A 19th century pen and ink pot. In keeping with the standards of the times, Caroline Reuter’s letter to Verein officials is filled with flowery language and self-effacement. Her letter begins: “Driven by pressing circumstances and anguished concern about a beloved brother, I take pen in hand to appeal to you, in the hope that doing so may ease my mind, at least to a certain extent.” She concludes her letter: “For all these efforts of the highly esteemed Society I express in advance my most sincere thanks, and, trusting in your kindness and forbearance toward the unpracticed pen of a lady, I sign most respectfully, Your servant, Caroline Reuter”

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