Autograph Letter Signed ("Florence Nightingale") to Dawson W. Turner, 1 page, [with:] Autograph Letter Signed ("F Nightingale" and initialled "FN"), final page (postscript) only,

2 pages 8vo. One, London, 4 June 1870; the other, n.p., n.d. [c.1865],

The single postscript page on the subject of Florence Nightingale's Persian cats ("I should like you to see my two Persians"), in which she shows a preference for the female of the pair: "Thomas is, as you predicted, impertinent, daring & the handsomest kitten ever seen. His sister is discreet, much more intelligent &, though retiring, much more active."

 

With a covering letter (present) from James Paget to Turner, bequeathing the half-letter to his collection: "I hope this piece of a letter will do - It relates to the two cats which some gentleman gave to Miss Nightingale, with the assurance that the whole energies of her life might be well devoted to the cultivations of the Persian variety..."

 

In the full letter from Nightingale she acknowledges Turner's "Broad Sheet" [Rules of Simple Hygiene (1869)] and asks his forgiveness - "Pray excuse a poor woman overwhelmed with business and illness" - and thanks him "for your goodness & Mr James Paget's valued remembrance of me."

 

With a copy of The Times obituary (15 August 1910). Versos of all three letters showing evidence of removal from an album, otherwise in very good condition.

Stock Code: 239844