In fair proportion see the letters stand / A useful beauteous and expressive band / With eye of care we must their texture raise / A point too much the hand unskil'd betrays / A thread misplac'd their sympathy despoils / And the fond hope of excellence beguiles / So my sweet girl the path of life survey / And tread with caution oe'r lifes devious way / An erring step would blast thy budding fame / And with dishonor mark my Caroline's name / Caroline Williams Balch Aged 6 / 1820 //

Maker

Balch, Caroline Williams (age 6)

Date made

1820

Origin

Boston, MA US

Stitches

Cross, Eyelet, Satin,

In Bolton & Co.

No

Foundation Cloth

Linen

Embroidery Thread

Silk

Predominent Motif

4 alphabets: #1 with the J, all the others without. A wide intricate geometric arcaded border with various motifs on all four sides.

Inscription

In fair proportion see the letters stand / A useful beauteous and expressive band / With eye of care we must their texture raise / A point too much the hand unskil'd betrays / A thread misplac'd their sympathy despoils / And the fond hope of excellence beguiles / So my sweet girl the path of life survey / And tread with caution oe'r lifes devious way / An erring step would blast thy budding fame / And with dishonor mark my Caroline's name / Caroline Williams Balch Aged 6 / 1820 //

Length Without Frame

17 1/2"

Width Without Frame

17"

Owner

Loring-Greenough House, Jamaica Plain Tuesday Club, MA

Owner Private

Loring-Greenough House Jamaica Plain Tuesday Club