Josephine Butler to her friend [Miss Priestman]

[Written from 419 Wandsworth Road, London SW.] She has heard from Mr Stuart that their opponents on the Dept. Committee were already almost beaten and that the whole affair will be quietly finished. She thinks therefore that public agitation must begin at once and Mr Lynn must start organising meetings as rapidly as possible. She raises the question of delegates to Chicago whether it would be possible to send the 'two ladies'.

'a message from Mr Stansfeld to the effect that (private) our opponents on the Departmental Committee are already almost beaten' (See Note on Departmental Committee 6 Apr 1893)

'if our Annual Meeting is to be held as late as the last week of May or 1st week of Jun' It was held 24 May. See letter of 6 Apr Note.

'We have as yet no delegate for Chicago' This refers to the Repeal Congress at Chicago, 2-3 Jun organised by Aaron Powell. JB's idea was to release the two American ladies from their work of lecturing and speaking on their Indian experiences and let them return to America as delegates to the Congress of Chicago.

'Mr Stansfeld wished me to write a strong appeal to the Christian Press' The most important general one were: The 'Christian Commonwealth'; The 'Christian Socialist' and the 'Sentinel'; but most of the non-conformist churches had their own periodical literature with a large public.

'I have written today letters to the Press with the help of young Emmy Thomas' typewriting'

This was a step-daughter of Mrs Thomas (JB's sister) a daughter of Mr Thomas by a former marriage.

Biog: Mr Lynn, Dr K Bushnell, Mrs Andrew, Mr Stansfeld, Mr Stuart