NAWSA GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Foster, Abby K. [*Abby Kelley Foster to Lucy Stone*] Worcester, Mass. Feb. 10, '67 Dear Lucy: Thanks for your letter. I am glad to know your state of mind, and should have replied earlier but I have little strength and there are large demands on it. You might infer from the newspapers that I am able to work, as they report me as speaking and on a Committee at the late Boston meeting. I asked to have my name taken off the committee as I could not serve, and I only spoke a very few words on matters of business. Still tho' I did nothing in Boston, it was a long time after my return before I got where I was before I left home. Indeed, I am not as well yet. But I felt I must go for I really believe this to be "the negro's hour." You say you write "with a feeling of despair which never came to you before, when a principle is involved." I infer from the tone of your letter that this despair is for the success of the Woman's Cause as you speak of no other. Why my dear friend, there never was a tenth part of the encouragement before that comes to us now from various quarters. I need not here re-capitulate them. You certainly are posted. But you must have been tired, all "used up", by your labors at Philadelphia, and so your nerves were at fault. We have already got more for the negro than I expected to live to see, and a great deal better prospects for woman than my most sanguine hopes ever pictured me, tho' the struggle for the equality of woman was, with me, antecedent to the struggle for the slave. Indeed I doubt whether I should ever have had the strength to carry me before the public for the slave, had I not seen that in so doing I was practically doing even more for woman. None of the women who preceded me on the Anti-slavery platform took that position as a matter of right, but by sufferance. I begged and implored the Grimkes, Mrs. Child, Mrs. Chapman and others to claim the platform for woman as a right, but they all declined, Angelina said, "The brethren will not like it." Mrs. Chapman and Mrs. Child said, "The proposition must come from the other side of the house." I pleaded with those I felt could do the work for a whole year, and finding they would not do it, I took my position, that is, blew my ram's horn and so the war was opened. And Garrison and Phillips stood nobly by me and the battle was, and still is raging most gloriously, and yet we have never made the woman question our specialty. It has been ever, heretofore as now, incidental, and this is and ever has been my reason for thus making it. The slave in this country is more deeply wronged than woman, and why a nation can be so infernal as to keep him a chattel, it cannot be induced to allow political rights to woman. But you say that Phillips, Garrison, myself and others, "now smitten by a strange blindness believe that the nation's peril can be averted if it can be induced to accept the poor half loaf of justice for the negro which is poisoned by its lack of justice for women." Beg your pardon, neither Phillips, our Anti-Slavery Society nor myself have said any such thing, and I presume Garrison says nothing of the kind tho' I have not heard him speak. Of Phillips I will not speak. His life vindicated itself. For myself I will merely say I should look on myself as a monster of selfishness if, while I see my neighbor's daughter held and treated as a beast - as thousands still are all over the rural districts of the South, and who are in an unspeakably worse condition than if "drowning" - I should turn from helping them to secure to my daughter political equality. Aye, I should not expect to succeed in her cause while those in worse condition were allowed to remain in that condition. Yes, my humanity, my judgment, my conscience, all bid me work as heretofore,-- what little I can work for the slave till all in this country shall be secured in their humanity, 'till no man shall be reckoned a brute. If you see a different path to pursue, I say to you to-day, as I said to you nearly twenty years ago, "pursue it", and God bless your efforts now as heretofore. I have ever regarded the question of woman's equality as a broader, more comprehensive, more important question than that of antislavery proper. The only question with me has been which shall take precedence as to time. My opinion remains to-day, what it was more than thirty years ago. You say those who to-day are saying "this is the negro's hour" are in the position of those who, after the War of the Revolution, said, "Don't let us meddle with slavery; it will die itself. The business of this hour is to get a Union." How is it possible you can so misrepresent us? Have we ever given more time, money, or other help to the Woman Cause than we give to-day? Have we ever done aught to lead any one to infer that the oppression of woman would die of itself? Have we ever, in any way, direct or indirect, compromised the cause of justice for women? Your accusation fills me with astonishment. But I repeat, you were not well when you wrote that letter; so I put it all down to your physical condition, and not to your lack of judgement. Yes, dear Lucy, I have been a hundred times in that same despairing condition in which evidently you were when you wrote that letter to me. I was over-done and I continued to over-do, and now I am reaping the consequences. Pray be warned and save yourself the consummation of your own and my first aspiration, in my girlhood, for woman and the world. I do not expect to live to see the country regenerated in this matter, tho' I may see a large part of it on the true basis. I should be less surprised to see a woman in Congress in two years, than I was to see negroes in the Mass. Legislature, this year. My husband writes with me in much love to Harry, Alice and yourself. How glad we should be to see you all. What are the prospects for the paper you proposed? I hear nothing about it. Yours affectionately Abby K. Foster Washington, Washington Cy., Pa. Apr. 20 26 My very dear Lucy So see, I have written it. It was the natural prompting of my heart, to call you, that familiarly. "My very dear Lucy " and I know you will understand me. It is so seldom that we visit, in our surroundings, one little wild flower that grows naturally; that is not twisted, and warped, and be dusted, and snared and crushed, and muddied; that when I see them and then one flower of a human heart in its freshness -- one that has laid itself open to the invigorating influences of fresh air and sunshine, of dewdrop a gently falling shower, of tempest and northeast storms, even, age and of the hurricane [?], that as my eye lights on it a fresh fountain of joy opens in my bosom and I feel the happiest and more hopeful for a twelve month. Now, my dear friend, I dont know as you are the being I have believed you to be but if you are, you are a miracle. How is it that, in the mist and under the murky sky of a heathenish religion, falsely called Christianity, you have been able to penetrate the clouds and thick darkness around you, and discover what is "pure and undefiled religion"? But I can hardly believe myself when I recollect again words and the simplicity with which you uttered them. But I forget myself -- You will forgive me my frankness. I have said what I have said, because Botanically you are a wild flower and not a monstrosity. but a few moments to wilt, hence I must be brief -- Our Liberty Party "friends" did not appoint our meeting here as this evening otherwise I should not even have these few moments But I must to matters of business - You say in a letter to the Bugle that some of the persons who subscribed for the papers in O. paid their subscriptions to me. I think this a mistake. I have no acknowledgement on my list of any money taken there for papers - If I am in mistake, as I possibly may be, will you specify to the Bugle who paid and I will make it right with them - - Confidential - When at O. I had some conversation with S. T. Creighton about lecturing and have suggest to the Gen. Agent that I thought he would be an effective laborer. Creighton has written me that himself and a Mr. Lanison were willing to engage in the work, but the committee must know something special - in relation to their qualifications: before they can commission them. Can you, by enquiries and otherwise give me any information as to their ability to serve the cause as public speakers? I heard C. speak a very little in Elyria and was pleased with him thus far. He also appears very clear in his moral perceptions - I have written him on the subject and the Gen. Agent will write him in June or July - For it will not be known till after the ann. meeting how many new agents they can sustain. By the way, why cannot you be induced to lecture next winter - One woman is worth two men, any day, in a moral movement. We are expecting B. Cowles to go east with us - If she does, we hope she will there lay herself fully on the altar of the Slave’s Redemption and our country's salvation Tuesday A.M. 21. I have a few moments this morning, and will add a little to my hasty scrawl - I asked you to write me in regard to Creighton and Larison's qualifications as public lecturers - If you can find time to do so, a reply would reach us in Philadelphia on the 10th, or at New York on the 13th, or at Boston on the 27th May. The Gen. Agent for the coast will be there, and I will give him the necessary information - I think there is but little doubt that the Ohio American A.S. Society will be able to send out a large number of agents this year - Would that the women could feel their responsibilities as they ought - Then we should see such progress of the principles as we have never yet witnessed - From some remark of yours I inferred that you contemplate trampling on prejudice and taking the field, after the close of your course - Why delay? Is not now the accepted time? Stephen sent some pamphlets on the Sabbath to Oberlin - Were they received? We are very desirous of knowing how the cause progresses in Oberlin, Elyria &c.. Can you give us any information? I have not seen a No. of the Oberlin Evangelist since the one that abused us - Has any one given a different version of that matter? - Are our papers doing good, as also the books we featured? I hope you will be able to obtain other subscribers - It is by reading that people get confirmed - I am happy to hear that James M. is better - My regards to him, to Mr. Mason's family, as also Mr. Hills and others who may care to hear from me - Stephen would join me in this love sending but is battling for the right down stairs. Most affectionately A.K. Foster [*Abby Kelley Foster 1846 April 20 +*] Lucy Stone Oberlin Lorain Co. Ohio Cleveland July 17 18[40?] My dear Lucy -- Yours of July 5 was put into my hand on our arrival in this place, last [Tuesday?] Monday, and I answer it at my earliest leisure -- I deeply regret that we cannot obtain a hearing at Oberlin [late?] after commencement, as it is uncertain whether we can then be there, tho we shall do our best to accommodate ourselves to the time I shall hope to have you at Ravenna on the 1st of Aug. as to the time we shall be likely to meet Hudson and have a clean field -- I wish we could see yourself and others from Oberlin on that occasion on Aug. 1st. It is intended to make it an occasion of deep interest A word in relation to the Sabbath book Neither Stephen nor myself have read it when we sent it to Oberlin, save in [?], have we yet read it I have not since read a sentence in it -- Stephen had turned [?] its pages, and glanced here and there at its plan and scope, but having no time to read it when we were at Salem, and having none with us, we see not able, even now, to read it -- Our own minds were entirely settled on the question, hence we did not read it -But you say truly, we ought not to have given it circulation till we had proved it - still there is some apology for us - It was sent to a friend of ours, from Philadelphia, by a person who spoke of it in high terms - We relied on his judgment, as he ought to be conversant with the facts, having had a regular theological course of study, and having once been a settled Orthodox minister, tho' now a convert to the doctrine of the equality of days and the iniquity of stinking hands with thieves and consenting with adulterers and [murderers?] - I presume, however, that as this gentleman would have detected false statements had he examined the work critically, he took it, like ourselves, on the testimony of others - But enough of the book, be it true or be it false - The truth will stand nevertheless - When I find it I will read it if I can get time - You may recollect that the Oberlin Evangelist published a letter from Edward Smith of Pittsburg, calling us infidels - Now the same sentiments contained in the letter, were originally published in the "Spirit of Liberty", the Liberty party paper published in Pittsburg, over the signature "Subscriber " - Mr. [F?] told me that Mr. Smith wrote the article himself, that it purports to be from the pen of another. On this article Mr. [F?] made comments denying Mr. Smith's allegations - Indeed Mr. F. did the honorable thing - And he is the only Liberty party editor in the west that has done the the honest deed - Now in which No. of the Spirit it is found I know not, but I think it is in one of the last of Apr. [?] - But as I presume the Spirit comes only to the Evangelist, you may not be able to find it. But it is copied into the Standard of May 14th. Will you look it up, and try to secure its publication with a statement of the facts, as I have related them, in the Evangelist - But if you cannot secure their publication there, as I presume you cannot, you can then, at least, have the evidence I already possess, which is that our enemies are eager to obtain any thing which will tend to destroy our influence - They greedily seize on the smallest straw of inconsistency, real or apparent and scruple not to use lies, altho' some would not go quite so far as to manufacture them out of whole cloth themselves - I will thank you to say to [?] [?] C. that I shall try to find time to answer his letter soon - I intended to do so at this place, but as we go early tomorrow, and this evening we are to be in meeting, I cannot - I want to say many other things but the hour of meeting is at hand - My love to all the friends - Most affectionately - Abby K.F. I can't find time to look over and correct. Bedford [?] " 18 I sent this to the office last evening too late for the mail, and therefore brought it to this place to add a few words and enclose a word for [?] - If you see the Liberty party papers you are aware that they are out in full cry upon us - This is to be expected. Their position is so evidently pro slavery, that the way faring, now, tho' a fool Chester Roads Aug. 15 My dear Lucy - Yours, enclosed in Lamb's, reached me at the place to which they were directed - Was I too censorious, when at Elyria I impeached the sincerity of the Oberlin faculty? I purposely used the [so?] of in faculty - Such people would be beneath contempt were it not that they have souls to save, and that they are doing so much mischief - The whining regrets that they were not able, on account of the worth of souls, to discuss the question that is damning more souls than any other in the world - I felt it to be all a sham - And haven't they proved it? - It is "indescribable and undesirable." Forsooth, for us to come thru - and all because we are infidels. And so it is not advisable and desirable that they should meet us face to face and convert us; or, failing to do that, expose us, - No! no!! But we must be left to run all over the country, instilling our bitter doctrines and poisoning community - No - It is desirable to attack us in our absence, and send the cry, Infidel on our [?], all over the country, but give us no op- cannot fail to see it. Not only is their candidate a column in the "bulwark", but their campaign paper, under the charge of the "State Central Committee" in calling for volunteers for the [?] war shows itself so greatly to sustain slavery as the Democrats even - Have you seen their calls for volunteers and their pledge, in numerous papers to stand by Polk and Tyler. I had not dreamed that the party would so soon develop its character to the world, tho to us it was developed in its infancy - The [Cha?] American is full of the foulest misrepresentation of us and yet will not [p?] - I have got them for when I fall asleep from having been up so late at nights. So you need not marvel at my dull letter - The last word I intended for publish and to proceed to say - publish any corrections from us - The good and true are quitting the party in all directions, hence the leaders are driven to desperation. They had no expectation of seeing us here again and even [beseeching?] to "coop our chickens" - Now they are in agonies as we are cooping theirs I forget whether I Told you in my last that I saw your brother of [Gardner?] at the N.E. Convention, and also some of the last Brookfield friends - They all seemed enthusiastic - Indeed, no one could seem otherwise on such an occasion. A.K.F. [*P.S. If you deem it necessary to write us on any point, you will see where we shall be by looking at our appointments in the Bugle - A.K.F.*] portunity to refute the vile slanders - I tell you, Lucy, these men know their position in Church and in state is the most corrupt and damning Infidelity. And therefore they don't dare to meet us before the people, for an investigation - You believe them sincere - "all but one" - What reason have you for such belief? Did they not know our sentiments as well last winter as today? Then why did they not, at that time, frankly say what they now do? That they did not want discussion. Why did they not, at that time, come to us and tell us of our sins? You are a good, confiding girl. Well, after you shall have fought the wild beasts of Ephesus, or the worse than wild, the tame beasts of the pulpit, as long as I have, you will not so easily be taken with their cant and profession. Your eyes will be open some time, and not very far distant if you go into the battle. But Satan truly is let loose -- And so another fabrication to destroy my influence for saving my sisters from chains and polutians -- My appearance is immodest and I am bringing offspring into the world to suffer in consequence of my improprieties. I am no more going to have a baby than you are. And as I have not heard you were, I take it for granted you are not, though, should I hear such a report I would not believe it, if you were an anti slavery lecturer -- also in Heaven's name, I implore you to deny all these reports against us -- They are all of a piece and all got up for the same object -- One of the best evidences of our being about our Father's business, is these malicious slanders -- We must be making heavy inroads upon Satan's kingdom, otherwise his children would not resort to such desperate means to destroy us. Do you believe we are wicked? I know you do not and therefore you don't believe the charges against our moral characters. But do you believe we are wanting in ideas of decency, to say nothing of knowledge, of physiology -- You are not much acquainted with us, and therefore I don't blame you for supposing it might be time -- If I am not mistaken in physiological facts I never can be a mother while I work so hard in this cause. And I must exercise self denial for the sake of the mothers who are childless. God forgive those who make them so, and persecute me because I will do to them as I want others should do to me-- We will see about Lamb's clothing when we come. Will you give him my regards and tell him I had no time to write him - - we are having glorious meetings in most places we visit -- Every thing looks encouraging -- The cause never made more rapid progress than this year -- No matter how strong its enemies may be they are as chaff before its omnipotency -- We have decided to be in Oberlin on the second tuesday in Sept. and wish our first meeting appointed on that day at such have as will be most convenient for the places I am [?] speak of having our discussions with Pres [??] reported -- Of course we should like it if they chose to furnish the means -- We cannot afford to be at such expense. Most truly -- Abby K Foster Lucy Stone Oberlin Loraine Co. Ohio Ravenna Aug. 2 1846 My dear Lucy I found yours on arriving at this place. You say Dr. Hudson was to be at Oberlin on the 1st. Saml. Brock who has just come from Harrison Co. says he was to speak at Cadiz on the 1st and that he is to edit the Liberty party paper there. So I presume we shall not have the satisfaction of meeting him when we come to Oberlin. You hope I am not troubled about the malicious attacks of this party. Rest assured that “none of these things move me.” Friend Brock says he thinks Mr Creighton can be supplied by the Society with all the clothes he will need for the winter. It may be they have on hand in the very articles he wants. Then our several sewing societies that make up all kinds of garments some of which go to the agents, some are sold in Fairs and some go to the fugitives &c. Now he had better wait till we come and then Brock will make all necessary arrangements. You can tell him about it. Perhaps you had better write me owhat he needs. Tho’ on second thought that will be going too far as it is not certain yet as the Society will think he is a proper person to be employed and the Gen. Agent had better see him first. We want to be In Oberlin as soon as may be and therefore wish you to inform as when the coast will be clear. You will see by the Bugle when our meetings are and can direct letters accordingly. There are so many cross mails that it will take two or three weeks for a letter to reach some of our appointments from O. Therefore be careful about sending a long time ahead. Cumberland, R.I. Mar 28 [?] My dear friend Were you here I should say many things and desire to hear from you as much, but my leisure moments are too few for any matters except those of business, just now --you may see others saying to me, when I was at Oberlin, that you designed lecturing after you should graduate graduate - I have mentioned this fact to some of our Anti Slavery friends, among whom are Mrs. Follen and Mrs. Chapman - they are highly gratified with the prospect of having another representation of our sex in this field, and desire me to say to you, for them, that they wish to make your acquaintance acquaintance and hope, therefore, you will come and labor in Mass. -- Should you desire to act as agent of the A. [?] Society - the board will undoubtedly undoubtedly be most happy to employ you --they are very much in want of agents of the right stamp. Agents in great numbers can be obtained, but there are but few who are equal to the present crises, [?] and hence, but few are employed - the time was when [?] could be sent out - Now, since the [?] water test has been introduced, 'tis never few than seventy-- It required great decision and energy to stem the tide of opposition which is set against our movement - I have no doubt of any lack of these ingredients in your constitution - had there been, Oberlin would have developed the fact - It will give me unspeakable pleasure to learn from you that your decision in relation to [?] remains unchanged, and that you are willing to make Mass. the site of your labors for the present. The particular burden of our desire that you should labor here is, that we believe if Mass. can be brought up to the point of ]?] --if she can be induced to eat this bile connextion with the slave - system, it will be the prelude to a general break up --the other states will follow her in this disunion, as the colonies in her dis[?] [?] with the mother country and in many other important important movements she has made -- those [?] her history always presents her as leader in matters matters of great change - at least for the better - A particular reason for my wishing you to come forward now, is, that for the present I shall be out of the public meetings - that which was reported of me falsely last summer is true now --Since my marriage, I have always desired desired to be a mother, but feared my state of health would prevent it - My health, however, was so far restored that there was no obstacles. Now, altho this wish is gratified I am at times half sad that I am not able still to stand in the fore-front of this mighty battle-- As I contemplate the small force now in the field against the legions of the "Philistines," I should sink in utter despair but for the fact that reason combines with revelation in confirming the promise that "we shall chase a thousand over two * put ten thousand thousand to flight". The cause is in a prosperous state, notwithstanding the small handful of its defenders defenders - But our prayer still must be for more laborers, seeing that it is through instrumentalities instrumentalities that God works his will on earth - of course, the larger the number of true advocates the more speedy will be the consummation we so ardently strive for - But I will not [?] [?] words - you need no persuading in order to induce you to feel the importance of his work. [?] that the fact, with all the light you have, on this subject, you would not be worthy of the mission to which your own soul is calling you. Will you write me as early as convenient what your prospects in this matter are? Our P.O. in Boston,[?] I am spending some time with my sister, just now, but expect to go to housekeeping soon - Shall I have the pleasure of receiving you at my own home? My love to all who may care to receive it -- Stephen is lecturing in Mass. -- Yours Affectly, Abby Kelley Foster Abby Kelly Foster 1847 ✓ March 28 PAWTUCKET MAR 30 RI PAID Paid 10 Lucy Stone Oberlin Lorain Co. Ohio West Brookfield Jany 1, 1848 Miss Lucy Stone, North Brookfield At the last meeting of the Wor.Co. South Division Anti Slavery Society the undersigned were appointed a committee to provide blank petitions for the disposition of the union & forward them to the Several towns in this Division. Not having the honor of an acquaintance with any individual in North Brookfield who has publicly abjured allegiance with this Slave holding Union, we take the liberty to enclose a blank to you, hoping that your attachment to the AntiSlavery cause will be sufficient motive to induce you to solicit those who profess an abhorrence of the institution, to adopt this only practicable plan for redeeming our own state from the heavy responsibility now resting upon it, for its support, and whether you obtain few or many signatures to forward the same to some members of the Legislature or to the first named of the undersigned committee. Respectfully yrs, J. M. Fisk H. K. Foster L. Eaton BOSTON, Nov. 30, 1847. DEAR FRIEND : — The Board of Managers of the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society, having resolved to make a general effort to call out and embody the moral power of the Commonwealth. in a Memorial to the Legislature, asking for a DISSOLUTION OF Tim limos, earnestly solicit your cooperation in this important work. Their object is to present to the Legislature a strong array of names, of such persons as scorn the trammels of the Slave Power, and are no longer willing to bear the disgrace of standing before the world in a political union with Slave-holders ; believing, as they do, that such a demonstration of Anti-Slavery feeling, at this important crisis in our national affairs, cannot fail to produce the most salutary results upon the public sentiment of the country. But, to give efficiency to this movement, it must be entered upon with spirit, AND PROSECUTED WITH THE UTMOST VIGOR. The Board will spare no efforts, on their part, to accomplish so desirable an object ; but the work, if done at all, must be clone mainly by the Abolitionists, in their respective localities. The interests of the Anti-Slavery cause, and the honor of the Commonwealth, now humbled and debased before the Slave Power, demand that this, for the time being, should be made THE CENTRAL POINT OF ALL OUR LABORS. We can here strike a blow for liberty, which, should it fail to shiver at once the chains of the slave, will not fail to strike terror to the heart of the task-master and his guilty abettors. But, whatever is done in this matter, must be done quickly. The Legislature will soon be in session, and memorials should be in readiness as early as possible. Relying upon your interest in the Anti-Slavery cause, the Board take the liberty to send you the annexed form of a memorial, in the full and confident expectation that you will immediately take measures to have it presented, as far as practicable, to every inhabitant of your town, with a pressing and urgent request for his signature. The Agents, who are now in the field, and the few others, whose services the Board may be able to command, will do what they can to aid in this work ; but time will allow them to visit but a very few, only, of the numerous towns to be canvassed. Hence, whatever is done in your locality, to make its influence felt in this movement, must be done by yourself and the few choice spirits immediately around you, who are willing to share your labors. To you, therefore, we look with confident assurance, that nothing will be allowed to prevent this matter from receiving the earliest possible attention, and that, through your exertions, your town will send up to the Legislature a memorial, sustained by numbers in some measure commensurate with the magnitude and importance of the object we seek to accomplish. We are not ignorant of the difficulties which you will be called to encounter in prosecuting this work. Opposition and discouragement will, doubtless, meet you on every hand. But nothing great or glorious, let it be recollected, was ever accomplished without untiring exertion, and manly conflict with all opposing obstacles. Remember it is THE SLAVE for whom you labor; and whatever evils you may be called to suffer in his service, your situation is a paradise, when compared with his. We only ask you to do for him, what you would wish him to do for you, if he were the free man and YOU THE SLAVE. It will be seen, by the annexed memorial, that it is designed for the signatures of persons of both sexes; but it is desirable that the names of all who are legally entitled to vote, should stand by themselves, in the left hand column. In behalf of the Board of Managers of the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society. FRANCIS JACKSON, President. EDMUND QUINCY, Secretary. To the Senate and House of Representatives of Massachusetts: The undersigned, inhabitants of the town of in this State, deeply impressed with the duty and importance of such a movement, earnestly request that you will immediately call a CONVENTION OF THE PEOPLE of this Commonwealth, to determine what measures shall be taken for protecting their rights and liberties, and for a peaceful SECESSION FROM THE AMERICAN UNION, for sons: or ALL of the following reasons: I. Because a portion of the citizens of this Commonwealth, on account of the color of the skin which it has pleased an All-Wise Creator to bestow upon them, are not permitted to visit the southern States, under penalty of fine, IMPRISONMENT, or ENSLAVEMENT FOR LIFE—the Federal Government having neither the power nor the disposition to give them any protection whatever : — thus destroying the sovereignty and independence of Massachusetts as a State, and virtually reducing her entire population to vassalage, under those whose chief business it is to plunder the poor and defenceless, and to trade in slaves and the souls of men. II. Because the measures taken, in strict conformity with the Constitution, to bring these outrages to the notice of the Federal Courts, have been forbidden, under legal penalties, by the Slave States, and the Agents of the Commonwealth, specially deputed for this purpose, have been DRIVEN BACK WITH INSULT AND VIOLENCE. III. Because the lives of other citizens of the Commonwealth are put in imminent peril at the South, if, on visiting that portion of the Union, they shall venture to exercise liberty of speech or of the press, in manly and Christian opposition to the anti republican and nefarious system of slavery, which is there cherished, and defended by the most frightful instrumentalities. IV. Because it is impossible for those, who sacredly maintain that "all men are created equal, and that they are endowed by their Creator with an inalienable right to liberty," to unite in political fellowship with slaveholders; for LIBERTY and SLAVERY are, and necessarily must be, utterly antagonistical to each other. V. Because it is morally degrading and politically disastrous, as well as a glaring absurdity, for a State glorying in its freedom, to be in partnership with States glorying in the institution of Slavery. VI. Because, by the annexation of a foreign slaveholding nation to the original Union, against the solemn and repeated remonstrances of the Legislature, in the name of the people of Massachusetts,— in open contempt of even the forms of Constitutional law, and without any Constitutional power on the part of Congress,— the Constitution has ceased to be any longer binding on those who were the original parties to it, and ought not to be considered as in existence. VII. Because, even if this annexation were not a subversion of the Union, as formed in 1787, still we regard the Constitution of the United States, as to its compromises in behalf of slavery, as "a covenant with death, and an agreement with hell," which ought to be immediately annulled by a free, moral, and Christian people ; and because, so long as they shall consent to it, the people of this Commonwealth will be morally and politically responsible for all the cruelties and horrors of the slave system. VIII. Because, by the alliance of the North with the South, the Slave Power has been enabled to acquire the immense territories of Louisiana, Florida, and Texas, which it otherwise could not have done, and is now successfully waging a war of invasion against Mexico, for the acquisition of a large portion of that injured Republic. mainly, if not exclusively, to secure its own tyrannical supremacy over the entire country, and to multiply the number of its victims indefinitely. ----- LEGAL VOTERS. | Worcester Mar 29 - '48 My dear friend - We are to have an Anti Slavery Fair in this place on the last week of Apr. - We expect a good degree of interest will be awakened by and through it. - The tables will be supplied, mainly, from Boston. There were great quantities of articles left from the Christmas Bazaar and much has accrued since which was intended for that occasion - The assortment is the most beautiful and rare. Things not to be found at the store of our cities are collected by the friends on the other side the Atlantic for our cause - There is a proposal to hold a [?] meeting of the Mass. Society here at the same time - Now, what we want of you, is, that you should give your name to the sale. I would send you a copy but have no time to transcribe. It contains nothing, I presume, to which you could not readily assent. It is sound, of course, because it was written by myself - But conservative enough for such women as Mrs. J. M. Sara, wife of the editor of the Spy - She is at the head of the movement - It will be published in a day or two, with such names as are at hand, and then others will be appended, as they come in. - We want refreshments for the tables, in great quantities perhaps. North Brookfield will supply some thing. We also design to raise money sufficient to defray all expenses so that nothing shall be taken from the sales. Can you not find some friends who will pay a trifle, if nothing more? MAR 30 PAID Paid Lucy Stone North Brookfield Mass. [*Abby Kelly Foster 1848*] But what is needed more than anything else is June classes. Can’t you bring a carful? So come, yourself, at any rate, I pray you. I have many things to say but no time to write — Shall see our baby girls. An answer as I can as possible will be gratifying. Mrs. A. K. Foster Worcester June 8 1865 Dear Mrs. Whipple To our surprise we were informed today by Miss Sewell that a meeting of the Committee, appointed by the conference at [Summer St.?] on an [?] week, was held last Thursday and decided to call a convention for the formation of an Equal Rights Society, to be held in this city on the 25 inst. You were appointed Secretary of that Com. Tho' I am a member of that Com. I had no intimation of a meeting and from the result of its action I infer there is something wrong. It miserable blunder if nothing else. Please let me know by return mail what you know about it. Yrs truly A.K. Foster Did you notify the members of the Committee of last Thursday's meeting, and if so at whose request? (Abby Kelly Foster to Lucy Stone at Oberlin) Chester X Roads, August 15 My dear Lucy: Yours enclosed in Samuel's reached me at the place to which they were directed. Was I too censorious, when at Elyria I impeached the sincerity of the Oberlin faculty? I purposely used the small "f" in faculty. Such people would be beneath contempt were it not that they have souls to save, and that they are doing so much mischief. The whining regrets that they were not able, on account of the worth of the souls, to discuss the question that is damning more souls than any other in the world. I felt it to be all a sham. And haven't they proved it? It is "undesirable and inadvisable" forsooth, for us to come to them,- and all because we are infidels. And so it is not advisable and desirable that they should meet us face to face and counsel us; or failing to do that, expose us. No! no!! But we must be left to run all over the country instilling our bitter doctrines and poisoning community. No. It is desirable to attack us in our absence, and send the cry "Infidel" on our heels, all over the country, but give us no opportunity to refute the vile slanders. I tell you, Lucy, these men know their position in Church and in State is the most corrupt and damning infidelity, and therefore they don't dare to meet us before the people for an investigation. You believe them sincere, "all but one". What reason have you for such belief? Did they not know our sentiments as well last winter as today? Then why did they not at that time frankly say what they do now? That they did not want discussion. Why did they not at that time, come to us and tell us of our sins? You are a good, confiding girl. Well, after you shall have fought the wild beasts of Ephesus, or the worse than wild, the tame beast of the pulpit, as long as I have, you will not be so easily taken with their cant and profession. Your eyes will be open sometime, and not very far distant if you go into the battle. But Satan truly is let loose. And so another fabrication to destroy my influence for saving my sisters from chains and polutions. My appearance is immodest, and I am bringing offspring into the world to suffer in consequence of my improprieties. I am no more going to have a baby than you are. And as I have not heard you were, I take it for granted you are not, though should I hear such a report I would not believe it, if you were an Anti-Slavery lecturer. No, in Heaven's name, I implore you to deny all these reports against us. They are all of a piece, and all got up for the same object. One of the beat evidences of our being about our Father's business, is these malicious slanders. We must be making heavy inroads upon Satan's kingdom, otherwise his children would not resort to such desperate means to destroy us. Do you believe we are wicked? I know you do not and therefore you don't believe the charges against our moral characters. But do you believe we are wanting in ideas of decency, to say nothing of knowledge of physiology? You are not much acquainted with us, and therefore I don't blame you for supposing it might be true. If I am not mistaken in physiological facts, I never can be a mother while I work so hard in this cause. And I must exercise self-denial for the sake of the mothers who are childless. page 2. Abby Kelley Foster for Lucy Stone at Oberlin - Aug. 15 God forgive those who make them so, and persecute me because I will do to them as I would others should do to me. We will see about Samuel's clothing when we come. Will you give him my regards and tell him I had no time to write him. We are having glorious meetings in most places we visit. Every-thing looks encouraging. The cause never made more rapid progress than this year. No matter how strong its enemies may be they are as chaff before its omnipotency. We have decided to be in Oberlin on the second Tuesday in September and wish our first meeting appointed on that day, at such house as will be most convenient for the place. Samuel spoke of having our discussions with Pres. Mahan reported. Of course, we should like it if they chance to furnish the means. We cannot afford to be at much expense. Most truly, Abby X. Foster P. S. If you deem it necessary to write us on any point, you will see where we shall be by looking at our appointments in the Bugle. A.K.F. Abby Kelley Foster writes to Lucy from Cleveland, O., July 17, 1846. omit (Apparently they had put in circulation a "Sabbath book" which had given offence. Mrs. Foster says she had not read it. It had been sent to her highly recommended. "But you say truly, we ought not to have given it circulation till we had proved it.") She asks Lucy to try to secure the publication in the Evangelist of a contradiction of some false accusations against her & her husband's --that they were infidels &c. She adds a P.S. at Bedford the next day, & goes to sleep over her letter through weariness. She begins "My dear Lucy," & ends, "Most affectionately. COPY Memoirs of Alice Stone Blackwell - Originals in Blackwell archives for deposit in the Library of Congress. Jan. 1. 1892 Mrs. Carrie Lane Chapman (later Mrs. Catt) took supper with us, and Mother told how, many years ago - before she began to s peak, and she thinks even before she went to Oberlin, Abby Kelley came to give an anti-slavery lecture in West Brookfield. Two wagon-loads of them went down from the old farm to attend the meeting. Mother went and greeted Abby Kelley - set in the pew with her, she thinks - and Abby Kelley asked her to come up and sit in the pulpit with her. But Mother said, "Oh, I can't. I have ridden three miles, and my hai r is all blown about." And Abby Kelley answered: "Oh Lucy Stone, you are not half emancipated!" When they came away from the lecture, it was a moonlight night, and the dogs ran and barked, and there was a general sense of a spree in the air- something exciting and riotous; so extraordinary and improper was it considered for a woman to s peak in public. And someone - Mother is not sure but it was her own father- coolly remarked: "When the sluts are out, the dogs will bark!" Mother ended with a few words of earnest tribute to Abby Kelley - what a wonderful woman she was, a nd how thankful she (Mother) had always been for her. 100 Chatham St. Oct. 16 '86 Dear Friend. I have been sufficiently resolute to copy the Whittier letter, and return the original copy, that [?] [?] furnish me with another copy. out it had passed out of my mind. I sent it to you to read, as a reminder of the day when women's souls were more tried than now, by the opposition of those who believed in the principles of woman's equality of rights with man, and yet acted with those who believed in her subjection. Whittier's Quaker education left him without excuse. The last talk I had with him, on the subject, I quoted his own poetry against him, when he The Suffrage Convention here was a fairly good one, as all friends of the cause here, testify. I, of course, was not at any of its sessions, but my sister and her daughter were at the evening sessions. I must add a word [?], from your book keeper. convention, and think su [?] Abby Kelly Foster 1886 Pray show yourself in your Fathers[?] work, as much as possible. You deserve to be among the living when the triumph is rung in. Very truly A. K. Foster [*You His last "Fari[?] get little contributions '*] Hoping you are in good health and spirits, and that your whole[?] household is hale and hearty, accept my kindest wishes congratulations build [?] love. Abby K. Foster I think I am a little better than when I saw you last but not enough improvement to do any thing, whether[?] mentally or physically. With Love to you and yours A. K. Foster At home Dec. 17 My Dear Friend I told Mr. Henry some time ago -- yet before your appointment as anti-slavery city missionary -- that I designed to write you after your appointment. The first thing I wished to say I have already stated in the title I have conferred on your office. I think it a mistake to call those we send into the field on your mission collaborators. If I understand their mission, it is to our cause; just what is that of the city missionary to the church -- to furnish the destitute with the means of grace, so far as they can be reached and by the best and every means within the power of the dispenser of the word. The mere scattering of treats is, to me even, and how much more to you, a very unsatisfactory method of evangelizing the slaveholding barbarians of Mass. -- Into whatsoever village or school-district. I [?] I find the entire population, with here and there an exception, wholly destitute of the means of anti slavery grace, and forthwith set myself to the task of furnishing, first the most hopeful class and ultimately others. Those who are disposed to receive the word I consider my pupils, and furnish them, from time to time, so long as I remain, with food suited to their condition. In Worcester I have sometimes had pupils for years under my tuition. Finding them colonizationists I have plied them with "Jay's Inquiry" & then other works on the same subject till they were fully cured of the Infidelity of colonization, and then plying them with other truth, as their several cases seemed to demand. Some of these I have now the happiness to find fully with us, and handsomely contributing to our funds. To others the preaching of the gospel has been - as we should anticipate - a savor of death unto death. I think it a great privilege to be a local instead of an itinerant missionary I love to look on my germinating seed, and rejoice in the green blade, and glow over the ear, and then exult in beholding the full corn in the ear. When I have time for this I feel fully paid for all the fainting and exhaustion and heartsickness attendant on the toil of preparing the ground and the previous man [?] labor of clearing away the rubbish that I might reach the ground. But there is one thing especially that I endeavor to obtain from my pupils. Aid for the cause - Aid of some kind - Money, labor a good word. - something. - Get them to do something for it and they will begin to love it. - So now I have given you, very egotistically, my way of proceeding, so far as I have time. When I see you next I shall ask, in return, that you should give me yours; In every one must proceed in his own way - Yet our individual experiences may help each other. I rejoice greatly in seeing you wholly devoted to this great work. You have always been doing much but we have never been satisfied with a part of you. A friend said to me a while ago that he wanted to see you in an anti slavery editorial chair. I think your present field quite as important as the one he named and tho' it is somewhat heartsickening in some of its duties, and tedious and trying to the flesh, what post of duty is not? I am looking to the Liberator to see, through you, some rich developments of the tricks of the church during the winter ensuing - For it is in the winter that the church makes special efforts to extend her dominion. Very hastily - Very truly yours in the work A. K. Foster New York Nov. 2 Dear friend - Before I left home last week we had recd a letter from you notifying us of a Com. Meet'g. and also a telegram countermanding that notice. I am here to see my daughter's surgeon, who has removed entirely from Boston, and shall probably be at home in about ten days, unless it should be necessary to hold the Com. meeting before my return, I should prefer to have it postponed. But whenever our meetings shall be held, it will be more convenient for us to have the sessions in the middle of the day, so as not to be obliged to leave home too early in the morning or return late at night. If the sessions commence at 12 o'clk or about that time it will best accommodate us - Of course if be necessary to hold the sessions at other hours we can conform to the arrangements. Yours very truly A. K. Foster [Mrs. Abby Kelly Foster Worcester Ma. Rec July 19/86] 100 Chatham St. July 16, 1886 My Dear Friend - [Alla?] has been ill, and so much [pressured?] by work, that she has not fulfilled the promise which she says she made, to tell you how I got home. I can't see that my "outing" has done me harm, and so think it has been good, and we are now hoping to go to [Boston?] next week. It grieves me that I can't use my mental powers, especially when I look back on some miserable mistakes: such, for instance, as allowing you to try that carpet-boy of mine through the never-ending platform of the old colony station. Don't you know it is necessary to husband your physical resources, in order to have them fully in hand for the guidance of your mental powers. I did not realize that I was making an irreparable mistake in doing, or trying to do, at them - scare what I did twenty years earlier. Now I pray you don't do such a foolish thing again. Look strictly after your health, [that] but I don't believe so much fat as E.C. Stanton boasts, can be safely carried by any body but a "Dutchy" woman. Yankee[y]s have too much conscience and spiritual responsibility to be able to carry such a burden. I feel very thankful for all your many kindnesses, and am glad you could endure my stupidity. Pray come and visit me sometime, or call if you can't find time for any thing more. Allan unites with me in much love to you and yours Affectionately A.K.Foster [C.W.] [Abby Kelly Foster 1878.] Dear Lucy I send you a very hurriedly written article. I have neither time or strength for a full, clear statement. But I wish Mr. Garrison would do what nobody else can do as well, show that while our society kept clean of side issues, the abolitionists should have the credit of settling the woman question. If he will do this throw my article into the waste basket. If neither he nor any other will do it, then please give mine a place, with any corrections or amendments as you see fit. Yours with highest regard, A. K. Foster Stephen wishes me to add that he feels it very important that Mr. G. should make the statement at the present moment. Lucy Stone Abby Kelley Foster Worcester, Nov. 1/77 Dear Lucy, What with Alla’s long illness and my own great feebleness, I have failed to acknowledge two donations for work in Colorado, which donations I forwarded some weeks ago to M. W. Campbell, the receipt of which she sent me. These donations are as follows. Donations for Colorado work unacknowledged. Alfred Wyman, Worcester $5.00 J. W. Forbush " 5.00 Will you see that they are inserted in the Journal I enclose $5.00 to pay the subscriptions for the Journal of [Charles ?] Mass. $2.50 Charles Flagg Holden " 2.50 Stephen and myself both look on with deepest interest, as others work for the world's uplifting, only regretting one inability - to be in the work. The laborers are all too few - God bless and keep them all. You may not have heard that, notwithstanding Alla's long sickness, her recovery of strength has been very rapid and that she is now in the school at Boston Highlands where she was last spring. Very truly A. K. Foster Since writing the foregoing Mr. Hadwin has called and withdrawn his subscription for satisfaction reasons. I can't send the odd half dollar in paper as I have no scrip. Send a receipt to Flagg and charge me. A.K.F. [S.S. Foster Worcester Mass] Worcester, June 17, 1874. Dear Friend Blackwell - I believe I was appointed on the committee to obtain speakers for the Framingham Meeting - though of this am not certain - but I am very glad to have been relieved of the duties of the office. There is one man, however, whom I should like to have invited, & that is my old friend Parker Pillsbury. He has recently given us a lecture on woman suffrage which all whom I have heard speak of it, pronounce the best they ever heard. I have invited him on my own responsibility, & I think he will be glad to come, if he thinks he is wanted. I am specially anxious to have him speak on the subject of taxation without representation, a subject to which I hope the attention of the meeting will be specially directed. We have been officially threatened, & are daily expecting - another sale of property, to satisfy the taxes on our personal estate. Hope it will not be delayed till after the 4th. Abby hopes to be able to be at the Framingham meeting. I shall do what I can to get a large representation from this city. Yours truly - S.S.F. [*Abby Kelly Foster*] Worcester Feb. 10 - '74 Dear Mr. Blackwell We have got your card and are glad so many of you can come, but regret Freeman Clarke and Mr. Higinson cannot. Please let us know by what train you will come that we may meet you at the cars. I have got no reply to my request to the Smiths that they would inform me what part they would take in the meeting. So it will be safe to announce their presence, merely. They are not accustomed to speak in public, but, possibly, Abby may read a paper. The reason no reply has reached me is, I presume, that they live in an out of the way place and do not have frequent mails. If I get a reply today I will drop you a line immediately hoping you may get it before the Journal goes to press. I hope you have got the call for the meeting which was mailed yesterday. Please put the name of W.F. Harlow of Worcester among the speakers. Very truly A.K. Foster (Abby Kelley Foster to Lucy Stone at Oberlin) (There is nothing to show in what year this was written) Chester Roads, August 15 My Dear Lucy: Yours enclosed is Samuel's reached me at the place to which they were directed. Was I too censorious, what at Elyria I impeached the sincerity of the Oberlin faculty. I purposely used the small "f" in faculty. Such people would be beneath contempt were it not that they have souls to save, and that they are doing so much mischief. The whining regrets that they are not able, on account of the worth of souls, to discuss the question that is damning more souls than any other in the world. I felt it to be all a sham. And haven't they proved it? It is "undesirable and inadvisable" forsooth, for us to come to them,- and all because we are infidels. And so it is not advisable and desirable that they should meet us face to face and counsel us; or, failing to do that, expose us. No! No! But we must be left to run all over the country installing our bitter doctrines and poisoning the community. No. It is desirable to attack us in our absence, and send the cry "infidel" on our heels, all over the country, but give us no opportunity to refute the vile slanders. I tell you, Lucy, these men know their position in Church and in State is the most corrupt and damning infidelity, and therefore they don't dare to meet us before the people for an investigation. You believe them sincere "all but one." What reason have you for such belief? Did they not know our sentiments as well last winter as today? Then why did they not at that time frankly say -2- what they do now? That they did not want discussion. Why did they not at that time, come to us and tell us of our sins? You are a good confiding girl. Well, after you shall have fought the wild beasts of Ephesus, or the worse than wild, the tame beasts of the pulpit, as long as I have, you will not be so easily taken with their cant and profession. Your eyes will be open sometime, and not very far distant if you go into the battle. But Satan truly is let loose. And so another fabrication to destroy my influence for saving my sisters from chains and polutions. My appearance is immodest, and I am bringing offspring into the world to suffer in consequence of my improprieties. I am no more going to have a baby than you are. And as I have not heard you were, I take it for granted you are not, though should I hear such a report I would not believe it, if you were an anti-slavery lecturer. No, in Heaven's name, I implore you to deny all these reports against us. They are all of a piece, and all got up for the same object. One of the best evidences of our being about our Father's business is these malicious slanders. We must be making heavy inroads upon Satan's kingdom, otherwise his children would not resort to such desperate means to destroy us. Do you believe we are wicked? I know you do not and therefore you don't believe the charges against our moral characters. But do you believe we are wanting in ideas of decency, to say nothing of knowledge of physiology? You are not acquainted with us, and therefore I don't blame you for supposing it might be true. If I am not mistaken in physiological facts, I never can be a mother while I work so hard in this cause. And I must exercise self-denial for the sake of the mothers who are childless. God forgive Sic, in Miss O'Connor's copy, at least. -3- those who make the so, and persecute me because I will d to them as I would others should do to me. We will see about Samuel's clothing when we come. Will you give him my regards and tell him I had no time to write him. We are having glorious meetings in most places we visit. Everything looks encouraging. The cause never made more rapid progress then this year. No matter how strong its enemies may be they are as chaff before its omnipotency. We have decided to be in Oberlin on the second Tuesday in September and wish our first meeting appointed on that day, at such hours as will be most convenient for the place. Samuel spoke of having our discussions with Pres. Wahan reported. Of course, we should like it if they chance to furnish the means. We cannot afford to be at such expense. Most truly, Abby K. Foster P.S. If you deem it necessary to write us on any point, you will see where we shall be by looking at our appointments in the Bugle. A.K.F. Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.