APPENDIX A.

Col. John Pierce, born 1750, son of John Pierce of Litchfield and Mary Patterson, married Anna Bard of New York, daughter of Dr. Bard, physician to General Washington. He entered the army May 31, 1775; was made assistant paymaster to the Continental Army February 10, 1776, and the same to the Connecticut Colonial troops; deputy paymaster-general June 7, 1779; paymaster-general January 17, 1781, with rank of colonel. He was made commissioner after the close of the war to settle the accounts of the army. He died in New York August 1, 1788. He was thirteen years in the paymaster’s department of the army; he belonged to the order of the Cincinnati and was an able officer and a friend of Washington. He “served his country with a fidelity and patriotism in those days of peril and great financial stress worthy of great admiration.”^[93]

The following are letters and verses by and to Col. John Pierce:

Dear Brother

I sincerely thank you for your obliging Letter of the 20th Ult. and am very glad to find you have some of your old warmth of spirit remaining, for my part placed among so many difficulties & such a constant scene of Disappointments & Delays, I am sometimes very melancholy. but your Letter like a chearing Ray of Light, for a moment Illumined my soul and made me for a while forget our Public Troubles.

Tho’ at the same time the object we aim at, Inspires me to undergo the greatest and most insurmountable difficulties—it is not the pursuit of present, but for the lasting happiness, which like the Smiles of Heaven —— imparted to Thousands, who shall receive the blessing at OUR Hands. Such a prospect as this I own is flattering and is very different as you justly observed from the Ideas we in Studious Emulation, passed happily together in the Calm morning of Social Life, can I own to you, that the same principles of Ambition 340which I then had, are not in my Mind. Dull Metaphysicks & Duller Law Books, and even Law itself is not my Pursuit, new Connections, and new Schemes of Ambition are opening, in the very Centre of Intelligence & Politicks. I am perpetually on the eve of Expectation, or desponding [which is too often the Case] on Ill concerted Measures and worse Execution among us, while at the same time my heart is wrung for Human Misery, especially that which is the Consequence of War.

When we were together, we should have formed in our Poetical Imaginations, the anxious Parent or the Fonder Virgin, on the flutter of Apprehension with every Passion of the Soul, for the least whisper of news that might affect the Object of their Passion, and when the Youth falls a sad victim of his Virtues, we should partake with True tears of humanity, the grief, the Pain, the heart breaking Anguish of their Distress, while all their busy expectations of happiness—and their warmest wishes are dropped at once into the dark & senseless grave.

But Dear sir a more cruel scene has fallen to our share, which so far from being Imaginary——bounds of Language cannot paint, and we can only say—that every misery the Alotment of poor wretched Mortals fell to their share. destitute of every thing either to defend them or remove the cause of their Sickness they were neglectedly left without Consolation.

And it seemed that those who before pitied the Misfortunes of others were now wholly taken up, with getting clear from seeing or relieving them, and those enfeebled by disease would not relieve themselves, were left to the Mercy of Death. Such was some of our Distresses which always follow, Sickness & precipitate Retreats, Especially when there is no Place prepared for that Purpose. A rapid Conquest—a successful scene of Events lulled into a state of Security—we imagined every thing would fall before us—and while a Montgomery lived, they did. But his Death ushered in our Misfortunes—and one continued scene of ill success Indeed. If we had, as all good Generals ought—secured, to ourselves a Place of Retreat—our Army would not have suffered so much. But a fatal blindness pursued us, and we are now to Encounter a large Army by dispirited, Sickly men.

The opening blossoms and the balmy air

Returning graces of the blushing Fair

With softest charms no more the heart inflames

No more inspires the Philosophik dreams

341But now each breast from God & Natures Laws

Asserts his freedom & his Country’s Cause

With humble passion first he beg’d redress

The supphant Posture shew’d our deep distress

Shew’d our own rights; our supplications now

To George’s throne & there unmasked our woes

Yet found too true that Britain’s envious throne

Had lost that Goodness which a George should own

For kind returns the bellowing cannons roar

And hostile fleets invade our infant Shore

Inhuman wretches mark their crimson way

And faithful Boston falls their eager prey.

Can you my Polly hide the tender tear

Or mark unanxious all their mad career

Can your friend Pierce withold himself from good

His heart, his country, or his hand, from blood

No; Let him in freedom pass his happiest days

Or die contented with its setting rays

Then do not mourn if Pierce no more remain

To hear or see his Country’s groans & Chains

See the rich Lordling Virgins Claim

And force sweet Innocence to Death & Shame

His Sisters’ murdered, or his friend betrayed

His Father shackled, and unknown his God

Let his pale Corpse e’er Carnaga thus shall come

Lie low within the dark and silent tomb

Nor know, nor fear, in that propitious hour

A North, or George or any friend of Power

But safe pursue my sister Polly’s way

And in some vale obscure smile on departing day

Secure with him your love alone can claim

Unknown to Envy, and unknown to Fame

With cheerful thanks partake in Natures bower

The purest stream & herb & roots & flower

There in sweetness, Temperance & Love

Fore Taste the blessings of the Blest above

May 5th. 1775

Mr. John Pierce Jun^r. of Litchfield in Connecticut, having the summer past been employed by Comissary Phelps at Albany as his Clerk and to assist him generally in the Comissary business, which M^r. Pierce I am well informed has done with fidelity and dispatch, and 342M^r Phelps having now resigned that Department and M^r Pierce being desirous of some proper employment in the army—I can with great satisfaction, recommend M^r Pierce as young Gentleman of fair and unexceptionable Character—I have known him from his Infancy and he has in my Opinion very justly acquired the reputation of a faithful, industrious prudent and virtuous Man—A good Writer & Accountant a Man of Business and Dispatch, amiable in his Disposition, and entirely well affected to the American Cause—And I believe may very safely be employed in any business, in the Army where those Qualifications are necessary.

Litchfield 6^th Janu^y AD 1776

Oliver Wolcott

The above is a true Copy of an original, which is now in my Possession as a security for the s^d Pierce’s faithful performance of the Duty of an Ass. Pay Master.

Albany 29^th Feb^y 1776.

Jon^A Trumbull Jun^r PMast^r Gen^ll

in Northern Department.

Albany 10^th July 1777

Dear Pierce

We are Thunderstruck here with the Evacuation of Ty—&c. not so much att the Thing itself—as at the Manner—from the Circumstances we are possessed of it is altogether inconceivable to us the Necessity or Expedience of the Measure—& that at the Appearance only of the Enemy—without a Gun fired—the Minds of People are amazingly agitated—the Characters of the Officers are suffering, perhaps irretrievably—the Men tis said would have fought—nay cried with Vexation at turn^g their Backs——I have received yours—& am exceedingly rejoiced att our fortune—& much pleased with the Account I have of your Behaviour & good Conduct on the occasion, can it be necessary that you remain with the Chest att Fort Edward?—Tis not probable Money will be wanted there—it may be safer here—200,000 Dollars came yesterday from Philadelphia—let the General know this—& hint to him the Chest’s com^g to Albany.—We hear nothing yet of the Movements of the Enemy in this River—we are in Expectation of a Concert being struck up below us——I am

D^r Sir Your most humble Servant & Friend

J Trumbull Jr.

343Albany 17 July 1777—

Dear Pierce

This Day I received yours of 13^th June Day Col^o Lewis carried One from me to you—I hope he has given it you—

Is Ty abandoned? or is it a Dream?—certainly it is a more unaccountable affair than the most fantastic Dream—The more I think—the more I consider—the more am I astonished—Not one Gun fired!—scarcely the Shew of an Attack waited for!—so precipitate a Retreat—or rather Runaway—leav^g Artillery—Stores—Amunition—Provisions—Tents—Baggage—every Trophy of Victory—to an Enemy who had not even dared to fight for them—I can’t endure the Tho^t—Where is American Honor!—where is American Bravery!—all levelled with the Dust—all trodden to the ground—in one fatal Step—some Reason I suppose will be given—Ostensible att least—would I could hear it—But they have made a safe Retreat—& vanquished the Enemy at Castleton—Is it become a Maxim in Warr—unheard of before—that a Body of Troops, who, when collected to a Point, in a strong Port, are unable to resist or even face their Enemy—shall when Divided be able to defeat them—Excellent!—tell it not in Gath!—publish it not in the Streets of Askelon!—how are the Mighty fallen!—the Mighty! how are they fallen from the Mount of Independence!

We have no certainty yet of the Movements of the Enemy below—I expect they will trim their Course this Way—had we kept Ty—it is matter of Doubt if we heard any thing more of them in this River—

What is doing above—what mode of Defence Offence you don’t much think of now—where is to be the Stand—5000 Troops I am told are com^g up the River under Gen^ll Sullivan—some are already embarked & on the River—if Report does not lie—

Are you to remain att Fort Edward with the Chest—were I to give my Opinion—should think it best here—all Demands may as well be made here as there—Dangers may not press as hard here as with you—you cannot think of doing much Business as you are now circumstanced—If political Reasons operate I have Nothing to say—let the General determine——

This comes by Gen^ll Wadsworth—is it not strange that no authorative Acc^t of the Evacuation has been sent to Connecticut?—to obtain this Gen^ll Wadsworth is specially sent by the Gov^r & Council of Safety—& to obtain a true Acc^t of the Situation of Matters & to know what & whether any assistance is needed—Gen^ll Wadsworth brings 344also a Letter from your Friends att Litchfield—Give me all the Intelligence you can obtain—the more particular the better—

Yours most sincerely—

J. Trumbull, Jun^R

I don’t know when I shall

get an opportunity to send

on your Cloath, &c.—

May

Yorktown 6^th March 1778

Sir

Your kind Favor of the March is rec^d I wish that the Arrangement of the Army which you mention had been made last Winter, but it is not yet done. It is intended to be adopted—but perhaps in the advanced Season it may as well be omitted. The Auditors for settling the accounts in the Northern Department I hope are now upon that Business—I need not tell you that the Northern and Hudson River Departments are put under the Command of Gen^l Gates who is now at Head Quarters from where he will proceed to take his command. You seemed to apprehend your own Situation might possibly be affected by the Appointment of Mr. Trumbull to Mr. Palfrey’s Place who you understood meant to Resign, but I believe you may banish all Fears on that acc^t as Mr. Palfrey’s salary is now augmented to 250 Dollars per month and I think that your Services will be fully wanted in the Department in which you are—you must be very busy in your office [illegible] more money, I think 250,000 Dollars and a Draught of 100,000, on the New York Loan Office, is directed to supply Mr. Trumbull’s Chest—You doubtless acted with Propriety in not paying Money till you was well assured of the Authority of the Person who issued the Warrants, which I [illegible] the Gentleman you mention had no Authority to do—Whether Gen^l Gates will think it best to have a Paymaster under any Denomination at Albany I cannot say. But I imagine he will think it necessary—

You have doubtless heard that some Treatys have been entered into by our Commissioners and the Court of France—I have now to assure you of the Truth of it—and that those Treatys the one of which is commercial the other Defensive are ratifyed by Congress—and that the Tenor of them are to their great Satisfaction, as they are evidently founded on the Principles of mutual advantage and Security—and as liberal as we might expect in a State of the greatest Strength 345and Prosperity—The great object of the defensive Treaty is the Independence and unlimited Sovereignty of the United States—The Wisdom of France whose Councils are guided by the best Policy will never lead her to wish to confine our territorial Jurisdiction on the Continent of N America—I enclose to you, Hall and [illegible] Gazette which contains Publications not directed by Congress, and consequently premature—Yet they are published here and are abroad I may well gratify a Friend with one of them.—But at the same Time I advise you to read it with attention, but not with an entire Credulity, as I well know there is something inserted which conveys a wrong Idea.—Whether G Britain will instantly admit our Independence and cultivate Peace with her Neighbours or involve herself in a War with France, and probably with Spain and Prussia and perhaps other Powers may well deserve her consideration.

Some imagine she will continue the War against America and not molest France in her Trade to this Country. But as base as her Conduct has been I cannot believe she will submit to such an Insult, and if she should do so, I do not conceive it would exempt her from a War with her Neighbours—Our Business indeed is to exert every Nerve and endeavour to bring matters to a speedy close—At most one Campaign more will settle the Contest if it is carried on with vigor on our part. No Reinforcements except such Recruits as are necessary to fill up the German Battalions in America, will come from the continent of Europe—and G. Britain in the present Situation of affairs can spare none from thence—We are now then to consider France as our good Friends and Allys—As for poor old England her Folly will probably prove her Ruin—What seems to have given this important Turn to our affairs was the Capture of Burgoyne’s Army. So that by a mysterious Providence what in the general opinion was considered as a great Evil, the sudden Loss of Ticonderoga has been productive so farr as We have yet, observed of the most extensive Benefit. This Intelligence has been rec^d with much Satisfaction. This Town has been Illuminated this evening upon the Ocassion. All [illegible] rejoice but the Torys. Poor sorry [illegible] what would become of them was America as merciless as Britain—But Congress have Recommended to the States to forgive those People who shall leave the Service of the Enemy by the tenth of next month under such [illegible] and [illegible] as they shall judge proper—

I hope to leave Congress within four Weeks. Mr. Adams I expect will be here by that Time. If you shall send me a Letter directed to me here I shall give order if it comes after I have gone home to have it transmitted to me.—My kindest Wishes for your Welfare, and be 346assured that your Friendship for me and my Family exacts my sincerest acknowledgments. I am

Your Friend and

humble Servant

JOHN PIERCE, ESQ^R Oliver Wolcott—

P. S. Gen^l Conway’s resignation upon his Desire is accepted—I enclose you a Paper of this Date.

Litchfield Aug. 17th 1783

Are you not surprised my dear Sister to see a letter from me dated from this place—the fact is however true, and you may be as certain that I am at this present moment in my Father’s House, as that you will be at the place you will read this letter. I got the Generals liberty to come and spend Sunday here & am to be at Camp again on Monday night, you see therefore how strict they keep me & little I can play the truant. I should otherwise have made my compliments to your Ladyship at Lenox Hall, but inclination is only what I can do at this time, I hope however when you get your House a little in order and Aunt has a spare bed set up for a stranger, that I shall wander to Lenox, but of this I must yet only form hopes.

I have only just arrived here and have seen nobody but our Family, and can only therefore inform you that they are well except Father who is still in his poor way, as to myself if it is a matter of any consideration, I am perfectly well & very much at your service

J. Pierce.

Philadelphia Apr. 9th 1784

Dear Sister

On the last evening I arrived here, very much fatigued, which is the natural consequence of riding in a stage, where our feelings cannot keep pace with the velocity of the machine. I am now however tolerably well over it and have been to see some of my acquaintance. I do not however feel quite so happy as if a certain favorite of mine were not married, altho’ this event is not seriously interesting me as I never had a wish or a thought of being married to her, yet it destroys the cordiality of our little circle, by placing her out of it, and perhaps slightly wounds my pride [as I have paid some attentions to her] that a foreigner in my absence and without my being informed of it, should come into the country, should make his suit so effectual as to marry her before my return. I however find myself counter balanced by the happiness I experienced in N. Jersey where there are three Ladies 347I admire much more than I ever did this one, the first is at Eliz’t Town, Miss DeNast, who is the most accomplished woman, I ever was acquainted with, she has a great show of beauty, but that is hid by her genius & education, she is a better poet than Mrs. Blucher and has—almost every history extant, but with all these qualities she is scarcely acquainted with one [illegible] makes marriage state tolerable, she is [illegible] and perfectly fond of her wit and accomplishments [illegible] no man ever will be happy with her any more than as an acquaintance, but in Miss Dunham the next Lady I intended to mention, a Man will find all the domestic and social virtues with out any of the splendor either in mind or person of Miss DeNast, her friendship I therefore cultivated for a long time, [illegible] when you see her for she is endowed with [illegible] accomplishment in a female superior to every [illegible] brilliance except that of beauty. My next stage was at Princeton, where I spent the evening with Miss Polly Stockton, who is my greatest favorite of the three. I do not know well how to describe her character, unless I should say she more resembles Miss Crosby than any other person, she has always been in the best company both in this city, and at [illegible] under the direction of a prudent mother and has had an elegant and useful education, the endowments of her heart appear to be goodness and sensibility and I assure you I am half in love with her, which was also the case when I left Princeton before. I have just spent this evening with her sister, and now retire to my room to enjoy a little conversation with you.

The short time you have and the many things you have to learn, occasions me to wish you would employ every moment for the purpose, I hope you will not miss a single dancing school, and that you will take lessons from Capt. Turner at other times, pray get him and Katy your friend, to instruct you in every thing in walking standing and sitting, all the movements of which tho’ they appear in a polite person natural, are the effects of art, while country girls never attend to and which you had best take the utmost pains, or you will never appear natural & easy in. I am somewhat fearful that your old habits at your age can not be so thoroughly removed, as to give place to a natural careless genteel air, and which totally hides all the art of it. The Books I left with you I wish you not to read much in town, I want you to study the fashions, the art of pleasing to advantage and for this purpose to spare no necessary expense, and if you do not appear as genteel as any of the girls it will be your own fault, you must however pay a great regard to economy & always remember that every Dollar takes so much from my future prospects, on which you know that not only yours but mine and all our families happiness depends. I wish you to cultivate the 348acquaintance of the Roosevelt family, it will be of future use to me, I have been careful to place you in a situation where your inexperience cannot lead you astray and with a Lady of all women, from the goodness of her heart the best capable to advise and direct you, consult therefore my dear Girl her wishes and render her in return every happiness & service in your power, do not give more trouble than you can help, and make yourself happy.

... You must make my compliments to all the Ladies of my acquaintance and my love to Mrs. Crosbey. I am my Dear Sister sincerely yours

J. Pierce

Philadelphia June 8, 1784

My Dear Sister

I came here the day before yesterday so much fatigued, that I am yet almost sick, riding in the heat is too severe for me, who am at other times almost continually in the walls of my office, you meet with so much Friendship & attention at N. York, that I feel myself under very great obligations, you must know that your letter of the 6th is now before me. Col Hull is going to Canada and the army is dismissed, of course he will not be able to get my horse fat as he expected, and your plan of going home by the way of West Point is also by this means interrupted, unless you go soon which you will consult Mrs. Hull on, and do as she and you think best.

Do you not think the Miss Dunhams are fine, friendly Girls, and that Miss Steel is also agreeable? I will assure you I do not know a more engaging little circle, I have been as happy with them as at any other place, you will give my love to them & inform Miss Steel that I am in love with her as much as ever.

Notwithstanding what Mrs. Crosbey says, I am afraid you cannot help giving the family considerable trouble, a woman always must, we have received so considerable favors from the family that we ought to be cautious of going too far, for this reason I thought it prudent for you to return, but you can be a better judge of the propriety of staying longer. In living in N. York you must guard yourself against several things.

In Dancing you must take care not to be so precise as to give an air of formality to your deportment, the most engaging persons are those which appear free and easy, politeness ought to be the effort of habit rather than study.

You must take care also not to get your ideas of Happiness from a 349City, you know you are not to live there, and ought therefore to be cautious of the refinement & pleasures attending your situation. You most endeavor to obtain such a versatility of disposition, as to really reconcile yourself not only to the solitude of the country, but also to the manner of it so that you may not be unhappy in the one case, nor appear proud or vain in the other. You may expect on your return a great many ill natured observations made on you and the only way to prevent the effect intended or indeed to keep your sisters easy will be to be very unassuming in your deportment.

I by accident lately was under the necessity of buying a book or a picture. I made choice of the first, and took a book entitled Letters Moral and Entertaining, because I had never read it. I find this Book contains very good maxims for young Ladies, I have therefore sent it to you for the use of you Girls.

The bearer of this Letter is Mr. George Reid a Gentleman who is going to West Point on business for me, I wish you to be friendly to him.

Your brother

John Pierce

Charleston Feb, 22nd, 1785

My Dear Sister

I wrote you from Newburn in N. Carolina, giving you some account of my progress so far; my continuance there was very agreeable, I was treated with the greatest politeness, hospitality, and friendship, and what endeared the scene was a number of Northern people who took a delight to make me happy. I left this place on the 29th of Jan’ry. We crossed the Trent about 13 miles above Newburn, we rode this day 30 miles without stopping, and it beginning to rain we were much mortified to find ourselves three or four miles out of our way, which took us until the evening to reach a Mr. Starkness where we lodged. On the 30th we crossed New River, which abounds with fish, and small delicious Oysters. We put up that night at Sages about 40 miles. The roads were sandy, lofty forest of pines, interspersed with deep swamps, which when cultivated might afford good crops of rice, the country thinly settled. The next day we arrived at Wilmington about 28 miles, this Town is seated about 7 miles from the sea, on Cape Fear River, is confined in a small hollow piece of ground, which makes it very hot in summer, is the best harbor in N. Carolina, and has a very extensive back, country opened for its commerce, by means of Cape Fear River which is navigable about 10 miles above it, we 350staid here several days, went to an assembly, but saw but few ladies, there being at that time raging in the Town, the putrid sore throat, which carried off several very suddenly, and frightened every body. The Ladies are very polite and well accomplished.

On the 3rd. of February, we crossed Cape Fear River and an Island, on which was a cross way of near two miles very bad & mirey, we only got over this bad place this evening, we rode the next day 26 miles only, found the roades very wet & mirey, at one place we had to hire some negroes to hoist our carriage thro’ the mud and over a rivulet, the land here is poor marshy & juicy, on the 5th we rode 36 miles, the roades being more sandy, we put up near long bay, on the 6th we rode 16 miles on the Beach at low water which left the sand hard & beautifully level, after which we had a very sandy road for 10 miles, and there being no place of public entertainment we stopped for that evening at a Mr. Alotines a private gentlemans house. On this day & the 7th, rode on a neck of land formed by the ocean on the one hand and Ossamack River on the other, which river has some very elegant, rice plantations on it, & being so near the sea air is esteemed healthy, we had 16 miles to ride before we arrived at the Ferry which was three miles over, owing to some Islands, and the increase of waters by the meeting of the Perdue, Black River and Ossamack, ...

EXTRACT OF LETTER FROM COL. JOHN PIERCE.

We then rode about nine miles, to Mount Vernon the seat of Gen. Washington—nothing could afford me greater satisfaction, than this site of my old General and his Lady and I had the satisfaction to experience their attention so particularly that I felt myself very much flattered by it—the General looks heartier and younger than when he left us—he feels interested in the conduct of the officers, and enquired particularly about those that I could know anything of.

We had also the company of a Mrs. Stewart, who was formerly the wife of Mrs. Washington’s son Custis, a very aimable woman—the country around the Generals is chiefly covered with woods, his seat is on an eminence, near the banks of the Powtowmack—and commands a view of that river for several miles both above and below—the house and out houses, connected by pillars and arches form a very happy appearance, and when a large lawn before it is properly walled in, which is now doing, the view to the house from the country side will be considerably improved. The next morning the 19th, one of the General’s brother’s came to see him, tho’ younger he looks older, and 351has but a faint likeness. We dined at the General’s, and after dinner, as I did not wish to give him more trouble, we left his house & rode eleven miles—to Colchester—it was well we did for the next day the 10th we found the roads almost mountainous, very stormy & misty—rode from there to Dumfries, from thence to Stafford Court House, and arrived at Fredericksburgh about sunset, being about 36 miles—but the most fatigueing day we have had—This last Town lays at the head of the navigation of the Rappahannack River, and is growing very fast into consequence. Gen. Washington gave us a letter of introduction to a Gen. Woudon here, who treated us with the hospitality of a prince—and obliged us to remain with him the next day [the 11th], we here first saw the Virginia way of taking a hoggshead of Tobacco to market—it is by having two large pins stuck into the centre of each head of the Hoggshead, by way of axle tree to a small stick or slat which has a hole bored into the end to which it is put and in which it moves, the slat, the horse is fastened to like a dray, and the horse draws the Hoggshead by its rolling on the ground—this way of conveyance is used for a hundred miles sometimes. General Washington’s Mother lives here, she is between 70 & 80, I did not see her as I did not wish to interrupt her retirement—they tell me she is not tall and possesses her understanding fully. She called the Gen’l her Georgy until our success was certain, and said he had better be on his farm, but when that was secure, the old Lady partook of his triumph and enjoyed his fame, and gives him the name of General. The next day [the 12th] we rode in a delightful country down the Rappahannack, ...

New York, Sept. 3rd. 1786

My Dear Sister

I design to be at Commencement with my sweetheart and hope to see some of you there also, you will see each other and be able to form some opinion whether you will like each other, for sisters, which must be the case shortly. I gave your love to the little Girl, and she asked me if I had returned hers, which I think I did not in my last letter, an omission she did not like very well, if you expected that I should have made choice of wit, beauty or Fortune, you will be mortified in the one I have made, and some years ago my ambition led me to find such qualifications, but now my heart acquires to be happy, which must arise I am convinced from the disposition, a good under standing, the sweetness of temper and sincerity of affection, these I hope to have found, and these I presume will contribute much more also to my Sisters’ felicity.

352You will not let anybody but my Sisters’ read this letter, who are entitled alone to know the feelings of my heart or the principles of my conduct.

I have not yet determined absolutely to go to Georgia, but would however be in some preparation to set off, if I go, by some time in October,

When are you going to be married? teasing Girls I do not know, before however I go to Georgia.

I am my dear Sisters

Your affectionate

Jno. Pierce

New York. November 12th. 1786

My Dear Sisters’

The gentleman who hands you this Letter is the Rev’d Mr. Beach, he is a friend of mine and I wish you to treat him with every mark of consideration and civility that you are capable of, to consider him as more than a common acquaintance, to entertain him in the best manner, and to introduce him to Mr. Champion, Mr. Tracy, Col. Talmage and the other gentlemen of the Town, this gentleman is the parson who last monday gave you a new sister and to your brother a new interesting and important connexion, he is the dear friend of this sister and of course is very dear to me. I am now my affectionate sisters at the goal, to which I have considered as the end of my ambition and as the object of all my pursuits, and I have no doubt but I shall enjoy in this new connexion every happiness which my imagination had so loudly pictured to itself, her tenderness, delicacy, and affection I have no doubt of, and I have every thing to hope from the sweetness of her temper & the elegance of her mind. I have been more cautious in my choice, in regard to these qualities not only on account of my own happiness, but of yours. for though it is not likely you will ever make my home your entire home, yet you will ever be with me in turn as long as you are unmarried and my happiness would certainly be destroyed could not you be with me and receive the greatest satisfaction. I hope my dear Girls that you, Mama, & all my friends will rejoice on this occasion, my attention to you will not be the less nor my affection any way diminished. I shall ever hold you in the same dear relations and consider myself as the head of the family to whom you are to look up for protection, support, and happiness.

The wedding being delayed some days, will occasion some delay in Mollies return, and her new sister and her friends here have taken up a great liking to her & will not suffer her to leave them. I am determined 353however that she shall go about the first of the month, and you must be in readiness at that time to take her place. James Brace had in the meantime best go to his Father’s and get his consent that he live with me this winter

I am my dear Sisters’ your loving brother

Jno. Pierce.

ACCOUNTS AND MEMORANDA FROM JOHN PIERCE’S ALMANACH, 1776.

The accounts, memoranda, etc., are entered on blank pages opposite the months to which they belong.

Get Kee to my Trunk.

Get a R’cept for Military Chest.

For 1 Barrel Gun Powder——

Mr. Bloodgood’s Tent——

French’s Pork return^d——

Number the last R’cept.

Mr. Seymours Wool

Doct. Smiths shoes

Good Castor——

Capt. Whitneys Certificate.

Change Doct. Smiths Money——

Mr. Strong Rcept for Flour

Elisha Frisbie Rcept

Allens business

John Vanderheyden

Jan^y 01. Made a settlement with Jed. Strong——

Recev^d of him for my Wages & Expenses 12 · 6 · 0

& for going to Hebron 0 · 12 · 0

Horse hire 34/ } Deduct^d £ 12 · 18 · 0

44/6 } (?) 3 · 18 · 6

78 6 £ 8 · 19 · 6

354 being what is allow^ed for

my wages in M^r Strongs

business as Com^y——

Feb^y 21 recev^d for Draw^g a Pay Roll 2/8 York.^[94]

List of Articles taken with me to Tyconderoga ——

21 lb sugar — — 30/

1 lb Tea 20/

1 Blanket Coat

1 Surtoat

1 Old Great Coat

1 blue Broad Cloth Coat

1 do Jackett

1 Double Breast’d D^o

2 p Breeches

1 p Indian Shoes

1 p Woolen Mitts

1 p Leather D^o

1 Buff Cap ——

6 p Worstead Stockings

9 Shirts—8 Stocks

1 Black Neck Cloth

1 Silk Handkerchief

2 Linnen D^o ——

2 Vols Spirit Laws (?)

1 p Shoes. D^o silver Shoes & Buckles & 1 stock ^D◸o◹

1 p Stone Buttons

1 castor Hat

1 p Nitt^d Stockings a present

An Account of my Expenses

from Albany (?) to Tyc—— Nov ——

19 Wid (?) 0 · 3 · 0 y ^[95]

J. Vernons —— 0 · 1 · 0

20 Capt. Baldwin 0 · 6 · 0

M^— Nieles — — 0 · 2 · 4

On Road J. G. —— 0 · 2 · 0

Ty Landing 0 · 5 · 4

£0 · 19 · 8

355(January)

4^th Rcev^d of Jed. Strong Esq. for Writ^g done for Capt Curtiss 6/ Le NY—— & ?

5 Bought some Buttons 1/8

8 Sold M^r Strong 1 Sword 22/

13 Bot. 1 Piece of Tape 1/ York

Bot 2 lb Tea for my Grandmother—— 11/York

Bot for mak^g my Shoes 1/—— York

15^th: 1 Pair Stockings 10/6 York

Borrowed of M^r Strong two Dollars

16 Paid for M^r Reeves Letter 2/

M^r Phelps D^r To 2 Dollars Lent

M^r Strong has settl^d for a bear skin &

30 Bot. a Pair of Stock^g 10/ y.

(February.)

Pocket Expenses D^r.

5. To 1 Pen Knife 3/ y NY

To Beer—— 2/ D^o

7. To 1 Pair of Breeches 36/4. York

To 1 pair of Drawers 10/York

To given in Charity 1/ y

12 To 1 pair of Shoes— 11/

14 To 2 Handkerchiefs @ 9/—— 18/ y

To shaving = 2/6 y NY

24 To 2 Handkerchiefs @ 3/

Began to Shave with Barber 8^th

10 Wash^g Cloths O 4 3·y

D^o 2·3·

one Dollar 8/ 6 6

United Colonies D^r

1776 Feb^y 12 To 1 Buntch of Quill 3/y

To 1 Piece of Tape 1/y

356

(March):——

Recev^d of Jon. Trumbull Esq. 4^th

March 26⅔ Dollars towards my wages.

Pocket Expenses D^r

3^d To 1 Pair Breeches 39/York

To mending my Coat 4/6 Y. NY

12 To Present to Servant 1/

Profit & Losst D^r

9 To 1 Dollar given a Fellow for returning a saddle which I lost—— 8/y

(April):——

Pocket Expenses D^r all in Y. NY

4^th To Postage of a Letter— 1/6

To 2¼ y^d Rib^d Everlasting @ 6/—13/6

6 To mending a pair Shoes 4/

9 To ¾ y^d Cambrick—— 13/6

Have spent 3 Dollars at the Tavern this Month 24/

Paid for a Military Chest 29/

(May):

All in York Mony

15^th Bought a p^r Gloves 3/

Bought two p^r Stockings @9/

Expenses on a Journey to Fort George (viz)——

16 At Minifies, bought Prov’s & 7/6

At Lansing to Dinner—— 2/

17 At a Tavern Brakefast & 2/

18 At Fort George Brakefas 2/

19 At Fort Miller—— 1/6

At Still Water’s—— 2/

Hiring Carriages Down 8/

25/0

23^d Gave Gin—— 2/

357

(June):——

Expenses on a Journey to & from Dartmouth College—York Money

2. Ferryage— 0 · 0 · 9

at Lansyng Oats 0 · 0 · 4

At Tom (?) Din^d & Oats 0 · 1 · 6

Oats &— 0 · 1 · 0

3^d White Creek Lodg^g Horse & Sup^r 0 · 2 · 8

Shaftsbury. brakefast & Oats 0 · 1 · 1

Manchester Din^d Bait^d & Oated 0 · 1 · 3

4^th At N d leys House Lodg^g & Brakefast 0 · 2 · 8

Dinner & Bait^g— 0 · 1 · 4

0 12 7/8

£0 ·12 · 7

1 · 12 · 3

Paid for 1 · 12 · 0

Horse Hire 3 · 16 · 10

Ferryage—— 0 · 0 ·11

5. Oats & Din^r 0 · 1 · 4

6. At College 0 · 2 · 4

Rode to no 4 0 · 2 · 2

At Walkers

Going & Riding & Hiring Horse 0 · 3 ·10

Paid for Horse Hire—— 0 · 8 · 0

Mend^g saddle 0 · 1 · 2

Ferryage—— 0 · 0 · 6

Sup. Lodg^g & Oats & 0 · 2 · 3

Brakefast & Oats 0 · 1 · 2

At(?) 0 · 2 ·11

At Powels 0 · 0 · 4

Arlington 0 · 1 · 0

9 St Crix 0 · 1 · 9

Tom(?) 0 · 0 · 4

Barber 0 · 1 · 6

Ferryage 0 · 0 · 9

John Pierce Jn^r 1 ·12 · 3

Recev^d the Above of Mr. Trumbull

1 Recev^d of M^r Trumbull towards my wages 20 Dolls—— £8 · 0 · 0

12^th Rcev^d of D^o for the above Expenses—— 3 ·16 ·10

14 Bot of Robert Henry 1½ y^d Linnen for stocks @ 10/ 1 · 4 0

12^th M^r Strongs Acc^d clos^d with me. Bot me a Straw Hat 13/4

12^th Paid Elisha Sheldon Esq. six Pounds Law Money in part pay of a Note ———— or in whole Pay or more

358 Paid Oliver Wolcott Esq. eight Pounds Law Money on Acc^d ———— NB I now owe him 40/9 ny ————

15 Recev^d of Mr. Trumbull seventy Dollars towards my Wages ————

Paid M. Watson—for 1 Pair Breeches £2 · 4

for seat^g D^o 2/6 Mak^g Coat 17/— 19 · 6

4 y^d shalloon 20/ Send^g dº 11/9- 1 11 · 9

for White Breeches ———— 1 ·12 ·

£6 · 7 · 3

Recev^d of M^r Trumbull 15 Dollars for my Expenses in return^g w^th Mess Trumbull——

Spent on s^d Journey myself 4/

Bot 10 y^d Cor^d du Roy @ /6— £3 · 0 · 0

01 two pr stockings @ 12/—— 1 · 4 · 0

20 1 pr silk stock^gs—— 1 ·12 · 0

July 0076—— York C^y—

20 Spent for Mud—— 1/4

24 Paid John Mynderse for Mak^g

2 Jacketts & 2 p^r Breeches & for Lin^g

Buttons & —— £1–16

M^r Price D^r to 10 y^d of Corde Roy @ 6/

(August):

4^th Spent at the Mead House £0 · 4 · 6

8 Paid M^rs Meredith 1 · 5 · 0

18 Recev^d 3 Doll for writing

20 Spent 5/2

21 Bought a Bever Hat—— 64/

23 Turning my Coat—— 28/

24 Wid. Vernons 1/

(September):—

Recev^d for Draw^g a Pay Roll 13/4

7^th bought a Ribbon 3/4

359

(October)

(In pencil)

Proportion of Colonies

in 1695——

Penn- L 80

Masssech 350

Maryl^d 160

Virginia 240

Rhode I- 48

Connect 120

N- York 200

Oct. 22^d paid Mr^s Meredith for washing 45/

23 bought a Latch 3/9

30^th (something scratched out)

sent p. A. Catlin 1 lb to my father

two Dollars—

(November)

13 Recev^d of E. Avery Esq. eleven Dl^s for cash I lent Lt. Colo. Whiting last Year—& took his Note w^h must be sent him—it is now in A. Adam.

Nov. 01 Gave Gin ½ Dol^r

Paid for Wash^g— (?)

18 My Barbers Bill 30/ p^d

Clean^g my Hat— 5/

Buttons 1/6 Tape 2/10

21 lb^s sugar 30/ 1 lb 20/

2 gallons Rum (?) cash p^d

4 lb^s Chocolate 16/

70 lb^s Butter @ 1/9

Cash 2/ £ 6. 2. 6.

18 paid M^r Watson for mak^g my Blanket Coat a p. Breeches & a Jackett 52/4——

p^d James Vernon 12/for what I have had from him.

19 Rece^d of Mr. Trumbull

p^d M^r Price on Acc 60 D

for Potatoes 12/

Gave Negro Boy 4/

36025 Bought a Tea Pot 6/8

Spent f^m Albany to Ty as p part. in this Book 19/8^[96]

(December):

Left at Albany of wear^g apparile

4 p white Breeches

1 silk Jackett

1 Nankeen D^o

3 white Jacketts 2 (?) 2

1 p cotton stockings

6 p thread D^o

1 p silk D^o

1 straw Hat

1 p rid^g Trowzers

1 Watch

1 p Leather Breeches

1 p Stock^g Nit D^o

1 p Boots

1 Hat New Beaver Hat

May 21

6 shirts

6 Stocks

5 p Stockings

2 Handkerchiefs

1 Jackett

June 1

5 shirts

1 Stock

2 Stock^gs

1 Handkerchief

June 13—the above

1 Handkerchief

1 Trowzers

3 shirts 3 stocks—3 Stock^gs

Borrowed of Mr. Trumbull

2 cheeses at Vernon’s Stillwater

1 Cheese weighed 35 lb

Pl. LXV.—Dr. Timothy Pierce, son of John Pierce and Mary Goodman b. 1778. d. 1801. From a pastelle

361