Transcriber’s Notes:

The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.

A complete list of corrections as well as 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, andadvantageous to themselves. A story to illustrate thestate 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 stateof things in this country[43]
LETTER V.
Reasons for regarding the station of a domestic ashonourable and respectable[51]
LETTER VI.
The reasons why the station of a domestic is notregarded as so honourable as it really is[62]
LETTER VII.
Reasons why the station of a domestic is a desirableone, and superior to that of a sempstress, a shopgirl, or a factory girl[69]
LETTER VIII.
The importance of raising the respectability of thestation of a domestic, in public estimation, and themode 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 goingout, and having company. Religious Meetings. A story toillustrate[110]
LETTER XI.
Importance of health to domestics. Modes by which theyinjure health[126]
LETTER XII.
On Dress, Manners and Language.—Dress should beconformed to means and to occupations. Rules of goodmanners[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 ofeconomizing[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 andmodesty[180]
LETTER XVI.
On Cooking[193]
LETTER XVII.
On setting tables. Washing and ironing, and other housework[213]
LETTER XVIII.
The Way to be Happy[228]

LETTERS
TO
Persons engaged in Domestic Service.

LETTER I.

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

My Friends:

I have travelled a good deal in various parts of this country, and by visiting in a large number of families, I have been led to feel a great interest in the welfare of persons in your situation. And as my friends think that I could write something which might be useful and interesting to you, I have concluded to try, and have, therefore, prepared this small volume for your use. I trust you will find, that I have, at least, one good qualification for writing a book for you, and that is, a real interest in

those I address, and a sincere desire to do all I can to promote their usefulness and happiness.

I think that much of the trouble felt by persons in your situation of life, would be very much lessened, if a right view were taken of the respectability, usefulness, and advantages of the station you occupy. I do not think you are aware either of the good you can do to others, or of the benefits you may receive yourselves, in your employment. And I do not think you understand the real respectability which belongs to your situation. I therefore wish to give you some views on these points, that I hope may tend to make you more useful, and more contented with your lot. This I think I can do in the most agreeable way by relating the following tale.