Letter from Samuel Willard, Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to William Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, April 27, 1803

Willard discusses his plans to visit Petersham after graduating, and expresses concern for his future. He also mentions a job offer of “going into the academy” in Leicester that he rejected.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Catherine Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, June 22, 1803

Willard mentions his brother’s poor health, his plans to go to teach at Phillips Exeter, and describes various objects that he has sent to different family members, including a razor and books. In his post script, he asks to have a shirt mended.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Sophronia Willard, Lancaster, Massachusetts, October 18, 1805

Willard describes his current job working at Harvard, where he is paid “to keep order in one of the buildings.” He mentions that he can attend medical lectures free of charge, and refers to a preacher, Mr. Parker, a former classmate of Willard’s. He explains that he is currently with his brother Solomon, who is ill, and that he is living in the College House, where he resided his first year of school.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Catherine Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, May 14, 1806

Willard asks his family to write to him more often, and discusses his plans to begin preaching at Hingham.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Abigail Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, September 29, 1806

Willard discusses family issues then explains that he was preaching in Lexington for three weeks and turned down an offer to stay longer. He says that instead, he will “make Cambridge my headquarters.” Willard asks his sister to pick up his clothes for him.

Series: II. Letter from Joseph Willard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to William Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, August 4, 1800

Letter from Harvard president Joseph Willard to his brother (Samuel’s father) William Willard recommending a young preacher, Micah Stone, (Harvard College Class of 1790), to be assigned to Petersham’s church. He describes Stone as “liberal and catholic.” President Willard explains that he has asked Samuel to post the letter because, “I am just setting out upon a journey for my health, and leave this letter to be forwarded to you by your son.”