While my feelings were deeply susceptible from the recent wound they had received by the death of Mr Buckminster, I went to Medfield to visit my aged father, with the hope that I might do something to administer to his comfort, and in this way soothe my own grief. But while I was with him, he was seized with a complaint which put a period to his life. Though from his age, and infirmities, I had been often led to anticipate this event, I found it very trying when I actually realized it. He had been a very kind parent to me, and though he could not bestow any property upon me, he was very solicitous to aid me as far as he could. He was a great assistant to me both in procuring books, and in disposing of my works. During the last years of his life, he was assiduously engaged in studying the sacred Scriptures, with the assistance of all the commentaries he could procure. In the funeral sermon preached upon his death, the Rev. Dr Prentiss observes, ‘He was ever strongly attached to the society of literary and serious people, particularly of the clergy, with a number of whom he kept up a friendly intercourse. There is reason to believe, that by his exertions for many years he contributed in no small degree to the diffusion of knowledge and piety, and to the advancement of the cause of Christ.’ My father’s love of books continued till the last. He read, and heard reading, on the day on which he expired. My residence in Boston enabled me to procure books for his perusal, and it afforded me great pleasure to be thus permitted to gratify my honored parent. When, after the death of my father, I returned to Boston, my mind was depressed with my recent losses. But I was sensible that I was still favored with many inestimable privileges. Mr Buckminster had been so kind as to introduce me to a number of his acquaintances, who treated me with that genuine kindness which is the essence of true politeness. Among the number of those excellent friends, to whom Mr Buckminster was so kind as to introduce me, I would particularly recognise Mrs Dearborn, and Mrs Winthrop, who shone in the circles of polished life, and adorned their eminent stations by their engaging manners, and highly cultivated minds; and still more, by their christian virtues. They were blessings to those around them; and for a course of years favored me with their attention, and kind offices. When they were removed by death to a higher state of existence, I deeply mourned the heavy and irreparable loss I sustained.