carefully trained in those religious sentiments which develop the best faculties of the female mind. She was not educated as an expectant heiress, because her grandfather's marriage with Miss Mellon, the actress, and his gift by will of his whole fortune to this, compararatively, young wife, must have deprived his children of any expectancy from the step-mother, who subsequently married the young Duke of St. Albans. But the amiable, interesting, and affectionate Angela Burdett, was ever a favourite with her step-grandmother; and as the latter had no children or near relations of her own, she justly determined the fortune she had received from her first husband should return to his family, and wisely selected the youthful Angela Georgina Burdett as her heiress. One condition only was annexed to the possession of this vast property—that the heiress should assume the additional surname and arms of Coutts, which, by royal licence, was permitted. In September, 1837, the subject of this memoir took the style and surname, and came into possession of her fortune; she was then twenty-three years of age.
Since Miss Burdett Coutts came into possession of her fortune, she has been indefatigable in her works of benevolence. Besides her private charities, which are innumerable, she has given largely for missionary purposes; to assist religious societies; endowed the see of a bishopric in Adelaide, South Australia; and bestowed thirty thousand pounds sterling to build and endow a church, with parsonage-house and schools in Westminster, London! Who, among the living noble and rich men of England, has done deeds of disinterested benevolence to be compared with these? A woman is now the leader of British charities; and the name of Miss Burdett Coutts is honoured throughout the Christian world.
COWLEY, HANNAH,
Whose maiden name was Parkhouse, was born at Tiverton, in Devonshire, in 1743, and died there in 1809. She is the author of nine comedies, among which are the "Runaway," the "Belle's Stratagem," and "More Ways than One;" the tragedies of "Albina," and "The Fate of Sparta;" two farces; and the poems of "The Siege of Acre," "The Maid of Aragon," and "The Scottish Village." Her poems are of that description which Horace deprecates; but her comedies have considerable merit.
COXE, MARGARET,
Was born in Burlington, New Jersey. Her father was William Coxe, Esq., long an eminent citizen of that place. Miss Coxe, as a delicate child, was educated chiefly at home; a choice library, a beautiful garden, and a pious family, united with her own love of study, gave the bias to her mind which has proved of such benefit to others. She is now one of the most accomplished educators of her own sex in America; because to her thorough discipline of mind is added the true religion of heart, which has such an influence in moulding the characters of the young. Miss Coxe has written some excellent works, among which are "Botany of the Scriptures;" "Wonders of the Deep;" and "The Young Lady's Companion," in a series of Letters, replete with the faithful monitions and precepts a good mother, or rather an affectionate elder sister would urge on those under her care. Miss Coxe is now at the head
