CLARA BARTON GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Stone, Lucy Jan. 1881–Nov, 1888 OFFICE OF The Woman's Journal, No. 5 PARK STREET. Boston, Jan 16.....1881 My dear Miss Barton I have just read and prepared for the Woman's Journal, your ringing speech to the 11th reunion of the First New York Dragoons. And as I laid it down, I said "This is one of the women whom the army and the navy and the government shut out from citizenship, with pains and penalties to keep her away." How could you help remind them that Justice was the sure foundation for national permanence? How could you refrain from [...] speaking for 30.000.000 of disfranchised women! In that moment, warmed by your words, every man of them wouldhave pledged his vote for the equal rights of women as they had before given their lives for their country. But this is not what I meant to write, only my thoughts were felling it and so the pen set it down. This is what I want to know. Are you well enough to lecture, and are you so much interested in the suffrage for women.that if a special open door should come to us here in Massachusetts, as we are trying to get, could you join for reasonable pay. come and help? Our governor has recommended an amendment to the State Constitution to enable women to vote. If he can carry this. we shall make a vigorous canvass. and shall want every one. with heart and soul in it. to come and help us. Grateful to you for many things but just now for that [?] speech I am yours truly Lucy Stone OFFICE OF THE WOMAN'S JOURNAL NO. 5 PARK STREET [Printed letterhead] Boston, Feb 4.........1881 [?] Clara Barton My dear Friend Thanks for your frank out and out reply to the wire that went through me. for the single line that [crossed out] I longed to have those soldiers hear from your [underlined] life - I appreciate and understand exactly. But now I have another thing to suggest. You know it is thirty years since the direct work for Women's rights began. Those who began then. have a baptism for the work, that will hold them to it till it succeed, or till they die. But the younger women are already tired of carrying petitions [?]. And men looking on, and not liking we should have suffrage, say "Well, you see womenPOSTAGE DANSVILLE NY JAN 19 1PM dont want to vote etc. etc. etc. Now it is clear to me he must have cordial championship volunteered to our cause by men. Women are in a position to be asked, rather than to ask- all the tradition and customs of the world have made it so. And the great array of human who are still under those traditions cannot lift themselves above them. They must feel and see that they will be welcome to the new sphere. And to the duties and rights that belong to it. I have been trying to get a cordial expression from the churches. And have got one from the Methodists of Boston. That will help Methodist church women. But we need something broader as a present help, now when so many states have the question up. And this is what I wanted to suggest - You being you (and) with the part you took in the war superadded could write a letter 2 that would be (read) printed by every influential paper in the United States. We should thus reach an audience that would be moved and in turn move those who move our representatives and senators to enact justice to women. It might be an appeal. From the battle-field, to the ballot box, or it could take away from which in your judgment would serve. Best to secure the result - Sent from one who has done what you have for the country, it seems to me it would be the key help we need, or one of the helps, to make our legislators unwilling to withhold equal rights, and ashamed to refuse to do so. If it was sent to it N. York Tribune or some other equally influential paper, with a request that other papers would copy it. it seems to me it would be of incalculable service just now. I make the suggestion --THE WOMAN'S JOURNAL, 5 Park Street, BOSTON, MASS. BOSTON MASS. FEB 4 SCPM Miss Clara Barton Dansville New York [*Answered July 10, 1881 Mrs. Lucy Stone Suffrage *] ---------- THE WOMAN'S JOURNAL, 5 Park Street, BOSTON, MASS. DORCHESTER FEB Miss Clara Barton Dansville New York [*Answered Feby 10- 1881 Mrs. Lucy Stone*] ------- I wish we were near enough to talk. I shall certainly tomorrow at our regular committee meeting, read that part of your letter in which you offer to help. If the right conditions ever come I am sure it will be a great joy to them all, to know it. I hope you are not an invalid, and that sometime, in this bloodless battle field of equal rights for women, we may win the peaceful victory for a great principle, whose vindication in the case of the slave cost so many lives. I enclose a stamp for reply on the point whether it is likely you can spare for our May meeting. ie. the last week in May. if you are to be in the neighborhood at that time. or if you could come on purpose. Yours truly Lucy Stone OFFICE OF The Woman's Journal No. 5 Park Street Boston, ______ 188_[postmark] DANSVILLE FEB [Wo]mans' Journal, No. 5 PARK STREET. Boston, Feb. 6 1881 My dear Miss Barton In my letter sent you a day or two ago, I am not sure I made it clear that the reason a letter from you now would be especially valuable is, but in states as Wisconsin and Oregon an amendment to strike the word "male" out of those states Constitutions is pending--An appeal, or a strong word for the justice of the measure from you would help. In nine other states, the suffrage question is up before the Legislatures in some form, and a new and trusted voice would have weight, Ever truly yours, Lucy StoneOffice of The Woman's Journal, No. 5 Park Street, Boston, Dec. 19 1883 My dear Miss Barton My heart is feeling after you, to see, y., now you are so near, you will speak to the suffragists at their annual meeting which occurs on the 22. 23-24 of Jan. It may be a short speech of 15 minutes, or of half an hour as best suits you. And you may choose your time out of the whole three days. We begin on the evening of the 22 and should like to have you either on an afternoon or evening. We will take good care of you, pay your fare, and be very grateful for the cause sake. An early reply will oblige Yours always truly Lucy Stone Dear Clara Barton The New England woman suffrage association wishes to give you a reception at its meeting on May 30th. This is our great meeting. Senator Geo. F. Hour. and other great men have spoken to us on similar occasions. Now we are to have tables set, and a feast at which there are to be short speeches, to arts, music, and a good time generally. We want you very much. We will pay all your expenses, and $25, and entertainyou while you are here. Now dear Miss Barton we hope you can come, and wear all the decorations you wore at the International Council, and let Boston honor you, and see you, and the weight of your personality all be given to the Women Suffrage cause - It will be only a short speech at table that we want, and will make everything as easy and pleasant for you as we can. An early reply will much oblige. very truly Lucy Stone No 3 Park St Boston Mass Apr 18 - 1888[*R April 19 1888 May 13*] [*Lucy Stone Invites to the annual convention Festival May 28, 29, 30 BOSTON. MASS APR 18 7-46 P 1888 Miss Clara Barton Washington D. C. Office of New England Woman Suffrage Association, 3 Park Street, Boston, May 23 1888. My dear Mrs. Barton The red cross banner is safely here, and we hope no "swelling flood" will detain you. Of course your message must be what you prefer to say. But if it is all the same to you and you could say what the boys in blue are to women, and how they would vote if they had a chance, it would be new to our platform and very useful. But this is only a suggestion. When you arrive you will go directly to the Fremont House where some of us will call on you. Everyone is rejoicing that you will be here. We are woefully busy. Yours very truly Lucy Stone over overSome of the Committee think, or suggest that the Bellevue, No. 17 Beacon St. would be quieter. It would be quieter, but it is not quiet so near the most people and the Music Hall where the meetings are to be. But either will be a good place to stay. WASHINGTON REC'D APR 19 2 30 PM 1888 2 [*Apr. 19-1888 Lucy Stone*] New England Woman Suffrage Association 8 PARK ST., BOSTON. BOSTON, MASS MAY 24 1-45 P 1888 Miss Clara Barton To S.R. Barton, [Washington] Worcester, [D.C.] Mass. [*P June 2 1888 Lucy Stone Ans in person*] [*Lucy Stone*] NIGHT MESSGE THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. Received at 138 May 27 1888 Dated Boston Mass 26 To Clara Barton Presdt Red Cross Assn Washn Mrs Barrows sawyer ave Dorchester & Mrs Wells Boylston as Both offer you hospitality Mrs Lucy Stone 500[?] 30[?]WASHINGTON, REC'D MAY 25 9 AM 1888 1 WORCESTER MASS MAY 30 88 8 PM [*June 2-1888 Lucy Stone*] Office of Massachusetts Woman Suffrage Association, [5 Park Street,] Dorchester [Boston], May 27 188[8?]. My dear Miss Barton This is Sunday. I have only now received your letter telling me what you would like to talk about. The topic I mentioned in reply to your first letter asking me to suggest was of course made before the one of yours came to hand - I am ever so sorry - and of course my dear you shall speak about anything you please. If this does not reach you beforehand, it will, after hand. You have so much mixed advice as to where you will be entertained. I am sure you will be puzzled, but you shall bewell taken care of Goodbye dear Yours aff. Lucy Stone Office of New England Woman Suffrage Association, [5 Park Street,] Dorchester [Boston,] June 1 1888. My dear Miss Barton Enclosed please find check for $25. on account of expenses in attending the 20th Annual Meeting of the New England Woman Suffrage Association. We are very grateful to you dear Miss Barton for coming to us, and thus directly giving to the cause of woman suffrage the moral support which the wide influence of your name carries - and I do so regret that Mrs. Hooker was allowed to take the time which properly belonged to you! I hope you can let us haveR June 4th 1888 Lucy Stone " " enclosure Check Personally at $25 BOSTON, MASS JUNE I 3-15 PM 1888 Miss Clara Barton 155 Boylston St Boston Mass Call Mrs. Wells 3 Park St Boston the full report of your speech on Monday evening, and an abstract of the one that had no chance on Wednesday evening, so that the records of the Woman's Journal may have the benefit of them. I cannot accept Mrs. Wells invitation for today, as I am to lecture in Woburn at 3 o'clock. Hoping to get a glimpse of you somewhere before you leave I am Most truly yours Lucy Stone Dorchester - Mon Jun 21 - 88 My dear Miss Barton How good it was of you when ill in bed to take the pains to write out for us the report of your happy little speech! Here are many thanks for it, and ever so many people will be glad to know you are one of us, being Massachusetts born. Now, when you are quite able to do it, we shall be glad of the other one too. We hope these cool days will help set you up, if the last ones did not take your cold away. And with usual love I am most truly yours Lucy StoneANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE, $1.00. Office American Woman Suffrage Association, 3 Park Street, Boston, October 25, 1888. Dear Friend: The Twentieth Annual Meeting of the American Woman Suffrage Association will be held in Cincinnati, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, corner Broadway and Fourth Street, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, November 20, 21 and 22, 1888. You are respectfully invited to attend. On Tuesday afternoon, November 20, at 2.30 o'clock, there will be an informal meeting of delegates. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, addresses by well-known speakers, among whom will be Mrs. Julia Ward Howe, Hon. Wm. D. Foulke, Mrs. Lucy Stone, Henry B. Blackwell, and others. On Wednesday and Thursday mornings, at 10.30 A. M., there will be business meetings of delegates and committees. On Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, at 2.30 o'clock, reports of State societies, resolutions, discussions, and plans of work. Mrs. Mary A. Livermore, Frederick Douglass, Mary B. Haggart, Margaret W. Campbell, Rebecca N. Hazard, Mary B. and Laura Clay, Mrs. Martha Elwell, Mrs. Frances M. Casement, Rev. C. C. Harrah, Mrs. Mary E. Holmes, Hon. C. B. Waite, Mrs. H. M. Tracy Cutler, and others have been invited. Auxiliary State and Territorial Societies may send delegates, with votes equal in number to their Congressional delegations. Where delegations are not full, alternates will be received from auxiliary local societies, or from members of the Association in attendance at the Convention. Fraternal delegates from societies not auxiliary, and all members of the Association, may take part in the discussions. The negotiation for a proposed union of the American and National Societies will be further considered and acted upon. Members of the American Woman Suffrage Association are requested to renew their membership, and those who have not been members shall united with the great army who seek equal rights for women. The annual membership fee is $1.00. Each State Society is earnestly requested to send a full Report of the Suffrage Work done during the past year in its own State or locality. Effort will be made to secure reduced railroad and hotel fares, and private hospitality for speakers and delegates, of which notice will be given hereafter in the WOMAN'S JOURNAL. Please have this meeting announced in your local papers. Yours respectfully, WM. DUDLY FOULKE, Pres. LUCY STONE, Chairman Ex. Com. HENRY B. BLACKWELL, Cor. Sec'y.OFFICE OF American Woman Suffrage Association, No. 3 PARK STREET, Boston, Oct. 28 1888 My dear Miss Barton This is to ask another service of you for the sake of the good cause of Woman Suffrage. Will you not attend the meeting of the American Woman Suffrage Association at Cincinnati to be held Nov. 20, 21, 22, and tell us of the Red Cross work, on the part of women, & the suffering? If you can come, you shall have a good chance to be heard. We will pay expenses, entertain you well, and $25. more. That is not much but it is so much better than the old time, when we had nothing and put ourselves in besides. I think you coming would ensure the success of the meeting, and if you can let me hear soon you will very much oblige Yours always truly Lucy Stone OFFICE OF American Woman Suffrage Association, No. 3 PARK STREET, Boston, Nov. 10 1888 Dear Clara Barton Many thanks for your good letter, which is next best to your presence Yours very truly Lucy StoneWASHINGTON, REC'D. OCT 29 [?] [?] 6