Letter from Isabella Massie, to John Bishop Estlin, 1851 March 11

Isabella Massie writes to John Bishop Estlin in regards to discussing a plan to publish certain letters in the "Standard of Freedom" and the "Wesleyan Times." She thinks Capell, the editor of the "Standard of Freedom" would be willing to print a letter from Richard Davis Webb. She mentions potentially publishing Mr. Mays' letter to Mrs. Thomas for the "crusade against the American Ministers Co" but says that she might "keep out his just lamentation at the falling of the Unitarians." She favors the study of political economy and says "I wish political economy iin the liberal sender of the word were more extensively canvased-but we have [suffered]..to be ruled by an aristocracy who make laws to suit themselves." She writes of "poor Davies" trying to get his book published. She will call on Mr. Estlin if she ends up passing through Bristol. She envies that he's invited the Crafts to Bristol. She writes of his "Ragged Schools" and remarks I much approve the system of teaching boys and girls together-perhaps may have mentioned this before to you but I do consider it of importance the girls derive a positive advantage their minds being emasculated by emulation and contact while on the other hand the young Lords of the question are made to feel that there is no sex in soul nor in mind."
Courtesy of Boston Public Library