NAWSA GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Browne, Annie L. ANNIE LEIGH BROWNE Friend of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell see Balckwell papers, Dr. Elizabeth and Leigh Browne Trust A-L-Browne Feb 10th 31 58 Dorchester Terrace, W. 2. Tel Padd.7243. My dear Miss Blackwell, I feel that I must write to you, a yet after so many years, I must seem to you quite a stranger. But in the "Woman's Leader" of Jan 23rd there was a review of a book by you with the familiar title- "Lucy Stone, Pioneer of Women's rights".The review was a pleasure to read, & to know that such a record had come out. I wrote at once to my bookseller for it, but he has had to write to America, but I shall look forward to seeing your biography before very long. It will be a pleasure for I had once the privilege of meeting your Father when you & he were over here — years ago! but now I am old — nearly 80! —& you would not know me. But I always remember dear Dr Blackwell—& her wonderful work. Among many likenesses of her, I had a little copy (a transparency) of the last likeness by Elliott & Fry, & a few days ago I gave it to Dr Jane Walker one of the early women doctors, who, in the New Years Honours, was made "C. H." (Companion of Honour) & in sending my congratulations I offered the little likeness of invalid condition of her husband. I think it was about 3 or 4 years ago that I & Miss Kilgour saw them when we were at Hastings. Now when I go away it is to Sidmouth where I have a little house that [was] belonged to my grandmother's family. Near by on the hill is my sister's house (a modern one) & the Norman Lockyer Observatory. I was so very sorry to hear of Miss Barry's want of sight, which as she is deaf must be a great trial. Will you remember us to her? And if you have time to write, Miss Kilgour & I should so very much like to hear how you are? I enclose a little printed sketch of Sir James Stansfeld written many years ago, as it may interest you for his life is now being written by two leading authors, & we hope it will do immense good. Now with my [*Annie Leigh Browne] 58, Porchester Terrace, W.2. Tel. Padd. 7243. Doctor, which Dr. Walbrer gladly accepted. She is on a Trust, which Mother formed with Dr. Blackwell's help, for Biological Research without vivisection. There does not seem much that can be done under it, but a re-print was paid for of the "Minority Report" of the Vaccination Commission of 40 years ago, - as a help against the move for compulsory vaccination now. I had recently a letter from Mrs. Litterton, to whom I had written on seeing the review of your book. I was very sorry to hear of the [*Kindest regards, I am yours very sincerely, Annie Leigh Browne*] 58. Porchester Terrace, W.2. TEL: PADD. 7243 June 17. 27 Dear Miss Stone-Blackwell, I feel almost too ashamed to write - for it is so long since your letter of Feb 4th reached me - Feb. 19th - - 4 months ago! I was very glad to hear from you, for I remember you so well, & your Father came too I think - in dear Doctors vigorous life time. But I did not-know how to reply about the brooch, for (owing to a big loss last year, I could not buy it myself, & just the few medical friends, who had known & appreciated Doctor Blackwell, were & are exerting themselves to get funds for the Women's Hospital in the Euston Road, the Royal Free etc. My sister could not manage to purchase the brooch, for she is bound to help largely the Norman Lockyer Observatory on the hill at Sidmouth. Even if we could secure this valuable keepsake it would not avail much, for we are getting on in years (tho' my sister is, at the age, of nearly 75, extraordinarily active!/ and there is no relative to follow who knew Dr. Blackwell. So I waited & did not know how to write to you, & being always very occupied with Committee work, - I am afraid I procrastinated. Please forgive me. Recently however personal circumstances have improved, & I felt that I could buy the brooch, & that perhaps it could be offered as a prize for an Essay on some topic that would have been near Doctor's heart. So I wrote to Mill Simmons, who by this time might have taken come step or quite decided not to sell. Yesterday I had a very nice letter from her (I could by another post send you a copy) in which she is not in need now of the money, but still contemplates selling as she says that bad tenants & repairs may have to be dealt with later on. I have written to her to say that perhaps she would tell me later on what she wishes, as towards the end of the year I could buy the brooch even more easily than now. What do you think of the idea of a prize given once? Towards the end of October there is to be a dinner for getting funds for the extension of the Women's Hospital in the Euston Road. And perhaps If I offered to give the brooch it might be bought then? In the Hospital there is a bed named after Dr. Blackwell. And I gave a framed photograph which hangs in the Board Room. On the 5th. July I shall be seeing Dr. Jane Walker, who always held the Doctor in great respect; and I might consult her. I dare say that I shall hear again from Mill Simmons. I wish I knew how to distribute the many pamphlets I have of Dr. Blackwell's. Can you suggest any way: There ought Annie Leigh Browne to be specimens in various Libraries for reference. But I don't know how to get through all the letter writing that arises from Committee work, & so many things need immediate attention. Miss Kilgour too (she lives with me) feels rather overwhelmed. We aren't young! & do things slowly not as of old. We are very pleased to hear of Miss Barry. And will you thank her for remembering me at Xmas & sending a greeting card. Now I must close, - to keep two appointments for social work. With kindest regards from Miss Kilgour & myself, yours very sincerely, Annie Leigh Browne Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.