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, 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.