Sargent Homestead, Newton, Massachusetts
Judith Sargent Murray's youngest brother, Fitz William,
retired here with his extended family in 1813 after a lengthy and
successful career in Gloucester as a merchant. His "paradisical
retreat" was considered the finest home in Newton in its day. Sadly,
it no longer stands.
On a visit in 1815, Judith wrote the following account to her daughter, Julia Maria: "you would be astonished to observe the difference of this present summer 1815 when compared with the last.you know my visit here is some days later than in June 1814 -- Then the garden was clad in gayest attire -- The damask Rose Tree, in full bloom, regaled at every turn more than one sense, flinging its fragrance upon the passing gale, the perfumed atmosphere was rich in sweets -- now the little green bud is hardly formed. -- The strawberry is scarcely out of blow, and the peas are barely poded."
Photograph courtesy of the Newton Historical Society.
North Bridge, Concord, and Lexingon Green,
Lexington, Massachusetts
In 1785, Judith traveled to Lexington and Concord with her
first husband, John Stevens Jr. In a letter to her aunt Mary Turner
Sargent she described her visit: "I was escorted by Mr Stevens, and
we have traced the road, in which the British progressed, in their
first attempt, to establish their oppressing mandates, by force of
arms--We have viewed the river at the extremity of Concord: where
their retreat commenced, we have blessed the memory of those whose
ashes are entombed in the burial ground at Lexington, who first
sacrificed their lives in the revolutionary contest, and, although,
strange to tell, no stone points the precise spot which inhumes them,
although they are huddled together in one promiscuous group with the
common dead, yet every child of the Village can lead you to their
graves, and directing the eye of the stranger can proclaim--
Here lie the Men who first urged the missive weapon against the insolent invaders of the Rights of Freemen--they were early immolated at the shrine of liberty, and their names should be held in everlasting remembrance--With solemn steps, interesting introspection, and the gaze of veneration, we measured with our feet the hallowed earth, we would have raised the monumental marble, the sculptured register, and the song of the Bard, should have transmitted to the latest posterity, each Hero's name--but alas! nor means, nor Muse were ours, and we departed, impotent and unavailing wishes our only resource, and, what were our sensations as we passed over Lexington plains, the patriotic bosom can better imagine than my pen can describe...."
Photographs by Bonnie Hurd Smith.
Adams Homestead, Braintree (now Quincy),
Massachusetts
Judith met John and Abigail Adams for the first time in
1788, when she and her husband, John Murray, stayed here on their
honeymoon journey in 1788. Judith described this meeting in a letter
to her parents:
"Tuesday afternoon, in consequence of a promise offered, and as of[ten] reiterated we paid our compliments to his Excellency, John Adams Esq. now residing in Braintree -- By this illustrious Patriot and his truly amiable Lady, we were received with apparent regard, and that kind of dignified complacency, which characterizes genuine worth -- In the countenance of Mr Adams, the most pleasing benevolence, inmingles with the marks of deep thinking and you immediately conclude the q[u]alities which constitute the sage, the philosopher, the politician, and the man of unbending integrity, are happily associated with the more social virtues -- I expected to be inspired with a kind of painful awe, but, strange to tell every idea of distance was immediately bannished --
Mr Adams, when introduced to this great Man hath undoubtedly united to uncommon natural abilities -- extensive knowledge, his writings proclaim his erudition, his station hath been highly dignified, and being considered in a political sense as the representative of free, independent, and sovereign states, he hath stood before Kings, upon an equal, and undisputed level, he is unquestionably an ornament to our country, and to human Nature in general -- and, for the time being, my bosom found room for one passion only untill delighted admiration triumphed there -- His Lady hath visited Courts -- European Writers have ably penned her eulogy -- I have not the Vanity to suppose that my praise can bestow one additional ray, yes I may be allowed to say by way of supplement, that it is evident the domestic as well as the more brilliant virtues are all her own -- We were soon grouped in familiar chat -- It was with [difficulty] I remembered they were not friends of ancient date, and I pronounce from proofs irrefragable, that we gave and received the sincerest pleasure...."
Photograph by Bonnie Hurd Smith.
Sargent Homestead, Hampstead, New Hampshire
Judith Sargent Murray's cousin Epes Sargent moved here
from Gloucester to farm his many acres of land. Judith was a regular
visitor to his home, where she delighted in his large family. Epes's
children, in turn, visited Judith in Boston where she could introduce
them to Boston's cultural offerings.
After a visit to this family in August 1796 with her daughter, Judith wrote to Epes, "From yourself and your much loved family I was assured of receiving every act of kindness -- I was not disappointed -- my expectations were fully answered -- and both myself and my little Companion, must continue to remember the days we passed at Hampstead as days of enjoyment."
Photograph by Bonnie Hurd Smith.
Langdon Homestead, Portsmouth, New
Hampshire
Judith had many friends in Portsmouth, including Governor
John Langdon and his family. Today, the Langdon House is owned by
Historic New England,
Inc., and it is open to the public.
During a visit in 1786, Judith described this house to her nephew, Osborne Sargent: "You enter through a spacious gate, and are conducted to the edifice over a smooth gravel walk [--] a verdant grass plat extends on either hand, and a flight of steps ascending, produces you in a neat, and commodious Portico‚ Entering the door, a long avenue, handsomely decorated presents [--] On the right is exhibited a genteel parlour tastefully fitted up, and richly furnished, and up on the left a spacious Hall, still more superbly ornamented [--] The ceiling is lofty, and the decorations exceed every thing of which I had formed an idea [--] Magnificent glasses, Soffas, elegant carpets, settees, &c &c proclaim the taste, and opulence of the Owner [--] If we make up a judgment of the Architecture of this building, from the apartments into which we were ushered, we shall have much to say in its praise [--] The out houses too are completed in the very best style [--] The prospects from the windows of this building, are truly enchanting: distant views of hills, crowned by tall woods forming the boundaries of groves, and Lawns, gentle ascents and verdant plains [--] a piece of water beautifully interspersed, and gliding along in serpentine meanders...."
Photograph by Bonnie Hurd Smith.
Barrell Homestead, York, Maine
Judith stayed here in 1786, with Nathaniel and Sally
Sayward Barrell and their family, and she maintained a lifelong
correspondence with Sally. Sally's son, Jonathan Sayward Barrell,
married the two orphaned Plummer nieces Judith helped raise; first,
Mary, and then Anna after Mary died. Today, this house is known as
the Sayward-Wheeler House. It is owned by Historic
New England, Inc., and open to the public.
In a letter from 1786, Judith described the Barrells' home: They inhabit a most delightful spot upon the borders of a river. the area before the door, is inclosed by palisades, forming, a semicircle painted white, and approaching to elegance [--] The enclosure upon the left hand rises more magnificently, and is ornamented by shrubery. Nature hath sketched the whole with a lavish hand [--] land and water are beautifully interspersed, and the white sails from afar conspire to heighten the prospect [,] The view beyond the river is constituted by hills, woods, and glades, a considerable bridge extended upon the right, forming a passage over the water, and uniting the gentle acclivities [--] a valuable grist mill gives interest to the scene, the sound of the water falls produces a fine effect, it solemnizes the mind, and bestows all the harmony of contemplation [--] as I stood in the verdant aeria, upon the commencement of this day, the sun had not just mounted the horizon, his beams, as I said, emitted uncommon splendor, and his effulgent footsteps, beautified and completed the landscape."
Photograph by Bonnie Hurd Smith.
Federal Hall, New York
In 1790, Judith and her husband, John Murray, passed
through New York on their way to Philadelphia for the first
Universalist convention. Here, in New York's federal hall, where the
new American government first began meeting, they sat through a
session of Congress, watching George Washington (wearing purple satin
robes) sign the first treaty with the Creek Nation. Judith's
observations, thoughts, and anecdotes that she recorded in her
letters were published
by Bonnie Hurd Smith.
In just one such account from these letters, Judith described this
building that no longer stands:
"The Federal structure is magnificently pleasing and sufficiently
spacious -- Four large pillars in front, support an equal number of
columns, with their pediment -- A large gallery also, presents, in
which in the presence of Almighty God, and in view of a numerous
Concourse of people, the illustrious, and immortal Washington, took
his oath of office, being thus solemnly inaugurated, and cloathed
with powers, which we doubt not he will continue to exercise, with
augmenting celebrity to himself, as well as for the public weal --
Thirteen Stars, the American Arms, crested with the spread eagle,
with other insignia in the pediment, tablets over each window, which
tablits are filled with the thirteen arrows, surrounded with an olive
branch, are among the principal ornaments which emblematically adorn,
and beautify the front of the Federal Edifice --
The entrance introduces into a square room, which is paved with stone, from which we pass on to the Vestibule in the centre of the pile -- This Vestibule is lofty, it is floored with marble, and highly finished, with a handsome iron Gallery, and a sky light richly adorned -- From this Vestibule we proceed to the floor of the Representatives-- Room, and through arches on either side, by a public staircase on the left, and a private one on the right, to the senate Chamber, and other apartments -- The room appropriated to the Representatives is spacious, and elegant -- It is worthy the respectable assembly now convened there -- It is sixty one feet deep -- fifty eight feet wide, and thirty six feet high -- its ceiling is arched and I should have called its form Oval, but I believe the technical term is octangular -- four of its sides are rounded in the manner of arches which adds much to its beauty, and gracefulness -- the windows are large, and wainscoted below, interrupted only by stoves, which I think are four in number -- above are columns, and pilasters, with entablatures variously disposed, and in the pannels between the windows, trophies are carved, and the letters U.S. surrounded with laurel --
The Chair of the Speaker is opposite the principal door -- and it is elevated three steps, the chairs of the members form around it a semicircle -- a writing stand properly furnished, is placed before every chair. In one piece a number of these stands are connected, which piece forms a segment of a circle -- upon the right and left of the speaker, are semicircular compartments, in which are tables for the accommodation of the Clerks -- Over the great door, and fronting the Speaker two Galleries are erected -- The lower Gallery projects considerably -- This is commonly, during the Sessions of the Assembly, filled by gentlemen, and the upper Gallery is appropriated to Ladies --
Besides these galleries, a space upon the floor, separated by a bar, may be occasionally occupied by visiting individuals -- This apartment is furnished with three doors, exclusive of the principal entrance, all of which are conveniently disposed -- The chairs, curtains, and hangings in this room, are of light blue harateen, fringed and tasselled, and the floor is elegantly carpeted -- We have received many civilities from Mr Goodhue, who introduced us into the upper Gallery, where we attended the debates of Congress, for near four hours."
Courtesy of the New York Public Library.
Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Judith and John made a six-month journey to Philadelphia
in 1790 to attend the first national conference of Universalists.
Judith's letters documenting this journey were published
by Bonnie Hurd Smith.
In one of these letters, written to her parents, Judith described
Philadelphia:
"It is a large, populace, opulent, and beautiful city, and
ought undoubtedly to be considered as the Metropolis of America -- It
extends between the River Delaware and the Schuylkill -- The Delaware
washes its eastern Borders, and the Schuylkill its Western -- The
City rises in a gradual ascent from these rivers, to the centre -- it
abounds with springs, and although an island City, it is commodiously
situated for navigation -- The streets run parallel with the rivers,
and they are croped at right angles -- Many object to Philadelphia,
on account of its uniformity, but I confess my self so great a Lover
of order, as to be enamoured of its beauties in whatever shape they
may strike my admiring gaze -- yes, to the charms of regularity,
every faculty of my soul delights to do homage -- I would trace her
in every walk, she should lead my steps, adorn my bosom, and grace my
life -- nor do I believe regularity exceeds variety -- for surely
order may shape, and discipline the numerous train of Versatility
Philadelphia contains a number of magnificently spacious streets -- they are flagged with brick, on either side, in the manner of the most capital streets in New York -- The scavenger is daily employed, the utmost care being taken to keep the streets clean -- The City is handsome, built with brick, and much fancy, with an eye however to uniformity, is displayed -- Many of the houses are uncommonly lofty -- The eye is pained in measuring their summit, and they far exceed what my imagination had ever figured -- Streets of three miles long are compactly built -- Elevated, and elegant structures rise upon either hand, and as the dwellings are all exactly upon a line, the prospect is beautifully extensive -- The State House, the Court House, the Academy, the Philosophical academy, and the Library, form, in one range a stately group -- The State House is augustly magnificent -- The front of the library presents a Niche, which is to be distinguished by a statue of the venerable and illustrious Franklin -- Behind the State House a public wall or garden is tastefully, and elegantly arranged, the whole being disposed in enchanting, and various order -- the gravel walks are, alternately, in a direct line, or pursue a serpentine course -- they are roled with much care, have a red hue, and are exactly smooth -- Interjacent Lawns delight the eye, a great variety of well pruned trees shade, and beautify, and the white palisade octagonally set inclose the most attractive and rare shrubbery -- These walks, and the surrounding views, are indeed charming, and perhaps they want only to be more spacious to equal any, prominades which our globe can exhibit
From a window of an upper apartment of the philosophical Academy, we are presented with one of the most enchanting prospects, that my eyes ever beheld -- the Country, in the highest, and most beautiful cultivation -- grounds nearly level, extended by Nature, and richly embelished by Art -- Beautifully diversified by Groves, plains and superb Edifices, which, in regular succession, arrest, and complete the view -- from another window, in the same apartment, we are shown the library, and a number of other elegant structures, and from a third, the delightful walks above sketched -- This City contains a variety of public buildings, valuable paintings, and other curiosities, which, during my abode here I shall probably visit, and possibly, with my usual temerity, I may attempt these outlines
Twenty six congregations assemble in this City, under the banners
of Christianity, but the majority of the Citizens, and those too of
the highest consideration, are Quakers -- The Founder of Pennsylvania
was, as you know, the immortal Penn -- There is a remarkable
plainness in the manners, and habiliments, even of those who are not
of the society of friends, at least as far as I have seen, no doubt
there are a class of people, of another description -- yet I believe
the whims and caprices of fashion, or the extravagances of
disipation, are not prevalent, in an equal degree, to what may be
witnessed in the Metropolis of our State, I am informed, however,
that Philadelphia is losing much of its ancient simplicity, and the
probability is, if the seat of government should ultimately be
established here, it will not be behind, in the career of -- What
shall I say -- I want a word -- so e'en let it pass -- At present the
dissimilarity is sufficiently conspicuous...."
Courtesy of Independence National Historical
Park.
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