John Pierce: Yankee Socialhistorian BYJAMESR

John Pierce: Yankee SocialHistorian BYJAMESR. MCGOVERN

EV. John Pierce, D.D., extensively known than any other clergy- (1773-l 849) was Secretary of the man” in the Boston area.” As a member R Board of Overseers, serving four of the Massachusetts Historical Society Harvard presidents from 1816 to 1849. he conversed with such men as John Q. Were it only for his neat script in this Adams, George Bancroft, Nathan Ap- function or his role as one of Harvards’ pleton, Jared Sparks, Samuel Hoar, Rev. first professional Harvard men, he would Samuel Ripley, and George Tichnor.5 He hardly merit the attention of scholars and belonged to and regularly attended meet- their readers. But this mild and unassum- ings of the American Academy of Arts ing man was also like Pepys and Sewall, a and Sciences, Phi Beta Kappa,(j and the type of social secretary to his age. He was Boston Association of Congregational an outstanding chronicler by virtue of his Ministers. He was a founder of the wide acquaintance with the prominent Massachusetts Bible Society and an hon- men and movements, especially in New orary member of the American Statistical England, and his dutiful desire to record Society and the New England Historical his experiences for posterity. As such he Genealogical Society. He records his is invaluable for the social historian of the attendance at the dedication of 39 early and middle nineteenth century and churches, 42 funerals of ministers and it is difficult to understand why he has several hundred ordinations. He was received so little attention. ’ The following invariably present at exhibitions, com- article will suggest the possible uses to mencements, and public functions at which his vast writings may be put by Harvard. ’ His close friend the Baptist various types of historians. minister in Brookline, Rev. Shailer, Pierce was pastor of the First Con- oberved “to no public institution has he gregational Church in Brookline* which devoted more time and over none has he he served from 1797 to 1849 and held watched with more interest than Harvard numerous civic offices there. Indeed, in University.“8 His numerous trips about the minds of his friends, his name was the state of Massachusetts to “exchange synonymous with Brookline. But his pulpits” with other ministers, or to visit contacts ranged far beyond his home Dorchester where his family roots could community. In an age that prized the be traced to the 1630s’ or to his wifes’ principle of voluntary organization he family, the illustrious Tappans of North- might be seen as one of its consummate ampton, Mass., afforded still other oppor- practitioners, an indefatigable joiner and tunities to extend his acquaintances. He ceremonialist. Sibley describes him as may have been, as one of his friends “present on every public occasion,” al- judged, the best known man in the state ways “welcome everywhere” and “more of Massachusetts9 Old- Time New England

While there were probably very few and Live and Let Live, Hawthornes’ Twice persons in New England of his period so Told Tales and Irvings’ Sketch Book, conversant with its prominent men and proving that some people at least were major institutions, there were surely none reading American books at this time. who preserved such a detailed record of Poetry read included Spenser, Long- his activities and associations with fellow, two volumes of Miss Sigourney them.tO and five volumes of Wordsworth. Euro- His writings consist principally of eigh- pean didactists were readily consumed: teen volumes of Memoirs and Memo- Cicero, Pliny, Thomas A. Kempis, Eras- rabilia, Account and Expense Books, mus, Pascal and Madamede Stael. Amer- both deposited in manusript form in the ican books in the same mode included Massachusetts Historical Society, Parish nine volumes of Franklin, three volumes Records of the First Congregational of Bancrofts’ histories and W. E. Chan- Church and numerous handwritten ser- nings’ writings. While Pierces’ fondness mons found in the Brookline Public for history is illustrated by his numerous Library and his numerous letters in the readings about the Puritans and Pilgrims, Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe College. It especially authors Winthrop and Brad- would seem reasonable to estimate close ford, he stayed abreast of the fashions to ten thousand manuscript pages in the and events of his own day by reading the first two collections, which deal almost works of European travellers, especially exclusively with his public life. Letters Harriet Mantineau (9 volumes) and written by him and members of his Charles Dickens. The writings of Horace family also number into the thousands. Bushnell, Frances Wayland and a study These were released for historical inquiry of Charles Bulfinch are listed. There are by his descendants as recently as 1965 also travel books to nearly every part of and are very revealing about such ques- the world and studies of major events in tions relating to family as roles, nurture, European history.t3 education, and values.” John Pierces’ Account Books may The overall records of Pierce encom- contain the most detailed statement of pass such detailed information as a list of family economics in American History. the authors and titles of the 1489 books In them he lists every purchase made by which he read from January 1, 1814 to his household, as well as the presents his the end of his life.t2 An intellectual family received along with the market history of the literate Yankee mind of the value of the gift, for every year from 1802 period may be reconstructed from its to 1848. We learn that the minister paid contents. While many of the books, from 30 to 45 dollars for a suit between perhaps two-thirds, deal with devotional 1804 and 1807, $1.50 for an iron rake in matters, homilies ( Death Bed Scenes), and 1805, $1.00 for a “fine razor” and $1.16 sermons, the remainder underscore his for two pairs of shoes for children in sophistication and catholic tastes. He read 1806, $8.75 for seven and one half yards 8 volumes of Shakespeares’ plays; Don of silk for a gown for Mrs. Pierce and Quixote, Tom Jones, Pitcairns’ Island, Oliver $1.50 for Hyson tea in 1810.t4 The impact Twist, Two Years Before the Mast, and of Americas’ China trade is illustrated in Ivanhoe. He also read two of Catherine such presents awarded Dr. Pierce in Maria Sedgwicks’ novels. Means and Ends 1810-1813 as a “very elegant tea cady” JohnPierce: YankeeSocial Historian from Canton $5.00, a box and small insurance, 5% for a domestic, 4.8% for waiters from China $2.00, and an elegant coal, 4.3% on books and papers, 2% for tea set from China $65.00.15 Similarly, the hired help other than the maid, 1.3% on accounts show when household fixtures postage and the rest on miscellaneous are introduced. An entry for June 2,1845 items such as charities and “to a black,” records a present of a shower bath valued washing 12 windows,%2.00.23 at %5.00.6‘ Dr. Pierces’ Memoirs and Memorabilia To supplement his regular income of are laden with facts which justify the $400.00 a year salary plus small amounts observation of the gentleman who intro- aggregating less than one hundred dollars duced him at the Phi Beta Kappa meeting for other services in Brookline and at in 1848 with the observation he was Harvard, Pierce calculated in 1844 that he “such a busy collector of facts” as “to had received over $11,000 in presents of create the suspicion that he will leave goods and money from friends and par- nothing for the Recording Angel to do.“24 ishioners” and more than four thousand They provide a veritable compendium of dollars from his wealthy brothers-in-law the organizational and intellectual life of John, Lewis, Charles and Arthur Tap- the Boston area. Summaries of college pan.*‘ The presents together with his commencement addresses; ministerial purchases tell us much about his familys’ conferences, Phi Beta Kappa addresses, life style.They reveal, for example, the temperance meetings, sermons, gen- essential menu of this Yankee family eologies, and copies of letters written to with its heavy reliance on pork, beef, fish, him by prominent people punctuate its bread and milk (the Pierces ’ consumed pages.25 In addition, he had a fascination I5 quarts a week for a household of nine for obituaries and wrote them for many in 1816J.19The presents alsodeclare what prominent Bostonians based on his per- the society valued as delicacies-special sonal contacts with the deceased. Pierce treats which the minister, as his pur- also recorded in both letters and memoirs chases attest, could not ordinarily buy, many valuable views of his leading con- oranges 6 for $.50 in 1810.20 chocolate 6 temporaries and the historical move- pounds for $1.20 in 1811, a keg of Sicily ments of his time. grapes (presented January 29, 181 l.* ’ He often dined with John Adams and and valued at $1.001, 2 pounds of very later with John Quincy Adams and re- fine Chinese tea $5.00 in 1816, a drum of cords information of a highly personal figs ($1.50) and a yearly present of a large nature about both.26 “Last Sabbath,” he box of raisins or prunes by merchant S. wrote to his friend Rev. Abiel Abbot, “I Pierce.** Cocoa four pounds for S.66 and had the honor of dining with Vice lemon syrup, 3 bottles for $1.50 in 1831, President Adams . . I confess I expected etc. An itemization of Pierce family to find him a different man from what he purchases for the year 1838 reveals that it appeared. Instead of that forbidding dig- spent approximately 16% of its $1004.58 nity and volubility of tongue which have total outlay on foods, principally for by fame been ascribed to him, one meats, fish and milk, 15% for transporta- discovers a pleasing affability: he is far tion, principally on trips taken by Mrs. less fluent in speech than I had imag- Pierce, 14% for wearing apparel either as ined.“* ’ Adams ’ pessimism about the finished or unfinished materials, 14% in state of the country under Republican loans to sons William and John, 6% on administration is reflected in informing Old- Time New England

Pierce in 1804 “it is his comfort that he war to expose us to its hazards and shall find a shelter from these calamities sacrifices without the most pressing nec- in the friendly silence of the grave.“28 In essity.” Pierce wieghed each possible a more optimistic vein, Adams described justification for the war. “For what then his revulsion against dogmatic religion at are we contending?” He dismissed terri- an early age. This occurred when a tory, honor, neutral rights, seamans’ minister addressed him as a freshman at rights, the hostilities committed by the Harvard in 1757, “Young man, I suppose Indians with ample argument and con- you are intended for the ministry. I advise cluded we could only be fighting “with a you to begin your studies in this profes- nation which is preeminently the bul- sion by gaining a complete knowledge of wark of the religion we profess” for Williards’ body of Divinity. You will then perverse and sinful reasons. Opposition to be prepared to study the Bible and the such a war, far from being unpatriotic, good books.“29 Dining with President was essential for the preservation of our John Q. Adams in 1826, Pierce reported heritage and recovery of moral purpose.33 the President to be “highly instructive Pierce provides interesting data on the and entertaining in conversation.” He slave question. His own position was revealed that “when he was in St. Pe- moderate. While he attended meetings of tersburg, he became acquainted with the the Anti-Slave Society, he was disturbed Head of the Jesuits; and that his Holy by their speeches “addressed to the Father sometimes attempted to convert passions and prejudices, rather than to him to the Catholic faith,” but Adams reason and understanding.“34 At the professed he could forsee “no prospect of same time he decries those who would my ever embracing the doctrine of trans- prevent them from speaking in Boston, ubstantiation.“30 Later in life when Presi- “the (supposed) headquarters of good dent John Q. Adams was eighty years old, principles. “35 When the controversy Pierce reports a valuable psychological threatened the peaceful life of his church insight.“when 1 alluded to his mother, he because a few parishioners felt strongly was sensibly afflicted, and remarked that that blacks should not have to attend he could never hear her name mentioned church in a special pew to themselves on without tears.13t‘ the second floor, Pierce left the parties Pierces’ sermon to the artillery comp- concerned to “fight it out.“36 The Church any of Boston on its election in 1813 is a was subsequently “integrated” briefly classic summary of enlightened Federal- when Mr. Samuel Philbrick, an aboli- ist antagonism to the War of 1812.32 tionist, took a “black child” into his broad Usually a very mild man who shied from aisle pew. The incident caused such a polemics, Pierce apparently felt a consen- “rage” that Mr. Philbrick subsequently sus of anti-war sentiment in his audience. withdrew from the church and the He lamented the breakdown of industry church remained segregated. Pierces’ and commerce in New England resulting support of the segregationists is implied from the war and deplored its accom- in his unusually strong criticism of a panying vice and idleness. America had member of his congregation who per- escaped similar calamities earlier because sisted in his plans to secure integration. “we had then a Washington at the head Pierce described a “printed bill of the ign of affairs, who knew too well the evils of . . . (ignorant), imp . . . and shameless JohnPierce: YankeeSocial Historian Sf

SAW (S. A. Walker)” which read, “a he judged the most significant change in abolitionist lecture will be delivered at the manners and customs of society Lyceum Hall . . . a large delegation of the during his life time39 Although he ac- sable hue are expected from the city. knowledged the great severity in disci- Ladies and gentlemen are informed that pline at Boston Latin School still caused cologne.. . will be dispensed. . . all those graduates, now old men, to “awaken from in favor of black servants occupying the sleep with tears of recollection,” Pierce broad aisle of the church in Brookline will feared “the tendency now is toward the please take seats . . . . directly in front of opposite extreme” and that “evil conse- the speaker.“37 His remarks about the quences would spring from laxity.“40 Grimke sisters who visited Brookline in Toward womens’ education, he displayed 1837 are informative but non-commital. an unusual fondness for his times, per- They also record a disinclination of haps indicative of his tender feelings for Brookline ladies to enlist in the aboli- his mother who died as a young woman tionist movement. After the sisters de- when Pierce was at Harvard. He pro- scribed the “cruel treatment of the fessed that if men should be the heads of slaves” one of them remarked that they their families, women should be the had received word from their mother necks and the head should follow the they no longer be safe to visit their home neck in every direction. He was proud of in Charleston, S.C., Pierce recorded “it the quality of Brooklines’ public educa- appeared to be their object to induce our tion for girls and recorded (favorably) ladies to organize and abolition society. news from Oberlin which had just be- But attendance was far from general, and come co-educational. “President (Asa) those who were present did not seem Mahan says that, for the two years in disposed to volunteer in this business.“38 which the experiment has been tried, The Grimke meeting was also notewor- there are fewer engagements to be mar- thy for the presence of “a Mr. Whittier ried, than were formed by the students of from Haverhill”, not yet distinguished in Andover (Andover Seminary) while he literature. resided there. So strict is the surveillance Pierce has rewarding anecdotes about that a youth from New York by merely other reformatory movements of the entering the chamber of a female without period and their leadership, especially leave was required to make a public educational reform. He quotes Horace confession for violating the laws before Manns’ remarks to him “that one good the whole institution.“41 way to teach spelling is by giving a word The Pierce letters provide still other to the class; and after giving them time to gems on the democratic Spirit of this age think, to call on one to spell it. This will of American nationalism while they help to fix the right spelling on the minds sometimes express concern over its lack of all.” And, another good way is “putting of refinement. An example may be found out poly-syllables, to let one child spell in Elizabeth Pierces’ letter to her father, one syllable, another, another till the August 10, 1824, from aboard a steam- word is finished.” He records Manns’ boat on the Hudson. aspiration to locate a Normal School in Just at dusk an occurance took place, every county in Massachusetts. Pierce that causedconsiderable excitement on board.It was no lessthan the accesionto noted with regret, however, a diminution our party of M.G.W. La Fayette who had of corporal punishment in schools which been visiting at a county seat, upon the 82 Old-Time New England

river about West Point. Unfortunately 1826 is reported by Pierces’ wife “I think there were no musical instruments in nearly half of people present were men the boat and the company could only and boys. It is impossible to give you an welcome him by cheers as he came on deck with his head uncovered, the adequate idea of the scene . . . a great passengers seemed excited beyond all many near me were bathed in tears. You reflections and the majority rushed might have almost heard a pin drop such forward with the utmost eagerness to a breathless silence prevailed.“47 Pierce, see and shake hands with him . For my part, I was sadly disappointed in his having been born in Boston and not aspect. His dress was ordinary, his needing to be reborn, was less impressed manners by no means French and his upon seeing evangelist Charles G. Fin- whole appearance indicated simplicity. ney. “His gesticulations were very vio- He received attention with ease and lent. I should think above the tastes of seemed ready and willing to converse with any who wished it. There were a our northern latitudes. At times he great many people on board and the screamed with little mercy to himself or boat was really crowded. Upon return- the tympana of his auditors.“48 Pierce ing to rest, the sleeping apartments summarizes Francis Waylands’ Phi Beta present a ludicrous spectacle. Every cabin was filled to overflowing. In ours, Kappa address at Harvard in 1836 with its ladies, servants and children were “deep feeling” concerning the dangers to strewed about in all directions. 42 the Republic from the despotism of the Other observations of note in Pierces’ many” and the “prejudices of the vul- writings include portraitist Gilbert gar.“49 He included an extensive descrip- Stuarts’ anecdote on George Washington tion of the elegant house and furnishings and John Adams. He remarked to Pierce of his friend and philanthropist to the personally “you may perceive by their blind, Colonel Samuel G. Perkins, includ- likenesses their leading traits of character. ing its prints copied from great paintings Adams ’ mouth is partly open, implying with “too many naked beauties for the that he could conceal nothing, but always contemplation of the young.“50 Other frankly uttered his thoughts. On the other noteworthy vignettes include a summary hand, you may perceive Washingtons’ of Caleb Cushings’ address to the lips to be shut close. Nobody could open Brookline Lyceum based on his experi- those lips . . . but I could open them.“43 ences as Americas’ first commissioner to There is an analysis of the personality of Chinas ’ and a description and criticism of Harriet Martineau (“She is simple and the Nat Turner rebellion by a southern unaffected in her manner, social in her minister.S2 Students of the Tappan family disposition, and converses with the ut- and abolitionism will find a useful source most ease upon every topic, as it is in the Pierce materials. Mrs. Pierce makes stated”J,44 the speaking styles of Daniel frequent visits to her home and describes Webster, John Gough (“His thoughts are the Tappans in her letters to her husband. uttered at random in words which flow Furthermore, several of the Pierce girls, spontaneously”)45 and Dr. Horace Bush- especially Elizabeth, Sarah, and Mary nell whom Pierce describes as “an acute lived with the Tappans and wrote home reasoner” but so “abstruse and meth- regularly about their doings. Pierce him- aphysical” as to preclude an adequate self enters an extensive correspondence summarizing of his address to the Di- with Benjamin Tappan, the father of the vinity School at Harvard.46 A desciption family. Much can be inferred about the of the Great Revival in Northampton in rigid standards impelling Lewis and John Pierce: YankeeSocial Historian a3

Arthur Tappan over the slavery issue mind.” “Love the Lord Jesus with from the rigorous religious demands sincerity.” Let no day pass without reading and meditating a portion of which he attempted to impose on Rev. Gods’ holy word, and without twice at Pierce and his family. Lewis Tappan was least praying to “your Father, who is in particularly critical of Pierce for his secret, and your Father. who seeth in seeming compromises with Unitarianism. secret, will reward you openly.” II. Be respectful to your uncle and He even attempted to influence two of aunt, and kind to every member of the Pierces’ daughters to renounce their family. Relieve, as far as may be membership in his church. Pierce de- consistent with your other indispensable nounced his brother-in-law for untem- engagements, the cares of your beloved pered religious zeal and interference in aunt. She will supply the place of your mother; and you may learn much from his family affairs. “A rumor has just her excellent instructions and examples. reached my ears that Sarah joined Uncle 111. My desire is that you should Ls’ Lewis Church, last Nov . . If so, I attend statedly her place of worship. But suppose I must set it down as another of on no account offer yourself for communion with any church in Northampton. his kind affairs since he has been unable Such a step would be likely to be to flatter, coax, draw, drive or frighten me attended with greater trials both to into his exclusive and denunciatory mea- yourself and your parents, than can sures.“53 Tappans’ persuasion supposed probably arise from any other course. that “her father was not a Christian IV. In this day of religious wrangling. whenever such men as The Rev. Albert minister” and so Pierce continued “what Barnes, of Philadelphia, and The Rev. are we coming to if children are to be Dr. Beecher, of Cincinnati, are under encouraged clandestinely to desert their discipline, as heretics, there can be no parents even in the tenderest point?” wonder, if some, with whom you may come in contact, in your school, and Pierce added, with anxiety, “my dear wife elsewhere, should call in question your I think you had better shorten your visit fathers’ soundness, without knowing lest attepts be made to alienate you from any thing of him, but by heresay, and a husband who cant’ be happy without should officiously labor to convince you, you,” that your own profession of religion, should they ascertain the fact, is no Pierces’ letter, May 16, 1836, to his better, than solemn mockery. But let daughter Mary, then sixteen, who was to them do. or say what they will, they can live in Northampton at the home of a exercise no “dominion over your faith,” Tappan while she attended a seminary for unless you voluntarily place yourself girls reflects his anxiety about the undue under their watch and discipline. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty. wherewith,” influence the Tappans might try to exert. you conscientiously apprehend, “Christ It is also a classic exposition of family hath made you free, and be not en- roles and responsibilities and relects the tangled in any yoke of ecclesiastical great utility of the Pierce collection for bondage.” Your second sister has been made wretched enough, by such a students of family history:54 surrender of her reason and conscience, My Dear Daughter Mary, to operate as a warning to you. As you are again about to leave the V. Avoid. as the pestilence, religious parental roof, I cannot release you from disputation. “Be swift to hear, slow to our family circle without a few paternal speak, slow to wrath.” If any of your comments and monitions. companions suspect your soundness, I. Be it your first care to “know the because they have heard ill reports of God of your fathers, and to serve him that portion of the country, from which with a perfect heart and with a willing you originate. or from other causes, 84 Old-Time New England

“answer not again.” “Have a good Some of the most useful information in conscience, that whereas they speak evil Pierces’ writings centers on the religious of you, as of evil doers. they may be controversies and schisms of the period. ashamed, that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.” Temperamentally, Pierce felt at home VI. I hardly need remind you of the with the manner and biblical emphasis of importance of fidelity in attention to Unitarianism. His own style was simple, your studies. At your time of life, and natural, based on the Bible, and devoid of with the expense, which must neces- sarily be incurred in completing your narrow sectarianism. Pierce, like Joseph education, it is perhaps more expedient Buckminster, whose sermons he read, to warn you against excessive applica- regarded himself as a “gentle knight” tion, than to stimulate you to industry. who wished “to guard the seats of taste VII. Be careful of your health. For the and morals.“55 Likewise Pierce empha- preservation and enjoyment of this blessing, much, under God, depends on sized the importance of embodying rather early rising, stated exercise, both in the than discussing Christianity and wished house and in the open air, and an to avoid, as did Channing, all rancor over habitual cheerfulness. “A merry heart religion.56 He chose not only to be on doth good, like a medicine.” This long experience and almost uninterrupted friendly terms with those more orthodox health have taught me. It is also my firm in his own communion but to dine with conviction, that both of your grand- Catholic priests and bishops and attend fathers were much indebted to this for Catholic and Episcopal services and to be their protracted and rigorous old age. a close friend of the Baptist minister who VIII. Be in the constant practice of committing your thoughts to writing. opened a church in Brookline in 1828. Nothing contributes more effectually to Yet, if Pierce sympathized with the spirit intellectual improvement, than this of tolerance and freedom in Unitaria- habit. “Nulla dies sine linea” is a nism, he was a liberal Christian, not a direction of long standing. and of excellent use. Your correspondents will be Unitarian. Pierce based his faith on likely to require as much of your time, as repentance toward God, “faith in the you can well spare. But whatever friends Lord Jesus Christ,” love to God, and love you neglect, write regularly to your to man.57 He had no doubt about the parents jointly. If you have privacy with authenticity of the miracles of the New your mother, this can be communicated by a sealed letter within your journal. Be Testament58 and chided Theodore Parker free in the communication of your for his “very offensive sermon” main- thoughts. Let nothing be withholden, taining that other Christs would be likely which calls for the kind aid of parental to appear.59 He expressed dismay over counsel. IX. Be sure to attend to your manners the erosion of faith in the “liberal and to neatness in your dress and churches” and was severely aggrieved personal appearance. It was said to have when Lewis Tappan accused him of been a maxim of Whitfield. “Cleanliness being a Unitarian. Pierces’ middle of the is next to godliness.” These last I road position was undoubtedly a compro- number among “The tithes of mint, cummin,and anise;” but they are not to mise which acknowledged the bitter divi- be neglected more than “the weightier sions within his own church. The records matters of the law.” of those developments and summaries of God bless you my dear daughter! So speeches of protagonists in the theologi- will ever pray your affectionate father, John Pierce cal disputes, including a yearly report on the Berry Street Conference of liberal theologians are present diffusely throughout Pierces’ writings. John Pierce: Yankee Social Historian 85

As a social observer and commentator, glesworth and Cotton Mather. The recent Rev. John Pierce may be likened to availability of Pierces’ family letters Samuel Sewall his predecessor by only provides a rounded view of him in society one hundred years. Sewall may be more and gives us richer insights into subjects valuable because the literary record of his of family history than we find in the age is sparser than Pierces’ and he is more writings of Sewall. These enhance his colorful, more inclusive in topics and utility for the social historian over and more concerned with useful trivia. above the numerous subjects for which However, both men manifest an unflag- his manuscripts have long provided re- ing curiosity towards the people and warding information for the period events of their respective milieu and both 1800-l 850: the town of Brookline, statis- keep long and continuous accounts of tics on prices, Harvard College, travels in their activities and associations. Since New England, reform movements, social neither were original thinkers, they lend customs and attitudes, prominent politi- themselves readily to descriptive and cians and intellectuals, churches, re- representative thought. Similarly, both ligious conflicts and other developments. men concentrate on external events His history, like Sewalls,’ is truly a rather than the soul searching which chapter in New England living. characterizes the diaries of Michael Wig- NOTES

’ ’ There is no scholarly biography or article on tween 1824 and 1840 “on account of the Dr. Pierce. The author of this article is Bacchanalian character of the entertainment”. presently undertaking a study to be entitled Ibid., VIII. 503. “The Social History of a Yankee Family”, ’ Ibid., I, n.p. which will deal with the Pierce family and its a Ibid., V, New Series, 88. descendants. The best characterological analysis of Pierce with a brief resume of his life is 9 Putnam, Christian Examiner, CLVI, 448 (Nov. probably George F. Putnam, “The Rev. John 1849). Pierce, D.D.,” Christian Examiner and Religious “Sibley joked about Rev. Pierces’ well known Miscellany, CLVII, 447-455 (Nov. 1849). Har- penchant for facts, envisioning him raising his riet F. Woods, Historical Sketches of Brookline, head at the time of his funeral to call attention Mass. (Boston, 1874). 251-265 and Charles to the fact that three Harvard presidents, Lowell “Memoirs of Rev. John Pierce,” Collec- Quincy, Everett and Sparks, were present and tions of Massachusetts Historical Society. Vol. 1. saying “it is a remarkable fact that there should 4th series. 277-295, provides the best efforts at be three presidents at my funeral- never was historical analysis. See also John G. Curtis, such a thing known before.” Sibley, Private History of the Town of Brookline Massachusetts Journal, Vol. 1, 31-32. (Boston, 1933). 72-93, 216-217. He is men- t ’ Letters by Dr. Pierce and members of his tioned in John Langdon Sibley, Private Jour- family may be found in the Poor Family Papers nal, Vol. 1,26-27.31-32, 192, (Widener Library in the Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe College. Rare Book Room). I* Poor Family Papers, Schlesinger Library, *See, for example John Pierce, Annals of the unclassified. First Parish Brookline, XII, n.p. (1838). I3 Another catalogue of 470 books in the Pierce 3 Woods, 351. collection useful in social and intellectual 4Sibley,Vol. 1.192,31. historv is the Cataloaue of Library of Brookline 5 Pierce, Memoirs, New Series I. (Mas- First Parish Sunday SchooliBoston;1841) found sachusetts Historical Society). in Brookline Public Library. 6 /bid., III, 252. Pierces’ attendance at Phi Beta I4 John Pierce, Accounts Books, 1804-1810 Kappa dinners was, however, curtailed be- (Massachusetts Historical Society). Old- Time New England

Is Ibid., 1810,24, 1812.31; 1813,34. 34 Pierce, Memoirs, VI, 387. I6 Ibid., June 2,1845,93. 35 Ibid., VII, 57. ” Ibid., 1844,92. 36 Lucy Pierce to Lucy Pierce Hedge, June 29, s‘ Ibid, 97. 1837, Poor Papers, #18. t9John Pierce, Accounts Book. 1816-47. In 37Pierce, Annals of the First Parish, XVI, 7, 1838, a time when the household consisted of 1842. six persons, the family still averaged a consum- 38 Pierce, Memoirs, VII, 406-407. Pierce also ption of eight quarts of milk a week, Ibid., recorded that the Grimkes preferred to speak December 1838, 8. where there were no men present and that *O Ibid. 1810, 23. The next entry for a present they offered their own prayers at the meeting of oranges is ibid, 1832,77. (“The first 1 ever heard from a woman in public”). * ’ fbid.,1811,29. 39 Pierce, Memoirs. New Series, II, 88. ** Ibid, 1837,83; Ibid., 1842,91. 4o Ibid, I, 179. 24 Pierce Memoirs, New Series, VI 35. 4 ’ Ibid, VI. 429. 2sThe Massachusetts Historical Society has published some of this material in its Boceed- 42 Lucy Pierce to John Pierce, August 10, 1824, inns. See account of Yale Commencement for Poor Papers, #5 (enclosure by Elizabeth 1795 in Proceedingsof Massachusetts Historical Pierce). Society, 111, Second Series, 45-47; on Harvard 43Pierce, Memoirs, New Series, 111.270. commencements and vital statistics at Harvard 44 /bid., Memoirs, VI, 356. 1803-1848, V, Second Series, 167-258, notes on 45 Ibid., New Seriesx I, 209. Phi Beta Kappa exercises (1803-18481, IX, Second Series, (110-143). 46 Ibid.,Vl,286-287. 26John Pierce to Benjamin Tappan, September 47Lucy Pierce to John Pierce, June 15, 1826, 6, 1826, Schlesinger Library, Poor Papers, #8. Poor Papers,#5. Pierce records he “often visited” President 48John Pierce to Elizabeth Pierce, November John Adams. He called on John Quincy 17, 1826, Poor Papers, #12. Adams six times. Pierce, Memoirs, New Series, 49 John Pierce, Memoirs, Vl,440. II, 244. SoIbid., 86. *John‘ Pierce to Abiel Abbot, November 1, ” Ibid., New Series, 111,421. 1796, Poor Papers, #3. s2 Ibid., VIII, 400-401. The minister was Rev. 28John Pierce to Benjamin Tappan, November Bennet Taylor Blake from Raleigh, North 1.5, 1804, Poor Papers #8. Carolina who was visiting in Boston. 29John Pierce Memoirs, 11, 237. See Samuel 53John Pierce, Annals of the First Church Williard, A Complete Body of Divinity in Two Brookline, 1831, (Brookline Public Library). Hundred Fifty Expository Lectures (Boston, S4John Pierce to Mary Pierce, May 10, 1836. 1726). Poor Collection, Unclassified. 3oJohn Pierce to Benjamin Tappan. September 55Joseph S. Buckminister, The Monthly An- 6, 1826. Poor Papers, #lo. thology, VI, 4 f 1809). 3 ’ John Pierce, Memoirs, New Series, IV, 253. 56William H. Charming, The Life of William E. See Proceedings of Massachusetts Historical Chatming, Boston, 1880,184-185. Society, second series, 384-386. for publication of an interview between Rev. Pierce and John “John Pierce, Memoirs, New Series, IV.,491. Q. Adams ( 18441. 58 Ibid., 447. 32John Pierce, Memoirs, II. 38-47. 59 Ibid., 111,1845,64-65. 33 Ibid.