Composition was made of great importance. The many copies of letters, poems, and addresses prove they were considered valuable steps toward good writing, and the high quality of the authors and quotations show that Miss Pierce laid much stress upon style in composition as well as exalted ideas. The following list of prizes given about this time are interesting, as they bear upon this study, and are examples of the stilted elegance of style and the mournful subjects of that period: PRIZE Presented Miss Amelia Lewis for the first prize in her class. Litchfield April 28 1812. S. PIERCE. God’s Terrible Voice in the City. Wherein are set forth the Sound of the voice, in a narration of the two dreadful Judgements of Plague and Fire, inflicted upon the City of London; in the Years 1665, and 1666. By Thomas Vincent Also a concise statement of the Origen of London with a Picture of its present state, from a late authentic Work. Bridgeport: printed and sold by Lockwood & Backus, 1811. * * * * * PRIZE Presented to Miss Jane S. Lewis as the Prize in Arithmetic. April 25^{th} 1820. A Sketch of my Friend’s Family, Intended to suggest some Practical Hints on Religion and Domestic Manners. By Mrs. Marshall, author of Henwick Tales. Fourth Edition. In every work, regard the Writer’s end. Springfield Printed by Ira Daniels. 1820. The Hermit in London or Sketches of English Manners Printed for Evert Duychinck No. 68 Water Street New York 1820 Present to Miss Jane H. Lewis as the first prize at school. October 31^{st} 1820. That Miss Pierce was fairness itself in awarding the prizes to her scholars is shown by the following report. She evidently invited some of the prominent ladies of the community to give the prizes instead of trusting to her own judgment. REPORT OF JUDGES FOR PRIZE OF MERIT. We, whose names are underwritten, having attended to the qualifications of the candidates for the prize of merit, in Miss Pierce’s School, are of opinion that Miss Clarissa Deming[38] is entitled thereto. Litchfield, April 22^d 1811.