Conditions Governing Use

The materials from Washington and Lee University Special Collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used should be fully credited with the source. Permission for publication of this material, in part or in full, must be secured with the Head of Special Collections.

Custodial History

This leter was previously owned by Col. & Mrs. Stanton Blaine. Polly Hanna was the great great grandmother of Col. Blaine.

Preferred Citation

Preferred citation: [Identification of item], Conrad M. Speece letter, WLU Coll. 0467, Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA

In some cases the citation format may vary. Please contact Special Collections' staff to verify the appropriate format.

Scope and Contents

This collection contains a letter from Professor Conrad M. Speece to Polly Hanna, daughter of prominent Lexington citizen Matthew Hanna, dated 1791 and a transcription of an article in the Rockbridge County News in which the letter was printed. The letter addresses gender roles of the 1700s, specifically the perceived innate characteristics of women and their ability and desire to learn.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Gender identity
• Rockbridge County News
• Sex role
• Virginia -- Lexington
• Women