Letter to the Mother Superior of the Convent of the Sisters of Providence in Hampstead, early August 1871

Author(s)	Friedrich Engels
Written	August 1871

First published in: Marx and Engels, Works, First Russian Edition, Vol. XXVI, Moscow, 1935. Printed according to the original. Translated from the French
Published in English for the first time in Marx-Engels Collected Works, Volume 44

ENGELS TO THE MOTHER SUPERIOR OF THE CONVENT OF THE SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE IN HAMPSTEAD

IN LONDON

[Draft]

[London, early August 1871]

Madam,

I am taking the liberty of writing to you, following a conversation I had yesterday with one of the sisters from your establishment.

My concern is to find places as boarders for three little girls, Eugénie Dupont (aged 9), Marie D. (aged 7) and Clarisse D. (aged 3). Their father works as foreman in Mr Joseph Higham's musical instrument factory in Manchester; their mother died some eighteen months ago and Mr Dupont, feeling he cannot bring up his children at home in a satisfactory manner, has requested me to find suitable places for them.

The lady who received me yesterday informed me that you would have room for the little girls and that the fee for boarding them would be £13 a child for the first year and £12 for subsequent years; she then suggested I communicate to you in writing what I require.

I would therefore beg you, Madam, to be so kind as to tell me whether you would agree to take them, in which case I should instruct their father to come to London without delay in order to introduce them to you. If, by any chance, you should need further information I would beg you to let me know at what time I should call and provide you with it.

It was Mr Clarkson of Maitland Park who gave me the address of your establishment.

I am, Madam, your most obedient servant,

F. E.