confidence and gratitude from the intelligent and good among the white
people. This letter is but one expression among many, of the good will
that comes to us as unsolicited testimony to our work. The position and
character of the lady who sent the letter to one of our teachers makes
this graphic and pleasing testimony more valuable.

DEAR MADAME:--I have seen several letters from your pupil A---- B----,
in which she speaks in the highest terms of you, of your generous
kindness and uniform courtesy to her. I am glad A---- has met with such
a wise lady, for she is in every way deserving of your good will. She
lived with me for seven years, and I never saw any person more
competent, more honest and upright. In all that time I never found fault
with any work she did for me, and she was as neat in her dress as she
was morally particular. Her family is in every way respected here by
white as well as black, and A---- has always been a favorite with all
classes of people. I am a Southern woman, and before the war my father
was a planter who owned six hundred slaves and enormous tracts of land.
I merely mention this to explain to you what follows. None of us have
ever had any prejudice against colored people, and we try to help them
with purse and pen, and have always met with gratitude and respect in
return. Of course these people are all freed now, but my sister and I
still own a great deal of real estate, and upon it will be found many
families of colored people who were our slaves. You will see from this
insight into my affairs that I am glad to know of the success of colored
people, and I wish it was so they could all go to school and be
educated, for as a rule, where they _have been_ educated, they have done
well. Wishing you great success, and with personal regards and thanks
for your kindness to A----.

Very truly yours, A.C.H.