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Letter by M. M. to Peter Robertson Family, July 31, 1851 | The signature of this letter is unclear, but probably is "Myrtle M.". It was sent to the Robertson Family and describes the writer's intention to become a teacher of free blacks in Washington, D.C. It also describes her network of friends, ambitions, and colleagues as she embarks on this new enterprise. Since these events coincide exactly with the known activities of Myrtilla Miner, the letter is most likely from her. Myrtilla Miner graduated from Clinton Academy in New York and taught school in Mississippi before returning to New York determined to help abolish slavery. In New York, she worked with Gerrit Smith in Peterboro and opened a school in Washington D.C. in 1851. She continued this school to the applause of many Northerners including Harriet Beecher Stowe who donated $1000 to her effort. 1 The collected papers of Myrtilla Miner are held at the Library of Congress. 2 The letters are transcribed literally to duplicate punctuation and spelling except when to do so would obscure the meaning. |
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[Plainfield, N.J.Collection: Hubbard-Robertson, Letter from M.M., July 31, 1851, page 1] Hillside July 31. | 51 Macedon, Wayne Co. N.Y. My dear friends. My intentions to write you has ever been unchanged - & had my sister proved a more prompt correspondent I probably should have enclosed to you last spring, when brother Chaplin was here. When at Mr. Greens, I thought I would write you immediately again when at Peterboro your old home. - attending the George Thompson Convention. I could have written you eloquently - But I was speedily away - & friends occupied me - & kept me too fatigued for writing - I have traversed over too much space to prove a good correspondent since you met me in the depth of my subduing grief, about one year ago - & you then looked so sorrowfully upon me & expresed in your tears so much earnest sympathy that I have ever since counted you most emphatically among the tried & true. [end of page 1] |
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[Plainfield, N.J.Collection: Hubbard-Robertson, Letter from M.M., July 31, 1851, page 2] All who look upon me with curiosity rather than earnest sympathy I distrust for it is evident their minds are attracted by my peculiar ties, & not by the spirit within me. I like those who are willing to look beyond externals - & pierce the heart - sounding its rich depth & bringing up pearls from its bottom. - I am not worth anything when considered externally or superficially because I do not carry all I feel in my manners -- & you are among the few who have taken me for my real worth, regardless of those peculiarities & opinions that conflicted with your views -- Thank Heaven for such friends! may they be multiplied. I am really going to Washington & hope to secure a school of colored Misses there - I go with the cooperation & advice of such men as Samuel I. May, Wm. Lee Chaplin, Wm. [?] Smith and many others & go on my own responsibility, & almost without aid -- none from Gerrit Smith. [ end of page 2] |
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[Plainfield, N.J.Collection: Hubbard-Robertson, Letter from M.M., July 31, 1851, page 3] I am saving my earnings with a miser's care - & as soon as I have enough - which will be in Sept. I start -- I shall be accompanied probably by a beautiful young lady, whom I met at the Convention in Syracuse last January --She is a true philanthropist - & will go for the same reasons, & only such, as prompt me. She is but 19 years old - & seems admirably adapted to the work -- [unclear word] the Lord has evidently raised up & me he sent to call her to the field appointed to her -- She has no shrinkings no fears wishes to labor for the oppressed & bleeding wherever she best can. -- & has only been deterred from a prompt decision by her friends -- She is poor - of course - & will receive aid, from the friends of the colored people in Syracuse - We hope to be able to sustain ourselves after we are once established - but would gladly have our friends, who are interested in the elevation of the free colored people as a means of pry- [end of page 3] |
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[Plainfield, N.J.Collection: Hubbard-Robertson, Letter from M.M., July 31, 1851, page 4] -ing out slavery take as much capital in our school as they feel able - The room rent & furniture will be the largest items & we would gladly be able to receive some scholars free who may not be able to pay -- Our intention is to educate a class of teachers, who shall be efficient and exert an influence that in ten years from this may be felt - If we do not put in a good lever here, we shall indeed be sadly disappointed - but God knows what is best & he will not permit it so to be, unless for some good purpose. We go forth anticipating vast obstacles & many trials but an intelligent friend in Washington writes, that he thinks we can undistubedly teach colored children, there & so thought Mr. Chaplin - Write me here soon - if you wish to know more or would have me write again -- In true faith. the same evr. [addressed to] To the Family of Mr. Peter Robertson, Friendship N.Y. |
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