John Stuart Mill - Statement repudiating the Rights of Husbands

In this excerpt from Mill's experience of pre-marriage to Harriet Taylor. He saw the laws of marriage, the married woman in England could not own property or sign legal documents.

This statement seems to be defending his future wife, and all legally married woman. He does not see the sense in having a married woman be bound to her husband and give up her rights to own property or anything that demeans her at all. He is protesting the marriage laws and would rather not get married at all if she would not be considered an equal partner in this marriage.

"And in the event of marriage between Mrs. Taylor and me I declare it to be my will and intention, and the condition of the engagement between us, that she retains in all respected whatever the same absolute freedom of action, and freedom of disposal of herself and all of that does or may at any time belong to her, as if no such marriage had taken place;"

I do not know the circumstance of this letter, if it had been forced by Mrs. Taylor (at the time Ms. Taylor) and if he had done it on his own accord. I believe he did it on his own accord, looking into his personal history, as a utilitarian and being against unlimited state control.

I see him as the first Libertarian, he wants small government rule, a leave me alone!, attitude. And then he wants social equality for everyone and not just including himself. He is definitely someone I can relate to, especially after reading the murders of fictional characters by Browning. I think his liberal ideology and apparent love for the oppressed class, especially for his time, speaks wonders for his character and humanitarian aid.