1860s: GCPP Parkes 5/96-134.
The 43 letters in this section discuss the following: the work of the English Woman’s Journal, including the beginnings of Bessie’s retreat from the work in the early 1860s; the work of Maria Rye for the Female Middle Class Emigration Society; Bessie’s journey from Algiers to London in 1861 with a box of Barbara’s pictures for an exhibition, also preparations for the exhibition itself at the Pall Mall Gallery, the administration of it by Gambart [Ernest Gambart, 1814-1902, art dealer], and news of its success, including various purchases; enquiries made by Bessie on Barbara’s behalf later in the 1860s for a further exhibition; Bessie’s reflections on her spiritual and religious beliefs, in particular her leanings towards Roman Catholicism; the deaths of various friends and relations, including Bessie’s grandmother Priestley, her uncle Joseph Priestley, Adelaide Procter and Mary Merryweather’s mother; and Bessie’s illness with scarlet fever in 1864.
Several of the letters mention Emily Davies: 5/115 and 5/121 discuss E D’s involvement with the English Woman’s Journal; 5/129 comments on E D and University Examinations; and 5/134 mentions ED’s ‘Franchise Movement’.