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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Little Women Letters from the House of
+Alcott, by Louisa M. Alcott, et al.
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Little Women Letters from the House of Alcott
+
+Author: Louisa M. Alcott, et al.
+
+Release Date: October 20, 2010 [EBook #34106]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LITTLE WOMEN LETTERS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Ernest Schaal, and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                          LITTLE WOMEN LETTERS
+                                FROM THE
+                            HOUSE OF ALCOTT
+
+
+
+
+                     [Illustration: _Frontispiece._
+                 ORCHARD HOUSE, THE ALCOTT HOMESTEAD.]
+
+
+
+
+                              LITTLE WOMEN
+                                LETTERS
+                                FROM THE
+                            HOUSE OF ALCOTT
+
+
+                              SELECTED BY
+                            JESSIE BONSTELLE
+                                  AND
+                            MARIAN DEFOREST
+
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+
+                                 BOSTON
+                       LITTLE, BROWN, AND COMPANY
+                                  1914
+
+
+
+
+                           _Copyright, 1914_,
+                         BY JOHN S. P. ALCOTT.
+
+
+                         _All rights reserved_
+
+
+                       Published, September, 1914
+
+
+  Set up and electrotyped by J. S. Cushing Co., Norwood, Mass., U.S.A.
+        Presswork by S. J. Parkhill & Co., Boston, Mass., U.S.A.
+
+
+
+
+                                FOREWORD
+
+NEXT to the joy of giving to the Alcott-loving public "Little Women" as
+a play, is the privilege and pleasure of offering this book of letters,
+revealing the childhood and home life of the beloved Little Women.
+
+May they bring help and happiness to many mothers and inspiration and
+love to many children.
+
+
+
+
+                                CONTENTS
+
+
+    CHAPTER                                                     PAGE
+
+       I. THE "REALLY, TRULY" TRUE                                 1
+
+      II. THE ALCOTT BOY; THE ALCOTT MAN                          10
+
+     III. THE ALCOTT CHILDREN                                     28
+
+      IV. THE ALCOTT BABY BOOK                                    39
+
+       V. LETTERS AND CONVERSATIONS WITH CHILDREN                 59
+
+      VI. THE MOTHER'S INFLUENCE                                  98
+
+     VII. CHILDREN'S DIARIES                                     122
+
+    VIII. GIRLHOOD AND WOMANHOOD                                 140
+
+      IX. FRIENDSHIPS AND BELIEFS                                162
+
+          CHRONOLOGY                                             195
+
+
+
+
+                         LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+    Orchard House, the Alcott Homestead               _Frontispiece_
+
+                                                                PAGE
+
+    A. Bronson Alcott at the age of 53, from
+        the portrait by Mrs. Hildreth                             54
+
+    Facsimile of Mr. Alcott's Letter to
+        Louisa, Nov. 29, 1839                                     82
+
+    Facsimile of Mr. Alcott's Letter to Louisa, June 21, 1840     86
+
+    Facsimile of Mr. Alcott's Letter to Elizabeth, 1840           92
+
+    Abigail May, Mrs. A. Bronson Alcott, from a
+        Daguerreotype                                            106
+
+    Anna Bronson Alcott, from a Daguerreotype                    122
+
+    Abba May Alcott, from a Photograph                           142
+
+    Louisa May Alcott, from a Daguerreotype                      160
+
+
+
+
+                              LITTLE WOMEN
+                         LETTERS FROM THE HOUSE
+                               OF ALCOTT
+
+
+                               CHAPTER I
+
+                        THE "REALLY, TRULY" TRUE
+
+
+WHEN "Little Women," the play, reopened to many readers the pages of
+"Little Women," the book, that delightful chronicle of family life,
+dramatist and producer learned from many unconscious sources the depth
+of Louisa M. Alcott's human appeal. Standing one night at the back of
+the theater as the audience was dispersing, they listened to its
+comments on the play.
+
+"A wonderful picture of home life, only we don't have such homes," said
+a big, prosperous-looking man to his wife, with a touch of regret in his
+voice.
+
+"Yes," agreed his young daughter, a tall, slender, graceful girl, as she
+snuggled down cosily into her fur coat and tucked a bunch of violets
+away from the touch of the frosty night, "it is beautiful; but, daddy,
+it isn't real. There never was such a family."
+
+But it is real; there was such a family, and in letters, journals, and
+illustration this little book gives the history of the four Little
+Women, the Alcott girls, whom Louisa immortalized in her greatest story:
+Anna, who is Meg in "Little Women"; Louisa, the irrepressible and
+ambitious Jo; Elizabeth, the little Beth of the book; and Abba May, the
+graceful and statuesque Amy.
+
+Rare influences were at work in this ideal American home, where the
+intellectual and brilliant father was gifted in all ways except those
+that led to material success, and the wise and gentle mother combined
+with her loyalty and devotion to her husband a stanch, practical common
+sense, which more than once served to guide the frail Alcott bark
+through troubled seas.
+
+Following her remarkable success as a writer of short stories, Louisa M.
+Alcott was asked for a book. She said at first it was impossible, but
+repeated requests from her publishers brought from her the announcement
+that the only long story she could write would be about her own family.
+"Little Women" resulted, and, in erecting this House of Delight for
+young and old, Louisa Alcott builded better than she knew. Her Jo has
+been the inspiration of countless girls, and the many-sidedness of her
+character is indicated by the widely diverging lines of endeavor which
+Jo's example has suggested to the girl readers of the story.
+
+In the case of the two editors, both from early childhood found their
+inspiration in Jo. One, patterning after her idol, sought success in a
+stage career, beginning to "act" before a mirror, with a kitchen apron
+for a train and a buttonhook for a dagger. The other, always with a
+pencil in hand, first copied Jo by writing "lurid tales" for the weekly
+sensation papers, and later emerged into Newspaper Row.
+
+It was more than a year after the success of "Little Women" as a play
+had become a part of theatrical history that they visited the scenes
+hallowed by the memories of the Little Women. They wished to see Concord
+together, so they made a Sentimental Journey to the House of Alcott.
+
+The sun was shining, and the air was crisp--just such a day as Miss
+Alcott described in the Plumfield harvest home, the last chapter in
+"Little Women." They spent hours in Orchard House, touching reverently
+the small personal effects of Louisa M. Alcott, seeing the shelf
+between the windows in that little upper room, where she wrote and
+dreamed. They even climbed to the garret and wondered which window was
+her favorite scribbling seat, with a tin kitchen for her manuscripts, a
+pile of apples for her refreshment, and Scrabble, the bewhiskered rat,
+for her playfellow.
+
+Through the woods back of Orchard House they followed the winding
+pathway to the Hall of Philosophy, half hidden among the trees, where
+Bronson Alcott had his Conversations, where Emerson and Thoreau were
+often heard, and the most intellectual debates of the century took
+place.
+
+At sunset they visited Sleepy Hollow, the resting place of the Alcotts,
+with Emerson, Thoreau, and Hawthorne close by--a goodly company,
+neighbors still as they were for so many years when they made Concord
+America's literary shrine.
+
+Evening came, and the two pilgrims read together the Alcott journals and
+letters. The ink was faded, the quaint, old-fashioned writing was hard
+to decipher, but, beginning with a letter to Louisa written by Bronson
+Alcott when his daughter was seven years old, they read on until the
+dawn.
+
+Only one result could be expected from such an experience. They asked
+permission to publish the letters and such portions of the journals as
+would most completely reveal the rare spiritual companionship existing
+between the Alcott parents and children. And, asking, they were refused,
+because of a feeling that the letters and journals were intimate family
+records, to be read, not by the many, but by the few. This same
+sentiment withheld the dramatization of "Little Women" for many years.
+
+"You forget," they argued, holding fast to the dimly written pages,
+"that Bronson Alcott and Louisa Alcott are a part of America's literary
+heritage. They belong to the nation, to the world, not alone to you."
+
+This course of reasoning finally prevailed, but not without many months
+of waiting. And thus, with the consent of the Alcott heirs, the book of
+"Little Women Letters from the House of Alcott" came to be.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER II
+
+                                   I
+
+                             THE ALCOTT BOY
+
+
+ONCE upon a time in the little town of Wolcott, Connecticut, was born a
+boy destined to offer to the world new and beautiful thoughts. He was
+laughed at and misunderstood; but the thoughts were truth, and they have
+lived, although the boy grew weary and old and passed on.
+
+The boy was Amos Bronson Alcott. He was a country lad, used from infancy
+to the rugged life of the farm, with its self-denial and makeshifts. The
+seeming disadvantage, however, proved quite the opposite. His close
+communion with Nature brought him nearer to the truths of life. For him
+God ceased to be a mythical object to be studied and read about on
+Sunday; but, as he roamed the fields and climbed the hills, the lad
+found Him in the rocks and the woodlands, and in the sparkling streams.
+He became a reality. The boy and God were friends.
+
+Of schooling he had little. When work at the farm permitted, he attended
+the country school near his father's house. "Our copies," he told his
+little daughters, "were set by the schoolmaster in books made of a few
+sheets of foolscap, stitched together and ruled with a leather plummet.
+We used ink made of maple and oak bark, which we manufactured ourselves.
+With this I began keeping a diary of my doings."
+
+This was when the boy was twelve. His hours at school were few, but as
+he went about his daily tasks on the farm, his thoughts grew and grew
+until his mental stature far exceeded his physical. He read as he guided
+the plow along the furrow, sometimes unmindful of his work until a
+sudden punch from a neglected handle, as the plow struck a stone, would
+bring him back to earth with a thump. He sowed seeds in the moist, sweet
+earth, but his face was turned to the skies, and he knew the clouds and
+the stars. When he gathered firewood, his eyes were keen for the soft,
+dainty mosses, the clinging lichens. As he picked berries for the home
+table, he never missed the whirr of a bird wing or passed unnoticed the
+modest flowers half hidden in the soil. Nature was his library, and she
+spread out her choicest treasures to this growing boy.
+
+A love for all of God's creations characterized him. He was fond, not
+only of the growing things in the wood, but of all life. His love for
+animals amounted almost to a passion, one reason for his being a strict
+vegetarian and insisting upon bringing up his little family on a
+vegetable diet. But in boyhood it was not always clear whether humanity
+or the craving for knowledge made him so considerate of the plodding
+team in the field. Never was team more carefully tended. Many were its
+hours of grazing, when the noonday sun rode high in the heavens, and the
+Alcott boy, book in hand, curled up under the shade of a gigantic elm
+and read until the shadows began to lengthen. But these lapses were only
+occasional, for the lad was faithful to his tasks, except when he
+yielded to the lure of the printed page.
+
+When scarcely more than a child he began to keep a record of his books
+and his reading, showing the first traces of the reflective,
+introspective quality of mind which later led him to set down in letters
+and unpublished manuscripts his inmost thoughts. He cultivated the same
+habits of thought in his children, one reason, doubtless, for Louisa's
+accurate and realistic descriptions of the lives of the four Little
+Women of the Alcott family.
+
+His favorite books in boyhood, and, for that matter, in manhood, were
+the Bible and Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," which he read and reread
+and commented upon. Years later he mentions in his journal that he made
+it a practice to read "Pilgrim's Progress" every year, which is a
+remarkable record to the modern boy and girl who find it difficult to
+struggle through that wonderful allegory even once.
+
+Bronson Alcott took his chance and made a stepping-stone of every
+difficulty. Each obstacle he encountered in getting an education created
+in him an even stronger determination to gain one. The modern boy has
+the world of books opened wide to him through the library and the free
+school. The treasures of art are spread out before him in the museums.
+He is surrounded by helps. The boy of to-day is studied as an entity.
+The boy of the last century could tell quite a different story.
+
+So the Alcott boy, passing long hours in the woods, reading, thinking,
+getting close to Nature and to God, walked as one apart, seeing the
+invisible. While still a boy, he began casting off the garment of a
+conventional creed and to think for himself of God, the creation, of
+life, unconsciously putting from him the trammeling, cumbersome
+conventions with which man has often hidden truth.
+
+Out of this the man Alcott emerged--a great soul.
+
+
+                                   II
+
+                             THE ALCOTT MAN
+
+
+With Bronson Alcott the craving for knowledge was scarcely stronger than
+the craving for adventure, so it is not surprising that in the first
+flush of young manhood he did not settle down to life on the farm. He
+longed for the great world lying beyond the hills and valleys of
+peaceful New England. He wanted experience, and experience he had.
+
+He went South, hoping to teach school, as he had original ideas on the
+training of children. Unsuccessful in this, he decided to be a peddler,
+naïvely remarking that "honesty of purpose could dignify any
+profession."
+
+Think of the courage of this boy, for he was scarcely more than a boy, a
+philosopher at heart, living in a world of dreams and books, his
+ambitions all for intellectual rather than material achievement,
+tramping the southern countryside, undauntedly peddling buttons,
+elastic, pins and needles, and supplying all the small wants of the
+country housewife! Often he encountered rebuffs, sometimes he had a
+hearty welcome, for the visit of the country peddler was eagerly awaited
+by the children. At times, when night came and he was far from the
+shelter of an inn, he had to beg a lodging from some planter. On one
+such occasion, as he entered the grounds, he saw a huge sign, "Beware
+the dog." A shout from the house also warned him, and he saw dashing
+toward him a savage-looking dog, powerful enough to have torn to pieces
+the slender young peddler-student. But his love for animals triumphed.
+Alcott stretched out his hand. The huge creature stopped short; then,
+recognizing a friend and a fearless one, he bounded on, tail wagging,
+barking joyously, snuggling his nose into the young man's palm, which he
+licked as he escorted his new-found friend to the house. Animals always
+recognized in Alcott an understanding comrade.
+
+From most of these trips Alcott brought back money to add to the scanty
+funds at home, but on one memorable occasion the love of finery proved
+stronger than the necessity for saving, and he returned to the farm
+penniless, but dressed in the latest fashion, having used his savings
+for a wardrobe that was the wonder of the countryside. That one debauch
+of clothes satisfied him for life; after that his tastes were markedly
+simple. With him the "dandy period" was short-lived indeed. That he
+repented bitterly of this one excess of folly is shown in his journals,
+where he sets down minutely what to him was a mistake that amounted
+almost to a sin. As a rule, he was singularly free from folly. His
+thoughts were too high, his ideals too lofty, for him to be long
+concerned with trifles such as clothes, and the next expenditure
+mentioned in his journal is for the "Vicar of Wakefield" and Johnson's
+"Rasselas." Ever impractical, one likes him the better for the little
+human moment when the vanities of the world overcame him.
+
+At last he secured a school, and then began the realization of his
+ideals regarding the teaching of children. His methods were original and
+highly successful, especially with the very young. He established a
+mental kindergarten, and the fame of his teaching spread abroad. Through
+his work as a teacher he achieved his greatest happiness, for it led to
+his meeting with the woman who was destined to become his wife.
+
+As the result of correspondence between himself and Mr. May of
+Brooklyn, Connecticut, whose attention had been attracted to the work
+of the young teacher, Alcott, then twenty-eight years old, drove from
+the Wolcott home to Brooklyn, where he met Abigail May of Boston, who
+was visiting her brother. With both it was love at first sight, a love
+that grew into a perfect spiritual union.
+
+It seemed almost providential that Bronson Alcott should have come into
+Abigail May's life at just this time, when her heart had been touched by
+its first great sorrow--the loss of her mother. Hitherto she had been a
+light-hearted girl, fond of dancing and of the material side of life.
+The young philosopher, with his dreams and his ideals, brought a new
+interest into her now lonely life, and all that was spiritual in her
+nature responded as he freely discussed his plans and ambitions with
+her. In her he found both sympathy and understanding.
+
+A year of letter-writing, a frank and honest exchange of thought,
+brought out the harmony of their natures and developed in both a sense
+of oneness, laying a firm foundation for the comradeship which was not
+broken through all the years, even when the wife and mother passed into
+the Great Beyond.
+
+The Alcott-May courtship was ideal. Retaining the heaven that lay about
+him in his infancy, keeping his close companionship with God and God's
+great laboratory, Nature, Bronson Alcott demanded something more than
+mere physical attraction in choosing his wife. A certain quaint
+circumspection characterized their love-making. Abigail May once wrote:
+"Mr. Alcott's views on education were very attractive, and I was charmed
+by his modesty," and long after their engagement she spoke of her lover
+as "her friend." He was, and so he continued to be in the highest sense
+of the word.
+
+So satisfying were those friendship-courtship days, that apparently both
+were loath to end them, for another twelvemonth passed before the
+announcement of their betrothal, and it was nearly three years from the
+date of their first meeting before their marriage in King's Chapel,
+Boston, where the brother who had been the means of bringing them
+together performed the ceremony.
+
+As their marriage day approached, there was little festivity and none of
+the rush that usually precedes a modern wedding. Everything was simple,
+quiet, and sure.
+
+This is Bronson Alcott's letter, asking a friend to act as best man at
+his wedding.
+
+    Dear Sir:
+
+    Permit me to ask the favor of your calling at Col. May's at 4
+    o'clock precisely on Sunday afternoon next, to accompany me and
+    my friend Miss May to King's Chapel.
+
+                                                With esteem,
+                                                    A. B. Alcott
+
+    Thursday, May 20,
+        112 Franklin St.                                   1830.
+
+So began the Alcott pilgrimage, their fortune consisting of love and
+faith and brains. In these they were rich indeed, and thus closed
+another chapter in the life of the gentle philosopher, of whom Ralph
+Waldo Emerson once said: "Our Alcott has only just missed being a
+seraph."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER III
+
+                          THE ALCOTT CHILDREN
+
+
+FOR some months after their marriage the Alcotts lived in Boston, where
+the young enthusiast taught a school for infants. Again his fame as a
+teacher traveled, and he received an offer from the Quakers of
+Philadelphia to start a school there, an offer so tempting that the
+Alcotts moved to Germantown, Pennsylvania, where Anna and Louisa were
+born.
+
+Eugenics and prenatal influence were not discussed then as they are
+to-day, but in the Alcott family nearly a century ago they were being
+thought and lived. Bronson Alcott and his wife considered children an
+expression, not of themselves, but of divinity, and as such to be
+accepted as a trust, rather than as a gratification of their own human
+longing for fatherhood and motherhood. They felt it their parental
+privilege rather than their duty to aid the human development of the
+child and thus further the fulfillment of its destiny. Each little soul
+was humbly asked for and reverently prepared for. From the moment they
+knew their prayer had been granted, the individuality and rights of that
+soul were respected. It was considered as a little guest that must be
+made happy and comfortable, carefully cherished, mentally and
+physically, while its fleshly garment was being prepared and the little
+personality made ready for its earthly appearance. How careful they were
+of every thought and influence, for to both parents this period was the
+most sacred and wonderful in their lives and in the lives of their
+children.
+
+The depth of his joy and the simplicity of his faith are exquisitely
+expressed in the lines which Bronson Alcott wrote before the birth of
+his first child, Anna:
+
+                         TO AN EXPECTANT MOTHER
+
+    The long advancing hour draws nigh--the hour
+    When life's young pulse begins its mystic play,
+    And deep affection's dreams of Form or Joy
+    Shall be unveiled, a bodily presence
+    To thy yearning heart and fond maternal eye,
+    The primal Soul, a semblance of thine own,
+    Its high abode shall leave and dwell in day,
+    Thyself its forming Parent. A miracle, indeed,
+    Shall nature work. Thou shalt become
+    The bearing mother of an Infant Soul--
+    Its guardian spirit to its home above.
+    But yet erewhile the lagging moments come
+    That layeth the living, conscious, burden down,
+    Firm faith may rest in hope. Accordant toils
+    Shall leave no time for fear, nor doubt, nor gloom.
+    Love, peace, and virtue, are all born of Pain,
+    And He who rules o'er these is ever good.
+    The joyous promise is to her who trusts,
+    Who trusting, gains the vital boon she asks,
+    And meekly asking, learns to trust aright.
+
+Louisa, the second child, born on her father's birthday, was the most
+intellectual and the most resourceful of the Alcott children, reflecting
+in her own buoyant personality the happy conditions existing before and
+at the time of her birth, when her father had attained his greatest
+material prosperity and was also realizing his mental ambitions in his
+little school, and her mother was temporarily relieved from the cares
+that so often weighed heavily upon her.
+
+Shortly before the birth of Elizabeth the father makes this entry in his
+journal:
+
+                             THE ADVENT COMETH
+
+    Daily am I in expectation of beholding with the eye of sense,
+    the spirit that now lingers on the threshold of this terrestrial
+    life, and only awaits the bidding of the Reaper within, to usher
+    itself into the presence of mortals. It standeth at the door and
+    waiteth for admission to the exterior scene of things.... Let
+    the time come. Two little ones in advance await its coming; and
+    greetings of joy shall herald its approach.
+
+The birth of Elizabeth is followed by this entry in his journal:
+
+    At sunset this day a daughter was born to us.
+
+One of the most trying of the Alcott family's experiences came after the
+birth of Elizabeth, when Bronson Alcott, again in Boston, aroused a
+storm of protest with his radical teachings and his advanced
+interpretations of the Bible. Shocked that the city where he expected to
+find sympathy and encouragement should have repudiated him, his school
+disrupted and abject poverty his lot, broken mentally and physically, he
+met with another cruel disappointment in the death of his infant son.
+Yet even then there was no word of bitterness, and no mention is made in
+his journal of the father's grief. Indirectly it is expressed in a
+subsequent entry announcing the birth of the fourth daughter, Abba May.
+
+She was born under sunny skies. The storm had passed, and the Alcott
+family had removed to Concord, where they enjoyed many of their happiest
+years. A presage of May Alcott's artistic gifts, her queenly bearing,
+elegance, and charm, all familiar to readers of "Little Women," is found
+in this entry in the father's journal:
+
+                                                      July, 1840.
+
+    A new life has arrived to us (July 26th). She was born with the
+    dawn, and is a proud little Queen, not deigning to give us the
+    light of her royal presence, but persists in sleeping all the
+    time, without notice of the broad world or ourselves.
+    Providence, it seems, decrees that we shall provide selectest
+    ministries alone, and so sends us successive daughters of Love
+    to quicken the Sons of Life. We joyfully acquiesce in the Divine
+    behest and are content to rear women for the future world. As
+    yet the ministry is unknown in the culture of the nations, but
+    the hour draws near when love shall be felt as a chosen Bride of
+    Wisdom, and the celestial pair preside over all the household of
+    mankind.
+
+Bronson Alcott did not feel his responsibility as a father alone; he
+appreciated his own debt to his children, the mental and spiritual help
+that came to him through them, an appreciation that found expression in
+this poem, entered in his journal before the birth of Elizabeth:
+
+                                                      June, 1835
+
+                         INVOCATION TO A CHILD
+
+    She comes from Heaven, she dawns upon my sight,
+    O'er earth's dark scenes to pour her holy light!
+    In sense and blest the Infinite to see
+    And feel the heavenly mystery--_To Be._
+
+    She comes--in Nature's tenderest, fondest name--
+    Daughter of God--'tis she--the same--the same
+    Mine is she too--my own--my latest child,
+    Myself, wrapt in Divinity, yet unbeguiled!
+
+    Blest Infant! God's and mine! yet to me given,
+    That I might feel anew my Being's Heaven--
+    In love and faith to urge my human way,
+    Till conscious time be lost in Immortality!
+
+    Love thee I will; for thou didst first love me--
+    My faith shall quicken as I dwell on thee,
+    Thy Spirit lift me from this "Grave of Things,"
+    And bear me homeward, to the King of Kings.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER IV
+
+                          THE ALCOTT BABY BOOK
+
+
+BRONSON ALCOTT wrote the first Baby Book, a book which throws new light
+on the character of the lovable philosopher, showing one of New
+England's intellectual leaders as a very human and lovable man as well
+as "a fond and foolish father."
+
+His Baby Book, however, contains no minute record of the first tooth, or
+when the baby began to say "Goo" and "Pitty light"; rather it is the
+father's earnest effort to learn how early in life the infant mind
+begins to awaken, to indicate comprehension, thought, or logic. As
+Maeterlinck studied the bee, so Alcott studied his children, and his
+findings are a revelation, even to-day, when the study of the child has
+become a science.
+
+Mr. Alcott considered vital the development of the child's individuality
+and mind; the body seemed to him of secondary importance, for this
+disregard of the material care of his family he has been severely
+censured; but, not recognizing in his own life the claims of the body,
+devoting all his energies to mental growth, it is not surprising that he
+found his fatherly duty in the guidance of his children's minds. His
+firm faith in the admonition, "Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven, and
+all these things shall be added unto you," was to him excuse enough for
+considering the intellect more than the body.
+
+His practical shortcomings reaped a rich and unexpected reward in the
+next generation, for Louisa M. Alcott would probably not have developed
+her original and highly entertaining literary gift without the
+vicissitudes caused by her father's impractical nature and his sublime
+faith that at all times and in all emergencies the Lord would provide.
+He did provide; but Louisa was usually the channel, and many of her
+stories were written under the whip of stern necessity.
+
+Doing without has its advantages. The Alcott children, never overfed,
+overentertained, overburdened to baby boredom with dolls and toys and
+games, developed appreciation, observation, and ingenuity. The creative
+faculty was aroused. They found resources within themselves. What a
+handbook Louisa might have written on How to be Happy though Poor!
+
+Mrs. Alcott's keen sense of humor, a characteristic inherited by Louisa,
+often came to her rescue and allowed her to get fun out of a harassing
+situation. In a letter to her brother, Colonel May, praising her
+husband's intellect, she laughingly comments upon his disregard of
+physical necessities: "I am not sure that we shall not blush into
+obscurity and contemplate into starvation."
+
+But, to get back to the baby book, or, as Mr. Alcott called it, "the
+psychological history," it was started with a high and unselfish motive;
+it was developed to an astonishing degree. Its purpose and scope are
+best expressed in this extract from Mr. Alcott's journal:
+
+    The history of a human mind during its progressive stages of
+    earthly experience has never as yet, I believe, been attempted.
+    Faithfully compiled, from verified data, it would be a treasure
+    of wisdom to all mankind, replete with light to the
+    metaphysical and ethical inquirer. Comparative philosophy
+    deduced from an observation of man during all circumstances and
+    stages of his existence is a thing yet unthought of among us.
+    From such a work the unity of Humanity might be revealed.
+
+When Anna was born, the father began keeping a record of her "physical
+and intellectual progress." When she was seven weeks old, her mother
+wrote: "It seems as if she were conscious of his observations and
+desirous of furnishing him daily with an item for this record."
+
+The following excerpt from the father's diary shows how well Anna
+succeeded in her baby attempt:
+
+    I am much interested in the progress of my little girl, now
+    five months old, which I have recorded from the day of her
+    birth. This record has swollen to a hundred pages. I have
+    attempted to discover, as far as this could be done by external
+    indication, the successive steps of her physical, mental and
+    moral advancement.
+
+Moral advancement of a baby five months old!
+
+
+                            BIRTH OF LOUISA
+
+On November 29, 1832, his thirty-third birthday and also the natal day
+of his friend, Ellery Channing, the poet, Mr. Alcott chronicles an
+"interesting event," how interesting the father little dreamed, nor how
+important, not alone to the house of Alcott, but to the world. Under the
+heading of Circumstances, the father thus records the birth of Louisa
+May Alcott:
+
+    A daughter born, on the 29th. ulto., my birthday, being 33
+    years of age. This is a most interesting event. Unless those
+    ties which connect it with others are formed, the wants of the
+    soul become morbid and all its fresh and primal affections
+    become dim and perverted.... Few can be happy shut out of the
+    nursery of the soul.
+
+While the New England philosopher was studying the development of his
+little daughters and deducing therefrom facts for his psychological
+history, these same little daughters were developing him, for, as the
+child nature unfolded, the father's understanding of childhood expanded.
+
+Thus the baby book grew:
+
+    The influence of children I regard as important to my own
+    improvement and happiness. It is also necessary to the
+    prosecution of my studies. Dwelling in the primal regions which
+    I wish to explore, they are the purest manifestations of its
+    phenomena, and the only subjects from which humanity is to be
+    interpreted in its purity.
+
+When Anna was three years old and Louisa eighteen months, the father
+writes in his journal:
+
+    I passed some time with the children, fitting up their
+    playthings, conversing with them and learning as far as I could
+    through the subtle meaning of looks, accents and gestures,
+    their thoughts and feelings. The avenues to the spirit are all
+    open, but how dim are our perceptions, how cold our sympathies,
+    to appreciate the pure and bright things which glitter in the
+    arena of the young mind! How little of this fairy land do we
+    know--we, whose early associations have all been swept from the
+    heart--over whose spirits have passed the cold winds, the
+    pelting storms, withering and destroying the heart's young
+    verdure! What is there to unite us with the spirit of a child?
+    What have we in common with its joyous yearning for the
+    beautiful, its trust in human sayings, its deep love for those
+    on whom it relies for attention and support, its vivid
+    picturing of ideal life, its simplicity, its freedom from
+    prejudice and false sentiment? Where are these to be seen in
+    our dim nature?
+
+He might have answered the question by looking within himself. Child
+companionship kept alive the spirit of the Alcott boy, which constantly
+shone through the man's philosophy. As the boy saw in every rock and
+tree and flower an expression of the Infinite, is it any wonder that the
+man should have recognized God's higher manifestation in the child, and
+should have written in his journal these lines, which are the very
+glorification of fatherhood and reveal the sacredness with which he
+looked upon his stewardship?
+
+    He who deals with the child deals--did he know it--with the
+    Infinite. Within the young spirit committed to his care are
+    infinite capacities to be filled, infinite energies to be
+    developed, and on him devolves the amazing responsibility--sacred,
+    personal, all his own--of filling these capacities, unfolding
+    these energies, from the stores and life of his own spirit. This
+    is his office as a parent. But how can he who knows nothing of the
+    Infinite within himself call it forth and direct its forces in
+    others?
+
+From the first, Louisa must have shown strong individuality and unusual
+tendencies, for Mr. Alcott's notes on Louisa are entitled "Observations
+on the Vital Phenomena of My Second Child." A more vital, lovable,
+contradictory specimen of childhood cannot be imagined. Blessed with her
+father's brilliancy of mind, her mother's quick wit and love of fun,
+Louisa furnished a problem for endless study. She was less than two
+years old when her individuality had so asserted itself that her father
+found himself puzzled and admitted that elements were finding their
+way into his observations of whose origin he could give no account. "My
+analysis, however accurate and elaborate, was still imperfect, and I was
+left in doubt. I had made no provision for the admission of innate
+influences from the mind itself."
+
+Here is a quaint little record of the Alcott babies' school days, when
+Anna was four years old and Louisa a little more than two:
+
+    At school Anna reads, marks and listens to conversations and
+    stories. Louisa works with her in all except the reading and
+    marking. They have a playroom, where they enjoy their own
+    amusements, uninterrupted by the presence of adults--often a
+    bar to the genuine happiness of childhood. Anna reads simple
+    sentences from Leffanoch's Primer, writes intelligibly on
+    tablets and slates, and is improving in work and manners.
+
+(This of a baby of four.)
+
+A spiritual and moral inventory of the progress of Anna and Louisa is
+set down by the father when his daughters had reached the dignified ages
+of six and four:
+
+    The children have improved under my training. Anna, who has
+    been with me more of the time than Louisa, has been greatly
+    benefited. She is happier, more capable of self control, more
+    docile and obeys from love and faith. She has fine elements for
+    excellence, moral and intellectual. If she does not evince a
+    pure and exalted character, it will be our failure, not hers,
+    in the improvement of her natural endowments.
+
+    Louisa is yet too young for the formation of just views of her
+    character. She manifests uncommon activity and force of mind
+    at present, and is much in advance of her sister at the same
+    age; example has done much to call forth her nature. She is
+    more active and practical than Anna. Anna is ideal, sentimental.
+    Louisa is practical, energetic. The first imagines much more than
+    she can realize; the second, by force of will and practical talent,
+    realizes all that she conceives--but conceives less; understanding,
+    rather than imagination--the gift of her sister--seems to be her
+    prominent faculty. She finds no difficulty in developing ways and
+    means to obtain her purpose; while her sister, aiming at much,
+    imagining ideal forms of good, and shaping them out so vividly in
+    her mind that they become actual enjoyments, fails, when she
+    attempts to realize them in nature--she has been dwelling on the
+    higher and more speculative relations of things.
+
+    Both represent interesting forms of character, both have wide
+    and useful spheres of action indicated in their conformation and
+    will doubtless if continued to us, be real blessings.
+
+That they did prove real blessings the history of the Alcott family has
+shown.
+
+           [Illustration: A. BRONSON ALCOTT AT THE AGE OF 53.
+                  From the portrait by Mrs. Hildreth.
+                              _Page_ 54.]
+
+How many fathers ever acknowledge their spiritual debt to the gift of
+fatherhood as has Bronson Alcott:
+
+    I know not how much more spiritual I am from the parental relation
+    (he writes), how much I have been indebted to them for the light
+    that hath dawned upon my own mind from the radiance of their
+    simple spirits. Certain it is that the more I associate with them
+    in the simple ways they love, the more do I seem to revere. Verily
+    had I not been called to associate with children, had I not devoted
+    myself to the study of human nature in its period of infancy and
+    childhood, I should never have found the tranquil repose, the steady
+    faith, the vivid hope that now sheds a glory and a dignity around
+    the humble path of my life. Childhood hath saved me.
+
+Out of his theories, his studies, and meditations came a sublime
+ambition, a desire to become a laborer in the "Field of the Soul."
+
+    Infancy I shall invest with a glory--a spirituality which the
+    disciples of Jesus, deeply as they entered into His spirit
+    and caught the life of His mind, have failed to bring forth in
+    their records of His sayings and life. I shall redeem infancy
+    and childhood, and, if a Saviour of Adults was given in the
+    person of Jesus, let me, without impiety or arrogance, regard
+    myself as the Children's Saviour. Divine are both missions.
+    Both seek out and endeavor to redeem the Infinite in man,
+    which, by reason of the clogs of sense and custom, is in
+    perpetual danger of being lost. The chief obstacle in the way
+    of human regeneration is the want of a due appreciation of
+    human nature, and particularly of the nature of children.
+
+Home and its influence upon children meant much to Mr. Alcott, and in
+all his writing the nearest approach to a protest against the poverty
+he was called upon to endure was when, for a time, he was obliged to
+give up that home. Deep is the pathos that lies between the lines of
+this entry in his journal:
+
+                           HOME FOR CHILDREN
+
+    I deem it very important to the well being of my children to
+    insure them a home. At least their means of improvement are
+    limited, their pleasures are abridged, the domestic relations, so
+    vital to virtue--to all that lives in the heart and imagination,
+    are robbed of their essential glory, and the effect is felt
+    throughout the character in after life. I feel that my duty as a
+    father cannot be fully carried out when I am thus restricted.
+    Whether we can yet improve this condition remains to be
+    determined.
+
+The home was reestablished--and such a home! An influence felt
+throughout the world, the inspiration of every book Louisa Alcott
+wrote.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER V
+
+                LETTERS AND CONVERSATIONS WITH CHILDREN
+
+
+HAPPINESS reigned in the Alcott home, and poverty seldom brought with it
+a shadow. The girls had toys and a variety of them,--rag dolls, kittens,
+gingerbread men, and barnyard animals (the latter skillfully cut out of
+cake dough by the mother, who had a genius for inventing surprises). As
+they grew older, they delighted in private theatricals. Some of their
+plays, written by Anna and Louisa, have been published under the title
+of "Comic Tragedies." They are thrillingly melodramatic, thickly
+sprinkled with villains and heroes, witches and ruffians, lovely ladies
+in distress, gallant knights to the rescue, evil spirits and good
+fairies, gnomes and giants. All are direfully tragic and splendidly
+spectacular. Louisa as a child showed the dramatic quality which later
+found artistic expression in her stories. On a rainy afternoon the
+children were never at a loss for entertainment. They "acted" in the
+attic or played dolls in their own playroom, and such dolls! Old Joanna,
+of whom Louisa has drawn a lifelike picture in "Little Women," is to-day
+in existence, battered, scarred, but none the less precious, one foot
+carefully bandaged, after the army-nurse method.
+
+Poverty was made interesting. At Christmas a tree was hung with apples,
+nuts, and popped corn, and small trifles made by the children were
+fastened to the branches. Father and mother made much of the spirit of
+the Christ birthday, which was celebrated in simple, wholesome fashion,
+in vivid contrast to the modern Christmas festival.
+
+The Alcott letters and journals show tremendous intellectual activity on
+the part of the small atoms of humanity who came to grace the Alcott
+home. Anna and her father held moral and intellectual discussions when
+Anna was four. Louisa was writing a daily journal before she could more
+than print. As soon as a child could read, family reproofs were
+administered by notes from father and mother to the erring one, not only
+pointing out the fault, but how to correct it.
+
+The father encouraged his daughters to study themselves and to write
+down their thoughts. Their journals, in consequence, reflect the
+characteristics of each one and are storehouses of information. Louisa,
+poor little soul, in her happy, hoydenish childhood, found time one day
+in a fit of mentality to set down in black and white her chief faults.
+One of her most serious, according to the self-imposed confession, was
+"love of cats," a sin which easily beset her all her days, for she
+inherited her father's love of animals and of children.
+
+Widely varied in character and temperament were the four Alcott girls.
+Anna, the first, reflected the beauty, the happiness, and the romance of
+the Alcotts' first year of married life. Louisa, born some eighteen
+months later, when father and mother had grown even closer together
+through the new bond formed by the love of their little daughter,
+embodied a deeper, stronger, surer character. She was decisive, with a
+determination and surety of self and brilliancy of mind that reflected
+the best in both parents. Elizabeth, the third child, was, in some
+respects, the most beautiful character of all. About her, from the hour
+of her conception, seemed to hover a spiritual, protecting love.
+Seemingly from earliest infancy she stood on the borderland of the
+spiritual world, in flesh all too fragile to retain the spirit which
+remembered and longed, notwithstanding the love with which she was
+surrounded, to return to the mystical beauty from which she had come. A
+child of dreams and fancies, loving all that was harmonious, she entered
+this life at twilight, she left it at the dawn, a coming and going
+typical of this dream child, who was lent for a little time to make the
+world more glad.
+
+The birth of Amy is also symbolical, the one sunny-haired, sunny-hearted
+girl of the family, who came with the rising of the sun. She seemed made
+for love, sunshine, and happiness, and had them all, but she was brave
+to face hardships and equally ready to accept comfort and luxury. A
+queen, the father called her the morning of her birth, and so they
+brought her up, the Little Snow Queen.
+
+The wise, fostering love of the father, the helpful, understanding
+watchfulness of the mother, are reflected in their letters to their
+children. Time was not considered wasted that was devoted to these
+letters of gentle admonition and kindly counsel. There was no discussion
+of faults or mistakes in the Alcott household; reproofs remained little
+secrets between father and daughter, or mother and daughter, and the
+effect of this wise and constant watchfulness grows more apparent as the
+children advance from childhood to girlhood and on to womanhood. They
+were taught to know themselves. They were taught, too, the relation of
+the Christ child with their own childhood, beautifully expressed in some
+of the letters from Bronson Alcott to his eldest daughter.
+
+It was the father's habit to write each child on her birthday
+anniversary and at Christmas. Anna was six years old when he gave her
+this beautiful description of the coming of the Christ:
+
+                                For Anna
+                                  1837
+
+    To my Daughter Anna.
+
+    A longer time ago than you can understand, a beautiful Babe was
+    born. Angels sang at his birth. And stars shone brightly.
+    Shepherds watched their flocks by their light. The Babe was
+    laid in his Manger-cradle. And harmless oxen fed by his side.
+    There was no room for him nor his mother in the Inn, as she
+    journeyed from her own home.
+
+    This Babe was born at this time of the year. His name was Jesus.
+    And he is also called Christ. This is his birth night. And we
+    call it Christ-mas, after him.
+
+    I write you this little note as a Christmas Gift, and hope my
+    little girl will remember the birth night of Jesus. Think how
+    beautiful he was, and try to shine in lovely actions as he did.
+    God never had a child that pleased him so well. Be like a kind
+    sister of his, and so please your Father, who loves you very
+    much.
+
+                                    Christmas Eve,
+                                        December 24th, 1837.
+                                                From your
+                                                     Father.
+
+Again on Christmas Eve, two years later, he describes to his little
+daughter of eight years her own coming into the world of material
+things.
+
+The belief in prenatal influence is strongly indicated, for the father
+tells his little girl that they thought just how she would look and
+pictures to her the joy and the love with which she was surrounded
+before her coming into the land of the material and first seeing with
+her baby eyes the light of a world day.
+
+                                For Anna
+                                  1839
+
+    You were once pleased, my daughter, with a little note which I
+    wrote you on Christmas Eve, concerning the birth of Jesus. I
+    am now going to write a few words about your own Birth. Mother
+    and I had no child. We wanted one--a little girl just like you;
+    and we thought how you would look, and waited a good while for
+    you to come, so that we might see you and have you for our own.
+    At last you came. We felt so happy that joy stood in our eyes.
+    You looked just as we wanted to have you. You were draped in a
+    pretty little white frock, and father took you in his arms every
+    day, and we loved you very much. Your large bright eyes looked
+    lovingly into ours, and you soon learned to love and know us.
+    When you were a few weeks old, you smiled on us. We lived then
+    in Germantown. It is now more than eight years since this
+    happened, but I sometimes see the same look and the same smile
+    on your face, and feel that my daughter is yet good and pure. O
+    keep it there, my daughter, and never lose it.
+
+                                                   Your Father,
+    Christmas Eve,
+        Beach Street,
+            Dec. 24, 1839.
+
+On her birthday some three months later, he continues the thought in
+this exquisite letter:
+
+                                                 March 16, 1840.
+
+    My dear Daughter,
+
+    With this morning's dawn opens a new year of your Life on Earth.
+    Nine years ago you were sent, a sweet Babe into this world, a
+    joy and hope to your father and mother. After a while, through
+    many smiles and some few tears, you learned to lisp the names
+    of father and mother, and to make them feel once more how near
+    and dear you were to their hearts whenever you named their
+    names. Now you are a still dearer object of Love and hope to
+    them as your love buds and blossoms under their eye. They watch
+    this flower as it grows in the Garden of Life, and scents the
+    air with its fragrance, and delights the eye by its colours.
+    Soon they will look not for Beauty and fragrance alone, but for
+    the ripening and ripe fruit. May it be the Spirit of Goodness;
+    may its leaves never wither, its flowers never fade; its
+    fragrance never cease; but may it flourish in perpetual youth
+    and beauty, and be transplanted in its time, into the Garden of
+    God, whose plants are ever green, ever fresh, and bloom alway,
+    the amaranth of Heaven, the pride and joy of angels. Thus
+    writes your Father to you on this your birth morn.
+
+                    Monday, 16 March, 1840.
+                        Beach Street,
+                            Boston
+
+    For
+       Anna,
+         in the Garden of Life.
+
+This letter and his allusion to "your life on earth" show plainly his
+belief in life eternal, for Bronson Alcott considered earthly existence
+merely a period in the evolution of the soul.
+
+On Christmas Eve, 1840; when Anna was nearly ten, Louisa just past her
+eighth birthday, May, the golden-haired baby of the Alcott household,
+and Elizabeth the little shadow child of four, he wrote Christmas
+letters to his daughters, which show his appreciation of their special
+needs, and his respect for their individualities. The letter to
+Elizabeth is missing; to Anna he wrote:
+
+                                For Anna
+                                  1840
+
+                             BEAUTY or DUTY
+                                 which
+                            loves Anna best?
+
+                                   a
+                                Question
+                                from her
+                                 FATHER
+
+                             Christmas Eve
+                               Dec. 1840
+                               Concordia.
+
+For Louisa, the father's message was this:
+
+                               For Louisa
+                                  1840
+
+                             Louisa loves--
+                                 What?
+                             (Softly)
+                                  FUN
+                            Have some then,
+                                 Father
+                                 says.
+
+                        Christmas Eve, Dec. 1840
+                               Concordia.
+
+For the baby of the household, the father's love message took poetic
+form:
+
+                                For Abba
+                                  1840
+
+                            For Abba
+                            Babe fair,
+                            Pretty hair,
+                            Bright eye,
+                            Deep sigh,
+                            Sweet lip,
+                            Feet slip,
+                            Handsome hand,
+                            Stout grand,
+                            Happy smile,
+                            Time beguile,
+                            All I ween,
+                          Concordia's Queen.
+
+Almost without the dates, one could keep track of the development of the
+Alcott girls through their father's letters. This one demonstrates his
+gift of teaching by the use of suggestion:
+
+                                For Anna
+
+                                  1842
+
+                           _A Father's Gift_
+                                 to his
+                               _Daughter_
+                                 on her
+                          _Eleventh Birthday_.
+
+                               Concordia
+                               16th March
+                                  1842
+
+    My dear daughter,
+
+    This is your eleventh birthday, and as I have heretofore
+    addressed a few words to you on these interesting occasions, I
+    will not depart from my former custom now.
+
+    And my daughter, what shall I say to you? Shall I say something
+    to please or to instruct you--to flatter or benefit you? I know
+    you dislike being pleased unless the pleasure make you better,
+    and you dislike all flattery. And you know too, that your father
+    never gave you a word of flattery in his life. So there remains
+    for you the true and purest pleasure of being instructed and
+    benefited by words of love and the deepest regard for your
+    improvement in all that shall make you more happy in yourself
+    and beautiful to others. And so I shall speak plainly to you of
+    yourself, and of my desire for your improvement in several
+    important things.
+
+    _First--Your Manners._ Try to be more gentle. You like gentle
+    people and every one is more agreeable as he cultivates this
+    habit. None can be agreeable who are destitute of it and how
+    shall you become more gentle? Only by governing your passions,
+    and cherishing your love to everyone who is near you. Love is
+    gentle: Hate is violent. Love is well-mannered; Selfishness is
+    rude, vulgar. Love gives sweet tone to the voice, and makes the
+    countenance lovely. Love then, and grow fair and agreeable.
+
+    _Second: Be Patient._ This is one of the most difficult things to
+    everyone, old or young. But it is also one of the greatest
+    things. And this comes of Love too. Love is Patient: it bears;
+    it suffers long; it is kind; it is beautiful; it makes us like
+    angels. Patience is, indeed, angelic; it is the Gate that opens
+    into the House of Happiness. Open it, my daughter, and enter in
+    and take all your sisters in with you.
+
+    _Third: Be Resolute._ Shake off all Sluggishness, and follow your
+    Confidence as fast as your feelings, your thoughts, your eye,
+    your hand, your foot, will carry you. Hate all excuses: almost
+    always, these are lies. Be _quick_ in your obedience: delay is a
+    laggard, who never gets up with himself, and loses the company
+    of confidence always. Resolution is the ladder to Happiness.
+    Resolve and be a wise and happy girl.
+
+    _Fourth: Be Diligent._ Put your heart into all you do: and fix
+    your thoughts on your doings. Halfness is almost as bad as
+    nothing: be whole then in all you do and say.
+
+    But I am saying a great deal and will stop now with the hope of
+    meeting you on the 16th March, 1843 (the good God sparing us
+    till then) a gentler, a meeker, more determined and obligent
+    girl.
+
+                                                Your friend
+                                                    and
+                                                        _Father_
+
+    Concordia
+        16 March
+            _1842_
+
+    For
+        _Anna Bronson Alcott._
+
+Such a gift to an eleven-year-old girl on her birthday! One would expect
+not kindly counsel, but a toy, a picture book, something pretty for her
+body, not much for her mind. The spirituality and the wisdom of the
+poet-philosopher are shown in this letter with its "excuses, almost
+always lies," and "delay is a laggard."
+
+When Louisa was seven years old, her mother was ill, and the child was
+sent away from home for a time. To his little absent daughter the father
+sends this letter, printed so that she might read it for herself:
+
+                              For Louisa.
+                                  1839
+
+    My dear Little Girl.
+
+    Father hopes you are well and happy. Mother will soon be well
+    enough we hope for you to come home. You want to see us all I
+    know. And we want to see you very much. Be a good girl and try
+    to do as they tell you. You shall see us all in a few days.
+
+    You were never away from home so long before. It has given you
+    some new feelings.
+
+    I have printed this note. I hope you can read it all yourself.
+
+                                               Good Bye
+                                                    From Father.
+
+    Saturday
+    11 o'clock in the School Room.
+    1839
+
+On her seventh birthday he writes her one of the most wonderful letters
+of the many that have been preserved in the volumes of the Alcott
+manuscripts:
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+                               For Louisa
+                                  1839
+
+    My Daughter,
+
+    You are Seven years old to-day and your Father is forty. You
+    have learned a great many things, since you have lived in a
+    Body, about things going on around you and within you. You know
+    how to think, how to resolve, how to love, and how to obey. You
+    feel your Conscience, and have no real pleasure unless you obey
+    it. You cannot love yourself, or anyone else, when you do not
+    mind its commandments. It asks you always to BE GOOD, and bears,
+    O how gently! how patiently! with all endeavors to hate, and
+    treat it cruelly. How kindly it bears with you all the while.
+    How sweetly it whispers Happiness in your HEART when you Obey
+    its soft words. How it smiles upon you, and makes you Glad when
+    you Resolve to Obey it! How terrible its PUNISHMENTS. It is GOD
+    trying in your soul to keep you always Good.
+
+    You begin, my dear daughter, another year this morning. Your
+    Father, your Mother, and Sisters, with your little friends, show
+    their love on this your Birthday, by giving you this BOX. Open
+    it, and take what is in it, and the best wishes of
+
+                                                    Your Father.
+
+    Beach Street,
+        Friday morning, Nov. 29, 1839.
+
+His explanation to a seven-year-old girl that conscience is "God in your
+soul," and the lines, "since you have lived in a body," are eloquent
+manifestations of his belief. It is not surprising that, given such
+thoughts at seven, Louisa at ten or eleven wrote that she was sure in
+some previous life she must have been a horse,--she loved so to run. A
+month before May Alcott was born, little Louisa, then eight, again away
+from home, received this letter from her father:
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+    Cottage, Sunday June 21st,
+        1840.
+
+    We all miss the noisy little girl who used to make house and
+    garden, barn and field, ring with her footsteps, and even the
+    hens and chickens seem to miss her too. Right glad would father
+    and mother, Anna and Elizabeth, and all the little mates at
+    School, and Miss Russell, the House Playroom, Dolls, Hoop,
+    Garden, Flowers, Fields, Woods and Brooks, all be to see and
+    answer the voice and footsteps, the eye and hand of their
+    little companion. But yet all make themselves happy and
+    beautiful without her; all seem to say, "Be Good, little Miss,
+    while away from us, and when we meet again we shall love and
+    please one another all the more; we find how much we love now we
+    are separated."
+
+    I wished you here very much on the morning when the Hen left her
+    nest and came proudly down with six little chickens, everyone
+    knowing how to walk, fly, eat and drink almost as well as its
+    own mother; to-day (Sunday) they all came to see the house and
+    took their breakfast from their nice little feeding trough; you
+    would have enjoyed the sight very much. But this and many other
+    pleasures all wait for you when you return. Be good, kind,
+    gentle, while you are away, step lightly, and speak soft about
+    the house;
+
+    Grandpa loves quiet, as well as your sober father and other
+    grown people.
+
+    Elizabeth says often, "Oh I wish I could see Louisa, when will
+    she come home, Mother?" And another feels so too; who is it?
+
+                                                Your
+                                                    Father.
+
+    I forgot to write how much _Kit_ missed you.
+
+On her eighth birthday, her father writes:
+
+                               For Louisa
+                                  1840
+
+                Two Passions strong divide our Life,
+                Meek gentle Love, or boisterous Strife.
+
+                Love--Music                 Anger--Arrow
+                  Concord                       Discord
+                                            From her Father
+
+    On her eighth birthday Nov. 29th.
+
+At ten, her birthday greeting from her father is this:
+
+                               For Louisa
+                                  1842
+
+    My daughter,
+
+    This is your birthday: you are ten years of age to-day. I sought
+    amidst my papers for some pretty picture to place at the top of
+    this note, but I did not find anything that seemed at all
+    expressive of my interest in your well-being, or well-doing, and
+    so this note comes to you without any such emblem. Let me say,
+    my honest little girl, that I have had you often in my mind
+    during my separation from you and your devoted mother, and
+    well-meaning sisters, while on the sea or the land, and now that
+    I have returned to be with you and them again, meeting you daily
+    at fireside, at table, at study, and in your walk, and
+    amusements, in conversation and in silence, being daily with
+    you, I would have you feel my presence and be the happier, and
+    better that I am here. I want, most of all things, to be a
+    kindly influence on you, helping you to guide and govern your
+    heart, keeping it in a state of sweet and loving peacefulness,
+    so that you may feel how good and kind is that Love which lives
+    always in our breasts, and which we may always feel, if we will
+    keep the passions all in stillness and give up ourselves
+    entirely to its soft desires. I live, my dear daughter, to be
+    good and to do good to all, and especially to you and your
+    mother and sisters. Will you not let me do you all the good that
+    I would? And do you not know that I can do you little or none,
+    unless you give me your affections, incline your ears, and
+    earnestly desire to become daily better and wiser, more kind,
+    gentle, loving, diligent, heedful, serene. The good Spirit comes
+    into the Breast of the meek and loveful to abide long; anger,
+    discontent, impatience, evil appetites, greedy wants,
+    complainings, ill-speakings, idlenesses, heedlessness, rude
+    behaviour and all such, these drive it away, or grieve it so
+    that it leaves the poor misguided soul to live in its own
+    obstinate, perverse, proud discomfort, which is the very _Pain of
+    Sin_, and is in the _Bible_ called the worm that never dies, the
+    gnawing worm, the sting of _CONSCIENCE_: while the pleasures of
+    love and goodness are beyond all description--a peacefulness
+    that passes all understanding. I pray that my daughter may know
+    much of the last, and little of the first of these feelings. I
+    shall try every day to help her to the knowledge and love of
+    this good _Spirit_. I shall be with her, and as she and her
+    sisters come more and more into the presence of this Spirit,
+    shall we become a family more closely united in loves that can
+    never sunder us from each other.
+
+                        This your
+                                Father
+                            in Hope and Love
+                                on your
+                                    Birthday
+
+    Concordia,
+        Nov. 29, 1842.
+
+To little Elizabeth the letters were few. The child was so constantly
+the companion of father and mother, that by speech rather than written
+word, their messages were given. But on her fifth birthday, her father
+carefully printed this letter:
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+                             For Elizabeth
+                                  1840
+
+                       I   I    I    I     I   Years
+                      one two three four five
+                               BIRTH-DAY
+                                 in the
+                                COTTAGE
+
+    My very dear little girl,
+
+    You make me very happy every time I look at your smiling
+    pleasant face--and you make me very sorry every time I see your
+    face look cross and unpleasant. You are now five years old. You
+    can keep your little face pleasant all the time, if you will
+    try, and be happy yourself, and make everybody else happy too.
+    Father wants to have his little girl happy all the time. He
+    hopes her little friends and her presents and plays will
+    make her happy to-day; and this little note too. Last birthday
+    you were in Beach Street, in the great City, now you are at your
+    little cottage in the country where all is pretty and pleasant,
+    and you have fields and woods, and brooks and flowers to please
+    my little Queen, and keep her eyes, and ears, and hands and
+    tongue and feet, all busy. This little note is from
+
+                                FATHER,
+
+    who loves his little girl very much, and knows that she loves
+    him very dearly.
+
+                            Play, play,
+                            All the day,
+                            Jump and run
+                            Every one,
+                            Full of fun,
+                            All take
+                            A piece of cake,
+                            For my sake.
+
+His wish to encourage the little girl in her efforts to be good, kind,
+gentle, and patient, and his appreciation of her accomplishment, is set
+forth in this characteristic little note:
+
+                                        Concord, Cottage,
+                                            February 2nd, 1842.
+
+    My dear Elizabeth,
+
+    You give me much pleasure by your still, quiet manners, and your
+    desire to do things, without asking impatiently and selfishly
+    for others to help you without trying first to help yourself.
+    Trying is doing; doing is but trying; try then always and you
+    will do; and every one loves to help those who try. I will print
+    a little sentence for you in large letters and you who have
+    already found it so easy to do things for yourself will, I dare
+    say, remember it, and follow it too--This is it--
+
+                        TRY FIRST: AND
+                        THEN ASK: AND
+                        TRY PATIENTLY TILL
+                        YOU HAVE TRIED
+                        YOUR BEST: AND
+                        YOU WILL NOT NEED
+                        TO ASK AT ALL.
+                    Trying is the only
+                        Schoolmaster
+                                 whose
+                                Scholars
+                                 always
+                                Succeed.
+                                            Your Father.
+
+    Cottage,
+      Feb. 2nd.
+
+Little May, the youngest, was the pet, not only of the Alcott household,
+but of all the Alcott kin. This quaint little dolly letter, written to
+her by her Uncle Junius, has been framed and hangs to-day in the library
+of May Alcott's nephew, John:
+
+                        Gift of Junius S. Alcott
+                                   to
+                                 Abby.
+
+                                   A
+                               Little Face
+                              once smiling
+                                  woke
+                                   to
+                           greet, the day,
+                        with sport and play,
+               Hands) on her Birthday, in shaking (Hands
+                            with her sisters,
+                            and, her visitors,
+                        that, came, to, chime,
+                     a, happy, time, with, Lizzy,
+                    To, give, you, pleasure, uncle,
+                gives, this, treasure, to you, so, sweet,
+                  So, keep, it, neat, and please, my,
+                 Brother, & your Mother, by always,
+                   finding that, by, minding, you
+                  are, the kindest, little girl, that,
+                     that,               ever
+                     stood               d, in,
+                     (Shoes)             (Shoes)
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER VI
+
+                         THE MOTHER'S INFLUENCE
+
+
+UPON the lives of all four of her daughters the mother's influence
+rested like a benediction. It is felt in her letters; it is reflected in
+the journals of her girls and in the musings of Bronson Alcott, as set
+down in his voluminous journals. And the mother spirit hovers over
+Orchard House, where "Little Women" was written and lived.
+
+While letters to Anna from her mother are missing, Anna's journal shows
+how vital was Mrs. Alcott's power in the upbuilding of her noble
+character. Louisa in "Little Women" has said that the girls gave their
+hearts into their mother's keeping, their souls into their father's.
+Anna's letters bear eloquent testimony to the strong, helpful, cheery
+influence of the mother upon the child. Among the first was this letter,
+written by Anna when she was five years old and visiting Mr. Alcott's
+family at Wolcott:
+
+                        _Letter to Mrs. Alcott._
+                            Wolcott Aug. 12th, 1836.
+                                    _Friday Morning._
+
+    My dear Mother,
+
+    I have to go away by myself and cry because I want to see you so
+    much, and little sister Lizy and Louisa. Doctor Fuller is
+    coming to cure Grandmother. i shall see you in a few days. You
+    have a splendid husband
+
+                                                  Anna
+                                               V years of age--
+
+(On this she had drawn her hand.)
+
+She was six years old when she wrote this:
+
+    Dear Mother,
+
+    I have not had a note from you for a great while. You wanted
+    some wafers yesterday will you accept of them from me There is
+    not many but it is all that I have got. I am very glad my
+    birthday is so near for as I grow older, I hope I shall grow
+    better and more useful to you, I hope soon we shall be settled
+    down in some comfortable little home of our own and then shall
+    be contented and happy I hope. I must go to my sums now, so
+    goodbye dearest mother
+
+                                    Your loving Anna
+
+A letter eloquent of the tender relation between mother and child is
+this written during the Fruitlands period:
+
+    For
+
+        Dearest mother
+              fruitlands.
+
+        Dear mother.
+
+    I wish that you would come to the table again. I enjoy my meals
+    much better when you are at the table. Was not "Heraclitus" that
+    father read about to-day, a dear good man, it seems as though I
+    wanted to hug him up and kiss him. I wish men had understood his
+    thoughts better than they did he would have been happier I
+    think. I have enjoyed this morning readings and conversations
+    better than I have before for a good while, I suppose, because I
+    talked and I understood it so well. I do not write to you very
+    often dear mother but I love to dearly when I feel like it, and
+    I love to have letters from you. I have not been as good as I
+    wish I had this week. I send a little bunch of flowers to you
+    they are not very pretty but they are beautifully made and I
+    thought you would like them. I had a beautiful time walking this
+    morning with Louisa. Good bye dearest mother from your loving
+
+                                                        Anna.
+
+Many copies of her mother's letters are found in Louisa's journals,
+showing the daughter's intense, almost idolatrous affection. Louisa
+admired, respected, and loved her father, but to her mother her
+tenderest thought was given. Marmee understood the wayward,
+tempestuous, lovable child as no one else did, not even loyal Anna,
+or admiring Elizabeth. On her birthday the mother writes to Louisa:
+
+    My dear little girl,
+
+    Will you accept this doll from me on your 7th birthday. She will
+    be a quiet play mate for my active Louisa for seven years more.
+    Be a kind mamma and love her for my sake.
+
+                                    Your mother.
+
+    Beach St., Boston, 1839.
+
+Louisa was ten when this birthday letter was sent:
+
+                                             Cottage in Concord.
+
+    Dear Daughter,
+
+    Your 10th birthday has arrived, may it be a happy one, & on each
+    returning birthday may you feel new strength and resolution to be
+    gentle with sisters, obedient to parents, loving to everyone &
+    happy in yourself.
+
+    I give you the pencil case I promised, for I have observed that
+    you are fond of writing & wish to encourage the habit.
+
+    Go on trying, dear, & each day it will be easier to be & do good.
+    You must help yourself, for the cause of your little troubles is
+    in yourself, & patience & courage only will make you what mother
+    prays to see you her good and happy girl.
+
+During the Fruitlands period, when Louisa was eleven, she found this
+little note tucked carefully away in a spot where only she would find
+and read it:
+
+                                                     Fruitlands.
+
+    My dear,
+
+    Thank you for your sweet note and sweeter poetry. The second
+    verse is very good. Your love of nature is pure and true. It is
+    a lovely school in which good lessons may be learned. The happy
+    industry of birds, the beautiful lives of flowers, the music of
+    brooks all help--
+
+                "The little fountain flows
+                 So noiseless thro the wood,
+                 The wanderer tastes repose,
+                 And from the silent flood
+                 Learns meekly to do good."
+
+In the following letter, a pretty little deference to the child's own
+personality is shown by the mother, in that way bringing out in the
+child respect and deference for others:
+
+    Dear Daughter,
+
+    I hope you will not consider me an intruder for stopping a
+    moment in your "poet's corner" to admire the neatness of your
+    desk, the sweetness of your poetry, the beauty of the prospect
+    from your window. Cherish this love of nature, dear, enjoy all
+    it gives you, for God made these helps to charm contemplation,
+    and they strengthen the noble desire to be or to do all that is
+    sent for our training & our good. Heaven be about you my child,
+    is mother's Sunday prayer.
+
+Louisa Alcott filled her diary with letters from her mother,
+occasionally adding in later life annotations of her own. This letter
+from her mother when Louisa was eleven is an example:
+
+                                       (From Louisa Alcott's Diary.)
+                                            Concord, 1843.
+
+    Dear Louy,
+
+    I enclose a picture for you which I always liked very much, for
+    I have imagined that you might be just such an industrious
+    daughter & I such a feeble but loving mother, looking to your
+    labor for my daily bread. Keep it for my sake, & your own, for
+    you and I always like to be grouped together.
+
+                                                         Mother.
+
+          [Illustration: ABIGAIL MAY, MRS. A. BRONSON ALCOTT.
+                         From a daguerreotype.
+                              _Page 106._]
+
+Then follows the picture and the lines written by Louisa in her
+journal:
+
+                               To Mother.
+
+    I hope that soon dear mother, you & I may be
+    In the quiet room my fancy has so often made for thee,
+    The pleasant sunny chamber, the cushioned easy chair,
+    The books laid for your reading, the vase of flowers fair.
+    The desk beside the window where the sun shines warm and bright,
+    And there in ease and quiet, the promised book you write,
+    While I sit close beside you, content at last to see,
+    That you can rest dear mother, & I can cherish thee.
+
+Louisa lived to see her hope realized and the dream of many years a
+beautiful reality.
+
+Like most writers, Louisa was moody, and in her hours of depression and
+despondency she looked upon her work as a failure and herself as a
+useless drag upon the family. At such times Marmee invariably came to
+the rescue and persuaded her discouraged daughter to use the pen she was
+ready to lay down. Even in Louisa's childhood, when her only promise of
+future literary achievement were her tragedies and melodramas of lurid
+style, little gifts show the mother's faith and pride in her daughter's
+work. So did her letters, of which this is an example:
+
+    Dear Louisa:
+
+    I sometimes stray about the house and take a peep into the
+    journal. Your pages lately are blank. I am sure your life has
+    many fine passages well worth recording, and to me they are
+    always precious. Anything like intellectual progress in my
+    children seems to compensate for much disappointment &
+    perplexity in my own life. Do write a little each day, dear, if
+    but a line, to show me how bravely you begin the battle, how
+    patiently you wait for the rewards sure to come when the victory
+    is nobly won.
+
+                                    Ever yrs.
+                                            Mother.
+
+On her fourteenth birthday the mother accompanies the gift of a pen with
+this little poem:
+
+    Oh, may this pen your muse inspire,
+        When wrapt in pure poetic fire,
+    To write some sweet, some thrilling verse;
+        A song of love or sorrow's lay,
+    Or duty's clear but tedious way
+        In brighter hope rehearse.
+    Oh, let your strain be soft and high,
+        Of crosses here, of crowns beyond the sky;
+    Truth guide your pen, inspire your theme,
+        And from each note joy's music stream.
+
+Louisa Alcott owed much to her mother's example and perhaps even more to
+her mother's influence. This letter, carefully preserved in the
+daughter's journal, reveals a wealth of mother-love and of God-given
+wisdom:
+
+                                                  15th Birthday,
+                                                       Hillside.
+
+    Dearest,
+
+    Accept this pen from your mother and for her sake use it freely
+    & worthily that each day of this your fifteenth year may
+    testify to some good word or thought or work.
+
+    I know there will be born into your spirit new hopes, new gifts,
+    for God helps the loving, trusting heart that turns to Him. Lift
+    up your soul to meet the highest, for that alone will satisfy
+    your yearning, aspiring nature.
+
+    Your temperament is a peculiar one, & there are few who can
+    really help you. Set about the formation of character & believe
+    me you are capable of obtaining a noble one. Industry, patience,
+    love, creates, endures, gives all things, for these are the
+    attributes of the Almighty, & they make us mighty in all things.
+    May eternal love sustain you, infinite wisdom guide you, & the
+    peace which passeth understanding reward you, my daughter.
+
+                                                         Mother.
+    Nov. 29th, 1846.
+
+Deeds, not words, characterized Elizabeth Alcott, as readers of "Little
+Women" will recall. She was about seven when she sent this letter, one
+of the very few she wrote, to her mother:
+
+                                                 May, Friday 29.
+
+    Dear Mother,
+
+    I thank you very much for your note. I will try to write better
+    than I have done. I have not always had a good pen. I hope I
+    shall improve in all my studies this summer. I hope I can read
+    German & French very well, and know a great deal about the
+    countries. I must write my journal now so I will bid you good
+    bye.
+
+                                            From your loving
+                                                      Elizabeth.
+
+Birthdays were always celebrated with much rejoicing in the Alcott
+household, the gift made secondary to the spirit of the day. From the
+time they were old enough to print, the Alcott children on the mother's
+birthday made her some little gift, accompanying it with a note. Abba
+May or May, as she was always called, at nine years old, began in prose
+but lapsed into poetry:
+
+    Dear Mother,
+
+    I wish you a very happy birthday. I hope you will find my
+    present Useful, and when you wear it think of me. I have taken a
+    great-deal of Pleasure in making it for you. Please take this
+    Present mother on your 49 birthday
+
+    With the dearest Love and wishes of your little daughter A.
+
+With Mrs. Alcott, hardship, poverty, the grief of seeing her husband
+misunderstood and often scoffed at, never lessened her love for him, or
+her contentment in the marriage relation. The year following her
+marriage in a letter to her brother she wrote: "My father has never
+married a daughter or son more completely happy than I am. I have cares,
+and soon they will be arduous ones, but with the mild, constant, and
+affectionate sympathy and aid of my husband, with the increasing health
+and loveliness of my quiet and bright little Anna, with good health,
+clear head, grateful heart and ready hand,--what can I not do when
+surrounded by influences like this?"
+
+Ideals were never shattered; illusions, if so they may be called, were
+never lost by Mrs. Alcott through the stormy years that laid between the
+first happy months of her married life and the sunset days when all her
+burdens were laid down. To her, the husband who was so long denied
+material success and intellectual sympathy ever remained the lover and
+friend. Her admiration for him was unbounded, her faith in him complete.
+So high she held him in heart and mind, that it was difficult even for
+those who loved him most to appreciate her estimate of him as Poet,
+Philosopher, and Sage.
+
+Concerning the most famous portrait ever made of Bronson Alcott, done in
+crayons by Mrs. Richard Hildredth, wife of the historian and aunt of the
+portrait painter, George Fuller, which, beautiful as it was, did not
+satisfy the wife's ideal, Mrs. Alcott writes:
+
+    A tinge of the incomprehensible lies softly around it, a field
+    of atmosphere, as if she had worked with down from an angel's
+    wing rather than with a crayon,--as if the moonlight had cast a
+    shadow on the lights of her picture, and a divinity had touched
+    with a soft shade, the dark portion of the figure. Mrs.
+    Hildredth has changed the costume from a dress suit to a mantle
+    draped about the shoulders. This, I do not like. The chaste
+    simplicity of Mr. Alcott's dress is more in character and
+    keeping with the severe simplicity and rectitude of his life.
+    Louisa admirably describes her father's appearance as she
+    met him at the cars. "His dress was neat and poor. He looked
+    cold and thin as an icicle, but serene as God." After such a
+    testimony, from such a daughter, he can afford to dress shabbily.
+
+Contentment, whatever her lot, was an attribute of Marmee; she
+underestimated herself always. Unquestionably, Louisa inherited her
+literary gift quite as much from mother as from father, and flashes of
+the quaint humor so delightful in the daughter's books are found in the
+mother's letters. To a friend she writes: "My gifts are few. I live,
+love and learn, and find myself more content every day of my life with
+humble conditions."
+
+Louisa Alcott never laid claim to poetic gift, but on a few occasions
+her verses take to themselves true poetic beauty. One of the most
+exquisite of these poems was written by her on the death of her mother,
+and was first published anonymously in the "Masque of Poets" of 1878:
+
+                            TRANSFIGURATION
+                              In Memoriam
+
+    Mysterious death; who in a single hour
+        Life's gold can so refine,
+        And by thy art divine
+    Change mortal weakness to immortal power:
+
+    Bending beneath the weight of eighty years,
+        Spent with the noble strife
+        Of a victorious life,
+    We watched her fading heavenward, through our tears.
+
+    But ere the sense of loss our hearts had wrung,
+        A miracle was wrought:
+        And swift as happy thought
+    She lived again--brave, beautiful and young.
+
+    Age, pain and sorrow dropped the veils they wore,
+        And showed the tender eyes
+        Of angels in disguise,
+    Whose discipline so patiently she bore.
+
+    The past years brought their harvest rich and fair;
+        While memory and love,
+        Together fondly wove
+    A golden garland for the silver hair.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VII
+
+                           CHILDREN'S DIARIES
+
+
+THE Alcott children were brought up to think for themselves, to reflect,
+and to give expression to their thoughts. Never laughed at, they were
+not afraid to speak or write of what was in their minds. Each kept a
+diary, and no incident that concerned the little girls was too trivial
+for mention in the record of the day. These incidents, collected, give a
+more comprehensive view of the Alcotts as a family than do the father's
+voluminous journals.
+
+                  [Illustration: ANNA BRONSON ALCOTT.
+                         From a daguerreotype.
+                              _Page 122._]
+
+When Anna was ten, she gravely explains under date of April 13, 1841:
+
+    Father was too unwell to come down stairs and mother ironed,
+    Louisa and I helped a little while. I wrote my journal and a
+    journal for Louisa as she thought she could not write well
+    enough. I had no other lessons than that. We watched a little
+    spider and gave it some water to drink. In the afternoon mother
+    read loud the story of the good aunt or part of it while we
+    sewed on the clean clothes I mended up the holes and Louisa and
+    Lizzy sewed on a sheet. In the evening we played mother lets us
+    play in the evening. We went to bed soon.
+
+This sewing bee recalls the long evenings in the March home, described
+in "Little Women," when the four girls and the mother sewed dutifully
+on sheets for Aunt March, dividing seams into countries, discussing
+Europe, Asia, Africa, and America as they stitched.
+
+When she was twelve, Anna's literary aspirations sought a vent in
+attempted poetry. Later she collaborated with Louisa in writing the
+"Comic Tragedies." Anna's confidante and comrade, Louisa, was frequently
+the victim of these poetic effusions, her reception of which gives quite
+a line on her ardent temperament. This entry in Anna's journal for April
+23, 1843, is eloquent:
+
+    This morning I rose pretty early--After breakfast I read and
+    wrote stories. In the afternoon I wrote some letters and the
+    following one to Louisa:
+
+            Louisa dear
+            With love sincere
+        Accept this little gift from me
+            It is with pleasure
+            I send this treasure
+        And with it send much love to thee.
+
+            Sister dear
+            Never fear
+        God will help you if you try.
+            Do not despair
+            But always care
+        To be good and love to try.
+
+    In the evening I read in a book called 'Stories on the
+    Lord's-prayer.' I talked with Louisa after I went to bed and she
+    pinched me on my leg.
+
+Two or three years later Anna writes:
+
+    Monday.
+
+    Mother went to Boston and Louisa and I cleaned house all day. I
+    love order above all things and I take great pleasure in seeing
+    all neat about the house.
+
+    Tuesday.
+
+    I worked hard till 2 o'clock when we all met to sew while mother
+    read aloud from "Miss Bremers Brothers and Sister's." It is most
+    beautiful such a happy family. I think Miss Bremer would make a
+    lovely mother the mothers in her books are so sweet and she has
+    beautiful idear's about family's. I love to read natural
+    stories.
+
+    Wednesday 30th.
+
+    We rose very early and eat breakfast. I think it is a dreadful
+    thing to grow old and not be able to fly about, but then I
+    suppose I shall not care about flying when I grow older, still
+    it is horrid to think about being an old woman all wrinkled and
+    blind. I wish I could keep young forever. I should love to live
+    among all those I love and be with them all the time.
+
+Reading was a part of the daily routine in the Alcott household, and
+Anna's taste for German recalls vividly certain episodes between Meg and
+John Brooks in "Little Women."
+
+    Friday 18th.
+
+    I read one of Krummacher's parables in German. I think they are
+    very beautiful, the language is so elegant. I love to hear
+    beautiful words and these stories are told so simply and are
+    full of such sweet thought. I found a great many which have
+    never been translated and I intend to try myself to translate
+    them. I think it is the pleasantest thing I do to read German.
+    It is such a splendid language. I mean Elizabeth shall learn to
+    read it, she will enjoy it so much.
+
+    Saturday 19th.
+
+    In the afternoon I sewed and Louisa read me a very silly story
+    called 'The Golden Cup.' I think there is a great deal of
+    nonsense written now a days, the papers are full of silly
+    stories.
+
+    Sunday 20th.
+
+    I have been reading lately a very beautiful book given me by my
+    mother. It is "Characteristics of Women" by Mrs. Jameson. I like
+    it very much. It is a description of Shakespear's Heroines,
+    Portia is my favorite, she was so noble and I liked the Trial
+    scene better than any of Shakespears that I ever read. I think
+    this part is beautiful.
+
+    'Let music sound while he doth make his choice;
+    Then if he love he make a swan like end
+    Fading in music.'
+
+    I think this was a beautiful idea.
+
+    I passed a pleasant morning in school, translating one of
+    Krummacher's beautiful parables. I find great pleasure in this.
+    I like German better than I do French. I want much to study
+    Italian. I have tried myself several times but cannot manage it
+    without help. I think I should be very happy if I could go to
+    school. I think about it most all the time and when I am in bed
+    I imagine myself in Boston going to Miss Peabody's school with
+    other girls and know that I am learning something. And I think
+    I lead rather too solitary a life. I love to see people. Mother
+    read in the afternoon from Miss Sedgwick's Letters. It was about
+    the Germans. She says they are a very cheerful people and though
+    poor yet they always have a happy smile and cheerful face. That
+    their manners are beautiful. They are so kind and simple. I know
+    I should love them, for I like everything German, except their
+    food, which I think must be horrid, greasy cabbage and sour
+    bread. That seems bad. I should think they are so fond of
+    beautiful things; music, poetry and flowers, that they would not
+    like such stuff.
+
+    September, 1845.
+    Friday 1st.
+
+    I walked before breakfast, the sun was bright and there was a
+    cool wind. The lane was full of beautiful flowers and the grass
+    was green and fresh. I had a lovely walk and gathered a bunch of
+    goldenrod, spirian and gerandia. Everything was so beautiful
+    that all my unhappy thoughts of last night flew away. I
+    sometimes have strange feelings, a sort of longing after
+    something I don't know what it is. I have a great many wishes. I
+    spent the day in the usual manner, sewing and studying. In the
+    evening Louisa and I walked through the lane and talked about
+    how we should like to live and dress and imagined all kinds of
+    beautiful things.
+
+    Sunday 3rd.
+
+    I sewed all day and mother read from "Miss Sedgwick's Letters."
+    I will write a piece of poetry, as I have nothing very pleasant
+    to write about:
+
+        "Oh when thy heart is full of fears
+         And the way is dim to Heaven
+         When the sorrow and the sin of years
+         Peace from thy soul has driven
+         Then through the mist of falling tears
+         Look up and be forgiven.
+
+        "And then rise up and sin no more
+         And from thy dark ways flee
+         Let Virtue o'er thy appetites
+         Have full and perfect mastery
+         And the kindly ones that hover o'er
+         Will ever strengthen thee.
+
+        "And though thou art helpless and forlorn
+         Let not thy heart's peace go
+         And though the riches of this world are gone
+         And thy lot is care and woe
+         Faint not, but journey ever on
+         True wealth is not below.
+
+        "Oh, falter not but still look up
+         Let Patience be thy guide
+         Bless the rod and take the cup
+         And trustfully abide
+         Let not temptation vanquish thee
+         And the Father will provide."
+
+    Louisa composed these lines, which I think are beautiful. She is
+    a beautiful girl and writes as good poetry as Lucretia Davidson,
+    about whom so much has been written. I think she will write
+    _something great one of these days_. As for me I am perfect in
+    nothing. I have no genius. I know a little of music, a little of
+    French, German and Drawing, but none of them well. I have a
+    foolish wish to be something _great_ and I shall probably spend my
+    life in a kitchen and die in the poor-house. I want to be Jenny
+    Lind or Mrs. Seguin and I can't and so I cry. Here is another of
+    Louisa's pieces to mother.
+
+        "God comfort thee dear mother,
+            For sorrow sad and deep
+         Is lying heavy on thy heart
+            And this hath made thee weep.
+
+        "There is a Father o'er us, mother,
+            Who orders for the best
+         And peace shall come ere long, mother,
+            And dwell within thy breast.
+
+        "Then let us journey onward, mother,
+            And trustfully abide,
+         The coming forth of good or ill
+            Whatever may betide."
+
+Helpfulness was encouraged in the Alcott household; habits of industry
+were carefully fostered. The Alcott children worked when they worked,
+played when they played, but wasted hours were unknown. They were taught
+to make the most of every day. When Anna was seventeen she wrote in her
+diary:
+
+    August, 1848.
+    Thursday 17th.
+
+    Lizzy and I are making plans for spending our days usefully.
+    Here is mine.
+
+                                 Plan.
+
+    Rise at half past 4, bathe, dress and walk till half past 5.
+
+    Dress and bathe the children.
+
+    Breakfast at 7. Work till 9. School till 12. Work till 2.
+
+    Sew till 4. Practice till 5.
+
+    Hear Lizzy recite German and French till 6. Supper.
+
+    This will keep me pretty busy, but I find I accomplish so much
+    more when I have a plan and certain times for certain things. I
+    never can do things without order. I like to have something
+    planned for every moment of the day, so that when I get up in
+    the morning I may know what to do. I wish I could be learned.
+
+An entry in Louisa's diary during the Fruitlands period gives this
+insight into one of her average days, when a child of eleven:
+
+    I rose at five, and after breakfast washed the dishes and then
+    helped mother work. I took care of May in the afternoon. In the
+    evening I made some pretty things for my dolly. Father and Mr.
+    Lane had a talk and father asked us if we saw any reason for us
+    to separate. Mother wanted to, she is so tired. I like it, but
+    not the school part or Mr. L.
+
+Note, too, that when it came to a conference concerning family affairs,
+the father asked the advice of his eleven-year-old daughter, instead of
+following the more customary method of withholding from her the family
+confidence and deferring discussion of plans until the children had gone
+to bed.
+
+"Know Thyself," was ever the aim of Bronson Alcott in the training of
+his children, and Mr. Lane at Fruitlands followed this same line of
+mental development. This is one of his sample lessons which Louisa
+Alcott has copied into her journal:
+
+    Sample of our Lessons
+
+    "What virtues do you wish more of," asked Mr. L. I answer:
+
+        Patience            Love                Silence
+        Obedience           Generosity          Perseverance
+        Industry            Respect             Self-denial
+
+    "What vices less of?"
+
+        Idleness            Wilfulness          Vanity
+        Impatience          Impudence           Pride
+        Selfishness         Activity            Love of cats
+
+In this same lesson comes the twelve-year-old Louisa's explanation of
+the difference between faith and hope:
+
+    Faith can believe without seeing; hope is not sure, but tries
+    to have faith when it desires.
+
+Louisa's love of nature, her trained habits of thought, her poetic
+imagination, and her keen appreciation of beauty are indicated in this
+entry in her journal, written at Fruitlands in 1843 or 1844, when she
+was a child of ten or eleven:
+
+    I wrote in my imagination book, and enjoyed it very much. Life
+    is pleasanter than it used to be, and I don't care about dying
+    any more. Had a splendid run, and got a box of cones to burn.
+    Sat and heard the pines sing a long time. Had good dreams, and
+    woke now and then to think, and watch the moon. I had a
+    pleasant time with my mind, for it was happy.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VIII
+
+                         GIRLHOOD AND WOMANHOOD
+
+
+FAMILIAR to every reader of "Little Women" is the March family's quaint
+brown house with its many windows, its old-fashioned garden, its homely,
+homelike air, its unfailing hospitality. This home, as described by
+Louisa M. Alcott, is a picture of the Alcott home at Concord, the scene
+of the girlhood and young womanhood of the Alcott children. Many of
+Louisa's books were written there; "Little Women" was lived there. In
+Concord, Anna met John Pratt, and the first love story in "Little
+Women" is Anna's life romance. There little Beth passed from the
+material to the spiritual life, and Amy first developed the artistic
+talents which later caused her work to be sought for by art museums and
+private collectors.
+
+Anna's marriage was a great trial to Louisa, for from early childhood
+the two girls had been inseparable companions, and after Anna's marriage
+Louisa learned to look upon John as her brother.
+
+Louisa's diary in the April following the passing of Elizabeth touches
+upon the change of homes in Concord, the absence of May, who was
+studying art in Boston, of Elizabeth and of Anna:
+
+                                 April.
+
+    Came to occupy one wing of Hawthorne's house (once ours) while the
+    new one was being repaired. Father, mother and I kept house
+    together, May being in Boston, Anna at Pratt farm, & for the first
+    time Lizzy absent. I don't miss her as I expected to do, for she
+    seems nearer & dearer than before, & I am glad to know she is safe
+    from pain & age in some world where her innocent soul must be happy.
+
+    Death never seemed terrible to me, & now is beautiful, so I cannot
+    fear it, but find it friendly and wonderful.
+
+                      [Illustration: ABBA MAY ALCOTT.
+                           From a photograph.
+                              _Page 142._]
+
+Amy's artistic efforts and her failures in "Little Women" are taken from
+May's actual experiences in Concord. Turning the career of the youngest
+of the Alcott girls into a romance earlier in "Little Women" than it
+actually occurred in life, doubtless prevented Louisa Alcott from
+chronicling the artistic success of her youngest sister, a success to
+which she largely contributed and in which she took great pride.
+
+May Alcott's pictures are found to-day in art museums and in leading
+private collections in this country and abroad. Her copies of Turner are
+remarkable. In the Kensington Gallery in London students are given them
+to study in preference to the originals. Several fine examples are in
+American museums, and a few are owned by members of the Alcott family.
+
+When the Alcotts moved into Orchard House, the girls painted and
+papered the interior themselves. May filled the nooks and corners with
+panels, on which she painted birds and flowers. Over the fireplaces she
+inscribed mottoes in Old English characters.
+
+The study in Orchard House was the real center of the household. For the
+chimney piece Ellery Channing wrote an epigram, which May Alcott painted
+upon it, and which has been used in the stage reproduction of "Little
+Women":
+
+    "The Hills are reared, the Valleys scooped in vain,
+     If Learning's Altars vanish from the Plain."
+
+In Orchard House to-day, walls, doors, and window casings are etched
+with May Alcott's drawings, many preserved under glass, including a
+miniature portrait of a little girl, naïvely and modestly inscribed "The
+Artist."
+
+High thoughts and cheerful minds triumphed over poverty in those Concord
+days. Shortly after the family's return from Fruitlands, Louisa wrote
+for Ellen Emerson the fairy stories, "Flower Fables." She was at the
+time only sixteen. This was her earliest published work, and it was many
+years before she achieved literary fame, although, as did Jo in "Little
+Women," she materially helped in the support of the family by writing
+lurid tales.
+
+Literature rather than commerce freed the Alcotts from the burden of
+debt. Louisa's fame was the result, neither of accident, nor of a
+single achievement, but had for its background the whole generous past
+of her family. Her "Hospital Sketches" were her letters home, when she
+was serving as hospital nurse during the Civil War. "Little Women" is a
+chronicle of her family. Louisa certainly made good use of the
+vicissitudes of the Alcotts. She always saw the funny side and was not
+afraid to make book material of the home experiences, elevating or
+humiliating. Her books number between twenty-five and thirty. Nearly
+every one takes its basic idea from some real experience. The books
+written by the Alcott family, including some eight or ten published by
+Mr. Alcott, Louisa's output, and one or two written by May, fill two
+shelves of an alcove devoted to Concord authors in the Alcott town
+library.
+
+Anna's little sons, familiarly known in the Alcott household as Freddie
+and Johnnie, or Jack, gave to Bronson Alcott in his later days fresh
+opportunity for his favorite study--childhood. To both boys came
+frequent messages and gifts from Grandpa, Grandma, and Aunt Louisa.
+
+Louisa Alcott sent to Freddie this poem on his third birthday:
+
+    A song for little Freddie
+    On his third Birthday.
+
+    Down in the field
+    Where the brook goes,
+    Lives a white lammie
+    With a little black nose.
+
+    He eats the grass so green,
+    He drinks the "la la" sweet,
+    "Buttertups" and daisies,
+    Grow all about his feet.
+
+    The "birdies" they sing to him,
+    The big sun in the sky,
+    Warms his little "Toe-toes,"
+    And peeps into his eye.
+
+    He's a very gentle lammie,
+    He never makes a fuss,
+    He never "saps his marmar,"
+    He never says "I muss."
+
+    He hops and he runs,
+    "Wound and wound" all day,
+    And when the night comes,
+    He goes "bye low" on the hay.
+
+    In a nice little barn,
+    Where the "moo-moos" are;
+    Freddie says "Good night,"
+    But the lammie he says "Baa!"
+
+    To be sung by Marmar with appropriate accompaniment of gesture, etc.
+
+On the outside of the letter appears:
+
+    A little song for Freddie,
+    On his third birthday,
+    With "lots" of loving kisses,
+    From his Wee-wee far away.
+
+On his sixth birthday Grandpa contributes:
+
+                           Concord, Freddie's
+                             6th Birthday,
+                                  1869.
+
+    Dear Freddy,
+
+    I give you for your Birth Day Present this new Picture Book. It
+    has plain words for you to pick out and read. The stories are
+    short and about things that you know. Now, my little scholar,
+    look among the leaves every day, and see how many words you can
+    tell,--Very soon you will find you can read whole pages, spell
+    the whole book through, and write the stories, word for word on
+    your slate or in your little writing book. Then you will not be
+    a little Dunce, and when Grandpa comes to see you, you will be
+    glad to show him how well you can read.
+
+                            Grandma gives the top to Johnny.
+                                                   From Grandpa.
+
+Grandma, not to be outdone, sent this:
+
+    Dear Freddy,
+
+    If worms give us the silk thread--can't we find time enough to
+    find out how the Fabric is made which dresses are formed
+    of--minutes and days--ours. Days and Years are passing away--let
+    us be busy--and I guess we will get to the Vienna Exposition--
+
+        "How doth the little busy Bee"
+
+    Improve each shining hour--Be a Bee--and your hours will be too
+    few for the Flowers of Science and the Wheels of Use. Grandma
+    will help you with her one dim eye and Grandpa will explain a
+    great deal to you with his Shining Light--Mama with your help
+    will make you a true, good  man.--
+
+                                 1873.
+
+On his twelfth birthday Aunt Louisa again lapsed into poetry:
+
+                                F. A. P.
+
+    Who likes to read a fairy tale,
+    Or stories told of sword and sail,
+    Until his little optics fail?
+                              Our boy.
+
+    Who loves his father's watch to wear
+    And often draw it out with care
+    Upon its round white face to stare?
+                              Our boy.
+
+    Who rather proud of his small feet
+    When wearing slippers new and neat,
+    And stockings red as any beet?
+                              Our boy.
+
+    Who in his pocket keeps his hands
+    As round the house he "mooning" stands
+    Or reads the paper like the mans?
+                              Our boy.
+
+    Who likes to "boss" it over Jack,
+    And sometimes gives a naughty whack,
+    But gets it heartily paid back?
+                              Our boy.
+
+    Who likes to have a birthday frolic
+    And eats until he has a colic,
+    That for the time is diabolic?
+                              Our boy.
+
+    Who is the dearest little lad,
+    That aunt or mother ever had,
+    To love when gay and cheer when sad?
+                              Our boy.
+
+    May angels guard him with their wings,
+    And all brave, good and happy things,
+    Make nobler thou than crowned kings.
+                              Our boy.
+
+                     March 28th, 1875.
+
+John, the original of Daisy in "Little Women," received in his babyhood
+days from Aunt Louisa, some tiny blue stockings with this verse:
+
+    Two pair of blue hose,
+    For Johnny's white toes,
+    So Jack Frost can't freeze em,
+    Nor darned stockings tease em,
+    So pretty and neat
+    I hope the small feet
+    Will never go wrong,
+    But walk straight and strong,
+    The way father went.
+    We shall all be content,
+    If the dear little son
+    Be a second good John.
+
+On his tenth birthday, both Grandpa and Grandma Alcott sent these
+characteristic greetings to their younger grandson:
+
+                       Grandma Alcott to Johnny.
+
+    10th birthday.                                  June 24th. 1875.
+
+            Giving song, all day long,
+        Under the elm or willow;
+            With sunshine shed
+            On the little head
+        That rests on Grandma's pillow.
+            To and fro,
+            Let it go,
+        While inside piping cheery,
+            As he takes his rest
+            In his hang-bird's nest
+        Lies Grandma's little deary.
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+                       Grandpa Alcott to Johnny.
+                            June 24th. 1875.
+
+        A fine little sword
+            For gallant Capt. Jack,
+        As he marches down the hill
+            His army at his back.
+
+        No giants will it kill
+            Since its only made for show,
+        And the best way to fight,
+            Is a kiss for a blow.
+
+In these days of private secretaries, labor-saving devices, and
+specialization, it is difficult to comprehend the obstacles that Louisa
+Alcott encountered in writing. Her day was filled with other tasks,
+housework, sewing, teaching, nursing--yet the pen was never idle, the
+busy brain was never still. Her power of concentration made it possible
+for her to write under harassing conditions. This is her own description
+of her methods of work:
+
+    My methods of work are very simple and soon told. My head is my
+    study, and there I keep the various plans of stories for years
+    sometimes, letting them grow as they will till I am ready to
+    put them on paper. Then it is quick work, as chapters go down
+    word for word as they stand in my mind, and need no alteration.
+    I never copy, since I find by experience that the work I spend
+    the least time upon is best liked by critics and speakers.
+
+    Any paper, any pen, any place that is quiet suit me, and I used
+    to write from morning till night without fatigue when "the steam
+    was up." Now, however, I am paying the penalty of twenty years
+    of over work, and can write but two hours a day, doing about
+    twenty pages, sometimes more, though my right thumb is useless
+    from writer's cramp.
+
+    While a story is under way I live in it, see the people more
+    plainly than real ones around me, hear them talk, and am much
+    interested, surprised and provoked at their actions, for I seem
+    to have no power to rule them, and can simply record their
+    experiences and performances.
+
+    Materials for the children's tales I find in the lives of the
+    little people about me, for no one can invent anything so droll,
+    pretty or pathetic as the sayings and doings of these small
+    actors, poets and martyrs. In the older books, the events are
+    mostly from real life, the strongest the truest, and I yet hope
+    to write a few of the novels which have been simmering in my
+    brain while necessity and unexpected success have confined me to
+    juvenile literature.
+
+    I gave Mrs. Moulton many facts for her article in "Famous
+    Women," and there are many other sketches which will add more if
+    they are wanted. The first edition of "Jo's Boys" was twenty
+    thousand I believe, and over fifty thousand were soon gone.
+    Since January I know little about the sales. People usually ask
+    "How much have you made?" I am contented with a hundred
+    thousand, and find my best success in the comfort my family
+    enjoy; also a naughty satisfaction in proving that it was better
+    _not_ to "stick to teaching" as advised, but to write.
+
+                   [Illustration: LOUISA MAY ALCOTT.
+                         From a daguerreotype.
+                              _Page 160._]
+
+With all her love for her father, irreverent Louisa delighted in making
+fun of him. The complacent philosopher, with his voluminous journals,
+his several books in manuscript, his liking, despite the brilliancy of
+his conversations, for the written rather than the spoken word, was a
+wasteful user of paper and a careless dispenser of ink. That her father
+enjoyed her good-natured banter is shown by the fact that in his journal
+he has entered the following poem, written by Louisa at nineteen:
+
+                    From Louisa on my 52nd birthday.
+                                    Nov. 29th, 1851.
+
+                               To Father.
+
+    A cloth on the table where dear Plato sits
+    By one of the Graces was spread
+    With the single request that he would not design
+    New patterns with black ink or red.
+    And when he is soaring away in the clouds
+    I beg he'll remember and think
+    Though the "blackbirds" are fair his cloth will be fairer
+    For not being deluged with ink.
+    May plenty of paper of pens and of quiet
+    To my dear pa forever be given
+    Till he has written such piles that when on the top
+    He can walk calmly on into Heaven.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER IX
+
+                         FRIENDSHIPS AND BELIEFS
+
+
+RARE friendships existed among the great minds of that period, when
+Transcendentalism in America was first talked and lived, a close bond of
+sympathy uniting Bronson Alcott, Emerson, Thoreau, Ellery Channing,
+Margaret Fuller, and Elizabeth Peabody. Such association made its
+impress upon the Alcott daughters. Anna's diary is filled with
+references to visits with the Emersons. Louisa's deal less with the
+family and more with the intellectual life of the great philosopher,
+whom she made her idol. Through life he was her stanch and
+understanding friend.
+
+"The Apostles of the Newness" was the scoffing term applied to these
+literary giants of New England by those who lacked the mental and
+spiritual insight to recognize greatness in others.
+
+This attitude of ridicule was largely responsible for the continued
+attacks upon the _Dial_, a quarterly issued by the Transcendentalists,
+edited from 1840 to 1844 by Emerson, Margaret Fuller, George Ripley, and
+Thoreau. Between its modest covers were many of the intellectual
+masterpieces of the time: its rare volumes are still treasure-houses of
+literature which to-day command any price. Mr. Alcott selected its title
+and was to a large extent responsible for its policy. His Orphic
+Sayings in the _Dial_, now looked upon as classics, were the butt of the
+press at the time, and the derision of Boston society.
+
+In these Orphic Sayings, he gave this remarkable definition of Reform:
+"Reforms are the noblest of facts. Extant in time, they work for
+eternity: dwelling with men, they are with God."
+
+Conversation among these friends was neither trivial nor useless, and in
+the Alcott circle, which included Emerson, Thoreau, Theodore Parker,
+William Henry Channing, James Freeman Clarke, Elizabeth Peabody, Mrs.
+Cheney, and other of the early Transcendentalists, later on augmented by
+James Russell Lowell and Nathaniel Hawthorne, a series of drawing-room
+symposiums was established, with Alcott, whom Emerson called "serious
+and superior," as a leader. Much of the substance of these conversations
+is found in the Alcott journals, and in the unpublished manuscripts of
+the poet-philosopher.
+
+In Concord, the Alcotts once more enjoyed the literary companionship
+they craved. Emerson was a near neighbor. Thoreau had his cabin at
+Walden, where he had established "a community of one." To and from
+Boston came others of the Transcendental group, and Concord became the
+center of thought for New England.
+
+Thinking, however, was not the only occupation of Bronson Alcott.
+Dreamer he was, but he delighted in toil and ever upheld the dignity of
+labor, not ashamed nor afraid to work for hire as a laborer in his
+neighbor's field, while nightly conducting drawing-room conversations
+with a company of peers and students.
+
+When Thoreau built his cabin, Alcott helped him. They cut the trees from
+Emerson's grove. While Emerson was abroad, they built a summer-house for
+him on his grounds. It stood for many years, a picturesque temple of
+friendship. William Henry Channing mentions a morning spent there,
+reading Margaret Fuller's Italian letters. May Alcott has made drawings
+of it, which were published in a volume of "Concord Sketches" that also
+contained her drawing of Hawthorne's house.
+
+Mr. Alcott practically rebuilt Orchard House for his own family. Mrs.
+Child, a friend of Mrs. Alcott, thus describes this home, which is now
+preserved as a memorial to Louisa M. Alcott and is visited by thousands
+every year:
+
+    When they bought the place the house was so very old that it
+    was thrown into the bargain, with the supposition that it was
+    fit for nothing but firewood. But Mr. Alcott had an
+    architectural taste, more intelligible than his Orphic Sayings.
+    He let every old rafter and beam stay in its place, changed old
+    ovens and ash holes into Saxon arched alcoves, and added a
+    washerwoman's old shanty to the rear. The result is a house
+    full of queer nooks and corners, with all manner of juttings in
+    and out. It seems as if the spirit of some old architect had
+    dropped it down in Concord.
+
+Thoreau, master builder himself, has paid to Bronson Alcott this
+tribute:
+
+    One of the last of the philosophers, Connecticut gave him to
+    the world. He peddled first her wares, afterwards, as he
+    declares, his brains. These he peddles still, bearing for
+    fruit, only his brain, like the nut its kernel. His words and
+    attitude always suppose a better state of things than other men
+    are aquainted with, and he will be the last man to be
+    disappointed when the ages revolve. He has no venture in the
+    present. But though comparatively disregarded now, when his
+    day comes, laws unsuspected by most will take effect, and
+    rulers will come to him for advice.
+
+Emerson, who saw the boy mind beneath the philosopher's dignity, said
+tenderly of Bronson Alcott: "He is certainly the youngest man of his age
+we have seen. When I looked at his gray hairs, his conversation sounded
+pathetic; but I looked again and they reminded me of the gray dawn."
+
+Even his friends, to say nothing of Louisa, occasionally poked fun at
+him for chronicling so minutely all his thoughts. Ellery Channing called
+his library, "Encyclopediea de Moi-meme, en cents volumes." Yet these
+journals and records are now worth more than the fine library he
+collected and in which he delighted.
+
+Emerson has thus described the origin of the Fruitlands community:
+
+    On the invitation of James P. Greaves of London, the friend and
+    fellow-laborer of Pestalozzi in Switzerland, Mr. Alcott went to
+    England in 1842. Mr. Greaves died before his arrival, but Mr.
+    Alcott was received cordially by his friends, who had given his
+    name to their school, Alcott House, Ham, near London. He spent
+    several months in making acquaintance with various classes of
+    reformers. On his return to America, he brought with him two of
+    his English friends, Chas. Lane and H. C. Wright; and Mr. Lane
+    having bought a farm which he called Fruitlands, at Harvard,
+    Mass., they all went there to found a new community.
+
+The Fruitlands experiment and its failure have been immortalized by
+Louisa Alcott in her "Transcendental Wild Oats." The detail of it is
+thus described by a friend of the Alcott family, who had the story from
+Bronson Alcott himself:
+
+    The crop failures necessitated the community living on a barley
+    diet, as anything animal was not allowed, not even milk and
+    eggs. Now and then they gave a thought as to what they should
+    do for shoes when those they had were gone; for depriving the
+    cow of her skin was a crime not to be tolerated. The barley
+    crop was injured in harvesting, and before long want was
+    staring them in the face. The Alcotts remained at Fruitlands
+    till mid-winter in dire poverty, all the guests having taken
+    their departure as provisions vanished. Friends came to the
+    rescue, and, Mr. Alcott concluded with pathos in his voice, "We
+    put our little women on an ox-sled and made our way to Concord!
+    So faded one of the dreams of my youth. I have given you
+    the facts as they were; Louisa has given the comic side in
+    'Transcendental Wild Oats'; but Mrs. Alcott could give you the
+    tragic side."
+
+Indeed, it was always Mrs. Alcott who could have given the tragic side,
+skillfully as she kept her worries hidden. Her own family, indignant
+because Bronson Alcott could not better provide the material needs for
+his family, on more than one occasion besought the faithful wife to
+leave him.
+
+A letter from her brother, urging this step, drew forth from her a
+defense of Bronson Alcott which the husband enters in his journal as
+follows:
+
+                                November
+                                  1840
+
+    Passages of a letter from my wife to one who misapprehends and
+    perverts my life and purposes.
+
+    "If I do not mistake the spirit as well as letter of your remark
+    you would have us believe that a righteous retribution has
+    overtaken us, (or my husband, and we are one,) and that the
+    world is justly punishing him for not having conciliated it, by
+    conforming to its wills and ways.--You say that my husband was
+    told ten years ago, that the world could not understand him. It
+    perhaps fell dead on his ears and ever will. There is no human
+    voice can convince him that the path he has chosen to tread,
+    thorny, bleak, solitary, as it is, is not the right one for him.
+    Just so did that man of Nazareth whom all the world profess to
+    admire and adore, but few to imitate; and these few are the
+    laughing-stock of the Christian Community. They are branded as
+    visionaries and fools. But this little band when alone and
+    disencumbered of idle observation, enjoy the recital of their
+    privations; they have been reviled, but they revile not again;
+    they know sorrow and are acquainted with grief; and yet there is
+    joy in that group of sinless men, such as angels might desire
+    to partake of. I am not writing poetry, but I have tried to
+    place before your mind, in as brief, but clear a manner as I am
+    able, our real condition, and Mr. Alcott's merit as a man, who,
+    though punished and neglected by a wicked world, has much to
+    console and encourage him in the confidence and cooperation of
+    some of the wisest and best men living. Ten such, were they
+    permitted in their several vocations to act as teachers,
+    preachers, and printers, would save our wicked city from the
+    ruin that awaits it. But they are turned, like the Nazarene,
+    into solitary places to lament the blindness and folly of
+    mankind, who are following the vain and fleeting shadow for the
+    real and abiding substance. But to return to Mr. Alcott, is he
+    to sell his soul, or what is the same thing, his principles, for
+    the bread that perisheth? No one will employ him in his way; he
+    cannot work in theirs, if he thereby involve his conscience. He
+    is so resolved in this matter that I believe he will starve and
+    freeze before he will sacrifice principle to comfort. In this, I
+    and my children are necessarily implicated: we make and mean to
+    make all the sacrifices we can to sustain him, but we have less
+    to sustain us in the spirit, and therefore, are more liable to
+    be overcome of the flesh. He has, for a long time gone without
+    everything which he could not produce by labor, from his own
+    place, that no one could in truth reproach him with wantonly
+    eating of the fruits of another's labor.
+
+    He was sent for by friends in Hingham to talk with them; which
+    he did two evenings; his expenses were paid and $23. put into
+    his hands as a slight compensation for the benefit they felt he
+    had conferred upon them by his conversations. I should like to
+    copy the note accompanying it, but you never care to see how his
+    fellow fanatics rave on these holy themes, life, duty, destiny
+    of man. Thus he occasionally finds a market for his thoughts and
+    experiences, which, though inadequate to our support, is richly
+    prized as the honest gains of an innocent and righteous labor.
+    You spoke of his "poetical wardrobe" whether in satire or in a
+    worthier spirit, I cannot tell. However spiritual he may have
+    become, there is still enough of the carnal to feel the chills
+    of winter, and the chiller blasts of satire. His tatters are the
+    rags of righteousness and keep him warmer than they would anyone
+    whose spirit was less cheered and warmed by the fires of eternal
+    love and truth.
+
+An appreciative account of Mr. Alcott's famous school in the Masonic
+Temple, Boston, is found in the "Record of a School," edited by
+Elizabeth Peabody, published in 1835, republished in 1874. The
+"Conversations with Children on the Gospels," edited by Mr. Alcott in
+two volumes, appearing in 1836-1837, caused such a commotion in Boston
+as to result in the downfall of the Temple School. Reading these
+conversations to-day, one is impressed with the modern quality of their
+thought. They were forerunners of that higher criticism, which with the
+Bible student now supplants the old blind acceptance without reflection
+of even obscure Biblical passages.
+
+On philosophy and religion Mr. Alcott and Miss Peabody delighted to talk
+and write. Their discussion of the existence of evil is startlingly
+modern.
+
+"I do not think that evil should be clothed in form by the imagination,"
+writes Miss Peabody to Mr. Alcott; "I think every effort should be made
+to strip it of all individuality, all shaping and all coloring. And
+the reason is, that Evil has in truth no substantial existence, that
+it acquires all the existence it has from want of faith and soul
+cultivation, and that this is sufficient reason why all cultivation
+should be directed to give positiveness, coloring, shaping, to all
+kinds of good--Good only being eternal truth."
+
+In reply, the philosopher thus comments in his diary: "Evil has no
+positive existence, I agree with Miss Peabody, but it has usurped a
+positive place and being in the popular imagination, and by the
+imagination must it be made to flee away into its negative life. How
+shall this be done? By shadowing forth in vivid colors the absolute
+beauty and phenomena of good, by assuming evil not as positive, but as
+negative."
+
+"I shall always love you for loving Alcott," writes Emerson to his
+schoolmate and lifelong friend, the Reverend W. H. Furness. "He is a
+great man, the god with the herdsman of Admetus. His conversation is
+sublime; yet when I see how he is underestimated by cultivated people,
+I fancy none but I have heard him talk."
+
+In the midst of slander and petty persecutions, Alcott writes in his
+diary for April, 1837:
+
+    I have been striving to apprehend the real in the seeming, to
+    strip ideas of their adventitious phrases and behold them in
+    their order and powers. I have sought to penetrate the showy
+    terrestrial to find the heavenly things. I have tried to
+    translate into ideas the language and images of spirit, and
+    thus to read God in his works. The outward I have seen as the
+    visage and type of the inward. Ever doth this same nature
+    double its design and stand forth--now before the inner, now
+    before the outer sense of man, at once substance and form,
+    image and idea, so that God shall never slip wholly from the
+    consciousness of the soul.
+
+Emerson, weary of seeing his friend misunderstood, urges him to give up
+teaching and become an author, picturing as his golden view for Alcott
+that one day he will leave the impracticable world to wag its own way,
+sit apart, and write his oracles for its behoof.
+
+"Write! let them hear or let them forbear," he thunders. "The written
+word abides until, slowly and unexpectedly, and in widely sundered
+places, it has created its own church."
+
+The unreality of evil, as taught and believed by Alcott nearly a century
+ago, laughed and scoffed at then, was twenty-five years later
+practically the foundation of a belief which gained its first foothold
+in New England, and, with headquarters in Boston, has spread, until
+to-day its followers and churches circle the civilized globe--a new-old
+religion, based on the literal acceptance of the teachings of Christ.
+What to-day is called metaphysical teaching was in the Alcott period
+scoffed at as Transcendentalism.
+
+Mr. Alcott's strict adherence to a vegetarian diet was also the topic of
+ridicule from public and press, although the Alcott children seemed to
+thrive on it, and certainly, as four-year-old Louisa once remarked, "Did
+pitty well for a wegetable diet."
+
+Louisa, in her journal, gives this sample of the vegetarian wafers they
+had at Fruitlands:
+
+        Vegetable         |   Pluck your       |   Without flesh
+        diet and          |   body from        |
+        sweet repose      |   the orchard;     |   diet there
+        Animal food       |   do not snatch    |   could be no
+        and nightmare.    |   it from the      |   blood-shedding
+                          |   shamble.         |   war.
+
+        Appollo eats no            |       Snuff is no less snuff
+        flesh and has no           |       though accepted
+        beard; his voice is        |       from a gold box.
+        melody itself.             |
+
+Bronson Alcott constantly sought self-improvement, and the shortcomings
+of his early education were more than offset by his untiring study.
+Realizing at one time his lack of a vocabulary, he comments in his
+journal, that to rectify this he has just bought two books, "A
+Symposium of Melancholy," and "Hunter on the Blood."
+
+In their memoirs of Bronson Alcott, F. B. Sanborn and W. T. Harris
+have thus summed up his character: "He was the most filial son, the
+most faithful lover, the most attached friend, the most generous
+philanthropist of his time. And when he died, he left fewer enemies
+than any man of equal age can have provoked or encountered in so long
+a career."
+
+In his study of childhood, Mr. Alcott sought first to reach the mind,
+recognizing that as "the God within us." He encouraged individuality in
+his children, trying in their earliest years to make them think for
+themselves. All through his teaching runs the boy's friendship with God,
+and his sense of oneness with his Maker was a part of the divine
+heritage he passed on to his daughters.
+
+He records in his diary a conversation with Anna, who was four, and
+Louisa, who was two, after reading to them the story of Jesus, which he
+made so vital that, given their choice, they asked for it in preference
+to a fairy tale. Anna remarked that Jesus did not really die. "They
+killed his body, but not his soul." Her father asked: "What is the soul,
+Anna?" The little four-year-old replied: "It's this inside of me that
+makes me feel and think and love." "And," said the father, "what became
+of Jesus' soul?" Anna replied: "It went back to God." Whereat little
+two-year-old Louisa asked: "Why, isn't Dod inside of me?"
+
+A note in the father's diary at the birth of Elizabeth records "Anna's
+first interview with her sister" (Elizabeth a few hours old), and a day
+later comes this record: "Anna and Louisa interview their sister."
+Louisa, two years old, wishes to have the baby sister put in her arms,
+when four-year-old Anna says warningly: "Treat her very carefully,
+Louisa, she comes from God." What a beautiful thought to give a child of
+the divine mystery of birth!
+
+Instead of asserting what he intended to make of his children, Alcott
+encouraged the child to make itself, beginning when it was a small
+baby, treating it as an individual, giving it opportunity to use its
+mentality, instilling principles of right and wrong by suggestion.
+Alcott never commanded. "You don't wish to do that," was his way, not
+exacting blind obedience, but expressing his conviction that the child
+wished to do right.
+
+To him, God was love. He had no fear of God, for perfect love had cast
+out fear. This same spirit was manifested in all his children. To them
+the change called Death was not to be dreaded; it was a stepping forward
+and upward.
+
+This thought that death is not the end, but the beginning, is expressed
+in one of Louisa's most beautiful poems:
+
+                            THOREAU'S FLUTE
+
+    We sighing said, "Our Pan is dead;
+        His pipe hangs mute beside the river.
+    Around it wistful sunbeams quiver,
+        And Music's airy voice is fled.
+    Spring mourns as for untimely frost;
+        The bluebird chants a requiem;
+    The willow-blossom waits for him;--
+        The Genius of the wood is lost."
+
+    Then from the flute, untouched by hands,
+        There came a low, harmonious breath;
+    "For such as he there is no death--
+        His life the eternal life commands;
+    Above man's aims his nature rose,
+        The wisdom of a just content
+    Made one small spot a continent
+        And tuned to poetry life's prose.
+
+    "Haunting the hills, the stream, the wild,
+        Swallow and aster, lake and pine,
+        To him grew human or divine,--
+    Fit mates for this large-hearted child.
+        Such homage Nature ne'er forgets,
+        And yearly on the coverlid
+    'Neath which her darling lieth hid
+        Will write his name in violets.
+
+    "To him no vain regrets belong,
+        Whose soul, that finer instrument,
+    Gave to the world no poor lament,
+        But wood-notes ever sweet and strong.
+    O lonely friend! he still will be
+        A potent presence, though unseen;--
+    Steadfast, sagacious and serene;
+        Seek not for him--he is with thee."
+
+A visit to Sleepy Hollow suggests life, not death. Giant trees stretch
+their branches over marble and granite monuments, as if in benediction.
+"There is no death, for God is life," they seem to say. For them there
+is no death. Emerson lives to-day, the great philosopher; so do Thoreau,
+Hawthorne, Bronson Alcott, and others of that mighty company. And who
+shall say that Louisa Alcott is dead? She lives in the hearts of
+thousands, and will go on living through the love they bear her.
+
+Bronson Alcott was a true disciple of Jesus Christ. He lived the example
+set by his Master not alone in words and thoughts, but in deeds. He
+lived through and beyond misunderstanding, ridicule, poverty, to see his
+teachings respected, his name honored, to see the first glimmer of the
+new light which was beginning to break over the world, the sunrise at
+his own sunset.
+
+This thought is embodied in the last poem Louisa Alcott ever wrote:
+
+                             To my Father.
+                      On his Eighty-Sixth Birthday.
+
+    Dear Pilgrim, waiting patiently,
+        The long, long journey nearly done,
+    Beside the sacred stream that flows
+        Clear shining in the western sun;
+    Look backward on the varied road
+        Your steadfast feet have trod,
+    From youth to age, through weal and woe,
+        Climbing forever nearer God.
+
+    Mountain and valley lie behind;
+        The slough is crossed, the wicket passed;
+    Doubt and despair, sorrow and sin,
+        Giant and fiend, conquered at last.
+    Neglect is changed to honor now,
+        The heavy cross may be laid down;
+    The white head wins and wears at length
+        The prophet's, not the martyr's crown.
+
+    Greatheart and Faithful gone before,
+        Brave Christiana, Mercy sweet,
+    Are shining ones who stand and wait
+        The weary wanderer to greet.
+    Patience and Love his handmaids are,
+        And till time brings release,
+    Christian may rest in that bright room
+        Whose windows open to the east.
+
+    The staff set by, the sandals off,
+        Still pondering the precious scroll,
+    Serene and strong he waits the call
+        That frees and wings a happy soul.
+    Then beautiful as when it lured,
+        The boy's aspiring eyes,
+    Before the pilgrim's longing sight,
+        Shall the Celestial City rise.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHRONOLOGY
+
+It has been particularly the aim of the editors to lift these Little
+Women Letters out of the biographical and into the narrative class. For
+this reason dates have not been used with any degree of liberality, and
+chronological facts have been minimized.
+
+However, as this is a story of the Alcott family, and seekers for
+definite data will not be lacking, a chronological summary is herewith
+furnished:
+
+    Amos Bronson Alcott                                   1799-1888
+                                married
+    Abby May                                              1800-1877
+
+                             Their Children
+    Anna Bronson                                          1831-1893
+    Louisa May                                            1832-1888
+    Elizabeth                                             1835-1858
+    Abby May                                              1840-1879
+
+    Anna Bronson married John Bridge Pratt, 1860.
+
+                             Their Children
+    Frederick Alcott                                      1863-1910
+    John Sewall                                           1865
+
+    Abby May married Ernst Nieriker, March, 1878.
+
+                                Children
+    Louisa May                                            1879
+
+                         Frederick Alcott Pratt
+                                married
+                              Jessica Cate
+                             February, 1888
+
+                             Their Children
+    Bronson Alcott                                        1889
+    Elizabeth Sewall                                      1891
+    Louisa May                                            1900
+    Frederick Woolsey                                     1902
+
+                Elizabeth Sewall married Alfred Redfield
+                               June, 1913
+
+                         [*]John Sewall Pratt
+                                married
+                           Eunie May Hunting
+                             January, 1909
+
+[*] John Sewall Pratt adopted in 1888 by Louisa May Alcott and
+name changed to John Sewall Pratt Alcott.
+
+                                Children
+                            Elverton Hunting
+
+                      Louisa May Nieriker     1878
+                                married
+                              Ernst Rasim
+
+                                Children
+                               Ernestine
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber Notes:
+
+Passages in italics are indicated by _underscores_.
+
+Small caps have been replaced with ALL CAP text.
+
+Spelling errors, grammatical errors, and typographical errors within
+letters were not corrected, in order to preserve the flavor of the
+historical record of those letters. After all, some of these letters
+were written by girls as young as five.
+
+Some of the illustrations have been moved so that they do not break up
+paragraphs, thus the page number of the illustration might not match the
+page number in the List of Illustrations.
+
+On page 58, "reëstablished" was replaced with "reestablished".
+
+On page 173, has a quotation mark at the beginning of "If I do not
+mistake" but no closing quotation mark, and it is less than clear where
+the closing quotation mark should be.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Little Women Letters from the House of
+Alcott, by Louisa M. Alcott, et al.
+
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Little Women Letters from the House of
+Alcott, by Louisa M. Alcott, et al.
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Little Women Letters from the House of Alcott
+
+Author: Louisa M. Alcott, et al.
+
+Release Date: October 20, 2010 [EBook #34106]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LITTLE WOMEN LETTERS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Ernest Schaal, and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<h1>LITTLE WOMEN LETTERS</h1>
+
+<h2>FROM THE</h2>
+
+<h1>HOUSE OF ALCOTT</h1>
+
+<hr class="hr2"/>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i001.jpg" width="400" height="466" alt="Frontispiece.
+Orchard House, the Alcott Homestead." title="Frontispiece.
+Orchard House, the Alcott Homestead." />
+<span class="captionr"><i>Frontispiece.</i></span><br />
+<span class="captionsc">Orchard House, the Alcott Homestead.</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr2"/>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i002.jpg" width="400" height="663" alt="Little Women Letters From The House of Alcott - Selected By Jessie Bonstelle and Marian deForest - Boston : Little, Brown, and Company : 1914" title="Little Women Letters From The House of Alcott - Selected By Jessie Bonstelle and Marian deForest - Boston : Little, Brown, and Company : 1914" />
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr2"/>
+
+<p class="center"><i>Copyright, 1914</i>,<br />
+<span class="smcap">By John S. P. Alcott</span>.</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p class="center"><i>All rights reserved</i></p>
+
+<p class="center">Published, September, 1914</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span style="font-size:smaller;">Set up and electrotyped by J. S. Cushing Co., Norwood, Mass., U.S.A.<br />
+Presswork by S. J. Parkhill &amp; Co., Boston, Mass., U.S.A.</span></p>
+
+<hr class="hr2"/>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg v]</span></p>
+
+<h2>FOREWORD</h2>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="smcap">Next</span> to the joy of giving to the Alcott-loving
+public "Little Women" as a play,
+is the privilege and pleasure of offering
+this book of letters, revealing the childhood
+and home life of the beloved Little
+Women.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">May they bring help and happiness to
+many mothers and inspiration and love
+to many children.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr2"/>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg vii]</span></p>
+
+<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+<p><span style="font-variant: small-caps; margin-left: 10%">chapter</span> <span class="ralignsc">page</span></p>
+
+<ul class="TOCR">
+
+<li><span class="smcap">The "Really, Truly" True</span> <span class="ralign"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">1</a></span></li>
+<li><span class="smcap">The Alcott Boy; The Alcott Man</span> <span class="ralign"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">10</a></span></li>
+<li><span class="smcap">The Alcott Children</span> <span class="ralign"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">28</a></span></li>
+<li><span class="smcap">The Alcott Baby Book</span> <span class="ralign"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">39</a></span></li>
+<li><span class="smcap">Letters and Conversations with Children</span> <span class="ralign"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">59</a></span></li>
+<li><span class="smcap">The Mother's Influence</span> <span class="ralign"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">98</a></span></li>
+<li><span class="smcap">Children's Diaries</span> <span class="ralign"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">122</a></span></li>
+<li><span class="smcap">Girlhood and Womanhood</span> <span class="ralign"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">140</a></span></li>
+<li><span class="smcap">Friendships and Beliefs</span> <span class="ralign"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">162</a></span></li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="TOCU">
+<li><span class="smcap">Chronology</span> <span class="ralign"><a href="#CHRONOLOGY">195</a></span></li>
+</ul>
+
+<hr class="hr2"/>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg ix]</span></p>
+
+<h2>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2>
+
+<ul class="TOCU">
+<li>Orchard House, the Alcott Homestead <span class="ralign"><i>Frontispiece</i></span></li>
+
+<li>&nbsp;<span class="ralignsc">page</span></li>
+
+<li>A. Bronson Alcott at the age of 53, from
+the portrait by Mrs. Hildreth <span class="ralign"><a href="#IMAGE_54">54</a></span></li>
+
+<li>Facsimile of Mr. Alcott's Letter to
+Louisa, Nov. 29, 1839 <span class="ralign"><a href="#IMAGE_82">82</a></span></li>
+
+<li>Facsimile of Mr. Alcott's Letter to
+Louisa, June 21, 1840 <span class="ralign"><a href="#IMAGE_86">86</a></span></li>
+
+<li>Facsimile of Mr. Alcott's Letter to
+Elizabeth, 1840 <span class="ralign"><a href="#IMAGE_92">92</a></span></li>
+
+<li>Abigail May, Mrs. A. Bronson Alcott,
+from a Daguerreotype <span class="ralign"><a href="#IMAGE_106">106</a></span></li>
+
+<li>Anna Bronson Alcott, from a Daguerreotype <span class="ralign"><a href="#IMAGE_122">122</a></span></li>
+
+<li>Abba May Alcott, from a Photograph <span class="ralign"><a href="#IMAGE_142">142</a></span></li>
+
+<li>Louisa May Alcott, from a Daguerreotype <span class="ralign"><a href="#IMAGE_160">160</a></span></li>
+</ul>
+
+<hr class="hr2"/>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 1]</span></p>
+
+<h2>LITTLE WOMEN<br />
+LETTERS FROM THE HOUSE<br />
+OF ALCOTT</h2>
+
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">The "Really, Truly" True</span></h3>
+
+<p class="cap">WHEN "Little Women," the play,
+reopened to many readers the
+pages of "Little Women," the
+book, that delightful chronicle of family
+life, dramatist and producer learned from
+many unconscious sources the depth of
+Louisa M. Alcott's human appeal. Standing
+one night at the back of the theater
+as the audience was dispersing, they listened
+to its comments on the play.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">"A wonderful picture of home life,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 2]</span>
+only we don't have such homes," said
+a big, prosperous-looking man to his
+wife, with a touch of regret in his voice.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">"Yes," agreed his young daughter, a
+tall, slender, graceful girl, as she snuggled
+down cosily into her fur coat and tucked
+a bunch of violets away from the touch
+of the frosty night, "it is beautiful;
+but, daddy, it isn't real. There never
+was such a family."</p>
+
+<p class="indent">But it is real; there was such a family,
+and in letters, journals, and illustration
+this little book gives the history of the
+four Little Women, the Alcott girls,
+whom Louisa immortalized in her greatest
+story: Anna, who is Meg in "Little
+Women"; Louisa, the irrepressible and
+ambitious Jo; Elizabeth, the little Beth
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 3]</span>
+of the book; and Abba May, the graceful
+and statuesque Amy.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Rare influences were at work in this
+ideal American home, where the intellectual
+and brilliant father was gifted
+in all ways except those that led to
+material success, and the wise and gentle
+mother combined with her loyalty and
+devotion to her husband a stanch,
+practical common sense, which more
+than once served to guide the frail
+Alcott bark through troubled seas.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Following her remarkable success as
+a writer of short stories, Louisa M.
+Alcott was asked for a book. She said
+at first it was impossible, but repeated
+requests from her publishers brought
+from her the announcement that the
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 4]</span>
+only long story she could write would be
+about her own family. "Little Women"
+resulted, and, in erecting this House of
+Delight for young and old, Louisa Alcott
+builded better than she knew. Her Jo
+has been the inspiration of countless
+girls, and the many-sidedness of her
+character is indicated by the widely
+diverging lines of endeavor which Jo's
+example has suggested to the girl readers
+of the story.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">In the case of the two editors, both
+from early childhood found their inspiration
+in Jo. One, patterning after her
+idol, sought success in a stage career,
+beginning to "act" before a mirror,
+with a kitchen apron for a train and a
+buttonhook for a dagger. The other,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 5]</span>
+always with a pencil in hand, first copied
+Jo by writing "lurid tales" for the weekly
+sensation papers, and later emerged into
+Newspaper Row.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">It was more than a year after the
+success of "Little Women" as a play
+had become a part of theatrical history
+that they visited the scenes hallowed
+by the memories of the Little Women.
+They wished to see Concord together,
+so they made a Sentimental Journey to
+the House of Alcott.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">The sun was shining, and the air was
+crisp&mdash;just such a day as Miss Alcott
+described in the Plumfield harvest home,
+the last chapter in "Little Women."
+They spent hours in Orchard House,
+touching reverently the small personal
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 6]</span>
+effects of Louisa M. Alcott, seeing the
+shelf between the windows in that
+little upper room, where she wrote and
+dreamed. They even climbed to the
+garret and wondered which window was
+her favorite scribbling seat, with a tin
+kitchen for her manuscripts, a pile of
+apples for her refreshment, and Scrabble,
+the bewhiskered rat, for her playfellow.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Through the woods back of Orchard
+House they followed the winding pathway
+to the Hall of Philosophy, half
+hidden among the trees, where Bronson
+Alcott had his Conversations, where
+Emerson and Thoreau were often heard,
+and the most intellectual debates of the
+century took place.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">At sunset they visited Sleepy Hollow,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 7]</span>
+the resting place of the Alcotts, with
+Emerson, Thoreau, and Hawthorne close
+by&mdash;a goodly company, neighbors still
+as they were for so many years when
+they made Concord America's literary
+shrine.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Evening came, and the two pilgrims
+read together the Alcott journals and
+letters. The ink was faded, the quaint,
+old-fashioned writing was hard to decipher,
+but, beginning with a letter to
+Louisa written by Bronson Alcott when
+his daughter was seven years old, they
+read on until the dawn.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Only one result could be expected
+from such an experience. They asked
+permission to publish the letters and
+such portions of the journals as would
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 8]</span>
+most completely reveal the rare spiritual
+companionship existing between the
+Alcott parents and children. And, asking,
+they were refused, because of a
+feeling that the letters and journals were
+intimate family records, to be read, not
+by the many, but by the few. This
+same sentiment withheld the dramatization
+of "Little Women" for many
+years.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">"You forget," they argued, holding
+fast to the dimly written pages, "that
+Bronson Alcott and Louisa Alcott are
+a part of America's literary heritage.
+They belong to the nation, to the world,
+not alone to you."</p>
+
+<p class="indent">This course of reasoning finally prevailed,
+but not without many months of
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 9]</span>
+waiting. And thus, with the consent of
+the Alcott heirs, the book of "Little
+Women Letters from the House of
+Alcott" came to be.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr2"/>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 10]</span></p>
+
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II</h2>
+
+<h3>I</h3>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">The Alcott Boy</span></h3>
+
+<p class="cap">ONCE upon a time in the little
+town of Wolcott, Connecticut,
+was born a boy destined to offer
+to the world new and beautiful thoughts.
+He was laughed at and misunderstood;
+but the thoughts were truth, and they
+have lived, although the boy grew weary
+and old and passed on.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">The boy was Amos Bronson Alcott.
+He was a country lad, used from infancy
+to the rugged life of the farm, with its
+self-denial and makeshifts. The seeming
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 11]</span>
+disadvantage, however, proved quite
+the opposite. His close communion with
+Nature brought him nearer to the truths
+of life. For him God ceased to be a
+mythical object to be studied and read
+about on Sunday; but, as he roamed
+the fields and climbed the hills, the lad
+found Him in the rocks and the woodlands,
+and in the sparkling streams. He
+became a reality. The boy and God
+were friends.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Of schooling he had little. When
+work at the farm permitted, he attended
+the country school near his father's house.
+"Our copies," he told his little daughters,
+"were set by the schoolmaster in books
+made of a few sheets of foolscap, stitched
+together and ruled with a leather plummet.
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 12]</span>
+We used ink made of maple and
+oak bark, which we manufactured ourselves.
+With this I began keeping a
+diary of my doings."</p>
+
+<p class="indent">This was when the boy was twelve.
+His hours at school were few, but as he
+went about his daily tasks on the farm,
+his thoughts grew and grew until his
+mental stature far exceeded his physical.
+He read as he guided the plow along
+the furrow, sometimes unmindful of his
+work until a sudden punch from a neglected
+handle, as the plow struck a
+stone, would bring him back to earth with
+a thump. He sowed seeds in the moist,
+sweet earth, but his face was turned to
+the skies, and he knew the clouds and
+the stars. When he gathered firewood,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 13]</span>
+his eyes were keen for the soft, dainty
+mosses, the clinging lichens. As he
+picked berries for the home table, he
+never missed the whirr of a bird wing
+or passed unnoticed the modest flowers
+half hidden in the soil. Nature was his
+library, and she spread out her choicest
+treasures to this growing boy.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">A love for all of God's creations characterized
+him. He was fond, not only
+of the growing things in the wood, but of
+all life. His love for animals amounted
+almost to a passion, one reason for his
+being a strict vegetarian and insisting
+upon bringing up his little family on a
+vegetable diet. But in boyhood it was
+not always clear whether humanity or
+the craving for knowledge made him so
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 14]</span>
+considerate of the plodding team in the
+field. Never was team more carefully
+tended. Many were its hours of grazing,
+when the noonday sun rode high
+in the heavens, and the Alcott boy,
+book in hand, curled up under the shade
+of a gigantic elm and read until the
+shadows began to lengthen. But these
+lapses were only occasional, for the
+lad was faithful to his tasks, except
+when he yielded to the lure of the
+printed page.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">When scarcely more than a child he
+began to keep a record of his books and
+his reading, showing the first traces of
+the reflective, introspective quality of
+mind which later led him to set down
+in letters and unpublished manuscripts
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 15]</span>
+his inmost thoughts. He cultivated the
+same habits of thought in his children,
+one reason, doubtless, for Louisa's accurate
+and realistic descriptions of the
+lives of the four Little Women of the
+Alcott family.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">His favorite books in boyhood, and,
+for that matter, in manhood, were the
+Bible and Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress,"
+which he read and reread and commented
+upon. Years later he mentions
+in his journal that he made it a practice
+to read "Pilgrim's Progress" every year,
+which is a remarkable record to the
+modern boy and girl who find it difficult
+to struggle through that wonderful allegory
+even once.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Bronson Alcott took his chance and
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 16]</span>
+made a stepping-stone of every difficulty.
+Each obstacle he encountered in getting
+an education created in him an even
+stronger determination to gain one. The
+modern boy has the world of books
+opened wide to him through the library
+and the free school. The treasures of
+art are spread out before him in the
+museums. He is surrounded by helps.
+The boy of to-day is studied as an entity.
+The boy of the last century could tell
+quite a different story.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">So the Alcott boy, passing long hours
+in the woods, reading, thinking, getting
+close to Nature and to God, walked as
+one apart, seeing the invisible. While
+still a boy, he began casting off the garment
+of a conventional creed and to
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 17]</span>
+think for himself of God, the creation, of
+life, unconsciously putting from him the
+trammeling, cumbersome conventions
+with which man has often hidden truth.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Out of this the man Alcott emerged&mdash;a
+great soul.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr2"/>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 18]</span></p>
+
+<h3>II</h3>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">The Alcott Man</span></h3>
+
+<p class="indent">With Bronson Alcott the craving for
+knowledge was scarcely stronger than the
+craving for adventure, so it is not surprising
+that in the first flush of young manhood
+he did not settle down to life on
+the farm. He longed for the great world
+lying beyond the hills and valleys of
+peaceful New England. He wanted
+experience, and experience he had.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">He went South, hoping to teach school,
+as he had original ideas on the training
+of children. Unsuccessful in this, he
+decided to be a peddler, naïvely remarking
+that "honesty of purpose could dignify
+any profession."</p>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 19]</span>
+Think of the courage of this boy, for
+he was scarcely more than a boy, a philosopher
+at heart, living in a world of
+dreams and books, his ambitions all for
+intellectual rather than material achievement,
+tramping the southern countryside,
+undauntedly peddling buttons,
+elastic, pins and needles, and supplying
+all the small wants of the country housewife!
+Often he encountered rebuffs,
+sometimes he had a hearty welcome, for
+the visit of the country peddler was
+eagerly awaited by the children. At
+times, when night came and he was far
+from the shelter of an inn, he had to beg
+a lodging from some planter. On one
+such occasion, as he entered the grounds,
+he saw a huge sign, "Beware the dog."
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 20]</span>
+A shout from the house also warned him,
+and he saw dashing toward him a savage-looking
+dog, powerful enough to have
+torn to pieces the slender young peddler-student.
+But his love for animals triumphed.
+Alcott stretched out his hand.
+The huge creature stopped short; then,
+recognizing a friend and a fearless one,
+he bounded on, tail wagging, barking
+joyously, snuggling his nose into the
+young man's palm, which he licked as
+he escorted his new-found friend to the
+house. Animals always recognized in
+Alcott an understanding comrade.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">From most of these trips Alcott
+brought back money to add to the
+scanty funds at home, but on one memorable
+occasion the love of finery proved
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 21]</span>
+stronger than the necessity for saving,
+and he returned to the farm penniless,
+but dressed in the latest fashion, having
+used his savings for a wardrobe that
+was the wonder of the countryside.
+That one debauch of clothes satisfied
+him for life; after that his tastes were
+markedly simple. With him the "dandy
+period" was short-lived indeed. That
+he repented bitterly of this one excess of
+folly is shown in his journals, where he
+sets down minutely what to him was a
+mistake that amounted almost to a sin.
+As a rule, he was singularly free from
+folly. His thoughts were too high, his
+ideals too lofty, for him to be long concerned
+with trifles such as clothes, and
+the next expenditure mentioned in his
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 22]</span>
+journal is for the "Vicar of Wakefield"
+and Johnson's "Rasselas." Ever impractical,
+one likes him the better for
+the little human moment when the vanities
+of the world overcame him.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">At last he secured a school, and then
+began the realization of his ideals regarding
+the teaching of children. His
+methods were original and highly successful,
+especially with the very young.
+He established a mental kindergarten,
+and the fame of his teaching spread
+abroad. Through his work as a teacher
+he achieved his greatest happiness, for it
+led to his meeting with the woman who
+was destined to become his wife.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">As the result of correspondence between
+himself and Mr. May of Brooklyn,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 23]</span>
+Connecticut, whose attention had been
+attracted to the work of the young
+teacher, Alcott, then twenty-eight years
+old, drove from the Wolcott home to
+Brooklyn, where he met Abigail May of
+Boston, who was visiting her brother.
+With both it was love at first sight, a love
+that grew into a perfect spiritual union.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">It seemed almost providential that
+Bronson Alcott should have come into
+Abigail May's life at just this time, when
+her heart had been touched by its first
+great sorrow&mdash;the loss of her mother.
+Hitherto she had been a light-hearted girl,
+fond of dancing and of the material side
+of life. The young philosopher, with his
+dreams and his ideals, brought a new
+interest into her now lonely life, and
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 24]</span>
+all that was spiritual in her nature responded
+as he freely discussed his plans
+and ambitions with her. In her he
+found both sympathy and understanding.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">A year of letter-writing, a frank and
+honest exchange of thought, brought out
+the harmony of their natures and developed
+in both a sense of oneness, laying
+a firm foundation for the comradeship
+which was not broken through all the
+years, even when the wife and mother
+passed into the Great Beyond.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">The Alcott-May courtship was ideal.
+Retaining the heaven that lay about
+him in his infancy, keeping his close
+companionship with God and God's
+great laboratory, Nature, Bronson Alcott
+demanded something more than mere
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 25]</span>
+physical attraction in choosing his wife.
+A certain quaint circumspection characterized
+their love-making. Abigail May
+once wrote: "Mr. Alcott's views on
+education were very attractive, and I was
+charmed by his modesty," and long after
+their engagement she spoke of her lover as
+"her friend." He was, and so he continued
+to be in the highest sense of the
+word.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">So satisfying were those friendship-courtship
+days, that apparently both
+were loath to end them, for another
+twelvemonth passed before the announcement
+of their betrothal, and it was nearly
+three years from the date of their first
+meeting before their marriage in King's
+Chapel, Boston, where the brother who
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 26]</span>
+had been the means of bringing them
+together performed the ceremony.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">As their marriage day approached,
+there was little festivity and none of the
+rush that usually precedes a modern
+wedding. Everything was simple, quiet,
+and sure.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">This is Bronson Alcott's letter, asking
+a friend to act as best man at his wedding.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">Dear Sir:</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Permit me to ask the favor of your
+calling at Col. May's at 4 o'clock precisely
+on Sunday afternoon next, to accompany me
+and my friend Miss May to King's Chapel.</p>
+
+<p class="right">With esteem,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
+A. B. Alcott</p>
+<p>Thursday, May 20,<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;112 Franklin St. <span class="ralign">1830.</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 27]</span>
+So began the Alcott pilgrimage, their
+fortune consisting of love and faith and
+brains. In these they were rich indeed,
+and thus closed another chapter in the
+life of the gentle philosopher, of whom
+Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: "Our
+Alcott has only just missed being a
+seraph."</p>
+
+<hr class="hr2"/>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 28]</span></p>
+
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">The Alcott Children</span>
+</h3>
+
+<p class="cap">FOR some months after their marriage
+the Alcotts lived in Boston,
+where the young enthusiast taught
+a school for infants. Again his fame as
+a teacher traveled, and he received an
+offer from the Quakers of Philadelphia
+to start a school there, an offer so tempting
+that the Alcotts moved to Germantown,
+Pennsylvania, where Anna and
+Louisa were born.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Eugenics and prenatal influence were
+not discussed then as they are to-day,
+but in the Alcott family nearly a century
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 29]</span>
+ago they were being thought and lived.
+Bronson Alcott and his wife considered
+children an expression, not of themselves,
+but of divinity, and as such to be accepted
+as a trust, rather than as a gratification
+of their own human longing for
+fatherhood and motherhood. They felt
+it their parental privilege rather than
+their duty to aid the human development
+of the child and thus further the fulfillment
+of its destiny. Each little soul
+was humbly asked for and reverently
+prepared for. From the moment they
+knew their prayer had been granted, the
+individuality and rights of that soul
+were respected. It was considered as
+a little guest that must be made happy
+and comfortable, carefully cherished,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 30]</span>
+mentally and physically, while its fleshly
+garment was being prepared and the little
+personality made ready for its earthly
+appearance. How careful they were of
+every thought and influence, for to both
+parents this period was the most sacred
+and wonderful in their lives and in the
+lives of their children.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">The depth of his joy and the simplicity
+of his faith are exquisitely expressed in
+the lines which Bronson Alcott wrote
+before the birth of his first child, Anna:</p>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">To An Expectant Mother</span></h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>
+The long advancing hour draws nigh&mdash;the hour<br />
+When life's young pulse begins its mystic play,<br />
+And deep affection's dreams of Form or Joy<br />
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 31]</span>
+Shall be unveiled, a bodily presence<br />
+To thy yearning heart and fond maternal eye,<br />
+The primal Soul, a semblance of thine own,<br />
+Its high abode shall leave and dwell in day,<br />
+Thyself its forming Parent. A miracle, indeed,<br />
+Shall nature work. Thou shalt become<br />
+The bearing mother of an Infant Soul&mdash;<br />
+Its guardian spirit to its home above.<br />
+But yet erewhile the lagging moments come<br />
+That layeth the living, conscious, burden down,<br />
+Firm faith may rest in hope. Accordant toils<br />
+Shall leave no time for fear, nor doubt, nor gloom.<br />
+Love, peace, and virtue, are all born of Pain,<br />
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 32]</span>
+And He who rules o'er these is ever good.<br />
+The joyous promise is to her who trusts,<br />
+Who trusting, gains the vital boon she asks,<br />
+And meekly asking, learns to trust aright.
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">Louisa, the second child, born on her
+father's birthday, was the most intellectual
+and the most resourceful of the
+Alcott children, reflecting in her own
+buoyant personality the happy conditions
+existing before and at the time of
+her birth, when her father had attained
+his greatest material prosperity and was
+also realizing his mental ambitions in
+his little school, and her mother was
+temporarily relieved from the cares that
+so often weighed heavily upon her.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Shortly before the birth of Elizabeth
+the father makes this entry in his journal:
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 33]</span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<h3><span class="smcap">The Advent Cometh</span></h3>
+
+<p class="indent">Daily am I in expectation of beholding with
+the eye of sense, the spirit that now lingers
+on the threshold of this terrestrial life, and
+only awaits the bidding of the Reaper within,
+to usher itself into the presence of mortals.
+It standeth at the door and waiteth for admission
+to the exterior scene of things....
+Let the time come. Two little ones in advance
+await its coming; and greetings of
+joy shall herald its approach.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">The birth of Elizabeth is followed by
+this entry in his journal:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">At sunset this day a daughter was born
+to us.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">One of the most trying of the Alcott
+family's experiences came after the birth
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 34]</span>
+of Elizabeth, when Bronson Alcott, again
+in Boston, aroused a storm of protest
+with his radical teachings and his
+advanced interpretations of the Bible.
+Shocked that the city where he expected
+to find sympathy and encouragement
+should have repudiated him, his school
+disrupted and abject poverty his lot,
+broken mentally and physically, he met
+with another cruel disappointment in
+the death of his infant son. Yet even
+then there was no word of bitterness,
+and no mention is made in his journal
+of the father's grief. Indirectly it is
+expressed in a subsequent entry announcing
+the birth of the fourth daughter,
+Abba May.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">She was born under sunny skies. The
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 35]</span>
+storm had passed, and the Alcott family
+had removed to Concord, where they
+enjoyed many of their happiest years.
+A presage of May Alcott's artistic gifts,
+her queenly bearing, elegance, and charm,
+all familiar to readers of "Little Women,"
+is found in this entry in the father's
+journal:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="right">
+July, 1840.
+</p>
+
+<p class="indent">A new life has arrived to us (July 26th).
+She was born with the dawn, and is a proud
+little Queen, not deigning to give us the light
+of her royal presence, but persists in sleeping
+all the time, without notice of the broad world
+or ourselves. Providence, it seems, decrees
+that we shall provide selectest ministries
+alone, and so sends us successive daughters
+of Love to quicken the Sons of Life. We
+joyfully acquiesce in the Divine behest and
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 36]</span>
+are content to rear women for the future
+world. As yet the ministry is unknown in
+the culture of the nations, but the hour
+draws near when love shall be felt as a chosen
+Bride of Wisdom, and the celestial pair
+preside over all the household of mankind.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">Bronson Alcott did not feel his responsibility
+as a father alone; he appreciated
+his own debt to his children, the
+mental and spiritual help that came
+to him through them, an appreciation
+that found expression in this poem, entered
+in his journal before the birth of
+Elizabeth:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="right">June, 1835</p>
+<h3><span class="smcap">Invocation to a Child</span></h3>
+<p>She comes from Heaven, she dawns upon my sight,<br />
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 37]</span>O'er earth's dark scenes to pour her holy light!<br />
+In sense and blest the Infinite to see<br />
+And feel the heavenly mystery&mdash;<i>To Be.</i><br />
+<br />
+She comes&mdash;in Nature's tenderest, fondest name&mdash;<br />
+Daughter of God&mdash;'tis she&mdash;the same&mdash;the same<br />
+Mine is she too&mdash;my own&mdash;my latest child,<br />
+Myself, wrapt in Divinity, yet unbeguiled!<br />
+<br />
+Blest Infant! God's and mine! yet to me given,<br />
+That I might feel anew my Being's Heaven&mdash;<br />
+In love and faith to urge my human way,<br />
+Till conscious time be lost in Immortality!<br />
+<br />
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 38]</span>Love thee I will; for thou didst first love me&mdash;<br />
+My faith shall quicken as I dwell on thee,<br />
+Thy Spirit lift me from this "Grave of Things,"<br />
+And bear me homeward, to the King of Kings.<br />
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr2"/>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 39]</span></p>
+
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">The Alcott Baby Book</span></h3>
+
+<p class="cap">BRONSON ALCOTT wrote the first
+Baby Book, a book which throws
+new light on the character of the
+lovable philosopher, showing one of New
+England's intellectual leaders as a very
+human and lovable man as well as "a
+fond and foolish father."</p>
+
+<p class="indent">His Baby Book, however, contains no
+minute record of the first tooth, or
+when the baby began to say "Goo"
+and "Pitty light"; rather it is the
+father's earnest effort to learn how early
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 40]</span>
+in life the infant mind begins to awaken,
+to indicate comprehension, thought, or
+logic. As Maeterlinck studied the bee,
+so Alcott studied his children, and his
+findings are a revelation, even to-day,
+when the study of the child has become
+a science.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Mr. Alcott considered vital the development
+of the child's individuality and
+mind; the body seemed to him of secondary
+importance, for this disregard
+of the material care of his family
+he has been severely censured; but, not
+recognizing in his own life the claims of
+the body, devoting all his energies to
+mental growth, it is not surprising that
+he found his fatherly duty in the guidance
+of his children's minds. His firm
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 41]</span>
+faith in the admonition, "Seek ye first
+the kingdom of heaven, and all these
+things shall be added unto you," was to
+him excuse enough for considering the
+intellect more than the body.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">His practical shortcomings reaped a
+rich and unexpected reward in the next
+generation, for Louisa M. Alcott would
+probably not have developed her original
+and highly entertaining literary gift
+without the vicissitudes caused by her
+father's impractical nature and his sublime
+faith that at all times and in all
+emergencies the Lord would provide.
+He did provide; but Louisa was usually
+the channel, and many of her stories
+were written under the whip of stern
+necessity.</p>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 42]</span>
+Doing without has its advantages.
+The Alcott children, never overfed, overentertained,
+overburdened to baby boredom
+with dolls and toys and games, developed
+appreciation, observation, and
+ingenuity. The creative faculty was
+aroused. They found resources within
+themselves. What a handbook Louisa
+might have written on How to be Happy
+though Poor!</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Mrs. Alcott's keen sense of humor, a
+characteristic inherited by Louisa, often
+came to her rescue and allowed her to
+get fun out of a harassing situation. In
+a letter to her brother, Colonel May,
+praising her husband's intellect, she
+laughingly comments upon his disregard
+of physical necessities: "I am not
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 43]</span>
+sure that we shall not blush into obscurity
+and contemplate into starvation."</p>
+
+<p class="indent">But, to get back to the baby book, or,
+as Mr. Alcott called it, "the psychological
+history," it was started with a high
+and unselfish motive; it was developed
+to an astonishing degree. Its purpose
+and scope are best expressed in this
+extract from Mr. Alcott's journal:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">The history of a human mind during its
+progressive stages of earthly experience has
+never as yet, I believe, been attempted.
+Faithfully compiled, from verified data, it
+would be a treasure of wisdom to all mankind,
+replete with light to the metaphysical and
+ethical inquirer. Comparative philosophy
+deduced from an observation of man during
+all circumstances and stages of his existence
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 44]</span>
+is a thing yet unthought of among us. From
+such a work the unity of Humanity might be
+revealed.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">When Anna was born, the father
+began keeping a record of her "physical
+and intellectual progress." When she
+was seven weeks old, her mother wrote:
+"It seems as if she were conscious of
+his observations and desirous of furnishing
+him daily with an item for this
+record."</p>
+
+<p class="indent">The following excerpt from the father's
+diary shows how well Anna succeeded
+in her baby attempt:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">I am much interested in the progress of
+my little girl, now five months old, which I
+have recorded from the day of her birth.
+This record has swollen to a hundred pages.
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 45]</span>
+I have attempted to discover, as far as this
+could be done by external indication, the
+successive steps of her physical, mental and
+moral advancement.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">Moral advancement of a baby five
+months old!</p>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Birth of Louisa</span></h3>
+
+<p class="indent">On November 29, 1832, his thirty-third
+birthday and also the natal day of
+his friend, Ellery Channing, the poet,
+Mr. Alcott chronicles an "interesting
+event," how interesting the father little
+dreamed, nor how important, not alone
+to the house of Alcott, but to the world.
+Under the heading of Circumstances,
+the father thus records the birth of
+Louisa May Alcott:
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 46]</span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">A daughter born, on the 29th. ulto., my
+birthday, being 33 years of age. This is
+a most interesting event. Unless those ties
+which connect it with others are formed, the
+wants of the soul become morbid and all its
+fresh and primal affections become dim and
+perverted.... Few can be happy shut
+out of the nursery of the soul.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">While the New England philosopher
+was studying the development of his little
+daughters and deducing therefrom facts
+for his psychological history, these same
+little daughters were developing him, for,
+as the child nature unfolded, the father's
+understanding of childhood expanded.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Thus the baby book grew:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">The influence of children I regard as
+important to my own improvement and
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 47]</span>
+happiness. It is also necessary to the
+prosecution of my studies. Dwelling in the
+primal regions which I wish to explore, they
+are the purest manifestations of its phenomena,
+and the only subjects from which
+humanity is to be interpreted in its purity.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">When Anna was three years old and
+Louisa eighteen months, the father writes
+in his journal:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">I passed some time with the children,
+fitting up their playthings, conversing with
+them and learning as far as I could through
+the subtle meaning of looks, accents and
+gestures, their thoughts and feelings. The
+avenues to the spirit are all open, but how
+dim are our perceptions, how cold our
+sympathies, to appreciate the pure and
+bright things which glitter in the arena of
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 48]</span>
+the young mind! How little of this fairy
+land do we know&mdash;we, whose early associations
+have all been swept from the heart&mdash;over
+whose spirits have passed the cold winds,
+the pelting storms, withering and destroying
+the heart's young verdure! What is there
+to unite us with the spirit of a child? What
+have we in common with its joyous yearning
+for the beautiful, its trust in human sayings,
+its deep love for those on whom it relies
+for attention and support, its vivid picturing
+of ideal life, its simplicity, its freedom from
+prejudice and false sentiment? Where are
+these to be seen in our dim nature?</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">He might have answered the question
+by looking within himself. Child companionship
+kept alive the spirit of the
+Alcott boy, which constantly shone
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 49]</span>
+through the man's philosophy. As the
+boy saw in every rock and tree and
+flower an expression of the Infinite, is it
+any wonder that the man should have
+recognized God's higher manifestation
+in the child, and should have written
+in his journal these lines, which are the
+very glorification of fatherhood and reveal
+the sacredness with which he looked
+upon his stewardship?</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">He who deals with the child deals&mdash;did
+he know it&mdash;with the Infinite. Within the
+young spirit committed to his care are infinite
+capacities to be filled, infinite energies
+to be developed, and on him devolves the
+amazing responsibility&mdash;sacred, personal,
+all his own&mdash;of filling these capacities,
+unfolding these energies, from the stores and
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 50]</span>
+life of his own spirit. This is his office as a
+parent. But how can he who knows nothing
+of the Infinite within himself call it forth and
+direct its forces in others?</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">From the first, Louisa must have
+shown strong individuality and unusual
+tendencies, for Mr. Alcott's notes on
+Louisa are entitled "Observations on the
+Vital Phenomena of My Second Child."
+A more vital, lovable, contradictory
+specimen of childhood cannot be imagined.
+Blessed with her father's brilliancy of
+mind, her mother's quick wit and love of
+fun, Louisa furnished a problem for endless
+study. She was less than two years
+old when her individuality had so asserted
+itself that her father found himself puzzled
+and admitted that elements were
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 51]</span>
+finding their way into his observations of
+whose origin he could give no account.
+"My analysis, however accurate and
+elaborate, was still imperfect, and I
+was left in doubt. I had made no provision
+for the admission of innate influences
+from the mind itself."</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class="indent">Here is a quaint little record of the
+Alcott babies' school days, when Anna
+was four years old and Louisa a little
+more than two:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">At school Anna reads, marks and listens
+to conversations and stories. Louisa works
+with her in all except the reading and marking.
+They have a playroom, where they
+enjoy their own amusements, uninterrupted
+by the presence of adults&mdash;often a bar to
+the genuine happiness of childhood. Anna
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 52]</span>
+reads simple sentences from Leffanoch's
+Primer, writes intelligibly on tablets and
+slates, and is improving in work and manners.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">(This of a baby of four.)</p>
+
+<p class="indent">A spiritual and moral inventory of
+the progress of Anna and Louisa is set
+down by the father when his daughters
+had reached the dignified ages of six
+and four:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">The children have improved under my
+training. Anna, who has been with me more
+of the time than Louisa, has been greatly
+benefited. She is happier, more capable
+of self control, more docile and obeys from
+love and faith. She has fine elements for
+excellence, moral and intellectual. If she
+does not evince a pure and exalted character,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 53]</span>
+it will be our failure, not hers, in the improvement
+of her natural endowments.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Louisa is yet too young for the formation
+of just views of her character. She manifests
+uncommon activity and force of mind at
+present, and is much in advance of her sister
+at the same age; example has done much to
+call forth her nature. She is more active
+and practical than Anna. Anna is ideal,
+sentimental. Louisa is practical, energetic.
+The first imagines much more than she can
+realize; the second, by force of will and
+practical talent, realizes all that she conceives&mdash;but
+conceives less; understanding, rather
+than imagination&mdash;the gift of her sister&mdash;seems
+to be her prominent faculty. She finds
+no difficulty in developing ways and means to
+obtain her purpose; while her sister, aiming
+at much, imagining ideal forms of good, and
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 54]</span>
+shaping them out so vividly in her mind
+that they become actual enjoyments, fails,
+when she attempts to realize them in nature&mdash;she
+has been dwelling on the higher and
+more speculative relations of things.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Both represent interesting forms of character,
+both have wide and useful spheres of
+action indicated in their conformation and will
+doubtless if continued to us, be real blessings.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">That they did prove real blessings the
+history of the Alcott family has shown.</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="IMAGE_54" id="IMAGE_54"></a>
+<img src="images/i003.jpg" width="400" height="550" alt="A. Bronson Alcott at the Age of 53. From the portrait by Mrs. Hildreth.
+Page 54." title="A. Bronson Alcott at the Age of 53. From the
+portrait by Mrs. Hildreth. Page 54."/>
+<span style="font-variant: small-caps; font-weight: bold;">A. Bronson Alcott at the Age of 53.</span><br />
+<span style="font-weight: bold;">From the portrait by Mrs. Hildreth.</span><br />
+<span style="font-weight: bold;"><i>Page</i> 54.</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p class="indent">How many fathers ever acknowledge
+their spiritual debt to the gift of fatherhood
+as has Bronson Alcott:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">I know not how much more spiritual I
+am from the parental relation (he writes),
+how much I have been indebted to them
+for the light that hath dawned upon my own
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 55]</span>
+mind from the radiance of their simple
+spirits. Certain it is that the more I associate
+with them in the simple ways they
+love, the more do I seem to revere. Verily
+had I not been called to associate with children,
+had I not devoted myself to the study
+of human nature in its period of infancy and
+childhood, I should never have found the
+tranquil repose, the steady faith, the vivid
+hope that now sheds a glory and a dignity
+around the humble path of my life. Childhood
+hath saved me.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">Out of his theories, his studies, and
+meditations came a sublime ambition, a
+desire to become a laborer in the "Field
+of the Soul."</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">Infancy I shall invest with a glory&mdash;a
+spirituality which the disciples of Jesus,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 56]</span>
+deeply as they entered into His spirit and
+caught the life of His mind, have failed to
+bring forth in their records of His sayings and
+life. I shall redeem infancy and childhood,
+and, if a Saviour of Adults was given in the
+person of Jesus, let me, without impiety or
+arrogance, regard myself as the Children's
+Saviour. Divine are both missions. Both
+seek out and endeavor to redeem the Infinite
+in man, which, by reason of the clogs of
+sense and custom, is in perpetual danger of
+being lost. The chief obstacle in the way
+of human regeneration is the want of a due
+appreciation of human nature, and particularly
+of the nature of children.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">Home and its influence upon children
+meant much to Mr. Alcott, and in all
+his writing the nearest approach to a
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 57]</span>
+protest against the poverty he was called
+upon to endure was when, for a time, he
+was obliged to give up that home. Deep
+is the pathos that lies between the lines
+of this entry in his journal:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<h3><span class="smcap">Home for Children</span></h3>
+
+<p class="indent">I deem it very important to the well being
+of my children to insure them a home. At
+least their means of improvement are limited,
+their pleasures are abridged, the domestic
+relations, so vital to virtue&mdash;to all that
+lives in the heart and imagination, are
+robbed of their essential glory, and the effect
+is felt throughout the character in after life.
+I feel that my duty as a father cannot be
+fully carried out when I am thus restricted.
+Whether we can yet improve this condition
+remains to be determined.</p>
+</div><p class="indent"></p>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 58]</span>
+The home was reestablished&mdash;and
+such a home! An influence felt throughout
+the world, the inspiration of every
+book Louisa Alcott wrote.
+</p>
+
+<hr class="hr2"/>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 59]</span></p>
+
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Letters and Conversations with Children</span></h3>
+
+<p class="cap">HAPPINESS reigned in the Alcott
+home, and poverty seldom brought
+with it a shadow. The girls had
+toys and a variety of them,&mdash;rag dolls,
+kittens, gingerbread men, and barnyard
+animals (the latter skillfully cut out of
+cake dough by the mother, who had a
+genius for inventing surprises). As they
+grew older, they delighted in private
+theatricals. Some of their plays, written
+by Anna and Louisa, have been published
+under the title of "Comic Tragedies."
+They are thrillingly melodramatic,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 60]</span>
+thickly sprinkled with villains and
+heroes, witches and ruffians, lovely
+ladies in distress, gallant knights to the
+rescue, evil spirits and good fairies,
+gnomes and giants. All are direfully
+tragic and splendidly spectacular.
+Louisa as a child showed the dramatic
+quality which later found artistic
+expression in her stories. On a rainy
+afternoon the children were never at a
+loss for entertainment. They "acted"
+in the attic or played dolls in their own
+playroom, and such dolls! Old Joanna,
+of whom Louisa has drawn a lifelike picture
+in "Little Women," is to-day in
+existence, battered, scarred, but none the
+less precious, one foot carefully bandaged,
+after the army-nurse method.</p>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 61]</span>
+Poverty was made interesting. At
+Christmas a tree was hung with apples,
+nuts, and popped corn, and small trifles
+made by the children were fastened to
+the branches. Father and mother made
+much of the spirit of the Christ birthday,
+which was celebrated in simple, wholesome
+fashion, in vivid contrast to the
+modern Christmas festival.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">The Alcott letters and journals show
+tremendous intellectual activity on the
+part of the small atoms of humanity who
+came to grace the Alcott home. Anna
+and her father held moral and intellectual
+discussions when Anna was four. Louisa
+was writing a daily journal before she
+could more than print. As soon as a
+child could read, family reproofs were
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 62]</span>
+administered by notes from father and
+mother to the erring one, not only pointing
+out the fault, but how to correct it.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">The father encouraged his daughters
+to study themselves and to write down
+their thoughts. Their journals, in consequence,
+reflect the characteristics of
+each one and are storehouses of information.
+Louisa, poor little soul, in her
+happy, hoydenish childhood, found time
+one day in a fit of mentality to set down
+in black and white her chief faults. One
+of her most serious, according to the self-imposed
+confession, was "love of cats,"
+a sin which easily beset her all her days,
+for she inherited her father's love of animals
+and of children.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Widely varied in character and temperament
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 63]</span>
+were the four Alcott girls.
+Anna, the first, reflected the beauty, the
+happiness, and the romance of the Alcotts'
+first year of married life. Louisa,
+born some eighteen months later, when
+father and mother had grown even closer
+together through the new bond formed
+by the love of their little daughter, embodied
+a deeper, stronger, surer character.
+She was decisive, with a determination
+and surety of self and brilliancy
+of mind that reflected the best
+in both parents. Elizabeth, the third
+child, was, in some respects, the most
+beautiful character of all. About her,
+from the hour of her conception, seemed
+to hover a spiritual, protecting love.
+Seemingly from earliest infancy she stood
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 64]</span>
+on the borderland of the spiritual world,
+in flesh all too fragile to retain the spirit
+which remembered and longed, notwithstanding
+the love with which she was
+surrounded, to return to the mystical
+beauty from which she had come. A
+child of dreams and fancies, loving all
+that was harmonious, she entered this
+life at twilight, she left it at the dawn,
+a coming and going typical of this dream
+child, who was lent for a little time to
+make the world more glad.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">The birth of Amy is also symbolical,
+the one sunny-haired, sunny-hearted girl
+of the family, who came with the rising
+of the sun. She seemed made for love,
+sunshine, and happiness, and had them
+all, but she was brave to face hardships
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 65]</span>
+and equally ready to accept comfort and
+luxury. A queen, the father called her
+the morning of her birth, and so they
+brought her up, the Little Snow Queen.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">The wise, fostering love of the father,
+the helpful, understanding watchfulness
+of the mother, are reflected in their
+letters to their children. Time was not
+considered wasted that was devoted to
+these letters of gentle admonition and
+kindly counsel. There was no discussion
+of faults or mistakes in the Alcott household;
+reproofs remained little secrets
+between father and daughter, or mother
+and daughter, and the effect of this wise
+and constant watchfulness grows more
+apparent as the children advance from
+childhood to girlhood and on to womanhood.
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 66]</span>
+They were taught to know themselves.
+They were taught, too, the relation
+of the Christ child with their own
+childhood, beautifully expressed in some
+of the letters from Bronson Alcott to his
+eldest daughter.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">It was the father's habit to write each
+child on her birthday anniversary and
+at Christmas. Anna was six years old
+when he gave her this beautiful description
+of the coming of the Christ:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="center">
+For Anna<br />
+1837</p>
+<p>To my Daughter Anna.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">A longer time ago than you can understand,
+a beautiful Babe was born. Angels
+sang at his birth. And stars shone brightly.
+Shepherds watched their flocks by their
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 67]</span>
+light. The Babe was laid in his Manger-cradle.
+And harmless oxen fed by his side.
+There was no room for him nor his mother in
+the Inn, as she journeyed from her own home.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">This Babe was born at this time of the
+year. His name was Jesus. And he is
+also called Christ. This is his birth night.
+And we call it Christ-mas, after him.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">I write you this little note as a Christmas
+Gift, and hope my little girl will remember the
+birth night of Jesus. Think how beautiful he
+was, and try to shine in lovely actions as he
+did. God never had a child that pleased him
+so well. Be like a kind sister of his, and so
+please your Father, who loves you very much.</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+<span style="margin-right: 10em;">Christmas Eve,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-right: 4em;">December 24th, 1837.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-right: 2em;">From your</span><br />
+Father.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 68]</span>
+Again on Christmas Eve, two years
+later, he describes to his little daughter
+of eight years her own coming into the
+world of material things.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">The belief in prenatal influence is
+strongly indicated, for the father tells
+his little girl that they thought just how
+she would look and pictures to her the
+joy and the love with which she was surrounded
+before her coming into the land
+of the material and first seeing with her
+baby eyes the light of a world day.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="center">
+For Anna<br />
+1839</p>
+
+<p class="indent">You were once pleased, my daughter, with
+a little note which I wrote you on Christmas
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 69]</span>
+Eve, concerning the birth of Jesus. I am
+now going to write a few words about your
+own Birth. Mother and I had no child.
+We wanted one&mdash;a little girl just like you;
+and we thought how you would look, and
+waited a good while for you to come, so
+that we might see you and have you for our
+own. At last you came. We felt so happy
+that joy stood in our eyes. You looked
+just as we wanted to have you. You were
+draped in a pretty little white frock, and
+father took you in his arms every day, and
+we loved you very much. Your large
+bright eyes looked lovingly into ours, and
+you soon learned to love and know us. When
+you were a few weeks old, you smiled
+on us. We lived then in Germantown.
+It is now more than eight years since this
+happened, but I sometimes see the same
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 70]</span>
+look and the same smile on your face, and
+feel that my daughter is yet good and pure.
+O keep it there, my daughter, and never lose
+it.</p>
+
+<p class="right">Your Father,</p>
+
+<p>Christmas Eve,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Beach Street,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Dec. 24, 1839.</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">On her birthday some three months
+later, he continues the thought in this
+exquisite letter:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="right">March 16, 1840.</p>
+
+<p>My dear Daughter,</p>
+
+<p class="indent">With this morning's dawn opens a
+new year of your Life on Earth. Nine years
+ago you were sent, a sweet Babe into this
+world, a joy and hope to your father and
+mother. After a while, through many smiles
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 71]</span>
+and some few tears, you learned to lisp the
+names of father and mother, and to make
+them feel once more how near and dear
+you were to their hearts whenever you named
+their names. Now you are a still dearer
+object of Love and hope to them as your love
+buds and blossoms under their eye. They
+watch this flower as it grows in the Garden
+of Life, and scents the air with its fragrance,
+and delights the eye by its colours. Soon
+they will look not for Beauty and fragrance
+alone, but for the ripening and ripe fruit.
+May it be the Spirit of Goodness; may its
+leaves never wither, its flowers never fade;
+its fragrance never cease; but may it flourish
+in perpetual youth and beauty, and be transplanted
+in its time, into the Garden of God,
+whose plants are ever green, ever fresh, and
+bloom alway, the amaranth of Heaven, the
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 72]</span>
+pride and joy of angels. Thus writes your
+Father to you on this your birth morn.</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+Monday, 16 March, 1840.<br />
+Beach Street,<br />
+Boston</p>
+
+<p>For<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Anna,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">in the Garden of Life.</span><br />
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">This letter and his allusion to "your
+life on earth" show plainly his belief
+in life eternal, for Bronson Alcott considered
+earthly existence merely a period
+in the evolution of the soul.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">On Christmas Eve, 1840; when Anna
+was nearly ten, Louisa just past her
+eighth birthday, May, the golden-haired
+baby of the Alcott household, and Elizabeth
+the little shadow child of four, he
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 73]</span>
+wrote Christmas letters to his daughters,
+which show his appreciation of their
+special needs, and his respect for their
+individualities. The letter to Elizabeth
+is missing; to Anna he wrote:</p>
+
+<p class="center">For Anna<br />
+1840</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">beauty</span> or <span class="smcap">duty</span><br />
+which<br />
+loves Anna best?<br />
+a<br />
+Question<br />
+from her<br />
+<span class="smcap">father</span><br />
+Christmas Eve<br />
+Dec. 1840<br />
+Concordia.</p>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 74]</span>
+For Louisa, the father's message was
+this:</p>
+
+<p class="center">For Louisa<br />
+1840</p>
+
+<p class="center">Louisa loves&mdash;<br />
+What?<br />
+(Softly)<br />
+<span class="smcap">fun</span><br />
+Have some then,<br />
+Father<br />
+says.<br />
+Christmas Eve, Dec. 1840<br />
+Concordia.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 75]</span>
+For the baby of the household, the
+father's love message took poetic form:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="center">
+For Abba<br />
+1840</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 10em;">For Abba</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 10em;">Babe fair,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 10em;">Pretty hair,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 10em;">Bright eye,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 10em;">Deep sigh,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 10em;">Sweet lip,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 10em;">Feet slip,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 10em;">Handsome hand,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 10em;">Stout grand,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 10em;">Happy smile,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 10em;">Time beguile,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 10em;">All I ween,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Concordia's Queen.</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 76]</span>
+Almost without the dates, one could
+keep track of the development of the
+Alcott girls through their father's letters.
+This one demonstrates his gift of teaching
+by the use of suggestion:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="center">
+For Anna<br />
+1842<br />
+<span class="u">A Father's Gift</span><br />
+to his<br />
+<span class="u">Daughter</span><br />
+on her<br />
+<span class="u">Eleventh Birthday</span>.<br />
+Concordia<br />
+16th March<br />
+1842</p>
+
+<p class="indent">My dear daughter,
+</p>
+
+<p class="indent">This is your eleventh birthday, and
+as I have heretofore addressed a few words
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 77]</span>
+to you on these interesting occasions, I
+will not depart from my former custom
+now.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">And my daughter, what shall I say to you?
+Shall I say something to please or to instruct
+you&mdash;to flatter or benefit you? I know
+you dislike being pleased unless the pleasure
+make you better, and you dislike all flattery.
+And you know too, that your father never
+gave you a word of flattery in his life. So
+there remains for you the true and purest
+pleasure of being instructed and benefited
+by words of love and the deepest regard
+for your improvement in all that shall
+make you more happy in yourself and
+beautiful to others. And so I shall speak
+plainly to you of yourself, and of my desire
+for your improvement in several important
+things.</p>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 78]</span>
+<span class="u">First&mdash;Your Manners.</span> Try to be more
+gentle. You like gentle people and every
+one is more agreeable as he cultivates this
+habit. None can be agreeable who are destitute
+of it and how shall you become more
+gentle? Only by governing your passions,
+and cherishing your love to everyone who is
+near you. Love is gentle: Hate is violent.
+Love is well-mannered; Selfishness is rude,
+vulgar. Love gives sweet tone to the voice,
+and makes the countenance lovely. Love
+then, and grow fair and agreeable.</p>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="u">Second: Be Patient.</span> This is one of the
+most difficult things to everyone, old or
+young. But it is also one of the greatest
+things. And this comes of Love too. Love
+is Patient: it bears; it suffers long; it is
+kind; it is beautiful; it makes us like
+angels. Patience is, indeed, angelic; it is
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 79]</span>
+the Gate that opens into the House of Happiness.
+Open it, my daughter, and enter in
+and take all your sisters in with you.</p>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="u">Third: Be Resolute.</span> Shake off all Sluggishness,
+and follow your Confidence as
+fast as your feelings, your thoughts, your
+eye, your hand, your foot, will carry you.
+Hate all excuses: almost always, these are
+lies. Be <span class="u">quick</span> in your obedience: delay
+is a laggard, who never gets up with himself,
+and loses the company of confidence always.
+Resolution is the ladder to Happiness.
+Resolve and be a wise and happy girl.</p>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="u">Fourth: Be Diligent.</span> Put your heart into
+all you do: and fix your thoughts on your
+doings. Halfness is almost as bad as nothing:
+be whole then in all you do and say.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">But I am saying a great deal and will stop
+now with the hope of meeting you on the
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 80]</span>
+16th March, 1843 (the good God sparing us
+till then) a gentler, a meeker, more determined
+and obligent girl.</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+<span style="margin-right: 1em;">Your friend</span><br />
+<span style="margin-right: 3em;">and</span><br />
+<span class="u">Father</span></p>
+
+<p>Concordia<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">16 March</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em; text-decoration: underline;">1842</span><br />
+For<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: underline;">Anna Bronson Alcott.</span><br />
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">Such a gift to an eleven-year-old girl
+on her birthday! One would expect
+not kindly counsel, but a toy, a picture
+book, something pretty for her body,
+not much for her mind. The spirituality
+and the wisdom of the poet-philosopher
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 81]</span>
+are shown in this letter with its
+"excuses, almost always lies," and "delay
+is a laggard."</p>
+
+<p class="indent">When Louisa was seven years old, her
+mother was ill, and the child was sent
+away from home for a time. To his little
+absent daughter the father sends this letter,
+printed so that she might read it for
+herself:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="center">
+For Louisa.</p>
+
+<p class="center">1839</p>
+
+<p>My dear Little Girl.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Father hopes you are well and happy.
+Mother will soon be well enough we hope
+for you to come home. You want to see us
+all I know. And we want to see you very
+much. Be a good girl and try to do as they
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 82]</span>
+tell you. You shall see us all in a few
+days.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">You were never away from home so long
+before. It has given you some new feelings.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">I have printed this note. I hope you can
+read it all yourself.</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+<span style="margin-right: 3em;">Good Bye</span><br />
+From Father.</p>
+
+<p>Saturday<br />
+11 o'clock in the School Room.<br />
+1839
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">On her seventh birthday he writes
+her one of the most wonderful letters
+of the many that have been preserved
+in the volumes of the Alcott manuscripts:</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="IMAGE_82" id="IMAGE_82"></a>
+<img src="images/i004.jpg" width="400" height="660" alt="Page 1 of letter for Louisa May Alcott 1839" title="Page 1 of letter for Louisa May Alcott 1839" />
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i005.jpg" width="400" height="660" alt="Page 2 of letter for Louisa May Alcott 1839" title="Page 2 of letter for Louisa May Alcott 1839" />
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i006.jpg" width="400" height="660" alt="Page 3 of letter for Louisa May Alcott 1839" title="Page 3 of letter for Louisa May Alcott 1839" />
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i007.jpg" width="400" height="660" alt="Page 4 of letter for Louisa May Alcott 1839" title="Page 4 of letter for Louisa May Alcott 1839" />
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 83]</span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="center">
+For Louisa</p>
+
+<p class="center">1839</p>
+
+<p>My Daughter,</p>
+
+<p class="indent">You are Seven years old to-day and
+your Father is forty. You have learned a
+great many things, since you have lived in a
+Body, about things going on around you and
+within you. You know how to think, how
+to resolve, how to love, and how to obey.
+You feel your Conscience, and have no real
+pleasure unless you obey it. You cannot love
+yourself, or anyone else, when you do not
+mind its commandments. It asks you always
+to BE GOOD, and bears, O how gently! how
+patiently! with all endeavors to hate, and
+treat it cruelly. How kindly it bears with
+you all the while. How sweetly it whispers
+Happiness in your HEART when you Obey
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 84]</span>
+its soft words. How it smiles upon you, and
+makes you Glad when you Resolve to Obey it!
+How terrible its <span class="smcap">punishments</span>. It is GOD
+trying in your soul to keep you always Good.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">You begin, my dear daughter, another year
+this morning. Your Father, your Mother,
+and Sisters, with your little friends, show
+their love on this your Birthday, by giving
+you this BOX. Open it, and take what is
+in it, and the best wishes of</p>
+
+<p class="right">Your Father.</p>
+
+<p>Beach Street,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Friday morning, Nov. 29, 1839.</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">His explanation to a seven-year-old
+girl that conscience is "God in your
+soul," and the lines, "since you have lived
+in a body," are eloquent manifestations
+of his belief. It is not surprising that,
+given such thoughts at seven, Louisa
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 85]</span>
+at ten or eleven wrote that she was sure
+in some previous life she must have been
+a horse,&mdash;she loved so to run. A month
+before May Alcott was born, little
+Louisa, then eight, again away from home,
+received this letter from her father:</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="IMAGE_86" id="IMAGE_86"></a>
+<img src="images/i008.jpg" width="400" height="660" alt="Page 1 of letter for Louisa May Alcott 1840" title="Page 1 of letter for Louisa May Alcott 1840" />
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i009.jpg" width="400" height="660" alt="Page 2 of letter for Louisa May Alcott 1840" title="Page 2 of letter for Louisa May Alcott 1840" />
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i010.jpg" width="400" height="660" alt="Page 3 of letter for Louisa May Alcott 1840" title="Page 3 of letter for Louisa May Alcott 1840" />
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i011.jpg" width="400" height="660" alt="Page 4 of letter for Louisa May Alcott 1840" title="Page 4 of letter for Louisa May Alcott 1840" />
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>
+Cottage, Sunday June 21st,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">1840.</span>
+</p>
+
+<p class="indent">We all miss the noisy little girl who used
+to make house and garden, barn and field,
+ring with her footsteps, and even the hens
+and chickens seem to miss her too. Right
+glad would father and mother, Anna and
+Elizabeth, and all the little mates at
+School, and Miss Russell, the House Playroom,
+Dolls, Hoop, Garden, Flowers, Fields,
+Woods and Brooks, all be to see and answer
+the voice and footsteps, the eye and hand of
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 86]</span>
+their little companion. But yet all make
+themselves happy and beautiful without her;
+all seem to say, "Be Good, little Miss, while
+away from us, and when we meet again we
+shall love and please one another all the more;
+we find how much we love now we are
+separated."</p>
+
+<p class="indent">I wished you here very much on the morning
+when the Hen left her nest and came
+proudly down with six little chickens, everyone
+knowing how to walk, fly, eat and drink
+almost as well as its own mother; to-day
+(Sunday) they all came to see the house and
+took their breakfast from their nice little
+feeding trough; you would have enjoyed the
+sight very much. But this and many other
+pleasures all wait for you when you return.
+Be good, kind, gentle, while you are away,
+step lightly, and speak soft about the house;</p>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 87]</span>
+Grandpa loves quiet, as well as your sober
+father and other grown people.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Elizabeth says often, "Oh I wish I could see
+Louisa, when will she come home, Mother?"
+And another feels so too; who is it?</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+<span style="margin-right: 2em;">Your</span><br />
+Father.
+</p>
+
+<p>I forgot to write how much <span class="u">Kit</span> missed you.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">On her eighth birthday, her father
+writes:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="center">
+For Louisa</p>
+
+<p class="center">1840</p>
+
+<p>Two Passions strong divide our Life,<br />
+Meek gentle Love, or boisterous Strife.<br />
+<br />
+Love&mdash;Music <span style="position: absolute; right: 10%; margin-right: 10%; top: auto;">Anger&mdash;Arrow</span><br />
+Concord <span style="position: absolute; right: 10%; margin-right: 14%; top: auto;">Discord</span><br />
+<span style="position: absolute; right: 10%; margin-right: 10%; top: auto;">From her Father</span><br />
+<br />
+On her eighth birthday Nov. 29th.<br />
+</p>
+</div><p class="indent"></p>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 88]</span>
+At ten, her birthday greeting from her
+father is this:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="center">
+For Louisa</p>
+
+<p class="center">1842</p>
+
+<p>My Daughter,</p>
+
+<p class="indent">This is your birthday: you are ten
+years of age to-day. I sought amidst my
+papers for some pretty picture to place at
+the top of this note, but I did not find anything
+that seemed at all expressive of my
+interest in your well-being, or well-doing,
+and so this note comes to you without any
+such emblem. Let me say, my honest little
+girl, that I have had you often in my mind
+during my separation from you and your
+devoted mother, and well-meaning sisters,
+while on the sea or the land, and now that
+I have returned to be with you and them
+again, meeting you daily at fireside, at
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 89]</span>
+table, at study, and in your walk, and amusements,
+in conversation and in silence, being
+daily with you, I would have you feel my
+presence and be the happier, and better that
+I am here. I want, most of all things, to
+be a kindly influence on you, helping you
+to guide and govern your heart, keeping it
+in a state of sweet and loving peacefulness,
+so that you may feel how good and kind is
+that Love which lives always in our breasts,
+and which we may always feel, if we will keep
+the passions all in stillness and give up ourselves
+entirely to its soft desires. I live,
+my dear daughter, to be good and to do good
+to all, and especially to you and your mother
+and sisters. Will you not let me do you all
+the good that I would? And do you not
+know that I can do you little or none, unless
+you give me your affections, incline your
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 90]</span>
+ears, and earnestly desire to become daily
+better and wiser, more kind, gentle, loving,
+diligent, heedful, serene. The good Spirit
+comes into the Breast of the meek and loveful
+to abide long; anger, discontent, impatience,
+evil appetites, greedy wants, complainings,
+ill-speakings, idlenesses, heedlessness, rude
+behaviour and all such, these drive it away,
+or grieve it so that it leaves the poor misguided
+soul to live in its own obstinate,
+perverse, proud discomfort, which is the
+very <span class="u">Pain of Sin</span>, and is in the <span class="u">Bible</span> called
+the worm that never dies, the gnawing worm,
+the sting of <span style="font-variant: small-caps; text-decoration: underline;">conscience</span>: while the pleasures
+of love and goodness are beyond all description&mdash;a
+peacefulness that passes all understanding.
+I pray that my daughter may
+know much of the last, and little of the first
+of these feelings. I shall try every day to
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 91]</span>
+help her to the knowledge and love of this
+good <span class="u">Spirit</span>. I shall be with her, and as she
+and her sisters come more and more into
+the presence of this Spirit, shall we become
+a family more closely united in loves that
+can never sunder us from each other.</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+<span style="margin-right: 8em;">This your</span><br />
+<span style="margin-right: 6em;">Father</span><br />
+<span style="margin-right: 4em;">in Hope and Love</span><br />
+<span style="margin-right: 6em;">on your</span><br />
+<span style="margin-right: 5em;">Birthday</span></p>
+
+<p>Concordia,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Nov. 29, 1842.</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">To little Elizabeth the letters were
+few. The child was so constantly the
+companion of father and mother, that by
+speech rather than written word, their
+messages were given. But on her fifth
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 92]</span>
+birthday, her father carefully printed
+this letter:</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="IMAGE_92" id="IMAGE_92"></a>
+<img src="images/i012.jpg" width="400" height="660" alt="Page 1 of letter for Elizabeth Alcott 1840" title="Page 1 of letter for Elizabeth Alcott 1840" />
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i013.jpg" width="400" height="660" alt="Page 2 of letter for Elizabeth Alcott 1840" title="Page 2 of letter for Elizabeth Alcott 1840" />
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i014.jpg" width="400" height="660" alt="Page 3 of letter for Elizabeth Alcott 1840" title="Page 3 of letter for Elizabeth Alcott 1840" />
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i015.jpg" width="400" height="660" alt="Page 4 of letter for Elizabeth Alcott 1840" title="Page 4 of letter for Elizabeth Alcott 1840" />
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="center">
+For Elizabeth<br />
+1840<br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">I&nbsp; &nbsp; I&nbsp; &nbsp; I&nbsp; &nbsp; I&nbsp; &nbsp; I&nbsp; &nbsp; Years</span><br />
+one two three four five<br />
+<span class="smcap">birth-day</span><br />
+in the<br />
+<span class="smcap">cottage</span>
+</p>
+
+<p class="indent">My very dear little girl,</p>
+
+<p class="indent">You make me very happy every time
+I look at your smiling pleasant face&mdash;and
+you make me very sorry every time I see
+your face look cross and unpleasant. You
+are now five years old. You can keep your
+little face pleasant all the time, if you will
+try, and be happy yourself, and make everybody
+else happy too. Father wants to have
+his little girl happy all the time. He hopes
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 93]</span>
+her little friends and her presents and plays
+will make her happy to-day; and this little
+note too. Last birthday you were in Beach
+Street, in the great City, now you are at
+your little cottage in the country where all
+is pretty and pleasant, and you have fields
+and woods, and brooks and flowers to please
+my little Queen, and keep her eyes, and ears,
+and hands and tongue and feet, all busy.
+This little note is from</p>
+
+<p class="center">FATHER,</p>
+
+<p class="indent">who loves his little girl very much, and knows
+that she loves him very dearly.</p>
+
+<p class="indent"><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Play, play,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">All the day,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Jump and run</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Every one,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Full of fun,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">All take</span><br />
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 94]</span>
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">A piece of cake,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">For my sake.</span><br />
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">His wish to encourage the little girl
+in her efforts to be good, kind, gentle,
+and patient, and his appreciation of her
+accomplishment, is set forth in this
+characteristic little note:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="right">
+<span style="margin-right: 3em;">Concord, Cottage,</span><br />
+February 2nd, 1842.</p>
+
+<p>My dear Elizabeth,
+</p>
+
+<p class="indent">You give me much pleasure by your
+still, quiet manners, and your desire to do
+things, without asking impatiently and selfishly
+for others to help you without trying
+first to help yourself. Trying is doing;
+doing is but trying; try then always and you
+will do; and every one loves to help those
+who try. I will print a little sentence for
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 95]</span>
+you in large letters and you who have already
+found it so easy to do things for yourself will,
+I dare say, remember it, and follow it too&mdash;This
+is it&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 6em; font-variant: small-caps;">try first: and</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em; font-variant: small-caps;">then ask: and</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em; font-variant: small-caps;">patiently till</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em; font-variant: small-caps;">you have tried</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em; font-variant: small-caps;">your best: and</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em; font-variant: small-caps;">you will not need</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em; font-variant: small-caps;">to ask at all.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Trying is the only</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">Schoolmaster</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">whose</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Scholars</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">always</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Succeed.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 14em;">Your Father.</span></p>
+
+<p>Cottage,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Feb. 2nd.</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 96]</span>
+Little May, the youngest, was the
+pet, not only of the Alcott household,
+but of all the Alcott kin. This quaint
+little dolly letter, written to her by her
+Uncle Junius, has been framed and hangs
+to-day in the library of May Alcott's
+nephew, John:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="center">
+Gift of Junius S. Alcott<br />
+<br />
+to<br />
+Abby.</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 97]</span></p>
+<p><span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">A</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 10.5em;">Little Face</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">once smiling</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 11em;">woke</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 12em;">to</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">greet, the day,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">with sport and play,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Hands) on her Birthday, in shaking (Hands</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">with her sisters,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">and, her visitors,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">that, came, to, chime,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">a, happy, time, with, Lizzy,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">To, give, you, pleasure, uncle,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">gives, this, treasure, to you, so, sweet,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">So, keep, it, neat, and please, my,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">Brother, &amp; your Mother, by always,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">finding that, by, minding, you</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">are, the kindest, little girl, that,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">that,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ever</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">stood&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; d, in,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">(Shoes)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (Shoes)</span><br /></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr2"/>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 98]</span></p>
+
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">The Mother's Influence</span></h3>
+
+<p class="cap">UPON the lives of all four of her
+daughters the mother's influence
+rested like a benediction. It is
+felt in her letters; it is reflected in the
+journals of her girls and in the musings
+of Bronson Alcott, as set down
+in his voluminous journals. And the
+mother spirit hovers over Orchard House,
+where "Little Women" was written and
+lived.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">While letters to Anna from her mother
+are missing, Anna's journal shows how
+vital was Mrs. Alcott's power in the
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 99]</span>
+upbuilding of her noble character.
+Louisa in "Little Women" has said that
+the girls gave their hearts into their
+mother's keeping, their souls into their
+father's. Anna's letters bear eloquent
+testimony to the strong, helpful, cheery
+influence of the mother upon the child.
+Among the first was this letter, written
+by Anna when she was five years old
+and visiting Mr. Alcott's family at Wolcott:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="right">
+<span style="margin-right: 6em;"><i>Letter to Mrs. Alcott.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-right: 2em;">Wolcott Aug. 12th, 1836.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-right: 1em;"><i>Friday Morning.</i></span></p>
+<p>My dear Mother,</p>
+
+<p class="indent">I have to go away by myself and cry
+because I want to see you so much, and
+little sister Lizy and Louisa. Doctor Fuller
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 100]</span>
+is coming to cure Grandmother. i shall see
+you in a few days. You have a splendid
+husband</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+<span style="margin-right: 2em;">Anna</span><br />
+V years of age&mdash;</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">(On this she had drawn her hand.)</p>
+
+<p class="indent">She was six years old when she wrote
+this:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">
+Dear Mother,</p>
+
+<p class="indent">I have not had a note from you for
+a great while. You wanted some wafers
+yesterday will you accept of them from me
+There is not many but it is all that I have got.
+I am very glad my birthday is so near for
+as I grow older, I hope I shall grow better
+and more useful to you, I hope soon we shall
+be settled down in some comfortable little
+home of our own and then shall be contented
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 101]</span>
+and happy I hope. I must go to my sums
+now, so goodbye dearest mother</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+<span style="margin-right: 2em;">Your loving Anna</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">A letter eloquent of the tender relation
+between mother and child is this written
+during the Fruitlands period:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>
+For</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Dearest mother<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">fruitlands.</span></p>
+
+<p class="indent">Dear mother.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">I wish that you would come to the
+table again. I enjoy my meals much better
+when you are at the table. Was not "Heraclitus"
+that father read about to-day, a dear
+good man, it seems as though I wanted to
+hug him up and kiss him. I wish men had
+understood his thoughts better than they
+did he would have been happier I think. I
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 102]</span>
+have enjoyed this morning readings and conversations
+better than I have before for a
+good while, I suppose, because I talked and
+I understood it so well. I do not write to
+you very often dear mother but I love to
+dearly when I feel like it, and I love to have
+letters from you. I have not been as good
+as I wish I had this week. I send a little
+bunch of flowers to you they are not very
+pretty but they are beautifully made and
+I thought you would like them. I had a
+beautiful time walking this morning with
+Louisa. Good bye dearest mother from
+your loving</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+<span style="margin-right: 2em;">Anna.</span>
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">Many copies of her mother's letters
+are found in Louisa's journals, showing
+the daughter's intense, almost idolatrous
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 103]</span>
+affection. Louisa admired, respected,
+and loved her father, but to her
+mother her tenderest thought was given.
+Marmee understood the wayward,
+tempestuous, lovable child as no one
+else did, not even loyal Anna, or admiring
+Elizabeth. On her birthday the
+mother writes to Louisa:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">
+My dear little girl,</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Will you accept this doll from me
+on your 7th birthday. She will be a quiet
+play mate for my active Louisa for seven
+years more. Be a kind mamma and love her
+for my sake.</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+<span style="margin-right: 2em;">Your mother.</span></p>
+
+<p>Beach St., Boston, 1839.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">Louisa was ten when this birthday
+letter was sent:
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 104]</span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="right">
+Cottage in Concord.</p>
+
+<p>Dear Daughter,</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Your 10th birthday has arrived, may
+it be a happy one, &amp; on each returning birthday
+may you feel new strength and resolution
+to be gentle with sisters, obedient to parents,
+loving to everyone &amp; happy in yourself.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">I give you the pencil case I promised, for
+I have observed that you are fond of writing
+&amp; wish to encourage the habit.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Go on trying, dear, &amp; each day it will
+be easier to be &amp; do good. You must help
+yourself, for the cause of your little troubles
+is in yourself, &amp; patience &amp; courage only
+will make you what mother prays to see you
+her good and happy girl.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">During the Fruitlands period, when
+Louisa was eleven, she found this little
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 105]</span>
+note tucked carefully away in a spot
+where only she would find and read it:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="right">
+Fruitlands.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">My dear,</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Thank you for your sweet note and
+sweeter poetry. The second verse is very
+good. Your love of nature is pure and true.
+It is a lovely school in which good lessons
+may be learned. The happy industry of
+birds, the beautiful lives of flowers, the music
+of brooks all help&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 5.5em;">"The little fountain flows</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">So noiseless thro the wood,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">The wanderer tastes repose,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">And from the silent flood</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">Learns meekly to do good."</span><br />
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">In the following letter, a pretty little
+deference to the child's own personality
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 106]</span>
+is shown by the mother, in that way
+bringing out in the child respect and
+deference for others:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">
+Dear Daughter,
+</p>
+
+<p class="indent">I hope you will not consider me an
+intruder for stopping a moment in your
+"poet's corner" to admire the neatness of
+your desk, the sweetness of your poetry, the
+beauty of the prospect from your window.
+Cherish this love of nature, dear, enjoy all
+it gives you, for God made these helps to
+charm contemplation, and they strengthen
+the noble desire to be or to do all that is
+sent for our training &amp; our good. Heaven
+be about you my child, is mother's Sunday
+prayer.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">Louisa Alcott filled her diary with
+letters from her mother, occasionally
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 107]</span>
+adding in later life annotations of her
+own. This letter from her mother when
+Louisa was eleven is an example:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="right">
+<span style="margin-right: 2em;">(From Louisa Alcott's Diary.)</span><br />
+<span style="margin-right: 6em;">Concord, 1843.</span></p>
+
+<p class="indent">Dear Louy,
+</p>
+
+<p class="indent">I enclose a picture for you which I
+always liked very much, for I have imagined
+that you might be just such an industrious
+daughter &amp; I such a feeble but loving mother,
+looking to your labor for my daily bread.
+Keep it for my sake, &amp; your own, for you and
+I always like to be grouped together.</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+<span style="margin-right: 2em;">Mother.</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="IMAGE_106" id="IMAGE_106"></a>
+<img src="images/i016.jpg" width="400" height="536" alt="Abigail May, Mrs. A. Bronson Alcott. From a daguerreotype. Page 106." title="Abigail May, Mrs. A. Bronson Alcott. From a daguerreotype. Page 106." />
+<span style="font-variant: small-caps; font-weight: bold;">Abigail May, Mrs. A. Bronson Alcott.</span><br />
+<span style="font-weight: bold;">From a daguerreotype.</span><br />
+<span style="font-weight: bold;"><i>Page</i> 106.</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p class="indent">Then follows the picture and the lines
+written by Louisa in her journal:
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 108]</span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="center">To Mother.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">I hope that soon dear mother, you &amp; I may be</span><br /><span style="margin-left: 6em;">
+In the quiet room my fancy has so often made for thee,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">The pleasant sunny chamber, the cushioned easy chair,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">The books laid for your reading, the vase of flowers fair.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">The desk beside the window where the sun shines warm and bright,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">And there in ease and quiet, the promised book you write,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">While I sit close beside you, content at last to see,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">That you can rest dear mother, &amp; I can cherish thee.</span><br />
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">Louisa lived to see her hope realized
+and the dream of many years a beautiful
+reality.</p>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 109]</span>
+Like most writers, Louisa was moody,
+and in her hours of depression and despondency
+she looked upon her work as a
+failure and herself as a useless drag upon
+the family. At such times Marmee invariably
+came to the rescue and persuaded
+her discouraged daughter to use
+the pen she was ready to lay down.
+Even in Louisa's childhood, when her only
+promise of future literary achievement
+were her tragedies and melodramas of
+lurid style, little gifts show the mother's
+faith and pride in her daughter's work.
+So did her letters, of which this is an
+example:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">Dear Louisa:</p>
+
+<p class="indent">I sometimes stray about the house and
+take a peep into the journal. Your pages
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 110]</span>
+lately are blank. I am sure your life has
+many fine passages well worth recording,
+and to me they are always precious. Anything
+like intellectual progress in my children
+seems to compensate for much disappointment
+&amp; perplexity in my own life. Do
+write a little each day, dear, if but a line,
+to show me how bravely you begin the
+battle, how patiently you wait for the rewards
+sure to come when the victory is nobly won.</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+<span style="margin-right: 2em;">Ever yrs.</span><br />
+Mother.
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">On her fourteenth birthday the mother
+accompanies the gift of a pen with this
+little poem:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">Oh, may this pen your muse inspire,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">When wrapt in pure poetic fire,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">To write some sweet, some thrilling verse;</span><br />
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 111]</span>
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">A song of love or sorrow's lay,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">Or duty's clear but tedious way</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">In brighter hope rehearse.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">Oh, let your strain be soft and high,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Of crosses here, of crowns beyond the sky;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">Truth guide your pen, inspire your theme,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">And from each note joy's music stream.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Louisa Alcott owed much to her
+mother's example and perhaps even more
+to her mother's influence. This letter,
+carefully preserved in the daughter's
+journal, reveals a wealth of mother-love
+and of God-given wisdom:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="right">
+<span style="margin-right: 1em;">15th Birthday,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-right: 1em;">Hillside.</span></p>
+
+<p class="indent">Dearest,
+</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Accept this pen from your mother
+and for her sake use it freely &amp; worthily that
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 112]</span>
+each day of this your fifteenth year may
+testify to some good word or thought or work.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">I know there will be born into your spirit
+new hopes, new gifts, for God helps the loving,
+trusting heart that turns to Him. Lift up
+your soul to meet the highest, for that alone
+will satisfy your yearning, aspiring nature.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Your temperament is a peculiar one, &amp;
+there are few who can really help you. Set
+about the formation of character &amp; believe
+me you are capable of obtaining a noble one.
+Industry, patience, love, creates, endures,
+gives all things, for these are the attributes
+of the Almighty, &amp; they make us mighty in
+all things. May eternal love sustain you,
+infinite wisdom guide you, &amp; the peace which
+passeth understanding reward you, my
+daughter.</p>
+
+<p class="right"><span style="margin-right: 1em;">Mother.</span></p>
+
+<p>Nov. 29th, 1846.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 113]</span>
+Deeds, not words, characterized Elizabeth
+Alcott, as readers of "Little
+Women" will recall. She was about
+seven when she sent this letter, one of
+the very few she wrote, to her mother:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="right">May, Friday 29.</p>
+
+<p>Dear Mother,</p>
+
+<p class="indent">I thank you very much for your
+note. I will try to write better than I
+have done. I have not always had a good
+pen. I hope I shall improve in all my
+studies this summer. I hope I can read
+German &amp; French very well, and know a
+great deal about the countries. I must
+write my journal now so I will bid you
+good bye.</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+From your loving<br />
+Elizabeth.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 114]</span>
+Birthdays were always celebrated with
+much rejoicing in the Alcott household,
+the gift made secondary to the spirit of
+the day. From the time they were old
+enough to print, the Alcott children on
+the mother's birthday made her some
+little gift, accompanying it with a note.
+Abba May or May, as she was always
+called, at nine years old, began in prose
+but lapsed into poetry:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>Dear Mother,</p>
+
+<p class="indent">I wish you a very happy
+birthday. I hope you will find
+my present Useful, and when you wear it
+think of me. I have taken a great-deal
+of Pleasure in making it for you.
+Please take this Present mother
+on your 49 birthday</p>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 115]</span></p>
+
+<p>With the dearest Love and wishes<br />
+of your little daughter A.<br />
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">With Mrs. Alcott, hardship, poverty,
+the grief of seeing her husband misunderstood
+and often scoffed at, never lessened
+her love for him, or her contentment in
+the marriage relation. The year following
+her marriage in a letter to her
+brother she wrote: "My father has
+never married a daughter or son more
+completely happy than I am. I have
+cares, and soon they will be arduous ones,
+but with the mild, constant, and affectionate
+sympathy and aid of my husband,
+with the increasing health and
+loveliness of my quiet and bright little
+Anna, with good health, clear head,
+grateful heart and ready hand,&mdash;what
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 116]</span>
+can I not do when surrounded by influences
+like this?"</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Ideals were never shattered; illusions,
+if so they may be called, were never lost
+by Mrs. Alcott through the stormy years
+that laid between the first happy months
+of her married life and the sunset days
+when all her burdens were laid down.
+To her, the husband who was so long
+denied material success and intellectual
+sympathy ever remained the lover and
+friend. Her admiration for him was
+unbounded, her faith in him complete.
+So high she held him in heart and mind,
+that it was difficult even for those who
+loved him most to appreciate her estimate
+of him as Poet, Philosopher, and
+Sage.</p>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 117]</span>
+Concerning the most famous portrait
+ever made of Bronson Alcott, done in
+crayons by Mrs. Richard Hildredth, wife
+of the historian and aunt of the portrait
+painter, George Fuller, which, beautiful
+as it was, did not satisfy the wife's ideal,
+Mrs. Alcott writes:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">
+A tinge of the incomprehensible lies
+softly around it, a field of atmosphere,
+as if she had worked with down from an
+angel's wing rather than with a crayon,&mdash;as
+if the moonlight had cast a shadow on
+the lights of her picture, and a divinity had
+touched with a soft shade, the dark portion
+of the figure. Mrs. Hildredth has changed
+the costume from a dress suit to a mantle
+draped about the shoulders. This, I do
+not like. The chaste simplicity of Mr.
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 118]</span>
+Alcott's dress is more in character and
+keeping with the severe simplicity and
+rectitude of his life. Louisa admirably describes
+her father's appearance as she met
+him at the cars. "His dress was neat and
+poor. He looked cold and thin as an icicle,
+but serene as God." After such a testimony,
+from such a daughter, he can afford to dress
+shabbily.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">Contentment, whatever her lot, was
+an attribute of Marmee; she underestimated
+herself always. Unquestionably,
+Louisa inherited her literary gift
+quite as much from mother as from
+father, and flashes of the quaint humor
+so delightful in the daughter's books are
+found in the mother's letters. To a friend
+she writes: "My gifts are few. I live,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 119]</span>
+love and learn, and find myself more content
+every day of my life with humble
+conditions."</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Louisa Alcott never laid claim to
+poetic gift, but on a few occasions her
+verses take to themselves true poetic
+beauty. One of the most exquisite of
+these poems was written by her on the
+death of her mother, and was first published
+anonymously in the "Masque of
+Poets" of 1878:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<h3><span class="smcap">Transfiguration</span><br />
+In Memoriam</h3>
+
+<p>Mysterious death; who in a single hour<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Life's gold can so refine,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And by thy art divine</span><br />
+Change mortal weakness to immortal power:<br />
+<br />
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 120]</span>Bending beneath the weight of eighty years,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Spent with the noble strife</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Of a victorious life,</span><br />
+We watched her fading heavenward, through our tears.<br />
+<br />
+But ere the sense of loss our hearts had wrung,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">A miracle was wrought:</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And swift as happy thought</span><br />
+She lived again&mdash;brave, beautiful and young.<br />
+<br />
+Age, pain and sorrow dropped the veils they wore,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And showed the tender eyes</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Of angels in disguise,</span><br />
+Whose discipline so patiently she bore.<br />
+<br />
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 121]</span>The past years brought their harvest rich and fair;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">While memory and love,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Together fondly wove</span><br />
+A golden garland for the silver hair.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr2"/>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 122]</span></p>
+
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Children's Diaries</span></h3>
+
+<p class="cap">THE Alcott children were brought
+up to think for themselves, to
+reflect, and to give expression to
+their thoughts. Never laughed at, they
+were not afraid to speak or write of
+what was in their minds. Each kept a
+diary, and no incident that concerned
+the little girls was too trivial for mention
+in the record of the day. These incidents,
+collected, give a more comprehensive
+view of the Alcotts as a family
+than do the father's voluminous journals.</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="IMAGE_122" id="IMAGE_122"></a>
+<img src="images/i017.jpg" width="400" height="478" alt="Anna Bronson Alcott. From a daguerreotype. Page 122." title="Anna Bronson Alcott. From a daguerreotype. Page 122." />
+<span style="font-variant: small-caps; font-weight: bold;">Anna Bronson Alcott.</span><br />
+<span style="font-weight: bold;">From a daguerreotype.</span><br />
+<span style="font-weight: bold;"><i>Page</i> 122.</span>
+</div><p class="indent"></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 123]</span>
+When Anna was ten, she gravely explains
+under date of April 13, 1841:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">Father was too unwell to come down
+stairs and mother ironed, Louisa and I
+helped a little while. I wrote my journal and
+a journal for Louisa as she thought she
+could not write well enough. I had no other
+lessons than that. We watched a little spider
+and gave it some water to drink. In the
+afternoon mother read loud the story of
+the good aunt or part of it while we sewed
+on the clean clothes I mended up the holes
+and Louisa and Lizzy sewed on a sheet. In
+the evening we played mother lets us play
+in the evening. We went to bed soon.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">This sewing bee recalls the long evenings
+in the March home, described in
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 124]</span>
+"Little Women," when the four girls
+and the mother sewed dutifully on sheets
+for Aunt March, dividing seams into
+countries, discussing Europe, Asia,
+Africa, and America as they stitched.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">When she was twelve, Anna's literary
+aspirations sought a vent in attempted
+poetry. Later she collaborated with
+Louisa in writing the "Comic Tragedies."
+Anna's confidante and comrade, Louisa,
+was frequently the victim of these poetic
+effusions, her reception of which gives
+quite a line on her ardent temperament.
+This entry in Anna's journal for April
+23, 1843, is eloquent:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">This morning I rose pretty early&mdash;After
+breakfast I read and wrote stories. In the
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 125]</span>
+afternoon I wrote some letters and the following
+one to Louisa:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">Louisa dear</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">With love sincere</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Accept this little gift from me</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">It is with pleasure</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">I send this treasure</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">And with it send much love to thee.</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 7em;">Sister dear</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Never fear</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">God will help you if you try.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Do not despair</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">But always care</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">To be good and love to try.</span></p>
+
+<p class="indent">In the evening I read in a book called
+'Stories on the Lord's-prayer.' I talked
+with Louisa after I went to bed and she
+pinched me on my leg.</p>
+</div><p class="indent"></p>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 126]</span>
+Two or three years later Anna writes:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>
+Monday.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Mother went to Boston and Louisa and
+I cleaned house all day. I love order above
+all things and I take great pleasure in seeing
+all neat about the house.</p>
+
+<p>Tuesday.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">I worked hard till 2 o'clock when we all
+met to sew while mother read aloud from
+"Miss Bremers Brothers and Sister's." It
+is most beautiful such a happy family. I
+think Miss Bremer would make a lovely
+mother the mothers in her books are so sweet
+and she has beautiful idear's about family's.
+I love to read natural stories.</p>
+
+<p>Wednesday 30th.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">We rose very early and eat breakfast. I
+think it is a dreadful thing to grow old and
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 127]</span>
+not be able to fly about, but then I suppose
+I shall not care about flying when I grow
+older, still it is horrid to think about being
+an old woman all wrinkled and blind. I wish
+I could keep young forever. I should love
+to live among all those I love and be with
+them all the time.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">Reading was a part of the daily routine
+in the Alcott household, and Anna's
+taste for German recalls vividly certain
+episodes between Meg and John Brooks
+in "Little Women."</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>Friday 18th.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">I read one of Krummacher's parables
+in German. I think they are very beautiful,
+the language is so elegant. I love to hear
+beautiful words and these stories are told so
+simply and are full of such sweet thought.
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 128]</span>
+I found a great many which have never been
+translated and I intend to try myself to
+translate them. I think it is the pleasantest
+thing I do to read German. It is such a
+splendid language. I mean Elizabeth shall
+learn to read it, she will enjoy it so much.</p>
+
+<p>Saturday 19th.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">In the afternoon I sewed and Louisa
+read me a very silly story called 'The Golden
+Cup.' I think there is a great deal of
+nonsense written now a days, the papers are
+full of silly stories.</p>
+
+<p>Sunday 20th.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">I have been reading lately a very beautiful
+book given me by my mother. It is "Characteristics
+of Women" by Mrs. Jameson. I
+like it very much. It is a description of
+Shakespear's Heroines, Portia is my favorite,
+she was so noble and I liked the Trial scene
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 129]</span>
+better than any of Shakespears that I ever
+read. I think this part is beautiful.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">'Let music sound while he doth make his choice;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Then if he love he make a swan like end</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Fading in music.'</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="indent">I think this was a beautiful idea.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">I passed a pleasant morning in school,
+translating one of Krummacher's beautiful
+parables. I find great pleasure in this. I
+like German better than I do French. I
+want much to study Italian. I have tried
+myself several times but cannot manage it
+without help. I think I should be very
+happy if I could go to school. I think about
+it most all the time and when I am in bed I
+imagine myself in Boston going to Miss
+Peabody's school with other girls and know
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 130]</span>
+that I am learning something. And I think
+I lead rather too solitary a life. I love to see
+people. Mother read in the afternoon from
+Miss Sedgwick's Letters. It was about
+the Germans. She says they are a very
+cheerful people and though poor yet they
+always have a happy smile and cheerful face.
+That their manners are beautiful. They
+are so kind and simple. I know I should
+love them, for I like everything German,
+except their food, which I think must be
+horrid, greasy cabbage and sour bread.
+That seems bad. I should think they are so
+fond of beautiful things; music, poetry and
+flowers, that they would not like such stuff.</p>
+
+<p>
+September, 1845.<br />
+Friday 1st.
+</p>
+
+<p class="indent">I walked before breakfast, the sun was
+bright and there was a cool wind. The
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 131]</span>
+lane was full of beautiful flowers and the grass
+was green and fresh. I had a lovely walk
+and gathered a bunch of goldenrod, spirian
+and gerandia. Everything was so beautiful
+that all my unhappy thoughts of last night
+flew away. I sometimes have strange feelings,
+a sort of longing after something I
+don't know what it is. I have a great many
+wishes. I spent the day in the usual manner,
+sewing and studying. In the evening Louisa
+and I walked through the lane and talked
+about how we should like to live and
+dress and imagined all kinds of beautiful
+things.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">
+Sunday 3rd.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="indent">I sewed all day and mother read from
+"Miss Sedgwick's Letters." I will write a
+piece of poetry, as I have nothing very
+pleasant to write about:</p>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 132]</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 7.5em;">
+"Oh when thy heart is full of fears</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">
+And the way is dim to Heaven</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">
+When the sorrow and the sin of years</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">
+Peace from thy soul has driven</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">
+Then through the mist of falling tears</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">
+Look up and be forgiven.</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 7.5em;">
+"And then rise up and sin no more</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">
+And from thy dark ways flee</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">
+Let Virtue o'er thy appetites</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">
+Have full and perfect mastery</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">
+And the kindly ones that hover o'er</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">
+Will ever strengthen thee.</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 7.5em;">
+"And though thou art helpless and forlorn</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">
+Let not thy heart's peace go</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">
+And though the riches of this world are gone</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">
+And thy lot is care and woe</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">
+Faint not, but journey ever on</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">
+True wealth is not below.</span></p>
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 133]</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 7.5em;">
+"Oh, falter not but still look up</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">
+Let Patience be thy guide</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">
+Bless the rod and take the cup</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">
+And trustfully abide</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">
+Let not temptation vanquish thee</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">
+And the Father will provide."</span>
+</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Louisa composed these lines, which I
+think are beautiful. She is a beautiful girl
+and writes as good poetry as Lucretia Davidson,
+about whom so much has been written.
+I think she will write <span class="u">something great one
+of these days</span>. As for me I am perfect in
+nothing. I have no genius. I know a little
+of music, a little of French, German and
+Drawing, but none of them well. I have a
+foolish wish to be something <span class="u">great</span> and I
+shall probably spend my life in a kitchen
+and die in the poor-house. I want to be
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 134]</span>
+Jenny Lind or Mrs. Seguin and I can't and
+so I cry. Here is another of Louisa's pieces
+to mother.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 7.5em;">
+"God comfort thee dear mother,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">
+For sorrow sad and deep</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">
+Is lying heavy on thy heart</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">
+And this hath made thee weep.</span></p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 7.5em;">
+"There is a Father o'er us, mother,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">
+Who orders for the best</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">
+And peace shall come ere long, mother,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">
+And dwell within thy breast.</span></p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 7.5em;">
+"Then let us journey onward, mother,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">
+And trustfully abide,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">
+The coming forth of good or ill</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">
+Whatever may betide."</span>
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">Helpfulness was encouraged in the
+Alcott household; habits of industry
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 135]</span>
+were carefully fostered. The Alcott children
+worked when they worked, played
+when they played, but wasted hours
+were unknown. They were taught to
+make the most of every day. When
+Anna was seventeen she wrote in her
+diary:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>
+August, 1848.<br />
+Thursday 17th.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Lizzy and I are making plans for spending
+our days usefully. Here is mine.</p>
+
+<p class="center">Plan.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Rise at half past 4, bathe, dress and walk
+till half past 5.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Dress and bathe the children.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Breakfast at 7. Work till 9. School
+till 12. Work till 2.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Sew till 4. Practice till 5.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 136]</span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">Hear Lizzy recite German and French till
+6. Supper.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">This will keep me pretty busy, but I find
+I accomplish so much more when I have a
+plan and certain times for certain things.
+I never can do things without order. I like
+to have something planned for every moment
+of the day, so that when I get up in the morning
+I may know what to do. I wish I could
+be learned.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">An entry in Louisa's diary during the
+Fruitlands period gives this insight into
+one of her average days, when a child of
+eleven:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">I rose at five, and after breakfast washed
+the dishes and then helped mother work. I
+took care of May in the afternoon. In the
+evening I made some pretty things for my
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 137]</span>
+dolly. Father and Mr. Lane had a talk and
+father asked us if we saw any reason for
+us to separate. Mother wanted to, she is
+so tired. I like it, but not the school part
+or Mr. L.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">Note, too, that when it came to a
+conference concerning family affairs, the
+father asked the advice of his eleven-year-old
+daughter, instead of following
+the more customary method of withholding
+from her the family confidence
+and deferring discussion of plans until
+the children had gone to bed.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">"Know Thyself," was ever the aim of
+Bronson Alcott in the training of his
+children, and Mr. Lane at Fruitlands
+followed this same line of mental development.
+This is one of his sample
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 138]</span>
+lessons which Louisa Alcott has copied
+into her journal:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">Sample of our Lessons</p>
+
+<p class="indent">"What virtues do you wish more of,"
+asked Mr. L. I answer:</p>
+
+<table style="width:90%;" border="0" summary="virtues wished for">
+<tr>
+    <td>Patience</td>
+    <td>Obedience</td>
+    <td>Industry</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+    <td>Love</td>
+    <td>Generosity</td>
+    <td>Respect</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+    <td>Silence</td>
+    <td>Perseverance</td>
+    <td>Self-denial</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p class="indent">"What vices less of?"</p>
+
+<table style="width:90%;" border="0" summary="vices wished less">
+<tr>
+    <td>Idleness</td>
+    <td>Impatience</td>
+    <td>Selfishness</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+    <td>Wilfulness</td>
+    <td>Impudence</td>
+    <td>Activity</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+    <td>Vanity</td>
+    <td>Pride</td>
+    <td>Love of cats</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">In this same lesson comes the twelve-year-old
+Louisa's explanation of the difference
+between faith and hope:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">Faith can believe without seeing; hope is
+not sure, but tries to have faith when it desires.</p>
+</div><p class="indent"></p>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 139]</span>
+Louisa's love of nature, her trained
+habits of thought, her poetic imagination,
+and her keen appreciation of beauty
+are indicated in this entry in her journal,
+written at Fruitlands in 1843 or 1844,
+when she was a child of ten or eleven:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">I wrote in my imagination book, and
+enjoyed it very much. Life is pleasanter
+than it used to be, and I don't care about
+dying any more. Had a splendid run, and
+got a box of cones to burn. Sat and heard
+the pines sing a long time. Had good dreams,
+and woke now and then to think, and watch
+the moon. I had a pleasant time with my
+mind, for it was happy.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr2"/>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 140]</span></p>
+
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Girlhood and Womanhood</span></h3>
+
+<p class="cap">FAMILIAR to every reader of
+"Little Women" is the March
+family's quaint brown house with
+its many windows, its old-fashioned garden,
+its homely, homelike air, its unfailing
+hospitality. This home, as described by
+Louisa M. Alcott, is a picture of the
+Alcott home at Concord, the scene of
+the girlhood and young womanhood of
+the Alcott children. Many of Louisa's
+books were written there; "Little
+Women" was lived there. In Concord,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 141]</span>
+Anna met John Pratt, and the first love
+story in "Little Women" is Anna's life
+romance. There little Beth passed from
+the material to the spiritual life, and
+Amy first developed the artistic talents
+which later caused her work to be sought
+for by art museums and private collectors.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Anna's marriage was a great trial to
+Louisa, for from early childhood the two
+girls had been inseparable companions,
+and after Anna's marriage Louisa learned
+to look upon John as her brother.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Louisa's diary in the April following
+the passing of Elizabeth touches upon
+the change of homes in Concord, the
+absence of May, who was studying art
+in Boston, of Elizabeth and of Anna:</p>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 142]</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">April.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">Came to occupy one wing of Hawthorne's
+house (once ours) while the new one was
+being repaired. Father, mother and I kept
+house together, May being in Boston, Anna
+at Pratt farm, &amp; for the first time Lizzy
+absent. I don't miss her as I expected to do,
+for she seems nearer &amp; dearer than before,
+&amp; I am glad to know she is safe from pain &amp;
+age in some world where her innocent soul
+must be happy.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Death never seemed terrible to me, &amp; now
+is beautiful, so I cannot fear it, but find it
+friendly and wonderful.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="IMAGE_142" id="IMAGE_142"></a>
+<img src="images/i018.jpg" width="400" height="530" alt="Abba May Alcott. From a photograph. Page 142." title="Abba May Alcott. From a photograph. Page 142." />
+<span style="font-variant: small-caps; font-weight: bold;">Abba May Alcott.</span><br />
+<span style="font-weight: bold;">From a photograph.</span><br />
+<span style="font-weight: bold;"><i>Page</i> 142.</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p class="indent">Amy's artistic efforts and her failures
+in "Little Women" are taken from May's
+actual experiences in Concord. Turning
+the career of the youngest of the
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 143]</span>
+Alcott girls into a romance earlier in
+"Little Women" than it actually
+occurred in life, doubtless prevented
+Louisa Alcott from chronicling the artistic
+success of her youngest sister, a success
+to which she largely contributed
+and in which she took great pride.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">May Alcott's pictures are found to-day
+in art museums and in leading private
+collections in this country and
+abroad. Her copies of Turner are remarkable.
+In the Kensington Gallery
+in London students are given them to
+study in preference to the originals.
+Several fine examples are in American
+museums, and a few are owned by members
+of the Alcott family.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">When the Alcotts moved into Orchard
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 144]</span>
+House, the girls painted and papered
+the interior themselves. May filled the
+nooks and corners with panels, on which
+she painted birds and flowers. Over the
+fireplaces she inscribed mottoes in Old
+English characters.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">The study in Orchard House was the
+real center of the household. For the
+chimney piece Ellery Channing wrote an
+epigram, which May Alcott painted upon
+it, and which has been used in the stage
+reproduction of "Little Women":</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 7.5em;">"The Hills are reared, the Valleys scooped in vain,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">If Learning's Altars vanish from the Plain."</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">In Orchard House to-day, walls, doors,
+and window casings are etched with May
+Alcott's drawings, many preserved under
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 145]</span>
+glass, including a miniature portrait of
+a little girl, naïvely and modestly inscribed
+"The Artist."</p>
+
+<p class="indent">High thoughts and cheerful minds
+triumphed over poverty in those Concord
+days. Shortly after the family's return
+from Fruitlands, Louisa wrote for Ellen
+Emerson the fairy stories, "Flower
+Fables." She was at the time only
+sixteen. This was her earliest published
+work, and it was many years before she
+achieved literary fame, although, as did
+Jo in "Little Women," she materially
+helped in the support of the family by
+writing lurid tales.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Literature rather than commerce freed
+the Alcotts from the burden of debt.
+Louisa's fame was the result, neither of
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 146]</span>
+accident, nor of a single achievement,
+but had for its background the whole
+generous past of her family. Her "Hospital
+Sketches" were her letters home,
+when she was serving as hospital nurse
+during the Civil War. "Little Women"
+is a chronicle of her family. Louisa
+certainly made good use of the vicissitudes
+of the Alcotts. She always saw
+the funny side and was not afraid to
+make book material of the home experiences,
+elevating or humiliating. Her
+books number between twenty-five and
+thirty. Nearly every one takes its basic
+idea from some real experience. The
+books written by the Alcott family,
+including some eight or ten published by
+Mr. Alcott, Louisa's output, and one or
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 147]</span>
+two written by May, fill two shelves of
+an alcove devoted to Concord authors
+in the Alcott town library.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Anna's little sons, familiarly known
+in the Alcott household as Freddie and
+Johnnie, or Jack, gave to Bronson Alcott
+in his later days fresh opportunity for
+his favorite study&mdash;childhood. To
+both boys came frequent messages and
+gifts from Grandpa, Grandma, and Aunt
+Louisa.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Louisa Alcott sent to Freddie this poem
+on his third birthday:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">A song for little Freddie</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">On his third Birthday.</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 8em;">Down in the field</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Where the brook goes,</span><br />
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 148]</span>
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Lives a white lammie</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">With a little black nose.</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 8em;">He eats the grass so green,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">He drinks the "la la" sweet,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">"Buttertups" and daisies,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Grow all about his feet.</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 8em;">The "birdies" they sing to him,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">The big sun in the sky,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Warms his little "Toe-toes,"</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">And peeps into his eye.</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 8em;">He's a very gentle lammie,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">He never makes a fuss,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">He never "saps his marmar,"</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">He never says "I muss."</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 8em;">He hops and he runs,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">"Wound and wound" all day,</span><br />
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 149]</span><span style="margin-left: 8em;">And when the night comes,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">He goes "bye low" on the hay.</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 8em;">In a nice little barn,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Where the "moo-moos" are;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Freddie says "Good night,"</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">But the lammie he says "Baa!"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="indent">To be sung by Marmar with appropriate
+accompaniment of gesture, etc.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">On the outside of the letter appears:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">A little song for Freddie,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">On his third birthday,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">With "lots" of loving kisses,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">From his Wee-wee far away.</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">On his sixth birthday Grandpa contributes:
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 150]</span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="center">
+Concord, Freddie's<br />
+6th Birthday,<br />
+1869.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Dear Freddy,</p>
+
+<p class="indent">I give you for your Birth Day Present
+this new Picture Book. It has plain words
+for you to pick out and read. The stories
+are short and about things that you know.
+Now, my little scholar, look among the
+leaves every day, and see how many words
+you can tell,&mdash;Very soon you will find you
+can read whole pages, spell the whole book
+through, and write the stories, word for word
+on your slate or in your little writing book.
+Then you will not be a little Dunce, and when
+Grandpa comes to see you, you will be glad
+to show him how well you can read.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Grandma gives the top to Johnny.</p>
+
+<p class="right">From Grandpa.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 151]</span>
+Grandma, not to be outdone, sent
+this:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">
+Dear Freddy,<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="indent">If worms give us the silk thread&mdash;can't
+we find time enough to find out how the
+Fabric is made which dresses are formed of&mdash;minutes
+and days&mdash;ours. Days and Years
+are passing away&mdash;let us be busy&mdash;and
+I guess we will get to the Vienna Exposition&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="center">"How doth the little busy Bee"</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Improve each shining hour&mdash;Be a Bee&mdash;and
+your hours will be too few for the Flowers
+of Science and the Wheels of Use. Grandma
+will help you with her one dim eye and
+Grandpa will explain a great deal to you with
+his Shining Light&mdash;Mama with your help
+will make you a true, good man.&mdash;</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 152]</span>1873.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">On his twelfth birthday Aunt Louisa
+again lapsed into poetry:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="center">F. A. P.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Who likes to read a fairy tale,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Or stories told of sword and sail,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Until his little optics fail?</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 21em;">Our boy.</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 8em;">Who loves his father's watch to wear</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">And often draw it out with care</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Upon its round white face to stare?</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 21em;">Our boy.</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 8em;">Who rather proud of his small feet</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">When wearing slippers new and neat,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">And stockings red as any beet?</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 21em;">Our boy.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 153]</span>
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Who in his pocket keeps his hands</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">As round the house he "mooning" stands</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Or reads the paper like the mans?</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 21em;">Our boy.</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 8em;">Who likes to "boss" it over Jack,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">And sometimes gives a naughty whack,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">But gets it heartily paid back?</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 21em;">Our boy.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 8em;">Who likes to have a birthday frolic</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">And eats until he has a colic,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">That for the time is diabolic?</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 21em;">Our boy.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 8em;">Who is the dearest little lad,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">That aunt or mother ever had,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">To love when gay and cheer when sad?</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 21em;">Our boy.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 154]</span><span style="margin-left: 8em;">May angels guard him with their wings,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">And all brave, good and happy things,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Make nobler thou than crowned kings.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 21em;">Our boy.</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">March 28th, 1875.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">John, the original of Daisy in "Little
+Women," received in his babyhood days
+from Aunt Louisa, some tiny blue stockings
+with this verse:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Two pair of blue hose,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">For Johnny's white toes,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">So Jack Frost can't freeze em,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Nor darned stockings tease em,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">So pretty and neat</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">I hope the small feet</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Will never go wrong,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">But walk straight and strong,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">The way father went.</span><br />
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 155]</span><span style="margin-left: 8em;">We shall all be content,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">If the dear little son</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Be a second good John.</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">On his tenth birthday, both Grandpa
+and Grandma Alcott sent these characteristic
+greetings to their younger
+grandson:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="center">Grandma Alcott to Johnny.</p>
+
+<p>10th birthday. <span class="ralign">June 24th. 1875.</span></p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">Giving song, all day long,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Under the elm or willow;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">With sunshine shed</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">On the little head</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">That rests on Grandma's pillow.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">To and fro,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">Let it go,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">While inside piping cheery,</span><br />
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 156]</span><span style="margin-left: 9em;">As he takes his rest</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">In his hang-bird's nest</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Lies Grandma's little deary.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p class="center">
+Grandpa Alcott to Johnny.<br />
+June 24th. 1875.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 8em;">A fine little sword</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">For gallant Capt. Jack,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">As he marches down the hill</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">His army at his back.</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 8em;">No giants will it kill</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">Since its only made for show,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">And the best way to fight,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">Is a kiss for a blow.</span><br />
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">In these days of private secretaries,
+labor-saving devices, and specialization,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 157]</span>
+it is difficult to comprehend the obstacles
+that Louisa Alcott encountered in writing.
+Her day was filled with other
+tasks, housework, sewing, teaching,
+nursing&mdash;yet the pen was never idle,
+the busy brain was never still. Her
+power of concentration made it possible
+for her to write under harassing conditions.
+This is her own description of
+her methods of work:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">My methods of work are very simple and
+soon told. My head is my study, and there
+I keep the various plans of stories for years
+sometimes, letting them grow as they will
+till I am ready to put them on paper. Then
+it is quick work, as chapters go down word
+for word as they stand in my mind, and need
+no alteration. I never copy, since I find by
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 158]</span>
+experience that the work I spend the least
+time upon is best liked by critics and speakers.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Any paper, any pen, any place that is
+quiet suit me, and I used to write from
+morning till night without fatigue when
+"the steam was up." Now, however, I am
+paying the penalty of twenty years of over
+work, and can write but two hours a day,
+doing about twenty pages, sometimes more,
+though my right thumb is useless from
+writer's cramp.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">While a story is under way I live in it,
+see the people more plainly than real ones
+around me, hear them talk, and am much
+interested, surprised and provoked at their
+actions, for I seem to have no power to rule
+them, and can simply record their experiences
+and performances.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Materials for the children's tales I find
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 159]</span>
+in the lives of the little people about me, for
+no one can invent anything so droll, pretty
+or pathetic as the sayings and doings of these
+small actors, poets and martyrs. In the
+older books, the events are mostly from real
+life, the strongest the truest, and I yet hope to
+write a few of the novels which have been
+simmering in my brain while necessity and
+unexpected success have confined me to
+juvenile literature.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">I gave Mrs. Moulton many facts for her
+article in "Famous Women," and there are
+many other sketches which will add more if
+they are wanted. The first edition of
+"Jo's Boys" was twenty thousand I believe,
+and over fifty thousand were soon gone.
+Since January I know little about the sales.
+People usually ask "How much have you
+made?" I am contented with a hundred
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 160]</span>
+thousand, and find my best success in the
+comfort my family enjoy; also a naughty
+satisfaction in proving that it was better
+<i>not</i> to "stick to teaching" as advised, but to
+write.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="IMAGE_160" id="IMAGE_160"></a>
+<img src="images/i019.jpg" width="400" height="556" alt="Louisa May Alcott. From a daguerreotype. Page 160." title="Louisa May Alcott. From a daguerreotype. Page 160." />
+<span style="font-variant: small-caps; font-weight: bold;">Louisa May Alcott.</span><br />
+<span style="font-weight: bold;">From a daguerreotype.</span><br />
+<span style="font-weight: bold;"><i>Page</i> 160.</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p class="indent">With all her love for her father, irreverent
+Louisa delighted in making fun of
+him. The complacent philosopher, with
+his voluminous journals, his several books
+in manuscript, his liking, despite the
+brilliancy of his conversations, for the
+written rather than the spoken word,
+was a wasteful user of paper and a careless
+dispenser of ink. That her father
+enjoyed her good-natured banter is shown
+by the fact that in his journal he has
+entered the following poem, written by
+Louisa at nineteen:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="center"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 161]</span>
+From Louisa on my 52nd birthday.</p>
+
+<p class="right">Nov. 29th, 1851.</p>
+
+<p class="center">To Father.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">A cloth on the table where dear Plato sits</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">By one of the Graces was spread</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">With the single request that he would not design</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">New patterns with black ink or red.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">And when he is soaring away in the clouds</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">I beg he'll remember and think</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Though the "blackbirds" are fair his cloth will be fairer</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">For not being deluged with ink.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">May plenty of paper of pens and of quiet</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">To my dear pa forever be given</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Till he has written such piles that when on the top</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">He can walk calmly on into Heaven.</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr2"/>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 162]</span></p>
+
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Friendships and Beliefs</span></h3>
+
+<p class="cap">RARE friendships existed among the
+great minds of that period, when
+Transcendentalism in America was
+first talked and lived, a close bond of
+sympathy uniting Bronson Alcott, Emerson,
+Thoreau, Ellery Channing, Margaret
+Fuller, and Elizabeth Peabody.
+Such association made its impress upon
+the Alcott daughters. Anna's diary is
+filled with references to visits with the
+Emersons. Louisa's deal less with the
+family and more with the intellectual
+life of the great philosopher, whom she
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 163]</span>
+made her idol. Through life he was her
+stanch and understanding friend.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">"The Apostles of the Newness" was
+the scoffing term applied to these literary
+giants of New England by those who
+lacked the mental and spiritual insight
+to recognize greatness in others.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">This attitude of ridicule was largely
+responsible for the continued attacks
+upon the <i>Dial</i>, a quarterly issued by
+the Transcendentalists, edited from 1840
+to 1844 by Emerson, Margaret Fuller,
+George Ripley, and Thoreau. Between
+its modest covers were many of the intellectual
+masterpieces of the time: its
+rare volumes are still treasure-houses of
+literature which to-day command any
+price. Mr. Alcott selected its title and
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 164]</span>
+was to a large extent responsible for its
+policy. His Orphic Sayings in the <i>Dial</i>,
+now looked upon as classics, were the
+butt of the press at the time, and the
+derision of Boston society.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">In these Orphic Sayings, he gave this
+remarkable definition of Reform: "Reforms
+are the noblest of facts. Extant
+in time, they work for eternity: dwelling
+with men, they are with God."</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Conversation among these friends was
+neither trivial nor useless, and in the
+Alcott circle, which included Emerson,
+Thoreau, Theodore Parker, William
+Henry Channing, James Freeman Clarke,
+Elizabeth Peabody, Mrs. Cheney, and
+other of the early Transcendentalists,
+later on augmented by James Russell
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 165]</span>
+Lowell and Nathaniel Hawthorne, a series
+of drawing-room symposiums was established,
+with Alcott, whom Emerson called
+"serious and superior," as a leader.
+Much of the substance of these conversations
+is found in the Alcott journals,
+and in the unpublished manuscripts of
+the poet-philosopher.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">In Concord, the Alcotts once more
+enjoyed the literary companionship they
+craved. Emerson was a near neighbor.
+Thoreau had his cabin at Walden, where
+he had established "a community of
+one." To and from Boston came others
+of the Transcendental group, and Concord
+became the center of thought for New
+England.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Thinking, however, was not the only
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 166]</span>
+occupation of Bronson Alcott. Dreamer
+he was, but he delighted in toil and ever
+upheld the dignity of labor, not ashamed
+nor afraid to work for hire as a laborer
+in his neighbor's field, while nightly
+conducting drawing-room conversations
+with a company of peers and students.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">When Thoreau built his cabin, Alcott
+helped him. They cut the trees from
+Emerson's grove. While Emerson was
+abroad, they built a summer-house for
+him on his grounds. It stood for many
+years, a picturesque temple of friendship.
+William Henry Channing mentions a
+morning spent there, reading Margaret
+Fuller's Italian letters. May Alcott has
+made drawings of it, which were published
+in a volume of "Concord Sketches"
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 167]</span>
+that also contained her drawing of Hawthorne's
+house.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Mr. Alcott practically rebuilt Orchard
+House for his own family. Mrs. Child,
+a friend of Mrs. Alcott, thus describes
+this home, which is now preserved as a
+memorial to Louisa M. Alcott and is
+visited by thousands every year:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">When they bought the place the house
+was so very old that it was thrown into the
+bargain, with the supposition that it was fit
+for nothing but firewood. But Mr. Alcott
+had an architectural taste, more intelligible
+than his Orphic Sayings. He let every old
+rafter and beam stay in its place, changed
+old ovens and ash holes into Saxon arched
+alcoves, and added a washerwoman's old
+shanty to the rear. The result is a house
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 168]</span>
+full of queer nooks and corners, with all
+manner of juttings in and out. It seems as
+if the spirit of some old architect had dropped
+it down in Concord.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">Thoreau, master builder himself, has
+paid to Bronson Alcott this tribute:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">One of the last of the philosophers, Connecticut
+gave him to the world. He peddled
+first her wares, afterwards, as he declares,
+his brains. These he peddles still, bearing
+for fruit, only his brain, like the nut its kernel.
+His words and attitude always suppose
+a better state of things than other men are
+aquainted with, and he will be the last man
+to be disappointed when the ages revolve.
+He has no venture in the present. But
+though comparatively disregarded now,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 169]</span>
+when his day comes, laws unsuspected by
+most will take effect, and rulers will come to
+him for advice.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">Emerson, who saw the boy mind beneath
+the philosopher's dignity, said
+tenderly of Bronson Alcott: "He is
+certainly the youngest man of his age
+we have seen. When I looked at his
+gray hairs, his conversation sounded
+pathetic; but I looked again and they
+reminded me of the gray dawn."</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Even his friends, to say nothing of
+Louisa, occasionally poked fun at him
+for chronicling so minutely all his
+thoughts. Ellery Channing called his
+library, "Encyclopediea de Moi-meme,
+en cents volumes." Yet these journals
+and records are now worth more than the
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 170]</span>
+fine library he collected and in which he
+delighted.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Emerson has thus described the origin
+of the Fruitlands community:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">On the invitation of James P. Greaves
+of London, the friend and fellow-laborer of
+Pestalozzi in Switzerland, Mr. Alcott went
+to England in 1842. Mr. Greaves died
+before his arrival, but Mr. Alcott was received
+cordially by his friends, who had
+given his name to their school, Alcott House,
+Ham, near London. He spent several
+months in making acquaintance with various
+classes of reformers. On his return to
+America, he brought with him two of his
+English friends, Chas. Lane and H. C.
+Wright; and Mr. Lane having bought a farm
+which he called Fruitlands, at Harvard,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 171]</span>
+Mass., they all went there to found a new
+community.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">The Fruitlands experiment and its
+failure have been immortalized by Louisa
+Alcott in her "Transcendental Wild
+Oats." The detail of it is thus described
+by a friend of the Alcott family,
+who had the story from Bronson Alcott
+himself:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">The crop failures necessitated the community
+living on a barley diet, as anything
+animal was not allowed, not even milk and
+eggs. Now and then they gave a thought
+as to what they should do for shoes when
+those they had were gone; for depriving the
+cow of her skin was a crime not to be tolerated.
+The barley crop was injured in harvesting,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 172]</span>
+and before long want was staring them in
+the face. The Alcotts remained at Fruitlands
+till mid-winter in dire poverty, all the
+guests having taken their departure as provisions
+vanished. Friends came to the rescue,
+and, Mr. Alcott concluded with pathos in his
+voice, "We put our little women on an ox-sled
+and made our way to Concord! So
+faded one of the dreams of my youth. I
+have given you the facts as they were;
+Louisa has given the comic side in 'Transcendental
+Wild Oats'; but Mrs. Alcott could
+give you the tragic side."</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">Indeed, it was always Mrs. Alcott who
+could have given the tragic side, skillfully
+as she kept her worries hidden. Her
+own family, indignant because Bronson
+Alcott could not better provide the
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 173]</span>
+material needs for his family, on more
+than one occasion besought the faithful
+wife to leave him.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">A letter from her brother, urging this
+step, drew forth from her a defense of
+Bronson Alcott which the husband enters
+in his journal as follows:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="center">
+November<br />
+1840</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Passages of a letter from my wife to one
+who misapprehends and perverts my life
+and purposes.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">"If I do not mistake the spirit as well as
+letter of your remark you would have us
+believe that a righteous retribution has
+overtaken us, (or my husband, and we are
+one,) and that the world is justly punishing
+him for not having conciliated it, by conforming
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 174]</span>
+to its wills and ways.&mdash;You say that
+my husband was told ten years ago, that the
+world could not understand him. It perhaps
+fell dead on his ears and ever will.
+There is no human voice can convince him
+that the path he has chosen to tread, thorny,
+bleak, solitary, as it is, is not the right one
+for him. Just so did that man of Nazareth
+whom all the world profess to admire and
+adore, but few to imitate; and these few
+are the laughing-stock of the Christian
+Community. They are branded as visionaries
+and fools. But this little band when
+alone and disencumbered of idle observation,
+enjoy the recital of their privations; they
+have been reviled, but they revile not again;
+they know sorrow and are acquainted with
+grief; and yet there is joy in that group of
+sinless men, such as angels might desire to
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 175]</span>
+partake of. I am not writing poetry, but I
+have tried to place before your mind, in as
+brief, but clear a manner as I am able, our
+real condition, and Mr. Alcott's merit as a
+man, who, though punished and neglected
+by a wicked world, has much to console and
+encourage him in the confidence and cooperation
+of some of the wisest and best men
+living. Ten such, were they permitted in
+their several vocations to act as teachers,
+preachers, and printers, would save our
+wicked city from the ruin that awaits it.
+But they are turned, like the Nazarene, into
+solitary places to lament the blindness and
+folly of mankind, who are following the vain
+and fleeting shadow for the real and abiding
+substance. But to return to Mr. Alcott, is
+he to sell his soul, or what is the same thing,
+his principles, for the bread that perisheth?
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 176]</span>
+No one will employ him in his way; he cannot
+work in theirs, if he thereby involve his
+conscience. He is so resolved in this matter
+that I believe he will starve and freeze before
+he will sacrifice principle to comfort. In this,
+I and my children are necessarily implicated:
+we make and mean to make all the sacrifices
+we can to sustain him, but we have less to
+sustain us in the spirit, and therefore, are
+more liable to be overcome of the flesh.
+He has, for a long time gone without everything
+which he could not produce by labor,
+from his own place, that no one could in
+truth reproach him with wantonly eating
+of the fruits of another's labor.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">He was sent for by friends in Hingham to
+talk with them; which he did two evenings;
+his expenses were paid and $23. put into his
+hands as a slight compensation for the benefit
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 177]</span>
+they felt he had conferred upon them by his
+conversations. I should like to copy the
+note accompanying it, but you never care
+to see how his fellow fanatics rave on these
+holy themes, life, duty, destiny of man.
+Thus he occasionally finds a market for his
+thoughts and experiences, which, though
+inadequate to our support, is richly prized
+as the honest gains of an innocent and
+righteous labor. You spoke of his "poetical
+wardrobe" whether in satire or in a worthier
+spirit, I cannot tell. However spiritual
+he may have become, there is still enough of
+the carnal to feel the chills of winter, and
+the chiller blasts of satire. His tatters are
+the rags of righteousness and keep him
+warmer than they would anyone whose
+spirit was less cheered and warmed by the
+fires of eternal love and truth.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 178]</span>
+An appreciative account of Mr. Alcott's
+famous school in the Masonic Temple,
+Boston, is found in the "Record of a
+School," edited by Elizabeth Peabody,
+published in 1835, republished in 1874.
+The "Conversations with Children on
+the Gospels," edited by Mr. Alcott in
+two volumes, appearing in 1836-1837,
+caused such a commotion in Boston as
+to result in the downfall of the Temple
+School. Reading these conversations
+to-day, one is impressed with the modern
+quality of their thought. They were
+forerunners of that higher criticism,
+which with the Bible student now supplants
+the old blind acceptance without
+reflection of even obscure Biblical passages.</p>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 179]</span>
+On philosophy and religion Mr. Alcott
+and Miss Peabody delighted to talk and
+write. Their discussion of the existence
+of evil is startlingly modern.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">"I do not think that evil should be
+clothed in form by the imagination,"
+writes Miss Peabody to Mr. Alcott;
+"I think every effort should be made to
+strip it of all individuality, all shaping
+and all coloring. And the reason is,
+that Evil has in truth no substantial
+existence, that it acquires all the existence
+it has from want of faith and soul cultivation,
+and that this is sufficient reason
+why all cultivation should be directed
+to give positiveness, coloring, shaping,
+to all kinds of good&mdash;Good only being
+eternal truth."</p>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 180]</span>
+In reply, the philosopher thus comments
+in his diary: "Evil has no positive
+existence, I agree with Miss Peabody,
+but it has usurped a positive place
+and being in the popular imagination,
+and by the imagination must it be made
+to flee away into its negative life. How
+shall this be done? By shadowing forth
+in vivid colors the absolute beauty and
+phenomena of good, by assuming evil
+not as positive, but as negative."</p>
+
+<p class="indent">"I shall always love you for loving
+Alcott," writes Emerson to his schoolmate
+and lifelong friend, the Reverend
+W. H. Furness. "He is a great man,
+the god with the herdsman of Admetus.
+His conversation is sublime; yet when
+I see how he is underestimated by cultivated
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 181]</span>
+people, I fancy none but I have
+heard him talk."</p>
+
+<p class="indent">In the midst of slander and petty persecutions,
+Alcott writes in his diary for
+April, 1837:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent">I have been striving to apprehend the
+real in the seeming, to strip ideas of their
+adventitious phrases and behold them in
+their order and powers. I have sought to
+penetrate the showy terrestrial to find the
+heavenly things. I have tried to translate
+into ideas the language and images of spirit,
+and thus to read God in his works. The
+outward I have seen as the visage and type
+of the inward. Ever doth this same nature
+double its design and stand forth&mdash;now
+before the inner, now before the outer sense
+of man, at once substance and form, image
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 182]</span>
+and idea, so that God shall never slip wholly
+from the consciousness of the soul.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">Emerson, weary of seeing his friend
+misunderstood, urges him to give up
+teaching and become an author, picturing
+as his golden view for Alcott that
+one day he will leave the impracticable
+world to wag its own way, sit apart, and
+write his oracles for its behoof.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">"Write! let them hear or let them
+forbear," he thunders. "The written
+word abides until, slowly and unexpectedly,
+and in widely sundered places,
+it has created its own church."</p>
+
+<p class="indent">The unreality of evil, as taught and
+believed by Alcott nearly a century ago,
+laughed and scoffed at then, was twenty-five
+years later practically the foundation
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 183]</span>
+of a belief which gained its first
+foothold in New England, and, with
+headquarters in Boston, has spread, until
+to-day its followers and churches circle
+the civilized globe&mdash;a new-old religion,
+based on the literal acceptance of the
+teachings of Christ. What to-day is
+called metaphysical teaching was in the
+Alcott period scoffed at as Transcendentalism.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Mr. Alcott's strict adherence to a
+vegetarian diet was also the topic of
+ridicule from public and press, although
+the Alcott children seemed to thrive on it,
+and certainly, as four-year-old Louisa
+once remarked, "Did pitty well for a
+wegetable diet."</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Louisa, in her journal, gives this sample
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 184]</span>
+of the vegetarian wafers they had at
+Fruitlands:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<table style="width:90%;" border="0" summary="vegetarian wafers">
+<tr >
+<td style="width: 20%">
+Vegetable<br />
+diet and<br />
+sweet repose<br />
+Animal food<br />
+and nightmare.
+</td>
+<td style="width: 20%;">
+Pluck your<br />
+body from<br />
+the orchard;<br />
+do not snatch<br />
+it from the<br />
+shamble.
+</td>
+<td style="width: 20%;">
+Without flesh<br />
+<br />
+diet there<br />
+could be no<br />
+blood-shedding<br />
+war.
+</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td style="width: 45%;">
+Appollo eats no<br />
+flesh and has no<br />
+beard; his voice is<br />
+melody itself.
+</td>
+<td style="width: 45%;">
+Snuff is no less snuff<br />
+though accepted<br />
+from a gold box.
+</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">Bronson Alcott constantly sought self-improvement,
+and the shortcomings of
+his early education were more than offset
+by his untiring study. Realizing at one
+time his lack of a vocabulary, he comments
+in his journal, that to rectify this
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 185]</span>
+he has just bought two books, "A Symposium
+of Melancholy," and "Hunter
+on the Blood."</p>
+
+<p class="indent">In their memoirs of Bronson Alcott,
+F. B. Sanborn and W. T. Harris have
+thus summed up his character: "He was
+the most filial son, the most faithful
+lover, the most attached friend, the
+most generous philanthropist of his time.
+And when he died, he left fewer enemies
+than any man of equal age can have
+provoked or encountered in so long a
+career."</p>
+
+<p class="indent">In his study of childhood, Mr. Alcott
+sought first to reach the mind, recognizing
+that as "the God within us." He
+encouraged individuality in his children,
+trying in their earliest years to make
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 186]</span>
+them think for themselves. All through
+his teaching runs the boy's friendship
+with God, and his sense of oneness with
+his Maker was a part of the divine heritage
+he passed on to his daughters.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">He records in his diary a conversation
+with Anna, who was four, and Louisa,
+who was two, after reading to them the
+story of Jesus, which he made so vital
+that, given their choice, they asked for
+it in preference to a fairy tale. Anna
+remarked that Jesus did not really die.
+"They killed his body, but not his soul."
+Her father asked: "What is the soul,
+Anna?" The little four-year-old replied:
+"It's this inside of me that
+makes me feel and think and love."
+"And," said the father, "what became of
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 187]</span>
+Jesus' soul?" Anna replied: "It went
+back to God." Whereat little two-year-old
+Louisa asked: "Why, isn't Dod
+inside of me?"</p>
+
+<p class="indent">A note in the father's diary at the
+birth of Elizabeth records "Anna's first
+interview with her sister" (Elizabeth a
+few hours old), and a day later comes
+this record: "Anna and Louisa interview
+their sister." Louisa, two years
+old, wishes to have the baby sister put
+in her arms, when four-year-old Anna
+says warningly: "Treat her very carefully,
+Louisa, she comes from God."
+What a beautiful thought to give a child
+of the divine mystery of birth!</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Instead of asserting what he intended
+to make of his children, Alcott encouraged
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 188]</span>
+the child to make itself, beginning
+when it was a small baby, treating it as
+an individual, giving it opportunity to
+use its mentality, instilling principles of
+right and wrong by suggestion. Alcott
+never commanded. "You don't wish
+to do that," was his way, not exacting
+blind obedience, but expressing his conviction
+that the child wished to do right.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">To him, God was love. He had no
+fear of God, for perfect love had cast out
+fear. This same spirit was manifested
+in all his children. To them the change
+called Death was not to be dreaded;
+it was a stepping forward and upward.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">This thought that death is not the
+end, but the beginning, is expressed in
+one of Louisa's most beautiful poems:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 189]</span></p>
+<h3><span class="smcap">Thoreau's Flute</span></h3>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 8em;">We sighing said, "Our Pan is dead;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">His pipe hangs mute beside the river.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Around it wistful sunbeams quiver,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">And Music's airy voice is fled.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Spring mourns as for untimely frost;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">The bluebird chants a requiem;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">The willow-blossom waits for him;&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">The Genius of the wood is lost."</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 8em;">Then from the flute, untouched by hands,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">There came a low, harmonious breath;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">"For such as he there is no death&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">His life the eternal life commands;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Above man's aims his nature rose,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">The wisdom of a just content</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Made one small spot a continent</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">And tuned to poetry life's prose.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 190]</span><span style="margin-left: 8em;">"Haunting the hills, the stream, the wild,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">Swallow and aster, lake and pine,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">To him grew human or divine,&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Fit mates for this large-hearted child.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">Such homage Nature ne'er forgets,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">And yearly on the coverlid</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">'Neath which her darling lieth hid</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">Will write his name in violets.</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 8em;">"To him no vain regrets belong,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">Whose soul, that finer instrument,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Gave to the world no poor lament,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">But wood-notes ever sweet and strong.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">O lonely friend! he still will be</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">A potent presence, though unseen;&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Steadfast, sagacious and serene;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">Seek not for him&mdash;he is with thee."</span>
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="indent">A visit to Sleepy Hollow suggests life,
+not death. Giant trees stretch their
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 191]</span>
+branches over marble and granite monuments,
+as if in benediction. "There is
+no death, for God is life," they seem to
+say. For them there is no death. Emerson
+lives to-day, the great philosopher;
+so do Thoreau, Hawthorne, Bronson
+Alcott, and others of that mighty company.
+And who shall say that Louisa
+Alcott is dead? She lives in the hearts
+of thousands, and will go on living
+through the love they bear her.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Bronson Alcott was a true disciple of
+Jesus Christ. He lived the example
+set by his Master not alone in words
+and thoughts, but in deeds. He lived
+through and beyond misunderstanding,
+ridicule, poverty, to see his teachings
+respected, his name honored, to see the
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 192]</span>
+first glimmer of the new light which was
+beginning to break over the world, the
+sunrise at his own sunset.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">This thought is embodied in the last
+poem Louisa Alcott ever wrote:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="center">
+To my Father.<br />
+On his Eighty-Sixth Birthday.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Dear Pilgrim, waiting patiently,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">The long, long journey nearly done,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Beside the sacred stream that flows</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">Clear shining in the western sun;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Look backward on the varied road</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">Your steadfast feet have trod,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">From youth to age, through weal and woe,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">Climbing forever nearer God.</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 8em;">Mountain and valley lie behind;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">The slough is crossed, the wicket passed;</span><br />
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 193]</span>
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Doubt and despair, sorrow and sin,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">Giant and fiend, conquered at last.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Neglect is changed to honor now,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">The heavy cross may be laid down;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">The white head wins and wears at length</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">The prophet's, not the martyr's crown.</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 8em;">Greatheart and Faithful gone before,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">
+Brave Christiana, Mercy sweet,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Are shining ones who stand and wait</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">The weary wanderer to greet.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Patience and Love his handmaids are,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">And till time brings release,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Christian may rest in that bright room</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">Whose windows open to the east.</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 8em;">The staff set by, the sandals off,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">Still pondering the precious scroll,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Serene and strong he waits the call</span><br />
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 194]</span>
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">That frees and wings a happy soul.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Then beautiful as when it lured,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">The boy's aspiring eyes,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Before the pilgrim's longing sight,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">Shall the Celestial City rise.</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr2"/>
+
+<p class="indent"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 195]</span></p>
+
+<h2><a name="CHRONOLOGY" id="CHRONOLOGY"></a>CHRONOLOGY</h2>
+
+<p class="indent">It has been particularly the aim of the
+editors to lift these Little Women Letters
+out of the biographical and into the narrative
+class. For this reason dates have not been
+used with any degree of liberality, and
+chronological facts have been minimized.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">However, as this is a story of the Alcott
+family, and seekers for definite data will not
+be lacking, a chronological summary is
+herewith furnished:</p>
+
+<p class="center">
+Amos Bronson Alcott . . . . 1799-1888<br />
+married<br />
+Abby May . . . . . . . . . .1800-1877<br />
+<br />
+Their Children<br />
+Anna Bronson . . . . . . . .1831-1893<br />
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 196]</span>Louisa May . . . . . . . 1832-1888<br />
+Elizabeth . . . . . . . . . 1835-1858<br />
+Abby May . . . . . . . . . .1840-1879</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p class="center">Anna Bronson married John Bridge Pratt, 1860.<br />
+<br />
+Their Children<br />
+Frederick Alcott . . . . . .1863-1910<br />
+John Sewall . . . . . . . . 1865</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p class="center">Abby May married Ernst Nieriker, March,<br />
+1878.<br />
+<br />
+Children<br />
+Louisa May  . . . . . . 1879</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p class="center">Frederick Alcott Pratt<br />
+married<br />
+Jessica Cate<br />
+February, 1888<br />
+<br />
+Their Children<br />
+Bronson Alcott . . . .  1889<br />
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 197]</span>
+Elizabeth Sewall . . .  1891<br />
+Louisa May  . . . . . . 1900<br />
+Frederick Woolsey . . . 1902</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p class="center">Elizabeth Sewall married Alfred Redfield<br />
+June, 1913</p>
+
+<p class="center"><a name="FNanchor_A_1" id="FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a>John Sewall Pratt<br />
+married<br />
+Eunie May Hunting<br />
+January, 1909<br />
+<br />
+Children<br />
+Elverton Hunting</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes">
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_A_1" id="Footnote_A_1">
+</a><a href="#FNanchor_A_1"><span class="label">[A]</span></a> John Sewall Pratt adopted in 1888 by Louisa May Alcott
+and name changed to John Sewall Pratt Alcott.</p>
+</div></div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p class="center">Louisa May Nieriker . . . 1878<br />
+married<br />
+Ernst Rasim<br />
+<br />
+Children<br />
+Ernestine<br />
+</p>
+
+<hr class="hr2"/>
+
+<div class="tnote">
+<h3>Transcriber's Notes:</h3>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p class="indent">Spelling errors, grammatical errors, and typographical errors within
+letters were not corrected, in order to preserve the flavor of the
+historical record of those letters. After all, some of these letters
+were written by girls as young as five.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">Some of the illustrations have been moved so that they do not break up
+paragraphs, thus the page number of the illustration might not match the
+page number in the List of Illustrations.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">On page 58, "reëstablished" was replaced with "reestablished".</p>
+
+<p class="indent">On page 173, has a quotation mark at the beginning of "If I do not
+mistake" but no closing quotation mark, and it is less than clear where
+the closing quotation mark should be.</p>
+
+<p class="indent"> In the Chronology, horizontal rules were added to give clarity to the tables.</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Little Women Letters from the House of
+Alcott, by Louisa M. Alcott, et al.
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+</body>
+</html>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Little Women Letters from the House of
+Alcott, by Louisa M. Alcott, et al.
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Little Women Letters from the House of Alcott
+
+Author: Louisa M. Alcott, et al.
+
+Release Date: October 20, 2010 [EBook #34106]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LITTLE WOMEN LETTERS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Ernest Schaal, and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                          LITTLE WOMEN LETTERS
+                                FROM THE
+                            HOUSE OF ALCOTT
+
+
+
+
+                     [Illustration: _Frontispiece._
+                 ORCHARD HOUSE, THE ALCOTT HOMESTEAD.]
+
+
+
+
+                              LITTLE WOMEN
+                                LETTERS
+                                FROM THE
+                            HOUSE OF ALCOTT
+
+
+                              SELECTED BY
+                            JESSIE BONSTELLE
+                                  AND
+                            MARIAN DEFOREST
+
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+
+                                 BOSTON
+                       LITTLE, BROWN, AND COMPANY
+                                  1914
+
+
+
+
+                           _Copyright, 1914_,
+                         BY JOHN S. P. ALCOTT.
+
+
+                         _All rights reserved_
+
+
+                       Published, September, 1914
+
+
+  Set up and electrotyped by J. S. Cushing Co., Norwood, Mass., U.S.A.
+        Presswork by S. J. Parkhill & Co., Boston, Mass., U.S.A.
+
+
+
+
+                                FOREWORD
+
+NEXT to the joy of giving to the Alcott-loving public "Little Women" as
+a play, is the privilege and pleasure of offering this book of letters,
+revealing the childhood and home life of the beloved Little Women.
+
+May they bring help and happiness to many mothers and inspiration and
+love to many children.
+
+
+
+
+                                CONTENTS
+
+
+    CHAPTER                                                     PAGE
+
+       I. THE "REALLY, TRULY" TRUE                                 1
+
+      II. THE ALCOTT BOY; THE ALCOTT MAN                          10
+
+     III. THE ALCOTT CHILDREN                                     28
+
+      IV. THE ALCOTT BABY BOOK                                    39
+
+       V. LETTERS AND CONVERSATIONS WITH CHILDREN                 59
+
+      VI. THE MOTHER'S INFLUENCE                                  98
+
+     VII. CHILDREN'S DIARIES                                     122
+
+    VIII. GIRLHOOD AND WOMANHOOD                                 140
+
+      IX. FRIENDSHIPS AND BELIEFS                                162
+
+          CHRONOLOGY                                             195
+
+
+
+
+                         LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+    Orchard House, the Alcott Homestead               _Frontispiece_
+
+                                                                PAGE
+
+    A. Bronson Alcott at the age of 53, from
+        the portrait by Mrs. Hildreth                             54
+
+    Facsimile of Mr. Alcott's Letter to
+        Louisa, Nov. 29, 1839                                     82
+
+    Facsimile of Mr. Alcott's Letter to Louisa, June 21, 1840     86
+
+    Facsimile of Mr. Alcott's Letter to Elizabeth, 1840           92
+
+    Abigail May, Mrs. A. Bronson Alcott, from a
+        Daguerreotype                                            106
+
+    Anna Bronson Alcott, from a Daguerreotype                    122
+
+    Abba May Alcott, from a Photograph                           142
+
+    Louisa May Alcott, from a Daguerreotype                      160
+
+
+
+
+                              LITTLE WOMEN
+                         LETTERS FROM THE HOUSE
+                               OF ALCOTT
+
+
+                               CHAPTER I
+
+                        THE "REALLY, TRULY" TRUE
+
+
+WHEN "Little Women," the play, reopened to many readers the pages of
+"Little Women," the book, that delightful chronicle of family life,
+dramatist and producer learned from many unconscious sources the depth
+of Louisa M. Alcott's human appeal. Standing one night at the back of
+the theater as the audience was dispersing, they listened to its
+comments on the play.
+
+"A wonderful picture of home life, only we don't have such homes," said
+a big, prosperous-looking man to his wife, with a touch of regret in his
+voice.
+
+"Yes," agreed his young daughter, a tall, slender, graceful girl, as she
+snuggled down cosily into her fur coat and tucked a bunch of violets
+away from the touch of the frosty night, "it is beautiful; but, daddy,
+it isn't real. There never was such a family."
+
+But it is real; there was such a family, and in letters, journals, and
+illustration this little book gives the history of the four Little
+Women, the Alcott girls, whom Louisa immortalized in her greatest story:
+Anna, who is Meg in "Little Women"; Louisa, the irrepressible and
+ambitious Jo; Elizabeth, the little Beth of the book; and Abba May, the
+graceful and statuesque Amy.
+
+Rare influences were at work in this ideal American home, where the
+intellectual and brilliant father was gifted in all ways except those
+that led to material success, and the wise and gentle mother combined
+with her loyalty and devotion to her husband a stanch, practical common
+sense, which more than once served to guide the frail Alcott bark
+through troubled seas.
+
+Following her remarkable success as a writer of short stories, Louisa M.
+Alcott was asked for a book. She said at first it was impossible, but
+repeated requests from her publishers brought from her the announcement
+that the only long story she could write would be about her own family.
+"Little Women" resulted, and, in erecting this House of Delight for
+young and old, Louisa Alcott builded better than she knew. Her Jo has
+been the inspiration of countless girls, and the many-sidedness of her
+character is indicated by the widely diverging lines of endeavor which
+Jo's example has suggested to the girl readers of the story.
+
+In the case of the two editors, both from early childhood found their
+inspiration in Jo. One, patterning after her idol, sought success in a
+stage career, beginning to "act" before a mirror, with a kitchen apron
+for a train and a buttonhook for a dagger. The other, always with a
+pencil in hand, first copied Jo by writing "lurid tales" for the weekly
+sensation papers, and later emerged into Newspaper Row.
+
+It was more than a year after the success of "Little Women" as a play
+had become a part of theatrical history that they visited the scenes
+hallowed by the memories of the Little Women. They wished to see Concord
+together, so they made a Sentimental Journey to the House of Alcott.
+
+The sun was shining, and the air was crisp--just such a day as Miss
+Alcott described in the Plumfield harvest home, the last chapter in
+"Little Women." They spent hours in Orchard House, touching reverently
+the small personal effects of Louisa M. Alcott, seeing the shelf
+between the windows in that little upper room, where she wrote and
+dreamed. They even climbed to the garret and wondered which window was
+her favorite scribbling seat, with a tin kitchen for her manuscripts, a
+pile of apples for her refreshment, and Scrabble, the bewhiskered rat,
+for her playfellow.
+
+Through the woods back of Orchard House they followed the winding
+pathway to the Hall of Philosophy, half hidden among the trees, where
+Bronson Alcott had his Conversations, where Emerson and Thoreau were
+often heard, and the most intellectual debates of the century took
+place.
+
+At sunset they visited Sleepy Hollow, the resting place of the Alcotts,
+with Emerson, Thoreau, and Hawthorne close by--a goodly company,
+neighbors still as they were for so many years when they made Concord
+America's literary shrine.
+
+Evening came, and the two pilgrims read together the Alcott journals and
+letters. The ink was faded, the quaint, old-fashioned writing was hard
+to decipher, but, beginning with a letter to Louisa written by Bronson
+Alcott when his daughter was seven years old, they read on until the
+dawn.
+
+Only one result could be expected from such an experience. They asked
+permission to publish the letters and such portions of the journals as
+would most completely reveal the rare spiritual companionship existing
+between the Alcott parents and children. And, asking, they were refused,
+because of a feeling that the letters and journals were intimate family
+records, to be read, not by the many, but by the few. This same
+sentiment withheld the dramatization of "Little Women" for many years.
+
+"You forget," they argued, holding fast to the dimly written pages,
+"that Bronson Alcott and Louisa Alcott are a part of America's literary
+heritage. They belong to the nation, to the world, not alone to you."
+
+This course of reasoning finally prevailed, but not without many months
+of waiting. And thus, with the consent of the Alcott heirs, the book of
+"Little Women Letters from the House of Alcott" came to be.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER II
+
+                                   I
+
+                             THE ALCOTT BOY
+
+
+ONCE upon a time in the little town of Wolcott, Connecticut, was born a
+boy destined to offer to the world new and beautiful thoughts. He was
+laughed at and misunderstood; but the thoughts were truth, and they have
+lived, although the boy grew weary and old and passed on.
+
+The boy was Amos Bronson Alcott. He was a country lad, used from infancy
+to the rugged life of the farm, with its self-denial and makeshifts. The
+seeming disadvantage, however, proved quite the opposite. His close
+communion with Nature brought him nearer to the truths of life. For him
+God ceased to be a mythical object to be studied and read about on
+Sunday; but, as he roamed the fields and climbed the hills, the lad
+found Him in the rocks and the woodlands, and in the sparkling streams.
+He became a reality. The boy and God were friends.
+
+Of schooling he had little. When work at the farm permitted, he attended
+the country school near his father's house. "Our copies," he told his
+little daughters, "were set by the schoolmaster in books made of a few
+sheets of foolscap, stitched together and ruled with a leather plummet.
+We used ink made of maple and oak bark, which we manufactured ourselves.
+With this I began keeping a diary of my doings."
+
+This was when the boy was twelve. His hours at school were few, but as
+he went about his daily tasks on the farm, his thoughts grew and grew
+until his mental stature far exceeded his physical. He read as he guided
+the plow along the furrow, sometimes unmindful of his work until a
+sudden punch from a neglected handle, as the plow struck a stone, would
+bring him back to earth with a thump. He sowed seeds in the moist, sweet
+earth, but his face was turned to the skies, and he knew the clouds and
+the stars. When he gathered firewood, his eyes were keen for the soft,
+dainty mosses, the clinging lichens. As he picked berries for the home
+table, he never missed the whirr of a bird wing or passed unnoticed the
+modest flowers half hidden in the soil. Nature was his library, and she
+spread out her choicest treasures to this growing boy.
+
+A love for all of God's creations characterized him. He was fond, not
+only of the growing things in the wood, but of all life. His love for
+animals amounted almost to a passion, one reason for his being a strict
+vegetarian and insisting upon bringing up his little family on a
+vegetable diet. But in boyhood it was not always clear whether humanity
+or the craving for knowledge made him so considerate of the plodding
+team in the field. Never was team more carefully tended. Many were its
+hours of grazing, when the noonday sun rode high in the heavens, and the
+Alcott boy, book in hand, curled up under the shade of a gigantic elm
+and read until the shadows began to lengthen. But these lapses were only
+occasional, for the lad was faithful to his tasks, except when he
+yielded to the lure of the printed page.
+
+When scarcely more than a child he began to keep a record of his books
+and his reading, showing the first traces of the reflective,
+introspective quality of mind which later led him to set down in letters
+and unpublished manuscripts his inmost thoughts. He cultivated the same
+habits of thought in his children, one reason, doubtless, for Louisa's
+accurate and realistic descriptions of the lives of the four Little
+Women of the Alcott family.
+
+His favorite books in boyhood, and, for that matter, in manhood, were
+the Bible and Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," which he read and reread
+and commented upon. Years later he mentions in his journal that he made
+it a practice to read "Pilgrim's Progress" every year, which is a
+remarkable record to the modern boy and girl who find it difficult to
+struggle through that wonderful allegory even once.
+
+Bronson Alcott took his chance and made a stepping-stone of every
+difficulty. Each obstacle he encountered in getting an education created
+in him an even stronger determination to gain one. The modern boy has
+the world of books opened wide to him through the library and the free
+school. The treasures of art are spread out before him in the museums.
+He is surrounded by helps. The boy of to-day is studied as an entity.
+The boy of the last century could tell quite a different story.
+
+So the Alcott boy, passing long hours in the woods, reading, thinking,
+getting close to Nature and to God, walked as one apart, seeing the
+invisible. While still a boy, he began casting off the garment of a
+conventional creed and to think for himself of God, the creation, of
+life, unconsciously putting from him the trammeling, cumbersome
+conventions with which man has often hidden truth.
+
+Out of this the man Alcott emerged--a great soul.
+
+
+                                   II
+
+                             THE ALCOTT MAN
+
+
+With Bronson Alcott the craving for knowledge was scarcely stronger than
+the craving for adventure, so it is not surprising that in the first
+flush of young manhood he did not settle down to life on the farm. He
+longed for the great world lying beyond the hills and valleys of
+peaceful New England. He wanted experience, and experience he had.
+
+He went South, hoping to teach school, as he had original ideas on the
+training of children. Unsuccessful in this, he decided to be a peddler,
+naively remarking that "honesty of purpose could dignify any
+profession."
+
+Think of the courage of this boy, for he was scarcely more than a boy, a
+philosopher at heart, living in a world of dreams and books, his
+ambitions all for intellectual rather than material achievement,
+tramping the southern countryside, undauntedly peddling buttons,
+elastic, pins and needles, and supplying all the small wants of the
+country housewife! Often he encountered rebuffs, sometimes he had a
+hearty welcome, for the visit of the country peddler was eagerly awaited
+by the children. At times, when night came and he was far from the
+shelter of an inn, he had to beg a lodging from some planter. On one
+such occasion, as he entered the grounds, he saw a huge sign, "Beware
+the dog." A shout from the house also warned him, and he saw dashing
+toward him a savage-looking dog, powerful enough to have torn to pieces
+the slender young peddler-student. But his love for animals triumphed.
+Alcott stretched out his hand. The huge creature stopped short; then,
+recognizing a friend and a fearless one, he bounded on, tail wagging,
+barking joyously, snuggling his nose into the young man's palm, which he
+licked as he escorted his new-found friend to the house. Animals always
+recognized in Alcott an understanding comrade.
+
+From most of these trips Alcott brought back money to add to the scanty
+funds at home, but on one memorable occasion the love of finery proved
+stronger than the necessity for saving, and he returned to the farm
+penniless, but dressed in the latest fashion, having used his savings
+for a wardrobe that was the wonder of the countryside. That one debauch
+of clothes satisfied him for life; after that his tastes were markedly
+simple. With him the "dandy period" was short-lived indeed. That he
+repented bitterly of this one excess of folly is shown in his journals,
+where he sets down minutely what to him was a mistake that amounted
+almost to a sin. As a rule, he was singularly free from folly. His
+thoughts were too high, his ideals too lofty, for him to be long
+concerned with trifles such as clothes, and the next expenditure
+mentioned in his journal is for the "Vicar of Wakefield" and Johnson's
+"Rasselas." Ever impractical, one likes him the better for the little
+human moment when the vanities of the world overcame him.
+
+At last he secured a school, and then began the realization of his
+ideals regarding the teaching of children. His methods were original and
+highly successful, especially with the very young. He established a
+mental kindergarten, and the fame of his teaching spread abroad. Through
+his work as a teacher he achieved his greatest happiness, for it led to
+his meeting with the woman who was destined to become his wife.
+
+As the result of correspondence between himself and Mr. May of
+Brooklyn, Connecticut, whose attention had been attracted to the work
+of the young teacher, Alcott, then twenty-eight years old, drove from
+the Wolcott home to Brooklyn, where he met Abigail May of Boston, who
+was visiting her brother. With both it was love at first sight, a love
+that grew into a perfect spiritual union.
+
+It seemed almost providential that Bronson Alcott should have come into
+Abigail May's life at just this time, when her heart had been touched by
+its first great sorrow--the loss of her mother. Hitherto she had been a
+light-hearted girl, fond of dancing and of the material side of life.
+The young philosopher, with his dreams and his ideals, brought a new
+interest into her now lonely life, and all that was spiritual in her
+nature responded as he freely discussed his plans and ambitions with
+her. In her he found both sympathy and understanding.
+
+A year of letter-writing, a frank and honest exchange of thought,
+brought out the harmony of their natures and developed in both a sense
+of oneness, laying a firm foundation for the comradeship which was not
+broken through all the years, even when the wife and mother passed into
+the Great Beyond.
+
+The Alcott-May courtship was ideal. Retaining the heaven that lay about
+him in his infancy, keeping his close companionship with God and God's
+great laboratory, Nature, Bronson Alcott demanded something more than
+mere physical attraction in choosing his wife. A certain quaint
+circumspection characterized their love-making. Abigail May once wrote:
+"Mr. Alcott's views on education were very attractive, and I was charmed
+by his modesty," and long after their engagement she spoke of her lover
+as "her friend." He was, and so he continued to be in the highest sense
+of the word.
+
+So satisfying were those friendship-courtship days, that apparently both
+were loath to end them, for another twelvemonth passed before the
+announcement of their betrothal, and it was nearly three years from the
+date of their first meeting before their marriage in King's Chapel,
+Boston, where the brother who had been the means of bringing them
+together performed the ceremony.
+
+As their marriage day approached, there was little festivity and none of
+the rush that usually precedes a modern wedding. Everything was simple,
+quiet, and sure.
+
+This is Bronson Alcott's letter, asking a friend to act as best man at
+his wedding.
+
+    Dear Sir:
+
+    Permit me to ask the favor of your calling at Col. May's at 4
+    o'clock precisely on Sunday afternoon next, to accompany me and
+    my friend Miss May to King's Chapel.
+
+                                                With esteem,
+                                                    A. B. Alcott
+
+    Thursday, May 20,
+        112 Franklin St.                                   1830.
+
+So began the Alcott pilgrimage, their fortune consisting of love and
+faith and brains. In these they were rich indeed, and thus closed
+another chapter in the life of the gentle philosopher, of whom Ralph
+Waldo Emerson once said: "Our Alcott has only just missed being a
+seraph."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER III
+
+                          THE ALCOTT CHILDREN
+
+
+FOR some months after their marriage the Alcotts lived in Boston, where
+the young enthusiast taught a school for infants. Again his fame as a
+teacher traveled, and he received an offer from the Quakers of
+Philadelphia to start a school there, an offer so tempting that the
+Alcotts moved to Germantown, Pennsylvania, where Anna and Louisa were
+born.
+
+Eugenics and prenatal influence were not discussed then as they are
+to-day, but in the Alcott family nearly a century ago they were being
+thought and lived. Bronson Alcott and his wife considered children an
+expression, not of themselves, but of divinity, and as such to be
+accepted as a trust, rather than as a gratification of their own human
+longing for fatherhood and motherhood. They felt it their parental
+privilege rather than their duty to aid the human development of the
+child and thus further the fulfillment of its destiny. Each little soul
+was humbly asked for and reverently prepared for. From the moment they
+knew their prayer had been granted, the individuality and rights of that
+soul were respected. It was considered as a little guest that must be
+made happy and comfortable, carefully cherished, mentally and
+physically, while its fleshly garment was being prepared and the little
+personality made ready for its earthly appearance. How careful they were
+of every thought and influence, for to both parents this period was the
+most sacred and wonderful in their lives and in the lives of their
+children.
+
+The depth of his joy and the simplicity of his faith are exquisitely
+expressed in the lines which Bronson Alcott wrote before the birth of
+his first child, Anna:
+
+                         TO AN EXPECTANT MOTHER
+
+    The long advancing hour draws nigh--the hour
+    When life's young pulse begins its mystic play,
+    And deep affection's dreams of Form or Joy
+    Shall be unveiled, a bodily presence
+    To thy yearning heart and fond maternal eye,
+    The primal Soul, a semblance of thine own,
+    Its high abode shall leave and dwell in day,
+    Thyself its forming Parent. A miracle, indeed,
+    Shall nature work. Thou shalt become
+    The bearing mother of an Infant Soul--
+    Its guardian spirit to its home above.
+    But yet erewhile the lagging moments come
+    That layeth the living, conscious, burden down,
+    Firm faith may rest in hope. Accordant toils
+    Shall leave no time for fear, nor doubt, nor gloom.
+    Love, peace, and virtue, are all born of Pain,
+    And He who rules o'er these is ever good.
+    The joyous promise is to her who trusts,
+    Who trusting, gains the vital boon she asks,
+    And meekly asking, learns to trust aright.
+
+Louisa, the second child, born on her father's birthday, was the most
+intellectual and the most resourceful of the Alcott children, reflecting
+in her own buoyant personality the happy conditions existing before and
+at the time of her birth, when her father had attained his greatest
+material prosperity and was also realizing his mental ambitions in his
+little school, and her mother was temporarily relieved from the cares
+that so often weighed heavily upon her.
+
+Shortly before the birth of Elizabeth the father makes this entry in his
+journal:
+
+                             THE ADVENT COMETH
+
+    Daily am I in expectation of beholding with the eye of sense,
+    the spirit that now lingers on the threshold of this terrestrial
+    life, and only awaits the bidding of the Reaper within, to usher
+    itself into the presence of mortals. It standeth at the door and
+    waiteth for admission to the exterior scene of things.... Let
+    the time come. Two little ones in advance await its coming; and
+    greetings of joy shall herald its approach.
+
+The birth of Elizabeth is followed by this entry in his journal:
+
+    At sunset this day a daughter was born to us.
+
+One of the most trying of the Alcott family's experiences came after the
+birth of Elizabeth, when Bronson Alcott, again in Boston, aroused a
+storm of protest with his radical teachings and his advanced
+interpretations of the Bible. Shocked that the city where he expected to
+find sympathy and encouragement should have repudiated him, his school
+disrupted and abject poverty his lot, broken mentally and physically, he
+met with another cruel disappointment in the death of his infant son.
+Yet even then there was no word of bitterness, and no mention is made in
+his journal of the father's grief. Indirectly it is expressed in a
+subsequent entry announcing the birth of the fourth daughter, Abba May.
+
+She was born under sunny skies. The storm had passed, and the Alcott
+family had removed to Concord, where they enjoyed many of their happiest
+years. A presage of May Alcott's artistic gifts, her queenly bearing,
+elegance, and charm, all familiar to readers of "Little Women," is found
+in this entry in the father's journal:
+
+                                                      July, 1840.
+
+    A new life has arrived to us (July 26th). She was born with the
+    dawn, and is a proud little Queen, not deigning to give us the
+    light of her royal presence, but persists in sleeping all the
+    time, without notice of the broad world or ourselves.
+    Providence, it seems, decrees that we shall provide selectest
+    ministries alone, and so sends us successive daughters of Love
+    to quicken the Sons of Life. We joyfully acquiesce in the Divine
+    behest and are content to rear women for the future world. As
+    yet the ministry is unknown in the culture of the nations, but
+    the hour draws near when love shall be felt as a chosen Bride of
+    Wisdom, and the celestial pair preside over all the household of
+    mankind.
+
+Bronson Alcott did not feel his responsibility as a father alone; he
+appreciated his own debt to his children, the mental and spiritual help
+that came to him through them, an appreciation that found expression in
+this poem, entered in his journal before the birth of Elizabeth:
+
+                                                      June, 1835
+
+                         INVOCATION TO A CHILD
+
+    She comes from Heaven, she dawns upon my sight,
+    O'er earth's dark scenes to pour her holy light!
+    In sense and blest the Infinite to see
+    And feel the heavenly mystery--_To Be._
+
+    She comes--in Nature's tenderest, fondest name--
+    Daughter of God--'tis she--the same--the same
+    Mine is she too--my own--my latest child,
+    Myself, wrapt in Divinity, yet unbeguiled!
+
+    Blest Infant! God's and mine! yet to me given,
+    That I might feel anew my Being's Heaven--
+    In love and faith to urge my human way,
+    Till conscious time be lost in Immortality!
+
+    Love thee I will; for thou didst first love me--
+    My faith shall quicken as I dwell on thee,
+    Thy Spirit lift me from this "Grave of Things,"
+    And bear me homeward, to the King of Kings.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER IV
+
+                          THE ALCOTT BABY BOOK
+
+
+BRONSON ALCOTT wrote the first Baby Book, a book which throws new light
+on the character of the lovable philosopher, showing one of New
+England's intellectual leaders as a very human and lovable man as well
+as "a fond and foolish father."
+
+His Baby Book, however, contains no minute record of the first tooth, or
+when the baby began to say "Goo" and "Pitty light"; rather it is the
+father's earnest effort to learn how early in life the infant mind
+begins to awaken, to indicate comprehension, thought, or logic. As
+Maeterlinck studied the bee, so Alcott studied his children, and his
+findings are a revelation, even to-day, when the study of the child has
+become a science.
+
+Mr. Alcott considered vital the development of the child's individuality
+and mind; the body seemed to him of secondary importance, for this
+disregard of the material care of his family he has been severely
+censured; but, not recognizing in his own life the claims of the body,
+devoting all his energies to mental growth, it is not surprising that he
+found his fatherly duty in the guidance of his children's minds. His
+firm faith in the admonition, "Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven, and
+all these things shall be added unto you," was to him excuse enough for
+considering the intellect more than the body.
+
+His practical shortcomings reaped a rich and unexpected reward in the
+next generation, for Louisa M. Alcott would probably not have developed
+her original and highly entertaining literary gift without the
+vicissitudes caused by her father's impractical nature and his sublime
+faith that at all times and in all emergencies the Lord would provide.
+He did provide; but Louisa was usually the channel, and many of her
+stories were written under the whip of stern necessity.
+
+Doing without has its advantages. The Alcott children, never overfed,
+overentertained, overburdened to baby boredom with dolls and toys and
+games, developed appreciation, observation, and ingenuity. The creative
+faculty was aroused. They found resources within themselves. What a
+handbook Louisa might have written on How to be Happy though Poor!
+
+Mrs. Alcott's keen sense of humor, a characteristic inherited by Louisa,
+often came to her rescue and allowed her to get fun out of a harassing
+situation. In a letter to her brother, Colonel May, praising her
+husband's intellect, she laughingly comments upon his disregard of
+physical necessities: "I am not sure that we shall not blush into
+obscurity and contemplate into starvation."
+
+But, to get back to the baby book, or, as Mr. Alcott called it, "the
+psychological history," it was started with a high and unselfish motive;
+it was developed to an astonishing degree. Its purpose and scope are
+best expressed in this extract from Mr. Alcott's journal:
+
+    The history of a human mind during its progressive stages of
+    earthly experience has never as yet, I believe, been attempted.
+    Faithfully compiled, from verified data, it would be a treasure
+    of wisdom to all mankind, replete with light to the
+    metaphysical and ethical inquirer. Comparative philosophy
+    deduced from an observation of man during all circumstances and
+    stages of his existence is a thing yet unthought of among us.
+    From such a work the unity of Humanity might be revealed.
+
+When Anna was born, the father began keeping a record of her "physical
+and intellectual progress." When she was seven weeks old, her mother
+wrote: "It seems as if she were conscious of his observations and
+desirous of furnishing him daily with an item for this record."
+
+The following excerpt from the father's diary shows how well Anna
+succeeded in her baby attempt:
+
+    I am much interested in the progress of my little girl, now
+    five months old, which I have recorded from the day of her
+    birth. This record has swollen to a hundred pages. I have
+    attempted to discover, as far as this could be done by external
+    indication, the successive steps of her physical, mental and
+    moral advancement.
+
+Moral advancement of a baby five months old!
+
+
+                            BIRTH OF LOUISA
+
+On November 29, 1832, his thirty-third birthday and also the natal day
+of his friend, Ellery Channing, the poet, Mr. Alcott chronicles an
+"interesting event," how interesting the father little dreamed, nor how
+important, not alone to the house of Alcott, but to the world. Under the
+heading of Circumstances, the father thus records the birth of Louisa
+May Alcott:
+
+    A daughter born, on the 29th. ulto., my birthday, being 33
+    years of age. This is a most interesting event. Unless those
+    ties which connect it with others are formed, the wants of the
+    soul become morbid and all its fresh and primal affections
+    become dim and perverted.... Few can be happy shut out of the
+    nursery of the soul.
+
+While the New England philosopher was studying the development of his
+little daughters and deducing therefrom facts for his psychological
+history, these same little daughters were developing him, for, as the
+child nature unfolded, the father's understanding of childhood expanded.
+
+Thus the baby book grew:
+
+    The influence of children I regard as important to my own
+    improvement and happiness. It is also necessary to the
+    prosecution of my studies. Dwelling in the primal regions which
+    I wish to explore, they are the purest manifestations of its
+    phenomena, and the only subjects from which humanity is to be
+    interpreted in its purity.
+
+When Anna was three years old and Louisa eighteen months, the father
+writes in his journal:
+
+    I passed some time with the children, fitting up their
+    playthings, conversing with them and learning as far as I could
+    through the subtle meaning of looks, accents and gestures,
+    their thoughts and feelings. The avenues to the spirit are all
+    open, but how dim are our perceptions, how cold our sympathies,
+    to appreciate the pure and bright things which glitter in the
+    arena of the young mind! How little of this fairy land do we
+    know--we, whose early associations have all been swept from the
+    heart--over whose spirits have passed the cold winds, the
+    pelting storms, withering and destroying the heart's young
+    verdure! What is there to unite us with the spirit of a child?
+    What have we in common with its joyous yearning for the
+    beautiful, its trust in human sayings, its deep love for those
+    on whom it relies for attention and support, its vivid
+    picturing of ideal life, its simplicity, its freedom from
+    prejudice and false sentiment? Where are these to be seen in
+    our dim nature?
+
+He might have answered the question by looking within himself. Child
+companionship kept alive the spirit of the Alcott boy, which constantly
+shone through the man's philosophy. As the boy saw in every rock and
+tree and flower an expression of the Infinite, is it any wonder that the
+man should have recognized God's higher manifestation in the child, and
+should have written in his journal these lines, which are the very
+glorification of fatherhood and reveal the sacredness with which he
+looked upon his stewardship?
+
+    He who deals with the child deals--did he know it--with the
+    Infinite. Within the young spirit committed to his care are
+    infinite capacities to be filled, infinite energies to be
+    developed, and on him devolves the amazing responsibility--sacred,
+    personal, all his own--of filling these capacities, unfolding
+    these energies, from the stores and life of his own spirit. This
+    is his office as a parent. But how can he who knows nothing of the
+    Infinite within himself call it forth and direct its forces in
+    others?
+
+From the first, Louisa must have shown strong individuality and unusual
+tendencies, for Mr. Alcott's notes on Louisa are entitled "Observations
+on the Vital Phenomena of My Second Child." A more vital, lovable,
+contradictory specimen of childhood cannot be imagined. Blessed with her
+father's brilliancy of mind, her mother's quick wit and love of fun,
+Louisa furnished a problem for endless study. She was less than two
+years old when her individuality had so asserted itself that her father
+found himself puzzled and admitted that elements were finding their
+way into his observations of whose origin he could give no account. "My
+analysis, however accurate and elaborate, was still imperfect, and I was
+left in doubt. I had made no provision for the admission of innate
+influences from the mind itself."
+
+Here is a quaint little record of the Alcott babies' school days, when
+Anna was four years old and Louisa a little more than two:
+
+    At school Anna reads, marks and listens to conversations and
+    stories. Louisa works with her in all except the reading and
+    marking. They have a playroom, where they enjoy their own
+    amusements, uninterrupted by the presence of adults--often a
+    bar to the genuine happiness of childhood. Anna reads simple
+    sentences from Leffanoch's Primer, writes intelligibly on
+    tablets and slates, and is improving in work and manners.
+
+(This of a baby of four.)
+
+A spiritual and moral inventory of the progress of Anna and Louisa is
+set down by the father when his daughters had reached the dignified ages
+of six and four:
+
+    The children have improved under my training. Anna, who has
+    been with me more of the time than Louisa, has been greatly
+    benefited. She is happier, more capable of self control, more
+    docile and obeys from love and faith. She has fine elements for
+    excellence, moral and intellectual. If she does not evince a
+    pure and exalted character, it will be our failure, not hers,
+    in the improvement of her natural endowments.
+
+    Louisa is yet too young for the formation of just views of her
+    character. She manifests uncommon activity and force of mind
+    at present, and is much in advance of her sister at the same
+    age; example has done much to call forth her nature. She is
+    more active and practical than Anna. Anna is ideal, sentimental.
+    Louisa is practical, energetic. The first imagines much more than
+    she can realize; the second, by force of will and practical talent,
+    realizes all that she conceives--but conceives less; understanding,
+    rather than imagination--the gift of her sister--seems to be her
+    prominent faculty. She finds no difficulty in developing ways and
+    means to obtain her purpose; while her sister, aiming at much,
+    imagining ideal forms of good, and shaping them out so vividly in
+    her mind that they become actual enjoyments, fails, when she
+    attempts to realize them in nature--she has been dwelling on the
+    higher and more speculative relations of things.
+
+    Both represent interesting forms of character, both have wide
+    and useful spheres of action indicated in their conformation and
+    will doubtless if continued to us, be real blessings.
+
+That they did prove real blessings the history of the Alcott family has
+shown.
+
+           [Illustration: A. BRONSON ALCOTT AT THE AGE OF 53.
+                  From the portrait by Mrs. Hildreth.
+                              _Page_ 54.]
+
+How many fathers ever acknowledge their spiritual debt to the gift of
+fatherhood as has Bronson Alcott:
+
+    I know not how much more spiritual I am from the parental relation
+    (he writes), how much I have been indebted to them for the light
+    that hath dawned upon my own mind from the radiance of their
+    simple spirits. Certain it is that the more I associate with them
+    in the simple ways they love, the more do I seem to revere. Verily
+    had I not been called to associate with children, had I not devoted
+    myself to the study of human nature in its period of infancy and
+    childhood, I should never have found the tranquil repose, the steady
+    faith, the vivid hope that now sheds a glory and a dignity around
+    the humble path of my life. Childhood hath saved me.
+
+Out of his theories, his studies, and meditations came a sublime
+ambition, a desire to become a laborer in the "Field of the Soul."
+
+    Infancy I shall invest with a glory--a spirituality which the
+    disciples of Jesus, deeply as they entered into His spirit
+    and caught the life of His mind, have failed to bring forth in
+    their records of His sayings and life. I shall redeem infancy
+    and childhood, and, if a Saviour of Adults was given in the
+    person of Jesus, let me, without impiety or arrogance, regard
+    myself as the Children's Saviour. Divine are both missions.
+    Both seek out and endeavor to redeem the Infinite in man,
+    which, by reason of the clogs of sense and custom, is in
+    perpetual danger of being lost. The chief obstacle in the way
+    of human regeneration is the want of a due appreciation of
+    human nature, and particularly of the nature of children.
+
+Home and its influence upon children meant much to Mr. Alcott, and in
+all his writing the nearest approach to a protest against the poverty
+he was called upon to endure was when, for a time, he was obliged to
+give up that home. Deep is the pathos that lies between the lines of
+this entry in his journal:
+
+                           HOME FOR CHILDREN
+
+    I deem it very important to the well being of my children to
+    insure them a home. At least their means of improvement are
+    limited, their pleasures are abridged, the domestic relations, so
+    vital to virtue--to all that lives in the heart and imagination,
+    are robbed of their essential glory, and the effect is felt
+    throughout the character in after life. I feel that my duty as a
+    father cannot be fully carried out when I am thus restricted.
+    Whether we can yet improve this condition remains to be
+    determined.
+
+The home was reestablished--and such a home! An influence felt
+throughout the world, the inspiration of every book Louisa Alcott
+wrote.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER V
+
+                LETTERS AND CONVERSATIONS WITH CHILDREN
+
+
+HAPPINESS reigned in the Alcott home, and poverty seldom brought with it
+a shadow. The girls had toys and a variety of them,--rag dolls, kittens,
+gingerbread men, and barnyard animals (the latter skillfully cut out of
+cake dough by the mother, who had a genius for inventing surprises). As
+they grew older, they delighted in private theatricals. Some of their
+plays, written by Anna and Louisa, have been published under the title
+of "Comic Tragedies." They are thrillingly melodramatic, thickly
+sprinkled with villains and heroes, witches and ruffians, lovely ladies
+in distress, gallant knights to the rescue, evil spirits and good
+fairies, gnomes and giants. All are direfully tragic and splendidly
+spectacular. Louisa as a child showed the dramatic quality which later
+found artistic expression in her stories. On a rainy afternoon the
+children were never at a loss for entertainment. They "acted" in the
+attic or played dolls in their own playroom, and such dolls! Old Joanna,
+of whom Louisa has drawn a lifelike picture in "Little Women," is to-day
+in existence, battered, scarred, but none the less precious, one foot
+carefully bandaged, after the army-nurse method.
+
+Poverty was made interesting. At Christmas a tree was hung with apples,
+nuts, and popped corn, and small trifles made by the children were
+fastened to the branches. Father and mother made much of the spirit of
+the Christ birthday, which was celebrated in simple, wholesome fashion,
+in vivid contrast to the modern Christmas festival.
+
+The Alcott letters and journals show tremendous intellectual activity on
+the part of the small atoms of humanity who came to grace the Alcott
+home. Anna and her father held moral and intellectual discussions when
+Anna was four. Louisa was writing a daily journal before she could more
+than print. As soon as a child could read, family reproofs were
+administered by notes from father and mother to the erring one, not only
+pointing out the fault, but how to correct it.
+
+The father encouraged his daughters to study themselves and to write
+down their thoughts. Their journals, in consequence, reflect the
+characteristics of each one and are storehouses of information. Louisa,
+poor little soul, in her happy, hoydenish childhood, found time one day
+in a fit of mentality to set down in black and white her chief faults.
+One of her most serious, according to the self-imposed confession, was
+"love of cats," a sin which easily beset her all her days, for she
+inherited her father's love of animals and of children.
+
+Widely varied in character and temperament were the four Alcott girls.
+Anna, the first, reflected the beauty, the happiness, and the romance of
+the Alcotts' first year of married life. Louisa, born some eighteen
+months later, when father and mother had grown even closer together
+through the new bond formed by the love of their little daughter,
+embodied a deeper, stronger, surer character. She was decisive, with a
+determination and surety of self and brilliancy of mind that reflected
+the best in both parents. Elizabeth, the third child, was, in some
+respects, the most beautiful character of all. About her, from the hour
+of her conception, seemed to hover a spiritual, protecting love.
+Seemingly from earliest infancy she stood on the borderland of the
+spiritual world, in flesh all too fragile to retain the spirit which
+remembered and longed, notwithstanding the love with which she was
+surrounded, to return to the mystical beauty from which she had come. A
+child of dreams and fancies, loving all that was harmonious, she entered
+this life at twilight, she left it at the dawn, a coming and going
+typical of this dream child, who was lent for a little time to make the
+world more glad.
+
+The birth of Amy is also symbolical, the one sunny-haired, sunny-hearted
+girl of the family, who came with the rising of the sun. She seemed made
+for love, sunshine, and happiness, and had them all, but she was brave
+to face hardships and equally ready to accept comfort and luxury. A
+queen, the father called her the morning of her birth, and so they
+brought her up, the Little Snow Queen.
+
+The wise, fostering love of the father, the helpful, understanding
+watchfulness of the mother, are reflected in their letters to their
+children. Time was not considered wasted that was devoted to these
+letters of gentle admonition and kindly counsel. There was no discussion
+of faults or mistakes in the Alcott household; reproofs remained little
+secrets between father and daughter, or mother and daughter, and the
+effect of this wise and constant watchfulness grows more apparent as the
+children advance from childhood to girlhood and on to womanhood. They
+were taught to know themselves. They were taught, too, the relation of
+the Christ child with their own childhood, beautifully expressed in some
+of the letters from Bronson Alcott to his eldest daughter.
+
+It was the father's habit to write each child on her birthday
+anniversary and at Christmas. Anna was six years old when he gave her
+this beautiful description of the coming of the Christ:
+
+                                For Anna
+                                  1837
+
+    To my Daughter Anna.
+
+    A longer time ago than you can understand, a beautiful Babe was
+    born. Angels sang at his birth. And stars shone brightly.
+    Shepherds watched their flocks by their light. The Babe was
+    laid in his Manger-cradle. And harmless oxen fed by his side.
+    There was no room for him nor his mother in the Inn, as she
+    journeyed from her own home.
+
+    This Babe was born at this time of the year. His name was Jesus.
+    And he is also called Christ. This is his birth night. And we
+    call it Christ-mas, after him.
+
+    I write you this little note as a Christmas Gift, and hope my
+    little girl will remember the birth night of Jesus. Think how
+    beautiful he was, and try to shine in lovely actions as he did.
+    God never had a child that pleased him so well. Be like a kind
+    sister of his, and so please your Father, who loves you very
+    much.
+
+                                    Christmas Eve,
+                                        December 24th, 1837.
+                                                From your
+                                                     Father.
+
+Again on Christmas Eve, two years later, he describes to his little
+daughter of eight years her own coming into the world of material
+things.
+
+The belief in prenatal influence is strongly indicated, for the father
+tells his little girl that they thought just how she would look and
+pictures to her the joy and the love with which she was surrounded
+before her coming into the land of the material and first seeing with
+her baby eyes the light of a world day.
+
+                                For Anna
+                                  1839
+
+    You were once pleased, my daughter, with a little note which I
+    wrote you on Christmas Eve, concerning the birth of Jesus. I
+    am now going to write a few words about your own Birth. Mother
+    and I had no child. We wanted one--a little girl just like you;
+    and we thought how you would look, and waited a good while for
+    you to come, so that we might see you and have you for our own.
+    At last you came. We felt so happy that joy stood in our eyes.
+    You looked just as we wanted to have you. You were draped in a
+    pretty little white frock, and father took you in his arms every
+    day, and we loved you very much. Your large bright eyes looked
+    lovingly into ours, and you soon learned to love and know us.
+    When you were a few weeks old, you smiled on us. We lived then
+    in Germantown. It is now more than eight years since this
+    happened, but I sometimes see the same look and the same smile
+    on your face, and feel that my daughter is yet good and pure. O
+    keep it there, my daughter, and never lose it.
+
+                                                   Your Father,
+    Christmas Eve,
+        Beach Street,
+            Dec. 24, 1839.
+
+On her birthday some three months later, he continues the thought in
+this exquisite letter:
+
+                                                 March 16, 1840.
+
+    My dear Daughter,
+
+    With this morning's dawn opens a new year of your Life on Earth.
+    Nine years ago you were sent, a sweet Babe into this world, a
+    joy and hope to your father and mother. After a while, through
+    many smiles and some few tears, you learned to lisp the names
+    of father and mother, and to make them feel once more how near
+    and dear you were to their hearts whenever you named their
+    names. Now you are a still dearer object of Love and hope to
+    them as your love buds and blossoms under their eye. They watch
+    this flower as it grows in the Garden of Life, and scents the
+    air with its fragrance, and delights the eye by its colours.
+    Soon they will look not for Beauty and fragrance alone, but for
+    the ripening and ripe fruit. May it be the Spirit of Goodness;
+    may its leaves never wither, its flowers never fade; its
+    fragrance never cease; but may it flourish in perpetual youth
+    and beauty, and be transplanted in its time, into the Garden of
+    God, whose plants are ever green, ever fresh, and bloom alway,
+    the amaranth of Heaven, the pride and joy of angels. Thus
+    writes your Father to you on this your birth morn.
+
+                    Monday, 16 March, 1840.
+                        Beach Street,
+                            Boston
+
+    For
+       Anna,
+         in the Garden of Life.
+
+This letter and his allusion to "your life on earth" show plainly his
+belief in life eternal, for Bronson Alcott considered earthly existence
+merely a period in the evolution of the soul.
+
+On Christmas Eve, 1840; when Anna was nearly ten, Louisa just past her
+eighth birthday, May, the golden-haired baby of the Alcott household,
+and Elizabeth the little shadow child of four, he wrote Christmas
+letters to his daughters, which show his appreciation of their special
+needs, and his respect for their individualities. The letter to
+Elizabeth is missing; to Anna he wrote:
+
+                                For Anna
+                                  1840
+
+                             BEAUTY or DUTY
+                                 which
+                            loves Anna best?
+
+                                   a
+                                Question
+                                from her
+                                 FATHER
+
+                             Christmas Eve
+                               Dec. 1840
+                               Concordia.
+
+For Louisa, the father's message was this:
+
+                               For Louisa
+                                  1840
+
+                             Louisa loves--
+                                 What?
+                             (Softly)
+                                  FUN
+                            Have some then,
+                                 Father
+                                 says.
+
+                        Christmas Eve, Dec. 1840
+                               Concordia.
+
+For the baby of the household, the father's love message took poetic
+form:
+
+                                For Abba
+                                  1840
+
+                            For Abba
+                            Babe fair,
+                            Pretty hair,
+                            Bright eye,
+                            Deep sigh,
+                            Sweet lip,
+                            Feet slip,
+                            Handsome hand,
+                            Stout grand,
+                            Happy smile,
+                            Time beguile,
+                            All I ween,
+                          Concordia's Queen.
+
+Almost without the dates, one could keep track of the development of the
+Alcott girls through their father's letters. This one demonstrates his
+gift of teaching by the use of suggestion:
+
+                                For Anna
+
+                                  1842
+
+                           _A Father's Gift_
+                                 to his
+                               _Daughter_
+                                 on her
+                          _Eleventh Birthday_.
+
+                               Concordia
+                               16th March
+                                  1842
+
+    My dear daughter,
+
+    This is your eleventh birthday, and as I have heretofore
+    addressed a few words to you on these interesting occasions, I
+    will not depart from my former custom now.
+
+    And my daughter, what shall I say to you? Shall I say something
+    to please or to instruct you--to flatter or benefit you? I know
+    you dislike being pleased unless the pleasure make you better,
+    and you dislike all flattery. And you know too, that your father
+    never gave you a word of flattery in his life. So there remains
+    for you the true and purest pleasure of being instructed and
+    benefited by words of love and the deepest regard for your
+    improvement in all that shall make you more happy in yourself
+    and beautiful to others. And so I shall speak plainly to you of
+    yourself, and of my desire for your improvement in several
+    important things.
+
+    _First--Your Manners._ Try to be more gentle. You like gentle
+    people and every one is more agreeable as he cultivates this
+    habit. None can be agreeable who are destitute of it and how
+    shall you become more gentle? Only by governing your passions,
+    and cherishing your love to everyone who is near you. Love is
+    gentle: Hate is violent. Love is well-mannered; Selfishness is
+    rude, vulgar. Love gives sweet tone to the voice, and makes the
+    countenance lovely. Love then, and grow fair and agreeable.
+
+    _Second: Be Patient._ This is one of the most difficult things to
+    everyone, old or young. But it is also one of the greatest
+    things. And this comes of Love too. Love is Patient: it bears;
+    it suffers long; it is kind; it is beautiful; it makes us like
+    angels. Patience is, indeed, angelic; it is the Gate that opens
+    into the House of Happiness. Open it, my daughter, and enter in
+    and take all your sisters in with you.
+
+    _Third: Be Resolute._ Shake off all Sluggishness, and follow your
+    Confidence as fast as your feelings, your thoughts, your eye,
+    your hand, your foot, will carry you. Hate all excuses: almost
+    always, these are lies. Be _quick_ in your obedience: delay is a
+    laggard, who never gets up with himself, and loses the company
+    of confidence always. Resolution is the ladder to Happiness.
+    Resolve and be a wise and happy girl.
+
+    _Fourth: Be Diligent._ Put your heart into all you do: and fix
+    your thoughts on your doings. Halfness is almost as bad as
+    nothing: be whole then in all you do and say.
+
+    But I am saying a great deal and will stop now with the hope of
+    meeting you on the 16th March, 1843 (the good God sparing us
+    till then) a gentler, a meeker, more determined and obligent
+    girl.
+
+                                                Your friend
+                                                    and
+                                                        _Father_
+
+    Concordia
+        16 March
+            _1842_
+
+    For
+        _Anna Bronson Alcott._
+
+Such a gift to an eleven-year-old girl on her birthday! One would expect
+not kindly counsel, but a toy, a picture book, something pretty for her
+body, not much for her mind. The spirituality and the wisdom of the
+poet-philosopher are shown in this letter with its "excuses, almost
+always lies," and "delay is a laggard."
+
+When Louisa was seven years old, her mother was ill, and the child was
+sent away from home for a time. To his little absent daughter the father
+sends this letter, printed so that she might read it for herself:
+
+                              For Louisa.
+                                  1839
+
+    My dear Little Girl.
+
+    Father hopes you are well and happy. Mother will soon be well
+    enough we hope for you to come home. You want to see us all I
+    know. And we want to see you very much. Be a good girl and try
+    to do as they tell you. You shall see us all in a few days.
+
+    You were never away from home so long before. It has given you
+    some new feelings.
+
+    I have printed this note. I hope you can read it all yourself.
+
+                                               Good Bye
+                                                    From Father.
+
+    Saturday
+    11 o'clock in the School Room.
+    1839
+
+On her seventh birthday he writes her one of the most wonderful letters
+of the many that have been preserved in the volumes of the Alcott
+manuscripts:
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+                               For Louisa
+                                  1839
+
+    My Daughter,
+
+    You are Seven years old to-day and your Father is forty. You
+    have learned a great many things, since you have lived in a
+    Body, about things going on around you and within you. You know
+    how to think, how to resolve, how to love, and how to obey. You
+    feel your Conscience, and have no real pleasure unless you obey
+    it. You cannot love yourself, or anyone else, when you do not
+    mind its commandments. It asks you always to BE GOOD, and bears,
+    O how gently! how patiently! with all endeavors to hate, and
+    treat it cruelly. How kindly it bears with you all the while.
+    How sweetly it whispers Happiness in your HEART when you Obey
+    its soft words. How it smiles upon you, and makes you Glad when
+    you Resolve to Obey it! How terrible its PUNISHMENTS. It is GOD
+    trying in your soul to keep you always Good.
+
+    You begin, my dear daughter, another year this morning. Your
+    Father, your Mother, and Sisters, with your little friends, show
+    their love on this your Birthday, by giving you this BOX. Open
+    it, and take what is in it, and the best wishes of
+
+                                                    Your Father.
+
+    Beach Street,
+        Friday morning, Nov. 29, 1839.
+
+His explanation to a seven-year-old girl that conscience is "God in your
+soul," and the lines, "since you have lived in a body," are eloquent
+manifestations of his belief. It is not surprising that, given such
+thoughts at seven, Louisa at ten or eleven wrote that she was sure in
+some previous life she must have been a horse,--she loved so to run. A
+month before May Alcott was born, little Louisa, then eight, again away
+from home, received this letter from her father:
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+    Cottage, Sunday June 21st,
+        1840.
+
+    We all miss the noisy little girl who used to make house and
+    garden, barn and field, ring with her footsteps, and even the
+    hens and chickens seem to miss her too. Right glad would father
+    and mother, Anna and Elizabeth, and all the little mates at
+    School, and Miss Russell, the House Playroom, Dolls, Hoop,
+    Garden, Flowers, Fields, Woods and Brooks, all be to see and
+    answer the voice and footsteps, the eye and hand of their
+    little companion. But yet all make themselves happy and
+    beautiful without her; all seem to say, "Be Good, little Miss,
+    while away from us, and when we meet again we shall love and
+    please one another all the more; we find how much we love now we
+    are separated."
+
+    I wished you here very much on the morning when the Hen left her
+    nest and came proudly down with six little chickens, everyone
+    knowing how to walk, fly, eat and drink almost as well as its
+    own mother; to-day (Sunday) they all came to see the house and
+    took their breakfast from their nice little feeding trough; you
+    would have enjoyed the sight very much. But this and many other
+    pleasures all wait for you when you return. Be good, kind,
+    gentle, while you are away, step lightly, and speak soft about
+    the house;
+
+    Grandpa loves quiet, as well as your sober father and other
+    grown people.
+
+    Elizabeth says often, "Oh I wish I could see Louisa, when will
+    she come home, Mother?" And another feels so too; who is it?
+
+                                                Your
+                                                    Father.
+
+    I forgot to write how much _Kit_ missed you.
+
+On her eighth birthday, her father writes:
+
+                               For Louisa
+                                  1840
+
+                Two Passions strong divide our Life,
+                Meek gentle Love, or boisterous Strife.
+
+                Love--Music                 Anger--Arrow
+                  Concord                       Discord
+                                            From her Father
+
+    On her eighth birthday Nov. 29th.
+
+At ten, her birthday greeting from her father is this:
+
+                               For Louisa
+                                  1842
+
+    My daughter,
+
+    This is your birthday: you are ten years of age to-day. I sought
+    amidst my papers for some pretty picture to place at the top of
+    this note, but I did not find anything that seemed at all
+    expressive of my interest in your well-being, or well-doing, and
+    so this note comes to you without any such emblem. Let me say,
+    my honest little girl, that I have had you often in my mind
+    during my separation from you and your devoted mother, and
+    well-meaning sisters, while on the sea or the land, and now that
+    I have returned to be with you and them again, meeting you daily
+    at fireside, at table, at study, and in your walk, and
+    amusements, in conversation and in silence, being daily with
+    you, I would have you feel my presence and be the happier, and
+    better that I am here. I want, most of all things, to be a
+    kindly influence on you, helping you to guide and govern your
+    heart, keeping it in a state of sweet and loving peacefulness,
+    so that you may feel how good and kind is that Love which lives
+    always in our breasts, and which we may always feel, if we will
+    keep the passions all in stillness and give up ourselves
+    entirely to its soft desires. I live, my dear daughter, to be
+    good and to do good to all, and especially to you and your
+    mother and sisters. Will you not let me do you all the good that
+    I would? And do you not know that I can do you little or none,
+    unless you give me your affections, incline your ears, and
+    earnestly desire to become daily better and wiser, more kind,
+    gentle, loving, diligent, heedful, serene. The good Spirit comes
+    into the Breast of the meek and loveful to abide long; anger,
+    discontent, impatience, evil appetites, greedy wants,
+    complainings, ill-speakings, idlenesses, heedlessness, rude
+    behaviour and all such, these drive it away, or grieve it so
+    that it leaves the poor misguided soul to live in its own
+    obstinate, perverse, proud discomfort, which is the very _Pain of
+    Sin_, and is in the _Bible_ called the worm that never dies, the
+    gnawing worm, the sting of _CONSCIENCE_: while the pleasures of
+    love and goodness are beyond all description--a peacefulness
+    that passes all understanding. I pray that my daughter may know
+    much of the last, and little of the first of these feelings. I
+    shall try every day to help her to the knowledge and love of
+    this good _Spirit_. I shall be with her, and as she and her
+    sisters come more and more into the presence of this Spirit,
+    shall we become a family more closely united in loves that can
+    never sunder us from each other.
+
+                        This your
+                                Father
+                            in Hope and Love
+                                on your
+                                    Birthday
+
+    Concordia,
+        Nov. 29, 1842.
+
+To little Elizabeth the letters were few. The child was so constantly
+the companion of father and mother, that by speech rather than written
+word, their messages were given. But on her fifth birthday, her father
+carefully printed this letter:
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+                             For Elizabeth
+                                  1840
+
+                       I   I    I    I     I   Years
+                      one two three four five
+                               BIRTH-DAY
+                                 in the
+                                COTTAGE
+
+    My very dear little girl,
+
+    You make me very happy every time I look at your smiling
+    pleasant face--and you make me very sorry every time I see your
+    face look cross and unpleasant. You are now five years old. You
+    can keep your little face pleasant all the time, if you will
+    try, and be happy yourself, and make everybody else happy too.
+    Father wants to have his little girl happy all the time. He
+    hopes her little friends and her presents and plays will
+    make her happy to-day; and this little note too. Last birthday
+    you were in Beach Street, in the great City, now you are at your
+    little cottage in the country where all is pretty and pleasant,
+    and you have fields and woods, and brooks and flowers to please
+    my little Queen, and keep her eyes, and ears, and hands and
+    tongue and feet, all busy. This little note is from
+
+                                FATHER,
+
+    who loves his little girl very much, and knows that she loves
+    him very dearly.
+
+                            Play, play,
+                            All the day,
+                            Jump and run
+                            Every one,
+                            Full of fun,
+                            All take
+                            A piece of cake,
+                            For my sake.
+
+His wish to encourage the little girl in her efforts to be good, kind,
+gentle, and patient, and his appreciation of her accomplishment, is set
+forth in this characteristic little note:
+
+                                        Concord, Cottage,
+                                            February 2nd, 1842.
+
+    My dear Elizabeth,
+
+    You give me much pleasure by your still, quiet manners, and your
+    desire to do things, without asking impatiently and selfishly
+    for others to help you without trying first to help yourself.
+    Trying is doing; doing is but trying; try then always and you
+    will do; and every one loves to help those who try. I will print
+    a little sentence for you in large letters and you who have
+    already found it so easy to do things for yourself will, I dare
+    say, remember it, and follow it too--This is it--
+
+                        TRY FIRST: AND
+                        THEN ASK: AND
+                        TRY PATIENTLY TILL
+                        YOU HAVE TRIED
+                        YOUR BEST: AND
+                        YOU WILL NOT NEED
+                        TO ASK AT ALL.
+                    Trying is the only
+                        Schoolmaster
+                                 whose
+                                Scholars
+                                 always
+                                Succeed.
+                                            Your Father.
+
+    Cottage,
+      Feb. 2nd.
+
+Little May, the youngest, was the pet, not only of the Alcott household,
+but of all the Alcott kin. This quaint little dolly letter, written to
+her by her Uncle Junius, has been framed and hangs to-day in the library
+of May Alcott's nephew, John:
+
+                        Gift of Junius S. Alcott
+                                   to
+                                 Abby.
+
+                                   A
+                               Little Face
+                              once smiling
+                                  woke
+                                   to
+                           greet, the day,
+                        with sport and play,
+               Hands) on her Birthday, in shaking (Hands
+                            with her sisters,
+                            and, her visitors,
+                        that, came, to, chime,
+                     a, happy, time, with, Lizzy,
+                    To, give, you, pleasure, uncle,
+                gives, this, treasure, to you, so, sweet,
+                  So, keep, it, neat, and please, my,
+                 Brother, & your Mother, by always,
+                   finding that, by, minding, you
+                  are, the kindest, little girl, that,
+                     that,               ever
+                     stood               d, in,
+                     (Shoes)             (Shoes)
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER VI
+
+                         THE MOTHER'S INFLUENCE
+
+
+UPON the lives of all four of her daughters the mother's influence
+rested like a benediction. It is felt in her letters; it is reflected in
+the journals of her girls and in the musings of Bronson Alcott, as set
+down in his voluminous journals. And the mother spirit hovers over
+Orchard House, where "Little Women" was written and lived.
+
+While letters to Anna from her mother are missing, Anna's journal shows
+how vital was Mrs. Alcott's power in the upbuilding of her noble
+character. Louisa in "Little Women" has said that the girls gave their
+hearts into their mother's keeping, their souls into their father's.
+Anna's letters bear eloquent testimony to the strong, helpful, cheery
+influence of the mother upon the child. Among the first was this letter,
+written by Anna when she was five years old and visiting Mr. Alcott's
+family at Wolcott:
+
+                        _Letter to Mrs. Alcott._
+                            Wolcott Aug. 12th, 1836.
+                                    _Friday Morning._
+
+    My dear Mother,
+
+    I have to go away by myself and cry because I want to see you so
+    much, and little sister Lizy and Louisa. Doctor Fuller is
+    coming to cure Grandmother. i shall see you in a few days. You
+    have a splendid husband
+
+                                                  Anna
+                                               V years of age--
+
+(On this she had drawn her hand.)
+
+She was six years old when she wrote this:
+
+    Dear Mother,
+
+    I have not had a note from you for a great while. You wanted
+    some wafers yesterday will you accept of them from me There is
+    not many but it is all that I have got. I am very glad my
+    birthday is so near for as I grow older, I hope I shall grow
+    better and more useful to you, I hope soon we shall be settled
+    down in some comfortable little home of our own and then shall
+    be contented and happy I hope. I must go to my sums now, so
+    goodbye dearest mother
+
+                                    Your loving Anna
+
+A letter eloquent of the tender relation between mother and child is
+this written during the Fruitlands period:
+
+    For
+
+        Dearest mother
+              fruitlands.
+
+        Dear mother.
+
+    I wish that you would come to the table again. I enjoy my meals
+    much better when you are at the table. Was not "Heraclitus" that
+    father read about to-day, a dear good man, it seems as though I
+    wanted to hug him up and kiss him. I wish men had understood his
+    thoughts better than they did he would have been happier I
+    think. I have enjoyed this morning readings and conversations
+    better than I have before for a good while, I suppose, because I
+    talked and I understood it so well. I do not write to you very
+    often dear mother but I love to dearly when I feel like it, and
+    I love to have letters from you. I have not been as good as I
+    wish I had this week. I send a little bunch of flowers to you
+    they are not very pretty but they are beautifully made and I
+    thought you would like them. I had a beautiful time walking this
+    morning with Louisa. Good bye dearest mother from your loving
+
+                                                        Anna.
+
+Many copies of her mother's letters are found in Louisa's journals,
+showing the daughter's intense, almost idolatrous affection. Louisa
+admired, respected, and loved her father, but to her mother her
+tenderest thought was given. Marmee understood the wayward,
+tempestuous, lovable child as no one else did, not even loyal Anna,
+or admiring Elizabeth. On her birthday the mother writes to Louisa:
+
+    My dear little girl,
+
+    Will you accept this doll from me on your 7th birthday. She will
+    be a quiet play mate for my active Louisa for seven years more.
+    Be a kind mamma and love her for my sake.
+
+                                    Your mother.
+
+    Beach St., Boston, 1839.
+
+Louisa was ten when this birthday letter was sent:
+
+                                             Cottage in Concord.
+
+    Dear Daughter,
+
+    Your 10th birthday has arrived, may it be a happy one, & on each
+    returning birthday may you feel new strength and resolution to be
+    gentle with sisters, obedient to parents, loving to everyone &
+    happy in yourself.
+
+    I give you the pencil case I promised, for I have observed that
+    you are fond of writing & wish to encourage the habit.
+
+    Go on trying, dear, & each day it will be easier to be & do good.
+    You must help yourself, for the cause of your little troubles is
+    in yourself, & patience & courage only will make you what mother
+    prays to see you her good and happy girl.
+
+During the Fruitlands period, when Louisa was eleven, she found this
+little note tucked carefully away in a spot where only she would find
+and read it:
+
+                                                     Fruitlands.
+
+    My dear,
+
+    Thank you for your sweet note and sweeter poetry. The second
+    verse is very good. Your love of nature is pure and true. It is
+    a lovely school in which good lessons may be learned. The happy
+    industry of birds, the beautiful lives of flowers, the music of
+    brooks all help--
+
+                "The little fountain flows
+                 So noiseless thro the wood,
+                 The wanderer tastes repose,
+                 And from the silent flood
+                 Learns meekly to do good."
+
+In the following letter, a pretty little deference to the child's own
+personality is shown by the mother, in that way bringing out in the
+child respect and deference for others:
+
+    Dear Daughter,
+
+    I hope you will not consider me an intruder for stopping a
+    moment in your "poet's corner" to admire the neatness of your
+    desk, the sweetness of your poetry, the beauty of the prospect
+    from your window. Cherish this love of nature, dear, enjoy all
+    it gives you, for God made these helps to charm contemplation,
+    and they strengthen the noble desire to be or to do all that is
+    sent for our training & our good. Heaven be about you my child,
+    is mother's Sunday prayer.
+
+Louisa Alcott filled her diary with letters from her mother,
+occasionally adding in later life annotations of her own. This letter
+from her mother when Louisa was eleven is an example:
+
+                                       (From Louisa Alcott's Diary.)
+                                            Concord, 1843.
+
+    Dear Louy,
+
+    I enclose a picture for you which I always liked very much, for
+    I have imagined that you might be just such an industrious
+    daughter & I such a feeble but loving mother, looking to your
+    labor for my daily bread. Keep it for my sake, & your own, for
+    you and I always like to be grouped together.
+
+                                                         Mother.
+
+          [Illustration: ABIGAIL MAY, MRS. A. BRONSON ALCOTT.
+                         From a daguerreotype.
+                              _Page 106._]
+
+Then follows the picture and the lines written by Louisa in her
+journal:
+
+                               To Mother.
+
+    I hope that soon dear mother, you & I may be
+    In the quiet room my fancy has so often made for thee,
+    The pleasant sunny chamber, the cushioned easy chair,
+    The books laid for your reading, the vase of flowers fair.
+    The desk beside the window where the sun shines warm and bright,
+    And there in ease and quiet, the promised book you write,
+    While I sit close beside you, content at last to see,
+    That you can rest dear mother, & I can cherish thee.
+
+Louisa lived to see her hope realized and the dream of many years a
+beautiful reality.
+
+Like most writers, Louisa was moody, and in her hours of depression and
+despondency she looked upon her work as a failure and herself as a
+useless drag upon the family. At such times Marmee invariably came to
+the rescue and persuaded her discouraged daughter to use the pen she was
+ready to lay down. Even in Louisa's childhood, when her only promise of
+future literary achievement were her tragedies and melodramas of lurid
+style, little gifts show the mother's faith and pride in her daughter's
+work. So did her letters, of which this is an example:
+
+    Dear Louisa:
+
+    I sometimes stray about the house and take a peep into the
+    journal. Your pages lately are blank. I am sure your life has
+    many fine passages well worth recording, and to me they are
+    always precious. Anything like intellectual progress in my
+    children seems to compensate for much disappointment &
+    perplexity in my own life. Do write a little each day, dear, if
+    but a line, to show me how bravely you begin the battle, how
+    patiently you wait for the rewards sure to come when the victory
+    is nobly won.
+
+                                    Ever yrs.
+                                            Mother.
+
+On her fourteenth birthday the mother accompanies the gift of a pen with
+this little poem:
+
+    Oh, may this pen your muse inspire,
+        When wrapt in pure poetic fire,
+    To write some sweet, some thrilling verse;
+        A song of love or sorrow's lay,
+    Or duty's clear but tedious way
+        In brighter hope rehearse.
+    Oh, let your strain be soft and high,
+        Of crosses here, of crowns beyond the sky;
+    Truth guide your pen, inspire your theme,
+        And from each note joy's music stream.
+
+Louisa Alcott owed much to her mother's example and perhaps even more to
+her mother's influence. This letter, carefully preserved in the
+daughter's journal, reveals a wealth of mother-love and of God-given
+wisdom:
+
+                                                  15th Birthday,
+                                                       Hillside.
+
+    Dearest,
+
+    Accept this pen from your mother and for her sake use it freely
+    & worthily that each day of this your fifteenth year may
+    testify to some good word or thought or work.
+
+    I know there will be born into your spirit new hopes, new gifts,
+    for God helps the loving, trusting heart that turns to Him. Lift
+    up your soul to meet the highest, for that alone will satisfy
+    your yearning, aspiring nature.
+
+    Your temperament is a peculiar one, & there are few who can
+    really help you. Set about the formation of character & believe
+    me you are capable of obtaining a noble one. Industry, patience,
+    love, creates, endures, gives all things, for these are the
+    attributes of the Almighty, & they make us mighty in all things.
+    May eternal love sustain you, infinite wisdom guide you, & the
+    peace which passeth understanding reward you, my daughter.
+
+                                                         Mother.
+    Nov. 29th, 1846.
+
+Deeds, not words, characterized Elizabeth Alcott, as readers of "Little
+Women" will recall. She was about seven when she sent this letter, one
+of the very few she wrote, to her mother:
+
+                                                 May, Friday 29.
+
+    Dear Mother,
+
+    I thank you very much for your note. I will try to write better
+    than I have done. I have not always had a good pen. I hope I
+    shall improve in all my studies this summer. I hope I can read
+    German & French very well, and know a great deal about the
+    countries. I must write my journal now so I will bid you good
+    bye.
+
+                                            From your loving
+                                                      Elizabeth.
+
+Birthdays were always celebrated with much rejoicing in the Alcott
+household, the gift made secondary to the spirit of the day. From the
+time they were old enough to print, the Alcott children on the mother's
+birthday made her some little gift, accompanying it with a note. Abba
+May or May, as she was always called, at nine years old, began in prose
+but lapsed into poetry:
+
+    Dear Mother,
+
+    I wish you a very happy birthday. I hope you will find my
+    present Useful, and when you wear it think of me. I have taken a
+    great-deal of Pleasure in making it for you. Please take this
+    Present mother on your 49 birthday
+
+    With the dearest Love and wishes of your little daughter A.
+
+With Mrs. Alcott, hardship, poverty, the grief of seeing her husband
+misunderstood and often scoffed at, never lessened her love for him, or
+her contentment in the marriage relation. The year following her
+marriage in a letter to her brother she wrote: "My father has never
+married a daughter or son more completely happy than I am. I have cares,
+and soon they will be arduous ones, but with the mild, constant, and
+affectionate sympathy and aid of my husband, with the increasing health
+and loveliness of my quiet and bright little Anna, with good health,
+clear head, grateful heart and ready hand,--what can I not do when
+surrounded by influences like this?"
+
+Ideals were never shattered; illusions, if so they may be called, were
+never lost by Mrs. Alcott through the stormy years that laid between the
+first happy months of her married life and the sunset days when all her
+burdens were laid down. To her, the husband who was so long denied
+material success and intellectual sympathy ever remained the lover and
+friend. Her admiration for him was unbounded, her faith in him complete.
+So high she held him in heart and mind, that it was difficult even for
+those who loved him most to appreciate her estimate of him as Poet,
+Philosopher, and Sage.
+
+Concerning the most famous portrait ever made of Bronson Alcott, done in
+crayons by Mrs. Richard Hildredth, wife of the historian and aunt of the
+portrait painter, George Fuller, which, beautiful as it was, did not
+satisfy the wife's ideal, Mrs. Alcott writes:
+
+    A tinge of the incomprehensible lies softly around it, a field
+    of atmosphere, as if she had worked with down from an angel's
+    wing rather than with a crayon,--as if the moonlight had cast a
+    shadow on the lights of her picture, and a divinity had touched
+    with a soft shade, the dark portion of the figure. Mrs.
+    Hildredth has changed the costume from a dress suit to a mantle
+    draped about the shoulders. This, I do not like. The chaste
+    simplicity of Mr. Alcott's dress is more in character and
+    keeping with the severe simplicity and rectitude of his life.
+    Louisa admirably describes her father's appearance as she
+    met him at the cars. "His dress was neat and poor. He looked
+    cold and thin as an icicle, but serene as God." After such a
+    testimony, from such a daughter, he can afford to dress shabbily.
+
+Contentment, whatever her lot, was an attribute of Marmee; she
+underestimated herself always. Unquestionably, Louisa inherited her
+literary gift quite as much from mother as from father, and flashes of
+the quaint humor so delightful in the daughter's books are found in the
+mother's letters. To a friend she writes: "My gifts are few. I live,
+love and learn, and find myself more content every day of my life with
+humble conditions."
+
+Louisa Alcott never laid claim to poetic gift, but on a few occasions
+her verses take to themselves true poetic beauty. One of the most
+exquisite of these poems was written by her on the death of her mother,
+and was first published anonymously in the "Masque of Poets" of 1878:
+
+                            TRANSFIGURATION
+                              In Memoriam
+
+    Mysterious death; who in a single hour
+        Life's gold can so refine,
+        And by thy art divine
+    Change mortal weakness to immortal power:
+
+    Bending beneath the weight of eighty years,
+        Spent with the noble strife
+        Of a victorious life,
+    We watched her fading heavenward, through our tears.
+
+    But ere the sense of loss our hearts had wrung,
+        A miracle was wrought:
+        And swift as happy thought
+    She lived again--brave, beautiful and young.
+
+    Age, pain and sorrow dropped the veils they wore,
+        And showed the tender eyes
+        Of angels in disguise,
+    Whose discipline so patiently she bore.
+
+    The past years brought their harvest rich and fair;
+        While memory and love,
+        Together fondly wove
+    A golden garland for the silver hair.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VII
+
+                           CHILDREN'S DIARIES
+
+
+THE Alcott children were brought up to think for themselves, to reflect,
+and to give expression to their thoughts. Never laughed at, they were
+not afraid to speak or write of what was in their minds. Each kept a
+diary, and no incident that concerned the little girls was too trivial
+for mention in the record of the day. These incidents, collected, give a
+more comprehensive view of the Alcotts as a family than do the father's
+voluminous journals.
+
+                  [Illustration: ANNA BRONSON ALCOTT.
+                         From a daguerreotype.
+                              _Page 122._]
+
+When Anna was ten, she gravely explains under date of April 13, 1841:
+
+    Father was too unwell to come down stairs and mother ironed,
+    Louisa and I helped a little while. I wrote my journal and a
+    journal for Louisa as she thought she could not write well
+    enough. I had no other lessons than that. We watched a little
+    spider and gave it some water to drink. In the afternoon mother
+    read loud the story of the good aunt or part of it while we
+    sewed on the clean clothes I mended up the holes and Louisa and
+    Lizzy sewed on a sheet. In the evening we played mother lets us
+    play in the evening. We went to bed soon.
+
+This sewing bee recalls the long evenings in the March home, described
+in "Little Women," when the four girls and the mother sewed dutifully
+on sheets for Aunt March, dividing seams into countries, discussing
+Europe, Asia, Africa, and America as they stitched.
+
+When she was twelve, Anna's literary aspirations sought a vent in
+attempted poetry. Later she collaborated with Louisa in writing the
+"Comic Tragedies." Anna's confidante and comrade, Louisa, was frequently
+the victim of these poetic effusions, her reception of which gives quite
+a line on her ardent temperament. This entry in Anna's journal for April
+23, 1843, is eloquent:
+
+    This morning I rose pretty early--After breakfast I read and
+    wrote stories. In the afternoon I wrote some letters and the
+    following one to Louisa:
+
+            Louisa dear
+            With love sincere
+        Accept this little gift from me
+            It is with pleasure
+            I send this treasure
+        And with it send much love to thee.
+
+            Sister dear
+            Never fear
+        God will help you if you try.
+            Do not despair
+            But always care
+        To be good and love to try.
+
+    In the evening I read in a book called 'Stories on the
+    Lord's-prayer.' I talked with Louisa after I went to bed and she
+    pinched me on my leg.
+
+Two or three years later Anna writes:
+
+    Monday.
+
+    Mother went to Boston and Louisa and I cleaned house all day. I
+    love order above all things and I take great pleasure in seeing
+    all neat about the house.
+
+    Tuesday.
+
+    I worked hard till 2 o'clock when we all met to sew while mother
+    read aloud from "Miss Bremers Brothers and Sister's." It is most
+    beautiful such a happy family. I think Miss Bremer would make a
+    lovely mother the mothers in her books are so sweet and she has
+    beautiful idear's about family's. I love to read natural
+    stories.
+
+    Wednesday 30th.
+
+    We rose very early and eat breakfast. I think it is a dreadful
+    thing to grow old and not be able to fly about, but then I
+    suppose I shall not care about flying when I grow older, still
+    it is horrid to think about being an old woman all wrinkled and
+    blind. I wish I could keep young forever. I should love to live
+    among all those I love and be with them all the time.
+
+Reading was a part of the daily routine in the Alcott household, and
+Anna's taste for German recalls vividly certain episodes between Meg and
+John Brooks in "Little Women."
+
+    Friday 18th.
+
+    I read one of Krummacher's parables in German. I think they are
+    very beautiful, the language is so elegant. I love to hear
+    beautiful words and these stories are told so simply and are
+    full of such sweet thought. I found a great many which have
+    never been translated and I intend to try myself to translate
+    them. I think it is the pleasantest thing I do to read German.
+    It is such a splendid language. I mean Elizabeth shall learn to
+    read it, she will enjoy it so much.
+
+    Saturday 19th.
+
+    In the afternoon I sewed and Louisa read me a very silly story
+    called 'The Golden Cup.' I think there is a great deal of
+    nonsense written now a days, the papers are full of silly
+    stories.
+
+    Sunday 20th.
+
+    I have been reading lately a very beautiful book given me by my
+    mother. It is "Characteristics of Women" by Mrs. Jameson. I like
+    it very much. It is a description of Shakespear's Heroines,
+    Portia is my favorite, she was so noble and I liked the Trial
+    scene better than any of Shakespears that I ever read. I think
+    this part is beautiful.
+
+    'Let music sound while he doth make his choice;
+    Then if he love he make a swan like end
+    Fading in music.'
+
+    I think this was a beautiful idea.
+
+    I passed a pleasant morning in school, translating one of
+    Krummacher's beautiful parables. I find great pleasure in this.
+    I like German better than I do French. I want much to study
+    Italian. I have tried myself several times but cannot manage it
+    without help. I think I should be very happy if I could go to
+    school. I think about it most all the time and when I am in bed
+    I imagine myself in Boston going to Miss Peabody's school with
+    other girls and know that I am learning something. And I think
+    I lead rather too solitary a life. I love to see people. Mother
+    read in the afternoon from Miss Sedgwick's Letters. It was about
+    the Germans. She says they are a very cheerful people and though
+    poor yet they always have a happy smile and cheerful face. That
+    their manners are beautiful. They are so kind and simple. I know
+    I should love them, for I like everything German, except their
+    food, which I think must be horrid, greasy cabbage and sour
+    bread. That seems bad. I should think they are so fond of
+    beautiful things; music, poetry and flowers, that they would not
+    like such stuff.
+
+    September, 1845.
+    Friday 1st.
+
+    I walked before breakfast, the sun was bright and there was a
+    cool wind. The lane was full of beautiful flowers and the grass
+    was green and fresh. I had a lovely walk and gathered a bunch of
+    goldenrod, spirian and gerandia. Everything was so beautiful
+    that all my unhappy thoughts of last night flew away. I
+    sometimes have strange feelings, a sort of longing after
+    something I don't know what it is. I have a great many wishes. I
+    spent the day in the usual manner, sewing and studying. In the
+    evening Louisa and I walked through the lane and talked about
+    how we should like to live and dress and imagined all kinds of
+    beautiful things.
+
+    Sunday 3rd.
+
+    I sewed all day and mother read from "Miss Sedgwick's Letters."
+    I will write a piece of poetry, as I have nothing very pleasant
+    to write about:
+
+        "Oh when thy heart is full of fears
+         And the way is dim to Heaven
+         When the sorrow and the sin of years
+         Peace from thy soul has driven
+         Then through the mist of falling tears
+         Look up and be forgiven.
+
+        "And then rise up and sin no more
+         And from thy dark ways flee
+         Let Virtue o'er thy appetites
+         Have full and perfect mastery
+         And the kindly ones that hover o'er
+         Will ever strengthen thee.
+
+        "And though thou art helpless and forlorn
+         Let not thy heart's peace go
+         And though the riches of this world are gone
+         And thy lot is care and woe
+         Faint not, but journey ever on
+         True wealth is not below.
+
+        "Oh, falter not but still look up
+         Let Patience be thy guide
+         Bless the rod and take the cup
+         And trustfully abide
+         Let not temptation vanquish thee
+         And the Father will provide."
+
+    Louisa composed these lines, which I think are beautiful. She is
+    a beautiful girl and writes as good poetry as Lucretia Davidson,
+    about whom so much has been written. I think she will write
+    _something great one of these days_. As for me I am perfect in
+    nothing. I have no genius. I know a little of music, a little of
+    French, German and Drawing, but none of them well. I have a
+    foolish wish to be something _great_ and I shall probably spend my
+    life in a kitchen and die in the poor-house. I want to be Jenny
+    Lind or Mrs. Seguin and I can't and so I cry. Here is another of
+    Louisa's pieces to mother.
+
+        "God comfort thee dear mother,
+            For sorrow sad and deep
+         Is lying heavy on thy heart
+            And this hath made thee weep.
+
+        "There is a Father o'er us, mother,
+            Who orders for the best
+         And peace shall come ere long, mother,
+            And dwell within thy breast.
+
+        "Then let us journey onward, mother,
+            And trustfully abide,
+         The coming forth of good or ill
+            Whatever may betide."
+
+Helpfulness was encouraged in the Alcott household; habits of industry
+were carefully fostered. The Alcott children worked when they worked,
+played when they played, but wasted hours were unknown. They were taught
+to make the most of every day. When Anna was seventeen she wrote in her
+diary:
+
+    August, 1848.
+    Thursday 17th.
+
+    Lizzy and I are making plans for spending our days usefully.
+    Here is mine.
+
+                                 Plan.
+
+    Rise at half past 4, bathe, dress and walk till half past 5.
+
+    Dress and bathe the children.
+
+    Breakfast at 7. Work till 9. School till 12. Work till 2.
+
+    Sew till 4. Practice till 5.
+
+    Hear Lizzy recite German and French till 6. Supper.
+
+    This will keep me pretty busy, but I find I accomplish so much
+    more when I have a plan and certain times for certain things. I
+    never can do things without order. I like to have something
+    planned for every moment of the day, so that when I get up in
+    the morning I may know what to do. I wish I could be learned.
+
+An entry in Louisa's diary during the Fruitlands period gives this
+insight into one of her average days, when a child of eleven:
+
+    I rose at five, and after breakfast washed the dishes and then
+    helped mother work. I took care of May in the afternoon. In the
+    evening I made some pretty things for my dolly. Father and Mr.
+    Lane had a talk and father asked us if we saw any reason for us
+    to separate. Mother wanted to, she is so tired. I like it, but
+    not the school part or Mr. L.
+
+Note, too, that when it came to a conference concerning family affairs,
+the father asked the advice of his eleven-year-old daughter, instead of
+following the more customary method of withholding from her the family
+confidence and deferring discussion of plans until the children had gone
+to bed.
+
+"Know Thyself," was ever the aim of Bronson Alcott in the training of
+his children, and Mr. Lane at Fruitlands followed this same line of
+mental development. This is one of his sample lessons which Louisa
+Alcott has copied into her journal:
+
+    Sample of our Lessons
+
+    "What virtues do you wish more of," asked Mr. L. I answer:
+
+        Patience            Love                Silence
+        Obedience           Generosity          Perseverance
+        Industry            Respect             Self-denial
+
+    "What vices less of?"
+
+        Idleness            Wilfulness          Vanity
+        Impatience          Impudence           Pride
+        Selfishness         Activity            Love of cats
+
+In this same lesson comes the twelve-year-old Louisa's explanation of
+the difference between faith and hope:
+
+    Faith can believe without seeing; hope is not sure, but tries
+    to have faith when it desires.
+
+Louisa's love of nature, her trained habits of thought, her poetic
+imagination, and her keen appreciation of beauty are indicated in this
+entry in her journal, written at Fruitlands in 1843 or 1844, when she
+was a child of ten or eleven:
+
+    I wrote in my imagination book, and enjoyed it very much. Life
+    is pleasanter than it used to be, and I don't care about dying
+    any more. Had a splendid run, and got a box of cones to burn.
+    Sat and heard the pines sing a long time. Had good dreams, and
+    woke now and then to think, and watch the moon. I had a
+    pleasant time with my mind, for it was happy.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VIII
+
+                         GIRLHOOD AND WOMANHOOD
+
+
+FAMILIAR to every reader of "Little Women" is the March family's quaint
+brown house with its many windows, its old-fashioned garden, its homely,
+homelike air, its unfailing hospitality. This home, as described by
+Louisa M. Alcott, is a picture of the Alcott home at Concord, the scene
+of the girlhood and young womanhood of the Alcott children. Many of
+Louisa's books were written there; "Little Women" was lived there. In
+Concord, Anna met John Pratt, and the first love story in "Little
+Women" is Anna's life romance. There little Beth passed from the
+material to the spiritual life, and Amy first developed the artistic
+talents which later caused her work to be sought for by art museums and
+private collectors.
+
+Anna's marriage was a great trial to Louisa, for from early childhood
+the two girls had been inseparable companions, and after Anna's marriage
+Louisa learned to look upon John as her brother.
+
+Louisa's diary in the April following the passing of Elizabeth touches
+upon the change of homes in Concord, the absence of May, who was
+studying art in Boston, of Elizabeth and of Anna:
+
+                                 April.
+
+    Came to occupy one wing of Hawthorne's house (once ours) while the
+    new one was being repaired. Father, mother and I kept house
+    together, May being in Boston, Anna at Pratt farm, & for the first
+    time Lizzy absent. I don't miss her as I expected to do, for she
+    seems nearer & dearer than before, & I am glad to know she is safe
+    from pain & age in some world where her innocent soul must be happy.
+
+    Death never seemed terrible to me, & now is beautiful, so I cannot
+    fear it, but find it friendly and wonderful.
+
+                      [Illustration: ABBA MAY ALCOTT.
+                           From a photograph.
+                              _Page 142._]
+
+Amy's artistic efforts and her failures in "Little Women" are taken from
+May's actual experiences in Concord. Turning the career of the youngest
+of the Alcott girls into a romance earlier in "Little Women" than it
+actually occurred in life, doubtless prevented Louisa Alcott from
+chronicling the artistic success of her youngest sister, a success to
+which she largely contributed and in which she took great pride.
+
+May Alcott's pictures are found to-day in art museums and in leading
+private collections in this country and abroad. Her copies of Turner are
+remarkable. In the Kensington Gallery in London students are given them
+to study in preference to the originals. Several fine examples are in
+American museums, and a few are owned by members of the Alcott family.
+
+When the Alcotts moved into Orchard House, the girls painted and
+papered the interior themselves. May filled the nooks and corners with
+panels, on which she painted birds and flowers. Over the fireplaces she
+inscribed mottoes in Old English characters.
+
+The study in Orchard House was the real center of the household. For the
+chimney piece Ellery Channing wrote an epigram, which May Alcott painted
+upon it, and which has been used in the stage reproduction of "Little
+Women":
+
+    "The Hills are reared, the Valleys scooped in vain,
+     If Learning's Altars vanish from the Plain."
+
+In Orchard House to-day, walls, doors, and window casings are etched
+with May Alcott's drawings, many preserved under glass, including a
+miniature portrait of a little girl, naively and modestly inscribed "The
+Artist."
+
+High thoughts and cheerful minds triumphed over poverty in those Concord
+days. Shortly after the family's return from Fruitlands, Louisa wrote
+for Ellen Emerson the fairy stories, "Flower Fables." She was at the
+time only sixteen. This was her earliest published work, and it was many
+years before she achieved literary fame, although, as did Jo in "Little
+Women," she materially helped in the support of the family by writing
+lurid tales.
+
+Literature rather than commerce freed the Alcotts from the burden of
+debt. Louisa's fame was the result, neither of accident, nor of a
+single achievement, but had for its background the whole generous past
+of her family. Her "Hospital Sketches" were her letters home, when she
+was serving as hospital nurse during the Civil War. "Little Women" is a
+chronicle of her family. Louisa certainly made good use of the
+vicissitudes of the Alcotts. She always saw the funny side and was not
+afraid to make book material of the home experiences, elevating or
+humiliating. Her books number between twenty-five and thirty. Nearly
+every one takes its basic idea from some real experience. The books
+written by the Alcott family, including some eight or ten published by
+Mr. Alcott, Louisa's output, and one or two written by May, fill two
+shelves of an alcove devoted to Concord authors in the Alcott town
+library.
+
+Anna's little sons, familiarly known in the Alcott household as Freddie
+and Johnnie, or Jack, gave to Bronson Alcott in his later days fresh
+opportunity for his favorite study--childhood. To both boys came
+frequent messages and gifts from Grandpa, Grandma, and Aunt Louisa.
+
+Louisa Alcott sent to Freddie this poem on his third birthday:
+
+    A song for little Freddie
+    On his third Birthday.
+
+    Down in the field
+    Where the brook goes,
+    Lives a white lammie
+    With a little black nose.
+
+    He eats the grass so green,
+    He drinks the "la la" sweet,
+    "Buttertups" and daisies,
+    Grow all about his feet.
+
+    The "birdies" they sing to him,
+    The big sun in the sky,
+    Warms his little "Toe-toes,"
+    And peeps into his eye.
+
+    He's a very gentle lammie,
+    He never makes a fuss,
+    He never "saps his marmar,"
+    He never says "I muss."
+
+    He hops and he runs,
+    "Wound and wound" all day,
+    And when the night comes,
+    He goes "bye low" on the hay.
+
+    In a nice little barn,
+    Where the "moo-moos" are;
+    Freddie says "Good night,"
+    But the lammie he says "Baa!"
+
+    To be sung by Marmar with appropriate accompaniment of gesture, etc.
+
+On the outside of the letter appears:
+
+    A little song for Freddie,
+    On his third birthday,
+    With "lots" of loving kisses,
+    From his Wee-wee far away.
+
+On his sixth birthday Grandpa contributes:
+
+                           Concord, Freddie's
+                             6th Birthday,
+                                  1869.
+
+    Dear Freddy,
+
+    I give you for your Birth Day Present this new Picture Book. It
+    has plain words for you to pick out and read. The stories are
+    short and about things that you know. Now, my little scholar,
+    look among the leaves every day, and see how many words you can
+    tell,--Very soon you will find you can read whole pages, spell
+    the whole book through, and write the stories, word for word on
+    your slate or in your little writing book. Then you will not be
+    a little Dunce, and when Grandpa comes to see you, you will be
+    glad to show him how well you can read.
+
+                            Grandma gives the top to Johnny.
+                                                   From Grandpa.
+
+Grandma, not to be outdone, sent this:
+
+    Dear Freddy,
+
+    If worms give us the silk thread--can't we find time enough to
+    find out how the Fabric is made which dresses are formed
+    of--minutes and days--ours. Days and Years are passing away--let
+    us be busy--and I guess we will get to the Vienna Exposition--
+
+        "How doth the little busy Bee"
+
+    Improve each shining hour--Be a Bee--and your hours will be too
+    few for the Flowers of Science and the Wheels of Use. Grandma
+    will help you with her one dim eye and Grandpa will explain a
+    great deal to you with his Shining Light--Mama with your help
+    will make you a true, good  man.--
+
+                                 1873.
+
+On his twelfth birthday Aunt Louisa again lapsed into poetry:
+
+                                F. A. P.
+
+    Who likes to read a fairy tale,
+    Or stories told of sword and sail,
+    Until his little optics fail?
+                              Our boy.
+
+    Who loves his father's watch to wear
+    And often draw it out with care
+    Upon its round white face to stare?
+                              Our boy.
+
+    Who rather proud of his small feet
+    When wearing slippers new and neat,
+    And stockings red as any beet?
+                              Our boy.
+
+    Who in his pocket keeps his hands
+    As round the house he "mooning" stands
+    Or reads the paper like the mans?
+                              Our boy.
+
+    Who likes to "boss" it over Jack,
+    And sometimes gives a naughty whack,
+    But gets it heartily paid back?
+                              Our boy.
+
+    Who likes to have a birthday frolic
+    And eats until he has a colic,
+    That for the time is diabolic?
+                              Our boy.
+
+    Who is the dearest little lad,
+    That aunt or mother ever had,
+    To love when gay and cheer when sad?
+                              Our boy.
+
+    May angels guard him with their wings,
+    And all brave, good and happy things,
+    Make nobler thou than crowned kings.
+                              Our boy.
+
+                     March 28th, 1875.
+
+John, the original of Daisy in "Little Women," received in his babyhood
+days from Aunt Louisa, some tiny blue stockings with this verse:
+
+    Two pair of blue hose,
+    For Johnny's white toes,
+    So Jack Frost can't freeze em,
+    Nor darned stockings tease em,
+    So pretty and neat
+    I hope the small feet
+    Will never go wrong,
+    But walk straight and strong,
+    The way father went.
+    We shall all be content,
+    If the dear little son
+    Be a second good John.
+
+On his tenth birthday, both Grandpa and Grandma Alcott sent these
+characteristic greetings to their younger grandson:
+
+                       Grandma Alcott to Johnny.
+
+    10th birthday.                                  June 24th. 1875.
+
+            Giving song, all day long,
+        Under the elm or willow;
+            With sunshine shed
+            On the little head
+        That rests on Grandma's pillow.
+            To and fro,
+            Let it go,
+        While inside piping cheery,
+            As he takes his rest
+            In his hang-bird's nest
+        Lies Grandma's little deary.
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+                       Grandpa Alcott to Johnny.
+                            June 24th. 1875.
+
+        A fine little sword
+            For gallant Capt. Jack,
+        As he marches down the hill
+            His army at his back.
+
+        No giants will it kill
+            Since its only made for show,
+        And the best way to fight,
+            Is a kiss for a blow.
+
+In these days of private secretaries, labor-saving devices, and
+specialization, it is difficult to comprehend the obstacles that Louisa
+Alcott encountered in writing. Her day was filled with other tasks,
+housework, sewing, teaching, nursing--yet the pen was never idle, the
+busy brain was never still. Her power of concentration made it possible
+for her to write under harassing conditions. This is her own description
+of her methods of work:
+
+    My methods of work are very simple and soon told. My head is my
+    study, and there I keep the various plans of stories for years
+    sometimes, letting them grow as they will till I am ready to
+    put them on paper. Then it is quick work, as chapters go down
+    word for word as they stand in my mind, and need no alteration.
+    I never copy, since I find by experience that the work I spend
+    the least time upon is best liked by critics and speakers.
+
+    Any paper, any pen, any place that is quiet suit me, and I used
+    to write from morning till night without fatigue when "the steam
+    was up." Now, however, I am paying the penalty of twenty years
+    of over work, and can write but two hours a day, doing about
+    twenty pages, sometimes more, though my right thumb is useless
+    from writer's cramp.
+
+    While a story is under way I live in it, see the people more
+    plainly than real ones around me, hear them talk, and am much
+    interested, surprised and provoked at their actions, for I seem
+    to have no power to rule them, and can simply record their
+    experiences and performances.
+
+    Materials for the children's tales I find in the lives of the
+    little people about me, for no one can invent anything so droll,
+    pretty or pathetic as the sayings and doings of these small
+    actors, poets and martyrs. In the older books, the events are
+    mostly from real life, the strongest the truest, and I yet hope
+    to write a few of the novels which have been simmering in my
+    brain while necessity and unexpected success have confined me to
+    juvenile literature.
+
+    I gave Mrs. Moulton many facts for her article in "Famous
+    Women," and there are many other sketches which will add more if
+    they are wanted. The first edition of "Jo's Boys" was twenty
+    thousand I believe, and over fifty thousand were soon gone.
+    Since January I know little about the sales. People usually ask
+    "How much have you made?" I am contented with a hundred
+    thousand, and find my best success in the comfort my family
+    enjoy; also a naughty satisfaction in proving that it was better
+    _not_ to "stick to teaching" as advised, but to write.
+
+                   [Illustration: LOUISA MAY ALCOTT.
+                         From a daguerreotype.
+                              _Page 160._]
+
+With all her love for her father, irreverent Louisa delighted in making
+fun of him. The complacent philosopher, with his voluminous journals,
+his several books in manuscript, his liking, despite the brilliancy of
+his conversations, for the written rather than the spoken word, was a
+wasteful user of paper and a careless dispenser of ink. That her father
+enjoyed her good-natured banter is shown by the fact that in his journal
+he has entered the following poem, written by Louisa at nineteen:
+
+                    From Louisa on my 52nd birthday.
+                                    Nov. 29th, 1851.
+
+                               To Father.
+
+    A cloth on the table where dear Plato sits
+    By one of the Graces was spread
+    With the single request that he would not design
+    New patterns with black ink or red.
+    And when he is soaring away in the clouds
+    I beg he'll remember and think
+    Though the "blackbirds" are fair his cloth will be fairer
+    For not being deluged with ink.
+    May plenty of paper of pens and of quiet
+    To my dear pa forever be given
+    Till he has written such piles that when on the top
+    He can walk calmly on into Heaven.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER IX
+
+                         FRIENDSHIPS AND BELIEFS
+
+
+RARE friendships existed among the great minds of that period, when
+Transcendentalism in America was first talked and lived, a close bond of
+sympathy uniting Bronson Alcott, Emerson, Thoreau, Ellery Channing,
+Margaret Fuller, and Elizabeth Peabody. Such association made its
+impress upon the Alcott daughters. Anna's diary is filled with
+references to visits with the Emersons. Louisa's deal less with the
+family and more with the intellectual life of the great philosopher,
+whom she made her idol. Through life he was her stanch and
+understanding friend.
+
+"The Apostles of the Newness" was the scoffing term applied to these
+literary giants of New England by those who lacked the mental and
+spiritual insight to recognize greatness in others.
+
+This attitude of ridicule was largely responsible for the continued
+attacks upon the _Dial_, a quarterly issued by the Transcendentalists,
+edited from 1840 to 1844 by Emerson, Margaret Fuller, George Ripley, and
+Thoreau. Between its modest covers were many of the intellectual
+masterpieces of the time: its rare volumes are still treasure-houses of
+literature which to-day command any price. Mr. Alcott selected its title
+and was to a large extent responsible for its policy. His Orphic
+Sayings in the _Dial_, now looked upon as classics, were the butt of the
+press at the time, and the derision of Boston society.
+
+In these Orphic Sayings, he gave this remarkable definition of Reform:
+"Reforms are the noblest of facts. Extant in time, they work for
+eternity: dwelling with men, they are with God."
+
+Conversation among these friends was neither trivial nor useless, and in
+the Alcott circle, which included Emerson, Thoreau, Theodore Parker,
+William Henry Channing, James Freeman Clarke, Elizabeth Peabody, Mrs.
+Cheney, and other of the early Transcendentalists, later on augmented by
+James Russell Lowell and Nathaniel Hawthorne, a series of drawing-room
+symposiums was established, with Alcott, whom Emerson called "serious
+and superior," as a leader. Much of the substance of these conversations
+is found in the Alcott journals, and in the unpublished manuscripts of
+the poet-philosopher.
+
+In Concord, the Alcotts once more enjoyed the literary companionship
+they craved. Emerson was a near neighbor. Thoreau had his cabin at
+Walden, where he had established "a community of one." To and from
+Boston came others of the Transcendental group, and Concord became the
+center of thought for New England.
+
+Thinking, however, was not the only occupation of Bronson Alcott.
+Dreamer he was, but he delighted in toil and ever upheld the dignity of
+labor, not ashamed nor afraid to work for hire as a laborer in his
+neighbor's field, while nightly conducting drawing-room conversations
+with a company of peers and students.
+
+When Thoreau built his cabin, Alcott helped him. They cut the trees from
+Emerson's grove. While Emerson was abroad, they built a summer-house for
+him on his grounds. It stood for many years, a picturesque temple of
+friendship. William Henry Channing mentions a morning spent there,
+reading Margaret Fuller's Italian letters. May Alcott has made drawings
+of it, which were published in a volume of "Concord Sketches" that also
+contained her drawing of Hawthorne's house.
+
+Mr. Alcott practically rebuilt Orchard House for his own family. Mrs.
+Child, a friend of Mrs. Alcott, thus describes this home, which is now
+preserved as a memorial to Louisa M. Alcott and is visited by thousands
+every year:
+
+    When they bought the place the house was so very old that it
+    was thrown into the bargain, with the supposition that it was
+    fit for nothing but firewood. But Mr. Alcott had an
+    architectural taste, more intelligible than his Orphic Sayings.
+    He let every old rafter and beam stay in its place, changed old
+    ovens and ash holes into Saxon arched alcoves, and added a
+    washerwoman's old shanty to the rear. The result is a house
+    full of queer nooks and corners, with all manner of juttings in
+    and out. It seems as if the spirit of some old architect had
+    dropped it down in Concord.
+
+Thoreau, master builder himself, has paid to Bronson Alcott this
+tribute:
+
+    One of the last of the philosophers, Connecticut gave him to
+    the world. He peddled first her wares, afterwards, as he
+    declares, his brains. These he peddles still, bearing for
+    fruit, only his brain, like the nut its kernel. His words and
+    attitude always suppose a better state of things than other men
+    are aquainted with, and he will be the last man to be
+    disappointed when the ages revolve. He has no venture in the
+    present. But though comparatively disregarded now, when his
+    day comes, laws unsuspected by most will take effect, and
+    rulers will come to him for advice.
+
+Emerson, who saw the boy mind beneath the philosopher's dignity, said
+tenderly of Bronson Alcott: "He is certainly the youngest man of his age
+we have seen. When I looked at his gray hairs, his conversation sounded
+pathetic; but I looked again and they reminded me of the gray dawn."
+
+Even his friends, to say nothing of Louisa, occasionally poked fun at
+him for chronicling so minutely all his thoughts. Ellery Channing called
+his library, "Encyclopediea de Moi-meme, en cents volumes." Yet these
+journals and records are now worth more than the fine library he
+collected and in which he delighted.
+
+Emerson has thus described the origin of the Fruitlands community:
+
+    On the invitation of James P. Greaves of London, the friend and
+    fellow-laborer of Pestalozzi in Switzerland, Mr. Alcott went to
+    England in 1842. Mr. Greaves died before his arrival, but Mr.
+    Alcott was received cordially by his friends, who had given his
+    name to their school, Alcott House, Ham, near London. He spent
+    several months in making acquaintance with various classes of
+    reformers. On his return to America, he brought with him two of
+    his English friends, Chas. Lane and H. C. Wright; and Mr. Lane
+    having bought a farm which he called Fruitlands, at Harvard,
+    Mass., they all went there to found a new community.
+
+The Fruitlands experiment and its failure have been immortalized by
+Louisa Alcott in her "Transcendental Wild Oats." The detail of it is
+thus described by a friend of the Alcott family, who had the story from
+Bronson Alcott himself:
+
+    The crop failures necessitated the community living on a barley
+    diet, as anything animal was not allowed, not even milk and
+    eggs. Now and then they gave a thought as to what they should
+    do for shoes when those they had were gone; for depriving the
+    cow of her skin was a crime not to be tolerated. The barley
+    crop was injured in harvesting, and before long want was
+    staring them in the face. The Alcotts remained at Fruitlands
+    till mid-winter in dire poverty, all the guests having taken
+    their departure as provisions vanished. Friends came to the
+    rescue, and, Mr. Alcott concluded with pathos in his voice, "We
+    put our little women on an ox-sled and made our way to Concord!
+    So faded one of the dreams of my youth. I have given you
+    the facts as they were; Louisa has given the comic side in
+    'Transcendental Wild Oats'; but Mrs. Alcott could give you the
+    tragic side."
+
+Indeed, it was always Mrs. Alcott who could have given the tragic side,
+skillfully as she kept her worries hidden. Her own family, indignant
+because Bronson Alcott could not better provide the material needs for
+his family, on more than one occasion besought the faithful wife to
+leave him.
+
+A letter from her brother, urging this step, drew forth from her a
+defense of Bronson Alcott which the husband enters in his journal as
+follows:
+
+                                November
+                                  1840
+
+    Passages of a letter from my wife to one who misapprehends and
+    perverts my life and purposes.
+
+    "If I do not mistake the spirit as well as letter of your remark
+    you would have us believe that a righteous retribution has
+    overtaken us, (or my husband, and we are one,) and that the
+    world is justly punishing him for not having conciliated it, by
+    conforming to its wills and ways.--You say that my husband was
+    told ten years ago, that the world could not understand him. It
+    perhaps fell dead on his ears and ever will. There is no human
+    voice can convince him that the path he has chosen to tread,
+    thorny, bleak, solitary, as it is, is not the right one for him.
+    Just so did that man of Nazareth whom all the world profess to
+    admire and adore, but few to imitate; and these few are the
+    laughing-stock of the Christian Community. They are branded as
+    visionaries and fools. But this little band when alone and
+    disencumbered of idle observation, enjoy the recital of their
+    privations; they have been reviled, but they revile not again;
+    they know sorrow and are acquainted with grief; and yet there is
+    joy in that group of sinless men, such as angels might desire
+    to partake of. I am not writing poetry, but I have tried to
+    place before your mind, in as brief, but clear a manner as I am
+    able, our real condition, and Mr. Alcott's merit as a man, who,
+    though punished and neglected by a wicked world, has much to
+    console and encourage him in the confidence and cooperation of
+    some of the wisest and best men living. Ten such, were they
+    permitted in their several vocations to act as teachers,
+    preachers, and printers, would save our wicked city from the
+    ruin that awaits it. But they are turned, like the Nazarene,
+    into solitary places to lament the blindness and folly of
+    mankind, who are following the vain and fleeting shadow for the
+    real and abiding substance. But to return to Mr. Alcott, is he
+    to sell his soul, or what is the same thing, his principles, for
+    the bread that perisheth? No one will employ him in his way; he
+    cannot work in theirs, if he thereby involve his conscience. He
+    is so resolved in this matter that I believe he will starve and
+    freeze before he will sacrifice principle to comfort. In this, I
+    and my children are necessarily implicated: we make and mean to
+    make all the sacrifices we can to sustain him, but we have less
+    to sustain us in the spirit, and therefore, are more liable to
+    be overcome of the flesh. He has, for a long time gone without
+    everything which he could not produce by labor, from his own
+    place, that no one could in truth reproach him with wantonly
+    eating of the fruits of another's labor.
+
+    He was sent for by friends in Hingham to talk with them; which
+    he did two evenings; his expenses were paid and $23. put into
+    his hands as a slight compensation for the benefit they felt he
+    had conferred upon them by his conversations. I should like to
+    copy the note accompanying it, but you never care to see how his
+    fellow fanatics rave on these holy themes, life, duty, destiny
+    of man. Thus he occasionally finds a market for his thoughts and
+    experiences, which, though inadequate to our support, is richly
+    prized as the honest gains of an innocent and righteous labor.
+    You spoke of his "poetical wardrobe" whether in satire or in a
+    worthier spirit, I cannot tell. However spiritual he may have
+    become, there is still enough of the carnal to feel the chills
+    of winter, and the chiller blasts of satire. His tatters are the
+    rags of righteousness and keep him warmer than they would anyone
+    whose spirit was less cheered and warmed by the fires of eternal
+    love and truth.
+
+An appreciative account of Mr. Alcott's famous school in the Masonic
+Temple, Boston, is found in the "Record of a School," edited by
+Elizabeth Peabody, published in 1835, republished in 1874. The
+"Conversations with Children on the Gospels," edited by Mr. Alcott in
+two volumes, appearing in 1836-1837, caused such a commotion in Boston
+as to result in the downfall of the Temple School. Reading these
+conversations to-day, one is impressed with the modern quality of their
+thought. They were forerunners of that higher criticism, which with the
+Bible student now supplants the old blind acceptance without reflection
+of even obscure Biblical passages.
+
+On philosophy and religion Mr. Alcott and Miss Peabody delighted to talk
+and write. Their discussion of the existence of evil is startlingly
+modern.
+
+"I do not think that evil should be clothed in form by the imagination,"
+writes Miss Peabody to Mr. Alcott; "I think every effort should be made
+to strip it of all individuality, all shaping and all coloring. And
+the reason is, that Evil has in truth no substantial existence, that
+it acquires all the existence it has from want of faith and soul
+cultivation, and that this is sufficient reason why all cultivation
+should be directed to give positiveness, coloring, shaping, to all
+kinds of good--Good only being eternal truth."
+
+In reply, the philosopher thus comments in his diary: "Evil has no
+positive existence, I agree with Miss Peabody, but it has usurped a
+positive place and being in the popular imagination, and by the
+imagination must it be made to flee away into its negative life. How
+shall this be done? By shadowing forth in vivid colors the absolute
+beauty and phenomena of good, by assuming evil not as positive, but as
+negative."
+
+"I shall always love you for loving Alcott," writes Emerson to his
+schoolmate and lifelong friend, the Reverend W. H. Furness. "He is a
+great man, the god with the herdsman of Admetus. His conversation is
+sublime; yet when I see how he is underestimated by cultivated people,
+I fancy none but I have heard him talk."
+
+In the midst of slander and petty persecutions, Alcott writes in his
+diary for April, 1837:
+
+    I have been striving to apprehend the real in the seeming, to
+    strip ideas of their adventitious phrases and behold them in
+    their order and powers. I have sought to penetrate the showy
+    terrestrial to find the heavenly things. I have tried to
+    translate into ideas the language and images of spirit, and
+    thus to read God in his works. The outward I have seen as the
+    visage and type of the inward. Ever doth this same nature
+    double its design and stand forth--now before the inner, now
+    before the outer sense of man, at once substance and form,
+    image and idea, so that God shall never slip wholly from the
+    consciousness of the soul.
+
+Emerson, weary of seeing his friend misunderstood, urges him to give up
+teaching and become an author, picturing as his golden view for Alcott
+that one day he will leave the impracticable world to wag its own way,
+sit apart, and write his oracles for its behoof.
+
+"Write! let them hear or let them forbear," he thunders. "The written
+word abides until, slowly and unexpectedly, and in widely sundered
+places, it has created its own church."
+
+The unreality of evil, as taught and believed by Alcott nearly a century
+ago, laughed and scoffed at then, was twenty-five years later
+practically the foundation of a belief which gained its first foothold
+in New England, and, with headquarters in Boston, has spread, until
+to-day its followers and churches circle the civilized globe--a new-old
+religion, based on the literal acceptance of the teachings of Christ.
+What to-day is called metaphysical teaching was in the Alcott period
+scoffed at as Transcendentalism.
+
+Mr. Alcott's strict adherence to a vegetarian diet was also the topic of
+ridicule from public and press, although the Alcott children seemed to
+thrive on it, and certainly, as four-year-old Louisa once remarked, "Did
+pitty well for a wegetable diet."
+
+Louisa, in her journal, gives this sample of the vegetarian wafers they
+had at Fruitlands:
+
+        Vegetable         |   Pluck your       |   Without flesh
+        diet and          |   body from        |
+        sweet repose      |   the orchard;     |   diet there
+        Animal food       |   do not snatch    |   could be no
+        and nightmare.    |   it from the      |   blood-shedding
+                          |   shamble.         |   war.
+
+        Appollo eats no            |       Snuff is no less snuff
+        flesh and has no           |       though accepted
+        beard; his voice is        |       from a gold box.
+        melody itself.             |
+
+Bronson Alcott constantly sought self-improvement, and the shortcomings
+of his early education were more than offset by his untiring study.
+Realizing at one time his lack of a vocabulary, he comments in his
+journal, that to rectify this he has just bought two books, "A
+Symposium of Melancholy," and "Hunter on the Blood."
+
+In their memoirs of Bronson Alcott, F. B. Sanborn and W. T. Harris
+have thus summed up his character: "He was the most filial son, the
+most faithful lover, the most attached friend, the most generous
+philanthropist of his time. And when he died, he left fewer enemies
+than any man of equal age can have provoked or encountered in so long
+a career."
+
+In his study of childhood, Mr. Alcott sought first to reach the mind,
+recognizing that as "the God within us." He encouraged individuality in
+his children, trying in their earliest years to make them think for
+themselves. All through his teaching runs the boy's friendship with God,
+and his sense of oneness with his Maker was a part of the divine
+heritage he passed on to his daughters.
+
+He records in his diary a conversation with Anna, who was four, and
+Louisa, who was two, after reading to them the story of Jesus, which he
+made so vital that, given their choice, they asked for it in preference
+to a fairy tale. Anna remarked that Jesus did not really die. "They
+killed his body, but not his soul." Her father asked: "What is the soul,
+Anna?" The little four-year-old replied: "It's this inside of me that
+makes me feel and think and love." "And," said the father, "what became
+of Jesus' soul?" Anna replied: "It went back to God." Whereat little
+two-year-old Louisa asked: "Why, isn't Dod inside of me?"
+
+A note in the father's diary at the birth of Elizabeth records "Anna's
+first interview with her sister" (Elizabeth a few hours old), and a day
+later comes this record: "Anna and Louisa interview their sister."
+Louisa, two years old, wishes to have the baby sister put in her arms,
+when four-year-old Anna says warningly: "Treat her very carefully,
+Louisa, she comes from God." What a beautiful thought to give a child of
+the divine mystery of birth!
+
+Instead of asserting what he intended to make of his children, Alcott
+encouraged the child to make itself, beginning when it was a small
+baby, treating it as an individual, giving it opportunity to use its
+mentality, instilling principles of right and wrong by suggestion.
+Alcott never commanded. "You don't wish to do that," was his way, not
+exacting blind obedience, but expressing his conviction that the child
+wished to do right.
+
+To him, God was love. He had no fear of God, for perfect love had cast
+out fear. This same spirit was manifested in all his children. To them
+the change called Death was not to be dreaded; it was a stepping forward
+and upward.
+
+This thought that death is not the end, but the beginning, is expressed
+in one of Louisa's most beautiful poems:
+
+                            THOREAU'S FLUTE
+
+    We sighing said, "Our Pan is dead;
+        His pipe hangs mute beside the river.
+    Around it wistful sunbeams quiver,
+        And Music's airy voice is fled.
+    Spring mourns as for untimely frost;
+        The bluebird chants a requiem;
+    The willow-blossom waits for him;--
+        The Genius of the wood is lost."
+
+    Then from the flute, untouched by hands,
+        There came a low, harmonious breath;
+    "For such as he there is no death--
+        His life the eternal life commands;
+    Above man's aims his nature rose,
+        The wisdom of a just content
+    Made one small spot a continent
+        And tuned to poetry life's prose.
+
+    "Haunting the hills, the stream, the wild,
+        Swallow and aster, lake and pine,
+        To him grew human or divine,--
+    Fit mates for this large-hearted child.
+        Such homage Nature ne'er forgets,
+        And yearly on the coverlid
+    'Neath which her darling lieth hid
+        Will write his name in violets.
+
+    "To him no vain regrets belong,
+        Whose soul, that finer instrument,
+    Gave to the world no poor lament,
+        But wood-notes ever sweet and strong.
+    O lonely friend! he still will be
+        A potent presence, though unseen;--
+    Steadfast, sagacious and serene;
+        Seek not for him--he is with thee."
+
+A visit to Sleepy Hollow suggests life, not death. Giant trees stretch
+their branches over marble and granite monuments, as if in benediction.
+"There is no death, for God is life," they seem to say. For them there
+is no death. Emerson lives to-day, the great philosopher; so do Thoreau,
+Hawthorne, Bronson Alcott, and others of that mighty company. And who
+shall say that Louisa Alcott is dead? She lives in the hearts of
+thousands, and will go on living through the love they bear her.
+
+Bronson Alcott was a true disciple of Jesus Christ. He lived the example
+set by his Master not alone in words and thoughts, but in deeds. He
+lived through and beyond misunderstanding, ridicule, poverty, to see his
+teachings respected, his name honored, to see the first glimmer of the
+new light which was beginning to break over the world, the sunrise at
+his own sunset.
+
+This thought is embodied in the last poem Louisa Alcott ever wrote:
+
+                             To my Father.
+                      On his Eighty-Sixth Birthday.
+
+    Dear Pilgrim, waiting patiently,
+        The long, long journey nearly done,
+    Beside the sacred stream that flows
+        Clear shining in the western sun;
+    Look backward on the varied road
+        Your steadfast feet have trod,
+    From youth to age, through weal and woe,
+        Climbing forever nearer God.
+
+    Mountain and valley lie behind;
+        The slough is crossed, the wicket passed;
+    Doubt and despair, sorrow and sin,
+        Giant and fiend, conquered at last.
+    Neglect is changed to honor now,
+        The heavy cross may be laid down;
+    The white head wins and wears at length
+        The prophet's, not the martyr's crown.
+
+    Greatheart and Faithful gone before,
+        Brave Christiana, Mercy sweet,
+    Are shining ones who stand and wait
+        The weary wanderer to greet.
+    Patience and Love his handmaids are,
+        And till time brings release,
+    Christian may rest in that bright room
+        Whose windows open to the east.
+
+    The staff set by, the sandals off,
+        Still pondering the precious scroll,
+    Serene and strong he waits the call
+        That frees and wings a happy soul.
+    Then beautiful as when it lured,
+        The boy's aspiring eyes,
+    Before the pilgrim's longing sight,
+        Shall the Celestial City rise.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHRONOLOGY
+
+It has been particularly the aim of the editors to lift these Little
+Women Letters out of the biographical and into the narrative class. For
+this reason dates have not been used with any degree of liberality, and
+chronological facts have been minimized.
+
+However, as this is a story of the Alcott family, and seekers for
+definite data will not be lacking, a chronological summary is herewith
+furnished:
+
+    Amos Bronson Alcott                                   1799-1888
+                                married
+    Abby May                                              1800-1877
+
+                             Their Children
+    Anna Bronson                                          1831-1893
+    Louisa May                                            1832-1888
+    Elizabeth                                             1835-1858
+    Abby May                                              1840-1879
+
+    Anna Bronson married John Bridge Pratt, 1860.
+
+                             Their Children
+    Frederick Alcott                                      1863-1910
+    John Sewall                                           1865
+
+    Abby May married Ernst Nieriker, March, 1878.
+
+                                Children
+    Louisa May                                            1879
+
+                         Frederick Alcott Pratt
+                                married
+                              Jessica Cate
+                             February, 1888
+
+                             Their Children
+    Bronson Alcott                                        1889
+    Elizabeth Sewall                                      1891
+    Louisa May                                            1900
+    Frederick Woolsey                                     1902
+
+                Elizabeth Sewall married Alfred Redfield
+                               June, 1913
+
+                         [*]John Sewall Pratt
+                                married
+                           Eunie May Hunting
+                             January, 1909
+
+[*] John Sewall Pratt adopted in 1888 by Louisa May Alcott and
+name changed to John Sewall Pratt Alcott.
+
+                                Children
+                            Elverton Hunting
+
+                      Louisa May Nieriker     1878
+                                married
+                              Ernst Rasim
+
+                                Children
+                               Ernestine
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber Notes:
+
+Passages in italics are indicated by _underscores_.
+
+Small caps have been replaced with ALL CAP text.
+
+Spelling errors, grammatical errors, and typographical errors within
+letters were not corrected, in order to preserve the flavor of the
+historical record of those letters. After all, some of these letters
+were written by girls as young as five.
+
+Some of the illustrations have been moved so that they do not break up
+paragraphs, thus the page number of the illustration might not match the
+page number in the List of Illustrations.
+
+On page 58, "reestablished" was replaced with "reestablished".
+
+On page 173, has a quotation mark at the beginning of "If I do not
+mistake" but no closing quotation mark, and it is less than clear where
+the closing quotation mark should be.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Little Women Letters from the House of
+Alcott, by Louisa M. Alcott, et al.
+
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