Letter from Sophia Louisa Little, Newport, [Rhode Island], to Samuel May, 1852 August 13

Little, Sophia L. (Sophia Louisa), 1799-1893 · August 13, 1852

Sophia L. Little writes to Samuel May thanking him for sending her money for the sale of her books [likely "Thrice Through the Furnace"]. Little says the book "is not to be looked upon so much a work of art, as a faithful testimony given in that form to reach the people." She hopes the book "will do good" as well as provide her "a pecuniary benefit for I have dear relatives around me once in affluence now distrest [sic] ..." Little also tells May that "Newport, distinguished for her opposition to Antislavery, is now up in Arms against the Main[e] Laws" prohibiting the sale of alcohol. She describes a confrontation between supporters and opponents of the law, where one person "in self defense drew a pistol," adding that the trial will start the following week.