LETTERS TO PERSONS
WHO ARE ENGAGED IN
DOMESTIC SERVICE.

My Countrywomen:

Will you aid me in an attempt to benefit a most useful, a mostimportant, and yet a much neglected portion of our fellow citizens? Ican accomplish little without your aid; with it, I trust much may bedone.

Have you ever heard any instructions from the pulpit addressed to theclass for whom I now write? Have you ever read a printed sermon, or atract suited and designed to instruct Americans of this class, onthe topics presented in this book? Have you not felt how important itis that this class, who have so much influence on domestic enjoyment,and on the character of children, should be properly instructed in theduties of their station, and yet how difficult it is to address themacceptably, or to find books that answer for this purpose?

These things have been urged on my attention by benevolent ladies,who have felt these difficulties, and who complain that, while thosethey hire can find books enough which treat on the duties of their[6]employers, they seldom find instructions in regard to the peculiarduties of their own station. I have made an attempt to remedy thisdeficiency, so far as my ability extends. But a great difficulty meetsme. The persons for whom I write, have few opportunities to know whatissues from the press, and seldom buy books. It is others, who, from aspirit of philanthropy and benevolence, must procure such advantagesfor them, or they will seldom be secured. I would therefore appeal toall benevolent and Christian ladies, whose eye may rest on this page,and ask if each will not secure the reading of this book to at leastone of those for whom it is written. If housekeepers will supplythose they hire, if travellers and visitors will use this, to presentas a token of good will to those who serve them, where they temporarilysojourn, if on New-Years and Christmas, this may be remembered as asuitable present to those who do so much to aid on festive occasions,then, if this book is fit for the end designed, there will be many whowill be joined, in the best of all fellowship, with their friend andcountrywoman,

The Author.