[A few paragraph breaks added for ease of reading.]Warren June 8 1843
Dear Brother and Sisters
(Bo do you take the Puritan.) I went home last Saturday, and father said when I came back, I must, tell Bo the news, about Mr. Chase.
The Universalists were preaching there, to crowded audiences in the Seminary. The Methodists also held meetings, and it was feared that the society would be divided. Under those circumstances, it was thought best to get rid of Mr. Chase, if possible. Accordingly a parish meeting was called, (all who had "signed off," having "signed back") last week Saturday, and it was voted, that Mr. C. might preach last Sabbath, and the next, if he wished, but not after that, 66 pro. & 74 con. 20 new ones, who had never paid tax, joined the society to vote for Mr. C. Mr. Adolphus Hamilton, said "you have crucified him, you have crucified him," and his lips were as thin as a case knife. Father said most, were calm, though Billy Thompson, thought, after they had voted money for Mr. C., those who had signed off, had no business, to come, and vote it away.
A committee were chosen to notify Mr. Chase, when Lo: the Rev. gentleman, said he would not go; he had agreed to supply the pulpit for a year, and he should fulfil the contract. I could not help thinking how the same man bought a horse, once, and fulfilled the contract. I suppose he will be obliged, to go, though he says "he wont," and that "they will have hard work for it, if he does."
Mr. Alanson Hamilton said at the parish meeting that when he, with others signed off, they had no thought of going back so soon; but in view of the fact that there would be two societies, and that the parish could not support but one, he, and they, had felt it their duty, to do as they had done, [Stad?] Gilbert said they did not wish to injure Mr. Chase, and if it would be any better for him to ask dismission, than to be turned away, they were willing that he should. I don't know wheter Mr. Chase will be obliged to go out of the Brookfield Association to get a recommend, but I should think he would want to, though he would probably get one here, the "ministers" are so leagued together.
Brother Bo. I have no better opinion of Rev's now than I had last winter. It seems to me that they grow worse, and worse, advocating war, murder, oppression, &c. and opposing peace, love to enemies, justice and humanity, and even Christian Holiness, without which no man can see the Lord! I should not want to be [recloned?] with them. I think what Mr. Boyle said of you is true, He said, that you were coming to that point, where you must either, give up your radicalism, or your pulpit. I am afraid it will notbe the pulpit, I know of somebody, who hid the Liberator, and put the Puritan in sight, I think that shows a secret, something, somewhere, that is wrong. Be careful, brother, how you let clerical spectacles obscure your moral vision, or clerical trammels bind your soul, and conscience. I am afraid you are in danger. Phebe don't you think he is? don't apologise a bit for him, but tell him yes or no. I don't think there is any danger that Sarah will, apologise. If I see you before I go to Oberlin I, shall tell you just what I think, you know I always do.
Brother Luther had a fine boy born the 8th of May, weighed 9 1/2, but, it was killed before it was born, it was doubled, so that Dr. Curtis did not know how to turn it, and had to kill it. Phebe has dried up her milk, and is smart, without any girl, she is very sick. They sent Sarah Matthews away, she was so busy, but she went back, and is closing [?] shoes, and pays for her board, they have two other boarders. Luther earns about a dollar a day cramping boots. I think he is rather more unfortunate than you, lost 3 boys, worth a thousand dollars apiece. There are meetings every Sabbath at Fisk's. I attended last Sabbath, had a good meeting, a free one too. Dea. Henshaw took the lead, but not in a manner to hinder freedom of speech at all. The lesson was 5 chap. of Matthew, from the 17. to the 21 verse. Dea. Spooner was there, but poor Ben [?] White durst not go, or his wife wont let him. He has been to Warren meeting once. Mrs. Mansfield went to the Anniversaries, a grand time, Mary Ann wanted to go, but she thought if she should give the money it would cost her to go to the cause, it would do more good.
Taylor, teaches our colored class in the Sabbath School, there are four white ones in it. Mary Ann, Adaline Henshaw, a daughter of Col. Wheelock, from Boston, recently moved to this place, and myself. It is the freest class in school, and I 'guess' the best. Moriah Johnson teaches in Mr. Days. district, she won't join our class. I don't know who does teach in brother Barlows district.
Mary Henshaw is working for mother, and does very well.
Mr. Ramsdell, came in this morning, and wanted I should write to Sarah, to know if she would teach this school next winter. He will give you as much as he gives me, and have you board at one place, a few rods from the school here, and if you wont keep for that, he will give a little more, rather than not have you. The school is pleasant, but not forward. They use nothing but Smith's and Calburn's Arithmetic, except two scholars who went to school last winter but will not next. I suppose however that Tracies Arith. will be used next winter, as several of my scholars are going to Mr. P... in the fall. I think you could teach, well enough, but the school house is old, and I should think, would be rather cold in the winter. You know for the sake of your feet, and limbs you ought to have a warm room. The school is well governed - you could find no trouble, I presume on that account. When you write me just say what you will do. He would like to know some time soon, Underwood has applied for the school. Ellen Ross is dead. Canker rash.
I have 42 scholars. How does Bo. succeed with his house? I hope you will be able to live in it before long. Phebe, how do you do, you had a hard time did'nt you, I hope you won't see another such. Sarah how do you prosper, in your little school? Be sure and take care of your health, don't you go with damp feet, one minute. Phebe when Sarah writes, I want you should, too and tell me whether she is careful, of herself, if she is not you must see to her. Is Cyrus going to vote, to put a man into office who will be obliged to swear to support slavery? Tell him to take care. It is very pleasant for you Phebe to have Cyrus settle in Gardner. Love to all.
Sarah Pellet staid with me the other night she says she is going to Oberlin two years from this fall.
I have got a new brown lawn bonnet, cost a dollar, all well. Lucy
Sarah, write all about your school, Bo and Co write about about house.
I want you all to write soon, & study, some, and prepare my clothes to go to Oberlin.
Notes on people mentioned:
Lucy wrote this letter to her "brother and sisters." The brother she addressed it to was William Bowman Stone [Amherst College 1839], who was married to the Phebe that Lucy addresses in the letter. Lucy and William also had another brother, whom Lucy called "Bo" in this letter; his name was Bowman Matthews Stone. (Their mother's maiden name was Hannah Matthews, hence Bo's middle name.) A third brother was named Luther; he was married to Phebe Cutler. They did not have good fortune with parenthood; besides the child mentioned in this letter, they had twin daughters in 1844. One died at birth, and the other died a year later. The sister that Lucy addressed in this letter was Sarah Witt Stone; her other two sisters were Eliza and Rhoda.