Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896) 

Harriet Beecher Stowe was an American abolitionist and novelist who was most famous for writing 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' published in 1852. The book, which tells the stories of enslaved Africans in America, became very influential in the United States and Britain during the mid-nineteenth century and beyond. It contributed to the debates about abolition and, after the start of the Civil War, Mrs Stowe even met President Lincoln. Following the book's popularity in Britain, she embarked on a lecture tour in 1853. Over time the negative racial stereotypes associated with 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' have overshadowed it's historial impact on the abolitionist movement. 

Mrs Stowe wrote many novels. Her works of non-fiction included 'Lady Byron vindicated: a history of the Byron controversy, from its beginning in 1816 to the present time', which was published in 1870 by Sampson Low and garnered much criticism at the time. 

"I know you will show all kindness to them as you always

are so ready to do to us Americans lost on your shores"

In this short personal note from Harriet Beecher Stowe to Sampson Low, she refers to her friend, a Mr Wight. She asks Sampson Low to assist Mr Wight and his family during his stay in London. The letter was written from her home in Andover, Massachusetts on July 17th but the year is not included. Within the Sampson Low Collection there are several letters which mention Harriet Beecher Stowe, most of them written during the height of her popularity in the 1850s. 

View Harriet Beecher Stowe's letter [opens in a new window]

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