Details
PIERCE, Franklin. Autograph letter signed ("Franklin Pierce") to Mr. Francis St. Pierre of Andover; Concord, New Hampshire, 14 February 1865. 3 pages, 8vo.
PIERCE'S ADVICE ON HOW TO RESIST "THE BLUES." The former President--himself subject to deep bouts of depression and despair, even while in office--writes in a compassionate tone to "my dear Nephew." He reports on his poor health ("my cold is yielding but its grasp had been tenacious"), though he is now "able to read most of the day and write a few letters." He counsels "as to the 'blues' of which you speak as having made a rather formidable attack on you, they are not to be tolerated by boy or man in any reasonable condition of health. No one can confidently answer for the effects of sickness or the decay of years upon the nervous organization and consequently upon the spirits. Your grandfather Pierce & your grandfather Tuttle were both high examples of unfaltering pluck and serene cheerfulness. Sometimes a derangement of the digestive organs produces temporary depression. But this is common to all persons male and female none are exempt. Suitable exercise, sports in their places and active mental effort are I believe the best remedies. I may be at Andover next week, but this must depend upon improvement in my condition." He concludes with advice to "Do you best and be satisfied with the result, whatever that may be."
After his retirement in 1857, Pierce remained an unrepentant critic of Lincoln's emancipation proclamation and the Lincoln administration in general.
PIERCE'S ADVICE ON HOW TO RESIST "THE BLUES." The former President--himself subject to deep bouts of depression and despair, even while in office--writes in a compassionate tone to "my dear Nephew." He reports on his poor health ("my cold is yielding but its grasp had been tenacious"), though he is now "able to read most of the day and write a few letters." He counsels "as to the 'blues' of which you speak as having made a rather formidable attack on you, they are not to be tolerated by boy or man in any reasonable condition of health. No one can confidently answer for the effects of sickness or the decay of years upon the nervous organization and consequently upon the spirits. Your grandfather Pierce & your grandfather Tuttle were both high examples of unfaltering pluck and serene cheerfulness. Sometimes a derangement of the digestive organs produces temporary depression. But this is common to all persons male and female none are exempt. Suitable exercise, sports in their places and active mental effort are I believe the best remedies. I may be at Andover next week, but this must depend upon improvement in my condition." He concludes with advice to "Do you best and be satisfied with the result, whatever that may be."
After his retirement in 1857, Pierce remained an unrepentant critic of Lincoln's emancipation proclamation and the Lincoln administration in general.