The lawyer in Jude questioned how far rumours could actually be slanderous if they were also true – and he wasn’t convinced how much credibility Miss Whitledge’s support could lend his own campaign, either. All the same, he could afford her a little graciousness. Campaigns were gruelling, to say the least, and she was very young. Perhaps she just hadn’t known what she’d be in for, with all this.
27th September, 1893
S. Whitledge,
Regardless of what people may say, it was brave of you to put your name forward. Change can only ever happen when people make the effort to stand up for their ideals, however hard it proves. You’ve done well to get as far as you have.
Thank you for writing – I appreciate the support.
J. Wright
