Original.

CHINESE DAUGHTERS.


_Chánghái, Aug. 15th, 1851._

MY DEAR MRS. WHITTELSEY:

In order to keep before my own mind a deep interest for this people, and
to awaken corresponding sympathies in my native land, I make short
monthly memorandums of my observations among the Chinese. They are
indeed a singular people, with manners and customs peculiar to
themselves; and it would seem that, in domestic life, every practice was
the opposite of our own; but in the kindly feelings of our nature, those
whom I have seen brought under the influence of Christian cultivation,
are as susceptible as those of any nation on earth. At first they are
exceedingly suspicious of you,--they do not, they _cannot_ understand
your motives in your efforts to do them good; and it is not until by
making one's actions consistent with our words, and by close observation
on their part, that you enjoy their confidence.

Since I last wrote I have been quite indisposed. During my husband's
absence in committee my nurses were Chinese girls, one eleven, the other
thirteen years of age. No mother who had bestowed the greatest care and
cultivation upon her daughters, could have had more affectionate
attention than I had from these late heathen girls,--they were indeed
unto me as daughters,--every want was anticipated, and every thing that
young, affectionate hearts could suggest, was done to alleviate my pain.