A Mate For Laura Bridgman
Hetty Hutson lives in the city of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, a girl
seventeen years old, who has been deaf and dumb and blind from birth.
She is active in her nature, and has a remarkably intelligent mind.
Through the one medium of gestures, as perceived by the touch, she
understands wonderfully well, and in turn makes herself understood. She
will wipe dishes and put them away with scrupulous care and exactness;
will
o down the cellar alone at her mother's bidding and get apples;
then, running up with astonishing rapidity, will give them to anyone she
is bid, and put her own into her pocket. At a motion from her father she
will go upstairs and get his best hat, deciding by touching his
broadcloth suit which hat he wants. She knits and sews in a very
creditable style, and manifests a desire to learn to do other kinds of
work. She is neat and orderly in her habits, and ever acts in a ladylike
manner, while in disposition she is cheerful as a sunbeam, and as
playful as a kitten. For about one year, at irregular intervals, a young
minister of the name of J. B. Howell, devoted one hour each week to her
instruction, and she made some advancement, novel as his method was; but
in June last he went to Brazil as a missionary, since which time she has
been without instruction until recently. She is now receiving daily
instruction by means of the manual alphabet. It is, however, to be
regretted that her present teacher is an entire novice in the work she
has undertaken, but as she has large sympathy for her, and individual
experience as to the needs of her pupil, it seems safe to hope that she
may lay a substantial foundation, upon which some more accomplished
person may build an education which will make this greatly afflicted
being equal to Laura Bridgman, of world wide fame.