ABSTRACT
It is a most encouraging reflection to those who would aspire at literary fame, that many of the most celebrated characters have risen to eminence by the unassisted powers of their own minds, without the advantages of either fortune, or education. The respectable person whose Memoir we now present is a singular instance of this kind, being self-taught; and her character must at once be contemplated with feelings of reverence and satisfaction; for her unusual industry in the acquisition of knowledge, only nerved as a prelude to more important labours; and she distinguished herself as much by superior intelligence in works for the formation and improvement of the youthful mind, as by benevolence and philanthropy in forming schemes to ameliorate the condition of the lower classes.
