Julia Ward Howe, 1872-1877

HOWE, Julia Ward (1819-1910). A collection of three letters. [Includes:] Autograph letter signed ("Julia Ward Howe") to Rev. Athanase Coquerel, Boston, 17 October 1871; 2 autograph letters signed ("Julia Ward Howe") to "Mr. Bicknell," Russel, N.Y., 29 June & 16 July 1877.

Eight pages in three bifolia, 179 x 113mm to 205 x 125mm, the 16 July 1877 letter on mourning stationery.

Three letters from Julia Ward Howe, author of "Battle Hymn of the Republic," which had been adapted from "John Brown's Body." Although best known for the stirring lyrics inspired by her husband's visit with Abraham Lincoln in November 1861, Howe was best known in her time as a prominent social activist and writer. In 1872 she became editor of Women's Journal, a prominent suffragist publication established by Lucy Stone and Henry Blackwell. In her 1871 letter to the Rev. Coquerel, she proffers an invitation to French Protestant theologian to speak at the new Engalnd woman's club. Her two letters to Bicknell concern social matters.