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NIGHTINGALE, FLORENCE. Autograph letter signed ("Florence Nightingale") to "Dear Lord Nelson," [London], 24 April 1863. 8 pages, 8vo, on her personalized mourning stationery, signature page very lightly browned, else fine.
Details
NIGHTINGALE, FLORENCE. Autograph letter signed ("Florence Nightingale") to "Dear Lord Nelson," [London], 24 April 1863. 8 pages, 8vo, on her personalized mourning stationery, signature page very lightly browned, else fine.
The internationally famous nurse gives lengthy advice on the profession: "No 'excuse' is needed for such a letter as yours. But I am afraid you will think an 'excuse' necessary for the little I can do for Mrs. Girdlestone. I fear it is quite impossible for me to 'correspond with' her or to see her, as you kindly proposed, & as I should so much like...I am overwhelmed with business & illness -- I have been confined to one room for years. I can scarcely see my own dearest friends. I am very glad Mrs. Girdlestone is going to King's College Hospital, where Lady Sup[erintenden]t is one of the best & wisest women I know...That Mrs. Girdlestone will be gladly welcome...as sup[erintenden]t of one of the (separate) Hosp[ita]ls, now growing up, I cannot doubt. For indeed there is great lack of suitable persons...Not a week of my life passes but that I am asked to recommend a Lady Sup[erintenden]t for some Training (Hosp[ita]l)...And how few there are to recommend!...You are probably not aware that the two Training Schools for Nurses are already provided with Sup[erintendan]ts...I venture to send you a short sketch of these...because you would be doing us & the poor an equal benefit..."
The internationally famous nurse gives lengthy advice on the profession: "No 'excuse' is needed for such a letter as yours. But I am afraid you will think an 'excuse' necessary for the little I can do for Mrs. Girdlestone. I fear it is quite impossible for me to 'correspond with' her or to see her, as you kindly proposed, & as I should so much like...I am overwhelmed with business & illness -- I have been confined to one room for years. I can scarcely see my own dearest friends. I am very glad Mrs. Girdlestone is going to King's College Hospital, where Lady Sup[erintenden]t is one of the best & wisest women I know...That Mrs. Girdlestone will be gladly welcome...as sup[erintenden]t of one of the (separate) Hosp[ita]ls, now growing up, I cannot doubt. For indeed there is great lack of suitable persons...Not a week of my life passes but that I am asked to recommend a Lady Sup[erintenden]t for some Training (Hosp[ita]l)...And how few there are to recommend!...You are probably not aware that the two Training Schools for Nurses are already provided with Sup[erintendan]ts...I venture to send you a short sketch of these...because you would be doing us & the poor an equal benefit..."