On the 22d of April, 1807, Mr. Lawrence completed his twenty-first year, and his seven years’ apprenticeship with Mr. Brazer came to an end.  He was now of an age to enter into business for himself, and it was his intention to open a small store in Groton, in connection with a brother apprentice, but before doing so he decided to visit Boston for the purpose of establishing a credit.  He reached the city with but twenty dollars in his pocket, richer, he subsequently declared, in his own estimation, than he ever felt before or afterward.  While in the city, he received the offer of a clerkship from a mercantile house of good standing.  It was entirely unsolicited, and took him by surprise, but he decided to accept it, and abandoned his idea of going into business for himself in Groton; and this act led to a career entirely different from that to which he had looked forward.

Boston, in 1807, had a population of about thirty thousand, and the commercial position of the city was relatively much greater than at present.  The foreign trade of the United States was enormous, and was carried on in American ships, and not, as at present, in foreign vessels.  The total tonnage of American shipping engaged in this trade was seven hundred thousand tons, and of this Boston possessed a fair share.  Her domestic trade was also important.

“The merchants of Boston had then high places in the estimation of the world.  The Perkinses, the Sargeants, the Mays, the Cabots, the Higginsons, and others, were known throughout the world for their integrity, their mercantile skill, and the extent and beneficial character of their operations.  These were the golden days of Boston’s commerce....  The standard of integrity was high, and though it would be absurd to suppose that there was not the usual amount of evil in the place, it may be assumed that in no part of the world was the young trader more likely to find severer judges of character and conduct, or to be better treated if he should afford unquestionable proofs of capacity and honesty.”

It was into this community that Mr. Lawrence now entered, and in which his life was spent.  He gave such satisfaction to his employers that, when he had been with them a short time, they astonished him with the offer of a partnership.  He was but partially acquainted with their affairs, but their manner of conducting their business did not please him, and he declined their offer.  His sagacity was verified by the result.  In a few months the firm failed, and the creditors appointed him to settle their affairs, which he did to their satisfaction.