Calling for Collaboration: Women and Public Service in Dorothy Moore's Transnational Protestant Correspondence

Abstract

AbstractThe study of early modern letters has flourished in the last 15 years, producing an abundance of literature and digital projects. Studies of women's letters and of the male‐dominated republic of letters have tended to self‐segregate, but thanks to Carol Pal's Republic of Women and the groundbreaking work of several other specialists, prominent women in the republic of letters are now regaining their reputations. The ‘star of Utrecht’ Anna Maria van Schurman and the ‘incomparable’ Lady Ranelagh are indeed stellar examples. Within their constellation, Dorothy Moore, a relative of Ranelagh and fellow member of the Hartlib circle, engaged in correspondence with leading intellectuals in Ireland, London, and the Dutch Republic, in hopes of clarifying together how educated women could serve the transnational Protestant public of which they were members.Through examining key letters, this article argues that Moore used correspondence not to promote pre‐formed ideas or pursue a particular career, but rather to engage in collaborative problem solving and unofficial public service. Moore's letters demonstrate that she felt called to serve the public but, lacking literal ‘calls’ (appointments) and a steady income, required innovative advice and practical assistance. Although Moore's brief but intense correspondence with André Rivet helped develop her theory of women's vocation, it did not identify new ways for women to serve the Protestant public as a whole. Nevertheless, Moore could use strategic circulation of letters addressed to Ranelagh as a means of edifying select audiences, while collaborating with and eventually marrying John Dury provided further opportunities.