1827 ELIZABETH FRY. Letter to Lady Derby Re: House of Refuge for Prostitutes, Female Prisoners.

A very attractive, unpublished 3pp letter from Elizabeth Fry seemingly to her friend, Lady Derby. The recipient is attempting to open a house of refuge, likely for those released for indebtedness, prostitution, etc., at the urging of the society. They would then be housed and given employment, as discussed in the present. 

The work Elizabeth intends to send her is her recently published, Sketch of the Origin and Results of Ladies' Prison Associations: With Hints for the Formation of Local Associations [1827]. 

Elizabeth Fry [1780-1845] was one of the host of influential Christians in the early 19th century who worked toward the amelioration of the suffering of the poor, the marginalization especially of orphans, widows, and female prisoners, and toward the abolition of slavery. 

In full:

"Dagenham
8/16.1827

My dear friend,

In reply to thy kind letter, I may say I fully approve women being received from distant posts into your refuge & I also think by no means less than 2. 6 a wek should be paid with them.

I think there is little doubt if made known you will soon be full. I fear I shall not visit Derby this autumn but should be glad to have the aided by a good committee in the new prison - Hast thou seen my little work upon the subject of forming these associations? If not I should like to send thee one.

I happen to have left thy letter at Plashet and am therefore fearful I may not have replyed to all thy questions.

I feel for thee in thy various callings & duties and trust that grace & strength will be granted to thee to fulfil them to thy own peace and the good of others - 

I remand with regards thy husband,
They affectionate friend.
Eliz. Fry.

I have not quite recovered my strength since my interesting journey in ireland - my family are pretty well." 

Very good condition with minor mount remains at hinge and folds.