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exert myself to deserve a continuance of it, that it may ultimately terminate in good. I will merit that desired esteem, by my obedience to your wish, and acceptance of his counsel. His letter was impressive, and spoke to my heart, but 'tis hardened by the vanities of the world. I hope in the mercy of Heaven, and that, through its grace, I may yet partake of that divine spirit, of which he is so able a minister. Present my acknowledgements, and assure him, though severe, his letter may heal the wound it was intended to probe. I fear I have gone too far to realize much happiness, but there is one reflection which will afford me consolation, that I have passed so far with a mind uncontaminated. Free from licentiousness of depravity, the purity of your example, my mother, was before my eyes. Though I have been fond of the broad glare of fashionable life, and induced to embrace a profession Religion cannot sanction, yet 'twas not from weakness of mind; but because I saw through a false medium. With the sanguine ardour of youth, I possessed a strong desire for novelty, and an acquaintance with the world. Uuprotected, that desire led me into error. My adoption of the stage is the most glaring. My future conduct can alone atone for that. I no longer see any pleasure in this kind of life, but what I am going to say will ap pear a paradox.

I had promised to remain the ensuing season with the Theatre. I thought it would appear unkind, as he [Mr. Twaits, since dead, who took her to New York] depends on me for assistance; and, though I dislike the appearance of deceit, I think something of the kind must be done, to induce the managers to

part with me:-you must plead indisposition, or at once order me to return home for some particular purpose. There is no difficulty in the journey, as Mrs. B-is going to Philadelphia. I shall be anxious until you write again. I would have sent a letter to Mr. Ely, but felt incapable of thanking him as I wish and ought; but if you desire it I will; though I hope to have the pleasure of expressing my gratitude, when I shall have made some atonement for my folly.

Adieu, my dear mother, and believe me your affectionate, though mistaken daughter,

L-M-.

Mrs. A— M

LETTER FROM MISS LM, TO HER MOTHER.

DEAR MOTHER,

New York, September 4th, 1814.

By this time I suppose you have received my last letter, in which I informed you of my intention; but I must confess pecuniary embarrassments have prevented me from forming a decided plan. My shallow purse is now empty. I will be happy to accept your proposition, provided you do not become accountable for payment of the sum: that I will do, should Fortune place it in my power. At the same time, though I thank the person, I should not like to be under an obligation to a person whom I may have

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offended.* You can judge of the propriety of the thing better than I. If you think the plan eligible, have the goodness to procure for me ten dollars, the smallest possible sum that will answer. If not,

I will endeavour to procure it here. Please to write immediately, as I am anxious to arrange my business. There will be some difficulty, which I have foreseen. The managers have been sending after me, constantly, since the opening of the Theatre. My plea is indisposition, which will contiuue till I arrive in Philadel phia. Mrs. Bm is going on to reside, so that I shall have no acquaintance remaining. Poor Twaits is much regretted. He was a friend to me: I hope his sufferings have made ample compensation for his

errors.

Give my sincere love to the family and my friends. God bless you! I remain in the hope of seeing you by this day week. Your affectionate daughter,

LM-.

Mrs. A. M.

Her mother had written her, that a gentleman had offered to send her on the means of returning, if necessary; but did not inform her who that gentleman was. The daughter thought it might have been a person of her former acquaintance, who might make an improper use of the renewal of his kindness, if his proffered money were accepted. This was the occasion of her hesitating to receive the aid which her mother had promised to afford, by the assistance of the writer of this note.

This actor, who induced her to ascend the stage, had lately died; and probably this contributed to make her relinquish the theatre.

With the foregoing letter the mother called on me, that I might have the pleasure of fulfilling my promise. The mother is a pious, genteel, industrious, poor woman; who lives by sewing and washing. When she came, I had lately commenced housekeeping, and she brought as a present, in these hard-times, a pound of "imperial gunpowder tea." It would not do to hurt her feelings by refusing it; so I took it with a determination to present it back again in some other way. While my rich friends were sending me of their abundance, she of her penury was testifying her ́respect, by presenting me all she was worth. When I determined to return her gift, without making her sensible of it, I had no reference to the following communication.

Philadelphia, September 7th, 1814.

Ir Miss LM- will return to her mother, she shall be welcome to the enclosed bill; and may be assured that she shall never be accounted the debtor of

EZRA STILES ELY.

Not long after the expected time of her arrival, the glad mother called to inform me, that her daughter, who once was lost, was now restored to her house and arms. It soon became necessary that some business should be provided for her; and I requested Mrs. K-,

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whose benevolent exertions to assist Caroline had been disappointed, to take the young actress under her protection. She consented; and for several months found her the means of subsistence. It was difficult, however, to procure permanent support for her. "She was too handsome," Mrs. K— said, "and too delicately attired, to tend shop, for every onegazed at her;" and plain sewing was rarely furnished to a stranger. While she lived with this lady, she received the following Letter:

To Miss L-M-.

Philadelphia, Feb. 15, 1815.

IT has long been my intention to write you, Miss M—, that I might congratulate you on your present favourable circumstances, and endeavour to commu. nicate some more perfect knowledge of the way of salvation, than you appear at present to possess.

You have been kindly received by a lady of a very benevolent heart, who will undoubtedly furnish you with profitable employment, and give you much more impressive advice about your future conduct in the world, than I am capable of offering. In her maternal care and patronage of you, I am highly delighted, and shall, therefore, confine my letter to the subject of Personal Religion. You hear my public discourses, and perhaps may wonder, if I deem this insufficient, that I should not gain a knowledge of your person, to instruct you in conversation, rather than adopt the present mode. Indeed I have felt some curiosity ta see you, and some desire to converse with you; but,