Miss
Mary F. Mackie, the head teacher, offered me a position as
janitor. This, of course, I gladly accepted, because it was a
place where I could work out nearly all the cost of my board. The
work was hard and taxing but I stuck to it. I had a large number
of rooms to care for, and had to work late into the night, while
at the same time I had to rise by four o'clock in the morning, in
order to build the fires and have a little time in which to
prepare my lessons. In all my career at Hampton, and ever since I
have been out in the world, Miss Mary F. Mackie, the head teacher
to whom I have referred, proved one of my strongest and most
helpful friends. Her advice and encouragement were always helpful
in strengthening to me in the darkest hour.
I have spoken of the impression that was made upon me by the
buildings and general appearance of the Hampton Institute, but I
have not spoken of that which made the greatest and most lasting
impression on me, and that was a great man--the noblest, rarest
human being that it has ever been my privilege to meet. I refer
to the late General Samuel C. Armstrong.
It has been my fortune to meet personally many of what are called
great characters, both in Europe and America, but I do not
hesitate to say that I never met any man who, in my estimation,
was the equal of General Armstrong.
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