At the church in Brattle-street, a collection was taken in aid of the same object; and, among other contributions, was a twenty-dollar bank-note, with the following attached to it, probably by Mr. Lawrence:
"A ship of war to carry bread to the hungry and suffering, instead of powder and ball to inflict more suffering on our brethren,—children of the same Father,—is as it should be; and this is in aid of the plan."
Among the most respected and valued friends of Mr. Lawrence was the venerable Madam Prescott, widow of the late Judge William Prescott, and mother of the distinguished historian of "Ferdinand and Isabella." Years seemed rather to quicken her naturally warm sympathies for the distresses of others; and, at the age of more than four-score, she was to be daily seen on foot in the streets, actively engaged upon her errands of mercy. Mr. Lawrence had, the year before, found a small volume, entitled the "Comforts of Old Age," by Sir Thomas Bernard; and had sent it to several of his friends, principally those in advanced age, asking for some record of their experience. His note to Madam Prescott on this subject was as follows.
"March 8, 1847.
"Dear Madam Prescott: I have been a long time anxious to receive a favor from you, and have felt diffident in asking it; but am now at the required state of resolution. The book I send you is so much in character with your own life, that my grandchildren, who love you, will read to their grandchildren your words, written by your own hand in this book, if you will but place them there. I must beg you, my excellent friend, to believe that I am desirous of securing for my descendants some of your precious encouragements in the discipline of life.
"Your friend,
"Amos Lawrence."
The volume was returned with the following record:
"Boston, March 10, 1847.
"My dear Sir: You ask me what are the comforts of old age. I answer, the retrospection of a well-spent life. The man who devotes himself to the cause of humanity, who clothes the naked, feeds the hungry, soothes the sorrows of the afflicted, and comforts the mourner,—whom each rising sun finds in the contemplation of some good deed, and each night closes with the assurance that it has been performed,—surely such a life must be the comfort of an old age. But where shall we find such a man? May I not be permitted to apply the character to my highly valued and respected friend, whose charities are boundless, and who daily dispenses blessings to all around him? May the enduring oak be emblematical of the continuance of your life! I depend much upon accompanying you to Mount Auburn, and to visit the spot which contains the precious relics of him whose life it is sweet to contemplate, and whose death has taught us how a Christian should die. The perusal of this little volume has increased my veneration and friendship for its owner.
"Respectfully and affectionately,
"C. G. Prescott."
"Mem. by A. L., May 20, 1850.—Madam P., now much passed four-score years of age (born August 1, 1767), is as bright and active in body and mind as most ladies of fifty."
"April 10.—Mrs. T. called to ask aid for a poor widow, which I declined, by telling her I did not hear or read people's stories from necessity, and I could not inquire this evening. She claims to be acquainted with Rev. Mr. —— and Rev. Mr. ——. She gave me a severe lecture, and berated me soundly."
"April 19.—Mrs. C., of Lowell, asks me to loan her three hundred dollars to furnish a boarding-house for twelve young ladies at S., which I declined by mail this morning."
In reply to Sir William Colebrooke, Governor of New Brunswick, who requested Mr. Lawrence to notify certain poor people in the neighborhood of Boston that their deposits in the Frederickstown Savings' Bank, which had been previously withheld, would be paid by means of an appropriation for the purpose recently made by the Provincial Assembly, he writes: