Part 23 (2/2)

I remain, sir,

Your obedient servant,

H. Gawler.

_From a Printer_.

Bangor, ME., Jan. 1, 1845.

_Mr. George Ripley_,

Dear Sir: While on a visit to Brook Farm a.s.sociation last August, it was intimated to me that it was probable, on the completion of the arrangements then in progress for the accommodation of an additional number of members, that a printing press might be introduced, a weekly paper published and something done at the printing business generally; further, that though there were two or three practical printers in the a.s.sociation, yet others in all likelihood would also be required; in which case, a selection from the number of candidates would be made.

Should it be the intention to adopt the plan, which was then in doubt, I beg most respectfully to present myself as a candidate for the acceptance of the a.s.sociation.

I am at present situated as foreman of a daily paper in Bangor, and previous to this time, have had a somewhat varied experience in other branches of the business. Though now rather favorably located, in the ordinary acceptation of the term, yet I would prefer a thousand times mingling even in the struggles of an infant a.s.sociation, founded upon what I deem to be substantial principles, than the most desirable possession in an overgrown and distorted civilization.

Touching the requisite of character, I believe I can make out a case in my favor; but with respect to capital--when I say I am a _printer_, I say also that I am in the predicament of the most of my profession, with nothing to recommend us but a willing heart and a ready hand; albeit, if the taking of one share of a hundred dollars will ent.i.tle me to members.h.i.+p, the amount may be forthcoming.

With sentiment of great respect, I have the honor to be, sir, Yours most obediently, etc.,

George Bayne, Jr.

_A Wife's Eloquent Appeal._

Kingston, Sept. 5, 1845.

_Mr. George Ripley_,

Sir: After taking the _Phalanx_ and the _Harbinger_ and visiting Brook Farm, our attachment and love for a.s.sociated life has become so strong, and the idea of our present life so cold and to a benevolent mind so difficult, that I very much doubt of remaining any longer happy in our present state. For these reasons I write to inform you that we wish to make an application to be received as members of--so it looks to us--your happy a.s.sociation; and, ”delays being dangerous,” we would ask an answer soon to it, as, living on a farm, it is necessary to know whether we shall dispose of our crops, cattle, etc., in the market, or store them in barn and cellar for another _lonely_ winter--so my husband expresses it; though I a.s.sure you it is not lonely for lack of numbers, but he is doubtless expressing the feeling many of us have experienced of solitude in the midst of a crowd of uncongenial spirits.

As it is a busy time--we have to work from 5 A.M. until late at night, with scarce a moment to rest our weary limbs--it is not convenient to visit you personally; we wish you to return us a written letter stating whether we can have any encouragement and what are the requirements.

Being strangers to you we would probably need recommendation.

Thus far I have acted as amanuensis for my husband. Hoping that it may not offend, I now address you of and from myself.

Elizabeth Brewster, _for Elisha Brewster._

_Mr. Ripley,_

Dear Sir: In the cause my husband urges I would plead. Had I skill I would do so with all the eloquence ascribed to woman's tongue; nay, more, had I an angel's tongue tipped with burning eloquence, I would exert its utmost efforts to urge my husband's suit. I feel deeply that his present and future earthly happiness depends on what answer may be received from you. That is saying much, but I believe it is strictly true. And if his happiness depends on it, surely that of the rest must, for what happiness does a woman desire but that of those connected with her? Husband has been for three years a devoted a.s.sociationist; his whole heart and mind have been with them and he has ardently desired the a.s.sociative life.

Not so myself. I was willing, it is true, to go anywhere he desired and would be happy where he was happy, but I dreaded to leave such a beautiful home, for the place we would leave is no ordinary one. The prospect from it is considered as almost without a parallel. We have plenty of fruit, flowers, fine grove and shade trees, in fact everything to make rural life agreeable and we know how to appreciate a beautiful location and prospect. Then I have had a fear of being a pioneer, lest there should be too heavy work or duties imposed or required of me. Such ideas combined, prevented me from seeing unitary life as one ought who knows that it is in the form of a heavenly society, and that as we desire perfection here on earth we must imitate the heavenly model.

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