"A Letter from Miss Alcott's Sister..."

...about Little Women, from May 1903

Not certain why the editors chose to include this in a 1903 issue. This is written by Anna Alcott Pratt, the inspiration for "Meg.". Very odd that she says the original of "Beth" was called "Louie," as that was Louisa's nickname; the actual "Beth" was called "Lizzie."

Doubtless many of the girl readers of St. Nicholas, who have also read and enjoyed " Little Women," will be interested in the following letter, written thirty years ago to two young girls of that day, who had sent a letter to Miss Alcott herself, asking if the characters in Little Women were real persons, and if the story were true. In due time they received the following letter in reply.— Editor.

Concord, January 20, 1871.

Dear Julia And Alice: From your note to Miss Alcott I infer that you are not aware that she is at present in Italy, having gone abroad in April last, with the intention of remaining a year or more, trying to get well. But knowing how pleased she would be with your friendly note, I think perhaps a word from sister "Meg" will be better than leaving it unanswered, and far better than that any "little woman" should feel that "Jo" was unkind or ungrateful.

Of course you know that neither "Meg" nor "Jo" are young and pretty girls now, but sober old women, nearly forty years of age, full of cares and troubles like other people; and that although nearly every event in the book is true, of course things did not happen exactly as they are there set down.

You ask if "Amy" is not May Alcott, and I can truly say she is he: very self, and she is the only one of the "little women" who would, I think, realize your ideal drawn from the story. She is, indeed, "Lady Amy," and a fair and noble woman, full of graces and accomplishments, and, what is better far, a pure and generous heart. "Jo," "Beth," and "Amy" are all drawn from life, and are entirely truthful pictures of the three dear sisters who played and worked, loved and sorrowed together so many years ago. Dear "Beth"—or Louie, as we called her—died, after long suffering, twelve years since. She was a sweet and gentle creature, and her death was so great a sorrow to poor "Jo" that she has never been quite happy since her "conscience " was laid away under the pines of Sleepy Hollow. "Meg" was never the pretty vain little maiden, who coquetted and made herself so charming. But "Jo" always admired poor, plain "Meg," and when she came to put her into the story, she beautified her to suit the occasion, saying, "Dear me, girls, we must have one beauty in the book!"

So "Meg," with her big mouth and homely nose, shines forth quite a darling, and no doubt all the "little women" who read of her admire her just as loving old "Jo" does, and think her quite splendid. But, for all that, she is nothing but homely, busy, and, I hope, useful "Annie" who writes this letter to you.

As for dear old "Jo" herself, she was just the romping, naughty, topsy-turvy tomboy that all you little girls have learned to love; and even now, when care and sickness have made her early old, she is at heart the same loving, generous girl. In Little Women she has given a very truthful story of her haps and mishaps, her literary struggles and successes, and she is now enjoying her well-earned honors and regaining her health in travel with her sister Amy. They are spending the winter in Rome, in a delightful circle of artists, receiving attentions and honors that make proud the heart of the sister left behind. "Amy" is in the studio of a well-known painter, working hard to perfect herself in her chosen art, while "Jo" is resting and gaining strength and courage for her promised Little Men, of which I imagine "Meg's" boys, Freddie and Johnnie, are to be the heroes.

You inquire about "Laurie." The character was drawn partly from imagination, but more perhaps from a very nice boy Louisa once knew, whose good looks and "wheedlesome" ways first suggested to her the idea of putting him into a book. She has therefore put upon him the love-making and behavior of various adorers of her youthful days.

Dear little friends, if I have told you all you wish to know, and shown that you need have no fear of being thought "intrusive," perhaps sometime you will honor "Meg" herself with a letter.

Be assured she will be glad to hear from any of the "little women." Sincerely yours,

Annie Alcott Pratt.