The following is a transcript of a letter, prepared for the special exhibit by the rare book librarian at Williams College. Williams has the largest rare book collection of any US College, one that is only surpassed by a few University library collections. [With proper credit to Kathryn Willis Wolfe for sharing this letter both in transcription and handwritten copy.]

Dear Madam

Your favor of Feb. 26, with reference to Women Lawyers, found me out of Wash. and temporarily in the Lecture field; and in being forwarded was missent, hence the delay of this answer.

My knowledge is not complete with reference to the information desired, but I will give you what I have at hand & can readily obtain information if desired.

I was refused admission to the Law School of Columbia College [sic, i.e., Columbia College, now George Washington University Wash. D.C. in 1870, and was afterwards admitted to the Nat. University Law School D.C. in the winter of 1871 & graduated therefrom May 11, 1873 & was admitted to the Supreme Court D.C. Sept. 23, 1873. I at once entered into active practice, that has continued down to the present time.

Was refused admission to the U.S. Court of Claims in the winter of 1875 & was admitted thereto in Mar. 1879.

Was refused admission to the United States Supreme Court in 1876. Drafted and lobbied through the Bill admitting women to the bar of that Court; & was admitted thereto Feb. 1879. have repeatedly appeared in Causes before the U.S. Supreme Court & the U.S. Court of Claims, Have tried every class of case known to criminal or civil jurisprudence, except maritime, of which we have very little in our Court of Claims

Have appeared in the Federal Court in Boston, Baltimore & Austin, Tex. Have been admitted to the bar in Md. & Va.

Mrs. Marilla M. Ricker of Concord, N.H. was admitted to the District bar three years ago. Studied by herself & with attorneys -- passed a very creditable examination with a large class of young men. Was especially well versed in Criminal law & has had a limited practice. Prefers Criminal Law. Was appointed a Notary Public by President Arthur & an Examiner in Chancery.

A colored woman, Charlotte Ray graduated from Howard University Law School in 1673 [sic, i.e., Feb. 1872] and was admitted to the District bar. Tried two or three cases & disappeared.

Miss Emma M. Gillett of Erie, Penn. graduated from Howard University Law School in 1853, was admitted to the District Bar & at once entered into practice. Appears sometimes in Court but does a large Office business, and has accumulated property by her profession.

Laura De Force Gordon graduated in the State University of California, together with Mrs. Clara Foltz who first mandamused the Regents of the University to compel their admission on or about 1878, Both entered into practice and were afterwards admitted to the Supreme Court of the State. In Feb. 1876 [sic, i.e., 1885] Laura De Force Gordon was admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court under the Bill drafted by me Feb. 2, 1876.

A goodly number of other ladies have graduated at law in the District, but have not been admitted to the bar.

I believe that Columbia College (Baptist) is now willing to admit women, & the National University (non-sectarian) and Howard University (colored).

Miss E.R. Gelston, Wash. D.C. does a large claim business; and a goodly number of women without any special training are and have been recognized as Attorneys before the several Departments at Wash.

The above comprises the list so far as the District of Columbia is concerned, I forgot to add that Miss Emma Gillett was appointed a Notary Public by Pres. Arthur, acts for several Banks, and an Examiner in Chancery by the Judges of the District Court & is very generally employed in this class of business.

Yours very truly,

Belva A. Lockwood