Josephine Butler to Stanley Butler

Photocopy of letter. Written from Wimbledon. Finding a letter she had written about a month after Eva's death [her only daughter, aged 5, killed as the result of a shocking accident...crashing over the banisters and landing at her mother's feet] she remembered how dark life was to her then. Very thankful to hear that little Josephine is progressing, but is a bit worried by the doctor's orders for a gradual lessening of all amusement and sound and to see no one but nurse. Tells of the meeting that her friends in the movement arranged 'as a welcome back to life for me and as a reverent expression of remembrance for dear Father'. The hall was packed with old friends and some recent ones. 'The speeches were all good...the most touching speech was by rough Henry Wilson MP.'

Wednesday

'Josephine is to be dressed today and lie on her chair' Josephine only daughter of Stanley and Rhoda was struck down with a spinal illness early in 1891. Her mother took her up to London for treatment and JB in a letter of 23 Jun 1891 thanks a friend for the gift of money sent which has enabled her to pay half the treatment for little Josephine. By 15 Jul she was moved to Wimbledon where JB was living temporarily (her son George's house).

Biog: Eva