"It becomes the duty of the Board this day to record the decease of their late beloved and very venerable directress, Mrs. SARAH HOFFMAN. Eminent in the discharge of her relative duties, in humble hope and ardent faith, and in all the walks of usefulness appropriate to the children of God, she was particularly distinguished by her early, persevering, affectionate, and successful exertions in the cause of the orphan, in the establishment of the society and of the asylum which now affords support and protection to so large a number of otherwise friendless children.

"For many years she was associated with another benevolent member of this Board, whose death was formerly recorded, Mrs. Isabella Graham, in the care of the widow and the fatherless; and in later years, with the lamented Secretary of this Board, Miss Isabella W. Ogden, called away in the vigor of youth.

"As they had remembered the commandments of their God in life, so their God remembered their souls at the hour of death, enabling them to triumph over all its terrors, in the blissful hope of eternal life; and that dark valley, from which human nature, destitute of religion, shrinks back with horror, they. entered with a cheerful composure, beholding a ray of heavenly light, leading them on to the regions of immortal glory. The smile of Him who was wounded for their sins and bruised for their iniquities, that He might become their Redeemer, evidently shone on their departing spirits. 'The Eternal God was their refuge, and underneath them the everlasting arms.' 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.""

Mrs. Hoffman was the daughter of Mr. David Ogden, of Newark, N. J. Her brothers were Nicholas, Abraham, Isaac, Samuel, and Peter Ogden. She married Mr. Nicholas Hoffman, by whom she had two sons, Josiah Ogden, afterward Judge Hoffman, and Martin Hoffman, with whom she resided after her husband's death, in Broadway, near Amity Street. Mr. Ogden Hoffman's first wife was a Miss Colden, and it was at her house, in Wall Street, that Mrs. Sarah Hoffman and Mrs. Graham met to organize an association of young ladies for teaching schools among the poor, as recorded by Mrs. Graham, 1804.

Mrs. Sarah Startin was one of those on whom, from the beginning of the institution in 1806, the asylum rested. Elected a member of the first Board of Trustees, she contributed her wisdom, faith, and courage during the difficulties of organizing the charity and bringing it before the Christian community for support. Mrs. Startin was the widow of an eminent English merchant, so holding a high place in society; and the estimation in which she was held as an intelligent, consistent Christian, enabled her to commend it effectually to the patronage of the best as well as the most influential people in the city, and thus contributed to make broad the foundations of its future great prosperity. At the first Mrs. Bethune cheerfully undertook the office of Treasurer, but her feeble health, with the cares of her family, compelled her to resign it at the end of two years, when (1809) Mrs. Startin was chosen to succeed her, and continued to

serve until 1821. We find the following minute in the records of the Board in April of that year:

"One circumstance is attended with painful interest to the Board-the resignation of their respected Treasurer. Deep are their feelings of gratitude and affection on recurring to the services of their beloved friend. At the origin of the society, when the magnitude of the object seemed almost to appall the firmest mind—when a building was to be erected, and there were no resources-their benevolent coadjutor became personally responsible for large amounts of money, which enabled them to complete a commodious and well-finished house. The prudence and economy she has ever manifested in discharging her office inspired implicit confidence in her judgment and discretion. Many a child of affliction can bear testimony to the maternal kindness with which she gladdened the heart of the orphan. Her counsels will always be cherished as the result of mature and conscientious reflection. The Board earnestly hope that, although she declines the arduous office of treasurer, she will not resign her situation as trustee, but will continue to animate and encourage them by her countenance and advice. In the retirement of domestic life, long may she enjoy the consolations which flow from the reflections of a well-spent life! Long may she be spared to her friends and associates as their example, to render the various talents of wealth, of influence, and of leisure conducive to the end for which they were given !"

The following is found in the Annual Report for 1822:

"Since the last annual meeting the Board have been bereaved of their First Directress (Mrs. Hoffman) and late Treasurer, Mrs. Startin, to whom they were accustomed to look for counsel and assistance in every season of discouragement and doubt: In reflecting on the characters of their venerable associates, whose loss we now lament, we admire the bright example they afforded of active benevolence, and a piety steadfast as it was sincere, which warmed while it elevated the heart, and shone with great and greater lustre unto the perfect day. The memory of these ladies is deeply engraven on the hearts of the Board as they recollect the spirit of charity which pervaded their intercourse in life, and their unwearied diligence in accomplishing the plan of this Orphan Asylum, and rejoice to know that on them has descended 'the blessing of many ready to perish.""

CHAPTER XIII.

MRS. GENERAL HAMILTON.

Mrs. Hamilton and Mrs. Bethune compared.-Their Attachment.Mrs. Hamilton's Parentage.-Early Life.-Married Life.-Death of Alexander Hamilton.—Mrs. Hamilton in Social Life.-In New York and Washington.-Her declining Years.-Death and Burial.

BUT the fellow-worker with whom Mrs. Bethune was the longest and most intimately associated, and whom she loved best, while she loved all, was Mrs. General Hamilton. My mother's regard and esteem for this venerable lady continually increased. Both were of determined disposition, neither ready to yield to the other when they differed, as they sometimes did, about any matter of policy. Mrs. Bethune was the more cautious, Mrs. Hamilton the more impulsive, so that occasions of earnest dispute did occur; but it was charming to see how affectionately these temporary altercations soon terminated in mutual embraces, and their love deepened into stronger confidences. Inheriting a fond respect for my mother's beloved and loving friend, I shall indulge myself with a brief sketch of her life and character.

Elizabeth Schuyler was the second daughter of General Philip Schuyler and Catharine Van Rensselaer.

The character of General Schuyler is historic