Josephine Butler to Stanley Butler

Photocopy of letter. Written from Naples. Thinks they ought to get home by the end of Apr. She is not pleased with the first printed advertisement of the Congress [the Federation Congress to be held in London the last week of Jun 1886]. It only mentions two sections, hygiene and legislation, 'it looks so dry'. Health report: 'Father is still delicate'. Have had a great Federation Crusade at Naples. Also had a lovely meeting of the skilled ship building workmen sent out by the firm of Sir William Armstrong. The men came from Blythe and Morpeth and rejoiced in meeting a fellow Northumbrian. A lot of visitors came and they all had tea together and then sang stirring Salvation songs. Sends love to Dody and Con.

6 Apr 1886 'I see the 1st printed advt of the Congress is out.' This refers to the Federation Congress to be held in London the last week of Jun 1886. Sir William Armstrong's men at Pozzuoli. This was a port on the Bay of Naples not far from the City of Naples where Sir William Armstrong is establishing great ironworks for making ironclads for the Italian Government. He has sent out from England some 40 or 50 picked men. They are all Northumbrians and choice men in every respect for bodily strength and high character ...' ('Recollections of George Butler' by Josephine Butler p.414) '... come from Blyth and Morpeth and rote for Burt.' This was Thomas Burt (1837-1922) member for Morpeth from 1874 until his retirement in 1918; and secretary of the Northumberland Miners Mutual Confidence Association from 1863 till 1913. 'Will you send it ... to Geoff and Adela.' Adela was a daughter of Charles Grey (JB's brother). Who Geoffrey was is uncertain - he may have been a brother of Adela's. There was also a Geoffrey given in the Gen Table of the Boltons Group, the son of Thomas Bolton one of Emily's children by Jasper Bolton. 'Love to Dody, also to Con.' Dody was a pet name for Rhoda in the family and Constance was probably Rhoda's sister, born 1866 who married Frank Hudson in 1892. Biog: Sir William Armstrong; Burt; Dody (Pet name for Rhoda); Geoff and Adela.