But little is found in the handwriting of Mr. Lawrence for the month of December, except his usual record of donations to charitable objects. He seems to have written but few letters, which may in part be accounted for by having had his time much occupied by a most agreeable intercourse with Gen. Franklin Pierce, who, with his family, were his guests during a part of the month. That gentleman had for many years been on terms of intimate friendship with Mr. Lawrence, and had kept up a familiar correspondence from Washington and elsewhere, which no political differences had abated. He had always been a favorite; and now, having been elected to the Presidential chair, and engaged in plans for his future administration, it may be imagined what interest this intercourse excited in Mr. Lawrence, deeply concerned as he was in every movement that tended to promote the political and moral welfare of the country. Many excursions were made to the interesting spots and charitable institutions of Boston and its vicinity, during this visit, which has a melancholy interest from the events which immediately followed it. On the twenty-sixth, General and Mrs. Pierce left Boston for their home at Concord, N. H., with the intention of spending a few days with their friends at Andover. They were accompanied by their only child Benjamin, a bright and promising boy, twelve years of age, whose melancholy death, but a few days afterwards, will give an interest to the following note, which he wrote to Mr. Lawrence in acknowledgment of a little token of remembrance:
"Andover, Dec. 27, 1852.
"Dear Uncle Lawrence: I admire the beautiful pencil you sent me, and I think I shall find it very useful. I shall keep it very carefully for your sake, and I hope that I may learn to write all the better with it. It was kind in you to write such a good little note, too; and I see that being industrious while you were young enables you to be kind and benevolent now that you are old. I think that you have given me very good advice, and I hope I shall profit by it. So, dear uncle, with much love to aunt, I am
"Your affectionate nephew,
"B. Pierce."
The brief history of this promising boy, who exhibited a maturity and thoughtfulness far beyond his years, is soon told. Nine days afterwards, in company with his father and mother, he left Andover on his return home. A few minutes after starting, the cars were precipitated down a steep bank, among the rocks, causing the instant death of Benjamin, and bruising the father and many other passengers severely. The accident sent a thrill of sympathy throughout the Union, and cast a withering blight upon the prospects of the bereaved parents, which, amidst all earthly distinctions, can never be forgotten, and which has perhaps rendered more irksome the great and unceasing responsibilities of high official station.
"Dec. 28.—I sent a large bundle of clothing materials, books, and other items, with sixty dollars, by steamer for Bangor, to Professor Pond, of Bangor Theological Seminary, for the students. Also gave a parcel, costing twenty-five dollars, to Mrs. ——, who is a Groton girl, and now having twins, making twenty children: is very poor.
"Dec. 30.—To Professor ——, by dear S., one hundred dollars. Books and items to-day, five dollars."
These were his last entries.
On the afternoon of the above date, the writer, in his usual walk, passed Mr. Lawrence's door with the intention of calling on his return, but, after proceeding a few steps, decided, from some unaccountable motive, to give up the accustomed exercise, and pass the time with his father. Mr. Lawrence appeared in excellent health and spirits; and nearly an hour was agreeably spent in discussing the topics of the day. He seemed more than usually communicative; and, although always kind and affectionate, there was, on this occasion, an unusual softness of manner, and tenderness of expression, which cannot be forgotten. The last topic touched upon was the character of a prominent statesman, just deceased, and the evidence which he had given of preparation for an exchange of worlds. He spoke somewhat fully upon the nature of such preparation, and expressed a strong hope, that, in the present instance, the exchange had been a happy one.
In the latter part of the evening, Mr. Lawrence addressed to his friend, Prof. Packard, of Bowdoin College, the following note, in reply to some questions asked by that gentleman in regard to the Bunker Hill Monument, of which he was preparing a history for publication among the records of the Maine Historical Society:
"Boston, December 30, 1852, evening.
"My dear Friend: Your letter of Tuesday reached me just before my morning excursion to Longwood to see our loved one there. In reply to your first query, I answer, that Mr. E. Everett presented a design of Bunker Hill Monument, which was very classic, and was supported by Col. Perkins and Gen. Dearborn, I believe, and perhaps one or two more. Young Greenough (Horatio), then a student of Harvard College, sent in a plan with an essay, that manifested extraordinary talents, and was substantially adopted, although the column was amended by the talents, taste, and influence of Loammi Baldwin, one of our directors. The discussion of the model was very interesting; and, among the whole mass of plans, this of Mr. Everett and Mr. Baldwin, or, as I before said, a modification of Greenough's, were the only ones that were thought of. Mr. Everett, and those who favored his classic plan, were very cordial in their support of the plan of the monument as it is, very soon after its adoption. Mr. Ticknor was very active in support of the plan as adopted; and I have a strong impression that young Greenough's arguments were wholly just, and, abating some assertions which seemed a little strong for a mere college-lad, were true and unexceptionable. I write from memory, and not from overlooking the plans carefully since the time they were considered. Young Greenough I felt a deep interest in, and advanced money to his father to allow him to go abroad to study, which has been repaid since his father's death. Here I have an interesting story to tell you of this debt, which I wished to cancel, that the widow might receive the amount. Mr. Greenough was near his end, and deeply affected, but fully persuaded that, by the provisions of his will, his widow would soon have an ample income, and declined the offer. It has turned out better than he ever anticipated. The books shall go forward, as you requested. All our family, 'kith and kin,' are pretty well. The President elect has, I think, the hardest time, being over-worked; and, as we are now without any one, we shall be rejoiced to see you here. Pray, come. I shall write again when I send the 'red book' you request.
"With love to all, N. and I join; and I bid you adieu.
"From your friend,
"Amos Lawrence.
"To Prof. Packard, Brunswick, Me."
The above letter was folded, directed, and left upon his table, and doubtless contained the last words he ever wrote.