298 Life of Count Rumford. 



u That although a spirit of industry may be excited in children 

 by holding up to them the idea of clothing, and that from that 

 clothing a temporary comfort will indeed arise, yet we humbly 

 conceive that by furnishing them with the means of acquiring 

 moral and political knowledge they might be equally excited, 

 and, should their proficiency be good, which, from observing 

 the general desire after knowledge among our youth, we do not 

 doubt, it would not only afford them present comfort, but will 

 directly tend to meliorate their several conditions in this life, 

 will prepare them more fully to enjoy the blessings of civil and 

 religious liberty, and induce them, as they rise into active life, 

 more cordially to bless the memory of their munificent bene- 

 factress. 



" Whichsoever may appear most effectual in bringing about 

 the object of the Institution, we beg leave of you, sir, to 

 inform Sir Benjamin Thompson, Count of Rumford, and his 

 daughter, the Countess of Rumford, that we will, with grateful 

 hearts, accept the donation for the stipulated design, and that 

 we shall with the greatest pleasure exert our united influence 

 to aid them in the accomplishment of so important and benevo- 

 lent a purpose. 



" We are, sir, most respectfully yours, 



"JOHN ODLIN, -> Selectmen 

 RICHARD AVER, ] , 



' Concord. 



" HON. LOAMMI BALDWIN, Woburn, Mass." 



No further steps were taken during the lifetime of 

 the Count in reference to this proposition. His daugh- 

 ter cherished through her life the purpose of sub- 

 stantially carrying into effect the original design of her 

 father, or of establishing some equivalent substitute for 

 it. She accordingly made a provision in her will, very 

 generous in its terms, though it still waits for full 

 realization in a philanthropic institution. Mention 

 will be made of this in its proper place. I now re- 

 sume her narrative. 



