CLARA BARTON SPEECHES & WRITINGS FILE [*Books*] [*"The Life of My Childhood"*] [*Manuscripts*] [*Typescript*]Book #2. In copy book 18 RX- (back.I am enclosing her[e]with manuscript prepared by my Grand Aunt, Clara Barton, a few years before her death. This Book #2 is a sequel to "The Story of My Childhood" published by her in 1904, and covers a most interesting period of years devoted to pioneer work in establishing public education in New Jersey. I should appreciate it greatly if you would read Miss Barton's little story and let me know your opinion of it, and if you could use it in your Publication. [*The Life of Clara Barton copied from her original manuscript*] [*up? 1909*] BOOK NO. "-October 12, 1908. 3 It was a "shay";- not the deacon's "One hoss shay" that Oliver Wendell Holmes described and immortalized-but Mr.William Tower's "shay" of Tower Hill, in grand old Charlton Town, and his magnificent dapple gray that drove up before the door that May morning to take me to my second school, and my first going away from home. The "bright, beautiful May morning" that poets rave over? Oh! Dear! No!--cold, drizzley, fitful and gusty!- But the cheery face, and voice of the "committee man," for Mr. Tower was that, went far towards dispelling the gathering gloom.- [*x*] Can I go on without saying one last word, of William Tower sleeping his eternal sleep in his far away Illinois home? There are some eyes, even at this distant day, that will brighten at the mention of the name and dim again with the tender memory of the [*x*] townsman they once had-robust, manly, warm-blooded in physique, resolute, and firm, with unerring judgment, full of sound hard sense, bubbling over with humor and keen, quick wit, all tempered with a tenderness that the mother might feel for her child. Such, he moved among them,- as such they remember him. This time the little "dressing case" gave place to a real trunk, which was strapped to the back of the chaise, that teetered and swayed with its unaccustomed burden. I, snuggled away under the glossy boot for a weather shield, swallowing quick and hard, bade a cheery good-bye, so typical of most of the things said and done in practical life altogether unlike the thing felt or meant. A drive of five or six miles took us to the district that was to constitute my field of labors. It was known as the "Mill ward" then. It is something else now. Calling for a moment at my boarding place, for an introduction, and to leave my trunk, I was driven directly to my schoolhouse. A rather time worn edifice, at the meeting of two roads, and just skirting a [rather] dense woods. On my entrance I was rather unceremoniously greeted by some fifty pupils, scrambling to their seats, but which my eye at-2- once took in as a collection of uncommonly fine children. [*Bright manly boys, tall, graceful girls, clear eyed, ruddy faced and wholesome; they were grown on Charlton's choicest farms, and of the best blood of its earliest patriarchal days: Davises, Bordens, Moores, Townes, Speers, Lambs, Boomers, Towers for ancestry, what might one not expect? If blood be "thicker" or not, it tells, and a child's "first right is to be well born." *] My one year of experience, time, and growth had all been helpful, and the close of the first day found us in general arrangement for the summer. Remaining a few minutes after dismissal at night (always too far to go for dinner) I was left alone to seek my new home, with the fork of two roads before me, not at all remembering which way I came. Raising my umbrella as well as I could for wind and rain I made my choice of ways; walking, it seemed to me, a mile with no house in sight, until, suddenly I came to an immense barn with windows and cupola, and just in front of me, a herd of cattle greater than I had ever seen. Not wishing to disclose myself, I retraced my steps to my starting point, took the other road, and after a half mile found my home. The warm greeting of my hostees, her choice speech and cultivated manner, the great blazing fire that threw its warm rays over the tasteful supper table were sufficient to reassure me. I then learned that I was the guest of Capt. and Mrs. Freeland Converse, [* and later that Mrs. Converse was the only, and accomplished daughter of Captain Jonas Tucker, one of, if not the richest man in Charlton, one of its largest farmers, and that it was his herd of a hundred milch cows that I had encountered in my uncertain effort in search of a shelter. It were useless for me to attempt the picture of this happy home, or of the faithful, beautiful children who came under my care. *] The allurements of the first week or two were leading me to quite forget the significant fact, that I owed my selection as teacher for that school to my altogether undeserved reputation for discipline, an acquirement as foreign and unknown to me as Sanscrit. About the second week I commenced to be aware that my fine, -3- sturdy boys had a leader, and day by day I was given more and more to realize it. I adopted little kindly methods of winning over, securing attention, gaining favor, exciting interest, all to no purpose, -contrary, sullen, half insolent, the tallest in the lot, all looking up to him for example. I saw only ruin for the school with him in it, and quietly suggested by note to his mother, that, perhaps at his age some more suitable employment than a summer-school might be found for him. This brought the hitherto unseen mother to me at night, -a quiet beautiful woman, full of pleading-ready to fall on her knees, to beg me not to send him out of school. "Please do not do it, it will ruin my other children, as well as him; they have no father now, I cannot govern him, he would turn upon me, I have nowhere to send him; do punish him, and make him obey." "But my dear lady, the punishment that would subdue him would be severe, and you would be the first to complain." "Never, never, I would come and help you if I could. Punish him, but don't in mercy send him home." Full of tears, and prayers she went out into the darkness, leaving me to reflect. It is to be remembered that in those far away days there were only district schools, invariably, as one might say, taught by a woman in summer and a man in winter. No superintendents, no reform schools, no Junior Republics. All rested between the teacher, the pupil, and the parents. I cite this for the consideration of the teachers of the present magnificent system of public schools. I made no promises even to myself, but decided to be governed by circumstances as they presented themselves. The mother was right. His presence at home swaggering around loose, would ruin them all. It was clearly my duty to correct, and teach him. I was there for that. But he was almost as tall as I, and all too few years younger. "Keeping school" was beginning to be less a pastime and a plaything than I had thought. I remember even now, how heavy the next morning seemed. My young man evidently mistrusted something, and braced himself accordingly. The first class that called him to the floor was reading, spelling, and defining. I selecting-4- words from the reading lesson to be pronounced after me and spelled, as spelling was taught in those days. As the class took its place he shuffled on to the floor with a noisy insolence that attracted the attention of the entire school, read indifferently, purposely mispronouncing, impudently laughing at his pretended mistakes. Still shrinking, and dreading a collision, I selected and pronounced the simple word "William", for him to re-pronounce, and spell,--With a leer, and a careless swing of the leg--"Wil-le-yum". -Again I pronounced, -"William"- with another swing, and increased emphasis- "Wil-le-yum." I stepped to my desk and drew from it my riding whip, "/a [* braided leathern lash of four feet, with a heavily loaded handle, carried not so much as a corrective for my horse, as for his protection from dogs, or whatever might assail. /" *] The class was dismissed from the floor, retaining the offender, to whom I calmly explained that his conduct called for punishment, or apology to the school, especially his classmates, whom he had wronged and insulted by his manner in their presence, and as one of them. Still a suitable apology made to them, and the promise of proper behavior in the future, would save him from the punishment he deserved. "Would he do it?" With a bravado worthy a much older bit of humanity, the firm response came,-"Not by a damn sight." That instant, the lash coiled around his shoulders. The next, a savage lunge for me, but before he had reached, by an unexpected trip, he measured his length on the floor at my feet,- another spring-another trip,- as fast as he attempted to gain his own feet he lay at mine, the lash fitting close to his shoulders at every stroke, with the repeated order to "Lie where you are", which, only when he saw me turning the butt of the whip, he obeyed. - " [* Exhausted and panting he promised to apologize, and do whatever else was required,-rose to his feet and looked around on the terrified school. My sturdy boys drooped their heads on the desks before them, -tear stained with faces of ashes my beautiful girls were ready to faint. /" *] With subdued look, and extended hand, the poor fellow went the round, from classmate to classmate-asked and obtained forgiveness, and took his seat. I, scarcely stronger than the others, -5- stood and looked pityingly on a picture, that all these years have not been able to efface. It was eleven o'clock . I told the sorry looking group that there would be no more school that morning, but to take their dinners and go out into the woods and have a picnic, pick flowers and stay until the bell rang, but not to mention a word of what had passed,-it was not a subject to be talked about, but eat their dinners, play their little song plays, pick flowers, and enjoy themselves. They went out slowly and noiselessly, and with their little baskets and pails disappeared among the trees, leaving me the sole occupant of my castle. At the tap of the bell at one, all returned bright and happy, each with a bouquet of wild-wood flowers for me, and poor Ned, [* with his welted shoulders,*] the largest of all. I had learned what discipline meant, and it was for all time so far as that school was concerned; none ever needed more than a kindly smile, and none so affectionate as Ned, for he had the noblest of natures, and was a born leader. " [* I leave him here with an asterisk for remembrance, for I have not done with him. Later along in years I found him again.*] [*out*] The term of school was, by district vote, prolonged until nearly time for the winter term to be taught by a master, and my promise received to return for the following summer. My winter at home was one of diligent study, and of the following summer I recall little beyond a peaceful, happy intercourse with my new found friends, and my pupils, to whom, even to this day, such as survive the wreck of time, from Maine to California I am still in our treasured correspondence, "Dear friend and teacher." It was a trifling gratification to me, to learn that the family ruse which had made me a teacher, and sent me away from them, had resulted in a shade of jealous desire, through my little successes to have me again with them. It occurred in this wise. The growing village of North Oxford had called hundreds of operatives. There were, in the town, only the little district schools, of five or six months in a year, taught in most unsuitable buildings, and-6- by no means adapted to the needs of the young operatives of the mills, who must, perforce, grow up in pitiful ignorance. Excepting in the cities, and largest towns, there were no graded schools in the state,- no system of continuous schools. This condition of things presented itself with such awakening force to my brother Stephen, as to decide him to make the effort of redistricting and grading the schools of Oxford, thus making them continuous. " [*X*] A glance at his characteristics may not be out of place. He was naturally scholarly, philanthropic, public spirited, helpful, courageous, with indomitable energy. " He saw his factories, and those of the other mill-owners as well, filled with young men, grown girls and children to whom no avenue of learning was open; if released from their tasks, there was no school for them: -work and ignorance were their inevitable lot. What could such a man do, under such circumstances? How could he rest without effort? It was this decision and effort that called me home to aid him. Oxford was a conservative town, of good old Huguenot ancestry, with a rather well established aristocracy and /" decided opinions of its own. Sigourney, Campbell, Learned, Davis, Moore, Olney, and Butler were names to conjure with-while Moffit, DeWitt, Alger, Hudson, Aldrich, Fitts, Dana marked a class not likely to be easily moved from a settled opinion, or won over to a new idea. My honored father Captain Stephen Barton, Seneca, I do not rank in either class but leave him to place himself as he goes on. After carefully weighing our plan, consuming more or less midnight oil, and discreetly discussing it in various quarters, we came to the conclusion that whosoever accomplished it had something to do. Excepting from the mill owners, and manufacturing firms along the river, and more active business men of the town, we were likely to receive little encouragement, -often decided opposition. Others equally just and philanthropic-not witnessing the harm that was being done, could not realize it. In the town were a score or more of schools, a few of good size, and generally well taught, the remainder, dwindling away from twenty to a dozen pupils, with schools from three to six months in the year, with a teacher at seventy five cents to a dollar a week, and boarded around among the families. -7- Geographically, Oxford was a large town and distance from school comprised a leading objection as for example. "If twenty districts were now needed to accommodate the children, what would they do when reduced to half a dozen. A child could never walk the required distance, it would be cruel to demand it, (no sensible person would think of it.) And then the expense of re-districting the town. It was all a new fangled notion- trying to ape cities. It should be frowned down." It surely was frowned upon. Meeting this unexpected weight of opposing opinion, and having the deepest respect for the most worthy townsmen who entertained them, whose judgment on subjects which they well understood was not to be gainsaid, we did not press our cause, but deferred a year, using the time in laboring to educate public opinion. Our success was such as to warrant the calling of a town meeting. Two men who had never relaxed at all, our most honored and powerful opponents were Deacon Peter Butler, Grandfather of Secretary Richard Olney of Boston [and] also Hon. Peter Butler Olney of New York, and Captain Stephen Barton, Senior, my father. These two gentlemen we knew would lead the meeting. I had been quietly requested to write an argument to be read in the meeting, which I had as quietly done. The day arrived, a full, energetic meeting: Capt. Barton, as usual serving as moderator, ably seconded by his friend, the Deacon. With the quick disposal of a little town business, the main question opened, -arguments pro and con. My paper was read by a popular mill owner as his own, of course, for I was nobody; the moderators gavel kept order, and "the siege went on." But when the crack of Emory Eddy's whip brought the great four horse lumber wagons of S. & D. Barton to a halt before the door and eighty two men from the North Oxford factories sprang out, stepped quietly in, depositing their bits of paper, back to their wagons and away again in twenty minutes, it was something else. They delayed arguing and counted votes. Oxford had graded schools. It has never lost them, and today it is a high and well deserved honor to hold a diploma from the schools of Oxford.-8- But did not this engender ill feeling the Barton family, you ask- By no means. My mother dined us all that evening by special invitation, and my father's first hearty toast was to the "New Fangled Foll[e]y." This was a step towards victorious accomplishment, but only a step. There was a town to be redistricted, old schools to be discontinued, new ones substituted, old school-houses disposed of, and the school funds so arranged as to make the schools-the number being smaller,-continuous throughout the year. It was, really for the entire town that our gospel was to be preached, but we must begin at Jerusalem. If any community needed saving grace it was those three miles of villages with their begrimed, tired, old-faced children-long limbed active boys, not unworthy followers of Slater and Tiffany, and the bright rollicking girls growing into womanhood with scarcely knowledge to account for the little money their labor earned them, or still worse, any way of getting the knowledge. It was late summer. The traditional term of school had closed. A school must be at once opened for the North Oxford villages, regardless of town appropriations, and a new schoolhouse built to accommodate at least a hundred pupils, to open with the new year. From the lumber yards of S.&D. Barton the house would be an easy accomplishment, but where should a school be kept meanwhile? The old house was far to one side with such accommodations as it had, consisting mainly of shelter, for about thirty pupils. An enthusiastic meeting of the mill owners resulted in a decision that I should open a school the following week to continue until the new house was completed. But where? Socrates and Plato taught out of doors, but they had knowledge and wisdom to compensate. I was too small, knew too little, and must have a form of shelter however exposed. In the old "yellow village" known as Cutler and Bartlet's was a discarded picker-room, which had been later used for storing obsolete machinery. This building was mainly cleared, and benches supplied. Its only light was from the great open doorways facing the public street, so near that all conversation was distinctly -9- heard. There, seventy children assembled, and how good and obedient they must have been, to listen at all to me, with the entire populace in full view, and all outside speech perfectly audible." It was a surprise and a study to me, even to see how quickly and easily the wild excitement, curiosity, and foolishness of a childs manner and nature could be tamed and reduced to a system of manly and womanly thought and deportment by gentle restraint, calm reasoning, confidence and encouragement. In two weeks these seventy children had apparently forgotten that there was anything peculiar in their surroundings; or to call for laughter or surprise. Not only did every passing dog skip in and out, unnoticed, and pursued puss seek shelter, but a couple of pet goats that searched the neighborhood for dainties (tin cans were not as plentiful then as now) hobbled in and out at will, without even a tiny giggle in response to their bleat of disappointment at finding nothing. [*X*] And a tame crow, discovering, with a crows intelligence, where the crumbs fell, paid frequent daily visits, and gave many an ominous caw, with no recognition, save some little hand lovingly smoothing the glossy feathers if they came within reach. [*X*] Of course, all understood how highly I appreciated their excellent deportment, and in a manner it existed on my approbation. These were children. In the years that have followed and the charge of men and women that has sometimes fallen on me, I have found them mainly children of larger growth, and similar methods produce similar results. Approval is a human necessity. The heart languishes, sours, and turns to bitterness without it. How thoughtless, chary, and niggardly are we in its distribution, and the millions of souls that go awreck for the want of that which costs nothing,-approval, encouragement, trust, confidence. Oh! the pity of it. [*X*] But as Samanthy would say "I am episodin". They were not only good and obedient, but learned more than they had ever known before. We developed some excellent readers, (two, later, became public readers.) As a recreation, a class of twenty was permitted to occupy the last fifteen minutes of each day in concert reading. If successfully done might be inferred from the groups of men and-10- women assembled within some convenient distance (almost any distance would have sufficed) to listen to the "concert reading." There was truly no lack of spirit, "Marco Bozzaris" lived again, and-They "tore her tattered ensign down" with a vigor that literally might be said [* x *] to have "astonished the natives," who waited with a corresponding interest to see the school dispose of itself. No boxing, keeling over, nor other unbecoming behavior, but quietly home with the appearance of sensible beings. Some, Alas! too few of them are still here, and tell me with tears of mirth and memory of the days when we "went to school in the picker room." One day last fall after over sixty years of absence, I searched among the other well kept buildings for my school room but could not find it. It naturally fell to me to make the design for the new school house on which I "tried my prentice han." I had ample opportunity for original design, for I had never seen a school house that, in its construction was not nearly as well adapted to any other ordinary use as a school. Thus I had to draw upon my imagination for what seemed desirable, I had never, when seated, rested my own feet on the floor of a school room; as I commenced my school life with my feet above the floor, and finished it before they reached down. Reasoning from Analogy the maximum height of seats or benches must not exceed inches, with a desk, permanent ink , and under shelf in front. Each bench to accommodate two pupils, with broad sloping isles between, leading to a centre hall running the entire length of the room, on the opposite side of which a low elevation of about equal width provided for the teachers desk and all classes in recitation. A succession of black boards, and maps lined the walls;and what I had then never heard of in a schoolhouse, a good substantial clock. They should at least learn time, if they could not be taught to heed it. The frosts of autumn naturally closed our school by the wayside, which had been an entirely personal gratuity between ourselves, having no relation to public finances. But the New School house, "spick and span new" on its -11- pretty eminence, midway between two villages, was the legitimate offspring of the town. When finished, a formal invitation from the district committee, accompanied by the necessary certificate of examination, and approved by the Town School Board was courteously presented to me, with the request that I commence the winter school. It does not remain for me to say that this courtesy was a gratification to me, nor its non-acceptance, a regret: but with what seemed to me good reasoning, and I dare hope with a sprinkling of good judgment its courtesies were declined. I reasoned [(if women do reason)] that this was by far the largest school in town. Custon demanded a man for the teaching of a winter school. This was a new school, and a new system, yet to be tried, and it seemed wise for the success of our undertaking that we avoid so far as possible all that might appear to be too much of a new thing. My declination was accepted, and the winter session well conducted by some competent "master". As a salve to the disappointment of my brothers who had spared neither time nor pains, I went into their counting house, to relieve them of such personal oversight, as otherwise they would feel it necessary to give for safety, such as bringing to a close, long waiting and complicated accounts, overlooking ledgers, and helping the perplexed lumbermen in their estimates of difficult measurement; a practice which became so familiar to me that forty years later when in the Relief of the inundated Sea Islands off South Carolina it became necessary for us to purchase a million feet of lumber to be shipped down the rivers for houses, it created a surprise among the shippers that I called for no specialist in its assignment but took that charge myself and was able from their statements to measure and assign the entire purchase without even seeing it, so enduring are early impressions, so helpful if correct, and well founded. While the coming of this spring did not, like its predecessors, bring Mr. Towers shay-it brought a May day that the poets might claim as their own. Not the scud of a cloud, and if the years of continuous labor before me, which it commenced could have been foreseen, not a ray too much of sunshine or balm was there.-12- I entered that schoolroom with one hundred and twenty five pupils, with no assistance but such as I could hope to gain from my larger pupils, as monitors. This contingency had in a manner been provided for my partitioning off a fairly sized recitation room along side of the main entrance in front. Of course, my pupils were of both sexes, and all ages, ranging from four years to twenty four. American, English, Irish, and French, from the tiny fresh-aproned bits of humanity, on the little low seats in front, with curious and half frightened gaze looking up at me, to the lines of tall, well groomed girls, or young women, and boys, or young men with sprouting beards and mustaches, ranged on the back seats looking down upon me for some were at least a head taller than I, and the large area between which in popular parlance would be termed the"middle classes," of all sizes, ages, and make ups." [*X out*]] I pray you pardon me a moment while I whisper a word to the teachers of today, by ourselves. Teachers, without the slightest intended disrespect might we not properly term this section the "Rogues Gallery?" and you will I pray you pardon my familiarity in [*206*] addressing you, or the recall of this far away picture has annihilated time and space, and made me one with you. It has, "Backward," turned backward Oh time in it flight And made me a child again for tonight." I cannot continue with you, but my heart's prayer, so long as it has one, will be for you, and your Heaven sent work. [*X out*] Although a foregone conclusion that I should take the school in the spring, I must be formally "engaged", and terms stated. [*300*] The committee waited upon me for that purpose. "Have you settled upon a price you will pay Gentlemen? I asked, "Certainly not", replied the gentlemanly chairman, Mr. Wil[l]marth, a prominent mill owner. "We leave that for you to say." "The school will be as large as last winter?" I asked. "Probably larger, it cannot be less." "And you wish me to teach it as well, if I can." "Better we expect," with a polite smile. What did you pay Mr. W.? The price was named. Then that will be my price. I may sometimes be very willing to teach for nothing -13- but if paid at all, I shall never do a man's work for less than a man's pay." A quick warm grasp from the chairman's hand. We honor you Miss Barton for that stand you take, and on the basis I wish we had paid him more. I had then never seen nor even heard of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, nor my blessed friend Susan Anthony. Their field was far away and small, if indeed they had one. Justice is inborn, if not perverted. [*X*] But enough; let me hasten back to my new school room with the hundred and twenty five awaiting me." "What did I do with them?" you ask. By this time I had gained the confidence that enabled me to address an opening school, but do not imagine that I laid the Testament aside, or forgot the Sermon on the Mount." and the Little Emelies with the good resolves shone out in more than one pair of clear questioning eyes resting upon me. [*X*] First they must be classed, suitable books found for them and lessons apportioned. The bell and clock would tell them when to do things. The lessons would tell them what to do, and it would be my part to tell them how. In this, I had the help of the boards and maps, and the recitation room, which proved a far greater assistance than the most sanguine could have hoped for. It was held a high honor to be made monitor. The classes were selected with care, and there was never a time during the day that some junior class of not less than twenty five was in recitation to some pains taking monitor." [*X*] Neither was this a loss to the monitor. There were superb teachers of a few years later both men and women who traced the commencement of their career to the early responsibility and personal control gained in that self reliant, unwatched, and isolated class room. The regulation of a school of that magnitude must be largely automatic. There was not a minute in the day for me to lose. I must stand with my classes, and teach them. The government must consist in general laws, immutable as those of the Medes and Persians. It was amazing how quickly they comprehended the situation and conformed to it. There is nothing so intuitive as a child. The classes were large. Each class knew its alloted time. Not my hand, but the minute hand of the clock, must be their reminder, and quietly-14- retiring give place to the next class without sign or notice from me. Recesses the same passing quietly out and in at the low tap of the bell by the monitor intrusted with that charge. Disputes, if unfortunately any occurred were brought to me after school. Algebra, and rudimental book keeping constituted the limits of mathematics. Elementary philosophy, and chemistry, ancient and natural history were limits in the scientific direction, all too rarely attained. But the three Rs--reading, spelling, and the inevitable copy book had no limits but human endurance and capacity. The black boards and maps contributed their ever ready, and bountiful share of general information. Eleven weeks school- two weeks vacation-or collectively forty four weeks school and eight weeks vacation in the year. And thus it went on with a few interruptions for a half dozen or more years. Years of hard work. How severe a tax they were upon my strength I think no one realized so fully as my father, and no one could have sought more vigilently and delicately to fill in the missing links by supplying the out of door recreation he saw me in need of. I had no time for journeys; cared little for driving, and the best that lay in his line for me, was the offer of an exceptionally fine saddle horse, from time to time for a change. I recall an incident which many years after I heard him refer to most feelingly at a social gathering where the sentiment of the evening was, "Long life" to me, for some trivial service I was thought to have rendered. Evidently he had treasured the memory of a time when my life had been in danger of being shortened. It occurred in this wise. A very fine horse had come into his stable. Large, strong, handsome, and said to be well gaited for the saddle. One saturday, I thought to try him. For a wonder my father hesitated, although he had long ceased to take note of what horse I rode. But today, a most unusual attention, he seated, and handed me the reins himself, saying as he did so, "Remember this is a powerful horse and you don't know his habits." I gathered the reins with a laugh, saying "I might learn some of them before I got back." Taking rather gaily the road to the north, -15- with Spencer town a point of destination. Two or three miles through the heavy woods, leading to what was then Clapville were refreshing. The rise of [the] a hill brought us instantly in full view of the town, when, suddenly, with a whisk of the tail, a high toss of the head, and a loud champ of the bit, we were leaping forward with the speed of an engine. I had the reins firmly in my grasp but had no control. He had taken that himself. Leaving the traveled road and springing into a by-path which he seemed to know, I saw him making directly for a blacksmith's shop with its lighted forge. The two great doors had been thrown wide open, and as we came near, I saw to my dismay that the low cross-bar had not been removed. He would go in there, in spite of me. It were death to attempt to leave him at that speed; we must go in together. Crowding my foot hard in the stirrup for a firm hold, letting go reins and whip I threw both arms about his neck, and dropped to his side, clinging for dear life. The next instant he thundered in onto the floor, where strong sooty arms caught us both. I was breathless and a stranger, but they knew him very well. He had come for his customary shoeing. I thought it was an increase of head-gear that he required rather than shoes, and had them procured. He had used his feet very well. After a rest of an hour or two, and being ridden slowly about, and coddled by the men till he was calm and dry, my stately comrade was made ready and we took our way home. I did not visit Spencer. My father was waiting my return, evidently anxious, and as he saw us coming in slowly and orderly with a bran new curb bit and martingals, he remarked dryly, "Judging from appearances, my daughter, you have learned some of his habits." Hard [tiresome] toilsome years were these with no advancement for [*->Gwm*] me. Some, I hoped, for others. Little children grew to be large, and mainly "well behaved." Boys grew to manhood, and continued faithfully in their work, or went out and entered into business, seeking other vocations. A few girls became teachers, but more continued at their looms, or set up housekeeping for themselves, but whatever sphere opened to them they were all mine, second only to the claims and interests of the real mother. And so they have remained. Scattered over the world some near, some far, I-16- have been their confidant, standing at their nuptuals if possible, lent my name to their babies, followed their fortunes to wars gory fields, staunched their blood, dressed their wounds, and closed their northern eyes on the hard fought fields of the Southland, and yet, all this I count as little in comparison with the faithful, grateful love I hold today, of the few survivors of my Oxford schools. [* omit x *] I shall have neglected a great, I could almost say a holy duty, if I fail to mention the name- and connect the presence of the Rev. Horatio Bardwell with this school. Rev. Dr. Bardwell, an early India Missionary, and for over twenty years pastor of the Congregational church of Oxford, where his memory lovingly lingers today, as if he had passed from them but yesterday, or indeed had not passed at all. [* x *] Dr. Bardwell was continuously on the school Board of the town, and his custom was, to drop in upon a school, familiarly at a most unexpected moment. I recall the amusing scenes, when, by some unusual sound behind me my attention would be called from the class I had before me, to see my entire school which had risen unbidden, standing with hands resting on the desk before them, heads reverently bent, and Dr. Bardwell midway of the open door, with hands up-raised in mute wonder and admiration. At length he would find voice, with "What a sight, What a multitude!" The school re-seated itself when bidden and prepared for the visit of a half hour of pleasant conversation, anecdotes and advices that even the smallest would not willingly have missed. It was the self-reliant, self-possessed and unbidden courtesy of these promiscuous children that won the Doctor's admiration. He saw, in these something for a future to build upon. [* x *] It is to be remembered that I am not writing romance, nor yet ancient-history, where I can create, or vary my models to suit myself. It is, in fact, semi-present history, with most notable characters still existing, who can, at any moment, rise up and call me to order. To avoid such a contingency, I may sometimes be more explicit than I otherwise would be at the risk of prolixity. This -17- possibility leads me to state, that [* "/ A *] a few times in the years, I was borrowed, for a part of a winter term, by some neighboring town, where it would be said there was trouble, and some school was "not getting on well." I usually found that report to have been largely illusive, for they got on very well with me. Probably it was the old adage of a "new broom" for I did nothing but teach them. [* " *] I recall one these experiences as transpiring in Millbury, the grand old town where the lamented, and honored mother of our President Elect Judge Taft has just passed to a better land. That early and undeserved reputation for "discipline" always clung to me. [* X out *] Most of this transpired during years in which I should have been in school myself, using time and opportunities for my own advancement which could not be replaced. This thought grew irresistibly upon me, until I decided that I must withdraw and find a school, the object of which should be, to teach me something. The number of educational institutions for women was one to a thousand as compared with today. I know I must place myself so far away that a "run of bad luck" in the home school could not persuade me to return. -It would be sure to have one. Religiously, I had been educated in the liberal thought of my family, and preferring to remain in that atmosphere, I decided upon the "Liberal Institute" of Clinton New York. I recall with pain even now the regret with which my family, especially my brothers, heard my announcement. I had become literally a part, if not a partner of them in school and office. My brother Stephen was school superintendent, thus there was no necessity for making my intentions public, and I would spare both my school and myself the pain of parting. I closed my autumn term, as usual, on Friday night. On Monday night the jingling cutter of my brothers, (for it was early sleighing) took me to the station for New York. This was in reality going away from home. I had left the smothered sighs, the blessings, and the memories of a little life behind me. My journey was made in silence and safety, and the third day found me installed as a guest in the "Clinton House" of Clinton, Oneida county, New York; -a typical old time tavern. My hosts were-18- Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Bertram- " [*cut*] and again the hand rests, and memory pauses, to pay its tribute of grateful, loving respect to such as I shall never know again this side the Gates Eternal. It was holiday season. The institute was undergoing a transfer from old to new buildings. These changes caused a delay of some weeks, while I became a part and parcel of the family I had so incidentally and fortunately fallen among. Clinton was also, then as now the seat of Hamilton College. The sisters and relatives of the students of Hamilton contributed largely to the personelle of the Institute. Rev. Dr. Sawyer presided over Hamilton, and Miss Louise M. Barker with a competent corps of assistants presided over the Institute. It was a cold blustering winter day that assembled us in the almost as cold school rooms of the newly finished and sparsely furnished building. Even its clean new brick walls on its stately eminence looked cold, and the two plank walk with a two feet space between, leading up from the town was not suggestive of the warmest degree of sociability, to say the least of it. -My introduction to our Preceptress, or President, Miss Barker, was both a pleasure and a surprise to me. I found an unlooked for activity, a cordiality and an irresistible charm of manner that none could have foreseen, -a winning, indescribable grace which have met in only a few persons in a whole life time. [* X *] Those who remember the eminent Dr. Lucy Hall Brown of Brooklyn, who only a year ago passed out through California's "Golden Gate," will be able to catch something of what I mean, but cannot describe. Neither could they. [* " *] To no one had I mentioned anything of myself, or my past. No "certificate of character" had been mentioned, and no recommendation from my "last place" been required of me. There was no reason why I should volunteer my history, or step in among that crowd of eager pupils as a "school marm", expected to know everything. The easiest way for me was to keep silent, as I did, and so well kept that I left that Institute at the close without a mistrust on the part of anyone, that I had ever taught a school day. The difficulty to be met lay mainly in the assignment of studies. The prescribed number was a cruel limit. I was there -19- for study. I required no rudiments, and wanted no allowance for waste time, I would use it all, and diffidently I made this fact known at the head, asking one more, and one more study until the limit was stretched out of all reasonable proportions. I recall, with amusement the last evening when I entered with my request. The teachers were assembled in the parlor and divining my errand, as I had never any other, Miss Barker broke into a merry laugh, - with "Miss Barton we have a few studies left; you had better take what there are, and we will say nothing about it." This broke the ice, and the line. I could only join in the laugh, and after this studied what I would, and "nothing was said." I would, by no means be understood as crediting myself with superior scholarship. There were doubtless far more advanced scholars there, than I, but I had a drilled rudimentary knowledge which they never had, and I had the habit of study, with a burning anxiety to make the most of lost time. So true it is that we value our privileges only when we have lost them. I never realized the value of material composing that institute school until the developments of after years forced it upon me. Her pupils has imbibed Miss Barker's spirit of activity and usefulness. Painters, sculptors, musicians, poets, doctors, lawyers, linguists, editors, authors, speakers, the wives of some of the best men of the land, lawyers, judges and ministers galore, and their children, male and female are leading the best careers in the country today. Some stand out persistently in memories ranks and will not down. // [* out X *] Here is my gentle, faultless room-mate, Clara Hurd who became the wife of Rev. ? . Tall, elegant Sarah Stodard, who became the companion of the talented Rev. ? Eddy. Gertrude Sawyer wife of the noted artist (Garis?) McEntee of Rondout on the Hudson: and hero, foremost of all comes lithe limbed, sweet-faced Abby Barker, delicate but firm, non resistent, but non yielding Abby Barker, you know her as Mrs. Judge Joseph Sheldon of New Haven. How little we dreamed as we pored over our books in Clinton, and Joseph, -no judge then, just plain Joe Sheldon was pondering and pummelling away at Yale,-20- of the years, the half century of years that we should walk side by side, hand in hand, along life's rugged ays, watching its launches and its wrecks, with never a discord, never a doubt, never a misunderstanding, loving, trustful, faithful to the end; so shall it be. Buried in my work as I was, forgetful of the world, it as seldom that even its griefs found me. these, being usually a drug in the market, are best kept for home consumption, but for filial love, and reverence I may speak of one. It was July, of the hottest of seasons, summer vacation had not commenced. A dispatch was handed me. By the dim hall light I read. "Our mother died suddenly this afternoon, unconscious, and painless, burial must be soon. Do not attempt a journey in this heat. Stephen." I sought my room without a word, and so sat, alone, the night. The dispatch had passed over the hotel wires. Next morning with sunrise, the hotel carriage stood in front of the seminary with a private message to Miss Barker, requesting that I be permitted to come to them for a week. This took Miss Barker, in deep sympathy to me, and me to the carriage and hotel with the loving care of my newly found friends, like other father and mother, sister and brothers. At the end of a eek I as able to return, resume my studies, and only Miss Barker, faithful true and tender knew that any thing had befallen me. It is not to be supposed that I could so entirely assimilate myself with those frolicsome girls, half the time bound for some innocent mischief as never to attract observation from them. In spite of my caution, they would, occasionally catch a glimpse of something not just like themselves and be sure to invest it with a mysterious importance. Only a few weeks ago I was asked if I remembered my two dresses alike, and the curiosity that they excited. I did, and it was this: in my hasty departure from home, I had little time for preparations, but directed my winter suit of the prevailing mode, a ladies cloth of dark green, with pelerine, velvet trimmings, steel buttons, and hat to match. This was a scarlet scarf which my brother put about my neck, completed -21- the outfit. But when it came from the dress-maker on Saturday, almost enough cloth for another dress came with it. I had, in my order reckoned on single width material, and it was double. It was of no consequence, but was put into my truck. Later finding myself in need of a school-dress, I had extra cloth matched with a yard or so, and a school dress made, varying it as far as possible in the trimmings. But the quick eyes, and brains full of romance, were too sharp and curious. "Why two dresses alike? what could it mean?" They had read of such things to help carry out a plot, [an elopement]. A mild excitement was soon running, which was only allayed by the ready tact of Miss Barker, to whom the explanation was made, in a lesson to the class on political and domestic economy, in which she took occasion to name the two dresses as a practical illustration of the latter. Distances seemed greater then. than at the present day of whirling about the world, and out of it, for that matter, and journeys were of more importance, and less frequency. Reluctant to spare the time from my studies, I remained, during vacations, as a mere boarder at the seminary, pursuing my studies, in review. This afforded a month or more of free social life, several teachers remaining as well, In some of the higher classes of mathematics and metaphysics, our teachers had the aid of the advanced student professors of Hamilton, which brought us into social relations. Notable among these were Professor Paul A. Towne, a distinguished mathematician, and Professor Samuel Ramsey, studying for the ministry, and a score of later eminent Divines. A foolish squib of the papers (for even in those sober days, newspapers could print foolish things), was passing around, of some spoony fellow who had said, he "lived in Julias eyes" and which for its very silliness as noticeable. One morning as we ere chatting at the breakfast table, a gentleman riding an elegant horse, and leading another, ith side saddle, entered the grounds. Miss Barker's quick glance, swept the table, ith "I wonder whose eye Professor Ramsey lives in this morning." Assuming an unusual gravity I rose from my seat, with, "Mine. MIss Barker with your permission." No possible ob--22- objection could be made to that, and we were soon away among the beautiful hills and vales of central New York. Later, it leaked out that as usual the joke had been turned on me, and I had not been the attraction I might have been led to suppose myself. It had been a ruse planned between Miss Barker and the Professor to draw me off for a day from my self imposed confinement. Long years after (when) Professor Ramsey (I had given years to important government service, / [* cut *] become one of the best linguists, and first scholars of the country, a writer of books almost too learned for other men to read understandingly, mastered, the lore of India, Iceland and the philosophies of China, / we) had many a merry laugh over the joke played upon me, I never failing to accuse him of conspiracy. [* Insert Letter to Sam Barton May 7/51 *] My acquaintance with my school-mates had been pleasant, and its friendships lasting as time has richly proven. Among these was one more peculiar, from the disparity of years: the same affection on her part displaying itself as I had known on the part of some of my older pupils. She had been much with me, and almost unconsciously to myself my teacher instincts had doubtless made her school life easy. // [* Cut *] We would leave at the same time, she having brothers and friends in Hamilton, who would take her with them. She possessed an ardent, sensitive nature, a brilliant intellect, with a union of strength and tenderness I had seldom if ever seen combined. The only daughter of the home, where her wishes, if well directed had been a kind of law. The sadness of her letters home, had called from the // Her parents sent a most urgent request for me to promise them a visit, in the future. / [* Cut *] This was of so genuine, hearty, and at the same time, delicate a nature that I could not find it in my heart to utterly decline. / "Miss Clara the hope held out to our little daughter that thee will visit us has brought great happiness to our home. Let us also hope it may not be very long until we see thee here." This was from the home of that veteran Quaker, and Universalist Richard Horton of Hightstown, New Jersey. The long grass has waved over his grave these fifty years, and yet its return in the spring time is not more green or fresh, than the memory of Richard -23- Richard Norton to those who knew, and among whom he lived his true and righteous life. There now remained the tender good by's, at Clinton, and the turning away from those open doors of intellectual help which had been the dream of a life to me. MIdsummer found me back in the old Huguenot town, and the home that was still a home, and yet, not all a home, something was missing. "Oh! for the touch of a vanished hand And the sound of a voice that is still." But this was all. My brother David and the tall handsome sister with whom I had only a few years before helped to tie the wedding knot, with their four beautiful children, a pair of twin daughters, a son and Baby May, had come, almost immediately to the rescue of my father's home so suddenly bereft, and only for the chatter of children, and the more active life, a stranger might scarcely have noticed the change. My father was still hale, and the firm tread of the soldier march, which he never lost was good for all the miles he might desire to measure; and although bravely past the three score and ten, his intellect compassed both the strength of the man, and the quickness of the lad. Four children played about his knee, for whose childish differences no higher tribunal was sought, and if all arbitraments could be as wisely, lovingly and successfully rendered, swords might well become pruning hooks, and bugles, pipes of peace. My brothers, shoulder to shoulder were pushing on, building new mills, and running the old. The school, after a few missteps, and the ordinary quota of bumps, had learned to go alone, and was enjoying its summer vacation. Thus, nothing seemed to really stand in the way of my promised visit. It was to be only a visit. And one early autumn day saw me walking up the lane leading from the town-road to the stately home of Richard Norton, with Mary clinging to my arm in an ecstasy of joy. That home deserves a far better description than I can give, but let me do what I can. A large, well cultivated farm some four miles from the town, a commodious country house, the number of rooms I cannot recall; but the great family sitting and living room is as familiar to me today as then. A centre table covered-24- with books and papers, firm, high backed chairs, a settee, a window of growing plants, the clock with unerring hands, and the piano, occupying all the space of one side that could be spared for the parlor door. Its occupants! First the majestic form of "Uncle Richard" firm build, broad-chested, clean face, firm mouth with dark ringlets over a massive forehead. "Mistress Nelly" -slight, active, orderly, busy, nervous hands, clear blue eyes, full of capacity and care. "Nelly I fear thee art troubled about many things," but surely Mary had chosen the good part that was seldom taken from her, as with glad, dancing feet she glided from room to room, or with quick touch woke the piano from its quiet rest. But the men of 5 feet 11 inches manly, sturdy, gentlemanly [men] -Joshua, James, Charley of Clinton fame, Wycoff had married and gone and William had followed suit. Truly might Richard and Nelly be proud of their sons, and so has the town been proud of its citizens. Farmers by day, but reading, intelligent, intellectual discussion, and music enlivened the evenings. As the October leaves commenced to fall, I ventured some remarks concerning home, but these were met by a protest so general and vigorous as to unbalance my decision and lead me to consider. "Why must thee go? Why not stay and help to cheer our "winter?" My suggestion that I ought not pass so much time in mere idleness, and that there was nothing there to occupy me, drew from Uncle Richard the rejoinder, "If thee could teach our winter school, Miss Clara, thee could find plenty to do. But thee could not keep a school could thee?" I thought "perhaps I might." "I know thee could teach them Miss Clara, but these farmer boys that go to our school in the winter, are men grown, an sometimes, rough. "Thee would not dare to undertake them." "How many were there?" "About forty." I thought it "might be able to manage them", and thus, after a goodly share of deliberation, it was decided, that I venture to attempt the winter school, a venture never before essayed by a woman; "Graded School? Ah no! not even a free school. Public schools were merely a thought in the State of New Jersey at that date; and not at all a popular thought at that. -25- All expenses inuring from the public treasury to individuals was held as pauperism. Thus, the public payment of a teacher for the children of a family place them in the same category, as having food or clothes provided at public expense. The people of no self respecting community would submit to this degradation. Public schools in that day ceased with the southern boundaries of New England and New York. Each scholar was assessed a certain sum, the aggregate of which formed the teacher's salary, something on the principle of select schools of today. This was a "new thought" to me, and fell with overwhelming force. I lived over again the days of little district schools in Massachusetts. Those, at the time, I had regarded as sorely lamentable; but this system for the children of very poor, unfortunate, or unworthy parents seemed too unbearable. But beginning to discern more clearly that I was in a different social atmosphere, and realizing, in a way the value of discretion, I kept my reflections to myself, and shall it say it-? "sawed wood." As the harvest ended, releasing the farmer boys, the time for the commencement of school approached. I think it was the first Monday in December, a clear crisp morning, but no snow. "Mary I think thee had better go with Miss Clara this first day; thee knows these boys and even thy presence might be a little restraint "upon them". Ready in a trice with hat, coat and muffler, my trusty attendant. "Here, giddy Mary," from clear toned Aunt Nelly "take this basket, you will both be hungry by noon." A cut across the fields, for short, soon brought us to our low browed, wood colored domicile, where a bevy of strong limbed, square shouldered, three quarter grown young men in a mighty game of ball, scarce noticed our approach. Panting and sweaty, they swung into their seats with the same careless ease, as they would have gathered about a heap of corn for the husking. But here came in Mary's part. By no means, "Giddy Mary" now, little lady that she was, with a self possession that nearly unnerved me. She approached each in his or her seat, her neighbors,-26- and until a year or two before, her school mates and taking them by the hand brought them to me for introduction; telling me as nearly as possible what would be well for both them and me, to know, "Miss Barton, this, "---a little, pale-faced girl of twelve or thirteen--"is Mary Morris, who lives with her aunt. She had scarlet fever, when a child, and does not hear well, and is not always able to keep up with her lessons, but she tries hard." I thought she would be able to get all the lessons I should set for her. Then a good looking lad of perhaps eleven, "Miss Barton, this is Abijah Bodine." "Abijah is always a good boy, in school and out." Abijah accepted his praise with blushes and gave way for the next, a strong sturdy fellow of perhaps fourteen, with handsome features, a square set jaw of ivory teeth, eyes in which the very prince of mischief might sit enthroned, and by the dewy flush of the recent game, still on his face one saw he was not a mere "looker on," in matters about him. "Miss Barton this is Abijah's brother, Hart Bodine, Hart is a good boy, but I am sorry to say, has the reputation of being a great rogue in school. I think he will do better now." Astonished at the unexpected character of the introduction, poor Hart could only mutter some broken sentences of a pledge of better things. The words were all that were ever broken. The pledge was kept. Oh how long and well it was kept. In school, he was ever at my hand, to do the smallest bidding, never leaving the house till I left, at night, and the first to greet me in the morning. So were they faithful at their country's call. [The following paragraph has slashes through it and is perhaps intended to be cut from a future draft:] Hart came back to live the life of a true and honored citizen, and when a few years later his little daughter made her first entry at school, she is said to have walked bravely up to her teacher, with no introduction but her own, "Mistress Teacher, I am Clara Barton Bodine." "But to resoom" / "That ceremony over I had only to class my school, and go on teaching it. Aunt Nelly's dinner basket had played its useful part, -27- and early candle light found us once more gathered at the hospitable table. "My daughter, is thee disposed to tell us how school went today. I fear Miss Clara might find my question too direct?" "Like a Paradise Papa, I never saw any such school teaching before." "Does thee say that none of those rough boys gave Miss Clara any trouble." "Only in getting rid of them at night, for when four o'clock came, something so interesting was being explained that they did not want to go, till it was finished." "But the little tap came and they will all hurry back in the morning to get the rest of it." Next morning with her arms shyly about her father's neck, one heard. "Papa have you any plans for me this winter?" "None my daughter but to be happy, and make us so." "Should I disappoint you if I were to ask to go to school? It would be worth so much to me." "Thee? No; not in the least. I think it might be well if thee desires it." A half hour later, with one hand fast hold of mine, the other grasping the inevitable dinner basket, with the reiterated, "Giddy Girl" of aunt Nelly commenced the last term of school in the life of Mary Norton. Dear Aunt Nelly to whose precise and practical nature the ever gushing well spring of gladness and joy in the depths of the very heart she had created, was a mystery past comprehension, never understood it, till those tireless loving hands carried her through years of agony, and smothered the pathway to the shores of rest. The winter wound its even course- To me, there was a tender pathos in the faithful efforts of my bashful farmer boys and girls, and a mingled sympathy, when the lengthened days of springtime called them to their accustomed duties. [* This paragraph crossed out *] "Miss Clara, thee has done wonderfully well. Thee will rest this summer, it will soon pass, and them commence thy school earlier in the fall." The winter's observation, and thought had gone far towards maturing my plans. -This individual system of schools seemed childish.-28- I had playfully asserted, from the first, that the financial method of their system was beyond my mathematics. I had, before now, kept time for working men, but never for children, and could not learn now, Mary must "keep tally," which she did religiously. [* Diary March 11--- 1862 (Insert) *] Trenton, Burlington and Newark, as cities, had made efforts at public schools, with more or less success; usually the latter, but all large towns or boroughs remained unchanged. The cordial nature of "Uncle Richard" demanded all the confidence I could risk to bestow and revealing what I must, concealing what I could, it was amicably arranged that I visit Bordentown. How distinct in memories cloisters are the pangs with which I stepped out of that, more than home. The thought it a visit, and that I would soon return. I knew I never would, but how far short of the realities of today were my farthest, deepest pictures. How could I have thought that my hand would chronicle the last of all that true and faithful family. That one by one I should learn of the strong hands relaxed, and the places that knew them, know them no more forever. [That Mary my little protege, grown to womanhood among the first in the land, a pillar in her Universalist denomination, a strength and a support in all social life, the companion of the most cultivated, and the truest of either sex. That even for her, my eye should see changed the dial where ran the last sands of human life, she so strong, trusted and helpful, so far confidant of men of thought and action, that among her treasured correspondence when she left us was found the last letter that Horace Greely ever wrote. Intuitively, his tried and tired soul had turned to that strong, tender nature for sympathy and relief.] [* X *] Shall I be forgiven if I dare name the only one in direct line I know- Doctor Horace Norton of Trenton, son of Charles, wears the mantle so rent by the reaper's scythe, but covered all over with the stars of the glorious ancestry from which he sprang. It was still early springtime when I registered my name, alone, at the largest, and most acceptable hotel in Bordentown, [with, of course, references to Hightstown which none would gainsay.] Learning of a school committee, my first business was a personal call upon its chairman, Mr. Peter Suydam, editor of the -29- "Bordentown Register," and Postmaster as well. Mr. Suydam was a man of scarcely middle age, good physique, quick intellect, and in his capacity of editor, fully up with the times on all points of general information. From him I gained confirmation of the fact, that as a state New Jersey had made legislative provision for the introduction of public schools, but, that, owing to the strong opposition of public sentiment had not proceeded to make the law obligatory. That the schools were generally, if not entirely taught by ladies, more frequently in their own homes, as a means of eking out a slender living; widows and people who "had seen better days": often elegant persons but with no fitness for the position, and no ability for instruction, beyond their own limited knowledge gained years before in some similar manner: When this limit was reached, -usually made visible in mathematics- and the pupil became aware of it, he as no longer an agreeable or even a safe member of the school, in fact, as such he became an "undesirable citizen" and was graduated into the street, in disgrace. [That] The town was full of these children, and [that] out of some seven hundred within a narrow limit of school age, only about three hundred and fifty were in school, at all. The remaining hundreds bore all grades of reputation, from mere "absentees" to "renegades," - some even sleeping in dry-goods boxes, around the market. This condition of things was dawning forcibly upon Mr. Suydam himself. -he had two bright boys fast nearing the fatal line. A year or two before, an effort had been made, in the direction of a public school. A dilapidated house, some little distance from the centre of business had been fitted up, and a man engaged to teach a public school in it, but, what with his manifest unpopularity, his pipe, his tips, his naps, and the very necessary government of his school, he proved unequal to the task- the effort failed, and the house was closed in disgrace, and discouragement, remaining, shall I say, in desuetude. All of this information, partially in response to my questions, elicited no remarks from me, and calling for my mail, left, in what might properly be termed "a state of mind." Not that I more discerning or more susceptible, or had-30- any keener sense of justice or of humanity than those about me, but it was something so entirely new to me, and occurring rather in my own lines, that it made its impression. That was probably the only real difference between us, a case of environment. If I had reared among them, I should have felt the same. "There is nothing like getting used to a thing" they tell us. One might add here, that nothing exceeds that, but being used to it. Thinking and opinions were not all. Here was ground for action. I must make myself acquainted with the place: learn itse streets and especially its children. Three or four hundred boys running loose about a town would not be difficult to find. But first, my surroundings, When one would eat out, as I did, to find the beauties of a quiet little town, unless time has sadly changed it, as he runs his finger down the long list, let him not overlook Bordentown. There was beauty even in the flickering shadows on its broken, and unlevel alks, in the tufts of grass, and tinted flowers that sprang beside them, its tall trees, rugged trunks, and spreading branches; the silver flow of the Delaware below its rocky bluffs, the busy hum of hammers and the might blows that built and launched from their stocks, the towering monarchs gliding into its peaceful bosom. And then for rest, -for peace elysian, let him seek the garden of Paradise, the deserted home of kings, -its acres of unbroken green, -its miles of shrubs and flowers, its walks, its rests, the rippe of brooks, and the unceasing son of birds, -the repose of nature. -A home fit of a King! A thing of beauty and a joy forever. Ah! Joseph it was not they choice, but better than Elbe or St. Helena-Ay! a thousand fold better than Moscow or Waterloo. But the boys! I found them on all sides of me. Every street corner had little knots of them idle, listless, as if to say, what shall one do, when one has nothing to do? I sought every inconspicuous occasion to stop, adn talk with them. I saw nothing unusual in them. Much like other boys I had known, unusually courteous, showing special instruction in that line, and frequently of unusual intelligence. They spoke of their banishment, or absence from school with far less of bravado, or boasting than would have been expected, under the circumstances and often with regret. "Lady there is no school for us" answered a bright faced lad of fourteen, as he rested his foot on the edge of a little park fountain -31- where I had accosted him, "e would be glad to go if there was one." I had listened to such as this long enough, and without returning to my hotel, I sought Mr. Suydam, as chairman of the school committee, and asked for an interview. By this time, in his capacity of Post Master, we had formed a tolerable acquaintance. No, for the first time, I made known my desire to open a public school in Bordentown, teaching it myself. Surprise, discouragement, resistance and sympathy were all pictured on his manly face. He was trouble for terms in which to express the mental conflict, but in snatches something like this. These boys were renegades, many of them more fit for the penitentiary than school, -a woman could do nothing with them. They wouldn't go to school if they had the chance, and the parents would never send them to a "pauper school". I would have the respectable sentiment of the entire community against me, I could never withstand the obloquy, not to call it disgrace that I would meet, and to crown all I should have the bitter opposition of all the present teachers, many of whom were ladies of influence in society and would contend vigorously for their rights. A strong man would quail and give way under what he would be compelled to meet, and what could a woman, -a young woman, and a stranger do? He spoke very kindly and appreciatively of the intention, acknowledging the necessity, and commending the nature of the effort, but it was ill-timed, and had best be at once abandoned, as impracticable. With this honest effort, and wiping the perspiration from his forehead, he rested. AFter a moment's quiet and seeing that he did not resume, I said with a respect which I most sincerely felt, "Thank you, Mr. Suydam, shall I speak?" "Certainly, Miss Barton, and, "with a little appreciative laugh "I will try to be as good a listener as you have been." I thanked him again for the evident sincerity of his objections, assuring him that I believed them drawn entirely in my interest; and his earnest desire to save me from what seemed to him an impossible undertaking, with only failure and humiliation as sure, and logical results. A few of these I would like to answer, and throwing off the mask I had worn since Clinton [ilegible] told him plainly that I was, and had been for years a teacher of the public schools of New england. That was my pro--32- fession, and that, if entered in the long and honored competitive list of such, I did not supposed that in either capacity, experience, or success I should stand at the foot. I had studied the character of these boys, and had intense pity for, but no fear of them. As for exclusion from society, I had not sought society, and could easily dispense with it, if they so willed; I was not here for that. As for reputation, I had brought with me all I needed, and that of a character, that a bit of village gossip could not affect. With all respect for the prejudices of the people I should try not to increase them. My only desire was to open and teach a school in Bordentown, to which its out-cast children could go and be taught; and I would emphasize that desire by adding that I wished no salary. I would open, and teach such a school without remuneration, but my effort must have the majesty of the law, and the power vested in its offices behind it or it could not stand. If I [secured] a building and proceeded to open a school, it would be only one more private school like the score they already had. That the school Board, as officers of the law, with accepted rights, and duties, must so far connect themselves with the effort, as to provide quarters, the necessary furnishings, and [to] give due and respectable notice of the same among the people. In fact, it must stand as by their order, leaving the work and results to me. I was not there for necessity, Fortunately I needed nothing of them, -neither as an adventuress. I had no personal ambitions to serve, but as an observant of unwelcome conditions, and as I thought, harmful as well, to try so far as possible, the power of a good, wise, beneficent, and established state law, as against the force of ignorance, blind prejudice, and the tyran[n]y of obsolete, outlived public opinion. I desired to see them both fairly placed upon their merits before an intelligent community, leaving the results to the winner. If the law, after trial, were not acceptable, or of use to the people, serving their best interest, abolish or change it, -if it were, enforce and sustain it. My reply was much longer than the remarks that had called for it, but the pledge of good listening was faithfully kept. [When] We [spoke again, it was to] ask[ed] if I desired my proposition to be laid before the school Board? I surely did. [We would] -33- speak with the gentlemen this evening, and call a meeting for tomorrow. Our interview ha consumed two hours, and we parted better friends than we commenced. The following afternoon, to my surprise, I was most courteously invited to sit with the school Board in its deliberations, and I made the acquaintance of two more, plain, honest minded gentlemen. The subject was fairly discussed, but with great misgivings, a kind of tender sympathy running through it all. At length Mr. Suydam arose, and addressing his colle[a]gues, said, "Gentlemen, we feel alike, I am sure, regarding the hazardous nature of this experiment and its probabl[e] results, but situated as we are, officers of a law which we are sworn to obey and enforce, can we legally decline to accede to this proposition, which is in every respect within the law. From your expressed opinions of last evening I believe we agree on this point, and I put the vote." It was a unanimous yea, with the decision that the old closed school house be refitted, and a school commenced. And yet after all this, so solicitous for my welfare were these truly good and friendly men, and so hopeful that I should with further reflection, relent, that the tardy preparations dragged into the second month. Finally about the fifth week, notice was given in the Bordentown Register, and printed notices a foot square, posted on all customary places, -on spare boards, street corners, -fences, market places, and tree trunks, that a public school, taught by Miss Clara Barton, in the brick school house corner of Crosswick Street would commence on Monday next at 9 o'clock A.M.- A good attendance was hoped for, by the school committee signed-etc. This notice was read by all the men and women as they passed shouted by all the boys as they ran, the birds twittered it through the tree tops from morning till night, and the Katydids scraped and grated it from night till morning. Before this, thinking it might be more in accord with customary usage, I had changed my residence from the hotel to a family. Mr. and Mrs. Jaques kept-34- [* Cut *] [a few special boarders. Neither can I turn this leaf without saying how happy they made my home, and how valuable was the sisterly friendship of Mrs. Jaques. George and Anna, my pupils, were the friends of later years. Naturally my acquaintance in the town, or so called society was nothing, and it was not for me to attempt its increase.] The early springtime waned in my waiting and it was nearing June when a prospective teacher with a decidedly New England aspect, a few books and desk outfit walked thoughtfully up the partially country street, turning abruptly to the right, as a rather solidly built brick house of small dimensions was reached. All firmly closed. A line of Post and rail, "Virginia fence" commencing at the opposite corners of the house ran along, separating the yard from the opposite pasture land. On the top, or fifth rail of the fence were perched six boys ranging from ten to fourteen years, with the exception of one little brother of six. Some shod, some barefoot, swinging their feet in concert. As I approached they dismounted, respectfully removing their hats. "Had they come to school", I asked "yes'm", and as I introduced myself as their teacher they in turn gave me their names: "Frank Clinton" Billy-alias, William Wilson, his little brother Alexander, George F. Ferguson. We sauntered about the yard, picked flowers, found a young four leafed clover for good luck, discovered a tiny yellow bird's nest on a limb near by, and decided to protect it faithfully, allowing no one to disturb it, and finally, as if just remembering that I had a key to the house, which I appeared to have quite forgotten, unlocked the door, and went it. I recall at this day the combination of odors that greeted the olfactories. The old musty smell of a long shut, untidy house- the pungent flavor of freshly cut southern pitch pine, and the bitter soot of the long iron stove pipe rusting for years. Altogether, it would have done credit to old far famed Cologne, said to be the worst smelling city in Europe. Save the half dozen little books I had there was not a book in the house. [They] The children had brought none with them, from the doubtful impression at -35- home, even if they would find any school, or stay if they did. But this was a matter of small importance, the lack of books being more than supplied by the two lusty blackboards, on opposite sides of the walls, and three school maps, of the world, the United States and Europe which I had expressly named to the "committee" as required among the furnishings. [* X *] [Teachers, as between you and me, we like to be so familiar with our subject, as not to leave us very dependent upon text books-n'est ce pass?] Among the furnishings were a broom, dust pen and brush. Seeing me pick up the first to brush away some shavings, it was quickly taken from me, and with true boyish impulse a thorough renovation commenced. School was not thought of, but house keeping was the order of the day. Windows opened, shutters thrown back, floor swept, desks dusted, and to my surprise, from somewhere came a borrowed bucket of water, and cloths, and the windows were washed. [When I asked who taught them so well, Frank said his "mother was not strong, and he always washed the windows".] By twelve o'clock, we were spick and span clean, and all but me ready to go home for dinner. From the first little days of No. 9 when my pupils played badly it had been my invariable practice to remain at noon, guarding them, and the house, feeling that the children were in my sacred charge during every hour they were with me. A school house was not a play house: recreation and sports were for the open air. There were never any deferred differences to be settled, when school commenced in the afternoon. Court was always in session and the judge on the bench; in fact, that was only time she did use a seat of any kind. The stroke of one found us all at our posts. Almost imperceptibly we became very greatly interested in the maps, and little Alex was delighted with the "big slates," as the black boards were to him. They had never seen a blackboard in school. In that three hours until four o'clock, we had traveled the world over. Sailed with Columbus to discover America, grown indignant at his treatment ["what horrid people they must have been."] -36- Had found how it came to be hot in some parts of the world, and cold in others, and as we wiped or sweaty faces, "wished it wasn't quite so hot here." We went to Africa for lions, leopards, elephants and great snakes: to Italy for oranges and grapes, to California for gold, and "wished we had some of it here, we would have a better school house." We were travelers, and really knew more about the world, and its ways then we had ever known before in our lives, "could it be for o'clock? Where had the time gone?" Nothing said of school. excepting the suggestion, that it might be well to bring such books tomorrow as they had used in school. Holding their hats in their hands till outside, politely locking the door for me, and walking along 'till our ways separated, we bade a cordial good evening, and my first day of public school in Bordentown, was, in the customary venacular "Done gone." [Reviewing the day from my room, in the quite of the evening, I saw only hopeful symptoms, and no doubts. Whatever had been the instructions of these children in our directions, certainly their deportment had not been neglected. They were kindly disposed, with a courtesy, and politeness I had not seen surpassed, if indeed equalled by any group of children. They had been accustomed to enter the private homes of well-bred society ladies, for their instructions, and I found myself awake far into the night, wondering if some improvement in so-called "manners" might not be well in the matchless public schools of more nothern localities? The poor little hard-worked home was not always abounding in this quality and where was the child to get this training if not in school?] I am not sure if I ever quite understood the meaning of "sixteen to one", but I know that sixteen and one meant the number of our school the next morning, for my six boys had more doubled their number. The afternoon brought us up to twenty. Some overlooking of old books, suggestions of new ones, some forming of classes, a little reading and spelling, studying the maps, explanations on the black boards, with much that did not belong to either, -and the day like its predecessors was gone, even if little were done. We were studying each other, more than books, and the -37- chapters opened pleasantly. Five days would constitute a week, and Friday night found our number forty. Over Sunday brought a more rapid increase, and Monday night closed with fifty five. This was five too many for convenience, as no possible provision had been made for over fifty. I gave up my desk seat, and chair. The children must naturally relate this fact, and next morning, came a chair from Mrs. Suydam's sitting room, with the request, that I "find a place to stand it, and use it only for myself". While it was generally announced that the school was full, we were compelled to close the doors against individual stragglers, so great was the anxiety to come to the new school. [I found no change from the first, excepting the ordinary playfulness of children, and the little tricks which seem to be innate in that class of individuals. The importance of holding this good condition of things, so far as possible, was sufficient to call into action the best powers of thought and invention. These children had all been "punished", until punishment was almost recreation. They came expecting it. They might as well earn their wages- It would only require a sufficient provocation for them to get what they came for; the only novelty consisting in the degree of provocation I would require, and my method of chastisement.] There was fifty five children indoors and five times that number outside to be dealt with, later. They were there to be taught, rather than governed, as a primary object, and I decided upon attempting to make them, as a school, realize this, and upon instructing them, so far as possible, in the system, or science of self government. In the second week, when the house was full, I set apart an entire morning for "history" or "conversation", on matters pertaining to our country and national government." I might as well have spoken to them in Chinese, still they had learned to expect something and were all eager to listen. Following the opening question of what country or nation we were, -and learning that we were the United States of America, -38- was the more difficult one of how we were governed. What kind of Ruler had we? About half of them gave as their opinion that we we had a King. "Why did they think so?" "Well, Joseph Bonepart was a King, and he used to live here, and nobody could be greater than a King." The other half disagreed entirely, with this idea "No, we had a President, Franklin [Pearce] Pierce was President, and lived in Washington, and he ruled us." After an hour spent with the Declaration of Independence, its causes, and such parts of the Constitution of the United States, as could be either digested, or absorbed, we came to the conclusion that we had no real, personal ruler, but, that with the aid of our ruling officers, and our laws, we governed ourselves. All deciding, that this was the better way, it was easy to reduce the idea to practice, and apply it to ourselves. Immediately we became a self governing body, with me as their elected Head to draft a code of laws to be submitted to them for approval. I accepted the position, would submit the laws. They would be few, but after approval, I should expect them to be implicitly obeyed. But in the acceptance of mine I wished them to distinctly understand that I should never punish any pupil, not only no corporal punishment would ever be administered, but no one would even be asked to stand up in his seat. That the only penalty for broken law would be a request to leave the house at once. That I should not play the part of detective, should spend no time in watching them, for unbecoming behavior, we should find that soon enough without; and we would all unite in sending offender, if unfortunately there ever were one, back into the streets where he came from, and give his place to another, waiting to come in. The half dozen already prepared regulations were submitted as laws, and approved. I then called open six of the larger boys, to repeat, in his own language, the substance of what had been proposed, and deiced upon, in order to be sure that it was perfectly understood. I then put the question, "Do you agree to this, by the raising of hands." Every hand was up, and a shrill voice piped out, -39- "Miss Barton may we shout?" -- "yes if you wish to," and the cheers would have done credit to a political meeting. In the afternoon the new regulations were everywhere visible, the greatest stillness prevailed, steps light and noiseless, the older pupils assuming a kind of care over the lesser brothers expected sometimes to forget. Thinking over the significance of the days work in my room, after dinner, a message came that some gentlemen were waiting in the parlor to see me. On entering, I found, seated, my entire School Board, who arose and greeted me with a solemnity booming a funeral. "Miss Barton," said the chairman, "we have come on a very embarrassing and painful mission." I listened in silence. "If the children"- he continued, "bring correct reports, you have adopted a most unheard of, and fatal policy in the management of your school. They tell us that you have announced to them that there would be no punishment. No matter what they do, you should never punish them, that if they don't want to stay, and be instructed they can go. There can be but one result with that kind of management. We feel that there must be some mistake, but this is the general impression of the children, and we feel it to be our duty to them, to you, and to ourselves, to come and ask you if it is true. We cannot, for a moment believe it, but if so, to warn you of your mistake, and advise you to correct it at once." They awaited my reply. "Gentlemen the report is, doubtless, entirely correct. I took great pains to see that it was thoroughly understood. I thank you for your kindly interest and am glad to see you. Please be seated." They sat down, but by the consternation mantling their faces, one might almost have thought them knocked down. "Miss Barton, we are not only astonished but pained beyond expression. We have taken a deep and unselfish interest in that school, and from what we had seen of you, we hoped, almost against hope, that you would succeed in establishing some kind of a public school here. We have done all the law required us to do. We have stood by you, and given our open and unqualified approbation to decidedly unpopular movement, and-40- you must comprehend that it is not only a grief but a mortification to us to see it end in such a defeat at this must bring. These are the worst children in the borough,- branded as unmanageable children. They will require the strongest government to hold them in tolerable subjection, and knowing them, as we do, we are ready to give you any advice or assistance in their management, and in sustaining the rules of the school, in our power to give; but if there are no rules, there is nothing to sustain- we must all go down together, or worse, infinitely worse than before. Even the cause is damaged. Now, Miss Barton, we wish to ask, if, knowing all this, there is not some advice that we can suggest- some help in the change of your regulations, the making of some rules that must be obeyed, and some penalties imposed. I have sometimes wondered if the farmer did not feel a kind of compassionate grief, as he drove the polished point of his plough into the luxuriant tufts of verdure, springing so uncalled, unaided, and spontaneous to beautify his summer field and gladden his heart. Still the greater outlook and needs of the harvests of Autumn bid him bury his sympathies, and stand by his task. With straightened shoulders he bears all the heavier on the handles and the little harbingers of beauty, goodwill and summer loveliness lie under the rolling sod. These men were actuated by the best of impulses, and the best judgment according to their knowledge. They were my friends, desiring only my best good. They thought they saw me in error, about to take a fatal step, and had hastened with a brother's faithfulness to warn me before it was too late. All of this stood out before me. I knew I could never convince them by words, and could have wept for the pain my refusal must give them. I could only argue by compassion. Turning to the gentleman at my right, I said Mr... "I believe you are a maker of shoes?" "Yes Miss Barton, I am." "And you think you understand your profession?" "I ought to think I am one of the oldest shoe-makers in Bordentown." "Mr. _____ if I were to come into your shop tomorrow, with the purpose of directing and changing your methods of work in accordance with my ideas of proper shoe making, and you followed -41- my suggestions, do you think you would make a better shoe than you today?" With the first smile I had seen on a face since they entered, he replied "No Miss Barton. I do not." "Neither do I Mr._____ . I think it would trouble you to find either a buyer or a wearer for that shoe." Addressing the next- "Mr. _____ I believe you are a tin smith and boiler maker. "Yes I am." "And you feel that you understand your business?" "I ought to, I have made some of the largest boilers on the River." And do you think if I were to come into your shop for the purpose of directing you in the making of a boiler and you were to accept my suggestions, that your boilers would be better, and safer than they are now? "No Miss Barton, I do not think we could make a boiler." "We perfectly agree Mr.____ , I think we had better not attempt it." Then turning to Mr. Suydam whose keen sense of humor was enjoying the situation in spite of himself. "My. Suydam supposing I were to come into the Register Office tomorrow morning, and say to you, in all good faith, that I thought I understood the wants, and tastes of the this community better than you did and suggested that you change the tone of your editorials, that the people needed straightening up in many directions, that all subscriptions must be immediately paid, the rates of advertising increased, and that they would learn through the editorials from time to time what further changes would be required." Did he think that would increase the subscription list? With the resounding laugh so characteristic of him he replied, that he "could not say in regard to the subscriptions, but he was very certain that some such regulations were just what his office had long needed." All joining in the laugh, I proceeded to say. "Gentlemen from your point of view, you are all right, but I wait an opportunity to prove you all wrong. Your children have been punished enough; if there were any good in it, they should all have wings by this time. I haven't a child there but has been punished from the time it was sent into school, till it was sent out, and what has it made of them? If kindness and confidence will not do something for them, nothing will. and gentlemen, that is the course I propose to pursue with them, and wait the results. I invite you to come in at any time and see for yourselves. If I find I cannot keep control, I promise to tell you in time to close, without observation or disgrace They rose to depart with more cheerful countenances than they brought, but with this significant prophecy. "Miss Barton we wish you may succeed in your undertaking, but I for one have neither nor hope, and prophecy that before three weeks you will get an inkstand beside your head. That has been done." A long pitiful evening it had been, but a good night's rest dispelled it's vapors. Next morning, knowing that the interview would be spoken of and get to school ears I decided to give a correct interpretation of it, and calling the attention of the school, I related to them, in substance what had passed, with this moral, " Now boys, you see by this the reputation you bear among the best people of the town,-how you are regarded by them, whether your fault or not, the fact remains. Your reputation is bad: there is but one way to destroy a bad reputation, which is to live it down and grow a better. you must either remain as you are, or redeem yourselves, Which will you do? "/ We will redeem ourselves", rang through the room. I would like to tell the committee that we have better use for our inkstands, says impetuous Frank. At length the longest arm in the room was raised, and it's possessor who seldom spoke stood up. "What is it henry?" "Miss Barton, I want to ask a question of you, I have ask it of you, because nobody else can tell me. "--This was evide: his best form of apology for asking a personal question. "Go on henry, I will answer you." " Well I have heard that you had left your home, and come here to teach us without having any pay for it. I want to know if that is true." With a laugh I replied, "that is was of very small consequence if I had, but that I believed it was true." "Then, if that is true, any boy here, that wouldn't mind, and do the best he could, ought to be made to eat dirt." "And we'll make him do it," rang out on all sides. After some effort I succeeded in repressing the enthusiasm, and we proceeded. I might almost say, in all respect and reverence that I might have felt as I looked upon them in their ardor of good feeling and intentions, that we had been holding a protracted meeting, and my little sinners had been converted. And who knows? I speak of boys, for up to this time, no girl had entered the house. It might do for a boy to risk the odium of a "pauper school", but no self-respecting parents would allow a girl to go disgrace herself. One morning of the third week six girls appeared at the door. There were no seats, no room for them, and yet, how could I send them away? It was not thought of. The large boys met the emergency, by snuggling in a little boy beside each, and my timid gentle girls found place. It soon became necessary for me to call on our committee for advice. Having heard of no disturbance they were very ready to confer. I made known to them our crowded condition, and the numbers of anxious children we were refusing and suggested the opening of another house for a second grade, dividing my school, and leaving the older pupils. The chairman who by this time was beginning to mistrust "these were things nit dreamt of in our philosophy was enthusiastic, and carrying the others with him it was decided to open school No. two. Through my suggestion that they permit me to send to New England------- for a teacher, dispatches went to Stephen Barton, Jr. to rescue, -44- and send if possible Miss Frances Childs, a slip of a girl who had just closed a most successful term of teaching. I knew the germ of the teacher there. / [* Cut *] In a week or so, there stepped off the train, a graceful, sweet-faced, young lady, whose memory, name and name-sakes, remain lovingly in Bordentown today. Lo! these fifty years. I had chosen well. The rooms were secured, Mr. Suydam sparing his own beloved daughter, Jenny, of eighteen, as an assistant, and Public School No two with two teachers went on the records. My school, being thoroughly weeded of lesser material, became the higher, or "Grammar School", while the other far exceeding mine in numbers, was- if one may adopt the popular phraseology- and possibly must, to keep pace with the times-- "A howling success." There was, surely no desire on the part of the community to see these children thrown afloat again in the streets; and the result of an enthusiastic public meeting was a vote to raise four thousand dollars to build a new public school-house to accommodate six hundred pupils, with eight teachers. This was to be ready for the winter, other schools to remain unchanged until the new house was completed. I should add, that at the close of my first term in spite of my noble generosity of "teaching for nothing", I was compelled to take my salary, Mr. Suydam handling it to me, with the compliments of the Board, and the mischievous remark, that "if my school were a "pauper", the Board was not." It was far in the winter, cold and icy when the new school house was declared fit for occupancy. It was the event of the season. The private schools were discontinuing, but it afforded both "Miss Fanny" and myself great satisfaction to know, that so far as practicable, provision was made for these teachers, among the new appointments, and so far from enmity, we enjoyed their warmest friendship. [I hardly need say that we did not find the doors of good society closed against us, as predicted, and good society it was, cultivated and genial.] Here were six hundred pupils to be examined, classed, and -45- assigned to the proper rooms. It was the expressed desire of many parents, and clergymen to be present. Accordingly, space was provided in my department for the visitors; and for five days this examination, and classification went on unremittingly in the presence of that surprised and grateful community. It fell to me, with such assistance as could be rendered, to make these examinations, or, as one might say of the clock, to wind the new school up, and set it running. I was able to do this, but not able for much more. It is to be borne in mind that this was a large, newly plastered brick house, with such dampness as might be expected, under the wisest precaution. Lime dust permeated every breath, and in this atmosphere, I was to speak at a more than ordinary pitch, or volume of voice for six hours, through five successive days. There was no respite. The succeeding week commenced the actual term. We had asked the appointment of one man, among the many teachers, on to whose manly shoulders could be shifted the heaviest burdens, if desired. I commenced on Monday with a hoarse, tired voice, something I had never known. In spite of all palliatives, utterance grew weaker and more difficult, and finally ceased. The other teachers, and my own splendid pupils, came tenderly to my aid, relieving me of every duty possible to be done. To assure the proper arrangements and management of the school in its beginning, I hopefully remained for some weeks at my voiceless post, but it was a vain effort. I began to realize that the weakening was not entirely confined to the voice. The labors of the past months, had not been a pastime for either myself or my invaluable helpmeet, and in the midst of protests, loyal and loving our resignations were given. We could scarcely say they were accepted. A change of climate must be sought. With a maladay pointing so directly to the lungs, New England at that season was not to be thought of. How far south one might think of at that date was a question. In illustration, I may name an incident, which, if it does not adorn a tale, may, at least, point a moral. I should add, that long before, Mr. and Mrs. Suydam, with their good brotherly and sisterly hearts had taken us both home to live with them.-46- One morning as I waited the opening of the mail, a tall, imposing looking gentleman entered in a most disturbed frame of mind- one of the leading and most distinguished townsmen "Lawyer" Cannon - Addressing Mr. Suydam without noticing me,- "Suydam have you seen that book that is just out up north?" "No Squ[a]ire, it has not reached me yet?" [* ¶ec*] "Well: a copy has [not] been sent to me from Trenton and I have read a part of it, as much as I ever shall. It is a D---n shame to publish such stuff. It's a pack of miserable lies. Just what one might expect from that puling set of Yankees, Phillips and his gang.-That book ought never to be circulated. It should be suppressed--and to think that a woman could so far forget herself--It's a disgrace to womanhood. --Let her go south." Of course, in my presence, no reply was made and as the tall squ[a]ire went out, alternately red and white with rage. I ventured to ask Mr. Suydam "what book was referred to." He replied that it was "a book about to come out,- he had not yet seen it, but he believed the title was "Uncle Toms Cabin." Yes, let Mrs. Stowe have gone South at that epoch!- the fate of Hypatia would have been hers. To think what a little over half a century can do with a people and a nation.