Letters of Lydia Maria Child, with a biographical introduction by John G. Whittier and an appendix by Wendell Phillips.

56 LETTERS.
transcendentalism. The German philosophy would
suit it best. The letter was written on some subject
of much interest to the writer, and under a rather
agreeable state of feeling. The first impression conveyed, on touching this letter, was that of goodness,
purity, and intelligence of the highest order."
I send it to you as it was sent to me by the agent
of the " Courier." As you seemed to be curious on
this subject of neurology, I thought it would gratify
your curiosity to see it.
Dr. Palfrey called on me, on his way to New Orleans. I agreed to find places for five of his slaves,
and have done so. He behaved nobly. His brothers
offered to let him take his share in real estate; and
that would have satisfied the conscience of most people; but he at once answered that be should consider
such an arrangement equivalent to selling the slaves;
and begged that as many slaves as possible might be
put into his share. He told me that he had some
fears as to how Mrs. P. would approve of his resolution, since it would alienate considerable property
from her children, when. his own pecuniary affairs
were considerably embarrassed; but, to his surprise
and delight, she promptly replied, s" I want no child
of mine to inherit a dollar from the sale of slaves."
We have not labored in vain - have we, dear Henrietta?
TO MISS AUGUSTA KING.
NEW YORIK, October 30, 1844.
Emerson has sent me his new volume.1 As usual,
it is full of deep and original sayings, and touches of
exceeding beauty. But, as usual, it takes away my
strength..... What is the use of telling us that
everything is "scene-painting and counterfeit," that
1 Essays. Second Series.