When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
JOHN PIERPONT (April 6, 1785 – August 26, 1866) was a poet born in Litchfield, CT. He graduated from Yale in 1804. He studied law at Litchfield and practiced for a time in Newburyport, MA. He relinquished the profession due to health problems and engaged in business as a merchant, first in Boston and later in Baltimore. In 1816, he abandoned commerce for theology, first at Baltimore and afterward at Cambridge Divinity School. In April 1819, he was ordained pastor of the Hollis Street Church in Boston. He was a zealous reformer, powerfully advocating for temperance and anti-slavery.
Pierpont was an avid lecturer. Lectures were a major medium for educational and social topics at the time. In the 2 pp, 8 x 10, ALS, offered here, Pierpont responds to NATHAN AMES, the foundry owner who supplied the U.S. government with bronze cannon, regarding his request to hear Pierpont lecture, naming temperance as one topic.
“In reply to your note of inquiry...I can say that I know of nothing now that will prevent my going up to No C. and giving a lecture to your Lyceum. I hardly know what lecture to give. One that I gave at Springfield last winter, on the Education of the practice...was heard by one, at least, of the Cabot Villains... for some notice was taken of it, I think in the Cabotville paper at the time and I fear that it may sound like a twice told tale...I have a lecture for Lyceums “On Snow.” I have also been asked to go up to Springfield this winter & have said that I would go when mutually concerned....I might lecture in Springfield one week and at Cabotville the next, or the reverse...I could pretty certainly accommodate myself to be one or the other of the weeks and so kill two birds with one stone – and if it be desired (as heretofore approved by Mr. Barnes) that I should give another temperance discourse...Pray, Sir, let me hear from you in relation to the matter again and all that can be done to meet your [need] shall be...”
NATHAN PEABODY AMES (September 1, 1803 – April 3, 1847) was an American manufacturer who, with his younger brother, founded the Ames Manufacturing Company. He became a skillful sword maker, furnishing large numbers by contract to the U.S. government. His work was supplemented by adding a foundry for casting bronze cannon and church bells. He furnished most of the brass cannon for the U.S. Army. The statues of DeWitt Clinton, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin were cast at his foundry.
Pierpont’s writing is a bit challenging, but generally discernable. Folds, toning. Integral address leaf with beautiful red Boston postmark.
Everything we sell is guaranteed authentic forever to the original buyer. We also offer a 30-day return policy. If you discover a problem or are dissatisfied with an item, please contact us immediately. Our goal is to please every customer. We are pleased to be members of Preferred Autograph Dealers and sale Houses, The Manuscript Society, The Ephemera Society and the Southern New England Antiquarian Booksellers. [B197]
