Mrs. _Holmes_ to _Myra_.
_Belleview._
YOU will observe, my dear friend, that most of the letters I
have written to you of late, on female education, are confined to the
subject of study. I am sensible of the ridicule sometimes levelled at
those who are called learned ladies. Either these ladies must be
uncommonly pedantick, or those who ridicule them, uncommonly ignorant—Do
not be apprehensive of acquiring that title, or sharing the ridicule,
but remember that the knowledge which I wish you to acquire, is
necessary to adorn your many virtues and amiable qualifications. This
ridicule is evidently a trans-Atlantick idea, and must have been imbibed
from the source of some _English_ Novel or Magazine—The _American_
ladies of this class, who come within our knowledge, we know to be
justly celebrated as ornaments to society, and an honour to the sex.
When it is considered how many of our countrywomen are capable of the
task, it is a matter of regret that _American_ literature boasts so few
productions from the pens of the ladies.
SELF complacency is a most necessary acquirement—for the value of a
woman will always be commensurate to the opinion she entertains of
herself. A celebrated European wit, in a letter to a lady, concentres
much good advice in the short rule of conduct: “REVERENCE THYSELF.”
I WAS this morning reading _Swift’s_ letter to a very young lady, on her
marriage. Although this famous writer is not celebrated for delicacy or
respect towards us, yet I wish some of his observations contained less
truth—If you are in company, says this writer, when the conversation
turns on the manners and customs of remote nations, or on books in verse
or prose, or on the nature and limits of virtue and vice, it is a shame
for a lady not to relish such discourses, not to improve by them, and
endeavour by reading and information, to have her share in those
entertainments, rather than turn aside, as is the usual custom, and
consult with the woman who sits next her, about a new cargo of fans.
HE then descends to particulars, and insists on the necessity of
orthography. Is it not a little hard, continues he, that not one
gentleman’s daughter in a thousand should be brought to read or
understand her own natural tongue, or be judge of the easiest books that
are written in it; as any one may find, who can have the patience to
hear them mangle a Play or a Novel?
IF there be any of your acquaintance to whom this passage is applicable,
I hope you will recommend the study of Mr. _Webster’s_ Grammatical
Institute, as the best work in our language to facilitate the knowledge
of Grammar. I cannot but think Mr. _Webster_ intended his valuable book
for the benefit of his countrywomen: For while he delivers his _rules_
in a pure, precise, and elegant style, he _explains_ his meaning by
_examples_ which are calculated to inspire the female mind with a thirst
for emulation, and a desire of virtue.
NO subject has been more exhausted than that of education. Many
_Utopian_ schemes have been delineated, and much speculation employed.
When I peruse these labours, and am persuaded the intention of their
authors is to promote our welfare, I feel myself prompted to a prudent
and amiable demeanour; and I suppose every woman of reason and
reflection feels the same inclination to virtue, and the same sensations
of gratitude in reading the works of those writers, the characteristicks
of whom, are sentiment, morality and benevolence.
WHAT books do you read, my dear? We are now finishing _Barlow’s_ Vision
of _Columbus_, and shall begin upon _Dwight’s_ Conquest of _Canaan_ in a
few days. It is very agreeable to read with one, who points out the
beauties of the author as we proceed. Such a one is _Worthy_.—Sometimes
Mr. _Holmes_ makes one of our party, and his notes and references to the
ancient poets are very entertaining. _Worthy_ is delighted with the ease
and freedom with which we live here. We have little concerts, we walk,
we ride, we read, we have good company—this is _Belleview_ in all its
glory.
ADIEU, my dear—I shall continue this subject no longer, though I flatter
myself you would receive my hints with satisfaction, because you must be
persuaded I love you, and so interest myself in your welfare—I need not
add that I think your conduct worthy of you. You are such a good girl
that I know not in what to direct you; for you leave me no room for
advice—continue to anticipate the desires of my heart, and secure the
high opinion you have there obtained.
Your friend forever!