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Historic Women's Suffrage Correspondence: Millicent Fawcett to Susan B. Anthony
An incredible, museum-quality piece of women's history. This original, handwritten letter bridges two of the most consequential figures in the global fight for equality: British suffrage leader Millicent Garrett Fawcett and American icon Susan B. Anthony.
The Signer: Millicent Garrett Fawcett
M.G. Fawcett was the formidable president of the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS). As Britain's most prominent moderate suffragist, she led a decades-long constitutional campaign that ultimately secured the voting franchise for millions of British women. Her signature here is a direct link to the intellectual and political leadership of the UK's equality movement.
The Recipient: Susan B. Anthony
Addressed as "dear Miss Anthony," the recipient is arguably the most famous women's rights activist in American history. Anthony dedicated her entire life to the American suffrage movement, equal rights, and the abolition of slavery, tirelessly paving the way for the 19th Amendment.
The Document's Historical Importance
In this letter, Fawcett personally updates Anthony on a critical legislative victory in the UK House of Commons, which affirmed women's eligibility to serve on London Municipal Councils. Documents directly linking these two titans of human rights are exceedingly rare. This correspondence captures a real-time exchange of frontline political strategy across the Atlantic, making it an extraordinary artifact of the global suffragette movement.
Please review all photos carefully for handwriting details and exact condition.
Document Transcription
I hope you noticed that we got a splendid majority in the H of Commons on May 23 nearly two to one, affirming the eligibility of women to be elected as aldermen or councillors on the London Municipal Councils. This reverses the decision of the House of Lords last year; but I am afraid we shall not be able to carry our bill into an Act this year.
Always dear Miss Anthony
Yours affectionately,
M.G. Fawcett
