NAWSA           GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE       Sholes, C. Latham

Madison Wis.  March 28, 1856
Mrs. S. S. Blackwell:-
Dear Madam:—Enclosed, please find a copy of my report made
to the Senate on the "Woman Rights" petitions gotten up
at our place — I sent you a short time since a paper
containing some proceedings in the House involving this
same question — so you perceive us at least exhibit
life on the subject, which is a guarantee that woven (?)
or later the end will be attained.
    In my report (in view of the narrow compare to
which I was confined to keep my report within the patience
of a body not one in five of whom probably sympathized
with its sentiments) I have dealt [?] with abstract
and fundamental principles - I think also that
is the better way, at present at least, of dealing with
the subject as there we cannot be successfully attacked
— certainly not repulsed  Ridicule, which is about
the only weapon the opposition to the movement attempt
to use, finds no salient points there; and the opposition
so attacked, are compelled to [all] acknowledge the
truth and justice of the position — or [?] doggedly
to their kennel of conservatism, and growl "No." without
attempting a reason.  While I would have been
glad to have had the report overwhelmingly conclusive
in to character - I trust it may not, as it [?] be entirely
without influence in aiding the establishment of
correct principles  If it is of any use, and you would
like any copies of it, it will give me pleasure to send you
as many as you can use — The legislature will adjourn
on Monday next, after which I shall be and remain at
home.
    I received your letter — I watched with a painful
interest the [history] slave (?) care to which you alluded.
In the midst of the light and influence which

[*CL Sholes*]
surround us we are forced to exclaim: "can such things
be, and overcome us like a summer cloud without
our special wonder." Certainly that good Providence
 who rules the destinies of nations, must have
some great good[ness] in the future for us to lead us through
such deep enormities, such dire afflictions   It gave
me pleasure to notice, (what of course I expected) that you
were not quiet on the occasion. Such wrongs outrage
humanity – and those who had heart the feel and the
tongue to give vent to their feeling were bound to speak–
Such wrongs know no sex – nor should any sex be known
in beating them back to the foul fires whence they
originate and belong– God grant you strength for as many
such occasions as in his Providence he permits to write – and
perhaps among his secret purposes in permitting these foul
outrages, not the least may be, that thereby our humanity
may be stirred in its slumbers, [and] elevated in its aims
and strengthened in its purposes. At least it is wise for us
to match even that good from occasions which seem
without a redeeming trait, by an active interference [to]
in behalf of those oppressed and suffering
Excuse the freedom of my letter, but [my acquaintance] 
in my circle of [?] acquaintance, I have encountered no person 
[to whom] who challenged my esteem and confidence
as yourself. It is constitutional with me to love those
who love humanity, and converse with such is my greatest
pleasure therefore. I am sure you will tolerate this "freedom
of speech." Command me, wherein I can be of service to
yourself or any good work.
With respect yours, &c
C Latham Sholes
P.S. This awkward sheet was the only one at hand when the "inspiration"
to write seized me.

C. Latham SHoles of Kenosha, Wis.,
writes to Lucy Stone, July 29, 1856,
in response to her request for a Report,
that he had sent her all the copies he had
& has now none left, but adds:
"I noticed it copied into the Liberator, &
possibly Mr. Garrison might
furnish extras of his paper

containing it."  He also says:  "Your
letter dated 'Viraque 22' came duly
to hand.  I was pleased to observe
in an "exchange" not long since that
you contemplated a temporary or
permanent residence at that place".
    [Lucy Stone & Henry B. Blackwell
once owned some beautiful
land at Viroqua, Wis., & they
planted two young white birches
there, & named them Harry & Lucy.
This is a reminiscence added by A. S. B.]
    C. L. Sholes was a member of
the Legislature, & in 1857 made a minority
report in favor of woman suffrage.

[*E. Latham [Shobe?] 
Kenosha*]

Kenosha, Ws. July 29, 1856.

Dear Madam:-

Your letter dated "[Viroqua?] 22." came duly to hand 
I was pleased to [observe?] in an "exchange" not long since that you contemplated 
a temporary or permanent residence at that place; a statement 
to some extent confirmed by the post mark of your letter. 
I sent on receipt of your former request - carefully packed and 
addressed - and think post paid - to your address what few copies 
of the "report" I had left - not [?] so many when I came 
to examine as I supposed I had - I regret that I have not 
a single one left - as nothing would give me more pleasure 
than to comply with your request were it in my power. I noticed 
it copied into the "Liberator", and possible Mr Garrison 
might furnish extras of his paper containing it.

With reference to the clouds which hang above us in 
the political sky, I think I see a breaking away which gives some 
promise of a clearing up. I notice the Anti-Slavery Standard 
commences a recent editorial with the remark that the Abolitionists 
have one thing to thank God for and that is their sanguine dispositions. 
It may be, but 'pon my word, I have never discovered the 
least evidence of any quality of that character. They don't seem to 
be sanguine of any thing by the dissolution of the Union and 
[?] and bloodshed - I am inclined to think he meant "Sanguinary." 
All this of course in good nature. I only speak of it, under 
the impression that you will think the "day light" I think I 
see, is all moonshine - or perhaps the light of a "dark lantern." 
But without at this time giving a reason for the faith in me, I 
feel a strong conscience that there will soon be a turn in the


wheel of our political affairs and the nation will commence 
on the up-grade progress, stopping not until that condition of 
"righteous civil government," longed for and worked for by our 
excellent friend Smith is achieved
And another thing while my hand is in. I think as no 
doubt do you - that this present strife with reference to slavery 
underlies all other political questions - and indeed all other 
questions of whatever character. If this [?] cannot be 
uprooted, it is folly to attempt any other reform - for no 
reform can grow up under its underlaying and overshadowing 
influence any more than life and beauty can come from 
the charnel house. It follows then that this is the first question 
to be disposed of, and whether the contest be long or short 
we must fight on and fight ever until [it be a] the work is accomplished. 
It may be that we shall die with the harness on 
but if we do while we know that it was a duty - we shall pass 
away with the assurance that triumph and victory is only a 
question of Gods appointed time. After that all other reforms 
with the proper amount of effort will be achieved. I have not 
then felt that zeal in urging the particular reform which you are 
perhaps especially interested in, as I should have felt if this question 
was not ever present and pressing, and therefore likely to be complicated 
by it - and moreover whatever progress might have been 
made in any secondary or other reform it would have been sure to 
have been overcome and crushed by the overshadowing evil - You 
appreciate the point. I am sanguine enough to hope that the time is 
at hand when we shall get the government so well started on the 
up-grade in the matter of which I speak, that other reforms may 
safely show their heads and ask attention - Then it will give me very 
great pleasure if alive and in health to co-operate with the friends of "Women's 
Rights" to achieve the very proper end at which they aim. - There are 
however some knotty points in that question which I fear are not 

[*understood, and seldom thought of about which I would like to converse with you 
should opportunity offer. Command me - wherein I can be of service. 
With respect 
Yours &c

E Latham Snoles*]

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