Charpentier

16331 — Mary Carpenter - Female Leader in Women's Education who opened "ragged schools" to give an education to the children of the poor. Autograph Letter Signed Red Lodge House Bristol letterhead. 1 page. 4"x6". To "Mrs. Park dated 1877 Signed at the closing "Mary Carpenter." Mentioning her book Our Convicts. Signs of former mounting to verso. She writes in part: : "I regret that I cannot help the poor woman in whom you are interested.I now remember your dear invalid now one of your reformatory angels. "Will you kindly send at once and by parcel delivery a copy of the 2nd volume of 'Our Convicts' to the editor of the Illustrated News at their office 198 Strand. Mr Acton says he has not received a copy. I fear there have been many mistakes this time as I have too many 2nd vols. Please to keep a list of what copies of those 10 are sent off. I have had very favourable and friendly reviews; the 'Inquirer' as usual on that subject cold & dry; not one has yet grasped however the meaning of the book in the smallest degree. It is a comfort however that those who understand the subject are perfectly satisfied; the Baron Von Wollenberg & Mr M. wrote very warmly and I have reason to hope that many thoughtful persons are reading it so I must wait patiently for the rest to spring up & am only thankful to have been thus enabled to bear a testimony which will remain to principles of the highest importance to the well being and morality of the country:- if one tenth of this kind of thought which are devoted to speculation and theology were given to extending the reign of God by converting sinners how different would the world be! I shall be glad when you have finished theology and are engaged in the spread of religion. Reading Miss Aitkin's letters has led me to open Channing and I am interested in perceiving how completely my reformatory work is in accordance with his views. <br/><br/>Mary Carpenter was one of the foremost public speakers of her time and is best remembered for the huge contribution she made to educational and penal reform. Author of Our Convicts 1864 and Six Months in India 1868. She opened "ragged schools" to give an education to the children of the poor and introduced reformatories which took a caring and constructive stance for young offenders. Mary Carpenter also campaigned for better education for women and reforms to prisons. Following a meeting with Frederick Douglass Mary Carpenter became a fervent opposer of the slave trade particularly the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850. She travelled extensively in America Europe and India where she also sought reforms similar to those she pursued in Britain. She was a pioneer in the field of equality for women and stood almost alone as a female orator who was widely listened to and respected. unknown books