Kevin

One section of Document 28 that I thought was very interesting was:

"The Ohio convention had some peculiar characteristics; it was held in the Friends' Meeting-House in Salem. It was officered entirely by women; not a man was allowed to sit on the platform, to speak or vote. Never did men so suffer. They implored just to say a word; but no, the President was inflexible — no man should be heard. If one meekly rose to make a suggestion he was at once ruled out of order. For the first time in the world's history men learned how it felt to sit in silence when great questions were pending. It would have been an admirable closing, if a rich banquet had been provided to which the men should have had the privilege of purchasing tickets to the gallery, there to enjoy the savory odors and listen to the after-dinner speeches. A little pity, mingled with justice, prevented this finale. And at the close, after the adjournment, the men organized and indorsed all the women had said and done."

Amanda

"The Ohio convention had some peculiar characteristics; it was held in the Friends' Meeting-House in Salem. It was officered entirely by women; not a man was allowed to sit on the platform, to speak or vote. Never did men so suffer. They implored just to say a word; but no, the President was inflexible — no man should be heard. If one meekly rose to make a suggestion he was at once ruled out of order. For the first time in the world's history men learned how it felt to sit in silence when great questions were pending. It would have been an admirable closing, if a rich banquet had been provided to which the men should have had the privilege of purchasing tickets to the gallery, there to enjoy the savory odors and listen to the after-dinner speeches. A little pity, mingled with justice, prevented this finale. And at the close, after the adjournment, the men organized and indorsed all the women had said and done.

The following are some of the resolutions:
"Resolved, That the evils arising from the present social, civil and religious condition of women proclaim to them, in language not to be misunderstood, that not only their own welfare, but the highest good of the race, demands of them as an imperative duty, that they should secure to themselves the Elective Franchise.

"Resolved, That the prohibiting of woman from participating in the enactment of laws by which she is governed is a direct violation of the first principles of nature."

From this convention an able memorial, written by Mrs. Mary A. W. Johnson, was sent to the Ohio Constitutional Convention. I give the closing sentence: "We earnestly request that in the new constitution you are about to form for the State of Ohio, women shall be secured, not only the right of suffrage but all the political and legal rights which are guaranteed to men."  "

Emily V.

Page 8
“The Ohio convention had some peculiar characteristics; it was held in the Friends' Meeting-House in Salem. It was officered entirely by women; not a man was allowed to sit on the platform, to speak or vote. Never did men so suffer. They implored just to say a word; but no, the President was inflexible — no man should be heard. If one meekly rose to make a suggestion he was at once ruled out of order. For the first time in the world's history men learned how it felt to sit in silence when great questions were pending.”

Page 18
“"It is in the name of these principles that woman comes to claim her right to take part in the legislative assembly, and to help to form the laws which must govern society, of which she is a member.
"She comes to demand of the electors the consecration of the principle of equality by the election of a woman, and by this act she obliges man to prove that the fundamental law which he has formed in the sole name of liberty, equality and fraternity, is still based upon privilege, and soon privilege triumphs over this phantom of universal suffrage, which, being but half of itself, sinks on the 31st of May, 1850.”

Rebecca M.

"She thought Mrs. Davis, in her modesty, had not done justice to herself; her work commenced before any of the woman's rights conventions were held. As early as 1844 she commenced the study of anatomy and physiology, and gave public lectures on these subjects.. . . Many who are now comfortably supporting themselves in that profession gratefully acknowledge her influence in directing the whole future of their lives."

- spoken by Elizabeth Cady Stanton.  This shows that Davis was much ahead of her time, and was having ideas that many women hadn't expressed. She was not appreciated as she was giving these ideas originally, but after these ideas became more vocalized many people recognized her as having great influence in the field.
 
 
Also useful is her candid acknowledgement that she and her colleagues expected to overturn male supremacy within a generation. That optimism was, she admitted twenty years into the struggle, overdone. Without it, however, she and the others might never have begun the struggle

- Again, this shows ideas that were 20 years before their time.  But she was very influential in the entire struggle, because without her positive attitude and optimism, the struggle may never have started.  This optimism made others believe they were fighting for a purpose, and not just fighting to cause a scene.
 
 
"From North to South the press found these earnest workers wonderfully ridiculous people. The ‘hen convention,’ was served up in every variety of style, till refined women dreaded to look into a newspaper. Hitherto man had assumed to be the conscience of woman, now she indicated the will to think for herself; hence all this odium. But, however the word was preached, whether for wrath or conscience sake, we rejoiced and thanked God."

- Paulina Kellogg Wright Davis.  This quote is interesting because it shows that although some were for the womens sufferage movement, there were many "refined" women who couldnt even bare to look at the newspaper articles about womens rights.  She also points to the fact that men used to be the mind of women, but now some women were displaying the urgency to think for themselves.
 
 
In commencing this work we knew that we were attacking the strongholds of prejudice, but truth could no longer be suppressed, nor principles hidden. It must be ours to strike the bottom line. We believed it would take a generation to clear away the rubbish, to uproot the theories of ages, to overthrow customs, which at some period of the world's history had their significance. We knew that in attacking these strongholds we should bring ridicule and opposition, but having counted the cost, and put our hand to the plow, we would not turn back.

- The women understood what would happen, and the risks they were taking in order to achieve what they wanted.  They knew it and accepted it.  They felt that the risk was worth the reward.

Nicholas

(1)     "Women are still frivolous; the slaves of prejudice, passion, folly, fashion and petty ambitions, and so they will remain till the shackles, both social and political, are broken, and they are held responsible beings — accountable to God alone for their lives. Not till then can it be known what untold wealth lies buried in womanhood — "how many mute, inglorious Miltons."

Men are still conceited, arrogant and usurping, dwarfing their own manhood by a false position toward one-half the human race.

In commencing this work we knew that we were attacking the strongholds of prejudice, but truth could no longer be suppressed, nor principles hidden. It must be ours to strike the bottom line. We believed it would take a generation to clear away the rubbish, to uproot the theories of ages, to overthrow customs, which at some period of the world's history had their significance. We knew that in attacking these strongholds we should bring ridicule and opposition, but having counted the cost, and put our hand to the plow, we would not turn back.

We proclaimed that our work was to reform, reconstruct and harmonize society; not to lay waste her homes and her sanctuaries."

I found this passage to be revealing because it affirms that women will remain in shackles until social and political bonds are broken.  She also uses harsh words against men, calling him conceited, arrogant, and usurping.  Women aimed to attack the strongholds of prejudice, emphasizing that the truth can no longer be suppressed and principles hidden.  The goal of women’s work was to “reform, reconstruct and harmonize society.”

(2)     "Woman, in listening to this appeal, rises, and approaches the liberating urn, to exercise her right of suffrage as a member of society. But the barrier of privilege rises also before her. ‘You must wait,’ they say! But by this claim alone woman affirms the right, not yet recognized, of the half of humanity — the right of woman to Liberty, equality and fraternity. She obliges man to verify the fatal attack which he makes on the integrity of his principles.

"Soon — in fact, during the wonderful days of June, 1848 — liberty glides from her pedestal in the flood of the victims of the reaction — based on the right of the strongest, she falls, overturned in the name of ‘the right of the strongest.’

"The assembly kept silence in regard to the right of one-half of humanity, for which only one of its members raised his voice, but in vain. No mention was made of the right of woman, in a constitution framed in the name of liberty, equality and fraternity."

I chose this passage as being interesting because it, once again, emphasizes the fact that women can exercise her right of suffrage and the rights of women include the right of Liberty, equality, and fraternity.  However, in a constitution framed “in the name of liberty, equality, and fraternity,” there is no mention of women. Women can no longer wait, they must act to achieve the rights that one-half of humanity already has.

(3)     "In this organization all the workers, without distinction of sex or profession, having an equal right to election, and being eligible for all functions, and all having equally the initiative and the sovereign decision in the acts of common interests, they laid the foundation of a new society based on liberty, equality and fraternity.

"It is in the name of law framed by man only — by those elected by privilege — that the Old World, wishing to stifle in the germ the holy work of pacific enfranchisement, has shut up within the walls of a prison those who had founded it — those elected by the laborers.

"But the impulse has been given, a grand act has been accomplished. The right of woman has been recognized by the laborers, and they have consecrated that right by the election of those who had claimed it in vain for both sexes, before the electoral urn and before the electoral committees. They have received the true civil baptism, were elected by the laborers to accomplish the mission of enfranchisement, and after having shared their rights and their duties, they share to-day their captivity."

Sexual division of labor was an issue for women.  They believed there should be no distinction of sex or profession, yet, everyone should have the equal right to do as they please.  Laborers recognized the right of women, creating a new society.  

Mindy

1. “Women are still frivolous; the slaves of prejudice, passion, folly, fashion and petty ambitions, and so they will remain till the shackles, both social and political, are broken, and they are held responsible beings -- accountable to God alone for their lives. Not till then can it be known what untold wealth lies buried in womanhood -- "how many mute, inglorious Miltons."”
1. This quote goes to show that Paulina Davis believed, as many others did, that the fight was not dead because they had not completely succeeding in the last 20 years. It also emphasizes the importance of the woman’s movement. Until they succeeded in gaining rights and proving to those in power, namely the men, that they were responsible and intelligent beings, then they would still be viewed as “frivolous.” She states that women deserve to be treated without prejudice and should not be held back.
2. “Let [women] learn to demand that all men who come into their presence be as pure as they claim that woman should be. Let the test be applied which Christ gave, that if any is without sin in word, or deed, or thought, he shall "cast the first stone."
1. I thought that it was interesting that Paulina Davis used the Bible to support her cause considering so many of the men at this time used the Bible to “prove” that women were supposed to be subordinate to men. Perhaps, the men would be forced to take this more seriously because both sides were quoting and defending themselves with the same text. Also, this illustrates the double standard that existed at this time. Women were expected to be so pure and innocent, yet hardly any of the men could meet the same standard.
3. “Then the true Woman will appear,
   Clothed in a robe of perfect love,
   The altar of sweet peace to rear,
   Girt with the wisdom from above.”
1. I thought this piece of the poem was particularly interesting and a little confusing. Here, the women state that after obtaining freedom and equality the “true woman” will appear. This true woman quite closely resembles the male version of a proper woman: loving, sweet, peaceful, etc. Was this trying to appeal to the men’s longing for the days where women did not speak out and were unequivocally subservient to their husbands? Was it implying that after obtaining their rights, women would return to their previous places in society?

Sarah

 “Women are still frivolous; the slaves of prejudice, passion, folly, fashion and petty ambitions, and so they will remain till the shackles, both social and political, are broken, and they are held responsible beings -- accountable to God alone for their lives. Not till then can it be known what untold wealth lies buried in womanhood -- "how many mute, inglorious Miltons."[3]
Men are still conceited, arrogant and usurping, dwarfing their own manhood by a false position toward one-half the human race.”
            - I was surprised by this quote because it almost seemed as though it were highlighting some of the negative characteristics of women, which would appear to be contradictory to the motivation driving the Suffrage Movement. Yet while it may show a lack of progress made by women, this is attributed to the fact that they have not truly broken the domination of men over them. Until they are able to freely make their own choices, women are going to be doomed to be trapped playing the roles that society has dictated for them. Likewise, this seems to suggest that men are also suffering from their tyranny over women and would perhaps likewise benefit as a whole if gender equality were granted.

 

“From North to South the press found these earnest workers wonderfully ridiculous people. The "hen convention," was served up in every variety of style, till refined women dreaded to look into a newspaper. Hitherto man had assumed to be the conscience of woman, now she indicated the will to think for herself; hence all this odium. But, however the word was preached, whether for wrath or conscience sake, we rejoiced and thanked God.”
            - This quote shows how the Woman’s Rights Movement was generally represented in the press at the time. It was obviously unpopular with the reporters and editors of many widely-read newspapers, although it appears from this account that the women involved in the Movement were at least considered newsworthy (even if the press coverage was less than favorable). There is certainly something to be said for the fact that these women were warranting the attention of some of the major newspapers of the day. As we have pointed out in class before, such attention wouldn’t be given if it wasn’t a threat or concern to those in power. 

 

“There is yet one other name that well deserves not one page but many, for his good deeds and unselfish work. A man with a strong, vigorous mind, a quick conception of principle, and perfectly fearless in his advocacy of them, holding always his personality so in reserve as sometimes to be overlooked among the many more forth putting. Parker Pillsbury was for some time editor of the National Anti-Slavery Standard, and co-editor of the Revolution. His pen, wherever found, has always been sharpened against wrong and injustice, and has done for the Woman cause an incalculable amount of good. His editorials [P.29] have been marked by an almost prophetic spirit; and the profoundness of their thought will be more justly appreciated as there is a larger development and a higher demand for unqualified justice.”
             - I included this quote because it showed a very different view of men in comparison with the previous one. Pillsbury is touted not just as a central figure in the Anti-Slavery cause, but also credited with championing the Woman’s Rights Movement. This shows the power of the pen and how it was used on both sides of the gender equality debate; although some reporters cast a negative light on the Movement or ridiculed it, others (including Pillsbury) used their words to further raise support for it.

 

“Many letters were received from literary women in this country as well as abroad. If not always ready to be identified with the work, they were appreciative of its good effects, and like Nicodemus they came by night to inquire "how these things could be."[13]
Self-interest showed them the advantages accruing from the recognition of equality -- self-ism held them silent before the world till the reproach should be worn away; but we credit them with a sense of justice and right, which prompts them now to action. The rear guard is as essential in the army as the advance; each should select the place best adapted to their own powers.”
            - This demonstrates the power of the Movement and just how far-reaching its effects could be felt. Although not all of the supporters were brave enough to come forward with their support, anonymous letters document the fact that women were taking notice of the ideas put forth- both at home and abroad. The fact that the women who chose not to identify themselves were still embraced highlights the unity of women during this time, as those at the forefront of the issue were just as appreciative for “silent” supporters as for their more vocal allies.

Emily B.

“In 1828, Frances Wright, a noble Englishwoman, commenced lecturing. She had earnestly sought to make herself thoroughly acquainted with the nature of our institutions, and the genius of our government. She determined to try the experiment of organized labor with negroes. Purchasing two thousand acres of land on the Bluffs, now known as Memphis, Tenn., she took a number of families, with fifteen able-bodied men, and, giving them their freedom, organized her work. Prostrated by illness she was compelled to yield her personal supervision, and thus her attempt to civilize those people failed, and they were finally sent to Hayti.”

“Were I to go back of these conventions, to see what had roused women thus to do and dare, I should be obliged to go into a long history of the despotism of repression, which German jurists call "soul murder;" an unwritten code, universal and cruel as the laws of Draco, and so subtile that, entering everywhere, they weigh most heavily where least seen. By nature, women are conservative, and hold steadily to principle; faith is inborn, not grafted on; hence there must have been deep-seated causes to drive them out of that quiet interior life so pleasantly pictured by reverend divines of modern times. We must turn to the discussions in the churches as to the right and propriety of their speaking and praying in public. The controversy there waxed hot, churches were divided, presbyteries were disturbed, Paul and Christ were made to appear antagonistic, and women must choose between the freedom which Christ gave to all, or accept the false interpretation of priestly arrogance. A few chose to be their own expounders of the Word and hold their consciences toward God void of offence.”

“This brave, unselfish, noble woman, did not pass unscathed through her ordeal. Phariseeism, then as now, was ready to stone the prophet of freedom. She bore the calumny, reproach and persecution to which she was subjected for the truth, as calmly as Socrates. Looking down from the serene heights of her philosophy she pitied and endured the scoffs and jeers of the multitude, and fearlessly continued to utter her rebukes against oppression, ignorance and bigotry. Women joined in the hue and cry against her, little thinking that men were building the gallows and making them the executioners. Women have crucified in all ages the redeemers of their own sex, and men mock them with the fact. It is time now that we trample beneath our feet this ignoble public sentiment which men have made for us; and if others are to be crucified before we can be redeemed, let men do the cruel, cowardly act; but let us learn to hedge womanhood round with generous, protecting care and love. Then men will learn, as they should, that this system of traducing women is no longer to be used as a means of their subjugation: it has been the most potent weapon to work on the minds of women.”

“In May, 1850, a few women in Boston, attending the Anti-Slavery meeting, proposed that all who felt interested in a plan for a National Woman's Rights Convention should consult in the ante-room. Out of the nine who went out into that dingy, dark room, a committee of seven were chosen to do the work. Worcester was the place selected, and the 18th and 19th of October the time appointed. The work soon devolved upon one person. Illness hindered one, duty to a brother another, duty to the slave a third, professional engagements a fourth, the fear of bringing the gray hairs of a father to the grave prevented another serving; and thus the work was left to one, but the pledge was made and could not be withdrawn.”

“Genial and largely hospitable, there was for her great social sacrifice in taking up a cause so unpopular; but she had no shrinking from duty, however trying it might be. Strong and grand as she was, in her womanly nature, she had nevertheless the largest and tenderest sympathies for the weak and erring. She was prescient, philosophical, just and generous. The mother of a large family, who gathered around to honor and bless her, she had still room in her heart for the woes of the world, and the latter years of her life were given to earnest, philanthropic work. We miss to-day her sympathy, her wise counsel, her great, organizing power.”

“"They wish, the woman of France, to found a hospitable tribunal, which shall receive the cry of the oppressed and suffering, and vindicate in the name of humanity, solidarity, the social right for both sexes equally, and where woman, the mother of humanity, may claim in the name of her children, mutilated by tyranny, her right to true liberty, to the complete development and free exercise of all her faculties, and reveal that HALF of TRUTH which is in her, and without which no social work can be complete.”

"Woman, in listening to this appeal, rises, and approaches the liberating urn, to exercise her right of suffrage as a member of society. But the barrier of privilege rises also before her. ‘You must wait,’ they say! But by this claim alone woman affirms the right, not yet recognized, of the half of humanity — the right of woman to Liberty, equality and fraternity. She obliges man to verify the fatal attack which he makes on the integrity of his principles.”

Kayla

Document 28 was Paulina Kellog Wright Davis' history of the Womens Right Movement.  Elizabeth Cady Stantond commented the only thing that she saw wrong with her speech was that she did not give herself enough credit.  She gives a lot of credit to as many early pioneers as possible yet doesnt mention the fact that she had been giving anatomy and physiology lectures long before people knew what it was.

 
Women are still frivolous; the slaves of prejudice, passion, folly, fashion and petty ambitions, and so they will remain till the shackles, both social and political, are broken, and they are held responsible beings — accountable to God alone for their lives. Not till then can it be known what untold wealth lies buried in womanhood — "how many mute, inglorious Miltons."

-I think that it is interesting to see Davis use Shackles in her speech.  This is kind of putting them in the same category as the slaves.  This is what many people refused to do.  Some people belived that womens rights and civil rights should be fought together while others didnt.  I think that it kind of gives the impression that she believes that they should be fought together.  

Kerri

“Women are still frivolous; the slaves of prejudice, passion, folly, fashion and petty ambitions, and so they will remain till the shackles, both social and political, are broken, and they are held responsible beings — accountable to God alone for their lives. Not till then can it be known what untold wealth lies buried in womanhood — "how many mute, inglorious Miltons.’”

“Women joined in the hue and cry against her, little thinking that men were building the gallows and making them the executioners. Women have crucified in all ages the redeemers of their own sex, and men mock them with the fact. It is time now that we trample beneath our feet this ignoble public sentiment which men have made for us; and if others are to be crucified before we can be redeemed, let men do the cruel, cowardly act; but let us learn to hedge womanhood round with generous, protecting care and love. Then men will learn, as they should, that this system of traducing women is no longer to be used as a means of their subjugation: it has been the most potent weapon to work on the minds of women.”

“WOMAN'S RIGHT to EDUCATION — LITERARY, SCIENTIFIC and ARTISTIC; her AVOCATIONS — INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL and PROFESSIONAL; her INTERESTS — PECUNIARY, CIVIL and POLITICAL: in a WORD, her rights as an INDIVIDUAL, and her FUNCTIONS AS A CITIZEN.

This call, though moderate in tone, carefully guarding the idea of the absolute unity of interests and of the destiny of the two sexes which nature has established, still gave the alarm to conservatism.”

" ‘There shall be no more slaves,’ said our brethern. We proclaim universal suffrage. All shall have the right to elect the agents who shall carry out the constitution which should be based on the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity. Let each one come and deposit his vote; the barrier of privilege is overturned; before the electoral urn there are no more oppressed, no more masters and slaves.”

Francis

1) “In assembling as we have done to review the past twenty years, it is a fitting question to ask if there has been progress; or has this universal radical reform, which was then declared, been like the reformations in religion, but a substitution of a new error for an old one; or, like physical revolutions, but a rebellion? We answer, in many things we have failed, for we believed and hoped beyond the possible; but in reviewing the past we have only cause for rejoicing – for thanksgiving to God – and for courage in the future.

Davis asks a very important question in this paragraph – has the woman’s rights movement actually made any progress or has it just caused problems and deserved blame for the violent outbreaks across the country like that of the Protestant Reformation? Martin Luther thought he had resolved the issues of the Church by forming his own Christian sect. In actuality, he and the other Protestant leaders would fight many bloody battles against the Roman Catholics. Davis felt that there was reason to celebrate the past achievements and failures of the feminist movement since God was on their side. God they believed would provide them with the courage and skills to carry onward in the future and ultimately allow women to achieve the rights they so desired. God would also provide skilled orators and many more people, both devout and virtuous men and women, to aid the woman’s rights movement.

 

2) “We affirmed a principle, an adjustment of measures to the exigencies of the times, a profound expediency true to the highest principles of rights, and today we reiterate the axiom with which we started, that “They who would be free themselves must strike the first blow.” Women are still frivolous, the slaves of prejudice, passion, folly, fashion and petty ambitions, and so they remain till the shackles, both social and political, are broken and they are held responsible beings…”

Davis alluded to the fact that women and African slaves had been treated and operated on nearly identical levels as both groups had been oppressed since the beginning of the American nation. Therefore, in order to obtain the coveted freedom, women needed to act immediately if they wished to change their lifestyle and obtain the rights they believed they inherited from God, just like their male counterparts. Technically under the Declaration of Independence, women had the right to alter or abolish the current form of government if it did not serve or represent them in any way since they had been oppressed and were not allowed to participate in government. As a result, the women at the convention tried to raise awareness about women in their communities and tried to get enough support to amend state constitutions to permit them to participate in government. Women wished to be liberated from the “social and political shackles” placed on them by white males.

3) “A few [women] only have been found brave enough to do more than touch the fringe-work that circles round the vortex which is heaving and surging with social pollutions…but should the occasion come in this country, the pure women of our nation will rise, as the women of England are now doing, resisting a legislation which degrades womanhood to the lowest depths…Having laid the foundations broad we have steadily demanded equality in all relations, all rights and immunities, all duties as citizens, never asking favors because we are women, but even-handed justice and the ballot…”

The American women were inspired by women residing in England. This had not been the first time Americans adopted British lifestyle. After obtaining its independence, America copied English common law, industrialized its economy in the north, was in the process of liberating its slaves, and now were following the example of women living there who were fighting against social injustice against women. In summary, both British and American women were fighting for the same things – the equality, unalienable rights, and the ability to carry out the duties of every American citizen, including suffrage. Davis’ historical account of the movement showed how brave, courageous men and women with strong convictions would change America for the better and truly live up to its name as “the land of the free.” 

Rebecca B.

“In commencing this work we knew that we were attacking the strongholds of prejudice, but truth could no longer be suppressed, nor principles hidden. It must be ours to strike the bottom line. We believed it would take a generation to clear away the rubbish, to uproot the theories of ages, to overthrow customs, which at some period of the world's history had their significance. We knew that in attacking these strongholds we should bring ridicule and opposition, but having counted the cost, and put our hand to the plow, we would not turn back.”

“Having laid the foundations broad we have steadily demanded equality in all relations, all rights and immunities, all duties as citizens, never asking favors because we are women, but even-handed justice and the ballot; without which we know that rights, if conceded, are held by an insecure tenure.”

“"We earnestly request that in the new constitution you are about to form for the State of Ohio, women shall be secured, not only the right of suffrage but all the political and legal rights which are guaranteed to men." This memorial was, we believe, the first ever presented by women to any Legislative body in this country.”

“In 1837, Mary S. Gove commenced lecturing on "Woman's Rights," especially her right to a thorough medical professional course. Her lectures were productive of untold good to women, wakening them to a desire for health and mental culture, and to higher conceptions of motherhood.

The same year came Sarah and Angelina Grimke, from Charleston, South Carolina. Having emancipated their slaves, they were prepared to run the parallel between the slave code and those laws made expressly for women.

In 1839, a National Woman's Anti-Slavery Convention was called in Philadelphia. In this these sisters took an active part, and Angelina was appointed to prepare an appeal for the slaves. Thus the first National Woman's Convention, may be said to have inaugurated the national work of women.

In this convention Abby Kelley first became known. Her eloquence, together with that of Angelina Grimke, so excited the curiosity and interest of men, that they insisted upon coming in to hear, and thus, without premeditation, they found themselves speaking to promiscuous audiences. This Abby Kelley continued for years, and in 1840 the Anti-Slavery Society, which boasted the only free platform the world had ever known, was rent in twain, because her friends placed her name on a committee, and demanded the right of woman to speak and vote.”

"DEAR SISTERS — Your courageous declaration of Woman's Rights has resounded, even to our prison, and has filled our souls with inexpressible joy.

"In France the reaction has suppressed the cry of liberty of the women of the future. Deprived, like their brothers of the Democracy, of the right to civil and political equality; and the fiscal laws which trammel the liberty of the press, hinder the propagation of those eternal truths which must regenerate humanity.