"MY FRIENDS: The value of the offering to suffering Ireland from our city will be enhanced by the numbers contributing, as the offering will do more good as an expression of sympathy than as a matter of relief. The spirit of dear R. seems to speak through your 'Oak Leaf,'[11] and to say, 'Let all who will of the Association subscribe a half-dollar each, and all others a quarter each, for their suffering brethren, and children of a common Father.'
"P. S.--The purses were presents to me, and must be returned. One of them from the lady of Sir John Strachan, herself a descendant of one of our Boston girls; the two open-work ones from ladies in this city. Take from them what is required, and return the balance, if any be left. If more is required, let me know, as I do not know the amount in the purses.
[11] A little newspaper published by the Association.
One hundred and two members of the Association, and four hundred and thirty-eight other members of the school, in all five hundred and forty, availed themselves of the privilege thus offered them, and contributed the sum of one hundred and sixty dollars towards the object.
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.