve years old. These exhibitions attracted to them an august assembly of visitors. Of this event Mrs. Stowe writes:[45]

“I remember well the scene at that exhibition, to me so eventful. The
hall was crowded with all the literati of Litchfield. Before them all
our compositions were read aloud. When mine was read I noticed that
father, who was sitting on high by Mr. Brace, brightened and looked
interested, and at the close I heard him ask, ‘Who wrote that
composition?’ ‘Your daughter, sir,’ was the answer. It was the
proudest moment of my life. There was no mistaking father’s face when
he was pleased, and to have interested him was past all juvenile
triumphs.”

“That composition has been carefully preserved, and on the old yellow
sheets the cramped childish handwriting is still distinctly legible.
The subject was certainly a grave one to be handled by a child of
twelve.”

In the personal reminiscences of Edwin D. Mansfield, we find the following passage:

“Professor Stowe, then a comparatively young man, was also present,
and contributed his share to the conversation. He is the best Biblical
scholar I ever knew. In recent years he has published his ‘History of
the Books of the Bible’ a work of great learning and great utility.
His first wife, a New England lady, quite handsome and interesting,
also attended the reunions. His present wife, then Miss Harriet
Beecher, was just beginning to be known for her literary abilities.
Two or three years after this time, I published in the Cincinnati
Chronicle what, I believe, was her first printed story. I had heard
her read at Miss Pierce’s school, In Litchfield, Connecticut, her
first public composition. It surprised every one so much that it was
attributed to her father, but was in fact only the first exhibition of
her remarkable talents. In the reunion I speak of, she was not
distinguished for conversation, but when she did speak, showed
something of the peculiar strength and humour of her mind. Her first
little story published in the Chronicle immediately attracted
attention, and her writings have always been popular. Notwithstanding
the world wide renown of ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin,’ her real genius and
characteristics were as much exhibited in her short stories as in her
larger books.”

“There was no boarding-house connected with Miss Pierce’s school, and
as it brought many young ladies into the place, they were obliged to
be distributed in the families of the town. It was ever a great object
with Miss Pierce to secure places for her pupils in the best families,
who should have a good influence in forming their characters. Mrs.
Beecher was already celebrated for her success in this respect, her
scholars at East Hampton were perfectly under her influence through
life. Some of them had even followed her to Litchfield. Miss Pierce
was therefore very desirous she should take some of the young ladies
into her family and this she did.”[46]

Written after the wedding of Mr. Mason and Miss Betsey Burr, by Miss C. E. Beecher:

Gray twilight now, fair harbinger of night.
Sprinkled with orient pearl her tresses light,
When gods and goddesses in state,
Assembled on Olympus’ pate,
Great Jupiter, Lord of the sky,
In a great chair erected high,
After his nod and shake of hair,
Did thus his high bequest declare.

Tomorrow night, ye gods ye know,
A famous wedding is below,
When lovely Betsey’s fate is given,
Into the hands of solemn Stephen.

I’ve puzzled long my royal brains,
In trying different ways & means,
By which we all might present be,
The ceremony great to see.

If in our usual forms we go,
T’will terrify poor mortals so,
They’ll scamper off like frightened rats,
When followed by pursuing cats.

Therefore I’ve thought our Godheads veiled,
And in some human shape concealed,
Might dare to go; so if t’is best,
We’ll take the form each of some guest,

As I am first ’mong sons of light,
First choice is mine, and equal right,
So, as the most important guest,
I’ll be the officiating Priest.

A shout of laughter and applause,
Which shook Olympus’ base, arose,
Each God said something wondrous smart,
And every one then chose his part.

Mars said he’d be the bridegroom’s father,
And Mercury said he’d be his brother,
And Vulcan rose and stammered out,
That he would be the servant stout.

With playful action Venus rose,
And to the sire of heaven she bows;
“With your high mightiness’ good leave,”
Quoth Madam, “I’ll be Mrs. Reeve.”

Laughing Apollo bet his eyes,
She ne’er could swell to such a size,
But if she did, he thought that he
Should like her honored spouse to be.

Momus the god of wit and mirth,
Vowed then that he would visit earth,
And go as grooms-man, when he’d be
The spirit of the company.

Huntress Diana, bow in hand,
Declared that she would bridesmaid stand,
And if they did oppose her there,
As mad she’d be as a March hare.

Up rose the Ruler of the skies,
“T’is supper time,” the Monarch cries,
“Think all are met in Yankee clime,
So we must drink but little wine,
And certainly be home by nine.

Also be still as any mice,
Or you’ll be sent off in a trice;
For tho’ it’s time for toleration,
Still steady habits rule the nation.”
He spake, & turned to seek the feast,
And likewise so did all the rest.

At length arrived the eventful night,
And though the stars shone cold & bright,
Tho’ Boreas piped his loudest blast,
And snow’s chill mantle earth o’ercast,
The gods, who fear not wind nor weather,
In mortal shapes soon flocked together.

And sure no maker of a feast,
Was ever like the Parson blest,
For his great room from six till nine,
Was filled with company divine.

There in Louisa’s graceful mien,
Was silver footed Iris seen,
Spring’s lovely goddess you might spy
In Theo’s ever laughing eye.

Minerva wise, the warrior maid,
Was in Miss Pierce’s form arrayed,
And Juno, as the parson’s spouse,
Did do the honours of the house.

Momus in shape of Mr. Brace,
Came laughing in & took his place,
Diana at the bride’s right hand,
In Catherine’s form was seen to stand.

Ah, honest bridegroom, & fair bride,
Ye little ken who graced your side!
Little ye thought these Yankee duds,
Clothed naught but goddesses & gods,

Venus from mortal eye close veiled,
All her immortal charms concealed,
Toiled on in shape of Mrs. Reeve,
The Gods their eyes could scarce believe,
And every one laughed in his sleeve.

And many a wink, & many a nod,
Was sent by Goddess & by God,
And scarce they could contain their glee,
Their strange & altered shapes to see.

Now entered high imperial Jove,
Father of all the Gods’ above,
From Ida’s top, Tho’ form & feature
Acknowledged him as Dr. Beecher.

With reverend look & solemn pace,
He stepped before the bridegroom’s face,
“Are the banns ready to be tied?”
“Ready, aye ready,” Stephen cried.

Then instantly by Jove’s command,
The groom did take the fair bride’s hand,
“Before these people who are met,
You Stephen take for wife your Bet,
And then to make the bargain even,
You loving Betsey take him Stephen.”

She curtisied, & his head he bent,
In sign of mutual consent,
For farther rites no more they tarried,
But all agreed that they were married.
Jove, who had learnt that t’was the fashion,
Next gave the pair an exhortation,
“Stephen, as you’ve now taken a wife,
Make it the study of your life,
Never to cross, or fret, or tease her,
But always, do your best to please her,
And if you don’t you are forlorn,
Better that you had ne’er been born,
For if you once in duty fail,
Mop-sticks & broom-sticks thick as hail,
And all the heaviest thumps of fate,
Shall fall on your devoted pate.”
“Betsey your interest & your ease,
Require that you your husband please,
But do in all things him obey,
Or he will give his rod full sway,
For know, by right he keeps a stick,
With which he’ll give you many a lick,
To teach you in the married state,
Some joys, but many crosses wait.”
Down in her chair, sad Betsey sat,
As melancholy as any cat,
And Stephen looked as if he thought,
The neighbo’ring blessing dearly bought.
When Juno whispered, “T’ is too bad,
To frighten this poor lass & lad.
You make it ten times worse than t’ is.
See how you lengthen out their Phiz.”
Then turned she to the married pair.
And whispered comfort in their ear.
“Now don’t be scared, & don’t be flurried,
For t’ is a fine thing to be married,
I’ve tried it, & of course know best,
And husband certain is in jest,”
And now the immortal company
Jocund & lively ’gan to be;
Some joked, some laughed & kissed the bride,
And, to make poetry, some tried.
Some put cake through the wedding ring,
And some did talk, & some did sing,
When, oh! most awful to relate,
Urged on by some relentless fate,
Old Capt, Smith the bell did ring,
And all like frightened birds took wing,
And as my muse among them soared,
I cannot write another word.

On a little gingerbread man that Miss C. Beecher gave Louisa Wait on New Years:

A happy New Year to Louisa my dear,
And many a blessing her heart to cheer,
As I very well know, you hate a live beau,
I send you one, thats made of dough,
You’ll like him much, (as Bill say’s) “by thunder,”
For such a fine fellow, is really a _wonder_,
He’s a miracle Louisa, without any doubt,
And when his good qualities you shall find out,
Soon as modesty sweet, will allow you to meet him,
You’ll love him so dearly, I fear you will eat him.

1819.
[_Copy of School bill of Annie Chester._ 1819.[47]]

Miss Chester
Tuition one quarter $6
Entrance $1. School expenses 12½ 1–12½
3 & 4^{th} vols of universal history 1–34
————
$8–46½
Received payment
S. PIERCE
Miss Chester
To Rev. Dr. Beecher D^r
To board twelve weeks at 2^{50} per week $30.00
Candles .40
———
$30.40
Litchfield Aug. 4: 1819
Received payment
for Dr. Beecher
JOHN P. BRACE

[_Letter of Mary Chester,[48] daughter of Elisha Chester; Litchfield Ct.
May 29. 1819_]

LITCHFIELD MAY 29^{TH} 1819

DEAR MOTHER

If you can imagine to yourself a person travelling in the burning
sandy deserts without anything to quench his thirst for a long time
finally some one should give him a cup of cold water I say Mother if
you can tell what kind of a sensation that produc’d you could have a
better idea of the satisfaction it gave me to receive your lovely
letter. I am sure Mother you will be willing to devote one hour in a
week to give me so much joy in a land of strangers. Respecting my
contentment, I am perfectly contented since I have heard such good
news from home. My school which appear’d so gloomy when I wrote before
has now become a pleasure. I have done with the school for this week.
Saturday afternoons I spend in writing to my sweet Groton friends. I
have now been here two Sabbaths: the first was rainy; the second I
attended meeting and heard the life giving doctrines of the Gospel
preach’d by Mr. B.[49] I have taken a class in the Sabbath school
which occupies only the time of the intermission. Have you had no news
Mother from Elisha. I expected to have heard from him by your letter.
There have four ladies arrived in town this week from Georgia for the
purpose of attending school here. I want very much to see them; for
there is one chance in a hundred that they may know or have heard some
thing about Elisha. Litchfield Academy is very popular. There are
ladies here from Canada, Albany Vermont New York Massachusetts &
Pennsylvania. I see no cause yet to regret that I have come here. I
have one advantage over the other boarders here having arriv’d here
the first; having a more retire room than any of them; which I
consider as a very great thing among such a gay company.

Am I certainly rightly inform’d? Can it be that M^r. Baker is no more.
He whose friendship has given me the appellation of sister he who
promised usefulness in the vineyard of Christ can it be that he lives
no more. With respect to him and Elisha I see the words of scripture
in a manner verified the words of scripture two shall be in one bed
the one shall be taken and the other left. Your elixur I think it is
you gave me has I think been of service to me for the first fortnight
it rain’d almost successively. I was out to school every day and took
some (cold?) but by taking of your drops I am again in perfect health.
I hope I shall not forget the God of mercies. Miss Pierce is a lovely
woman. Saturdays she devotes to religions instruction. She manifested
in a very striking manner her concern for her scholars and her
distinguished piety in an observation she made to day which was, “I
can truly say that I would be willing to lay down my life this day for
your sakes.”

_May 30^{th} Sabbath day_ Rather unpleasant but I have attended
meeting to day. On account of meeting I do not think I could be so
well suited any where else from home. He does not charm his hearers
with his words nor with his person; but takes them up with his
subject. This morning he preached upon the excellencies of the
christian religion; this afternoon upon the divine Sovereignty. I am
much indebted to father for his few lines. I should really like to
stay this quarter out if I can be sure of getting through with the
expense of it. Respecting painting I find it is considered far from
the first and when unaccompanied with the more solid branches of
literature it is an inferior branch. Miss Pierce frequently laughs
about a couple of young ladies who came here last summer to get an
education: they did nothing at all but paint; staid about three weeks
finished their education and return’d home. I wish I had some of your
sowing here Mother. I have considerable time to work while I am
reciting But I am not idle. I have knit considerable. Where is Thomas
why don’t he write to me. I intended to have devoted this page to him
but my studies prevent me. The other boys must not forget their
promise. Give my respects to my friends

your loving daughter
MARY C

LITCHFIELD May 29^{th} 1819

DEAR BROTHER EDWIN

I have had the unspeakable joy of hearing my composition read in
school this morning. It being among the first that had been read since
I have been here you will doubtless think I was all tiptoe about it.
Every thing here is founded on system and as fix’d as the laws of the
Medes and Persians. We must get to bed at such a time and get up at
such a time; and am accountable to my Instructors for almost every
moment. I am very sorry that you should reflect upon yourself at all
about my journey; for I think it was good for me to have affliction on
my journey: and I don’t know but it is one means of making me more
contented here. I hadn’t the least idea of being so entirely free from
homesickness as I am now. Litchfield is really a pleasant place and
contains some very pleasant inhabitants and some unpleasant ones: but
of the latter class I know but a little. There are students from the
southward boarding next door from this studying law. Two of them went
into New York state last week to fight a duel. The offence was but a
trifle. I shall not complain again that I am too old to go to school;
for one of our boarders is said to be twenty eight years old and
besides that, which might be discouraging to a person in any Study;
she has just commenced the study of English Grammar; I make out much
better with study than I expected too when I came from home.
Respecting Illinois are you getting ready to go? I’ll endeavour to be
ready when you call for me: but I should like to visit poor despised
Groton once more. I have not become so cultivated yet but that I could
endure the sight of the Thames and its inhabitants. Mr. Beecher went
fishing the other day in a pond and caught a noble parcel. They looked
so much like home that I felt inclined to scrape acquaintance. I have
lobsters or shad once a week. You never need be put to it for matter
to write to one for the most minute circumstances would be interesting
to me. Every Wednesday afternoon we have lectures in Philosophy. If I
had a shirt here to make for you, I would make it while I am hearing
these lectures. They are very interesting. My time is wholly taken up.
I have to keep a journal and write compositions which with other
studies occupy all the time of a moderate genius. Thursdays we have a
rare fuss parsing. It takes us more than three hours to parse five
lines in common composition. For one word we have to recite from the
beginning to the end of Grammar. I have begun to write a letter to
Misses ——. intended to have sent it this week but felt rather I must
write home. If their friendship has not quite fail’d I shall have a
letter next week. I shall write to Norman with them. You said before
we parted that possibly Henrietta might come; but I don’t see any
thing of her. Give my respects to May. B’s family and to Mrs. Bailey.
I have to write a dissertation next week on the advantages of
commerce. I wish you would send me your sentiments upon it. I am
obliged to be so Sophomoric that I cannot spend much time writing. Do
write soon and let me know if you have any news from Elisha. I wish I
had my Philosophy here; but it is no matter. Adieu my dear brother may
your friend and Protector be the God of Israel; till we shall meet
once more. Till then dear brother adieu.

MARY CHESTER.[50]

1820.
GEORGE YOUNGLOVE CUTLER—HIS JOURNAL.

George Younglove Cutler was born in Watertown, Connecticut, graduated at Yale in 1816, was admitted to the bar in 1821. He married Mary Munson, the daughter of Eneas Munson, of New Haven. Judge Daggett was her uncle.

Mr. Cutler practised law in Watertown and New York, then moved to Illinois. Mrs. Cutler named the town Venus, which was changed to Commerce, and finally to Nauvoo, which it now bears. There were a good many Mormons there. Mr. Cutler died, and is buried in the centre of Nauvoo, there being a monument to him with a railing round it. During the period of his studying law with Judge Reeve in Litchfield, he wrote a journal which was to be exchanged with Miss Bellamy for one she was to write. From it the following extracts are given, as they bear upon the life and people of Litchfield, and give us a type of the young men with whom Miss Pierce’s pupils came in contact.

OBITUARY. “Died on the 3^{rd} September at his residence in Hancock
Co. Illinois, Geo. Y. Cutler, Esq. formerly of this city (New Haven) a
native of Watertown, in this State (Conn).

Mr. Cutler, six years since, bade farewell to home friends and kindred
to try his fortune in the West. Leaving cities, towns, and wilderness
behind, he planted himself in a frontier settlement on the banks of
the Upper Mississippi. Aided, under Providence, only by his own
resources, viz. the varied talents of a mind of great native force,
his enterprise was just beginning to be rewarded, the desert around
him to blossom, and his old home to be forgotten in that of his own
creation,—when death came to tell with emphasis the oft repeated
lesson, “doat not on earth.”

Mr. Cutler’s physical energies were not adequate to the vigorous
activity of a mind ever busy and prompting to arduous effort.—The
exposure and fatigue incident to the varied avocations of land-agent
and lawyer, merchant and farmer, had for a year or two previous to his
decease rendered his health extremely feeble. His sun went down at
noon—his life closed in the prime of his usefulness, and sure we are,
that the rising village of which he was a member, will not forget him
without a tear—his nearer friends, acquainted with his manliness and
generosity of his character, will not forget him with one.

[_From a notice of_ NAUVOO _formerly_ COMMERCE _revisited_]

“The only thing I noticed, which had undergone no change since I was
familiar with it in 1836 and ’37 was Cutler’s grave. It was enclosed
with a stone wall, and stood about half a mile from the river—George
Y. Cutler was one of the earliest settlers in Hancock County and one
of its first County commissioners—dying he was buried at this spot.”

_Extracts from the Journal of One Mr. Scratch’m_

Corrected Revised & Illustrated with Notes by his numerous Friends &
Acquaintance. Commenced at New Haven, July 4^{th} 1820. Finished at
sweet Watertown Christmas Eve of the same year.

To Miss Betsy Bellamy this Book is dedicated with the most profound
respect, esteem & consideration.

LITCHFIELD, CONNECTICUT
May 1820.

You that are not willing to excuse the follies contained in the
following pages are uncharitable & ungenerous, illiberal & unwise—more
than that you are beneath my notice and farther still, you cannot help
yourselves.

* * * * *

_July 8^{th}_ Miss M.[51] I fear you will expect me to go to Miss
Tottens with you to day—you must excuse me and endeavor to amuse
yourself with Mr. Peck or some other of your numerous satellites—for
my part, I intend to run off to what they call a Beach party—if one
can be made out—we will go to see Mr. Pinkney and arrange matters.

* * * * *

The youngest Miss Lovejoy looked very pretty. Her sister’s prayerbook
full of poetry, among the rest

“I never loved a tree or flower
But t’was the first to fade away.”

The same motto came to Caroline Lord at Mrs. Lord’s party last
winter—I should like to hear from Caroline.

People of Fairfield County have thin lips, small mouths & small chins.
(This remark is merely hazarded)

_July 10^{th}._ 11 P. M. Messrs. Lovejoy & Nichols, Misses Elliot,
Judson & Tomlinson & Booth 8 ladies, Pinkney & myself, a fine time.

Stratford is justly celebrated for ladies, it is equal to Litchfield &
superior in this respect: that awkward ceremony which is there thought
to constitute gentility is here despised—I have been very politely
treated here. This party was one of the greatest frolics I ever
engaged in with girls. Saw the handsomest clouds I ever beheld (They
make very fine clouds in Stratford as Miss —— said of the moonshine in
Litchfield.)

* * * * *

_July 12._ The Ball was very pleasant.... Miss Tomlinson does not
dance but sat diffidently by and shrewdly said as she saw the heels
fly this way & that, “This is solemn business.” I suppose she thought
it making a “toil of pleasure as the old man said when he buried his
wife.”

... 5 P. M. a pretty little dish of sentiment with Miss E.—am related
to her through Parson Beecher of Litchfield.

* * * * *

_July 17_ 10 A. M. Roda is singing—it reminds me of those flute-like
tones I used to hear at Gov. Wolcott’s.

_July 18_ To Derby with Capt. Whitney—tandem to see Mrs. Prince & her
boy—poor little fellow—half sick—my old friend K. Beach there. K.
likes Mary Peck’s piece—sentiment. Mrs. N copied it.

_July 20_ 10 P. M. have been a good boy today.

_July 21_ 10 A. M. out to Mr. Vanden Heuvel’s place—the prettiest
thing of the kind in Connecticut.

5 P. M. Miss M.[52] you are disappointed of a ride with a favorite
beau of yours by this shower—I am sorry.

_July 22_ Miss M.[52] you were becomingly dressed last night because
there was less _fix_ about you than common. I like richness of dress
but hate ribbons & bows & knots & ruffles & rigmaroles generally
speaking I dislike ornaments of any kind. To see ladies loaded with as
many foolish kickshaws as are put on now-a-days looks more like
burlesque than reality. It appears to be almost a difficult thing for
some of them to walk & they are deprived of everything like grace and
are more like awkward caricatures than human figures....

_July 28_ A peep at Miss Hart—the sister of Capt. Hull’s wife—most
horribly fashionable in her accoutrements—there she goes [a drawing
occurs here in the original with big bonnet and parasol, Plate XXXI.]
“It is a very pretty thing, no doubt, to see a young lady dressed with
Parisian flowers & Parisian gauzes & an Indian fan & the whole &c. of
fashionable array. But I question if this be after all, the style in
which a young man of any understanding sees a young lady with most
danger to his peace.” (Peter.)

PL. XXXI.—PEN DRAWING FROM JOURNAL OF GEORGE Y. CUTLER
]

_July 29_ From Sir John Suckling’s poem of the wedding—

“Her feet beneath her petticoat,
Like little mice stole in and out
As if they feared the light.” (Peter.)

_July 31_ Miss M. has looked well this evening, was not as much
beruffled as common—which made her shoulders appear infinitely more to
advantage than common.

_August 6_ A person without a temper is like a knife without an edge,
says Miss M.

* * * * *

_Aug. 10_ [With picture of Miss M., Plate XXXII.] This figure looks
very much like a Miss —— not the face merely the form. Miss M. with
her cambric hat—over her face—done from memory but the portrait is
rather flattering which could not however be well avoided taking into
consideration the state of the delineator’s imaginations—the figure is
rather too straight—the bonnet does not poke up near enough to the
angle of 45°, but it is tolerably well done at least so much so that I
kiss it ever and anon.

_Aug. 18_ Miss Tomlinson (Mary Ann, daughter of Dr. Tomlinson & Sally
Hill of Guilford) mar. Rev. —— Mitchell & is now living at Stratford
Conn—(where Dr. T. was a practising physician May 16, 1809).

* * * * *

_Aug. 18_ (Evening) Miss Talmadge here—is certainly elegant—there is
no such woman in New Haven—Litchfield is certainly an extraordinary
place for beauty—the mountain air gives them the expression of health
& that is the principal ingredient—went to see her with M.—She has
been at D; was charmed with the romantic cast of the country—true—they
have reason to boast of that—it is more like my idea of
Scottish-high-land scenery than any other I have seen—but the girls
are the pride of the place. A flattering letter from Geo. Jacobs.

* * * * *

_Aug. 19^{th}_ (Morning) Am in trouble.[53]

Capt. Vose says it rained so fast in D. the other night that “it
seemed as if the clouds had tipt up.”

* * * * *

Chief Justice Hosmer is the man who disturbed me with his noise at Dr.
Catlin’s—as he roomed under me—he who offered to marry Mary Peck &
myself & made us blush—have just met him—he appeared very
jolly—“pressed my hand” very hard—& said “be as great a man as
Daggett.” A Law Case before my Justice Cupid Black Eyes versus Blue
Eyes.

* * * * *

How unfortunate it is to forget faces! I am cruelly troubled in that
way—instance the story of Betsey Burr—ask me what that was & I will
tell you. Mr. Goodrich from Georgia—an entertaining old gentleman.

* * * * *

_Aug. 31^{st}._...

I carry my gallantry so far as to say that though a woman ought never
to engage herself to a man for any great length of time before
consummation of the nuptials, if she can retain her lover without so
doing,—yet, if this is necessary, of which she is to be the Judge, &
she does so bind herself by her promise to marry, still I go to the
length of allowing her to take a better husband, or one more agreeable
to her, if she has the opportunity—I give her the liberty of violating
her engagement in lieu of her power of choice. Shall women be
compelled to take the first creature that offers himself lest they
should not find another? Shall they be compelled to love him (on the
hand) by denying, when they do not know that they shall ever see
another man in their lives, who comes near them, nor have the power of
making a selection—this I think is but a fair balance for the great
advantage which our sex possess in their opportunities to suit
themselves in this important concern—& more, if there is to be an
advantage on either side, it certainly ought not to be on
ours,—because the contract is so much more important in its
consequences to females than to males—for besides leaving everything
else to unite themselves to one man they subject themselves to his
authority—they depend more upon their husband than he does upon the
wife for society & for the happiness & enjoyment of their lives,—he is
their all—their only relative—their only hope—but as for him—business
leads him out of doors, far from the company of his wife, & it engages
his mind & occupies his thoughts so as frequently to engross them
almost entirely & then it is upon his employment that he depends
almost entirely for the happiness of his life—certainly then,
unfortunate, helpless, interesting woman ought to have all the
advantage in the matrimonial contract & instead of her present
oppression ought to be allowed to make the most of every advantage &
opportunity which fortune throws in her way—I will go further & apply
the case. I would justify any woman in treating me in that
way—provided she did it in a delicate manner—than which nothing is
more easy—& which no woman of sense & judgment would fail to do.

PL. XXXII.—FROM JOURNAL OF GEORGE Y. CUTLER
]

_Sept. 1_ This day opens the autumn I love the tranquillity which
attends the falling of the leaf—I expect to pass it alone at W—[54] a
great part of it in the old lot which lies on both sides of the brook—

* * * * *

_Sept. 2._ Finished with Mr. Daggett[55]—so life is running away.

So in spite of all your severity towards me—unhappy girl—well I will
go & see you when I go to L—— & if your spirits are low, I will say
kind things to you—if not, I shall be glad to see it, & will praise
your truly almost inimitable beauty—such color has been seldom worn in
the dull looking world, & such a complexion has been seldom seen since
the days of Cleopatra.

I should suppose this P. girl might also tremble, lest she should meet
with a second misfortune of the same kind, as she is engaged to a
brother of M. A.’s sweetheart—he is going away to France—the same
reasons too will naturally operate in this case as in the other—which
can be nothing more than want of fortune & her want of family places
her a step farther than M. A. from a connection with a L. Engagements
are dangerous affairs—“reason” & love keep little company together
now-a-days—Love easily takes possession of a man, but an engagement
connected with delay is apt to cool it & when the passion is
moderated, it is easily ousted by reason—& often too by something
which ought to have less effect than reason—It is probably the
interference of friends who have caused the mishap in this case—it can
be nothing else but avarice & that is a very dishonorable reason
considering his already monstrous estate—if I was an Emperor I would
hang such a man. But perhaps there is a better side to his story, I
hope so. I remember when he first went to L [Litchfield] I was in his
room[56] opposite M. A.’s door—we were looking out & saw them, she &
the amiable Hannah—L—— remarked “I suppose these young ladies i.e.:
the ladies of this village—depend upon law students for their
husbands—I will be very careful they do not ensnare me”—within three
weeks he was engaged to M. A. & talked to me of Father W. I will write
to Fred Whittlesey & inform him of this cruel affair—I know he will
feel for the charming girl. It has been reported that L. says “he will
go to Europe with a light heart.”

_Sept. 3._ (Sunday the 17^{th} anniversary of my mother’s death.) She
was buried on Sunday.[57] After so long & so cruel a separation how
sweet t’will be to meet the spirits of our dear friends in another
world! Death is the greatest of blessings!

* * * * *

_Sept. 5^{th}_ A delightful ride to D. with my dear M. She looked
sweet, modest, interesting & good—They all appeared pleased with her
which gratified me of course. M. enjoyed the visit also. Henry & Lucy
Sheldon came there & said that H. L. had disappointed 6 ladies before
M. A. W. if so—the wretch ought to be prosecuted says Judge Reeve—Mrs.
Pyncheon told me yesterday also that Mr. L. had himself been twice
disappointed—M. A.’s feelings may be nice upon the point but her
delicacy ought not to prevent his punishment especially since her
family is not rich.

_Sept. 6_ In fine spirits. Evening saw Miss Ogden in church—an
enthusiast—....

* * * * *

A Mrs. Dickenson—a Painter’s wife from N. Y.[58] was at Butler’s this
morning (note; she was in Litchfield 8 years ago & was visited by the
students a great deal....)

_Sept. 8._ Henry & Lucy [Sheldon] also Hopkins M^cCracken. 3 P. M. Am
full of Duck & feel gloriously, thank heaven. (note: [in another hand]
an elevated cause of gratitude!)

Miss Amelia Ogden at Mr. Bristol’s.

* * * * *

“Adonization”—a word used by Peter—manufactured by him, I
suppose—from Adonis & used to express the act of “making the toilet”
or dandies say, or in other words “bucking out,” “brushing
up”—“furbishing”—“making fix” “prigging.”

Old Mr. Williams from the South—a very pleasant man too—have gratified
him by telling what an excellent lawyer his son was, who was awhile at
L. with me. Mr. Thorn from one of the West Indian Islands says
“Wilberforce had an Estate there but disposed of it before he procured
the abolition of the Slave trade.—Dam him, he ought to have been hung
25 years since.

“And Wilberforce the minister of grace,
The new Las Casas of a ruin’d race,
With Angel might opposed the rage of hell
And fought like Michael till the dragon fell.”

* * * * *

_Sept. 10._ The reason why a man puts his left leg in first when he
draws on his pantaloons, is, because the operation is such a
commonplace one that the man does not stop to call in reason to his
aid—now then acting without any principle, he is governed entirely by
his most natural feelings—& being a creature naturally averse to
exertion he does that which costs him the least trouble—now it is much
easier to lift the left leg than the right one—because the left leg
being less accustomed (for want of arduous use, which the right leg
more frequently undergoes) to being depended on,—it is borne upon with
less weight than the right. Also & moreover—the right leg by the above
mentioned use & exercise acquires a stouter character, becomes heavier
& more difficult to raise—.... [page gone here.—Ed.]

This then is the state of the case—that that faculty or quality or
ingredient or component part of the human mind which is called
reason—is not brought into operation by the act of _adonisationizing_
the legs with pantaloons, but on the contrary nature & natural feeling
are the sole agents in the deed—& the discrepancy which exists between
the government of the rules of experience & that of instinct is
apparent to every man when he puts on his pantaloons. Gen. Van
Rensalaer at table—called the Patroon of Albany, owns an estate which
extends 20 miles[59] on Hudson river including the city of Albany—a
rich, stern & reputed charitable man—very plain in dress & sober in
diet. I should call him a country Justice & perhaps a militia officer.

* * * * *

_Sept. 14._ [At New Haven] returned from an excellent ball—went with
the Lymans of course—liked Miss Woolsey as well as ever & Miss
Munson—George Jacobs—excellent fellow was with us. & a Mr. Jackson
from Middletown—a man that Miss Talmadge liked—had great fun of
course—Mr. Johnston, brother of Betsy’s—But the pleasure of Miss
Shipman’s sociability & politeness & dancing & looking at & praising
her niece Miss Jones—the sweetest girl in the room, were the substance
of my enjoyment.

_Sept. 15_ Mr. Benedict of Woodbury & his lady here—she being the
sister of Jane Tomlinson, the wit of New Haven. loaded Mr. B. off with
nectarines.