NIGHTINGALE, Florence (1820-1910). Autograph Note Signed (?Florence Nightingale?) to Mrs. Brookfield concerning a possible job interview for a nursing position, 1 April 1854. 2 and one-half 12mo pp. on one 8vo folded sheet (131 x 173 mm unfolded) on mourning stationery, with the facsimile of Nightingale?s signature on the first page (her actual signature is on the third page, beneath which is a later Belgian postage stamp with her portrait). Paper a bit toned, one vertical and two horizontal creases, the final (blank) page has glue residue; one small, embossed stamp on the first page. ?Dear Mrs. Brookfield If your ?quote? [?] is still in want of a situation, + would like to come here any morning about 10, or any evening about 6, (except Tuesday morning next) to speak to me, I believe that I shall have a vacancy here in 3 weeks for a Nurse, which she may like to fill temporarily, if not permanently ? It will be fair to tell her that we take in operations, which she may have to attend to ? Believe Me, Dear Mrs. Brookfield, Yours very truly Florence Nightingale?. Nightingale was a nurse during the Crimean War, and improved nursing methods for patients and nurses alike. She founded a nursing school in 1860 and is credited for opening that profession to women.