Niagara Falls, I believe I wrote to you of Frederick that Miss Mary
Pierce was going to accompany us. Colonel and Mrs. Tallmadge talked of
it with Mr. & Mrs. Cushman, but Mrs. Tallmadge is in such terror when
she is travelling by sea or land, that it is a source of unhappiness
to her to take a journey and tho the colonel appeared really anxious
to go, he gave it up on her account Miss Pierce, Father, and myself
sat out on Wednesday the 12th of July it was an extreme hot day, I
think the warmest we have had this summer, but tho we suffered some
from the heat, yet as the stage was not crowded we did tolerably well,
father laid himself down in the stage & took several long naps we had
a plain farmer with us who amused us considerably with his wit & good
common sense, the nearer we approached Albany the more we found
ourselves fatigued and our South Farms farmer said he had rather
Cradle grain all day, than to ride in the Stage, we did not get to
Albany till ten o’clock, put up at Skinners quite a good house, had
supper got to bed about, eleven, were waked very early in the morning
by the multitude’s of Stages going out and found ourselves not much
refreshed by our nights sleep, and took a stage to Troy and
Lansingburgh. Miss Pierce stopped at Mr. Cushmans, I went down to Mrs.
Leonards, to get where I could rest a little, for I was much more
fatigued than the others; Father was very smart. Found Mrs. Leonard as
hospitable as ever, stayed with her all day and night, returned the
next morning to Troy, dined at Mr. Cushmans, there was much attention
to religion at Troy, and most of the towns west. Mr. C—— is much
engaged, we had a delightful visit, at three started in the Stage for
Schenectady, arrived just as the boat was going out for Utica, took
tea, and went immediately on board the Sound of the Kent bugle, the
lively, busy scene around us, and the long stretch of the Canal, all
new to us, afforded a pleasant scene, and almost made us forget our
sorrows; the boat was a small one and considerably crowded but we had
an excellent Captain, very good food and pleasant companions, which
made the evening and following day pass pleasantly. Mrs. Town, her two
daughters, a niece, a son Charles. T. & a Mr. Smith who had lately
married one of the daughters, were among the party, they were from New
York except Mr. S—— who was from Philadelphia appeared to be genteel
people and strove to be pleased with everything—which is a great art
in travelling, and renders people much more agreeable, the next day I
felt considerable fear for Father, he would be upon deck, or upon the
bow, of the boat, and get to sleep, or would undertake to jump from
the boat to land, till he got one fall, and came near getting knocked
down by a bridge, all our warnings and endeavours to frighten him by
stories we had heard were of no avail, but after his fall he was a
little more careful and willing to stay in the cabin. the country as
you know is very pleasant here, the company was pleasant, among others
the gentlemen who had studied law at L——d and we had an agreeable sail
up the Canal, got out at Little Falls, walked nearly a mile, and
viewed the acqueduct, arrived at Utica about nine in the evening, had
a room with the Towns. The next day was Sunday—William Bacon came and
invited us to go to Church, eat dinner at his Fathers, after Church
Mrs. Skinner called in to see us. She is as young and lively as
ever—The next day—we went with Miss Lathrope to see Trenton falls—It
rained a little when we sat out, but cleared up shortly, we got there
about ten A. M. proceded to the falls were perfectly charmed with the
beauty of the scene, Father walked almost as far as we did, he went to
the house of refreshment, which is built directly on one side of one
of the most beautiful falls, we walked as far as any body ever went
Miss L—— said, and then returned, took dinner and went back to Utica
fully rewarded for our fatigue and trouble. We went to bed before
dark, had a good nights sleep, the next morning, Father and I procured
a gig and sat out for Clinton to see Mrs. Noyes. The roads were wet
and considerable rutted by the late violent showers, but Father took a
rein in each hand, and John Gilpin like, drove thro, thick and thin,
calling out, tur—rup, tur—rup, and tho I remonstrated considerable
upon his holding the reins so loose, going down hill and in bad
places, he heeded it not, but called out tur—rup, and drove on, till
at length, we arrived safe at Fannys—after going a mile directly out
of the way in spite of my entreaties. Found Fanny well, cried and
laughed to see us, has a very pleasant situation, overlooking a rich
and very beautiful valley, a pleasant house and a yard adorned with
shrubbery, we visited the Colleges, were treated very politely by the
President and Lady, invited with warmth to stay—took tea with
Fanny—set out for Utica in the same careless way we came, continuing
to beg my Father, to drive with more care, without any effect—we had
proceded about a mile—were going over a plane, perfectly smooth and
level when our horse stumbled fell, and broke the thill of the
carriage—Father was going to jump out—I begged him to sit still, in a
moment the horse got up again, and stood perfectly still. I ran to a
house to get some assistance, but there was no _man_ at home—but
coming out I saw a student of the College at some distance—I requested
him if he was going that way, to step in and inform Dr. Noyes of our
accident—but he mentioned there was a black Smith at a little
distance, and he would call in, and request him to aid us; but the
black Smith was not at home, so he returned; we fortunately found a
strong rope, used as a halter in the gig, the young man procured a
strong piece of wood—he and Father bound the wood around the broken
part firmly—and we got in again—I at last prevailed upon Father to let
me drive—and we arrived at Utica in safety—_Father taking the reins
near the town_. The same evening we took the Canal boat for
Syracuse—here there was an old Scotch man who kept the gentleman in a
roar the greater part of the time—at Syracuse they make salt by
evaporation—the next morning Miss P—— and myself took a wagon and a
boy and went to Salina, where we saw the salt works which were a great
curiosity—returned before breakfast, and took the stage to Auburn—Mrs.
Bacon gave us a letter to her son who resides there he called upon us
with a Mr. Fanning a classmate of Williams—and told us they would wait
on us to the States Prison after dinner—at the dinner table we met Mr.
Sam Miles Hopkins—who is an inspector of the Prison, and was there on
that business—he with the young gentlemen, accompanied us into every
part of the prison—introduced us to Judge Powel, the keeper—who took
us into his sitting parlour and gave us a glass of wine, after our
walk over the Prison we took a carriage and went to Cayuga to Mr.
Mumfords, where they appeared happy to see us—the next day at eleven
we got into the stage for Rochester. here Miss P—— and myself almost
lost our hearts for one of our travelling companions—a very
intelligible—agreeable, social, Irish gentleman, by the name of
Hogan—we travelled with him to Rochester part of two days through a
most interesting country passing Geneva Canandaigua—and had a
delightful ride—at Rochester we stopped to pass the Sabbath—found a
great number of acquaintances. Mr. Livingston who married Miss C.
Landon, Mr. Perkins who married Miss C.—Deming—Frederick Backus—Mr.
James who went out to Liverpool and Woolsey Mumford—Went to see the
falls—the ruins of Carthage—mills—churches—we drank tea Saturday
evening with Dr. Backus, saw Old Mrs. Backus—attended Church all
day—next day took the Canal for Buffalo, had on board the Canal boat,
the Boardman’s and Costars from New York, the ladies were pretty, were
much crowded in the boat, so that many had to sleep on the floor—left
our companions at Lockport, viewed the grand locks, a very great
curiosity, being double, five together. passed on to Buffalo had a
beautiful view as we entered the harbor of the Lake, Fort Erie etc,
next day crossed the river at Black Rock and took a carriage for the
Falls. the morning was beautiful the air cool and refreshing the
country finely cultivated—the river Niagara rolled clear & majestic
beside us, and everything seemed to conspire to render the ride a
charming one, we stopped and bought some ripe apples and fine cherries
about half a mile before we reached the Falls, we visited the burning
spring here we viewed the rapids, in their tumultuous motion coursing
towards the awful precipice below; at eleven we arrived at Forsyth’s
and immediately proceeded to the falls the scene struck us as grand
and beautiful beyond description. I had a most peculiar sensation w’h
was—a great desire to throw myself with the mighty mass of waters and
penetrate the abyss below—and I found afterwards I was not alone in
that feeling. We passed that day in wandering about, and beholding the
wonderful works of God in this interesting place—and in one of our
rambles suddenly met Mr. & Mrs. Darling from New York very particular
acquaintances of Miss Pierce’s we also at dinner met a _number_ of our
travelling acquaintances—Forsyth now keeps a very good house—there is
another one a short distance from this, lately built, which some
prefer, but this commands the best view of the falls and upon the
whole is I think the most desirable house. The next day we took a
carriage and went to —— where is an old British Fort, opposite to Fort
Niagara on the American side, there being no garrison in the Fort and
the gate open we went in and examined the whole of it. It is called
Fort Mississaugay. We also stopped at Queenstown to see a monument
erected to the memory of General Brock who was killed near. it is a
hundred and odd feet high, and they are going to add twenty more to
it. returned to Forsyth’s to dine, after dinner left his house crossed
over in a row boat to the American side. Father was quite fatigued
going down & up so many steps, but not so much so but that he
immediately went and delivered a letter of introduction to Judge
Porter who lives at the falls. The American side tho’ not as beautiful
as the other accorded more with my ideas previously formed—than the
Canadian side. Had a very agreeable visit at Judge P’s when we drank
tea his garden is situated directly upon the banks of the rapids The
next morning we went all over Goat Island found at breakfast Mr. &
Mrs. Perrit from New York and a number of our travelling companions.
Mr. P. said he sailed with you to Liverpool a year or two since and
they mentioned they were well acquainted with Frederick & his
wife—found him & his wife very agreeable, sat out in the stage with
them for Lockport the road was bad & dusty but our pleasant companions
beguiled the tediousness of the way—by their interesting conversation.
Stopped at the Tuscarora village. At the house of the Chief—he had
been confined to his bed several years with the Rheumatism—My father
told him he could cure him—and prescribed a remedy for his
complaint—his log hut was larger & more commodious than the rest,
situated in a garden, kept perfectly neat—and a number of fruit trees
around—the squaws were spreading wheat to dry in the sun and looked
quite comfortable—the Chief was seated upon a bed, with white curtains
and the hut looked tolerable comfortable—quite neat & clean—he was
forty years of age he told us—spoke the English Language very well—and
appeared to be a very intelligent man. from what he said, I should
Judge, a Christian—I left them some tracts—others gave them presents
and after shaking the Chief by the hand we took our leave. At Lockport
we took the Canal, as Father much preferred travelling that way—and at
Brockfort we parted with Mr. & Mrs. Perrit. We passed the Grand
embankment on the Canal which is raised Seventy feet above the
surrounding country for a mile or two—and a road passes under it—we
stopped but a moment at Rochester and passed on to Montezuma—here we
arrived early Sunday morning—took a carriage—and went to Cayuga seven
miles where we passed the Sabbath—attended Church all day with Mr. and
Mrs. Mumford—the next day at eleven took the stage for Auburn—At
Auburn met with some pleasant Irish people from New York. Mr. & Mrs.
McCarthy etc. etc—they informed us that the young Irishman we took
such a fancy to and who styled himself Doctor, was formerly a Roman
Catholic priest—but had apostasized from their religion & was—as they
called him a Renegade—however we concluded from what they said—it must
be another person—Arrived at Utica before dinner after dinner called
on our friends saw Phoebe Hubbard at Utica—Sailed from Utica in the
Canal boat at eight in the evening, had a fine boat and cool night—but
few passengers, and found ourselves very comfortably situated indeed
we have been remarkably favored in this respect—Have had but little
warm weather—and seldom been crowded on board the boat or
stage—arrived at Schenectady after a pleasant sail the next
evening—here we took leave of our Irish friends and some other
travelling companions—Next morning took the stage to Albany found that
the Litchfield stage left here at two o’clock in the morning—was sick
that day kept my room most of the day—Mr. John Chester called to see
us—also Eben Baldwin formerly at Litchfield—in the evening went to
hear Mr. Chester preach—next morning walked to see the long Pier and
Albany bason—went on board the safety barge, Lady Clinton, which we
esteemed a great curiosity, the accommodations are superb—at nine took
stage for Lebanon—with three or four dashing Philadelphians who were
promising themselves much pleasure at the Springs—arrived at Lebanon
half past two—called for dinner—our travelling companions came down in
their best trim and were sadly disappointed to find no company of any
consequence there—we drank of the water, admired the beautiful
prospect of the extensive Valley which lies before the public houses
visited the baths—and took a carriage for West Stockbridge—our ride
led us through the Quaker village we stopped at their store visited
their place for making cheese—admired the neatness of the place and
passed on—our carriage was easy and comfortable the air cool & bracing
the scenery very fine—and we enjoyed our ride highly—at West
Stockbridge we were surprised to see how small the rooms of a common
sized house looked, we had been so long in such large ones—we were
however very comfortably provided for—our fare was good—and our host
sociable so we had nothing to complain of—the next morning while
waiting for the Litchfield stage we went to see them saw Marble and to
the Quarry some distance beyond—at nine an extra drove up we were
standing upon the Steps at the door a gentleman got out and said how
do you do Doctor Sheldon? We looked up and saw an old friend of ours
William Ellsworth of Hartford—there were so many passengers that they
took another extra from here, and we had the pleasure of Mr. E——’s
company to Norfolk—here he left us and we had a stage to ourselves we
were still favored with delightful weather. our driver was anxious to
get in before another stage which took a different route—and we came
about six miles an hour—at the head of the Street seeing the other
stage just entering town he set his horses out upon the full run—and
we came home in that style somewhat to our alarm—We found all things
had gone on quietly and snugly at home & have great reason to be
thankful for the many mercies we have enjoyed during our
absence—everything seemed to concur to render the journey a pleasant
one it rained just when we wanted a shower to lay the dust—and cleared
off when we wished to have it—we were protected by a kind hand from
all danger by water and by land—we were treated with the greatest
politeness and kindness by our friends and by strangers and had
nothing to mar the pleasure of our journey—the thought of my Dear
departed Brother would sometimes cause a sigh—and a tear to flow—but
the remembrance was usually softened by some pleasant scene before me,
which absorbed my thoughts and attention Father bore the journey
remarkably well—and appeared much less fatigued than I did—he and Miss
Pierce seemed to grow fat the whole way—He was much gratified with his
journey—and I think it will probably be the means of prolonging his
life—
Though we have passed through many pleasant towns and villages yet as
we entered Litchfield Miss P and I agreed that we had not seen one
that would compare with it—in neatness—& none pleasanter. Father
jumped out of the stage and said—home is home—if ever so homely—I pray
God that I may have a heart to be grateful to you and grateful to him
for the many mercies I enjoy—I hope it will not be long before you
will come back to this country never to return to France—Remember us
affectionately to Daniel and believe me your affectionate sister
LUCY SHELDON
Postscript My dear Frederick & Mary I thought you would wish to know
how we got along in our journey as it was something of an undertaking
for a man 75 years of age—which has caused me to be thus particular—I
now promise myself the pleasure of seeing you here speedily, do quit
mosquito land and come to the pure air of Litchfield—I hope you will
very soon, yours L.S. Please to direct this to Henry.
Addressed
Mr. Frederick Sheldon. Merchant
32 Warren Street
New York
Postage. 37½ cents
Article written for the Litchfield Enquirer by Lucy Sheldon (Mrs.
Beach), when near eighty years, because her village was spoken of as
lonely in winter.
DEAR OLD LITCHFIELD
“Breathes there a man with soul so dead,
Who never to himself hath said
This is my own, my Native land?”
Who that has wandered o’er these green hills, any bright June Morning,
and viewed the smiling landscape, hill & dale, dotted with thrifty
farm houses, the Silver Lakes, the distant Mountains, the Village,
like a City on a hill, tho’ surrounded with Hills, the clear blue sky;
has inhaled the pure dry air, giving health & vigor to the system, but
will exclaim with raptured heart, “My Father made them all!” Where
does the merry Bobolink, the gay Meadowlark, the Blue Bird, the
domestic Robin, the Oriole, sing their Maker’s Praise with a louder,
sweeter song, than on these hills & and in these Vallies, And as the
Sun sinks in the West, the low voice of the Whip poor will is heard in
the Vales below, At Evening how soft the Moonbeams sleep on yon glassy
Lake, and how bright they twinkle, as you walk these streets thro the
long avenue of trees, forming shadows, which seem like some magic
picture of beauty.
We would not boast, but we think the Mantles of our Fathers have
fallen on many of their children, and that we have refined intelligent
Christian Society, persons who love each Sabbath day to come from
their far off homes, to mingle their prayers and praises with those
who worship _Him_ who is a Spirit in Spirit & in truth, and who
appreciate the high privilege, of hearing the word of God, Preached
with plainness, with simplicity, with Spirituality & Power.
Here also in Rugged Winter we love to dwell. We love to brave the
Storm, to hear the loud wind roar, the bracing air adds color to the
Cheek, and elasticity to the frame. We love to hear the merry Sleigh
bells jingle and see the brawny ox at the bidding of his master,
bending his neck, to draw the heavy load which gives warmth & comfort
to our dwellings.
We love the placid quiet of domestic life free from the shackles of
folly & Fashion. We love after the labor of the day
“To stir the fire and close the shutters fast,
“Let fall the Curtains, wheel the Sofa round,
“And, while the bubbling & loud hissing urn
“Throws up a steamy column, and the Cups
“That cheer but not inebriate, wait on each
“So let us welcome peaceful evening in.”
Music, Books, pleasant converse with others and ourselves, plans of
usefulness fill up the passing hour, and we retire to rest leaning on
him beneath whose notice, not a sparrow falls to the ground.
On yonder Hillock in the vale, a gentle stream meandering at its base,
sleep the remains of our Honored Fathers & Mothers. Many of them
unknown to fame, but their names are recorded on high.
The green sod covers them and the Fir tree & the Willow spread their
branches over them, but their excellencies still live in the memory of
their descendants. We would emulate their virtues, We would elevate
that which is low, we would frown on vice, and contribute our might to
reform what is wrong.
And may Education, Morality & the Religion of the atoning Lamb of God,
characterize the People of this loved place, to the latest generation.
AN OLD INHABITANT.
1802.
MARY ANN BACON—HER JOURNAL.
Mary Ann Bacon was born February 9, 1787, and married, November 13,
1815, Chauncey Whittlesey, of Roxbury, Connecticut.
“MARY ANN BACON’S JOURNAL”
WRITTEN IN THE 15^{TH} YEAR OF HER AGE.
I left Roxbury at eleven Oclock Thursday June 10 1802, accompanied by
my Father after riding about ten miles we stopped at Mr. Mosely about
three Oclock where we refreshed our selves and mounted our horses
about four and rode in solitude saw many beautiful meadows and the
little birds warbling sweet notes seeming to enjoy the sweet pleasures
of life it rained a little before we reach’d Litchfield which was
about Six oClock in the afternoon. Papa got me into Board at Mr.
Andrew Adams’s.[34] After staying a short time we parted and being
much fatigued I retired to rest soon after tea.
[Illustration:
PL. XII.—MARY ANN BACON
From a miniature
]
_Friday June ^{the}11_
Arose at five Oclock the family was not up walked in the Garden for
the morning was very pleasant meditating upon the beauties of Nature
and reflecting with many disagreeable feelings upon have parted from
my kind Parents and Acquaintance to live with strangers I returned to
the house where breakfast was almost ready at Nine oClock went to
school with Miss Cornelia Adams drew and heard the Girls read history,
at Noon studied my Dictionary and devoted the afternoon to reading
drawing and spelling and spent the rest part of the day with Mrs.
Adams and her daughter and retired to rest at Nine oClock.
_Saturday ^{the}12_
Arose about six oClock in the morning read till School time and spent
the fore noon hours in drawing and the Girls was questioned in the
bible and reminded of their faults which Miss Pierce had discovered
during the week in the after Noon took a walk but saw nothing
entertaining returned to my Chamber where with many disagreeable
feelings I indulged myself I soon found I must not give way these
unhappy feelings went down stairs and when they were all assembled
each one read a Chapter in the bible And retired to rest at Nine.
_Sunday ^{the}13 June_
Arose at six Oclock walked in the garden came back and after breakfast
went up stairs contemplating on the beauties of Nature and read
several Chapters in the bible in the book of judges would have
attended meeting but rain prevented in the Afternoon retired to my
Chamber meditating upon the different situation in this life a little
before evening the boarders were all seated each one read a Chapter in
the bible and retired to rest at Nine Oclock
_Monday June ^{the}14_
Arose about half past five took a walk with Miss Adams to Mr. Smith’s
to speak for an embroidering frame after breakfast went to school
heard the young Ladies read history studied a Geography lesson and
recited it. In the afternoon I drew read and spelt. After my return
home my employment was writing and studying I spent the evening with
Mrs. Adams and retired to rest about half past nine oClock
_Tuesday June 15^{th}_
Arose at Six oClock after breakfasting took a walk purchased some
Linen attended school drew and read in History. In the afternoon I
spent the hours in Drawing Reading and Spelling. After school I was
busily employed in Sewing.
_Wednesday June 16^{th}_
Arose about six oClock spent the morning in writing went to school
studied a geography lesson and recited it. In the afternoon drest,
went to school drew till 4 oClock when I walked to Mr. Smith’s with
Miss Strong to see Miss Rogers where I spent the After noon in very
agreeable conversation and was accompanied by Miss Rogers and Miss
Strong to the School Ball where I staid till about Eleven oClock and
then returned home with Miss Scovil and retired to rest at half past
Eleven....
_Sunday June ^{the}20_
Arose at Six oClock in the morning read two or three Chapters in the
bible drest for meeting heard a sermon delivered by Mr. Huntington
which I thought was very good the text was in Proverbs 15 chapter and
9 verse in these words Fools make a mock of sin at Noon read a chapter
in the bible in the afternoon attended meeting heard a sermon from the
same text After Meeting read in the Letters from the dead to the
Living which was very entertaining After a short time the boarders
were all seated each one read a chapter in the bible in the evening
saw Company and retired to rest at Nine....
_Monday June ^{the}21_
... a little before evening took a walk with Mrs. Adams to Mr. Smith’s
saw Old Mrs. Adams who was 104 years old....
_Sunday June ^{the}27_
... Mrs. Adams read in the Afternoon read in Moral Entertainments
which were very excellent after meeting read in the book called female
education....
_Thursday July 1_
... took a lesson in music returned to Mr. Adams pricked off 2 or
three tunes....
_Wednesday July ^{the}7_
... had the pleasure of attending independence ball there was a very
large collection and I spent the evening very agreeable returned home
and went to rest at one....
_Saturday July ^{the}10_
... in the Afternoon went to Parson Champion’s with the young Ladies
to quilting....
_Wednesday July 14^{th}_
Arose at four wrote two Letters in the morning and carried them to Mr.
Huntington’s for Miss Charlotte Tomlinson to carry to Woodbury when
she returned....
_Monday July 19^{th}_
Arose at five o Clock took a walk with Miss Leavitt to the stores to
get humhum.[35]...
_Wednesday July 21^{st}_
Arose at half past four o Clock took a lesson in music at five in the
morning....
_Tuesday July 27^{th}_
... in the evening heard Mrs. Adams good advice....
_Friday 30^{th}_
Arose at four took a short walk with Miss Leavitt returned and after
breakfast waited some time impatiently for my Papa who did not come
until Eight o Clock when we mounted our horses and rhode till twelve
when arrived my Grand Papa in Woodbury where we dined and spent about
2 hours in company with Miss Laury Bacon and my other relations when
we sat out again about three and after riding a short time we was caut
in a shower and arrived at Roxbury about five in the afternoon and was
once more rejoiced to get home being quit fatigued we lay down after
we were a little rested went into the store to get a frock when we
came out found some pears which relished very well and presently tea
was ready and soon after retired to rest which was about Eight o
clock.
_Tuesday August ^{the}3_
Arose at five o Clock in the morning after breakfast was employed in
fixing my clothes to return to Litchfield we set out from Roxbury
about Eight o Clock and rode till half past ten when we stopped at
Captain Farrings where we tarried about 2 hours we then continued our
ride till we arrived at Litchfield about two o Clock in the afternoon
attended school time enough to study my spelling and spell but was too
much fatigued to do more.
_Sunday August ^{the}7_
... read in the moral entertainments....
_Wednesday August 11^{th}_
... Miss Pierce drew my landscape....
_Thursday August 12^{th}_
... had unexpected news that there was a going to be a ball at Mr.
Adams boarders attended returned home at a propper hour and retired to
rest.
_Saturday August 15^{th}_
... copied my Composition began my dancing school this day was the
first after they had all taken there lessons returned home had a very
bad headache....
_Friday August 20^{th}_
... in the evening Miss Tomlinson came to Mr. Adams’s her conversation
was pictures boarding and history....
_Wednesday August ^{the}23_
Arose at six devoted the morning to studying the boundarys on the map
in the four noon worked a little time I went out to the barn with the
girls to study my lesson came in and recited it took a lesson in music
in the afternoon read worked on my picture studied my spellings and
spelt after school the Boarders all moved the South Chamber and my
time was spent in writing in graret and I was forgot and licked to
lost my tea however I did not go up raret again with out partisioning
to some one to caul me meal times the evening was spent in reading
till Nine and after that went down and went to Mr. Chappins at get
some beer
_Friday August ^{the}27_
... about seven o Clock Papa and Mama came to Mr. Adams they brought
me a little trunk and some cake & some fennel ... school was dismissed
at four went to dansing school and Mama went with me waited some time
before Mr. Armour came after they had half done taking there lessons I
took mine and returned home with Mama for I was not well
_Friday September 3^{rd}_ (_Roxbury_)
... got me a white vail....
_Saturday September 4^{th}_
... spent the morning in doing a few notions and copying my Journal in
the after noon Mama & myself went to Uncle Frenches when we arrived
there it was nearly sundown Aunt Betsey was a baking they had Cherry
Wine after tea she showed us some chinc for curtens
_Thursday September 9^{th} 1802_
The morning was spent in Cleaning The Bedrooms Papa went to New
Haven ... spent The Rest of The Day in writing my Gurnal Spent The
Evening in Picking wool....
_Tuesday September 14^{th} 1802_
... I was Not Very Well & Sent for Dr. Warner and Drawd Some Blisters
on my Arms I was Sick To or Three weaks and I Neglected my Gurnal Ever
Since I received my Piano Fort the 9 of October....
A COMPOSITION WRITTEN AT LITCHFIELD.
MARY BACON.
The many hints suggested to us at school by Miss Pierce upon
improvement leads me more frequently to reflect upon its importance
and for what my Dear Brother was the rational mind given us was it not
to be stored with useful Knowledge which alone can render life
pleasing and above all fit us for the blessed society which all hope
to enjoy. youth is the season for the propagation of every virtue but
alas at this period how frequently do we see vice in its best colors
presents it self to us and is there not reason to fear that unless we
are constantly engaged in the attainments of virtue and knowledge we
shall in the end widely deviate from the path of true glory the mind
ever intent upon some thing seems to require of us materials proper
for its exercise and for these must we not apply to the most approved
authors and our own observations by reading it is justly said, we
enjoy the dead, and by conversation The living, and by contemplation
our selves. reading furnishes The memory conversation strengthens
discernment and contemplation improves The judgment. I feel my Brother
the sacrifice my Parents make in parting with a child in whose
happiness I flatter my self they feel warmly interested and am
sensible that nothing but an ardent wish for my own improvement could
have effected our separation the propper employment of my time is the
only return in my power to make for their solicitude. I feel that by
this I shal augment my own happiness and accomplish the wishes of my
Parents learning can only be acquired by application. Herculous was
told that this price was set upon every real and noble
virtue—Childhood has yet prevented you from leaving home where you are
watched by a parental aye but as you advance towards manhood you are
doubtless sensible that the cultivation of your mind only can procure
the lasting esteem of your friends & this will lead you to the more
full enjoyment of the great works of nature from books the great
source of improvement we learn the situations manners customs virtues
and vices of our own and distant Country which we should not discover
was it not for the great advantage we derive from literature let us
then aided by each other press forward in the road of improvement.
Your affectionate Sister
UPON EDUCATION.—
permit me Dear Eliza To Convey To you Some of These Sentiments which
Occupy my Breast—The Tenderness of my Parents and The Facility with
which—They Comply with Every request of mine fills my heart with—The
Greatest Gratitude much I fear That I Shall Never—recompense Them.
What Daughter Can Be so unfeeling as not To do every Thing in her
power To make her parents happy and what can give them so much
happiness as to see us anxious to improve every moment of the
time—which is given us to acquire knowledge and those—accomplishments
which alone can render us respectable—in the circle in which we expect
to move. yet my Dear—how many are they who have every advantage
which—nature and indulgent Parents can bestow. and yet they—spend
there time in idleness & neglect to improve there minds when young
grow in ignorance despised by all who know them—but I will turn from
this—disagreeable picture and review one more Pleasing—we will for a
moment dwell upon the happiness—of one who has improved her
time—cultivated her mind and stored it with useful knowledge—she
confers happiness on all her acquaintance and she—has the sweet
satisfaction of knowing her conduct—is approved of by her Parents and
what ever may be her situation in life she can find—pleasure in her
own reflections—
I remain your friend—
Letter.
From the diary & composition & extract[36]
book of Mary Bacon of Roxbury. 1820
[Illustration:
PL. XIII.—MARY ANN BACON’S WATCH AND JEWELRY
]
If you have any natural taste for drawing I should wish you to indulge
it. I think it an accomplishment very well adapted both to the taste
and delicacy of your sex. It will agreeably exercise your ingenuity
and invention it will teach you to discover a superior finish in all
the varied landscapes and scenery of nature to survey the works of our
distinguished Masters with an higher relish and a more poignant
curiosity and it will heighten all the innocent pleasures of your
retirement. when nature howls with wind, or is covered with snow you
will be able to call a fancy spring upon the canvas of which the
blossoms will be ever fragrant and the trees ever green. You may thus
have birds always on the spray and larks apparently thrilling out
praise to their bountiful creator.
Letters. Music by which I mean playing on an instrument or
occasionally singing is a very desirable acquisition in any woman who
has time and money enough to devote to the purpose for it requires no
considerable portion of both. it will enable you to entertain your
friends; to confer pleasure upon others, must increase your own
happiness, and it will inspire tranquilite and harmonise your mind and
spirits in many of those ruffled and lonely hours which in almost
every situation will be your lot, the passions of mankind, however,
have very much debased and profaned this art, which like others, was
originally sacred and intended to chant the praises of the Almighty.
many songs are couched in such indelicate language and, convey such a
train of luscious ideas, as are only calculated to soil the purity of
a youthful mind. i should therefore recommend, (if I may so express
myself,) rather the sacred than the profane, of this study, indeed
church music is in itself more delightful than any other, what can be
superior to some passages of Judas Maccabaeus or the Messiah there is
not, perhaps an higher among the melancholy pleasures than a funeral
dirge.
Dancing, in a degree is proffesedly an essential part of a good
education as correcting any awkwardness of gestures giving an easy and
graceful motion to the body, and I practice early perhaps even in
directing its grothe. Modern manners may however have carried the
fondness for this accomplishment to an immoderate extreme. a passion
for making the best figure in a minuet is vastly beneath the dignity
of a woman’s understanding. and I am not sure whether excelling in
this particular does not inspire too great a fondness for dissipated
pleasures and portionably abate the ardour for more retired virtues. a
woman who can sparkle and engage the admiration of every beholder at a
birth night or a ball is not always content with the grave office of
managing a family or the still and sober innocence of domestic scenes,
besides dancing is not at certain moments without its temptations an
elegant illuminated room brilliant company the enchanting power of
music admiring eyes obsequious beaus attitude are apt to transport the
mind a little beyond the rational medium of gentle agitation I would
not however be a cynical moralist that would abridge you of any
harmless amusement. I have only my apprehensions for your innocence
for indeed it is a plant of a very delicate complection and you will
then have attained the perfection of your character when you can mix a
passion for these elegant accomplishments with a turn for solid and
domestic virtue: when you can one night be distinguished at a ball and
the next want no other entertainment than what the shade of your
family a well chosen book or an agreeable walk are able to afford. I
should wish you to be innocent and if possible accomplished at the
same time but at any rate I would have you innocent because otherwise
you cannot be happy
* * * * *
MY DEAR LUCY