 They learned to read and write, as well as practicing music and foreign languages.Harriet Farley, against her family and friends wishes, left Atkinson, New Hampshire in 1838 to work in Lowell's textile mills.In Lowell, although working 11 to 13 hours a day, and living in a crowded company boardinghouse, she felt a sense of freedom to “read, think and write…without restraint.” She was soon contributing articles to the newly formed "Lowell Offering," and in 1842 along with Harriot Curtis became its co-editor.