Letters from Maria Weston Chapman, New York, to Anne Warren Weston and the Evening post, [1864]

Item Information

Title:
Letters from Maria Weston Chapman, New York, to Anne Warren Weston and the Evening post, [1864]
Addressee:
Weston, Anne Warren, 1812-1890
Addressee:
Evening post
Author:
Chapman, Maria Weston, 1806-1885
Date:
[1864]
Format:
Letters/Correspondence
Manuscripts
Location:
Boston Public Library
Rare Books Department
Collection (local):
Anti-Slavery Collection
Subjects:
Antislavery movements--United States--History--19th century
Women abolitionists--Massachusetts--Boston--19th century--Correspondence
Clothing and dress
Antislavery movements--United States
Women abolitionists--United States
Weston, Anne Warren, 1812-1890
Evening post
Chapman, Maria Weston, 1806-1885
Boston daily advertiser
Places:
Massachusetts > Suffolk (county) > Boston
Extent:
5 leaves (19 p.) ; 8 x 4 7/8 in. and 8 x 5 in. + 1 envelope (3 1/2 x 5 3/4 in.)
Permalink:
https://ark.digitalcommonwealth.org/ark:/50959/qz20t465n
Terms of Use:
No known copyright restrictions.
No known restrictions on use.
Place of origin:
New York
Language:
English
Notes:
Holograph.
In this folder, there are two letters, a newspaper clipping, and a envelope that all have the Call No. Ms.A.9.2 v.32, p.3.
There is an unsigned letter signed "A Considerate Observer" to the editors of the Evening Post; it is presumably by Maria Weston Chapman. This is a rough draft of a letter, 3 leaves, 11 pages, with deletions and corrections. Chapman refers to a leading article in the newspaper, with the heading "Economy in Dress & Living." She points out certain irrelevances. Chapman said: "Pray do not let us become so bewildered as to call either our virtues or good fortune a sin. It is because we are a republican people that every woman above the condition of abject poverty has a silk gown ..." The only issue is the saving of money. Chapman said: "The Ladies of Boston have through a Committee consulted their own Members of Congress who have advised a non-importation policy." She doubts the utility of discussing the use of wine and cigars and ladies will probably not give up tea and coffee. She objects to the doctrine of "inordinate luxury" of the South. In spite of misplaced emphasis, the pledge [of the Economical League?] "seems most judiciously drawn up. If no good reasons are brought forward against it, let it be thoroughly circulated and signed."
There is another unsigned letter presumably by Maria Weston Chapman, 2 leaves, 8 pages. It was to the editors of the Boston Daily Advertiser regarding "A few suggestions to the Managers of the proposed Loyal League for Women." Chapman writes that the "formation of a League on any general consideration of extravagance and economy seems to me to be unwise." She defends women against the reproach of extravagance. Chapman believes that the only fact "with which the League should concern itself is the derangement of the finances of the country so far as they are affected by the present drain of gold." All that needs to be kept in mind is to "buy no article of dress of foreign manufacture."
There are two newspaper clippings (information artifacts), 1 leaf, 1 page, to the editors of the Boston Daily Advertising: "New England Women's League," Boston, July 4, 1864; and "Foreign Luxuries," Boston, May 7, 1864.
It is accompanied by an envelope addressed to Miss Anne W. Weston, Weymouth, Mass., with the notation "Articles about the Dress League." It is postmarked June, New York.
Notes (date):
This date is inferred.
Identifier:
2801650
Call #:
Ms.A.9.2 v.32, p.3
Barcode:
39999066789056
mq8391267