PREFACE. IN preparing these Memorials I have had the valuable assistance of Hannah Southall, without whose sympathy and encouragement, combined with the materials which she and her sister have so kindly furnished, they would never have been offered to the public. I am also indebted to Anne M. Hunt and Rebecca Zaytoun for letters and information, as well as to Joseph Storrs Fry, and many other friends, who will, I hope, accept my cordial thanks as if each one were mentioned by name. Those who knew Ann Hunt will feel that no apology is needed for the attempt to represent her character, and to carry on a little of her influence, but a lenient judgment may be required for the manner in which the task has been accomplished. The letters speak for themselves, but letters alone would scarcely suffice, and in trying to supplement them it is not easy to achieve a satisfactory result. All portraiture has to encounter two kinds of criticism-the comments of those who were acquainted with the original, and may find the representation inadequate and unlike, and those of others who may fail to discern in it the distinctive qualities and personality of the subject. Probably most biographies fall short more or less in fulfilling their ideal, yet when they succeed but in part, they have their value, and may be interesting and profitable to both classes of readers, and it is for this measure of success that I venture to hope. At least it may be said that this little book contains no empty eulogy; it is an attempt to preserve the record of one of the humble souls whom Whittier called "The dear Lord's best interpreters," and to impart to others "the Gospel" of her life. M.S. 1898. |