LETTER: Autograph letter signed, regarding a missing package.
DIX WRITES ABOUT A MISSING PACKAGE: "THE PARCEL IS OF IMPORTANCE BEING MADE UP OF PAMPHLETS WHICH CANNOT BE REPLACED”. ALS. 3pg. 7" x 8 3/4". October 13, 1849. Boston. An autograph letter signed “D.L. Dir" to an unnamed recipient, but whom might be a clergyman in Washington, D.C. The pamphlets likely dealt with insanity, which was her major crusade at the time. The Mr. Shaw mentioned in the letter may well be the famous Massachusetts jurist Lemuel Shaw, who was also the father-in-law of Herman Melville. The letter is in fine condition.
DOROTHEA DIX (1802-1887). Dix 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.
“My dear Sir, will you at your leisure (if such seasons are avail for you) oblige me by a inquiry for a paper package to my address care of J.H. Francis, Boston which was last winter left at one of the hotels on the Avenue - to be forwarded by Mr. Shaw of Boston. It was not given to him and I was not till this moment made aware of the omission. The parcel is of importance being made up of pamphlets which cannot be replaced. Should you recover it do met he favor of helping the same... upon return to Washington which will probably be next winter. I set off directly for Montgomery, Alabama, when I shall probably be detached at least two months. With great regard I am very respectfully and friendly D.L Dix”.
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