She came eminently prepared to instruct her pupils in all the higher
branches of female education; and the favorable change effected by her
exertions was soon visible in the minds, manners, and accomplishments
of the young ladies committed to her care. She opened her school on
the 5th of October, 1789, with five scholars, and before the end of
the same month the number increased to fifty. She not only imparted
knowledge to her pupils, but also, by her conversation and example,
prepared their minds to receive it in such a manner as to apply it to
practical advantage. While she taught them to regard external
accomplishments as ornaments to the female character, she was careful
to recommend the practice of virtue as the highest accomplishment of
all, and to inculcate the principles of religion as the only solid
foundation for morality and virtue. The annual examinations of her
scholars were always well attended, and gave great satisfaction.
General Washington while at New York honored her with his patronage.
The venerable and amiable Bishop of the Episcopal church in the state
of New York, then the Rev. Dr. Benjamin Moore, was never once absent
from those examinations. She was sensible of his friendship, and
always spoke of him in terms of great esteem and respect.

She united in communion with the church under the pastoral care
of the Kev. Dr. Mason. This excellent man was her faithful friend and
wise counsellor. Under his ministry her two daughters, Joanna and
Isabella, joined the church in the year 1791. Her eldest daughter
Jessie, who had made a profession of religion in Scotland, was married
in July, 1790, to Mr. Hay Stevenson, merchant of New York, and she
became a member of the church under the care of Dr. Rodgers, where her
husband attended.

In the year 1791 her son, who had been left in Scotland to