History of Woman Suffrage Volume II Part 124

You and I believe if the present Administration had done its duty, the rebellion would have been put down long ago. Hence, we hold it with its supporters responsible for the terrible waste of treasure and of blood thus far, and for that which is to follow. It needs strong rebuke instead of unqualified sympathy and support.

Hastily, yours as ever, ABBY KELLY FOSTER.

NATICK, _May 8, 1863_.

Every loyal woman in America has a part to perform in this great struggle for the preservation of the nation. I trust that the coming meeting in the city of New York will inspire the women of the loyal States with new zeal and patriotism, and enable them to serve more efficiently their once prosperous, but now distracted, country.

Yours respectfully, MRS. HENRY WILSON.

CONNECTICUT.

_The Loyal Women of Manchester, Ct., to the Meeting of Loyal Women in New York, Greeting:_--Patriotism in this town is in the ascendant.

Impelled by the conduct of traitors, dupes, and cowards, the loyal women of Manchester formed themselves into a League, in which they resolved to be unconditionally loyal to the Government and its inst.i.tutions; to abhor treason and cowardice in every form, and under every disguise; to encourage and sustain our brave soldiers by constant tokens of interest; to study carefully the great principles of civil liberty, which const.i.tute the spirit and life of our Republican Government; and to publicly wear as the badge of the Loyal League the Union colors, until the day of our national triumph. We mean by this to occupy no doubtful position, and to express ourselves in no ambiguous words. We believe in the Union, one and inseparable, and stick to the motto, "_E Pluribus Unum_."

We find nothing to justify the rebellion, and have no sympathy with those who do. We long for peace, but believe in war as the only legitimate way to reach it; therefore hail the advance of our armies, and rejoice in every Union victory with unspeakable joy.

We believe, moreover, in the natural rights of man, and intend to stand by our President in his Emanc.i.p.ation Proclamation. We regard negro-hate and disloyalty as near akin, and feel that those who would not employ the black man to save the country are not over-anxious to save it themselves.

The Loyal League of Manchester numbers some five hundred members, and we mean by all within our power to cast our influence on the side of the Union, and its brave defenders.

In true sympathy with all who stand by the Government and repel its enemies, in behalf of the Executive Committee and members,

MRS. S. M. DORMAN.

NEW YORK.

WATERLOO, N. Y.

I have read Mrs. Stanton's call to the loyal women of America, and can not resist telling you how valuable such a suggestion appears. For what is more meet, than that those upon whom fall the direst agonies of the war should with one voice cry out, "Give us a nation for whose preservation we may joyfully surrender our heart's dearest treasure; but swear by the green graves of our slaughtered brethren, that this sacrifice shall seal the doom of every trafficker in human flesh?"

SARAH HUNT.

UTICA, N. Y., _April 19, 1863_.

We write to a.s.sure you that we appreciate the address of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, published in _The Tribune_ of the 18th. We have long expected such a call, and regard it as the external manifestation of a wide-spread demand among women.

MARY DEAN, and Seven other Women.

WATERLOO, _May 4, 1863_.

MY DEAR FRIEND:--I read with great pleasure the "Call for a meeting of the Loyal Women of the nation." I think such a gathering can not fail of great and good results. I hope you will have a correct and full report of the proceedings for the benefit of those who can not be present to see and hear for themselves.

Sincerely yours, PHEBE B. DEAN.

FREY CHAPEL, _May 1, 1863_.

TO SUSAN B. ANTHONY--DEAR MADAM:--In response to the call for a meeting of the loyal women of the nation in the City of New York, on Thursday, the 14th of May, the undersigned wish to be represented at the ten o'clock session.

HARRIET GRAHAM, EMILY FREY, and 88 others.

NEW JERSEY.

OLD BRIDGE, MIDDLEs.e.x COUNTY, N. J.

MRS. E. C. STANTON:--Being unable to attend in person in answer to your stirring appeal to the loyal women of the nation, and feeling a deep interest in this cause, we can not forbear answering it in this manner at least. We do not believe there is a lack of enthusiasm in the ma.s.s of the women of the North; all we want is a common channel in which to pour it out. Do this, only point us the way, and you will find our efforts as irresistible as the tides of the ocean.

We believe now, if ever, Halleck's lines apply:

"Strike, till the last armed foe expires, Strike, for our altars and our fires; Strike for the green graves of our sires, G.o.d, and our native land."

Hoping G.o.d may so direct you that our dear bleeding country may be cheered through the storm and darkness to a glorious peace, with our starry flag floating as of old from the Bay of Fundy to the far sh.o.r.es of the Pacific, and believing that freedom, truth, and right must prevail,

We are, for ourselves and numerous friends,

Respectfully and truly yours,

MARY E. DISDROW, MARGARET M. WILLIS.

PENNSYLVANIA.

COLUMBIA, PA., _May 8, 1863_.

SUSAN B. ANTHONY--DEAR MADAM:--I beg that my name may be recorded with those of the Loyal Women of the Nation. Though we walk in darkness, tears, and blood all the days of this generation, let us not shrink; we have to do the most blessed duty ever laid upon a people. Though we see not the end, our deed shall be blessed. Let us rejoice that upon us is laid _the glory of suffering for the good of mankind_. Though all our dearest fall, though we are wrapt in woe, let us not flinch to the bitterest end. Right shall triumph. G.o.d shall cause the wrath of man to praise Him. Upon Northern traitors be unutterable and everlasting contempt. Highest honors, tenderest glory to our heroes, immortal in the heart of the nation.

SOPHIA LYMAN SMITH.

We wish to obtain the doc.u.ments of the Ladies' National Union League, that we may be "transformed into the same image"; and also desire to wear the same badge.

Yours fraternally, MARY R. H. HAYNES, _President Richwood Ladies' Union League_.

PENNSYLVANIA STATE NORMAL SCHOOL, MILLERSVILLE, _May 11, 1863_.

_To the National Convention of Loyal Women_:

LADIES:--I beg leave to introduce to you Miss Fannie W. Willard and Mrs. Annie V. Mumford, who have been elected by the ladies of this inst.i.tution as delegates to represent them in your Convention. Hoping that, by word and work, your Convention may add strength to the arm that is now raised in defense of the nation's life, I am,

Yours truly, J. P. WICKERSHAM, _Princ.i.p.al_.