Handwritten letter from William F. Pendleton in Chicago, IL to Gertrude Starkey Pitcairn. 1 page, double-sided.

Contents: -W. F. Pendleton’s advice on how to handle scandal caused by Gertrude’s letter* within Convention; don’t explain, don’t appeal; Gertrude has the love go the Lord, angels, and “saints” (i.e. Academy members); those outside are dogs, sorcerers, & wordmongers -circulating letter from Benade on heredity state of foundlings; obtain from Mr. Stuart & send to Miss Hogan -wife (M. L. Y. Pendleton) not well this summer; appreciates Gertrude sending Academy news; hopes she will come for extended visit

Names mentioned: Mr. Hibbard, Mr. Stuart (James P. Stuart), Benade (William H. Benade), Miss Hogan (Maria C. Hogan), Academy Places mentioned: Philadelphia

*letter written by Gertrude Starkey to the family doctor, Rev. Dr. E. R. Tuller, regarding teachings about concubinage in latter half of Conjugial Love. Letter was circulated amongst Convention members and was the source of “scandalous” rumors against Gertrude and the Academy (see “John Pitcairn; uncommon entrepreneur” by Richard Gladish, 1989, pp. 342-343)