: Three important new objects that shed light on the life of
Franklin Pierce have been placed on display in the foyer of the
Museum of New Hampshire History. All three items were almost
unknown to historians who study the life of Franklin Pierce
before the opening of "Franklin Pierce: Defining Democracy in
America."
The items include a hotel register from 1864 where Pierce
registered with his ailing friend Nathaniel Hawthorne. Former
President Pierce had persuaded his good friend to take a trip
through the White Mountains in hope that it would restore the
author's poor health. Meeting in Boston, Pierce began a carriage
trip through the White Mountains with Hawthorne on May 17, 1864.
After stopping at Center Harbor, they reached the Pemigewasset
House in Plymouth, N.H., at sunset on May 18, 1864. Pierce
registered at the hotel for his ailing friend and himself, but
unfortunately discovered at 3 am the next morning that Hawthorne
had died in his sleep.
The second item is a rare photograph, or ambrotype, of Mrs
Pierce's aunt, Abigail A. Means, who assumed many of the duties
of hostess at the White House for President Franklin Pierce,
1853-57, while her cousin and friend Jane Means Pierce mourned
the death of her son Benny. After living at the White House, Abby
Means returned to live in the Means House at Amherst.
The third item is a telegraph message from 1852 that was the
first news received in New Hampshire of Pierce's surprise
nomination by the Democratic convention. The Democratic Party
nominated the unknown Franklin Pierce as its candidate for
President in Baltimore on June 5, 1852. News of Pierce's
nomination reached Concord, N.H.'s telegraph office in the Eagle
Hotel Block by the next day. John C. Moore, a newspaper reporter
boarding at the American House in Concord, recognizing the news
as an important event in history, preserved this copy of the
telegraphic announcement.
The objects have been given or loaned to the New Hampshire
Historical Society. The Museum of New Hampshire History is at 6
Eagle Square. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from
9:30 am to 5 pm, and Sunday noon to 5 pm.
For information 603-228-6688 or www.nhhistory.org.
