Monday, September 7, 2026

Diary of Lucy Larcom, December 28, 1861

A pretty table found its way into my room Christmas morning, a gift contributed from two classes; I was half sorry and half glad to receive it; I don't think I appreciate this kind of a present—it represents so many persons, some vaguely and some clearly fixed in memory—so much as a simpler token from the heart of one friend. And yet I feel the kindness which prompted the gift, and am grateful for it, I am sure.

How ashamed one is obliged to be just now of the "mother country"! Step-mother Country England ought to be called, for her treatment of us in our trouble. It is hard to believe that all she has said against slavery was insincere, and that she would really like to see the slave-power established and flourishing on the ruins of our free Republic; but her actions say so.

Yet we are not guiltless; not wholly purged from the curse yet. The army is not entirely anti-slavery in principles; and we cannot look for success, nor wish it, but for the sake of freedom.

SOURCE: Daniel Dulany Addison, Lucy Larcom: Life, Letters, and Diary, p. 116-7

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