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Fig. 46.—Sampler by Elizabeth Easton. 1795.
Mr A. W. Drake’s Collection.

The earliest dated sampler in America of which I have cognisance, and one which may have been worked in that country, is that bearing the names of Miles and Abigail Fletwood (Fleetwood?) ([Fig. 44]). It is dated 1654, and has been owned by the descendants of Mrs Henry Quincy since 1750, and is now in the possession of Mrs Frank Boxer of Cambridge, Massachusetts, who has kindly furnished me with particulars concerning it. It bears the following inscription:—

“In prosperity friends will be plenty,
But in adversity not one in twenty,”

which, it is thought, may possibly have reference to the reverses of Miles Fletwood and his relationship to Cromwell. It is somewhat remarkable for a sampler to bear the names of husband and wife for it necessarily presupposes its having been worked after marriage.

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Fig. 47.—Sampler by Maria E. Spalding. 1815.
Dr J. W. Walker’s Collection.