1842 XV-XVII appendix I, pp. 252, 258, 439, 461; appendix II, pp, 107, 122, 205 Dr. Lyon Playfair

Children in the Coal Pits

[1842]

III

Mary Barrett, aged 14

I have worked down in pit five years. Father is working next pit. I have 12 brothers and sisters—all of them but one live at home. They weave, and wind, and hurry, and one is a counter, one of them can read, none of the rest can, or write. They never went to day-school, but three of them go to Sunday-school. I hurry for my brother John, and come down at seven o’clock about. I go up at six, sometimes seven. I do not like working in pit, but I am obliged to get a living. I work always without stockings, or shoes, or trousers. I wear nothing but my chemise. I have to go up to the headings with the men. They are all naked there; I am got well used to that, and don’t care now much about it. I was afraid at first, and did not like it. They never behave rudely to me. I cannot read or write.

1In The New York Times, April 11, 1946.