Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-05-21
MISS AlCOTT'S LITTLE WOMEN.
A Letter Written by Mrs. Annie Aicott
Pratt 80 Years AGO.


st. Nicholas.-Doubtles many of
the readers of st. Nicholas, who have
also read and enjoyed Little Women,
will be interested in the following let
ter, written 80 years years ago to two
young girls of that day, who had sent
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:
Dear Julia and Alice-From your
note to Miss Alcott l infer that you
are not aware that she is at present
in Italy, having gone abroad in April
last, with the intention of remainins
a year or more, trying to get well.
But knowing how pleased she would
be with your friendly note, think per-
haps word from sister Meg" will be
better than leaving it unanswered, and
far better than leaving it unanswered,
and far better than that any little
woman" should feel that 90" was IN
kind or ungrateful.
Of course you know that neither
Meg" nor 10" are young and pretty
girls now, but sober old women, near
ly 40 years of age, full Of cares AMI
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 | can truly say she is her very
self, and she is the only one Of the
Little Women who would, | 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
letter far, pure and generous heart.
so" Beth" and Amy" are all drawn
from life, and are entirely truthful pic.
lures of the three dear sisters who
played and worked, loved and sorrow
ed together so many years ago. Dear
"Beth"-or Louie, as we called her
died, after long suffering, Il 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 90 always admired
poor, plain Meg" and when she came
to put her into the story she beautifiei
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 darling, and no doubt all the
little women" who read of her admire
her just as loving old 30" does, and
think her quite splendid. But, for all
that, she is nothing but homely, busy,
and, hope, useful Annie, who writes
this letter to you.
AS for dear old 80" herself, sno
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 he 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 printer, work
ing hard to perfect herself in her chos-
en- art, while 90" is resting and gain
promised Little Men of which 1 imag-
inc "Meg's" boys, Freddie and John
ME, 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 book. She has
| therefore put upon him the love-mak-
| ing and behavior of various adorers Of
her youthful days.
Dear little friends, if | have told you
, all you wish to know, and shown that
you need have no fear Of being
! thought Intrusive" perhaps some
time you will honor Meg" herself with
letter.
Be assured she will be glad to hear
from any Of the little women" Sin
cerely yours, Annie Alcott Pratt.