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Pierce invites the prominent Philadelphia cleric, Henry A. Boardman, to visit at the White House, “that we may make some time under this roof a period of enjoyment” – to, at least, the Reverend Boardman. With Mrs. Pierce upstairs in a darkened room, mourning the death of their only child, the Pierce White House was a dismal place.
Indeed, Pierce himself must have found the mansion as cold and cheerless as everyone else: he conducted most of his social life outside his home. This invitation, then, to an austere cleric, is very much in keeping with the Pierces' domestic life.
Indeed, Pierce himself must have found the mansion as cold and cheerless as everyone else: he conducted most of his social life outside his home. This invitation, then, to an austere cleric, is very much in keeping with the Pierces' domestic life.
Autograph Letter Signed, as President, 2 pages, recto and verso, quarto, Washington, November 7, 1855. To Rev. Henry A. Boardman of Philadelphia.
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Washington
Novr. 7. 1855
My dear Sir
Your suggestion that you "are a good deal occupied just at this season" and my own pressing engagements have seemed to justify delay in answering your kind and very welcome letter of the 10th ult. I have much satisfaction in anticipating the pleasure which I am sure your presence will afford us and in the hope that we may make some time under this roof a period of enjoyment to yourself - Our desire of course is, that you make the visit when it will be most convenient and
Novr. 7. 1855
My dear Sir
Your suggestion that you "are a good deal occupied just at this season" and my own pressing engagements have seemed to justify delay in answering your kind and very welcome letter of the 10th ult. I have much satisfaction in anticipating the pleasure which I am sure your presence will afford us and in the hope that we may make some time under this roof a period of enjoyment to yourself - Our desire of course is, that you make the visit when it will be most convenient and
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agreeable to you, and it has seemed to me that the Federal City would present more of attraction and interest after the commencement of the session of Congress than before. Now all times will be agreeable to us, unless some unanticipated circumstances should intervene to make it otherwise, of which I would promptly advise you. Will you therefore oblige us by designating a period most acceptable to yourself - say during the month of December - You can leave it to me to make the requisite arrangement with Mr Sunderland [text is crossed out] I should reply to your letter more fully, but for the hope that the opportunity will soon present itself to communicate in a more free & agreeable way - Mrs P. joins me in sentiments of kind interest & regard.
Yr friend,
FRANK PIERCE
Rev Henry A Boardman
Philadelphia
Penna
Yr friend,
FRANK PIERCE
Rev Henry A Boardman
Philadelphia
Penna
