Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1855-02-11

blended with the Foundation of this Institution
leads US back to that PERIOD so full Of trnst and
hopefnlness, happily realized in TIE success which
has attended cur effots. Since our last annual
meeting it has pleased an All-Wise Power to move
f:om her sphere Of usefulness, Mrs Ann Hitchcock,
one OF our former associates in our work ofchaity,
and 1t becomes our solemn duty to place upon our
records an event truly saddening to our feelings.
When the little band Of females assembled in l845,
to organize, and make laws for an Orphan Asylum,
the subject of this melancholy notice, elected
President, and for six years presided over the in
stituton with devotion worthy Of so sacred a
trust. Her ability and untiring exertions materi-
ally contributed TO place it in that happy state of
progression, in which she left it when called away
by parental duty to St Louis. Resgning her charge
here, she soon ente red on field of usefulness and
became First Directress of the Orphans Home"
From this and various other humane enterprises, to
which her active spirit impelled her, she was sud
denly called away to be lamented by all who can
appreciate disinterested beneyoence We would
accompany this tribute Of respect to her memory by
an expression of our kind sympathies with her
family and the soothing hope, that her bright ex-
ample may stimulate them and us to lively dis
charge of such duties, will prepare US for well
come recognition in the realms of the Blessed
To the Source of all mercies we would offer up
our fervent gratitude that our children are all here
in health and the enjoyment Of the comforts suited
to their tender ages and it is subject of gratifying
reflection, that they steadily progressing in a
useful and virtuous education. They cheerfully
perform all the labor of the household, and in ad
dition to making their own clothing have during
the past summer, assisted by needlework, in lessen
ing in small way the necessary expenses
In our last report it was suggested that library
would be very useful appendage to the Insttu-
ton, aforiing facilities to those whose age render
them capable of receiving information from well
selected books This has been partially carried out
About 40 volumes have been contributed by the
managers, and the theory happily realized, that
reading and labor may be pleasantly and judiciously
combined
Could more beautiful picture be presented to
the mind of the philanthropist, than group of
these young girls, while busily plying the needle,
imbibing instruction from alternately reading aloud
The mind thus stored with valuable ideas, may in
after life find influence in cheating toll of its weari-
ness, and softening the pang of afflicton, opening
to them mental treasure more enduring and more
precious than the alluring pleasures of the world.
Intelligence insures moral improvement, and in
opening such elevating sources to them we pre-
pare them to go forth, when they leave us, with
minds well fortified against the temptations that
may lay in their path.
The subject has at various periods been agitated
whether it is advisable under any circumstances to
cousign our children to any other guardianship
than our own. In experiments that have been
made, some have not been propitious in their re-
suits. In cases of adoption by those who are fully
entitled to our confidence, there perhaps may arise
no serious objection, as it may be reasonably in
ferred, thata kind solicude will ensure udicious
rearing On the other hand placed by indenture
in families without slaves, they might find very
respectable and comfortable homes, but our views
could thus be but partially carried out. Would
it not interfere with long cherished wishes that
in time they might materially assist by dress ma
king and ornamental work, in defrayng the expen-
ses of the Institution and thereby encouraged in
the laudable desire of feeling Independent.
We hold in our hands the destinies of our Or
phans for time and eternity, and it may be repeat
ed. that iudicious culture OF their minds and man.
| ners NAV have an influence on future and distant
| generations. We have in our little community
many sensitive minds full of affection and gratitude
which, like delicate plants, require gentle and
| fostering hand to prepare them for world where
| all Is not sunshine We deprecste any measures
| which would have tendency to relax our vigilant
care. We could not, without fearful look into
the future transfer them to new homes where re-
straints as rigid and salutary as our own, would
not be supposed to exist These views on sub
iect deemed of vital Importance are respectfully
submitted for consideration.
We have at the present time, thirty-three Or
phsns some of them left destitute by the epidemic
Of the mast Summer-several in the helpless state
Of infapcy-calling for additional watchfulness of
the Matron who entities herself to our sympathies,
as we'll as our high appreciation of her kind devo-
ton to her charge and our entire appreciation of
her Superintenderce in every department
To all who by their sympathies have contributed
to throw a light around US, we fervently respond
in the wish that they may be blessed with the
smile OF Him VINO l6ll WIFI MS IdiIihui IOliOWciS
the Injunction, "Feedmy Lambs. With these are
included, Dr. McNairy, for efficient aid in case Of
prolonged illness during the past summer; as also
Mr. G. Brown for medicine gratuitously fur
nished, and the Publishers of the city, whose col
umns are ever generously open to our communica-
TONS
CATHARINE STEWART,
Nashville, Feb 5, 1855. Cor. Sec'y.
TREASURES REPORT.
Received during the year, ending February 18th,
1855. ...-...
From Boarding Children, % 90
Order on the County 500 90
IL 90
Sewing done at the Asylum, l6 10
Proceeds of Concert, Fair and
Supper, 81 a
Donations and Subscriptions, Cos 10
Balance in the Treasury, Feb
ruary 1854, 462
Total $2524 81
To Matron, S2lG 90