ALS, two pages, 5.5 x 8.5, no date. Partial handwritten letter to important political economist John Stuart Mill, then serving as a Member of Parliament for the City of Westminster. In part: "…between the two elements of the nation, but that, if both had equal political powers, there is a probability that the social reforms required might become matter of political partisanship & do the weaker of to the wall? I can scarcely expect that you will have time to answer my humble question. As to my being on the Society you mention, you know there is scarcely anything which, if you were to tell me that it is right politically, I would not do…It is 14 years this very day that I entered upon work subject very near my heart—the India Sanitary Service—I have worked very hard for 6 years. And, during all those years, my great wish has been—would it be possible to ask Mr. Mill for his help & influence?" In fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.
John Stuart Mill was the first Member of Parliament to call for women to be given the right to vote. This letter likely pertains to his invitation to Nightingale to join the Women's Suffrage Society. Initially reluctant to join, Nightingale was ultimately convinced that 'women's enfranchisement is absolutely essential to a nation if moral and social progress is to be made.'
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