n Shakespeare that there
was not one of them who could not, when somewhat older, repeat long
passages by rote, and they made the rehearsal of scenes from
Shakespeare's plays one of their favorite amusements. Anna Ella showed
no taste for accomplishments; cared neither for dancing, drawing,
music, or needlework. She used to boast to her sisters that she had
made a shirt beautifully when ten years old; but they would smile at
the idea, as they had never seen her handle a needle and could
associate her only with books.

These were to her of absorbing interest, and books, too, of a grave
and thoughtful character. Alison's History and Kant's Philosophy were
her favorite reading at eleven years of age. She read fiction to some
extent, under her father's direction; but, with the exception of
Shakespeare and Scott, she never cared for it. While other girls of
her age were entranced by Sir Charles Grandison and fascinated by the
heroes of Bulwer's earlier novels, she turned from them to read Coke
and Blackstone with her father, and followed with him the political
debates and discussions of the day. She studied with lively interest
the principles and events which led to the separation of the Colonists
from the Mother Country, and buried herself in theological questions.
At a very early age her letters bore reference to the gravest
subjects. Imagination was never prominent; her mind was essentially
analytical. Pure reason and clear consecutive argument delighted her,
and works of that nature were eagerly sought by her.

Her life passed largely in her father's excellent library, which was
well stocked with classic works, both history, biography, philosophy,
and poetry, and her education was to him a constant delight.

Miss Carroll's early associates were the children of the neighboring
proprietors, the Handys, the Wilsons, the Gales, the Henrys, etc., and
she early made acquaintance with the distinguished men who where her
father's associates.

Mr. Carroll continued to serve in the Legislature until elected
Governor of Maryland, in 1829. On this occasion he received an
interesting letter from Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, congratulating
him and expressing his pride and gratification at the event. When
Governor Thomas King Carroll went to Annapolis, in performance of the
duties of his office, he was accompanied by Mrs. Carroll, with the
younger children and a group of servants under the superintendence of
the invaluable Mammy