Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/191

Rh mourn, as one by one their children by marriage were removed by death, and in each case their grief was deep and lasting, sorrowing for themselves and for the dear ones so sorely bereaved, and for the grandchildren left fatherless or motherless.

In 1864 began a series of summer gatherings unique in their character. It was not enough for Mr. Carter to visit his children in their homes, and have them visit him in New York with their little ones, a few at a time. He wanted all his clan assembled under one roof, and for a considerable period; so during the vacations of the ministers he invited all to some country haunt. He found comfortable quarters in beautiful Berkshire, Massachusetts, first at Stockbridge, afterwards at South Egremont. As years passed on, the party increased, until at last, with mothers-in-law and brothers-in-law and babies and nurses, it frequently numbered nearly forty. A large sitting-room was always provided where family prayers were regularly conducted, and where many a merry game was enjoyed in the evenings. The days passed in what seemed a delightful dream. The young cousins grew up with almost brotherly interest in each other. Occasionally a few congenial outsiders dropped into the happy circle.

Mr. Carter was always very fond of driving, and wherever he was would constantly get up great carriage loads to go to some point of interest. To him a pleasure shared was always doubled, and when he was along no one else ever troubled himself about expense.

Dr. Henry M. Field wrote in the Evangelist, after his old friend’s death:—

“For some years he spent his summers near us in the country, where in 1866 he received a visit from Dr. McCosh, who was then making his acquaintance with America, and