Description:

Elizabeth Fry
Dagenham, East London, August 16, 1827
Elizabeth Fry, Prison Reformer, 3pp ALS Re: House of Refuge for Women
ALS

A holograph letter from prison reformer and philanthropist Elizabeth Fry, possibly to her friend Lady Derby. 3pp of a bifolium, measuring 4.5" x 7.5", Dagenham, August 16, 1827. Signed at the conclusion as "Eliz. Fry", she advises the recipient who is attempting to open a house of refuge, likely for women released on charges of indebtedness and prostitution. Exhibits light age toning and creasing throughout, with minor mount remains near hinge and folds. Overall, very attractive with interesting contents.

The letter reads in full:

"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 week 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 thee aided by a good committee in the new prison- Hast thou seen my little work upon the subject 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 [sic] to all thy questions.
I feel for thee in thy various callings & duties and trust that grace & strength will be granted to thee to fulfill them to thy own peace and the good of others-
I remain with regards to thy husband, thy affection friend
Eliz. Fry.
I have not quite recovered my health since my interesting journey in Ireland- my family are pretty well."

Elizabeth Fry (née Gurney; 1780-1845) was an English prison reformer, philanthropist, and Quaker who acted as a major driving force behind new legislation to improve the treatment of prisoners, particularly female inmates, during the early-mid 19th century. Her efforts would be invaluable in passing the 1823 Gaols Act, which mandated gender-based segregation of prisons to protect female inmates for sexual exploitation. There was still much to be done in the wake of this Act, and indeed, Fry's "little work" that she intended to send this letter's recipient was her recently published 'Sketch of the Origin and Results of Ladies' Prison Associations: With Hints for the Formation of Local Associations' (1827). This would act as a treatise on the implementation and impact of ladies' prisons associations to ensure institutional compliance with the 1823 mandate.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 4.5" x 7.5"
  • Medium: ALS

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