Addressed to the editor in chief of the regional newspaper, Courrier du Bas-Rhin, this letter explains the origins and aims of the Association of French Ladies for the Relief of Emancipated Slaves. The Association's secretary Clarisse Coignet describes Europe's fundraising efforts for the immediate relief of freed slaves in the United States. She gives the example of societies in the UK which were able to raise a million francs, but suggests that mobilising French public opinion proved more difficult, due to a lack of large public meetings, "where a speaker can so easily enflame a generous crowd in favour of a good cause" (8). Nonetheless, she argues that French women should "show their solidarity for this magnificent emancipation" (9). Coignet calls on the aid of "liberal and generous Alsace" in the fundraising efforts organised by the Association (9).

Letter dated 14 June 1865, and signed C. Coignet, Treasurer and Secretary of the Association. See the attached download.