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Contains partial handwritten original story by Louisa May Alcott, entitled "To Father." Dated November 29, 1884 on the last page.

Scope and Contents Contains original manuscript of "A Free Bed," by Louisa May Alcott, the story of an invalid's unselfish actions to increase the comfort and happiness of those less fortunate than herself. "Dr. Z." possibly refers to Dr. Marie E. Zakrzewska (1829-1902), a pioneer physician and founder of the New England Hospital for Women and Children. Later published as "A Free Bed," by Louisa May Alcott. Edited and with an introduction by Madeleine B. Stern (published on the 90th anniversary of Alcott's...

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Contains a fragment of an original manuscript of Louisa May Alcott's novel, "Eight Cousins." Has a note from her mother on the verso to Miss Day, Concord. Dated approximately 1875.

Scope and Contents Contains one leaf of ink holograph manuscript, unsigned, from the text of Alcott's novel Jack and Jill. Two pages, quarto, on ruled paper. Numbered "7" at upper right, it is from chapter 1, "The Catastrophe." It contains four corrections in the author's hand which were incorporated into the published version. There are, however, a number of minor differences between this manuscript and published version and the major omission of an entire sentence --"Jill, of course, was not her real name,...

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Contains a bank check from Ticknor & Fields, Boston, June 7, 1867, to Louisa M. Alcott in the amount of $150. Endorsed on verso by LMA.

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Contains a letter from May Alcott Nieriker, Louisa's sister, to a "C.C." (Carrie Cheney) from Concord, Massachusetts. May discusses sightseeing in Boston with Lu; Lu's apartment in Hayward Place, affectionately called the "Spinster's Retreat"; taking art lessons; her and Lu's love of Italy; and a visit to a spiritualist. Undated, but approximately winter 1867 or 1868.

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Contains a letter from May Alcott Nieriker to a Miss Chandler from Concord, Massachusetts, including an invitation to come visit on Friday. Mr. [Ralph Waldo] Emerson also desires her to visit him on Sunday. Dated July 12, approximately 1869.

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Contains a letter from May Alcott Nieriker to a Mr. Niles. She sends a note to accept an invitation for the next afternoon. Describes her painting; an excursion to the Royal Academy (London); and the transfer of her "dear Russian's" affections to Miss Lily V. Mentions that Lu has taken her copy of Little Men before she had finished reading it. Dated simply "Friday night," approximately 1871.

Scope and Contents Contains a letter from May Alcott Nieriker to a Mr. Davis, from Concord, Massachusetts. Ink autograph note, signed. Brief undated note from Louisa's artist sister May, probably to Mr. Cummings Davis who ran the "Old Curiosity Shop" in Concord, Massachusetts, requesting that "back papers" be given to the Alcott housekeeper Johannah and that the "Journal" [of Speculative Philosophy] be discontinued during December while Mr. Alcott was away." [R.&S.] No date noted, but dated approximately...

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Contains a sonnet, "To My Daughter Louisa on her Birthday, Nov. 29, 1881," written by Bronson Alcott for Louisa's 49th birthday. About 100 words, no pagination. Dated November 29, 1881.