LETTER: Autograph letter signed, to The Western Messenger regarding her subscription.
ACTIVIST DOROTHEA DIX INQUIRES ABOUT HER SUBSCRIPTION TO THE WESTERN MESSENGER. ALS. 2pgs. 7 4" x 10”. July 15, 1841. Boston. The verso is addressed to John R. Russell in Cincinnati, Ohio and includes a postage mark. The letter is in fine condition with dark ink, mailing folds, and a lengthy tear to the address panel that has been repaired.
DOROTHEA DIX (1802-1887) was an American philanthropist and reformer. During the Civil War, she served as Superintendent of Army Nurses, and before the war, she reformed prisons and asylums.
An autograph letter signed “DL Dix”. Dix attempts to clear up the issue of her subscription to The Western Messenger, on which she had recently been told she owed subscription money. The Western Messenger was religious and literary magazine founded by Unitarian Minister James F. Clarke:
“Mr. Russell – I was at once surprised and mortified at recg. recently a Bill which includes my name with the delinquent subscribers for the Western Messenger. And for now lacking any other method of acquainting you that I am not debtor to that book, but the reverse, I write by mail. At the close of Mr. Clarke's editorial favor I arranged to him by his sister two dollars, desiring a copy of the Messenger for two years or 2 for one. This I did more to encourage the work that because I wanted it. One set came most regularly: -- last year when my friend, Mr. Channing was here I gave him three dollars – and desired it continued for a time. Four months since not wishing this periodical any longer - it having failed to meet my wishes for a work to lend — I desired the agent here to order it discontinued – the no's still have occasionally found their way to my table -- but I have not needed to refer to them. I ssure [sic] you sir that shd hasten to send all payments due for us - but as I invariably pay in advance for all I subscribe for, and according to my choice exceed the subscription charge - I feel not satisfied to learn that I am not credited for justice at least... Wishing you may receive all payments where they are amass...".
Print Inquire
