534    NEW-HAMPSHIRE    ORPHANS’ HOME.

them to graduate in crime, draw them to comfort and safety, and
send them on their way to true success, to a rational happiness and a
useful life. While the children remain at the institution, they are
to be well cared for, morally, intellectually and physically, a
school being in session, through the year, for their special benefit,
also on Sunday Divine Service, and a Sunday school. When plac-
ed in families, the parties that receive them are bound to exercise
over them a kind and paternal care—1st by furnishing them with
proper food and clothing, in sickness and in health, 2d. by securing
to them the advantages of a good common school education, and at
all times using their influence, both by precept and example, to
train them to habits of industry, economy, self-reliance, temperance
and morality, that they may be fitted, in due time, to take their
places as honorable members of society. The boys as well as the
girls, are to receive, when eighteen years of age, their time, an extra
suit of clothing and such compensation in money as they may
reasonably deserve.

Location. The location of the Home is one of the finest in New-
England, rich in historical associations—where was brought to
maturity one of the greatest intellects America, or even the world,
has ever produced. The “Webster Farm,” upon which this insti-
tution is located, is two and a half miles below the flourishing vil-
lage of Franklin, and about sixteen miles above the city of Con-
cord, on the right bank of the Merrimack, on the line of the North-
ern Railway, and presents a home view of as fine country scenery as
can be found in the central portion of this State. Relative to the
“ Webster Farm,” Webster and his mother the poet has well said.

“ What hallowed memories arise
Within our hearts and dim our eyes.

We think of him without a peer,

Who spent his happy boyhood here,

And with his brother brave and true,

Ate honest bread and earned it too.

We call to mind that mother dear,

Whose precious dust lies buried near—

Her record is preserved on high,

In characters that cannot die.”

New-Hampshire has the honor of establishing the first Orphans’
Home, outside of city limits, in New-England. The first voluntary
State Convention ever held in the United States, for this purpose, was
held in Eagle Hall in the city of Concord, February 21, A. D.