117. Nightingale, Florence. Autograph letter signed (“Florence Nightingale”), 4 pages (4.5 x 6.9 in.; 114 x 175 mm.), front and back on conjoined leaves, in pencil, “10 South St. W” [London], 20 July 1884, written to “Mr. Turner”. Scattered spotting with minor fold separations.

In her later years, Florence Nightingale writes an administrator about helping a poor woman with an ailing mother with an incurable disease.

Nightingale writes in full:
Dear Sir May I trouble you to be so very kind as to give me information, or to tell me where I can get information, about a poor woman giving her name as Mrs. Keith, 11 Beacon St., Park St. (I know nothing of her) who called here last night after 10 o’clock asking for assistance? She told a rather confused story of her mother having been “discharged incurable” from St. Thomas Hospital (disease: Cancer). I having got an order for East bourne, whither she must go tomorrow (Monday) morning, or lose her turn. And to get her mother there she asked for help. In your thoroughly looked-after district, probably all is known about this poor woman. And I would gladly contribute to this kind of help, if it is thought well to give it her. But it is quite impossible for me from increase of illness I overwork to enquire into or look after the case myself. Again asking your pardon for troubling you I trusting in your kindness, believe me, Yours faithfully Florence Nightingale Excuse pencil, which I am obliged & use.

Florence Nightingale came to prominence while serving as a manager of nurses trained by her during the Crimean War, where she organized and tended to wounded soldiers. Giving nursing a highly favorable reputation, Nightingale became an icon of Victorian culture, especially in the persona of “The Lady With the Lamp” making rounds with the wounded soldiers at night. In 1883, a year before this letter was written, Queen Victoria awarded Nightingale the Royal Red Cross. $1,000 - $1,500

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June 11, 2015 11:00 AM PDT
26662 Agoura Rd
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