BLACKWELL FAMILY LUCY STONE 1847-1848 Hannah & Francis Stone 1 of 8 Oberlin- 1847 Very dear Friends ...I must write you about my affairs here, and then I want you to tell me honestly just whether you think I have done right. This coming commencement you know I graduate, and that several members of the class are appointed to speak and write for that occasion. In this Institution the class appoints its own speakers and writers, after the Faculty have decided how many shall be appointed. This year they decided that half the class, that is, half the gentlemen and half the ladies of the class should take part in the Commencement exercises. It has been the custom for the ladies who were appointed to write for the Commencement, to have their essays read by Prof. Thorne. Some of them thought ladies ought to have the privilege of reading for themselves. Accordingly, I prepared a petition to the Faculty, and to the Ladies Board, asking that we might do so, but the petition was rejected on the ground that it was improper for women to participate in public exercises with men. I came at once to the conclusion that I 3 and the class for honoring me with the appointment, but I could not accept it. He said it must be referred to the Faculty whether I should be excused. Mr. Whipple came home with me, and urged all the reasons he could think of to persuade me to write, and let Prof. Thorne read for me. I told him that by so doing I would make a public acknowledgement of the rectitude of the principle which takes away from women their rights, and denies to them the privilege of being co-laborers with men in any sphere to which their ability makes them adequate; and that no word or deed of mine should ever look towards the support of such a principle, or even to its toleration. Miss Adams, and some members of the class who were particularly anxious that I should read, called on Pres. Mahan and asked him to ask the Faculty if it might be granted to me as a special privilege, in view of my conscientious scruples. He said that he had just been speaking of the same thing to Mrs. Mahan; that he was very, very desirous that Miss Stone should read; that he thought she ought to; that she understood herself, and would2 would not vote for anybody to write, and that if I was appointed, I would not write. The day for the appointment came. President Mahan, and Mr. Whipple principal of the Preparatory Department met with the class to count the votes. I received an appointment by a very large vote. I said to Pres. Mahan, when he announced the appointments that I could not accept of mine without a sacrifice of principle that I had no right to make, and I wished to be excused from writing. Several members of the class spoke at once; said they hoped I would not then resign, but would take time to consider. I told them that I had already considered and that it was not at all probable that any after consideration would change my mind. Pres. Mahan said he thought that we ought to have the privilege of reading for ourselves; that he did all he could to get the consent of the Faculty, but they were all against him. He thought I had better wait a little before I refused the appointment. I told Pres. Mahan I thanked him for his efforts for us in the Faculty, 4 represent the class well; that there had never been a student here who had gone through a course of study with whom he was better satisfied, &c, &c, &c. I would not have mentioned these last things to any one but my own Father's family, nor to them only that it does us good sometimes, to know that our friends have the confidence of those with whom they are. The matter has been before the Faculty, and Ladies' Board more than two weeks. I don't know what they will decide. But I certainly shall not write if I cannot read for myself. I have had long conversations with several members of the Faculty over the subject, and the probability is that I shall not read, and that some one will be appointed in my place. Now don't you think I did right? Isn't it better that I should be true to my principles than to have the honor(?) of writing for Commencement what another must read for me? Not because I could not just as well read it for myself, but because I am a woman, and women must6 lecturess with me, which I could not do in Massachusetts. Mercy Lloyd, whom I have mentioned to you, would probably go with me here. Samuel Brooks, the General Agent of the Western Society was here last week. He says that the coming summer, while Garrison, Douglass and Burleigh are in this State, and also during the fall they intend to put forth especial anti- slavery effort to organize societies in every county of the State, and in towns as far as possible, and that such effort will not require set speech-making, but just such talk as will afford the necessary practice for learning how to make set speeches and at the same time I would be acquiring confidence &c, &c. It had been my plans to teach a year or two and earn enough to pay my debts, and during the time lecture my scholars and thus learn how to lecture publicly. I hoped when I came to Oberlin that the course of study would permit such practice, but I was never in a place where women are so rigidly taught that they must not speak in public. I have been accustomed for the last year 5 not speak in the church when men are on the same platform. When you write please tell me honestly just what you think of it. Now about another matter that will trouble mother more still, perhaps. Abby Foster wrote me the last of March, saying that she had mentioned to Mrs. Chapman and Mrs. Follen that I intended to lecture when I graduated, and that they wish me to go directly to Massachusetts after I graduate and lecture there; both because they need lecturers of the right stamp, and because her circumstances are such that she cannot be in public meetings at present. She said also, that the Mass. Anti-Slavery Society would employ me as their agent. Since I received her letter, and before I answered it, the Western Anti- Slavery Association (formerly called the Ohio American Society) have requested my to lecture for them, as soon as I am ready to do so. They urge a multitude of reasons, and among others not the least important, that there are few laborers at the west than at the east, and that here I could have a female7 to meet with four other ladies sometimes at the house of an old colored woman, and sometimes in the woods, and practice declamation and discussion, but I need more general practice before I can do justice to myself, or the cause either, as a public speaker. I wrote to Abby that as I had no experience in speaking, and the labor at the west was such that, in the performance of it I could learn how to speak in public, I thought it best that I should labor here. I asked her advice about it, and told her that I pre- ferred to be in the place where I could do most good. I shall probably hear from her soon. I have made no definite arrangements with the Western Society, but I have given them some encouragement. One of the three I shall probably do, viz: lecture in Mass., or Ohio, or teach. If I lecture in either place I shall go home first and spend the fall, or a part of it. If I teach I shall stay here and commence imme- diately after I graduate, as teachers are more needed at the west than at the east.... I have sent to New York for a black bombazine dress to graduate in. 8 I am attending the theological lectures, and study- ing phonography in addition to my other studies, so that I am very busy, but I am well and able to study hard. I am glad that it is most time for me to go home; I think I shall be able to put a stout hand to the work and relieve mother and Harriet some, for a month or two at least... I am improving all the time in reading and writing which is necessary for my studies. It is more profit to me than it would be to work at 3 cents an hour... LucyOberlin July 4 1847 Very dear friends Your letter of the 13 [?] reached me safely. I was glad indeed to hear from you, but sorry that father was sick. I have felt very anxious about him, for it is so unusual for him to be sick that I was afraid it would go hard with him. If If he should get any worse, I hope you will let me know. He must bathe a great deal. It is the best thing to prevent and cure fevers, that I know of. There is a great deal of sickness here, at present Fever and ague and billious fever, but my health was never better. I am careful in my diet, bathe all over in cold water every day, and feel perfectly well. I came back yesterday from Brownhelm where I had been to make cousin John [?] a last visit. We had just returned from Litchfield he had been to assist in settling his mother's estate. Fanny, Lydia, and John, have each $1200, and an equal share in the personal property with Perris, who had about double the money that the others had by an arrangement, in Aunt's will, for living with and taking care of Aunt. They were all satisfied with it except [Roger?] (Fanny's husband) who thought, that Aunt had taken more care of Perris, than Perris of Aunt. The girls sent, as a present to John's wife, five Surrey blankets, four flannel sheets, five linen sheets, nine linen pillow cases, five linen towels, four pair of stockings and the drapes. They were all part worn, but are good. One of the blankets is the nicest that I ever saw. The money will be of great service to John, for he was in debt on account of the sad affairs that he fell into years ago. He can now straighten it all out as far as the debt is concerned and go in well, but he is getting old and his adopted son will never do him any good. They asked me to give their love to [*1847*]all my friends when I wrote. I received a letter from Prof. Wilber the other day. enclosing the twenty dollars Bo gave him for me. We are all sorry that circumstances prevent his coming to Oberlin this summer. We [wanted?] his lectures very much. I wrote to him by the next mail, acknowledging the receipt of the money, and paid the postage on the letter but I dont believe the post master marked it paid, for he did not put it up, where I could see whether he had or not. I asked him if he marks it. He said yes, but he looked guilty. If any of you see Walter and he tells you that he has heard from me, I wish you would ask him if I paid the postage. I don't know when to date the note for the money, so I will let it be until I go home, and then date back to the proper time. I sent to N. York and purchased me a dress to graduate in. The cost, including the lining &c. 4 pounds 6 ct. I will put in a little piece like it. I am going to wear a plain collar around my neck, and have no trimming. All the ladies who were appointed to write for commencement except one, and two of the gentlemen have resigned, for reasons which I cannot state here. So that our commencement exercises will be rather slim. Others were appointed to fill the places of those who resigned, but they would not accept. I had made up my mind to go over to Belmont Co. with Mercy Lloyd (who will be here at commencement.) and spend a week or two with her before I go home as she is very anxious to have me and as I wished very much to do so, as it is probable that she will go lecturing with me, when I am ready to go, and we want to get our plans all made. Belmont Co. is just opposite Wheeling so that I could get home as readily through Pennsylvania by the way of N. York City, as I could through NY State but if I teach (and I think it may be best that I should, at least till my debts are paid) it will be necessary for me to be home early. So as to have a full fall term. So I think I shall take the upper route and call in my cousins along the way. They have sent an express by John saying that I must not go by there without stopping. Paschal is Capt. of a packet that runs between Utica and Albany, and perhaps I will get a free ride in his boat. I should like very well to have a school in N. Brookfield, and to commence soon after I get home — Garrison and [Dayless?] are to be here the day after commencement, and we expect a grand time. Fowler Taylor was here about a fortnight since. I had a very pleasant visit with him. He told me all about matters and things at the East. I expect him here again this week, on his return from Mich. He is in an agency for books.— — I had a letter from Willy the other day. He has left Worcester and gone to Boston, where he says he shall stay five years. I am glad that you all approved of the course I took relative to writing for commencement. I felt that I had done right, but it gave a kind of wholeness to the feeling to know that you agreed with me. I am going to write for the public literary [?] on the subject — Religion without Philanthropy. I intend to tell some plain truth, about the prevailing religion of the country. I dont know but I shall speak it. I shall see how the waters move when the time comes. I have not told the people here anything about it. I intend to get it all written during our class vacation, which closes next Saturday. I had a letter from Luther & Phebe about the middle of June saying that they should leave Natchez the 20th inst. Perhaps they are at home before now, if so give my love to them. and thanks for the offer they made me. but tell them that I was already supplied. Who do you have to help Mother and Harriet in the house? They must both be careful not to work too hard. I am glad that [?] can nurse the dear little Rhoda. I hope she will live to make her parents happy and to do good in the world — — I hope Father and Mother wont work hard this summer if the work goes undone. It is too bad theyhave both done their part of hard work. If I did not know that it was necessary for me to commence teaching immediately, I would stay at home a while and work, so that some of you could rest — but I must not stop but a short time. I hope Sarah Pellet will come in alone. She can do so with perfect safety. Mr. Francis Stone West Brookfield Mass I shall write to B. and Sarah before long, in answer to what they wrote me. Will you write me once more before I go home? If I should happen to go home through Penn. I should not be home, before the middle of Sept If I take the northern route, I should probably get home about the 11th of Sept. The last few weeks I have had to pay 1.25 a week for board, on account of the rise in provisions, the price of which has again fallen, so that I hope our board will be reduced soon. Yours affectionately Lucy Stone Oberlin Jan 29, 1847 Ever dear Father and Mother Your last letter met a cordial reception. The very sight of your writing did my heart good... I have been alone and have often vainly wished that I could be with you a little while...Father goes to the barn with the lantern just as he used to, so Luther writes. There are few men of your age who would think they could go out in the cold so, night and morning; but you were never frightened by cold or heat or work. It seems as though I could you getting down the lantern, and with your cap turned down over your ears, marching away to the barn. Who washes and trims the lantern for you now? I imagine you sometimes wish Lucy was there to do it, for Mother can't see so well when it needs to be done. Mother, I should be so glad if you could come to see me. I think I could convince you that I am not going to do anything wicked by pursuing the course I mentioned in the last letter...God tells us to open our mouths for the dumb, and pleadthe cause of the poor and needy. He makes no exception, but leaves each one to choose his own way to do it in. Now Mother the way I have chosen is the one in which I think I can do best, and would you have me act contrary to the dictates of my conscience? I am sorry I have not your approbation in this matter, but Mother I will promise not to do anything by which you shall have reason to be ashamed of me....I expect to teach a year and a half or two years, and then I will go home and talk this subject all over with you and think I shall be able to convince you that I am right. Father thinks as Mother does, but hopes I will do what I think is my duty. I thank you for that, Father. I am sure you will not blame me so long as you think I act conscientiously....I wrote to Bowman for forty dollars, and enumerated the items of expense so that you will see that I need that amount. If I get a good school I shall soon be able to pay you. I should like $20 in the course of the next month for I gain a little by paying my board in advance. My expenses this winter have been about half what they would have been had I boarded. [In a note undated Lucy Stone writes:] Provisions here are very much lower than they are with you. Flour is $4.50 per barrel, potatoes 30 to 37 1/2 cents a bushel, cheese 4 cents, butter 8 cents, beef $5.00 per hundred, other things in proportion. I expect to begin before long to teach an hour a day in the colored school. I can insure the pay now, and as my board costs 12 1/2 cents a week more than I had expected it would, I thought perhaps I had better try and earn as much as it will cost me more, though I don't like to spare the time very well since this is the last summer I have to study. But I have learned when I can't do as I would, to do as I can. I thank you Father for offering to be my backer for money. I mean to teach as soon as I get through studying and then I hope to be able to pay you back soon. My board, room and lights for 13 weeks last winter cost me $11. and postage between 3 and 4 dollars. L.S.Oberlin Jan 29 1847 Ever dear Father and Mother, I give you the half sheet this time because you have always before had the whole one and I cant send two sheets of this kind of paper in one letter, but you can read what I have written to Frank and it will be just as well. I wish I could tell you how cheering it is to get letters from home written by father's and mother's own hand. Your last letter met a most cordial acceptance, for it was almost a year since I had received a line from either of you and the very sight of your writing did my heart good The three lines that Mother wrote I read over and looked at, but I could not see any reason in them why you should make father write for you, but he was very generous to do so, and while I thank him for it I think you must make a courtesy. I was glad to hear that you are both so well and happy all by yourselves. I have been alone too, and have often vainly wished that I could be with you a little while. And if my wishes could have been gratified I should have been there many times. Father goes to the barn with the lantern just as he used to. There are few men of your age who would think they could go out in the cold so, night and morning. But you were never frightened by cold, or heat, or work. It seems as though I could see you getting down the lantern, and with your cap turned down over your ears, marching away to the barn. Who washes and trims the lantern for you now. I imagine you sometimes wish Lucy was there to do it for mother cant see so well when it needs to be done. I am so glad that you can both rest this winter. Mother if I had known how hard you are laboring last summer I should not have staid here very quietly I assure you. I have heard of it since from Gardner, from Emily Thomas, and from Luther. It made me feel bad. You must never do it again, and if there is no other girl to be had I will go, for I am not willing to have my own dear mother slaving herself in that way. Luther wrote me in the summer that father did as much work as any of the men and that mother [*Why did not little Clara write me? I am glad to hear that she is so good a girl. Give my love to her & tell her that there is no little girl in the world that I love so much as I do her Ask her to write me next time. My new sister Mary [S??] says she will love you for my sake She is a noble sister. I have never seen her, but I love her a great deal. I should like to show you some of her letters, and sometime I will. Do you have Luther's Liberator to read this winter Mother why would you not sign the League of Universal Brotherhood You dont want to fight do you Let me know what the plan is for next summer but dont worry about it*]did more than all her girls put together, but I had no idea that you had so tedious a time. I hope Frank will have the farm next summer and that you will both give yourselves no concern about it, not work more than you choose to. I think you have well earned the privilege of living easy the rest of your lives and I am sure all your children want you to. Your extra winter work was all completed week before last and then you went to Gardner I suppose. Sarah and Bowman dont know how much it is worth to have you near them. You said if I lived in the way there or even beyond you should go to see me too. With a double portion I will take the will for the deed, and be just as grateful as though I had received it. But I should be so glad if you could come to see me. I think I could convince you that I am not going to do anything wicked by pursuing the course I mentioned in my last letter. Perhaps the little pamphlet I sent has already done it. But Mother do you really wish that I had married Walker with such results as you saw than have me open my mouth for the dumb? You have often told me you hoped I never would be married, and I have as often told you, that I would not. I mean to obey you too, in this particular. But shall I not also obey God? He tells us to open our mouths for the dumb and plead the cause of the poor & needy. He makes no exception. But leaves each one to choose his own way to do it in. Now Mother the way I have chosen is the one in which I think I can [most] do it best and could you have me act contrary to the dictates of my conscience? I know you would not. I am sorry I have not your approbation in this matter, for I would infinitely prefer it. But Mother I will promise not to do anything by which you shall have reason to be ashamed of your daughter or to wish that she had never been I expect to teach a year and a half or two years and then I will go home and talk this subject all over with you. And I think I shall be able to convince you that I am right Father thinks as Mother does, but hopes I will do what I think is my duty. I thank you for that father I am sure you will not blame me so long as you think I act conscientiously I wrote to Sarah very fully on this subject. You probably read the letter when you was there. And I presume are better satisfied than you were before. But I will drop this at present. I paid the dollar for your Evangelist. You will get a receipt in your next paper. The other dollar for the trouble was very generous so I could soon be rich. If I could always get so large per.cent. I could appropriate it to good use and thank you for it too. I wrote to Bowman for forty dollars and enumerated the items of expense, so that you will see that I need that amount. If I get a good school I shall soon be able to pay you. I should like [$??] in the course of the next month if I can have it for I gain a little by paying my board in advance. My expenses this winter have been about half what they would have been had I boarded. Perhaps a little more, but not much You will not have to furnish me money much longer, for which I presume we are both glad. My health is perfect, and if my eyes were not still weak I should feel that I was whole, every whit. But I read a great deal by candle light, and it does them no good. I am sorry Willy went to Worcester. I wanted he should study. He will always be a poor black barber. Most affectionately your daughter Lucy [*Can you read my writing? I felt ashamed when I saw how much plainer and better Father & Mother had written than I.]