Josephine Butler to Mrs Maria Grey

Photocopy of letter. Written from Liverpool. If Mrs Grey dares to brave the obloquy associated with the writer's name and organisation, she will be welcome to the Conference and public meeting on the 25th at Leeds [see note]; and of she will give them some account of the Union [see note], it would add much to the interest of the meeting. But she warns her of the danger to her educational work having the smallest connection with the writer or her work. [This copy was kindly given the Library by the GPDST (who hold the original letter) through Mrs Kamm.]

'... if you really care to come and will give us some account of the Union, etc. it will add much to the interest of our meeting'

'In Oct 1871 the Social Science Association held its congress at Leeds, attended by members of Maria Greys general committee '

'A provisional committee was formed at the Social Sciences Congress' The Union proposed by Mrs Grey was christened Nat Union for the Education of Girls of all classes above the elementary' a title soon shortened to the 'National Union'

'Indicative past' by Josephine Kamm pp 48 and 42

'you will be welcome to the Conference and public meeting on the 25th at Leeds' - The Repeal Societies always tried to hold meetings at the same time and place as the Social Science Congress held annually in different towns, as it was an excellent opportunity to win fresh supporters. The first blow struck against the CD Acts was at the Social Science Congress held at Bristol in 1869 when Dr Hooppell offered to read a paper on the subject and this offer being refused he, together with Dr Bell Taylor took 'a large hall in Bristol in the same week and had a meeting devoted entirely to the subject

Biog: Mrs Maria Grey