NAWSA GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Hutchinson, John [W.] ABBY HUTCHINSON'S SINGING. All through our fierce anti-slavery conflict there were youthful voices heard that could still the wildest storms. From the White Mountain tops of New Hampshire came the songs of freedom that have echoed around the globe, making the Hutchinson family and our Quaker poet immortal in verse and song. To many of Whittier's stirring sentiments these singers gave a new power and significance that the reader had never felt before. He was to them and inspiration making a rare combination of harmonious influences, alike pleasing to all classes in all latitudes; to the rough pioneer on the far-off prairies, as well as to the nobility of the old world in the palaces of kings, for music is the one universal language that speaks to every heart. This band of sweet singers has passed away, one brother only remains, now 'Sister Abby's' sweet voice is silenced forever. But she will not be forgotten by the generation that felt the inspiration of her song. The first time I saw 'charming little Abby,' as she was familiarly called, was on the platform with her four stalwart brothers in old Faneuil Hall. It was in a crowded anti-slavery meeting presided over by a howling mob. Neither the fiery eloquence of the Garrison, nor the persuasive, silvery tones of Phillips could command a moment's hearing, but the Hutchinsons' sweet songs of freedom were listened to in breathless silence. The very sentiments the mob applauded in the songs they would not let the orators in plain English say. Abby, with her youth and beauty and her sweet, unaffected manners, won all hearts. There was a pathos in her voice, high and clear above the deep bass and tenor of her brothers, that brought tears to many eyes. Indeed, their simple ballads, touching all earthly sorrows, and their glad prophecies of the good time coming, moved their audiences alternately to smiles and to tears. The widespread influence of the Hutchinson family in the war for freedom cannot be overestimated. ELIZABETH CADY STANTON. [* Jan [?] /93 w. col *] THE HUTCHINSON FAMILY, "The Tribe of Asa," - Asa B. Hutchinson, Lizzie C. Hutchinson, Abby Hutchinson, Freddy Hutchinson, O. Dennett Hutchinson, - respectfully announce to the ladies and gentlemen of Boston and vicinity, that they will give one Concert at the Melodeon, on Tuesday evening, Sept. 30 ; when they will introduce from their extensive catalogue a choice selection of new and old compositions, which have been enthusiastically received everywhere. Tickets, 25 cents. Children 15 cents. Doors open at 7. Concert to commence at 8. "The Hutchinson Family" are always deserving of a full house, for their long and hearty support of the cause of Humanity, Liberty and Progress, in their spirit-stirring strains and patriotic songs. Let them have a bumper!] - Ed. Lib. HUTCHINSON FAMILY SINGERS Cross reference to Carrie Chapman Catt files Excerpt from letter of Mrs. Catt to Mrs. Park, Nov. 11, 1933 Were you ever fortunate enough to hear old John Hutchinson sing "One Hundred Years Hence"? I had the idea that someone might write words about peace and war to fit the music and make a sort of historic song of it. I do not think you are old enough to have heard him sing that song, but I have heard him do so. When I got that idea, I hunted for the music and words and you have no idea what difficulties I met. The hunt was as remarkable as finding Captain Kydd's gold. Then I held up Charlotte Perkins Gilman to write a poem which could be sung to that music. Two of the Cause and Cure of War girls came to see me and they sung the new words to the old song. It was lovely. Is that not a cute thing for an old lady to do? You know I donot know the difference between Yankee Doodle and the Doxology. I enclose the poem. Mrs. Gilman does not want anyone to know he wrote it, so please tell everybody. I do not think she has any reason to be ashamed of the poem. [* see music in gilman file *] John Hutchinson High Back Jon 21/84 Dew Little Enclosure sing the songs you august How happy I am for you How much needed and could now being a ¨little long and the roomer of America¨ of Thadau opportunity. The enjoy and ¨home on the mountains.¨ Said you could come to hymn and progress do with the remains of ¨high Bach.¨ To could get you I´m a fin audience him to give a could in the seen. Walk ¨him¨ a man of which is done good they´ll when you have no Bella hark to do. True that life in here himself, and what my hands choose to do and the good cause of Humminie and thall do it wait all my maids as a days heart our own earnest Jurored. and you come up to the good work in the center newly equipt. The good Spirit attend you wherever you are - I remain yours truly John M. Hutchinson Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.