Letters of Lydia Maria Child

Prefatory Note

i7 HEN the friend whom Mrs. Child would have sen above all others consented to write a bio- .jhical introduction to this volume, solely as a laof love, the compiler, though an entire novice at : work, could not refuse his urgent request — seced by one of Mrs. Child's nearest relations, to >m she had left her papers — to select and arrange ii ci letters.

Her life was so much richer in thought and sentiment than in events, and so devoted to the progressive movements relating to human weal and woe, that it is thought her letters, given in chronological order, will almost tell her whole story.

If any correspondents miss some favorite letter in the collection, we would remind them of the embarrassment of riches ; for her correspondence extended over sixty years ; and of the impossibility of suiting all tastes ; and we cordially thank them all for the abundant supply of material.

PUBLISHERS' NOTE.

The portrait of Mrs. Child which is prefixed to this volume, while failing to satisfy some of her nearest relatives and friends, who would have preferred not to have it appear, is yet so much liked by other friends who knew her well that the Publishers do not feel justified in withholding it from the public. Mrs. Child herself was always averse to being photographed, and there is no thoroughly good and satisfactory portrait of her in existence, so that the engraver's task has necessarily been a difficult one, and his success greater than could reasonably have been anticipated.

Contents

PAQB

Introduction ......... v-xxv

Appendix

Remarks of Wendell Phillips at the Funeral of Mrs. Child 263 " Within the Gate," by John G. Whittier . ... 269 List of Mrs. Child's Works 272

Index 275