-- a letter from Isabella Hooker to Olympia Brown, August 28, 1874; from the Olympia Brown Collection/Schlesinger Library, Radcliff College

"I feel so intensely for my brother, I cannot give him up, and yet my soul revolts at his conduct beyond the power of words to describe. Why did he not listen to me and close the revelation of the worst by confessing deep guilt and humbly taking his place among the chief of sinners -- oh god why not -- I say continually and there is no answer as yet and the future is fearful to look upon."