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partner, and the firm-style became A. & A. Lawrence.
The war of 1812 came on, and Abbott, who possessed less money than his
brother, failed, but he was not disheartened. He applied to the government
for a position in the army, but before his application could be acted upon
peace was declared.
After the war his brother Amos helped him, and once more they entered
into partnership, Abbott going to England to buy goods for the firm. About
1820 the Lawrence brothers, with that enterprise which characterizes all
great business men, commenced manufacturing goods in America, instead
of importing them from the old world, and to the Lawrences is due no small
credit, as the cities of Lowell and Lawrence will testify. He was a member
of the celebrated convention at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, whose
recommendations to Congress resulted in the tariff act of 1828, which was
so obnoxious to Calhoun and the Cotton States. In 1834 Mr. Lawrence was
elected to Congress, where he did valuable service on the Committee of
Ways and Means. He declined re-election, but afterward was persuaded to
become a candidate and was again elected. By the advice of Daniel Webster
he was sent to England on the boundary question.

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President Taylor offered him a seat in his Cabinet, but he declined—later
he was sent to England, where he became a distinguished diplomat, and was
recalled only at his own request. At one time he lacked but six votes of
being nominated for Vice-President.
On the 18th of August, 1855, Abbott Lawrence died. Nearly every
business place in Boston was closed—in fact, Boston was in mourning; the
military companies were out on solemn parade, flags were placed at half-
mast, and minute-guns were fired. Thus passed away one of the merchant
princes of New England.

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