1801. LUCY SHELDON—HER DIARY.
Reading edition
Lucy Sheldon, half sister of Charlotte, and the daughter of Dr. Daniel Sheldon and his second wife Huldah Stone, of South Farms, was born June 27, 1788, and married Mr. Theron Beach, of Goshen, January 9, 1832. She died April 7, 1889, having nearly reached her one hundred and first birthday. She was born, married, and died in the same house on North Street.[25] She long retained her light step, her active habits, and fresh, youthful feelings. From her journal at the age of fourteen the following extracts are taken:
Monday This day Miss Pierce began her school I attended, resolving to renew my former studies with greater assiduity than ever, and shall endeavour to improve enough to merit the approbation of my Parents, and instructress, Painted on my picture of the hop gatherers, and read grammar, commenced an acquaintance with Miss 44Bosworth & Miss Goodyear, who appear to be very fine girls, in the evening studied a grammar lesson.
Tuesday. Continued my usual occupations.
Wednesday. Painted, read in miscellaneous works and recited a grammar lesson, in the afternoon Mrs. Tracy, and Caroline were at our house. Spent the evening at Mr. Adams’s.
Thursday. Studied and recited a grammar lesson, painted, and read some very good pieces in the Mirror spent a very agreeable evening at Mr. Allens.
Friday. Painted and read, heard Miss Pierce tell our faults, had the pleasure to hear her say she had seen no fault in me for the week past and hope she will ever have reason to approve of my conduct.
Sunday. Attended meeting all day & heard two pretty good sermons, delivered by Parson Champion, in the evening went to singing meeting.
Monday. Drew, and began the history of Rome but Miss Pierce thought proper that I should not write it as I had read it once before, In the evening knit.
Tuesday. Recited a grammar lesson & painted, spent the evening at the school house, with the young Ladies.
Wednesday. Today Miss Pierce did not keep as she expected to move into her new house,[26] therefore Miss Henderson took her place in the forenoon, but in the afternoon there was no school, and I assisted Miss Pierce, in the evening attended singing meeting.
Thursday. Attended school, painted & recited a grammar lesson, In the evening knit.
Friday. Miss Pierce did not keep school, Assisted Mama, and in the afternoon we had company.
Saturday. Painted, read in the explanation of the Catechism, in the afternoon wrote, in the evening heard Papa read.
Sunday. In the afternoon read in Baron Hallers letters to his daughter; on the truth of the Christian religion, in the afternoon attended meeting, & heard a very good sermon delivered by the reverend Mr. Huntington, from these words. Matt. 16. Chap. 26 verse “what profiteth for a man to gain the whole world, and lose his own soul, or what will a man give in exchange for his soul, he expatiated on the frailty of human events & the danger of placing too much happiness on the pomp & riches of this world. In the evening attended singing meeting
Monday. Assisted Mama and went to school, painted, read in Roman history, In the evening wrote.
Pl. X.—Hop Picking From a water-color painted by Lucy Sheldon
45Tuesday. Finished the hop picking,[27] In the afternoon Mrs. Smith was at our house, who I think is a very fine old Lady, Assisted Mama, In the evening knit.
Wednesday. In the forenoon copied my Journal In the afternoon wrote a letter, In the evening knit.
Thursday. Studied a grammar lesson, & drew In the evening sewed.
Friday. Painted, and read in the history of Rome, spent the evening at the school house.
Saturday Assisted Mama, wrote, painted and heard Miss Pierce tell our faults, and was very glad to hear her say she had seen no fault in me for the week past, In the evening read in Baron Hallers letters.
Sunday Attended meeting in the forenoon and heard an excellent sermon....
Monday Assisted Mama, came to school worked on my pin cushion, read and heard the young Ladies read, the life of Coriolanus, in the history of Rome, In the afternoon, sewed & read in little Grandison,[28] which shows that, virtue always meets with its reward and vice is punished, spent the evening at the school house.
Tuesday. Rose at sunrise, attended school, learnt a grammar lesson, & wrote my Journal, In the afternoon, painted and spelt.
Wednesday In the forenoon sewed, (P. M.) painted and assisted Mama.
Thursday. Learnt a grammar lesson, spent the afternoon at home, In the evening attended a school ball, and had a very good one.
Friday (Dec. 25th 1801). As this day was Christmas I attended church and heard a sermon by Parson Marsh very well adapted to the occasion, returned & spent the remainder of the day in sewing.
Saturday. 26th, Wrote my Journal, read in the Mirror, and heard Miss Pierce tell our faults she said she had seen no fault in me for the week past.
Sunday 27th, Arose at four o’clock, did not attend meeting, finished reading Baron Hallers letters which I think is an excellent book.
Monday 28th, In the forenoon, read history and painted (P. M.) studied & recited a grammar lesson spent the evening at home with company.
Tuesday. 29th, Studied a geography lesson, In the afternoon painted, In the evening knit.
46Wednesday 30th; In the forenoon painted, In the evening knit.
Thursday 31st, Learnt a geography lesson & began to draw the sailor boy.[29] In the afternoon, painted and sewed.
Friday. This is the first day of January the beginning of the year 1802, and I intend if it is in my power, to conquer all my faults, but as perfection is not the lot, of mortals I shall not expect to attain so near to it, In the forenoon painted in the afternoon there was not any school and I remained at home, assisted Mama & sewed.
Saturday 2nd, Painted and heard Miss Pierce tell our faults, she said she had seen no fault in me except holding my arms stiff which made me appear awkward, and which I shall certainly endeavour to correct, She also read a sermon from Blair particularly addressed to young people which recommended the necessity of being pious & industrious, In the evening, read in Mary Walstoncrafts travels through Norway, Sweden, & Denmark.
Sunday 3rd, ... Read in Mary Walstoncrafts travels, this is a very entertaining book but even here, I can see through some of our principals.
Tuesday 5th, Learnt a geography lesson, painted, and in the evening, sewed.
Wednesday 6th, Read and heard the young Ladies read history, painted, In the evening attended singing meeting.
Thursday 7th, Read in the Dramatic pieces.
Saturday 9th; Painted and heard my faults told Miss Pierce has found no fault with me for the week past.
Wednesday 13th, Painted and sewed, In the evening heard Papa. read, in a Fathers letter to his daughter and I hope I shall profit by the instruction it contains.
Saturday 16th, Read in Don Quixote & knit.
Monday 18th, Read history and, painted, In the afternoon sewed, In the evening attended a school ball enjoyed myself pretty well, returned at eleven o’clock
Tuesday 19th, In the forenoon painted, In the afternoon sewed, In the evening read.
Wednesday 20th, Read history and painted, In the afternoon returned home from school, and was happy to find Mrs. Adams, Maria,[30] & Mrs. Seymore there, In the evening, went to singing meeting, but had a very dull one.
Pl. XI.—A Sailor Boy From a water-color painted by Lucy Sheldon
47Sunday 24th, ... After meeting, read in the internal history of church.
Tuesday 26th, Assisted Mama, came to school read in the companion, and wrote my Journal, In the afternoon, there was no school, because Miss Pierces’s sister Nancy was more unwell, In the evening we heard the melancholy news of her death, Mama and I immediately went over there and beheld a very affecting scene, but I think the mourners bear their loss with Christian fortitude & resignation, returned home and spent the remainder of the evening in meditating upon the scene which I had witnessed, and which had made a deep impression upon my mind.
Thursday 28th, In the forenoon sewed, In the afternoon attended the funeral, and heard Mr. Huntington make an excellent prayer, returned home and in the evening knit.
Saturday 30th, Painted, but as Miss Sally has not kept school, I have continued my employments at home.
Have done nothing for these two or three weeks past worth notice except, having read through pilgrims progress, which I admire very much, and Lord Chesterfields letters to his son and think it would be well for every young Lady to read it.
Monday. Read history and painted in the forenoon. In the afternoon copied my Journal, In the evening ciphered.
Tuesday. Studied geography lesson, In the evening ciphered.
Saturday. Wrote a letter in my Journal. Miss Pierce did not tell our faults particularly, but gave us the general rules of good behaviour.
Sunday. Did not attend meeting on account of the weather, In the evening read in Don Quixote, and am pleased with his factious humor and Sancho’s credulous disposition
Tuesday. Attended school, read history, In the afternoon painted, & heard the young Ladies read in Juliana or the affectionate sister in the evening ciphered.
Wednesday. Read through the fortunate discovery or the History of Henry Villers, a novel written by a young Lady in New York, I think the language, is not as good as I have seen, but the story is very pretty. Attended school, studied a geography lesson, & wrote my Journal, In the afternoon copied it.
48Saturday. Rose late, assisted Mama, came to school copied my Journal, Miss Pierce did not tell our faults particularly, In the afternoon wrote plays for Miss Pierce, In the evening read.
Sunday. Read ten chapters in the Bible, attended meeting all day, & heard two very good sermons, read twenty chapters in the Bible after meeting, In the evening sewed.
Monday. Began to write the history of Rome....
Thursday. Attended a private school ball.
Saturday. Copied history, recited geography, and heard our faults told, Miss Pierce has found no fault with me for the week past, have had the honor of being chosen candidate for the prize, In the afternoon copied plays for Miss Pierce, in the evening read.
Monday. Returned home & had the pleasure of finding Miss Cornelia Adams[31] at our house, assisted in getting tea, & spent the evening very agreeably.
Tuesday. In the evening copied of my part of Ruth.[32]
Wednesday. Studied a geography lesson & recited it, had the mortification to have Miss Mary Glen get above me, began to draw a map in the afternoon, In the evening attended a school ball
Tuesday. Read history, drew on my map, and read in the childrens friend, In the evening ciphered.
Monday. This morning I was introduced to my new brother, & am much pleased with him, did not attend school, sewed, & attended to domestic affairs
Tuesday. The forenoon I spent in sewing at home, In the afternoon went to school, drew on my map of Connecticut & read in the inquisitor, which is a very humorous thing
Wednesday. Came to school & read geography to Miss Chittenden, In the afternoon recited my part & wrote.
Thursday. Rehearsed my part, drew on my map & wrote.
Friday. In the forenoon, drew on my map, In the afternoon studied my part.
Saturday. Assisted at home, attended school, read in the companion, drew on my map, assisted Mama at home & heard a play rehearsed,
49Sunday, Did not attend meeting, read in the Bible & Downman on infancy, In the evening did not do anything.
Monday. Came to school, worked on my map rehearsed my play, In the afternoon drew on my map read in the Roman history & companion, In the evening came to the school house, & heard the young Ladies say their play.
Tuesday. Attended school, rehearsed my play, drew on my map, In the evening attended a private school ball enjoyed myself very well.
Wednesday, Attended school, drew on my map recited my part, & copied history, In the evening sewed.
Thursday. Rehearsed my part, drew on my map & wrote.
Friday. Was fast, attended meeting all day, thought Mr. Huntington preached better, than I had ever heard him before.
Saturday. In the forenoon drew on my map & rehearsed my part, In the afternoon drew on my map, & heard the young Ladies say their plays.
LUCY SHELDON’S JOURNAL FOR THE WINTER 1803
Monday, January 3rd. This day I again commence my Journal, it being almost a year since I have written one, and perhaps will be the last, that I shall ever write at school, I am now old enough to know the importance of improvement therefore think I shall attend with more diligence than formerly, I have not however, as yet been very industrious because I have not had any fixed employments, but I have now resolved to attend regularly to my studies, This morning I stayed at home and assisted Mama, in the afternoon came to school, but found it very bad walking from the snow that had fallen, the preceding night, took a music lesson, was called home before school was out, spent part of the evening in ciphering and the remainder at Miss Pierce’s with the young Ladies.
Tuesday 4th, In the morning studied and recited a geography lesson, in the afternoon took a music lesson,[33] and wrote, in the evening assisted Mama.
50Wednesday 5th, In the forenoon painted, in the afternoon had the misfortune to break a glass in one of the frames of my pictures, attended school, in the afternoon sewed, had the pleasure to find Mrs. Allen at our house when I returned home, spent the afternoon and evening very agreeably, think Mrs. Allen is a fine woman, and any man might be proud of her.
Thursday 6th, Studied and recited a geography lesson and began a composition, and sewed, spent the evening very agreeably at Miss Pierces.
Friday 7th, Attended school, finished my composition & heard the history summed up, we are reading the history of South America, and have got as far as where Cortes entered Mexico....
In the afternoon sewed, in the evening ciphered.
Saturday 8th, In the morning sewed and wrote, In the afternoon sewed a little and played a great deal, In the evening read in the Bible.
Sunday 9th, Attended meeting all day, and never heard Parson Champion preach so unintelligibly, I can’t tell what was the cause of it, but I did not understand much of it, In the evening went to singing meeting stayed till about eight o’clock, when I returned and spent the rest of the evening at Mr. Tracy’s very agreeably with a large collection of Ladies & gentlemen.
Tuesday 11th, Heard the young Ladies read history and copied my composition, (gives a condensed account of the history lesson) In the evening had company.
Friday 14th, Did nothing but study geography all day.
Saturday 15th, Spent part of the forenoon in writing and the remainder in hearing Miss Pierce read some excellent pieces from Moore’s Fables on different subjects In the afternoon sewed. In the evening read in the Bible.
Sunday 16th, Rose rather late, attended meeting and heard Mr. Huntington preach, he took his text from Luke 18 chapter. 14 verse. the following were the words, “I tell you this man went down to his house justified rather than the other” after relating the story of the Pharisee and Publican, he told us we ought to humble ourselves before God, and that we should avoid hypocracy, although the Pharisee attended strictly to all the forms of religion, yet instead of humbling himself he boasted of having fasted more than the lord required of him, and thanked God. that he was not like other men, an adulterer, or slanderer, while on the other hand, the Publican was sensible of his wickedness, and when before the altar of God, he stood afar off and 51being afraid, so much as to lift his eyes to Heaven, he beat his breast, and cried, “God be merciful to me a sinner,” and that for this reason, he went back to his house justified rather than the other. In the afternoon attended meeting and heard a continuation of the forenoon’s subject, In the evening went to singing meeting
Monday 17th, We danced all the forenoon, and in the afternoon sewed and was examined in geography, spent the beginning of the evening very agreeably at Miss Pierce’s, but the latter part not quite so much so.
Tuesday 18th, Wrote and was examined in geography, there was no school in the afternoon, and I employed myself in reading in Adams history of Rome, In the evening we had a ball, I was not placed as high in the dance, as I intend to be next time, enjoyed myself very well, returned a little after ten o’clock.
Saturday 22nd. Wrote a composition upon Vanity, and heard our faults told, In the afternoon mended my cloaths, In the evening read.
Sunday 23rd, Did not attend meeting in the morning, read all the forenoon, In the afternoon attended meeting but did not attend to the sermon, as much as I ought therefore cannot relate it, In the evening went to singing meeting, and wrote a letter.
Saturday 28th, Wrote all the morning, In the afternoon came to the school house, and wrote, while I was there Mr. Nash came in and instructed his sister I was much pleased with his kindness, in trying to improve her.
Sunday 29th, It stormed very hard, but I thought that was not a good excuse for staying at home, therefore attended all day, text was taken etc....
Saturday Feb: 4th, Assisted Mama, came to school and heard that the two Miss Chapins were going home, went up to Mrs. Lords, where I found Mr. Reeves who had come to bid a last adieu, to Miss Chapin, though he was not so unmanly as to shed tears, yet his look indicated what were the feelings of his heart!!!... I much grieved to have to part with two such good friends as Clarissa & Betsey, particularly the former, who perhaps is not a finer girl, than Betsey, yet I have been more intimate with her, therefore was more sorry, to have her go, returned to school and wrote, Heard Miss Pierce read us a piece on discretion from the Spectator which I admired very much, In the afternoon sewed.
52Sunday 5th, Did not attend meeting, read very steady all day, In the afternoon was taken quite ill, but soon recovered after exercising some, In the evening knit.
Monday 6th: ... Read in the vision of Columbus.
Tuesday 7th, Assisted Miss Mary all the forenoon, In the afternoon attended school, wrote and heard Miss Leavitt play on the piano thinks she plays very handsomely, In the evening attended a school ball, enjoyed myself pretty well, returned after eleven o’clock.
Wednesday 8th, ... I took a music lesson.
Saturday 11th. Wrote and did some plain sewing in the afternoon mended, In the evening read twelve Chapters in the Bible.
Wednesday 16th, Sewed, and heard the history In the afternoon read in Blair’s Lectures, In the evening had company.
Saturday 19th, Copied my Journal and took a music lesson, painted, slept the greater part of the evening, retired to rest a little after eight o’clock.
Saturday 26th, Came to school, took a music lesson, and returned home again, for the past week I have studied three geography lessons and two grammar lessons, have attended ciphering one evening, having been sick, the greater part of the week, spent the remainder of the day in doing nothing we had this week, studied Egypt. etc., I have heard the history read twice this week.
Sunday 27th, Did not attend meeting, was so sick read one or two chapters in the Bible.
Saturday March 5th, The preceding week I have been sick the greater part of the time, notwithstanding have not missed getting a geography lesson, every other day, have been here every night to spell, and have studied and recited several grammar lessons, stayed at home one day ciphered one evening, and attended a lecture on Friday
Saturday 12th, For the past week I have studied three geography lessons, drawn out a large picture, and heard the history read twice, there was no school one day, I sewed, read 35 pages in Homers Iliad, In the evening attended a ball.
Saturday 19th, Have studied for the week past, two geography lessons, painted and made a frock, been to ciphering three evenings, 53I have studied the Latitude of every kingdom, and island in the world....
Sunday 20th, Attended meeting in the afternoon, the sermon was read by Mr. Reeve who read so low, that I could hear but very little of it, in the evening sewed very steady till nine o’clock.
Saturday 26th, The preceding has been spent as usual in studying geography, hearing the history & painting, have written one composition & ciphered one evening, we have studied for our geography lesson, the boundaries of the seas & a description of the New England States etc., Miss Pierce gave me 9 credit marks for my frock, I have this winter missed in spelling 1 whole one and two half one’s.
Saturday April 2nd, For the week past have painted every day studied, & recited, three geography lessons & heard the history twice, We have this week been comparing the towns of America with those of Europe, the rivers also.
Saturday 9th, Have written a composition, visited two afternoons, one at Mrs. Adam’s with Clarinda Austin, spent the afternoon very agreeably, In the evening Mr. Stanly was there, his manners are genteel and agreeable, but I am afraid that beneath a form so beautiful is concealed a vile heart, I think I should not like such a constant succession of company as they have at Mrs. Adam’s. But perhaps I shall think differently when I consider myself grown up, the other afternoon I visited at Mr. Holmes with Cornelia & Maria Adam’s, had a very agreeable visit indeed, the company were very sociable & Miss Chandler in particular, who was more Loquacious than ever, returned home at nine, the remainder of the week I studied geography, and drew, Miss Pierce has seen no fault in me for the week past.
Saturday 16th, Have for the week past been studying geography & Miss Pierce has been examining us every day, the evenings I have spent in studying.
Monday Wrote geography, Tuesday, the same, visited at Miss Pierce’s, had a very agreeable visit, spent the remainder of the week in studying geography....
[Letter from Lucy Sheldon to her mother, addressed “Mrs. Huldah Sheldon, Litchfield.”]
New York November 29th (1803)
My Dear Mama.
We did not get away from Litchfield till ten o’clock, the stage was very much loaded with baggage and besides that, there were twelve 54passengers—at Watertown there were two got out. I did not stop at Uncle Cutlers, because the stage drove on, We arrived at New Haven about half after eight called for at supper at Butlers, and after eating as many oysters and other good things as we could went directly on board a packet, there was no wind and we could not sail, we stayed in the packet that night, and the next morning went on shore. I do not like New Haven much better than Hartford, it may be a pleasanter summer residence but I should prefer Hartford in the winter, and like Litchfield better than either, I dined at Mrs. Twining’s, and went to Mrs. Goodrich’s in the evening, because we expected to sail, but the wind proving contrary I stay’d with Susan. Mrs. Twining was very kind to me, and I think Mr. Goodrich’s a very agreeable family, The next day about eleven the Captain sent for us and we went on board again, but we did not sail till evening—I was very sick all the next day and did not get out of my berth till night, the sailors said we should go thro hell gate in a few moments so I went upon deck but as it was high water I could not see any thing of any consequence—we arrived in New York at Nine o’clock—and I assure you I was very glad to get on the shore, As Aunt Leavenworths was some ways from Burling Slip the place where we landed, I went to Mr. Hopkin’s, and staid that night, and the next morning went to aunt L—— she has a most delightful situation on the bank of the river—and I am certain I shall not be homesick, yesterday Aunt, and Myself, went a shopping. I believe I shall never learn to go alone, there are so many thousand streets here, I believe it would not be a very good place for Harry, his head would be turned in less than two hours, he would however be very much diverted, and so was I yesterday to see the old women sitting in the market and so many thousand ugly faces and dresses passing you constantly Harry’s money would not last long here for you cannot go any where without seeing some very pretty playthings or something very good to eat. I have not seen the girls of my acquaintance, yet but as soon as I get my cloaths made I shall call on them, then Mr. McCrackan was here last night, he said that Aunt Hopkins and the child were well, but Nancy was not she had a cough but they supposed it was only occasioned, by a cold, tell Miss Mary Pierce that I am not homesick, but shall expect to see her here soon I have not seen her brother yet, she said I should be frightened with the singing of the chimney sweepers, but I am not, at all, I hear them go past all the time but I have not seen one yet—be kind enough to give my love to all the girls and tell them, that tho I have got to be a City Lady I think of them very often and wish to see them very much—that I should certainly write them, but I am afraid Mr. Hopkin’s will go, but 55they must not fail to write by Miss Mary—give my love to Papa and all the family. I want to see little William. very much, you must not let him forget sister Tuty present my love to all who enquire after me—The weather looks very much like snow this morning—I suppose Frederick is not sorry—as he will probably enjoy much pleasure, in gallanting the girls about in our little sley this winter do make him and Harry write and tell me everything that has happened since I came away I suppose you had the honor of Mr. Nash’s company to dine with you on thanks giving day—Aunt Leavenworth is pretty well and sends her love she would write but thinks it unnecessary as I have written you so particular—adieu Mama, and believe me to be ever your affectionate and dutiful daughter
L. Sheldon.
I fear I shall want some more money.
[Reply addressed Miss Lucy Sheldon, New York.]
Litchfield December 14th, 1803
My Dear Child:
I neglect no opportunity to let you know we are all well, and think of you pretty often we received your letter by mail, but not before Miss Mary was gone and as I do not like to trouble Mr. Allen. with a bundle shall send the muslin you mentioned next week by the Mail, you will see I cut William a shirt from one of the breadths, and fear I have spoiled it, but since I do not know what use you want to make of it, shall send it as it is. Miss Pierce has begun her winter school which is so small that she keeps in her dining-room and probably will unless more come than she expects, Mrs. Dr. Smith drank tea with us this afternoon and Betsey & Polly Sanders are here at work and have been here till I am quite tired of them, you must write me more particular what you are adoing from the time you get up till you go to bed, and what time in the morning you get up, and what your Aunt is doing and where she is, and everything you can think off I shall read it with pleasure let it be ever so trifling, you will not forget to remember me to your Uncle & Aunt
I am your affectionate
Mamma
Huldah. Sheldon
Both of these letters were sent by private hand.
56
EXTRACTS FROM HER COMMONPLACE BOOK.
In Lucy Sheldon’s Commonplace Book, where we find but one date, September 12, 1811, there are selections from “Christian Morals,” Hannah More, Montgomery, Milton, Pope, Young, Miss Porter, Scott, Sir John Suckling, Sheridan, Thomas Moore, Burns, Stewart, Swift, Burke, Doctor Johnson, Goldsmith, Shakespeare, Cowper, Thompson, Chesterfield, Shenstone, Dryden, Ossian, Bolingbroke, Grattan, Anthony Pasquin, Savage, Curran, The Spectator, Dean Kirwan, Blair, Doctor Cotton, John Howard Payne, Mrs. Opie.
[Acrostic written to Miss Sheldon, by John Pierpont.]
A CHARACTER.
Like the valley’s soft lily sweet modesty’s flow’r,
Under virtues mild care L—— days happy flow,
Cupids bow shines resplendent & graces her bow’r,
Youth, Science and Beauty rejoice on her brow.
· · · · ·
Lucy, how emmulous is each
To swell your treasury by a mite!
Here poets sing, here sages teach,
And wits here sparkle, in your sight.
Each hand assiduous, culls a flow’r,
To blush in your Pierian wreath,
And o’er your brow in musing hour,
The sweets of Poesy to breath.
And why with emulative zeal,
This garland, do we thus entwine?
’Tis for the fair whose soul can feel,
Whose taste can relish, lays divine
’Tis for the fair, whose modest eye,
Approves when beams of Genius shine,
The poets sing, that lovers sigh,
And we this garland thus entwine.
John Pierpont.
57Judge Tapping Reeve writes:
When my Lucy calls to mind the unnumbered blessings which God her Maker & Redeemer bestows upon her midst the comforts of this life, born & educated in a land where the pure precepts of the blessed gospel are constantly inculcated, will she not adopt with gratitude the language of the poet
“My days unclouded as they pass
“And every gentle rolling hour
“Are monuments of wondrous grace
“And witness to thy love & power.
If the opportunities afforded to her for the acquisition of whatever is valuable & ornamental are improved for the purposes of elevatedness of heart to God, they will indeed be blessings, the language of her heart will be “thy will be done,” the poets language will accord with her feelings
“Seal my forgiveness, in the blood
“Of Jesus his dear name alone
“I plead for pardon gracious God
“And kind acceptance at thy throne.
Judge James Gould quotes a passage from Pope’s Iliad; Mrs. Elizabeth (Burr) Reeve quotes verses; Miss C. A. Austin quotes from Fessenden:
A deficit of Cash is
An obstacle to cutting Dashes.
Augustus Hillhouse adds a poem on Despair; Miss Amelia Ogden adds several quotations; Miss M. Tallmadge quotes from Mrs. Opie; Miss M. Baldwin quotes from Logan; Mr. Pierce quotes from “World without Souls.”
At the end of one collection are the following conundrums:
Why is a school master like Orpheus,
Because he strikes the trembling liar
What colour is the wind, what colour is the storm
The wind blew and the storm rose
Why is a sidesaddle like a four quart measure
Because it holds a Gallon.
58When an American or an Englishmen leaves his country, he says farewell my native land——
An Irishman says Jesus be with you, this day & forever sweet Ireland my country
Letter written by Lucy Sheldon to her brother Henry just after the death of another brother, William, in Paris. Daniel was Secretary of Legation at the Court of France under Albert Gallatin.
Litchfield August 7th, 1826
My Dear Henry,—
On Saturday last the fifth of July we returned from our tour to 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 59scene, 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, 60we 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 61Backus—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 62the 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 63crowded 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 64to 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.
65Dear 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.
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