Josephine Butler to Josephine Butler (granddaughter)

  • This material is held at
  • Reference
      GB 106 3JBL/48/07
  • Former Reference
      GB 106 5431
  • Dates of Creation
      11 Mar 1904
  • Physical Description
      1 item

Scope and Content

Photocopy of letter. Written from [Wooler, Northumberland]

Paints a picture of her own Father who could never tie his necktie or put on his cravat come out into the upstairs hall and call out for help and his six daughters would rush out of their rooms to his assistance; 'he was so tall some of us had to get onto a stool!' Some words in praise of Spanish Copies out for what Charlie [her youngest son, out in British Columbia] says in a letter to her about the Far East War.

A short while ago Mr Stead was bragging about his own influence over the Czar, and saying that universal peace was coming, Uncle Charles Grey (JB's brother) said 'the battle of Armageddon will cook Stead's goose for him'.

Administrative / Biographical History

Dated 11 Feb but probably 11 Mar

The Russo Japanese War broke out 8 Feb 1904. Charles was in British Columbia. Therefore his comments on events at the outbreak of War could not have reached his mother for 10-14 days after, certainly not by 11 Feb. Suggested date 11 Mar

'The Far East War' This was the Russo Japanese War, 8 Feb 1904 - 23 Aug 1905

'when Mr Stead was bragging about his own influence over the Czar, and saying that universal peace was coming'

See letter of 30 Sep 1905, JB to Miss Forsaith, in which she says:

'Have you read in the papers the story of Mr Stead in Russia? I can only call it 'ghastly'. He has interviewed the Czar and got leave to go about and educate the Russian people'

Biog: John Grey of Dilston, Max Muller, Charles Grey, Mr Stead, The Czar (Nicholas II), St Teresa, Francis Xavier