Blackwell Family Samuel J. May Lucy Stone May, Samuel Jr.Heutsonville, Ills. July 25, 1850 My dear Mr. May. You expected that I should be in Massachusetts by the middle of August and perhaps are depending upon my service after that time. Circumstances have occurred which will, I fear, prevent my going East for three months. The brother whom I came on to visit died of Cholera on the 18th inst. He was sick twenty-eight hours - hours full of dreadful suffering, almost to the last. He requested us to tell him if there was danger, and when hope was gone, and we told him so, he was perfectly composed. Said he was not afraid to die; then gave directions relative to his business and property; sent messages of affection and farewell to his friends, and lingered on nearly fifteen hours until struck with death. I have no gloomy ideas of death, but it was sad indeed, to stand alone (his wife could not be present) with strangers around his dying bed. They were kind, and they mingled their tears freely with ours, but they were strangers. I hope you may never know the desolation which one feel at such a trying time. We buried him in the shadow of one of the wide forest of Illinois, by the side of the children of a Quaker who welcomed his remains to rest with theirs. My brother's wife will not be able tot ravel probably for two or three months. I cannot leave her here alone. It would be cruel, so that it is all uncertain when I can be again in the field. It seems as though I could not stay here, and I must because the circumstances demand it. It is sickly here. There have been three fatal cases of cholera, the small-pox, measles, mumps, whooping-cough and other diseases abound. The weather is excessively hot, and the water miserable. It will require all our knowledge of physiology to keep well, andperhaps we cannot even then do it. I have lectured once here, and if I am well shall do so as often as there is opportunity. It is a very bad community here. Profanity, intemperance, and licentiousness abound. They are not yet prepared for anti-slavery, and will have to grow fifty years before they can see a moral principle, much more recognize its claims. Of course, all are not so, but the majority of influence is. If you are at liberty, and disposed, I should like to have you write to me. I should like to have my brother's death mentioned in the Liberator. He was a friend of the slave, and known to many of the abolitionists. His name was Luther, and he was thirty-three years of age. Truly yours, Lucy StoneWestfield Sunday P.M. Apr. 14 50 My dear Mr. May We found yours of the 12 awaiting us - It was good to get it, for we have been in the midst of pro slavery ice, and a word from a warmer atmosphere was cheering indeed - You are sorry for Parker's and the cause sake that he must leave the field for a time. I want you to be sorry for my sake too. I dont know but I shall be homesick, left alone among the Ishmaelites this side the river. I hope I shall succeed well, by my self, and rather think I shall, but it would be pleasant, to be able, now and then, to meet some well known friend. However I shall not "snibble" about what cant be helped - I has a good meeting at E. Hampton The Hall was well filled, with a quiet and attentive audience. Disposed of a few books - notified the meeting at S. Hampton for Feast day, and there was enough of interest so that several came over, and staid all day & evening. There is one good friend in E. Hampton named Lighthouse, who will always aid in getting up meetings in that place, and the field is worth cultivating - At S. Hampton the meeting was small in numbers but good seed was cast in good soil. Parker talked admirably, explaining and simplifying. One free soiler who had come over from East Hampton, said we were right and he should not vote again Others brought Bowditch and were going to examine. We left them in athoughtful state, which you know, is always a good one. Friday Mr. Chapman carried us up up up to Montgomery. Both of us were half dead with the headache. In a little Town House not larger than an ordinary country schoolhouse a small audience collective, secretaries, and voters, who never went to an antislavery meeting before, and had heard nothing on the subject. Even Mr. Squires had never thought of its being wrong to vote under the Constitution. We made some preliminary talks in the P.M. which seemed to be well recieved. A friend, who lived near, invited us to her house to supper. An orthodox deacon went also, who had a brother, who is a shareholder, He entered into conversation with Parker. Admitted almost everything; said. but the old lady who invited, us alarmed for the church, and for the deacon too, and when we left for the evening meeting, her husband told her, privately, not to bring any of us there again. We had a larger meeting in the evening, and an effective one too. You might have heard a pin drop, most of the time. We procured one subscription to the Liberator, (the most intelligent looking man there) and sold several books and took a small collection. The ideas advanced had been so new, that nobody dared asked us to their house. Mr. Squires lived two miles and more, and was there without his horse, as he thought that he and Parker could walk across (about a mile and a half to his house) and that I would stop for the night [at] with Mrs. Moore, who invited us to tea. But she had been forbidden by her Lord. and was herself afraid. it was half past nine. There was the choice to stay in the town house. or try to get in at the hotel, or walk to Mr. Squires. We went to the hotel. only a few steps, but the family had retired, - their license to sell liquor was out, and they were angry because they could not get it renewed and had determined to shut up. Parker and I went to the door and rapped, but we could arouse no one. We waited on the door. step till Mr. Squires came up. He called aloud to the lady of the house, who at last made her appearance at the window. but she very flatly refused to take me in, said the did'nt keep [l?] now. Without giving us time to tell her the case, she shut the window The deacon, offered his horse, which had on a man's saddle, but it would take him some distance from his own home. So we started across to Mr. Squires. It was all slush, mud and snow and so dark that beyond the light of the lantern, we could'nt see at all. At half past ten, we reached the house where, if we had not an elegant, we had a kind reception. Yesterday Mr. Squires brought us here. through a severe rain and snow storm. At the meeting last evening (counting ourselves,) there were twelve persons present. Parker talked half an hour. and we adjourned. This morning, not a soul came into the meeting except Mr. Henry's family, and Miss Webb. One man put his head into the door, but took it out. as soon as it came in. - This after noon, seven, half grown boys and girls came in, We waited as long as we thought best. a then Pillsbury very gravely announced that there would be no meeting. We have concluded not to try to hold any meeting this evening. The revivals which have been kept up all winter, have ever cursed and crushed everything. We are sorry to have it as it is The Springfield Republican circulates here. and Miss Webbthinks that, the article to which you alluded has kept some away. I hope you will see the article. - Parker say that the Lord knew that we needed rest, and so hardened the people's hearts, and kept them away. [so] You know our plan for [next] this week, - I can't tell until I reach Cummington where I shall be after that, but will drop you a line which shall not be so long as this) I don't need any more books at present - I have not yet sold twenty of Wendell's Review, - Andover has so baptized Webster, that the review is not in so large demand as the speech itself - I will do the best I can to circulate them, for they are certainly, greatly needed --- Miss Webb returns her regards to you, and Mrs. Henry says, "give our love to Mr. May, for we do love him, he is so sincere and good.". I don't suppose she thought I would and, her last remark, but twill do no harm - Mrs. Arnold has failed very much. She can't live long. Parker will be in Boston a week from tomorrow, in the mid-day train. And hopes to meet you there- - - - I received the Liberator, and thank you for it Yours truly Lucy Stone [*Hutsonville] Hutsonville Crawford Co. Ill. July 25' 1850 My dear Mr. May You expected that I should be in Massachusetts by the middle of Aug., and perhaps are depending upon my service after that time --- Circumstances have occurred, which will I fear prevent my going East, for three months - The brother whom I came on, to visit died of Cholera on the 18th inst. He was sick twenty eight hours - hours full of dreadful suffering, almost to the last - He requested us to tell him, if there was danger, and, when hope was gone, and we told him. So, he was perfectly composed, said he was not afraid to die - then gave directions relative to his business, and property. - Sent messages of affection, and farewell to his friends, and lingered on nearly fifteen hours, struck with death. I have no gloomy ideas of death, but it was sad indeed to stand alone. (his wife could not be present) with strangers around his dying bed - they were kind, and they mingled their tears freely with ours, but they were strangers - I hope you may never know the desolation which one feels at such a trying hour. We buried him, in the shadow of one of the wide forests of Ill. by the side of the children of a Quaker, who welcomed his remains, to rest with theirs - My brother's wife will not probably be able to travel, in two or three months. - I cannot leave her here alone, Twould be cruel - so that it is all uncertain when I can be again in the field - It seems as though I could not stay here, and I must, because the circumstances demand it - It is sickly here. There have been three fatal cases of cholera - The small pox - measles, mumps, whooping cough, and other diseases abound. The weatheris excessively hot, and the water miserable - It will require all our knowledge of physiology to keep well, and perhaps we cannot even then do it. I have lectured once, here, and if I am well, should so as often as there is opportunity _ It is a very bad community here. Profanity, Intemperance and Licentiousness abound, They are not yet prepared for Anti Slavery, and will have to grow fifty years, before they can see a moral principle much more, recognise its claims. Of course, all are not so but the majority of influence is If you are at liberty and disposed, I should be happy to have you write me. I should like to have my brother's death in the Liberator He was a friend of the slave, and known to many of the Abolitionists - This name was Luther, and he was thrity three years, and seven months Will you please and Mr. Wallent to send me the Liberator to this place. Commencing from June 21st. The copy that goes to W. Bradfield need not be discontinued. I will make it right when I go East. Truly yours Lucy Stone West Brookfield Aug. 2d 1850 (?) Dear Mr. May Yours of Aug. 11. only reached me yesterday. Of course, it is too late to arrange for a meeting at [?Rutland] for next sunday (Aug. 26) I have no engagement, and might go any Sunday with a little notice beforehand. Some friends in West Brookfield w'd [want?] to have me lecture there, at a third service some Sunday, but I have hesitate on account of the terrible prejudice existing in the past of many there against me. and thought some other one might do more good - still I don't know but I ought to go. I wish you could to to Perrerell. We had a grand time there. There was enough of opposition to make interest beforehand. There was an intelligent audience, and I have no doubt much anti slavery ground might be gained there, if the meetings could be followed up. Mr. Babage could give you a welcome and aid in circulating the notice There is a Mr. Wood (a subscriber to the Liberator) who would also [?]. I hope you will go soon if it is possible. Mr. Crane is not there now. He would enter into the having another meeting with his heart. I intend to have meetings at Enfield, but will letyou know in season, so that it then may be no clashing of arrangements. Since I made the last period, a letter has come to hand from James [Mourne?]. You remember that I told you that he told me of Remond. Remond has recently been to Oberlin. James conversed with him, and says, "I am happy to say that the interview I had with him was very satisfactory - He entirely condemned himself for the acts to which I had referred - and that he had repented of it long since - that since his return to this country his conduct had been pure in every respect, and I have no doubt that as far as his moral character is concerned, he is trustworthy." I was glad to have such statements of him. and thought it due to Remond, that I should inform you Yours truly Lucy Stone West Brookfield Oct. 13./50 Dear Mr. May I am at home again & no child was ever glader to find shelter under a father's roof ___ My sister and I left Hutsonville Aug. 20. hoping, that by making easy stages we might reach home in safety, but after three days travel, [of] averaging 28 miles per day, my sister was taken sick and there, among the Hoosiers, we buried a beautiful boy, that died before its birth. We laid it sadly in its little grave, for we had hopes, in its life, to renew the sundered tie, which bound us to its Father. But before we could call it ours, it was gone, perhaps to the angel guidance of its departed parent __ __ We had scarcely laid it in its narrow bed, when I was attacked with a typhoid fever, of the very worst stamp, which came near costing me my life __ My physician said that my previous simple dietetic habits saved me. Eighteen days I was not able to sit up at all, and during all that time, was destitute of ease for the nights. Neither "love nor money", would purchase it. I fainted again, and again, alone, and in darkness, and there was no one, to give me a drop of water. I thought of the wish, expressed by the Orientals, when parting from their friends, vis. "May you die among your kindred"__ __ We were at a hotel, a very lowly one -- the windows were broken, the doors full of cracks. And the family devoid of the instinct, which teaches stillness, in the sick room. If a chair was moved, it was dragged, if a door opened, it was sure to slam. While the heavy steps, almost crased me until I became so reduced that I could scarcely hear at all - The neighbors would come in and, looking at me, ask "Do you think you shall live?" But I have many thing to be thankful for, and more kindness, than a stranger could expect from strangers - When I began to recover, I gained strength rapidly. It is not yet quite three weeks since I first went out of doors, and now I only lie down once a day. I hope to be able sometime, to aid again in the Lecturing field, but my teeth almost chatter when I remember the cold beds and the cold rides (like the one from Harwich to Hyannis) of last winter - I must be much hardier than at present, before I shall be able to endure it again. But it does seem a pity, for even the weakest of us to be on our own, now when so many are ready to hear. What an excitement the "Fugitive Slave Bill; is making! Will it be lasting? I am glad that the One Hundred Conventions are so well sustained. There has never been a time when anti Slavery efforts, could be more immediately effective than now. There is an immense work to be done at the West. The people of Ind. and Ill. are many of them, poor whites from slaveholding states, who have an intense hatred of slaves, but none of slavery, and then too they are ignorant almost beyond conception. Your letter of Aug. 8 did not reach me until 6th Sept. and it was thirteen days before I could read it. I thank you for it. I was "like the shadow of a great rock, in a scary land"- I felt while reading it, as if I was at home with friends, and for the time, forgot the rough Hoosiers around me. If you were ever a Stranger afflicted, and in a strange land, and at such an hour met a friend, you can know the worth, to me, of the letter of yourself and Mrs. May - I think that I shall be at the Women's Rights Convention at Worcester next week, though only as a looker on, for I have [neither] not sufficient command of mind, or nerve, to be able to do any thing. Tis a grievous disappointment to me, but cant be helped. I hope you and your wife will be present too. You are not deeply interested in that question I know, but hope you will be- But I am weary and must stop - Yours truly Lucy StoneMonday Oct. 14 My dear Mrs. May I have but a short time, before this goes to the P. O. and that little I will take to thank you for your words of sympathy. You said that "sympathy is grateful. Come from chance it may," and so it is, but doubly so, when it comes from those we love and value and who knows how to feel with us. It was a long time, after your letter came to hand, before I could read it, but then it was better than medicine. We were alone, sick, receiving the stinted care that could be bought with money, and surrounded by those with whom we could find no companionship, who could not enter into our feelings, and who seemed to live only to eat, and to gossip - In such circumstances, I cannot tell you how refreshing, how like a cordial, your words came to our spirits, and I hope you will never learn their worth, by being similarly situated - My sister is with us. She feels desolate and sad. We do all we can to comfort her, and hope that time will help to lighten her grip. Yours sincerely, Lucy StoneWest Brookfield Oct. 13, 1850 Dear Mr. May: I am at home again, and no child was ever gladder to find shelter under a father's roof. My sister and I left Hutsonville Aug. 20th, hoping that by making easy stages, we might reach home in safety, but after three day's travel, averaging 28 miles per day, my sister has taken sick, and there, among the Hoosiers, we buried a beautiful boy, that died in its birth. We lid it sadly in its little grave, for we had hoped in its life to renew the sundered tie which bound us to its Father. But before we could call it ours, it was gone, perhaps to the angel guidance of its departed parent. We had scarcely laid it in its narrow bed when I was attached with a typhoid fever, of the very worst [stamp], which came near costing me my life. My physician said that my previous simple dietetic habits saved me. Eighteen days I was not able to sit up at all, and during all that time was destitute of care for the nights. Neither "love nor money" would purchase it. I fainted again and again, alone, and in darkness, and there was no one to give me a drop of water. I thought of the wish expressed by the Orientals when parting from their friends, irz.: "May you die among your kindred." We were at a hotel, a very lovely one. The windows were broken, the doors full of cracks and the family devoid of the instinct which teaches stillness in the sick-room. If a chair was moved, it was dragged; if a door opened, it was sure to slam;, while the heavy steps almost crazed me, until I became so reduced that I could scarcely hear at all. The neighbors would come in, and, looking at me, ask "Do you think you shall live?" But I had many things to be thankful for, and more kindness than a stranger could expect from stangers. When I began to recover, I gained strength rapidly. It is not yet quite three weeks since I first went out of doors, and now I only lie down once a day. I hope to be able to sometime to aid again in the lecturing field, but my teeth almost chatter when I remember the cold beds and the cold rides (like the one from Harwich to Hyanis) of last winter. I must be much hardier than at present, before I shall be able to endure it again. But it does seem a pity for even the weakest of us to be on our own now, when so many are ready to hear. What an excitement the Fugitive Slave Bill" is making! Will is be lasting? I am glad that the One Hundred Conventions are so well sustained. There has never been a time when Anti-Slavery effort could be more immediately effective than now. There is our immense work to be done at the West. The people of Indiana and Illinois are, many of them poor whites from slave-holding states, who have an intense hatred of slaves but none of Slavery, and then too, they are ignorant almost beyond conception. Your letter of Aug. 8 did not reach me until Sep. 6, and it was thirteen days before I could read it. I thank you for it. 'Twas" like the shadow of a great rock in a [(continued in No. 38 Lucy Stone Special)](Continued [from No. 37, Lucy Stone Special)] weary land" I felt, while reading it, as if I was at home with friend, and for the time, forgot the rough Hoosiers around me. If you were ever a stranger, afflicted in a strange land, and at such an hour, met a friend, you can know the worth to me, of this letter of yourself and Mrs. May. I think that I shall be at the Women's Rights Convention at Worcester next week, tho' only as a looker- on, for I have not sufficient command of mind, or nerve, to be able to do anything. 'Tis a grievous disappointment to me, but cant be helped. Hope you and your wife will be present too. You are not deeply interested in that question I know but hope you will be. But I am weary and must stop. Yours truly, Lucy Stone.1854 West Brookfield Apt 2 Dear Mr May, The accompanying letter will explain the check, which I wish you would draw. And after giving the $75 to the American Soc. giving to Wendell Phillips $23 for the tractor. He will understand. And $15 Mr Higgerson will call for. Please drop me a line to say it is received. i start for Cincinnati Wednesday. Yours truly Lucy Stone Lucy StoneNewark, Apr. 9, 1869 Rev. Sam. J. May My dear friend I came home last night from a lecturing tour in Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, and as I looked through the last number of the "Advocate", and saw your announcement of the good work being done in Onondaga Co., for women, my heart gave a glad gush of gratitude for the host of helpers, true men and women who are rallying everywhere to establish justice without distinction of sex. So here are my thanks to you dear Mr. May, larger thanks than I can express that your honored name stands as President of the new Society. It is a guaranty which makes us all feel safe. Our Cause goes bravely on, and we have abundant reason "to thank God and take courage." You will be glad to know that we stand quite a fair chance in Massachusetts of getting the word "made" (what shall I say!) squelched," Wendell Phillips and Mrs. Howe did excellent service last week, before the Joint Special Committee of the Mass. Legislature; next week Hon. Geo. F. Hoar is heard before the same Committee for the same Cause. The Legislature is largely Republican and temperance, and from such material much is to be hoped. Susan Anthony has us all in The Revolution. She called a meeting of the Executive Committee of the American Equal Rights Society while I was absent at the Springfield Convention (tho' I am chairman of the Executive Committee) issued a Call with the names of all the officers of the Society, and published it in the Revolution the next week, as tho' it were the organ of our Association!---- With cordial good will Lucy Stone[*Address me at Harrison Square Dorchester, Mass.*] OFFICE OF The Woman's Journal, No. 5 PARK STREET. Boston, May 9 1884 Dear Mr. May I am sure you will be delighted to know we have raised over $2,500 towards the $10,000. Now we are to select a general agent, and I shall be much obliged if you will write me briefly the duty which was performed by the general agent of the Anti Slavery Society. If we can profit by their experience it will be so much gained. I Very truly Lucy Stone I trust we may see you at the Anniversary Meeting. May 26 27 & 28.L.S. to Samuel May of Leicester. Mass. 1884 Feb 12 1984 Dear Mr. May Thanks for your letter. I am glad to be corrected in regard to the health of Mrs. Phillips at the time of her marriage. I have always thought she had been an invalid from the beginning of her married life and before too. but cannot tell how I came by the opinion. I saw I had made a mistake about his age. but every one will see that. since the year of his birth is quoted everywhere. He never spoke to me about any conversation with you in regard to the state of his wife's health at the time of this marriage. I walked up Winter St with him a short time before his illness. We talkedof Parker Pillsbury's history of the legacy of Mrs. Eddy and of the state of health of Mrs. Phillips and of the remarks of T.W.H. in the Journal of the week before that Mrs. Child sacrificed more than Harriet Martineau for the anti slavery cause. He dissented entirely from T.W.H. Alas! how little I thought it would be the last time I should even see him! The world seems to have lost something and a lone sense is left. He was so important a witness to the will of Mrs. Eddy! and he is the last person who can testify to the lack of accuracy in regard to some reported facts in the history of Woman Suffrage which Mrs. Stanton and Miss Anthony are writing - But what is really true will await [?] all the same. We are all passing away. with pleasant remembrance and best wishes Lucy Stone