Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 2.djvu/391

 MAJOR SAMUEL HUTCHINSON.

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��my son in this view. I think it proper to give you some information respecting this matter. * * * * I can assure you that Samuel is very fond of the idea of living with you — I shall therefor permit him to make trial, to see whether he will answer your purpose. He is something apt to learn — but has had little advan- tage for it as yet. He is rather of a slen- der constitution, not able to endure hard labor, and naturally inclined to learn, and to tend a store. With proper advan- tages to learn, and your instructions with respect to tending store, I appre- hend he might in a short time be advan- tageous to you. He is naturally reserved, and so far as I know, faithful and just in business with which he is entrusted. He is at present not remarkably fond of company, nor inclined to drinking, or any hurtful vice, that I know of; and I can always depend on his word.

'• If he should answer your purpose and be inclined to remain with you, we have determined that he shall be yours until of age. We hope you and Mrs. Shepard will consider him as being under your care and direction; and esteem it your duty to train him up in the way of virtue, as well as business.

After haying is over, we shall embrace the first opportunity to send him to you. But if he should not come till fall, you will yet understand, that we determine to send him then. * * * * If you have op- portunity you might send for him after the middle of August next.

" We present our dutiful respects. " I am, sir, with respect and

"esteem your humble servant, '•E. Hutchinson.

"Hon. Gen. Shepard,

"Alstead."

The intention of the above letter was carried out. The boy became a clerk in his uncle's store and a member of his family. He was quick to learn the details of business, attentive to the interests of his employer, prompt and courteous in his intercourse with cus- tomers, and soon gained the good will of the people and secured their confi- dence. The affection and care which they would have expended upon their own, had they been blessed with chil- dren, Gen. Shepard and his christian wife bestowed upon this sister's son, who in all his relations approved him- self worthy of such distinction.

On reaching his majority, he was re- ceived as a co-partner in the business, which was, for the next eleven years carried on under the name of Shepard

��& Hutchinson. They supplied from distant markets every kind of merchan- dise required by their customers, and afforded them a market for all the pro- ducts of the farm and shop. Their trade increased. They established a branch store at Newport, of which William Cheney and Joseph Farns- worth took charge. They had an inter- est in a store in Croydon, and in vari- ous manufactures.

On the first day of January, 181 2, there was a heavy snow-storm in Al- stead ; so severe that, contrary to their custom, neither Gen. Shepard nor Maj. Hutchinson — each of whom lived near the store, though in opposite directions — did not go home to supper, but spent the evening with some neighbors who happened in, in social enjoyment at the store, separating about nine o'clock. Gen. Shepard was in good health and spirits, and had been enter- taining his friends by his conversation. On reaching his house he fell to the floor, and expired in a moment. The doctors said of apoplexy. He was a man of full habit, a hearty eater, en- joyed his meals, and extended to his friends, and to all visitors to Alstead, a most bountiful hospitality. He had been an honored man among " the great ones " of the state. He was the man of the town. The sensation caused by his death was startling and profound.

By his will, dated 25 June, 1808, it was found that he had bequeathed to Thankful, his wife, all his household furniture, the farm stock and utensils, and $1000 in money, in her own right, and the use of all his estate, both real and personal, during her life. After her decease were to be paid legacies, amounting to $1890, besides $400, and a certain farm, which were left to Maj. Hutchinson. The balance was to be equally divided between three of his nephews and the said Hutcliinson. Maj. Hutchinson was appointed exe- cutor, and Mrs. Shepard executrix of the will. The latter declined the trust, and Maj. H. administered alone. The estate was appraised at $46,231.54, of which $38,211.21 was "personal."

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