NAWSA GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Shaw, Anna Howard 1887 Department of Franchise N. W. C. T. U. Rev. Anne H. Shaw Associate Superintendent and Lecturer, 5 Park Street, Boston. June 6th [*1887*] Dear Mrs Stone[?]. Your note which I rec'd just before I started to lecture at W. Gloucester, came with great comfort to me. I thank you with all my heart for the kindly thoughts and words of it. and I assure you however I may have felt before our conversation Sunday I have had no thought since but that I had been mistaken in it all. and I assure you the same love for, and belief in, the work, of your life fills me as it always has with a desire to help it along. I am always ready to do what I can for it. Please accept my thanks, and [*Anna H. Shaw Jan 188[6]7*] while it may seem egotistical I wish to say in regard to the gift from the members of the staff of The Woman's Journal. That of all the things at the Bazaar, there was nothing I desired so much as "the Bologna Women Professors" if it were given me with the thought that there is something in me which could appreciate them. I know I am not a scholar, but I believe I have that in my nature which if I had had a chance would have enabled me to understand those who are. Express my thanks to the other members of the Journal Staff, and assure them I am very happy in your gift, and good will. Very truly Yours Annie H Shaw Department of Franchise N. W. C. T. U. Rev. Anne H. Shaw, Associate Superintendent And Lecturer, Big Rapids, Mich. [5 Park Street, Boston] Feb'y 1, 1887 My dear Mrs Stone, Your letter reached my home here just after I started on a long trip to the northern portion of the state and it was here ten days before I received it. Since then I have not had an opportunity to answer. I am at my fathers house now and will remain here until Saturday or Monday morning when I start for Dr Ripley and Nims. You received my letter from Fremont, doubtless. The one you wrote me was sent before its arrival. When I read your letter I knew how much you were interested in me and my heart ached at the thought that I had ever given you a moment of uneasiness. I hope that in all our future work together it may never occur again, I shall always go to you frankly and I know there will be no need of misunderstandings. I think when I see you in the Spring, you will know that every thought has been cleared up between us. I shall hope to see you alone, some day soon after my return and talk over the work from a different standpoint from that of salary, that I may know just where you want me to take hold of it and how. I am old enough now to get at the inside of the work as well as the outside of it. I do not know what to say in regard to the check of $100. you sent me, at first I thought I could not keep it, as it was not by right mine, and there was no reason why I should have it. The more I thought of it the more convinced I have become, that if you thought it best and wise to send it, in that, lay a reason for keeping it. I assure you I am very grateful and I trust in my journeying I may do some thing for the American Association to repay you. At least when I return to Boston there will be times between the lectures where I can do many things. I received from Miss Blackwell a note inclosing the vote of the Executive committee, in regard to my work She said in her note that you were not just satisfied with the arrangement but that it seemed the best for the present. Personally I think it the best and cheapest plan for the society, that is if I am engaged, as it will not necessitate paying me for anything but the actual work done, and Miss Paul could not arrange meetings to keep me in the field all the time, it might seem as if, at times there was not the most work possible being done. We can try it for a time, & if you are 3 Department of Franchise, N.W.C.T.U. Rev. Anne H. Shaw, Associate Superintendent and Lecturer, 5 Park Street, Boston not satisfied that it is the best plan then we will try some other. I want the work carried on for its own sake, not for mine. I thank you for all the kindly thoughts and sentaments expressed for me in your letter, and I trust you may always have reason to feel the same sympathy with and in me. I have written Miss Blackwell, sending my acceptance of the proposition of the Committee. You have doubtless received it by this time. I am anxious to hear of the decision in regard to the Bazaar. I hope it may be held, if it is not, I fear the other states will begin, I hear it mentioned often, among the W. C. T. U. women. My address for the next month will be in care of Dr. M.J. Ripley, 48, 8th St South, Minneapolis, if you should need to write me for any thing adress there. Please remember me with kind regards to your whole family. Very Sincerely Yours Annie H. Shaw. [*Annie H Shaw Big Rapids Mich Rec[?] Nieby 4/87*] here, who used to live in Philadelphia. She knows your mother. She has just come here is in Society and will be a help to the cause I dine with her tomorrow eve. I leave for Mich Saturday. My address until April will be Big Rapids, Mich. I trust your mother may be helped by her journey. I will do what I can for the tracts I believe it will be the best $30 used of the money With the kind regards and a longing to see you again I am, Affectionately Annie H. Shaw Department of Franchise, N.W.C.T.U. Rev. Anne H. Shaw, Associate Superintendent and Lecturer, 5 Park Street, Boston. Minneapolis, Mar 3d 1887 My dear Friend, [*(Alice)*] Your letter followed me about for many days after it reached Minneapolis before I got it, last Saturday. I was at Faribault where I was blockaded all Saturday and could not reach my evenings work at Northfield. The next morning being Sunday I preached in the M.E. Church, all the time keeping one ear turned in the direction of the Depot, lest a train might be along, after service the president of the Y.M.C.A. came to me and begged that I would repeat my sermon to the young men at their meeting in their Hall in the afternoon. I agreed to do it but just as it was time to begin the hack came for me with the news that a train was coming. I hurried to the Depot, and having only thirty five miles to ride was sure of reaching Farmington in time for my meeting there, as it was only 4 p.m. when we left Faribault, we were stuck in many drifts however and did not reach there until two o'clock in the morning. I did not stop but came right on to Min- [*Annie H. Shaw Minneapolis Minn March 3, 1887*] Minneapolis, on the train that night while we lay in the drift in a deep cut, a gentleman came to me, and said he was present at one of my meetings the week before and asked me if I would not talk to the men on the train. There they were many of them playing cards and it was Sunday. I did not know what to do but feeling that a word might be said I consented. He went into the smoking car brought in the men from there, (there was but one other woman on the train) and my audience filled the car. I talked for about three quarters of an hour on the White Cross movement among men, and the power travelling men had to aid women. I also talked of temperance, and the much needed power of woman in the government. The audience was very attentive, and I trust the night was not wholly lost even if my regular meeting had failed. It was a tiresome night and the sixth that I had been up travelling or blockaded within two weeks. I like the idea of writing to the different Superintendents of Franchise for Temperance items and will do it immediately. Dr. Shaw, 318. So. Barstow St. Eau Claire Wisconsin, will be glad to take your [temp] suffrage column, as she has three papers she can supply every week. Dr. [*(Martha)*] Ripley also wishes it to put in the Minneapolis papers. There is a Mrs Emanuel Cohen, DEPARTMENT OF FRANCHISE N.W.C.T.U. [*Anne H. Shaw to Alice S Bl-*] Rev. Anne H. Shaw, ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT AND LECTURER, 5 PARK STREET, BOSTON. Cleveland May 4, 1887 My dear Friend, It was so good of you in the midst of all your work to send me that note in your Fathers letter Many thanks for the Franchise news I am so glad for it all. How the women are coming in one after another they come, and soon there will be a great rush and all will be on our side. I begin to feel the hope strong that your mother will live to see the triumph of her Cause as did Mr. Garrison. While I was in Chillicothi I spent a portion of time with an old lady [of] about whom I told your mother when I was there before. Poor old lady she was so happy she cried over the success with which our Cause is meeting, and especially because of my good success in Chillicothe where for many years she stood alone. I never had such a week of genuine good meetings as last week. The great Opera House was crowded and overflowing every time and the people showed me every attention possible. One club of young men also attended in a body every night -read and presented me with a set of Resolutions the last one. They were such a fine lot of young men that it was very pleasant. I return to Chillicothe Saturday. The lady of whom I spoke gave me 3 DEPARTMENT OF FRANCHISE, N.W.C.T.U. Rev. Anne H. Shaw, ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT AND LECTURER, 5 PARK STREET, BOSTON $100. for the Suffrage work, and I urged her to write a note and send it with the money to your mother. I know it would make them both so happy I have the note and money, as she wished me to carry them to your mother, but as I am to be away so long and there is danger of losing them, I think as soon as your mother returns I will send them directly to her. I enclose 10 cts for leaflets for Mrs. Nina V. Curtis Silma, Dallas Co. Ala also 50 cts for 3 months journals I will enclose the letter. I do hope your mother will arrive home all right and well. I will write her in a few days. I trust you will soon be able to rest for a time. I suppose you will go to the Vineyard this summer as usual. I shall only have a short time at home on the Cape this year, but so long as I keep well I shall not suffer. I hope to see you on my return in June. With many kind wishes and much love, I am, Affectionately Annie H Shaw. DEPARTMENT OF FRANCHISE N.W.C.T.U. Rev. Anne H. Shaw ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT AND LECTURER, 5 PARK STREET, BOSTON Cleveland Ohio May 4th 1887 Mr. H.B.Blackwell, Dear friend; I received your letter last Monday night on my arrival in this city, and immediately wrote to Iowa asking if possible to be allowed the dates you desire me in Cleveland, and if I can be here will gladly come. I am willing to do anything I can to serve the American. For fear I may not be able to come, I have appointed Dr. Orpha D. Baldwin, to act as agent for The Womans Journal, and think if anyone can do well for it she can and will. I have told her she could have the regular commission of $1. per yearly subscription. If you have any other commission for shorter periods, please let her know, and send if you please a package of sample copies. Address Dr. Orpha D. Baldwin. 170 Prospect St. Cleveland Ohio I will hear from Iowa I trust by Saturday or Monday and will immediately inform you, [if] whether I can or cannot be at the meeting. So the Bazaar is beginning to move. I thought it was given up as I had heard nothing in regard to it for so long. I trust you are all well I am in perfect health. Sincerely Yours Annie H Shaw. DEPARTMENT OF FRANCHISE N.W.C.T.U. Rev. Anne H. Shaw ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT AND LECTURER, 5 PARK STREET, BOSTON Waterloo. May 17, 1887 My dear Mrs. Stone, You are doubtless rested from your journey and may find time to read a letter from me. I have been waiting for your return before writing, because I promised you once if I had any thing to say I would talk freely with you. When I left Mass. last winter the Ex. com. of the Mass. W.S.A. voted to give me two months of lectures at $10. per lecture, and that I should assist in superintending the Bazaar work during the months of Nov. & Dec. at $100. per month and expenses. to which I agreed. But when the time came for the lectures this spring, your society made other arrangements for me when it was too late for me help myself and without first consulting me. That of course broke the agreement we had previously made. In the circular sent out in regard to the Bazaar, I am expected to assist, and I judge, it is thought my part of the contract holds good. But Mrs Stone I cannot do it. I cannot but remember the R. I. campaign and the $1000. of Mass. hard earned money that went into it. I know Mrs Foster received $25, Mrs Wallace $19, Miss Eastman $10 & expenses, and I remember that while the money was earning I worked day and night for $75. per month and expenses, about what or less than Mrs Foster received for five lectures. When Mass. Treasury was full for others, I came west. Can it be expected that I will again return and work in the old way that the same results may follow? Mrs Stone I am worth to the Suffrage Cause as much or more than Mrs Foster 3 DEPARTMENT OF FRANCHISE N.W.C.T.U Rev. Anne H. Shaw ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT AND LECTURER 5 PARK STREET, BOSTON if not in the East I am in the West, and I love the cause, she the money she gets out of it. Mrs Stone I know Mrs Foster. This fall the Bazaar will occupy the months most valuable for lectures, and I cannot feel that it is just to myself to give these months to Mass., in the hard and thankless work for Bazaar at $100. and then have others receive such prices, where in those same months I can earn from $350 to $400. Miss Paul writes that the work for the Bazaar has been put off so late that you will need me in Sept & Oct to encourage the Leagues to work, but I cannot do it. I did tell her I would give part of Sept. but as I am to go to Ohio to speak at the Chautauqua meeting there in August and as they want me in Sept, and Kansas Oct. & Nov. I feel it my duty to myself to remain. I do not ask Mass. to pay me my price, what I feel is, if Mass does not feel that she can pay me and other places do, then I ought to be at liberty to select my place. Then last fall I told you of what appeared as an injustice to me, the putting of those who do the work of the Society in a position where they can have no vote or voice in the affairs of the Society. I said I thought Miss Pond ought to be put on the Executive Com. of the Mass. Ass'n. I thought we both ought, hoping at the next meeting your society would see the justice of it, and put one or both of us there. But instead of that we were both put on as Vice Prest's with a lot of names of people, who were all name and nothing else to our Cause. We to be sure had an office 5 DEPARTMENT OF FRANCHISE N.W.C.T.U. Rev. Anne H. Shaw ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT AND LECTURER, 5 PARK STREET, BOSTON. but no power. I do not believe in disfranchising the workers, and giving the power to money or position. If it was because we were paid by the month for our work, and it was feared we might vote on our salary, then I said no more salary for me. But Miss Willard (who receives $1800. per annum with the liberty to lecture, as she does, every night if she chooses for from $35 to $50) is chairman of our Executive Committee. My feelings in this matter have been very strong ever since that last executive meeting I attended in Boston, in which Miss Channing and Miss Bowles played such a part. I trust you will not think I am in any way disaffected toward Mass. and Mass. work I am not at all I simply cannot see things just as you do and am beginning to feel I owe a duty to myself as well as to others, and so long as I am doing good work for our Cause it is right, that I remember that I am a woman for whose rights I am working. If your society wishes me to lecture at the Watering places this summer I will do so, but do not feel that you are in any way under obligation to employ me, if others are preferable. I enclose in this long letter a note from Mrs. Phebe McKell of Chillicothi Ohio, the old lady of whom I told you and to whom you promised to send your picture. I send the note but retain the $110. which she sent by me for you $100. donation to the Suffrage Association and $10. for Journals. This I will give you when I return. I send the note because it is getting crushed in 7 DEPARTMENT OF FRANCHISE, N.W.C.T.U. Rev. Anne H. Shaw, ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT AND LECTURER, 5 PARK STREET, BOSTON. my pocket, also because Mrs McKell is quite ill, and may not live long, and I know a note from you, and the pictures of yourself and Mr Blackwell, would do her more good than any medicine. So I have taken the liberty to take the money out of the envelope and send the note, and if you will answer it you will fill the dear old ladies heart full to overflowing. She comes as near worshiping you as it is possible for any body. It was intended that I should keep the whole until I saw you then give it to you, but I want the dear old lady to get a letter from you before she dies. Please Mrs. Stone [*Anne H Shaw*] write her immediately and send yours and Mr. Blackwells picture. I know if it does not add months to her life, it will add joy to her last days. The money I will give you on my return which will be the last week of June. I shall be glad to see the old home and friends again. The months have been long, but full of good hard work, and I have been in perfect health. With much love to Miss Blackwell, and family, I am, Sincerely yours Anne H. Shaw. I shall attend the Ohio Suff Convention at Cleveland May 24-27 as American Delegate as Mr Blackwell requested me. [*May 1887*] DEPARTMENT OF FRANCHISE, N.W.C.T.U. Rev. Anne H. Shaw, ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT AND LECTURER, 5 PARK STREET, BOSTON My dear Mrs Stone I planned to go to your home to see you today before I went to the Cape but the heat is so intense I fear I could not get up to your house from the Depot. I therefore send the $110. by Mr Blackwell, and will visit you when I get rested. Please do not forget to have the dates of the subscription changed on the papers for which the $10. are sent, and instead of the one for me which Mrs McKell subscribed for please send it to Mrs Phebe Hamill Chillicothi Ohio. I asked Mrs McKell to have that change made and she was willing. I am sorry not to have seen you. Very truly yours Anne H Shaw! [*Miss Shaw*] [*Annie H. Shaw May 1887*] DEPARTMENT OF FRANCHISE N.W.C.T.U. Rev. Anne H Shaw, ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT AND LECTURER, 5 PARK STREET, BOSTON Dear Mrs Stone, There was one thing in your letter which I did not mention in my reply, that was in regard to relation to the American, If I should not be engaged for the Mass. Ass'n, that need not make any difference with the American. I can just as well be appointed National Lecturer for that as if I were engaged all the time in Mass. If there is anything I can do for you on it while I am West, please let me know and I will gladly go do it. At Lansing I spoke for the Womans Journal, and I had not taken my seat before some one asked why the price could not be reduced. I said it would be just as soon as the Subscription list would warrant it, but that it was as cheap now as a purely reform paper could be. Then Mrs. Stebbins, of Detroit, got up and said the Womans Tribune is only a dollar, and it is a splendid paper, of course I could not say anything, but before long someone handed me one of the papers and I perceived it was only four pages and a monthly. Then I got up and after speaking of the merits of the paper I called the attention of the people to the fact that the Journal had twice as many pages and came weekly making a much cheaper paper at $2.50 than the other at $1. But Mrs. Stebbins worked hard I did not like her at all. Yours truly Annie H. Shaw. [*and safe return. God be with you till we meet again. With kind regards to your people & love to yourself I am affectionately Annie H. Shaw.*] [*Annie Shaw to Alice*] DEPARTMENT OF FRANCHISE N.W.C.T.U. Rev. Anne H. Shaw ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT AND LECTURER, 5 PARK STREET, BOSTON Des Moines Iowa June 5, 1887 My dear Miss Blackwell, I began a letter to you several days ago but was interrupted and have not been able to finish it since. I rec'd your first letter at Cleveland and a second at Oskaloosa where it was forwarded by Dr. Baldwin. I have also received one from your Father since. You are both under a wrong impression in regard to the work this spring, and while it would perhaps be as well not to say any thing about it as nothing can be changed now. Yet I do not think it best under any circumstances to permit a wrong impression to remain. You both say or rather you suppose, and your father says, the April meetings were not given up until after my "consent had been obtained". Now the fact is it was all arranged with Kansas before I had had the least hint or suggestion of a change. No word was written to me until I arrived in Big Rapids, Mich, from my work in Minnesota. When I arrived at B.R. I found a telegram and letter from Miss Pond and a letter from Mrs. Johns. Miss Ponds communications informed me of the change of place and that she had telegraphed Mrs. Johns she could have me for April as she was to go to R.I. Mrs. Johns letter told me of Miss Ponds correspondence with her and that she was arranging 3 DEPARTMENT OF FRANCHISE, N.W.C.T.U. Rev. Anne H. Shaw, ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT AND LECTURER, 5 PARK STREET, BOSTON. meetings for me. Now that is the first hint I had of any desire to change the plan. It is true I rec'd a letter from Miss Pond the next day saying if I did not like the arrangement they could be undone. What could I do under the circumstances, I had previously written Mrs. Johns, that I would have given her April if I had not [given to] given it to Mass. But here comes word she wanted me 15 days. There were still 15 days between that and my Iowa engagements but as I supposed for some reason she wanted me but 15 days I gave the other 15 to Ohio. When I arrived in [Iowa] Kansas I found Mrs. Johns wanted the whole month but Miss Pond had telegraphed her she could have me 15 days the first of April. Just see the expense of travel involved. I went from Mich to Kansas $30 from Kansas after 15 days back to Ohio $26. from Ohio to Iowa $19. when it could have been avoided by consulting me first as I immediately suggested a plan, by which there need have been no change. I could have gone directly to Mass. in April as agreed upon, and then have had full months work in each of these states, and saved all time, and strength and money used. The wonder is that with my time so broken I have done any thing. When I learned of Mrs. Johns what had been done I confess I was angry and I 5 DEPARTMENT OF FRANCHISE N.W.C.T.U. Rev. Anne H. Shaw ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT AND LECTURER, 5 PARK STREET, BOSTON wrote Miss Pond, that hereafter when any arrangement with Mass. was set aside, she must consult me first before arranging with other states or people for me. There was no "consent", about it the thing was done and I simply let it remain done. But I will confess to you that when I reached Big Rapids, after that long, cold, and hard month in Minnesota, and found I was not to go to my home in April, I cried for a long time after going to bed that night. As far as money is concerned I have made more than I would have done had I gone East, still much of it has been wasted in travel, that was unnecessary. I hope none of your people will think I blame any one for the way the work was managed this spring. It might have been different if I had been consulted first. Still I know Miss Pond was worried and excited about it and acted on the impulse of the moment, and as I know how easy it is to make wrong moves when one is tired and over anxious I do not blame her. I will see your Father and Mother the last of June when I reach Boston. In regard to the summer meetings to be arranged the price was $10. and not $15. as you say in your letter. You get the thought of 15. doubtless from the fact that there were to be not less than 15 meetings per month. I shall be sorry not to see you on my return, but trust and pray you may have a good voyage DEPARTMENT OF FRANCHISE N.W.C.T.U. Rev. Anne H. Shaw ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT AND LECTURER, 5 PARK STREET, BOSTON Oskaloosa, Iowa June 1, 1887. Dear Mr. Blackwell, I have been so ill since my return from Cleveland that I have not done any thing more than I was compelled to do to meet my lecture engagements. That is the reason I have not written you before. I took a severe cold on the train the night of my return, and have suffered from neuralgia ever since. I am much better today however. The Cleveland Convention was not as interesting to me as it would have been had it been held in a smaller Hall. The people even at the evening meetings were lost in the great Opera House. The day sessions were quite interesting as the papers read by the ladies were very good, better than they normally are. Mrs. Harberts lecture was good, but Mrs. Wallaces the following night was better. I had to leave the third day before Mrs. Blakes address, in order to make connections in Chicago. The second night when Mrs. Wallace was to speak she was late and I was asked to speak. I told them I had a letter from Mrs. Stone and would read that, so in that way I got her letter before the largest audience of the convention. I spoke of her for a moment or two then read the letter, which was well received and applauded. 3 DEPARTMENT OF FRANCHISE N.W.C.T.U. Rev. Anne H. Shaw ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT AND LECTURER, 5 PARK STREET, BOSTON I then talked a little on Kansas until Mrs Wallace came. I asked that the letter of Mrs Stone be printed (not in public) and though it did not appear in full the next morning I gave it into the hands of a lady who I think would get it in the next days paper if possible. The morning of the last day I spoke a few minutes in regard to the Bazaar, and the day before distributed the circulars and talked kindly with the ladies about it, and I think some of the societies will take it up. Some of the ladies here in Iowa are going to send goods [*Cleveland Anna H. Shaw*] I send you the editions of the Cleveland paper the days I was there the last days proceedings of Conv appearing the day after it closed. Dr. Baldwin will send you that. I enclose the bill of my expenses which were quite as much and perhaps more than if I had gone from Mass, as Iowa is about as far this side as Boston is that side of Cleveland. I am glad I was there as it was "National" in all its plans and Miss Anthony was present during the whole session. I brough the American work forward in speaking of Kansas & in regard to the Bazaar. Had I not been there it would not have been mentioned. I shall be in Boston the last of this month. Very truly yours, Anne H. Shaw. [*Annie H Shaw Atlantic Iowa Rec June 10/87*] DEPARTMENT OF FRANCHISE N.W.C.T.U. Rev. Anne H. Shaw ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT AND LECTURER, 5 PARK STREET, BOSTON Atlantic Iowa June 7, 1887 Dear Mr. Blackwell, I wrote Miss Blackwell on Saturday and answered a portion of your letter, the part relating to the change of plan for this springs work in Mass. In fact it can all be talked better than written about, and I will soon be at home. In regard to the Bazaar, I assure you I speak of it whenever I can, and I succeeded with Mrs Johns so that she writes me she thinks they will be able to send 1000. articles. I spoke of it at the Ohio Annual but I have little faith in the Ohio association, it is managed by a little set of women who are, to say the least, as unfitted to do it as any body of women I ever saw. Yet there are some very fine women in the association. The trouble is with the Cleveland women, they are the most unfortunate kind to get hold of an affair like that. The fact is they simply cannot agree upon any thing. I am talking the Bazaar here and I hope if the state does not take it up local societies will. The fact is the work of interesting the State must be done at the State meetings. I have written Dr. Shaw of Eau Claire, to try to interest the Wisconsin women at their coming annual meeting. 3 DEPARTMENT OF FRANCHISE N.W.C.T.U. Rev. Anne H. Shaw ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT AND LECTURER, 5 PARK STREET, BOSTON In regard to the position of "American Lecturer" I have been thinking it over, and while I realise it can be better talked over than written about, I will simply say this. The position does not imply anything, nor does it furnish me with any employment. My work in Suffrage out-side of Mass. has been under the National, and as far as I see for some time will be, and while I would not consent to accept any position in the organization, yet the question is will the Nationalists employ and send out the regular lecturer for the American Association? I merely suggest this thought, and we will talk about it when I see you. While I lecture I must do it where I can do the most for myself and the work. Whenever I work, I trust it may always be in harmony with the American Association and the friends in Mass. I do accept and believe in the "cordial good will" of your whole household. I assure you I will be glad to get a sight of good old Mass. I am counting the hours now until I can return. I trust Mrs. Stone is better Sincerely yours Annie H. Shaw DEPARTMENT OF FRANCHISE N.W.C.T.U. Rev. Anne H. Shaw ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT AND LECTURER, 5 PARK STREET, BOSTON East Dennis, Mass. July 11. 1887 My dear Mrs Stone, I owe you an apology for not answering your letter sooner, but I expected to see you on my way home, and thought we would better wait until we could talk over plans. I planned to write you asking if you would be at home and if it would be convenient for me to go to your house Saturday Eve the 23d, if not would Monday 25th be convenient. I start the morning of the 26th for my home in Michigan, where [*Miss Anne H. Shaw*] I expect to remain three weeks, when I begin my months work in Ohio. I am well but very tired. The quiet of this dear old home is a great comfort to me. It seemed almost like receiving a letter from Miss Blackwell, to read her poem in the Saturday [?], I was glad to get a letter from her just before she sailed. I hope you are well. Sincerely yours Annie H. Shaw. [*Rev Anne H. Shaw*] DEPARTMENT OF FRANCHISE N.W.C.T.U. Rev. Anne H. Shaw ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT AND LECTURER, [5 PARK STREET, BOSTON] East Dennis, Mass July 11, 1887 Dear Mr. Blackwell.- Your letter has just been received. In regard to meetings this summer, I think you are right. Conventions are expensive, and doubtless meetings such as you suggest might be of use, and successful, and doubtless if you desire it Miss Pond will arrange them. But I beg to be excused from attending them. The fact is I am too tired to attend meetings this month. The real difficulty however is, at present Miss Pond and I are not just on such terms as would make it pleasant for us to be away together. Please do not mention this as I was oblige to speak of it, that you might understand. I cannot see why she cannot arrange meetings, and some one else attend them with her. I have not heard from Miss Pond since she left us. I trust however our trouble will be adjusted, so that bye and bye, she may not find it unpleasant to arrange meetings for me. I will spend a day or two with you before going West the last of this month and we can talk it all over. Sincerely yours Annie H. Shaw. [*Rev. Anne H. Shaw*] DEPARTMENT OF FRANCHISE N.W.C.T.U. Rev. Anne H. Shaw ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT AND LECTURER, 5 PARK STREET, BOSTON Chillicothe Ohio Aug 29, 1887 My dear Mrs. Stone Yours dated Aug 27th has just reached me. I had already begun an answer to the previous letter rec'd Friday. Immediately upon its receipt I send a letter to Mrs. Johns, asking her to give me a weeks time to attend the American. I of course have not had a reply yet. In regard to Miss Willard making appointments for me, I do not think she does that for any one not even herself, and it would not profit me any for I can remain in Kansas up to the time to go to your meeting and keep busy there. It will be just as well as if I were to have meetings along the route. I think it will be just as well and in the end will make no difference. I do not think Mrs. Johns would be willing to spare me from the first of the month until after W.C.T.U. meeting as that would be nearly a month. Just as soon as I hear from her I will let you know and you can decide whether it will be best for me to go to Philadelphia or not. I will do just what you think best in the matter. I cannot understand how Miss Pond could do such a thing as to sign such a call without your knowledge or advice as it compromises the whole DEPARTMENT OF FRANCHISE, N.W.C.T.U. III. Rev. Anne H. Shaw, ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT AND LECTURER, 5 PARK STREET, BOSTON. Society. To take such a stand now when you want the help of all parties in your State House work seems so unwise You were right in your former letter Miss Pond does need me or someone else to keep her straight she is apt to fly off on any line she take up. and during the past three years I have had to work as hard to keep her from not doing things as I have to help her to do others. Still she does not feel that I have been of any real benefit to her and perhaps I have not. I wanted to be. She is very angry with me now, and it may be will go to you with her complaint as she has to some others of my friends if she does I ask only this. before you accept what is said that you will with[?] Mrs. Crowell and her daughter, at East Dennis. They have known me for years better than any one else. I thank you most gratefully for your kind letter and the expression of friendship to me. Miss Willard wrote in the Union Signal of the 18 inst. an account of Bay View, perhaps you would better get extracts from that for the Womans Journal, coming from her it would be better than from me. You have the Signal I believe? I would like to see you in the new office. With very much love I am Very truly yours Annie H. Shaw. DEPARTMENT OF FRANCHISE, N.W.C.T.U. Rev. Anne H. Shaw, ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT AND LECTURER, 5 PARK STREET, BOSTON. Chillicothe Ohio Sept. 7, 1887 My dear Mrs. Stone, I have just received a letter from Mrs. Johns, in which she says she has written you that she cannot possibly spare me before Oct 22d. I leave the whole matter with you if you think it worth wile to have me go, I will do so, but decide according to your own judgment in the matter. I have been invited to Indianapolis Sept 20th to that convention there, but as I would have to go from here and return immediately to fill engagements again, I do not think it worth while, as have a large list of speakers already advertised. I enjoyed the Concord Encampment of last week. It was a kind of Chautauqua such as are springing up all throughout the west. I had three lectures and two sermons during the week. I gave them more Suffrage than the people about here ever heard in all their lives before, and the best of it was made many converts right among the hard shell Presbyterians. I enjoyed it much. Shall have it written up for the Journal. Tomorrow I go to Dayton to attend a district convention of the W.C.T.U. and Suffrage association combined. The people are a little nervous as [*Rev Anne Shaw*] [*III*] DEPARTMENT OF FRANCHISE, N.W.C.T.U. Rev. Anne H. Shaw, ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT AND LECTURER, 5 PARK STREET, BOSTON. the people of the church where the Convention is to be held did not want the Suffrage convention part of it, held in the church. I am to talk to that kind of people so will be expected to wear my best clothes and look very Ladylike. I wonder if I can do it. I am growing very stout and am feeling well. The past few weeks of partial rest have been very helpful to me. The people here are very kind and do all in their power to make one have a pleasant and restful time while here. Mrs McKell is much better than she has been for some time. She wished to be remembered to you when I wrote again. Was so pleased that you remembered to speak of her. I suppose you are enjoying your new office by this time. With kind regards, I am Sincerely yours Annie H. Shaw 1 DEPARTMENT OF FRANCHISE N.W.C.T.U. Rev. Anne H. Shaw ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT AND LECTURER, 5 PARK STREET, BOSTON Chillicothe Ohio Sept. 14, 1887 My dear Mrs. Stone, Your letter has come to me or rather I have come to it, for I found it here on my return from the convention held at Dayton. Which was a decided success for Suffrage contrary to the expection of its most sanguin friends. I would send you a report of it, but was told it would be by some one at the convention. I have written Mrs. Johns in regard to going to Philadelphia, I do not see how I can arrange for meetings in Penn after the Convention as it will take some time to make arrangements and advertise. I think the best thing I can do is to go right back to Kansas, where meetings will be all arranged, for every day at $15 per meeting. Each day after the meetings begin in Kansas counts, and I do not wish to be absent longer than it is necessary. I enclose an account of my Concord meetings which if you wish and have space I would like to have you publish in the Journal, with any changes you see fit to make. With kind regards and a message of love from Mrs. McKell. I am Sincerely yours Annie H. Shaw. [*1887*] DEPARTMENT OF FRANCHISE N.W.C.T.U. Rev. Anne H. Shaw ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT AND LECTURER, 5 PARK STREET, BOSTON The vote of the Executive Committee of the Mass W.S.A. forwarded by the Sec'y has been received. I accept the proposition, and consider myself engaged to the association for the month of April, perhaps two weeks in May, July and August (one month) November & December, not less that fifteen lectures per month guaranteed $10. I paying my own expenses, and if a Bazaar is held I receive $100 per month for two month services the time to be fixed by the Executive Committee. Annie H. Shaw. Annie H. Shaw Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.