The Clarkson Association, for instructing adult females of color,
commenced in the spring of 1811, and was conducted ten or twelve years
by a number of young ladies of the Society of Friends. This was the
first institution that came under the appellation of Sabbath-school in
this city, where there are now so many.
It was taught on that day, because those people had generally more
leisure to attend than on other days of the week; but these benevolent
ladies soon appropriated also one afternoon in the middle of the week,
for such as were at liberty to attend. There were a considerable number
of aged women, as well as those in the prime of life, who learned to
read, and rejoiced greatly in the acquisition. There were also schools
kept by young men, for adults of color of the other sex.
"There is one remarkable fact connected with the effects of this
excellent school upon the moral condition of the colored people. At
every term of the Court of Sessions in this city, there are many
colored persons convicted of crimes, and sent to the State prison or
penitentiary. This school has now been in operation a number of years,
and several thousands of scholars have received the benefits of a
good thorough English education, _and but three persons who have been
educated here have been convicted in our criminal courts_."
Several girls, who have received their education at this school,
have gone with their parents to Hayti, where they will be capable of
teaching schools, and may be of singular benefit. Two interesting
letters, written in a very fair intelligible hand, by one of these
girls about fourteen years old, have been received by E. J. Cox;
extracts from which are here subjoined.
"REPUBLIC OF HAYTI, }
CITY OF ST. DOMINGO, Sept. 29, 1824. }
"DEAR TEACHER:--With pleasure I hasten to inform you of our safe
arrival in St. Domingo, after a passage of twenty-one days.
Mother and myself were very much afflicted with sea-sickness for
about nine or ten days, but after that we enjoyed a little of the
pleasures of our voyage.
"On our arrival, we were conducted by the captain of the port
to the governor's house, where we were received by him with all
the friendship that he could have received us with had we been
intimately acquainted for years. After informing him of our
intention of residing on the island, we were conducted to the
residence of the second general in command, where we had our names
registered.
"From thence we went to see the principal chapel in the city; to
give a description of which, it requires a far abler pen than
mine;" (she, however, mentions many particulars;) "but you cannot
form an idea of it, unless you could see for yourself. After
we had viewed the church throughout, we were conducted to our
lodging, at which place we are at present. Since we have been
here, my sampler and bench-cover have been seen by a number of
ladies and gentlemen, and have been very much admired by all who
have seen them.
"Dear teacher, notwithstanding we are hundreds of miles from each
other, I hope you will not think that I shall forget you, or those
kind friends (I mean the trustees), who have been so kind to me:
for had it not been for them and yourself, perhaps I never should
have known one half what I do, as respects my education; for
which, for them and you, to God I shall offer up my humble prayers
for your welfare, both in this life and that which is to come.
"I am, with respect, yours,
"SERENA M. BALDWIN."