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.