Blackwell Family Elizabeth Blackwell General Correspondence Stamfeld, J. 1879-1883Private Stoke Lodge, Hyde Park Gate. W. London S.W. Sep. 10. 79 My dear Miss Blackwell, At first I could not recall even the name of Miss Janis O'Donnell. I now however remember that she called on me, sometime ago, to discuss the same subject that you & she have beencorresponding about. She came to me very highly recommended by Mr. Richard Hutton of the Spectator, & I was favorably impressed by her; but I know no more. If I remember right she nursed her husband through a many years illness & attended to his farm in Leland, which she had ultimately to give up. She is now I think a widow. I think that Mr Hutton gave her some literary employment. She impressed me favorably, as I have said, as a woman of refinement & education where life's battle has been hard, but who had a purpose & life.My impression however was entirely formed on Mr Hutton's letter & that one interview. Truly yours J. Stamfeld [*substitutes for repeal -*] Stoke Lodge, Hyde Park Gate, W. London. S. W. April 21. 1880 Dear Miss Blackwell. I think that the schoolmaster & Catholic priest should first be made to understand that the C. O. Acts do nothing to promote order & decency in the streets or to remove temptation from the young. It is an importanceto pretend that they do; & I for one will never be satisfied til that importance is made clear. At the same time I agree with you that we ought to favor some positive legislation: & I always do so in any speeches & conversation. I cannot personally approve the suggestion that the communication of syphilis should be made a criminal offenses, for two reasons: viz: 1st because the law has no business with such filth; 2nd because nothing would, come of it save possibly the unjust persecution of some women. But I do cordially agree with your 2nd & 3rd [le?] of utter indecency in the streets, & universal Hospital accomodationsand I will add another idea of my own, in short to know beg to offer opinion. I think the state should forbid & forcibly prevent juvenile prostitution, providing for the real rescue & reclamation of poor young girls, fallen or about to fall. The State should step in, in loco parentis, in aid of those who have no fit parents, & provide them with industrial hours & a possible honorable future I am dear Miss Blackwell Truly yours, J. Stansfeld Stone Lodge Hyde Park [Gate London S.W. July 13 81 Dear Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell I feel most grateful for your kind letter & offer of exceptional help. At present however there is no need or sufficient call. I have my sister staying with us, who is admirable;& I do not believe that I could persuade Mrs Stamfeld to accept any other help. She is a difficult patient; & my own personal almost constant presence seems needed to persuade her to the necessary guidance I think we are on the right lines now, under the advice of Dr. Andrews. senior physician to St Bartholomew's; who seems to me a direct forcible and competent man. Again thanking you for your sympathy & the great kindness of your offer; Believe me always, Sincerely yours J. Stamfeld[*Stansfeld*] April 5.83. Dear Dr Elizabeth Blackwell. I am disposed to the opinion that what will I believe happen will be the best, viz some attendance of ladies in the gallery, & a few pointsprayer meeting of some ladies at the same time. I should be sorry if there were no assertions of the right of women to be present. [*Rt. Hon Sir J. Stansfield K.C.B. worked for repeal of the C.D.A (Contagious Diseases (women's) Acts (succeeded)*] Truly yours. J. Stansfeld Stoke Lodge Hyde Park Gate London, S.W. Ap 27.89. Dear Dr Elizabeth Blackwell, Many thanks for your letter of hearty sympathy. It was indeed a great [?]great [?] an unexpected victory. Our work of course is not done; but what a vantage ground we have gained from which to press our advantage to the end. Truly yours, J. Stansfeld[*postmarked May 13, 1883*] 12 Eversfield Place Sunday Dear Dr Elizabeth Blackwell, It is doubtful whether I can get to you today, & therefore I write in case I fail to do so. Do you refer to Mrs Butler's proposed conference at [Cu?] Hotel.I hear that Mr Gillete is to take an active part, & he is also active in the [industrial?] associations Parliamentary Committee. I should say that the Conference will do good. We are all so really agreed, I think, that there cannot but be unity of view & purpose if not always of action; & this kind of "loose order" has its advantages after all. Truly yours, J. Stansfeld