Mary Ames

From a New England Woman's Diary in Dixie in 1865 Mary Ames

SOME of Miss Ames's friends, who have enjoyed listening to the stories of her southern school life, have frequently begged her to print them. This opportunity of helping to educate a pupil in that wonderful school, which is so great a contrast to the scene of her early efforts, has decided her to allow the diary to be prepared for publication. In making this gift to Hampton, she emphasizes her first gift to the negro of eighteen months' service, and perpetuates the memory of the sister who was her closest friend and dearest companion, and whom Springfield will long remember as strong and brave and helpful; but especially will she be remembered for "her wit that woke their laughter and left a kindly glow." Even the boy who left the daily paper at her door felt her kindness and "caught the secret of her character." On the day of her funeral, in June, 1903, he left three roses at the house, with the following words:" 'She doeth little kindnesses, Which most leave undone or despise; For naught that sets one heart at ease, And giveth happiness and peace, Is low esteemed in her eyes.' From the morning newsboy, for whom she placed out such splendid apples."