Letter from Samuel Willard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Catherine Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, September 6, 1799

Willard complains about not having received requested items sooner, explains that his aunt gave him some furniture, discusses friends in Lancaster, mentions a blue coat that he would like to have made, and describes the house that he lives in, which was called “the Den or College House.”

Letter from Samuel Willard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to William Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, November 22, 1799

Willard details his various expenses for food, wood, tuition, and books, and explains his bill payment schedule. He also mentions President Willard and sends best wishes to his mother, brother, and sister.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Catherine Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, November 22, 1799

Willard discusses tailoring his coat, asks to be sent another towel and a Bible, and describes the latest Harvard fashion: “Deep blue is the Colour most in Vogue in this Place.” He also mentions that the “President and his family are pretty well,” and that he is invited to dine with them about once a fortnight.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Lancaster, Massachusetts, to Catherine Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, February 3, 1800

Willard mentions that he spent his vacation in Lancaster, comments on the weather, and asks his family to write more often.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Lancaster, Massachusetts, to William Willard and Katherine Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, October 14, 1800

Willard apologizes for and describes disciplinary action taken against him by Harvard’s government, and explains that he has been sent to study under Reverend Thayer in Lancaster.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to William Willard and Katherine Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, April 4, 1801

Willard informs his parents of the death of Deacon Fairbank. He assures them that on his return to Cambridge, he was “received with great apparent cordiality both by the government + the president’s family.” He also reports on the health of President Willard, whose health has improved. Willard concludes the letter by asking for money to pay his expenses.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Catherine Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, May 1, 1801

Willard alludes to a situation regarding his father and praises him profusely.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Abigail Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, May 1, 1801

Willard thanks his sister for writing to him and asks her to write as often as possible. He also mentions his cousin Sophia Chadwick, who has been living with President Willard.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Catherine Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, June 26, 1801

Willard discusses various articles of clothing.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to William Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, October 16, 1801

Willard reports on President Willard’s travels and general well-being and asks his father to apologize to his sister for not writing to her often enough. He also tells his father that he is in debt, details his purchases, and asks for money.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to William Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, February 28, 1802

Willard describes his trip back to Harvard from Petersham, reports that President Willard and family were doing well, although “he has had an ill turn since, but has recovered,” and concludes the letter by asking for more money.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Catherine Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, July 14, 1802

Willard explains that he is very busy and discusses the poor health of his brother Ephraim Willard, and asks for more information about his current condition.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Solomon Willard, Petersham, September 8, 1802

Willard reports that President Willard “has so far recovered,” and explains that he has changed his vacation plans from Lancaster to Cambridge “as it is excellent weather for studying.” He complains about shoes that were sent to him and also about having a lack of money, and requests that he be sent his woolen coats. He also informs his brother that he has been inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, and asks for money to pay the dues.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to William Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, November 30, 1802

Willard discusses President Willard’s son Sheafe, who he has been tutoring, explains his education and argues for well-rounded studies. He also mentions that Doctor Aaron Dexter, a lecturer on chemistry, gave him a recipe for paint “which I enclose [separately] in this letter,” as well as a recipe for mortar. He explains that his vacation plans are to teach at a school in Groton for eighteen dollars a month, and asks for a loan from his parents to pay a bill.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Groton, Massachusetts, to William Willard and Katherine Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, January 19, 1803

Willard discusses his potential future professional plans in either divinity or law. He asks his parents for their advice, compares and contrasts the benefits and disadvantages of each potential profession, and seems to be leaning towards law: “On the other hand my nearsightedness pleads against the profession of divinity. That a clergyman may be useful, he should possess a high degree of sociability, the most winning manners, and an accommodating disposition. In these every one knows me deficient.”