so. HAMILTON. religion and virtue. At this period she was earnestly solicited by a widowed nobleman, to superintend the edu cation of his children, offering her a separate establish ment, and the choice of the governess on whom was to devolve the subordinate office of tuition, with the absolute control of every thing connected with her department; but she valued too highly personal independence, to listen to proposals that might militate against i t . A t length, however, she consented t o reside i n the family a s a friend for a few months, t o assist his lordship i n forming proper arrangements; and a t the expiration o f six, she resigned the trust. Her thoughts were, however, occupied with the subject, and she composed the “Letters t o the Daughter o f a Nobleman,” which were published i n the spring o f 1806, and obtained a most flattering reception from the public. The return o f Miss Hamilton t o Edin burgh, diffused general satisfaction; she soon took a n active part with the ladies who had formed the House o f Industry, a most useful establishment for the education o f girls o f the lowest class; and contributed essentially t o the improvement o f a n institution, which promises t o b e beneficial t o the community. For their use, she composed a little, work, entitled, “Exercises i n Religious Know ledge:” this publication, which received the sanction o f Bishop Sandford and the Rev. Mr. Alison, was published i n 1809. Shortly after, she began “The Cottagers o f Glenburnie,” a s the amusement o f a n idle hour; but on reading the first sheets t o some friends, who pressed her t o proceed with i t , she extended her plan, and with some reluctance sent i t t o the press. To the honour o f North Britain, i t s success was equal t o i t s merits, and the demand for the work was such, a s induced the publishers t o print a cheap edition, which circulated t o the Highlands, where the influence o f good sense, impressed the importance o f domestic economy, and produced the most happy results. I n 1812, Miss Hamilton's health excited s o much alarm, that i t was deemed advisable she should pass the winter i n England. Her first station was a t Kenilworth
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