CHAPTER VI

Summary

In the latter part of the year 1822, the distress which prevailed in Ireland in consequence of the failure of the potatoe-crop, attracted the notice of the British public. A large sum was raised to relieve the Irish peasantry from the famine which threatened them; and in connection with its distribution the “British and Irish Ladies' Society” was formed. This Society had for its object the permanent improvement of the condition of the female poor of Ireland, and especially the promotion of habits of industry amongst them. In its proceedings Hannah Kilham took an active part. The subject was one in which she had long felt deeply interested; and much of the time which elapsed between the giving up of her school and her first visit to Africa, during which time she resided in the neighbourhood of London, was devoted to this object.

In the early part of 1823 she spent some months in Ireland. Her correspondence at this period is full of details which prove her unwearied exertions, but which would not be otherwise interesting to the reader. A few extracts from letters written to one of her fellow-labourers are, however, added to the extracts from her journal.

“A committee has been formed for assisting the Irish in their present distress; large sums of money have been subscribed; and the conclusion for its appropriation is this, to visit the dwellings of the poor, and obtain a knowledge of their situation, under certain heads.