A drawback resulting from the division of labour in the composition of the book is that there are a certain number of repetitions. We trust, however, that readers will agree with us in thinking that the gain of showing certain details in different relations outweighs the fault of a few re-iterations. In quoting Mr Bradlaugh's words from the _National Reformer_, I have for the sake of greater clearness and directness altered the editorial plural to the first person singular. I desire to express here my great indebtedness to Mrs Mary Reed for her help, more especially in searching old newspaper files with me at the British Museum. HYPATIA BRADLAUGH BONNER. 1894. CONTENTS Part 1. BY HYPATIA BRADLAUGH BONNER. VOL. I. CHAPTER I. PARENTAGE AND CHILDHOOD 1 Origin of the Bradlaugh family--James Bradlaugh--Charles Bradlaugh, senr.--His marriage--Birth of Charles Bradlaugh--Needy circumstances of the family--Character and tastes of his father--Character of his mother--Schooling--Handwriting--Amusements--Early lessons in politics. CHAPTER II. BOYHOOD 7 Charles Bradlaugh as office-boy--Wharf clerk and cashier--Politics at Bonner's Fields--Sunday School--The Rev. J. G. Packer--Suspended from duties as Sunday School teacher--Bonner's Fields on Sunday--Mrs Sharples Carlile--The Warner Street Temperance Hall--A teetotaller--Mr Packer's methods--An angry father--The ultimatum--Leaving home--Mr Packer's responsibility. CHAPTER III. YOUTH 17 Alone in the world--B. B. Jones--A youthful "coal merchant"--The baker's wife--Selling braces--Mrs Carlile offers a home--"A little Hebrew and an imperfect smattering of other tongues"--Hypatia Carlile--Brother and sister--Youthful oratory--The _British Banner_--Austin Holyoake--George Jacob Holyoake--The first pamphlet--A "season's campaign." CHAPTER IV. ARMY LIFE 25 Poverty, hunger, and debt--Enlisting for the East India service--Enrolled in the 50th Foot--Transferred to the 7th Dragoon Guards--Family reconciliation--The father's changed character--Troubles at sea--Temperance advocacy under difficulties--"Leaves"--At Rathmines Church--A right-of-way--A new officer--Donnybrook Fair--An Irish tragedy. CHAPTER V. ARMY LIFE CONCLUDED 35 The father's death--Letters home--Death of Miss Elizabeth Trimby--Mother and Daughter--Purchasing his discharge--Advantages derived from Army life--James Thomson. CHAPTER VI. MARRIAGE 41