Formal Autograph Letter in French with translation (Josiah, 1782-1870, Teacher and Philanthropist, Member of the Anti-Slavery Society and a senior Quaker) -

saying that "Josiah Forster from London returned to Paris with his friend Elisabeth Fry from London, she proposes to visit the prisons for women of Paris. A subject that has interested her for a long time. She has learned that two gentlemen, Berenger and du Metz, are interested in the same cause. J.F. met the last one this morning and he proposes to visit her, that is to say Elizabeth Fry, this evening at eight o'clock at the Hotel de Castille in the rue Richelieu, and Josiah Forster comes here on behalf of his friend to beg Berenger to be good enough to come to the same hotel at the same time this evening so that they can discuss the important subject of prisons..." Elizabeth FRY (1780-1845) was a prison reformer, social reformer, philanthropist and Quaker. Fry was a major driving force behind new legislation to improve the treatment of prisoners, especially female inmates, and as such has been called the "Angel of Prisons". She was instrumental in the 1823 Gaols Act which mandated sex-segregation of prisons and female warders for female inmates to protect them from sexual exploitation. Fry kept extensive diaries, in which the need to protect female prisoners from rape and sexual exploitation is explicit. In 1838, Forster accompanied Elizabeth Fry, her husband, Lydia Irving and William Allen on Friend's business and a tour and inspection of prisons in France. They were there on other business but despite the language barrier Fry and Lydia Irving visited French prisons. Transcription Josiah Forster depuis de Londres est revenu à Paris avec son amie Elisabeth Fry de Londres elle se propose à visiter les prisons de Paris pour les femmes. Sujet qui l'a longtemps intéressée. Elle a appris que deux gentilhommes Berenger et du Metz y sont intéressés dans la même cause. J.F. a vu le dernier ce matin et il se propose à lui faire visite, c'est à dire à Elizabeth Fry, ce soir à huit heures à l'hôtel de Castille dans la rue Richelieu, et Josiah Forster vient ici au nom de son amie à prier Berenger d'avoir la bonté de venir au même hôtel à la même heure ce soir afin qu'ils s'entretiennent sur l'objet important de prisons. Rue Jacob. 2 Jan 1838 Translation Josiah Forster from London returned to Paris with his friend Elisabeth Fry from London she proposes to visit the prisons for women of Paris. A subject that has interested her for a long time. She has learned that two gentlemen, Berenger and du Metz, are interested in the same cause. J.F. met the last one this morning and he proposes to visit her, that is to say Elizabeth Fry, this evening at eight o'clock at the Hotel de Castille in the rue Richelieu, and Josiah Forster comes here on behalf of his friend to beg Berenger to be good enough to come to the same hotel at the same time this evening so that they can discuss the important subject of prisons. Jacob Street, 2nd January 1838