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The old homestead. Stephens, Ann S. (Ann Sophia), (1810–1886).
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THE OLD HOMESTEAD.

BY

MRS. ANN S. STEPHENS,

AUTHOR OF "FASHION AND FAMINE." There are some human souls serenely bright, Born like lost cherubim, so close to heaven, That all their lives are radiant with its light, And unto such are holy missions given!

NEW YORK: BUNCE & BROTHER, PUBLISHERS, 126 NASSAU STREET.

MDCCCLV.
page: iii[View Page iii]

ENTERED according to Act of Congress, in the year 1855, by MRS. ANN S. STEPHENS, In the Clerk's Office of the U. S. District Court, for the Southern District of New York. In order to secure "The Old Homestead" from unauthorized publication in England, the manuscript has been submitted to an English gentleman, who has made such additions as entitle him to a legal copyright in England. As its Editor, consequently, he has entered it at Stationers' Hall, London, before publication here. W. H. TINSON, Stereotyper. GEORGE RUSSELL, Printer. G. W. ALEXANDER, Binder.

TO
MRS. MARY PRATT,
OF PRATTSVILLE, NEW YORK,
WITH PROFOUND ESTEEM
AND EVER FAITHFUL AFFECTION,
THIS VOLUME IS
RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED.

ANN S. STEPHENS.

page: iv-v[View Page iv-v]

PREFACE.

IN presenting another book to the public, I find it necessary to say, that the scenes described in the first portion are laid some years back, when the city institutions were directed by the Board of Aldermen and Assistants, and when every office—even to the Medical Board—was a direct political appointment.

Many of the scenes through which I have led the character of my story, owe nothing, whatever, to the imagination. They have been painful realities.

Wishing to blend some benefit to humanity with any power to confer amusement which my writings may possess, I have introduced imaginary characters into real scenes, witnessed in some instances by my own eyes, while in others I have the authority of one who died a martyr to his labors in these very institutions, and is now an angel in heaven.

If the truth in this book serves to draw popular attention to the solemn trust imposed in these city charities, my first object will be accomplished; for the great popular heart of America is full of just aspiration, and I would gladly turn it benevolently toward institutions where so much of human misfortune and misery are concentrated.

I am not one of those who contend that women should ever become law-makers, save in the household and social life; but it is their peculiar duty to feel for the suffering, and every true woman inherits the feeling as an intuition which leaves the word duty far out of sight. It is her province to feel, to think, to act for the poor, and even beyond that, it is perfectly feminine to suggest. In this privilege of modest suggestion, if we could but understand it, lies an influence more beautiful and potent than the power we evoke. Men will cheerfully and page: vi-vii (Table of Contents) [View Page vi-vii (Table of Contents) ] respectfully act for us, when they would recoil from the incongruity of acting with us; but there is no reasonable project of benevolence that we can devise, which the men of America will not, in their own sphere, carry out.

But many of the evils I have depicted in these pages, have already disappeared.

The Board of Ten Governors, has abolished the system of convict nurses, both in the hospitals and among the city orphans, a reform by which the unfortunate poor are greatly benefited. Many other improvements have been made, but the general sympathies of the people are not yet entirely enlisted, as they should be, where the amount of suffering is so great. If this volume, while it affords many cheerful views of life, succeeds in creating more active sympathy for those who suffer in our midst, and more earnest coöperation with those in whom the people have reposed their trust, it will have done enough good to make its author very grateful.

CONTENTS.

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