Josephine Butler to Miss Forsaith

Written from Ewart, Northumberland. No year but refers to serious illness of Sir James Stansfeld who died 16 Feb 1898.

Thinks it 'rather humiliating that any great number of English women should be so infatuated about a person like Lady H[enry] S[omerset] because of her title and winning manners...we may be glad... that the foolish ones who follow her anywhere will at any rate have to follow her now in her proposed hostility to the Regulation'. Much relieved to hear that Mr Wilson is at last taking up seriously the American ladies financial position. The LNA have very small resources. Rather bring it before the Committee and take a vote a sort of private appeal for a special fund would meet with a response 'for there are many who value so highly the very spiritual character of the ladies' work'. Gives news of her daughter [in law] [George's wife Mia whose son was born on 2 Feb]; says she is a great deal taken up with her and the baby, and in cheering her and George'. She finds the Congress matters hard work through not being able to consult the London Committee.

'The foolish ones who follow her everywhere will at any rate have to follow her now in her professed hostility to the Regulation.' This is a reference to Lady Henry Somerset's retraction of her earlier letter which supported State Regulation. For the text of her 2nd letter of 27 Jan. See the Shield of Mar 1898 p 89. For fuller note on the 'Retraction' see letter of 18 Feb.

'My daughter has not been getting on very well.' This was George's wife Mia who had recently had a baby son. See letter of 10 Feb.

'I fear Sir J Stansfeld is very ill.' Sir James died on 17 Feb 1898.

Biog: Dr Bushnell and Mrs Andrew, Lady Henry Somerset, Mr Collingwood, Sir James Stansfeld