YoursEditorial Note: This refers to Atkinson’s letter to Eddy dated January 18, 1878. See 137.23.006. just rec'd—Perhaps I do not judge from the stand point whence I see error as others do. I know we often have different estimates, but I thought the testimony of my students was sufficient for the conclusions I form, and seeing you heard that testimony, and we as the plaintifs Corrected: plaintiffs appeal to you for judgement and want if this judgement is made public so that we can by means of it get a hearing with others. I can see no other way. The editor, Mr. Colby, will not give us an opportunity for defence and self protection probably without it; and Spofford will not cease his (what I consider crimes) until public indignation meets them and he finds out that he cannot practice them without exposure.

Now I clearly understand that his secret action on the minds of individuals is making this difficulty in getting the truth into the public ear. If I could get my the article that refers solely to his pamphlet and the motives that influenced it into press a newspaper in Newburyport it would be a great good accomplished in more ways than I can name in a letter; and for you to satisfy yourself of Spofford's motives would be another good achieved. To do both these it is best you take the line of conduct that you named. I see wisdom in it and want it done, although I have doubts about it accomplishing in one direction the purpose we desire, namely, reform and pacification

Now dear Mr. Atkinson, I say to you privately that I know Spofford is influencing you not to aid me in this and that he has accomplished so far the purpose to keep it out of newspapers print and once in this place through this infernal action. There is an inaugereration of terror as well as error at this time that could help me stem? Will you do it? I am decided if I can have no actual aid in this, to leave the contest and remove far away where his fear that I will expose his hidden crimes of making people sick etc and paralyzing all in a right, and stimulating all in the wrong direction that the honest and students and their teacher undertakes,—will not be directed all the time to undo all that could be done right. I can meet and restrain his effects on the sick, but I am no mesmerist to do this in any other direction, besides I and have not the time as I am compiling a new edition and reading proofEditorial Note: The is a reference to the second edition of Eddy’s book, Science and Health, which was published in October 1878., to follow his train of evils If I was far removed from his wicked work others then would fall the victims; for some time and in some way God will meet this hour in retribution. I hope to hear very soon what you conclude and thank very much you for having weighed the matter even

The newspaper article I want inserted, the first lawyer in Boston directed me how to write, to escape libel, and the editor need not fear. It is the age and its ignorance that stifles me, the time will come when my voice in this hour would be called for to save from the consequences to all of this criminal mental outlawry