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12 "Report of the Hartford Female Beneficent Society."

This association was for orphan girls, or such as were deserted by parents, that they might be supported and trained in right and industrious habits until of sufficient age to be taken as assistants in families. It had been wisely and successfully managed, its funds having been fostered by the counsels of Chief-Justice Williams, whose lady devoted much time and sympathy to its internal details. Twenty years had elapsed since its establishment, and it was thought that a report of its proceedings might strengthen public confidence—perhaps increase the number of subscribers. Some of the more cautious managers apprehended that it would prove useless, and a source of debt. I offered to write it, and be held financially responsible. An edition of only five hundred was ventured, but widely circulated, and profitable beyond our most sanguine expectation.

This benevolent institution has now been half a century in prosperous operation. For the greater part of that period the onerous services of Chief Manager have been devotedly discharged by one lady, Mrs. Charles Hosmer, whose name has become identified with its welfare. Its plan has been not to mingle the sexes, or to cultivate in masses, but to receive only such a