FORTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OF THE “ Association for the Benefit of Colored Orphans1878.”

The Colored Orphan Asylum has completed its forty-second years, and now ranks among the oldest of our city charities. In reviewing the work of the last twelve months, there has been much to encourage. Notwithstanding the unprecedented business depression, a generous support has always been extended. But little of interest has occurred to report, only the “thrice-told tale” of helpless, neglected childhood, of lives upon whom the blight of many sorrows, worse than death, has fallen.

It has been well said, that no charity cost so little and pays so well as that which provides for the homeless child. It is cheaper to prevent crime than to punish it; and while this Institution has not accomplished all it might desire, the Managers rejoice that so many have been rescued through its instrumentality from the influences of a vicious education.

There are peculiarities in the constitution of the colored people which are difficult to contend with; while, as a race, they are gentle and amenable to authority, they are especially deficient in the power of vigorous, independent thought and action, the entail of hereditary servitude; and it requires a strong and persistent training to awaken the dormant energies, stimulate the habit of self-assertion, and develop the large possibilities of the race. The child is father to the man, and to the early discipline of this Institution may be traced the matured power of many who are now among the respected of their people. Especial effort is made to place the children leaving the Institution in homes where a thoroughly elevating Christian influence will be exerted. They are 0006 6generally indentured to farmers, a country life being most favorable to their moral development. Many of these remain in the neighborhood of their adopted homes after their indenture has expired, often settling themselves respectably; some drift back into the city, and are swallowed in the great maelstrom of life; a few emigrate to foreign parts, where they can rise with less difficulty above the prejudices of race; but almost all return some expression of gratitude for care bestowed; and many reckon among life's choicest blessings the privileges of this early home.

SUPERINTENDENTS STATEMENT

For the year ending December 1, 1878. Admitted since the opening of the Institution, June 9, 1837 2,333 ======= Number of Children, December 1st, 1877 302 Admitted since, 62 Boys, 42 Girls 104 ——- Whole number during the year 406 —- Released during the year, 53 Boys and 46 Girls, as follows: By indenture, 17 Boys, 13 Girls 30 Trial for indenture 9 Boys 9 Returned to friends 45 Deaths 12 Committed to the House of Refuge (returned girl) 1 Committee “ “ House of the Good Shepherd (do) 1 Sent to look for a Place 1 99 Present number-181 Boys, 126 Girls 307 ____ Average number during the iyear 297.6

The following table is added to show the ages of the children admitted during the year: 4-2 years old. 14- 7 years old. 8-3 “ 11- 8 “ 8-4 “ 19- 9 “ 11-5 “ 4-11 “ 10-6 “ 1-11 “

0007 7

A reference to the above statistics will show the ages at which the children enter. A large proportion of six and under when received, and of course need a nurse's care. They are often delicate, victims of scrofula or other hereditary diseases, and frequently become immediate inmates of the Hospital. The excellent colored nurse who has had the charge of the Infant Department for twenty-six years, and over which she presided with a faithfulness which knew no reserve, died last summer of consumption. In the riot of '63, when the mob attacked and burned the Asylum, and threatened the lives of its inmates, this woman was true to her trust. Gathering around her the crowd of terror-stricken children she quieted them with a few assuring words, and taking the youngest by the hand, led them through the halls and out into the courts, where met the eye a scene of riot and violence appalling to the stoutest heart. But, strange to relate, the crowd, so wild till then, quietly opened; not a hand was lifted to their hurt, and the promise was marvelously verified: “Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve them alive.”

The Institution is at present very crowded, the number being larger than at any previous time. Among very many cases of constantly occurring interest, mention of a few will suffice.

Little John Brown, aged five years, familiarly known as “Eclipse,” was found one morning curled up in an ash barrel, sleeping soundly. He could give no account of himself, and from no inquiries have been made for him since, it may be supposed he is one of that sad race unclaimed, known as “nobody's child.”

A small boy of six was brought to the Asylum by an officer of the “Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children,” his head and neck covered with bruises—a sad story of cruelty and desertion: Father in prison, mother dead, step-mother drunk almost always, and then “she beats me.”

A girl of four, left an orphan and taken by a family who made no attempt to educate or control her. At seven she was a wild little Arab, at home on the streets, and familiar with almost every form of vice. When first brought to the asylum she was thoroughly unmanageable, but judicious discipline is toning the uncurbed temper, and the child of so little promise may become the woman of noble purpose.

Three children, the oldest now a girl of nine, were separated on their mother's death, the father was serving a long term in the 0008 8States Prison. At different times, and through separate parties, they were surrendered to the asylum, and according to ages, placed in different departments. One day, as the little ones were on line in the hall, the older sister was passing. She recognized at once the brother, only a baby when she last saw him, three years before, and of whose whereabouts at that time she was ignorant. The child-love was sweet to see, and the little family are happy in an unexpected reunion.

The schools are in excellent condition, the general status quiet equal if not superior to that of previous years. Home schools, however, always lack a feature prominent in the public schools—the stimulus naturally the result of contact with an outside element, and teachers are obliged to increase their exertions to overcome an inertia resulting from this circumstance. Object-lessons and black—board instruction are freely used, with maps, pictures and blocks-anything to arrest attention and afford a pleasurable variety. The grade altogether primary, nothing higher is aimed at, as a thorough grounding in the rudimentary branches is of more value to a child of twelve than any effort at higher culture.

Sewing is also taught in the older classes, and the little finger become quite adepts in the use of the needle and threat. As far as is practicable, the girls are instructed in house-work, and the boys in the duties that will fit them for service in the various positions they may occupy. It would be desirable if the facilities for this class of education could be enlarged, and every child thoroughly trained in some department of work. A large amount of labor has been accomplished, mostly by the boys, in grading the grounds and preparing the lots recently purchased for garden purposes. The play-grounds have been lowered three feet, giving to the basement story better light and ventilation, gravelled and newly fenced.

There have been twelve deaths during the year—an unusual mortality. Of these, eight were of pronounced scrofulous constitutions, delicate when entered; seven died within a year of their admission. One girl was returned a confirmed consumptive, having being in a situation two years; of the eleven other cases, eight were children under a six years of age.

The Managers would especially notice the very liberal donation of $10,000 from Mrs. John C. Green. It was peculiarly grateful at this crisis when the pressure of the times is curtailing all receipts.

0009 9

In August, the children were invited by Mr. R.H. Greene to join those of other institutions in an excursion up the Hudson. Mr. John H. Starin kindly offered the use of his barge and the liberty of “Alpine Grove.” A lunch was provided, and the whole entertainment was one of unalloyed delight.

In October, through the invitation of the Managers of the American Institute Fair, 112 of the older children visited their exhibition, and were greatly pleased, not only with the interest of the occasion, but the kindness of their reception.

The work of this Association is one untouched by any other organization in this State. It provides for a class literally ostracised by society, shut off from the most lucrative employments, and excluded from almost every charity, and possessing, therefore, especial claims upon the community. These claims in the past have been generously met, and the efforts of this Association have never been seriously curtailed for want of funds. They trust the past may be a guarantee for the future, and that the friends who have heretofore so generously contributed will continue their support, assured of a careful economy in all branches and a just expenditure of all funds.

It here becomes our painful duty to record the death, during the past year, of Mrs. Robert W. Parsons, one of our number, who was endeared to many hearts by her amiable qualities. She had just entered upon married life, with every prospect of happiness; but He who seeth the end from the beginning, and who knoweth the best hour at which to remove his children from the lower to the higher sphere of existence, hath seen fit to take her from friends and from family. She was by nature modest and gentle, affectionate and sympathizing. Human suffering awakened her deepest feelings, and she was exceedingly liberal in bestowing of her abundance for its relief.

She seemed to dwell under a sense of the love and presence of her God and Saviour, and daily in her home spoke of His great goodness to her. When such as these pass from our midst, we may well ask that her mantle shall fall upon others, and that her virtues and graces shall be continued among us.

With thanks to our Heavenly Father, who has so wonderfully owned and blest our efforts, and relying on His sure promises for the future, we close this year, asking for ourselves more zeal and effectiveness in this work, and greater power to win souls for Him.

Sarah S. Murray, Secretary. New York, December 9, 1878.

TEACHERs' REPORT, 1878

Number of children taught during the year .... 349 Number of children now receiving instruction .. 268 Alphabet class 24 Reading in easy lessons 120 Reading in more advanced lessons 124 Writing in books 83 Writing on slates 126 Printing on slates 59 Mental arithmetic 180 Written arithmetic 180 Taught arithmetic orally 88 Geography from books 83 Geography orally 48 History of the United States 32

Spelling from books, and dictation is taught throughout the school.

Primary instruction in composition is given in four classes. Oral instruction in Nat. History, Physiology and Grammar.

Seventy-seven children, including 20 from the nursery, have been admitted into the school since the last report, 30 of whom did not know the alphabet.

The school is divided into six classes of the Primary Grade. The older girls are instructed in sewing two hours a week. Rebecca F. Hallock.

PHYSICIAN's REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1878

To the Board of Managers of the Colored Orphan Asylum:

In my report of last year, I called attention to the fact that an epidemic of whooping-cough had nearly subsided, “leaving as yet none of its usual distressing results.” Its effect is, however, to be seen in the increased death-roll of this year.

Three of the cases of pulmonary consumption, one of pneumonia and one of congestion of brain, occurred in the course of, and were apparently caused by severe whooping-cough, and owed their fatal termination to its paroxysms.

The girl, aged 15, returned from her outside home to the Institution in an advanced stage of consumption.

The so-called Bright's disease occurred in a girl of six, whose system was worn out by four years of inveterate scrofula, and in whom degeneration of kidney structure happened to take precedence of other organic changes.

A slight malarious influence has expended its force upon the employees of the Institution, leaving the children comparatively free.

Chicken-pox occurred as an epedemic, but of so mild a character that I give it no place in the list, which is meant to include only those diseases requiring a physician's care. That the sanitary condition has been otherwise excellent is shown by a glance at the subjoined table: DISEASES TREATED IN HOSPITAL. Fever, Typhoid 3 Fever, Remittent 3 Fever, Intermittent 6 Pneumonia 4 Pleurisy 2 Pleuropneumonia 1 Bronchitis 3 Croup 3 Pulmonary Consumption 6 Dyphtheria 4 Quinsy 1 Ulcer of Mouth 4 Diarrhoea 2 Dysentery 1 Marasmus 2 Congestion of Brain 1 Bright's Disease 1 Convulsions 3 Rheumatism 1 SURGICAL. Injuries 2 Ulcer of Foot 1 Abscess 6 Diseases of Eye, including Iritis Conjunctivitis, Keratitis, Ulcer and Trachonae 15 Aural Inflammations 3 DEATHS. Males 4 Ages: Four of 3 years; two of 4 years; two of 5 years; one each of 9, 11, 12, and 15 years. Pulmonary Consumption 5 Tubercular Marasmus 2 Congestion of pBrain 1 Bright's Disease 1 Females 8 Pneumonia 1 Convulsions 1 Typhoid Fever 1

Respectfully, Wm. Frothingham. November 30, 1878. Ave, St. Nicholas, 157th Street.

TREASURER's REPORT.

The Association for the Benefit of Colored Orphans, in account with Sarah Grace Van Dusen, Treasurer. Dr. Receipts. Cr. Expenditures. Dec. 1st, 1877. Dec. 1st, 1877. To Cash Balance By Cash, House on hand $446 53 Expenses $3,205 00 To Cash received from By Cash Interest 9,838 38 Food 8,066 09 To Cash Come. of Charities By Cash and Correction 6,570 00 Clothing 1,996 86 To Cash Board of By Cash Medical Education 2,906 00 Attention 200 00 To Cash Excise By Cash Wages and Fund 600 00 Salaries 4,995 80 To Cash Donation from By Cash Mrs. John C. Green 10,000 00 Teachers 1,413 41 To Cash By Cash Books and Legacies 656 67 Printing 153 32 To Cash U.S. Trust Co. 1,500 00 By Cash Fuel 1,170 72 To Cash Donations 305 68 By Cash Repairs 1,353 90 To Cash By Cash Croton Water Subscriptions 1,033 00 Tax 660 00 To Cash Board of Inmates... 4,135 62 By Cash Insurance... 715 00 By Cash Invested in U.S. Bonds 10,023 94 By U.S. Trust Co.... 3,500 00 By Cash Furniture and Bedding 275 63 For education of a boy from in Hampton, from fund donated by Mrs. C. P. Stokes... 70 00 ———- 1878. $37,799 67 Dec. 2d, Balance on hand 194 13 $37,993 80 $37,998 80 ============ ============ Sarah Grace Van Dusen, Treasurer. This Report has been examined with the Vouchers, and found correct. Samuel B. Van Dusen) Auditing Augustus Taber, )Committee 0013 13Sarah F. Underhill, Treasurer of the Stipend Fund, in account with the Association for the Benefit of Colored Orphans. Dr. Cr. 1877, 12th mo. 1878, 12th mo. To Balance $553 41 By Amount deposited in Bowery Savings Bank on account of Children $701 00 Cash received from Masters 598 00 Paid to Children after leaving the institution 64 00 “ Interest on Bonds 50 00 Returned to Masters 5 00 “ “ Mortgage 177 44 Expended on acc't of the Children. 20 45 Postage 3 00 Balance on hand 585 40 ———— ———— $1,378 85 $1,378 85 ————- ————-

The above account has been examined by me, compared with the vouchers, and found correct. The balance now in the hands of the Treasurer is five hundred and eighty-five dollars and forty cents. Augustus Taber. New York, 12th mo. 6th, 1878.

SUBSCRIPTIONS, 1878.

Miss E. Boune, 131 E. 36th St. Alsop, Mrs. J.W $3 00 Brown, Mrs. James 10 00 Bronson, Mrs. Arthur 5 00 Brown, Mrs. R.J 3 00 Bowne, Miss E 3 00 Collins, Mrs. H.W 10 00 Colgate, Miss J 5 00 De Peyster, Maj-Gen. J. Watts 20 00 Glendenin, Mrs .3 00 Kelly, Mrs. Robert 5 00 Kelly, Miss M.J 5 00 Langdon, Mrs. Walter 5 00 Maghee, Mrs. T .5 00 Moore, Mrs. J.W 3 00 Onderdonk, Mrs. W.H .3 00 Roosevelt, Mrs. M.B .5 00 Sterling, Mr. A.F 5 00 Skidmore, Mrs. S.T 5 00 Trevor, Mrs. J.B 5 00 Townsend, Mrs. J.J 5 00 Thorne, Mrs. R.K 3 00 Winthrop, Mrs. H 5 00 Woolsey, Miss Cecil 3 00 Wyckoff, Mrs. H.S 5 00 Mrs. L.M. Ferris, Jr., 114 E. 29th St. Collins, Mrs. Richard $3 00 Conkling, Mrs. F.A 3 00 Ferris, Mrs. L.M., Jr 3 00 Haviland, Mrs. R.S 3 00 Holt, Mrs. R.S 3 00 Holt, Miss 3 00 Sands, Mrs. David 5 00 Underhill, Mrs. Daniel 5 00 Willets, Mrs. Maria 5 00 Willets, Mrs. Robert 5 00 Willets, Miss Maria 5 00 Mrs. A.R. Eno, 233 5th Ave. Eno, Mrs. A.R .10 00 Phelps, Mrs. G.D 5 00 Mrs. Wm. W. Green, Washinton Heights. Green, Mrs. Wm. W $5 00 Bennett, Mrs. Josiah S 10 00 Combus, Mrs. Richard C 2 00 Frothingham, Mrs. Dr 10 00 Greene, Mrs. Richard H 1 00 Herrick, Mrs. E. J 2 00 Lewis, Mrs. Thomas M 2 00 Post, Mrs. William 3 00 Sage, Mrs. Gardiner 2 00 Stockwell, Mrs. Levi 10 00 Todd, Mrs. Maria L 5 00 Mrs. J. A. C. Gray, 769 5th ave. Gray, Mr. J. C $10 00 Gray, Mr. J. A. C 25 00 Mrs. D. T. Hoag, 35 W. 34th St. Hoag, Mrs. D. T $5 00 Otis, Mrs. Fessenden N 10 00 Mrs. Charles G. Landon, 7 E. 14th St. Aldrich, Mrs. Herman D $5 00 Auchincloss, Mrs. Hugh 5 00 Agnew, Mrs. Gifford 5 00 Appleton, Mrs. Daniel F 5 00 Bliss, Miss George 20 00 Broadly, Mrs. John M 5 00 Butler, Mrs. Wm. Allen 5 00 Beers, Mrs. Wm. H 5 00 Berdan, Mr. John 1 00 Clark, Mrs. Luther 5 00 Chapman, Mrs. Henry Grafton 3 00 De Forest, Mrs. Henry G 10 00 Delafield, Mrs. Julia Floyd 5 00 Delafield, Miss Emma 5 00 Ely, Mrs. David J 5 00 Fisher, Miss Sarah 5 00 Gerry, Mrs. Thomas 3 00 0015 15 Mrs.Landon—contd. Goelet, Mrs. Robert $5 00 Goelet, Mrs Robert $ 5 00 Grant, Mrs, O. De Forest 3 00 Green, Mrs. John C 10 00 Jay, Mrs. John 5 00 Kellogg, Mr. George G 5 00 Lawson, Miss C 5 00 Landon, Mr. Charles G 5 00 Landon, Mrs. Charles G 5 00 Landon, Miss Minnie 5 00 Lee, Mrs. Frederick G 5 00 Nesbit, Mrs. Robert W 3 00 Powell, Mrs. William 5 00 Palmer, Mrs. Lankford 5 00 Robinson, Mrs. E. Randolph 5 00 Rhinelander, Miss Serena 5 00 Read, Mrs. Wm. G 5 00 Richard, Mrs. S.C 3 00 Strecker, Mrs. Charles 20 00 Steward, Mrs. John, Jr 15 00 Schieffelin, Mr. H. M. 1876 10 00 Stewart, Mrs. Lispenard 5 00 Steward, Mrs. Clarence 5 00 Sturges, Mrs. Jonathan 5 00 Sage, Mrs. Russell 5 00 Sheafe, Mrs 5 00 Sutherland, Mrs. John, 1877-78 6 00 Von Stede, Mrs. Frederick 3 00 Van Doren, Mrs. Dikeman 5 00 Wyman, Mrs. H 5 00 Willets, Mrs. Sarah 10 00 Wilkes, Miss 3 00 Wilkes, Miss. G 3 00 Wilkes, Miss H. K 3 00 Mrs. Wm. H.. Lee, 516 Fifth Ave. Decker, Mrs. L. H $5 00 Lee, Mrs. Wm. H 5 00 Lee, Miss Grace 5 00 Miss S.S. Murray, 114 E. 29th St. Day, Miss A. B $10 00 Thurston, Mr. Wm 5 00 Murray, Miss. S.S 5 00 Lawrence, Mr. Alfred N 5 00 Miss Annie A. Purdy, 51 W. 50th St. Purdy, Miss Annie A $3 00 Robert, Mrs. C.R 5 00 Lawrence, Mrs. G.N 5 00 Knox, Mrs. J.M 10 00 Vermilye, Mrs. Wm 3 00 Mrs. B.B. Sherman, 16 W. 20th St. Sherman, Mr. B.B 10 00 Sherman, Mrs. B. B 5 00 Brown, Miss Susan 3 00 Mrs. E. Packer, 6. E. 48th St. Packer, Mrs. E.A $5 00 Moffatt, Miss 5 00 Moffatt, Miss Myra 5 00 Miss C. Underhill, 454 Lox. Ave. Tatham, Mrs. Benjamin $3 00 Parsons, Mr. R.W 5 00 Parsons, Julia F. Russell 10 00 Russell, Mrs. J. D 10 00 Sone, Mrs.L.V 5 00 Miss S.F. Underhill, 210. E. 32 Brown, Mr. Samuel $5 00 Clark, Mr. Hull 10 00 Carpenter, Sally Ann 3 00 Harvey, Misses .5 00 Holden, Mrs. Horace 3 00 Hosack, Miss Eliza 3 00 Haydock, Mrs. Hannah W 3 00 Lawrence, Mrs. Lydia G 5 00 Matthews, Mr. Wm 20 00 Parsons, Mrs. E.W 3 00 Rodgers, Mrs. J.K 3 00 Sampson, Phebe J 5 00 Taber, Mrs. Augustus 5 00 Thorne, Phebe Ann 5 00 Taber, Miss Cornelia 3 00 Underhill, Alice L 5 00 Underhill, Sarah F 5 00 Underhill, Mary F 5 00 Underhill, Elizabeth B 10 00 Underhill, Abby.K 5 00 Van Hoesen, Anna 5 00 Wood, Emma. C 5 00 Wood, Mary S 5 00 0016 16 Mrs. James Stokes, 37 Madison Ave. Bailey, Mrs. Nathan J $5 00 Carpenter, Mrs. George 5 00 Corning, Mrs. H.K 15 00 Cossitt, Mrs. F.H 10 00 Couch, Mrs. Wm 5 00 De Forrest, Mrs. George 5 00 Deming, Miss 5 00 Denny, Mrs. Thomas 5 00 Dodge, Mrs. Wm. E 10 00 Dodge, Mrs. Wm. E. Jr 5 00 Downer, Mrs. Samuel 5 00 Hoe, Mrs. Robert, Jr 10 00 Hyde, Mrs. Edwin 5 00 James, Mrs. D.W 10 00 Moore, Mrs. James 5 00 Pond, Mrs. H.N 5 00 Phelps, Mrs. A.G 5 00 Phelps, Mrs. I.N 5 00 Slade, Mr. John 5 00 Slade, Mrs. F.H 5 00 Stokes, Mrs. A.G.P 10 00 Stokes, Mrs. James .10 00 Stuart, Mrs. James 5 00 Trowbridge, Mrs. E 5 00 White, Mrs. Norman 10 00 Mrs. Van Dusen, 65 W. 36th St. Dickerson, John S Van Dusen, Mr. S.B $5 00 Van Dusen, Mrs. S.B 5 00 Suydam, Mrs. James 3 00 White, Mr. L.D 5 00 Mrs. James Wright. Bronson, Miss $3 00 Cobb, Mrs. I.N 5 00 Chrystie, Mrs. Francis 10 00 Grosvenor, Mrs. J 5 00 Renwick, Mrs. H.B 10 00 Raynolds, Mrs. C.T 5 00 Sidell, Miss 5 00 Stewart, Mrs. R.L 5 00 Winston, Mrs. F.S 5 00 Mrs. Wm. A. Wheelock, Washington Heights. Wheelock, Mrs. Wm. A $10 00

DONATIONS, 1878.

Through Treasurer. Donation from Mrs. J.C. Green, $10,000 Legacy from Mott Estate $70 00 From Miss Hobby's Estate 486 67 From Excise Fund 600 00 Donation to hospital from Mrs. T.A.C. Gray 5 00 Through Miss E. Browne. Osgood, Mrs. S.R $75 00 Through Mrs. A.R. Eno. Eno, Mrs. A.R $15 00 Eno, Mrs. A.R 30 00 Through Mrs. C.G. Landon. Brown, Mr. Stewart $25 00 Dowes, Mrs. David 25 00 Lenox, Mr. James 100 00 Through Miss Murray. Lenox, Miss $50 00 Through Miss Purdy. (From the Estate of) Miss Anne B. Kissam, $100 00 Through Superintendent. McGee, Mr. James $25 00 Charity Box 1 85 Exhibition Receipts 92 40 Through Mrs. B.B. Sherman. Eldred, Mr. H.T $5 00

Sundry Donations.

American Bible Society, 50 copies Bibles for children when leaving. Babcock, Miss Emily H., bed-quilt, 2 prs. stockings, envelopes. Bedford, Prof. P.W., Illustrated lecture, “A Trip Around the World in 90 Minutes. Barnes, Mr. J.W., 1 barrel apples. Eno, Mrs. A.R., oranges for nurseries and hospital. Falconer, Mrs., second-hand suit boys' clothing, and dressing-gown. Ferris, Mr. Wm., 33 ornamental trees, evergreens, 1 large Christmas-tree. Ferris, Mrs. L.M., pears, corn, and beans for family. Frothingham, Dr., discarded toys. Glass, Mr. J.A., 1 barrel apples. Gray, Mrs. J.A.C., Sunday Magazine for 1879. Griffin, Mr. E.P., 100 copies “Temperance Banner,” yearly sub. Guest, Mrs., package child's papers. Landon, Mrs. C.G., oranges, several times, ice cream and buns for the nurseries and hospital, picture books, 3 white cotton short gowns. Lee, Mrs. Wm. H., oranges and delicacies for nurseries and hospital. Onderdonk, Mrs. W.H., Sabbath-school books. Robert, Mrs. C.R., oranges and delicacies for nurseries. “Sheltering Arms” Monthly, from publishers, for 1879. Stokes, Mrs. James, 5 copies “American Messenger” for 1879. Thorne, Mr., apples. Taber, Mrs. A., pictures for nurseries, and hospital, candles and oranges for same, several barrels apples. West, Mrs. E.S., Child's Illustrated Bible, 37 vols., 1 child's bath-tub, delicacies for hospital, 2 copies “Advocate and Guardian,” yearly sub. American Kindergarten Magazine. Wheelock, Mrs. Wm. H., 100 copies “Child's World,” yearly sub., 1 box partly worn books. Wood, Misses Carrie and Julia, package of papers. Corwin, Mr., for nursery children, $5. Bailey, Thomas, discount on bills, $8. Caffey, Mr., discount on bill of stone, $8.00.

0018 18

THANKSGIVING DONATIONS. Willetts, Miss Maria $5 00 Sherman, Mrs. B.B 5 00 Through Mrs. Stokes. Vermilye, Mr. C.A $10 00 Cash 3 00 “ 2 00 “ 2 00 T.L. Pine St 2 00 Stokes, Mr. James, 6 turkeys, 4 barrels of apples. Bloodgood, Mrs. Wm. A., 1 turkey. Through Mrs. Landon. Brown, Mrs. Stewart $10 00 Lawson, Miss C 2 00 Hedden, Mr. Charles B., 1 turkey, 2 geese, 2 chickens. Landon, Mrs. C.G., 4 turkeys. CHRISTMAS DONATIONS. Brady, Mrs. A.E., 10 lbs. candy. Wellington, Mrs., toy-books. Stephens, Misses, 12 dressed dolls, 38 toys, 8 scarfs, 1 bag candy and oranges. Randolph, Mrs. T.E.F. and daughter, 300 lace stockings filled with candy and nuts. Landon & Bates, Misses, 38 necklaces, and cards for their sewing class. Rice, Nettie (a former pupil), 1 barrel apples. Wells, Miss Susan M., bag of Christmas greens. Gray, Mrs. J.A.C $5 00 Willetts, Miss Maria 10 00 Sherman, Mrs. B.B 5 00

PATRONS

By the Contribution of Fifty Dollars at one time, within the last five years. 1874—Gray, Mrs. J.A.C. Johnston, Mr. J. Taylor. Lenox, Mr. James. Lenox, Miss. Osgood, Mrs. S.R. Benson, Mr. A.W. 1875—Boucicault, Mr. Dion. Gray, Mrs. John A.C. Lenox, Mr. James. Lenox, Miss. Osgood, Mrs. S.R. Brown, Mr. Stewart. 1876—Lenox, Mr. James. Lenox, Miss. Marquand, Mr. Frederick. Eckford, Mrs. Henry. Gray, Mr. J.A.C. Osgood, Mrs. S.R. Benson, Mr. A.W. 1877—Osgood, Mrs. S.R. Lenox, Mr. James. Lenox, Miss. Willetts, Miss Maria. 1878—Lenox, Miss. Lenox, Mr. James. Osgood, Mrs. S.R.

LIFE-MEMBERS.

By the Contribution of Twenty-five Dollars at one time, within the last five years. 1874—Todd, Miss Maria L. Underhill, Miss Cornelia. Dows, Mrs. David. 1875—Dows, Mrs. David. Heissenbuttel, Mr. Wm. Johnston, Mr. John T. Kissam, Miss. Johnston, Mrs. Emma. 1876—Brown, Mr. Stewart. Eno, Mrs. A.R. Dows, Mrs. David. Kissam, Miss A.B. 1877—Nicoll, Dr. H.D. Brown, Mr. Stewart Dows, Mrs. David. 1878—Eno, Mrs. A.R. Dows, Mrs. David. Brown, Mr. Stewart. McGee, Mr. James.

Extracts from a Few of the Children's Letters.

North Salem, Sunday, Jan. 13, 1878.

Mrs. Hutchinson: Dear Friend—Having nothing else to do just now, I thought I would write to you as I had promised to, and I think it is quite time I did; I suppose the children had a nice time on Christmas; they always do; as for us, we had a splendid time on Christmas Eve, in the basement of our church; after the people had all come and had got settled, we went up in the church and had the services; the Sunday-school scholars were arranged on each and and back of the pulpit, the boys on one side, and the girls on the other; after the choir had sung, “Hark! what mean those holy voices,” one of the boys stepped out of the circle to the front, and spoke a very nice piece, fitted for the occasion; after the choir had sung again, another boy repeated a verse from the Bible; than after they had sung again, one of the girls repeated a verse, and so it went all around the circle, the choir singing, and the children repeating verses; after that, we went down in the basement again, and then our good time had fairly begun; we were going to have tableaux of “Mother Goose's Melodies,” acted by the little ones, so when we were all settled, Mrs. Lathrop, our minister's wife, read “Your Tom, the piper's son, stole a pig and away he run,” and then the bell was rung and the curtain was drawn up, we beheld Tom in the very act of running away with the pig under his arm, he was one of our boys, and the pig was made of pink cloth, which made it look very natural and life-like; after that, we had “Twinkle, twinkle, little Star,” and “Little Jacky Horner,” “Little Bopeep,” and lastly, “Old King Cole;“ we had a good many more before the last one was acted, of which I have no time to tell you of, as it would take up too much room on the paper; they were all acted very nicely. The ladies of the church provided refreshments of all that was nice, which were handed around to everybody; then after that, who should come in, but old Santa Claus himself, all muffled up from top to bottom; he said by some mistake or other the presents had not arrived in time, so he had not brought them with him, but that he had brought some nice candies with him, and we could all have some now; after playing around about for awhile, Mr. and Mrs. Hunt and I had to go home, as it was as much as ten o'clock at night (which is a very late hour for us quiet people); the moon was just coming up, which made our ride home so much pleasanter than it would have been if it had not risen at all; whom we had got home Mrs. Hunt made me a present of a nice bright warm shawl and a pincushion, which I am sure I was very thankful and glad to get, furthermore, her little grand-nieces and nephews sent me from Orange, N.J., a very pretty white apron, and some very pretty little cards for my Christmas presents. My Sunday-school teacher gave me a pretty basket with writing-paper and envelopes in it; we have been having some pretty nice weather out here, and I wish all the rest of winter would be like it was to-day, very much like spring. Lottie got a box of writing-paper also. In your letter you said that both Mr. Hutchinson and Miss Pearson had written, but it is very strange their letters did not reach me; yours was the only one I received from the Asylum since I have been here; you must excuse me for writing so very much, before thanking you for your nice letters, which I am sure I was more than glad to get. I often think of the happy days spent in the Asylum with the girls. I should like to visit the Asylum and see you all very much and perhaps I will some time. I should be pleased to have a letter when convenient. Please send me a report. Remember me kindly to all. No more at present from Rebecca J. Voorhies.

New York City, May 11, 1877.

Mr. Hutchinson: Dear Sir—I am now in the same place, and I am learning quite fast about horses. I do a good deal of work, and drive quite frequently, I can take care of a horse quite good. I am making a living for myself the same as my sisters and brother. I am thinking of going to the country with one of the boarders, if Mr. Odell sees fit for me to go; what I mean by boarders, is the gentlemen that board their horses in the stable. I have been in this same place since I came from Mrs. Dake's and I like it first-rate, and think that Mr. Odell likes me pretty well. I get up in the morning about half-past five, work until about seven o'clock, and then go home and get my breakfast, and then work until dinner-time, and then go home again, and then go back and stay until supper-time, then take a walk out in the evening to digest my food, then come home and go to bed; for I only live one block from the stable. I have saw some of the boys that used to be up here when I was, and also Mr. Thomas Wilson. I think I will follow the horse business up for ever so long time, if I was to get a better place I do not think I would go, for I have both got used to my boss and my place, for I have not got anything against them; and I have not forgotten anybody up here, although I have not written in a good while. No more at present.

I remain truly yours, Albert F. Stewart. Please answer. Address, A.F. Stewart, 600 Lexington Avenue, care of A.S. Odell, New York.

Poughkeepsie, July 17, 1878.

Mr. Hutchinson: Dear Sir—I suppose you will like to hear from me; I can do washing, ironing, and general housework, everything but making bread, for we buy all our bread. I think about you all quite often, now I can see what a good home that was for me, I did not appreciate it then, but I do now, that I have grown older and wiser. I am well pleased with my place, I have been here most five years. I was up-town this evening, and what a sight it is, a solemn sight, for the City is mourning the loss of its mayor; I suppose you have heard about it through the newspapers. It is warm weather here, not too warm to endure; as far as I know, there has not been one case of sunstroke. I live in a very pleasant part of the City, we can see all the boats and cars, we can also see them building the piers for the great bridge, the work gets along very slow. I would like to have a report. I have not had one since I left there, I want to see how you are all are getting along. I am expecting to come and see you, but I do not know exactly when. I have joined the church, and been six months probationary member, and one year full member, or I should say one year and eleven months.

This is all at present from Emily Bush. New York, March 13, 1878.

Mr. Hutchinson: Dear Sir—I received your letter quite a while ago and was very glad to hear from you. I have not had the opportunity to write to you before. I hope you will not think hard of it, I suppose you have heard that I have left Mrs. Davis, it was on account of sickness, as I suppose she told you. I am getting along quite well in life, am learning to look out for myself, I find nobody will take an interest in me if I do not myself. I spent a very happy New Years' and Christmas, received a great many presents; I would have like to have been to the Asylum but I could not get off. It makes me think of the happy days I have once spent in my old home. You may think strange of me calling it my old home, but I shall always think it as that, I sometimes look back and think of the happy days I spent there, but I could not realize so then, and I cannot express my feelings of gratitude to you and all the kind managers of the Asylum, and I hope some day I will be able to show it in some way or other. I know God will not forget you, He will reward you for your goodness to us poor orphan children. As he says. “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, may ye have done it unto Me.” Spring has come once more, and soon the birds will rejoice, they will be singing and flying from one tree to another, and looking out for a place to build their nest and lay their eggs. I hope you will write soon, and tell me all the news, as I love to hear anything and everything from home.

No more at present. Mary J. Downs.

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Plainville, Som. Co., N.J. March 17.

Mr. Hutchinson: Dear Sir—You wish me to write to you after a month has passed, and so I will do it right away. I am writing this letter Sunday afternoon; I am getting along very well for the first month that has passed. I go to church every Sunday, when it does not rain, but in the summer I am going to Sunday-school. We are going to plow the first of April, and he is going to make me plow with a team that will have two young ponies up to it. The farm that is to be plowed is one hundred acres. When I came I first took the car and we rode nearly two miles, and they changed cars, and then I rode again nearly a mile and got out, and had to walk about fourteen or fifteen blocks, and then went to the market to get my dinner. I had for my dinner a bowl of oyster-stew and some crackers, and then came out and got on the steam-cars and rode off. We arrived at seven o'clock in the night, and got my supper and went to bed. Got up and then I did not know where I was. The first week was lonesome, but now I am not.

Please answer the letter, and tell me what you think about it, from George Gregory. Wednesday Eve., Dec. 26, 1877.

Mr. Hutchinson: Dear Sir—I thought I would write and tell you how I spent Christmas. I had a lovely time, and received quite a number of presents. A lady that lives up on the second floor presented me with two aprons and a Christmas-box full of candy. Also another lady on the same floor with her gave me a new dress and a box of candy. Then a young lady friend of Mr. Bennet's gave me a scent-bag, a Christmas card and a hem-stitched handkerchief, so I fared very well—had a very pleasant time indeed. I woke up with a very severe headache which made me rather cross, although I did not show it, remembering that I had promised to avoid it, although it is very hard when I do not feel well. I always feel cross when I do not feel well. I try very hard to control my temper, but find it impossible sometimes. I will turn over a new leaf New Year and see how good I can be through the year, hoping to return good for evil, and to do all that I can in the way of being obliging and faithful in all that I do and say.

Carrie Johnson November 29, 1878.

Dear Sir—I am very glad and happy, and have this feeling in me this moment, hoping that the children and all the grown people are having a glorious time today. I remember when I was in the Asylum I wondered what Thanksgiving Day was, but to-day I am thankful to God that I do the day we give thanks for what done for us, and for supplying us with plenty of food and clothing. Glad I was I was in the Asylum the school-days that I have been. I want you to tell Mrs. Hutchinson that her words has kept my lips from a great deal of sorrow, and I thank her and I thank God that she has such good courage in bringing souls in to Christ. And I want you to tell the children that they have a beautiful home and plenty to eat and drink. I know I always did and know they do. Tell the boys to be good and keep out of bad boys way, and if they call names not to mind them but go away. It is difficult for boys when they go in New York and get into bad company they may like it for a while, but nevertheless it makes drunkards and gamblers of them. I used to think that it was a big thing to live in New York City, but now I know better.

David Shields. Bergan, March 1, 1878.

My Dear Teacher—How long it seems since I heard from you. I suppose you know that I am living in Bergan, N.J. I have not written in so long a time that I am very much afraid that I will make a great bock of it. How I would like to see that dear old place. But I am afraid it will be so changed before I see it that with new faces and changes there it will not look familiar to me. But as I am living on the heights. I have lots of friends amongst the girls. But somehow or other I do not think they seem to me as dear as my old companions. Kate Harris is living in Bergan also. She has been to see me several times. And then we have a general rehearsal of all of our school songs. I received the first report day before yesterday, and I seen in a letter from one of my dearest friends, and that is Magdelena. 0022 23How I should like to see her, and have a good talk with her. Give my love to the children, and tell them they need not be in any hurry to go out in the world, for everything is so different from the life one leads there, so free from temptations one is exposed to out in the world. And also the holidays are spent so differently. It seems that it has lost its charms. With what pleasure we children used to look forward to Christmas, and dressing the chapel and tree. How glad I was to see those letters in the report.

From your naughty pupil. Annette Ginott. Long Branch Feb 1878.

My Dear Friend, Mrs Hutchinson. It is just like summer out here and I am enjoying good health. I would have written to you before but I have had so many letters to write home to my mother and sisters that I could not write to you before. My sister Sarah and Annie are married. My mother was down here and staid a week and I had a very nice time too. I have been to Sunday School every Sunday since I came here, only when it rains. I go down to the sea every Saturday afternoon to Miss Gantry, she learns Miss Gantry,she learns us our lessons. She is a splendid lady,and she does not know how I love her, for I think she I the best lady around here that I like the best. Christmas she had a Christmas tree down there for her scholars and it was splendid, and we all had such a nice time. I suppose the children at the Asylum had a nice time on Christmas for they always did when I was there. I go to see Mrs Wright every time I go to the sea, and we have a nice time with her. She reads to us and sometimes we reads to her You can not tell how nice it is down here in the summer. I was in bathing six times last summer and it was splendid. I try to be a good girl but sometime I fail to do right and I hope the next time I write to you that I will be a better girl. I do not forget how you liked to have us learn the twenty first chapter of Revelations, and I think I know most of it by heart, and am going to learn it as soon as I can. Please to remember me to Mr. Williams, tell him that I do not forget how bad we girls was in his class.

Good night and God bless you all from your scholar, Maggie Richardson West Freehold, Mon. Co., N.J., Jun. 2,1873.

Dear Friend, Miss Pearson: I have so long neglected to write to you. I have thought of you a great many times. It has been so long since I was there to see you all. To-day we are having a storm. I think it will be cold when it is over. We had a beautiful Christmas sermon, the text was in the ninth chapter of Isaiah, and “His name shall be called Wonderful.” I enjoy it very much. The church is very nicely dressed in greens. The Sabbath-school at West Freehold had a Christmas-tree, each family provided their own things for the tree. I had for my Christmas a box of writing paper and a beautiful tie and a skein of worsted-they were from Mrs. Solomon-and a bag of candy and an orange. Mrs. Solomon and Mr. Laird were out to dinner on Christmas. I was all alone. O how lonely it did seem. I made myself busy all the time, and then I got over it. Mrs. Laird and Mrs. Solomon's two sons have gone away, we miss them very much. I have often wished for a letter from you, but I knew I could not get it until I did write. I will be more than pleased to have a letter when convenient. I have united with the church. It was a very great undertaking for me, I was very long thinking about it. It seems as if I might not keep my vows perfect, but I hope as I grow older I will be able to keep them more perfect. I will try hard. “Whom have I in heaven but Thee, and there is none upon earth that I desire besides Thee.”

May God bess you all, from your friend, Elmira Jackson.

0023 I know they scorn the colored child, The gay, the selfish, and the proud; I know his sorrowing accents mild Are mockery to the thoughtless crowd. I cannot coldly pass one by— Stripp'd, wounded, left by thieves half dead; Nor see an infant Lazarus lie At rich men's gates, imploring bread. A frame as sensitive as mine, Limbs moulded in a kindred form— A soul degraded, yet divine, Dear to me my brother worm. He was my equal at his birth, A naked, helpless, weeping child; And such are born to thrones on earth, On such has every mother smiled. My equal he will be again, Down in that cold, oblivious gloom, Where all the-prostrate ranks of men Crowd, without fellowship, the tomb. My equal in the judgment-day, He shall stand up before the throne, When every veil is rent away, And good and evil only known. And is he not mine equal now? Am I less fall'n from God and truth- Through darkly colored be his brow, And want and grief consume his youth? If holy nature yet have laws, Binding on man of woman born, In her own court I'll plead his cause, Arrest the doom, or share the scorn. James Montgomery.

0024 Party spirit and sectarianism have ever been carefully avoided; the object of the Institution being simply to provide an appropriate home, and religious, moral, and school instruction for Colored Orphan Children.

FORM OF A BEQUEST

I give and bequeath unto “The Association for the Benefit of Colored Orphans,” the sum of ———————————————, to be paid to the Treasurer for the time being, for the use of said Society.