Its objects were to
popularize the common schools, raise the standard of teachers, and
create a demand for education among the people. Professor Stowe was
associated in this movement with many of the leading intellects of
Ohio at that time, and among them were Albert Pickett, Dr. Drake,
Smith Grimke, Archbishop Purcell, President A. H. McGuffey, Dr.
Beecher, Lydia Sigourney, Caroline Lee Hentz, and others. Their
influence finally extended to the state legislature, and it was
concluded to authorize Professor Stowe, when abroad, to investigate
and report upon the common school systems of Europe, especially
Prussia.
He sailed from New York for London in the ship Montreal, Captain
Champlin, on June 8, 1836, and carried with him, to be opened only
after he was at sea, a letter from his wife, from which the following
extract is made:--
"Now, my dear, that you are gone where you are out of the reach of my
care, advice, and good management, it is fitting that you should have
something under my hand and seal for your comfort and furtherance in
the new world you are going to. Firstly, I must caution you to set
your face as a flint against the 'cultivation of indigo,' as Elisabeth
calls it, in any way or shape. Keep yourself from it most
scrupulously, and though you are unprovided with that precious and
savory treatise entitled 'Kemper's Consolations,' [Footnote: A
ridiculous book from which Mr.
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