[ Mona Caird, Scottish novelist and suffragist. ] Two Auograph Letters, one Signed 'Mona Caird', discussing her inability to provide financial assistance to the causes she supports.

Both items in good condition, lightly aged and worn. ONE: Autograph Letter Signed, dated '19th. Dec.' 4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. As 'the public is not apparently able to rise to the occasion', the recipient's appeal should be helped, but she is 'unable to help anything just now. I have been most seriously involved in the Australian

, at a time too of heavy expenses, and I have no notion what is to happen in the future – it looks very black indeed. I have been forced to refuse so many appeals – so many causes that I have to heart – it is maddening to see so much distress so many good causes struggling against wind & tide, yet to be powerless to help. But such is my case.' She continues in the same vein, stating that she is 'utterly helpless'. 'The two articles in the Westminster Review that will, I hope, shortly appear will not be paid for, - that Review does not pay its contributors, so that I have not their proceeds to dispose of even, or you should divide the spoils with the Anti-Vivisection Society, in which I am deeply interested just now.' TWO: Autograph Letter, dated 'May 6th.' 4pp., 12mo. Bifolium with mourning border. The conclusion of the letter lacking. She has failed to answer the previous letter as it was 'received at a time of extreme – indeed indescribable business & distraction – my presence required in about half a dozen places at once, everything going wrong all round and not a moment to breathe for telegrams!' Replying 'got put off & put off till the supposed moment when this crisis would be over - & as the crisis depended on the British workman & the British shopkeeper […] it is long in passing & has not passed yet'. The letter breaks off as she is explaining that the 'entire reorganization of the external arrangements of one's life – building alterations and a general redistribution of everything one possesses including books & MS.S. Is not a single or rapid process.'