Letter signed : Torquay, to an unidentified recipient, 1859 May.

Thanking the Institutional Association of Lancashire and Cheshire for asking her to present either "a Box of Books for the Itinerary Free Library, or Prizes to young Women upon subjects of Domestic Economy"; writing that she will choose a selection of books; explaining her rationale for giving books rather than prizes: "Had I been a Resident in Lancashire or Cheshire, so that I could, if desired, have taken an active part personally in the work, I would have taken into Consideration your request as to Prizes, but, residing in a totally different part of the Country, I do not feel that I possess that acquaintance with the habits, wants, and general condition of the female manufacturing population, which would justify me in promoting a Plan of Instruction which must materially influence the formation of their Character"; expressing reservations about educational systems that are focused on public examinations and exhibitions; writing that she would favor "Mothers Meetings and other Schemes which I understand are adopted by many Lancashire Ladies (the Wives or other female relatives of the Heads of Manufactories) for the improvement of the Workers in factories rather than a Scheme for the distribution of Prizes upon matters of which Men can scarcely be reckoned the best Judges"; describing her concerns about the effect of public attention on women: "I should not like any Girl belonging to myself to receive publicly praise from lips however gifted. True of all, it is most true of Women, that 'in quietness,' is their 'strength,' and I therefore shrink from leading others to court that, which will not lead in my opinion to their own home happiness or that of those connected with them for I cannot bring myself to think it is a comfortable thing for a Man to come home and find his Wife Daughters etc absorbed in the same anxieties and excitements as himself"; expressing concerns about the "mental exertion" encouraged by prizes and competition, and the effect this may have on "undisciplined minds of an average capacity."