Child, Lydia Maria Francis, 1802-1880 [Incomplete essay on religious tolerance on verso of letter fragments from Edmonia Lewis and Samuel J. May]

Contains an incomplete essay (pages five, six, and seven) discussing religious tolerance written by Child, an author, scholar, and abolitionist. Child discusses religious tolerance, stating "People who are educated under one system of religion can never perhaps quite realize how another faith appears to those who have grown up under its influence; but sincere efforts to do this are among the most hopeful signs of the times." Discusses books of different religions and differentiation between religious symbolism and language. In pencil below her signature, Child invites the recipient to return her writing if it is not published. On verso, page five contains the conclusion of an autograph letter signed by Edmonia Lewis, an African American/Native American sculptor who specialized in abolitionist and Civil War subjects. Referring to Maria Weston Chapman, an abolitionist, Lewis' conclusion states "You will please talk with Mrs. M. W. [Maria Weston] Chapman and she will tell you about the 'Freedmen.'" Page six contains a letter to a "Mitty Child" from Allie on verso. This letter was written 3 February 1867, and discusses Allie's upcoming birthday, sleigh rides, horses, and the recent snow. Allie refers to Lisy and Bose. Verso of page seven contains the conclusion of an autograph letter signed written by abolitionist Samuel J. May. May refers to Lydia's husband, the abolitionist David Lee Child: " ... Mr. Child's contributions to the anti-slavery cause from the beginning - and especially of the work he did in opposition to Texas-"