Chapter I: Front Matter

Transcriber’s Notes: Words in italics in the original are surrounded with _underscores_. Words in mixed case small caps are in capital letters. A row of asterisks represents a thought break. A complete list of corrections and other notes follows the text.

LETTERS TO PERSONS

WHO ARE ENGAGED IN

DOMESTIC SERVICE.

BY

MISS CATHERINE E. BEECHER.

NEW YORK:
PUBLISHED BY LEAVITT & TROW,
194 Broadway.

MDCCCXLII.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1842, by
JOHN F. TROW,
in the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the Southern District
of New-York.

University Press:
JOHN F. TROW, PRINTER,
114 Nassau-street,
New-York.

TO AMERICAN LADIES.

My Countrywomen:

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

Have you ever heard any instructions from the pulpit addressed to the class for whom I now write? Have you ever read a printed sermon, or a tract suited and designed to instruct _Americans_ of this class, on the topics presented in this book? Have you not felt how important it is that this class, who have so much influence on domestic enjoyment, and on the character of children, should be properly instructed in the duties of their station, and yet how difficult it is to address them acceptably, 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 those they hire can find books enough which treat on the duties of their _employers_, they seldom find instructions in regard to the peculiar duties of their own station. I have made an attempt to remedy this deficiency, so far as my ability extends. But a great difficulty meets me. The persons for whom I write, have few opportunities to know what issues from the press, and seldom buy books. It is others, who, from a spirit of philanthropy and benevolence, must procure such advantages for them, or they will seldom be secured. I would therefore appeal to all 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 least _one_ of those for whom it is written. If housekeepers will supply those they hire, if travellers and visitors will use this, to present as a token of good will to those who serve them, where they temporarily sojourn, if on New-Years and Christmas, this may be remembered as a suitable 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 who will be joined, in the best of all fellowship, with their friend and countrywoman,

The Author.

CONTENTS.

LETTER I. PAGE

The station of domestics important, respectable, and
advantageous to themselves. A story to illustrate the
state of things in this country 9

LETTER II.

A conversation between the clergyman and a domestic 27

LETTER III.

Difficulties experienced by the shipwrecked company,
and how these were remedied 36

LETTER IV.

The manner in which this story illustrates the state
of things in this country 43

LETTER V.

Reasons for regarding the station of a domestic as
honourable and respectable 51

LETTER VI.

The reasons why the station of a domestic is not
regarded as so honourable as it really is 62

LETTER VII.

Reasons why the station of a domestic is a desirable
one, and superior to that of a sempstress, a shop
girl, or a factory girl 69

LETTER VIII.

The importance of raising the respectability of the
station of a domestic, in public estimation, and the
mode by which it can be done 78

LETTER IX.

On the duties of subordination. Rules of the Bible.
Respectful manners the mark of a lady 91

LETTER X.

On Visiting, Company, and Religious Meetings. On going
out, and having company. Religious Meetings. A story to
illustrate 110

LETTER XI.

Importance of health to domestics. Modes by which they
injure health 126

LETTER XII.

_On Dress, Manners and Language._—Dress should be
conformed to means and to occupations. Rules of good
manners 142

LETTER XIII.

Trials of domestics and remedy for these trials.
Fault-finding. Want of comforts and conveniences, &c. 153

LETTER XIV.

_On Economy._—Economy a duty to all. Modes of
economizing 172

LETTER XV.

_On the Care of Children._—Patience very needful.
Offering rewards. Never shame children for their faults.
Never deceive them. Set an example of honesty and
modesty 180

LETTER XVI.

On Cooking 193

LETTER XVII.

On setting tables. Washing and ironing, and other house
work 213

LETTER XVIII.

The Way to be Happy 228

LETTERS

TO

Persons engaged in Domestic Service.