These two letters show Nightingale's half of an ongoing coversation between the two women. Green sought Nightingale’s advice as she considered applying for a Mistress-ship at Girton College, Cambridge. While Nightingale supported Green’s candidacy, she expressed reservations about the institution, criticizing what she saw as its “angry and aggressive agnosticism” and lack of student input, even in matters such as catering.

In one of the letters to Green, Nightingale describes the environment at Girton as such: “Your enemies will be the tittle-tattle, tea-table criticism of a bevy of well-meaning severe females.” Girton would go on to choose one of their own graduates for the mistress-ship.

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Claydon House
Winslow, [Buckinghamshire] September 21/1884
My dear Mrs. Green
I remember that you were to see Dr. Brunton on the 17th, and that you were so very kind as to say that you would have mercy on anxious me, and tell me generally what he said about your health question.
I dare not write any more about Girton – tho’ you may be sure it is never far from my heart or head.
I shall be at 10 South St. shortly - I cannot quite say when, on account of my sister who has been suffering more since the hot weather ceased. But I trust you will allow me, when I come, to claim your kind promise of seeing me.
God help the right, in which right you stay.
I wish I could say as much.

Ever yours,
F. Nightingale

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September 29, 1884
Michaelmas Day
Claydon House
Winslow, [Buckinghamshire]
My dear Mrs. Green
On this day I wish you the strength of St. Michael, as he stands, with his wings bearing him up, on the Castle of Sant’Angelo at Rome (as I have often seen him in the light of dawn) – just torching the earth, gentle & sweet, but all his enemies trodden under foot by his mere spiritual force. So, I see you at Girton only your enemies will be the tittle-tattle, tea table criticism of bevy of well-meaning severe females, your weapons, your pluck and wit, laughing where others would cry – a rare gift your service purpose and intense sympathy.
God bless you
Believe me ever yours
F. Nightingale
I hope to see you soon in London and to talk over things.
I am sure that Mr. Creighton had very good reasons for his advice and that therefore you are right to follow it.
St. Michael will have to walk warily as well as firmly – not knowing at first who are friends and who are foes.
I rejoice that Dr. Brunton thinks you fit in bodily health for the work – tho’ wishing, like him, it were a year hence.
Do you know that Lady [Pomeroy Colloy?] is also in the field? - not fit for the post