The object of the present slight work is to gather together, from
various available sources, records of the lives of some of the world's
notable Sisters. It does not pretend to be by any means exhaustive,
but rather suggestive. The Editor hopes that, while it may be found to
be interesting reading generally, to young women, for whom it is more
especially designed, it may be stimulating and consoling. The absence
of such a record hitherto can alone justify the appearance of this
fragmentary and imperfect work. Such as it is, its preparation has
necessitated no small amount of labour and research. If it should be
the means of quickening some life, or of arousing some sleeping
affection to a warmer zeal, or more active devotion, its object will
be answered.
The sources from which information has been obtained are varied. It
should be stated that, in regard to the sketch of Susanne Kossuth, the
facts are chiefly taken from a little work published many years ago in
Boston, U.S.A. As to Eugénie de Guérin, the authorities are "Eugénie
de Guérin: Journal and Fragments"; "Lettres d'Eugénie de Guérin"; and
"Maurice de Guérin: Journal, Lettres, et Poemes," all published by
Mons. Victor Lecoffre, Paris. For the extracts from the Journals of
the Margravine of Baireuth, the Editor is indebted to "The Memoirs of
Frederica Sophia Wilhelmina, Princess Royal of Prussia and Margravine
of Baireuth," published by Mr. Colburn in 1812. The chief biographical
information concerning Miss Caroline Herschel consists of her Memoir
by Mrs. John Herschel, and to that most interesting book indebtedness
must be acknowledged.
Several of the lives mentioned have, during recent years, formed the
subject of independent works; but a short record of them cannot be out
of place in the annals of Noble Sisters.
_Rydal Bank, Bradford,
April, 1892._