Item 11 - Letter from Francis Agnes Stoddart to Richard Monckton Milnes

4 ff.

16 Guildford Street, Russell Square, W.C. - Met Milnes years ago when Queen Adelaide was at Stowe and he and Disraeli were staying at Buckingham; he subsequently assisted her brother. Now seeks help for Emily De Lesdernier, who has been cruelly treated by her husband and suffered hardship to support her friends; gives details of De Lesdernier's life. Longfellow and Mary Howitt are friends; she gives public readings but also wishes to engage for private parties; her attempts at publication; she is currently employed 'at Wheeler & Wilson's 139 Regent Street where she is daily superintending the sale of their celebrated sewing machines'; asks if Milnes and Disraeli will consider assisting her.