Elizabeth Blackwell Letters, 1850-1884

Prospect of her sister's Ellen's visit to England to study art . . . Refers to long talk in Regent's Park, to her own life growing year by year, to her steady work as a medical practioner , to disappointment in practical application of grand ideas, and to hopes for wonderful organization of human life . . . Fitness of women for medical life gaining ground each year . . . Prospects of a fellow worker coming to New York next spring, Maria Zacketzewska from the Berlin Hospital

Astonishment at hopeless distance from all that interested her during past year . . . "feel I have lost my way over here" . . . "I must stay here for the winter . . . lecture and make firm foundation for New York Institution . . . looks upon England as her home and return there only question of time . . . In the Spring she will spring will see wisest course for the future . . . Has heard of singular chance for forming and endowing women's hospital in New York which will enable English women to graduate in medicine . . . Messages to Bessie (Parkes, later Mrs. Belloc) and to Barbara's sisters

Letters from Barbara and Madame de Noailles confirm her decision not to come to England yet but to work in New York for next few years…Return of £500 for private practice given by Barbara's father…"I have read Miss Nightingale's little nursing book, which makes me regret more than ever her poor health which prevents her carrying out her nursing schemes - and I see more how impossible it would have been for me to do her work. The character of our minds is so different that minute attention to and interest in details would be impossible to me for the end proposed -nursing -. I cultivate observation with much interest for medicine - but I have no vocation for nursing, as she evidently has. It is a capital little book in its way, and I shall find it very useful - you noticed her little sneer at the hospital? How difficult it is for people to understand other's work"…Hopes of raising $50,000 and securing house on Second Avenue suitable for Infirmary, and of building cottage at West Bloofield as sanatorium with $800 provided by Madanme de Noailles…(continued on March 13th) Sanguine hopes for future of work in America. till she is independent and no longer minds "all that mess of gossip"

Welcomes news of Her family in Algiers… Criticizes Florence Nightingale's book on nursing as ill tempered, dogmatic and exaggerated, although readable and valuable… Florence cannot write a book but only throw together masses of hints and experiences, as shown already in her earlier works…Regrets she cannot live in England where neither she nor Emily could have worked…(continued on May 9th from new abode, 126 Second Avenue) where she moved one week before and where she is preparing reception rooms, lecture rooms, wards and dispensaries for the commencement of a medical centre for women… Emily and she will superintend the growth of the work and carry on their own practice…they expect two lady students, Doctor Hughes, a graduate from Philadelphia, and a daughter of Putmam the publisher…Three professorships to be endowed for women, first hygiene, second operative midwifery and female surgery, third agriculture

Anxious to hear news of Bella (Barbara's sister, Mrs. Ludlow) and her first child…Immense comfort at having secured house for her center, difficulty of organizing the household, insuffiency of means, clashing of rival interests, hopes of collecting an educational fund, and fears arising out of political disturbance…"we are trembling on the brink of revolution"…Need of £500 per annum for interest in a male college in New York…Regrets at Emily's determination to abandon medicine and travel an devote herself to art…serious at attack of inflammation of her eyes which leaves her unable to read a book or write a lecture and which will make a professorship impossib1e, although ordinary practice and direction of an institution still remain possible… £130 placed at her dissposal by Madame de Noailles for a country sanatorium units quite inadequate, but might be useful for a cottage for the English work…suggests Miss Garrett spend next winter in America…Regrets that Lady Byron has left nothing for the plans for which she professed such interest…Inquires whether Bessie (Parkes, later Mrs. Belloc) is turning Catholic, whether her brain is seriously weakened and Florence Nightingale's mined seriously un­hinged… Discusses question of slavery and nomination of Lincoln as President of the Republic, views of South Carolina, incompetence of Buchanan and growth of belief that slavery is a good in itself… Bitter enmity between South and North and lack of national sentiment…Probability of civil war and of secession of cotton states

Unable to accept invitation to Barbara's "sunny home" owing to "unspeakable misfortune" of permanent weakening of her vision… Quiet growth of work for opening existing institutions to women not so advertised as silly schemes at Boston and Philadelphia for female schools of medicine…Two ends sought - addition of one or two preceptorships to Dispensary for which small fund required ($50,O000), and formation of committee on the medical eucation for admission of students to Institution (letter unfinished).

American stocks will fall very low for some time but Northern States will flourish however the war may terminate…Significnce of facts in America different when viewed in Europe which sees utter break up of the Union, instead of necessity of the crisis and emergence of great good bought at a terrible price…Description of New York all coloured by the war, parks filled with barracks and streets resounding with music of regimental bands…(continued on June 11th) Rejoices at Barbara having good time in Brittany…Extra work in training nurses for the army…Miss Dix appointed Matron General has directed that part of nurses should be women in response the popular feeling but against War Department…Miss Dix not being good organizer confusion will result…Much work thrown on Institution…Elizabeth well and eyes better

Rejoices at good news of Bella (Barbara's sister, Mrs Ludlow) and her baby, and at success of Barbara's pictures…Grieves at tone of American papers towards England…Amerians are struggling for national existence, not for anti-slavery…Growing strength of North due to inaction, cowardice and brag of South…Difficulties of her work owing to jealousy of doctors and lack of any support…Mania of women to "act Florence Nightingale" without system or discrimination or practical knowledge…Eye troubles of Kitty, her adopted daughter, and desire to adopt two or three more English children of good stock…Appreciation of Silas Marner by Mrs. Lewes (George Eliot) as less interesting than others

Conversion of Bessie (Parkes, later Mrs. Belloc) to Catholicism…Little confidence in Mr. Lewes (husband of George Eliot)…All dark in political situation…not a fight for principles or anti-slavery or patriotism but for self-preservation and tariffs…President has called for 75,000 Militia, but Washington may well be occupied by rebels first…Growing respect for work of Institution…Emily sceptical, but medical training not intended to make men out of women, but to educate women in benevolence, intelligence and activity so as to find their own place and work…(letter unfinished)

Fears that England will fight the North to establish Southern independence and free trade…Press on both sides rising to war pitch…Northern insolent against England but dreadful that England should support barbarism of South with her trade and oligarchical sympathies, which may lead to maintenance of slavery by England…Trent affair not an insult to English flag, but bitterness may accumulate until hostilities result and every dollar of English property is confiscated…Trial of her personal feelings between two countries, but necessity of remaining in New York to protect practice of $300 a year until independence achieved in five years' time gives possibility of practising in England…Regrets about Florence Nightingale "who might be so valuable" but wou1d have worked her to death if she had accepted her offers

Continued success of work in spite of war…suggests best way of using £1,000 offered by Barbara is to create two fellowships for unmarried women…Advocates University for women for the sake of absolute equality of advantage…Proposes to enquire into Vassar College for Women founded with $400,000 by wealthy brewer

Progress of the college during past Winter and Spring…Unwilling to join homeopathic Medical College for Women in New York, and unable to obtain openings for women in existing intuitions…Reluctantly forced to establish college for women with admission for male students…Is it wise for English women in America to begin this new and arduous work?..."This is the duty that lies nearest to us, and we will do it"…Stimlilus of another mind required…Her country house at West Blomfield…While country is in such a state, business seems more flourishing

Grief or invalidism and hysterical condition of Nanny (Barbara's sister)…Description of her count cottage hung with Barbar's pictures…Work of women for women higher than work of men for women… Antagonism between work and love a stumbling block in her own life…Affair between Bessie (Parkes, 1ater Mrs. Belloc) and her cousin Sam…(letter unfinished)

Tactlessness of "little humbug of a college" in New York for women…Harshness of Miss Garrett…Miss Cobbe's book "Broken Lights" criticized for its theism and negation of the Incarnation - "intensely reasonable"

Effect of National events of past four years on people's lives, and especially of recent "wicked blow" at dead leader, who "expressed the American heartbeat and was transparent to their will:..Steady growth of hospital, though school not yet founded…Completion of course of lectures for girls on health matters…Letter from Florence Nightingale (in which she speaks of herself as an incurable invalid) regarding a New York hospital on Ward's Island

Accident on Mississippi…Misery in England to which she hopes to return in two years…Financial progress of American work…Emily to head establishment

Admirable growth of infirmary and college…Hopes of summer holidays in England…Growth in America of sentiment in relation to women

Elizabeth taken her passage for July 15th by one of the smaller Cunards...Result of first year of College experience now just finished -- success greater than anticipated and justified opening of school...Winter costs more than $5,000, with a further donation of $10,000 obtained...Rent for two years of the adjoining house...Plans for summer holidays and next Obtober session...Enquires about women suffrage in England -- In America more fuss is being made, and women are "stumping" the country as never before...Critisism of New York, where life is low and the spirit unamerican

Rebellion threatens the subversion of the government and invasion of "our very houses"...The conspiracy of the South and unparalled treachery of Visginia overwhelms the North, every man is drilling...Oppressed with work of directing women in nursing..."We stand by the country to the last!"

Contemplates modification of threatened system of medical education and establishment of a Doctorate of Hygienein the hope that family practice would be transferred to the new doctors...Wishes to lengthen term of medical study, reduce drugs and disease to their proper place as subordinate to hygienic agents, giving place to water, air, food, electricity etc...Proposes to divide students into classes who would spend each day visiting houses of the poor, to observe, report and remedy defective hygienic conditions, thus turning young doctors out through prectical hygienists...Women medical question too narrow a ground for her in America and its growth only a question of time, but question of hygiene must be worked out either in England or America...Doctorate essential for her plan, and can be obtained in America...Could it be obtained in England? Parliament must empower conferring degree of Doctor in Hygiene and Medicine on women who have passed the required examinations...Plan will weet with much opposition, as being a condemnation of present system of medical education and anti-women feeling which has never been fought in England...requests advise

Desires to give herself more and more to study of hygienic subjects, and partal change her mode of life by exchanging general practice for more intellectual work...Her ambition regarding hygiene has had its wings clipped, for none of her co-professors will go to her length in the matter...Preparing introductory address for opening ceremonies on 2nd November, but siezed by influenza...Miss Jex-Blake joining the class but must work harder to gain her diploma

Appreciates generous donation from Barbara and Mrs. Gurney towards the fair on 10th December...She expects $50,000 from business men in New York for and educational fund towards buying scholarships in a male college in New York...Infirmary would select and aid female students, while becoming itself a special school of female disease, supplementing the medical college and general hospitals...In public affairs considers that if the North makes a mean compromise with the slave power, respect for America will be utterly lost...Letter received from Miss Garrett again defeated at St. Andrews...Considers Miss Garrett will be compelled to change her course and seek for the establishment of independeant method of education...Discusses gymnastic system of Doctor Lewis of Boston for muscular developement for girls and hopes to instruct classes in England in them

[Beginning missing]...Convictions which have stood 30 years of hard practical life...(1) Doubt can become a disease, and faith is normal; (2) Religious truths are innate, flowing directly from God and not product of logical process, but instinctive...Believe in continuation of conscious individuality is a living certainty independent of reason...Unwavering belief in God, Christ, immorality, infinite progress...after passing throughUnitarianism and Transcendentalism..."Incarnation the grandest fact of the Universe, the great symbol of the inflowing of the spiritual life into humanity and the encouraging prophesy of endless progress"...Details of Christ's life and personality of little consequence...Value of constant prayer...Read Hugh Miller, not Darwin, Br. Arnold's life, not Marian Evans

[Beginning missing]...Business as usual in midst of upset of all regulations and landmarks...General belief in defeat of rebels

[Beginning missing]...Slavery a subordinate issue in America...England has no good statesman, but only narrow mean blunderers, and her pepole selfish, arrogant, and shortsighted...England does not realize North is her national ally...Religious controversies in England puerile compared with inner experience of good and spiritual communion with unseen world...Reading of Arnold, Hughes and Fichte

"To the Reform Dirm" -- (i.e. Barbara, Leigh-Smith Bodichon and Bessie Parkes)...Detailed account of finding of her adopted daughter Kitty...Visible progress in sentiment of American people in relation to women in medicine...Future of work for Emily in founding practical school of medicine for women in America, and then returning to England to promote the same work there

"My dear friends" -- (Barbara and Nannie Leigh-Smith)...Enquires of Barbara's proposed school of Art for the poor...Difficulties facing schools for women in Philadelphia, Boston and New York...Praises Antioch College, but expresses reserves regarding Miss Pennell, appointed Professor there...Blames Miss Bremen's book on America

Appreciation of latter's father on his death...Value of true work to women -- "Perfect freedom and full satisfaction"

"For a certain paternal offer, dear Barbara, in your letter I send my warm recognition of its meaning. Should I need it, you shall know, but I have nothing to say now, and the subject is too sacred for speech without any basis of fact.

My dear Miss Smith…Proposes a stroll in Regents Park

My dear Miss Smith…Proposes a meeting on following day

Arrival in Liverpool on previous day…Hopes for early meeting but obliged to see her sister Marian in Paris

Suffering from effects of London atmosphere and hoping to leave for Wimille on 18th August

Refers to her Italian journey and her visit to Madame de Noailles engaged in a family quarrel and excited almost to insanity, who likes so much the idea of a Sanitary Professorship that she promised her house at Brighton, valued at 5,000 pounds, to be sold in order to rent a suitable property near London, Barbara and Lady Byron to be associated in holding the property...Refers to visit to Miss Nightingale who believes that she (E.B.) to be the only woman capable of carrying out her plans should she herself be unable to execute them, but has exacted a promise not to reveal these plans, which however ahe (E.B.) could never carry out as it would entail sacrificing her own medical life -- "She recognizes the value of my position as physician and considers that that very education would be invaluable to the carrying out her objects -- at the same time she is not prepared to endorse fully the medical idea; she is not unfriendly to it, but she has not realized the importance of opening medicine to women generally.

This proceeds partly from her utter faithlessness in medicine -- she believes that hygiene and nursing are the only valuable things for sickness, that the physician's action is only injerious, counter-acting the useful efforts of nature"...Refers to morbid sensitiveness of Florence Nightingale to being talked about...Met at Mentone Mrs. George Baring who had spoken of her as "that dreadful woman" but now sought full medical consultation from her...Proposes leaving at once for England, as Emily does not know what arrangements to make about the New York house, her inclination being for England, but her judgement for America...Addition from 73 Gloucester Terrace, Hyde Park, London, Feb. 3rd, asks if Barbara will agree to be trustee, in spite of her marrage

Proposes to remain in England during the season...Success of her lectures before an audience of 200 women...Mentions following plan of work: 10,000 pounds to be raised for a womens hospital, 50,000 prospectuses to be distributed over England, a small central committee to be formed, and her own lectured to be repeated in various parts of England, -- all this to test English sentiment. If full response is met, work will be commenced in England; if not, she will return to America to educate others who will return to England to do it later...Florence Nightingale's scheme of absorbing her in nursing plan would simply kill her and prevent her continuing with her "education of the physician", which cannot be accomplished through Miss Nightingale's plan...Discusses Bessie Parkes journal criticised by many including Miss Nightingale

It is really so Dearest Barbara!...Discusses safest times for making the voyage from Algeria to England, but recommends she should be joined by her family...Prescribes medical advice...Anticipates probability of being unable to remain long in England

Grief at news of her health…As regards medical matters Madame de Noialles backed out of her promises owing to lack of interest in a hospital not in the country but in London...Only hope for aid now lies in lecturing in Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool...Failing such aid, proposes to return to New York

Just returned from Ramsgate…Expresses thanks for hospitality and hopes to visit the English lakes in September

Refuses to accept judgment of Misses Davies and Garrett regarding assumption of title and placing the college at Hitchin instead of Cambridge, and anticipates difficulty in maintaining pleasant relations with these two ladies until their ruffled feathers have begun to smooth down

Agrees to follow her advise and call on Miss Davies…Interest of H.B. for her youngest sister and desire to know him better...Dining with Miss Jex-Blake

Refreshing time with Miss Jex-Blake...Proposes to spend September in Hertfordshire and Wales

Money from her not received, but kept by Emily…

Wish not to ask Mr. Mocatta to be treasurer...Proposes to resign in connection with school, if she cannot control Miss J.B., who holds the money and has rented the cuilding...Hopes to save the cause from scandal

Advises her to go to Paris for her teeth...Miss Lumsden to leave Girton at Easter...Delicate work of reorganising the medical college and managing its finances...Expects to obtain sufficient controlling force to keep Miss J.B.'s cleaverness and energy in their proper place

Anxious and busy time with the college owing to the "active member", who wants to live in the college and keep all the money in her hands...Efforts to prevent the appointment to Physiology of a horrid French American vivisectionist

Entirely engaged in and out of school at Carlisle Street in absence of any assistant and of Eliza Fox, but has not felt so strong and fit for years, and much helped by Jessie (? White Mario) and Alice in dealing with 60-64 children in both schools...Expecting visit of Bessie (Parkes) in connection with a cast for her room, but will herself search for the "awe inspirer and love creator we have set our hearts on finding"...Discusses fascination of Bell (Barbara's sister, afterwards Mrs Ludlow) for "all, from American Senators down to waiters and donkey boys"

In search of a cast found a splendid Bacchante reveling in delicate enjoyment...but that would not do for our school room"...Talk with Ronge about obtaining co-operation of parents in his educational plans

Still in search of a cast has found a Madonna without the Child called the Immaculate Conception, price 10s, and asks consent to buy it…Attendance at both schools now 74, and Ellen Allen "has taken to her work splendidly"...Praises Jessie White and her writing...Tells of Mazzini's preference of pines "expressive of aspiration" rather than oaks and elms "with smooth rounded outlines"

Stresses importance of Continuing to take medicine prescribed for her pains and oppression of her throat, and of avoiding cold and fatigue and painting after sunset, and wishes she could devote herself to her care "so well and unobtrusively that you would not get weary of me"...Promises to send her passport, but fears her intention of running away from England again...Praises Ellen Allen's work at the school...Visit from Miss Florence Hill..."I kiss your hands and your deautiful hair -- and then your lips"

Safe arrival on Tuesday in brilliant sunshine…Description of downs, pastures, sea, farm houses, woods, churches and chateaux...Three miles from Boulogne

Proposes returning to London 8th Sept. in order to fit women for Apothecaries Hall and to serve on Miss Jex-Blake's council, although much annoyed by latter

Arrived yesterday to see her two sisters…proposes return Thursday Oct. 26th

Hopes to see Barbara before Feb. 25th at 13 Rue Lauristan, Paris which she expects to leave after two weeks from Feb. 12th, leaving England on the Saturday morning

Rejoices at Barbara's move to Algiers, but regrets her relations with her sister Nanny…Refers to Miss Clements and her child to whom Barbara is acting as guardian...Damage done by high tide at Hastings...Leaving on March 28th for London until her brother sails on April 18th...Proposes to lecture during May in London, where her address after March 28th will be 116 Milton AStreet N.W., her headquarters remaining Hastings where she hopes to secure a house

Arrived this morning…proposes to stop with Barbara following week...Regrets her intention of going to Algiers...Finds boarding house comfortable

Failed to find in Hastings Aunt Julia (Aunt of Florence Nightingale)… Sea sulky and ground sloppy with snow

Wishes Happy New Year, and trusts Barbara has passed most terrible crisis in her life…Florence Nightingale though not very well, enjoying herself greatly

Left Hastings over a month ago, now staying upper Gloucester Place London, above being permanent address…Rejoices at success of Barbara's visit…Blandford Square House let to strangers…Proposes returning to Hastings June…Just given first lecture

Rejoices at Barbara's successful journey to France…Proposed seeing Brodies at Oxford

Rejoices at success so far of Barbara's journey home…Has had thirteen attacks of agonizing pain and vomiting in past month, Doctors attributing trouble to gall stone…Hopes to see Barbara in London, but will keep her residence secret…May not return to Hastings where her attacks started…Hoping for fresh account of Barbara's African explorations

Decided not to leave England this summer…Speaks of corruption of country's youth by legislation in all subjected towns, and need of national work for the purpose

Hears Barbara's brother (the explorer Benjamin Leigh Smith) is contemplating and expedition to the north and recommends a surgeon...Intends going to Royal Hotel, Weymouth on Thursday

Very sorry to miss her…Proposes going to Hastings to look for houses for rent or sale

Speaks of adoption of a baby

Rejoices at success of Barbara's Cornish cottage...Anxiety regarding her work owing to epidemic of Whooping cough among her friends

Refers to Renan's philosophical essays in the Westminster Review and the astounding lengths of his insolent self-conceit...Considers possibility of building a samll house on half and acre of land near London or at Hastings

Has received request from a friend in America to sit for portrait at her expense and seeks information regarding portrait painters in London and Italy...Hopes to leave on Wednesday October 18th for Wilille and Genoa where she hopes to stay until November 10th

May go to Wales for Christmas and offers Barbara hospitality in her house...Talks of pending work for Sunday Lecture Society, Working Women's College and the Royal Commission on the C.D.A.

Has given up her Welsh project and invites Barbara to dine on Christmas day

Thanks for the sunflower seeds…Gives Milton Street as her address...House being repaired and hopes to settle in end of May...Prefers air of present place to that of Undercliff...Trusts that Barbara's new house can now be furnished and be dry enough to settle in

Leaving Wimbeldon after two weeks, searching neighbourhood to spend forthnight in Isle of Wight and continue search there

Owing to repairs to Rock House cannot lend it to Barbara...Staying on until Sept. 19th

Remaining 10 days longer…While at Swanage received enquiries from Aunt Julia...Leaving for Folkestone for two weeks...Did not communicate different Welsh addresses...Delighted with Caerleon and saw room where Tennyson wrote the Idyls...Proposes spending Christmas with Barbara

Dismayed at the crisis – Government action corruption, insolent and dangerous

Rejoices at Emily's trip to Switzerland and Italy where she will see Barbara and deserves to be made much after 10 years of very hard work without a holiday...Continuing for the summer forming all sorts of plans connected with wards, dispensary, house-keeping and private practice, and looking towards England

Thanks for statement on her life and work

Asks for destruction of strictly confidential letter about Girton drainage, which she hopes the headmistress will settle satisfactorily

Expresses anxiety regarding London and Westminster Bank owing to heavy losses…Proposes leaving for Abercarn August 17th, where disaster at her cousin's place has destroyed half their garden with terrible loss of life further down the valley

Has accepted post of Professor of Diseases of Women offered by the London School of Medicine for Women…Requests amusing French book to read with Florence (Nightingale)…Proposes leaving for Abercarn on August 17th

Accepts offer of bed at 5 Blandford Square for two or three nights…Acknowledges receipt of book…Requests information about Bexhill, which she proposes to visit after Wales

Writing out of the midst of intense "congress" atmosphere...Much work and excited discussion, capital doctors, interesting german and Italian representatives...Has met Jessie White Mario -- "A volcano and embodied Revolutionary!"...After end of congress proposes to go to Nice where her sister Marian lives, and to return to England in October

Drums beating under her windows, soldiers marching and all the people streaming back from the funeral Mass in the Cathedral for King Victor Emmanuel -- Deep affection felt for him in South and Central Europe...Quots a letter in French from Madame Trelat regarding her aging husband...trip to Bordighera and Mentone...Enthusiastic reception of Gambettea at Nice railway station...Enquires after additions to Scalands House

Unexpectedly summoned to Hyeres to attend on Mrs. Chaplin Ayrton, a young lady doctor, mortally ill...Hopes of eatablishing a Riviera Branch of the Social Purity Alliance...Working on her book "The Education of Daughters" -- so frank and in advance of received opiniopns that publication in England improbable...Rejoices at progress of Barbara's night school

Her book not to be published yet, as subject so important and treatment of it so bold, that she will first invite friendly criticism...Inquires about progress of Scalands and suggests meeting Barbara on her return to England at Norwood...Attended conference given by Mrs. Josephine Butler

Enquires regarding her health, visit of Bessie (Parkes) and Miss Jekyll's repairs of Scalands…Suggests meeting between Barbara and Bessie at Arundale...Visited Doctor Bennett's garden at Mentone where she saw thousand year old Grimaldi Tower

Proposes returning to England at the end of April, staying two weeks at Norwood and spending summer in Devonshire, attending to publication of her book...As Scalands will not be ready, suggests meeting Barbara near Weybridge and later in Devonshire

Announces safe return to Nice and her sister Marian...Anxious for Barbara to stay at Hastings, and promises to come to England if Barbara really needs her

Returned safely previous evening through Marseilles...Proposes finishing manuscript of her book and sending it for criticism in February...Begs her not to worry about Madame Mario

Anxious regarding her health and warns against too much excitement...Describes her quarters in the unfashionable part of Nice, the Republican gains in the whole department Alpes Maritimes and the energetic activity of the local paper...Admirable order during elections...Wonders at Republican gains in spite of pressure put on to the country...At Boulogne children's school books covered with paper on which was written letters "Candidature du Maréchal"

Has received accounts of her and forwarded them to Madame Mario…Presumes Dr. Bodichon is returning on that day to Algiers...Large life-size portrait made of her at Innsbruck reached Boston very much damaged...Hopes her new rooms at Hastings will be a success and that she is continuing her painting

Rejoices to hear she is gaining strength at Hastings…Approves addition to rooms to Scalands as "no other country place would ever have certain old family advantages which are now more than ever important to you", and recommends her living on the upper floor, building a dining-room over the kitchen and throwing out a covered verandah 8 feet above the ground

Repeats her recommendations regarding Scalands, especially construction of balcony as a source of health and refreshment...Proposes next Spring to settle in England possibly near Weybridge

[No beginning]…Describes feeling of destiny overshadowing her in relation to England -- a force which has guided the chief events of her life, independent of her own volution...Barbara's opposition to her remaining in England is based on her working in the same way as in New York, but there is another way of working and she is considering availing herself of the opportunity to try it

Accepts offer to stay at No 5 (Blanford Square) Has recovered from sea-sickness and is executing commissions for her College and settling things with her sister Marian due to sail on 21st...Hopes to return by Thursday 12 inst. and to see Barbara on Saturday 14th

Regrets at leaving her on previous day "shut up in dingy old London", but had very good passage, and will continue her journey at 11 a.m. to reach Cannes on next afternoon…Now, Dearest Barbara, remember that I consider you henceforth exactly like a member of my own family, and my special charge. I shall settle in England, not in Italy; and I shall always hold myself in readiness to come to you, when you really have not need of me…God bless you dearest Barbara – I send you two of our rare Blackwell kisses – which however mean much

All ready for the departure of Mrs. Hammond from 132 by the 2 p.m. train...Proposes to remain at the above address and to see Barbara for a few days in London

Rejoices in her return to her comfortable home...Returns letter from Bessie (Parkes) and considers cultivation of Light Food Industries by women of immense importance

Regrets inability to meet her in London...Asks whether Miss Ewart's sister, a lady farmer, would be interested in the subject of promoting Light Food Industries among women

Delighted to come up to her for a few days on Wednesday

Owing to a cold disappointed not to be able to keep her engagement with her in London...Slow progress of her book, which should be printed in four months time

Doubts of Bessie's (Parkes) discretion…Anxiety regarding British Government -- "what blood horror and demoralisation rests directly on Beaconsfield's vulgar ambition!"

Sudden death of Mr. Lewes a terrible blow for his poor wife

Arrived safely from London…Her book oriented, approved by printers and Editor of Hastings Observer

Regrets her suffering and promises visit next Saturday, Jan. 25…Advises against long journey to Hastings

Has visited and recommends 8 Pelham Crescent (Hastings) at £4 a week

Again recommends 8 Pelham Crescent for Barbara and her four servants

Regrets inability to visit her on account of attack of shingles "whose amiable peculiarity is to rasp every nerve of the body"

Has sent package of magazines to her at Totes Court…Praises work od Dr George at Pathological Society and of Miss Weston for the Royal Naval at Plymouth

Encloses letter from Mme Trélât (wife of head of La Salpétrière)…Proposes sending her fish

Delay from day to day at Innsbruck by her painter…Hopes to attend the Geneva Convention before returning to England…Inability to live in London a great blow, as it throws her out of her medical plans and she must reshape the remainder of her life, which is over as regards a physician in regular, steady practice, but she hopes to benefit from her knowledge of human nature and her world-wide experience…Proposes to stay in the Tyrol until the end of September…Large, life-size portrait of her by Duverneck finished and sent to America

Counting weeks before seeing her in London as soon as the convention is over…Proposes remaining at Gmunden until she leaves for Geneva in September…Has become deeply interested in the young Jew whom she looks upon as a son

Describes beauty of the place and neighborhood gay with Austrians, Germans, Hungarians, and Russians in honor of the Viennese Singverein

Invites her to send June in house at Sidmouth, just outside the Duke of Kent's "charming nook"

Regrets trouble caused by "Little Alfred", who she proposes should be transferred to her…Surrounding country unattractive, hopes to work her way back eastward

Arrived here yesterday after delightful trip in Devonshire, hopes to compare East with West coast

Her sister Emily hopes to come to England to see Barbara…Proposes to write to Madame Mrio (Jessie White Mario)…Intends searching neighbourhood for pied-a-terre within reasonable distance of Barbara

Expresses pleasure at her visit to Barbar's bungalow and anticipates house will be delightful when work completed by Miss Jekyl (first woman architect) at Scalands

Will send fish by train to Robertsbridge

Grieves at loss of her young cousin Ludlow…Astonishing growth of Oxford which she finds cheaper than Hstings…Refers to a visit to Barbara of Miss Marks

Regrets she cannot come to her at Scalands…At meeting at Mrs. Tubbs on previous day about the Reading Home advocated petition to protect minors of both sexes and insists equal legislation…Deplores support of C.D. Acts by American wife of Mr. Wilson Nobel proposed Conservative Candidate…Recommends Matthew Arnold's article in April 19th Century

Expecting her on following day at Albion

Expects to travel on 25th with Florence (Nightingale) from Folkestone to Paris and regrets Barbara will probably not be able to travel with them as they are going Second Class…and that she will not see here before she goes to Algiers…Will probably not be in London in February

More anxious about her than her doctor and deplores her giving up her trip Cornwall trip…Baby in a very critical state and cannot move without Henrietta…Suggests talking things over, unless Henrietta telegraphs for her to come to London before leaving on Tuesday for Wimille…"Must see you through your troubles first"

Returns on Friday from visit to luxurious home of Mrs. Woolcott Browne…Refers to medical meeting and suffrage meeting, and adherence of Daily News…Glade Madame de Noailles remembers her kindly, although no longer controls National health Society, with which she has remonstrated about bringing vaccination into the work instead of promoting accepted sanitary truths…Madame de Noailles belongs to the class with the habit of trying to say pleasant things to people…Owes her no grudge, although she knew of conference held last spring in Hastings, and pities miserable introverted condition of her life…Regrets 'departure" of Miss Merryweather, who seems to have died on day following acceptance of invitation to meet her, and believes she was killed by the immorality of the young doctors…Rejoices at notice of George Eliots' marriage, since George Lewes can never have satisfied "her great and tender heart" and she must had had an inner sense of failure, bravely and faithfully as she covered it over. I profoundly believe that she has now made no mistake but done quite wisely

Commends Rathbone's article…Interesting conference in London and cheque for 100 from Madame de Noailles…Planning to go to London for the week on February 12th…62 on previous day

Private…Who is to contest the county at Gastings? – Expenses so great that the two intended candidates declined… Last leaflet to be printed and sent off on Wednesday…Commends work of various women among working men in the gas works and among the fishermen on the beach, but fears that Lady Anne Muray has won all the Catholics at St. Leonards…Although other active ladies working for the Conservatives with bitter activity and unscrupulousness, Liberals seem hopeful

Hopes that rumors of Mr. Brassey's resignation of his seat are true, as bribery has been carried out to a great extent and "vote for beer" has been the flag in Tory taverns…Expressed deep regret for defeat of Liberal candidate who had just lost his wife on election day…Apathy for Liberals culpable…Local ladies crushed by Hastings disgrace…Sends wishes for Amy's happiness, and hopes family differences will be healed.

Out for the first time…Very busy until April 20th with private letters to M.P.'s and prayer meeting…On April 20th hopes to organize "Social Purity Association"

Delighted with visit from Miss Muller and her work on the School Board, visiting 60 schools in her division, very busy electioneering in the Liberal cause

Asks to introduce Mrs. Hussey, Vice President of New Jersey Society, and enthusiast for women suffrage

Requests her to visit Hastings…Lucy Stone just recovered from serious illness at Emily's house, whose visit will therefore be postponed

Affectionate thought always with her during her long time of suffering…Amusing and interesting "voluntary taxation breakfast" in London with 100 other guests and four hours of speeches…"Your health will hardly bear such echoes of active life, but we will commune on all interesting spiritual ideas when we meet together untrammelled by crippling bodies under higher conditions than those of earthly life. I long to join the majority…Cherish this hope, which to me is certainty"

Requests her help in connection with Magdalen Charity for the poor of Hastings, funds of which certain people wish to appropriate for Grammar School for Boys, but which could be better used for a Technical School for Girls and Boys to learn sanitation, navigation, fish-curing, arts of design and social music, and so to prevent poverty and prostitution

Hopes that something may be done regarding Magdalen Charity, but has not the physical strength to fight…Recommends the appointment of three women trustees and retainment of the charity for the poor of both sexes…encloses list of the charity commissioners

Serious conference regarding trustees for the Magdalen Fund and endeavor to obtain exact terms of the charity bequest…Complains of Miss Lankester keeping on committee names of people dead for years

Two doctors taking Barbara's portrait to Boston…Gives account of statement by Fitch at the London School of medicine for Women…Criticises Miss Lankester

Meditating on stirring up public opinion to found a Horticultural College for young ladies on 300 acres and 50,000 and a Cultural College on 200 acres leased to form an endowment fund…Visit of Aunt Julia (Florence Nightingale's Aunt) grown much older and depreciating value of her past life

Suggests limitation of her interest in "little Alfred", saved from criminal life and trained to be a carpenter or sailor…Promises support for child's future…returning to London on November 2nd

Requests her support in effort for "development of country life", enclosing prospectus and giving names of a Committee for a Farm College including Mrs. Parkes Belloc and a Committee for placing pupils in existing opportunities, in which she has no faith whatever

Peaceful end for the General (Ludlow, brother-in-law of Barbara)…Suggests "the Girls" should come to Barbara and win their way to her brother's heart

Delighted at promising account of her health and asks for constant reports…Madame de Noeiles arrived at 46 Warrior Square from Eastbourne for the Winter…Two American lady doctors expected for Christmas… her book "Wrong and Right Methods" being printed pp "People may shriek at my new audacity:…Recommends long visit and Invigoration for Amy (later wife of Sir Norman Moore)

Returns book on remedies for gout which she recommends of Barbara's rheumatism returns at Scalands when she returns from Bournemouth…Recommends for country a "colonnade a la Bologne" with a branch to each house doors

Writing to her at Grasse instead of at Antibes…Held teacher conference at St. Leonards on Jan. 26th…On following Tuesday is to give an address on "Christian Socialism and the Family" and to propose formation of a "Home Colonisation Society" with three conditions for mrmbership: 1. Joint ownership of land, 2. Profit sharing in industry, 3. Just morality between men and women…Being 63 on previous Sunday is surprised by her temerity, being urged on by some impelling force to do things from which she shrinks…Movement is abroad for the new advent of Christianity, selfish and luxurious are shaking in their shoes…Political world boiling hot, today's session will end in an appeal to the country…"Rest now for you cannot stay quiet, when you come back"

Cleaver dodge of Conservatives to try and throw out the government on the Egyptian question, for they do not want to come before the country on the franchise question…Government not jingo, although some ministers bad or weak and Gladstone lacking in foresight and promptitude owing to age…Sympathizes with the Mahdi…Terrible account of wreck of Boston steamship taking invalids to the south…On previous day gave address on Christian Socialism and formed nucleus of a "Home Colonization Society"

Received her news from St. Raphael, where she herself went from Cannes in 1881…Many social questions now receiving new light, but demoralization increasing in all so-called civilized nations, and corruption in official life…About April 10th will leave Norwood for Vernon, then France and then Hastings…Meeting for repeal of C.D.A. on Feb. 28th at St. James Hall

Received card from Avignon…comfortable established at Norwood for November, but booked for various meetings in London, Oxford, etc….Distressed by indolence of her earliest American patients who need a Savonarola to stir them up in New York…Stormy times ahead for Parliament…Consequences of meeting between Marquis of Salisbury and Duke of Argyll

Returns letter of Madame de Noailles, who constantly imposes disagreeable task of refusing her…Gaiety of Crystal Palace

Received letter from her at Cannes…Decided to remain in same comfortable quarters for the winter, and spend spring in Italy…Wonderful stirring of dead bones in England and some great providential movement vaster than our comprehension…Foreign international socialists attended in force conference of Christian Socialism and insisted on categorical answer whether Christ was God…Met Mrs. Max Muller at Oxford…Trusts that Conservatives will not take up woman franchise at next election

Death of Aunt Julia (Aunt of Florence Nightingale) – "The little faint wavering breath of life is blown out, and dear Aunt Julia is gaining a deeper knowledge of this mystery of human life"…Barbara to reach enoa on Jan. 4th suggests she should go on to Santa Margherita…Christmas kept in a dense fog

Feeling of transition state in mid-ocean…Records discussion with Miss Emily Davies (Foundress of Girton College) on ever of her departure from London regarding college plans, alternative of making women share in the existing systems of culture, or of striking out for something new, more practical and modern…Preference for latter and for modification of education for men, opening it to women also…Separate education for men and women one-sided and false, and necessity in education for bridging over the chasm existing between them, and for enabling women to go out freely among men, and for fitting women for their special vocations by giving them an education that brings out their nature more fully…Failure from this point of view of female medical schools in America, even the Vassar College with its endowment of £200,000…Great English universities more adapted to opening way to higher education to women…Special interest in Miss Davie's plan for opening the higher Cambridge examinations to women, and need to realize importance of Cambridge Association rather than examinations, and establishing a real connection with Cambridge with actual attendance at lectures…Differences between men and women owing to lack of active exercise and sports for girls, and special need for physical stimulus for women…Mistake of starting a college on a small scale and at a distance from Cambridge…Apologises for illegibility of letter written on a truck while small articles are flying over her head