[p. 98] o'clock. She was an early riser and an indefatigable worker, never sparing herself. It was a rule with her to be willing to do herself any work that she required of another. She also had the power to discriminate between the necessary and unnecessary duties of housekeeping, the essentials and the non-essentials. She said of herelf, ‘Being fond of reading, I omitted ornamental stitching for my family that I might have more time for the improvement of my mind.’ It was the days before sewing machines, nevertheless she cut and made her own and her children's clothes, with the help of her handy daughters, one generally reading aloud while the rest sewed. She kept two servants, and at one time, when one of them had an attack of cholera, Mrs. Mott writes, ‘I sent for extra help, but with our large family there is still much to be done, so this morning I have ironed four dozen pieces, made soft custards, stewed blackberries, potted some Dutch herring, besides doing all the dusting and receiving several callers. I was more tired when our family of thirteen gathered at dinner (mid-day, then) than since I came home.’ This was in the '40s or '50s. Although a large family in themselves, they gave hospitable welcome to the many guests from far and near who came to them, often distinguished strangers from across the water. At their table black guests and white were treated by them and their family with equal courtesy. So many wretched outcasts came to them for help that a large chair standing in their hall in Philadelphia came to be called the ‘beggars' chair.’ They were also an acknowledged station on the ‘underground railroad.’ Their house, ‘338,’ so called without mention of the street, was a refuge to all. Once a colored man, for some offense, perhaps for being a runaway slave, was pursued to their door by a hooting mob. James Mott opened the door, the man dashed in, and without stopping, ran through the house, and out the back gate to a small street, where he successfully escaped. As Mr. Mott stood at the door a brick was thrown violently at
