The seventh volume she edited and published alone, charging herself with all the duties of editor, publisher, and agent. The book-keeping, mailing, canvassing, and all else, devolved on her. Since that time she has employed an assistant, to mail the numbers, keep office, and accounts, and do the stitching and folding.
She has contributed but little to other publications. Her literary claims and history are pretty much confined to that of the “Offering.” This work has gained kind notices, in Great Britain, Germany, and France, from eminent literati. Compilations from it have been published in England and Scotland, and there have been some translations in foreign tongues.
The first article, written expressly for publication, was “Abby’s Year in Lowell,” a story which was reprinted in Edinburgh, by the Messrs. Chambers, in their series of cheap publications for the million. It is, perhaps, as good a specimen of her style as can be given.
ABBY’S YEAR IN LOWELL.
“Mr. Atkins, I say! Husband, why can’t you speak? Do you hear what Abby says?”
“Anything worth hearing?” was the responsive question of Mr. Atkins; and he laid down the New Hampshire Patriot, and peered over his spectacles with a look which seemed to say, that an event so uncommon deserved particular attention.
“Why, she says that she means to go to Lowell, and work in the factory.”
“Well, wife, let her go;” and Mr. Atkins took up the Patriot again.
“But I do not see how I can spare her; the spring cleaning is not done, nor the soap made, nor the boys’ summer clothes; and you say that you intend to board your own ‘men-folks,’ and keep two more cows than you did last year; and Charley can scarcely go alone. I do not see how I can get along without her.”
“But you say she does not assist you any about the house.”
“Well, husband, she might.”
“Yes, she might do a great many things which she does not think of doing; and as I do not see that she means to be useful here, we will let her go to the factory.”
