"I have thought much of your account of Mrs. N. going out, on the Sabbath after her husband's death, with her nine children. I remember her, and many others of my youthful schoolmates, with interest and regard. Please say so to her. And now, dear M., as the clouds seem thinner, I may hope to secure a little run, and shall take the post-office in my way; so must bid you adieu."
"MY DEAR OLD GENERAL: Our anticipated drive to-day is not to be: the weather settles it that I must keep house; and, to indemnify myself for the disappointment, will you allow me to feel that I have not gone too far in requesting you to receive the enclosed check? I am spared here for some object, and do not feel that to hoard money is that object. While I am in the receipt of an income so ample, I find it sometimes troublesome to invest exactly to my mind. In the present case, the hope that you may, by using this, add something to your enjoyment, makes me feel that it is one of my best investments; and for the reason that your proverbial good-will cannot refuse me such a boon, I have made this request. My heart yearns strongly toward the old-fashioned John Jay school in politics and morals; and, when I have an opportunity to minister in any way to one of the early members, it is a pleasure that sweetens my days as they pass."
On the letter written in reply to the above, Mr. Lawrence has endorsed:
"This letter from old General ----, now eighty-eight years old, and blind, is an acknowledgment of some little kindnesses I was enabled to render through the hand of Judge Story. It has afforded me more pleasure than it could have done either the Judge or the General. I am sure the good old man's feelings were gratified; and I am thankful that I could comfort him."
On the 17th of June, 1843, took place the celebration in honor of the completion of the Bunker Hill Monument; an event which was regarded with no ordinary emotions by Mr. Lawrence, after so many years of effort and expectation. His only regret was that the whole battle-field could not have been preserved, and have remained, to use his own words, "a field-preacher for posterity." Eleven years before this, he had written to his son in Europe: